NoneBy HILLEL ITALIE NEW YORK (AP) — Even through a year of nonstop news about elections, climate change, protests and the price of eggs, there was still time to read books. Related Articles Nikki Giovanni, poet and literary celebrity, has died at 81 Percival Everett, 2024 National Book Award winner, rereads one book often Gift books for 2024: What to give, and what to receive, for all kinds of readers Our critic’s picks: Best mystery fiction books of 2024 10 best books of 2024: The surprising reads that stuck U.S. sales held steady according to Circana, which tracks around 85% of the print market, with many choosing the relief of romance, fantasy and romantasy. Some picked up Taylor Swift’s tie-in book to her blockbuster tour, while others sought out literary fiction, celebrity memoirs, political exposes and a close and painful look at a generation hooked on smartphones. Here are 10 notable books published in 2024, in no particular order. Asking about the year’s hottest reads would basically yield a list of the biggest hits in romantasy, the blend of fantasy and romance that has proved so irresistible fans were snapping up expensive “special editions” with decorative covers and sprayed edges. Of the 25 top sellers of 2024, as compiled by Circana, six were by romantasy favorite Sarah J. Maas, including “House of Flame and Shadow,” the third of her “Crescent City” series. Millions read her latest installment about Bryce Quinlan and Hunter Athalar and traced the ever-growing ties of “Maasverse,” the overlapping worlds of “Crescent City” and her other series, “Throne of Glass” and “A Court of Thorns and Roses.” If romantasy is for escape, other books demand we confront. In the bestselling “The Anxious Generation,” social psychologist Jonathan Haidt looks into studies finding that the mental health of young people began to deteriorate in the 2010s, after decades of progress. According to Haidt, the main culprit is right before us: digital screens that have drawn kids away from “play-based” to “phone-based” childhoods. Although some critics challenged his findings, “The Anxious Generation” became a talking point and a catchphrase. Admirers ranged from Oprah Winfrey to Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee, who in a letter to state legislators advocated such “commonsense recommendations” from the book as banning phones in schools and keeping kids off social media until age 16. Bob Woodward books have been an election tradition for decades. “War,” the latest of his highly sourced Washington insider accounts, made news with its allegations that Donald Trump had been in frequent contact with Russian leader Vladimir Putin even while out of office and, while president, had sent Putin sophisticated COVID-19 test machines. Among Woodward’s other scoops: Putin seriously considered using nuclear weapons against Ukraine, and President Joe Biden blamed former President Barack Obama, under whom he served as vice president, for some of the problems with Russia. “Barack never took Putin seriously,” Woodward quoted Biden as saying. Former (and future) first lady Melania Trump, who gives few interviews and rarely discusses her private life, unexpectedly announced she was publishing a memoir: “Melania.” The publisher was unlikely for a former first lady — not one of the major New York houses, but Skyhorse, where authors include such controversial public figures as Woody Allen and Trump cabinet nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. And its success was at least a minor surprise. Melania Trump did little publicity for the book, and offered few revelations beyond posting a video expressing support for abortion rights — a break from one of the cornerstones of GOP policy. But “Melania” still sold hundreds of thousands of copies, many in the days following her husband’s election. Taylor Swift was more than a music story in 2024. Like “Melania,” the news about Taylor Swift’s self-published tie-in to her global tour isn’t so much the book itself, but that it exists. And how well it sold. As she did with the “Eras” concert film, Swift bypassed the established industry and worked directly with a distributor: Target offered “The Eras Tour Book” exclusively. According to Circana, the “Eras” book sold more than 800,000 copies just in its opening week, an astonishing number for a publication unavailable through Amazon.com and other traditional retailers. No new book in 2024 had a better debut. Midnight book parties are supposed to be for “Harry Potter” and other fantasy series, but this fall, more than 100 stores stayed open late to welcome one of the year’s literary events: Sally Rooney’s “Intermezzo.” The Irish author’s fourth novel centers on two brothers, their grief over the death of their father, their very different career paths and their very unsettled love lives. “Intermezzo” was also a book about chess: “You have to read a lot of opening theory — that’s the beginning of a game, the first moves,” one of the brothers explains. “And you’re learning all this for what? Just to get an okay position in the middle game and try to play some decent chess. Which most of the time I can’t do anyway.” Lisa Marie Presley had been working on a memoir at the time of her death , in 2023, and daughter Riley Keough had agreed to help her complete it. “From Here to the Great Unknown” is Lisa Marie’s account of her father, Elvis Presley, and the sagas of of her adult life, notably her marriage to Michael Jackson and the death of son Benjamin Keough. To the end, she was haunted by the loss of Elvis, just 42 when he collapsed and died at his Graceland home while young Lisa Marie was asleep. “She would listen to his music alone, if she was drunk, and cry,” Keough, during an interview with Winfrey, said of her mother. Meanwhile, Cher released the first of two planned memoirs titled “Cher” — no further introduction required. Covering her life from birth to the end of the 1970s, she focuses on her ill-fated marriage to Sonny Bono, remembering him as a gifted entertainer and businessman who helped her believe in herself while turning out to be unfaithful, erratic, controlling and so greedy that he kept all the couple’s earnings for himself. Unsure of whether to leave or stay, she consulted a very famous divorcee, Lucille Ball, who reportedly encouraged her: “F— him, you’re the one with the talent.” A trend in recent years is to take famous novels from the past, and remove words or passages that might offend modern readers; an edition of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” cuts the racist language from Mark Twain’s original text. In the most celebrated literary work of 2024, Percival Everett found a different way to take on Twain’s classic — write it from the perspective of the enslaved Jim. “James,” winner of the National Book Award, is a recasting in many ways. Everett suggests to us that the real Jim was nothing like the deferential figure known to millions of readers, but a savvy and learned man who concealed his intelligence from the whites around him, and even from Twain himself. Salman Rushdie’s first National Book Award nomination was for a memoir he wished he had no reason to write. In “Knife,” he recounts in full detail the horrifying attempt on his life in 2022, when an attendee rushed the stage during a literary event in western New York and stabbed him repeatedly, leaving with him a blinded eye and lasting nerve damage, but with a spirit surprisingly intact. “If you had told me that this was going to happen and how would I deal with it, I would not have been very optimistic about my chances,” he told The Associated Press last spring. “I’m still myself, you know, and I don’t feel other than myself. But there’s a little iron in the soul, I think.”In a groundbreaking development for gamers, the much-anticipated “Monster Hunter Wilds” is now available on Game Pass, marking a significant evolution in gaming accessibility and technology trends. This news is a game-changer for both the franchise and its fan base, ensuring that millions can dive into the immersive world of monster hunting without the barrier of additional costs. Game Pass and Monster Hunter: A Perfect Duo The inclusion of “Monster Hunter Wilds” on Game Pass is not just about wider accessibility; it signifies a strategic partnership that brings enormous value to subscribers. Game Pass, known for its expansive library and cost-effective model, is reinforcing its position as the go-to service for gamers seeking variety and innovation. Meanwhile, for Capcom, this collaboration introduces “Monster Hunter Wilds” to a potentially vast new audience, ensuring a fresh influx of players ready to explore, battle, and strategize in the untamed wilderness. Advanced Technology and Future Prospects “Monster Hunter Wilds” leverages cutting-edge technology to create rich and dynamic ecosystems, pushing the boundaries of what players can experience. With the power of modern consoles and the convenience of Game Pass, the game offers a seamless and breathtaking journey. Looking ahead, this move heralds a future where major releases will increasingly be accessible through subscription services, reshaping the landscape of the gaming industry. In essence, the inclusion of “Monster Hunter Wilds” on Game Pass underscores a future where accessibility and innovation coalesce, setting a new standard for how games can reach players worldwide. “Monster Hunter Wilds” on Game Pass: A New Era for Subscription Gaming The inclusion of “Monster Hunter Wilds” in Microsoft’s Game Pass is more than just an expansion of game libraries—it’s a strategic pivot that reflects broader trends within the gaming industry. This move caters to a growing demand for flexible, cost-effective gaming solutions, laying the groundwork for a transformation in how gamers access top-tier titles. Pros and Cons of Game Pass for Gamers and Developers From the gamer’s perspective, Game Pass offers unparalleled value. For a monthly fee, subscribers gain access to a vast array of games, including “Monster Hunter Wilds,” which would otherwise require a large upfront investment. This model reduces the financial barrier to accessing new games and encourages players to try titles they might not have purchased outright. For developers, however, the subscription model presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, it allows for immediate exposure to a large audience, which can significantly boost initial engagement and word-of-mouth promotion. On the other hand, the revenue generated through subscriptions can be lower compared to traditional sales, making the financial outcomes uncertain. Comparing Game Pass to Other Subscription Services Game Pass stands out in the competitive landscape of gaming subscriptions with its extensive catalog and integration across Xbox and PC platforms. It offers more than just access—it includes exclusive discounts and bundled content, enhancing the overall user experience. When compared to Sony’s PlayStation Plus or EA Play, Game Pass consistently broadens its appeal by featuring first-day releases and big-name titles like “Monster Hunter Wilds.” Market Insights and Trends in Subscription Gaming The gaming industry is witnessing a shift as more consumers prioritize convenience and value over ownership. Subscription services like Game Pass are expected to dominate the market, with analysts predicting significant growth in the coming years. This model aligns with broader trends in digital consumption, similar to platforms like Netflix or Spotify, suggesting a move towards a future where gamers access rather than own. Sustainability and Innovations in Gaming Access With sustainability becoming an integral concern, the digital nature of Game Pass and similar services offers an eco-friendly alternative to physical copies, reducing packaging waste. Additionally, innovations in cloud gaming, such as enhanced streaming capabilities, are poised to further revolutionize how content is delivered, offering seamless play without hefty downloads. Security Aspects and the Future of Game Distribution Security remains paramount in digital gaming, and services like Game Pass employ robust mechanisms to ensure user data is protected. As gaming communities grow and evolve, maintaining secure platforms will be crucial to fostering trust and reliability. The partnership between “Monster Hunter Wilds” and Game Pass not only enriches the gaming experience but also showcases the evolving dynamics of game distribution. This collaboration sets the stage for future innovations in accessibility and game delivery methods, underscoring the vital role subscription services will play in shaping the gaming world.The European Central Bank cut interest rates again on Thursday, citing a worsening growth outlook and slowing inflation, with political turmoil in the eurozone adding to the troubled picture. The central bank for the 20 countries that use the euro reduced its key deposit rate a quarter point to 3%, as widely expected. It was the ECB’s third cut in a row and fourth since June, when it kicked off its current easing cycle. After hiking borrowing costs from mid-2022 to combat runaway energy and food costs, policymakers have turned their attention to lowering rates as inflation eases and the eurozone economic outlook darkens. Worse-than-expected data, as well as the Swiss central bank making an unexpectedly large rate reduction earlier Thursday, had fuelled speculation the ECB could deliver a hefty, half-percentage-point cut for the first time in the easing cycle. But rate-setters opted to continue cutting at the same pace, with a quarter-point reduction, as inflation remains stubborn, having rebounded back above the ECB’s two-percent target in November. The slowdown in inflation is “well on track”, the ECB said in a statement announcing its decision. It cut its inflation forecasts for 2024 to 2.4% and to 2.1% in 2025 — down 0.1 percentage point in each case. “Most measures of underlying inflation suggest that inflation will settle at around the governing council’s two-percent medium-term target on a sustained basis,” it said. But the central bank added that it now expects a “slower economic recovery” than several months ago, and cut its growth forecasts slightly for 2024 and the following two years — to 0.7%, 1.1% and 1.4% respectively. The statement dropped previous language on keeping rates “sufficiently restrictive for as long as necessary”, saying instead that it was “determined to ensure that inflation stabilises sustainably” around the ECB target. Investors were set to follow ECB President Christine Lagarde’s press conference for clues about the pace going forward, with analysts predicting she may offers hints of cuts in the months ahead. The move by the Swiss National Bank earlier Thursday, which brought its main rate down to 0.5%, reflected “uncertainty” about the economic outlook between political upheaval in the US and Europe. ECB officials have likewise raised concerns about the weakening growth outlook in the single-currency area, signalling a shift away from being laser-focused on bringing down inflation. Eurozone inflation peaked at 10.6% in late 2022 after surging in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and amid post-pandemic supply chain woes. It fell back under the ECB’s two-percent target in September but rebounded in subsequent months, reaching 2.3% in November. Political headwinds are adding to the tricky terrain that rate-setters will have to navigate. Germany is heading for elections in February, seven months earlier than scheduled, after the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s long-troubled coalition last month. Even before the latest turbulence, the eurozone’s biggest economy was struggling with a manufacturing slowdown, and its anaemic growth rates are weighing down the broader single currency area. Meanwhile in France, the eurozone’s second-biggest economy, the government of Michel Barnier was ousted last week in a historic no-confidence vote, deepening the country’s growing political and financial chaos. Adding to the troubled picture is Donald Trump’s impending return to the White House. He has threatened to slap hefty new tariffs on all imports to the US, and has previously singled out the EU as the bloc runs a sizeable trade surplus with the world’s biggest economy. The ECB’s decision comes a week ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s next rate-setting meeting on December 17 and 18, with markets betting on another cut in borrowing costs. Related Story Qatar establishes WEF's Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution Nobel economics prize goes to inequality researchers
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans raised its position in shares of Sonoco Products ( NYSE:SON – Free Report ) by 305.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 97,024 shares of the industrial products company’s stock after buying an additional 73,099 shares during the period. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans owned about 0.10% of Sonoco Products worth $5,300,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of SON. GoalVest Advisory LLC raised its position in Sonoco Products by 8.4% in the 3rd quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC now owns 20,885 shares of the industrial products company’s stock valued at $1,141,000 after purchasing an additional 1,624 shares during the last quarter. RIA Advisory Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Sonoco Products in the third quarter valued at $257,000. Natixis Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Sonoco Products by 25.9% in the third quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC now owns 166,881 shares of the industrial products company’s stock valued at $9,117,000 after buying an additional 34,382 shares during the last quarter. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. grew its holdings in Sonoco Products by 11.7% during the 3rd quarter. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. now owns 73,126 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $3,995,000 after acquiring an additional 7,635 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Empowered Funds LLC raised its stake in shares of Sonoco Products by 13.4% in the third quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 49,073 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $2,681,000 after acquiring an additional 5,792 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 77.69% of the company’s stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have recently commented on SON. Robert W. Baird decreased their price target on shares of Sonoco Products from $58.00 to $55.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 4th. Citigroup boosted their target price on Sonoco Products from $62.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 2nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut Sonoco Products from an “equal weight” rating to an “underweight” rating and decreased their price target for the company from $54.00 to $52.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 21st. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $58.00. Sonoco Products Stock Performance Shares of Sonoco Products stock opened at $50.92 on Friday. Sonoco Products has a 52 week low of $48.22 and a 52 week high of $61.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74, a quick ratio of 1.91 and a current ratio of 2.36. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.50, a PEG ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 0.69. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $52.72 and a two-hundred day moving average of $53.92. Sonoco Products ( NYSE:SON – Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The industrial products company reported $1.49 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.45 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $1.68 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.72 billion. Sonoco Products had a return on equity of 19.92% and a net margin of 4.38%. The company’s quarterly revenue was down 2.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.46 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Sonoco Products will post 5.1 EPS for the current year. Sonoco Products Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 8th will be paid a $0.52 dividend. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.08%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 8th. Sonoco Products’s payout ratio is presently 71.48%. Sonoco Products Profile ( Free Report ) Sonoco Products Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells various engineered and sustainable packaging products in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The company operates Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging segments. The Consumer Packaging segment offers round and shaped rigid paper, steel, and plastic containers; metal and peelable membrane ends, closures, and components; thermoformed plastic trays and enclosures; and high-barrier flexible packaging products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Sonoco Products Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sonoco Products and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
The busiest shopping week of the year has arrived, bringing with it a frenzy of questions: What to buy? Where to buy? And how much to buy? Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday mark the start of the holiday shopping season, drawing millions of consumers to stores and online platforms in search of the best deals. And, of course, there’s excitement for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade later this month . More than just a shopping extravaganza, this period serves as a critical barometer of the nation’s economic health. Retail sales during these days offer valuable insights into consumer confidence, spending habits, and the overall financial pulse of the country. This year, holiday sales are projected to reach nearly $1 trillion , a 3.5% increase over the last year, according to the National Retail Federation. To help you navigate the excitement, here’s a curated list of retailers offering deals this holiday season, whether you’re shopping for tech, fashion, or home essentials. Deals at Walmart, Amazon, and Target Walmart ( WMT +2.34% ) shoppers have a chance to score deals on both practical items and more extravagant gifts . While Black Friday discounts are available to all customers, Walmart’s loyalty members get exclusive perks, including early access to online deals. Additionally, Walmart is introducing “deal drops” and an AI shopping assistant to assist customers. On Amazon ( AMZN -0.65% ), Black Friday deals are available to all customers . Prime members often get extra perks, like early access to select deals – sometimes up to 30 minutes ahead of the general public. Target ( TGT +2.78% ) announced price cuts on 2,000 items in October, adding to the 5,000 products it marked down in May. Target shoppers have the opportunity to snag deals on everyday essentials and higher-end items . While Black Friday discounts will be available to all shoppers, Target’s loyalty members receive additional benefits , including early access to online deals and unlimited same-day delivery. If you want to buy fancy bags from Coach, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and others , check the list here for what they have to offer. Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Best Buy to report earnings This week, investors will see a lighter schedule for earnings reports, with no announcements expected on Thursday or Friday due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The stock market will be closed on Thursday, Thanksgiving day. However, the first half of the week remains eventful. On Monday, Bath & Body Works ( BBWI +0.65% ) is set to release its earnings results before the market closes. Tuesday will feature a flurry of activity from major retailers. Macy’s ( M +8.16% ), Burlington Stores ( BURL +4.91% ), Best Buy ( BBY +3.54% ), and Kohl’s ( KKS ) will announce their earnings before the market opens, providing insights into consumer spending trends as the holiday shopping season kicks off. Later in the day, tech giants Dell Technologies ( DELL +3.83% ) and HP ( HPQ +0.58% ) will report their earnings after the market closes. Also on Tuesday, cybersecurity leader CrowdStrike ( CRWD +4.08% ) will release its quarterly results post-market. This update will be closely watched, especially after the company faced a global outage earlier this year , raising questions about its resilience and operational performance. With key sectors including retail, technology, and cybersecurity in focus, these earnings could offer valuable indicators for broader market trends ahead of the holiday break. Macroeconomic data to keep an eye on This week’s shortened schedule due to the Thanksgiving holiday means a lighter-than-usual release of macroeconomic data. However, several significant reports are still on the docket, providing valuable insights into the economy. On Tuesday, the Consumer Confidence Index for November will be released, offering a glimpse into consumer sentiment amid ongoing economic uncertainties. Additionally, new home sales data for October will be published, shedding light on activity in the housing market. In the afternoon, the FOMC minutes meeting will be made available, potentially offering clues about the central bank’s monetary policy outlook and inflation strategy. The economic focus continues on Wednesday, starting with the release of initial jobless claims, a weekly barometer of labor market health. Also on Wednesday, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, a key measure of inflation tracking changes in consumer spending on goods and services, will be published. This data is closely watched by the Federal Reserve in shaping interest rate decisions. Additionally, the GDP’s first revision for Q3 will be released, providing an updated view of the economy’s performance during the third quarter. — Francisco Velasquez and Madeline Fitzgerald contributed to this article. 📬 Sign up for the Daily Brief Our free, fast, and fun briefing on the global economy, delivered every weekday morning.
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