1. "It's the Economy, Stupid…" But How Will the Election Impact Stocks?

Americans won't go to the polls until November, but election years tend to benefit stocks—and 2024 is no exception. Going back to World War II, election years tend to return 15.5% in the stock market if there's a positive January, says Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research.

There's also a strong correlation between rising markets and reelecting the incumbent. "Historically, the market, if it's been higher in the July 31–October 31 period, the incumbent has been re-elected," Stovall said. "If it's down, the incumbent is replaced."

But wait, hold your horses! Not always. Voters still replaced Jimmy Carter with Ronald Reagan back in 1980, despite rising markets over the same period. In other words? The future still looks a little bit uncertain. Watch Now

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2. Will Sharks Ruin Your Beach Vacation?

National Geographic's 26-hour Sharkfest returned yesterday, and frankly, we don't think you're scared enough of the ocean's most fearsome predator.

That's why we spoke to marine ecologist Mike Heithaus, of Florida International University, about an increase in shark sightings and attacks in recent weeks. We were hoping he'd tell us some de-FIN-itive facts that would put the kibosh on our anxieties. And… he was way too calm about everything.

"It's more dangerous driving to the beach than swimming on the beach, in almost every place," he said. "We're actually really scary to most sharks, because we're so big. You shouldn't let sharks prevent you from enjoying the beach."

A likely story. Stop interfering with our terror of the waters, Mike Heithaus!

Sharks, Heithaus says, do occasionally "mistake a surfer for a sea lion." Which would be unfortunate! "But we're not on the menu," he says.

He adds that if you're worried about sharks, don't swim where people are fishing and throwing bait in the water. Obviously. Likewise, the larger numbers of sharks in coastal waters could be signs that conservation efforts are succeeding. "If we want healthy oceans," he says, "this is what we want to have happen, and we're just going to have to figure out how to live alongside sharks." You do you, Mike—we'll be up the beach with a frozen marg. Watch Now

3. Smart Balls! Cryogenic Recovery! Tech Is Changing Soccer at Euro 2024

One of the joys of soccer is you can play it anywhere with the simplest of equipment. Brazilian great Pelé, for example, often played the game without shoes when he was growing up in the favelas.

But tech is transforming the game at the highest levels, from smart-enabled match balls to cryogenic recovery chambers. That much has been evident at Euro 2024.

Video referees continue to draw as much ire as their human counterparts on the field, taking an average of 51 seconds to determine key decisions. Meanwhile, England coach Gareth Southgate's $6,500 smart watch doesn't appear to have improved his team's prospects as they have drawn scorn from their country for a series of lackluster performances. England striker Harry Kane has also used air compression boots to massage his legs and increase circulation. Although again, it doesn't appear to have increased his ability to score too many goals.

Perhaps the most impressive use of technology is by Spain's 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal, who has been using an iPad in his spare time to catch up on his homework. We all played international sports as teenagers here at Cheddar, of course, so we're relatively nonplussed. But for most people this would be considered a remarkable achievement. So, well done, lad. Or "bien hecho, chico," as they say in Spain. Read More

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4. The IPO Market Should Stay Sizzling, Even When Summer Is Long Over

NASDAQ IPOs have raised twice as much this year as last, about $20 billion so far, and there are more exciting floats to come through the fall. Biotech firm Alumis raised $210 million with its IPO Friday, and Webtoon raised $315 million the day before.

"It's certainly nice to see the IPO market coming back," said Jeff Thomas, executive vice president of NASDAQ Corporate Platforms. "There are a lot of macroeconomic factors that suggest investors are ready for new issues."

Arm Holdings stock is up 220% since its NASDAQ debut last September, and there's likely to be more activity in the semiconductor space. A.I. companies are still able to raise money in the private markets rather than going public. But more healthcare and biotech companies are also likely to list on the exchange, Thomas said. Companies also tend to bring their listings forward before election volatility, going public in Q3 rather than in Q4. Stripe and Skims are two big-name companies reportedly looking to go public this year.

"The number one thing investors are looking for in new listings is growth," Thomas said. "There's a much higher degree of scrutiny around will these companies make money in the longer term, and do they have a defensible market position?" Watch Now

5. Euro Monopoly Watchdogs Bare Their Teeth Anew at Microsoft-OpenAI Deal

Europe. Home of better food. Longer vacations. Free healthcare. And everyone's dream: tech regulation. Known for their no-nonsense approach towards big tech, EU regulators have once again set their sights on the $13 billion Microsoft–OpenAI tie-up. Last year, they thought, "Hmm, looks fine," but now? It's double-take time as the watchdogs look at antitrust rules to check for market dominance abuse.

This move may further cement the E.U.'s rep as a globe-trotting sheriff in tech's Wild West. They're also keeping an eye on companies playing musical chairs with talent in ways that could skirt merger rules. Zut alors! Read More