Following the COVID-19 pandemic, active listings for single-family homes fell conspicuously due to public health concerns and mandated stay-in-place orders. Naturally, this framework sparked a demand bottleneck, cynically benefiting homebuilders as society gradually normalized. However, incoming political shifts could present concerns for the broader housing market. Specifically, President-elect Donald Trump throughout the campaign trail for the 2024 election broadcasted anti-immigration sentiments . Combined with his proposed tariffs on building materials , Trump's policies could drive construction costs higher. Potentially, such a development could negatively impact demand as most Americans have struggled to get ahead of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. Still, it's not all doom and gloom. Despite historically high mortgage rates, several Sun Belt cities may be poised for explosive sales growth in 2025 , according to projections from sites like Realtor.com. Several cities in Texas have consistently placed in the top rankings regarding housing demand. Further, booming areas such as Miami, Virginia Beach, Richmond and Charlotte may reignite currently deflated sentiment for homebuilding stocks. The Direxion ETF: For investors that view the glass as half-full, the Direxion Daily Homebuilders & Supplies Bull 3X Shares NAIL offer the ultimate in speculation. A leveraged exchange-traded fund, NAIL seeks a return that is 300% of the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Select Home Construction Index. Fundamentally, one of the benefits of a 3X-leveraged fund is convenience. Typically, traders seeking to magnify their returns over a short time period use options, which introduce complexities. In contrast, investors can buy units of the NAIL ETF, much like buying shares of a publicly traded company. Further, NAIL covers a basket of securities, including names like DR Horton Inc DHI and Lennar Corp LEN LEN . However, as a 3X-leveraged ETF, NAIL carries significant volatility risks. Notably, Direxion states that the fund should not be expected to provide three times the benchmark index's cumulative return for periods greater than a day. That's because exposure lasting longer than a day may expose the trader to valuation decay due to the effects of daily compounding. Nevertheless, weekly returns of the NAIL fund over the trailing five years reflects an upward bias. Of the past 261 weeks, 146 weeks saw a positive return, reflecting a success ratio of 55.94%. What's more, there have been 12 weeks (not including last week) where NAIL lost 20% of value or more. Of this dataset, eight of the following weeks generated positive returns, with an average performance of 25.55% up. Interestingly, in the business week ending Dec. 20, the 3X bull fund lost 21.66% of value. The NAIL ETF: Although the leveraged housing fund was looking strong up until late November, economic and political uncertainties saw the ETF go negative for the year. At the moment, the technical backdrop isn't enticing, with NAIL falling through its 50- and 200-day moving averages in late November and early December, respectively. On the positive side, NAIL is trading above the critical $80 level, which previously acted as support throughout 2021. Moving forward, it's imperative that the bulls establish a baseline of support here. This seems credible given the aforementioned upward bias, especially following a severe weekly correction. Featured image by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi from Pixabay . © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.By CLAIRE RUSH President-elect Donald Trump has once again suggested he wants to revert the name of North America’s tallest mountain — Alaska’s Denali — to Mount McKinley, wading into a sensitive and decades-old conflict about what the peak should be called. Related Articles National Politics | Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use National Politics | An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump National Politics | Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal National Politics | House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of ‘regularly’ paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl National Politics | Trump wants mass deportations. For the agents removing immigrants, it’s a painstaking process Former President Barack Obama changed the official name to Denali in 2015 to reflect the traditions of Alaska Natives as well as the preference of many Alaska residents. The federal government in recent years has endeavored to change place-names considered disrespectful to Native people. “Denali” is an Athabascan word meaning “the high one” or “the great one.” A prospector in 1896 dubbed the peak “Mount McKinley” after President William McKinley, who had never been to Alaska. That name was formally recognized by the U.S. government until Obama changed it over opposition from lawmakers in McKinley’s home state of Ohio. Trump suggested in 2016 that he might undo Obama’s action, but he dropped that notion after Alaska’s senators objected. He raised it again during a rally in Phoenix on Sunday. “McKinley was a very good, maybe a great president,” Trump said Sunday. “They took his name off Mount McKinley, right? That’s what they do to people.” Once again, Trump’s suggestion drew quick opposition within Alaska. “Uh. Nope. It’s Denali,” Democratic state Sen. Scott Kawasaki posted on the social platform X Sunday night. Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski , who for years pushed for legislation to change the name to Denali, conveyed a similar sentiment in a post of her own. “There is only one name worthy of North America’s tallest mountain: Denali — the Great One,” Murkowski wrote on X. Various tribes of Athabascan people have lived in the shadow of the 20,310-foot (6,190-meter) mountain for thousands of years. McKinley, a Republican native of Ohio who served as the 25th president, was assassinated early in his second term in 1901 in Buffalo, New York. Alaska and Ohio have been at odds over the name since at least the 1970s. Alaska had a standing request to change the name since 1975, when the legislature passed a resolution and then-Gov. Jay Hammond appealed to the federal government. Known for its majestic views, the mountain is dotted with glaciers and covered at the top with snow year-round, with powerful winds that make it difficult for the adventurous few who seek to climb it. Rush reported from Portland, Oregon.
Kendrick Lamar unexpectedly released his sixth studio album "GNX" on Friday. Lamar posted a teaser for the album on Friday afternoon and published the project on streaming services shortly after. "GNX" features 12 new tracks, including "squabble up," which was teased in the music video for Lamar's hit diss track "Not Like Us." The album follows Lamar's 2022 album "Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers." The album opens with "wacced out murals," which features lyrics alluding to Lamar's previous indictments on the current state of rap. The song calls back to the untitled track he dropped on Instagram in September as well as the criticism he received from other rappers after being announced as the next Super Bowl 's halftime show performer . Fans were surprised and delighted by the new album. Many shared their excitement on social media. The album caps off Lamar's monumental year following his feud with fellow rapper Drake. After Lamar and Drake sent diss tracks back-and-forth to each other for months, Lamar appeared victorious with his smash hit "Not Like Us," which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was recently nominated for several Grammys . Lamar continued his tradition of creating "the heart" tracks, of which he had already made five installments . While Drake named one of his diss tracks against Lamar this year "The Heart Part 6," that did not stop Lamar from creating his own "heart pt. 6" for "GNX." SZA appears on two tracks. Jack Antonoff also contributed to the production of the album.Cincinnati, Cleveland and Denver are all finalists for NWSL’s 16th expansion team
Adebayo represented Team USA at the 2020 and 2024 Olympics, both times winning gold, and has signed an extension contract with the Miami Heat that will reportedly bring in US$166 million over 3 years The WNBA recently announced Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson, 28, as their unanimous pick for MVP this year. With an average of 26.9 points and 11.8 this season, the forward is only the second player ever in the league to win the title with unanimous votes since the league launched in 1997. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Las Vegas Aces centre A’ja Wilson celebrates a play against the Chicago Sky during a WNBA basketball game in September, in Las Vegas. Photo: Las Vegas Sun via Associated Press","url":"https://img.i-scmp.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/12/24/0632d315-0dd1-41ff-8164-f879946da67c_14283aa7.jpg"} Las Vegas Aces centre A’ja Wilson celebrates a play against the Chicago Sky during a WNBA basketball game in September, in Las Vegas. Photo: Las Vegas Sun via Associated Press While she’ll likely be celebrating her victory with teammates and family, she might also be sharing this career highlight with her rumoured boyfriend, fellow basketball pro Bam Adebayo, 27. Advertisement {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Bam Adebayo is rumoured to be in a relationship with A’ja Wilson. Photo: @bam1of1/Instagram","url":"https://img.i-scmp.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/12/24/ad47c190-c2d8-4360-9285-565f56431e50_7390c88c.jpg"} Bam Adebayo is rumoured to be in a relationship with A’ja Wilson. Photo: @bam1of1/Instagram Speculation around the two escalated when a photo was posted on the Miami Heat’s X (formerly Twitter) account. The pic, captioned, “A’random [apostrophe included] photo of Bam on this lovely Sunday,” following the announcement of Wilson’s win, seemed to confirm the ballers’ relationship. In September, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava slipped when asked why Wilson was in attendance at the ceremony when she presented Adebayo with the key to the city. She told reporters that Wilson’s appearance might have “something to do with Bam and the Heat”. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"A Polaroid of Bam Adebayo taken in September, in Miami, Florida. Photo: Getty Images via AFP","url":"https://img.i-scmp.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/12/24/802d5200-ac80-4c10-aeba-5ed62f712297_fea988db.jpg"} A Polaroid of Bam Adebayo taken in September, in Miami, Florida. Photo: Getty Images via AFP Despite these telltale signs of the two’s relationship, the two players neither confirmed nor denied their involvement. Taking home the MVP title for the third time, it could well be that Wilson prefers the spotlight on her performance on the court rather than her personal relationship. With a lucrative contract extension with the Miami Heat, endorsement deals, and running a charitable foundation, Adebayo also has plenty on his plate. So what do we know about him? Bam Adebayo’s humble beginnings {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Bam Adebayo gets his nickname from The Flintstones. Photo: @bam1of1/Instagram","url":"https://img.i-scmp.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/12/24/9f634dc7-d667-421e-96f9-063e0c49f8e7_7390c88c.jpg"} Bam Adebayo gets his nickname from The Flintstones. Photo: @bam1of1/InstagramNo PSA records on 405 recipients in VP’s documents
Ministers warned of cuts as ‘every pound’ of spending to face reviewSecretaries of State are being told that any outgoings which are not contributing towards one of Labour’s “priorities” must be cut as Rachel Reeves vows to wield “an iron fist against waste.” In letters sent by Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones, departments will be told to brace for “difficult” spending decisions in order to restore trust in the Government’s handling of the public finances. Every pound of departmental spending will be face a “line-by-line review” involving external finance experts from banks and think tanks in order to ensure it represents value for money, the Treasury said. The Chancellor will on Tuesday launch the next round of Government spending, and is expected to warn departments that they “cannot operate in a business-as-usual way when reviewing their budgets for the coming years”. She will insist that areas focused on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s “plan for change”, which includes targets to improve living standards across the country and build 1.5 million homes, must be prioritised. Ms Reeves said: “By totally rewiring how the Government spends money we will be able to deliver our plan for change and focus on what matters for working people. “The previous government allowed millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money to go to waste on poor value for money projects. We will not tolerate it; I said I would have an iron grip on the public finances and that means taking an iron fist against waste. “By reforming our public services, we will ensure they are up to scratch for modern day demands, saving money and delivering better services for people across the country. That’s why we will inspect every pound of Government spend, so that it goes to the right places and we put an end to all waste.” Under the Treasury’s plans, departments will ensure budgets are scrutinised by “challenge panels” of external experts including former senior management of Lloyd’s Banking Group, Barclays Bank and the Co-operative Group. These panels, which will also involve think tanks, academics and the private sector, will advise on which spending “is or isn’t necessary”, the ministry said. The Treasury said work has already begun, with an evaluation of the £6.5 million spent on a scheme that placed social workers in schools finding “no evidence of positive impact on social care outcomes”. “Departments will be advised that where spending is not contributing to a priority, it should be stopped,” it said. “Although some of these decisions will be difficult, the Chancellor is clear that the public must have trust in the Government that it is rooting out waste and that their taxes are being spent on their priorities.” Ms Reeves had already announced efficiency and productivity savings of 2% across departments in her autumn budget as she seeks to put the public finances on a firmer footing. In a speech in east London, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden hinted at a further squeeze. “At the Budget the Chancellor demanded efficiency and productivity savings of 2% across departments – and there will be more to come,” he said. “As we launch the next phase of the spending review at its heart must be reform of the state in order to do a better job for the public.”From home bakes to lattes – six budget ways to show appreciation for your children’s school teachersTurmoil in Trump's Tech Talks: Immigration Debate Unravels
TYSONS, Va. , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Permuta Technologies proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary, a milestone that underscores its continued commitment to delivering mission-critical technology solutions for defense, government, and public sector organizations. Since 1999, Permuta has been at the forefront of technological innovation, providing tools that empower agencies to enhance operational readiness, streamline processes, and drive mission success. Over the past quarter-century, Permuta has earned the trust of organizations such as the U.S. Department of Defense, federal agencies, and military branches. By continuously evolving to meet the needs of modern government operations, Permuta has introduced advanced solutions like DefenseReady Cloud , with integrated AI capabilities to support the ever-growing demand for operational excellence and readiness in dynamic environments. Reflecting on this achievement, Permuta CEO Sig Behrens shared his thoughts on the company's journey and future vision: "As we celebrate 25 years of service, we take immense pride in the impact Permuta has made on the defense and government sectors," said Behrens. "Our longevity is a testament to our team's dedication and ability to consistently deliver innovative solutions that address the unique challenges our customers face. The embrace of cloud and AI technology has been pivotal in ensuring our software stays ahead of the curve, allowing us to provide solutions that enhance national security and competitiveness. Our commitment to delivering the right resources to the right place at the right time remains unwavering, making our nation stronger and more resilient." Permuta continues to deliver solutions that improve decision-making, automate operations, and drive readiness for modern military operations. The 25th-anniversary celebrations will include community outreach initiatives, customer engagement events, and employee recognition programs to honor those who have contributed to the company's success. About Permuta Technologies Permuta Technologies is a leading provider of cloud-based and AI-enhanced software solutions for defense, government, and public sector organizations. Known for its flagship product, Defense Ready , Permuta equips agencies with the tools needed to enhance operational efficiency, readiness, and mission success. With a focus on technological innovation and customer excellence, Permuta remains at the forefront of delivering impactful solutions to those who serve. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/permuta-technologies-marks-25-years-of-innovation-in-government-and-defense-technology-solutions-302338608.html SOURCE Permuta Technologies, Inc.
World News | Online Debate over Foreign Workers in Tech Shows Tensions in Trump's Political Coalition
Share Tweet Share Share Email Have you been following Hedera’s dramatic rise lately? Its value has surged by a jaw-dropping 460% in just a month, thanks to strategic partnerships and growing institutional interest. Then there’s Polygon, rolling out its ambitious Polygon 2.0 upgrade, which aims to revolutionise scalability and interoperability within the blockchain world. These projects are catching the eye of investors across the globe. But let’s not overlook the newest player on the block— Qubetics ($TICS) . This innovative project is tackling some of the toughest challenges in the blockchain space, offering real-world solutions where others have fallen short. With its presale already attracting significant attention, Qubetics is setting itself apart as one of the best coins for exponential returns in the crypto market today. Qubetics and the QubeQode IDE Qubetics is all about making blockchain technology more accessible and effective for businesses and individuals alike. At the heart of this mission is the QubeQode IDE —a user-friendly development environment that takes the complexity out of creating and deploying blockchain applications. Imagine a small business that wants to create a blockchain-based loyalty programme but doesn’t have the resources to hire a technical team. With QubeQode IDE, they can use drag-and-drop components to build applications effortlessly. Features like pre-built user authentication and token management systems make it simple to integrate blockchain functionality into real-world projects. For example, a retailer could quickly set up a rewards system that tokenises customer points, making the experience seamless and efficient for users. The presale for $TICS is currently in its 12th stage, with over 300 million tokens sold to more than 8,000 holders. So far, the presale has raised over $5.3 million, and the current price of $TICS is $0.031 per token. The stages last only seven days, ending each Sunday at midnight, with a consistent 10% price hike for the next stage. Let’s break this down with a practical example. If someone invests $560,000 at the current price, they’d receive roughly 18,064,516 tokens. By the time the presale price reaches $0.25 per token, this investment would be worth $4,516,129, delivering a 703.21% return on investment. And that’s just the presale—analysts predict even higher gains, with $TICS potentially reaching $15 post-mainnet launch, which translates to a staggering 48,092.91% ROI. If you’d like to learn more about this project, you can check out this video for additional details. Hedera’s Recent Surge and Strategic Positioning Hedera, the blockchain platform known for its decentralised governance and enterprise-focused solutions, has seen a meteoric rise recently. Its token, HBAR, experienced a 460% price surge in just one month. This growth can be attributed to rumours of new partnerships and increased adoption by institutional players. One significant factor driving Hedera’s success is its unique governance structure, which includes giants like Google and IBM. This makes it particularly attractive for enterprises seeking reliability and scalability in their blockchain solutions. Hedera is also heavily involved in tokenisation projects, enabling businesses to digitise real-world assets securely and transparently. Additionally, there’s excitement around a proposed Hedera-based exchange-traded fund (ETF). If approved, this could bring more mainstream attention to the platform, boosting both liquidity and adoption rates. With its focus on real-world utility and growing enterprise interest, Hedera continues to solidify its position as a key player in the blockchain ecosystem. Polygon’s Evolution with Polygon 2.0 Polygon, already a powerhouse in the blockchain world, is undergoing a massive transformation with its Polygon 2.0 upgrade. This initiative introduces POL as its new native token, replacing MATIC, and integrates advanced zero-knowledge technology to improve scalability and security. Polygon 2.0 isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a reimagining of the entire ecosystem. By introducing a network of Layer 2 chains, Polygon aims to provide faster transactions and greater interoperability within the Ethereum ecosystem. This is a huge step forward for developers looking to build robust decentralised applications. Another exciting development is the migration from MATIC to POL, which reflects the platform’s commitment to innovation. With the rollout of Polygon 2.0, the blockchain is positioning itself to handle the growing demands of the Web3 era, making it an excellent candidate for investors seeking exponential returns. Why These Coins Are the Best for Exponential Returns In today’s fast-paced crypto market, projects like Qubetics, Hedera, and Polygon offer unique opportunities for exponential returns. Qubetics shines with its revolutionary QubeQode IDE and the potential for massive ROI during and after its presale. Hedera’s recent surge and enterprise focus make it an attractive choice, while Polygon’s transformative upgrades ensure it remains a leading force in the blockchain space. For those looking to capitalise on the next wave of blockchain innovation, these three coins present compelling options. Just remember, thorough research and careful planning are key to navigating the volatile crypto market. For More Information: Qubetics: https://qubetics.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://twitter.com/qubetics Related Items: Blockchain , Qubetic Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Best Coins to Invest in for Short Term: Qubetics’ QubeQode, Binance’s Exchange Power, and Bitcoin Cash’s Speed What Are the Best Crypto Coins to Buy in December? Qubetics Surges While Solana Targets Speed and Polygon Expands Institutional DeFi Solutions Comments
Al Jazeera Media Institute to hold AI conference in JanSecretaries of State are being told that any outgoings which are not contributing towards one of Labour’s “priorities” must be cut as Rachel Reeves vows to wield “an iron fist against waste.” In letters sent by Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones, departments will be told to brace for “difficult” spending decisions in order to restore trust in the Government’s handling of the public finances. Every pound of departmental spending will be face a “line-by-line review” involving external finance experts from banks and think tanks in order to ensure it represents value for money, the Treasury said. The Chancellor will on Tuesday launch the next round of Government spending, and is expected to warn departments that they “cannot operate in a business-as-usual way when reviewing their budgets for the coming years”. She will insist that areas focused on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s “plan for change”, which includes targets to improve living standards across the country and build 1.5 million homes, must be prioritised. Ms Reeves said: “By totally rewiring how the Government spends money we will be able to deliver our plan for change and focus on what matters for working people. “The previous government allowed millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money to go to waste on poor value for money projects. We will not tolerate it; I said I would have an iron grip on the public finances and that means taking an iron fist against waste. “By reforming our public services, we will ensure they are up to scratch for modern day demands, saving money and delivering better services for people across the country. That’s why we will inspect every pound of Government spend, so that it goes to the right places and we put an end to all waste.” Under the Treasury’s plans, departments will ensure budgets are scrutinised by “challenge panels” of external experts including former senior management of Lloyd’s Banking Group, Barclays Bank and the Co-operative Group. These panels, which will also involve think tanks, academics and the private sector, will advise on which spending “is or isn’t necessary”, the ministry said. The Treasury said work has already begun, with an evaluation of the £6.5 million spent on a scheme that placed social workers in schools finding “no evidence of positive impact on social care outcomes”. “Departments will be advised that where spending is not contributing to a priority, it should be stopped,” it said. “Although some of these decisions will be difficult, the Chancellor is clear that the public must have trust in the Government that it is rooting out waste and that their taxes are being spent on their priorities.” Ms Reeves had already announced efficiency and productivity savings of 2% across departments in her autumn budget as she seeks to put the public finances on a firmer footing. In a speech in east London, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden hinted at a further squeeze. “At the Budget the Chancellor demanded efficiency and productivity savings of 2% across departments – and there will be more to come,” he said. “As we launch the next phase of the spending review at its heart must be reform of the state in order to do a better job for the public.”Secretaries of State are being told that any outgoings which are not contributing towards one of Labour’s “priorities” must be cut as Rachel Reeves vows to wield “an iron fist against waste.” In letters sent by Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones, departments will be told to brace for “difficult” spending decisions in order to restore trust in the Government’s handling of the public finances. Every pound of departmental spending will be face a “line-by-line review” involving external finance experts from banks and think tanks in order to ensure it represents value for money, the Treasury said. The Chancellor will on Tuesday launch the next round of Government spending, and is expected to warn departments that they “cannot operate in a business-as-usual way when reviewing their budgets for the coming years”. She will insist that areas focused on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s “plan for change”, which includes targets to improve living standards across the country and build 1.5 million homes, must be prioritised. Ms Reeves said: “By totally rewiring how the Government spends money we will be able to deliver our plan for change and focus on what matters for working people. “The previous government allowed millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money to go to waste on poor value for money projects. We will not tolerate it; I said I would have an iron grip on the public finances and that means taking an iron fist against waste. “By reforming our public services, we will ensure they are up to scratch for modern day demands, saving money and delivering better services for people across the country. That’s why we will inspect every pound of Government spend, so that it goes to the right places and we put an end to all waste.” Under the Treasury’s plans, departments will ensure budgets are scrutinised by “challenge panels” of external experts including former senior management of Lloyd’s Banking Group, Barclays Bank and the Co-operative Group. These panels, which will also involve think tanks, academics and the private sector, will advise on which spending “is or isn’t necessary”, the ministry said. The Treasury said work has already begun, with an evaluation of the £6.5 million spent on a scheme that placed social workers in schools finding “no evidence of positive impact on social care outcomes”. “Departments will be advised that where spending is not contributing to a priority, it should be stopped,” it said. “Although some of these decisions will be difficult, the Chancellor is clear that the public must have trust in the Government that it is rooting out waste and that their taxes are being spent on their priorities.” Ms Reeves had already announced efficiency and productivity savings of 2% across departments in her autumn budget as she seeks to put the public finances on a firmer footing. In a speech in east London, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden hinted at a further squeeze. “At the Budget the Chancellor demanded efficiency and productivity savings of 2% across departments – and there will be more to come,” he said. “As we launch the next phase of the spending review at its heart must be reform of the state in order to do a better job for the public.”