Alternative Investing Report - January 13, 2025

*as of 1/12; Sources: S&P, BTC, FTSE, DJRE, CL50

The U.S. economy added 256,000 jobs in December, up from 212,000 in November, 100,000 more than were expected. Overall, the U.S. added 2.2 million jobs in 2024, up from the pre-pandemic yearly average from 2016-2019. The unemployment rate fell to 4.1%, below the expected rate of 4.2%. The stock market and crypto market both reacted negatively to the news, and bond yields continued to rise.

➨ TAKEAWAY: The markets reacted negatively as the strong jobs performance makes it less likely that the Federal Reserve will cut rates again. It is clear that the economy is performing well and the labor market is strong, and with inflation concerns persisting, markets are now anticipating rates to be steady for awhile. Expect mortgage rates to remain at the same level, and it now seems that investors’ expected shift towards riskier assets may not happen in 2025.

Early this morning, Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ rocket company, was scheduled to launch its New Glenn rocket into space, marking the first time it has sent a vehicle into orbit. The New Glenn is twice as powerful as SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, and its booster is also designed to be re-used after landing on a platform at sea. Not to be outdone, later today, Space X has scheduled a test launch of its Starship, the world’s tallest and largest rocket.

➨ TAKEAWAY: Up to this point, Elon Musk’s SpaceX has not had any true competitors and has amassed government contracts and private market investment with ease. If New Glenn’s debut is successful, that would be a big boost for Blue Origin and spur interest in a potential competitor, as well as set up the next great space race. Fortuitously, we are holding a pre-IPO briefing about SpaceX today at 11 AM ET - be sure to check it out.

Today at 11 AM ET - join us for our next pre-IPO briefing covering the American space technology giant SpaceX. Vincent’s Slava Rubin and Sacra’s Jan-Erik Asplund will discuss the company’s growth, strengths, challenges, IPO prospects, and much more. Presented by UpMarket.

🔥 L.A. wildfire damage: The tragic fires in Southern California have destroyed more than 37,000 acres and 12,000 structures, causing an estimated $135 billion to $150 billion in damages and a projected loss of $20 billion to insurance companies. This immense loss will have massive consequences in the real estate market both locally and nationwide as property insurance frameworks are sure to change.

🚀 TikTok ban likely: The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in the TikTok ban case and analysts believe that they are likely to uphold the ban. It will take effect this Saturday if Chinese parent company ByteDance does not sell the popular social media platform.

🏐 Private equity backing volleyball: League One Volleyball, a new women’s professional volleyball league, debuted last week, and is backed by multiple private equity and venture capital firms who are trying to take advantage of growing consumer interest in women’s sports.

🎨 Iris Apfel auction: Over 200 lots belonging to the designer and fashion icon are set to go on sale later this month at Christie’s, including jewelry, clothing, and furniture.

🚀 Blackstone invests in DDN: The alternative asset manager is buying a $300 million stake in DDN, a data storage company, which values it at $5 billion. DDN will use part of the investment to expand its AI data intelligence platform.

🪙 Kenya to legalize crypto: Yet another country is changing their mind about cryptocurrency, as the Kenyan government is on track to legalize and regulate the industry after previously warning its population against it.

Tuesday: Producer Price Index (PPI) and Core PPI inflations reports released; Heritage Auctions’ U.S. Coins Signature Auction begins, featuring three coins expected to top $2 million each.

Wednesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Core CPI inflation reports released.

Thursday: Homebuilder confidence index and U.S. retail sales reports released.

Friday: Housing start numbers released.

Sunday: Robert Edwards Auctions’ January auction, featuring a top-graded example of the late, great, Rickey Henderson’s rookie card.

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Please read the offering circular at https://www.boxabl.com/invest#circular?utm_source=withvincent * Reservations represents a non-binding indication of interest to purchase as Casita. A reservation does not require purchase of a Casita and there is no assurance of how many will result in actual purchases.