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Nov 17, 2023 • 4 min read

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BackRock’s Spot Ethereum ETF:

BlackRock, the largest asset manager by AUM, recently submitted an application for a spot ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF), named the iShares Ethereum Trust. This move, following their earlier filing for a spot bitcoin ETF (In June 2023), marks a significant expansion into the cryptocurrency market.
The proposed ETF, to be listed on Nasdaq if approved, will enable investors to gain exposure to ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency, without directly owning it. Unlike futures-based crypto ETFs, which have received approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the past, this spot ETF will directly hold ether.
The SEC has historically been cautious about spot crypto markets, citing concerns about fraud and manipulation. However, a recent federal court ruling favoring Grayscale Investments in creating a spot bitcoin ETF has rejuvenated interest and confidence in similar crypto investment vehicles.

Google’s AI Search:

Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) has expanded globally to 120 countries, including support for additional languages like Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, and Indonesian. Initially launched at I/O 2023, SGE offers AI-generated summaries on search results pages.
This expansion follows a phased approach, beginning with English in the U.S., then to India, Japan, and teen users. Now, SGE supports seven languages and introduces new features like improved follow-up questions and translation clarifications for ambiguous terms, starting with English-to-Spanish translations in the U.S.
It also includes interactive definitions for various subjects, expanding to coding and health-related searches. Additionally, SGE is enhancing holiday shopping with features like generating clothing images, suggesting gift ideas, and providing virtual try-ons, aiming to provide more specific and relevant search results for apparel queries. These updates are initially available for English users in the U.S., with plans for broader rollout.

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