Iron ore rises on pre-holiday restocking, China stimulus hopesOutgoing Democratic New Hampshire Congresswoman Says She’s Leaving Because Trump ‘Tried To Kill’ Her On J6LOKOJA – In her avowed commitment to ensure Nigerians celebrate Christmas and New Year with financial ease, Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu has donated 1,000 bags of 50kg rice to Kogi chapter of Christian Northern Nigeria Political forum for distribution to her members across the state While flagging off the distribution in Lokoja on Wednesday, the Deputy National Coordinator of the forum, Elder Ibrahim Itodo, said the forum was formed in the heat of the Muslim Muslim Presidential ticket in the last election. He said , the forum was not specific in kicking against the Muslim Muslim arrangement, but, considered it expedience to have a mix of the two major religion for the unity of the country. He however, averred that the forum had to champion the politics of good governance, capacity , competence and character which the present APC administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has come to represent. The Deputy Coordinator further disclosed that the decision to support the APC presidency was hinged on the fact the First lady is a committed Christian who will help the administration to rule by the fear of God and love for humanity. He commended the wife of the president Oluremi Tinubu who for recognising the forum by donating 1000 bags of rice to cusion the effect of economic reality on the christians during the yuletide. However, a former House of Representatives for Adavi and Okehi federal constituency, and a coordinator, Asiwaju for All, Hon.Mohammed Kabir Ajana, commended the effort of the first lady, saying the palliative would take care of the Christian communities in the state The ex lawmaker stated that this palliative is to lessen the economic situation of the christians at this time of the celebration, stressing that the people should renew their hopes as government is working hard to improve the lives of the citizenry. He advised Nigerians to remain resolute in their support for policies and programmes of the government, no matter the present hardship, hinting that at the end of the tunnel , the country will witness a lease of lives. In a remark, the state Coordinator of the forum, Madueke Aphraim, described the first lady as a caring and loving mother, as the rice would go along way in reducing financial burden on beneficiaries during the Christmas and New year celebrations. He assured that the forum will be meticulous in the sharing formula that will touch major Christian stakeholders across the 21 local Government Councils of the state.
Superintendent of Police V. Vidyasagar Naidu on Sunday called on the public to maintain peace in Rayachoti town. He was referring to the tensions that arose during a religious procession on December 5. In a press conference, the SP clarified that although police were present, the lack of supervision from the organisers led to the situation escalating, particularly when some youths began chanting objectionable slogans against another community. While elders from both communities initially interacted without conflict, a few individuals attempted to heighten tensions in the town. The SP criticised the spread of misinformation that misrepresented his involvement and sought media attention, emphasising his commitment to hold those responsible for the December 5 disturbances accountable. “To ease tensions, we have conducted peace committee meetings in the town with community leaders to foster mutual understanding among the groups. Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy has also shown great interest in promoting peace in the town,” the SP stated. He lamented that certain sections of social media were rife with false narratives, including claims of mobs attacking devotees and damaging a minivan that was transporting them. “In reality, devotees of Ayyappa Swamy typically travel in minivans, and traffic congestion occurs when one stops near a place of worship. Eyewitness reports confirmed that while some agitators did damage the bus’s mirror, there was a clear understanding between the devotees and police to facilitate the minivan’s passage immediately,” the SP explained. To combat the spread of misinformation, a ‘Police Social Media’ initiative has been launched. The SP asserted that advanced drone technology was now being used to identify those responsible for the disturbances. He warned that instigators of conflict would face stringent punishment, regardless of their community or religion. During the meeting, community leaders reiterated their commitment to peace, highlighting that Rayachoti’s history reflects harmonious coexistence among various castes. The SP urged the community leaders to remain vigilant and united against divisive narratives, further affirming Rayachoti’s legacy of camaraderie and mutual respect. Published - December 08, 2024 07:59 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Andhra Pradesh / Anantapur / social issues (general) / religious conflictPresident Joe Biden signed a defense bill on Monday that prohibits coverage of transgender health care for children of military families while providing pay raises for junior enlisted service members and boosting military spending to $895 billion. The provision removing coverage for transgender children was slyly inserted by House Republicans and while Biden endorsed most of the bill’s provisions, he voiced strong objections to that contentious addition. "While I am pleased to support the critical objectives of the act, I note that certain provisions of the act raise concerns,” he said in a statement. Biden "strongly opposes" the part of the bill that limits transgender health care and said it will negatively affect the military’s recruiting abilities. “The provision targets a group based on that group’s gender identity and interferes with parents’ roles to determine the best care for their children,” he said. “This section undermines our all-volunteer military’s ability to recruit and retain the finest fighting force the world has ever known by denying health care coverage to thousands of our service members’ children. No service member should have to decide between their family’s health care access and their call to serve our Nation.” Biden’s statement comes as Republicans in Congress and President-elect Donald Trump have made transgender care a flashpoint in political rhetoric—and a target via legislation. “With the stroke of my pen on day one, we’re going to stop the transgender lunacy,” Trump said at a Turning Point USA rally on Sunday in Phoenix . “I will sign executive orders to end child sexual mutilation, get transgender out of the military and out of our elementary schools and middle schools and high schools.” x x YouTube Video After House Republicans snuck anti-transgender language into the sweeping defense bill earlier this month, Adam Smith, Democratic Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, balked at it. “Blanketly denying health care to people who need it—just because of a biased notion against transgender people—is wrong,” Smith said . “The inclusion of this harmful provision puts the lives of children at risk and may force thousands of service members to make the choice of continuing their military service or leaving to ensure their child can get the health care they need.” Republicans’ insertion of the anti-transgender provision into a must-pass defense bill was a calculated move. Biden had little choice but to sign, given its importance for military personnel and national security. While Biden stood firm in supporting the broader bill, the reality is that transgender Americans have lost significant rights. This is likely only the beginning of a political battle in which Democrats are losing ground to an incoming administration set on removing transgender rights and recognition. Your support fuels everything we do. It ensures that we can keep providing the bold, unapologetic coverage you rely on. Please contribute $5 or $10 today to keep independent journalism alive and help us reach our year-end goal.
Former President Jimmy Carter, the longest-lived president in U.S. history, died at his home, his family and the Carter Center confirmed Sunday. He was 100. Carter, a Democrat, served as president for one term from 1977 to 1981. He’s also well-known for his humanitarian work after leaving the White House, including for Habitat for Humanity and peace deal negotiations. Remembered for his quick rise in national politics and dedication to world conflict resolution in the decades after he left office, Carter’s years in the White House marked a transition from the Watergate era to the Reagan conservatism of the 1980s. He oversaw major changes to the U.S. government during a time of high inflation, high interest rates, unemployment, and international instability, including the Iran hostage crisis. The former peanut farmer was also one of four presidents to win the Nobel Peace Prize, cited for decades advancing “peaceful solutions” to international conflict and advancing human rights, democracy, and social and economic development. “The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices,” Carter said during his acceptance speech in 2002. “God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace.” Carter, whose full name is James Earl Carter, Jr., was born on Oct. 1, 1924, in the small farming town of Plains, Georgia. The future politician was raised in the nearby community of Archery by his father, James Earl Carter, Sr., a farmer and businessman, and by his mother, Lillian Gordy Carter, a registered nurse. After attending public school in Plains, Carter spent his college years at Georgia Southwestern College and the Georgia Institute of Technology before earning a science degree in 1946 from the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The same year, he married Rosalynn Smith, a union that lasted until she died in 2023. He soon entered the Navy, serving as a submariner in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets and rising to the rank of lieutenant. Admiral Hyman Rickover chose him for the nuclear submarine program before assigning Carter to Schenectady, New York. He completed graduate work at Union College in reactor technology and nuclear physics. This proved pivotal for the future peanut farmer, as he soon became the senior officer of the pre-commissioning crew on the Seawolf, the second nuclear submarine. Carter served as a naval officer for seven years until his father died from pancreatic cancer in 1953, prompting a move back to Plains, where he took over the family business, Carter Farms. He and his wife also operated Carter’s Warehouse, a farm supply and general-purpose seed company. He first ran for governor in 1966, losing in the primary to Ellis Arnall and Lester Maddox, but won the 1970 gubernatorial election. As Georgia’s 76th governor, Carter declared in his inaugural address that “the time for racial discrimination is over” while also emphasizing the importance of ecology and government efficiency. The Democratic National Committee selected him to be the campaign chairman for the 1974 congressional and gubernatorial elections, which saw Democrats expand their majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives in the wake of the Watergate scandal. He announced his presidential campaign on Dec. 12, 1974, and was nominated on the first ballot at the 1976 Democratic National Convention, choosing former Sen. Walter F. Mondale (D-Minn.) as his running mate. During the 1976 presidential election, he pitched himself as a reformer “untainted” by Washington politics, striking a contrast with former President Gerald Ford, who faced mounting scrutiny for pardoning his predecessor during the Watergate fallout. Carter also presided over the new Departments of Energy and Education, instituting new programs in both agencies. He also signed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, doubling the size of the national park system and tripling its wilderness areas. Two notable achievements during his presidency were the Camp David Agreement in 1978, establishing amity between Egypt and Israel, and the Panama Canal treaties in 1977, returning control of the canal to Panama in 1999. Carter also established full diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, following in the footsteps of his predecessors. In 1979, he negotiated the SALT II nuclear limitation treaty with the Soviet Union in an effort to reduce the manufacturing of strategic nuclear weapons. However, his presidency also hit roadblocks, as the country was bedeviled by rising energy costs and unemployment, historically high levels of inflation, soaring interest rates, and tensions with international politics. Efforts to reduce the increasing inflation and interest rates resulted in a short recession, further swamping Carter’s administration. He withdrew the SALT II treaty after the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979. Yet one of the central flashpoints for the end of Carter’s time in the White House was the Iran Hostage Crisis when Iranian militants kidnapped 52 American diplomats and citizens from the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. With the Carter Center, he helped with conflict mediation in countries and regions around the world, including Ethiopia (1989), North Korea (1994), Liberia (1994), Haiti (1994), Sudan (1999), Uganda (1999), Venezuela (2002-2003), Colombia (2008), and the Middle East (2003-present). The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded Carter the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his “decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” He and his wife volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for one week every year until 2020. Rosalynn Carter died in 2023 at the age of 96. “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me,” Carter said in a statement after her death. He entered hospice care on Feb. 18, 2023, and remained there until his death. The former president had been diagnosed with skin cancer in 2015 that soon spread to his liver and brain, but after receiving treatment, the cancer went into remission. He is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. President Joe Biden accepted a request to deliver Carter’s eulogy when he visited the former president during hospice care in 2023.letters@hindustantimes.com Defence minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh on Tuesday praised chief minister Yogi Adityanath for successfully eradicating the decades-old menace of Japanese Encephalitis that had claimed the lives of a large number of children in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Singh also said Adityanath has set right even hardened criminals and the most crooked people. Singh was addressing a gathering after he and Adityanath inaugurated the two-day Atal Health Fair at Dilkusha lawn here. “In the battle against encephalitis, chief minister Yogi Adityanath has accomplished what I could not during my tenure as Uttar Pradesh chief minister, due to the lack of effective remedies at that time,” Rajnath Singh said after inaugurating the Atal Health Fair. He recalled seeing parents carrying bodies of children in front of the hospital (BRD Medical College) during his student years at Gorakhpur University. “When the BJP’s double-engine government was formed in 2017, the government led by CM Yogi Adityanath worked tirelessly to eliminate encephalitis, with Yogiji personally overseeing the efforts,” said Singh. “Today, the number of children dying from encephalitis in Purvanchal, across Uttar Pradesh and parts of Bihar has become negligible,” he added. He also said 22 AIIMS were approved under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with more than 12 already completed and construction ongoing at four more locations. Furthermore, the number of medical colleges in the country has increased from 387 in 2014 to 780 today, and MBBS seats have risen from 50,000 to 1.20 lakh. The defence minister emphasised that the double-engine BJP government is committed to health welfare. Singh praised Adityanath for launching the fast ambulance service in the state. “The Yogi government has set a new record in increasing the number of medical colleges and seats. Since 2017, with the support of the central government, the state has initiated the construction of 27 medical colleges in different phases,” the defence minister said. “Of these, 14 medical colleges are already functional, while work is going on in 13 others, which will soon be accessible to the public. All of this aligns with the vision of the government led by Yogiji. Shortly, every district in Uttar Pradesh will have its medical college,” Singh added. The defence minister stated that Adityanath has brought special recognition to Uttar Pradesh by positioning it as a leading state. The defence minister also pointed out several health schemes that were launched when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was Prime Minister. “Prime Minister Modi is continuing his legacy,” Singh said. He shared that more than 40 crore people across the country are benefitting from the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which now provides free treatment up to ₹ 5 lakh to individuals above the age of 70. Medicines available at the Jan Aushadhi Kendras are offered at 50 to 80% lower price, and people should be informed about these centres, he added. YOGI PRAISES RAJNATH’S ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT OF LUCKNOW Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday credited Rajnath Singh for development of Lucknow. He was speaking at the inauguration of the two-day Atal Health Fair. However, Rajnath Singh emphasised that this credit should not be solely his. Singh acknowledged that the development work in Lucknow could be made possible through the cooperation of the Yogi Adityanath government. Describing the late PM as the ‘Ajatshatru’ of Indian politics, CM praised his spontaneity and simplicity, which endeared him to people across all sections of society.
Syrian militants promise to protect Russian bases – TASSNYT ‘Connections’ Hints And Answers For Friday, December 27
Bitcoin’s monumental climb to $100,000 had all the trappings of a historic achievement. The cryptocurrency’s value soared as market analysts predicted continued growth, and investors dreamed of an even greater financial revolution. Despite the fanfare surrounding Bitcoin’s rally, an unexpected event in the world of altcoins quickly drew significant attention: the sudden collapse of Hawk Tuah, a cryptocurrency that had captivated many. What was once seen as a promising token has now raised questions about the stability of digital assets and the volatile nature of the crypto space. Bitcoin’s $100K achievement was anticipated for years by its most ardent supporters, who argue that the cryptocurrency is poised to disrupt traditional finance. Many analysts view Bitcoin as a store of value akin to gold, especially during times of economic instability. A surge in institutional investment and public interest contributed to the rise in Bitcoin’s price, spurred by fears of inflation, the erosion of traditional financial systems, and growing support from government-backed institutions worldwide. As Bitcoin breached the $100K mark, enthusiasts celebrated, hoping the moment would mark the beginning of a new era for digital currencies. However, while Bitcoin was grabbing the headlines, an altcoin—Hawk Tuah—was making waves for a completely different reason. A social media frenzy about Hawk Tuah’s potential led to an influx of retail investors, many of whom viewed the coin as a shortcut to quick profits. Cryptocurrency enthusiasts, seeking new opportunities outside Bitcoin, were drawn to Hawk Tuah’s marketing promises, with influencers and self-styled financial gurus touting it as a major up-and-comer. The coin’s rapid ascent was fueled by hype and speculation, yet the rapid downfall was equally abrupt. Less than a week after Hawk Tuah reached its all-time high, it became clear that the project was riddled with issues: broken promises, questionable development practices, and, in some cases, fraud allegations. In an industry plagued by instability and a lack of regulation, the Hawk Tuah crash was a stark reminder of the risks involved in crypto investments. In many online communities, the collapse of Hawk Tuah overshadowed Bitcoin’s milestone. Enthusiasts who had once been excited about Bitcoin’s price surge seemed far more engaged in analyzing the rise and fall of the altcoin. Even conversations among casual investors and retail participants shifted focus toward the sudden evaporation of Hawk Tuah’s market capitalization. Some even compared the situation to the famous “pump and dump” schemes that have plagued the crypto space for years. Experts have weighed in on why the drama surrounding Hawk Tuah stole attention from Bitcoin’s $100K moment. For one, the crypto space remains largely unregulated, making it difficult for investors to distinguish between legitimate projects and speculative ventures. As Bitcoin gains more mainstream acceptance, smaller projects like Hawk Tuah leverage social media and influencer marketing to attract the attention of everyday investors, often without offering a transparent roadmap or fundamental utility. These tactics have raised alarms among financial experts, who caution that the lack of due diligence can lead to catastrophic losses. The emotional allure of altcoins often leads to impulsive decisions, driven by the fear of missing out on the next big thing. Retail investors, many of whom lack the expertise to fully assess the long-term viability of a crypto asset, tend to be drawn in by short-term price movements rather than evaluating the coin’s underlying technology and use case. Hawk Tuah was no exception. As news of its rapid price escalation spread across social media platforms, inexperienced traders piled in, hoping for a fast return. While Bitcoin’s position as the leader of the cryptocurrency market remains undisputed, the Hawk Tuah debacle serves as a cautionary tale for investors. Even as Bitcoin’s market cap continues to soar, the volatility of altcoins like Hawk Tuah shows that the crypto landscape is still filled with uncertainty. The success of a few digital currencies can overshadow the broader, more dangerous realities of the market. While Bitcoin may continue to rise, the price of altcoins often remains susceptible to the whims of influencers, market sentiment, and, more ominously, scam artists. For many, the Hawk Tuah disaster is emblematic of a larger issue in the crypto world: the lack of regulation and investor protections. Unlike traditional stocks, which are subject to stringent rules and oversight, the cryptocurrency market operates in a gray area, with minimal regulatory frameworks in place. This allows for rapid price fluctuations and allows unverified projects to thrive. With the crypto sector continually drawing new participants, questions surrounding accountability, transparency, and investor safety are growing louder. Despite the turbulence in the altcoin market, Bitcoin’s fundamentals remain strong. Institutional adoption, continued mainstream integration, and growing interest from governments around the world are signs that Bitcoin’s rise may not be a fleeting moment but the start of a more stable, established financial instrument. Yet, even with Bitcoin’s increasing legitimacy, the volatility of the broader market continues to pose challenges for investors looking for consistent returns.
Deferring rate hike under govt pressure costs discoms 55,000 cr
Day 3 explored the philosophical contributions to the quality of life, and the ethical implications of AI and its impact on human life RIYADH, Saudi Arabia , Dec. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Riyadh International Philosophy Conference 2024 concluded its third and final day with a series of thought-provoking sessions exploring the theme of quality of life. The three-day event was held at the King Fahad National Library in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia , and brought together over 60 renowned global thinkers, including prominent figures such as Dr. Fausto Fraisopi, Dr. Abdelrahim Dekkoun, and Dr. Nermine Ezzeldin . The conference explored the theme “ Philosophy and Quality of Life: Existence, Truth, and Goodness ” and established itself as a vital platform that reflects Saudi Arabia’s leadership in advancing philosophical discourse locally and globally. Dr. Mohammed bin Hasan Alwan , Chief Executive Officer of the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, expressed his happiness with the success of the conference, stating: “This conference has showcased the power of philosophy to address the most pressing challenges of our time. By bringing together leading thinkers from around the world, we have fostered meaningful dialogue and inspired new ideas for a better future”. The conference concluded with a powerful speech by Mr. Khalid AlSameti, General Manager of the General Administration of Literature at the Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission, who confirmed that: “The conference attracted visitors from all segments of society, with more than 5,400 visitors over its three days, creating a fertile environment that brings together the unique capabilities that the Kingdom embraces with its strategic understanding with its local and international partners. The General Administration of Literature seeks to make this conference a platform that leads the philosophical research movement and a pioneering academic event, not only in the Middle East , but also around the world”. A Global Gathering of Minds The third day’s program addressed a variety of topics related to human flourishing, from the role of philosophy in shaping a better future to the challenges of achieving quality of life in a multicultural world. A key highlight of the day was a session titled “ A Philosophical Framework for Enhancing the Quality of Life in Cities in the Context of Diversity and Multiculturalism ” led by Dr. Walid Al-Zamil . He discussed the importance of creating inclusive and equitable cities that respect the diverse needs and values of all residents. Another session titled “ The Role of Social Solidarity in Supporting Female Athletes with Disabilities ” by Ms. Najat Al-Shafai shed light on the importance of social support in empowering women with disabilities to participate in sports and recreation. Furthermore, the conference explored the intersection of philosophy and religion through sessions investigating the nature of the soul and its role in human life. Dr. Chafik Graigue discussed the concept of despair and its philosophical implications, while Professor Hossam Abdellatif examined the changing meaning of human dignity and its challenges in a high-tech society. These sessions offered valuable insights into the eternal questions of human existence and the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements. Inspiring Future Generations The conference also featured a panel discussion by Dr. Robert Bernasconi , and a session on “ Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on the Quality of Human Life: New Horizons and Ethical Challenges ” led by Dr. Ingy Hamdi . This session delved into the complex ethical implications of AI and explored how to ensure that technology is used to enhance human well-being rather than diminish it. It also offered a variety of workshops and seminars on topics such as argumentation skills, critical thinking, aesthetics, and the history of logic in Islamic civilization. These workshops provided participants with practical tools and insights to apply philosophical thinking in their daily lives. Additionally, the conference established partnerships with prestigious international organizations, including New Philosopher and The School of Life, for the first time in Saudi Arabia As part of the Quality of Life Program, the conference underscores the relevance of philosophy in addressing contemporary societal challenges. By bridging the gap between academic thought and real-world applications, the conference reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to intellectual enrichment and cultural exchange. The Riyadh International Philosophy Conference 2024 achieved remarkable success by bringing together leading thinkers from around the world to discuss the most pressing issues of our time, explore the philosophical foundations of quality of life, and inspire new ideas and approaches to create a better future for all. For more information, visit the conference’s webpage . SOURCE Literature, Publishing & Translation Commission
Inside ‘assassin’ Luigi Mangione’s life behind bars & why he may become a ‘zombie’ in hellhole jail he shares with DiddyHORIBA, Ltd. ( OTCMKTS:HRIBF – Get Free Report ) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 70,500 shares, a growth of 123.8% from the November 30th total of 31,500 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 705.0 days. HORIBA Stock Performance OTCMKTS HRIBF opened at $58.23 on Friday. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $55.73 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $65.67. The stock has a market cap of $2.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.42 and a beta of 0.16. HORIBA has a twelve month low of $49.06 and a twelve month high of $100.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a quick ratio of 2.19 and a current ratio of 3.29. About HORIBA ( Get Free Report ) See Also Receive News & Ratings for HORIBA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HORIBA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights
As 2024 winds down, growth stocks have once again easily outperformed value stocks. If it seems like growth stocks usually outperform value stocks, you'd be correct when looking back over the past 10 years. This can be seen in the returns of the Vanguard Growth ETF ( VUG -1.43% ) compared to the performance of the Vanguard Value ETF ( VTV -0.59% ) . The Growth ETF tracks the CRSP US Large Cap Growth Index, which is essentially the growth side of the S&P 500 , while the Value ETF looks to replicate the CRSP US Large Cap Value Index, which is basically the value side of the S&P 500. Over the past decade, the Growth ETF has easily outpaced its Value ETF counterpart, with an average annual return of 15.6% as of the end of November. By comparison, the Value ETF has had an average annual return of nearly 10.8% over that same stretch. On a cumulative basis, that's a 326% return versus a 178% return -- a huge difference. Meanwhile, it isn't just a couple of big years that have helped lead to the Growth ETF's outperformance. The ETF has outperformed the Value ETF in eight of the past 10 years. The only years during that stretch when the Value ETF outperformed were during the 2022 bear market, when the Growth ETF fell 33.1% and in 2016. Which ETF will outperform in 2025? Given the dominance of the Vanguard Growth ETF over the past decade, it would be easy to dismiss the Value ETF. However, growth and value investing tend to go through cycles. While growth stocks have outperformed since 2008, value stocks outperformed between 2001 and 2008 following the dot-com bust. Value stocks also outperformed between 1984 and 1991 as well. Nobel Prize laureate Eugene Fama and Dartmouth professor Kenneth French complied data showing that over 15-year rolling periods, value stocks outperformed growth 93% of the time between 1927 and 2019. Next year could be a favorable environment for value stocks. They are often more cyclical in nature and can also be more sensitive to interest rates, as they tend to carry more debt. If the Federal Reserve continues to lower rates next year and the economy as a whole picks back up, it could be a very good scenario for these stocks. Growth companies, meanwhile, have risen to be the biggest and most dominant companies in the world. Seven of the top 10 stocks in the S&P 500 are currently classified as growth stocks, and it can be argued that Broadcom , which is classified as a value stock, should also be a growth stock. Meanwhile, these top-seven growth companies are looking at a potential generational opportunity with artificial intelligence (AI) technology. While comparisons can certainly be made between the dot-com boom and the current AI craze, there are key differences. The big one is that AI technology is being driven by highly profitable, cash-rich tech companies that have established strong businesses outside AI in a variety of fields. The dot-com boom, meanwhile, spurred a lot of unprofitable, ultimately unsustainable businesses. One case for value, though, is that the Vanguard Growth ETF has become too highly concentrated at the top. Apple , Nvidia , and Microsoft now make up nearly 32% of the ETF's portfolio. How these three stocks perform will largely drive the ETF's performance. Apple could be the stock most to watch, as the company's valuation has climbed to a 42 times trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio on barely any revenue growth the past few years. While the company is seeing a shift to higher gross-margin service revenue, the stock could be vulnerable if it doesn't see an AI-fueled iPhone upgrade cycle in 2025. That said, overall, I continue to prefer the Vanguard Growth ETF in 2025. I think AI is still in its early innings, and AI software could be the next big theme. This could help power a number of growth stocks. Meanwhile, many of the top growth stocks in the Growth ETF are still attractively priced based on their expected growth in 2025. If the AI boom continues, I expect growth to once again come out on top in 2025.The acquisition of a Virginia Beach software development company is fueling its growth as a health care technology leader that can leverage artificial intelligence to help transform patient care. DOMA Technologies in Virginia Beach joined forces with Livanta, a Baltimore-area health care tech company, as part of their acquisition earlier this year by Pleasant Land, a Washington, D.C.-based private equity firm. Pleasant Land merged the businesses to create a leading high tech provider of health care quality oversight and clinical assessment services. Financial terms of the acquisition and merger were not disclosed. DOMA founder and CEO Pat Feliciano is staying on as chief executive of the combined company headquartered in Virginia Beach. The organizations collectively have 750 full-time employees, including 250 from DOMA. “We anticipate additional growth here and across our locations going forward,” Feliciano said. “We have additional opportunities here on our current site to continue to expand as needed to support future growth.” DOMA, founded by Feliciano in 2000, is finishing a facility buildout for its previously announced expansion of its London Bridge Road headquarters and anticipates its completion by mid-2025. The company name remains under consideration for a rebranding. As a contractor, DOMA has developed federal health care platforms to ultimately improve patient care and has provided medical record solutions to hospital systems. The merger enables the companies to leverage their artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled digital technologies to unlock new efficiencies in health care delivery, particularly in quality oversight and developing insights into vast amounts of unstructured health data, Feliciano said. Throughout the past 24 years, and especially within the past several years, the company has been on a strong growth path, seeking opportunities to apply its technology expertise. DOMA recently expanded in Baltimore, Maryland, and Las Vegas, Nevada. “In the year ahead, we anticipate growing our team by a couple hundred members, potentially reaching a total of about 1,000 employees across the organization by the end of 2025,” Feliciano said. “This partnership not only amplifies our ability to deliver value to customers and patients but also opens up meaningful career growth opportunities for our team members.” Committed to advancing quality improvement in public health, DOMA is now positioned to serve more than 32 million Medicare beneficiaries and over 3 million veterans. “As a unified entity, we are now one of the largest quality improvement organizations in federal health care,” Feliciano said. Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@pilotonline.com Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Cause of underground fire at Williamsburg Premium Outlets still unknown — and may stay that way, fire chief says Cause of underground fire at Williamsburg Premium Outlets still unknown — and may stay that way, fire chief says Hampton’s superintendent just got a massive raise. Here’s how it compares. Hampton’s superintendent just got a massive raise. Here’s how it compares. 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The Acolyte The Acolyte was not a hit for Disney+ but that alone doesn’t speak to its quality or lack thereof. After all, Andor didn’t have huge ratings, either. The difference between the two? The Acolyte was riddled with bad writing, amateurish filmmaking and didn’t have a discernible audience in mind—at least not one that actually watches Star Wars. Andor, on the other hand, has the best writing in any Star Wars project and dealt with serious themes in a serious way. While it wasn’t geared toward fans who only watch Star Wars for lightsaber duels—something The Acolyte had in abundance—it was targeting an older, more mature fanbase that has always longed for Star Wars to grow into something more. When The Acolyte was canceled, it almost felt like an admission from Disney and Lucasfilm, that perhaps the franchise was being taken in altogether the wrong direction. Of course, to its many defenders in the press and on social media, there was only one acceptable answer: The Acolyte was canceled because of “ toxic fans ” on forums and social media and review-bombers on Rotten Tomatoes. I noted how preposterous this line of reasoning—if you can call it that—was at the time . “ The Acolyte simply cost far, far too much and that investment wasn’t met with huge viewership numbers like The Mandalorian or critical acclaim like Andor” I wrote at the time, making what I believe is a pretty simple economic observation, though it’s certainly less colorful and outrageous than blaming “dudebros.” Now, Alan Bergman, the Co-Chairmen of Disney Entertainment, has echoed this in a recent interview with Vulture , saying: Google’s Gmail Upgrade—Why You Need A New Email Address In 2025 Ukraine Burns Russian Shahed Warehouse And Reveals New Capabilities NASA Spacecraft ‘Touches Sun’ In Defining Moment For Humankind The performance—aka the ratings, aka how many people actually watched the show—wasn’t where it needed to be to spend another $200+ million on a second season. Plain and simple. Notably, Bergman did not say “toxic fans yelled at us on Twitter so we decided not to make another season.” That’s because no amount of toxicity online actually determines whether a show is renewed or not. Likewise, a show that has a passionate fanbase might be canceled for the exact same reasons. Look no further than My Lady Jane on Prime Video. That was a fun show and its fans really loved it, but the numbers weren’t there to justify the cost of a second season . That’s a shame, but it does nobody any good to pretend like it’s the fans’ fault, whether they were toxic or just not enthusiastic enough. Entertainment is a business and the numbers have to add up. In Andor’s case, Disney made a two-season commitment and enjoyed all the critical acclaim that series garnered. The Acolyte certainly received more critical applause than it deserved, but even its defenders in the press weren’t clamoring for it to win awards. If toxic fans could kill a series, True Detective: Night Country would not have led to its creator taking over the reigns of that franchise and bagging a multi-year deal in the process. I don’t mean to suggest that True Detective fans who hated Night Country were toxic, either. I hated that show with a burning passion that continues to burn quite a lot hotter than my dislike of The Acolyte . My point is merely that people online being angry about something doesn’t tip the scales much. We’re still almost certainly getting three more seasons of Amazon’s The Rings Of Power, and that’s a terrible show that has left the Lord Of The Rings fan-base in uproar and disarray. But Amazon appears to have dug in on that one, while Disney has apparently started to wake up to the fact that its current approach to Star Wars is failing miserably. So what next? I’d like to see more fun shows like Skeleton Crew. More to the point, I’d like the powers-that-be at Disney and Lucasfilm to realize that Star Wars has a built-in audience and that gearing upcoming shows and movies toward that audience—which is mostly boys and men—makes good financial sense. That doesn’t mean we can’t have diversity or great female characters—Princess Leia is one of the most adored characters in media—but it does mean we need to return to some semblance of sanity and business sense when it comes to understanding audiences and who actually watches these franchises and buys the merchandise and so forth. I actually discussed this in another post about The Acolyte’s cancelation earlier this year as well: Let’s hope Disney and Lucasfilm—and the rest of Hollywood—can self-correct after these past few years of misguided, arrogant and short-sighted efforts designed to seemingly create a new “modern audience” out of thin air—in place of established fans who made these franchises successful to begin with. Burning money isn’t great for the balance sheets, especially when said audience has yet to materialize. You can do that and continue to create more diverse stories along the way all at the same time. Let me know on Twitter , Instagram , Bluesky or Facebook . Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog . Sign up for my newsletter for more reviews and commentary on entertainment and culture.Shares of technology and payments firm Global Blue Group Holding ($GB) fell 4% on Friday after the company announced its second-quarter earnings report. Revenue increased 17% year-over-year (YoY) to €132 million (~$137 million) during the quarter driven by a solid performance in both Tax Free Shopping Solutions and Payments. Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) jumped 25% YoY to €59 million (~$61 million). Adjusted net income group share rose to €20.7 million compared to €14 million in the same quarter a year ago. Segment-wise, Tax Free Shopping Solutions revenue rose 18% YoY to €101.9 million while Payments revenue increased 16% YoY to €23.4 million, driven predominantly by increased margins on treasury gains. Meanwhile, Post-Purchase Solutions’ revenue dipped 1% YoY to €6.7 million led by “management’s focus on contribution margin.” Notably, the firm raised its repurchase program to $15 million and extended it for an additional nine months to Nov. 30, 2025. The company said that taking into account the recent luxury market slowdown and the group’s decision to accelerate €5 million of investments (fixed costs) in future growth initiatives, it has adapted the FY24/25 adjusted EBITDA guidance to €185 million - $205 million. At the same time, long-term targets include 8-12% revenue growth and a net leverage ratio of lower than 2.5x. CEO Jacques Stern said that the macro and microeconomic environment in which Global Blue operates remains highly favorable and that the travel industry is experiencing positive trends. Following the earnings announcement, retail sentiment on Stocktwits jumped into the ‘extremely bullish’ territory (96/100), accompanied by ‘extremely high’ retail chatter (95/100) that hit a one-year high. Shares of the firm have gained over 26% on a year-to-date basis. For updates and corrections email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.< Exchange Rate Used In Converting Financials: €1 = $1.04<
Amazon and Anthropic announced an expanded partnership that includes Amazon investing another $4 billion in the artificial intelligence company and Anthropic making Amazon Web Services ( AWS ) its primary training partner. The new investment brings Amazon’s total investment in Anthropic to $8 billion, Anthropic said in a Friday (Nov. 22) press release . “By combining Anthropic’s expertise in frontier AI systems with AWS’s world-class infrastructure, we’re building a secure, enterprise-ready platform that gives organizations of all sizes access to the forefront of AI technology,” Anthropic said in the release. The expanded partnership builds on one announced in September 2023 that included Amazon investing $4 billion in Anthropic and Anthropic making AWS its primary cloud partner , Amazon said in a Friday press release . In April, the companies added Anthropic’s Claude family of AI models to Amazon Bedrock , AWS’s fully managed service that provides secure access to foundation models. In their newly expanded partnership, the companies will give AWS customers early access to fine-tune their own data on new Anthropic models as they are released, per the Amazon release. “The response from AWS customers who are developing generative AI applications powered by Anthropic in Amazon Bedrock has been remarkable,” AWS CEO Matt Garman said in the Amazon release. “By continuing to deploy Anthropic models in Amazon Bedrock and collaborating with Anthropic on the development of our custom Trainium chips, we’ll keep pushing the boundaries of what customers can achieve with generative AI technologies.” Millions of end users and tens of thousands of customers — including startups, enterprises and government institutions — are using Anthropic’s Claude in Amazon Bedrock , according to the Amazon release. The announcement came two days after the U.S. Department of Justice proposed to force Google to unwind its partnership with Anthropic as part of a proposal to resolve an antitrust case against Google. It also came three days after the United Kingdom’s competition watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), cleared Google’s partnership with Anthropic, saying the deal between the tech giant and the AI startup did not warrant additional investigation. Among foundation models , Anthropic’s enterprise market share increased from 12% in 2023 to 24% this year.
NEW DELHI: The Centre has implemented several initiatives in 2024 aimed at enhancing the welfare of pensioners, streamlining grievance redressal, and promoting digitisation in pension processes, according to the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) year-end review released on Sunday. The largest-ever campaign for improving pensioners' welfare was conducted during the year in India from November 1 to 30, 2024 in 800 cities across the nation with 1,950 camps and 1,100 Nodal Officers, generating 1.30 crore Digital Life Certificates (DLCs). As many as 39.18 lakh DLCs representing more than 30 percent were generated using face authentication technology, a 200 times increase over the DLC 2.0 Campaign. This proved particularly beneficial for elderly pensioners with faded fingerprints, differently abled individuals facing mobility challenges, and pensioners living in rural and remote areas. Pensioners aged 80 and above submitted 8 lakh DLCs. Among the banks, 11 lakh DLCs were generated by the State Bank of India, 7.5 lakh DLCs generated by IPPB, and 2.75 lakh DLCs were generated by PNB. The review further states that the 100-day action plan of the Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare was successfully implemented during the year. Under this action plan, the month-long campaign for effective redressal of family pensioners' grievances redressed 1,737 family pensioners' grievances. Instructions were also issued for enhancement of the maximum limit of retirement gratuity and death gratuity for central government employees from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh on reaching the Dearness Allowance rates to 50 per cent. The review also highlights that over 1.06 lakh grievances from pensioners across 90 Ministries and Departments were resolved which included 21,860 family pension cases and 9,818 super senior pensioner cases. The average grievance resolution time has been reduced from 36 days (2018) to 26 days (2024). Only 0.54 per cent of grievances remain pending for more than six months. Monthly reports on grievances, ranking Ministries/Departments based on their performance in grievance redressal, were introduced during the year. The new features include tracking grievances based on their source (online, postal, or call centre) and average disposal time for resolution. Besides, a new Single Unified Pension Application Form 6-A was launched by merging 9 pension forms into an integrated single pension form 6A under CCS (Pension) Rules 2021. As many as 3,200 pensioners submitted their pension forms on Bhavishya using Form 6A which has simplified the process and added to the convenience of pensioners.