📲Samsung Unveils S25 Edge

☀️Good morning. It's Tuesday, May 13, and we're covering, Perplexity AI Targets $14B Valuation In New Funding Round Led by Accel, Samsung Unveils S25 Edge: The Slimmest Flagship Yet, Aiming To Outpace Apple, India PM Modi Warns Pakistan Of Future Strikes Over Terrorism, 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 $3.29 Trillion, a 2.62% decrease in the last 24 hours.

• The total crypto market volume over the last 24 hours is $173.66B, which makes a 36.67% increase.

• The total volume in Defi is currently $27.27B, 15.70% of the total crypto market 24-hours.

• The volume of all stablecoins is now $162.64B, which is 93.65% of the total market 24-hour volume.

• Bitcoin’s dominance is currently 61.94%, an increase of 0.07% over the day.

Coinbase Joins S&P 500 As Bitcoin Surges Past $100K, Shares Jump 8%

Coinbase, the leading U.S. cryptocurrency exchange, is set to join the S&P 500 index on May 19, replacing Discover Financial Services. The move comes just days after bitcoin surpassed $100,000, reigniting market enthusiasm around crypto. Coinbase’s shares jumped 8% in after-hours trading following the announcement. ( Read Deeper )

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Perplexity AI Targets $14B Valuation In New Funding Round Led by Accel

AI search startup Perplexity is reportedly closing in on a $500 million funding round at a $14 billion valuation, according to the Wall Street Journal. The round is said to be led by venture firm Accel. Backed by Nvidia, Perplexity has quickly gained traction with its AI-powered search tools, rivaling OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.

Why It Matters: The startup’s momentum comes amid rumors Apple may integrate Perplexity as a search option in Safari, potentially exposing the product to hundreds of millions of users. As giants like Google and OpenAI continue to dominate, smaller players like Perplexity are proving there's room for innovation and competition. (Read Deeper)

China Lifts Ban On Boeing Deliveries After U.S. Tariff Truce

China has removed its freeze on deliveries of Boeing aircraft, allowing U.S.-made jets to be delivered to Chinese airlines again. The move comes after the U.S. and China agreed to a temporary rollback of steep tariffs during trade talks in Geneva. Boeing is expected to deliver up to 50 planes to Chinese carriers this year, including several 737 MAX and 777 freighters.

💡 Why It Matters: China accounts for roughly 10% of Boeing’s commercial order backlog and is a vital growth market. The delivery ban had stalled billions in potential revenue and complicated Boeing’s inventory. (Read Deeper)

TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE

Samsung Unveils S25 Edge: The Slimmest Flagship Yet, Aiming To Outpace Apple

Samsung has launched its slimmest flagship phone to date, the S25 Edge. With a sleek 5.8mm body and enhanced AI features, the S25 Edge promises portability without sacrificing performance. This strategic release, priced at $1,099, is set to tap into the growing demand for thinner, more portable devices, particularly among younger consumers. With multimodal AI integration allowing real-time interaction via voice and vision.

Why it matters: Samsung’s S25 Edge directly challenges Apple by prioritizing portability without compromising on performance. With an expected release in over 30 countries, this move signals Samsung’s commitment to staying ahead in the highly competitive smartphone market, especially at a time when AI-powered features and sleek design. (Read Deeper)

ABB Considers $3.5 Billion Robotics Unit Sale As Alternative To Spinoff

ABB Ltd. is weighing the sale of its robotics unit, potentially valued at over $3.5 billion, as an alternative to the previously planned spin-off. The decision comes as the Swiss industrial giant seeks to focus on more profitable sectors, such as electrification. The robotics division, which has been under-performing due to market challenges, could attract interest from private equity firms. The company is set to appoint advisers for both the sale and a potential listing by 2026.

Why It Matters: ABB’s potential decision to sell its robotics unit instead of spinning it off could reshape the future of its industrial and robotics operations. With a focus on higher-margin sectors like electrification, the company is making moves to maximize shareholder value and position itself for long-term success in the growing AI-driven market. The robotics division’s struggles, particularly in the automotive and consumer electronics sectors. (Read Deeper)

AROUND DE WORLD & POLITICS

India PM Modi Warns Pakistan Of Future Strikes Over Terrorism

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning to Pakistan, saying that India would strike terrorist hideouts across the border if there are further attacks — and will not be deterred by Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, which he called “nuclear blackmail.” His comments come days after India and Pakistan agreed to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire following a sharp military escalation.

Takeaways: The conflict began when India launched strikes on nine targets in Pakistan and Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, following a deadly terrorist attack in Indian Kashmir that killed 26 Hindu tourists. Pakistan denied involvement and claimed India hit civilian areas. U.S. President Donald Trump praised the ceasefire, saying trade incentives played a role in diffusing tensions. (Read Deeper)

US-Israeli Hostage Edan Alexander Reunited With Family After 19 Months In Hamas Captivity

Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier, was freed after 19 months in captivity by Hamas. Captured on October 7, 2023, during an attack on Israel’s Gaza border, he was the last known US citizen held by the group. His release, coordinated with US and Israeli efforts, marked a rare moment of respite amid ongoing conflict. As President Trump congratulated his family, Edan was reunited with loved ones in Israel.

Why It Matters: Edan Alexander’s release not only brings a glimmer of hope to families of hostages but also highlights the continued complex dynamics between Israel, Hamas, and global diplomacy. The timing of his release as President Trump prepares to visit the region suggests political maneuvering that could influence broader discussions on humanitarian aid, military strategy, and ceasefire negotiations. (Read Deeper)

ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

Tory Lanez Stabbed 14 Times In California Prison Attack

Rapper Tory Lanez, currently serving a 10-year sentence for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion, was brutally attacked in a California prison this week. Lanez was stabbed 14 times by another inmate, suffering collapsed lungs and wounds to his head, back, and torso. He was hospitalized and placed on a breathing device but is now in stable condition. An investigation is underway, with no motive yet disclosed. Lanez remains in good spirits. (Read Deeper)

Xabi Alonso Set To Take Over As Real Madrid Head Coach

Xabi Alonso has agreed to become the next head coach of Real Madrid, signing an initial three-year deal to succeed Carlo Ancelotti. The move follows Alonso’s historic, unbeaten Bundesliga-winning season with Bayer Leverkusen. He is set to take charge this summer, including leading the squad at the Club World Cup. (Read Deeper)

PODCAST(WHAT WE ARE LISTENING TO)

• I dropped out of high school. Now I'm building a company I believe will be worth $1 trillion. (Listen)

EXTRA BREVITI

• Trump Seeks $1 Trillion Gulf Investment as U.S. and Saudi Arabia Deepen Ties. (Read More)

• Gold steadied on Tuesday after a sharp 2.7% drop, as investor optimism over easing U.S.-China trade tensions pulled money out of safe-haven assets. (Read More)

• Vietnam Cracks Down on Counterfeits to Avoid U.S. Tariffs. (Read More)