NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes drifted amid mixed trading Monday, ahead of this week’s upcoming meeting by the Federal Reserve that could set Wall Street’s direction into next year. The S&P 500 rose 0.4%, coming off its first losing week in the last four . The Nasdaq composite climbed 1.2% to a record, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was a laggard and fell 110 points, or 0.3%. Broadcom leaped 11.2% to help lead the S&P 500 for a second straight day after delivering a profit report last week that beat analysts’ expectations. The technology company is riding a wave of enthusiasm about its artificial-intelligence offerings in particular. The market’s main event, though, will arrive on Wednesday when the Federal Reserve will announce its last move on interest rates for the year. The widespread expectation is that it will cut its main rate for a third straight time, as it tries to boost the slowing job market after getting inflation nearly all the way down to its target of 2%. The question is how much more it will cut rates next year, and Fed officials will release projections for where they see the federal funds rate ending 2025, along with other economic indicators, once their meeting concludes. Fed Chair Jerome Powell will also answer questions in a press conference following the meeting. For now, the general expectation among traders is that the Fed may cut a couple more times in 2025, according to data from CME Group. But such expectations have been shrinking following reports suggesting inflation may be tougher to get all the way down to 2% from here. Besides last month’s slight acceleration in inflation, another worry is that President-elect Donald Trump’s preferences for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation down the line. Goldman Sachs economist David Mericle has dropped his earlier forecast of a cut by the Fed in January, for example. Beyond the possibility of tariffs, he said Fed officials may also want to slow their cuts because of uncertainty about exactly how low rates need to go so that they no longer press the brakes on the economy. Expectations for a series of cuts to rates by the Fed have been one of the main reasons the S&P 500 has set an all-time high 57 times so far this year and is heading for one of its best years of the millennium . The economy has held up better than many feared, continuing to grow even after the Fed hiked the federal funds rate to a two-decade high in hopes of grinding down on inflation, which topped 9% two summers ago. On Wall Street, MicroStrategy jumped as much as 7% during the day as it continues to benefit from the surging price for bitcoin , which set another all-time high. But its stock ended the day down by les than 0.1% after bitcoin’s price pulled back below $106,000 after setting a record above $107,700, according to CoinDesk. The software company has been building its hoard of the cryptocurrency, and its stock price has more than sextupled this year. It will also soon join the Nasdaq 100 index. Story continues below video Bitcoin’s price has catapulted from roughly $44,000 at the start of the year, riding a recent wave of enthusiasm that Trump will create a system that’s more favorable to digital currencies . Honeywell rose 3.7% after saying it’s still considering a spin-off or sale of its aerospace business, as part of a review of its overall business. It said it plans to give an update with the release of its fourth-quarter results. They helped offset a drop for Nvidia, whose chips are powering much of the world’s move into AI. Its stock fell 1.7%. Because it’s grown so massive, with a total value topping $3 trillion, it was the single heaviest weight on the S&P 500. All told, the S&P 500 rose 22.99 points to 6,074.08. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 110.58 to 43,717.48, and the Nasdaq composite rose 247.17 to 20,173.89. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury edged down to 4.39% from 4.40% late Friday. The two-year yield, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed, eased to 4.24% from 4.25%. In stock markets abroad, indexes fell modestly across much of Europe and Asia. They sank 0.9% in Hong Kong and 0.2% in Shanghai after China reported lackluster economic indicators for November despite attempts to strengthen the world’s second-largest economy. South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.2% as law enforcement authorities pushed to summon impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning over his short-lived martial law decree, and the Constitutional Court met to discuss whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. AP Business Writer Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.Created by Daniel Mullins Games, "Inscryption" is a narrative-driven card-based horror game that combines deck-building mechanics with psychological suspense. Players are drawn into a mysterious tale surrounding a cursed card game, where choices made both in and out of the game have consequences. With its gripping story and innovative gameplay, "Inscryption" offers a truly immersive experience that is sure to captivate players.
Kendrick Lamar’s Alleged Ex Nitty Scott Reveals Why “GNX” Gives Her FlashbacksIn times of crisis, it is crucial for society to come together in support of those in need, offering compassion and assistance without prejudice or judgment. While the circumstances of this incident may be clouded in confusion, it is essential to maintain a sense of empathy and understanding towards all parties involved. Despite facing some challenges in recent years, Arsenal remains a powerhouse in English football with a rich history and a loyal fan base. Under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have shown signs of revival with an emphasis on defensive organization and attacking flair. The emergence of young talents like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, along with the experience of players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, gives Arsenal a good mix of talent and potential. While consistency has been an issue at times, Arsenal's ability to compete with the top teams and their strong tradition make them a deserving third-place team in the Opta Club Power Rankings.
Picture this: A diplomat steps into a negotiation room equipped not just with policy briefs, cultural insights and traditional intelligence but also a rich dataset that maps public sentiment, economic indicators, social trends, emerging concerns and potential allies in the opposing nation. With a few clicks, the diplomat identifies key influencers, potential allies, and confidently navigates the conversation, offering tailored solutions and anticipating objections. This is not the future — it’s the present. Welcome to the transformative era of Big Data in diplomacy, a game-changer in global relations. Together, let’s explore the critical questions surrounding this evolution. 1. Why Big Data matters in diplomacy? Diplomacy has always relied on information. From dispatches carried by couriers centuries ago to classified cables of the 20th century, data has been the lifeblood of international relations. The 21st century’s explosion of digital information demands a revolutionary approach; the volume, variety, and velocity of modern data surpass traditional methods. Today, Big Data enables the diplomatic structures to: 1. Understand public sentiment, from local to regional to global: Social media analytics reveal how populations perceive policies, leaders, and international events in real time. Get the pulse. 2. Anticipate trends and crises, leaving room for black swans: Predictive analytics can identify patterns signalling unrest or humanitarian crises, allowing for proactive measures. Plan for the likely, prepare for the unlikely. 3. Strengthen negotiations: Data insights provide leverage by highlighting shared interests, pain points, or opportunities for collaboration. Turn insights into influence. A real-world example: Social media’s role in crisis response During the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, social media has become a critical source of real-time intelligence for governments, international organisations, and the global public. Platforms such as X, Telegram, and TikTok have offered unprecedented insights into the dynamics of the war, from troop movements to civilian responses. Citizens on the ground document events in real time, creating a decentralised flow of information that supplements traditional intelligence channels. For example, open-source intelligence (OSINT) communities have analysed satellite images, geotagged social media posts, and live-streamed videos to track military activities and humanitarian crises. Governments and NGOs have leveraged these data points to craft policies, assess the impact of sanctions, and coordinate aid efforts. This scenario underscores the urgency for diplomats and policymakers to integrate digital intelligence into their workflows. As the Ukraine-Russia conflict demonstrates, the ability to parse, verify, and act on vast amounts of digital data can shape global responses to crises, highlighting both the power and challenges of Big Data in modern diplomacy. 2. How are countries leveraging Big Data? Global case studies: Pioneers in Big Data diplomacy The United States: The US Department of State uses data analytics to evaluate public diplomacy efforts. For example, analysing sentiment from international social media campaigns helps refine messages and target the right audiences. Estonia : Known as a digital trailblazer, Estonia’s e-Residency program collects data that informs its foreign and trade policies, creating a bridge between the digital and diplomatic mediums. The country uses anonymised data from its e-Residency programme to strengthen trade relations and attract investments. China : Through its Belt and Road Initiative, China tracks trade patterns and assesses economic and political dependencies, using this information to strategically expand its influence across participating countries. Japan : Japan employs Big Data to predict and prepare for natural disasters. These insights extend to diplomatic discussions, where Japan shares its expertise with partner nations, bolstering its soft power. These examples raise important questions: How can diplomats balance data’s potential with concerns about privacy and misinformation? What role should ethics play in leveraging Big Data for diplomacy? Big Data challenges in diplomacy While the promise of Big Data is immense, we can all agree that the challenges are equally significant: 1. Data overload: With so much information, distinguishing noise from actionable insights requires advanced tools and skills. 2. Privacy and ethical concerns: Using data responsibly is critical to maintaining public trust. Misuse of data could erode public trust or spark diplomatic backlash. 3. Technological capacity gaps: Many diplomatic missions lack the infrastructure or expertise to harness Big Data effectively. A path forward: Key questions for practitioners • What tools and partnerships are essential for integrating Big Data into diplomatic efforts? • How can ministries of foreign affairs ethically collaborate with the private sector to bridge technological gaps? • What digital diplomacy training programs can equip diplomats to become fluent in data analysis? • How can diplomats integrate data insights into traditional processes without losing the human touch? Inspiration from the private sector Businesses like Google and Amazon use Big Data to predict customer behaviour and optimise strategies. Diplomacy can adopt similar practices. For example: • Real-time dashboards: Create embassy-specific dashboards to track local sentiment and emerging crises. • Data analysts in embassies: Embed specialists to interpret complex datasets and support decision-making. Big Data diplomacy: A call to action - Leading in the digital diplomatic age The question is no longer whether Big Data belongs in diplomacy — it’s how fast and effectively it can be integrated. As the volume of global data continues to grow exponentially, nations that adapt will find themselves leading on the global stage, while those that don’t risk being left behind. Will your nation be a pioneer or a spectator in this transformation? The time to act is now. By embracing Big Data, diplomacy can not only solve today’s challenges but also shape a more stable, informed, and collaborative global future. Let’s explore together avenues and innovative ways harnessing collective expertise and forward-thinking approaches to drive impactful, effective change in diplomacy. IG handle: https://www.instagram.com/diplomats.digital?igsh=dWVpOW1zYXEya2x4 Related Story Doha Global South Health Policy initiative makes great progress: Gates Foundation official Winners of Qatar's Global Dialogue Award honoured at ceremonyNEW YORK — The gunman who stalked and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fled New York City by bus, police officials told CNN on Friday. Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of the shooting Wednesday showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN. Here's the latest: Police believe gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO has left New York City The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer may have fled the city on a bus, New York City police officials told CNN on Friday. Video of the suspected shooter leaving the scene of the shooting Wednesday showed him riding a bicycle to Central Park and later taking a taxi cab to a bus depot, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told CNN. “We have reason to believe that the person in question has left New York City,” Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Gunman’s steps after killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO give police new clues The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer made sure to wear a mask during the shooting yet left a trail of evidence in view of the nation’s biggest city and its network of security cameras that have aided authorities piecing together his movements and his identity. A law enforcement official said Friday that new surveillance footage shows the suspect riding the subway and visiting establishments in Manhattan and provided more clues about his actions in the days before he ambushed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson . The gunman’s whereabouts and identity remain unknown Friday, as did the reason for Wednesday’s killing. New York City police say evidence firmly points to it being a targeted attack . ▶ Read more about the search for the gunman For many companies, investor meetings are seen as a risk In many companies, investor meetings like the one UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was walking to when he was fatally shot are viewed as very risky because details on the location and who will be speaking are highly publicized. “It gives people an opportunity to arrive well in advance and take a look at the room, take a look at how people would probably come and go out of a location,” said Dave Komendat, president of DSKomendat Risk Management Services, which is based in the greater Seattle area. Some firms respond by beefing up security. For example, tech companies routinely require everyone attending a major event, such as Apple’s annual unveiling of the next iPhone or a shareholder meeting, to go through airport-style security checkpoints before entering. Others forgo in-person meetings with shareholders. ▶ Read more about how companies protect their leaders Police have obtained other surveillance images of the person wanted for questioning Those images include New York’s subway system, a law enforcement official said. In establishments where the person was captured on camera, he always appeared to pay with cash, the official said. The official wasn’t authorized to discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. — Mike Balsamo Another health insurer taking precautions after the shooting Medica, a Minnesota-based nonprofit health care firm that serves 1.5 million customers in 12 states, said it’s temporarily closing all six locations. The firm has offices in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska and North Dakota, and employs about 3,000 people. Employees will work from home, Medica spokesman Greg Bury said in an email Friday. “The safety of Medica employees is our top priority and we have increased security both for all of our employees,” a statement from Medica said. “Although we have received no specific threats related to our campuses, our office buildings will be temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution.” Bury also said biographical information on the company’s executives was taken down from its website as a precaution. Government health insurance provider Centene Corp. says its Investor Day will now be virtual The insurer cited the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in its announcement about the Dec. 12 event. “All of us at Centene are deeply saddened by Brian Thompson’s death and want to express our support for all of those affected. Health insurance is a big industry and a small community; many members of the CenTeam crossed paths with Brian during their careers,” Centene CEO Sarah M. London said in a news release. “He was a person with a deep sense of empathy and clear passion for improving access to care. Our hearts are with his family and his colleagues during this difficult time.” Centene Corp. has grown in recent years to become the largest insurer in Medicaid, the state- and federally funded program that covers care for people with low incomes. Insurers manage Medicaid coverage for states, and Centene has more than 13 million people enrolled in that coverage. UnitedHealth Group says it’s focused on supporting Brian Thompson’s family The insurance company also said it’s focused on ensuring the safety of employees and assisting investigators. “While our hearts are broken, we have been touched by the huge outpouring of kindness and support in the hours since this horrific crime took place,” the company said. NY Mayor Eric Adams provided no new information on investigation’s progress during interviews But he said Friday that he’s confident police will arrest the shooter. “We are on the right road to apprehend him and bring him to justice,” Adams said on TV station WPIX. Hours after the shooting, UnitedHealthcare removed photographs of its executives from its website Later, it removed their names and biographies entirely. Investigators believe the suspect may have traveled to NY last month on a bus that originated in Atlanta Police and federal agents have been collecting information from Greyhound in an attempt to identify the suspect and are working to determine whether he purchased the ticket to New York in late November, a law enforcement official said. Investigators were also trying to obtain additional information from a cellphone recovered from a pedestrian plaza through which the shooter fled. Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass The fatal shooting of Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. Experts say today’s political, economic and technological climate is only going to make the job of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them even more difficult, experts say. Some organizations have a protective intelligence group that uses digital tools such as machine learning or artificial intelligence to comb through online comments to detect threats not only on social media platforms such as X but also on the dark web, says Komendat. They look for what’s being said about the company, its employees and its leadership to uncover risks. ▶ Read more about the steps companies take to protect their leadership Police test DNA and fingerprints on discarded bottle as they hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killer Police said Thursday they found a water bottle and protein bar wrapper from a trash can near the scene of the ambush and think the suspect bought them from a Starbucks minutes before the shooting. The items were being tested by the city’s medical examiner.
WARSAW, Poland -- Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski has been selected by Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s centrist Civic Coalition as its candidate in next year's presidential election, beating out Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski. Tusk announced the decision at a party gathering on Saturday, a day after more than 22,000 party members voted in a primary to select who should run to replace the incumbent, Andrzej Duda. Tusk said Trzaskowski won nearly 75% of the votes, and Sikorski slightly over 25%. Political observers in Poland say Tusk's pro-European Union party has already put itself in a strong position ahead of the presidential election by showing that it had two strong candidates, generating a buzz around them and allowing party members to choose in a democratic process. “We are responsible people, we are responsible for the fate of our homeland today,” Tusk told supporters at the party event. He said it was only the start of what is expected to be a difficult campaign. The primary process distinguishes Tusk's party from its main rival, the national conservative Law and Justice party, known by its acronym PiS, whose candidate will be handpicked by leader Jarosław Kaczyński. The candidate is expected to be announced at a party convention in Krakow on Sunday. “In PiS, one vote matters, while we value every vote, and that’s how we differ,” Trzaskowski told party members in his acceptance speech. “I’m convinced that we’re coming out of this primary stronger, we’re all stronger, and I have a very strong mandate and a lot of energy, determination and courage to beat PiS.” Sikorski congratulated Trzaskowski and promised his support. Trzaskowski has long been considered the obvious candidate for Tusk’s party but was recently challenged by Sikorski, who argued that his experience in security and defense issues made him the better choice at a time of war in neighboring Ukraine and political change in the United States. But party members overwhelmingly stuck with Trzaskowski — and were in a good mood as they gathered over coffee and cookies after cheering the outcome. One, Małgorzata Kobus, told The Associated Press that she voted for Trzaskowski because he has been an excellent mayor, preserving green spaces and historical monuments in the capital. She also appreciates that he is highly educated and fluent in several foreign languages. Another, Hanna Szulczewska, thinks Trzaskowski is well suited to the difficult times in a region near Ukraine. She was persuaded by polls that show Trzaskowski would have a better chance of beating out candidates from other parties. “I am really convinced that he will make a fantastic president,” she said. “And strategically we really need a strong candidate.” Trzaskowski, 52, has been mayor since 2018 and has overseen a rapidly changing city of nearly 2 million people that has absorbed large numbers of Ukrainian refugees. He ran for president in 2020, barely losing to Duda. A first round of the presidential election is due to be held in May, and a possible runoff two weeks later if no candidate gets an outright majority in the first round. President Duda will complete his second five-year term in August 2025 and is prevented by the constitution from running again. It is a priority for Tusk to have an ally win the presidency because it will determine whether he can fulfill his agenda. He is currently unable to complete some of his campaign promises because Duda wields veto power over legislation, but also because of opposition within his own three-party coalition. The Civic Coalition is led by Tusk’s party Civic Platform and also includes smaller parties including the Greens.Title: The Main Opposition Voice: "The New Government Will Begin Working Immediately Upon Formation"
‘We’ll send the MRI’ – Arteta hits back at Saka injury doubters as Arsenal star scores after missing England duty