Anticipation for the PCE inflation report had markets on edge yesterday, with expectations set for a 0.3% monthly gain and a 2.4% year-over-year increase.

PCE numbers came in bang in line with forecasts this morning:

• The index printed 0.3% MoM and 2.4% YoY

• Core numbers were up 0.4% MoM and 2.8% YoY.

• The report sent all index futures higher.

Bitcoin's rally stole the spotlight, hitting $60,000 for the first time in over two years. It’s at $63,000 as we go to press.

• Trading volume was so high that Coinbase went down for a bit.

• An 18-month path to $150,000 is possible due to unprecedented adoption.

The S&P 500's valuation has reached the 95th percentile compared to historical data.

Congressional leaders might have struck a deal to avoid a government shutdown on Friday. Meanwhile, Republican Mitch McDonnell, the longest-serving caucus leader in Senate history, announced he’s stepping down as Senate Leader. He’ll keep his seat, though, which is good until 2027. He’s 82.

TSMC's water scarcity challenge could lead to higher chip prices.

Intel's chip-making duopoly and AI advantage position it as a strong buy for long-term investors.

Small-cap stocks are finally making a comeback.

The U.S. economy grew 3.2% in Q4 driven by consumer spending and exports.

🇲🇽 Volcanic ash from Popocatepetl volcano prompted the suspension of 22 flights from Mexico City.

🇷🇺 🇺🇦 Russian dictator Vladimir Putin threatened nuclear war if NATO deployed troops to Ukraine.

🇨🇳 In a bid to boost birth rates, Xian, China, will give lottery tickets to newlyweds. This option seems a lot more sensible tbh.

🇸🇴 🇺🇸 🇹🇷 🇺🇬 Somalia signed security deals with the US, Turkey, and Uganda as tensions flair in the Horn of Africa.

🇨🇳 🇹🇼 China intensified naval surveillance around Taiwan with advanced drone carriers.

Steer clear of these sinking ships with 10% yields.

A controversial fund with a 20% dividend.

Tiptree boosts its dividend by 20% to $0.06, signaling confidence in its financial health.

A 21% undervalued aristocrat stock.

South Korea's ruling party retracted its promise to ease crypto restrictions, including lifting the ban on local spot bitcoin ETFs.

Crypto traders hedge against potential Bitcoin price pullback, snapping up puts as the market heats up.

Three hidden gem cryptos set for explosive growth by 2030.

The Great Barrier Reef faces its potential seventh mass bleaching event.

Japan and South Korea recorded the lowest rate of marriages in 90 years.

Exciting AI-generated ads lured families to the most bedraggled chocolate factory imaginable.

• Featuring a terrifying AI-generated script & a horribly depressed-looking Oompa-Loompa cooking up ... something.