Should Gold Have a Place in Your Portfolio? A Professional Perspective

Barbie is rolling out its first doll with type 1 diabetes, complete with an insulin pump and glucose monitor. This is part of Mattel's push to make the toy line more inclusive, following other recent additions like dolls with disabilities. The move aligns with the brand's modern image of diversity, even though it took decades to get here.

Editor’s Note: Toys aren’t just playthings—they shape how kids see themselves and others. By adding a diabetic Barbie, Mattel isn’t just selling a doll; it’s acknowledging that representation matters, especially for kids who rarely see their experiences reflected in mainstream toys. It’s a small but meaningful step toward normalizing differences.

Ashlee Simpson, the early-2000s pop-punk icon turned businesswoman, is reportedly sitting on an $11 million net worth in 2025. The article dives into how she’s stayed financially relevant—whether through music, reality TV, or savvy investments—despite stepping back from the spotlight. Think of it as a "where are they now?" but with dollar signs attached.

Editor’s Note: Celebrity net worth stories always grab attention, but this one’s especially interesting because Ashlee Simpson represents a very specific era of fame. Her financial comeback (or persistence) shows how early-2000s stars are adapting—or cashing in—as the entertainment world shifts. For fans, it’s nostalgia with a side of "good for her." For everyone else, it’s a peek at how fame pays (or doesn’t) over time.

Apple’s AI division just lost a big-name leader to Meta, marking another setback for the tech giant’s artificial intelligence efforts. Bloomberg reports the exec was a major player in AI model development, and his move to a rival like Meta raises questions about Apple’s ability to retain top talent in this hyper-competitive field.

Editor’s Note: AI talent is the hottest commodity in tech right now, and when a key player jumps ship—especially to a direct competitor—it’s a bad look. For Apple, which is already seen as playing catch-up in AI, losing high-profile leaders doesn’t just slow progress; it fuels doubts about whether they can compete with Meta, Google, and others. This isn’t just gossip—it’s a signal about where the smart money (and smart people) are betting on the future.

UniCredit, Italy’s second-largest bank, has just upped its stake in Germany’s Commerzbank to 20% after converting financial derivatives into shares. This move strengthens UniCredit’s foothold in the German market, signaling confidence in Commerzbank’s future—or at least a strategic play for influence.

Editor’s Note: Big banks are always making chess moves, and this one’s interesting. UniCredit’s bigger stake could mean deeper collaboration—or set the stage for a future takeover bid. For customers and investors, it’s a sign that European banking is still consolidating, with Italy’s players flexing muscle beyond their borders. Worth keeping an eye on.

Citi analysts just bumped up their price target for VeriSign (the company behind .com and .net domains) by over 12%, signaling stronger confidence in its growth. The new $330 target suggests they see room for the stock to climb further, even after recent gains.

Editor’s Note: For investors, this is a vote of confidence in a company that operates critical internet infrastructure. Price target hikes often reflect optimism about earnings or market position—in this case, VeriSign’s steady domain business likely looks even more attractive as digital reliance grows. If you’re holding shares, it’s good news; if not, it might make you take a second look.