Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Friday, 5:25 AM

June 27, 2025

Good morning news friend! Step into the now with stories that shape today and spark what’s next. 📰🌟

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US and China Ink Trade Deal

The US and China finalized a trade deal for China to supply rare earth minerals critical to US industries. Upon shipment, the US will lift export restrictions on ethane, microchip software, and jet engine parts.

The deal follows contentious 2025 talks and excludes issues like fentanyl trafficking and broader market access. Separately, the US aims to finalize 10 trade agreements by July 9, the deadline to reinstate tariffs up to 50% paused since April 2. Countries without deals will face tariff notices.

The administration signaled near agreement with India but kept other partners undisclosed. Energy exports to China eased but remain conditional. Approval from Trump and Xi is pending.

Sources: Bloomberg, Straitstimes, Dimsumdaily, Rbc, FinancialTimes.

White House Denies Pentagon Report

Defense Secretary Hegseth reported no evidence shows Iran moved enriched uranium ahead of the June 22 strikes in Fordow. President Trump supported this, saying moving uranium would have been too difficult and time-consuming.

Satellite images revealed unusual activity at the Fordow site, including a long line of vehicles. A senior Iranian source claim most of the 60% highly enriched uranium was moved to an undisclosed location before the strikes.

Iran’s stockpile of roughly 408 kg of weapons-grade uranium reportedly remains mostly intact. Damage to facilities is described as severe but not total.

Intelligence on Fordow was gathered over 15 years; the bombs were specially designed for the operation.

Sources: Reuters, CBSnews, TheTimes.

Treasury Deal Removes ‘Revenge Tax’

The US Treasury and G-7 allies agreed to exclude American companies from foreign digital services and OECD Pillar 2 global minimum taxes by removing Section 899 from Trump’s tax bill.

Section 899 targeted countries with taxes deemed discriminatory against US firms, risking reduced foreign investment and economic losses. The Global Business Alliance estimated that keeping Section 899 could cost 360,000 jobs and $55 billion in GDP over 10 years.

Following the deal, the S&P 500 neared record highs, Treasury bonds rallied, and the dollar weakened. The agreement aims to stabilize international tax rules, preserve US tax sovereignty, and encourage global investment amid shifting tax policies.

Sources: Bloomberg, BS, CapitalBrief, AP News.

Unemployment Rolls Hit Highest Since 2021

Initial jobless claims fell to 236,000 for the week ending June 21, below forecasts. However, continuing claims rose by 37,000 to 1.974 million, the highest since November 2021, signaling slower rehiring.

The unemployment rate is expected to rise from 4.2% in May to at least 4.3% in June. First-quarter GDP shrank 0.5% annually, more than previously estimated, driven by lower consumer spending and trade-related front-loading.

May exports dropped $9.7 billion, widening the goods trade deficit by 11.1% to $96.6 billion. Durable goods orders surged 16.4%, led by a 230.8% jump in commercial aircraft orders. The Fed held rates steady but may cut later if the labor market weakens further.

Sources: Reuters, Fxstreet, Cfodive, Bloomberg.

Reversing Skin Aging with Vitamin C

New research shows vitamin C at dietary doses (0.1 and 1.0 mM) thickens the living layer of aging skin by activating keratinocyte proliferation over 14 days. Vitamin C aids TET enzymes in removing DNA methylation marks, unlocking over 10,000 DNA regions and increasing expression of 12 growth genes by 1.6 to 75 times.

This epigenetic mechanism boosts dividing skin cells, promoting skin regeneration rather than just collagen production or brightening. Blocking TET enzymes halts these effects, confirming the pathway.

Findings suggest simple topical or supplemental vitamin C could reverse skin thinning in older adults or damaged skin by stimulating actual skin cell growth.

Sources: SciTechDaily, Wddty, Bestlifeonline.

Caffeine’s Cellular Secret

Researchers found caffeine activates AMPK, a cellular energy sensor that improves DNA repair, stress response, and cell growth control by indirectly inhibiting TOR, a growth regulator.

This leads to healthier cells and increased lifespan in fission yeast, which share conserved AMPK and TOR pathways with humans. Blocking AMPK nullifies caffeine’s benefits, confirming its role.

The diabetes drug metformin also targets AMPK and is under study for lifespan extension, suggesting caffeine or related drugs could have similar anti-aging effects.

The study highlights caffeine’s potential to slow aging by regulating key cellular processes critical for longevity and disease resistance.

Sources: Sciencealert, SciTechDaily.

“A single, pampered defect is the crack where your entire reputation will shatter, for malice always gravitates to the weakest point. The merely prudent man hides this flaw. The master of artifice, however, embraces the defect and transforms it into his signature, making the laurel that conceals his baldness the very emblem of his renown.”

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 Stablecoin Trilemma - Bridging Digital Finance, Monetary Policy, and Systemic Risk

• Deconstructing the $66 Billion Citiadel Enigma

• The U.S. Debt Trajectory, Assessing the Risks of a $36 Trillion Liability

• Private Equity, Unpacking the Engine Room of Modern Capitalism

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️