From rippling muscles to abstract illustrations, romance covers continue to dominate commercial and domestic bookshelves alike. In this article, QBR Editor Annabella Luo explores how the genre has won over generation after generation of new readers. Following the rise of influencers and short-form media, how can literature hold the attention of the public, and at what cost?

This article will explore the evolution of U.S. tariff policy and the current trade policy of President Trump during his second term. By tracing the development of tariffs from the founding of the United States through to Trump’s potential second-term plans, this piece aims to examine how tariffs have re-emerged as a tool for President Trump to address the economic and geopolitical challenges facing the U.S.

As the future of traditional financial services hangs in the balance, QBR Senior Editor Chanelle Cai explores how digital disruption, AI, and open banking regulations are transforming the industry. Her article examines the strategic crossroads facing both traditional banks and neobanks, arguing that banks must modernize legacy systems, embrace AI, and refocus on wallet share, while neobanks must diversify products, build customer trust, and scale strategically. Drawing on recent regulatory changes and shifting consumer behavior, Cai highlights the urgency for innovation to determine who will lead in a digital-first financial era.

Borrowing the psychological hooks straight out of a casino, blind box toys aren't your average plastic figurines. From Pop Mart's rebranding of The Monsters character, Labubu, which generates thousands on resale markets, to Sonny Angels appearing in workplaces, QBR Senior Editor Ninglee Weng explores how these toys thrive on scarcity and the addictive nature of not knowing what you will get. As the newest addition to the hype economy, can blind boxes remain a cultural obsession or become irrelevant as fast as they rose to fame?

Behind the “thrilled to announce” posts lies a quieter reality: imposter syndrome, social comparison, and the pressure to keep up. In this recent editorial, Health & Innovation Editor Isabella Peng critiques LinkedIn's growing influence in academic spaces and its role in shaping students' identities. With the ever-growing pressure on students to build a personal brand on LinkedIn, this article examines how the platform has turned career development into a source of anxiety affecting student well-being. Peng draws on insights from seasoned career coaches to explore ways to propel the academic space toward a more authentic career culture.

Housing has long been seen as the cornerstone of financial success in Canada, but has that belief gone too far? QBR Editor Jack Ayala examines how government policy, corporate strategy, and cultural values have turned real estate into Canada’s primary engine of wealth. From rising inequality and missed opportunities for innovation, this article explores how an overreliance on housing has reshaped the economy and put everyday Canadians at risk.

In this article, Editor Amy Simcoe explains how the New York Times used daily puzzles as an innovative marketing strategy to broaden their engagement and drive new usership. Given that news sources are vying for their share in the attention economy, particularly against social media, this rollout gave the publication a leg-up against competitors. While this strategy allowed the NYT to bridge the gap between fun interactivity with their professional brand image, Simcoe explores how the Games app could set a precedent in blurring the lines between entertainment and news

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, is reshaping the global AI and financial landscape by developing high-performing models at a fraction of Western costs. Its R1 model triggered a $1 trillion U.S. market drop, highlighting the disruptive power of AI innovation. As AI adoption accelerates across finance and industry, it also intensifies geopolitical competition, especially between China and the U.S. DeepSeek’s open-source approach democratizes AI access, creating new investment opportunities while raising risks tied to regulation, labor shifts, and tech sovereignty.

In this editorial, QBR Strategy Editor Yaren Yurdakul explores Turkiye’s medical tourism industry. Despite economic challenges, Türkiye has emerged as a global leader in affordable, high-quality healthcare, attracting millions of patients annually for medical and cosmetic procedures. This piece examines the key factors that drive the industry, such as Turkiye’s geographical location, government-backed incentives, and the role of social media, while also addressing the risks and challenges. Additionally, an exclusive QBR interview with Turkish otolaryngologist Dr. Erdal Gul offers a first-hand perspective on Turkiye’s evolving healthcare industry.