DocuSign Stock Soars On Q3 Earnings Beat, Revenue Beat, Strong Guidance
‘Oh, Canada’ review: Richard Gere shows the price of a lifetime of deceptionA ceasefire deal that could end more than a year of cross-border fighting between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group won backing from Israeli leaders Tuesday, raising hopes and renewing difficult questions in a region gripped by conflict. Hezbollah leaders also signaled tentative backing for the U.S.-brokered deal, which offers both sides an off-ramp from hostilities that have driven more than 1.2 million Lebanese and 50,000 Israelis from their homes. An intense bombing campaign by Israel has killed more than 3,700 people, many of them civilians, Lebanese officials say. Over 130 people have been killed on the Israeli side. But while the deal, set to take effect early Wednesday, could significantly calm the tensions that have inflamed the region, it does little directly to resolve the much deadlier war that has raged in Gaza since the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that killed 1,200 people. Hezbollah, which began firing scores of rockets into Israel the following day in support of Hamas, had previously said it would keep fighting until there was a stop to the fighting in Gaza. With the new cease-fire, it has backed away from that pledge, in effect leaving Hamas isolated and fighting a war alone. Here’s what to know about the tentative ceasefire agreement and its potential implications: The terms of the deal The agreement reportedly calls for a 60-day halt in fighting that would see Israeli troops retreat to their side of the border while requiring Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon. President Joe Biden said Tuesday that the deal is set to take effect at 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday (9 p.m. EST Tuesday). Under the deal, thousands of Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers are to deploy to the region south of the Litani River. An international panel lead by the U.S. would monitor compliance by all sides. Biden said the deal “was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that the military would strike Hezbollah if the U.N. peacekeeping force, known as UNIFIL , does not enforce the deal. Lingering uncertainty A Hezbollah leader said the group’s support for the deal hinged on clarity that Israel would not renew its attacks. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Qatari satellite news network Al Jazeera. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state” of Lebanon, he said. The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said Tuesday that Israel’s security concerns had been addressed in the deal, also brokered by France. Hezbollah indicated it would give the ceasefire pact a chance. Where the fighting has left both sides After months of cross-border bombings, Israel can claim major victories, including the killing of Hezbollah’s top leader, Hassan Nasrallah, most of his senior commanders and the destruction of extensive militant infrastructure. A complex attack in September involving the explosion of hundreds of walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah was widely attributed to Israel, signaling a remarkable penetration of the militant group. The damage inflicted on Hezbollah has come not only in its ranks, but to the reputation it built by fighting Israel to a stalemate in the 2006 war. Still, its fighters managed to put up heavy resistance on the ground, slowing Israel’s advance while continuing to fire scores of rockets, missiles and drones across the border each day. The ceasefire offers relief to both sides, giving Israel’s overstretched army a break and allowing Hezbollah leaders to tout the group’s effectiveness in holding their ground despite Israel’s massive advantage in weaponry. But the group is likely to face a reckoning, with many Lebanese accusing it of tying their country’s fate to Gaza’s at the service of key ally Iran, inflicting great damage on a Lebanese economy that was already in grave condition. No answers for Gaza Until now, Hezbollah has insisted that it would only halt its attacks on Israel when it agreed to stop fighting in Gaza. Some in the region are likely to view a deal between the Lebanon-based group and Israel as a capitulation. In Gaza, where officials say the war has killed more than 44,000 Palestinians, Israel’s attacks have inflicted a heavy toll on Hamas, including the killing of the group’s top leaders. But Hamas fighters continue to hold scores of Israeli hostages, giving the militant group a bargaining chip if indirect ceasefire negotiations resume. Hamas is likely to continue to demand a lasting truce and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in any such deal, while Netanyahu on Tuesday reiterated his pledge to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed and all hostages are freed. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, whose forces were ousted from Gaza by Hamas in 2007 and who hopes to one day rule over the territory again as part of an independent Palestinian state, offered a pointed reminder Tuesday of the intractability of the war, demanding urgent international intervention. “The only way to halt the dangerous escalation we are witnessing in the region, and maintain regional and international stability, security and peace, is to resolve the question of Palestine,” he said in a speech to the U.N. read by his ambassador.
Forget bond vigilantes, watch the currency cops :Mike Dolan
Power Nickel Inc. (TSXV: PNPN) New 52-Week High's Amid Breakthrough Discoveries and Strategic Growth see more stocks inside.... 12-12-2024 10:12 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Shares of Power Nickel Inc. (TSXV: PNPN) (OTCQB: PNPNF) surged to new 52-week highs this week, reaching $0.97 in Canada and $0.69 in the US, reflecting gains of 24.32% and 23.31%, respectively, over the last five trading days. With trading volume continuing to rise, investor confidence is strengthening around the company's strategic advancements and promising exploration results. Advancing Canada's Top Polymetallic Discovery Power Nickel is spearheading the development of the NISK Project, a polymetallic discovery near Nemaska, Quebec, targeting high-value deposits of nickel, copper, gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Polymetallic mines are among the most valuable in the world due to their mix of critical and precious metals. According to the 2023 NI43-101 report, the Nisk Main and Lion Zones showcase significant mineral potential, with the Lion Zone's strike now extended to 550 meters through continued drilling success. Strategic Growth and Industry Leadership In addition to exploration advancements, Power Nickel has completed the spin-out of its Golden Ivan property and Chilean exploration assets into Chilean Metals Inc., a move approved by shareholders and courts. As part of this initiative, Power Nickel shareholders will receive dividend shares in Chilean Metals Inc., allowing them to benefit directly from the growth of this new entity. The company has also added Jon Christian Evensen as a Strategic Advisor, a move aimed at further value creation for shareholders. His expertise is expected to enhance the company's focus on unlocking the full potential of its NISK Project and other assets. Reshaping the Mining Sector Power Nickel's recent success highlights the untapped potential of undervalued mining stocks, signaling a shift in the industry as these companies bring attention to critical resources essential for the global transition to clean energy. The exploration efforts at NISK and the Lion Zone underscore the company's ability to capitalize on rising demand for critical metals such as nickel and copper, alongside the enduring appeal of precious metals. A Bright Future for Power Nickel Investors As Power Nickel continues to break new ground with its polymetallic discoveries, its stock performance and strategic moves have positioned the company as a key player in reshaping the mining sector. Investors are encouraged to stay tuned as the company builds momentum, with its shares setting new benchmarks and exploration efforts uncovering valuable opportunities in Canada and beyond. With its focus on delivering shareholder value and advancing high-grade projects, Power Nickel Inc. is quickly becoming one of the most exciting stocks in the precious metals and critical minerals market. Bonus: Other Companies to Watch: Innovation and Growth in Focus Several innovative companies, alongside Power Nickel Inc. (TSXV: PNPN) (OTCQB: PNPNF), are turning heads this week with transformative initiatives that highlight their potential for growth and industry disruption across technology, energy, healthcare, and biotech sectors. * Palisade Bio Inc. (NASDAQ: PALI): Focused on advancing groundbreaking treatments in gastrointestinal health, Palisade Bio is pushing the boundaries of innovation in healthcare with its pipeline of life-changing therapeutics. * Nuburu Inc. (NYSE: BURU): A leader in industrial blue laser technology, Nuburu is revolutionizing manufacturing and energy applications with cutting-edge solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability. * Kaival Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: KAVL): Driving growth through strategic partnerships, Kaival Brands continues to redefine the e-vapor industry with its innovative marketing strategies and a focus on emerging markets. * SEALSQ Corp. (NASDAQ: LAES): Specializing in digital security and advanced cryptography solutions, SEALSQ is at the forefront of safeguarding data in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. From breakthrough technologies to strategic collaborations and financial milestones, these companies are reshaping their industries and offering investors compelling opportunities. Be sure to keep them on your watchlist for dynamic growth prospects. Disclaimers: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors with a safe harbor with regard to forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, assumptions, objectives, goals, and assumptions about future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward looking statements in this action may be identified through use of words such as projects, foresee, expects, will, anticipates, estimates, believes, understands, or that by statements, indicating certain actions & quotes; may, could or might occur Understand there is no guarantee past performance is indicative of future results. Investing in micro-cap or growth securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. 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The Policy Research Working Paper authored by researchers from the World Bank, Central European University, and the Government Transparency Institute, explores the impact of green public procurement (GPP) on governance and economic efficiency. This study, covering 2011 to 2019, investigates Bulgaria’s unexpected progress in GPP, a country that faces governance challenges like high corruption risks and limited competition in public procurement. The findings highlight how integrating sustainability criteria into public spending can improve competition, reduce corruption risks, and enhance economic outcomes, even in challenging environments. Green Public Procurement’s Growing Role GPP constituted 10-20% of Bulgaria’s total public procurement spending during the study period, significantly higher than previous estimates. By analyzing over 148,000 contracts, researchers found that green criteria were most often embedded in product descriptions and technical specifications rather than in bid evaluation criteria. This marks a shift in how sustainability is integrated into public procurement, focusing more on what is procured (e.g., renewable energy or electric vehicles) than on how bids are scored. The findings challenge traditional views of GPP as a peripheral policy tool and underscore its growing role as a core component of procurement strategies aimed at sustainability. Fostering Competition Through Innovation One of the most significant outcomes of GPP is its ability to foster competition in markets traditionally dominated by entrenched networks. The study found that GPP increased the participation of new firms in public procurement by 3-7 percentage points, particularly those from outside the procuring authority’s locality. This broader participation disrupts monopolistic practices and opens opportunities for diverse market players. Additionally, green contracts were associated with a reduction in single-bid tenders by 0.6-1.5 percentage points, a metric often linked to corruption. By incentivizing market entry and increasing competition, GPP effectively reduces the concentration of procurement markets and encourages transparency. Reducing Corruption Risks The study highlights GPP’s role in reducing corruption risks in public procurement. Contracts that incorporated green criteria were less likely to be awarded through non-competitive processes. The likelihood of single-bid contracts, a red flag for corruption, decreased significantly under GPP frameworks. Furthermore, green procurement fosters more open and transparent procurement procedures, challenging the dominance of entrenched players and limiting opportunities for collusion. This alignment of sustainability with integrity offers a compelling argument for scaling GPP as a means to tackle corruption, especially in countries with governance challenges. Boosting Productivity and Economic Efficiency Beyond governance improvements, GPP significantly enhances economic outcomes by channeling public resources to more productive firms. The analysis revealed that firms awarded GPP contracts demonstrated 14% higher labor productivity compared to those awarded non-green contracts. This productivity differential rose to 19% in low-corruption-risk GPP contracts. These findings suggest that GPP attracts firms with superior technology and management capabilities, enabling them to meet the stringent environmental requirements of green contracts. This alignment between environmental and economic goals underscores GPP’s potential to support both sustainability and economic growth. Challenges and Future Implications Despite its benefits, GPP faces implementation challenges, including high upfront costs, complexity in procurement processes, and limited awareness among procurement professionals. These barriers can hinder its broader adoption, especially in less developed markets. Moreover, GPP often interacts with other policies, such as social and environmental regulations, making it difficult to isolate its specific impacts. Nevertheless, the study’s findings highlight the transformative potential of GPP, particularly when implemented strategically and consistently. By fostering market development and encouraging innovation, GPP can create long-term benefits that extend beyond the immediate procurement process. A Path Toward Sustainable Development The study establishes that GPP serves as a tool for achieving environmental goals and strengthens governance and economic efficiency. By encouraging competition, reducing corruption risks, and promoting productivity, GPP demonstrates its value as a comprehensive policy mechanism. The findings suggest that even in governance-challenged environments like Bulgaria, GPP can drive meaningful change. Policymakers are encouraged to invest in sustainable procurement practices, which, over time, can build markets for environmentally friendly products, foster innovation, and amplify economic benefits. The Bulgarian case provides a compelling model for other nations seeking to integrate sustainability into their public procurement systems, proving that green choices in public spending can lead to a less corrupt, more competitive, and economically dynamic future.
Long known for its portfolio of artisan labels, Richemont has entered the industrial-design market. Its recent introduction, Via Arno , brings the same attention to detail and craftsmanship seen in its other offerings—including Van Cleef & Arpels, Alaïa, and Jaeger-LeCoultre—to the homewares sector. “We wanted to provide independent artisans and makers with a way to distribute their work,” says CEO Annia Spiliopoulos, a jewelry and entertainment-industry veteran who cofounded the label with Hanneli Rupert, the current vice executive chair at the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity & Craftsmanship. The two met after Spiliopoulos joined the foundation’s executive committee to help shape its future vision. “Makers of everyday items often have trouble commercializing and branding their work, so we hope to be a good conduit for that.” In October at the 2024 edition of Homo Faber, Venice’s annual celebration of handmade work curated by the Michelangelo Foundation, Via Arno launched the namesake Via Arno Salon to present its artisan goods and services, ranging from homewares to sports equipment from more than 100 independent creators. Robb Report caught up with Spiliopoulos on the heels of the show, where the brand curated five spaces, including two studios, the Homo Faber Gift Shop, and La Cichetteria Bar and gelato stand, at the fair. “The Via Arno Salon offered artisan talks and gave them a place to tell their stories,” she says. “It was a way to showcase our concept, creative direction, and the experience we want to give through the brand. It’s all about connecting through human making.” Richemont is known for its dealings in luxury jewelry and watches. Why enter the design market now? It all comes down to craftsmanship, which is very much in the group’s DNA. I think there’s a sense of responsibility to look at the skills that may be needed to make these quality, long-lasting pieces and support those crafts... A lot of professionals [wonder] whether there will be a seminal shift or transformation in their industry because of technology. In that case, why not think about a new era of human making? Why don’t young people see carpentry or glass-making as a relevant or compelling profession? We hope that we can bring more value to craft. What services will Via Arno offer? We have a corporate channel—say, if you’re a hotel, hospitality, or retail group and want to work with our brands, we can facilitate that. We have options for private clients who are looking to invest in craft, whether that’s through something that’s already made or working directly with an artisan to create a custom commission. There will also be a trade channel for property developers, architects, or interior designers... We will also be offering services such as engraving, embroidery, and mending. And products? Via Arno is very much about offering a lifestyle, it’s not just home-focused. Obviously, home goods and decor are a big part of it... But we will also have sports equipment—handmade tennis rackets, skis, and golf clubs. Games such as chess and backgammon sets. Handmade duvets and some specialty clothing like outdoor climbing jackets or hiking boots. The focus is mostly human-made goods from independent designers who have worked for 10 years on their craft and are creating functional pieces, which range from a wood spoon in the tens of dollars to a handmade boat. I hope we keep finding new makers as the years go on and that more generations of people will want to become artisans. Why is it important to return to this idea of slow making, or studied craftsmanship? I think it’s an opportunity. There’s a different sense of story in handcrafted items. People are interested in provenance and how that can bring them closer to people or nature, where most artisans get their materials from... All the energy that goes into that through materials, which are usually local and good quality, is passed on through the items to someone who is using it every single day. That human making puts beauty and meaning into the end product... It might take three months to get an order, but it’s a more mindful way of consuming and purchasing and making.
How Major US Stock Indexes Fared Dec. 26None