🍋 Hedge Funds Giving NFL-Like Contracts

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Good Morning! Fox revealed that 113 million Americans tuned into the Super Bowl, making it the 3rd most-watched TV program in American history.

Inflation cooled for the seventh straight month, but it was still more than investors expected at 6.4%. Tech layoffs continue to dominate the news, but on the bright side, economists predict we have a shortage of about 500,000 construction workers.

Hyundai and Kia are putting the brakes on car thieves who thought they had it all figured out from the viral TikTok trend with their new anti-theft software.

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1. Story of the Day: Hedge Funds Giving NFL-Like Contracts

2022 was a rough year on Wall Street for investment bankers. But it turns out some elite hedge fund managers are doing better than ever.

When it comes to hiring and retaining the brightest financial minds, the top hedge funds are pulling out all the stops. A recent report has revealed that the biggest names in the game are dishing out upwards of $60 million per year to woo and retain top talent.

Wall Street's elite hedge funds proved their mettle by raking in unprecedented profits during last year's market downturn. Ken Griffin’s hedge fund, Citadel, raked in $16 billion in profits.

But 2022 followed almost a decade where most hedge funds struggled to beat the S&P 500. The top shops want to prove to their investors that 2022 wasn’t a fluke. In an intensely competitive industry, the trading strategies these funds used last year might not cut it in 2023.

Takeaway: It’s a cutthroat world out there, and these hedge funds are scrambling and offering guaranteed contracts that would make even superstars jealous. But let's not forget, while the top dogs were rolling in cash last year, the industry as a whole lost $208 billion. So who knows if 2023 will be yet another roller coaster ride for hedge funds.

2. Markets Rundown

Stocks closed mixed as investors make sense of the CPI data.

Movers & Shakers

• (+) Palantir ($PLTR) +21% after the company posted its first ever quarter of positive income.

• (+) NVIDIA ($NVDA) +5% after Bank of America said the company will lead the AI arms race.

• (–) Rakuten ($RKUNY) -6% after the Japanese tech conglomerate posted earnings.

Private Dealmaking

• Bridge Investment Group bought Newbury Partners, an investment manager, for $320 million

• Juniper Square, a private fund management software, raised $133 million

• Arrcus, a networking routing software company, raised $50 million

• Coincover, a digital asset protection platform, raised $30 million

• Zypp Electric, an EV-as-a-service platform, raised $25 million

• Conquest Planning, a financial planning software provider, raised $18 million

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3. Top Reads

• The SEC gives crypto a fresh scare (Axios)

• Amazon to double down on grocery business despite recent setbacks (Fox)

• How to survive AI mania (DR)

• Consumer prices rise at faster pace in January (Axios)

• Why you should care about CVS acquiring Oak Street Health (YF)

• Judge orders SBF back in court after he used a VPN (CNN)

• How the Fed went broke (SA)

• Laid-off tech workers seek leverage on the way out (Fox)

• Goldman CEO says odds of a softer landing for economy have improved (CNBC)

• Fed officials float higher rates after hot inflation data (YF)

4. Book of the Day: Daring Greatly

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Every day we experience the uncertainty, risks, and emotional exposure that define what it means to be vulnerable or to dare greatly.

Based on twelve years of pioneering research, Brené Brown PhD, MSW, dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and argues that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage.

Brown explains how vulnerability is both the core of difficult emotions like fear, grief, and disappointment, and the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, empathy, innovation, and creativity.

She writes: “When we shut ourselves off from vulnerability, we distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives.”

“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”

5. Short Squeez Picks

• ‘We’re all leaders’ is a better way to work

• 3 lessons to stop fearing disapproval

• How to have a powerfully effective day

• Why ‘aims’ are more important than goals

• Where managers and employees disagree about remote work

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6. Daily Visual: Retail Stores Aren’t Dead

Net US retail store openings and closings

_{Source: Axios}

7. Daily Acumen: Health Tips

Stay physically active: Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve mood, and maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

Eat a balanced diet: A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can provide the nutrients your body needs to function optimally.

Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Make sure you prioritize sleep by creating a sleep-conducive environment and establishing a consistent sleep schedule.

Manage stress: Chronic stress can have negative effects on physical and mental health. Take steps to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques, getting regular exercise, and engaging in activities that bring joy.

Practice good hygiene: Good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and keeping your living space clean, can help prevent the spread of illness and keep you healthy.

8. Memes of the Day

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