MAPS DEADLINE: ROSEN LAW FIRM, NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS, Encourages WM Technology, Inc. Investors With Losses in Excess of $100K to Secure Counsel Before Important December 16 Deadline in Securities Class Action First Filed by the Firm – MAPS
Wall Street is buzzing with anticipation as investors look toward a potential “Santa Rally,” the seasonal trend where stocks typically rise in the final days of December. Historically, during the window from December 24 to December 31, the S&P 500 has enjoyed gains in 64 out of the last 96 years, with an average uptick of 0.85%. Despite beginning the week with market optimism, prompted by hopes of recovering from the Federal Reserve’s caution on rate cuts in 2024, a wave of volatility on Friday has cast doubts over the rally’s sustainability. Investors remain cautious, balancing the Fed’s policy direction with uncertainties surrounding the incoming Trump administration’s economic initiatives. Looking ahead, 2024 is poised to be a landmark year. The S&P 500 is on pace to replicate the previous year’s 24% surge, forecasting a remarkable two-year gain of 55%, the strongest performance since 1999. U.S. stocks continue to outstrip global markets, bolstered by robust economic fundamentals. Palantir Technologies has commanded attention on the leaderboards, with an impressive 360% surge, surpassing Nvidia’s significant 175% gain. Analysts even draw comparisons to giants like Oracle. However, U.S. consumer confidence slipped in December, painting a concerning picture of future economic conditions. The decline in the expectations index signals vulnerabilities as 2025 approaches, fueled by fears of persistent inflation and high interest rates. In the automotive sector, GM’s Cadillac Lyriq has emerged as a standout in the luxury EV market, underscoring a shift towards high-margin, upscale electric vehicles. As market dynamics evolve, all eyes are on these critical developments shaping the economic landscape. Unveiling 2024 Market Trends: From Santa Rallies to Electric Luxuries As we edge into 2024, the financial markets and economic landscapes are set for significant developments, ushering in both opportunities and challenges for investors and businesses alike. Here’s a breakdown of key insights, trends, and predictions to watch. Significant Market Trends and Predictions The financial community is eagerly watching for a potential “Santa Rally” in the stock market, a phenomenon where equities experience a boost during the final days of December. Historically, the S&P 500 has seen gains in 64 of the past 96 years during this window. However, despite the optimism, recent market volatility raises questions about this year’s rally. Anticipating a landmark year, the S&P 500 is on course to replicate last year’s 24% surge, potentially culminating in a notable two-year gain of 55%. This performance would mark the strongest since 1999, driven by robust economic fundamentals in the United States. Notably, U.S. stocks have outperformed their global counterparts, reinforcing investor confidence. Impressive Growth of Tech and Automotive Giants Palantir Technologies has captured market attention with a staggering 360% price surge, surpassing Nvidia’s remarkable 175% increase. These numbers place Palantir alongside tech giants such as Oracle, showcasing its substantial growth and market influence. Turning to the automotive industry, GM’s Cadillac Lyriq has emerged as a leader in the luxury electric vehicle (EV) market. This highlights the industry’s shift towards high-margin, upscale electric options, reflecting evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. Economic Concerns and Consumer Confidence While the stock market may be thriving, U.S. consumer confidence has seen a dip in December, raising concerns about future economic conditions. The decline in the expectations index suggests potential vulnerabilities, as fears of persistent inflation and high interest rates loom. Market Dynamics and Controversies The complex interplay of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policies, geopolitical uncertainties, and evolving economic initiatives, particularly with the incoming administration, adds layers of complexity to market predictions. Investors must navigate these dynamics carefully to capitalize on opportunities without unwarranted risks. Insights into Sustainability and Innovations In sync with the growing demand for sustainable solutions, companies like GM bolster their EV offerings to align with eco-friendly trends. This transition not only meets regulatory requirements but also enhances brand positioning in an environment increasingly driven by sustainability. Conclusion As we navigate into 2024, a combination of robust stock market performances, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences sets the stage for an economically dynamic year. However, managing risks related to consumer sentiment and global economic uncertainties will be critical. For a deeper dive into market trends and innovations, visit the CNBC .French stocks reached their lowest point in over three months on Wednesday as investor confidence wavered due to the government's struggle to pass its budget. Simultaneously, ongoing fears over potential U.S. tariffs kept European automobile stocks under pressure, with the pan-European STOXX 600 closing 0.2% lower. This slide in French equities saw the main stock index drop over 1% during the trading session to its lowest since August, eventually closing 0.7% down. The technology sector was a significant detractor, with French companies leading the losses on the STOXX 600. Additionally, French bonds suffered, elevating the government's long-term borrowing costs to peaks not seen since 2012. The market sentiment was further dampened by concerns of possible government collapse following calls from far-right leader Marine Le Pen, threatening stability with planned budget cuts and tax hikes. (With inputs from agencies.)
With Easter Sunday falling on April 20 next year, customers shared their confusion on social media after finding chocolate eggs and hot cross buns already for sale in shops including Morrisons, Tesco and Asda. One user, @Jingle1991, shared an image of Malteser Bunnies in Sainsbury’s on Christmas Eve and pointed out: “Jesus hasn’t even been born yet.” Meanwhile, Gary Evans from Margate shared a shot of Creme Eggs on display in Morrisons in Margate on Boxing Day. “I just think its crazy that everything is so superficial and meaninglessly commercial... (there’s) something quite frantic about it,” the 66-year-old told the PA news agency. No Shame.Morrisons.Easter eggs.Boxing Day. December 26th.Peace on Earth pic.twitter.com/slGoIjOpRq — Gary Evans (@GaryEva04679693) December 26, 2024 Joseph Robinson found Easter confectionary including Cadbury Mini Eggs, and themed Kit-Kat and Kinder Surprise products at his local Morrisons in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday evening. “It’s funny, as they’ve not even managed to shift the Christmas chocolates off the shelves yet and they’re already stocking for Easter,” the 35-year-old admin support worker told PA. “I wish that Supermarkets weren’t so blatantly consumerist-driven and would actually allow customers and staff a time to decompress during the Christmas period.” @Morrisons It's not even a full 2025 and you're already stocking for easter.Kindly get in the bin pic.twitter.com/kLS7DGSRXt — Joseph (@stokegoblin) December 27, 2024 Asked if he was tempted to make a purchase, Mr Robinson added: “As a vegan it holds no appeal to me!” Mike Chalmers, a devout Christian from Chippenham, Wiltshire, was slightly less critical after spotting a display entitled: “Celebrate this Easter with Cadbury.” Easter is for life, not just for Christmas(Photo today in Morrisons!) pic.twitter.com/VmdJ31La9r — Mike Chalmers (@realMChalmers) December 27, 2024 “Christmas and Easter are the two centrepoints of the Christian good news story so it’s no bad thing to see the connections,” the 44-year-old said. “It’s about more than shapes of chocolate though!” Marketing consultant Andrew Wallis admitted he was surprised to see Easter eggs in the Co-op in Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, but added it also illustrates “forward-thinking” from big businesses. Christmas isn’t even over, and Easter eggs are already on the shelves. Say what you want about it—but big brands don’t wait. They plan ahead and act fast. Are you doing the same? Your future self will thank you pic.twitter.com/Sl9qd7sOGS — andrewwallis (@andrewwallis) December 27, 2024 “It made me reflect on how big brands are always thinking ahead and planning early,” the 54-year-old from the Isle of Man, who provides marketing advice to the fitness industry, told PA. “My message to retailers would be: while planning ahead is important, it’s also essential to be mindful of consumer sentiment. “Some might feel it’s too early for seasonal products like this but others might see it as a sign of forward-thinking. “Striking the right balance is key to keeping customers happy.”Wall Street gets back to climbing, Nasdaq tops 20,000Game-changing holiday gifts for building fires, printing photos, watching birds and more
AMD: 2 Reasons To Be Greedy When Others Are FearfulThe election of Donald Trump for his second presidential term has led to widespread fears of an imminent authoritarian descent in the United States. Quite how that might play out remains speculative, for now at least. But evidence from Trump’s first term, as well as his campaign policies and cabinet nominations since the election, suggest those fears are not without foundation. Another way of looking at this, however, is that Trump’s return simply echoes realities within the international system’s other great powers – China, Russia and India have all displayed similar political pathologies for some time now. Due to their collective power and influence in determining the nature of the world order, Trump’s victory thus marks the amplification of a deeply autocratic era in global politics. The hallmarks of what we might call this nascent “Pax Autocratica ” can be seen in a variety of ways, as these four horsemen of authoritarianism charge ahead with their policies and plans. Strongman politics Donald Trump and his counterparts – China’s Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin and India’s Narendra Modi – are all bombastic, divisive and confrontational leaders. They embody the archetype of strongman politics whereby power is focused on a single, would-be omnipotent individual. As well as sharing similar alpha-male psychological characteristics and developing cults of personality around themselves, they seek to rule for long periods. In 2018, Xi removed the presidential term limit from China’s constitution. In 2020, Putin amended the Russian constitution, allowing him to rule until 2036, leading to what’s been described as a “ politics of eternity ”. In power since 2014, Modi has won the past three elections in India. Accused of having a god complex , his success has rested on mainstreaming Hindu-first nationalism , capturing the legal system and rewriting Indian history . Trump, too, has flirted with ideas of a third term (impossible under current constitutional rules), saying, “ we just have to figure that out ”. Strongman politics: Donald Trump meets India’s Narendra Modi in New Delhi, 2020. Getty Images Constraining human rights Each of these leaders has overseen governments that have sought to narrow and constrain human rights. This includes limiting freedoms of speech and expression within Russian media, attacking journalists and protesters in India, and purging opponents in China. In all three countries, this involves using legal mechanisms to stifle dissent. Reports after Trump’s victory suggest he also wants to punish or suppress protest and dissent. The growing politicisation of the US Supreme Court matches similar trends in the other three countries. This has been likened to a shift away from the rule of law (which underpins a free and open society) towards “rule by law” (whereby the law becomes a tool of control). Globally, there have been warnings that reduced freedoms of speech, association and expression threaten the fundamental structures of civil society . The 2024 State of Civil Society Report by watchdog group Civicus estimates 72% of the world’s population now lives under authoritarian regimes. Attacking minorities The first Trump administration actively discriminated against minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ people, those with disabilities, and immigrants. Trump’s 2017 travel ban closed the US border to Muslims, while the planned deportation of up to 13 million illegal migrants was a mainstay of his 2024 campaign. In Russia, attacks against minorities and foreigners are commonplace, with racism in the country described as “ out of control ” by Amnesty International. Since 2014, violence and discrimination against India’s 200 million Muslims has significantly increased under Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Modi government’s actions actively discriminate against Muslim employment, education, justice and housing , especially in Kashmir and Assam. These chime with China’s actions in Xinjiang and Tibet where ethnic minorities are experiencing fundamental human rights violations . Beijing is also building a national social credit system designed to enhance public trust in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and create a society of “ compliant subjects ”. Social control: China’s Xi Jinping with Russia’s Vladimir Putin at the BRICS Leader’s Summit, October 22. Getty Images Weakened electoral systems While ostensibly democratic, there are glaring weaknesses in the US, Indian and Russian political and electoral systems, which undercut claims of electoral equality, fairness and plurality. While not as blatantly authoritarian as China (under the one-party rule of the CCP since 1949, and which consistently silences its opponents ), elections in Russia are essentially non-competitive and only a fac ̧ade of democracy . In the US, the gerrymandering of electoral regions , voter suppression , and vast corporate donations tilt the political landscape towards particular interests. Much the same is true of India, which has shifted towards a form of “ electoral autocracy ”, and is described now as only a “ partially free democracy ” by monitoring group Freedom House. These trends are exacerbated by India’s persistent intergenerational political dynasties and powerful political donors . Surveillance and security All of these authoritarian trends are underpinned by modern surveillance structures , directed inward towards a country’s own citizens as much as outwards, and enabled by Big Tech and now AI. What has been described as “ algorithmic authoritarianism ” takes different forms. The Chinese social credit system uses such technology to instil social control mainly through financial levers. India’s Central Monitoring System allows government agencies to monitor all mobile phone, landline and internet communications with minimal legal restraints . The pervasive reach of Russia’s capabilities has resulted in a “cyber gulag” of “total digital surveillance” . In the US, whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed the mass surveillance of telephone records in 2013, which was found to be illegal in 2020. Now, Trump’s alliance with Elon Musk has potential implications for his administration’s approach to AI and national security – including Musk continuing to use his social media platform to boost Trump’s political support. Trump’s return has normalised and supercharged authoritarianism internationally, making it the rule rather than the exception. America’s autocratic drift is now part of a broader global pattern, one that threatens democratic forces everywhere. Chris Ogden is affiliated with the Foreign Policy Centre (London) as a Senior Research Fellow.
How could Ukraine stop Russia’s new Oreshnik missile?LAHORE: The Punjab government extended the imposition of section 144 across the province for three more days amid the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest in Islamabad, ARY News reported. According to a notification issued here, the restrictions have been imposed from November 26 to 28, aimed at addressing security concerns and maintain law and order. According to the notification, the decision to implement Section 144 was made for the establishment of law and order, protection of human lives and property. According to a spokesperson, all political gatherings, protests, sit-ins, and similar activities are strictly prohibited under this order. The government maintained that the potential risks associated with public assemblies, which could become targets for terrorist attacks. The Punjab Home Department has issued an official notification regarding the restrictions. Authorities stress the necessity of ensuring public safety and protecting human lives and property during this period. Read More: PTI founder, workers booked in Nov 24 protest case in Faisalabad Earlier on November 25, a case had been registered at Ghulam Mehmoodabad Police Station in Faisalabad against the PTI founder, Imran Khan and 45 workers. FIR filed on the complaint of Sub-Inspector Ashfaq includes 13 charges, including terrorism, vandalism, and damaging public property. The FIR also mentions resistance against police and anti-government slogans during the protest. PTI protesters allegedly attacked police officers and personnel with sticks, according to the complaint. 35 protesters have been arrested, while others managed to flee. Further investigations are underway. The PTI workers on the call of Imran Khan staged a protest on November 24, while violent clashes were also reported from parts of the country as PTI workers tried to remove the containers.
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Over 100 Latur farmers get notices from Maharashtra Waqf Board over landLOS ANGELES — After another loss, this one of the 37-20 variety to the Philadelphia Eagles , Rams head coach Sean McVay was once again asked about his offense’s third-down conversion rate. It’s been a recurring issue for the Rams (5-6) this season, especially in the previous three games in which the Rams failed to convert more than 25% of their attempts on third downs. But Sunday marked a new low, as the Rams went 0-for-8, their first time failing to convert a single third down all season. “There’s a lot of different reasons. It wasn’t one thing in particular,” McVay said. “But that hasn’t been successful enough. It’s been an area that we have to be better at, no doubt about it.” The Rams rank 31st in the NFL, ahead of only Cleveland, in third-down conversion percentage with a 31.71% mark. They are similarly 31st in estimated points added (EPA) on third downs at -0.287 per play. The Rams actually have a respectable success rate when running the ball on third down at 54.5%. But they aren’t getting into enough and-short situations to justify handoffs on third downs, as evidenced by Sunday’s performance. The Rams lined up for 11 third downs on Sunday, though three were nullified by penalty. They faced an average distance of 9.4 yards on those plays. This number is slightly inflated by two 10-yard penalties committed by the Rams on third downs; as far as what distance the Rams had earned through their work on first and second downs, the number is 7.9 yards. On their eight third-down plays that were allowed to stand, the Rams ran seven pass plays and one run, a white-flag handoff on third-and-13 that gained 8 yards. On the seven drop backs, quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 2 of 4 passes for 10 yards while being sacked three times, all on to-go distances of 9 or greater yards in which Philadelphia’s pass rushers knew what was coming. “We didn’t put ourselves in a lot of favorable ones today,” Stafford said. “You don’t do that against that defense, it’s going to be difficult. No doubt there are some that we can convert on, look back on but it takes great execution by everybody to convert on third down. We just gotta do a better job.” The Rams actually did move the sticks after one third down, a third-and-16, but did not get credit for it in the stat book because it came via a Philadelphia pass interference penalty. So then, what did the Rams do to put themselves in these unfavorable situations? Let’s take a look at the first and second downs in the second quarter or later, given the Rams did not reach third down until the second quarter. The Rams ran the ball 10 times and dialed up 24 drop backs on first and second downs after the first quarter; given the nature of the blowout loss, the imbalance in play calls is not surprising. On the 10 carries, the Rams managed 23 yards and allowed three tackles for loss. Stafford was also sacked twice while completing 14 of 22 attempts. And this is where inconsistent execution in the run game is hurting the Rams, a team that wants to power the ball down defenses’ throats using their big bodies on the line and duo blocking. The Rams have made a heavy investment in this aspect of the team over the last two years. The second-round pick spent on guard Steve Avila. Big contracts paid to interior linemen Kevin Dotson and Jonah Jackson. The addition of Blake Corum in the third round in April to take some of the load off starting back Kyren Williams. Related Articles Los Angeles Rams | Alexander: Rams-Eagles was Saquon Barkley’s show Los Angeles Rams | Rams running out of time to fix offense after loss to Eagles Los Angeles Rams | Rams prepare for primetime Eagles game as NFC West heats up Los Angeles Rams | Philadelphia Eagles at Rams: Who has the edge? Los Angeles Rams | Rams’ ultra-competitive pass rush thrives working ‘five as one’ But 11 games into the season, injuries and shuffling rotations along the offensive line have made that goal difficult to achieve. But that doesn’t stop the Rams in believing it can still be their identity. “I think we know what we’re really about and how to get where we want to get. I think we’ll lean a little bit more on the run,” Dotson said in the post-game locker room Sunday. “I feel like our run game is a little I guess underrated. I feel like we run it pretty good when we actually get it all set. It’s just the matter of fact of getting ourselves in situations where running is better.” “When you’re looking at a lot of third-and-longs and the opportunity for a rush to kind of play with their hair set on fire, it definitely presents a lot of difficulties for anybody in this league,” receiver Puka Nacua added. “It’s the physical game of football that has been playing for a long time and it starts in the trenches and being able to make sure that we can protect our back and not allowing safeties to kind of cap off on some of our hits and stuff like that, being able to get to that second level with a great push.”
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LOS ANGELES — After another loss, this one of the 37-20 variety to the Philadelphia Eagles , Rams head coach Sean McVay was once again asked about his offense’s third-down conversion rate. It’s been a recurring issue for the Rams (5-6) this season, especially in the previous three games in which the Rams failed to convert more than 25% of their attempts on third downs. But Sunday marked a new low, as the Rams went 0-for-8, their first time failing to convert a single third down all season. “There’s a lot of different reasons. It wasn’t one thing in particular,” McVay said. “But that hasn’t been successful enough. It’s been an area that we have to be better at, no doubt about it.” The Rams rank 31st in the NFL, ahead of only Cleveland, in third-down conversion percentage with a 31.71% mark. They are similarly 31st in estimated points added (EPA) on third downs at -0.287 per play. The Rams actually have a respectable success rate when running the ball on third down at 54.5%. But they aren’t getting into enough and-short situations to justify handoffs on third downs, as evidenced by Sunday’s performance. The Rams lined up for 11 third downs on Sunday, though three were nullified by penalty. They faced an average distance of 9.4 yards on those plays. This number is slightly inflated by two 10-yard penalties committed by the Rams on third downs; as far as what distance the Rams had earned through their work on first and second downs, the number is 7.9 yards. On their eight third-down plays that were allowed to stand, the Rams ran seven pass plays and one run, a white-flag handoff on third-and-13 that gained 8 yards. On the seven drop backs, quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 2 of 4 passes for 10 yards while being sacked three times, all on to-go distances of 9 or greater yards in which Philadelphia’s pass rushers knew what was coming. “We didn’t put ourselves in a lot of favorable ones today,” Stafford said. “You don’t do that against that defense, it’s going to be difficult. No doubt there are some that we can convert on, look back on but it takes great execution by everybody to convert on third down. We just gotta do a better job.” The Rams actually did move the sticks after one third down, a third-and-16, but did not get credit for it in the stat book because it came via a Philadelphia pass interference penalty. So then, what did the Rams do to put themselves in these unfavorable situations? Let’s take a look at the first and second downs in the second quarter or later, given the Rams did not reach third down until the second quarter. The Rams ran the ball 10 times and dialed up 24 drop backs on first and second downs after the first quarter; given the nature of the blowout loss, the imbalance in play calls is not surprising. On the 10 carries, the Rams managed 23 yards and allowed three tackles for loss. Stafford was also sacked twice while completing 14 of 22 attempts. And this is where inconsistent execution in the run game is hurting the Rams, a team that wants to power the ball down defenses’ throats using their big bodies on the line and duo blocking. The Rams have made a heavy investment in this aspect of the team over the last two years. The second-round pick spent on guard Steve Avila. Big contracts paid to interior linemen Kevin Dotson and Jonah Jackson. The addition of Blake Corum in the third round in April to take some of the load off starting back Kyren Williams. Related Articles Los Angeles Rams | Alexander: Rams-Eagles was Saquon Barkley’s show Los Angeles Rams | Rams running out of time to fix offense after loss to Eagles Los Angeles Rams | Rams prepare for primetime Eagles game as NFC West heats up Los Angeles Rams | Philadelphia Eagles at Rams: Who has the edge? Los Angeles Rams | Rams’ ultra-competitive pass rush thrives working ‘five as one’ But 11 games into the season, injuries and shuffling rotations along the offensive line have made that goal difficult to achieve. But that doesn’t stop the Rams in believing it can still be their identity. “I think we know what we’re really about and how to get where we want to get. I think we’ll lean a little bit more on the run,” Dotson said in the post-game locker room Sunday. “I feel like our run game is a little I guess underrated. I feel like we run it pretty good when we actually get it all set. It’s just the matter of fact of getting ourselves in situations where running is better.” “When you’re looking at a lot of third-and-longs and the opportunity for a rush to kind of play with their hair set on fire, it definitely presents a lot of difficulties for anybody in this league,” receiver Puka Nacua added. “It’s the physical game of football that has been playing for a long time and it starts in the trenches and being able to make sure that we can protect our back and not allowing safeties to kind of cap off on some of our hits and stuff like that, being able to get to that second level with a great push.”AP Trending SummaryBrief at 6:46 p.m. EST
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Mitch Mascari’s 22 points helped the Drake men’s basketball team defeat Florida Atlantic 75-63 on Friday in a semifinal of the Charleston Classic. Mascari shot 6 for 9 (6 for 8 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Bulldogs (5-0). Bennett Stirtz scored 17 points and added six assists. Tavion Banks had 12 points and shot 2 of 5 from the field and 8 of 10 from the free-throw line. The Owls (4-3) were led in scoring by Leland Walker, who finished with 14 points and five assists. Matas Vokietaitis and Tre Carroll each scored 10 points. Drake entered halftime up 32-28. Mascari paced the team in scoring in the first half with 11 points. Drake took the lead for what would be the final time on Banks’ free throw with 14:22 left in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Special counsel moves to dismiss election interference case against Donald TrumpTrump joins Putin, Xi and Modi as the ‘four horsemen’ of global authoritarianism
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