Good morning readers. We’re back, baby. 

In a compelling twist on New Year's resolutions, a recent study debunks the myth of 'more is better.' Dubbed the 'Overs'—overworking, overachieving, overthinking—these habits, while aimed at creating safety, ironically fuel stress and diminish our health. Contrary to popular belief, perfectionism doesn't boost performance but fosters anxiety and depression. Instead, the study suggests setting realistic boundaries and discerning between discomfort and danger, advocating a shift towards moderation and self-awareness. As we step into the New Year, it's a call to balance ambition with wellbeing, challenging the conventional hustle culture.

Let’s jump into today’s storylines.

In today’s digest:

• Antitrust battles of 2024

• Headline Hustle: Maine bars Trump from 2024 ballot, Israel’s court strikes down controversial law to curb its power, Baidu cancels $3.6B deal to buy JOYY’s China live-streaming business

• Reshaping your financial future

• Pulse Points: What’s Trending

TECHNOLOGY

2024: The year of antitrust upheaval

In the high-stakes arena of U.S. antitrust litigation, 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark year, potentially rewriting the playbook for tech behemoths like Google and Meta Platforms. The courtroom dramas playing out against these Silicon Valley titans aren't just legal battles; they're epic narratives that could redefine digital market dynamics and the legacies of top Biden administration regulators.

Google's in the hot seat with two major cases

The first revolves around its search engine, accused of being an "unlawful monopoly." The trial, which danced through the courts in 2023, is now sprinting towards a verdict possibly by late 2024. The big question? Whether Google's dominance in search, handling a whopping 90% of global internet queries, is a result of unfair play. If the ruling goes south for Google, they might have to shake up their business model, but don't expect a breakup – it's not that kind of party.

The second case against Google targets its ad tech dominance. Filed in early 2023, this one's being fast-tracked in Virginia's 'rocket docket.' The Department of Justice is gunning for a Google breakup, at least in the ad market, pointing fingers at past acquisitions like DoubleClick. Google tried to dodge the case but got a firm "no" from the judge.

Then there's Meta Platforms…caught in the FTC's crosshairs. The case, originally from the Trump era, accuses Meta of snuffing out competition by gobbling up rivals like WhatsApp and Instagram. Slow-moving so far, this case tests FTC Chair Lina Khan's aggressive stance on reining in Big Tech.

Big picture: As these narratives unfold, they're not just about corporate giants duking it out in court. They're about setting precedents, defining the future of competition, and potentially reshaping the digital landscape. As we wait for the courts to decide, it's clear: the outcomes of these cases could redefine the tech scene for years to come.

Headline Hustle

🇺🇸 Maine becomes second state to bar Trump from 2024 primary ballot. Maine's Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, has barred Donald Trump from the state's primary ballot, invoking the 14th Amendment due to his alleged role in the January 6 Capitol attack. This decision, following a similar one in Colorado, intensifies the legal campaign to disqualify Trump from future public office. Bellows stated that Trump "is not qualified to hold the office of the President." While California included Trump on its primary candidate list, Maine's move is unprecedented, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal showdown as the U.S. Supreme Court looms as the final arbiter.

🇮🇱 Israel’s highest court strikes down controversial law to curb its power. Israel's highest court has invalidated a contentious judicial overhaul law enacted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government last year. The law aimed to curtail the authority of the judiciary, specifically by limiting their ability to overturn government decisions deemed "unreasonable in the extreme." This move sparked significant social and political turmoil in Israel. However, political leaders, including Netanyahu and his allies, have indicated that they will not challenge the court's ruling due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The decision may have lasting implications for Israeli domestic politics, possibly rekindling debates and even a constitutional crisis in the future.

❌ Baidu cancels $3.6B deal to buy JOYY’s China live-streaming business. Baidu has canceled its $3.6 billion deal to acquire JOYY's video-based entertainment live-streaming business in China. The termination comes as closing conditions for the share purchase agreement, including regulatory approvals, remained unmet by the end of December. Baidu intends to engage in discussions with JOYY regarding the next steps following the termination. In response, JOYY, listed on Nasdaq, has sought legal advice and is exploring all available options. The deal was initially announced nearly four years ago and included the acquisition of assets like the YY mobile app, YY.com website, and PC YY, further enriching Baidu's tech portfolio.

PERSONAL FINANCE

Mind over money: Navigating 2024's financial goals

When it comes to managing money, our brains don't always have our best interests at heart. Despite our best intentions, we often find ourselves repeating the same financial mistakes year after year. The top three financial New Year's resolutions for 2024—saving more, paying down debt, and spending less—remain consistent, according to Fidelity Investments surveys.

Changing our money habits and attitudes requires a bit of brain training and some strategic planning. Behavioral scientists emphasize that struggling with money isn't a personal shortcoming. Our brains are wired to make quick decisions, and many organizations are eager to part us from our hard earned cash. To combat this, reshaping your financial environment is key.

Here are some practical tips from behavioral scientists that can help you on your financial journey in 2024:

1. Simplify Your Bills: Make one-time decisions to streamline your finances. Consider scheduling recurring bills to align with your paycheck, reducing the chances of missed payments. Consolidate accounts and stick to a single credit card.

2. Set a Financial Health Day: Allocate time to focus on your finances. Schedule a "financial health day" to tackle tasks like canceling unused subscriptions or closing fee-heavy accounts. If a whole day seems overwhelming, take 15-minute "money dates" to gradually check off your to-do list.

3. Make Spending Hurt: To curb impulsive spending, create psychological speed bumps. Remove saved credit card information from websites, use ad blockers to avoid tempting products, and designate one day a week for making purchases. Ask for physical receipts for in-person transactions to stay aware of your spending.

4. Sweeten the Small Stuff: Don't feel guilty about small indulgences like lattes. After covering essential expenses and savings goals, allocate the majority of your discretionary income to treats that improve your quality of life or charitable donations.

5. Avoid Over-Budgeting: Budgeting too far in advance can lead to overspending. It's okay to make spontaneous purchases. The discomfort of budgeting fades over time, so it's better to make spending commitments closer to the moment.

In the world of personal finance, it's essential to understand that managing money is as much about psychology as it is about math. By implementing these brain-friendly strategies, you can take control of your financial future without succumbing to common money pitfalls. Happy saving and spending!

SNIPPETS

Pulse Points

• After nearly a century, the earliest versions of Mickey Mouse, along with Minnie Mouse, enter the public domain in the US, marking a significant moment for public domain advocates despite remaining complexities in copyright protections.

• Federal prosecutors announced they will not pursue additional charges against Sam Bankman-Fried beyond those from his fall trial, which led to his conviction for fraud in the FTX collapse.

• China Evergrande New Energy Vehicle disclosed the expiration of a share subscription agreement with a Dubai-based automaker, casting uncertainty on potential funding for the Chinese EV maker.

• A 7.6-magnitude earthquake hit Japan's west coast, triggering a 4-foot tsunami, structural damage, and a significant fire that has claimed the lives of at least 30 people.

• From gender-affirming care bans to minimum wage increases, these new laws take effect January 1.

• Try these apps to reach your New Year’s resolutions in 2024.

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