[Post 348] How Temu Is Becoming a Serious Competitor to Amazon and Walmart | WSJ

Summary

Temu, a Chinese-founded e-commerce company, became the most-downloaded app in the U.S. in just over a year. The retailer has flooded social media feeds with curious consumers and even aired ads at back-to-back Super Bowls. In 2023, the discount retail app moved about $17 billion worth of goods between manufacturers and customers across the Pacific. 

WSJ breaks down how its continued growth could redefine online retail, just like Amazon’s speedy delivery did.

[Post 347] Inside a Chinese Ghost Town of Abandoned Mansions | WSJ

Summary

China’s property crisis is expected to get worse as sales of new homes plummet and indebted developers struggle to find funds to complete projects. Real estate giant Evergrande was recently forced to liquidate as more than 50 housing developers have defaulted on their debts in recent years. 

WSJ’s Jonathan Cheng travels to an abandoned “ghost town” in Shenyang City built by the Greenland Group to explain how China’s real-estate slump has become a headache for the government.

[Post 346] How 2024’s Record Retirement Numbers Could Spark a Recession | WSJ

Summary

Over four million Americans will reach traditional retirement age this year, more than any other time in history. By 2030, baby boomers will all be 65 or older, shrinking the workforce share of the population. What does this mean for Social Security, which is funded by taxing current workers?

WSJ breaks down how this demographic shift threatens the future of Social Security if nothing is done before 2034.

[Post 345] Legacy Planning: Can You Write A Valid Will In 10 Minutes? | Money Mind | Will Writing

Summary

A will is a key part of everyone's financial planning. Can you make a valid one without a lawyer? Dawn Tan gives it a go.

[Post 344] Taylor Swift Fans Bust Budgets For Singapore Concert, Spend On Experiences | Money Mind | Gen Z

Summary

Southeast Asian Swifties are busting their budgets for a new era of experiences. So how much is too much to pay - and would they do it all over again?

[Post 343] Higher Returns, Lower Risk: Should We All Be Investing Like Women? | Money Mind | Investment

Summary

Women invest less than men, but studies show they invest better. So what are the secrets of women investors that all investors can take away?

[Post 342] Should investors still put their money in the Chinese market?

Summary

Following its peak in 2021, China has seen an epic US$7 trillion stock crash. Are we seeing a bottom nearing? What benefits can be reaped from buying cheaper Chinese stocks? Andrea Heng speaks to John Lin, Chief Investment Officer of China Equities at AllianceBernstein.