Investing Updates : Worried about Your UCITS ETFs Denominated in USD? Perhaps the Funds Should be Denominated in Yen!

Source : 

https://investmentmoats.com/money/ucits-etfs-denominated-usd-denominated-in-yen/

Apple Intelligence : 

• Currency Denomination Concerns: Investors express concerns about the impact of USD-denominated UCITS ETFs on their wealth, especially with rising gold prices and potential USD overvaluation.

• Fund Recommendation: Dimensional Global Core Equity fund, available in SGD, GBP, USD, EUR, and JPY, offers a solution to currency concerns.

• Performance Comparison: Investing in the JPY-denominated version of the fund since August 2017 would have yielded the highest returns compared to other currencies.

• Fund Comparison: Global Core fund is more similar to MSCI World index than some European, Pacific Basin, Global Targeted Value funds.

• MSCI World Performance: $1 million GBP invested in MSCI World denominated in GBP becomes $7.2 million in 21 years.

• Currency Impact: Same underlying securities but different performance due to different currencies.

Technology Updates : Microsoft Copilot can now ‘see’ what’s on your screen in Edge

Source : 

https://www.theverge.com/news/650259/microsoft-copilot-can-now-see-whats-on-your-screen-in-edge

Apple Intelligence : 

• Feature Availability: Copilot Vision, an AI assistant feature, is now available for free in the Edge browser.

• Functionality: Users can interact with Copilot Vision through voice commands, and it can interpret on-screen content to provide assistance.

• Potential Applications: Copilot Vision can help users with tasks like following recipes, understanding job descriptions, and brainstorming cover letters.

• Copilot Vision Access: Available to Copilot Pro subscribers, expanding beyond Edge to assist with software and games.

• How to Use Copilot Vision: Accessible through the Copilot sidebar in Edge, initiated by clicking the microphone icon.

• Data Privacy: Microsoft logs Copilot’s responses but not user inputs, images, or page content during Vision sessions.

Rewards Updates : Your Malaysia getaway just got cheaper with YouTrip’s latest MYR wallet along with exclusive cashback on your favourite stores, free bus rides to JB and more

Source : 

https://confirmgood.com/post/youtrip-malaysia/

Apple Intelligence : 

• YouTrip MYR Wallet Launch: YouTrip launched a Malaysian Ringgit wallet with features like locking in exchange rates and cashback.

• YouTrip Features: YouTrip is a multi-currency wallet that allows users to pay overseas with zero FX fees and no hidden charges.

• Cashback Promotion: YouTrip offers a 3% cashback on a minimum of S$200 in MYR spent from April 16, 2025 to June 17, 2025.

• Free Bus Ride: YouTrip users can enjoy free bus rides from Kranji MRT to Mid Valley Southkey and back for four weekends from 19 April 2025 to 11 May 2025.

• Cashback Offers: YouTrip users can get 5% cashback at Lotus’s, JD Sports, and Decathlon (selected outlets only), and 10% cashback at JD Sports.

• Giveaway Locations: YouTrip will be at JB City Square from 18 April 2025 to 20 April 2025, and Komtar Mall from 9 May 2025 to 11 May 2025, or 6 June 2025 to 8 June 2025.

Investing Updates : Netflix, TSMC, ASML, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and More Stocks to Watch This Week

Source : 

https://ttmblog.com/news/2527996972?edition=fundamental&utm_source=news&utm_campaign=2527996972&utm_medium=copy&platform=iOS&shareID=debe643ea32e1869769a6d99d61b21fa&invite=KDXR9K&lang=en_US

Apple Intelligence : 

• Earnings Season: More than 30 S&P 500 companies, primarily financial services firms, will report quarterly results.

• Key Earnings Reports: Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Citigroup, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, ASML Holding, U.S. Bancorp, American Express, Blackstone, Charles Schwab, Netflix, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing.

• Economic Indicator: Retail sales report from the Census Bureau on Wednesday.

• Consumer Inflation Expectation: Consumers’ one-year inflation expectations were 3.1% in February, lower than the 6.7% from the University of Michigan survey.

• Earnings Announcement: Bank of America, Citigroup, and other companies will announce earnings on Tuesday, April 15th.

• Economic Indicators: The Census Bureau will release retail and food services sales for March on Wednesday, April 16th, and the National Association of Home Builders will release its Housing Market Index for April on Thursday, April 17th.

• Earnings Calls: American Express, Blackstone, Charles Schwab, D.R. Horton, Fifth Third Bancorp, Huntington Bancshares, KeyCorp, Marsh & McLennan, Netflix, Regions Financial, Snap-on, State Street, TSMC, Truist Financial, and UnitedHealth Group.

• Economic Indicator: The Census Bureau reports new residential construction data for March.

• Monetary Policy: The European Central Bank announces its monetary policy decision and is expected to cut its key short-term interest rate.

Travel Updates : S’pore’s first MRT train hotel to open for bookings in second half of 2025

Source : 

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/the-first-mrt-train-hotel-will-be-open-for-bookings-in-second-half-of-2025

Apple Intelligence : 

• Hotel Opening: Singapore’s first MRT train hotel, Train Pod @ one-north, will open for bookings in the second half of 2025.

• Hotel Design: The hotel features eight rooms, each measuring 7.5 sq m, housed in a decommissioned C751B train carriage.

• Room Amenities: Each air-conditioned room includes bunk beds, an en-suite bathroom, and a television screen displaying a 30-minute train ride video.

• Accommodation: Each room in the train carriage has bunk beds for two guests and an en-suite bathroom.

• Amenities: Guests have access to common amenities such as a vending machine, washing machine, outdoor kitchen, and dining area.

• Pricing: Room rates are around $80 to $90 on weekdays and $100 to $120 on weekends.

• Project Background: JTC manages LaunchPad @ one-north, where Train Pod @ one-north is located.

• Project Description: Train Pod @ one-north is a co-living hotel housed in a refurbished train carriage.

• Project Goal: To demonstrate innovative reuse of decommissioned assets.

• Project Name: Train Pod @ one-north.

• Project Concept: A co-living train hotel that blends nostalgia, sustainability, and novelty.

• Future Expansion: Tiny Pod is open to expanding the concept if public response and occupancy rates are strong, but it depends on factors like train availability, customer demand, land availability, and regulatory approvals.

Technology Updates : ChatGPT is transforming LinkedIn users into really dull dolls

Source : 

https://www.theverge.com/news/647356/chatgpt-ai-barbie-action-figure-viral-trend

Apple Intelligence : 

• Latest Trend: LinkedIn users are turning themselves into toys using ChatGPT’s image generator.

• Trend Variations: The trend includes “AI Action Figure” and “Barbie Box Challenge,” often featuring accessories like laptops and coffee cups.

• Trend Spread: The trend originated on LinkedIn and has spread to other platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

• AI Image Generator Popularity: ChatGPT’s text-to-image update was so popular that OpenAI had to limit image generation and push back access to free ChatGPT accounts.

• ChatGPT Figurine Trend: A new trend of creating and sharing AI-generated figurines using ChatGPT has emerged, primarily on LinkedIn.

• Brand and Influencer Engagement: While some brands like Mac Cosmetics and NYX Cosmetics have participated, the trend hasn’t gained significant traction among recognizable stars or influencers.

Entertainment Updates : ‘Can she please take IPPT for me?’: S’pore woman in her 60s does parkour in playground, receives both praise & criticism

Source : 

https://mustsharenews.com/woman-parkour/

Apple Intelligence : 

• Parkour Skills: A Singaporean woman in her 60s showcased impressive parkour skills in a playground.

• Online Reaction: The video went viral, receiving both praise and criticism online.

• Athleticism: The woman demonstrated flexibility and athleticism with moves like climbing, jumping, and a forward roll.

• Public Reaction to Parkour: Netizens were impressed by the woman’s athleticism but also criticized her for stepping on playground equipment with shoes on.

• Positive Feedback: Many praised the woman’s agility and strength, finding it refreshing to see an older woman engaging in parkour.

• Negative Feedback: Some criticized the woman’s actions as unhygienic, disrespectful to the playground, and potentially dangerous for someone her age.

Investing Updates : Learning From Buffett: Investing Wisely Amid Market Volatility Triggered by Trump's Tariffs

Source : 

https://www.moomoo.com/community/feed/learning-from-buffett-investing-wisely-amid-market-volatility-triggered-by-114308007788549

Apple Intelligence : 

• Market Impact of Trump’s Tariffs: Trump’s tariffs caused significant market volatility, with the S&P 500 down 18.71% and the Nasdaq 100 down 23% from their highs.

• Tech Billionaires’ Losses: Tech billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Larry Ellison, and Mark Zuckerberg suffered substantial losses, with the world’s 500 richest people experiencing their biggest two-day losses ever.

• Warren Buffett’s Performance: Warren Buffett is the only billionaire who remains net-positive in 2025.

• Warren Buffett’s Investment Strategy: Buffett sold a significant portion of equities and increased cash holdings, demonstrating a cautious approach.

• Performance in 2025: Despite the market downturn, Buffett’s investment strategy resulted in substantial gains, making him the fourth richest person in the world.

• Past Investment Decisions: Buffett’s purchase of Coca-Cola during the 1987 market crash highlights his long-term investment approach.

• Investment Strategy: Warren Buffett views market corrections as opportunities and seeks to invest in sectors with stable cash flows and competitive advantages during downturns.

• Notable Investments: Buffett invested in consumer goods and financial stocks during the Dot-Com bubble burst and Goldman Sachs and General Electric during the 2007-2009 financial crisis.

• Current Market Position: Berkshire Hathaway’s historically high cash reserves suggest Buffett is anticipating a significant market adjustment and may invest in sectors like finance, industry, and consumer staples.

LifeStyle Updates : Long Weekends In Malaysia: Dates You May Want To Avoid Traveling To Malaysia

Source : 

https://dollarsandsense.sg/long-weekends-in-malaysia-dates-you-may-want-to-avoid-traveling-to-malaysia/

Grok : 

The article "Long Weekends In Malaysia: Dates You May Want To Avoid Traveling To Malaysia" by Jo-Ey Chee, published on April 9, 2025, highlights six upcoming long weekends in Malaysia in 2025 that may lead to overcrowding and travel disruptions, particularly for Singaporeans planning short getaways. 

Malaysia’s favorable exchange rate makes it a popular destination for affordable dining, shopping, and exploration, but the article advises travelers to be mindful of Malaysia’s public holidays to avoid congestion on roads, public transport, and tourist hotspots.

In 2025, Malaysia will have 16 major public holidays, several of which fall on Mondays or Fridays, creating long weekends. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a paid substitute holiday per Malaysian employment law. The six long weekends identified as potentially busy travel periods are:

1. Wesak Day (May 10–12): A shared holiday with Singapore, expect heavy crowds as both locals and Singaporean tourists travel, with historical data showing 1.5 million crossings at checkpoints in 2023.

2. Birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (May 31–June 2): Coincides with Malaysia’s June school break, likely increasing family travel.

3. Awal Muharram (June 27–29): A shorter holiday, prompting domestic travel or family visits.

4. National Day (August 31–September 1): Falls on a Sunday, with a replacement holiday on Monday, featuring a parade in Kuala Lumpur.

5. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (September 5–7): Aligns with Singapore’s September school vacation, potentially crowding roads.

6. Deepavali (October 18–20): Another shared holiday with Singapore, leading to a busy long weekend.

The article notes that while holidays offer a chance to experience cultural events, they also bring congested roads, longer queues, and possible shop closures, advising travelers to plan accordingly for smoother trips.

Gaming Updates : Apple Arcade adds five new games soon, here’s what’s coming

Source : 

https://9to5mac.com/2025/04/08/apple-arcade-adds-five-new-games-soon-heres-whats-coming/

Apple Intelligence : 

• New Game Releases: Five new games are coming to Apple Arcade on May 1st.

• Featured Game: WHAT THE CLASH?, a new party game from Triband, the creators of WHAT THE GOLF? and WHAT THE CAR?.

• Other Games: with My Buddy, LEGO Friends Heartlake Rush+, Words of Wonders: Search+, and SUMI SUMI : Matching Puzzle+.

• Gameplay: Players can play solo or challenge friends in hilarious party game battles with absurd combos.

• Game Features: Players can climb leaderboards, enter tournaments, and customize their character with unlockable items.

• Game Availability: Available on Apple Arcade for $6.99/month or included in the Apple One bundle.