1. mnl
I work at a school as a teacher and have struggled over the years with how cliquey the other teachers have been. Shortly after I started there, the pandemic happened, and many people friended each other on Facebook. Because that was the only source for a sense of community as we went through those first few dark months, I accepted many of the friend requests, and that felt good. However, a couple of years later I couldn't help but notice how people commented on each other's posts and tagged each other like they were friends in real life but never with me. I had gone through cancer during the pandemic, which few people know about, and I missed out on many of the social events that solidified those friendships. So I had some understanding, but I figured after a while I would be invited in. That never happened, and I felt excluded by the number of posts that would show up in my feed between co-workers. I made the decision after a couple of years to unfriend/block many people on Facebook from my work so I didn't have to see that and feel bad. When staff functions or happy hours are advertised, I go and socialize and ask questions of others and show that I am interested in what they have to say and in them as people. However, people generally do not seem interested in me in any way, and I often leave feeling dissed. Over the years, I have invited people who I have gotten to know from work over for dinner at my home with my husband (and even to our wedding), and although the couples gladly accepted our invitations and we had a pleasant and fun time, a return invitation has never occurred. This week I found out that there was a celebration for one of the teacher's birthdays last weekend, and many other teachers were invited, but I was not. I sit near this teacher at lunch at the break table most days and converse pleasantly with him and listen to his stories, so it stung a bit that I wasn't invited. The office staff is no better. They don't smile or say hello to me except for one of the women. I am beginning to think I am some sort of pariah at my work, and I don't know why. I have made friends through other avenues, hobbies and organizations, and have other long-lasting friendships and have a happy and healthy home life, but it is troubling that my workplace feels so cold and exclusive. I am considering looking for a job elsewhere, but I like the school, the leadership and the students, so I would like to stay. But deep down, I am also wondering if I am the problem and have some sort of off-putting characteristic or some reputation that drives would-be-work-friends away. I have started therapy for other reasons but plan to discuss this as well and am wondering what advice you have for how I might go about understanding how to perceive this feedback at work. — Not Welcome in Washington It's completely understandable that you feel hurt by the way your co-workers have treated you. My guess is that this may have more to do with the fact that you're new and joined during a challenging time, making it harder to integrate yourself. Building relationships takes time, and it's natural for people to need a while to get to know one another. If you love the school, the leadership and the students, that's a great reason to stay. Faculty dynamics can change, and you may meet new colleagues or form connections with the existing ones over time. Remember, we can't control other people's actions — only how we react to them. Sometimes, what feels like rejection is actually redirection. Perhaps you weren't meant to be part of that group or party, and that's OK. Congratulations on taking the step to go to therapy and staying curious about yourself! By continuing this journey of self-growth, you'll likely find that meaningful friendships will naturally come into your life. Try not to get too fixated on how those friendships should look or where they need to come from. You don't have to be friends with your coworkers; you can build connections outside of work. For now, focus on what you enjoy about your job: the students, the leadership and the school itself. Those are excellent reasons to stay and thrive in your role. Send your questions for Annie Lane to . COPYRIGHT 2024Vanquishing Bears, Thanksgiving losing streak tops Lions' holiday list
On 16 November, the leaders and trade ministers of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), covering more than 60% of global trade, concluded their summit by issuing declarations which include a strong commitment to promoting the use of electronic trade-related documents, and the electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) in particular. Research has shown that switching away from the transfer of physical, paper-based Bills of Ladings could save stakeholders around $6.5 billion in direct costs, enable $30-40 billion in annual global trade growth, transform the customer experience, and improve sustainability. The “Machu Pichu Declaration”, of the APEC leaders is a major milestone to unlocking these benefits for all stakeholders in international trade. Leah Liston of the United States Trade Representative, Executive Office of the President, said: “APEC’s focus this year on the eBL, and the underlying laws and technology needed to operationalise them showed great promise. Digitalisation of trade documents and procedures is the next step in trade facilitation for sustainable and inclusive growth. The progress made this year shows that APEC is taking on the challenge and our traders are benefiting from it.” The commitment of the APEC economies is much welcomed and celebrated by the container shipping industry. Last year, the CEOs of the members of the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA), covering 75% of global containerised trade and issuing the vast majority of bills of lading, also committed to achieve 100% eBL. Additionally, the members of the FIT Alliance (BIMCO, DCSA, FIATA, ICC and Swift) launched an eBL declaration, which was signed by many cargo owners, banks, freight forwarders and IT solution providers. Despite the obvious benefits and industry commitment, barriers to achieving 100% eBL remain and not all barriers can be addressed by the industry itself. Indeed, legislation and government procedures can complicate or even prevent the use of the eBL. In 2024, DCSA published a report pinpointing legal and regulatory barriers for 100% eBL and was invited to share its findings and discuss solutions with the APEC members. Thomas Bagge, CEO of DCSA said: “It is great that in times of geopolitical challenges, global leaders agree that cooperation to achieve digitalisation and standardisation of trade is the way forward. At DCSA we are proud and honoured to be able to contribute to this great milestone in trade digitalisation and remain equally committed to achieving 100% eBL by collaboration with all stakeholders of global supply chains.” As part of the Machu Pichu Declaration, the APEC leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhance supply chain connectivity. In particular the leaders want to enhance transparency, efficiency, and reliability of trade by digitalising key processes, and the recognition of electronic trade-related documents, such as the eBL. As well as being an excellent host of the APEC summit, the Ministry of Foreign Trade of Peru (Ministerio de Comercio Exterior y Turismo) took a leading role in ensuring that the digitalisation of the Bill of Lading is made a priority at the highest levels of global politics. Teresa Mera Gomez, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru said: “Peru’s foreign trade policy strategically focuses on enhancing physical and technological infrastructure to facilitate trade, with a particular emphasis on promoting paperless trade through the digitalisation of key foreign trade documents, such as the electronic Bill of Lading (eBL). The adoption of advanced technologies and the integration of electronic records are crucial for optimising the efficiency and resilience of global supply chains. Collaboration with key industry stakeholders, such as the DCSA and the other FIT Alliance members, is vital for establishing global standards and accelerating adoption. Peru has included the prioritisation of these measures at the highest levels, as reflected in the Joint Ministerial Statements and Leaders’ Declarations. Embedding these priorities into national and regional trade agendas will enable the development of targeted initiatives to drive modernisation and connectivity in international trade.” As follow up to the Machu Pichu Declaration, the APEC economies will work towards aligning their legal frameworks, including with the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR)[5], and improve trade facilitation through the use of digitalisation, automation, and international standards, while strengthening border agency cooperation Source: APECDespite blowouts in both Christmas Day games, Netflix drew a record audience of nearly 65 million total streaming viewers in the United States for the Kansas City Chiefs-Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens-Houston Texans matchups, according to Nielsen on Thursday. The early-afternoon matchup, featuring the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs rolling to a 29-10 victory at the Steelers, drew an average of 24.1 million viewers, per Nielsen, while the late-afternoon showdown between the Ravens and Texans -- a 31-2 Ravens rout -- topped the earlier stream with 24.3 million viewers. Per Nielsen, they were the two most streamed NFL games in U.S. history, with Ravens-Texans peaking at more than 27 million for Beyonce's halftime performance. Compared to last year's Christmas Day tripleheader broadcast with CBS, ABC and Fox each showing one game, this year's doubleheader didn't experience a noteworthy decline. In the first of a three-season Christmas Day partnership with the NFL, Netflix drew an average of 24.2 million viewers, compared to 28.68 million viewers in 2023. Among viewers ages 18-34, Ravens-Texans was the most-watched Christmas Day game on record with 5.1 million viewers in the U.S. "Bringing our members this record-breaking day of two NFL games was the best Christmas gift we could have delivered," Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria said in a statement. "We're thankful for our partnership with the NFL, all of our wonderful on-air talent, and let's please not forget the electrifying Beyonce and the brilliant Mariah Carey." --Field Level Media
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Video Highlights Keanu Reeves’ Performance as ShadowIn the end, Munster were not without fight but the constant pressure from Leinster sapped energy and amounted to little with Leinster taking four tries to Munster’s one. And the opening try came too easily. When Robbie Henshaw threw a forward ball to Tommy O’Brien after six minutes with the line at his mercy, Munster breathed a sigh of relief. But Leinster won the scrum, Sam Prendergast kicked for an attacking lineout and Leinster’s bigger bodies hit the line. After Josh van der Flier and Ryan Baird had bumped up, Luke McGrath picked up the ball with a giant gap opening. The scrumhalf sailed in unopposed for the first score. Prendergast kicked for the conversion and after 10 minutes Leinster had taken a 0-7 lead. But a high-energy Munster were far from winded and took the game to Leinster. When O’Brien was yellow carded at 21 minutes on the Leinster line after Scottish referee Sam Grove-White had spoken to captain Caelan Doris for infringing, Munster chose to tap and run. For a while it looked like Leinster would break as they absorbed pressure before Tadhg Beirne threw himself over the line under the posts. It seemed then a deserved try had fallen Munster’s way, but heroic defending from Garry Ringrose had held the ball up and within seconds Leinster were up in the other half of the field. On 32 minutes hooker Rónan Kelleher did as Munster had done and tapped with the big bodies that were defending their line minutes before pumping towards Munster’s posts. Finally, McGrath whipped the ball out with Prendergast on a scything run inside the 22. With room to spare he ran in and under the posts to convert and make it 0-14. It was not what Munster deserved going in at the break, but their inaccuracy at times had let them down. However it didn’t show, and far from any signs of despondency Munster opened the second half at high tempo and Leinster were again backing off. A scrum penalty allowed them kick into the Leinster 22 and again they were probing the Leinster defence. Three tap penalties later from Niall Scannell five metres out and Tom Ahern took on the ball at pace bursting through the blue wall. They had found their accuracy. Munster were finally on the board with Billy Burns converting for 7-14 on 53 minutes, home confidence soaring. Leinster though were irrepressible and less than 10 minutes later were pushing Munster on their line. Just like that they had flipped the pressure and with Munster stretched, Joe McCarthy drove his way towards the posts. Van der Flier was at his side to pick and go from yards out with no Munster body to lay a hand on him. Prendergast again converted and Leinster had reestablished their 14-point lead. Munster did continue to fight but Leinster by then felt they had the resources to see out the match. As the bench started to empty, it looked more and more like Munster had given all they had and it just wasn’t enough on the night. Leinster ended the match looking for more scores to strengthen their position at the top of the URC table and Munster looked out on their feet. Finally, it fell to the Leinster captain Doris to barge in for Leinster’s fourth try, momentum and strength taking him over the Munster line for the final time to bring it to 7-28. The result leaves Leinster unbeaten this season in the URC and Champions Cup. Scoring sequence – 10 mins: L McGrath try, S Prendergast con 0-7; 32: S Prendergast try, con 0-14; Half-time 0-14 ; 44: T Ahern try, B Burns con 7-14; 52: J van der Flier try, Prendergast con 7-21; 73: C Doris try, R Byrne con 7-28. MUNSTER: Mike Haley; Calvin Nash, Tom Farrell, Rory Scannell, Shane Daly; Billy Burns, Ethan Coughlan; Dian Bleuler, Niall Scannell, Oli Jager, Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne (CAPT), Tom Ahern, Alex Kendellen, Gavin Coombes Replacements: Eoghan Clarke for Scannell 21 mins; Scannell for Clarke 37 mins; John Hodnett for Wycherley 40 mins; Paddy Patterson for Coughlan 51 mins; John Ryan for Jaeger 54 mins; Tony Butler for Burns 65 mins; Brian Gleeson for Kendellen 64 mins; Clarke for Scannell 73 mins; Kieran Ryan for Bleuler 73 mins; Ben O’Connor for Haley 74 mins LEINSTER: Jamie Osborne; Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw, Jimmy O’Brien; Sam Prendergast, Luke McGrath; Jack Boyle, Ronan Kelleher, Rabah Slimani, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Caelan Doris (capt). Replacements: Andrew Porter for Boyle 21 mins; Cian Healy for Slimani 52 mins; Fintan Gunne for McGrath 52 mins; Lee Barron for Kelleher 63 mins; Ross Byrne for Prendergast 63 mins; Scott Penny for van der Flier 72 mins; Jordan Larmour for Ringrose 73 mins; Brian Deeny for Ryan 74 mins Yellow card: T O’Brien (22 mins). Referee: Sam Grove-White (SRU). Johnny Watterson is a sports writer with The Irish Times
NEW YORK — President-elect Donald Trump’s lawyers formally asked a judge Monday to throw out his hush money criminal conviction , arguing continuing the case would present unconstitutional “disruptions to the institution of the Presidency.“ In a filing made public Tuesday, Trump’s lawyers told Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan that dismissal is warranted because of the “overwhelming national mandate granted to him by the American people on November 5, 2024.” They also cited President Joe Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted of tax and gun charges . “President Biden asserted that his son was ‘selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted,’ and ‘treated differently,’" Trump’s legal team wrote. The Manhattan district attorney, they claimed, engaged in the type of political theater "that President Biden condemned.” Prosecutors will have until Dec. 9 to respond. They have said they will fight any efforts to dismiss the case but indicated a willingness to delay the sentencing until after Trump’s second term ends in 2029. Former President Donald Trump walks to make comments to members of the news media May 30 after a jury convicted him of felony crimes for falsifying business records in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York. In their filing Monday, Trump's attorneys dismissed the idea of holding off sentencing until Trump is out of office as a “ridiculous suggestion.” Following Trump’s election victory last month, Merchan halted proceedings and indefinitely postponed his sentencing, previously scheduled for late November, to allow the defense and prosecution to weigh in on the future of the case. He also delayed a decision on Trump’s prior bid to dismiss the case on immunity grounds. Trump has been fighting for months to reverse his conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a $130,000 payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels to suppress her claim that they had sex a decade earlier. He says they did not and denies wrongdoing. Taking a swipe at Bragg and New York City, as Trump often did throughout the trial, the filing argues that dismissal would also benefit the public by giving him and “the numerous prosecutors assigned to this case a renewed opportunity to put an end to deteriorating conditions in the City and to protect its residents from violent crime.” Clearing Trump, the lawyers added, also would allow him to “to devote all of his energy to protecting the Nation.” The defense filing was signed by Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who represented Trump during the trial and since were selected by the president-elect to fill senior roles at the Justice Department. A dismissal would erase Trump’s historic conviction, sparing him the cloud of a criminal record and possible prison sentence. Trump is the first former president to be convicted of a crime and the first convicted criminal to be elected to the office. Trump takes office Jan. 20. Merchan hasn’t set a timetable for a decision. Merchan could also decide to uphold the verdict and proceed to sentencing, delay the case until Trump leaves office, wait until a federal appeals court rules on Trump’s parallel effort to get the case moved out of state court or choose some other option. Prosecutors cast the payout as part of a Trump-driven effort to keep voters from hearing salacious stories about him. Trump’s then-lawyer Michael Cohen paid Daniels. Trump later reimbursed him, and Trump’s company logged the reimbursements as legal expenses — concealing what they really were, prosecutors alleged. Trump pledged to appeal the verdict if the case is not dismissed. He and his lawyers said the payments to Cohen were properly categorized as legal expenses for legal work. A month after the verdict, the Supreme Court ruled that ex-presidents can’t be prosecuted for official acts — things they did in the course of running the country — and that prosecutors can’t cite those actions to bolster a case centered on purely personal, unofficial conduct. Trump’s lawyers cited the ruling to argue that the hush money jury got some improper evidence, such as Trump’s presidential financial disclosure form, testimony from some White House aides and social media posts made during his first term. Prosecutors disagreed and said the evidence in question was only “a sliver” of their case. If the verdict stands and the case proceeds to sentencing, Trump’s punishments would range from a fine to probation to up to four years in prison — but it’s unlikely he’d spend any time behind bars for a first-time conviction involving charges in the lowest tier of felonies. Because it is a state case, Trump would not be able to pardon himself once he returns to office. Presidential pardons apply only to federal crimes. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, with Melania Trump and Barron Trump, arrives to speak at an election night watch party, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at an election night watch party, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks as Melania Trump looks on at an election night watch party, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Republican Presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives with former first lady Melania Trump and son Barron Trump at the Palm Beach County Convention Center during an election night watch party, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks as former first lady Melania Trump listens after they voted on Election Day at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks as former first lady Melania Trump listens after they voted on Election Day at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks as former first lady Melania Trump listens after they voted on Election Day at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks after voting on Election Day at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks after voting on Election Day at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks as former first lady Melania Trump listens after they voted on Election Day at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks after voting on Election Day at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks after voting on Election Day at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump visits his campaign headquarters, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, joined by, from right, Melania Trump and Barron Trump, arrives to speaks at an election night watch party, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives to speak at an election night watch party, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Republican Presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives with =former first lady Melania Trump and son Barron Trump at the Palm Beach County Convention Center during an election night watch party, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at an election night watch party, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at an election night watch party, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at an election night watch party, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and former first lady Melania Trump walk after voting on Election Day at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and former first lady Melania Trump walk after voting on Election Day at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email.The best PS5 games for 2025: Top PlayStation titles to play right now
Brighton frustrated in goalless draw with Brentford
Donald Trump is considering making Kimberly Guilfoyle his ambassador to Greece
After the Matt Gaetz fiasco, some accountability is in order
Real vs. fake: Can you spot AI-generated images?
Outgoing US President Joe Biden on Tuesday branded his successor Donald Trump's economic plans a "disaster," in a speech hailing his own legacy. Biden said Trump's threats to slap huge tariffs on imports were a "major mistake" and challenged Trump to build on what he said were the successes of his own administration. The lame-duck president's speech comes after Trump won a second term largely on the back of US voters' anger at high costs of living under Democrats. "I pray to God the president-elect throws away Project 2025. I think it'd be an economic disaster for us and the region," Biden said at the Brookings Institution in Washington, referring to a conservative blueprint for a second Trump administration. Coughing frequently because of a cold, Biden said US consumers would pay the price for the tariffs that Trump has vowed to slap on US neighbors Mexico and Canada and on Asia-Pacific rival China. Together they are the three biggest US trading partners. "I believe this approach is a major mistake," Biden added. At a separate event Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Trump's tariffs could "derail the progress that we've made on inflation, and have adverse consequences on growth." She warned at the Wall Street Journal's CEO Council Summit that sweeping tariffs could raise prices significantly for US consumers and pile pressure on companies which rely on imports. The White House touted Biden's speech as a "major address on his economic legacy" as the 82-year-old looks to the history books with fewer than six weeks left in office. Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race against Trump in July due to concerns about his age and passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Trump comfortably defeated at the November polls. Trump's inauguration is not until January 20, but he has already become something of a shadow president, making pronouncements on the economy and foreign policy and being feted by world leaders. Biden has kept a relatively low profile, but he came out swinging in defense of his own record before an audience of economists. He contrasted his "middle-out, bottom-up economic playbook" with what he called Trump's failed promise of "trickle-down economics" in which tax cuts for the wealthy are supposed to boost incomes. Biden also touted achievements including the US economy's recovery from the Covid pandemic and his huge investments in green technology and industry. "President-elect Trump is receiving the strongest economy in modern history," said Biden. But the departing president said he regretted not signing his name to Covid stimulus checks sent out to Americans, like Trump had done. Biden ended his speech with a broader plea for US leadership in a troubled world, even as Trump has repeatedly signaled his intention to take a more isolationist stance. "If we do not lead the world, what nation leads the world?" he said.
Democrats stick with Schumer as leader. Their strategy for countering Trump is far less certainTech slump slays Santa rally, weak yen lifts Japan stocks higher
(Source: Nasdaq) Wall Street’s main indexes were subdued in volatile trading on Tuesday after the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq notched record high levels in the previous session, with focus on a crucial jobs report later this week and commentary from Federal Reserve officials. The hotly anticipated monthly payrolls figures on Friday, a crucial metric in gauging the Fed’s interest rate trajectory, are on top of investors’ radar. A November reading of private payrolls is also due on Wednesday. Meanwhile, a Labor Department report showed U.S. job openings increased moderately in October while layoffs declined, suggesting the labor market continued to slow in an orderly fashion. At 11:36 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI), fell 169.17 points, or 0.37%, to 44,615.46, the S&P 500 (.SPX), lost 6.98 points, or 0.11%, to 6,040.22 and the Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC), gained 22.13 points, or 0.12%, to 19,427.37, briefly hitting an all-time high. Seven of the 11 major S&P sub-sectors were trading lower, with industrials’ (.SPLRCI), 0.9% fall leading losses. On the docket for Tuesday, comments from Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee and Fed Board Governor Adriana Kugler would be parsed through. Fed Governor Christopher Waller said on Monday he is inclined “at present” to support another interest rate cut later this month, while New York Fed President John Williams could not yet say what the central bank’s next move will be. The Nasdaq and the S&P 500 hit record closing highs in the last session, as the tech rally spilled into December after U.S. equities’ stellar November performance. “A lot of people are saying, look, don’t fight the trend. There’s a lot of momentum and people are looking for reasons to be optimistic,” said Patrick Kaser, portfolio manager at Brandywine Global. “The flip side of that is at some point everybody’s expecting good things and evaluations are not supportive of anything other than this good scenario, so there will come a time when the good news starts to mean too much good news.” Former U.S. President Donald Trump recaptured the White House in last month’s election and his Republican Party swept both houses of Congress, boosting stocks in November. Analysts have cited Trump’s potential plans for tax cuts and deregulation as a positive for stocks, though tariffs could be a negative on concerns of fresh inflationary pressures and a global trade war. U.S.-listed shares of South Korean companies lost ground with iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY.P), down 3%, after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in the country. Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab slipped 1.5% after data showed the automaker’s sales of China-made electric vehicles fell 4.3% year-on-year to 78,856 in November. Zscaler (ZS.O), opens new tab dropped 5.7% after analysts noted that the cybersecurity firm’s second-quarter revenue forecast failed to impress. U.S. Steel (X.N), opens new tab shed 7.9% after Trump reiterated his opposition to Nippon Steel’s (5401.T), planned $15 billion the purchase of the company. Declining issues outnumbered advancers by a 1.62-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and by a 1.89-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq. The S&P 500 posted 20 new 52-week highs and two new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite recorded 82 new highs and 68 new lows. Source: Reuters (Reporting by Shashwat Chauhan and Purvi Agarwal in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)