Today's Headlines

Bloomberg:

• Goldman(GS) Sees Crypto, Credit Shadowing Robust 2018 U.S. Economy. Hatzius has already made some predictions for the new year: four Federal Reserve rate hikes, real U.S. gross-domestic product growth quickening to an average of 2.6 percent, the jobless rate dropping to about 3.5 percent, and the yield curve not inverting. In a new report, Hatzius reiterated his expectation for overall economic strength, while flagging some concerns. Goldman isn’t the only firm to send up a warning flag about cryptocurrencies. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon labeled bitcoin a “fraud.” Fed Chair Janet Yellen has said it is a “highly speculative asset,” and Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said it’s being used for speculation. 

• They Year in 257 Graphics. 

• As Oil Rises, Shale Drillers With Few or No Hedges Stand to Gain. OPEC Wins Over Hedge Funds to Make 2017 Oil's Most Bullish Year. The signs that the group is winning its tug of war with shale are compelling, and money managers have taken note: Their combined bets on rising prices for West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude reached record levels in December.

• Einhorn's Main Hedge Fund Rises 2% in 2017 With December Advance.

Wall Street Journal:

• Iranians Protest Over Economic Malaise. Dozens arrested in two days of protests across country over unemployment and inflation.

• Coptic Christian Church Near Cairo Attacked. At least 9 were killed in shooting, the latest in a string against Egypt’s Christian minority.

• Biotech’s Breakthrough Year. Medical advances are accelerating, and even the FDA approves.

• Money in 2018: The Managers and Executives to Watch. Active investing held its own in 2017, but the new year holds new risks and opportunities for these four leaders in the sector.

• In Sign of Resistance, Chinese Balk at Using Apps to Snitch on Neighbors. New technology rewards citizens for notifying authorities about illegal activity, domestic disputes and other problems, but people are wary of using it.

• U.S. Steelmakers Raise Their Bets on Energy, Construction. Steel prices are up, but some say expansion is risky given continuing flood of cheap imports.

• Bank Stocks Extend Their Winning Streak. Tax and regulatory changes are giving banks a potent antidote to persistently low long-term interest rates.

Barron's:

• Had bullish commentary on (XLB), (GLW), (GSK), (DIS), (HD), (TJX), (WMT), (FIVE), (AAPL) and (CVX).

• Had bearish commentary on (SHLD), (PIR), (WSM) and (ANF).

MarketWatch.com: 

• 18 predictions for 2018 on the stock market, FAANGs and bitcoin.

• The big calls for 2018 from Josh Brown, Raoul Pal and other finance pundits on Twitter.

• Biggest Nasdaq winners and losers in 2017: Chip makers, videogame publishers lead tech.

• Biggest S&P 500 winners and losers of 2017: Tech, health care and home builders lead.

• What should investors worry about in 2018? Here’s a big, fat list of risk factors.

Fox News: 

• Trump redoubles support of Iran protests, says 'world is watching'. (video)

• GOP lawmaker: FBI, DOJ officials 'should be held in contempt' if dossier docs not turned over. (video)

CNBC:

• Dollar could follow its worst performance in 14 years with another weak year. (video)

• From facial scans to more sneaky fees: What you need to know about air travel in 2018.

• Five lessons we learned from 2017's biggest consumer and retail deals (yes, Amazon wasn't the only one).

• From SeaWorld to Sears: Here are 20 stocks hedge funds hate the most right now.

• Bitcoin will trade under $5,000, warns Dennis Gartman. (video)

• Coming to a mall near you in 2018: Craft brewers, children's theaters, gyms and other unorthodox uses.

• FDA chief: I'm surprised it took big tech this long to get into health care.

Zero Hedge:

• US State Department Hints At Iran Overthrow: Are We Witnessing The Early Stages Of Regime Change?

• Jihadist Group Blows Up Oil Pipeline In Iran, In Midst Of Protests.

• A Stunning Look Inside The World Of South Korea's "Bitcoin Zombies".

• Classified Huma Abedin Emails Found On Anthony Weiner's Laptop Discussing Hamas, Israel And Palestinian Authority.

• Goldman(GS) Showers Execs With $100 Million In Early Bonuses To Avoid Trump Tax Hit.

• China Launches New Capital Controls: Puts $15,000 Annual Cap On Overseas ATM Withdrawals.

• DHS Announces Program To Illegally Scan Our Faces.

• Hodl On: Missing Just The Best 10 Days Per Decade Will Wipe Out 99% Of Yours Gains.

• China Resists US Push To Blacklist Ships Caught Trading With North Korea.

• Gold Tops $1300 - Best Year Since 2010 As USD Tumbles Most In 14 Years.

• Record-Smashing 2017 Ends With Stock Slamfest - Bitcoin, Bonds, Bullion Best.

• Russian Tankers Reportedly Caught Selling Oil To North Korea.

• California Supreme Court Set For Ruling That Could Cut Pensions For Public Workers.

Business Insider:

• The stock market just made history.

• The cost of bitcoin payments is skyrocketing because the network is totally overloaded. (graph)

• The 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang might have a new problem — it's too cold for everyone.

• 23 startups that became unicorns in 2017, scoring valuations of $1 billion or more.

• One chart shows how the Chinese bitcoin market collapsed in 2017.

• Tim Cook needs to take responsibility for Apple's battery scandal.

• Bitcoin startup NiceHash has a new CEO just weeks after hackers stole $63 million from the company.

• Tesla(TSLA) will face huge challenges in 2018 — and it could put the company under crushing pressure.