WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is allowing a multibillion-dollar class action investors’ lawsuit to proceed against Facebook parent Meta , stemming from the privacy scandal involving the Cambridge Analytica political consulting firm. The justices heard arguments in November in Meta’s bid to shut down the lawsuit. On Friday, they decided that they were wrong to take up the case in the first place. The high court dismissed the company’s appeal, leaving in place an appellate ruling allowing the case to go forward. Investors allege that Meta did not fully disclose the risks that Facebook users’ personal information would be misused by Cambridge Analytica, a firm that supported Donald Trump ’s first successful Republican presidential campaign in 2016. Inadequacy of the disclosures led to two significant price drops in the price of the company’s shares in 2018, after the public learned about the extent of the privacy scandal, the investors say. Meta spokesman Andy Stone said the company was disappointed by the court’s action. “The plaintiff’s claims are baseless and we will continue to defend ourselves as this case is considered by the District Court,” Stone said in an emailed statement. Meta already has paid a $5.1 billion fine and reached a $725 million privacy settlement with users. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
jilicc
。
ACHC LAWSUIT NOTICE: Acadia Healthcare Investors are Notified of the Upcoming December 16 Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit – Contact BFA Law (Nasdaq:ACHC)Bestselling Books: 11/24/2024SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro has been a target for investigations since his early days in office, and the swarm of cases since his failed reelection bid in 2022 has left him in ever-deeper legal jeopardy. In the latest indictment Thursday, he was accused of attempting a coup to keep himself in the presidency. In another case, the electoral court ruled the far-right leader ineligible to run for office until 2030. There are dozens of other probes that could produce criminal charges at low-level courts, where he could appeal any eventual conviction. But the country's Supreme Court will have the final say regarding more than five in-depth investigations, including into the alleged coup attempt, which could land the former president behind bars or under house arrest. Bolsonaro has denied wrongdoing in all of the cases, and his allies have alleged they are political persecution, while recognizing the severity of the legal risks on multiple fronts. Here's a look at the biggest threats and where they stand: Federal police on Thursday indicted Bolsonaro and 36 others for allegedly attempting a coup to keep him in office after his defeat in the 2022 elections. The indictment is sealed, but among other things authorities had been investigating whether he incited the Jan. 8, 2022 riot in which his followers ransacked the Supreme Court and presidential palace in the capital of Brasilia. STATUS: Police sent their findings to Brazil’s Supreme Court, which must decide whether to refer them to Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet. He will either formally charge Bolsonaro and put him on trial, or toss the investigation. Brazil’s highest electoral court in June ruled that Bolsonaro used government communication channels in a meeting with diplomats to promote his reelection bid and sow distrust about the vote. The case focused on a meeting the prior year, during which Bolsonaro used government staffers, the state television channel and the presidential palace in Brasilia to tell foreign ambassadors that the country’s electronic voting system was rigged. The ruling rendered him ineligible for office until 2030, although he has insisted that he will run in the 2026 race. The court also found that Bolsonaro abused his power during Brazil’s Independence Day festivities, a month before the election. The ruling didn’t add years to Bolsonaro’s ineligibility, but made any appeal less likely to succeed. A third case is also pending at the court. STATUS: Bolsonaro’s appeal of the initial ruling was denied. Bolsonaro has been indicted for directing an official to tamper with a public health database to make it appear as though he and his 12-year-old daughter had received the COVID-19 vaccine in order to bypass U.S. entry requirements. During the pandemic, he railed against the vaccine , characterized the choice to receive a shot as a matter of personal freedom and has repeatedly said he never did so. The Federal Police accused Bolsonaro of criminal association and inserting false data into public records, which carry maximum penalties of 4 and 12 years in prison, respectively. It was his first indictment since leaving office. STATUS: Brazil's Supreme Court sent the indictment to the prosecutor-general, who is weighing whether to use it to press charges. Local media reported that he was seeking to consult American authorities about whether Bolsonaro used the forged document to enter the country, and that having done so could result in U.S. legal action. Federal Police have probed whether Bolsonaro directed officials to smuggle luxury jewelry worth millions into Brazil from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, then acted to prevent them from being incorporated into the presidential collection and instead retain ownership for himself. Investigators summoned Bolsonaro for questioning in April and August of 2023. He has returned the jewelry in question. STATUS: The Federal Police indicted Bolsonaro for money laundering and criminal association, according to a source with knowledge of the accusations. A second source confirmed the indictment, although not for which specific crimes. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly. Brazil’s Federal Police is investigating Bolsonaro for inciting crimes against public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, which include encouraging people not to wear masks and causing alarm about non-existent danger of vaccines accelerating development of AIDS . A Senate inquiry commission also spent months investigating his pandemic-era actions and decisions, and recommended nine criminal charges. Brazil’s former prosecutor-general Augusto Aras, widely seen as a Bolsonaro ally, decided not to file any charges based on the lawmakers' findings. They have urged his Aras' successor to reopen the case. STATUS: The investigation is ongoing. Brazil's Supreme Court in 2020 ordered an investigation into a network allegedly spreading defamatory fake news and threats against Supreme Court justices . The probe has yielded the imprisonment of lawmakers from the former president's circle and raids of his supporters' homes. In 2021, Bolsonaro was included as a target. As an offshoot of that probe, the Federal Police is also investigating whether a group operating inside Bolsonaro’s presidential palace produced social media content aimed at undermining the rule of law. The group, allegedly comprised of aides and Bolsonaro’s politician son, has been widely referred to as a digital militia and “the hate cabinet.” STATUS: Both investigations are ongoing. Biller reported from Rio de JaneiroNo. 1 South Carolina women stunned by fifth-ranked UCLA 77-62, ending Gamecocks' 43-game win streak
Fender American Ultra II Stratocaster review: Fantastic neck, superior build, brilliant tone
Hezbollah fires about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel in heaviest barrage in weeks BEIRUT (AP) — Hezbollah has fired about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel, wounding seven people in one of the militant group’s heaviest barrages in months. Sunday's attacks in northern and central Israel came in response to deadly Israeli strikes in central Beirut on Saturday. Israel struck southern Beirut on Sunday. Meanwhile, negotiators press on with cease-fire efforts to halt the all-out war. And Lebanon's military says an Israeli strike on a Lebanese army center in the southwest killed one soldier and wounded 18 others. Israel's military has expressed regret and said its operations are directed solely against the militants. Israel cracks down on Palestinian citizens who speak out against the war in Gaza UMM AL-FAHM, Israel (AP) — In the year since the war in Gaza broke out, Israel's government has been cracking down on dissent among its Palestinian citizens. Authorities have charged Palestinians with “supporting terrorism” because of posts online or for demonstrating against the war. Activists and rights watchdogs say Palestinians have also lost jobs, been suspended from schools and faced police interrogations. Palestinians make up about 20% of Israel's population. Many feel forced to self-censor out of fear of being jailed and further marginalized in society. Others still find ways to dissent, but carefully. Israel's National Security Ministry counters that, “Freedom of speech is not the freedom to incite.” Israel says rabbi who went missing in the UAE was killed. The government arrests 3 TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel says the body of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi who went missing in the United Arab Emirates has been found, citing Emirati authorities. The UAE’s Interior Ministry said authorities arrested three perpetrators involved in the killing of Zvi Kogan. The statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Sunday said Kogan was killed, calling it a “heinous antisemitic terror incident.” It said: “The state of Israel will act with all means to seek justice with the criminals responsible for his death." Kogan went missing on Thursday, and there were suspicions he had been kidnapped. His disappearance comes as Iran has been threatening to retaliate against Israel after the two countries traded fire in October. Somalia says 24 people have died after 2 boats capsized in the Indian Ocean MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somalia's government says 24 people died after two boats capsized off the Madagascar coast in the Indian Ocean. Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi said 46 people were rescued. Most of the passengers were young Somalis, and their intended destination remains unclear. Many young Somalis embark every year on dangerous journeys in search of better opportunities abroad. A delegation led by the Somali ambassador to Ethiopia is scheduled to travel to Madagascar on Monday to investigate the incident and coordinate efforts to help survivors. The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump's promises on growth and inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has big plans for the economy. He also has big debt problem that'll be a hurdle to delivering on those plan. Trump has bold ambitions on tax cuts, tariffs and other programs. But high interest rates and the price of repaying the federal government’s existing debt could limit what he’s able to do. The federal debt stands at roughly $36 trillion, and the spike in inflation after the pandemic has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs such that debt service next year will easily exceed spending on national security. Moscow offers debt forgiveness to new recruits and AP sees wreckage of a new Russian missile KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law granting debt forgiveness to new army recruits who enlist to fight in Ukraine. The measure, whose final version appeared on a government website Saturday, underscores Russia’s needs for military personnel in the nearly 3-year-old war, even as it fired last week a new intermediate-range ballistic missile. Russia has ramped up military recruitment by offering increasing financial incentives to those willing to fight in Ukraine. Ukraine’s Security Service on Sunday showed The Associated Press wreckage of the new intermediate-range ballistic missile that struck a factory in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Thursday. Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week WINDSOR, Calif. (AP) — Forecasters in the U.S. have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel leading up to Thanksgiving. California is bracing for more snow and rain while still grappling with some flooding and small landslides from a previous storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for California's Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at high elevations. Thousands remained without power in the Seattle area on Sunday after a “bomb cyclone” storm system hit the West Coast last week, killing two people. After Trump's win, Black women are rethinking their role as America's reliable political organizers ATLANTA (AP) — Donald Trump's victory has dismayed many politically engaged Black women, and they're reassessing their enthusiasm for politics and organizing. Black women often carry much of the work of getting out the vote, and they had vigorously supported the historic candidacy of Kamala Harris. AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters, found that 6 in 10 Black women said the future of democracy was the single most important factor for their vote this year, a higher share than for other demographic groups. But now, some Black women are renewing calls to emphasize rest, focus on mental health and become more selective about what fight they lend their organizing power to. Pakistani police arrest thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of rally in the capital ISLAMABAD (AP) — A Pakistani security officer says police have arrested thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of a rally in Islamabad to demand the ex-premier’s release from prison. Khan has been behind bars for more than a year. But he remains popular and his party says the cases against him are politically motivated. Police Sunday arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters in eastern Punjab province, a Khan stronghold. They include five parliamentarians. Pakistan has sealed off the capital with shipping containers. It also suspended mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns.” Uruguay's once-dull election has become a dead heat in the presidential runoff MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans are heading to the polls to choose their next president. In Sunday's election, the candidates of the conservative governing party and the left-leaning coalition are locked in a close runoff after failing to win an outright majority in last month’s vote. It's a hard-fought race between Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party’s candidate, and Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, a coalition of leftist and center-left parties that governed for 15 years until the 2019 victory of center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou — overseeing the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and the sale of marijuana in the small South American nation.Quest Partners LLC Sells 1,506 Shares of Onto Innovation Inc. (NYSE:ONTO)
Here’s what to know about the new funding deal that countries agreed to at UN climate talks
In a dynamic pivot, OpenAI , renowned for its AI prowess, is reportedly setting its sights on a new challenge: the development of humanoid robots. Known internationally for innovations like ChatGPT, OpenAI is leveraging its advanced AI capabilities in a novel direction, marking a return to a field it paused two years ago. OpenAI had dabbled in robotics prior to 2021, with a dedicated division training robotic arms for tasks such as solving Rubik’s cubes. However, this initiative was halted as more emphasis was placed on refining their AI systems. Now, with significant strides in AI technology and hardware, OpenAI sees new potential in turning its focus back toward robotics. The company is not alone in this venture. OpenAI is strategically investing in companies like Figure and 1X, both of which specialize in humanoid robots. Figure’s latest model, the Figure 02, has already proven itself in industrial environments, accomplishing complex tasks at BMW factories. Meanwhile, 1X has introduced robots that could revolutionize household chores, showcasing remarkable capabilities as consumer helpers. Further bolstering these efforts, OpenAI is also involved in developing custom AI chips. Collaborations with industry leaders such as Broadcom and TSMC aim to enhance AI systems’ performance, potentially optimizing processors for integration into humanoid robots. Humanoid robots, familiar to fans of science fiction, are emerging as a real-world possibility, with the potential to transform both domestic and industrial landscapes through their humanlike form and versatility. As OpenAI explores this frontier, the line between fantasy and function continues to blur. Are Humanoid Robots the Future? OpenAI’s Bold New Venture In an exciting development within the tech industry, OpenAI is reigniting its interest in robotics, with a focus on the creation of humanoid robots. Known for its groundbreaking work with AI systems like ChatGPT, OpenAI is poised to revolutionize how humanoid robots are perceived and utilized both domestically and industrially. OpenAI’s Strategic Partnerships and Innovations OpenAI’s renewed venture into robotics involves strategic investments in Figure and 1X, companies at the cutting edge of humanoid robot technology. Figure’s sophisticated robots have already made their mark in industrial settings, particularly in complex manufacturing processes at BMW factories. This demonstrates their potential to perform tasks that require precision and adaptability. 1X, on the other hand, has developed robots with significant implications for household use. This could herald a new era in which humanoid robots simplify and enrich our daily lives by automating tedious chores, providing customized assistance, and offering companionship, thus changing the way we interact with technology at home. Custom AI Chips: The Power Behind the Robots To support these ambitious projects, OpenAI is venturing into the development of custom AI chips. By collaborating with industry giants such as Broadcom and TSMC, OpenAI aims to design processors tailored specifically to enhance the capabilities of AI systems in humanoid robots. This move not only reflects a commitment to pushing technological boundaries but also points towards the creation of robots that could become integral to various aspects of human life. These innovations represent a game-changing step in AI hardware, optimizing performance, efficiency, and integration into more complex robot bodies. The Promise and Reality of Humanoid Robots Humanoid robots have long been a staple of science fiction, symbolizing the intriguing blend of humanlike form and machine intelligence. OpenAI’s exploration of this domain highlights a blurred line between fiction and reality, as these robots stand to significantly impact both our homes and workplaces. Their potential for versatility, combined with advanced AI, offers the promise of increasing productivity and convenience across multiple facets of life. Future Possibilities and Predictions As OpenAI delves deeper into humanoid robotics, the implications for numerous industries are profound. These robots have the potential not just to enhance, but also to redefine labor dynamics and domestic life, ultimately resulting in enhanced productivity and new forms of human-robot interaction. Predictably, as technology continues to advance, the application of humanoid robots will broaden, leading to innovative solutions across sectors. The convergence of AI and robotics initiated by OpenAI paves the way for future advancements that may soon transcend current limitations. For more on groundbreaking AI developments, visit OpenAI .WASHINGTON – President-elect Donald Trump has selected former White House aide Brooke Rollins to lead the Department of Agriculture in his second administration. Here are some things to know about Trump’s choice and the agency that Rollins would lead if she is confirmed by the Senate. Recommended Videos She is a lawyer with agriculture ties — and a strong relationship with Trump Rollins, 52, graduated from Texas A&M University with an undergraduate degree in agricultural development before completing law school at the University of Texas. She served as domestic policy chief during Trump's first term, a portfolio that included agricultural policy. After leaving the White House, she became president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. Over the years, Rollins has forged a strong enough relationship with Trump, who has prized proven loyalty in his Cabinet and top adviser picks , that she was among the people floated as a potential White House chief of staff. That job went to Susie Wiles, Trump's co-campaign manager. Rollins, in an interview earlier this year, called Trump an “amazing boss.” USDA is about more than farms President Abraham Lincoln founded the USDA in 1862, when about half of all Americans lived on farms. The sprawling department now reaches into every American neighborhood, grocery store and school cafeteria. The USDA is the primary agency overseeing the nation’s farming, forestry, ranching, food quality and nutrition. The agency has a dual purpose of promoting and regulating agriculture practice and products. The agency oversees multiple support programs for farmers; animal and plant health; and the safety of meat, poultry and eggs that anchor the nation’s food supply. Its federal nutrition programs provide food to low-income people, pregnant women and young children. And the department sets standards for school meals. The next USDA chief could figure prominently in Trump 2.0 Trump did not offer many specifics about his agriculture policies during the campaign. But if he keeps his pledge to impose sweeping tariffs, farmers could be affected quickly — and potentially harshly. During the first Trump administration, countries like China responded to Trump’s tariffs by imposing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports like the corn and soybeans routinely sold overseas. Trump countered by offering massive multibillion-dollar aid to farmers to help them weather the trade war. The ripple effects could extend to consumers’ grocery bills, as well. When things are going smoothly, agriculture secretaries are not usually prominent faces of an administration. But when the nation’s food supply is at issue, it could be another story. ___ Gomez Licon reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Memo to players urges vigilance
Utah Falls to No. 22 Iowa State in Seventh Straight Loss This SeasonVocational education is vital in today's economy, where skilled workers are in short supply, but biases against it remain, according to education experts and students in interviews with CGTN on Thursday in China's Tianjin Municipality. "Technical, vocational (education) provides opportunities to everyone," said James Llewellyn, director of Worldwide Operations at NPTC Group of Colleges from the UK. Llewellyn and other participants were in Tianjin to take part in the 2024 World Vocational and Technical Education Development Conference. However, most participants CGTN spoke to admitted that biases that put vocational education below regular education still exist and need to be addressed. Vocational education, which delivers practical and hands-on skills for students, offers substantial economic benefits both for individuals and the broader economy. According to a 2022 joint study by the World Bank, the International Labour Organization and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the need for well-performing technical and vocational education is even greater to ensure smooth job transitions in the context of rapidly changing labor markets and evolving skills needs due to globalization, technological progress, demographic transformation and climate change. (Cover image designed by CGTN's Li Yuezhi)
Oslo, November 24: A former village doctor in Norway, Arne Bye, 55, is standing trial for what is being called the country's largest sex scandal. Bye is accused of raping 87 women and abusing his position to obtain sexual contact with 94 victims, including two minors, over a span of 20 years. His alleged crimes were recorded on over 6,000 hours of video footage seized during the investigation. Dailymail reported that the victims, aged between 14 and 67 at the time, were reportedly assaulted during gynecological examinations at his clinic in Frosta, a small town of 2,600 residents where Bye had long been a trusted public figure. According to the indictment, he allegedly used non-medical objects such as deodorant-like and cylindrical items during invasive procedures, actions described as unnecessary and painful. One victim, referred to as "Woman 18," recounted being subjected to an invasive examination after visiting Bye for a sore throat. Despite her discomfort, she complied because he was her doctor. She testified that the pain was so severe she thought she might die. France Shocker: Man Rapes Daughter For Years, Offers Her to Strangers For Sex; Sentenced to 20 Years in Jail . The prosecution has presented video evidence, some of which shows Bye positioning cameras around patients before beginning his examinations. Prosecutor Richard Haugen Lyng described the evidentiary situation as unique due to the abundance of recorded material, much of it graphic. Bye has admitted to filming the appointments, claiming it was to protect himself from potential lawsuits, though he denies watching the videos outside the context of the case. France Mass Rape Trial: Man Accused of Drugging His Wife So 72 Men Could Sexually Assault Her Is Testifying in French Court . In court, Bye pleaded guilty to three counts of rape and 35 charges of abuse of position but denies most other allegations. The trial has heard from multiple victims, including one who said Bye conducted repeated and lengthy examinations despite her having no abdominal complaints. Another victim testified that her sister and daughter were also among the alleged victims. The investigation began in 2022 after health authorities alerted police about Bye's suspicious behaviour. Concerns about him had been raised as early as 2006 by a gynecologist at a nearby hospital, but no formal action was taken until charges were filed in 2023. Despite the severity of the accusations, Bye has not been remanded in custody, though police continue to monitor him. The trial, which has deeply shaken the Frosta community, remains ongoing. Bye faces a potential 21-year prison sentence if convicted. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 24, 2024 11:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com ).NEW YORK, Nov. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that a lawsuit has been filed against Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) and certain of the Company’s senior executives for potential violations of the federal securities laws. If you invested in Chipotle, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/chipotle-mexican-grill-inc . Investors have until January 10, 2025, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in Chipotle securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and is captioned Stradford v. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., et al. , No. 24-cv-02459. What is the Lawsuit About? Chipotle owns and operates more than 3,000 Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants across the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. The complaint alleges that in response to negative news reports accusing Chipotle of reducing portion sizes provided to customers, the Company repeatedly misrepresented that there “have been no changes in our portion sizes.” On July 24, 2024, Chipotle admitted that portion inconsistency was, in fact, a problem at the Company’s restaurants and that in order to correct the inconsistent portion sizes, the Company would experience a higher cost of sales. Over the course of the next two days, July 25 and July 26, 2024, the price of the Company’s stock fell 3.8%, from a closing price of $51.78 per share on July 24, 2024, to $49.83 per share on July 26, 2024. Then, on October 29, 2024, after market hours, Chipotle revealed a 30.6% increase in its cost of sales, in part because the Company “focused on ensuring consistent and generous portions.” The next day, October 30, 2024, Business Insider reported that “Profit margins for the chain suffered last quarter because of a concerted effort to provide ‘consistent and generous portions’ in every order.” On October 30, 2024, the price of the Company’s stock fell 7.9%, from a closing price of $60.49 per share on October 29, 2024, to $55.73 per share on October 30, 2024. Click here if you suffered losses: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/chipotle-mexican-grill-inc . What Can You Do? If you invested in Chipotle you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses. Submit your information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/chipotle-mexican-grill-inc Or contact: Ross Shikowitz ross@bfalaw.com 212-789-3619 Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP? Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs’ Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.’s Board of Directors (pending court approval), as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd. For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com . https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/chipotle-mexican-grill-inc Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.doockie Performance Review There was significant volatility in fixed income markets throughout the quarter. Coming into the period, economic conditions, including inflation and the US job market, were moderating, but a weak July jobs report caused concerns that the US Federal Reserve (Fed) was behind the curve in easing monetary policy, which stoked fears of a potential recession. The market calmed somewhat as further measures appeared to be more benign. The Fed cut its policy rate by an upsized 50 basis points (bps) at their September meeting looking to “recalibrate” monetary policy. Over the period, US Treasury (UST) yields moved lower across the curve, which was no longer inverted for the first time in 2 years. Short-dated bonds witnessed the most significant declines, while yields fell less drastically across the longest tenors. Fixed income sectors posted generally positive total returns during the quarter and outperformed comparable duration USTs; spreads trended generally tighter. Quarterly Key Performance Drivers Allocation Security Selection HELPED — Security Selection in Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) — — — — HURT Overweight Allocation to Non-agency Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities ( RMBS ) — Overweight Allocation to Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities ( CMBS ) — — — Click to enlarge Over the quarter, agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) posted a slightly positive total return of 553 basis points (BPS) and outperformed similar-duration USTs. Conventional MBS, as represented by Fannie Mae ( OTCQB:FNMA ) MBS, was the best relative performer with 92 bps of excess return, followed by Ginnie Mae (GNMA) MBS with 32 bps of excess return. Across the conventional coupon stack, excess returns were positive. FN 4.0 coupons were the best performers, while 5.0% coupons lagged. Our largest absolute allocation remains in agency MBS but we have a significant underweight relative to the benchmark. Our security selection in the sector contributed to results, while our underweight allocation to the sector had a largely neutral effect on performance. We expect spreads to trade around current levels in the short term but to be volatile around economic data releases and FOMC meetings. Projected rate cuts in upcoming FOMC meetings and a decrease in treasury and swaption volatility could be a tailwind for the sector and possibly lead to spread tightening towards the end of 2024. Our overweight allocation to RMBS hindered results. The accumulation of locked-in home equity, a still healthy labor market, combined with enhanced payment relief measures and forbearance policies in the event of increased delinquencies, should support healthy mortgage credit in 2024. Amid rich valuations, modest expectations for home price appreciation and the flat credit curve, we favor high-quality opportunities with senior profiles in the capital stack. Outlook & Strategy We expect a partial extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act regardless of the US presidential election outcome, which would worsen the fiscal deficit. Furthermore, neither presidential candidate plans on reining in fiscal spending and details on raising taxes remain scant, which are the only two fiscal levers that can be used to keep inflation in check. Persistent deficit and potential re-emergence of inflationary concerns matter because they affect the Fed’s ability to cut interest rates as the economy slows. Consequently, although the Fed has initiated a 50-basis point rate cut, we expect the Fed to be more measured in reducing rates going forward. Past experience suggests that financial markets will push for more easing than the Fed plans to deliver, especially as a number of investors still expect rates to revert to the extremely low post-global financial crisis levels. We therefore believe additional bouts of market volatility lies ahead as investors will probably overreact to economic data, increasing the potential for subsequent disappointments. Fund Details Inception Date 02/01/1993 Benchmark Bloomberg U.S. MBS Fixed Rate Index, FTSE U.S. Broad Investment- Grade Mortgage Index Click to enlarge Fund Description The fund seeks to provide high total return (a combination of high current income and capital appreciation) relative to the performance of the general mortgage securities market. The fund invests substantially in mortgage securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, including securities issued by Ginnie Mae and government-sponsored entities such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.a The fund also invests in other types of residential and commercial mortgage securities, including securities that are not issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Performance Data Average Annual Total Returns 1 (%) 1 Mth 3 Mths 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years Since Inception Inception Date Advisor Class - With Sales Charges b 1.15 5.33 11.40 -1.51 -0.30 1.15 4.27 02/01/1993 Advisor Class - Without Sales Charges b 1.15 5.33 11.40 -1.51 -0.30 1.15 4.27 02/01/1993 Class A - With Sales Charges b -2.67 1.30 6.94 -3.01 -1.30 0.53 3.79 02/01/1993 Class A - Without Sales Charges b 1.13 5.26 11.11 -1.76 -0.54 0.91 3.92 02/01/1993 Bloomberg U.S. MBS Fixed Rate Index 1.19 5.53 12.32 -1.20 0.04 1.41 4.36 - Performance data quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the figures shown. Principal value and investment returns will fluctuate, and investors’ shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Performance would have been lower if fees had not been waived in various periods. Total returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions and the deduction of all fund expenses. Returns with sales charge reflect a deduction of the stated maximum sales charge. Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. All classes of shares may not be available to all investors or through all distribution channels. For current month-end performance, please call Franklin Templeton at (800) DIAL BEN/(800) 342-5236 or visit www.franklintempleton.com . An investor cannot invest directly in an index, and unmanaged index returns do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. Share Class Details Sales Charges Expenses 30-Day SEC Yields 2 CUSIP Ticker Max CDSC Gross Net Without Waiver With Waiver Advisor Class 35471H405 FSMZX – – 1.12% 0.76% 2.53% 3.12% Class A 35471H207 FSMFX 3.75% – 1.36% 1.01% 2.19% 2.75% Click to enlarge The Bloomberg U.S. Mortgage-Backed ( MBS ) Fixed Rate Index is the fixed-rate component of the Bloomberg U.S. MBS Index and includes the agency mortgage-backed pass-through securities of Ginnie Mae ( GNMA ), Fannie Mae ( OTCQB:FNMA ) and Freddie Mac (FHLMC). Source: Bloomberg Indices. The FTSE U.S. Broad Investment-Grade (USBIG) Mortgage Index comprises 30- and 15-year GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC securities, as well as FNMA and FHLMC balloon mortgages, and is reconstituted each month to reflect new issuance and principal pay-downs. Source: FTSE. Click to enlarge Footnotes 1. Periods shorter than one year are shown as cumulative total returns. 2. The fund’s 30-Day SEC Yield is calculated using the net income (interest and dividends) per share earned over a trailing 30-day period (annualized), divided by the fund’s share price at the end of that period. It may not equal the fund’s actual income distribution rate, which reflects the fund’s past dividends paid to shareholders. What Are The Risks? All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Fixed income securities involve interest rate, credit, inflation and reinvestment risks, and possible loss of principal. As interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities falls. Asset-backed, mortgage-backed or mortgage- related securities are subject to prepayment and extension risks. Changes in the credit rating of a bond, or in the credit rating or financial strength of a bond’s issuer, insurer or guarantor, may affect the bond’s value. Active management does not ensure gains or protect against market declines. These and other risks are discussed in the fund’s prospectus. Important Information The information provided is not a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any country, market, industry, security or fund. Because market and economic conditions are subject to change, comments, opinions and analyses are rendered as of the date of this material and may change without notice. A portfolio manager’s assessment of a particular security, investment or strategy is not intended as individual investment advice or a recommendation or solicitation to buy, sell or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy; it is intended only to provide insight into the fund’s portfolio selection process. Holdings are subject to change. Before investing, carefully consider a fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. You can find this and other information in each prospectus, or summary prospectus, if available, at www.franklintempleton.com. Please read it carefully. Franklin Distributors, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute. Source: FactSet. Important data provider notices and terms available at www.franklintempletondatasources.com. A portion of the mortgage securities owned by the fund, but not shares of the fund, are guaranteed by the US government, its agencies or instrumentalities as to timely payment of principal and interest. Although Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are chartered by Acts of Congress, their securities are backed only by the credit of the respective instrumentality and are not issued or guaranteed by the US government. Please see the fund’s prospectus for a detailed discussion regarding various levels of credit support for government agency or instrumentality securities. The fund’s yield and share price are not guaranteed and will fluctuate with market conditions. Gross expenses are the fund’s total annual operating expenses as of the fund’s prospectus available at the time of publication. Actual expenses may be higher and may impact portfolio returns. Net expenses reflect contractual fee waivers, expense caps and/or reimbursements, which cannot be terminated prior to 01/31/2025 without Board consent. Additional amounts may be voluntarily waived and/or reimbursed and may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. Click to enlarge Original Post Editor's Note: The summary bullets for this article were chosen by Seeking Alpha editors. Editor's Note: This article covers one or more microcap stocks. Please be aware of the risks associated with these stocks.Pathstone Holdings LLC boosted its stake in shares of Group 1 Automotive, Inc. ( NYSE:GPI – Free Report ) by 25.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 10,180 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 2,089 shares during the quarter. Pathstone Holdings LLC owned about 0.08% of Group 1 Automotive worth $3,899,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its position in shares of Group 1 Automotive by 22.0% in the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 639,142 shares of the company’s stock worth $190,004,000 after buying an additional 115,143 shares during the last quarter. Woodson Capital Management LP increased its position in shares of Group 1 Automotive by 114.6% during the first quarter. Woodson Capital Management LP now owns 142,500 shares of the company’s stock worth $41,643,000 after purchasing an additional 76,102 shares in the last quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans lifted its holdings in shares of Group 1 Automotive by 596.3% during the 3rd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 76,384 shares of the company’s stock valued at $29,259,000 after purchasing an additional 65,414 shares during the last quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. lifted its holdings in shares of Group 1 Automotive by 57.4% during the 3rd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 63,236 shares of the company’s stock valued at $24,222,000 after purchasing an additional 23,051 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Shellback Capital LP grew its stake in Group 1 Automotive by 27.1% during the 2nd quarter. Shellback Capital LP now owns 95,302 shares of the company’s stock worth $28,331,000 after buying an additional 20,302 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.92% of the company’s stock. Insider Activity at Group 1 Automotive In other Group 1 Automotive news, VP Edward Mckissic sold 79 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $374.01, for a total value of $29,546.79. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 6,259 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,340,928.59. This represents a 1.25 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link . 1.70% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Group 1 Automotive Group 1 Automotive Stock Performance GPI opened at $421.14 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91. Group 1 Automotive, Inc. has a 12-month low of $255.73 and a 12-month high of $422.92. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $377.50 and a two-hundred day moving average of $342.27. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.61 billion, a PE ratio of 11.22 and a beta of 1.33. Group 1 Automotive ( NYSE:GPI – Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 30th. The company reported $9.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $9.87 by $0.03. Group 1 Automotive had a net margin of 2.68% and a return on equity of 18.49%. The firm had revenue of $5.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $5.06 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $12.07 earnings per share. The firm’s revenue was up 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that Group 1 Automotive, Inc. will post 38.37 EPS for the current year. Group 1 Automotive announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a share buyback program on Tuesday, November 12th that permits the company to buyback $500.00 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the company to repurchase up to 9.3% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are usually a sign that the company’s board believes its stock is undervalued. Group 1 Automotive Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 16th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 2nd will be paid a $0.47 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 2nd. This represents a $1.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.45%. Group 1 Automotive’s payout ratio is 5.01%. Group 1 Automotive Profile ( Free Report ) Group 1 Automotive, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates in the automotive retail industry in the United States and the United Kingdom. The company sells new and used cars, light trucks, and vehicle parts, as well as service and insurance contracts; arranges related vehicle financing; and offers automotive maintenance and repair services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Group 1 Automotive Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Group 1 Automotive and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Gaetz made history as quickest Cabinet flameout — and left 'a lot of damage': analystPolitics chat: Stepping down from the cabinet could potentially benefit Matt Gaetz
Rico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title when he hit a major league-best .366 for the Atlanta Braves, has died. He was 85. Major League Baseball , the players’ association and the Braves paid tribute to Carty on social media on Sunday. A family friend told Listín Diario — a newspaper in Carty’s native Dominican Republic — that he died Saturday night in an Atlanta hospital. “Carty was one of the first groundbreaking Latino stars in the major leagues, and he established himself as a hero to millions in his native Dominican Republic, his hometown of San Pedro de Macoris, and the city of Atlanta, where he was a beloved fan favorite,” the players’ association said in its statement . The Braves said Carty left an indelible mark on the organization. “While his on-field accomplishments will never be forgotten, his unforgettable smile and generous nature will be sorely missed,” the team said in its statement. Carty made his big league debut with the Braves in September 1963. He batted .330 with 22 homers and 88 RBIs in his first full season in 1964, finishing second to Dick Allen in voting for NL Rookie of the Year. RELATED COVERAGE Dodgers name Chris Woodward first base coach Austin Hays, Kyle Finnegan, Brendan Rodgers and Jordan Romano among 62 new free agents Rangers agree to contracts with pitchers Dane Dunning and Josh Sborz, leaving 3 arb-eligible players The Braves moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta after the 1965 season, and Carty got the franchise’s first hit in its new home on April 12, 1966, against Pittsburgh. Carty had his best year in 1970, batting .366 with 25 homers and a career-best 101 RBIs. He started the All-Star Game after he was elected as a write-in candidate, joining Willie Mays and Hank Aaron in the NL outfield. Carty batted .299 with 204 homers and 890 RBIs over 15 years in the majors, also playing for Cleveland, Toronto, Oakland, Texas and the Chicago Cubs. He retired after the 1979 season. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLBCOPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. -- Word on the mountain has it that Lindsey Vonn is still fast through a downhill course, even at 40 years old. Maybe even challenge-for-downhill-wins fast. On a frigid Friday morning, Vonn darted through the shadows along the speed course at Copper Mountain and through the mist created by the snow makers. There was no clock at the bottom of the hill to measure just how speedy she was as she makes a comeback to skiing nearly six years removed from her last race. But she certainly looked the part of fast by dropping into a tuck position to become more aerodynamic, and even banging through a few gates on several high-speed runs. Vonn plans to enter a series of lower-tier FIS downhill and super-G races this weekend at Copper Mountain in an effort to gain the necessary results to lower her ranking so she can possibly enter World Cup races this season under a new wild-card rule. It could be the first step toward seeing her on the World Cup circuit again, maybe even on the podium. “I honestly think she will win,” retired ski racer Ted Ligety said in an interview with The Associated Press. “From what I’ve heard, she’s been kicking (butt) and been really fast in training. Some of the women on the World Cup are going to be rudely awakened to have to compete against a Lindsey Vonn again.” Vonn declined to talk after her practice session Friday. She chatted with several racers on the hill and again inside the lodge, where her dog, Lucy, became the center of attention. In a post Friday afternoon on Instagram, Vonn wrote : “Happy to be able to take another step this weekend! Technically tomorrow will be my first race but I’m using it as a training opportunity to keep on building. ... It’s been 6 years since I last raced so I still have a lot of equipment to test, finding my groove and really getting into racing form. I am having a lot of fun and want to keep on doing so!” When she left the sport, Vonn's 82 World Cup race victories stood as the record for a woman and within reach of the all-time Alpine record of 86 held by Swedish great Ingemar Stenmark. The women's mark held by Vonn was surpassed in January 2023 by Mikaela Shiffrin, who now has 99 wins — more than any Alpine ski racer in the history of the sport. Shiffrin is currently sidelined after a crash in a giant slalom event in Killington, Vermont, last weekend. The next World Cup races for the women's circuit will be held in a week in nearby Beaver Creek, Colorado. There's no timeframe for Vonn's return to racing. Vonn’s last competition was in February 2019, when she finished third in a downhill during the world championships in Sweden. In a lot of ways, the three-time Olympic medalist stepped away still near the top of her game. But the broken arms and legs, concussions and torn knee ligaments took too big a toll and sent her into retirement. Last April, she had surgery for a partial knee replacement. She felt good enough to give it another go. Ligety, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, applauds her for her comeback bid. “It’s beyond my risk appetite, but it will be really fun to watch,” said Ligety, who’s covering the World Cup races in Beaver Creek this weekend for NBC. “She left at the top of her game, obviously, because of her knee injury. She probably felt like she got short-changed in her quest to take down Stenmark in wins, being only four away and her body failed her. “I can see how that would weigh on you. And then when you all of a sudden feel perfectly healthy again and you’re not that old, I can see giving it some ideas. I understand where she’s coming from and I think she has a good chance (to win races).” The aura of Vonn hovered around the bottom of the slope Friday. She had several pairs of Head skis all ready to try out. After each run — at least three — Vonn would huddle with her team, take a quick swig of water and head back up the lift. “She’s still super-fast,” fellow American teammate Keely Cashman said. "She’s been helpful talking to us about whatever we need. We’re excited to have her around.” What stands out about Vonn to Sophie Goldschmidt, the CEO of U.S. Ski and Snowboard, is the racer's “strength of mind and attitude,” she said. "To be able to come back time and time again is very impressive. “We’re delighted that she’s rejoined the team,” Goldschmidt added. "Her achievements speak for themselves. She’s clearly one of the most decorated athletes in the U.S. and had an amazing ski racing career. So for her to feel fit and strong enough to want to give it another go, I think is quite remarkable. I’m excited to see what she might be able to achieve.” ___ AP skiing: https://apnews.com/hub/alpine-skiingSportswatch Daily Listings
jilisakto
Jalen Johnson scores 28 to lead the Hawks over the Heat 120-110
#jiliko
jilibay