**Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn reveals his leadership evolution—from micromanaging 50 employees to becoming a “culture carrier.”**
**Von Ahn admits he overdid micromanagement early on but now delegates tasks he dislikes—like finance and HR—to his execs.**
**Despite scaling to 800+ employees, Duolingo’s CEO still weighs in on key decisions—but lets data drive most choices.**
**His “founder mode” differs from tech peers like Airbnb’s Brian Chesky, who argues against traditional scaling advice.**
**Is now a good time to buy a home? Even experts can’t agree**
Even housing economists like Redfin’s Chen Zhao are torn on whether it’s the right moment to buy a home, thanks to volatile mortgage rates and economic uncertainty. While rising inventory and stabilizing prices offer some relief, affordability remains a major hurdle for buyers. Experts suggest waiting if possible—but for those who must move, strategic negotiation can help.
**High home prices and rising mortgage rates make buying tougher than ever**
With median home prices up 43% since the pandemic and mortgage rates hovering near 7%, many buyers face financial strain just to qualify. Reventure CEO Nick Gerli warns that today’s market is a “raw deal,” with payments consuming nearly 40% of income—levels last seen during the 2006 housing bubble. For some, renting may offer more flexibility and savings in this uncertain economy.
**Buyers can still win—if they play the long game**
Despite challenges, rising inventory and price cuts give buyers leverage in negotiations, especially in Sunbelt markets. Experts advise shopping around for better mortgage rates, lower agent fees, and seller concessions. But with home prices expected to dip, waiting could pay off—unless life demands an immediate move. As Zhao puts it, “We’re operating in a different world right now.”
**Apple uses scare tactics to deter EU users from apps with alternative payments**
Apple is displaying alarming red exclamation marks on EU App Store listings for apps like Instacar, warning users about “unsecure” external payment systems—despite the apps being fully compliant. The tactic appears aimed at discouraging adoption of non-Apple payment options under the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Fewer than 100 apps have implemented external payments due to Apple’s restrictive rules.
**Apple’s EU warning labels spark backlash amid antitrust scrutiny**
The tech giant faces EU criticism for using fear-based messaging to steer users away from apps with alternative payment methods, like Hungary’s popular Instacar. Though Apple proposed toning down the alerts, the EU hasn’t approved the changes. This follows recent rulings against Apple’s anti-steering practices in the US.
**Why Apple’s red warnings on EU App Store listings are controversial**
Apple’s ominous alerts on apps like Instacar imply security risks—despite no actual violations—raising concerns about unfair competition. The move coincides with Epic’s legal win against Apple’s payment restrictions, though the EU battle over “scare sheets” continues. Critics argue Apple is manipulating user trust to maintain control.
**Few EU apps dare to defy Apple’s strict payment rules**
With fewer than 100 EU apps offering external payments, Apple’s aggressive warnings—like those on Instacar’s listing—highlight the chilling effect of its policies. The EU has yet to approve Apple’s proposed softer warning design, leaving developers caught in a battle over fair competition.
**Hungary’s opposition leader Peter Magyar walks 300 km to Romania, rallying ethnic Hungarians against Orban’s rule.**
**Peter Magyar’s 11-day march to Oradea signals a bold challenge to Viktor Orban’s long-standing government.**
**Ethnic Hungarians in Romania cheer Magyar as he vows to end Orban’s “dictatorship” and restore unity.**
**With polls favoring Magyar, his grassroots campaign taps into frustration over corruption and Orban’s divisive politics.**
**Jeremy Bowen: Netanyahu’s Gaza offensive risks global outrage, deeper Israeli divisions**
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned military offensive in Gaza threatens to deepen domestic divisions, escalate Palestinian casualties, and draw international condemnation. The operation, aimed at dismantling Hamas and rescuing hostages, could worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis as the UN warns of starvation and disease. With allies like the UK and EU opposing the move, Netanyahu faces mounting pressure amid accusations of violating international law.
**Netanyahu’s Gaza strategy sparks fears of prolonged war, civilian suffering**
As Israel prepares for a major offensive in Gaza, critics warn it could prolong the conflict, further isolate Israel globally, and fail to secure hostage releases. The plan to forcibly relocate Palestinian civilians has drawn UN condemnation, while Netanyahu’s political survival hinges on balancing hardline allies and growing domestic dissent. Meanwhile, families of hostages accuse the government of prioritizing military action over negotiations.
**Israel’s Gaza offensive plan faces backlash over humanitarian and legal concerns**
Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow to seize and hold Gaza territory risks intensifying civilian casualties and global outrage, with the UN refusing to cooperate on aid distribution under Israel’s terms. European allies warn of potential war crimes, while far-right ministers openly advocate for Palestinian displacement. As internal opposition grows, Netanyahu’s strategy appears driven more by political survival than lasting security.
**Trump’s Tariff Retreat? Signs Point to Potential Rollback Amid Global Backlash**
New signals suggest President Trump may be reconsidering his aggressive tariff policies after market turmoil and international pushback. As global finance ministers express frustration, the U.S. appears to soften its stance—but uncertainty remains over whether the 10% baseline tariff will stay.
**U.S. Faces Global Isolation as Allies React to Trump’s Trade War Fallout**
From Japan to Europe, nations are pushing back against Trump’s tariffs, with some exploring alternative trade alliances. The IMF warns of economic instability, while U.S. retailers fear empty shelves if the trade war escalates further.
**Will Trump Back Down? Treasury Secretary Takes Control Amid White House Chaos**
Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, is now leading tariff negotiations, calming markets—but internal White House divisions linger. With Trump’s hardline trade adviser Navarro still in play, the world watches for signs of a full retreat.
**Global Economy at a Crossroads: Could Tariffs Trigger a Financial Crisis?**
As central banks game out worst-case scenarios, fears grow that the U.S. could weaponize dollar swap lines. Meanwhile, the UK shifts focus to EU trade ties, signaling a broader realignment away from U.S. unpredictability.
**Why Cybersecurity is Non-Negotiable in the Finance Industry**
The financial sector remains a prime target for cybercriminals due to its high-value transactions and sensitive data. From fintech startups to global banks, robust cybersecurity is now a necessity—not an option. Beyond data protection, it safeguards trust, risk management, and financial infrastructure.
**Key Cybersecurity Threats Facing Financial Institutions**
Legacy systems, insider threats, and third-party risks expose financial firms to cyberattacks. Phishing scams, ransomware, and API vulnerabilities continue to evolve, making fraud prevention critical. With breaches costing millions, investing in AI-driven security and multi-factor authentication is essential.
**The Future of Financial Cybersecurity**
AI, blockchain, and zero-trust architecture are shaping the next wave of financial security. As digital finance grows, institutions must prioritize employee training and quantum-resistant encryption. In this tech-driven era, cybersecurity isn’t just a defense—it’s the currency of trust.
**Kraken used AI startup Termina to fast-track its $1.5B NinjaTrader deal—here’s how**
Kraken leveraged AI startup Termina to slash due diligence time from weeks to hours for its $1.5B acquisition of NinjaTrader—validating key financials and growth metrics in record time. The AI-powered platform analyzed financials, customer retention, and unit economics, helping Kraken confirm NinjaTrader’s value as a futures-trading customer acquisition tool. This deal highlights how generative AI is transforming M&A by speeding up data-heavy processes traditionally handled by bankers and consultants.
**AI startup Termina helped Kraken close its $1.5B NinjaTrader deal in weeks—not months**
When Kraken considered buying NinjaTrader for $1.5B, AI startup Termina crunched the data in hours—not weeks—validating the deal’s core thesis on growth and customer retention. Termina’s platform, incubated by Tribe Capital, provided granular financial insights that normally require teams of analysts, accelerating Kraken’s due diligence. The deal showcases how AI is becoming a game-changer in M&A, cutting costs and timelines for high-stakes transactions.
**How Kraken’s AI-powered due diligence sealed its $1.5B NinjaTrader acquisition**
Kraken turned to AI startup Termina to analyze NinjaTrader’s financials in hours, confirming strong customer stickiness and revenue growth—key factors in the $1.5B deal. Termina’s platform, backed by Tribe Capital, automated data validation and flagged risks, allowing Kraken’s team to move faster than traditional methods. This case study reveals how AI is reshaping corporate dealmaking, making deep-dive financial analysis quicker and more efficient.
**White House in Panic Mode as Trump’s Tariffs Spark Price Hikes—Amazon Question Stuns Officials**
White House officials scrambled to defend Trump’s steep China tariffs as prices soar, but a question about Amazon’s tariff surcharges left them flustered. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt lashed out, calling Amazon’s move “a hostile and political act,” while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent insisted supply chains won’t collapse—despite warnings. Meanwhile, UPS announced 20,000 layoffs, blaming shrinking Amazon shipments as consumer confidence plummets.
**Trump’s Tariffs Backfire as Amazon Feud Exposes White House Chaos**
The White House faced tough questions as Trump’s 145% China tariffs trigger price surges, with Amazon briefly considering passing costs to shoppers—before abruptly reversing course. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt bizarrely attacked Amazon over a 2021 China propaganda story, while Treasury officials dismissed supply chain fears. Meanwhile, UPS slashed 20,000 jobs, signaling economic turmoil ahead.
**White House Meltdown: Amazon Tariff Clash Reveals Trump’s Economic Disaster**
Trump’s tariffs are already spiking prices, but White House officials spiraled when asked about Amazon’s plan to list surcharges—a move they called “hostile.” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt bizarrely dredged up old Amazon-China headlines, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent downplayed looming supply chain chaos. As UPS cuts 20,000 jobs, consumer confidence hits a five-month slump—proving Trump’s policies are backfiring fast.
**Trump’s Tariffs Spark Economic Panic—Amazon Feud Exposes White House Desperation**
The White House scrambled to contain fallout as Trump’s China tariffs send prices soaring, but a question about Amazon’s tariff transparency sent officials into a rage. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Amazon of “political hostility,” while UPS announced 20,000 layoffs tied to shrinking imports. With supply chains crumbling and consumer confidence tanking, Trump’s economic disaster is only beginning.
**Climate Takes Center Stage Behind the Scenes at Milken Global Conference**
While the Milken Global Conference isn’t a climate-focused event, sustainability remained a hot topic in private discussions among business leaders. Despite shifting priorities like tariffs and policy changes, companies are still prioritizing climate strategies—just more quietly. From navigating new regulations to managing physical risks, executives are adapting without abandoning long-term net-zero goals.
**How Businesses Are Quietly Tackling Climate Risks at Milken**
Behind closed doors at the Milken Conference, corporate leaders debated climate risks—even if public panels focused on finance and AI. Companies are reassessing operations due to stricter disclosure rules and climate disasters, though many avoid direct PR mentions. Sustainability efforts, like water conservation in agriculture or supply chain diversification, reveal their climate concerns.
**Why Climate Investment Is Slowing—But Not Stopping—in 2024**
Economic uncertainty is making businesses cautious about big climate investments, but they’re not backing off entirely. At Milken, experts noted a shift toward smaller, strategic bets—especially in AI-driven clean energy projects. Financial innovation, from carbon markets to private credit, could unlock the trillions needed for climate solutions. The challenge? Balancing risk with long-term sustainability goals.