Subscribe to Merca2.0 and access more than 3,500 exclusive articles for subscribers. Subscribe to Merca2.0. The will be a key pillar in the With technological advancements such as and a renewed focus on companies are striving to bridge the gap between consumer expectations and the current service reality. According to a PwC report, while 73% of consumers consider customer experience crucial in their purchasing decisions, only 49% believe companies meet their expectations. Based on the report “2025 CX Trends: AI and Human Empathy in the Hybrid Era,” published by Glance CX, these are the marketing trends for 2025 related to customer experience. is positioned as the driving force behind change in the This approach uses advanced data analytics, machine learning, and real-time processing to anticipate customer needs before they arise. According to the report, these are some Trust is an essential pillar in customer experience. In 2025, companies must prioritize transparency and empathy to meet the growing demands of consumers. According to , 63% of customers are concerned about potential biases in AI tools. Hybrid models, combining digital efficiency with human connection, are the new standard for 2025. Consumers demand integrated experiences that blend digital tools with personalized assistance. Customized metrics are fundamental to measuring CX effectiveness. Leading companies are adapting their key performance indicators (KPIs) to reflect their customers’ unique expectations. According to the Glance report, these are the The collaboration between AI and human agents is redefining customer experience in 2025. Far from replacing humans, AI enhances their capabilities, enabling more personalized and effective interactions. Some practical applications include: Customer experience in 2025 will be defined by a balance between advanced technology and human empathy. Companies integrating predictive AI, hybrid models, and customized metrics will be better positioned to meet customer expectations, building lasting relationships and securing their competitive advantage. The challenge is not just to adopt innovative technologies but also to ensure they strengthen trust and emotional connection with consumers. Cancela en cualquier momento Acceso exclusivo a rankings y radiografías. Análisis profundos y casos de estudio de éxito. Historial de la revista impresa en formato digital. ¡Disfruta de lo mejor del marketing sin costo alguno por unmes!Heavy Construction Equipment Industry Report 2024: Global Market to Reach $277.45 Billion by 2029 - Rise of Smart Cities and Advancements in Infrastructure Fueling Demand for Innovative Machinery
After starting 2-0 in its inaugural Atlantic Coast Conference schedule, SMU looks to make the month even more special on Sunday, hosting Longwood in Dallas, Texas. The Mustangs seek a seven-game win streak in their final nonconference test before welcoming No. 4 Duke to Dallas on Jan. 4. In recent victories over Alabama State, Virginia, LSU, and Boston College, SMU (10-2) averaged 85.3 points per game, allowed just 66.0 ppg, and climbed to No. 30 in the NET rankings. "We're a different team right now than we were earlier in the season," SMU head coach Andy Enfield said at the beginning of December, his words ringing even truer as the season progresses. "They'd never been under pressure together until recently, so they're starting to learn and figure things out." Longwood (11-3) enters its third consecutive road game, having won five of its last six overall. That includes a major 82-67 win at North Carolina Central on Dec. 20. It was only the sixth nonconference home loss for NCC since 2016, and Longwood head coach Griff Aldrich saw it as a result of his team's growing cohesiveness. "We got great contributions from so many players," Aldrich said. "We have been working to play more and more connected, and this team has really taken positive steps this week." The Mustangs' Matt Cross is among the biggest threats to Longwood's defense, which allows just 66.6 points per game. A 6-foot-7 forward, Cross had 36 points over SMU's last two wins, including a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double against LSU. What Cross does with the ball in his hands is impressive -- he is averaging 13.5 ppg in December -- but it is also what he does off the ball that increases his value. "He's extremely tough," Enfield said after Cross' performance against LSU. "His wall up in transition, where (Corey) Chest came down, was going to dunk the ball, and he stood there and took the contact. ...That's a big-time basketball play." Longwood is paced by Michael Christmas, a veteran forward in his fourth year in the program. A hard-nosed wing who can score at all three levels, Christmas is Longwood's only returner who started at least 30 games on last year's NCAA Tournament team. He is averaging a team-high 11.9 points per game. "(He) loves this university, loves this town and community," Aldrich said of Christmas. "He opted to come back here to really invest in the program." --Field Level MediaBay Area, California add jobs at modest pace but statewide gains fade
Jefferson keeps seeing double as Vikings aim to stay focused on overall offensive production“You got to be a millionaire, or some kind of petit bourgeoisie... to live like somebody in this country.” The Mighty Sparrow’s lyrics remain eerily relevant as Trinidad and Tobago’s trade unions rally against what they view as government hypocrisy. Among them is OWTU President General Ancel Roget, a polarising figure whose fiery rhetoric has now found an unlikely ally: the common man. For years, trade unionists have been seen by many as not too far removed from the politicians they critique. The trajectory of some, moving from the picket line to Parliament, has often left the public sceptical of their intentions. However, currently, Roget’s complaints strike a deep chord with many who, despite their misgivings, find themselves publicly or privately supporting his call to action. Roget has demanded that citizens join the unions in protest against the glaring inequities perpetuated by the Government. However, as is often the case, the common man is caught between indignation and practicality. Financial constraints and the spectre of victimisation loom large. To miss a “day’s pay” is a sacrifice too great for many, and to risk backlash is an even steeper cost. So, we find ourselves at an impasse—a nation with a long history of protests yet divided on their effectiveness. Our demonstrations have always been a mix of approaches: from quiet vigils to boisterous roadblocks, complete with burning tyres and obstructed roads. One might question the impact of such methods, nonetheless for many, these acts are not just displays of frustration—they are their only means of being heard. For those overlooked and marginalised, protest becomes a necessary outlet, a chance to channel the combined anguish of being ignored. Yet, there exists another side of society, one shielded by privilege and influence. This segment rarely feels the need to march or block roads. With a mere phone call, they can resolve injustices or bypass them altogether, living far removed from the struggles of the masses. It is this divide that reveals the deeper issues within our society. As trade unionists and citizens alike threaten to take to the streets, those with privilege often watch from a distance, quick to condemn or dismiss such actions as disruptive or unnecessary. However, the local adage, “Who feels it, knows it,” cuts through this detachment. For the common man, these demonstrations are not a choice—they are a lifeline. Roget’s rallying cry mirrors this reality. His critique of government decisions—particularly the acceptance of the SRC’s salary recommendations—has struck a chord. The union leader’s frustration is palpable, his words blistering: “If the people cannot get it, nobody should get it.” His words point to an enduring truth: the widening gap between the governed and the governing, where austerity is demanded of some while others enjoy the spoils of power. The Government’s acceptance of pay increases for top officials while offering a meagre 4% raise to public-sector workers has added fuel to the fire. Public servants, teachers and healthcare workers—those who form the backbone of the nation—are left to shoulder rising costs with their wages. Meanwhile, their leaders claim that anything more generous than 4% would bankrupt the country, only to turn around and reward themselves. Roget’s critique extends to the nation’s peculiar silence. Were another administration to make such a move, the backlash would likely be swift and unforgiving. Yet partisan loyalty and the accompanying reluctance to criticise one’s own, has muted the response. Citizens who might otherwise take a stand find themselves bound by political colours, unwilling to risk alienation within their communities. Nonetheless, the trade union leader’s call for solidarity is not just a demand for action—it is a plea for unity. Beyond the protests, there lies an opportunity for those with privilege and influence to recognise their responsibility. The disparities in our society cannot be ignored, nor can the struggles of those who feel the brunt of inequity. Rather than condemnation, this moment calls for empathy and support. As Sparrow lamented, “To provide for your family... on your present salary is an impossibility.” This impossibility is the lived reality of many citizens, who struggle to make ends meet while witnessing their leaders insulate themselves from hardship. Those shielded by wealth or connections must acknowledge their role—not in exacerbating these divides, but in bridging them. Protests, regardless of style, are a cry for help. Their impact may be debated, but their necessity is undeniable, solidarity remains essential in a just society. The call to action is clear. The question is not whether to act, but how. Will we continue to prioritise partisan politics and personal gain, leaving the common man to fend for himself? Or will we rise above our divisions and answer the call for fairness, equity and dignity? History has its eyes on us and so does the next generation. Let it not be said that we were a nation of colours, blind to the struggles that bind us together. Let it be said instead that, in the face of inequity, we stood as one.
New Delhi [India], December 24 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid tribute to late statehood activist Indramani Badoni by garlanding his portrait on his birth anniversary at Uttarakhand Niwas in New Delhi on Tuesday. The Chief Minister said Indramani Badoni made a significant contribution to the movement for the formation of a separate Uttarakhand state. Also Read | Two-Child Policy in Telangana: Revanth Reddy Led- Government Likely To Decide on 2-Child Policy for Rural Polls After Caste Census. Referring to Badoni as the "Gandhi of Uttarakhand," Dhami highlighted his pivotal role as the architect of the 1994 statehood movement. He praised Badoni's vision for the development of mountainous regions and his enduring contributions to the struggle for state formation. "The occasion of the birth anniversary of late Badoni ji inspires us to make Uttarakhand a developed and leading state. His active involvement in the Uttarakhand state movement will always be remembered," the Chief Minister said. Also Read | Delhi Horror: 8-Year-Old Girl Strangled to Death for Resisting Rape by Neighbourhood 'Brother' in Vasant Kunj, Body Dumped in Army Cantonment Area. Earlier in the day, Dhami criticised the Congress party for "insulting" Bharat Ratna Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would never allow their "divisive politics" to succeed. "The Congress party has always sought to insult Dr Ambedkar. They never respected him. When Baba Saheb was made a member of the Constituent Assembly, many Congress leaders opposed him. Prime Minister Modi continues to receive public support, whether in the Haryana or Maharashtra elections, and the Congress is completely frustrated and disappointed by this. The public has taught them a lesson, and they will continue to do so. We will expose them and never allow their divisive politics to succeed," CM Dhami said during a press conference in Delhi. The Uttarakhand Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for implementing three new criminal laws, stating that these reforms would give the country a new direction. "New laws have been implemented in the country since July, and Uttarakhand is working swiftly to enforce them. Today, these efforts were reviewed under the chairmanship of Home Minister Amit Shah. We assessed the progress in the state, including training, hardware, human resources, and work related to science and technology, as well as the police, FSL, and medico-legal sectors. I thank the Prime Minister and Home Minister for their efforts. These new laws will help give the country a new direction," Dhami said. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)HYDERABAD In Indian history, only two persons have been born as leaders who later became Prime Ministers — Vajpayee and Modi, said BJP’s Rajya Sabha member and national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, while drawing parallels between former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and current PM Narendra Modi. While delivering the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Lecture, organised by the ABV Foundation in Hyderabad on Tuesday, Mr. Trivedi called Hyderabad the best venue for the programme, highlighting the region’s significant contributions during Vajpayee’s leadership. The lecture was organised in the city on Tuesday to kick off the birth centenary celebrations of the late PM. Mr. Trivedi lauded Vajpayee’s decisive leadership, citing the Pokhran nuclear tests as a landmark moment that showcased India’s strategic capabilities. He noted that Vajpayee’s tenure from 1999 to 2004 witnessed the creation of six crore jobs and substantial foreign exchange growth, which laid the foundation for India’s economic stability. He also credited Vajpayee with launching the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and strengthening India’s nuclear capabilities, which Mr. Modi further expanded. Former Governor Vidyasagar Rao reflected on Vajpayee’s calm and resolute leadership in crisis, including the 2001 Parliament attack. “Vajpayee ensured that democracy prevailed, with Parliament functioning as usual the very next day,” Mr. Rao said. He also spoke of Vajpayee’s foresight during the Emergency era and his ability to unify diverse political ideologies under a common vision. Mr. Rao praised Vajpayee’s contributions to infrastructure development through the Golden Quadrilateral project and his efforts to bolster India’s international standing. He urged the BJP to uphold Vajpayee’s vision of a caste-free society and a governance model rooted in nationalism and inclusivity. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy shared personal anecdotes from his interactions with Vajpayee, describing him as a selfless leader dedicated to the ideology of nationalism. “Vajpayee was instrumental in creating three new states — Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand — without compromising on national integrity,” he said, adding that the centenary celebrations would continue until December 2025. Published - December 24, 2024 09:36 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit
LOS ANGELES (AP) — OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is planning to make a $1 million personal donation to President-Elect Donald Trump's inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships with the incoming administration. A spokesperson for OpenAI confirmed the move on Friday. The announcement comes one day after Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it donated $1 million to the same fund. Amazon also said it plans to donate $1 million. “President Trump will lead our country into the age of AI, and I am eager to support his efforts to ensure America stays ahead," Altman said in a statement. Altman, who is in a legal dispute with rival Elon Musk, has said he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO's influence in the incoming administration. Trump is putting Musk, the world’s richest man, and Vivek Ramaswamy , an entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, in charge of the new Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which is an outside advisory committee that will work with people inside the government to reduce spending and regulations. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging that the maker of ChatGPT betrayed its founding aims of benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits. Musk recently escalated the lawsuit by asking a federal judge to stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. —— The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement allowing OpenAI access to part of the AP’s text archives.
( ) has dived after a new breakout attempt past a 484.82 and triggered a . Let's consider a short iron condor trade in Berkshire Hathaway stock. When we position with short iron condors, we attempt to collect time decay while a stock on its chart or settles into a new direction. As always, we assume that we don't know the direction. But we estimate the magnitude of the move using (average true range, as measured on the monthly chart in this instance). We also gauge the implied moves that market makers have priced into the stock in the months ahead. , Berkshire Hathaway stock holds a 65 , down from 83 three months ago. Berkshire Hathaway Stock: The Trade The short iron condor consists of two spreads: a short call spread and a short put spread. These two price spreads define a range of motion that we estimate the price action in Berkshire Hathaway stock will not exceed. Let's set up the trade as follows: Stock hunting using fundamental and price strength is where I firmly plant myself under the current economic backdrop. I use to find ideal buying opportunities in conjunction with the tools for strength seen on IBD.
Luigi Mangione, a suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, yelled at reporters as he arrived Wednesday for an extradition hearing in Pennsylvania. The grandmother of Luigi Mangione, the suspect charged in UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's Dec. 4 murder , left a fortune to her children and grandchildren — as long as the descendant has not "been charged, indicted, convicted of or pleads guilty to a felony," according to her will. Mary Mangione, a Baltimore-area millionaire philanthropist married to real-estate developer Nick Mangione, left an estimated $30 million — and possibly more — to her family when she died in 2023. The matriarch had 10 children and 37 grandchildren. "It is my precatory desire that the Trustees particularly consider invoking their discretion to implement this Section if the felony is a common law felony, a statutory felony if it is the codification of a common law felony, a heinous felony, any felony involving a physically violent act against another person or property or any drug related felony involving distribution or intent to distribute any type of drug or illegal substance," the will states. "The decision of the Trustees is conclusive, final and binding on everyone. It is my precatory wish that the benefit of the doubt is not given to the individual." Luigi Mangione, her 26-year-old grandson, graduated valedictorian from the Gilman School, a private, all-boys high school in Baltimore, in 2016. He went on to receive his bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science from the University of Pennsylvania in 2020. UNITED HEALTHCARE CEO MURDER: IVY LEAGE GRAD SPAWNS MOVEMENT FUELED BY ANTI-CAPITALIST SENTIMENT Luigi Mangione shouts while officers restrain him as he arrives for his extradition hearing at Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (David Dee Delgado for Fox News Digital) Authorities arrested Luigi in a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Monday, at which point he allegedly presented local police with a fake ID and appeared to start shaking when they asked if he had been in New York recently. Police said the suspect took a bus from New York City to Philadelphia, and then from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and on to Altoona — a rust-belt town nestled between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Officials also found a handwritten manifesto condemning the health care industry, as NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny previously told Fox News. The manifesto specifically mentioned UnitedHealthcare. OBAMACARE PROVISION AMONG IVY LEAGUE MURDER SUSPECT'S POSSIBLE TRIGGERS: RET. FBI AGENT Luigi Mangione pictured in a Pennsylvania mugshot after his arrest in connection with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (Obtained by Fox News Digital) Luigi's background has come under an intense spotlight as the public speculates about the possible motive behind the 26-year-old's alleged crimes. While officials have not commented on an official motive, the public has speculated that the suspect had strong grievances with both the health care industry and capitalism in general. Some commentators have noted Luigi's wealthy family background in response to praise for the suspect's alleged decision to commit an act of violence in order to send a message to the health care insurance industry. UNITED HEALTHCARE CEO MURDER SUSPECT HAS OUTBURST OUTSIDE PENNSYLVANIA COURTHOUSE A general view of Hayfields Country Club in Cockeysville, Maryland on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. The country club is owned by Luigi Mangione’s family, who was arrested in Pennsylvania for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital) Notably, on Thursday evening, UnitedHealthcare revealed to employees that Luigi Mangione was not covered by UnitedHealthcare. A professor at Mangione's alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania, took to TikTok and Instagram to voice praise for the suspect that she has since retracted. WHO IS LUIGI MANGIONE, SUSPECT IN UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO MURDER? UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning last week. (Photo Credit: Businesswire | NYPD Crimestoppers) UPenn School of Arts and Sciences Deputy Dean Jeffrey Kallberg issued a statement on Wednesday regarding the post from UPenn Assistant English Professor Julia Alekseyeva. COULD IVY LEAGUE MURDER SUSPECT LUIGI MANGIONE FACE FEDERAL CHARGES? "Much concern was raised by recent social media posts attributed to Assistant Professor Julia Alekseyeva," Kallberg said. "Her comments regarding the shooting of Brian Thompson in New York City were antithetical to the values of both the School of Arts and Sciences and the University of Pennsylvania, and they were not condoned by the School or the University. Upon reflection, Assistant Professor Alekseyeva has concurred that the comments were insensitive and inappropriate and has retracted them." LUIGI MANGIONE'S VALEDICTORIAN SPEECH: Former Washington Post and New York Times reporter Taylor Lorenz told Piers Morgan that she and "so many other Americans" felt "joy" upon hearing the news of Thompson's death. "I do believe in the sanctity of life and I think that’s why I felt, along with so many other Americans, joy, unfortunately," Lorenz told Morgan on Monday, adding later, "Maybe not joy, but certainly not empathy." UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO MURDER SUSPECT LUIGI MANGIONE COMPLAINED ABOUT BACK SURGERY BEFORE SLAYING On Goodreads, a platform where users review and keep track of books they've read, a profile matching Mangione wrote a review for a book by the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski . "It's easy to quickly and thoughtless write this off as the manifesto of a lunatic, in order to avoid facing some of the uncomfortable problems it identifies," he wrote. "But it's simply impossible to ignore how prescient many of his predictions about modern society turned out." UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO SLAYING SUSPECT LUIGI MANGIONE'S FIRST MEAL BEHIND BARS REVEALED Luigi Mangione was taken into custody in Pennsylvania. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP In New York, Mangione faces one count of murder, two counts of second-degree criminal weapons possession, one count of second-degree possession of a forged document and one count of third-degree criminal weapons possession. In Pennsylvania, he faces one count of forgery, one count of carrying a firearm without a license, one count of tampering with records or identification, one count of possession of instruments of a crime and one count of presenting false ID to law enforcement, according to court documents. Fox News' Mollie Markowitz and Michael Ruiz contributed to this report. Audrey Conklin is a digital reporter for Fox News Digital and FOX Business. Email tips to audrey.conklin@fox.com or on Twitter at @audpants.
NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK: HYATT CENTRIC SOUTH BEACH MIAMI DEBUTS ELEVATED STYLE AND LUXURYShedeur Sanders may be expecting a call from the New York Giants when the 2025 NFL Draft takes place this spring. Sanders revealed custom Giants cleats on Saturday night ahead of his final game with Colorado during the Alamo Bowl against BYU. Sanders mentioned the significance of his cleats earlier this week in a conversation with his brother, Shilo Sanders. "We know where we're going, baby...We know where we're going, baby," Shedeur Sanders said at about the 6:20 mark of the video below. "You'll see them in the cleats later on this week." When Shilo Sanders answered that he couldn't know where he was going because "the team might trade up," Shedeur Sanders answered, "You can't get higher than one." The Giants currently have the best shot at the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app , homepage and social feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .
A man accused of setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train and then watching her die after she was engulfed in flames has made an initial court appearance and will remain in custody. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the US illegally, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court. He appeared briefly before a judge and wore a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt. He did not speak. He will remain jailed ahead of his next court date on Friday. Sebastian Zapeta is facing murder and arson charges (WABC-TV via AP) Police said on Tuesday that identification of the victim was still “pending at this time”. Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. The woman quickly became engulfed in flames, while the suspect then sat at a bench on the subway platform and watched, according to police. Video posted to social media appeared to show the woman standing inside the train ablaze as some people look on from the platform, and at least one officer walks by. NYPD chief of transit Joseph Gulotta said that several officers had responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be” while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. They were eventually able to douse the fire, but “unfortunately, it was too late”, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said — the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. During Zapeta’s court hearing on Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said Zapeta at one point fanned the flames on the woman using his shirt. He said a 911 call from a subway rider helped identify Zapeta. Mr Rottenberg added that under interrogation Zapeta claimed he did not know what happened, noting that he consumes alcohol. But he alleged that Zapeta identified himself to interrogators in images related to the attack. Zapeta was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after police got a tip from some teenagers who recognised him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta had been previously deported in 2018 but at some point reentered the US illegally. The crime — and the graphic video of it that ricocheted across social media — deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system in a city where many residents take the subway multiple times each day.Ares Capital's ARCC short percent of float has risen 10.7% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 17.31 million shares sold short , which is 2.69% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 4.48 days to cover their short positions on average. Why Short Interest Matters Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. Short selling is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises. Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish. See Also: List of the most shorted stocks Ares Capital Short Interest Graph (3 Months) As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Ares Capital has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted. Comparing Ares Capital's Short Interest Against Its Peers Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis. According to Benzinga Pro , Ares Capital's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.15%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers. Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it. This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Donald Hand Jr. racked up a career-high 29 points and 10 rebounds to help Boston College stave off visiting Fairleigh Dickinson 78-70 on Saturday in Chestnut Hill, Mass. Chad Venning added 18 points on 8-for-10 shooting and Dion Brown contributed eight points, eight rebounds and four assists as the Eagles (8-5) wrapped up their nonconference slate with just their second win in six games. Ahmed Barba-Bey, a grad transfer from Division II, exploded for a season-high 31 points to power FDU (4-11). Barba-Bey buried 8 of 9 attempts from the 3-point arc. Terrence Brown added 15 of his 20 points in the second half, as the Knights made it close before falling to 0-10 on the road this season. Bismark Nsiah scored 10 points. Boston College led 70-59 with 3:39 to play when Barba-Bey was fouled attempting a corner 3. He made all three of his foul shots, and after a stop Brown got to the bucket to cut FDU's deficit to six. It was 72-67 when Venning made a clutch turnaround jumper from the high post with 51 seconds left. Boston College let Barba-Bey get loose for his eighth 3-pointer, pulling FDU within four, its closest margin of the half. But Hand drove to the basket and scored with 29 seconds on the clock, and FDU was out of time. The Knights trailed by as many as 12 in the first half, but Barba-Bey kept them in the game. He made a fastbreak layup off Brown's steal and added a 3-pointer on the next possession, turning what was a 10-point deficit to a manageable 29-24 game. Boston College led 38-28 at halftime, with Hand scoring 15 for the hosts and Barba-Bey pouring in 16 for the Knights, including 4-of-5 shooting from deep. FDU pulled within nine points three times in the early stages of the second half, the third coming when Nsiah knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers to make it 56-47 with about 10 minutes to go. --Field Level MediaThousands of Syrians celebrate in central Damascus during first Friday prayers since Assad's fall DAMASCUS (AP) — Thousands of Syrians have celebrated in Umayyad Square, the largest in Damascus, after the first Muslim Friday prayers following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. The leader of the insurgency that toppled Assad, Ahmad al-Sharaa, appeared in a video message in which he congratulated “the great Syrian people for the victory of the blessed revolution.” Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in the Turkish capital of Ankara that there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the United States on what they would like to see in Syria. The top U.S. diplomat also called for an “inclusive and non-sectarian" interim government. American released from Syrian prison is flown out of the country, a US official says WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has transported an American who was imprisoned in Syria for seven months out of the country. That's according to a U.S. official, who says Travis Timmerman was flown out on a U.S. military helicopter. Timmerman, 29, told The Associated Press he had gone to Syria on a Christian pilgrimage and was not ill-treated while in Palestine Branch, a notorious detention facility operated by Syrian intelligence. He said he was freed by “the liberators who came into the prison and knocked the door down (of his cell) with a hammer.” Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she 'sustained an injury' from fall on official trip to Luxembourg WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been hospitalized after she “sustained an injury” during an official engagement in Luxembourg, according to a spokesman. Pelosi is 84. She was in Europe to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Her spokesman, Ian Krager, did not describe the nature of her injury or give any additional details, but a person familiar with the incident said that Pelosi tripped and fell while at an event with the other members of Congress. The person requested anonymity to discuss the fall because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly. Some in seafood industry see Trump as fishermen's friend, but tariffs could make for pricier fish PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump is likely to bring big changes to seafood, one of the oldest sectors of the U.S. economy. Some in the industry believe the returning president will be more responsive to its needs. Economic analysts paint a more complicated picture, as they fear Trump’s pending trade hostilities with major trading partners Canada and China could make an already pricy kind of protein more expensive. Conservationists also fear Trump’s emphasis on deregulation could jeopardize fish stocks already in peril. But many in the commercial fishing and seafood processing industries said they expect Trump to allow fishing in protected areas and crack down on offshore wind expansion. Russia targets Ukrainian infrastructure with a massive attack by cruise missiles and drones KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched a massive aerial attack against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia fired 93 cruise and ballistic missiles and almost 200 drones in Friday's bombardments. He says it is one of the heaviest bombardments of the country’s energy sector since Russia’s full-scale invasion almost three years ago. He says Ukrainian defenses shot down 81 missiles, including 11 cruise missiles that were intercepted by F-16 warplanes provided by Western allies earlier this year. Zelenskyy renewed his plea for international unity against Russian President Vladimir Putin. But uncertainty surrounds how the war might unfold next year. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end the war and has thrown into doubt whether vital U.S. military support for Kyiv will continue. Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump's suite at football game FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A military veteran who choked an agitated New York subway rider and was acquitted of homicide this week has been invited by Vice President-elect JD Vance to join Donald Trump’s suite at the Army-Navy football game on Saturday. Daniel Penny was cleared of criminally negligent homicide in Jordan Neely’s 2023 death. A more serious manslaughter charge was dismissed last week. Vance served in the Marine Corps and had commented on the acquittal earlier this week. He said that “justice was done in this case” and Penny should never have been prosecuted. New Jersey governor wants more federal resources for probe into drone sightings TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has asked the Biden administration to put more resources into the ongoing investigation of mysterious drone sightings being reported in the state and other parts of the region. Murphy, a Democrat, made the request in a letter Thursday, noting that state and local law enforcement remain “hamstrung” by existing laws and policies in their efforts to successfully counteract any nefarious drone activity. Murphy and other officials say there is no evidence that the drones pose a national security or a public safety threat. A state lawmaker says up to 180 aircraft have been reported to authorities since Nov. 18. About 3 in 10 are highly confident in Trump on Cabinet, spending or military oversight: AP-NORC poll WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans may have elected Donald Trump to a second term in November, but that doesn’t mean they have high confidence in his ability to choose well-qualified people for his Cabinet or effectively manage government spending, the military and the White House. That's according to a new poll from the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About half of U.S. adults are “not at all confident” in Trump’s ability to appoint well-qualified people for high-level government positions. Only about 3 in 10 are “extremely” or “very” confident that Trump will pick qualified people to serve in his administration. President Macron names centrist ally Bayrou as France's next prime minister PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has named centrist ally François Bayrou as prime minister, after a historic parliamentary vote ousted the previous government last week. The 73-year-old is a crucial partner in Macron’s centrist alliance and has been a well-known figure in French politics for decades. His political experience is seen as key in efforts to restore stability as no single party holds a majority in the National Assembly. Bayrou was recently cleared in a case relating to embezzlement of European Parliament funds. His predecessor resigned last week following a no-confidence vote prompted by budget disputes in the parliament, leaving France without a functioning government. Macron vowed last week to remain in office until his term ends in 2027. Yankees to get closer Devin Williams from Brewers for Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durbin, AP source says NEW YORK (AP) — A person familiar with the trade tells The Associated Press that the New York Yankees have agreed to acquire All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes, infield prospect Caleb Durbin and cash. A 30-year-old right-hander, Williams is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. He was diagnosed during spring training with two stress fractures in his back and didn’t make his season debut until July 28.Data & Analytics in FinTech: Unlocking the Power of Financial Information