Samsung Overtakes Apple as Top Smartphone Maker 📱 Iran Launches Direct Attack on Israel 💣️

Good morning. It's Monday, Apr. 15, and we're covering, Oil Prices Dip As Israel Foil Large-Scale Aerial Attack By Iran, Samsung Overtakes Apple as Top Smartphone Maker as iPhone Shipments Drop, Iran Launches Direct Attack on Israel in Retaliation for Damascus Strike, and much more. First time reading? Sign up to get this newsletter: Sign up here.

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MARKETS

Cryptocurrency Prices by Market Cap

• The global cryptocurrency market cap today is $2.42 Trillion, a 3.25% increase in the last 24 hours.

• The total crypto market volume over the last 24 hours is $116.72B, which makes a 31.46% decrease.

• The total volume in Defi is currently $10.32B, 8.84% of the total crypto market 24-hours.

• The volume of all stablecoins is now $107.42B, which is 92.03% of the total market 24-hour volume.

• Bitcoin’s dominance is currently 53.90%, a decrease of 0.51% over the day.

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Oil Prices Dip As Israel Foil Large-Scale Aerial Attack By Iran

Iran launched a massive aerial attack involving over 300 drones and missiles against military targets in Israel. While the attack caused a brief concern in global markets, with crude oil prices experiencing a slight dip, traders soon regained confidence as Israel successfully defended against the onslaught. The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) contract for May saw a marginal decrease of 34 cents to $85.32 a barrel, while June Brent futures also eased slightly to $90.18 a barrel.

Why it matters: Observers in the energy sector are now closely monitoring Israel's response to the attack, with concerns lingering over the potential for further escalation and the outbreak of a direct war between Israel and Iran. The possibility of increased geopolitical premiums on oil prices remains a focal point amidst the uncertainty surrounding the situation. ( Read Deeper )

VanEck's Defense ETF Surpasses $550 Million in First Year Amid Global Conflicts

VanEck, a leading fund manager, has announced that its defense-industry-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF) has exceeded $550 million in net assets within its inaugural year. Launched in March 2023, the VanEck Defense UCITS ETF has demonstrated robust growth, with a commendable 20% increase in 2024 alone, culminating in an impressive net asset value of approximately $560 million. British Foreign Minister David Cameron recently urged NATO allies to bolster defense spending to aid Ukraine against Russia, while Israel has earmarked additional funds for defense in its recent budget amendments.

Why it matters: Recent conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and tensions between Israel and Hamas involving Iran, have spurred governments to increase military spending, driving investor attention to defense stocks. The ETF's top holdings include French companies Thales and Safran, as well as Italian company Leonardo and U.S. defense technology company Booz Allen Hamilton. ( Read Deeper )

TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE

Samsung Overtakes Apple as Top Smartphone Maker as iPhone Shipments Drop

Apple Inc. faced a setback in the smartphone market as its shipments dropped approximately 10% in the first quarter of 2024, according to data released by research firm IDC on Sunday. The decline was attributed to intensified competition from Android smartphone manufacturers vying for the top spot. Global smartphone shipments, however, saw a 7.8% increase to 289.4 million units during the January-March period. Samsung Electronics phone maker emerged as the leading phone maker, capturing 20.8% market share and dethroning Apple from its top position. Xiaomi, a prominent Chinese smartphone maker, secured the third position with a market share of 14.1% during the first quarter,

Takeaway: The decline in iPhone shipments was particularly notable in China, where Apple faced challenges due to restrictions imposed by some Chinese companies and government agencies on the use of Apple devices. ( Read Deeper )

Cybersecurity Startup Rubrik, Backed By Microsoft, Aims For $713 Million IPO

Rubrik, a Palo Alto-based cybersecurity software firm with Microsoft among its prominent investors, has announced plans for a monumental initial public offering (IPO) aiming to raise as much as $713 million. The company, known for its innovative approach to data protection and management, is to offer 23 million shares priced between $28 and $31 per share. At the upper end of this range, Rubrik's market valuation is anticipated to soar to an impressive $5.4 billion, subject to market conditions. With its proven track record of delivering cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, Rubrik's IPO is poised to be one of the most anticipated events in the cybersecurity space.

Why it matters:  The decision by Rubrik to pursue a sizable IPO reflects confidence in the company's growth prospects and underscores broader optimism in the cybersecurity market. With prominent investors like Microsoft backing Rubrik, the IPO is expected to attract considerable attention from institutional and retail investors alike. ( Read Deeper )

Salesforce To Acquired Informatica To Boost Data Capabilities

Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that discussions between Salesforce and Informatica have been underway, with insiders suggesting that a deal could be finalized within the next week. However, it's cautioned that the outcome remains uncertain, and negotiations could potentially falter. Informatica currently boasts a market value of approximately $11.4 billion as of the market close on Friday in New York. The company specializes in aiding customers in managing their data in the cloud and has witnessed a notable surge in its shares, climbing by 36% this year to $38.48.

Why it Matters: If the deal materializes, it could represent one of Salesforce's largest acquisitions to date, highlighting its commitment to leveraging data capabilities for sustained growth and innovation. ( Read deeper )

AROUND DE WORLD & POLITICS

Iran Launches Direct Attack on Israel in Retaliation for Damascus Strike

Iran has launched a direct attack on Israel, marking the first time the two nations have engaged in such hostilities. The attack comes as retaliation for a strike on Iran's consulate in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian commanders. The strike, consisting of drones and missiles, targeted Israel after Iran blamed Israel for the attack on its consulate. While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for the strike, it is widely believed to be behind it, part of its efforts to counter Iran's military presence in Syria.

Takeaway: Iran and Israel have been enemies since Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution. Iran does not recognize Israel's right to exist and seeks its destruction. The attack also raises concerns about the nuclear capabilities of both nations. While Israel is widely assumed to possess nuclear weapons, Iran denies seeking nuclear arms but has breached international agreements by enriching uranium to high purities. ( Read Deeper )

G7 Leaders Condemn Iran's Attack on Israel, Urge Restraint to Prevent Escalation

Leaders from the Group of Seven (G7) nations have issued a joint condemnation of Iran's recent attack on Israel, expressing concern over the potential for further escalation in the region. Following a meeting called by Italy, which currently holds the G7 presidency, the leaders pledged to work together to prevent an "uncontrollable regional escalation" in the Middle East. Notably, President Joe Biden reassured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States would not participate in any retaliatory actions against Iran initiated by Israel. The G7 comprises the United States, Canada, Italy, Britain, France, Germany, and Japan, along with the European Union. Foreign ministers from these nations are scheduled to convene over April 17-19 on the Italian island of Capri to discuss further strategies and responses.

Takeaway: G7 leaders unanimously condemn Iran's recent attack on Israel, expressing grave concern over its destabilizing in the region. The leaders call upon Iran and its proxies to immediately cease their attacks and emphasize the importance of exercising restraint to avoid further escalation. ( Read Deeper )

ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

Liverpool Stumbles Against Crystal Palace

Liverpool's Premier League title hopes took a hit as they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Crystal Palace at Anfield. Despite a valiant effort in the second half, Liverpool's inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities proved costly, leaving them two points behind leaders Manchester City. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace showcased their potential under manager Oliver Glasner, securing a well-deserved victory and offering a glimpse of what the future holds for the club. ( Read Deeper )

Inside the Breakups: 71 Bachelor Nation Couples Share Their Reasons for Ending Their Journeys

In the world of Bachelor Nation, where roses are handed out like candy and love is the ultimate prize, not every love story gets a fairytale ending. Despite the romantic settings and whirlwind romances, many couples formed on the hit reality TV franchise have faced their share of challenges, leading to heartbreak and separation. Recently, the spotlight turned to inaugural Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner and his bride Theresa Nist, who captured the hearts of viewers with their love story. ( Read Deeper )

PODCAST(WHAT WE ARE LISTENING TO)

Base rates play a crucial role in helping us make better decisions by providing a foundation of statistical information upon which we can assess probabilities and outcomes. ( Listen )

EXTRA BREVITI

• Naval Ravikant, a prominent entrepreneur and angel investor known for his insightful perspectives on technology and life, has unveiled Airchat, a social app designed to prioritize voice communication over text-based interaction. ( Read More )

• Teenagers in South Africa now have the opportunity to request rides on Uber, thanks to the ride-hailing company's introduction of teenage accounts. ( Read More )