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CRANFORD, N.J. , Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Citius Oncology, Inc. ("Citius Oncology" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: CTOR ), a specialty biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel targeted oncology therapies, today reported business and financial results for the fiscal full year ended September 30, 2024 . Fiscal Full Year 2024 Business Highlights and Subsequent Developments Achieved U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of LYMPHIRTM (denileukin diftitox-cxdl), an immunotherapy for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL); Began trading on the Nasdaq exchange under the ticker symbol CTOR on August 13, 2024 , following completion of the merger of Citius Pharma's oncology subsidiary with TenX Keane to form Citius Oncology, Inc., a standalone publicly traded company; Advanced manufacturing, marketing and sales activities in preparation for commercial launch of LYMPHIR in the first half of 2025; key activities included: Manufactured initial inventory for launch and finalized supply chain agreements, Initiated recruitment of targeted field force with contract sales organization, Launched a marketing awareness campaign and engaged with all leading CTCL prescribers, Applied for a unique J-code within the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) to facilitate accurate reimbursement, Secured inclusion of LYMPHIR in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, critical to clinical decision-making in oncology and hematology, influencing treatment practices and payor reimbursement in the U.S., and Initiated development of the patient support center to help patients access LYMPHIR expeditiously; Supported two investigator-initiated trials to explore LYMPHIR's potential as an immuno-oncology combination therapy being conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the University of Minnesota ; and, Shared interim trial results with the clinical community at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer Conference (SITC) of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Phase I trial of LYMPHIR with checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab. The combination of these two immunomodulatory agents showed clinical benefit in relapsed or refractory gynecological neoplasms, resulting in: 27% objective response rate and 33% clinical benefit rate with median progression free survival of 57 weeks (range: 30-96 weeks), and A manageable safety profile whereby the regimen was well-tolerated with reversible treatment emergent adverse events and no definitive immune-related adverse events greater than or equal to grade 3 documented. Financial Highlights R&D expenses were $4.9 million for the full year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $4.2 million for the full year ended September 30, 2023 ; G&A expenses were $8.1 million for the full year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $5.9 million for the full year ended September 30, 2023 ; Stock-based compensation expense was $7.5 million for the full year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $2.0 million for the full year ended September 30, 2023 ; and, Net loss was $21.1 million , or ($0.31) per share for the full year ended September 30, 2024 compared to a net loss of $12.7 million , or ($0.19) per share for the full year ended September 30, 2023 . "Reflecting on 2024, Citius Oncology has achieved pivotal milestones that underscore our commitment to advancing cancer therapeutics," stated Leonard Mazur , Chairman and CEO of Citius Oncology. "The FDA's approval of LYMPHIR for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma marks a significant advancement in providing new options for patients battling this challenging disease. It is the only targeted systemic therapy approved for CTCL patients since 2018 and the only therapy with a mechanism of action that targets the IL-2 receptor. Additionally, the successful merger forming Citius Oncology, now trading on Nasdaq under the ticker CTOR, strengthens our position in the oncology sector. We expect it to facilitate greater access to capital to fund LYMPHIR's launch and the Company's future growth. With a Phase I investigator-initiated clinical trial combining LYMPHIR with pembrolizumab demonstrating promising preliminary results, indicating potential for enhanced treatment efficacy in recurrent solid tumors, and preliminary results expected from a second investigator trial with CAR-T therapies in 2025, we remain excited about the potential of LYMPHIR as a combination immunotherapy." "These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our team and the trust of our investors. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to develop innovative therapies that improve the lives of cancer patients worldwide," added Mazur. FULL YEAR 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS: Research and Development (R&D) Expenses R&D expenses were $4.9 million for the full year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $4.2 million for the full year ended September 30, 2023 . The increase reflects development activities completed for the resubmission of the Biologics License Application of LYMPHIR in January 2024 , which were associated with the complete response letter remediation. General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses G&A expenses were $8.1 million for the full year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $5.9 million for the full year ended September 30, 2023 . The increase was primarily due to costs associated with pre-commercial and commercial launch activities of LYMPHIR including market research, marketing, distribution and drug product reimbursement from health plans and payers. Stock-based Compensation Expense For the full year ended September 30, 2024 , stock-based compensation expense was $7.5 million as compared to $2.0 million for the prior year. The primary reason for the $5.5 million increase was due to the amounts being realized over 12 months in the year ended September 30, 2024 , as compared to three months post-plan adoption in the year ended September 30, 2023 . Net loss Net loss was $21.1 million , or ($0.31) per share for the year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to a net loss of $12.7 million , or ($0.19) per share for the year ended September 30, 2023 . The $8.5 million increase in net loss was primarily due to the increase in our operating expenses. About Citius Oncology, Inc. Citius Oncology specialty is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel targeted oncology therapies. In August 2024 , its primary asset, LYMPHIR, was approved by the FDA for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory CTCL who had had at least one prior systemic therapy. Management estimates the initial market for LYMPHIR currently exceeds $400 million , is growing, and is underserved by existing therapies. Robust intellectual property protections that span orphan drug designation, complex technology, trade secrets and pending patents for immuno-oncology use as a combination therapy with checkpoint inhibitors would further support Citius Oncology's competitive positioning. Citius Oncology is a publicly traded subsidiary of Citius Pharmaceuticals. For more information, please visit www.citiusonc.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Citius Oncology. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as "will," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "plan," "should," and "may" and other words and terms of similar meaning or use of future dates. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition and stock price. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated, and, unless noted otherwise, that apply to Citius Oncology are: our ability to raise additional money to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months as a going concern; our ability to commercialize LYMPHIR and any of our other product candidates that may be approved by the FDA; the estimated markets for our product candidates and the acceptance thereof by any market; the ability of our product candidates to impact the quality of life of our target patient populations; our dependence on third-party suppliers; our ability to procure cGMP commercial-scale supply; risks related to research using our assets but conducted by third parties; our ability to obtain, perform under and maintain financing and strategic agreements and relationships; uncertainties relating to preclinical and clinical testing; market and other conditions; risks related to our growth strategy; patent and intellectual property matters; our ability to identify, acquire, close and integrate product candidates and companies successfully and on a timely basis; government regulation; competition; as well as other risks described in our Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings. These risks have been and may be further impacted by any future public health risks. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements do not constitute guarantees of future performance, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Risks regarding our business are described in detail in our SEC filings which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov , including in Citius Oncology's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2024 , filed with the SEC on December 27, 2024 , as updated by our subsequent filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. Investor Contact: Ilanit Allen [email protected] 908-967-6677 x113 Media Contact: STiR-communications Greg Salsburg [email protected] -- Financial Tables Follow – SOURCE Citius Oncology, Inc.Don't Forget About Holiday Poisoning Pitfalls
Marcos okays Natl Security Strategy to address local, global challenges
Strictly Come Dancing viewers expressed their anger during the semi-final, feeling that Shirley Ballas was being overly complimentary and giving high scores to Pete Wicks. Pete, formerly of TOWIE fame, managed to reach the semi-final stage without once facing a dance-off, even as some deemed better dancers were voted off. Within moments of the semi-final starting, fans took to social media, with commenters suggesting he didn't merit his place in the competition beside Chris McCausland, Tasha Ghouri, JB Gill, and Sarah Hadland. And the outrage intensified after Pete's initial dance when head judge Shirley heaped acclaim on him, even nicknaming him 'Mr Strictly'. Shirley addressed Pete, stating: "You are Mr Strictly Come Dancing. You are what this show is about. Everybody at home, all the parents, will be sitting there and thinking, 'if Pete can do it, I can do it' and you will inspire people to go to the dance studio." She added: "You had no experience whatsoever coming in. I thought you did a very good job on your footwork and your neckline.... week one you were like this and today you were shining. You didn't make any mistakes, you did a grand job. You should walk with your head high - you are absolutely Mr Strictly Come Dancing," reports the Mirror . She then scored him high above the rest a nine out of 10 culminating in an impressive 32 out of 40 overall. Fans accused Shirley of favouritism, taking to social media platform X to vent their frustrations. One viewer exclaimed: "SHIRLEY CALLING PETE MR STRICTLY COME DANCING LIKE MONTELL DIDNT ALSO START FROM NOTHING BUT NEVER GOT THAT PRAISE. The bias is RIDICULOUS." Another wrote: "Sh*rley can retire after calling pete mr strictly come dancing after criticising tasha for coming out of lifts, it's completely unfair to treat contestants so differently. Pete is not the first or last person to start at nothing NOT EVEN IN THIS SERIES." Meanwhile, another added: "shirley calling pete 'mr strictly come dancing' when he shouldn't even be in the semi finals in the first place..." and one stated: "Shirley acting like Pete is God's gift to dancing and giving him a bloody 9." The outrage continued with: "Shirley giving that a 9? ? I've defended her all series but scoring that the same as JB and Sarah? Please.." The controversy comes after the previous weekend's surprise dance-off, which featured Olympian Montell Douglas and Tasha Ghouri fighting to stay in the competition. Eventually, Montell was sent packing following the judges' decision. Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One and BBC iPlayerHighs and lows of 2024 Like every year, 2024 brought along challenges and opportunities A vendor holds a Pakistani flag as he waits for customers beside his stall alongside a street in Islamabad. — AFP/File The Gregorian calendar is not the most ideal litmus test of progress. However, it does provide a meaningful scale to analyse the highs and lows of a state’s journey. As we wrap up 2024, we need to look back and reflect on the events that have shaped the passing year. Like every year, 2024 brought along challenges and opportunities. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); On the economic front, the concluding months of 2023 showed improvements in overall economic indicators. This trend continued in 2024. Inflation figures witnessed a relative decline, dropping to 4.9 per cent, signalling a slight relief after grappling with towering statistics last year. The Pakistani rupee has also remained stable against the US dollar, leading to consumer confidence in the market. Fiscal surplus for the first time in 24 years also marked a milestone. Similarly, in April, the inflow of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) increased by 172 per cent on a year-on-year basis – the highest monthly FDI inflow in 51 months. In the defence, aerospace and technology realms, there were noteworthy advancements. The early part of the year witnessed the induction of the J-10C series, accompanied by indications of potential acquisitions of J-31 and J-35 aircraft. Pakistan achieved a milestone in space exploration by launching its first lunar satellite, i-Cube-Qamar, and the multi-mission communication satellite, PakSAT-MM1, in collaboration with China. Moreover, Pakistan also emerged as the ‘Tech Destination of the Year’ at GITEX Global 2024, Dubai, highlighting its advancements in digital services and innovation. This year’s International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) showcased its advancements in land, sea, and air defence equipment, highlighting the country’s self-sufficiency in various defence sectors. On the diplomatic front, Pakistan hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in October, a diplomatic success for the state. Earlier this year, border tensions with Iran made headlines but thankfully eased over time. The de-escalation paved the way for the Iranian president’s visit in April, marking a positive step forward in bilateral relations. In the sports arena, 2024 brought notable moments of celebration. Arshad Nadeem secured Pakistan’s first-ever individual gold medal in the 2024 Summer Olympics, setting a new record of 92.97 metres in the javelin throw. In cricket, Pakistan secured a historic win in the test series against England after nine years and in the One-Day International series against Australia after 22 years. What’s more, our blind cricket team emerged victorious at the Blind T20 Cricket World Cup beating Bangladesh in the finals. The year brought plenty of achievements for the country, but some issues still linger. The political landscape continues to face challenges. Likewise, on the security front, the number of terrorist attacks saw a massive surge, becoming a critical national security threat. The majority of the attacks were concentrated in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, regions that remain hotspots for insurgency. Despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts, the numbers remain alarmingly high. According to a report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), by November, the country experienced 785 terrorist attacks, resulting in 951 deaths and 966 injuries. Notably, November was the deadliest month, with 68 security personnel embracing martyrdom. The country also encountered several environmental catastrophes due to climate change. In the initial months, a severe flood led to the loss of 35 lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and extensive damage to infrastructure in Balochistan. With summer came the heatwave, which impacted Sindh, leading to more than 500 deaths – with 141 deaths on June 25 alone. While floods and heatwaves had a profound impact, winter came with its own difficulties. Smog impacted several parts of the country, disrupting daily life and becoming a critical health hazard with the Air Quality Index crossing 1000 and 2000 multiple times. This year brought moments of triumph but was a test for us in many ways. As the saying goes, ‘Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong’. If nothing else, it is a reminder to stay ahead of the curve - anticipate risks, learn from setbacks and focus on what truly matters. Pareto’s Principle teaches us that a small fraction of causes often drive the majority of outcomes. For Pakistan, identifying these critical factors behind our struggles is key. By honing in on these, we can make smarter decisions and set meaningful priorities for 2025, moving from merely reacting to shaping our future. In 2025, Pakistan must focus on steady progress in the areas that matter most. Tackling terrorism, in particular, calls for fresh thinking with full technology-embedded solutions that not only address the immediate threats but also dig deep into the root causes of extremism. Innovation and adaptability will also be key to overcoming this persistent challenge. Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, Pakistan must take a proactive stance on the political, economic and diplomatic fronts in 2025, ensuring it remains engaged with key partners and forums in an ever-evolving global landscape. The pace of technological developments and breakthroughs around the world should also serve as a motivation for the state to accelerate advancements in AI, quantum computing, and cyber security. The impact of climate change too is already evident, making it crucial for Pakistan to embrace sustainable, environment-friendly solutions in 2025. Equally important is tapping into the immense talent and potential within the country. Achieving this will require a combined top-down and bottom-up effort to ensure meaningful and lasting results. As we gear up for the New Year, it is time to show gratitude for the blessings this year bestowed upon us – individually and collectively. In parallel, we must remain steadfast against potential challenges that we are confronted with, drawing inspiration from the Quranic verse: ‘So verily, with the hardship, there is relief. Verily, with the hardship, there is relief.’ (94:5-6) The writer is a researcher at the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Islamabad. She can be reached at: cass.thinkers@gmail.com
President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. The request came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court, in which the company argued the court should strike down a law that could ban the platform by Jan. 19 while the government emphasized its position that the statute is needed to eliminate a national security risk. “President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute. Instead, he respectfully requests that the Court consider staying the Act’s deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case,” said Trump’s amicus brief, which supported neither party in the case. The filings come ahead of oral arguments scheduled for Jan. 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Earlier this month, a panel of three federal judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously upheld the statute, leading TikTok to appeal the case to the Supreme Court. The brief from Trump said he opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.” Advertisement
Artificial intelligence experts Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin analyze the technology on ‘One Nation.’ A 14-year-old committed suicide after following the advice of an AI chatbot . Another family is suing the same one — Character AI — after it told an autistic 14-year-old to kill his parents. It also exposed an 11-year-old to sexual content. These stories are heavy reminders that young people are especially vulnerable on the internet , but AI isn’t the only thing targeting them. HOW TO (KINDLY) ASK PEOPLE NOT TO POST YOUR KIDS' PHOTOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA The fine folks at the FBI’s crime division say teens lost 2,500% more money to scams over a recent five-year stretch. Compare that to an 805% increase for seniors, which is still not great, but at least it’s not 2,500%. So, why teens? Because thieves have more ways than ever to target them. Talk to anyone in your circle born between 1996 and 2010 about this. It’s a big deal. I share smart tech news and tips you can use every single day. Join 600K readers who get The Current. The most prevalent scams and tricks Under the influence: Say a kiddo in your family idolizes an online influencer. That person is so easy to impersonate. All a fraudster has to do is set up a phony account that looks real, run a contest and trick "winners" into handing over their personal details (or more) to claim their (nonexistent) prizes. Done and done. This file photo shows someone checking his smartphone in Glenview, Ill. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File) Pro tip: Stick to "official" influencer accounts with substantial follower counts. A smaller account is almost always a scammer, not some secret one. And never give financial info or money to someone via DM. ‘Hey there, handsome’: This is a classic for a reason. Scammers grab pictures of an attractive teen or 20-something and play digital Casanovas. All too soon, they profess their love — then comes the request for money, gifts or info. Pro tip: Try a reverse image search to see if those pics pop up elsewhere online. If the person refuses to video call or meet you in person, it’s a bad sign. RELATED: Deepfakes are so easy to make. Talk to your kids. ‘Send me a photo’: This is the dangerous intersection of smartphones , sexting and scammers. Someone shares sexy pictures and asks for some in return. As soon as the victim sends a pic or video, everything changes. AI EXPERT: CHATGPT PROMPTS YOU’LL WISH YOU KNEW SOONER The person on the other end is now blackmailing them. Pay up or they’ll share the content with everyone the victim knows. Think about how horrifying that would be at any age, but especially as a teenager. I spoke to a family that lost their son to suicide after this happened to him. Such a heartbreaking story, and they’re not alone; this is way too common. Pro tip: Talk to your kids about sending pictures to others online. Urge them to never share anything explicit, even with someone they know in person and trust. It’s just not worth it. ‘You won!’ ... Not": This one targets younger teens. A thief tricks them into revealing credit card details or downloading malware under the guise of rewards in their favorite game. Social media apps are pictured on a smartphone. (Matt Cardy/Getty Images) Pro tip: This one’s easy. Only ever buy apps or make in-app purchases through an official app store — no trades and nothing "private." So, what can you do? The internet is an incredible resource for learning, creativity and fun, but let’s not sugarcoat it: there are dangers out there. Scammers and predators have become experts at manipulation, and kids can easily fall victim. The most important thing you can do as a parent? Foster open, honest communication. When my son was younger, I shared age-appropriate stories about what he might encounter online. We talked about the risks in a way he could understand. He knew that if anything or anyone made him feel uncomfortable, he should come to me immediately, no questions asked. DO THIS WITH YOUR FAMILY VIDEOS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE That’s the foundation: trust. Kids need to know that they won’t get in trouble for being fooled. Today’s online predators are sneaky, and scammers know exactly how to win a child’s trust. If your child is targeted, it’s never their fault. Here’s my free tech safety contract you both can sign if you’re not sure where to start the conversation around tech limits. Action plan for parents Remember when you had a fake driver’s license or told a little white lie to get what you wanted? Kids have ways around parental controls and are smart enough to spin the birth year wheel when signing up to get around age restrictions. A mother and teenage daughter are seen using a smartphone. (iStock) RELATED: Best apps and gadgets to monitor your kid (from preschool to teens) Set clear ground rules for screen time and device use, and keep the conversation going as they grow. A few simple steps to take: Have the passcode to their phone: You need access to everything at any time. Even if you don’t pop in much, they need to know you can. Set limits: Use built-in app controls to monitor their time spent in the apps and tools like content filters to limit their exposure to inappropriate material. "Friend" or "Follow" them: Stay connected on social media to see their circle and interactions. Without open dialogue, they’ll find ways around you. Know the special settings: On Snapchat, Instagram and YouTube, you can connect to your child’s account . The best protection is being your child’s go-to resource for help and guidance. Let your kids know you’re there, ready to listen, no matter what. That’s the real safety net. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Get tech-smarter on your schedule Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech. National radio: Airing on 500+ stations across the US - Find yours or get the free podcast. Daily newsletter: Join 600,000 people who read the Current (free!) Watch: On Kim’s YouTube channel Podcast: " Kim Komando Today " - Listen wherever you get podcasts Copyright 2025, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.
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The third annual Digital Engineering Awards took place in Dallas, Texas, recognizing over 35 organizations and 14 individuals for their groundbreaking contributions to digital engineering. Co-hosted by ISG, L&T Technology Services, and CNBC-TV18, the event highlighted innovations across key sectors such as mobility, sustainability, and technology. Key Takeaways Event Overview The Digital Engineering Awards serve as a platform to honor the pioneers transforming engineering and technology. This year, the nominations surged, reflecting the increasing prominence of digital engineering across various industries. The event celebrated innovations in sectors including automotive, industrial products, manufacturing, energy, aerospace, medtech, and telecommunications. Award Categories The awards were divided into two main segments: Notable Winners Judging Criteria Submissions were evaluated by a panel of global experts based on: Remarks from Leaders Michael P. Connors, Chairman and CEO of ISG, emphasized the transformative potential of digital engineering, stating that it continues to redefine various aspects of modern life, from clean energy to healthcare innovations. Amit Chadha, CEO of L&T Technology Services, noted the growing diversity within the engineering community, highlighting the increasing participation of women in engineering roles. Conclusion The Digital Engineering Awards not only celebrate outstanding achievements in engineering but also inspire industries to push boundaries and deliver impactful solutions. As digital engineering continues to evolve, these awards play a crucial role in recognizing the innovators driving change in the global landscape. Sources‘Beg And Plead’: Why Big Tech Is Falling In Line With Trump
Alliant Energy's LNT short percent of float has risen 16.18% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 7.08 million shares sold short , which is 3.16% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 4.61 days to cover their short positions on average. Why Short Interest Matters Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. Short selling is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises. Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish. See Also: List of the most shorted stocks Alliant Energy Short Interest Graph (3 Months) As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Alliant Energy has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted. Comparing Alliant Energy's Short Interest Against Its Peers Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis. According to Benzinga Pro , Alliant Energy's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 2.09%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers. Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it. This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Canadian investment strategists expect to keep up its momentum next year, even with possible tariffs from ’s incoming administration hanging over the economy. Trump’s threats have disrupted Canadian politics and led economists to worry about a recession. Yet the is higher today than it was on U.S. election day, and the benchmark has jumped about 18 per cent this year, its best showing since 2021. Rising corporate earnings and lower will help drive the equity benchmark toward a record 28,000 points in 2025, according to some market watchers, which would mean another year of double-digit returns in 2025. Among those making that call is Philip Petursson, chief investment strategist at IG Wealth Management, who said Canadian stocks have more reasonable valuations than U.S. equities, which gives them room to catch up. “I think Canada has quite the edge over the S&P 500,” Petursson, who set his TSX target at 28,000 points, said. “If we are in an environment where U.S. inflation and interest rates are going to be a little bit higher, Canada looks quite attractive.” The TSX got off to a slow start this year before gaining speed after the Bank of Canada began its rate-cutting cycle in June. The central bank has delivered five successive rate cuts, bringing the overnight rate down to 3.25 per cent. That’s a full 125 basis points below the upper bound of the Federal Reserve’s policy rate. Policymakers in Canada will keep cutting, bringing the overnight rate to 2.5 per cent by the middle of next year, according to economists surveyed by Bloomberg. Easier central-bank policy helped give a tailwind to technology and financial shares, making them the best performers of the TSX’s 11 major subgroups. , the biggest tech heavyweight in Canada, is up 50 per cent. Gold rallied, as it sometimes does when borrowing costs decline, boosting precious metals companies. BMO Capital Markets strategist Brian Belski has a TSX target of 28,500 by the end of next year, and expects valuations to expand thanks to rate cuts and a rebound in flows into Canadian stocks. “Overall, we believe that the Canadian recovery trade remains in its early stages,” Belski told clients last month. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg are forecasting a pickup in growth next year to 1.8 per cent, from an expected rate of 1.2 per cent this year — though Trump’s trade policy is a big source of uncertainty. The Canadian dollar has been weak — slower growth, lower rates and Trump are the key factors. But the TSX benefits “quite strongly” from that, Petursson said, because it has so many companies with a sizable percentage of U.S.-dollar earnings, which are worth more when converted back into loonies. For exporters, a lower Canadian dollar would be a partial offset to tariffs. To be sure, the TSX is still exposed to exogenous shocks. If trade war breaks out with the U.S., it would damage a Canadian economy that’s already close to stalling. estimates that gross domestic product shrank by 0.1 per cent in November, contracting for the first time this year. “A knock ’em down, drag them out, all-out trade war is kind of mutually assured destruction both for Canada and the U.S.,” Brian Madden, chief investment officer at First Avenue Investment Counsel, said. “The U.S. is bigger than us, so they probably can make that bluff more credibly than we can, but nobody really wants that.” Meanwhile, population growth is expected to slow as the government tightens the rules for immigration. “Longer term, it may be positive for GDP-per-capita growth because our infrastructure — now we’ve come to realize — couldn’t support all this population immigration coming into the country,” Christine Poole, chief executive officer at GlobeInvest Capital Management Inc., said in an interview. “But in the near term, it would probably have a negative impact on the economy because people coming into the country is a source of demand for goods and services.” Sectors where earnings are tied to domestic population growth, such as telecom, may suffer. Not everyone is bullish on the broader index. Colin Cieszynski, chief market strategist at SIA Wealth Management, called tariffs a big risk to the market outlook. He said the TSX is more likely to produce small gains, reaching around 26,000 points by the end of the upcoming year.