General Motors is pulling the plug on its efforts to develop a fleet of driverless taxis and will focus on driver-assistance features that require a driver to be ready to take control of the car, the company said Tuesday . GM is dropping robotaxi efforts “given the considerable time and resources that would be needed to scale the business, along with an increasingly competitive robotaxi market,” the company said in a statement. The Detroit-based automaker’s robotaxi efforts had been run by a company called Cruise, of which GM owns 90%. Many of the Cruise employees who have worked on self-driving technology will now be shifted over to GM to work on driver assist features, such as Super Cruise, the company’s hands-off, eyes-on driving feature, now offered on more than 20 GM vehicles. GM said the move will cut costs by $1 billion annually after the combination is complete. GM said it will instead focus on driver assistance features rather than fully automous vehicles; developing a fleet of robotaxis would have required more than $10 billion, the company added. GM faces competition in the robotaxi market from Google’s Waymo unit, in partnership with Uber, as well as from ride-hailing and taxi services that use human drivers. And earlier this fall, Tesla announced plans for new driverless vehicles without steering wheels, brakes or accelerators, as well as for a robotaxi service that would allow Tesla owners to rent out their cars to the service when they don’t need it for their own use. But GM has decided that’s no longer a sector in which it makes sense to compete. GM CEO Mary Barra told investors Tuesday that the company decided the robotaxi service was not part of GM’s core business, and that shifting its self-driving technology efforts to driver assist features available on privately-owned cars will help with the products it offers to car buyers. Cruise also came under fire over the past few years after an October 2023 incident in which of its self-driving taxis in San Francisco hit a pedestrian and dragged the woman along the road for 20 feet. California authorities ordered the company to halt its operations in the state as a result, and GM subsequently suspended the service nationwide. Last month, Cruise agreed to pay a $500,000 fine as part of a deferred prosecution agreement that resolved potential federal criminal charges for providing a false record to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about that accident. The October 2023 accident happened after the woman had already been hit by another car that had a human driver at the wheel. GM and other advocates of self-driving vehicles have insisted that self-driving cars can become safer than those driven by humans. GM has even set a goal of a world in which the electrification and autonomous technology would produce cars with “zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion.” The decision to stop funding robotaxis is clearly a step back from that target, but it did not represent a total abandonment of the goal of fully autonomous vehicles, Barra said Tuesday. “Cruise has been an early innovator in autonomy,” said Barra in her statement. She said combining Cruise’s efforts for self-driving vehicles with GM’s efforts to provide assistance to drivers “will help advance our vision for the future of transportation.” “We’re fully committed to autonomous driving and excited to bring GM customers its benefits – things like enhanced safety, improved traffic flow, increased accessibility, and reduced driver stress,” said Dave Richardson, senior vice president of software and services engineering at GM. This story has been updated with additional context and information.Oklahoma is expected to hire Washington State’s Ben Arbuckle as its next offensive coordinator. ESPN first reported on Monday that the Sooners are finalizing a three-year deal for the 29-year old from Canadian, Texas to take over the vacancy left following the firing of Seth Littrell on Oct. 20. Arbuckle will be head coach Brent Venables’ third offensive coordinator hire since taking over the job in 2021. Arbuckle didn’t begin his coaching career until 2018 in a quality control role at Houston Baptist. In 2021 he was brought on at Western Kentucky in a similar role. Arbuckle worked his way up to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach during the 2022 season before being hired to lead the Cougars’ offense. In his first season in Pullman, Arbuckle had Washington State’s offense ranked fourth nationally in passing offense. Last season the Cougars were ranked ninth nationally in scoring offense. The Sooners have averaged 21.2 points per game this and parted ways with Littrell after just seven games leading the offense. Joe Jon Finley stepped up into an interim offensive coordinator role for the remainder of the season with offensive analyst Kevin Johns taking on a bigger role. They ended up going 6-6 in their first season in the SEC. Here’s a look at what Oklahoma will be getting in offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle: Youth on staff The hiring of the 29-year old sends a clear message that the Sooners are willing to make a big swing to change the direction of the offense. It may seem like a risky hire, but Venables hasn’t been afraid of trusting young innovative minds to help lead his team. Last offseason the Sooners fired defensive coordinator Ted Roof and replaced him with Zac Alley, a 30-year old from Jacksonville State that’s been tabbed as one of the top young minds on that side of the ball. Arbuckle has received similar praise for his quick rise up the ranks of college football. Arbuckle’s scheme One name that hasn’t often been brought up when discussing Arbuckle’s offenses is former OU head coach Lincoln Riley. Bob Stoops hired Riley when he was just 31 coming out of a prolific stint leading Eastern Carolina. Arbuckle is from West Texas and runs a similar scheme to Riley. At previous stops, Arbuckle has run an air raid offense that tries to beat teams by spreading them out and stressing the middle of the defense with the power run game. Cam Ward ran the Cougars’ offense in 2023 and passed for 3,735 yards with 25 touchdowns. Ward transferred to Miami after the season, but the Cougars were able to repeat their success with John Mateer behind center. As a sophomore Mateer completed 65% of his passes for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns. Mateer has been considered a target to hit the transfer portal even before Arbuckle’s departure was announced.WASHINGTON — A former Fox News host who once hurled an ax and struck a band member on set is tapped to lead the Pentagon. A star of MTV’s “Real World” may oversee U.S. transportation policy and a TV doctor who hawks miracle cures may oversee the government’s biggest health care program. President-elect Donald Trump bolstered his national profile on NBC’s “The Apprentice” before first running for the White House. Now he’s turned his second transition into a casting call, pulling from the ranks of entertainment and media to find loyal allies to carry out his agenda. While critics say some of Trump’s picks are short on experience for the agencies they are being tapped to run, they offer to bring a different set of qualities, including telegenic looks or a flair for showmanship that play well on screen. Trump makes clear he values those attributes, given his own political rise has been heavy on theatrics. “Trump isn’t filling a Cabinet so much as he is casting the first season of ‘Governing with the Stars,’ ” said Peter Loge, director of the George Washington School of Media & Public Affairs. “What he’s been consistent about is the spectacle in the theater surrounding talking about policies and people. His appointments reflect that.” Trump’s affinity for the entertainment world is well known; long before his political career, he was a fixture of the New York tabloids. He made his mark on the campaign trail with showy, choreographed rallies, embraced unorthodox media outlets and has regularly highlighted his own celebrity support, such as actor Sylvester Stallone, who dubbed him a “second George Washington” after his comeback victory. Trump also judges the success of his presidential and campaign events by their TV ratings. During this year’s campaign, as Trump vetted potential running mates ahead of the Republican National Convention, he described the process as a “highly sophisticated version of ‘The Apprentice.’ ” “He wants a Cabinet that is all able to communicate his position and his talking points clearly and concisely and has the experience of being on camera to talk to the American people,” said Josh Novotney, a Republican strategist. The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Former “Fox and Friends” weekend host Pete Hegseth, picked to lead the Department of Defense, fits that bill. A former Army National Guard officer, Hegseth will manage 2 million active-duty troops in uniform, more than 770,000 civilians and a budget of more than $840 billion if confirmed. But despite deployments to Afghanistan and Cuba, his lack of management experience is raising concerns. And despite allegations of sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse and mismanagement at two veterans organizations, which might sink a nominee in another administration, it’s Hegseth’s television credentials, where he regularly assailed Democratic policies on defense and was a staunch Trump supporter, that the president-elect sees as a major asset. Hegseth’s biggest moment on screen, though, came when he threw an ax during a demonstration on “Fox and Friends,” missing his mark and hitting a drummer on set. The drummer did not appear to be seriously injured at the time but later sued Hegseth. The lawsuit was resolved. Hegseth has been meeting with senators in recent weeks to bolster his nomination. In a statement after his nomination, Fox News said Hegseth had been “an exceptional host.” “His insights and analysis especially about the military resonated deeply with our viewers and made the program the major success that it is today,” the statement added. Fox News has been a prominent source of Trump’s second-term picks, with the president-elect also selecting Janette Nesheiwat, a former medical contributor on the network, as his surgeon general and nominating former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, a frequent guest on the network who drew criticism for also hosting a show for three days while in office, to be U.S. attorney general. On Tuesday, Trump tapped Kimberly Guilfoyle for U.S. ambassador to Greece. Guilfoyle is also a former Fox News personality from her stint on the roundtable talk show “The Five.” For transportation secretary, Trump is nominating former Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy, who gained fame on MTV’s reality television show “The Real World: Boston” in the late 1990s. While on the show, Duffy stood out for espousing conservative views and sparring with that cast’s lone African American female, whom he accused of being racist against white people, in one of the season’s head-turning moments. Duffy most recently was co-host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business and appeared on Fox News. Popular celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz has been tapped to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, an agency that manages federal programs insuring more than one-third of Americans. A surgeon with no government experience, Oz drew attention from appearances on Oprah Winfrey’s television and his own show, “The Dr. Oz Show.” Oz has drawn criticism for unsubstantiated medical claims made on his daytime show, including how astrology can impact a person’s health, for promoting questionable weight-loss therapies — including a recipe for so-called butt-busting brownies — and unproven supplements and vitamins. An episode on discredited practices aimed at changing someone’s sexual orientation drew fire from LGBTQ rights groups. Columbia University, where he had a faculty appointment, cut ties with him in 2022, during his failed run for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania. Trump has also tapped Scott Turner, a former NFL player and veteran of his first term to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. A former cornerback, Turner played nine seasons in the NFL before going on to serve in the Texas House of Representatives. Trump’s selection to run the Department of Education, though, may be one of the standout television performers in his Cabinet class. Linda McMahon is the onetime CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, and a veteran of his first term, where she headed the Small Business Administration. In the wrestling ring, McMahon was involved in some of the industry’s most outlandish and eye-popping scripted plot lines, including one where her character was thought to be comatose and forced to watch her husband have an affair. McMahon’s character would eventually come out of the coma and kick husband Vince McMahon between his legs in a raucous brawl on stage. Trump, himself, has a storied history with wrestling, including a memorable story line dubbed the “Battle of the Billionaires” in which he feuded with Vince McMahon. The McMahons are now separated. Recently, a clip of McMahon being body-slammed by wrestling great Glenn Jacobs, known as Kane, during a past event went viral. “Donald Trump surrounds himself with people who agree with him and who are willing to go to bat for him, willing to get thrown under the bus for him,” Loge said. “That’s what he’s doing with his Cabinet.”
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NoneAdvisors Asset Management Inc. reduced its holdings in Vanguard Total International Bond ETF ( NASDAQ:BNDX – Free Report ) by 48.0% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 2,331 shares of the company’s stock after selling 2,152 shares during the quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc.’s holdings in Vanguard Total International Bond ETF were worth $117,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Private Wealth Management Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Vanguard Total International Bond ETF by 10.9% during the third quarter. Private Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 8,112 shares of the company’s stock valued at $408,000 after purchasing an additional 800 shares during the last quarter. Topel & Distasi Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Vanguard Total International Bond ETF by 0.8% during the second quarter. Topel & Distasi Wealth Management LLC now owns 194,241 shares of the company’s stock worth $9,454,000 after buying an additional 1,511 shares during the period. MONECO Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Vanguard Total International Bond ETF by 11.7% in the 2nd quarter. MONECO Advisors LLC now owns 14,366 shares of the company’s stock worth $699,000 after buying an additional 1,500 shares in the last quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. increased its position in Vanguard Total International Bond ETF by 5.9% in the 2nd quarter. Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Inc. now owns 4,508 shares of the company’s stock valued at $219,000 after acquiring an additional 253 shares during the period. Finally, Citizens & Northern Corp raised its stake in Vanguard Total International Bond ETF by 4.0% during the 2nd quarter. Citizens & Northern Corp now owns 21,459 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,044,000 after acquiring an additional 817 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Total International Bond ETF Trading Up 0.5 % Shares of BNDX stock opened at $50.55 on Friday. Vanguard Total International Bond ETF has a 1 year low of $48.19 and a 1 year high of $51.04. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $50.03 and a two-hundred day moving average of $49.52. Vanguard Total International Bond ETF Cuts Dividend Vanguard Total International Bond ETF Profile ( Free Report ) The Vanguard Total International Bond ETF (BNDX) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks an investment-grade, non-USD denominated bond index, hedged against currency fluctuations for US investors. BNDX was launched on Jun 4, 2013 and is managed by Vanguard. See Also Five stocks we like better than Vanguard Total International Bond ETF What Do S&P 500 Stocks Tell Investors About the Market? The Latest 13F Filings Are In: See Where Big Money Is Flowing Stock Market Holidays 2022-2025 – Here’s When the NYSE and NASDAQ Will be Closed 3 Penny Stocks Ready to Break Out in 2025 Stock Ratings and Recommendations: Understanding Analyst Ratings FMC, Mosaic, Nutrien: Top Agricultural Stocks With Big Potential Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BNDX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vanguard Total International Bond ETF ( NASDAQ:BNDX – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard Total International Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard Total International Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
NEW YORK , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The toys market in europe size is estimated to grow by USD 9.27 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.39% during the forecast period. Expanding product portfolio influencing product premiumization is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing number of strategic alliances. However, availability of low-quality counterfeit products poses a challenge. Key market players include 4M Industrial Development Ltd., Clementoni Spa, Evertoys, First Celtic Toys and Learning Ltd., Goliath Games, HABA Group B.V. And Co.KG, Hamleys of London Ltd., Hasbro Inc., JWS Europe Ltd., Kids2 Inc., Learning Resources Ltd., LEGO System AS, Mattel Inc., MGA Entertainment Inc., Ravensburger AG, Simba Dickie Group GmbH, Takara Tomy Co. Ltd., The Toy Co., Theo Klein GmbH, and VTech Holdings Ltd.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Toys Market In Europe Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.39% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 9.27 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 4.07 Regional analysis Europe Performing market contribution Europe at 100% Key countries UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Rest of Europe Key companies profiled 4M Industrial Development Ltd., Clementoni Spa, Evertoys, First Celtic Toys and Learning Ltd., Goliath Games, HABA Group B.V. And Co.KG, Hamleys of London Ltd., Hasbro Inc., JWS Europe Ltd., Kids2 Inc., Learning Resources Ltd., LEGO System AS, Mattel Inc., MGA Entertainment Inc., Ravensburger AG, Simba Dickie Group GmbH, Takara Tomy Co. Ltd., The Toy Co., Theo Klein GmbH, and VTech Holdings Ltd. Market Driver The European toys market is thriving, with a focus on providing children with toys that foster play, creativity, and social interaction. Action figures, dolls, puzzles, board games, building blocks, and electronic devices are popular choices, developing motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. Educational toys, including letters, numbers, shapes, and STEM toys, are essential for cognitive skills and technological literacy. Traditional toys and technology-driven toys coexist, with movies, TV shows, and video games influencing toy trends. Parents seek quality toys that promote skill development, critical thinking, and social skills. E-commerce platforms cater to a global audience, offering eco-friendly practices, recycled materials, and interactive features. Urbanization and living spaces influence the shift towards indoor toys, while outdoor play areas remain essential for physical development and a healthy lifestyle. The European toys market is highly competitive with numerous vendors offering distinctive products. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter facilitate active funding for toy development by partnering with manufacturers and distributors. Vendors are forming strategic partnerships to expand their businesses through new product offerings and distribution channels. In February 2021 , Hasbro, Inc. Announced a collaboration with Epic Games, introducing the first-ever Hasbro character integration with Fortnite as a special Snake Eyes Outfit. These initiatives enable vendors to gain a competitive edge and sustain their market positions. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This toys market in Europe report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Activity toys and accessories- The European toys market encompasses construction toys, activity toys, action figures, and accessories. Construction toys consist of building blocks, construction vehicles, sets, and worker models, primarily made of plastic, metal, or wood. These items have a low replacement cycle due to their usage. Activity toys include frisbees, hula hoops, and other outdoor recreational items. Children aged two and above often engage with these toys. The demand for outdoor and sports toys is projected to rise due to health concerns and increasing birth rates. Brands like Melissa & Doug, LEGO System AS, and TOMY Co. Ltd. Dominate the activity toys sector. Macroeconomic factors, such as expanding middle-class population, increasing disposable income, decreasing child mortality, and rising birth rate, fuel the toys market growth. The expanding target market for the activity toys and accessories segment offers opportunities for vendors. Additionally, increasing disposable income and household final consumption expenditure enhance consumers' purchasing power, enabling them to buy premium and branded construction toys, thereby driving the value sales of construction and activity toys. Consequently, the rising demand for activity toys and accessories, including Lego sets and skipping ropes, will boost the growth of the European toys market. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The European toys market is a vibrant and diverse industry that caters to the play and entertainment needs of children. It offers a wide range of toys that foster creativity, social interaction, and intellectual growth. From action figures and dolls to puzzles, board games, building blocks, electronic devices, and educational toys, there's something for every child's developmental stage and interest. Toys play a significant role in a child's life, helping them develop essential motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving abilities, and imaginative play. They also promote emotional and physical growth, as well as social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and empathy. Moreover, toys hold cultural significance and reflect societal values. They can help children learn letters, numbers, and shapes, and provide opportunities for intellectual growth and exploration. With a focus on fun and learning, the European toys market continues to evolve, offering innovative and engaging toys that inspire and delight children. Market Research Overview The European toys market is a vibrant and diverse industry that caters to the play and entertainment needs of children. It encompasses a wide range of toys, from traditional building blocks and puzzles to modern electronic devices and STEM toys. The market prioritizes creativity, social interaction, and skill development, offering children opportunities for imaginative play, educational growth, and cognitive development. Toys serve as cultural significance and societal values, promoting social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and negotiation. Interactive features, digital interfaces, and e-commerce platforms expand the reach of toys to a global audience. Parents seek quality toys that foster motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving abilities, and technological literacy. The market includes action figures, dolls, board games, and puzzles, as well as outdoor toys, eco-friendly practices, and sustainable materials. Urbanization and living spaces influence the market, with a growing emphasis on indoor toys and outdoor play areas. The toys industry continues to evolve, integrating cutting-edge technology, educational components, and media franchises, while prioritizing eco-friendly practices and sustainability. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/toys-market-in-europe-to-grow-by-usd-9-27-billion-2024-2028-driven-by-premiumization-and-ai-influenced-market-trends---technavio-302326164.html SOURCE TechnavioCreating a blockbuster Hollywood hit is no easy feat. While the allure of familiarity can play a key role in drawing audiences, it’s far from the only factor in a movie’s success. A combination of compelling storytelling, standout performances, innovative marketing, and technical brilliance all contribute to making a film resonate with audiences. Familiar themes and franchises are a reliable way to capture audience interest. These films thrive by reimagining something audiences already know and love, blending nostalgia with innovation. The gaming industry also likes to use familiar titles to give its users a sense of familiarity, particularly in the case of online casinos games and live shows like . By adopting the iconic Monopoly brand and integrating it with casino mechanics, casino software providers have created a product that feels fresh yet rooted in something many players already know & love. A gripping narrative is essential for any hit movie. Great storytelling immerses the audience, allowing them to connect with characters and experience their journeys. Casting can make or break a Hollywood film. Star power often draws initial interest, but the ability of actors to truly embody their roles determines whether a film leaves a lasting impact. Marketing is crucial to creating anticipation for any blockbuster. Unique strategies ensure the movie stands out in a crowded market. Stunning visuals and groundbreaking technology are cornerstones of modern blockbusters. Films that push technical boundaries captivate audiences and set new industry standards. The making of a Hollywood hit involves weaving together multiple factors. Films like and demonstrate the power of familiarity, while compelling narratives, star performances, innovative marketing, and cutting-edge technology add further layers of appeal. These elements, balanced and executed well, are the key to crafting stories that captivate audiences and leave lasting impressions.None
Kindergarten students at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer School stuff Christmas stockingsAP Trending SummaryBrief at 10:31 p.m. EST
Wall Street’s main indexes closed lower on Tuesday as technology sector losses offset gains in communications services while investors waited for key inflation reports that may influence the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decisions. Among the S&P 500’s 11 major industry sectors, only three ended with gains a day ahead of the November reading of the Consumer Price Index, one of the last major reports ahead of the Fed’s Dec. 17-18 meeting. Headline inflation is expected to have risen slightly in November to 2.7 per cent from 2.6 per cent in October. The Producer Price Index report will follow on Thursday. “There’s a little bit of wait-and-see in the market ahead of the CPI and PPI data this week,” said Mona Mahajan, head of investment strategy at Edward Jones. “Markets want to see a number that won’t be too disruptive to the Fed next week.” If the CPI comes in line with estimates, investors will expect an “all clear” for the Fed to lower rates by 25 basis points next week, she added. Traders see an 86 per cent chance for a cut next week, CME’s FedWatch Tool showed. Bets had jumped after Friday’s news of an uptick in unemployment along with a rebound in job growth, which had slowed in October. Noting the S&P 500’s roughly 27 per cent gain for the year so far, Lindsey Bell, chief strategist at 248 Ventures in Charlotte, North Carolina, said investors are cautious ahead of the economic data and Fed meeting. “We’re in a seasonally strong period of the year and investors are just kind of taking a breather,” said Bell. Market participants will be watching out for signs that the US central bank will pause its easing cycle in January, after a host of Fed officials last week hinted at a slower pace of monetary policy easing on the back of a resilient economy. “It’s less about what the Fed does next week but what they say about the future trajectory of interest rates,” said Bell. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 154.10 points, or 0.35 per cent, to 44,247.83. The S&P 500 lost 17.94 points, or 0.30 per cent, at 6,034.91 and the Nasdaq Composite fell 49.45 points, or 0.25 per cent, to 19,687.24. Communication services, up 2.6 per cent, was the biggest percentage gainer among S&P 500 sectors with help from a 5.6 per cent rally in shares of Google-parent Alphabet after it unveiled a new chip. The biggest percentage decliner was real estate, falling 1.6 per cent. The S&P’s biggest index point drag was from technology, down 1.3 per cent. It was weighed down by a 6.7 per cent drop in Oracle shares after the cloud computing company missed Wall Street estimates for second-quarter results. Adding pressure to technology, the Philadelphia semiconductor index fell 2.5 per cent after China’s Monday announcement of an investigation into Nvidia over suspected violations of anti-monopoly law. The probe was widely seen as retaliation against US curbs on China’s chip sector. Shares in Walgreens Boots Alliance rallied 17.7 per cent, making it the S&P 500’s biggest percentage gainer after reports that it is in talks to sell itself to private equity firm Sycamore Partners. The S&P 500’s biggest percentage decliner was Moderna Inc , which fell 9.1 per cent after BofA reinstated coverage of the company with an ‘underperform’ rating. Alaska Airlines shares rose 13 per cent after it raised its fourth-quarter profit forecast, while Boeing gained 5.5 per cent after Reuters reported the planemaker restarted production of its 737 MAX jets last week. Among individual stock movers, software firm MongoDB fell 16.9% despite raising its forecast for annual results. In mid-caps, luxury homebuilder Toll Brothers shares fell 6.9 per cent after its quarterly results beat expectations but its current quarter forecasts disappointed. Declining issues outnumbered advancers by a 1.88-to-1 ratio on the NYSE where there were 117 new highs and 42 new lows. On the Nasdaq, 1,655 stocks rose and 2,671 fell as declining issues outnumbered advancers by a 1.61-to-1 ratio. The Nasdaq Composite recorded 87 new highs and 86 new lows while the S&P 500 posted 10 new 52-week highs and three new lows. On the volume side, on US exchanges 13.35 billion shares change hands compared with the 14.35 billion average for the last 20 sessions.
Dbrand has surprised us with a Cyber Monday deal that Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally owners won’t want to miss. Right now, Project Killswitch Essentials Kits are discounted to just $49.95 (was $67.90). The Killswitch case is a semi-flexible cover that fits snugly over your handheld PC, giving it a modest amount of protection from impacts, with handles that have a delightfully grippy texture. It’s a must-own accessory that we recommend for any Steam Deck or ROG Ally owner who wants some extra protection for their device. Each Essentials Kit comes packaged with the Killswitch case, an attachable kickstand, and an adhesive skin to give your preferred handheld a little more personality with one of over 20 different patterns or colors . While the excellent travel cover, stick grips , and tempered glass screen protector are sold separately, they are also discounted if you’d like to opt for a more complete bundle. Dbrand Killswitch essentials kit The Killswitch is the best option for keeping your handheld PC safe from minor falls, and even comes equipped with a built-in kickstand for playing with a Bluetooth controller. If you like what Dbrand has to offer but don’t currently own a Steam Deck or ROG Ally, you can also find discounts on skins and accessories for other consoles, including the Xbox Series X , PlayStation 5 , Nintendo Switch , and even the PlayStation Portal . Looking for more? Check out all of Polygon’s favorite Cyber Monday deals , including great discounts on board games , video games and gaming accessories , Dungeons & Dragons , Magic: The Gathering , gaming monitors , and Legos . And subscribe to our newsletter below to get great deals delivered to your inbox every week. Shopkeeper Polygon’s handpicked deals on games, movies, books, and more. Cyber Monday Deal Alert Gaming Hardware ShoppingThe Layered Style of New York’s Christmas Tree SellersChina's Xizang reports 523,900 private sector entities by Q3
BOZEMAN, Mont.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 10, 2024-- On December 10, 2024, Destra Multi-Alternative Fund (the “Fund” or “DMA”), a closed-end fund traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DMA, declared a year end distribution of $0.3239 per share for 2024. The record date for the distribution is December 20, 2024, and the payable date is December 31, 2024. The Fund will trade ex-distribution on December 19, 2024. Pursuant to the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRP”), unless the registered owner of the Fund’s Common Shares elects otherwise by contacting the Fund’s plan agent, Equiniti Trust Company, LLC (“EQ”), all dividends declared on the Common Shares will be automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares by EQ. Common Shareholders who elect not to participate in the DRP will receive all dividends and other distributions in cash, paid by check mailed directly to the shareholder of record. Shareholders may obtain more information on the shareholder services offered to the Fund by calling EQ at the Fund's dedicated toll free number 800-591-8238. A portion of the distribution may be treated as paid from sources other than net investment income, including, but not limited to, short-term capital gain, long-term capital gain, or return of capital. As required by Section 19(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, a notice will be distributed to shareholders in the event that a portion of the distribution is derived from sources other than undistributed net investment income. The final determination of the source and tax characteristics of this distribution will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during its fiscal year and will be made after the Fund’s year end. The Fund will send to investors a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will define how to report this distribution for federal income tax purposes. For further information regarding the Fund’s distribution, please visit www.destracapital.com . Destra Multi-Alternative Fund (NYSE: DMA) is a core alternative solution that seeks to achieve long-term performance non-correlated to the broad stock and bond markets. It invests primarily in alternative strategies and asset classes including real estate, direct private equity, alternative credit, commodities, and hedge strategies. Destra Capital Advisors LLC, based in Bozeman, MT, serves as Investment Adviser and Secondary Market Servicing agent to the Fund. Validex Global Investing serves as the Investment Sub-Adviser to the Fund. Shares of the Fund can be purchased on the New York Stock Exchange through any securities broker. Information regarding the Fund and Destra Capital Advisors can be found at www.destracapital.com . Please contact Destra Capital Advisors LLC, the Fund’s marketing, and investor support services agent, at DMA@destracapital.com or call (877) 855-3434 if you have any questions regarding DMA. NOT FDIC INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241210280790/en/ CONTACT: Destra Capital Advisors LLC DMA@destracapital.com (877) 855-3434 KEYWORD: MONTANA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ASSET MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: Destra Capital Advisors LLC Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/10/2024 05:00 PM/DISC: 12/10/2024 05:00 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241210280790/en
If voters delivered any certain message on Nov. 5, it’s that they were angry enough not to take it any longer. There’s much to be angry about, but it’s harder to tell just what voters were protesting. To some so-called experts, they were angry at the “elites,” narrowly defined as people with college degrees and liberal social views on gender and religion who supposedly control the Democratic Party. The truth is, the elites who actually run our country care little about social issues. What concerns them is the wealth they control, and how to increase it. That was the point of a major study 10 years ago which documented that we had become an oligarchy run by “economic elites and organized groups representing business interests.” When their interests and those of the general public coincide, both often get what they want. But when they clash, the wealthy usually prevail. Authors Martin Gilens of Princeton and Benjamin Page of Northwestern compared a large database of public opinion polls to political outcomes. “Not only do ordinary citizens not have uniquely substantial power over policy decisions; they have little or no independent influence on policy at all,” they wrote. “When the preferences of economic elites and the stands of organized interest groups are controlled for, the preferences of the average American appear to have only a minuscule, near-zero, statistically non-significant impact upon public policy.” Writing two years later to rebut their critics, the authors offered some interesting examples. “On most aspects of national defense, environmental policy, drug policy and education, for example, the views of the affluent and the poor are nearly identical,” they explained. “Even on redistributive economic policies, there is often more agreement than one might expect. Lower and higher income Americans, for example, are equally supportive of unpaid family leave laws and equally opposed to a national sales tax.” However, they added, “Middle-income Americans, for example, are more likely to support raising the minimum wage or indexing it to inflation; increasing income taxes on high earners or corporations; and cutting payroll taxes on lower income Americans. And they’re more likely to be opposed to tax cuts for upper-income individuals, spending cuts in Medicare, and roll-backs of federal retirement programs.” Gilens cited other examples in an email to the Sun Sentinel Editorial Board. “Lower and higher income Americans were often in agreement on military policies (e.g., in support of invading Afghanistan and in opposition to giving aid to the Sandinistas). But they often disagreed on free trade (e.g., NAFTA, GATT), where the affluent supported free trade agreements while low-income Americans opposed them,” he wrote. Most Americans don’t need statistics to know that something is fundamentally wrong. People struggle to put food on the table. The federal minimum wage hasn’t been raised in 15 years, and at $7.25 an hour is worth only 40 cents of every dollar of value at its peak in 1968. By any practical respect, that’s a poverty wage, but Congress won’t raise it because the oligarchs who pay for their elections won’t stand for it. Florida’s $13 an hour minimum wage is better only because of a barely successful 2020 voter initiative, which the state’s oligarchs fiercely opposed. The data confirms that the wealthiest 10 percent now control 60 percent of all wealth. But nobody needs statistics to know that the middle class has declined in status and purchasing power. They can see all the shuttered factories that once paid good wages to people without college degrees. At the grocery, they see for themselves how agribusiness exploits them. So many people no longer see the bright future that their parents did. It’s no wonder the public is so angry. But people will soon discover that they voted against their own economic self-interest. Under Donald Trump, income inequality will worsen. By putting their faith in Trump, who promises a tariff wall — the device that exacerbated the Great Depression — they voted to make things worse and reignite inflation. They also voted to renew Trump’s skewed tax cuts that will make the rich richer and leave most others relatively poorer. People rejected Kamala Harris, who promised explicitly to make first-home buying more affordable, in favor of a man who has already spooked a hike in mortgage rates, making homes less affordable. Democrats need to be more strident and populist, but they too depend on campaign money from oligarchs. One of their persistent “what ifs” is whether they should have nominated Bernie Sanders eight years ago. Trump’s populism is phony. Democratic populism is muted. The oligarchy still rules.Jimmy Carter, the longest-lived US President, has died, The Carter Center announced on Sunday. The 100-year-old 'was surrounded by family' and 'passed away peacefully', the statement further read. Flags across the country will be flown at half-staff for 30 days - the longest mourning period permitted by the federal government. Paying tribute to Carter, President Joe Biden called for a state funeral in Washington. “America and the world, in my view, lost a remarkable leader. He was a statesman, a humanitarian. And Jill and I lost a dear friend. I’ve been hanging out with Jimmy Carter for over 50 years,” the president said in a statement. Read More: Biden Takes A Dig At Trump While Delivering Remarks On Jimmy Carter's Death | Watch The sitting president can issue an executive order, closing federal offices and buildings for a national day of mourning. If Biden declares a day of mourning, all offices and federal services will be shut. . Both the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq markets will not trade. The last National Day of Mourning was held on December 5, 2018 to honour former President George H.W. Bush. Read More: Jimmy Carter Funeral: Will Donald Trump, Joe Biden Speak At Washington Service? Will schools and colleges announce a holiday tomorrow?Schools and colleges will announce a holiday depending on the decisions made at local and state levels. No announcements have been made yet. Generally, former presidents are buried five days after they pass away. It is currently unclear if or how the New Year's holiday will impact this timeline. "To honor a great American, I will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington D.C. for James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States, 76th Governor of Georgia, Lieutenant of the United States Navy, graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and favorite son of Plains, Georgia, who gave his full life in service to God and country," Biden said in a statement. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News, World and around the world.
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