Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Wednesday, 5:23 AM

April 9, 2025

Good morning news friend! Step beyond the headlines and into the stories that are shaping our time.📰🌟

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China Engineers Yuan Devaluation

On Tuesday, the offshore yuan dropped 1.1% to 7.4290 per dollar, its weakest since 2010. The People's Bank of China set the daily reference rate at 7.2038, the lowest since September 2023.

The onshore yuan hit 7.35 per dollar, the lowest since 2007. This follows Trump’s announcement of new 50% tariffs, raising total US tariffs on Chinese goods to 104%. China previously imposed 34% tariffs.

Analysts say the yuan devaluation is aimed at boosting exports. Both sides remain firm, raising fears of deeper global economic disruption.

Sources: Bloomberg, Bloomberg[2], FxStreet, Nikkei, Investing.

Hezbollah Disarmament

Hezbollah has expressed openness to disarmament talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, on the condition that Israel withdraws from five southern Lebanon hilltops and halts military operations.

Aoun, in office since January, seeks to establish full state control over weapons.

Hezbollah suffered heavy losses in the 2024 conflict, losing thousands of fighters and much of its rocket arsenal.

Several Lebanese ministers support a six-month disarmament timeline, aiming to restore national security.

Sources: Reuters, TOI, JapanTimes.

Ukraine Captures Chinese Fighters

Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in Donetsk, with President Zelenskyy suggesting more are involved.

Ukraine engaged six Chinese soldiers, and the captured carried ID and bank cards. Foreign Minister Sybiha summoned China’s envoy, questioning Beijing’s peace stance.

The U.S. called the reports “disturbing” and accused China of enabling Russia by supplying dual-use goods. Zelenskyy urged a stronger US response.

Sources: BBC, DW, APNews, Reuters, Bloomberg.

Home Equity Dilemmas

US homeowners now hold $35 trillion in home equity, up nearly 80% since early 2020. The average homeowner with a mortgage has $313,000 in equity.

Home prices rose 47% from February 2020 to 2025, but higher property values bring higher costs. Property taxes for single-family homes averaged $4,062 in 2023.

In Miami, one home’s value jumped from $875,000 to $1.35 million, with taxes rising over 50% to $21,000.

Mortgage rates climbed from 6.55% to 6.85%, increasing monthly payments and slowing home sales. Cash-out refinancing fell to $78 billion in 2024, down from $258 billion in 2021.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, FinancialTimes, FL1.

Food Additives Diabetes Risk

A study of over 108,000 adults in France over 7.7 years found that certain combinations of food additives are linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Two additive mixtures showed strong associations.

One, found in broths and sauces, included emulsifiers like modified starches and carrageenan. The other, in artificially sweetened drinks, contained acidifiers and sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose.

Additive combinations may be more harmful than individual additives.

Sources: SciTechDaily, SMC, MedicalXpress, CNN.

Statins Reduce Dementia Risk

A Korean study of over 500,000 people found that LDL cholesterol levels below 70 mg/dL were linked to a 26% lower risk of all-cause dementia and 28% lower Alzheimer’s risk, compared to levels above 130 mg/dL.

Statin users saw a 13% drop in all-cause dementia and 12% in Alzheimer’s risk, regardless of initial cholesterol levels.

The study supports the 2024 Lancet Commission’s view that cholesterol affects brain health. However, it contrasts with earlier findings about HDL cholesterol’s potential risks.

Sources: ScienceAlert, AM, EHC, MNT .

“Wisdom isn’t about understanding things (and people); it is knowing what they can do to you.”

Did you know we also write in-depth deep dives? They are long, packed with insights, and have received rave reviews. If you’re up for a detailed, action-packed read, check them out:

• The Longevity Race

• The Great Retirement Crisis

• Gene Editing

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️