jilibet demo

jilibet demo USC QB Miller Moss enters transfer portal after losing starting job to Jayden Maiava

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — After losing to San Francisco in the playoffs three of the last five seasons, the Green Bay Packers wouldn’t mind seeing the 49ers get left out of the postseason entirely. The Packers (7-3) could damage San Francisco’s playoff hopes Sunday by beating the 49ers at Lambeau Field. San Francisco (5-5) dropped to .500 after losing at home to the Seattle Seahawks, though the 49ers remain just a game behind the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West.In today's Daily Fix:More bad news from Ubisoft to close out the year. The company has decided to shut down its free-to-play shooter XDefiant—despite positive impressions from the game's fans and the media, there just weren't enough people playing to justify the cost of keeping the game running. And with the game's shutdown comes the closure of two studios working on it. Ubisoft's San Francisco and Osaka studios have been closed, with nearly 300 people being laid off. Ubisoft is hoping to boune back from a disappointing year with Assassin's Creed Shadows in 2025. In other news, Walton Goggins is putting the Ghoul skin back on for season 2 of Fallout. The actor shared an image on Instagram with him and a make-up artist layering on his character's irradiated skin. No release date is set yet for Fallout Season 2. And finally, Reebok has revealed new shoes to coincide with the new Sonic the Hedgehog movie. There will be two child-sized shoes and three adult shoes in Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles colorways.

Tyler Morgan's double-double powers Texas State to 75-66 victory over RiceBy D. Brian Blank and Brandy Hadley Heading into 2024 , we said the U.S. economy would likely continue growing, in spite of pundits’ forecast that a recession would strike. The past year showcased strong economic growth, moderating inflation and efficiency gains , leading most economists and the financial press to stop expecting a downturn. But what economists call “soft landings” — when an economy slows just enough to curb inflation, but not enough to cause a recession — are only soft until they aren’t . As we turn to 2025, we’re optimistic the economy will keep growing. But that’s not without some caveats. Here are the key questions and risks we’re watching as the U.S. rings in the new year. The Federal Reserve and interest rates Some people expected a downturn in 2022 — and again in 2023 and 2024 — due to the Federal Reserve’s hawkish interest-rate decisions. The Fed raised rates rapidly in 2022 and held them high throughout 2023 and much of 2024. But in the last four months of 2024, the Fed slashed rates three times — most recently on Dec. 18 . While the recent rate cuts mark a strategic shift, the pace of future cuts is expected to slow in 2024, as Fed Chair Jerome Powell suggested at the December meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee . Markets have expected this change of pace for some time, but some economists remain concerned about heightened risks of an economic slowdown . When Fed policymakers set short-term interest rates, they consider whether inflation and unemployment are too high or low, which affects whether they should stimulate the economy or pump the brakes. The interest rate that neither stimulates nor restricts economic activity, often referred to as R* or the neutral rate , is unknown , which makes the Fed’s job challenging . However, the terminal rate — which is where Fed policymakers expect rates will settle in for the long run — is now at 3% , which is the highest since 2016 . This has led futures markets to wonder if a hiking cycle may be coming into focus, while others ask if the era of low rates is over. Inflation and economic uncertainty This shift in the Federal Reserve’s approach underscores a key uncertainty for 2025: While some economists are concerned the recent uptick in unemployment may continue, others worry about sticky inflation. The Fed’s challenge will be striking the right balance — continuing to support economic activity while ensuring inflation, currently hovering around 2.4% , doesn’t reignite. We do anticipate that interest rates will stay elevated amid slowing inflation, which remains above the Fed’s 2% target rate. Still, we’re optimistic this high-rate environment won’t weigh too heavily on consumers and the economy. While gross domestic product growth for the third quarter was revised up to 3.1% and the fourth quarter is projected to grow similarly quickly , in 2025 it could finally show signs of slowing from its recent pace. However, we expect it to continue to exceed consensus forecasts of 2.2% and longer-run expectations of 2%. Fiscal policy, tariffs and tax cuts: risks or tailwinds? While inflation has declined from 9.1% in June 2022 to less than 3%, the Federal Reserve’s 2% target remains elusive. Amid this backdrop, several new risks loom on the horizon . Key among them are potential tariff increases , which could disrupt trade, push up the prices of goods and even strengthen the U.S. dollar . The average effective U.S. tariff rate is 2%, but even a fivefold increase to 10% could escalate trade tensions, create economic challenges and complicate inflation forecasts. Consider that, historically, every 1% increase in tariff rates has resulted in a 0.1% higher annual inflation rate , on average. Still, we hope tariffs serve as more of a negotiating tactic for the incoming administration than an actual policy proposal . Tariffs are just one of several proposals from the incoming Trump administration that present further uncertainty. Stricter immigration policies could create labor shortages and increase prices , while government spending cuts could weigh down economic growth. Tax cuts — a likely policy focus — may offset some risk and spur growth, especially if coupled with productivity-enhancing investments. However, tax cuts may also result in a growing budget deficit, which is another risk to the longer-term economic outlook. Count us as two financial economists hoping only certain inflation measures fall slower than expected, and everyone’s expectations for future inflation remain low. If so, the Federal Reserve should be able to look beyond short-term changes in inflation and focus on metrics that are more useful for predicting long-term inflation. Consumer behavior and the job market Labor markets have softened but remain resilient. Hiring rates are normalizing, while layoffs and unemployment — 4.2%, up from 3.7% at the start of 2024 — remain low despite edging up. The U.S. economy could remain resilient into 2025, with continued growth in real incomes bolstering purchasing power . This income growth has supported consumer sentiment and reduced inequality , since low-income households have seen the greatest benefits. However, elevated debt balances , given increased consumer spending , suggest some Americans are under financial stress even though income growth has outpaced increases in consumer debt. While a higher unemployment rate is a concern, this risk to date appears limited, potentially due to labor hoarding — which is when employers are afraid to let go of employees they no longer require due to the difficulty in hiring new workers. Higher unemployment is also an issue the Fed has the tools to address — if it must. This leaves us cautiously optimistic that resilient consumers will continue to retain jobs, supporting their growing purchasing power. Equities and financial markets The outlook for 2025 remains promising , with continued economic growth driven by resilient consumer spending , steadying labor markets, and less restrictive monetary policy. Yet current price targets for stocks are at historic highs for a post-rally period, which is surprising and may offer reasons for caution. Higher-for-longer interest rates could put pressure on corporate debt levels and rate-sensitive sectors , such as housing and utilities. Corporate earnings, however, remain strong, buoyed by cost savings and productivity gains . Stock performance may be subdued, but underperforming or discounted stocks could rebound, presenting opportunities for gains in 2025. Artificial intelligence provides a bright spot, leading to recent outperformance in the tech-heavy NASDAQ and related investments . And onshoring continues to provide growth opportunities for companies reshaping supply chains to meet domestic demand. To be fair, uncertainty persists , and economists know forecasting is for the weather . That’s why investors should always remain well-diversified . But with inflation closer to the Fed’s target and wages rising faster than inflation, we’re optimistic that continued economic growth will pave the way for a financially positive year ahead . Here’s hoping we get even more right about 2025 than we did this past year. D. Brian Blank is an associate professor of finance at Mississippi State University. Brandy Hadley is an associate professor of finance and distinguished scholar of applied investments at Appalachian State University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article .

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California quarterback Miller Moss is entering the transfer portal after losing the Trojans’ starting job last month. Moss made his announcement on social media Monday. Moss started the Trojans ' bowl victory last season and their first nine games this season before coach Lincoln Riley replaced him with Jayden Maiava in early November. “Being a USC Trojan was a lifelong dream of mine,” Moss wrote. “Putting on the cardinal and gold and competing on behalf of my teammates and school is something I will forever take pride in. I poured everything I have into this — body, heart, mind and soul — and am humbled by and proud of what my teammates and I accomplished.” Moss, who was born in Los Angeles and went to high school in the San Fernando Valley, signed with USC before Riley arrived at the school. Moss also stayed with the Trojans after Caleb Williams transferred from Oklahoma to rejoin Riley, and he served as Williams’ backup for two seasons before getting his chance to play with six touchdown passes in last year’s Holiday Bowl. Moss completed 64.4% of his passes this season for 2,555 yards with 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions. After a spectacular 378-yard performance to beat LSU in the Trojans’ season opener, Moss didn’t play poorly as a starter, but he also wasn’t a difference-maker while USC stumbled to a 4-5 record. RELATED COVERAGE Ryan Poles to remain Bears general manager and lead search for new head coach Houston’s Al-Shaair apologizes for hit on Jacksonville’s Lawrence that led to concussion Chicago Bears could find working with interim coach Thomas Brown different than with Matt Eberflus Moss threw seven interceptions in his final five starts before losing the job to Maiava. The Trojans went 1-4 in that stretch under Moss, who plays as a more traditional pocket passer while Maiava has the mobility usually favored for quarterbacks in Riley’s spread offense. “Looking towards the future, I’m unwaveringly committed to becoming an even better quarterback and leader, and to achieving this at the next level,” Moss wrote. Moss has already graduated from USC, putting him in the portal as a graduate student. USC (6-6) is headed to a lower-tier bowl game again to finish this season, its third under Riley. ___ AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballMaritime craft sellers look to local market as postal strike continues

Former US President Jimmy Carter dead at 100

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated ( NASDAQ:HBANL – Get Free Report ) announced a quarterly dividend on Thursday, October 17th, Wall Street Journal reports. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, January 1st will be paid a dividend of 0.4298 per share on Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $1.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.62%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 31st. Huntington Bancshares Stock Performance Shares of NASDAQ HBANL opened at $25.95 on Friday. Huntington Bancshares has a 52-week low of $23.62 and a 52-week high of $26.61. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $26.06 and a 200 day moving average price of $25.57. Huntington Bancshares Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Huntington Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Huntington Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Ranking MLB Free Agent, Trade Options at SP After Corbin Burnes to DiamondbacksLPGA, USGA to require players to be assigned female at birth or transition before puberty

'Brand Bharat' is statement of authenticity of being Vishwa Bandhu says EAMBehind a record surge in cocoa prices this year, a corner of financial markets that drives the cost of chocolate underwent a seismic shift: the hedge funds that oiled its workings headed for the exit. Confectionery prices, from candy bars to hot chocolate, are heavily influenced by futures contracts for cocoa beans. These financial instruments, traded in London and New York, allow cocoa buyers and sellers to determine a price for the commodity, forming a benchmark for sales across the world. In the middle of last year, hedge funds – a class of investors that use privately pooled money to make speculative bets – started pulling back from trading cocoa futures because price swings in the market were raising their cost of trading and making it harder to make profits. They accelerated their retreat in the first half of this year as cocoa prices hit a record in April, driven by supply issues in West Africa, according to Reuters calculations based on data from the U.S. Commodity Trading Futures Commission (CFTC), which oversees the New York market, and ICE Futures Europe, an exchange that compiles figures for trading in London. “This market became increasingly volatile,” said Razvan Remsing, director of investment solutions at Aspect Capital, a $9.3 billion London-based fund that uses coding and algorithms to find trades. “Our system’s response was to trim our positions.” Aspect slashed the exposure to cocoa in its Diversified Fund from nearly 5% of its net asset value in January to less than one percent after April, according to a presentation reviewed by Reuters. The departure of hedge funds and other speculators caused liquidity in the market to slump, making it harder to buy and sell, stoking volatility to record highs and fueling the price spike still further. Reuters spoke to a dozen fund executives, cocoa market brokers and traders who said the retreat – described here in detail for the first time — has left lasting strains on the market. That has resulted in greater gaps between the price at which cocoa can be bought and sold, and has prompted some industry players to seek alternative instruments, leaving a lasting impact on the sector. This month, the number of futures contracts held globally at the end of a given trading day – a key indicator of market health known as “open interest” – hit its lowest since at least 2014, the global figures show, a sign the futures market overall has shrunk significantly. Data prior to 2014 was not available. On Wednesday, New York cocoa futures prices topped their April peak. The futures market is a crucial cog in the cocoa industry, allowing producers and chocolate companies to hedge their exposure to swings in the price of beans. Futures dictate income for the farmers and low-income nations that produce the world’s cocoa – the majority of which comes from Ghana and Ivory Coast in West Africa. Hedge funds and speculators have become bigger players in commodity markets over the past two decades as the value of their overall assets has grown. But, as purely financial investors, they have no need to remain in the market at times of stress. The impact of hedge funds’ exit illustrates how reliant trading has become on these lightly regulated funds that increasingly shape financial markets. Reuters has reported this year on how hedge funds are piling into the euro zone’s $10 trillion government bond market, drawing regulatory scrutiny, and on their growing sway in European stock trading. Contacted by Reuters, the CFTC declined to comment. A representative for Britain’s regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, said that, in line with its market supervision practice, “we have been working with trading venues and participants to monitor the orderliness of the market.” Bernhard Tröster, an economist at the Austrian Foundation for Development Research (ÖFSE) in Vienna, who last year co-authored a paper on the growing role of financial actors in commodities derivatives markets, said the withdrawal of hedge funds had helped fuel the crisis in cocoa markets. “When markets became so volatile this year, it was clear how hedge funds and other financial actors have become so important,” he said. SUPPLY ISSUES HIT PRICES Hedge funds and other speculators’ share of the market peaked at 36% in May 2023, the highest in at least a decade, after which their retreat began, the global data calculated by Reuters show. Then, at the start of this year, global cocoa prices soared after top producer Ivory Coast was hit by adverse weather and disease. Number two producer Ghana fared even worse, with smuggling, illegal gold mining on cocoa farms and sector mismanagement added to the mix. In early February, cocoa prices surpassed a previous record high set in 1977. Executives at five hedge funds told Reuters they began to withdraw as volatility grew and the cost of trading increased. When markets become too hot, exchanges require speculators to increase the amount of collateral they put down per futures contract, raising their costs. Lawrence Abrams, president of Absolute Return Capital Management in Chicago, said the cost of trading a single cocoa futures contract soared from $1,980 in January to $25,971 by June. High prices and volatility, combined with falling liquidity, began to affect “our system’s trading and risk management decisions,” Abrams said, whose fund sold out before prices peaked in April. He declined to detail how much his fund managed, citing regulatory reasons. Many hedge funds promise investors they will not exceed a certain amount of risk, meaning that if a certain market becomes too volatile they have to reduce their exposure. The difference between prices offered and sought for futures, the so-called “bid-ask spread”, soared following the hedge funds’ withdrawal. That has made trading harder: lower liquidity and wider spreads mean traders struggle to execute large trades without moving overall prices. “You need speculators,” said Vladimir Zientek, a trading associate at brokerage firm StoneX, referring to hedge funds, which are not among his clients. “Without speculators in the market, you lose a lot of liquidity, which allows for these very wide and erratic market swings.” By mid-April, New York contracts hit a then-record above $12,000, up three-fold from January, prompting hedge funds to sell down their positions. “Trends don’t last forever,” said Remsing at Aspect Capital. “Stay too long in size and you stand to give back all your gains.” Hedge funds’ share of the cocoa futures market dropped to 7% in late May, its lowest in at least a decade, the global data show. One European broker, who requested anonymity to discuss clients’ trades, said that panic in the market increased in March and April as liquidity drained away. Volatility in cocoa futures hit an all-time high in May, up five-fold from a year earlier, according to data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). Daily average price swings that month neared $800, some 15 times the levels of a year earlier, according to a Reuters analysis of figures from market data provider PortaraCQG. RISKIER MARKETS For major trading houses that buy and sell cocoa beans – a group that includes Singapore’s Olam (OLAG.SI), Switzerland’s Barry Callebaut (BARN.S), and U.S.-based Cargill – the liquidity drain and associated price surge exacerbated the more than-$1 billion dollar hit they took on their futures positions. The losses came earlier this year after Ghana, following a disastrous harvest in the October 2023 to September 2024 season, delayed delivery on nearly half the beans the nation had pledged to sell, upsetting cocoa traders’ futures market strategies. These traders typically use futures to lock in prices achieved for cocoa beans, or to hedge against the risk of falling prices. But that strategy unraveled as Ghana delayed its deliveries. Traders were forced to liquidate, at steep losses, short positions for the month of expected delivery, and take new short positions. The market turmoil has prompted some trading houses and producers to seek alternatives to futures. Australian investment bank Macquarie, a big player in commodity markets, told Reuters it sold over-the-counter products to trading houses, processors and chocolate makers when cocoa volatility hit record levels this year, and demand remains high. One major agri-commodities trader is now using such bespoke contracts, according to a source who requested anonymity citing sensitive commercial relationships. They declined to comment on the magnitude of the business. Such products typically protect buyers against narrower price swings than is possible with futures, limiting their use, a European broker said, declining to be identified to freely discuss clients’ activity. ‘COCOA TOURISTS’ Some hedge funds have returned to the market. Along with other speculators that trade using investors’ cash, they accounted for 22% of futures trading this month, according to the global data. But buying and selling in the cocoa market’s altered landscape has become harder. Zientek, the trading associate at StoneX, said bid-ask spreads can now top 20 “ticks” – $200 per contract – compared to about 2-4 ticks before cocoa’s rally to record highs. “This makes larger orders tougher to execute without seeing an immediate distortion in the market,” he said. Daniel Mackenzie, managing director of Cocoa Hub, a UK-based company that sources and sells cocoa beans to artisan chocolate makers, said higher and more volatile prices were forcing small and medium-sized makers to decide between passing costs to clients or reducing product sizes. One chocolate maker he worked with has been shuttered and another sold, he said, without providing further details. As hedge funds exited, short-term investors such as day-traders – which buy and sell assets within a single trading day – have stayed in the market, the European broker and the broker at the agri-commodities bank said. The cohort that includes day-traders this month accounted for 5% of the market, about the same as the start of the year, the global data show. Day-traders cannot fulfill the liquidity-provision role traditionally played by hedge funds, the two brokers said. “I like to call them ‘cocoa tourists’ – they move in, hold a position for a day or two, then move out,” the European broker said. Watch the latest edition of BizTech below: Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel

Alien: Romulus Xenomorph Hot Toys Figure Unveiled, Available for Preorder Now

Mexico's president on Trump deportation plans: Immigrants are not 'criminals'UC Santa Cruz innovators recognized for impact at 2024 Santa Cruz Works Titans Awards

NDP ready to open 'gates' to pass Liberal GST holiday bill separate from $250 rebateNiger proposes N1.2tr for 2025 fiscal year

Visionary design coupled with stunning views across the Brisbane River puts Teneriffe Banks in a class of its own. On its launch day, Teneriffe Banks shattered Queensland’s record for the highest single-day sales , with an astonishing $285 million worth of apartments sold. This followed a highly effective Expressions of Interest campaign, with over 4,800 registrations prior to launch. The development has captured the attention of discerning buyers seeking the highest levels of luxury and lifestyle. Located at 17-27 Skyring Terrace, on Brisbane’s last undeveloped riverfront site, Teneriffe Banks offers over 200 luxury apartments, priced from $1 million to an epic $25 million. Drawing inspiration from Teneriffe’s iconic wool stores, this $1.5 billion project features five distinct architecturally designed buildings within thoughtfully planned parkland and laneways. Design-led by award-winning Melbourne developer Kokoda Property Group, Teneriffe Banks is brought to life through a collaboration with Studio McCue, Cottee Parker, Carr, Urbis, and Eckersley Garden Architecture. The precinct will comprise four residential buildings and a five-star international hotel, The Kimpton, all atop a vibrant riverside dining and retail precinct. This record-breaking development has captured the attention of Brisbane buyers. Teneriffe Banks’ residential offering includes: The Interloom, The Skyline, The Ferry Building, The Store Houses and within them, The Store House Lofts – expansive double storey warehouse loft-conversion style residences. Each building features luxury apartments and penthouses, with resort-style living as part of the every-day, complete with private dining rooms, rooftop pools, spas, and social and wellness areas. "The interior design throughout the precinct thoughtfully integrates with its surroundings in Teneriffe, bringing together the water and urban environment," says Kokoda Property Group founder and managing director, Mark Stevens. "The natural stone used throughout, with its rippling movement, mirrors the flow of the nearby river, creating a cohesive look that enhances the buildings’ connection to their picturesque setting." Although each building has its own character, Stevens explains they'll all blend beautifully. "There's a strong connection between the architecture and interior design across the entire masterplan, creating unique spaces where you can appreciate the scale, detail, and your own place within the precinct," he says. Following the unprecedented sales success for the first release; The Interloom and The Skyform buildings, the precinct's most anticipated building, The Ferry Building, has just been released. Here's the breakdown of each building for interested buyers: Offering riverfront luxury living and positioned adjacent to the Kimpton Hotel, the building features one- to four-bedroom apartments, as well as penthouse collections. Its design captures the urban character and geometry of the masterplan, with apartments designed to take advantage of both city and river views. Located adjacent to the iconic Teneriffe Ferry Terminal, this tower offers expansive modernist homes with 3.6-metre ceiling heights and river views. The design blends the historic character of the wool stores with contemporary craftsmanship and apartment living. This smaller, village-scale building features eight storeys. The final release of the development is located along Skyring Terrace and offers city views. The residences include apartments, penthouses, and modern warehouse homes known as The Store House Lofts, which are situated across the lower levels. The design is a contemporary interpretation of the iconic Teneriffe warehouse, influenced by some of the world’s best post-industrial residences. Similar to The Ferry Building, this is a smaller, village-scale building with only eight storeys. Offering city-view, resort-style living, some apartments boast both city and river views. Homes include one- to three-bedroom apartments, penthouse collections, and Store House Lofts on the lower levels. The design embraces the bold, modern aesthetic of the masterplan, with carefully framed views that highlight both the city skyline and the riverfront. The array of high-calibre residences mean Brisbane buyers have ample choice. Teneriffe Banks redefines luxury living with its one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments. Interiors feature oak timber floors, marble benches, and brushed nickel tapware, equipped with deluxe European appliances from Miele or Sub-Zero. "Each home is meticulously designed with the luxurious and elevated details that Kokoda is celebrated for," Mark adds. Residents will enjoy exclusive access to the Canopy Club, a private membership club nestled in the tree canopies overlooking the river. Inside, residents can take advantage of private dining rooms, a private bar, library, cinema, sports simulation room, boardroom, and workspaces. “The Canopy Club offers an expansive indoor and outdoor space with the quality and detail of a high-end hotel and hospitality venue," Stevens says. The five rooftops will host serene subtropical retreats with river and/or city views, including amenities such as infinity-edge pools, cabanas, saunas, hot and cold plunge pools, and yoga pods. Additionally, the riverfront will feature Brisbane's first Kimpton Hotel, complete with signature restaurants and bars, a fitness centre, meeting and event spaces, and a rooftop with stunning city views, further establishing Teneriffe as a global destination. Revolutionising the Brisbane skyline, Teneriffe Banks has broken single-day sales records. The project's design not only enhances the living experience but also integrates beautifully with the local environment, providing direct access to the Brisbane River Walk and stunning views. The development will connect Teneriffe to the river, with an extension of the River Walk along the 210m site frontage. In close proximity to the area’s dining and retail hotspots, Teneriffe Banks is a stone’s throw from the ever-popular James St, Gasworks and local gems around Teneriffe, New Farm and Newstead. This development isn't just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle revolution, blending heritage and modernity on Brisbane’s vibrant riverbank. With limited availability remaining and the highly sought-after Ferry Building already commanding swift interest, we invite you to secure an exclusive appointment to experience Teneriffe Banks within the immersive Kokoda House display. Reserve your visit now for an unparalleled opportunity before it’s too late.

Dillard’s, Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend of $25.00 (NYSE:DDS)None