Three Things (5/22)

"Success in business requires training and discipline and hard work. But if you're not frightened by these things, the opportunities are just as great today as they ever were." - David Rockefeller

The cash cow grows

Despite the S&P 500 hitting its highest level since August, traders are betting on a rise in the Cboe Volatility Index, or VIX (a barometer of equity market volatility). Investors have continued to migrate towards once out of favor of money market funds in liu of the stock market for a seventh straight month, withdrawing almost $24 billion from U.S. equity funds during the initial three weeks of May. 

Amidst a gloomier macro drop-back, the looming debt-ceiling deadline has intensified concerns. J.P. Morgan Wealth Management estimates its clients are more overweight with cash now than they’ve been in a decade. With the future uncertain, this trend may stick around. 

Getting clear on crypto 

Amid the ongoing battle over crypto regulation, Republican House majority whip Tom Emmer introduced the 'Securities Clarity Act' as a potential solution on Thursday, which, if passed, would amend the Securities Act to exempt non-security assets sold through investment contracts from being classified as securities. 

“The Securities Clarity Act is crucial legislation that provides much needed certainty for investors, consumers, and businesses," said Perianne Boring, Founder and CEO of the Chamber of Digital Commerce in a statement. Given a looming confidence crisis that has swept the crypto space, more clarity on regulatory matters is top of mind for investors.

Chip wars heating up

China's Cyberspace Administration (CAC) has raised concerns about U.S. memory-maker Micron, labeling it as a potential national security threat. The CAC has instructed certain local organizations to stop using Micron's products due to undisclosed product issues that pose significant network security risks to China's key information infrastructure supply chain and national security.

This move is part of the ongoing and escalating semiconductor battle between the U.S. and China. As tensions continue to grow, the tech industry finds itself on the front line, underscoring the central role of technology and cybersecurity in the global chessboard.