Trump Trial: Cohen Admits to Stealing from Trump 😲

Good morning. It's Tuesday, May. 21, and we're covering Nvidia Earnings that Could Trigger a $200 Billion Market Cap, Microsoft Launches AI-driven Windows Copilot+ PCs, ICC Prosecutor Requested Arrest Warrants For Israel's Netanyahu And Hamas Leaders, 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 $2.61 Trillion, a 7.79% increase in the last 24 hours.

• The total crypto market volume over the last 24 hours is $136.01B, which makes a 126.36% increase.

• The total volume in Defi is currently $10.23B, 7.52% of the total crypto market 24-hours.

• The volume of all stablecoins is now $125.72B, which is 92.43% of the total market 24-hour volume.

• Bitcoin’s dominance is currently 53.66%, a decrease of 0.80% over the day.

BUSINESS & FINANCE

Nvidia Earnings Could Trigger $200 Billion Market Cap

As Nvidia prepares to release its quarterly earnings on Wednesday, traders are bracing for a shift in the chipmaker’s stock price. Nvidia's options are suggesting an 8.7% swing in either direction by Friday. This potential movement, while substantial, is more restrained compared to past earnings reports, indicating a possible market cap change of around $200 billion—an amount exceeding the market value of about 90% of S&P 500 companies.

Why it matters: Historically, Nvidia's earnings announcements have prompted larger market reactions. Following its most recent quarterly earnings report, the stock surged by 16.4%. Over the past eight quarters, traders had typically anticipated an average 12% move. Nvidia, which has seen its stock climb approximately 87% this year, is regarded as a pivotal player in the rapidly expanding AI industry. ( Read Deeper )

TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE

Microsoft Launches AI-Driven Windows Copilot+ PCs And New Surface Devices

Microsoft is propelling generative AI to the forefront of its Windows operating system with the introduction of Copilot+ PCs and a suite of new AI-powered features. Microsoft also unveiled new models of the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro, emphasizing performance improvements and extended battery life. The updated Surface Laptop, available in 13.8- and 15-inch versions, features a redesigned aesthetic with thinner bezels and promises up to 22 hours of battery life. One of the standout features for Windows 11 is Recall, an AI-driven tool designed to "remember" apps and content users accessed weeks or even months ago. Recall offers a timeline that allows users to scroll back and revisit past activities

Why it matters: Microsoft's Copilot+ PCs represent the company's vision for AI-centric Windows hardware. Each of these machines includes dedicated Neural Processing Units (NPUs) to power AI features like Recall, which helps users locate apps, files, and content they've previously accessed. These PCs come with a minimum of 16GB of RAM and SSD storage, ensuring robust performance for AI tasks. ( Read Deeper )

Scarlett Johansson Responds To OpenAI's Use Of Voice Similar To Hers In ChatGPT Demo

OpenAI has announced the removal of a voice used in its ChatGPT demo, following user comparisons to the distinctive voice of actress Scarlett Johansson. The company revealed this decision on Monday after the voice, dubbed "Sky," was found to sound remarkably similar to Johansson, prompting the actress to seek legal counsel. The controversy erupted when OpenAI showcased its new GPT-4 model last week using the "Sky" voice, which many users perceived as flirtatious and similar to Johansson’s well-known vocal style.

Takeaway: Johansson released a statement on Monday, confirming that OpenAI had approached her in September to provide the voice for their ChatGPT 4.0 system, an offer she ultimately declined. She expressed shock and dismay upon hearing the demo that resembled her voice, prompting her to hire legal counsel. OpenAI stated in a blog post that the "Sky" voice was not intended to mimic Johansson but was instead the work of another professional actress. ( Read Deeper )

AROUND DE WORLD & POLITICS

ICC Prosecutor Requested Arrest Warrants For Israel's Netanyahu And Hamas Leaders

The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Karim Khan, announced on Monday that he has requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes. This development comes after more than seven months of intense conflict in Gaza. Khan stated that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Netanyahu and Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Al-Masri (known as Deif), and Ismail Haniyeh, bear criminal responsibility for crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Takeaway: The panel of pre-trial judges will now assess whether the evidence supports the issuance of these warrants. However, the ICC has no means to enforce the arrest warrants, and both the United States and Israel oppose the court’s investigation into the Gaza war. Israeli and Palestinian leaders swiftly denounced the ICC prosecutor's decision. ( Read Deeper )

Michael Cohen Admits to Stealing from Trump Organization

Michael Cohen, former lawyer and fixer for Donald Trump, admitted to stealing thousands of dollars from the Trump Organization during his final day of testimony in the ongoing criminal trial against the former president. The trial, marking the first criminal case against a former U.S. president, is approaching its conclusion with closing statements expected next week. Despite the defense's attempts to undermine Cohen’s credibility, prosecutors reiterated that Cohen's life had been severely impacted by his involvement in the case. Cohen testified that his life had been "turned upside down" due to the legal proceedings.

Takeaway: During cross-examination by lead defense attorney Todd Blanche, Cohen confessed to submitting inflated reimbursement requests to the Trump Organization. Specifically, he admitted to asking for $50,000 to cover a payment to the tech company RedFinch, despite only having paid the company $20,000. Cohen explained that he pocketed the extra $30,000 as "self-help" due to his frustration over a reduced bonus. ( Read Deeper )

ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

Sam Kerr Ruled Out Of Paris Olympics Due To ACL Injury

Australia's star striker Sam Kerr has been officially ruled out of the 2024 Paris Olympics as she continues to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The 30-year-old, who is Australia's all-time leading goal scorer, sustained the injury during a Chelsea training camp in January. ( Read Deeper )

Will Daniel Radcliffe Join the Harry Potter TV Series?

Daniel Radcliffe, the actor who famously portrayed Harry Potter in the film adaptations of J.K. Rowling's beloved book series, has cast doubt on his involvement in the forthcoming Harry Potter TV series slated for release on Max in 2026. ( Reader Deeper )

PODCAST(WHAT WE ARE LISTENING TO)

• Have you ever wondered if there’s more to success than just financial gain and societal approval? ( Listen )

EXTRA BREVITI

• Hailie Jade Scott, the daughter of renowned rapper Eminem, has tied the knot with her longtime partner, Evan McClintock. ( Read More )

• The death of Iran's president has elicited a complex and divided response across the nation, with reactions ranging from subdued mourning to covert celebrations. ( Read More )