[Post 954] Why Dollar Stores Are Struggling

Summary

Dollar General and Dollar Tree, which also owns Family Dollar, brought in about $70 billion combined in sales in fiscal 2023. Both companies have historically been Wall Street darlings, outperforming the broader market for much of the past decade. But the past two years have played out differently as the dollar store industry is facing an economic environment that has disproportionately affected the dollar store’s core, low-income consumer. Watch the video to find out why dollar stores are struggling.

[Post 953] Why American Cars Are So Expensive

Summary

Cars once promised independence and transportation for all Americans. Now, they are a luxury product that cost about $50,000, nearly 30% higher than just a few years ago. Affordable vehicles, especially those below the price of $20,000, have nearly disappeared. And while Automakers pulled in record profits in 2023, slim margins combined with deep investments into EV batteries, software and other technology is making it hard to produce cars much cheaper. Chinese automakers can, but they're impeded by tariffs and rules. Insiders say that is just a bandage - automakers need to compete.

[Post 952] Why 27 U.S. States Are Going Broke

Summary

27 state governments lack the necessary cash on hand to pay their bills, according to researchers. The debts largely relate to the public pension system, which provides lifetime benefits to state and local government employees. $800b in federal aid during the pandemic obfuscated the long-term challenges of states. As that extra aid expires, even economically powerful states have to tighten their budgets. That could mean more tax hikes or cuts to public services like education and transportation.

[Post 951] Why Economists Hate Trump's Tariff Plan | WSJ

Summary

Tariffs are at the center of former President Donald Trump’s economic plan. He wants to put across-the-board 60% tariffs on everything from China and 10%-20% on everything else from the rest of the world. It’s an extreme trade policy that he wants to use to generate revenue to cut taxes. But how would they work? 

[Post 950] From the Poker Table to the Trading Floor: Inside the Mind of Wall Street Traders | WSJ

Summary

What does playing poker have in common with trading stocks? A lot, according to these top Wall Street traders. From patience and bet sizing to managing risk and reading other players, top firms like Susquehanna use poker to help train new traders. 

[Post 949] How Duolingo Turned a Free Language App Into a $7.7B Business | WSJ The Economics Of

Summary

Duolingo has been the top education app in Apple’s App Store for most of the past decade, making the company a revenue of around $500 million annually. But most people who use the language lesson app do not pay. So how does a free educational app manage to have a valuation of $7.7 billion?

WSJ explains how Duolingo is using AI-enhanced experiments to subsets of its user base, tailoring its offering to hook users like an addictive video game. 

[Post 948] Singapore's Year In Review 2024: New Prime Minister, Olympic Medal, High-Profile Court Cases

Summary

2024 represented a defining year for Singapore, marked by significant transformation across a range of areas. A new prime minister was sworn in, and Team Singapore waved the national flag high at the Olympics. There were also waves made to bolster the economy, safeguard public health and nurture students. On the other hand, there were also controversial moments: the conviction of a former minister, and one of the most impactful oil spills in the country's history. CNA's reporters take you through these historic moments and explore what's at stake in Singapore's new chapter. 

[Post 947] A “Megaquake” Is Coming. How Indonesia And Japan Are Getting Ready. | Insight | Full Episode

Summary

In August 2024, both Indonesia and Japan issued warnings of a potential megathrust earthquake. The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) warned that it is "just a matter of time" before the next big one hits.

Now, on the 20th anniversary of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami, Insight asks, where and when will the next major quake occur? 

Has the experience two decades ago helped to prepare for an impending disaster? Indonesia has stepped up its seismic monitoring capabilities and improved its disaster management capabilities. Indonesia and Japan have also shared learnings on Early Warning Systems and quake-resistant buildings. Will such exchanges help in the next seismic event?

With scientists saying that a megathrust quake is due in Indonesia and Japan, will we be ready for the next big quake?