Originally published at: BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF Surges, US Naval Power Comes into Question – Peak Prosperity
In the realm of finance, BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF, IBIT, has etched its name into the annals of investment history by entering the top 10 ETFs for the longest streak of daily investment inflows. As of late April, IBIT has enjoyed 70 consecutive days of inflows, a testament to the burgeoning demand for Bitcoin among investors. This streak underscores a broader trend of increasing mainstream acceptance of Bitcoin as a legitimate investment asset, further evidenced by the ETF’s rapid accumulation of assets under management (AUM) compared to the trajectory of traditional gold ETFs. BlackRock’s pivot towards Bitcoin, amassing over 270,000 bitcoins valued at more than $18 billion, signifies a seismic shift in the investment landscape, highlighting the cryptocurrency’s enduring appeal and potential for reshaping the global financial ecosystem.
Concurrently, the investment world is buzzing with anticipation over a new breed of ETFs promising “100% downside protection.” This purportedly innovative approach, spearheaded by firms like Calamos Investments, aims to offer investors a safeguard against market downturns through derivatives, while still allowing for participation in the market’s upside. These ETFs, set to launch in the coming year, represent a novel strategy for investors, particularly those nearing retirement, seeking to balance the dual imperatives of market exposure and capital preservation. This development reflects a broader evolution in investment products, catering to a more risk-averse investor base in an era of heightened market volatility.
On a different note, the Pentagon’s Millennium Challenge 2002 war game has resurfaced in discussions, spotlighting the vulnerabilities of traditional military hardware in modern asymmetric warfare. The exercise, which simulated a conflict with Iran, revealed that expensive and technologically advanced assets like aircraft carriers might not be as invincible as previously thought. This revelation has sparked debates about the efficacy and strategic value of current military spending, especially in light of evolving threats and the increasing capabilities of regional powers like Iran. The war game’s outcome, and the subsequent manipulation to ensure a U.S. victory, raises critical questions about preparedness and strategy in the face of unconventional tactics.
In public health news, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has come under scrutiny for initially concealing adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines. Through a Freedom of Information Act request, The Epoch Times uncovered instances of serious side effects, including Kawasaki Disease in children, following vaccination. The CDC’s decision to redact this information, later revealed after an appeal, has ignited concerns about transparency and the agency’s commitment to providing the public with comprehensive safety data. This episode underscores the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, highlighting the delicate balance between public health imperatives and individual rights.
Lastly, the discourse around transhumanism has gained traction, with critics voicing concerns over the movement’s implications for humanity’s future. Distinguishing between technology designed to assist people with disabilities and that which aims to fundamentally alter human existence, speakers have warned against a dystopian vision of humanity merged with machines. This debate touches on broader themes of identity, ethics, and the role of technology in society, challenging us to consider the kind of future we wish to create.
Sources
BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF Enters Top 10 All-Time For Longest Sequential Inflows
The increasing involvement of major institutional players like BlackRock is a clear indication that Bitcoin is here to stay and will play an increasingly important role in the global financial landscape.
Source | Submitted by nickythec
Transhumanism: The Endgame – The Disturbing Agenda Behind the Movement
Transhumanism stands on the premise that there is no God, that there is no spiritual realm, and that we possess no soul.
Source | Submitted by DotMatrix
New Wave of ETFs Offer 100% Downside Protection, But at What Cost?
If 100% downside protection is the norm for banks that are too big to fail on Wall Street, why shouldn’t it be for everyday investors?
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
Millennium Challenge 2002: A Costly Lesson in the Vulnerability of Aircraft Carriers
The main lesson of Millennium Challenge 2002 is that aircraft carriers—the biggest and most expensive ships ever built—wouldn’t last a single day in combat against even a regional power like Iran. Russia and China would have an even easier time dispatching them. They are overpriced toys.
Source | Submitted by AaronMcKeon
CDC Hid Information on Post-Vaccination Symptoms, Revealed After Appeal
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hid how a woman who suffered chest pain and other symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination received a shot because of a mandate at work, newly obtained documents show.
Source | Submitted by bcoop