Good Morning. This is the Investor Lookout with the daily digest.

Here’s what we got today:

• 🪦 Targeted Attack Claims Life of UnitedHealth Executive

• 🚗 General Motors Takes $5B Hit in Chinese Market

• 💸 Real Estate Series 1 #2: Types of Commercial Properties 💸 

Targeted Attack Claims Life of UnitedHealth Executive

Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealth's ($UNH) insurance division, was fatally shot outside of New York Hilton Midtown during the company's investor day. The 50-year-old executive was targeted in what authorities describe as a premeditated attack, with the suspect waiting before shooting Thompson multiple times. Police launched a manhunt with drones, canines, and GPS tracking after the attacker fled on a Citi Bike toward Central Park. Thompson's wife revealed he had been receiving threats, though the motive remains unknown. 

• NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called upon the public for help, offering a $10,000 reward for information

• Thompson had no security detail despite leading the biggest division of the company

General Motors Takes $5B Hit in Chinese Market

General Motors ($GM) faces a $5 billion financial hit in China, with $2.6 billion to $2.9 billion in charges due to "material loss" and another $2.7 billion in equity losses from its SAIC joint venture. Sales dropped 19% year-over-year in Q3, and losses reached $347 million in the country this year. Industry expert Michael Dunne suggests GM is poised to exit the market altogether despite CFO Paul Jacobson's recent optimism about improving sales. CEO Mary Barra acknowledges the complex competitive landscape, noting that Chinese automakers are not prioritizing profitability. 

• Competitor Tesla ($TSLA) also posted a 4% sales decline in November despite having a factory in the region

• Barra has said GM still has a future in China but with a reduced footprint

#1

The tragic death could trigger industry-wide changes in executive security protection, potentially affecting operational costs

#2

Investors should consider reallocation of automotive investments toward Chinese manufacturers or automakers with less exposure to China

Analyst lists key questions for China in 2025. Investing.com

Russia's Putin questions the need for dollar forex reserves, touts bitcoin. Reuters

Skepticism on DOGE is warranted, Piper Sandler says. Investing.com

A turning point for the dollar is coming. FT

Thai November headline inflation misses forecast, below central bank target. Reuters

Gold prices are supposed to fall by this measure. MarketWatch

Investor reaction to South Korea's political crisis. Reuters

💸 Investment 101: Real Estate Series 1 - Types of Commercial Properties 💸 #2

DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.