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isda catching fish Prospera Financial Services Inc bought a new position in Quanta Services, Inc. ( NYSE:PWR – Free Report ) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 3,018 shares of the construction company’s stock, valued at approximately $900,000. A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of PWR. EntryPoint Capital LLC purchased a new position in Quanta Services in the 1st quarter worth about $25,000. Cambridge Trust Co. purchased a new stake in shares of Quanta Services during the 1st quarter valued at about $26,000. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Quanta Services during the 2nd quarter valued at about $33,000. Quest Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Quanta Services during the 2nd quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, CarsonAllaria Wealth Management Ltd. purchased a new stake in Quanta Services during the second quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.49% of the company’s stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In PWR has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. TD Cowen boosted their price objective on shares of Quanta Services from $280.00 to $335.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 15th. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Quanta Services from $302.00 to $348.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, October 4th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on Quanta Services from $283.00 to $342.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Thursday, October 10th. UBS Group raised their price target on Quanta Services from $313.00 to $367.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, October 23rd. Finally, Robert W. Baird raised their price target on Quanta Services from $320.00 to $333.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a report on Friday, November 1st. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Quanta Services currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $314.27. Quanta Services Stock Up 0.6 % Shares of NYSE:PWR opened at $341.90 on Friday. Quanta Services, Inc. has a 1 year low of $180.97 and a 1 year high of $343.70. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $307.80 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $279.67. The firm has a market capitalization of $50.47 billion, a PE ratio of 62.85 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 1.23 and a quick ratio of 1.19. Quanta Services ( NYSE:PWR – Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The construction company reported $2.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.46 by $0.26. The firm had revenue of $6.49 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.56 billion. Quanta Services had a return on equity of 16.71% and a net margin of 3.54%. Quanta Services’s quarterly revenue was up 15.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.08 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that Quanta Services, Inc. will post 7.88 EPS for the current year. Quanta Services Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, January 2nd will be paid a $0.10 dividend. This is an increase from Quanta Services’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.09. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 2nd. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.12%. Quanta Services’s payout ratio is 6.64%. Quanta Services Profile ( Free Report ) Quanta Services, Inc provides infrastructure solutions for the electric and gas utility, renewable energy, communications, and pipeline and energy industries in the United States, Canada, Australia, and internationally. The company’s Electric Power Infrastructure Solutions segment engages in the design, procurement, construction, upgrade, repair, and maintenance of electric power transmission and distribution infrastructure and substation facilities; installation, maintenance, and upgrade of electric power infrastructure projects; installation of smart grid technologies on electric power networks; and design, installation, maintenance, and repair of commercial and industrial wirings. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PWR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Quanta Services, Inc. ( NYSE:PWR – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Quanta Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Quanta Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .WASHINGTON — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request after it experienced trouble with its flight operating system, or FOS. The airline blamed technology from one of its vendors. As a result, flights were delayed across American's major hubs, with only 36% of the airline's 3,901 domestic and international flights leaving on time, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company; 51 flights were canceled. People are also reading... An American Airlines employee wearing looks toward quiet check-in counters Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, a union representing American Airlines pilots, said the airline told pilots at 7 a.m. Eastern that there was an outage affecting the FOS system. It handles different types of airline operations, including dispatch, flight planning, passenger boarding, as well as an airplane's weight and balance data, he said. Some components of FOS went down in the past, but a systemwide outage is rare, Tajer said. Hours after the ground stop was lifted, Tajer said the union had not heard about "chaos out there beyond just the normal heavy travel day." He said officials were watching for cascading effects, such as staffing problems. On social media, however, customers expressed frustration with delays that caused them or their family members to miss connecting flights. One person asked if American planned to hold flights for passengers to make connections, while others complained about the lack of assistance they said they received from the airline or gate agents. Travelers wait in line for security checks Tuesday at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. Jae C. Hong, Associated Press Bobby Tighe, a real estate agent from Florida, said he would miss a family Christmas Eve party in New York because his American flight was repeatedly delayed. The delays made him miss a connecting flight, leaving him the choice of going to his destination — Westchester, N.Y. — on Christmas Day or taking another flight to Newark, N.J., scheduled to land Tuesday evening. He chose the latter. "I'm just going to take an Uber or Lyft to the airport I was originally supposed to go to, pick up my rental car and kind of restart everything tomorrow," Tighe said. He said his girlfriend was "going through the same exact situation" on her way from Dallas to New York. Cirium noted the vast majority of flights departed within two hours of their scheduled departure time. A similar percentage — 39% — arrived at their destinations as scheduled. Dallas-Fort Worth, New York's Kennedy Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, saw the greatest number of delays, Cirium said. Washington, Chicago and Miami experienced considerably fewer delays. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 4,058 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed, with 76 flights canceled. The site did not post any American Airlines flights Tuesday morning, but it showed in the afternoon that 961 American flights were delayed. Amid the travel problems, significant rain and snow were expected in the Pacific Northwest at least into Christmas Day. Showers and thunderstorms were developing in the South. Freezing rain was reported in the Mid-Atlantic region near Baltimore and Washington, and snow fell in New York. An American Airlines employee wearing a Santa Claus hat walks through the American terminal Tuesday at Miami International Airport in Miami. Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. And any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have "interline agreements" that let them put stranded customers on another carrier's flights. This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers automatic cash refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. That's because finding a last-minute flight on another airline tends to be expensive. American Airlines employees check in travelers Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press An American spokesperson said Tuesday was not a peak travel day for the airline — with about 2,000 fewer flights than the busiest days — so it had somewhat of a buffer to manage the delays. The Transportation Security Administration said it expected to screen 40 million passengers through Jan. 2. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. Flight nightmare? Here's how to get compensated Flight nightmare? Here's how to get compensated "It's not the destination, it's the journey," said American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ralph clearly was not among the travellers on one of more than 350 cancelled or 1,400 delayed flights after a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to Crowdstrike's "Falcon Sensor" software in July of 2023. U.S. airlines carried nearly 863 million travellers in 2023, with Canadian carriers accounting for another 150 million, many of whom experienced lost luggage, flight delays, cancellations, or were bumped off their flights. It's unclear how many of them were compensated for these inconveniences. Suffice it to say, posting a crabby rant on social media might temporarily soothe anger, but it won't put wasted money back in pockets. Money.ca shares what to know in order to be compensated for the three most common air travel headaches. Lost Luggage Bags elected to go on a vacay without you? Check off the following: Alert the airline, both in person and in writing, of any missing bags. Remember, the clock starts ticking immediately. After 21 days, the baggage is considered lost and the airline is liable for it and its contents. Contact the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) or Canadian Transportation Agency , who will query the airline on your behalf and give them a 30-day deadline to respond. Usually, the airline will resolve the issue, but if it doesn't, or if you're unsatisfied with the offer, the next level is mediation. Beyond that, the case could move to adjudication, a court-like process with a panel deciding on the outcome. On international flights, you have up to two years to file litigation. If you expect a large payout, think again. Tariffs (air carrier contracts) limit the compensation amounts for "loss of, damage to, or the delay in delivery of baggage or other personal property." In the case of Air Canada, the maximum payout is $1,500 per passenger in the currency of the country where the baggage was processed. To raise that limit, purchase a Declaration of Higher Value for each leg of the trip. The charge is $0.50 for each $100, in which case the payout limit is $2,500. For Delta Air Lines, passengers are entitled to up to $3,800 in baggage compensation, though how much you'll receive depends on your flight. Delta will pay up to $2,080 for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage for international travellers, almost half of what U.S. domestic passengers can claim. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. Delayed/Cancelled Flights Different air carriers and jurisdictions have their own compensation policies when flights are delayed or cancelled. For example, under European Union rules, passengers may receive up to 600 Euros, even when travelling on a non-EU carrier. Similarly, the DOT states that travellers are entitled to a refund "if the airline cancelled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel." However, US rules regarding delays are complicated. Some air carriers, such as Air Canada, do not guarantee their flight schedules. They're also not liable for cancellations or changes due to "force majeure" such as weather conditions or labour disruptions. If the delay is overnight, only out-of-town passengers will be offered hotel accommodation. Nevertheless, many airlines do offer some compensation for the inconvenience. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. Flight Compensation in the U.S. In terms of cash compensation, what you'll get can differ significantly based on things like departure location, time, carrier, and ticket class. The DOT offers a helpful delay and cancellations dashboard designed to keep travellers informed about their compensation rights. The dashboard is particularly helpful because, as the DOT states on its website, "whether you are entitled to a refund depends on a lot of factors—such as the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances." Flight Compensation in Canada The Canadian Transportation Agency is proposing air passenger protection regulations that guarantee financial compensation to travellers experiencing flight delays and cancellations, with the level of compensation varying depending on the situation and how much control the air carrier had. The proposed regulations include the following: A plane must return to its gate after three hours on the tarmac. Minimum requirements will be set for procuring food, drink, lavatories, ventilation, and access to electronic communications during the delay. For larger airlines, payouts will range from $400 for a 3-6 hour delay, to $700 for 6-9 hours, and $1,000 for more than nine hours. For smaller carriers, the compensation would be $125, $250, and $500, respectively. Here's the loophole: If the delay is related to the air carrier's maintenance problems, no compensation is required. The airline is obligated to complete the passenger's itinerary. If the new ticket is for a lower class of service, the air carrier would have to refund the cost difference; if the booking is in a higher class of service, passengers cannot be charged extra. If the passenger declines the ticket, the airline must give a full refund, in addition to the prescribed compensation. For overnight delays, the air carrier needs to provide hotel accommodation and transportation free-of-charge. Again, if you are unsatisfied, the Canadian Transportation Agency or Department of Transportation may advocate on your behalf. Bumped Off the Flight Passengers get bumped because airlines overbook. When this happens, the air carrier must compensate you. For international flights in the US, the rate is 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $675 maximum. If the airline does not make travel arrangements for you, the payout is 400% of your one-way fare to a maximum of $1,350. To qualify, you must check-in by the stated deadline, which on international flights can be up to 3 hours ahead. Keep in mind that if you accept the cash, you are no longer entitled to any further compensation, nor are you guaranteed to be rebooked on a direct flight or similar type of seat. Don't be too quick to give up your boarding pass. Negotiate for the best compensation deal that would include cash, food and hotel vouchers, flight upgrade, lounge passes, as well as mileage points. But avoid being too greedy—if the gate attendant is requesting volunteers and you wait too long, you'll miss the offer. According to Air Canada's tariff, if a passenger is involuntarily bumped, they'll receive $200, in cash or bank draft, for up to a two-hour delay; $400 for a 2-6 hours delay; and $800 if the delay is over six hours. (Air Canada was forced to raise its payouts in 2013 due to passenger complaints.) The new rules would raise the payout significantly: $900 for up to six hours; $1,800 for 6-9; and $2,400 for more than nine hours, all to be paid within 48 hours. Statistically speaking, Delta Airlines is the carrier most likely to bump. A few years ago, Delta raised its payout maximum to $9,950, while United Airlines tops out at $10,000. This story was produced by Money.ca and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock Be the first to know

Banque Cantonale Vaudoise cut its stake in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF ( NYSEARCA:EWY – Free Report ) by 28.1% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 4,365 shares of the exchange traded fund’s stock after selling 1,710 shares during the period. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise’s holdings in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF were worth $279,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. Hara Capital LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF by 1,964.3% in the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 578 shares of the exchange traded fund’s stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 550 shares during the period. International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $49,000. Finally, Prudential PLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $81,000. iShares MSCI South Korea ETF Price Performance EWY stock opened at $58.13 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $4.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.60 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $61.44 and a 200 day moving average price of $63.66. iShares MSCI South Korea ETF has a 12 month low of $55.69 and a 12 month high of $69.51. iShares MSCI South Korea ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI South Korea Capped ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index (the Index). The Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Stock Market Division of the Korean Exchange. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI South Korea ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI South Korea ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Canadians warned to use caution in South Korea after martial law declared then liftedTwo Greenpeace activists were arrested after chaining themselves to a replica oil pumpjack outside Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s official residence in Ottawa Thursday morning. Activists Keith Stewart and Trevor Cluthé were arrested and charged with mischief and intimidation, Greenpeace communications campaigner Laura Bergamo said shortly after the arrest. At 7 a.m. on Nov. 21, Greenpeace activists set up the installation in the driveway of Stornoway, the official residence of the Opposition leader, and chained Stewart and Cluthé to the structure. The demonstration sought to draw attention to what Greenpeace calls the Conservative Party’s “anti-climate agenda” with Poilievre eager to send Canadians to the polls for what he dubs a “carbon tax election.” Firefighters cut the chains tying Stewart and Cluthé to the pumpjack structure just after 9 a.m. so they could be arrested. The structure was removed by a tow truck shortly after. “We’re here today to send a message to Pierre Poilevre that Greenpeace will not stand idly by while he rips up Canada’s Climate Protection Plan, and we hope no one else will either,” Stewart said in an interview before his arrest. “We know we have the capacity to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. That means making the biggest polluters, oil and gas companies, do their fair share. Pierre Poilievre has promised to let them off the hook... That means everyone else pays the cost in wildfires, in heat waves, in floods, climate change is here now.” Cluthé hopes their protest will “raise more awareness among Canadians of Polievre’s complete disregard for the environment and the climate crisis,” he said in an interview early Thursday morning with Canada’s National Observer. “We’re here in support of Indigenous folks and all the other marginalized communities that always take the brunt of the climate crisis first,” Cluthé said. Last November Poilievre said he is not proposing Canada withdraw from the Paris Agreement (an international commitment to limit global warming) but he has yet to present a climate plan. He says that if elected he will scrap the consumer carbon price. Poilievre was not seen exiting Stornoway on Thursday morning, but his children left through the back door. Police, RCMP and personal security were present for the entirety of the Greenpeace action. A few hours later, Poilievre held a press conference at Parliament Hill and was asked in French about the Greenpeace protest and what Canada’s climate objectives would be under a Poilievre government. Poilievre reiterated that his approach to climate and environment would entail “technology, not taxes.” Poilievre said, in French, that the conservatives are the “only party with an environmental plan” and the plan is “energy abundance.” This includes speeding up construction permits for hydropower, ramping up critical mineral production in Canada and exporting natural gas, Poilievre said. Along with oil and gas expansion, Poilievre has also supported carbon capture technology and nuclear power. While the Conservatives’ stance on the consumer carbon tax is clear, Poilievre has not said whether he would keep the industrial carbon pricing system for large polluters. The latter has a bigger impact on reducing emissions than the consumer fuel charge. A Canadian Climate Institute analysis from March 2024 looked at which federal climate policies will have the biggest impact and found the industrial carbon pricing system will comprise 20 to 48 per cent of Canada’s emission reductions by 2030. Along with a pledge to kill the consumer carbon price, Poilievre opposes a slew of incoming and existing policies including a cap on planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas production, regulations to clean up Canada’s electricity grid by 2035 and the current clean fuel regulations.

In a half-sane world, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to head the Department of Health and Human Services would be recognized for what it plainly is -- crazy. With this final nail in the coffin of better Kennedys, I think we can declare the family mystique finis. A starstruck President-elect Donald Trump, meanwhile, must be having the time of his life, mocking and undermining nearly every American government institution by playing Cabinet roulette. With each new name, I can hear the pick say, “No, I’ve never been to medical school, but I slept at a Holiday Inn last night.” Trump must giggle himself to sleep. One can also safely infer that when Kennedy’s own family issues a statement denouncing his political shift, we should pay attention. No, I don’t think the Democratic Kennedys turned their backs on the serial adulterer, conspiracy theorist and anti-vaccine activist only because he hitched his wagon to Trump. More likely, they fear that Trump could empower Kennedy to put into practice some of his loonier ideas. People are also reading... Much of this Kennedy’s history is familiar. He’s a drug addict, possessed of “lust demons” (in his own words) and a journalist -- of a sort. He kept a diary of his sexual exploits with names and ratings from 1 to 10. A 10 meant going all the way, to use the nomenclature of his arrested development. Kennedy was an adult in his second marriage when he started scoring his exploits. (As far as we know.) In the journal, which somehow found its way to the New York Post, he claims to have had affairs with 37 women while married to his second wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy. She reportedly became aware of the journal at some point and, in the midst of the divorce, died by suicide, according to New York Magazine. In just the past year, Kennedy carried on a nine-month sexting relationship with a well-known journalist who was at the time engaged to another journalist. (They’ve parted ways, and both are on job vacation.) But ol’ Kennedy gets a pass because he’s -- I give up. The guy has the face of a baseball mitt, and yet women are tripping over each other trying to be his best girl. Three more women came forward in October claiming romantic involvement with Kennedy, whom they knew through the Children’s Health Defense, an advocacy group he founded to fight, among other things, 5G wireless technology. Kennedy claims that the technology causes cancer, infertility and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, for which there is, indeed, some limited, inconsistent evidence, according to the World Health Organization. He also claims that chemicals in our drinking water are making children gay or transgender, a conspiracy theory advanced by none other than Alex Jones. What must life be like in the brain of this man? No wonder the worm died. Like Trump, Kennedy seems impervious to consequences and shameless in the service of self-preservation. During his divorce from his second wife, he claimed during testimony that a brain worm had left him cognitively deficient, thus crippling his ability to earn money and therefore pay alimony. It must be said that Kennedy has his eye on some targets that are overdue for governmental scrutiny. Factory farming is an abomination. Environmental toxins can never be adequately controlled to my satisfaction. People have reason to question the contents of heavily processed foods. But lawyers and activists who cherry-pick data and traffic in junk science shouldn’t be assigned greater credibility than scientists who subject their research to strict quality standards. Kennedy’s willingness to bend the truth to his purposes should not be rewarded with one of the nation’s most important jobs. His confirmation would be not just bad for the national health. It would also be crazy. Parker writes for The Washington Post. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!The Department of Justice has taken a historic step against Google's monopoly in the online search market. Prosecutors have outlined a series of radical measures, including selling its Chrome browser and Android system, to foster competition. The landmark case in Washington could redefine how users access information. The proposed remedies target Google's exclusive agreements that favor its search engine, demanding an end to practices where Google pays billions to dominate default positions on devices. A court-appointed committee could see these measures implemented for a decade, ensuring competition and addressing what the DOJ calls an illegal monopoly. Google responded critically, with Chief Legal Officer Kent Walker labeling the plans as an overreach that risks harming various American stakeholders. Amidst a substantial drop in Google's shares, the future course of this case remains uncertain with potential interventions from the upcoming administration. (With inputs from agencies.)

High school recruiting isn't the only way to build a winner in the transfer portal eraEdmunds: Five dream-worthy vehicles you wish you got for the holidaysNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks climbed Thursday after market superstar Nvidia and another round of companies said they’re making even fatter profits than expected. The S&P 500 pulled 0.5% higher after flipping between gains and losses several times during the day. Banks, smaller companies and other areas of the stock market that tend to do best when the economy is strong helped lead the way, while bitcoin briefly broke above $99,000. Crude oil, meanwhile, continued to rise. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 461 points, or 1.1%, and the Nasdaq composite edged up by less than 0.1%. Nvidia rose just 0.5% after beating analysts’ estimates for profit and revenue yet again, but it was still the strongest force pulling the S&P 500 upward. It also gave a forecast for revenue in the current quarter that topped most analysts’ expectations due to voracious demand for its chips used in artificial-intelligence technology. Its stock initially sank in afterhours trading Wednesday following the release of the results. Some investors said the market might have been looking for Nvidia’s revenue forecast to surpass expectations by even more. But its stock recovered in premarket trading Thursday, and Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said it was another “flawless” profit report provided by Nvidia and CEO Jensen Huang, whom Ives calls “the Godfather of AI.” The stock meandered through Thursday as well, dragging the S&P 500 and other indexes back and forth. How Nvidia’s stock performs has more impact than any other because it’s grown into Wall Street’s most valuable company at roughly $3.6 trillion. The frenzy around AI is sweeping up other stocks, and Snowflake jumped 32.7% after reporting stronger results for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The company, whose platform helps customers get a better view of all their silos of data and use AI, also reported stronger revenue growth than expected. BJ’S Wholesale Club rose 8.3% after likewise delivering a bigger profit than expected. That may help calm worries about how resilient U.S. shoppers can remain, given high prices across the economy and still-high interest rates. A day earlier, Target tumbled after reporting sluggish sales in the latest quarter and giving a dour forecast for the holiday shopping season. It followed Walmart , which gave a much more encouraging outlook. Nearly 90% of the stocks in the S&P 500 ended up rising Thursday, and the gains were even bigger among smaller companies. The Russell 2000 index of smaller stocks jumped a market-leading 1.7%. Google’s parent company, Alphabet, helped keep indexes in check. It fell 4.7% after U.S. regulators asked a judge to break up the tech giant by forcing it to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser. In a 23-page document filed late Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice called for sweeping punishments that would include restrictions preventing Android from favoring its own search engine. Regulators stopped short of demanding Google sell Android but left the door open to it if the company’s oversight committee continues to see evidence of misconduct. All told, the S&P 500 rose 31.60 points to 5,948.71. The Dow jumped 461.88 to 43,870.35, and the Nasdaq composite added 6.28 to 18,972.42. In the crypto market, bitcoin eclipsed $99,000 for the first time before pulling back toward $98,000, according to CoinDesk. It’s more than doubled so far this year, and its climb has accelerated since Election Day. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to make the country “the crypto capital of the planet” and create a “strategic reserve” of bitcoin. Bitcoin got a further boost after Gary Gensler, the chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, said Thursday he would step down in January . Gensler has pushed for more protections for crypto investors. Bitcoin and related investment have a notorious history of big price swings in both directions. MicroStrategy, a company that’s been raising cash expressly to buy bitcoin, saw an early Thursday gain of 14.6% for its stock quickly disappear. It finished the day with a loss of 16.2%. In the oil market, a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rose 2% to bring its gain for the week to 4.8%. Brent crude, the international standard, climbed 1.8%. Oil has been rising amid escalations in the Russia-Ukraine war. In stock markets abroad, shares of India’s Adani Enterprises plunged 22.6% Thursday after the U.S. charged founder Gautam Adani in a federal indictment with securities fraud and conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud. The businessman and one of the world’s richest people is accused of concealing that his company’s huge solar energy project on the subcontinent was being facilitated by an alleged bribery scheme. Stock indexes elsewhere in Asia and Europe were mixed. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury inched up to 4.43% from 4.41% late Wednesday following some mixed reports on the U.S. economy. One said fewer U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits last week in the latest signal that the job market remains solid. Another report, though, said manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region unexpectedly shrank. Sales of previously occupied homes, meanwhile, strengthened last month by more than expected. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Yuri Kageyama contributed.Share Tweet Share Share Email In the fast-paced world of digital innovation, blockchain and cryptocurrency platforms continue to break boundaries, offering transformative solutions to global challenges. Among these cutting-edge projects are Qubetics , Solana, Hedera, Cardano, and Litecoin, each contributing uniquely to the evolution of decentralized ecosystems. Let’s explore these platforms, their offerings, and their potential to redefine financial landscapes. 1. Qubetics: Revolutionizing Cross-Border Payments In today’s interconnected global economy, the need for efficient and secure cross-border payments is more urgent than ever. The Qubetics Network rises to this challenge by providing a state-of-the-art platform designed to streamline international transactions for businesses and individuals alike. For businesses, Qubetics simplifies settlement processes, ensuring optimal cash flow and operational efficiency. By enabling quick transfers and settlements, companies can respond swiftly to market demands, enhance their competitive edge, and drive sustainable growth. The platform offers a hassle-free remittance solution for individuals, eliminating the delays and complications often associated with traditional payment methods. Qubetics is currently in Presale Phase 14, with $TICS tokens priced at $0.037. The presale phase has raised over $7.7 million, attracted more than 11,700 holders, and sold 374 million tokens. Weekly price hikes of 10% culminate in a final phase surge of 20%, making this a prime opportunity for investors. Post-presale, the token is expected to launch at $0.25, representing a potential ROI of 563.81% for early adopters. Analysts predict explosive growth following the mainnet launch, with prices potentially reaching $10 to $15 per token. A $10 valuation would equate to an ROI of 26,452.57%, while a $15 valuation could see returns soar to 39,728.85%. Qubetics is poised to disrupt global finance, making cross-border payments faster, more affordable, and accessible for all. 2. Solana: A High-Performance Blockchain Platform Solana is renowned for its high-speed transactions and scalability, positioning itself as a leading blockchain for decentralised applications (dApps) and cryptocurrency projects. The platform’s architecture is built to handle thousands of transactions per second, far outpacing most of its competitors. By leveraging Proof of History (PoH) alongside Proof of Stake (PoS), Solana ensures unparalleled efficiency and security. Developers flock to the platform for its low fees and lightning-fast performance, making it an ideal ecosystem for DeFi projects, NFT marketplaces, and gaming applications. Solana’s community-driven approach fosters innovation, empowering developers to build on a robust and scalable network. Its ecosystem continues to grow, making it a key player in the blockchain space. 3. Hedera: The Leader in Enterprise-Grade Blockchain Solutions Hedera Hashgraph stands out with its unique consensus algorithm, offering a more energy-efficient and secure alternative to traditional blockchains. Hedera is designed for enterprise applications and ensures rapid transaction speeds, low costs, and high reliability. The platform’s Hashgraph consensus mechanism enables unparalleled scalability, supporting up to 10,000 transactions per second. Hedera’s governance model, comprising industry leaders like Google and IBM, adds to its credibility and adoption. Hedera’s diverse use cases range from supply chain optimisation and healthcare data management to tokenisation and payments. Its focus on enterprise-grade solutions makes it a vital tool for businesses seeking blockchain integration. 4. Cardano: A Visionary Approach to Blockchain Technology Cardano is a research-driven blockchain that prioritises security, scalability, and sustainability. Built on a layered architecture, it separates computation from settlement, allowing enhanced functionality without compromising efficiency. Cardano’s Ouroboros Proof of Stake (PoS) protocol is a pioneering consensus mechanism that reduces energy consumption while maintaining network integrity. Its rigorous peer-reviewed development process ensures reliability and innovation. The platform’s commitment to social impact is evident in its digital identity and financial inclusion projects. Cardano aims to provide blockchain solutions to underserved communities, empowering individuals and organisations. Cardano continues to attract developers, businesses, and investors as its ecosystem expands, cementing its position as a leader in blockchain innovation. 5. Litecoin: The Silver Standard of Cryptocurrency Litecoin, one of the earliest cryptocurrencies, remains steadfast in the blockchain landscape. Litecoin offers a lightweight alternative to Bitcoin, known for its simplicity and speed, with faster transaction times and lower fees. The platform’s Scrypt algorithm ensures a more decentralised mining process, making it accessible to a broader audience. Litecoin’s focus on usability has made it a popular choice for day-to-day transactions and as a testing ground for Bitcoin innovations. Litecoin’s longevity and adaptability continue to make it a reliable option for investors and users, solidifying its role in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Conclusion Qubetics, Solana, Hedera, Cardano, and Litecoin collectively drive the blockchain revolution. Each platform addresses distinct challenges, from cross-border payments and high-speed transactions to enterprise solutions, research-driven development, and everyday usability. These projects are not just technological marvels but pivotal elements in the broader financial and technological progress narrative. As they continue to grow and evolve, they open doors to new opportunities, empowering individuals and businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Investors, developers, and enthusiasts stand to benefit from the transformative potential of these platforms. By embracing the innovations they offer, we can shape a future defined by efficiency, accessibility, and global connectivity. For More Information: Qubetics: https://qubetics.com Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://x.com/qubetics Related Items: Blockchain , Qubetic Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you BTFD Coin’s Discount Offer And The Top 5 Picks for The Best Cryptos to Join for Short Term Gains Top Cryptocurrencies to Watch in 2024 | Top 3 Potential Breakout Stars Innerworks and Bittensor ($TAO) Collaborate to Unveil RedTeam Platform to Enhance Cybersecurity Innovation Comments

On the evening of November 21, 2024, the serene garden of the German Consulate General in Victoria Island, Lagos, was transformed into a vibrant celebration of unity, history, and international cooperation. The occasion? The 34th anniversary of the Day of German Unity. Under a canopy adorned with colorful balloons and surrounded by cocktail tables, distinguished guests gathered to mark this significant event, blending tradition and diplomacy with warm hospitality and cultural exchange. The evening began with a soft blend of music as attendees, dressed in business attire, national dress, and uniforms, arrived at the beautifully decorated venue. A special photo booth, complete with an event banner, provided the perfect backdrop for pictures. The event officially commenced at 7:30 PM with the national anthems of Nigeria and Germany, followed by a welcome address by Weert Börner, the German Consul General. In his speech, Börner took guests on a journey through Germany’s post-war transformation under its 75-year-old constitution, the “Grundgesetz” or Basic Law. “Germany found its way back to peace, democracy, and a liberal and social state under the rule of law,” he stated. Highlighting Germany’s global achievements in democratic participation, freedom of expression, and social justice, Börner also underscored the country’s enduring relationship with Nigeria. He celebrated 50 years of development cooperation between the two nations, focusing on vocational training, academic exchanges, and entrepreneurial partnerships. Notable milestones included the success of the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), which awarded over 1,600 scholarships to Nigerians in 2023, and a groundbreaking entrepreneurial exchange program between North Rhine-Westphalia and Lagos. He said, “In the first half of 2024, 10 Nigerian startup entrepreneurs spent two months in North Rhine-Westphalia, one of Germany’s states. Shortly afterwards, 10 startup entrepreneurs from North Rhine-Westphalia spent one month in Lagos, a very successful booster for all of them.” Mr. Börner also spotlighted the German-Nigerian business forum, which recently witnessed the signing of a €40 million contract to enhance the waste management and recycling landscape in Lagos, as well as Germany’s co-funding of the MOWAA Institute, a museum project promoting archaeological and cultural collaboration between Nigeria and Germany. The Consul General’s speech ended with heartfelt gratitude to sponsors such as Bosch, Henkel, Julius Berger, KSP, and Millo for their contributions to fostering German-Nigerian partnerships. Special appreciation was also extended to his wife, Dr. Imke Börner, and the consulate staff for organising the event. He said, “A special thank you goes to you my dear Imke for all your engagement to foster the German-Nigerian friendship. Another big thank you goes to the consulate’s team, the consulate’s gardeners, our electricians and decorators for preparing this garden venue so nicely. A big thank you also goes to Radisson Blu for their excellent catering.” Adding a Nigerian perspective to the celebration, the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, delivered a spirited speech. He lauded the significance of German reunification, calling it “a bold indicator of the power of unity” and emphasised Germany’s influence as a respected global economy. Governor Mbah also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Germany, underscoring the friendship between the two nations. As the speeches concluded, the guests indulged in a delightful array of refreshments, including wine, prosecco, and expertly crafted canapés. The mingling continued well into the evening, with laughter and conversations filling the air, complemented by the soothing music that set a relaxed ambiance. The Day of German Unity reception not only celebrated a historic moment for Germany but also reinforced the dynamic and growing partnership between Germany and Nigeria. It was an evening of diplomacy, cultural exchange, and camaraderie—a testament to the enduring power of unity. Melissa Enoch Follow us on:

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Married At First Sight UK 's Ella Morgan has reportedly called it quits with her Celebs Go Dating beau, Alex James Ali, amid rumours of his infidelity. The 30 year old reality TV sensation first shot to fame on E4's tumultuous dating show, where she stirred up drama by ditching husband Nathanial Valentino for fellow contestant, JJ Slater - who was previously hitched to Bianca Petronzi. Despite the sparks flying between Ella and JJ during filming, their romance didn't stand the test of time, especially as JJ moved on with Ella's friend Katie Price , leaving her fuming and publicly accusing Katie of breaking 'girl code'. Despite the tension, Katie and JJ are still an item nearly a year later. However, it seemed like love was in the air for Ella when she met hairdresser Alex on another E4 dating show, Celebs Go Dating, earlier this year. The pair were seen flirting up a storm on the show and seemed to be going strong months after filming wrapped, regularly featuring each other on their social media feeds as recently as last week, reports the Mirror . But now, it appears their relationship has hit the rocks, with reports suggesting Ella ended things after accusing Alex of messaging other women. A source told The Sun: "Ella is absolutely heartbroken and disappointed but the trust is gone now for her. On the outside they appeared so happy and loved up but there were cracks growing on the inside." According to a source, Ella and Alex have parted ways despite their strong feelings for each other. The insider revealed: "Fans absolutely adored them and that initially spurred them on to try and make things work and they even planned to move into Alex's house at some point. She's going into the New Year single with a positive mind frame but it has come at the worst time with Christmas and her birthday just days away." OK! has approached representatives of both Ella and Alex for comment. Just four days ago, Alex expressed his love for Ella in an Instagram post that she shared. She had attended a lavish event celebrating the transgender community and highlighting an organisation that offers access to safe healthcare for transgender people. After she shared a highlights reel of the night on her Instagram grid, Alex reacted with a string of flame emojis. And days earlier, Ella had responded with a love heart emoji to a post that Alex shared on his own post. Fans will note that the duo still follow each other on Instagram amid the reports that they have broken up. In October, Ella gushed to the Mirror about how happy she was to have found love with Alex. She said: "Life has been amazing since Celebs Go Dating. I've got my man. I love him. I literally love him." Sharing an insight into the couple's next big move, she continued: "We've talked about marriage, moving in and me meeting his son." Opening up about her journey to finding love, she shared: "The show completely changed my love life. After 30 years, I finally have a boyfriend. I'm still in shock that it happened to me. I genuinely never thought I would meet someone after 10 years of not dating. I had started to think that I was the problem and I would always be lonely. Being trans, I have more struggles to contend with. I thought I would always be on my own." She further confided that her current partner, Alex, has reaffirmed her belief in love, saying, "I'm really grateful I have found someone that I have an amazing connection with. It's not about being trans, it's not a fetish for him. We actually haven't even spoken that in-depth about it, and that's the first time for me with any guy I've dated. He just says, 'You're Ella to me' and I love it."

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