Cardano (ADA) & Ripple (XRP) Are on a Downtrend, While IntelMarkets (INTL) Is Experiencing 710% Price Gains and Taking Over the Crypto Market!
Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, has seen his fortune soar to an unprecedented $347.8 billion following a dramatic post-election rally in Tesla’s share price. The surge, reported by the Bloomberg Billionaire Index, surpasses Musk’s previous net worth record of $340 billion set in November 2021, further placing his position atop the billionaire rankings. Tesla’s stock has been on an upswing since the November 5 election, gaining 40% amid investor optimism about Musk’s perceived influence in the incoming Trump administration. Related Stories Jeff Bezos’ ex wife, MacKenzie Scott sells $8B in Amazon shares for charitable causes Bernard Arnault sues Elon Musk’s X over alleged unpaid content use Shares climbed 3.8% on Friday alone, reflecting market expectations that regulatory rollbacks could benefit Tesla and its ecosystem of innovative ventures. As Tesla’s largest shareholder, Musk’s wealth has increased by $83 billion in less than three weeks, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Musk’s alignment with President-elect Donald Trump has amplified his visibility and influence. Alongside entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Musk is set to oversee the newly proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) an initiative named after the popular cryptocurrency. The appointment signals Musk’s growing integration into political and economic policymaking under the Trump administration. Beyond Tesla, Musk’s artificial intelligence venture, xAI, saw its valuation more than double this week, reaching $50 billion after a significant funding round. This milestone reflects the broader market confidence in Musk’s diversified portfolio, which spans sectors from space exploration to social media. Musk’s financial ascent further widens the gap between himself and his peers. He now holds a commanding $100 billion lead over Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder, and an $80 billion edge over Larry Ellison, the Oracle chairman. Ellison, the world’s second-richest individual, has a net worth of $235 billion. The billionaire rankings, often characterized by rapid shifts, now firmly favour Musk as his ventures dominate industries ranging from electric vehicles to artificial intelligence and aerospace. While Tesla and SpaceX remain the cornerstone of his wealth, his stakes in Neuralink, X (formerly Twitter), and the Boring Company continue to bolster his influence in emerging technologies. Musk’s extraordinary financial trajectory shows his company’s moving role in driving technological innovation and market dynamics. With Tesla benefitting from bullish sentiment and xAI’s valuation surging, analysts suggest his wealth could scale even greater heights. As markets adjust to the Trump administration’s policy priorities, Musk’s fortunes appear poised for continued growth. This remarkable financial windfall highlights the symbiotic relationship between Musk’s business acumen and evolving political landscapes, solidifying his standing as the face of 21st-century innovation and wealth.Empowered Funds LLC Buys 12,998 Shares of ARC Document Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:ARC)
Pepe’s recent surge in popularity has left investors questioning its staying power, especially as Lightchain AI (LCAI) emerges as a serious contender in the crypto market. With its presale priced at an accessible $0.003, Lightchain AI offers more than hype—it’s built on advanced AI technology and a robust blockchain framework. Unlike fleeting trends, LCAI’s focus on innovation and practical utility positions it as a top choice for those seeking long-term growth in the evolving digital landscape. Pepe Hype or lasting trend? Pepe's buzz has caught a lot of eyes, but doubts stay about if it's a short fad or a lasting power in the crypto space. Although its funny image͏-fueled growth has caught attention, the missing solid use could hold back its chance for lasting success. People putting money in are more and more searching past quick thrills, wanting coins that mix new ideas with real-life uses. This change has put Lightchain AI (LCAI) in the limelight. With its smart tech for blockchain and a sale price of $0.003, LCAI gives a great option. Its aim on real uses and clear plan gives a solid base, making it an appealing pick for future-minded buyers moving through the changing crypto scene. Lightchain AI The new player in town Lightchain AI (LCAI) is creating a buzz in the crypto world by combining artificial intelligence with blockchain technology. With cutting-edge features like the Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism and the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM), LCAI is designed to make blockchain systems faster, more private, and better at managing decentralized networks. Currently in its presale phase, LCAI tokens are available at an accessible price of $0.003, attracting investors seeking to participate in a project poised to revolutionize decentralized AI applications. Lightchain AI's Promise The Potential of Advanced AI Technology in the Crypto Market Lightchain AI is shaking up the crypto world by blending advanced artificial intelligence with blockchain technology. With its smart features, it’s giving developers the tools to create scalable, intelligent apps that solve real-world problems. This innovative approach makes it stand out from traditional blockchain platforms, paving the way for exciting possibilities. With a focus on innovation, Lightchain AI solves critical issues like data management and system efficiency. Its groundbreaking approach not only enhances the blockchain ecosystem but also positions the platform as a transformative force in shaping the future of decentralized technologies. Investing in Lightchain AI vs Pepe Investing in Lightchain AI offers a distinct edge over meme tokens like Pepe due to its focus on innovation and real-world utility. While Pepe relies on market hype and speculative trading, Lightchain AI integrates artificial intelligence with blockchain to power scalable, intelligent applications across various industries. Lightchain AI’s roadmap, backed by robust technology and a presale price of just $0.003, makes it a promising investment. Unlike Pepe, which lacks substantial utility, Lightchain AI combines innovation and growth potential, appealing to forward-thinking investors. Do you You can Buy Lightchain AI on Presale Lightchain AI (LCAI) is offering an exciting opportunity for investors with its ongoing presale at just $0.003 per token. This low entry point, combined with its advanced AI-powered blockchain technology, has attracted attention from both seasoned and new crypto enthusiasts. Its innovative features, such as the Proof of Intelligence consensus and decentralized governance, set it apart from other tokens. With a focus on real-world utility and a clear roadmap, Lightchain AI aims to redefine the future of decentralized AI applications. The presale phase allows investors to secure their stake in a project designed for long-term growth. For those seeking to be part of this groundbreaking journey, now is the time to explore LCAI and its potential to transform the crypto landscape. https://lightchain.ai https://lightchain.ai/lightchain-whitepaper.pdf https://x.com/LightchainAI https://t.me/LightchainProtocol Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.Collectible Craze: Toy Brands That Keep Kids and Adults Hooked
December Is A Tough Month In Which To Turn Bearish" Abang Adik " ( Malaysia ) Takes Home Snow Leopard for Best Film Wu Kang -ren ( " Abang Adik " ) Named Best Actor Diamond Bou Abboud ( "Arze" ) Wins Best Actress Sergei Bodrov Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award HOLLYWOOD, Calif. , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 10th annual Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) announced its winners at a star-studded Closing Night Gala Awards Ceremony Thursday, November 21 , at the Culver Theater. Over 60 films and special screenings, including 24 Academy Award submissions for Best International Feature Film, were presented over the nine days of the AWFF, held November 13 - 21. The ceremony was hosted by Kyrgyz director and actress Elnura Osmanalieva and TV host, Golden Globe member, filmmaker and actor Mico Saad . FOR PHOTOS: CLICK HERE The Main Competition presented a series of exclusive Snow Leopard Awards with the assistance of Iris Wang , Jury President, producer ("Kung Fu Yoga," "The Composer"). Crime/drama " Abang Adik " ( Malaysia ), directed by Jin Ong , won the Snow Leopard Award for Best Film . The film also won the Snow Leopard Best Actor Award for Wu Kang -ren . The Snow Leopard for Best Actress went to Diamond Bou Abboud for the social dramedy "Arze" ( Lebanon ), directed by Mira Shaib . The Snow Leopard Special Jury Prize went to family drama " In the Arms of the Tree" ( Iran ) directed by Babak Khajeh Pasha . The Snow Leopard Panavision Award for Best Cinematography , along with a $45,000 Panavision Camera Package Grant, was awarded to cinematographer Zhanrbek Yeleubek for Kazakhstan's coming of age drama " Bauryna Salu, " and accepted by the film's director Askhat Kuchinchirekov and producer Dias Feld. The Snow Leopard Audience Award went to " The Glassworker " ( Pakistan ), directed by Usman Riaz . Writer, director and producer Sergei Bodrov ("Mongol," "Prisoner of the Mountains") received the AWFF Lifetime Achievement Award . The award was presented by Kazakhstan actress Ayanat Ksenbai ("About Mannequin"). Hong Kong filmmaker Peter Ho-Sun Chan ("Warlords," "Comrades: Almost a Love Story ") was presented with the Outstanding Cinematic Achievement Award by producer Andre Morgan ("The Cannonball Run," "The Warlords"). The Rising Star Award went to Filipino actress Kathryn Bernardo ("The Hows of Us," "Hello, Love, Goodbye") presented by actress Kieu Chinh ("The Joy Luck Club," "Hamburger Hill"). Executive Director Georges N. Chamchoum said, "There is always a beginning and end to everything—except at the Asian World Film Festival. This 10 th Anniversary year was filled with inspiring milestones, discovery, joy, and thrills! The myriads of movies we screened, the special country spotlights and the dedicated filmmaker panels, have brought the richness of our heritage to the forefront. Asia is a wellspring of incredibly talented filmmakers, offering valuable lessons, especially in this age of technology. The AWFF continues to showcase exceptional movies filled with heart, soul, and captivating storytelling. Onward to November 2025!" The Bruce Lee Award , in partnership with the Bruce Lee Foundation, was presented to martial artist and actor Mark Dacascos ("Brotherhood of the Wolf," " John Wick : Chapter 3 – Parabellum") by Lee's daughter Shannon Lee , CEO of the Bruce Lee Foundation. The Asian Vision Best Film Award was given to "Night Courier" ( Saudi Arabia ), directed by Ali Kalthami. The Short Film Jury composed of filmmakers and industry professionals from the U.S. and abroad, was headed by Jury President, Head of HDR Content Workflow, Barco) Joachim Zell . The Best Short Film , with a prize of a $15,000 Panavision Camera Package grant, went to " Lullaby" (UK/ Vietnam ) directed by Chi Thai . The award was presented by producer Zhu Xufang and accepted by actress Mai Thu Huyen ("A Fragile Flower," "Kieu"). A Special Mention was given to " Mar Mama " (Palestine), directed by Majdi El Omari . The complete awards list is as follows: SNOW LEOPARD COMPETITION AWARDEES Best Picture : " Abang Adik " ( Malaysia ) directed by Jin Ong Best Actor: Wu Kang -ren in " Abang Adik " ( Malaysia ) Best Actress: Diamond Bou Abboud in "Arze" ( Lebanon ) Panavision Best Cinematography: Zhanrbek Yeleubek for "Bauryna Salu" ( Kazakhstan ) Special Jury Prize: " In the Arms of the Tree" ( Iran ) directed by Babak Khajeh Pasha Audience Award: " The Glassworker" ( Pakistan ) directed by Usman Riaz SNOW LEOPARD HONORARY AWARDS Lifetime Achievement Award – Sergei Bodrov Outstanding Cinematic Achievement – Peter Ho-Sun Chan Rising Star Award – Kathryn Bernardo ASIAN VISION BEST FILM AWARD: "Night Courier" ( Saudi Arabia ) directed by Ali Kalthami AWFF BRUCE LEE AWARD (in partnership with the Bruce Lee Foundation) Mark Dacascos SHORT FILM FINALISTS Best Short Film: " Lullaby" (UK/ Vietnam ) directed by Chi Thai Special Mention: " Mar Mama " (Palestine) directed by Majdi El Omari The AWFF series of Snow Leopard Awards is bestowed in partnership with The Snow Leopard Trust to raise awareness for the endangered snow leopard and their Asian ecosystem. AWFF SPONSORS The Asian World Film Festival is proudly sponsored by Aitysh Film, Pechanga Casino Resort, Panavision, Bruce Lee Foundation, Korean Cultural Center ( Los Angeles ), Korean Film Council (KOFIC), Taiwan Academy ( Los Angeles ), Hollywood Arab Film Association ( Los Angeles ), Vietnam Cinema Association ( Hanoi, Vietnam ), Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, Kyrgyz Film, Ministry of Culture & Tourism Republic of Turkiye, Directorate General of Cinema (Turkiye), Republic of Turkiye Los Angeles Consulate General, Beirut Film Association ( Lebanon ), Meihodo ( Japan ), MoRedii, Culver City Arts Foundation, CAPE ( Los Angeles ), AARP ( California ), Blackmagic Design, Emporium Thai ( Los Angeles ), NAMOO ( Marina Del Rey ), Jackson Market & Deli (Culver City, Shin Beijing ( Los Angeles ), H.C. Foods and Asahi Beer , among many others. ABOUT THE ASIAN WORLD FILM FESTIVAL (AWFF) Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, the Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) was founded by Kyrgyz public figure Sadyk Sher-Niyaz to bring the best of Asian cinema to Los Angeles and to strengthen ties between the Asian and Hollywood film industries. The festival screens feature films from more than 50 countries, spanning from Japan to Turkey and Russia to India and Southeast Asia . As of 2024, AWFF is the only Los Angeles -based festival that showcases most Asian submissions Academy Award ® and Golden Globe ® for Best International Feature Film and Best Motion Picture - Non-English Language respectively. AWFF is a non-profit organization under Aitysh USA . Follow AWFF on: Website: https://www.asianworldfilmfest.org/ X (formally Twitter): https://twitter.com/asianworldff Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsianWorldFilmFest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asianworldff/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asianworldfilmfestival3974 Media Contact: Rick Markovitz 818-421-3334 [email protected] SOURCE Asian World Film Festival
Tuning DBMS: The Secret Life of Queries and Runtime DataTC Energy Co. ( TSE:TRP – Free Report ) (NYSE:TRP) – Analysts at National Bank Financial raised their FY2025 EPS estimates for shares of TC Energy in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, November 19th. National Bank Financial analyst P. Kenny now forecasts that the company will post earnings of $3.94 per share for the year, up from their prior estimate of $3.86. The consensus estimate for TC Energy’s current full-year earnings is $3.55 per share. A number of other analysts have also recently commented on TRP. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of TC Energy from C$70.00 to C$79.00 in a research note on Monday, November 18th. ATB Capital increased their price objective on TC Energy from C$64.00 to C$65.00 in a research report on Friday, November 8th. Scotiabank boosted their target price on TC Energy from C$74.00 to C$75.00 in a research report on Wednesday. CIBC raised their price target on TC Energy from C$67.00 to C$68.00 in a report on Wednesday. Finally, BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on shares of TC Energy from C$66.00 to C$70.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of C$69.54. TC Energy Price Performance TSE TRP opened at C$69.65 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of C$72.44 billion, a PE ratio of 21.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.82. The company has a quick ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 160.84. The firm’s 50-day simple moving average is C$65.01 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$59.04. TC Energy has a 52 week low of C$43.83 and a 52 week high of C$70.32. TC Energy ( TSE:TRP – Get Free Report ) (NYSE:TRP) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 7th. The company reported C$1.03 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of C$0.97 by C$0.06. TC Energy had a return on equity of 10.68% and a net margin of 21.38%. The company had revenue of C$4.08 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$3.90 billion. TC Energy Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be paid a dividend of $1.113 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 31st. This is a boost from TC Energy’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.96. This represents a $4.45 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.39%. TC Energy’s payout ratio is 116.01%. Insider Activity at TC Energy In related news, Director Mark Yeomans sold 6,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$61.58, for a total value of C$400,297.95. Also, Senior Officer Francois Lionel Poirier sold 118,243 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$68.38, for a total transaction of C$8,085,219.85. Insiders sold a total of 214,476 shares of company stock worth $14,299,929 over the last quarter. 0.03% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. TC Energy Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) TC Energy Corporation operates as an energy infrastructure company in North America. It operates through five segments: Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines; U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines; Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines; Liquids Pipelines; and Power and Energy Solutions. The company builds and operates a network of 93,600 kilometers of natural gas pipelines, which transports natural gas from supply basins to local distribution companies, power generation plants, industrial facilities, interconnecting pipelines, LNG export terminals, and other businesses. See Also Receive News & Ratings for TC Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TC Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .FOOTBALL FAMILY WAITS ANXIOUSLY
( MENAFN - Robotics & automation News) How manufacturing leaders can thrive when entering new markets December 22, 2024 by David Edwards By Shinichiro Nakamura , president of one to ONE Holdings Global expansion accounts for more than half of all corporate growth in the past decade. So, it's no surprise that manufacturers continue to penetrate new markets. This wider globalization trend is largely driven by the rise of emerging markets, sustainability efforts, and localizing production based on resources. However, entering new markets is easier said than done, particularly when facing hurdles such as regulations, tariffs, talent shortages, different cultures, and limited technology. These threats can severely undermine manufacturing capabilities across regions, and it's crucial that organizational leaders are aware of risks and opportunities to overcome them. Let's dive into these. It's essential to remember that global trends will underpin regional ones, and therefore, manufacturers must keep an eye out for them. To illustrate, the competition and dynamic between China and the US usually have widespread ramifications for manufacturing around the world. To start, pricing often varies significantly across regions. Steel tends to be cheaper in Asia than in Europe and North America. However, experts are forecasting that these price gaps will shrink in the wake of China's surplus supply of cheap steel. Another factor to examine is the level of demand for products in a particular region. That means examining the degree of competition within a market and the consumption behaviors of relevant industries. A useful way to gauge a product's market performance is to look at sector specialization. Regions often specialize in manufacturing sectors that align with local resources and expertise. For example, China is renowned for its electronics manufacturing, and cities like Shenzhen are regarded as hubs for tech companies and assembly operations. No two markets are exactly alike when it comes to regulations, and navigating these can be a complex challenge for manufacturers expanding. These regulations and laws can span industry-specific requirements to broader business operation laws, often covering areas such as licensing and compliance, tariffs and trade barriers, data protection and privacy, and employment laws. Political and economic changes can suddenly impact regulations, leading to uncertainty and a lack of clarity around compliance. For instance, with Donald Trump returning to the presidential office, there's widespread speculation that international trade tariffs will soar in the US. This could greatly impact manufacturers in certain industries that have operations and businesses in the US. To avoid legal pitfalls, organizations should invest in local expert guidance to help ease the process of understanding regulatory requirements and ensuring full compliance with them. Tackling logistics is another challenge manufacturers face. First, they have to source new reputable suppliers and vendors that ensure continued smooth operations. This can be particularly tricky without an established network to recommend these, which can result in a lot of trial and error. To save time and resources, manufacturing companies should maximize their network or look to branch out ahead of time so getting the ball rolling with those suppliers and vendors is easier once they're ready to set up shop in the new market. Geopolitical instability is another vital consideration that is hugely impacting trade around the world. The Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, for instance, have been blocking what's described as one of 'the world's trade arteries', causing congestion in ports across Europe and Asia. Bolstering a risk management plan by assessing the likelihood of such threats and their potential damage to operations within a specific area is key to maximizing supply chain resilience and mitigating the extent of logistical disruption. Available resources and technologies within a country can also hugely impact logistics and operations for manufacturers. Specifically, technology use can be limited by regulations and accessible talent to operate these, causing further adjustment pains for manufacturers entering new markets. It's useful to pre-assess resources and technology capabilities within a region before, and keeping an inventory of this can help manufacturing leaders plan their operations accordingly. This is especially important for manufacturers looking to make the most of data-driven operations to enable them to efficiently allocate practice and procedure management across multiple factory locations. Considering culture is inevitable when an organization expands beyond borders. First and foremost, establishing central corporate values, such as a mission statement, can be transformative to aligning teams and departments within a company. In fact, a strong brand identity that sets the tone of the corporate culture is one of the best ways to unite people and foster an environment of collaboration between teams. Training and development initiatives can help bring corporate culture to life. Nurturing a drive for growth among employees and acknowledging their efforts through rewards and incentives can really fuel positive behaviors like cross-collaboration and innovation. Having that central identity and culture makes a powerful north star for employees across an organization, regardless of their roles and responsibilities, because it pluralizes the employment experience while recognizing individual efforts. Additionally, the adage that communication is key is hugely applicable to cross-cultural management. Invest in effective communication channels that empower connectivity between teams across locations to prevent isolation and siloing. Platforms such as Slack have proven game-changing for many organizations around the world. This should also include regular one-on-one meetings between leaders and their teams to continually strengthen communication and motivate collaborative approaches. This also helps managers identify any grievances or suggestions around operations, business processes, and the general employee experience, making sure team members feel seen and heard. However, sometimes, individuals need an extra helping hand when dealing with cross-cultural differences in communication. Generative AI can be incredibly useful for helping people better understand the nuances of different cultures and languages, lowering the risk of misinterpretation. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and recognizing the implications of regional and cultural differences and regulatory changes is a critical first step to effectively preparing for global expansion. Understanding how these hurdles affect operations and business processes will help leaders solidify risk management plans for maximal agility according to the unique requirements of each region and market. About the author : Shinichiro Nakamura is the president of one to ONE Holdings , a group of companies which includes Daiwa Steel Tube Industries , one of the most innovative galvanized steel tube manufacturing companies in the world. Founded in 1932, Daiwa Steel Tube Industries produces around 60,000 tons of in-line galvanized steel tubing annually for scaffolding, frames for greenhouse, roller conveyers, and other structural/mechanical tubing for various applications. MENAFN22122024005532012229ID1109022162 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
SUNDAY, Dec. 8, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Shingles can strike anyone who had chickenpox when they were young, and the intense pain that can accompany this body rash has sidelined many a senior. Here, one expert explains how and why shingles can surface, and what you can do to treat it, or better yet, avoid it. Shingles can happen at any age, but it most typically affects people over 50 who have stress and compromised immunity. “Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It’s the same virus that causes chickenpox,” said Dr. Eugene Fellin , a family medicine physician at Penn State Health Medical Group – Fleetwood. “For most of us who grew up before the 1990s, when children began being immunized against chickenpox, we’ve been exposed to the virus and are at risk for shingles.” How can shingles surface? After lying dormant in the nervous system for years, the virus can reemerge as shingles, which causes painful rashes that typically surface on the face or around the side of the torso, Fellin explained. “It’s like a poison ivy rash that won’t go away,” he added in a Penn State news release. “It can occur in patches, but along that same nerve root. A lot of times, people feel some tingling or a burning sensation prior to the rash actually breaking out,” Fellin noted. “When we’re looking for the rash, it will be in a string on the torso because the nerves wrap around the torso. You get a line around you, from the back to the front.” “The other issue we worry about is if it breaks out on the face and involves the eye because this can lead to blindness,” Fellin said. “Shingles around the eye is considered dangerous, and an instant referral to an ophthalmologist is always recommended.” What can you take to treat shingles? Antivirals such as Valacyclovir can be prescribed, but they’re time-sensitive and need to be taken within 36 hours of the start of the rash because they work by slowing the spread of the virus, Fellin said. While symptoms subside after three to five weeks, pain can sometimes return in the form of postherpetic neuralgia , he said. This long-term nerve pain occurs where the shingles rash appeared and can last for months or even years. Older adults are more likely to develop postherpetic neuralgia and have longer lasting and more severe pain, Fellin said. Luckily, there is something you can do to avoid shingles altogether: get vaccinated. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the Shingrix vaccine, given in two doses, with the second dose given two to six months after the first. People who get shingles can still receive the vaccine, which can lower the chances of another outbreak, Fellin noted. Most family doctors and pharmacies stock the vaccine, which is covered by Medicare, he added. “Most insurance programs are covering it because it has been out long enough and shows a real benefit,” Fellin said in a Penn State news release. “There’s a lot of misinformation about vaccines circulating out there. My message is this: Don’t be afraid of this or any vaccine.” SOURCE: Penn State Health, news release, Dec. 5, 2024
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NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records Tuesday after Donald Trump’s latest talk about tariffs created only some ripples on Wall Street, even if they could roil the global economy were they to take effect. The S&P 500 climbed 0.6% to top the all-time high it set a couple weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 123 points, or 0.3%, to its own record set the day before, while the Nasdaq composite gained 0.6% as Microsoft and Big Tech led the way. Stock markets abroad mostly fell after President-elect Trump said he plans to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China once he takes office. But the movements were mostly modest. Stock indexes were down 0.1% in Shanghai and nearly flat in Hong Kong, while Canada’s main index edged down by less than 0.1%. Trump has often praised the use of tariffs , but investors are weighing whether his latest threat will actually become policy or is just an opening point for negotiations. For now, the market seems to be taking it more as the latter. The consequences otherwise for markets and the global economy could be painful. Unless the United States can prepare alternatives for the autos, energy products and other goods that come from Mexico, Canada and China, such tariffs would raise the price of imported items all at once and make households poorer, according to Carl Weinberg and Rubeela Farooqi, economists at High Frequency Economics. They would also hurt profit margins for U.S. companies, while raising the threat of retaliatory tariffs by other countries. And unlike tariffs in Trump’s first term, his latest proposal would affect products across the board. General Motors sank 9%, and Ford Motor fell 2.6% because both import automobiles from Mexico. Constellation Brands, which sells Modelo and other Mexican beer brands in the United States, dropped 3.3%. The value of the Mexican peso fell 1.8% against the U.S. dollar. Beyond the pain such tariffs would cause U.S. households and businesses, they could also push the Federal Reserve to slow or even halt its cuts to interest rates. The Fed had just begun easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high a couple months ago to offer support for the job market . While lower interest rates can boost the economy, they can also offer more fuel for inflation. “Many” officials at the Fed’s last meeting earlier this month said they should lower rates gradually, according to minutes of the meeting released Tuesday afternoon. The talk about tariffs overshadowed another mixed set of profit reports from U.S. retailers that answered few questions about how much more shoppers can keep spending. They’ll need to stay resilient after helping the economy avoid a recession, despite the high interest rates imposed by the Fed to get inflation under control. A report on Tuesday from the Conference Board said confidence among U.S. consumers improved in November, but not by as much as economists expected. Kohl’s tumbled 17% after its results for the latest quarter fell short of analysts’ expectations. CEO Tom Kingsbury said sales remain soft for apparel and footwear. A day earlier, Kingsbury said he plans to step down as CEO in January. Ashley Buchanan, CEO of Michaels and a retail veteran, will replace him. Best Buy fell 4.9% after likewise falling short of analysts’ expectations. Dick’s Sporting Goods topped forecasts for the latest quarter thanks to a strong back-to-school season, but its stock lost an early gain to fall 1.4%. Still, more stocks rose in the S&P 500 than fell. J.M. Smucker had one of the biggest gains and climbed 5.7% after topping analysts’ expectations for the latest quarter. CEO Mark Smucker credited strength for its Uncrustables, Meow Mix, Café Bustelo and Jif brands. Big Tech stocks also helped prop up U.S. indexes. Gains of 3.2% for Amazon and 2.2% for Microsoft were the two strongest forces lifting the S&P 500. All told, the S&P 500 rose 34.26 points to 6,021.63. The Dow gained 123.74 to 44,860.31, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 119.46 to 19,174.30. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady following their big drop from a day before driven by relief following Trump’s pick for Treasury secretary. The yield on the 10-year Treasury inched up to 4.29% from 4.28% late Monday, but it’s still well below the 4.41% level where it ended last week. In the crypto market, bitcoin continued to pull back after topping $99,000 for the first time late last week. It’s since dipped back toward $91,000, according to CoinDesk. It’s a sharp turnaround from the bonanza that initially took over the crypto market following Trump’s election. That boom had also appeared to have spilled into some corners of the stock market. Strategists at Barclays Capital pointed to stocks of unprofitable companies, along with other areas that can be caught up in bursts of optimism by smaller-pocketed “retail” investors. AP Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.