Money Flow Journal

What is Labubu? Unpacking the Mystery Behind the World’s Hottest Elf You may have already seen this curious creature with its pointy ears, mischievous grin, and a row of jagged teeth on social media, dangling from a fashionista's handbag, or drawing long queues outside toy stores. They are Labubu, the art toy that has taken the world by storm, becoming not just a collectible but a full-blown cultural phenomenon. The Origins of Labubu: A Fantastical Elf from Nordic Lore Labubu was born from the imagination of Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. Having grown up in the Netherlands, Lung was deeply inspired by Nordic fairy tales and mythical folklore. In 2015, he created an illustrated story series called "The Monsters," and Labubu was one of the main characters in this tribe of elves and monsters. According to Lung's lore, Labubu is a kind and helpful elf girl. Although her sly smile and sharp teeth make her look a bit naughty, she is good-natured at heart—it's just that h...

From Allies to Adversaries: The Tangled History of Israel, Iran, and the US The direct military conflict that erupted between Israel and Iran in June 2025, ultimately drawing in the United States, was not a sudden crisis. It was the explosive culmination of a decades-long transformation—a journey from close cooperation and strategic alliance to ideological rivalry and, finally, open warfare. To understand the roots of this conflict, one must look back to a very different era, a time when Israel and Iran were improbable partners. Former Allies: A Strategic Partnership Forged by Common Threats (1948–1979) Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the relationship between Israel and Iran was remarkably close. Following Israel's establishment in 1948, Iran became the second Muslim-majority nation, after Turkey, to recognize its sovereignty. At the time, both nations faced a common threat from the rise of pan-Arab nationalism, which pushed them into an unofficial strategic alliance. Under the...

Hims & Hers: What’s Next for the Telehealth Trailblazer?   (NYSE: HIMS) If you’ve been watching the digital health space, you know Hims & Hers isn’t just another telemedicine company—they’re rewriting the rules of how we access care. From their cheeky subway ads to their impressive subscriber growth, Hims & Hers has captured the zeitgeist of a generation that wants healthcare to be as easy as ordering takeout. But with health tech evolving at breakneck speed, what’s next for this trailblazer? Let’s look at where Hims & Hers is today—and where they’re headed tomorrow. Riding the Wave: Hims & Hers in 2025 Right now, Hims & Hers (NYSE: HIMS) is riding high, even as the stock has seen its share of volatility in recent months. Subscriber numbers and revenue are still growing, and the company is rapidly expanding beyond its roots. While they first made a splash with hair loss and ED treatments, today’s Hims & Hers is a full-fledged health platform: mental...

Understanding the Risks of Crypto Hot Wallets and Exchanges Crypto hot wallets and centralized exchanges are popular tools for managing and trading cryptocurrencies due to their convenience and accessibility. Hot wallets, which are connected to the internet, and exchanges, which facilitate trading and storage, offer users quick access to their funds. However, their online nature makes them vulnerable to a range of risks. This article explores the key dangers associated with crypto hot wallets and exchanges and provides strategies to mitigate these risks. What Are Crypto Hot Wallets and Exchanges? A hot wallet is a cryptocurrency wallet that remains connected to the internet, such as software wallets (e.g., mobile apps like MetaMask or desktop wallets) or custodial wallets provided by exchanges. Crypto exchanges are platforms (e.g., Binance, Coinbase, or KuCoin) where users can buy, sell, and store cryptocurrencies. While both offer ease of use, their constant online presence exposes th...

Understanding the Risks of Crypto Cold Wallets Crypto cold wallets, also known as cold storage, are widely regarded as one of the most secure methods for storing cryptocurrencies. By keeping private keys offline, they minimize exposure to online threats like hacking and phishing. However, cold wallets are not without risks. This article explores the potential dangers associated with using crypto cold wallets and offers insights into mitigating them. What is a Crypto Cold Wallet? A cold wallet is a cryptocurrency storage method that keeps private keys offline, away from internet-connected devices. Common types include hardware wallets (e.g., Ledger or Trezor), paper wallets, and even air-gapped devices. While they offer robust protection against digital threats, their physical nature and user dependency introduce unique risks. Key Risks of Crypto Cold Wallets 1. Physical Loss or Damage Cold wallets, especially hardware and paper wallets, are physical objects susceptible to loss, theft, ...

How to Invest in Gold and Gold ETFs in 2025 Gold remains a favored asset for investors seeking a safe haven during economic uncertainty, an inflation hedge, or portfolio diversification. In 2025, gold prices have soared past $3,500 per ounce, driven by geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties, and central bank purchases. This article explores how to invest in gold, focusing on gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as a convenient, cost-effective option, alongside other methods like physical gold, gold mining stocks, and futures. Why Gold Prices Are Rising in 2025 Gold prices have surged over 30% in the past year, with a 6.4% increase in January 2025 alone, outpacing the S&P 500’s 2.8% return. Key drivers include: Geopolitical and Economic Uncertainty: U.S. tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China have raised fears of inflation and economic slowdown, boosting gold’s appeal as a safe-haven asset. Central Bank Buying: Central banks, notably the People’s Bank of China, purchase...

How to Invest in Neuralink Before Its IPO Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk in 2016, is a neurotechnology company developing brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to revolutionize healthcare and human-AI integration. With recent milestones like successful human trials and a valuation of approximately $5 billion as of June 2023, Neuralink has captured significant investor interest. However, as a private company, its shares are not available on public stock exchanges, making direct investment challenging for retail investors. This article explores the limited options for investing in Neuralink before its potential initial public offering (IPO) and alternative ways to gain exposure to the neurotechnology sector. Why Neuralink Is Attracting Attention Neuralink aims to create implantable devices that enable direct communication between the human brain and computers, with applications like restoring mobility for individuals with paralysis and potentially enhancing cognitive abilities. The ...

Why the US Government Wants to Set Up a Stablecoin in Web3 With the rapid development of blockchain technology and Web3 applications, the US government is showing increasing interest in stablecoins. In recent years, not only tech giants but also financial institutions have been exploring the issuance and adoption of stablecoins. Now, even the US government is drafting policies and researching the possibility of launching a government-backed stablecoin. So why is the US government paying such close attention to stablecoins in the Web3 space?  Here are the strategic reasons behind it: 1. Preserving the Dominance of the US Dollar The Dollar Is Being Challenged: China is pushing its digital yuan (e-CNY), and many emerging markets are turning to cryptocurrencies for cross-border payments, potentially threatening the dollar’s global dominance. Stablecoins as a Digital Extension of the Dollar: A government-backed stablecoin would help ensure the US dollar remains the primary currency for...

Palantir Technologies (PLTR): A Leader in Data Analytics and AI Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) is a global leader in building software platforms that enable organizations to integrate, manage, and secure their data. Founded in 2003 by Peter Thiel, Alexander Karp, Stephen Cohen, Joseph Lonsdale, and Nathan Gettings, Palantir initially focused on serving the intelligence community, particularly in counterterrorism efforts. Over the years, it has expanded its client base to include both government agencies and commercial enterprises across various industries. The company's name is derived from the "Palantíri" in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, which are seeing-stones that provide visions of distant events. Similarly, Palantir's software platforms are designed to provide clarity and insight from complex and disparate data sets, making it a pivotal player in the data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors. Business Overview Palantir Technologies ...

Stablecoins: The Anchor of Stability in Digital Currency With the rapid advancement of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, stablecoins have emerged as a pivotal innovation in the digital currency space. Unlike highly volatile cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, stablecoins are designed to maintain price stability, making them a vital tool in the digital economy. This article explores the definition, types, mechanisms, use cases, and challenges of stablecoins. What Are Stablecoins? Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency whose value is pegged to a stable asset, such as a fiat currency, commodity, or a basket of assets, to minimize price volatility. By combining the decentralized and fast-transaction benefits of cryptocurrencies with the stability of traditional assets, stablecoins are well-suited for everyday payments, cross-border transfers, and decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. Types of Stablecoins Stablecoins can be categorized based on their price-stabili...

Top 5 Stocks to Watch for Nintendo Switch 2 Success in 2025 The Nintendo Switch 2, launched on June 5, 2025, has sparked significant excitement in the gaming world with its upgraded features, including a larger 1080p screen, 4K docked mode, and backwards compatibility with original Switch games. With Nintendo forecasting 15 million units sold by March 2026 and strong pre-order demand, the console is poised to drive growth for Nintendo and its supply chain partners. Below, we explore the top five stocks likely to benefit from the Switch 2’s success, based on their roles in console production, software development, and market performance. 1. Nintendo Co., Ltd. (OTC: NTDOY, NTDOF) Nintendo, the developer and manufacturer of the Switch 2, is the primary beneficiary of the console’s success. The company’s stock has surged 30% in the past six months, reaching a 52-week high of $15.77 per share in January 2025, driven by anticipation for the Switch 2. With 146 million original Switch units so...

Top 10 Nuclear Power Stocks in the US Market for 2025 As the global energy landscape shifts toward cleaner, more sustainable solutions, nuclear power is experiencing a renaissance. With increasing demand for reliable, carbon-free energy—driven by AI data centers, net-zero goals, and supportive government policies—nuclear energy stocks are gaining significant attention. The U.S. is the world’s largest producer of nuclear energy, contributing about 30.9% of global nuclear electricity, and companies in this sector are well-positioned for growth in 2025 and beyond. Below is a curated list of the top 10 nuclear power stocks in the U.S. market, selected based on their market presence, operational scale, innovation in nuclear technology, and analyst upside potential. 1. Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: CEG) Constellation Energy is the largest nuclear power plant operator in the U.S., managing over 20 reactors across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, producing roughly 10% of t...

Circle and USDC: Powering the Future of Digital Finance with a Blockbuster NYSE Debut In the rapidly evolving world of blockchain and cryptocurrency, Circle has emerged as a pivotal player, driving innovation in digital payments and financial services. Founded in 2013 by Jeremy Allaire and Sean Neville, Circle is a financial technology company headquartered in New York City, with a mission to create a more open, transparent, and accessible global financial system. At the heart of its operations is USD Coin (USDC), the world’s second-largest stablecoin, which has become a cornerstone of the digital economy. On June 5, 2025, Circle marked a significant milestone by going public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker CRCL, with a debut that sent shockwaves through the IPO market. This article explores Circle’s business model, its flagship product USDC, its blockbuster stock market debut, and how the company is shaping the future of finance. What is Circle? Circle is a fint...