Friday☕️

20 Dec 2024 — 5 min read

Economics & Markets:

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved Hashdex’s Bitcoin & Ethereum Crypto Index ETF, which will be listed on Nasdaq. This ETF provides investors exposure to both Bitcoin and Ethereum by tracking the performance of these two leading cryptocurrencies. Unlike directly purchasing cryptocurrency, the ETF allows investment through a regulated financial product, simplifying the process and eliminating the need for direct custody or security management. This approval offers an accessible way for both retail and institutional investors to participate in the cryptocurrency market.
This approval is part of a growing trend of cryptocurrency ETFs being integrated into traditional financial markets. Earlier this year, the SEC approved 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs from major firms like BlackRock, Fidelity, VanEck, and Invesco. These ETFs provide direct exposure to Bitcoin, marking a significant shift from earlier products that only offered futures-based exposure. As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, this trend indicates greater institutional and retail adoption of digital assets, signaling their long-term role in the global financial system.

Geopolitics & Conflicts:

Yesterday, the Pentagon announced that the number of U.S. troops in Syria has reached 2,000, more than double the previously reported figure of 900. This includes 1,100 additional personnel deployed temporarily to support evolving mission needs. These troops are primarily focused on countering ISIS, which remains a persistent threat in the region, and limiting the influence of Iran and its proxies.
By maintaining a presence in Syria, the U.S. aims to disrupt ISIS’s ability to regroup and prevent the militant organization from threatening regional stability or launching attacks globally. In addition, this strategic deployment supports U.S. allies, particularly Israel, which has taken an active role in countering Iran’s efforts to establish a foothold in Syria.

Syria holds significant geopolitical value due to its location at the crossroads of the Middle East and its role as a battleground for regional and international power struggles. U.S. efforts, in coordination with Israel, have led to a strategic shift, with Iran and Russia retreating from certain areas, allowing the U.S. and Israel to emerge as the dominant forces of Syria.
This reduces Iran’s ability to use Syria as a corridor to transfer weapons and influence to groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon. Additionally, maintaining control in Syria provides the U.S. with leverage in broader Middle Eastern diplomacy, limits Russian expansion, and helps secure key routes that impact energy and trade dynamics in the region.

Environment & Weather:

On December 18, 2024, the town of Sacháyoj in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, was hit by a massive dust storm that turned day into night. Powerful winds carried a dense wall of dust, reducing visibility and disrupting daily activities. Dust storms like this are common in dry areas with loose soil, where strong winds can lift dust into the air and create hazardous conditions.

Dust storms have a long history in Argentina, especially in its dry, arid regions. Areas near Laguna Mar Chiquita are particularly prone to these events. For example, in 2012, strong winds from the Andes carried large plumes of dust from dry lakebeds in the region. These storms are often caused by seasonal winds and droughts, which leave soils exposed and easy to lift into the air.

Security:

In May 2024, ConnectOnCall, a telehealth platform owned by Phreesia, discovered a data breach that exposed the personal and medical information of 914,138 individuals. The breach occurred between February and May 2024 and included names, phone numbers, dates of birth, medical details, and, in some cases, Social Security numbers.
ConnectOnCall quickly secured its systems, launched an investigation with cybersecurity experts, and began notifying affected individuals, offering identity and credit monitoring services. The breach was publicly announced in December 2024, and the company is working with law enforcement to address the incident.

Space:

Today, December 20, 2024, Rocket Lab will launch its “Owl The Way Up” mission at 9:00 AM EDT from Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand. The Electron rocket is carrying a StriX satellite for Synspective, a Japanese company. This satellite is part of a system designed to monitor changes on Earth’s surface with high precision. The launch was delayed from yesterday due to bad weather.
At 10:10 AM EDT, China will launch its Long March 3B/E rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The exact purpose of this mission is not known, but this rocket is usually used to send communication satellites into orbit. Later tonight, at 10:39 PM EDT, SpaceX will launch its Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This mission, called “Astranis: From One to Many,” will send small satellites into orbit to improve internet access for areas with limited connectivity.