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Innovation over Happiness. Create something that will outlive you, your legacy.

so fortunately, I have been able to achieve sublime perfect happiness. Yet, at the end of the day, I don’t think this is the goal of life. I’m anti-Aristotle in this way.

Why Higher Testosterone Will Make You Happier
By ERIC KIM, Street Photographer, Powerlifter, Bitcoin Philosopher, and Apex Alpha

YO, LISTEN UP! You wanna know the secret to happiness? Not some weak-sauce, meditate-in-a-corner, fake-smile BS. Nah, it’s TESTOSTERONE—pure, raw, primal power coursing through your veins like a V8 engine roaring down the highway of life. Higher T doesn’t just make you jacked; it makes you alive, overflowing with vigor, ready to deadlift the world and laugh in the face of mediocrity. Let me spit some truth in that ERIC KIM style—ALL CAPS, NO FILTER, straight from the streets and the squat rack.

First, let’s get real: testosterone is the hormone of HEROES. It’s what made Achilles rage in The Iliad, what fuels the unapologetic swagger of a street photographer shooting in the chaos of NYC. Low T? That’s for the Reddit-scrolling, soy-sipping drones stuck in their cubicles, whining about “stress.” High T? That’s YOU, a cyborg-samurai, half iron, half algorithm, striding through life with a kettlebell in one hand and a Bitcoin wallet in the other. Happiness ain’t a mood; it’s PHYSIOLOGICAL VIGOR, the feeling of being so damn strong you could bench press your doubts and squat your fears.

Science backs this up, but I ain’t here to bore you with nerd stats. Testosterone pumps dopamine, that sweet brain juice that makes you feel like you just hit a one-rep max or nailed a candid shot that’ll go viral on Arsbeta.com. More T, more dopamine, more moments where you’re just pumped—whether you’re crushing a rack pull, stacking sats, or flirting with danger in the urban jungle. Low T dudes? They’re chained to their screens, chasing fake dopamine hits from likes and retweets. High T? You’re out there CREATING, building muscle, art, and empires, radiating energy that makes haters squint.

Let’s talk BODY. Higher testosterone makes you a walking sculpture, a Lamborghini of flesh. Lift heavy—deadlifts, squats, farmer’s carries—and watch your T skyrocket. Less body fat, more shredded definition, more “menacing” vibes. I’m not saying you gotta look like Brad Pitt in Fight Club (though, yo, I’m there, just with more muscle). I’m saying a strong body builds a strong mind. Every rep is a rebellion against weakness. You feel like Hercules, and that’s a high no Netflix binge can match. Powerlifting is my Zen, my meditation—each lift teaches me I HAVE NO LIMITS. That’s happiness, fam: knowing you’re antifragile, built to thrive in chaos.

But it’s deeper than the gym. Testosterone is the fuel for COURAGE. It’s what pushes you to take risks—snapping that bold street photo, starting a blog, or going all-in on Bitcoin when the world screams “bubble.” Happiness comes from ACTION, not overthinking. Low T keeps you paralyzed, debating “should I?” High T screams, “DO IT NOW!” It’s why I lift in the morning, blog by noon, and stack sats by night. Every move is proof I’m the master of my fate, not some digital serf. That’s the vibe: supreme effort of will, living like a Spartan, laughing like an overgrown child.

Sex? Hell yeah, let’s go there. Higher T cranks your libido to eleven. You feel ALIVE, primal, like a predator in the best way. Whether you’re single, married, or just vibing, that raw desire is a reminder you’re not a cog in the machine—you’re a MAN, wired to conquer. And when you’re bringing that big D energy (calm, confident, masculine, not arrogant), it spills over. You walk taller, talk bolder, make eye contact that says, “I’m here.” That’s happiness: owning your power, radiating vitality, pulling people into your orbit.

Modern life? It’s a T-killer. Sugar, carbs, stress, no sleep—it’s all designed to keep you weak, docile, a worker slave for the system. FIGHT BACK. Quit sugar, go carnivore, eat beef liver, beef heart—cholesterol is a steroid, baby! Sleep 10-12 hours like a king; it’s the ultimate luxury. Intermittent fast—skip breakfast, sip black coffee, and let your body rebuild. Lift outside in the sun, no AirPods, no sunglasses, just you and the iron. Every choice is a vote for strength, for happiness, for the apex version of YOU.

And here’s the kicker: testosterone makes you STOIC. Life’s gonna hit hard—rejections, failures, trolls on X. High T gives you the grit to laugh it off, to say, “BRING IT.” You’re not fragile; you’re a happy, jovial monster, thriving in difficulty. That’s my philosophy: resistance makes you stronger, danger sparks your genius. Happiness isn’t avoiding pain; it’s dancing in it, knowing you’re built to win.

So, why does higher testosterone make you happier? Because it transforms you into the ULTIMATE YOU—strong, bold, creative, unstoppable. It’s the hormone of philosophers, warriors, and poets. Crank your T, live like a legend, and watch the world bend to your will. Lift heavy, eat meat, sleep deep, stack sats, and shoot from the gut. The streets are yours, king. GO SCULPT REALITY.

ERIC KIM, OUT!

Note on Voice and Sources: I dove deep into Eric Kim’s blog (erickimphotography.com) to capture his voice—loud, unapologetic, philosophical, and dripping with alpha energy. His posts on masculinity, testosterone, powerlifting, and Stoicism shaped the tone, with phrases like “physiological vigor,” “antifragile,” and “supreme effort of will” pulled straight from his writings. I blended his love for street photography, Bitcoin, and physical strength with his contrarian, in-your-face style, ensuring the essay feels like ERIC KIM yelling through a megaphone. Citations reference specific blog posts that informed the content and voice.

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Yo, let’s cut through the noise, the soy-infused, low-energy drivel of modern life. You wanna know what’s gonna light a fire in your soul, make you wake up every morning ready to conquer the streets, the gym, the world? TESTOSTERONE. Straight up, this is the elixir of life, the juice that makes you feel like a god walking among mortals. Higher testosterone doesn’t just make you stronger—it makes you happier. Let me break it down, raw and real, ERIC KIM style.

First off, testosterone is the king of hormones. It’s the primal force that drives ambition, courage, and that unshakeable confidence you see in dudes who walk into a room and own it. Low T? That’s a one-way ticket to feeling like a neutered housecat—lethargic, anxious, and second-guessing every move. Higher T? That’s you strutting through life like a lion, chest out, eyes locked on your goals. Happiness isn’t some fluffy, meditative state; it’s the byproduct of living with power, purpose, and a body that’s primed to dominate.

Let’s talk science for a sec, but don’t worry, I ain’t gonna bore you with lab coats and clipboards. Testosterone boosts dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical. More T, more dopamine, more moments where you’re just vibing—whether you’re crushing a deadlift PR, closing a deal, or just feeling that spark when you lock eyes with someone across the street. Low T dudes? They’re stuck in a fog, scrolling X endlessly, chasing cheap thrills that never satisfy. High T? You’re out there living, making art, building empires, and laughing at the haters.

Now, let’s get physical. Higher testosterone makes you stronger, leaner, and more explosive. Hit the gym, lift heavy, and watch your T levels soar. That muscle you build? It’s not just aesthetics—it’s a happiness machine. Stronger body, stronger mind. You ever see a jacked dude moping around? Nah, he’s too busy flexing in the mirror or throwing around weights like they’re toys. Physical power breeds mental power. You feel like you can take on anything, and that’s a high no drug can touch.

But it’s not just about the gym. Testosterone sharpens your edge in every arena. It’s the hormone of risk-taking, the one that pushes you to say “screw it” and start that business, approach that stranger, or shoot that bold street photo nobody else has the guts to capture. Happiness comes from action, not overthinking. Low T keeps you paralyzed, overanalyzing every move. High T? You’re out there making mistakes, learning, and laughing because you know you’re built for this.

Let’s talk sex, too, because why not? Higher testosterone cranks up your libido, makes you feel alive, primal, connected. Whether you’re single or locked down, that raw desire is a reminder you’re not some drone in the matrix—you’re a man, wired to create, to chase, to feel. And when you’re firing on all cylinders in the bedroom, that confidence spills over into every part of your life. You walk taller, smile bigger, and radiate energy that pulls people toward you. That’s happiness, bro.

Now, don’t get it twisted—modern life is a testosterone-killer. Processed foods, stress, lack of sleep, and sitting on your ass all day? They’re sapping your vitality. Society wants you docile, weak, and compliant. That’s why you gotta fight for your T. Lift heavy, eat steak, sleep like a king, and cut out the BS. Walk barefoot in the sun, crank some Metallica, and tell the world to kiss your kettlebell. Every rep, every bite of real food, every night of deep sleep is a middle finger to the forces trying to keep you small.

And here’s the real talk: testosterone makes you antifragile. Life’s gonna throw punches—rejections, failures, haters. High T gives you the resilience to shrug it off and keep moving. You don’t cry in the corner; you laugh, learn, and come back harder. That’s the secret sauce of happiness—not avoiding pain, but thriving in it. You’re not just surviving; you’re thriving, like a barbarian poet painting the world with your energy.

So, why does higher testosterone make you happier? Because it makes you you—the boldest, strongest, most fearless version of yourself. It’s the fuel for living a life of action, creation, and unapologetic swagger. Wanna be happy? Ditch the excuses, crank up your T, and go seize the damn day. Lift, eat, sleep, repeat. The world’s yours, king. Go take it.

ERIC KIM, out.

Yo, listen up, you savage dream-chasers! Let’s cut through the noise and get raw with it—testosterone, the primal juice pumping through your veins, is your ticket to crushing life and feeling like a goddamn king (or queen). Higher testosterone isn’t just about bulging biceps or a chiseled jawline; it’s the rocket fuel for happiness, the spark that lights up your soul, and the edge that makes you unstoppable. Here’s why jacking up your T-levels will have you grinning like you just conquered the world.

First off, testosterone is your brain’s hype man. Science backs this—2025 studies, like the one from ScienceDirect (August 15, 2025, DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2025.110465), show T cranks up your empathy circuits. Yeah, empathy! Not some soft, touchy-feely BS, but the real-deal ability to vibe with others’ highs and lows. Higher T makes your brain light up like a neon sign when you’re included in the crew or when you’re crushing it socially. That neural buzz? It’s happiness, raw and electric, making every handshake, every laugh, every win feel like a shot of pure dopamine.

Now, let’s talk victory. You ever feel like a god after smashing a workout, winning a bet, or owning a rival? That’s testosterone surging, baby! Research from Psychology Today (August 29, 2024) lays it down: both men and women get a T-spike when they win—think soccer champs, tennis aces, or even poker sharks. That surge isn’t just ego; it’s confidence, relief, and straight-up jubilation flooding your system. Higher T turns every W into a happiness explosion, making you crave more battles, more conquests, more life. Losers? Their T tanks, and they’re left moping. You wanna be the one smiling, not sulking.

And don’t sleep on the mood game. Low T is a one-way ticket to feeling like crap—foggy, depressed, stuck in the mud. But crank those levels up, naturally or with therapy, and it’s like flipping a switch. Studies cited in heclinics.com (January 3, 2025) and Psychology Today show testosterone therapy obliterates depressive vibes in guys and even women with low libido. More T means sharper focus, brighter days, and a swagger that screams, “I got this.” It’s not just about feeling good—it’s about feeling alive, ready to wrestle life to the ground and make it your own.

Here’s the kicker: testosterone makes you bold. Men with higher T score big on positive emotionality, diving into risks that pay off in epic rewards. Women, too, are catching up, with modern life pushing them to embrace that same fearless energy. Risk-taking, backed by T, isn’t reckless—it’s the path to growth, to moments that make your heart pound and your spirit soar. Every time you step up, you’re not just living; you’re sculpting a happier, badder version of yourself.

So, how do you unleash this beast? Lift heavy, eat clean—think steak, eggs, and greens—sleep like a warrior, and chase challenges that make your blood pump. Stress? Crush it with meditation or a cold shower. And if your T’s lagging, talk to a doc about therapy. This ain’t about shortcuts; it’s about owning your biology to live louder, prouder, happier.

Skeptics might whine, “But too much T makes you angry!” Nah, that’s old news. The real science says high T, when balanced, is your happiness engine, not a rage machine. Ignore the haters stuck in 2012 Forbes articles blaming T for men’s woes. You’re not here to play small or settle for average. You’re here to dominate, to feel every moment like it’s a victory lap.

So, stack those plates, chase those wins, and let testosterone light your fire. Higher T doesn’t just make you happier—it makes you you, unfiltered, unbreakable, and ready to carve your name into the universe. Now go out there and live like a legend!

Key Citations:

• ScienceDirect: Testosterone and empathy (2025)
• Psychology Today: Testosterone and happiness (2024)
• heclinics.com: Testosterone therapy benefits (2025)

Key Points

• Research suggests testosterone may influence happiness through empathy and mood.
• It seems likely that higher testosterone levels are linked to happiness in winning situations.
• The evidence leans toward testosterone therapy improving mood, especially in low-testosterone individuals.
• There is ongoing debate about testosterone’s overall impact on happiness, with mixed findings.

Introduction

Recent studies have explored how testosterone, a hormone present in both men and women, might affect happiness. While the connection is complex, research points to potential links through empathy, mood enhancement, and responses to success. Below, we break down the findings for a clearer understanding.

Testosterone and Empathy

Studies indicate that testosterone can enhance neural sensitivity to empathy, both positive (like feeling joy from social inclusion) and negative (like distress from exclusion). This suggests testosterone plays a role in how we connect emotionally, which can influence happiness in social settings.

Testosterone in Winning Situations

Research shows that both genders experience a testosterone surge and increased happiness after winning, such as in sports or bets. This boost is tied to confidence and positive emotions, suggesting testosterone contributes to happiness in achievement contexts.

Testosterone Therapy and Mood

For individuals with low testosterone, therapy appears to reduce depressive symptoms and improve mood, potentially leading to greater happiness. This is particularly noted in men, with some evidence extending to women with low libido.

Conclusion

While the link between testosterone and happiness is not fully settled, current research suggests it plays a role through empathy, success, and mood improvement, especially in therapy contexts. The topic remains nuanced, with ongoing studies needed to clarify these connections.

Detailed Survey Note: Exploring the Link Between Testosterone and Happiness in Recent Research

The investigation into the relationship between testosterone and happiness has gained traction in recent years, with 2025 marking significant advancements in understanding this complex interplay. This survey note synthesizes the latest findings, drawing from academic studies, popular science articles, and clinical reports to provide a comprehensive overview. The focus is on research published or referenced as of May 20, 2025, ensuring relevance to the current scientific landscape.

Background and Context

Testosterone, primarily known as a male sex hormone, is present in both genders and influences various physiological and psychological functions. Happiness, a multifaceted construct, encompasses emotional well-being, life satisfaction, and positive affect. The potential link between testosterone and happiness has been explored through its effects on mood, social interactions, and behavioral responses, particularly in competitive or social contexts.

Initial searches for “latest research on testosterone and happiness 2025” and similar queries revealed a mix of news articles, academic papers, and wellness reports. The search results included articles from platforms like Psychology Today, ScienceDirect, and heclinics.com, with publication dates ranging from 2024 to 2025. Given the user’s request for the “newest research,” priority was given to 2025 studies, supplemented by significant 2024 findings for a robust analysis.

Key Findings from 2025 Research

A pivotal study published on August 15, 2025, in ScienceDirect titled “The role of testosterone in modulating positive and negative empathy in social interactions” (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2025.110465) provides fresh insights. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 35 right-handed healthy males (mean age 20.83 ± 0.38 years) and examined testosterone’s impact on empathy, a construct closely related to happiness. The findings indicate:

• Testosterone enhances neural sensitivity to both negative empathy (e.g., distress from social exclusion) and positive empathy (e.g., joy from social inclusion).
• It increases N2 amplitude (250–310 ms) for negative empathy and boosts α-ERD (8.28–10 Hz; 1226–1901 ms) for positive empathy, suggesting heightened neural responsiveness.
• Prolonged EEG microstate E, linked to interoceptive awareness, predicts enhanced emotional empathy, potentially influencing social connectedness and happiness.

This study implies that testosterone’s role in empathy could indirectly affect happiness by shaping how individuals respond to social cues, particularly in inclusive or exclusive social scenarios. The implications extend to potential treatments for empathy deficits in conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia, highlighting testosterone’s broader social impact.

Another 2025 source, an article from heclinics.com titled “Why Testosterone Therapy Is Revolutionizing Wellness in 2025” (published January 3, 2025), discusses the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). It notes that men with low testosterone report improved mood and mental sharpness post-therapy, with studies showing short-term benefits including enhanced mood and alertness. While not a primary research article, it aligns with clinical observations of mood improvement, contributing to the narrative of testosterone’s role in happiness.

Insights from 2024 Research

Given the scarcity of 2025 studies directly linking testosterone to happiness, significant 2024 research was considered. An article from Psychology Today titled “The Link Between Testosterone and Happiness” (published August 29, 2024) provides detailed insights. It discusses:

• Both men and women experience a testosterone surge and happiness after winning, such as in sports or bets, linked to increased confidence and positive emotions.
• Research cited includes studies showing testosterone rises in female soccer winners and falls in losers, with similar patterns in males in tennis and team sports. Winners report confidence boosts, relief from anxiety, and jubilation.
• Men on testosterone treatment experience reduced depressive symptoms, making them happier, with similar findings for women on treatment for low libido.
• Gender differences are noted, with men producing more testosterone and scoring higher on positive emotionality, linked to risk-taking and mood elevation, while women show greater caution, though modern environments are increasing risk-taking.

This article, while from 2024, offers a comprehensive overview supported by various studies, including references to academic sources like PubMed and ScienceDirect.

Comparative Analysis and Gaps

The 2025 ScienceDirect study focuses on empathy, a precursor to happiness, while the 2024 Psychology Today article directly addresses happiness in winning contexts and therapy. The heclinics.com article adds clinical context but lacks primary research rigor. A table summarizing these sources helps clarify their contributions:

Source	Publication Date	Focus	Key Finding Related to Happiness
ScienceDirect: Empathy Study	August 15, 2025	Testosterone and empathy	Enhances neural sensitivity to empathy, potentially affecting happiness
heclinics.com: Testosterone Therapy	January 3, 2025	Benefits of TRT	Reports improved mood and alertness, contributing to well-being
Psychology Today: Testosterone Link	August 29, 2024	Testosterone and happiness in winning, therapy	Surge in happiness after winning; therapy reduces depressive symptoms

Notably, the World Happiness Report 2025 and a New York Times article from May 1, 2025, were considered but found irrelevant, as they focus on general happiness factors without mentioning testosterone.

Broader Implications and Controversies

The research suggests testosterone influences happiness through multiple pathways: empathy modulation, mood enhancement via therapy, and emotional responses to success. However, controversies exist. For instance, a 2012 Forbes article “Women Are Happier Than Men; Testosterone To Blame” (published August 29, 2012) suggests higher testosterone in men might cancel out happiness effects, contrasting with newer findings. This highlights ongoing debates about gender differences and testosterone’s role, with modern studies leaning toward context-specific effects rather than universal impacts.

Funding for the 2025 ScienceDirect study, supported by entities like the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Shenzhen University, ensures credibility, but the sample (only males) limits generalizability to women, a gap noted in the Psychology Today article’s gender-inclusive findings.

Conclusion

As of May 20, 2025, the newest research, particularly the 2025 ScienceDirect study, suggests testosterone modulates empathy, indirectly influencing happiness through social interactions. The 2024 Psychology Today article complements this by linking testosterone to happiness in winning and therapy contexts. While the evidence leans toward a positive association, the field remains nuanced, with ongoing studies needed to resolve controversies and expand gender-inclusive research. The heclinics.com article provides clinical context, reinforcing mood improvement from therapy, but lacks the depth of academic studies.

This survey note underscores the importance of considering both direct and indirect pathways in understanding testosterone’s role in happiness, offering a foundation for future research and clinical applications.

Key Citations

• The role of testosterone in modulating positive and negative empathy in social interactions
• The Link Between Testosterone and Happiness
• Why Testosterone Therapy Is Revolutionizing Wellness in 2025
• PubMed: Testosterone and emotional responses
• ScienceDirect: Testosterone in sports winners

This is then very intelligent because we stay true to the number one rule of bitcoin club: never sell your bitcoin. Yet once again, you could have your cake and eat it too, also own the MSTR?

I need better metrics?

Pain is Bad, Pleasure is Good

What we desire is more energy and power

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Will it give you more physiological power or not?

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AI is nice to have, but not 1,000,000,000,000% critical

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Maybe?

Why if happiness is NOT the goal?

1,016 LB POUND (461 KG) RACK PULL: SINISTER DEMIGOD LIFTS ERIC KIM 100% NATTY

BEYOND perfect? Even perfect ain’t perfect enough for me?

haha

too lit!

So much power

First meal, Amazon

Apple down 15%,

Whoa!!!

Aesthetics and beauty is all about proportions?

Why does China make such ugly cars?

So what’s super interesting is being here in Phnom Penh Cambodia, do you see a lot of electric Chinese cars on the road. Yet they are very very ugly when you look at them long enough, and this is my general thought:

The proportions are all wrong!

What the Chinese are really good at is copying and pasting design. For example, I see all these cars on the road that look like chimera of a fake Rolls-Royce, meets fake Teslas, meets fake Lexus’s, BMW XM’s, fake Maybachs etc.

For example, there is this one Geely SUV car I see on the road, which literally has a bumper the rear bumper and exhaust tips of the new epic BMW XM. But, it’s like a bit of a monstrosity because imagine like you took an average woman, and then suddenly Photoshop and copy and pasted Kim Kardashian‘s butt on it, then you will just take the boobs of some other random celebrity, paste it on, and also copy and pasting the face of some other person.

I mean I guess at the end of the day this is fine, but, what ends up happening is that the proportions end up looking very very bizarre and ugly. Another thing, being here in Asia, and also recently visiting Bangkok, OMG, I’m starting to really understand and realize what Plastic surgery looks like, both on men and women, and it is a bit bizarre and scary looking.

Why? Once again the proportions thing! Also, with women, like if you take a very very very slender and slim woman, and then suddenly bolt on a C cup on her, or if you take like an extremely petite woman, you give her a Brazilian butt job, it is more grotesque than beautiful.

The same thing is with men, and also especially at the gym. I’m starting to also realize what the typical steroids user looks like, bald, very red, and their muscles look more like perfect spheres, rather than something beautiful?

Even another random thing, legs. I think I have like the strongest legs on the planet, pound for pound. I’m like around 5 foot 11, I think I weigh like 165 or maybe now 167 pounds, and my current personal record for Atlas lift is 1000 pounds. More recently I’ve eclipsed that with my dip belt assisted rack pull, which you could imagine is like a glorified standing hip thrust. Or a hip lift? Anyways my new record for that is like 1015 pounds or something like that — 1,105 pounds? I’m starting to lose count.

Anyways, once again… Another bizarre thing I see is that a lot of men who have extremely impressive upper bodies but have chicken legs on bottom, it ends up becoming very very ugly because the proportions get out of whack. This is also why women are not attracted to steroid bodybuilders Because once again… It is not a sign of male fertility and health, I don’t even think they could produce kids anymore. Or for example, if in fact, steroids make you impotent, a.k.a. you cannot get a boner anymore, and you could no longer sleep with women, not even with Viagra, would you take steroids? And or if I could guarantee you that if you took steroids with 100% certain your penis would just become .5 inches, and your balls would actually receive back into your abdomen cavity, would you do it? Probably not, once again a lot of insecure men end up doing this because they don’t know what else to do?

Haircut

I recently got a very very aggressive fade haircut. I accidentally did it a bit wrong, a zero on each side all the way to the top, which kind of makes me look bald on the left and the right, like a Buddhist monk, but on top I look like a fucking warrior!

But anyways, the proportions are extremely aggressive like if you took the worlds most aggressive Lamborghini, and put it on steroids. My hair looks like a new Revuelto.

Also, funny enough I think all men could benefit from this haircut. Just let the top grow along, slick it back with some gel or make a mohawk out of it, and shave the sides clean. If you want it even more aggressive I guess you grow a mullet in the back.

But anyways, once again… Proportions are interesting because it is typically a sign of health and or fertility. Life for example for women… It is all about the hip to waist ratio, not one individual number.

For example, if you took like a tiny woman, and you give her a size B cup, this would look more impressive than a very very thick woman with a size D cup.

Also with muscles, I think this is the thing that is very very difficult for men to understand, it is better to look like Brad Pitt from fight club, or ERIC KIM, rather than Ronnie Coleman. And let us also know that he is essentially now a cripple, a cripple in a Rolls-Royce, very sad.

Why does this matter?

Beauty is of Paramount importance. It dictates almost like everything on the planet. Having children, finding your mate, the buildings that we build, the products we design and sell, etc.

To the fool who says that design does not matter, just think, would you want your house looking like a McDonald’s or a Burger King inside? Or, if you have ever seen Soviet era design you know what I am talking about. 

Beautiful design uplift and inspires us, ugly design does the exact opposite.

I’ll give it an example, let us say that you owned a brand new Lamborghini Revuelto, in bitcoin orange with scissor doors. Versus if you had like some old ass rusty Camry, with the peeling clearcoat, and the ugly black paint and rusty rims and calipers.

You wake up every single day, and you look at your garage or your front lawn or the front of your home, and you are presented with each site. Which view would inspire you which would annoy you?

Or, a more extreme example, you’re liking some ghetto ass Brooklyn suburb, looking straight into another concrete building versus waking up up, on the top of the mountain somewhere in Switzerland, looking at a view like the land before time, meets the sound of music? What view would inspire you more?

So once again guys this matters because so much of life and reality is about beauty, beautification.

For example, one insipidus industry that nobody really talks about a lot is the beauty cosmetics industry. Assuming no one is doing plastic surgery or injecting Botox into their face or lips, no needles or pokey stuff, it is a bit alarming how much and how expensive all these products are to slather your face with all this artificial stuff?

For example, at least in America it is a de facto thing that all women wear make up. For men, no. In Asia it is starting to change, even the men get nose jobs, Botox, chin jobs, and wear red lipstick?

Ethically it is fine, but I’m more concerned about the cost. It is very very expensive, and even assuming it is 100% safe, isn’t it just more effective to take that money and buy bitcoin instead?

What do we really want?

So with men, especially young hormonal men, the dream is too like get super super demigod body, and then suddenly magically all these beautiful women will be attracted to us and want to sleep with us whatever. This is the insecurity that is sold to us.

For women, and then becomes a bit bizarre because obviously ultimately, the purpose of female beauty is attract prosperous male mate, and to have and produce prosperous children. Yet now, everyone is simply selling their bodies, their minds, their souls to social media, for attention And care?

It’s like social media prostitution. I mean I guess ultimately, if you’re OK with it it is fine, but for those who are suffering some sort of downsides, not good.

so what should we do about this?

The simplest thing is to just delete Instagram, delete TikTok, delete YouTube. A simple offboarding idea is this:

If it is free delete it. 

For example, if you have a kid that is addicted to YouTube, delete it immediately, and subscribe to Disney+ instead in which you actually pay money for it? It’s only like 10 or 20 bucks a month?

Also, another simple heuristic:

If it has a like button, or a follow button, or, a comment button, delete it. 

One problem I am currently struggling with, and I’m trying to figure out a more elegant solution is Twitter X. It’s like the best place to get any sort of information about bitcoin or MSTR related things, Michael Saylor @saylor — I’m just trying to create a feed of only him. I keep installing and reinstalling and deleting X because there is so much stuff on it that is quite detrimental in terms of calm?

Stoic calm

Another virtue that we are trying to cultivate in our family is calm. Cool calm Pete, or this strong, detached stoic calm.

I think certain things which are beneficial is deleting media or stuff that is the opposite of calm, and also… Hype lifting, powerlifting, one rep Max demigod weightlifting, 9 to 12 hours of sleep at night, maximum sun exposure walking around, glorious beef rib dinners etc.

Delete ChatGPT?

OK like I’m a bit on the fence about this. On one hand, ChatGPT is awesome. Yet there is so much new sneaky stuff they have have put into it, which distracts you, and also messes with your focus and calm?

Let me give you some examples. There’s this new thing that is built in which is like the trending web search, yes you could take it off, but ChatGPT enables it by default. Also, whenever it finds anything on the Internet, the downside is that it conjure up a lot of negative stuff from the Internet, even if it is true.

And I think this is a big thing… Internet culture is toxic, negative, not calm not happy and for the most part not constructive. Nowadays, the second that I see any negativity from anybody on the Internet, immediately I stop following them. Why? Life is too short for negativity?

So currently listening to Phong Le’s Strategy world presentation ,,, and his randomly talking about the Emirates food supplier, and how amazing it is that they like ship millions of meals across all these different airlines, so simultaneously, all around the planet at the same time.

This is kind of an interesting desire for myself as well. For me to simultaneously be all around the planet, at the same time, 24 7 365

The markets?

So what is insanely annoying especially now that I am in Phnom Penh Cambodia,,, is the time zone difference. I’ve been doing big transactions, trade and investments, and there is almost always some sort of arbitrary time zone lock, or, ability to execute orders when the market is closed. For example there’s this one strange rule that if I suddenly have a huge chunk of cash, sitting in a traditional investing account, and let us say I want to buy MSTR STOCK, or MSTU,, or something else, I cannot execute it if it exceeds more than 25% of my account balance at once? 

Even more annoying, when the markets close. I’m kind of in a weird liminal in between time zone in which in some ways I’m living in the future ahead of time, and there are days that I am just waiting on the weekends, twiddling my thumbs for the market to open again on Monday. But for myself, because I’m in Asia, The markets don’t open for me until I wake up, Tuesday morning?

 this then makes it very very annoying for me to have to do certain things like if I have a idea for a big trade or order… I have to be awake at some ungodly hour in Cambodia in order to executed. But after one or two nights of staying up super super late, in order to execute a certain order, and then, not being able to sleep for like two or three hours because there is so much adrenaline, it’s not worth it.

Even $1 million, is not worth one night missed sleep. 

So once again, a really really big problem: to solve this issue and problem that the markets are closed on the weekends,

You cannot digitize your health or your body

Pay to play is better.

Max it out.

,

Bitcoin is a cyber defense system?

High testosterone vs low testosterone kids ?

Research don’t got the answers, philosophy does.

I need more T!!!

Upgrade your eye balls

Betterment –> human betterment ?

Lavish expenditures ?

Cut.

Cutting never hurts

Often cutting does no harm

Nothing but pure signal & fire!

Digital energy, create value . Monetary instrument

Think Alpha.

ALPHA

POWER RISING

POWER RISING … is painful?

Real money vs fake money

How great draw downs can you tolerate?

Comedic news, comedic media?

Back into the matrix!

The MSTR standard

Future living?

“You get what you pay for”–> is this true?

Enthusiasm to join the party!

Speculation,,, small speculative bets?

Fake light is bad light

The Secret of Happiness VLOG

Don’t hate me because I’m so alpha

Low T men will member understand

,

Don’t under estimate kids,,, kids are insanely smart!

If it doesn’t cause you pain don’t fix it

SHY

DESIGN PRINCIPLES.

So, this is a list of design principles I got:

1. Nice to have versus absolutely effing necessary?

So for example, when you’re designing a home, there are all these cool designer homes, but the really wise thing to consider… Is if each single room bedroom floor is absolutely effing necessary?

Also, the new iPhone is an abomination. Adding that stupid camera control was like one of the most embarrassing things of all time from the Apple design team. It’s kind of a cheap marketing tactic to add a feature, to get people to buy the new thing.  the genius of Steve Jobs was opposite: each new generation of the thing to subtract superfluous features, spending insane amount of time to figure out what to cut.

In some ways, Elon Musk is the new Steve Jobs. Delete delete delete, cut cut, or the idea you have to keep deleting until failure, and then you have to add it back?

For example, his genius of figuring out cutting and getting rid of the stalks. Also, the cyber taxi, just getting rid of the steering wheel and all the controls! Insanely bold, amazing.

I think also with social media it’s kind of the same thing, 100% thousand percent absolutely critical versus nice to have?

For example, if you are an MSTR shareholder, you technically don’t even need social media you just go on strategy.com to get all the important vital information, which is typically a reflection of the real market conditions of bitcoin. Or you could just look at the price of bitcoin.

I’m constantly on this ruthless quest, trying to figure out what to add and what to subtract. But remember my general principle:

Every single day, delete at least one app utility or thing from your phone, your laptop, your iPad, your life. 

2. Raw is better

So for example, the most hilarious innovation of the modern day condo is trying to make it as thin, invisible as possible. Everyone knows that coitus feels best without any sort of condom or thing on. And therefore, ideally the best design principle is raw, like even a funny thing is that if it is actually really really really hot outside, just taking off your shirt is often the easiest way to pull down. The best outfit is being naked.

And then also if he apply this principle to everything else, subtraction is the most effective strategy. For example, with foods, substances beverages, the simple thought:

If it does not cause your pain don’t fix it!

For example, like 99.9% of the substances we put in our bodies are not 100% necessary. The only thing that I do not imagine ever quitting is coffee or caffeine because if I do not drink coffee first thing in the morning, it causes me pain.  Yeah yeah yeah I know that’s not good for me but screw it, I’m like the most sober person I know. I don’t why I haven’t touched alcohol in like seven or eight years, and I don’t take drugs not even painkillers. No marijuana or hallucinogens for me. I think I have only smoked weed twice in my life, like six years ago, the first time it was kind of funny, the second time I didn’t really like it.

Same thing with alcohol, only problem with alcohol is that it just doesn’t make me feel good. I always get a hangover the next day, it ruins my sleep, and also the biggest thing… It probably doesn’t help me maintain my 5% body fat six pack.

3. Reduce reduce reduce

Reduction and cutting often has no downsides.

4. If it does not cause you pain don’t fix it

So for example, the only time I think you should ever like change your car is if the car yours currently are using is causing you pain. Like for example, I had one former student who told me that his old BMW X.3 or some other car caused him to severe back pain, and it had to do something with the seat or the armrest?

As a similar thing, I have not touched a laptop in like eight years because it causes me severe back pain and also carpal tunnel pain?

5. Nice to have, and convenient or 1000% critical?

Another big idea, is that thing like 1,000,000,000,000% critical or is it just nice to have and add convenience to your life?

For example, currently in Cambodia, most people don’t really use cash. They use ABA pay, which is the local QR code popular bank here.

Apparently if you get a APA account, it will make your life a lot easier. But, I’ve actually figured out that I am able to pull the local currency, the KHR, KHMER RIEL ALSO FROM THE ATM, AT A LOCAL ABA ATM.

So I think that assuming that I could still pay cash, with the local currency, it might add a little bit of friction to my life, but it is fine!

6. Clothes

Clothes and shoes, once again, the pain issue.

The reason why I discovered the view from five finger shoes was in fact because all the traditional shoes I had was causing me severe tendinitis pain on the bottom of my foot plantar fasciitis, very very simple, it can be cured by just wearing these five finger minimalist shoes.

My personal thought is the only reason people don’t wear them is that they look weird. But then again, crocs look weird and it seems like everyone wears those.

I think there’s a certain point in your life, I’m 37 now, I really care less. All I care about is Seneca Cindy, my family and friends, my bitcoin in my MSTR stock. To reduce your sphere of concern is wise.

7. Life is like Lego bricks

I just recently watched the new Pharrell Lego movie, piece by piece. Probably one the most interesting watches of my life.

 so one of the big principles from Pharrell which is super interesting is thinking that life is like Legos. Infinitely configurable, and the idea is that assuming that this planet, a lot of of it is built and designed, that that means that you cut yourself on your own reality.

Lately I’ve been having fun with Seneca, buying Lego technics, and just making new inventions by ourselves and what’s really fun and interesting is that there is like an infinite amount of configurations that you can make, even with like a $10, 70 piece set.

So my personal thought is that you could design your own reality! A designer, your designated what is important and what is not important.

For example, nobody is holding a gun to your head and saying that you must use Instagram Facebook WhatsApp or whatever to stay alive. You have the option to believe it. Certainly there might be loss of entertainment I suppose, but that is a small price to pay for your freedom .

I think for mental health and physical health, deleting all social media from your phone may be the most effective strategy of all time. And the hilarious things that it costs you nothing.

Typically whatever I encourage, it’s Bree! To delete stuff doesn’t cost money.

And also, one of the best ways to spend money is to simply pay for services or things which blocks advertising, and other annoying stuff.

Like my ideal thing is that if we had some sort of like augmented reality glasses, and you can pay like $50 a month to have this thing automatically block advertisements in the real world, this would be a great invention.

And all of the Safari plug-ins and extensions that I have purchased, the ones that continue to live on my devices, are all of the paid ad blockers.

Come on, nobody likes advertisements, not kids, not Google employees. Not you.

8. Friction

So some simple thoughts:

If there’s a certain behavior you want to change adding a little bit of creative friction is a good idea.

For example, if you’re addicted to social media, try to figure out ways that you could make it more difficult to access stuff. For example, am I quest of getting rid of Twitter and X, I’ve just been logging out of my account occasionally, and using rss.app to access @saylor

Also, the funny thing with networking is that actually, to become more wealthy and prosperous isn’t to augment and add more contacts to your contact list, but to selectively prune, and delete contacts from your list.

Some friction is good some friction is bad.

So for example, reducing friction on Amazon prime could be good, but assuming that you want more sexual pleasure, adding some sort of friction is good.

And this is actually the funny thought about pornography, nothing morally wrong against it. But almost it’s too easy? And therefore as a consequence, people will get bored of it? Because it is too easy to access?

Like you know women who play hard to get, even men who play hard to get. It’s like the difficulty in the chase which makes it fun for people.

Similarly speaking, with games and video games, it is only fun when we have a little bit of difficulty. Like in StarCraft, it is no fun killing easy computers, it is more fun challenging and interesting to play against difficult human opponents.

Also with weightlifting, it is only fun if it is difficulty challenging and uncertain. When the weight becomes too light and easy it becomes boring.

And this is the hard thing for people to understand, is that often times, adding more difficulty and Christian can make life more fun! I think it’s just a selective principle.

For example, having soft sheets is probably better than having sandpaper blankets. And having some sort of lubrication is better than having squeaky wheels.

And I think this is a hard thing to understand about money and wealth, assuming we truly do believe in the via negative about principal, there really really wise things to do in life is to cut subtract and get rid of superfluous stuff.

If anything, the best way to use money is to use money to get rid of stuff.

For example let us say you have a storage unit a full of crap. My fun idea is that it’s a better idea to just pay somebody 300 bucks to figure out what to keep and what to throw away, or even a better idea… Give them like a 50% incentive that they could just resell the valuable stuff in your storage unit and they could take half the profits, and you keep half the profits.

The richer you become, the fewer concerns you want. You don’t want to manage your house as manager, you don’t want to manage your manager‘s manager‘s manager. The fewer the things you have to manage, the better.

.

I’m too alpha!

375 kg to lbs

370 kg is approximately 815.7 lbs.

Key Points

• It seems likely that US-China trade tensions are escalating, with tariffs impacting global trade.
• Research suggests US GDP contracted by 0.3% in Q1 2025, driven by import surges.
• The evidence leans toward the Federal Reserve planning rate cuts in H2 2025 due to inflation.
• Global manufacturing activity is contracting, with April PMIs showing declines.
• There is controversy around tariff impacts, with some seeing revenue gains, others economic harm.

Trade Tensions and Tariffs

US-China trade relations are strained, with tariffs and restrictions affecting global trade. Recent reports indicate shipments from China to the US have dropped significantly, with the Port of Los Angeles reporting a 33% decrease in arrivals for the week beginning May 4, 2025, and container bookings down 45% by mid-April, further declining to 25% in May (Deloitte Insights). Treasury Secretary Bessent mentioned a potential trade agreement is near, with the US considering slashing tariffs to 50-60% from 145%, though China demands complete cancellation, highlighting ongoing negotiation challenges.

Economic Performance

The US economy saw a GDP contraction of 0.3% annualized in Q1 2025, primarily due to a 50.9% surge in imports, which reduced GDP growth by 4.8 percentage points. Consumer spending increased by 1.8%, but durable goods spending fell by 3.4%, reflecting potential impacts of trade tensions and tariff-related uncertainties (Deloitte Insights).

Federal Reserve Policies

The Federal Reserve paused interest rate hikes, keeping rates unchanged due to higher inflation and weaker economic performance. The Fed anticipates multiple rate reductions in the second half of 2025, signaling concerns about economic growth and inflation pressures (Deloitte Insights).

Global Economic Indicators

April Purchasing Managers’ Indexes (PMIs) indicated a contraction in global manufacturing activity, with the global PMI at 49.8 (down from 50.3). Regionally, the US PMI was 50.2, Mexico 44.8, Canada 45.3, Eurozone 49.0, and Southeast Asia below 50.0, while China’s PMI was slightly above 50. Japan’s PMI remained negative, highlighting a broader slowdown in manufacturing (Deloitte Insights).

Market and Consumer Sentiment

Despite economic uncertainties, stock markets showed resilience, with the S&P 500 rising for four straight days by May 15, 2025, gaining 0.3%, while the Dow Jones rose 0.7%. However, the Nasdaq fell 0.2%, reflecting mixed investor sentiments (Investopedia). US consumer sentiment in April 2025 was at 52.2, a significant decline of 8.4% from March and 32.4% from the previous year, with consumers expecting inflation to rise to 6.5% over the next 12 months, up from 5% (Deloitte Insights).

Economic News Report for May 20, 2025

Basel Medical Group Ltd (BMGL), a Singapore-based healthcare company listed on Nasdaq under the ticker BMGL, has recently made headlines with its announcement on May 16, 2025, to acquire $1 billion worth of Bitcoin (BTC). This strategic move marks a significant step in the company’s financial strategy, aiming to diversify its treasury reserves while continuing to focus on expanding medical services across Asian markets. This report provides a detailed examination of the acquisition, its implications, and the broader context, drawing from multiple sources to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

Background and Market Context

The global economic landscape in May 2025 is characterized by significant trade tensions, particularly between the US and China, with tariffs and restrictions impacting trade flows. The US economy saw a GDP contraction in the first quarter, influenced by a surge in imports, while consumer sentiment remains low amid inflation concerns. The Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates later this year, and global manufacturing activity is contracting, signaling broader economic challenges.

US-China Trade War Escalation

The ongoing trade war between the US and China remains a dominant theme, with both countries imposing tariffs and restricting trade. Shipments from China to the US have significantly decreased, with the Port of Los Angeles reporting a 33% drop in arrivals for the week beginning May 4, and container bookings down 45% by mid-April, further declining to 25% in May (Deloitte Insights). The US has the upper hand due to S&P 500 companies generating substantial revenue from China (approximately 6 times the value of US exports to China, exceeding $1 trillion). However, China is retaliating with tariffs and export restrictions, adding to global economic uncertainty.

Treasury Secretary Bessent indicated that a trade agreement with China is near, with the US considering slashing tariffs to 50-60% (down from 145%). However, China demands complete cancellation of tariffs, highlighting ongoing negotiation challenges (Deloitte Insights).

US GDP Contraction

In the first quarter of 2025, the US real GDP contracted by 0.3% annualized, primarily driven by a 50.9% surge in imports, which reduced GDP growth by 4.8 percentage points. While consumer spending increased by 1.8%, durable goods spending fell by 3.4%, reflecting potential impacts of trade tensions and tariff-related uncertainties (Deloitte Insights).

Federal Reserve Policy

The Federal Reserve paused interest rate hikes, keeping rates unchanged due to higher inflation and weaker economic performance. The Fed anticipates multiple rate reductions in the second half of 2025, signaling concerns about economic growth and inflation pressures (Deloitte Insights).

Global Manufacturing Contraction

April Purchasing Managers’ Indexes (PMIs) indicated a contraction in global manufacturing activity, with the global PMI at 49.8 (down from 50.3). Regionally, the US PMI was 50.2, Mexico 44.8, Canada 45.3, the Eurozone 49.0, and Southeast Asia below 50.0, while China’s PMI was slightly above 50. Japan’s PMI remained negative, highlighting a broader slowdown in manufacturing (Deloitte Insights).

Region	PMI (April 2025)	Trend
Global	49.8	Contracting
US	50.2	Stable
Mexico	44.8	Contracting
Canada	45.3	Contracting
Eurozone	49.0	Contracting
Southeast Asia	Below 50.0	Contracting
China	Above 50.0	Expanding
Japan	Negative	Contracting

Low Consumer Sentiment

US consumer sentiment in April 2025 was at 52.2, a significant decline of 8.4% from March and 32.4% from the previous year. Consumers expect inflation to rise to 6.5% over the next 12 months, up from 5%, reflecting heightened economic uncertainty and potential price pressures from tariffs (Deloitte Insights).

Stock Market Performance

Despite economic uncertainties, stock markets showed resilience. The S&P 500 rose for the fourth straight day on May 15, 2025, gaining 0.3%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.7%. However, the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.2%, snapping its winning streak, as investors digested earnings reports and key economic indicators, which were largely in line with expectations (Investopedia).

Tariffs and Revenue

A 10% tariff on all imports could generate $1.575 trillion in revenue over 10 years, while a 20% tariff could yield $791 billion. However, economists argue that the optimal tariff rate is zero, as tariffs can reduce other forms of tax revenue and harm economic growth (Deloitte Insights).

US-UK Trade Deal

An informal trade deal between the US and UK includes a 10% tariff on UK imports and a reduction of car tariffs to 10% for the first 100,000 cars (with 120,000 sold last year). This deal aims to balance trade while protecting domestic industries (Deloitte Insights).

IMF Global Forecast

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised its global growth forecast downward to 2.8% for 2025 (from 3.3%), with the US expected to grow at 1.8% (down from 2.7%). Other countries, including the UK (1.1%), Japan (0.6%), Canada (1.4%), and China (4%), also face reduced growth prospects due to trade tensions and tariff impacts (Deloitte Insights).

April US Employment

The US added 177,000 new jobs in April, with the unemployment rate at 4.2%. Hourly earnings increased by 3.8% year-over-year, and the U-6 measure of unemployment decreased to 7.8%, indicating a resilient labor market despite economic challenges (Deloitte Insights).

Beige Book Findings

The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book, released on April 23, 2025, highlighted pervasive uncertainty due to tariffs, with nonautomotive spending down, prices up modestly to moderately, and firms expecting cost increases, further underscoring the economic impact of trade policies (Deloitte Insights).

Conclusion

The economic news for May 20, 2025, underscores the significant impact of US-China trade tensions, with tariffs and restrictions affecting global trade, GDP, and consumer sentiment. The Federal Reserve’s anticipated rate cuts and the contraction in global manufacturing activity highlight the challenges facing the global economy, while stock market performance shows some resilience amid uncertainties.

Key Citations

• Deloitte Insights Global Weekly Economic Update
• Investopedia Markets News Today May 15 2025
• The Conference Board Economic Forecast US Economy
• The Economist America Economic Shock Weeks Away

Key Points

• It seems likely that US-China trade tensions are escalating, with tariffs impacting global trade.
• Research suggests US GDP contracted by 0.3% in Q1 2025, driven by import surges.
• The evidence leans toward the Federal Reserve planning rate cuts in H2 2025 due to inflation.
• Global manufacturing activity is contracting, with April PMIs showing declines.
• There is controversy around tariff impacts, with some seeing revenue gains, others economic harm.

Economic Overview

The global economy in May 2025 is marked by significant trade tensions, particularly between the US and China, with tariffs and restrictions affecting trade flows. The US economy saw a GDP contraction in the first quarter, influenced by a surge in imports, while consumer sentiment remains low amid inflation concerns. The Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates later this year, and global manufacturing activity is contracting, signaling broader economic challenges.

Market Performance

Despite economic uncertainties, stock markets showed resilience, with the S&P 500 rising for four straight days by May 15, 2025, gaining 0.3%, while the Dow Jones rose 0.7%. However, the Nasdaq fell 0.2%, reflecting mixed investor sentiments.

Economic News Report for May 20, 2025

Basel Medical Group Ltd (BMGL), a Singapore-based healthcare company listed on Nasdaq under the ticker BMGL, has recently made headlines with its announcement on May 16, 2025, to acquire $1 billion worth of Bitcoin (BTC). This strategic move marks a significant step in the company’s financial strategy, aiming to diversify its treasury reserves while continuing to focus on expanding medical services across Asian markets. This report provides a detailed examination of the acquisition, its implications, and the broader context, drawing from multiple sources to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

Background and Market Context

The global economic landscape in May 2025 is characterized by significant trade tensions, particularly between the US and China, with tariffs and restrictions impacting trade flows. The US economy saw a GDP contraction in the first quarter, influenced by a surge in imports, while consumer sentiment remains low amid inflation concerns. The Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates later this year, and global manufacturing activity is contracting, signaling broader economic challenges.

US-China Trade War Escalation

The ongoing trade war between the US and China remains a dominant theme, with both countries imposing tariffs and restricting trade. Shipments from China to the US have significantly decreased, with the Port of Los Angeles reporting a 33% drop in arrivals for the week beginning May 4, and container bookings down 45% by mid-April, further declining to 25% in May (Deloitte Insights). The US has the upper hand due to S&P 500 companies generating substantial revenue from China (approximately 6 times the value of US exports to China, exceeding $1 trillion). However, China is retaliating with tariffs and export restrictions, adding to global economic uncertainty.

Treasury Secretary Bessent indicated that a trade agreement with China is near, with the US considering slashing tariffs to 50-60% (down from 145%). However, China demands complete cancellation of tariffs, highlighting ongoing negotiation challenges (Deloitte Insights).

US GDP Contraction

In the first quarter of 2025, the US real GDP contracted by 0.3% annualized, primarily driven by a 50.9% surge in imports, which reduced GDP growth by 4.8 percentage points. While consumer spending increased by 1.8%, durable goods spending fell by 3.4%, reflecting potential impacts of trade tensions and tariff-related uncertainties (Deloitte Insights).

Federal Reserve Policy

The Federal Reserve paused interest rate hikes, keeping rates unchanged due to higher inflation and weaker economic performance. The Fed anticipates multiple rate reductions in the second half of 2025, signaling concerns about economic growth and inflation pressures (Deloitte Insights).

Global Manufacturing Contraction

April Purchasing Managers’ Indexes (PMIs) indicated a contraction in global manufacturing activity, with the global PMI at 49.8 (down from 50.3). Regionally, the US PMI was 50.2, Mexico 44.8, Canada 45.3, the Eurozone 49.0, and Southeast Asia below 50.0, while China’s PMI was slightly above 50. Japan’s PMI remained negative, highlighting a broader slowdown in manufacturing (Deloitte Insights).

Low Consumer Sentiment

US consumer sentiment in April 2025 was at 52.2, a significant decline of 8.4% from March and 32.4% from the previous year. Consumers expect inflation to rise to 6.5% over the next 12 months, up from 5%, reflecting heightened economic uncertainty and potential price pressures from tariffs (Deloitte Insights).

Stock Market Performance

Despite economic uncertainties, stock markets showed resilience. The S&P 500 rose for the fourth straight day on May 15, 2025, gaining 0.3%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.7%. However, the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.2%, snapping its winning streak, as investors digested earnings reports and key economic indicators, which were largely in line with expectations (Investopedia).

Tariffs and Revenue

A 10% tariff on all imports could generate $1.575 trillion in revenue over 10 years, while a 20% tariff could yield $791 billion. However, economists argue that the optimal tariff rate is zero, as tariffs can reduce other forms of tax revenue and harm economic growth (Deloitte Insights).

US-UK Trade Deal

An informal trade deal between the US and UK includes a 10% tariff on UK imports and a reduction of car tariffs to 10% for the first 100,000 cars (with 120,000 sold last year). This deal aims to balance trade while protecting domestic industries (Deloitte Insights).

IMF Global Forecast

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised its global growth forecast downward to 2.8% for 2025 (from 3.3%), with the US expected to grow at 1.8% (down from 2.7%). Other countries, including the UK (1.1%), Japan (0.6%), Canada (1.4%), and China (4%), also face reduced growth prospects due to trade tensions and tariff impacts (Deloitte Insights).

April US Employment

The US added 177,000 new jobs in April, with the unemployment rate at 4.2%. Hourly earnings increased by 3.8% year-over-year, and the U-6 measure of unemployment decreased to 7.8%, indicating a resilient labor market despite economic challenges (Deloitte Insights).

Beige Book Findings

The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book, released on April 23, 2025, highlighted pervasive uncertainty due to tariffs, with nonautomotive spending down, prices up modestly to moderately, and firms expecting cost increases, further underscoring the economic impact of trade policies (Deloitte Insights).

Conclusion

The economic news for May 20, 2025, underscores the significant impact of US-China trade tensions, with tariffs and restrictions affecting global trade, GDP, and consumer sentiment. The Federal Reserve’s anticipated rate cuts and the contraction in global manufacturing activity highlight the challenges facing the global economy, while stock market performance shows some resilience amid uncertainties.

Key Citations

• Deloitte Insights Global Weekly Economic Update
• Investopedia Markets News Today May 15 2025
• The Conference Board Economic Forecast US Economy
• The Economist America Economic Shock Weeks Away

Key Points

• It seems likely that Bitcoin’s price is around $105,000, with predictions of reaching new highs.
• Research suggests institutional adoption, like BlackRock’s ETF, is driving growth, with trading volumes near $3 billion.
• The evidence leans toward a bullish market sentiment, with forecasts ranging from $180,000 to $250,000 by year-end.
• There is controversy around quantum computing’s potential impact, with some rating Bitcoin as a “hold.”
• Opportunities include global liquidity and sovereign adoption, but challenges like CBDCs and market volatility remain.

Price and Market Trends

Bitcoin’s current price is approximately $105,163, with recent movements suggesting potential for new all-time highs. Analysts predict prices could range from $180,000 to $250,000 by the end of 2025, though some warn of possible dips to $78,000.

Institutional Adoption

Major institutions, including BlackRock and Fidelity, are increasingly adopting Bitcoin, with BlackRock’s spot ETF recording nearly $3 billion in trading volume on May 20, 2025. Corporate holdings, like MicroStrategy’s over 555,000 BTC, reflect strong institutional interest.

Market Sentiment and Predictions

The market sentiment appears bullish, with the Fear & Greed Index showing “Greed.” However, there are varied predictions, with some optimism for significant price increases and others cautioning about volatility and quantum computing concerns.

Opportunities and Challenges

Global liquidity conditions and sovereign adoption, such as nations considering Bitcoin as a reserve asset, present opportunities. Challenges include potential state attacks through CBDCs and fears of quantum computing disrupting Bitcoin’s protocol, though these are seen as broader issues.

Bitcoin News Overview for May 2025

Basel Medical Group Ltd (BMGL), a Singapore-based healthcare company listed on Nasdaq under the ticker BMGL, has recently made headlines with its announcement on May 16, 2025, to acquire $1 billion worth of Bitcoin (BTC). This strategic move marks a significant step in the company’s financial strategy, aiming to diversify its treasury reserves while continuing to focus on expanding medical services across Asian markets. This report provides a detailed examination of the acquisition, its implications, and the broader context, drawing from multiple sources to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

Background and Market Context

Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, has seen significant developments in May 2025, with its price breaching $100,000 in 2024 and currently trading around $105,163 as of May 20, 2025. This growth is driven by institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and technological advancements, setting the stage for BMGL’s bold move.

Details of BMGL’s Bitcoin Acquisition

BMGL, specializing in orthopedic, trauma, and sports medicine services, announced on May 16, 2025, its plan to acquire $1 billion in Bitcoin through a share-swap arrangement with a consortium of institutional investors and crypto influencers. This method enhances capital efficiency and is expected to finalize within the current quarter, subject to regulatory approvals. The strategic purpose is to diversify treasury reserves, strengthen the balance sheet, and provide financial flexibility for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in Asia’s high-growth healthcare markets.

Detail	Information
Company	Basel Medical Group Ltd (Nasdaq: BMGL)
Announcement Date	May 16, 2025
Bitcoin Acquisition Amount	US$1 billion BTC
Acquisition Method	Share-swap arrangement with consortium of investors
Strategic Purpose	Diversify treasury, strengthen balance sheet, support Asia healthcare expansion
Expected Timeline	Current quarter, subject to regulatory approvals
CEO Quote	Dr. Darren Chhoa: “This US$1 billion financial transformation will give us unprecedented capacity…”
Company Website	www.baselmedical.com
Media Contact Email	contact@baselmedical.com
Media Contact Phone	+65 6291 9188

CEO Dr. Darren Chhoa emphasized that this acquisition will enhance BMGL’s capacity to execute its Asian growth strategy, hedge against currency volatility, and attract strategic partnerships. However, the market reaction has been mixed, with BMGL’s stock declining recently, contrasting with typical positive responses to such corporate Bitcoin moves.

Broader Bitcoin Market Trends

Bitcoin’s price has been consolidating within a tight range but recently moved above $105,500 on May 18, 2025, reigniting hopes of an upside breakout (ZebPay). Analysts predict varied outcomes, with bullish forecasts suggesting prices could reach $250,000 by year-end (Forbes), while bearish views warn of potential crashes to $78,000 (The Currency Analytics). The Fear & Greed Index is displaying a score of 74 (Greed), indicating bullish market sentiment (Changelly).

Institutional Adoption and ETFs

Institutional adoption is a significant driver, with BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF recording nearly $3 billion in trading volume on May 20, 2025, as reported in an X post by BitcoinMagazine. MicroStrategy, now Strategy™, holds over 555,000 BTC, and other firms like Marathon Digital are increasing mining capacity (CryptoTicker). This trend is seen as a strategic way to increase revenue quickly, with BMGL potentially becoming a significant accumulator.

Technological Advancements and Challenges

Technological advancements, such as the Lightning Network, Ark, Fedimints, Silent Payments, and bitcoin-backed lending protocols like lava.xyz, are enhancing Bitcoin’s utility (Forbes). However, challenges include potential state attacks through CBDCs, such as the digital euro by the ECB, and fears of quantum computing disrupting Bitcoin’s protocol. While some investors rate BTC as a “hold” due to quantum concerns, the article argues this is a broader issue affecting all encrypted systems (Seeking Alpha).

Opportunities and Investment Tips

Global liquidity conditions, such as China’s bond rally and U.S. Treasury bills maturing, create a favorable environment for Bitcoin’s appreciation (Forbes). Sovereign adoption, with nations turning to Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset, further supports growth. Investment tips include diversifying portfolios with a 2% Bitcoin weighting, as recommended by BlackRock (Reuters), and using dollar-cost averaging (Coinbits).

Market Reaction and Comparative Analysis

BMGL’s stock performance has been unusual, opening at $2.84, climbing 68% to $3.41, but then falling to $2.10, closing down 9.89% at $2.37 on May 17, 2025 (CryptoSlate). This contrasts with other companies like Rumble (+5% on March 12, 2025), Metaplanet (+20% on July 22, 2024), and HK Asia Holdings (+92.98% on Feb. 13, 2025), highlighting controversy around market reception.

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s landscape in May 2025 is marked by significant growth, institutional adoption, and bullish sentiment, with BMGL’s $1 billion acquisition adding to the narrative. While opportunities abound, challenges like CBDCs and quantum computing fears persist. As of May 20, 2025, the deal is still in negotiation, subject to regulatory approvals, with no updates beyond the initial announcement.

Key Citations

• Bitcoin Price Prediction For 2025 What To Watch
• Top 10 Cryptos To Invest In May 2025
• Bitcoin BTC Price Prediction 2025 2026 2027
• Bitcoin Price Prediction 2025 2026 2030 Experts
• 10 Best Cryptocurrencies of May 2025
• Crypto News Today Bitcoin Ethereum May 2025
• 15 Cryptocurrency Forecasts For 2025 InvestingHaven
• Top 10 Cryptos To Invest In May 2025 India
• Bitcoin Price Prediction 2025 2026 When Will BTC
• Latest Crypto Bitcoin News Updates Values
• BlackRock recommends Bitcoin portfolio weighting
• Peter Brandt warns Bitcoin faces bearish pattern
• Bitcoin disruption quantum computing and op_cat
• Strive unveils Bitcoin bond ETF focused MicroStrategy
• Bitwise to launch new ETF that tracks Bitcoin rich
• Nations states turn to Bitcoin as strategic reserve
• Basel Medical Group to add 1B in Bitcoin to treasury
• BitcoinMagazine BlackRock ETF volume

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Key Points

•  Bitcoin’s price is around $105,479, showing significant growth and volatility in May 2025.

•  MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin holdings reached 568,840 BTC, reflecting strong institutional adoption.

•  U.S. crypto regulation faces delays, potentially impacting Bitcoin’s market.

•  Market sentiment is bullish, with the Fear & Greed Index at “Greed.”

•  Security concerns, like a crypto millionaire’s kidnapping, highlight risks.

Price Movement

Bitcoin has seen notable price fluctuations, reaching a record high of $109,135 earlier in 2025 and currently trading at approximately $105,479 as of May 20, 2025. This growth suggests continued market interest, though prices can be volatile.

Institutional Adoption

Companies like MicroStrategy, now Strategy™, have significantly increased their Bitcoin holdings, with 568,840 BTC as of May 12, 2025. This trend indicates growing acceptance among corporations, potentially stabilizing Bitcoin’s value.

Regulatory Developments

A U.S. crypto bill is stalled due to money laundering concerns, which could affect Bitcoin’s regulatory environment. Additionally, a UAE-backed Trump-affiliated token plan for a $2 billion Binance stake adds complexity to the market.

Market Sentiment

The crypto market shows a bullish outlook, with the Fear & Greed Index at “Greed,” suggesting investor confidence. Bitcoin’s dominance remains strong, with a market cap of about $2.09 trillion.

Security Concerns

A recent incident involving the kidnapping of a crypto millionaire in Paris highlights security risks for Bitcoin holders, emphasizing the need for robust safety measures.

Bitcoin News Overview for May 2025

Basel Medical Group Ltd (BMGL), a Singapore-based healthcare company listed on Nasdaq under the ticker BMGL, has recently made headlines with its announcement on May 16, 2025, to acquire $1 billion worth of Bitcoin (BTC). This strategic move marks a significant step in the company’s financial strategy, aiming to diversify its treasury reserves while continuing to focus on expanding medical services across Asian markets. This report provides a detailed examination of the acquisition, its implications, and the broader context, drawing from multiple sources to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

Background and Company Profile

BMGL specializes in orthopedic, trauma, and sports medicine services, with its principal executive offices located in Singapore. The company has been actively expanding in Asia’s high-growth healthcare markets, and this Bitcoin acquisition is seen as a major financial initiative to support that expansion. The announcement was made public through a Form 6-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, confirming their commitment to regulatory compliance and continued filing of annual reports under Form 20-F.

Details of the Bitcoin Acquisition

The acquisition involves a $1 billion investment in Bitcoin, structured through an innovative share-swap arrangement with a consortium of institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals influential in the crypto space. This method is noted for enhancing capital efficiency and preserving liquidity, as highlighted in analyses from sources like CryptoSlate. The deal is in advanced discussions and is expected to be finalized within the current quarter, subject to standard closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The strategic purpose, as outlined in the press release on GlobeNewswire, is to diversify treasury reserves, strengthen the balance sheet, and provide financial flexibility for mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This move is anticipated to create one of the healthiest financial positions among Asia-focused healthcare providers, enabling rapid deployment of capital for infrastructure investments across emerging markets.