In today’s curation, we explore various developments across financial markets and technology. The topics include:
- A comparative study of emerging language models.
- An introduction to REST APIs in Python.
- Optimization strategies for Python’s AST parsing.
- Insights from the US Composite PMI Output Index.
- Declining interest in high-fee hedge funds.
- Recent market dynamics favoring value stocks.
- Japan’s Nikkei index reaction to US economic fears.
- Volatility stemming from job reports and sector performances.
- Trends in small-cap value ETFs amidst macroeconomic concerns.
AI and Gen-AI
| Title | Summary |
|---|---|
| Understanding Smaller AI: Comparing Gemma, Llama 3, and Mistral for Everyday Reading Comprehension Tasks (Towards Data Science, 2024-08-06) | A comparative study evaluates small-scale language models: Gemma, Llama 3, and Mistral. Apple introduced a closed-source, ~3 billion parameter model, comparable to 7b versions of these models. |
Coding
| Title | Summary |
|---|---|
| Unlock Web Data: Master REST APIs in Python for Data Access and Custom API Development (There is no specific blog or website name mentioned in the provided content., 2024-08-06) | This course covers REST architecture, access to web data via REST APIs, using the requests library, and popular Python tools for building REST APIs. Access the full article here. |
| Speed Up Your Python Code Dramatically: Discover How Lazy Evaluation Can Optimize Performance (Gauge Technologies, 2024-08-07) | Optimising Python’s ast parsing revealed significant memory allocation issues. A Rust extension reduced runtime from 8.7s to 530ms by avoiding unnecessary Python object creation and utilising lazy data handling. |
Economics
| Title | Summary |
|---|---|
| Will US Growth Outlast Rising Unemployment? Exploring Key Economic Indicators and Recession Predictions (The US Business Cycle Risk Report, 2024-08-06) | The US Composite PMI Output Index for July indicates continued economic growth. Despite rising unemployment, models suggest recession risk is weak, with indicators favouring growth through September. |
Hedge Fund News
| Title | Summary |
|---|---|
| Why Investors Are Moving Away from High-Fee Hedge Funds and Exploring Alternative Investment Strategies (Reuters, 2024-08-06) | Global interest in high-fee multi-strategy hedge funds is declining. Only 15% of investors plan to increase exposure. Hedge funds are now favoured over private credit, with rising investor optimism noted. |
Market Pulse & Market News
| Title | Summary |
|---|---|
| Navigating Volatile Markets: Why Savvy Investors Are Eyeing Value Stocks Amid Recent Selloff (ValueWalk, 2024-08-06) | Monday’s stock selloff created opportunities for value stocks. Warren Buffett warned of high valuations. The S&P 500 Value Index outperformed growth stocks, indicating a potential shift towards value investments. |
| Markets Continue to Tumble: What Weaker US Labor Data Means for Stocks and Bonds (CapitalSpectator.com, 2024-08-05) | Global markets face continued selling, driven by US labour market concerns. US stocks remain strong but are showing signs of normalisation, with narrowing gaps against bonds amid falling Treasury yields. |
| Japan’s Markets Hit Hard by U.S. Recession Fears: Nikkei 225 Plummets with Major Bank Stocks in Freefall (CLIMATEER INVESTING, 2024-08-05) | Japan’s Nikkei 225 index fell 4,451.28 points, closing down 12.4%, amid U.S. recession fears. Megabanks also plummeted, with Mizuho down 19.7%. |
| Understanding the Rapid Market Drop: Tech Stocks, Global Concerns, and Investor Sentiment Explained (ETF Trends, 2024-08-07) | The market experienced volatility due to declines in technology stocks, global concerns, and poor US job reports. Defensive sectors like Consumer Staples and Utilities rose amidst market instability. |
| Navigating Market Shifts: Why Small-Cap Value Stocks are Stealing the Spotlight in a Turbulent Economy (ETF Trends, 2024-08-07) | Friday’s jobs report increased recession odds to 25%. Small-cap value ETFs surged while mega-cap growth fell. Concerns over tech valuations and geopolitical risks favour small-cap strategies amid potential Fed rate cuts. |