Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Monday, 5:21 AM

May 12, 2025

Good morning news friend! Explore the moments that define today and echo into tomorrow. 📰🌟

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US-China 90-Day Tariff Reduction

The US and China agreed to reduce tariffs on each other's products for 90 days, aiming to ease trade tensions.

The US will lower tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 10%, while China will cut tariffs on US goods from 125% to 10%. Reciprocal tariff reductions amount to 115%.

Global markets reacted positively, with S&P 500 futures rising 2.8% and Nasdaq 100 futures up 3.6%.

Both countries will suspend non-tariff countermeasures and plan to take further action by May 14, although specific tariff rates are still unclear.

Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters, WallStreetJournal.

The Release of Hostage Edan Alexander

Hamas plans to release Edan Alexander, the last American hostage in Gaza, within 48 hours to aid ceasefire efforts and humanitarian assistance.

Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli-American soldier, was captured during the October 7, 2023, attack. His release follows negotiations with U.S. diplomats from Qatar and Egypt.

Despite the ongoing conflict, which has displaced 90% of Gaza’s population, families of the 59 remaining hostages are pushing for a comprehensive agreement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed skepticism about Hamas but noted the potential for further negotiations.

Sources: AP News, Reuters, Bloomberg, NYTimes, WallStreetJournal.

Ceasefire Between India and Pakistan

India and Pakistan's military chiefs will meet on May 12 to discuss a newly established ceasefire after four days of violence that followed a terrorist attack in Kashmir.

India targeted nine sites in Pakistan, claiming to kill over 100 militants, while Pakistan denied these claims and reported civilian impacts.

The ceasefire, brokered by President Trump, remains fragile amid accusations of violations by both sides and has left many residents hesitant to return home.

At least 23 people died from shelling, and concerns persist regarding the long-term viability of the ceasefire amidst unresolved fundamental issues.

Sources: Reuters, AP News, NYTimes, Dw, FinancialTimes.

A $1.5 Trillion Lithium Discovery

A lithium deposit worth approximately $1.5 trillion has been discovered in Oregon's McDermitt Caldera, estimated to contain 20-40 million metric tons.

Local communities are split; some hope for economic benefits, while others express environmental concerns over potential damage to ecosystems and habitats.

The Bureau of Land Management has faced criticism for limiting public input on mining proposals.

Sources: Earth, AS.

Zepbound vs Wegovy Weight Loss Trial

Eli Lilly's Zepbound outperformed Novo Nordisk's Wegovy in a clinical trial, with Zepbound users losing an average of 50 pounds compared to 33 pounds for Wegovy users over 72 weeks.

Zepbound participants achieved a 20% body weight reduction, while Wegovy users lost nearly 14%. Waist circumference reductions were also greater for Zepbound users.

About 32% of Zepbound users lost at least 25% of their body weight, versus 16% for Wegovy. Both drugs mimic gut hormones to regulate appetite, but Zepbound targets GLP-1 and GIP.

Mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects were common for both treatments.

Sources: Bloomberg, AP News, Reuters, NBC.

Treatment for Resistant Hypertension

Researchers developed lorundrostat, a new treatment for resistant hypertension, showing a 15.4 mmHg average reduction in systolic blood pressure in a Phase II trial with 285 participants.

Only 41% of those on lorundrostat achieved systolic levels below 125 mmHg after 4 weeks, compared to 18% in the placebo group.

The drug inhibits aldosterone production, addressing a common cause of treatment-resistant hypertension. Safety concerns include elevated potassium levels and decreased kidney function.

A larger Phase III trial is planned to further evaluate lorundrostat's efficacy and safety.

Sources: SciTechDaily, MedPageToday, USNews, Tctmd.

“We seem to be getting closer and closer to a situation where nobody is responsible for what they did but we are all responsible for what somebody else did.”

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:

• Rare Earths and National Security

• How Trade Wars are Reshaping the US Treasury Market

• The End of the Easy-Money Era

Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️