Military Bombing Between India and Pakistan
Wednesday, May 7th, 2025
World Events — Military Escalation Between India and Pakistan
Bloomberg
Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated after India launched coordinated air and missile strikes early Wednesday on at least nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, targeting what it described as terrorist camps linked to groups responsible for last month’s deadly attack in Indian-controlled Kashmir. India emphasized that the strikes were “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” claiming no Pakistani military or civilian infrastructure was hit, while Pakistan disputed this, reporting casualties, damage to mosques, and vowing retaliation at a “time and place of its own choosing”. In response, Pakistan said it shot down five Indian planes and clarified that no Indian soldiers were taken prisoner, as both sides exchanged artillery fire across the Line of Control. The strikes, the deepest by India into Pakistani territory since 1971, have led to airspace closures, market jitters, and calls for restraint from international actors, amid fears of further escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
Tech — AMD’s Outlook Tempered by China Concerns
Bloomberg
AMD delivered a strong first-quarter performance, with sales rising 36% to $7.4 billion and beating analyst expectations, thanks to robust demand for AI and data center chips. However, the company warned that new U.S. export restrictions on advanced chips to China-its second-largest market-will cost it $1.5 billion in revenue this year, specifically impacting sales of its MI308 processors. Despite these headwinds and an $800 million charge related to the curbs, CEO Lisa Su remains optimistic, forecasting strong growth in the second half of 2025 as new products launch and global investment in AI infrastructure continues. Still, investor sentiment remains cautious due to the regulatory uncertainty and AMD’s ongoing challenge to close the gap with market leader Nvidia in the AI chip segment.
Business — Retail Investors as Market Stabilizers
The Economists
In the wake of President Trump’s surprise tariff announcement in April 2025, which triggered a swift 12% plunge in the S&P 500, retail investors played a pivotal role in stabilizing the market by aggressively buying the dip, injecting billions of dollars even as institutional investors sold off their holdings; this marked a significant shift from their traditional reputation as trend-followers, as today’s retail traders-fueled by app-based platforms like Robinhood and online communities such as Reddit’s r/WallStreetBets-have embraced contrarian strategies, confident in rapid market rebounds, while alongside them, ultra-wealthy investors with over $30 million also stepped in to provide liquidity, collectively transforming retail participation into a powerful stabilizing force that helped the market recover quickly and reduced volatility during a period of heightened uncertainty.
Health — How Does Caffeine Affect Your Blood Pressure
Caffeine can cause a brief rise in blood pressure, particularly in people who do not regularly consume it, likely because it blocks adenosine receptors that normally help keep arteries widened and may stimulate the release of adrenaline, both of which can increase blood pressure. For most habitual caffeine users, this effect is less pronounced due to the development of tolerance, and regular caffeine consumption is not linked to a sustained increase in blood pressure or a higher risk of hypertension. However, individual responses vary, and some people may still experience noticeable effects, so those with concerns or existing high blood pressure should consult their healthcare provider.
Song Rec — Like Jennie (Jennie)
Quote of the Day
“Fame will go by and, so long, I've had you, fame. If it goes by, I've always known it was fickle. So at least it's something I experience, but that's not where I live.” - Marilyn Monroe