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Did Biden and McCarthy strike a secret Ukraine side deal? Republicans and Democrats stoke suspicion after Ukraine funding was cut from spending bill
Any deal that McCarthy may have struck with Biden or other Democrats over the weekend was likely rendered moot after he lost his leadership role on Tuesday. Kevin McCarthy with President Joe Biden at an Oval Office meeting on the debt ceiling on May 22.Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty ImagesLawmakers this week were buzzing about a secret Ukraine side deal between Biden and Kevin McCarthy.Billions of dollars in funding for Ukraine were left out of a last-minute spending bill.But any deal the two struck was likely rendered moot after McCarthy was ousted from his speaker role Tuesday.The political drama unfolding in Washington, DC, as former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted from his leadership role is likely to have implications far beyond the nation's capital.Republicans and Democrats alike were stoking suspicion about a possible secret Ukraine "side deal" struck by McCarthy and Biden over the weekend as the California Republican raced against the clock to avoid a government shutdown.Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida invoked the alleged Ukraine deal in a speech on the House floor Monday as he began the effort to remove McCarthy from his speaker role. The House voted in favor of the motion on Tuesday in an unprecedented move that left the chamber in chaos.Six billion dollars worth of additional funding that Ukraine says it desperately needs was dropped from a short-term spending bill passed at the last minute over the weekend in a 335-91 vote. All but one Democrat voted in favor of the bill, while 90 Republicans voted against it.The removal of Ukraine funding briefly stopped Sen. Michael Bennet, a Colorado Democrat, from supporting the Senate version of the bill, but he ultimately fell in line with his colleagues after Senate leadership hinted at a future for the funding."In the coming weeks, we expect the Senate will work to ensure the US government continues to provide critical and sustained security and economic support for Ukraine," the Senate statement said.Biden ramped up speculation about a side deal on Sunday when CBS News asked him if he could trust McCarthy "when the next deal comes around.""We just made one about Ukraine," Biden said. "So, we'll find out. "McCarthy, however, denied making a bargain with Biden, telling reporters on Monday that there was no secret plan.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, meanwhile, added fuel to the fire on Monday as she avoided specific questions from reporters about the existence of a Ukraine deal, but noted that the administration expects McCarthy to "keep his word" on his previous support for providing Ukraine with necessary weapons.National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday that Biden has "every expectation" McCarthy will "keep his public commitment to secure the passage of the support needed to help Ukraine at this critical moment."Ongoing financial and military support for Ukraine amid the country's 19-month war against Russia has become a flashpoint for lawmakers in DC.But any deal that McCarthy may have struck with Biden or other Democrats over the weekend was likely rendered moot after he lost his leadership role on Tuesday.The vote came soon after Biden tried to ease fears about the sudden lack of support for Ukraine in a call with 11 heads of state. But without additional funding, the Pentagon has only a few months of funding left to maintain current spending rates in Ukraine, Kirby said."A lapse in support will make Putin believe he can wait us out, and that he can continue the conflict," Biden said on the call, according to Kirby. "A strong signal of support now and into the next year will make it clear to Putin that he's wrong."Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
Kevin McCarthy"s CBS interview, where he blamed Democrats for the near-government shutdown, tanked any hope of them saving his speakership
Several Democrats could have been inclined to back McCarthy to retain the speaker's gavel had he agreed to concessions. But he refused such an offer. Rep. Kevin McCarthy speaks at the US Capitol after he was ousted as Speaker of the House on October 3, 2023.AP Photo/J. Scott ApplewhiteA CBS News interview destroyed any chance that Kevin McCarthy had in keeping his job as speaker.Just a handful of Democrats could have easily crossed over and saved McCarthy on Tuesday.But after he tried to blame them for the near-shutdown, Democrats voted unanimously to oust him.On Sunday, Kevin McCarthy — just hours removed from helping shepherd a stopgap spending bill with bipartisan support that eventually averted a government shutdown — blamed Democrats for the near-failure of the legislation.While speaking with CBS News host Margaret Brennan on "Face the Nation," the California Republican said he had doubts about whether the bill, which passed with mostly Democratic votes, would actually get through the House."I wasn't sure it was going to pass," he said. "You want to know why? Because the Democrats tried to do everything they can not to let it pass."Brennan laughed, noting that it was Democrats who kept the bill afloat, as 90 Republicans voted against it.And on Tuesday, as the fate of McCarthy's speakership rested among the chamber that narrowly elected him to lead it in January, House Democrats chose not to hand him what could have been the biggest political lifeline of his career.In a 216-210 vote, McCarthy was ousted as speaker, as eight Republicans joined 208 Democrats in backing a "motion to vacate," which removed him from the position and will now allow for an election for a new speaker.The day could have turned out much differently, as several centrist Democrats could have been inclined to back McCarthy to retain the speaker's gavel had he agreed to some concessions. But ahead of the vote, McCarthy said that he wasn't entertaining any major concessions from the minority party.After Democratic leaders showed the "Face the Nation" interview to members on Tuesday, McCarthy's remarks angered members from across the party's ideological spectrum.Ahead of today's vote on an effort to oust @SpeakerMcCarthy, the House Democratic Caucus watched McCarthy's interview with @margbrennan on Sunday, where he attempted to blame House Democrats for the near-government shutdown.WATCH: pic.twitter.com/IwwnMYZitK— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) October 3, 2023Rep. Matt Cartwright of Pennsylvania, a moderate from a district that also backed former President Donald Trump in 2020, is the sort of Democrat who might've helped McCarthy. He even suggested on Fox News last weekend that he was inclined to vote "present," which would have lowered the threshold for McCarthy to remain speaker.But that didn't happen."After I saw Kevin McCarthy's interview with Margaret Brennan, all magnanimity left my body," he told Punchbowl News on Tuesday.Not one Democrat came to McCarthy's aid, which was a missed opportunity for McCarthy, as even a handful of defections could have given him the requisite votes needed to remain speaker.House Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, who last week expressed an openness to voting for McCarthy to keep his position, told CNN on Tuesday that the CBS News interview ended any chance of that happening."For McCarthy to go on TV the next day and saying to all the media that the Democrats did this, the Democrats did that, that it was all our fault — Democrats brought the majority of the votes by a wide margin and for him to discredit everything that Democrats have done — everybody got very upset," the veteran lawmaker said.Without any crossover Democratic votes and continued opposition from several hardline House conservatives, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, McCarthy lost the speaker's gavel.And on Tuesday evening, McCarthy announced that he won't run for the speakership again.McCarthy made a range of concessions to conservatives to become speaker earlier this year. But his attempts to pin the near-shutdown on Democrats — which resulted in them shrugging their shoulders at his dilemma — may be one of the biggest blunders in modern politics.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
The ambitious career of Kevin McCarthy, ousted GOP Speaker of the House
After years of striving to secure the seat, McCarthy served as the Republican Speaker of the House for less than a year before being voted out. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, was elected Speaker of the House in January 2023. He held the seat less than a year before being ousted with support from members of his own party. Here's a look at his more than two decades in office and how his influence has faltered in the GOP. Kevin McCarthy, a California congressman, is the House Republican who, after a contentious voting process, replaced Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House in the 2023 congressional session. On Tuesday, less than a year after taking the seat, he was ousted from the job.His tumultuous bid to hold the Speaker's gavel was clinched after a record 15 ballots held in the House. His short-lived win came after five days of contentious voting, delayed by McCarthy critics including Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida — who later forced the vote which led to McCarthy's dismissal from the Speakership. The last time a speaker election went to multiple votes was in 1923 when a Speaker of the House was elected after nine ballots. McCarthy is the first Speaker in American history to be removed from the seat.Throughout his more than 20-year political career, the Bakersfield Republican developed a reputation for his ambition which, at times, made him a target within his own party. Here's a look at McCarthy's career, starting with his time in the California State Assembly to his years as a political influencer, and his recent ouster from the Speakership. Representatives for McCarthy did not respond to Insider's requests for comment.Kevin McCarthy's political career began before he was elected to the California State Assembly.In this March 26, 2004 file photo, then-California State Assembly Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, left, talks to reporters after a meeting with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in Sacramento, Calif.AP Photo/Steve Yeater, FileHe worked in Rep. Bill Thomas's district office from 1987 to 2002, when he first won state office. The son of a Bakersfield assistant fire chief, McCarthy briefly ran a deli counter out of his aunt and uncle's frozen yogurt shop as a young adult but has worked in state or federal politics for his entire career.McCarthy served as California State Assemblyman until 2007 and was Assembly Minority Leader from 2004-2006.In this Feb. 17, 2005 file photo, then-California State Assemblyman Kevin McCarthy, right, walks with then-California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, center, and Rep. David Dreier, R-Calif., on Capitol Hill in Washington.AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, FileIn 2006, he raised $1.15 million in campaign finances, according to OpenSecrets, slightly below the $1.36 million average raised by House members. In comparison, during the 2022 election, McCarthy raised $25.5 million — far above the $2.85 million average.McCarthy ran for his House seat unopposed in 2008 and 2010.Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), shown here in the U.S. Capitol, December 9, 2009, was chosen in a poll of congressional insiders as the GOP member of Congress with the "brightest political future."Robert Giroux/MCT/Tribune News Service via Getty ImagesReflecting on his one-time student, Dr. Mohsen Attaran, professor of management at California State University, Bakersfield, who taught McCarthy in his BA and MA programs, told Insider, "He's at the same time an ambitious and compassionate individual."He served as Majority Whip, the third-ranking House Republican from 2011 to 2014.Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Thursday, June 21, 2007.Chuck Kennedy/MCT/Tribune News Service via Getty ImagesMcCarthy's political influence began to grow quickly after winning his election as representative for California's 22nd Congressional District. He filled the seat left empty by the retirement of his former boss, Bill Thomas.In his early years as a US Representative, McCarthy was one of three founding members of the GOP Young Guns Program.U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) speaks on day one of the Republican National Convention (RNC) at the Xcel Energy Center September 1, 2008 in St. Paul, Minnesota.Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesMcCarthy took a special interest in the initiative, which was intended to promote young Republicans among the National Republican Congressional Committee.In 2012, McCarthy's congressional office was revealed to be one of the top spenders in Washington.House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy of Calif., leaves the House chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, July, 11, 2012, after the Republican-controlled House voted 244-185 to repeal President Barack Obama's health care law.AP Photo/J. Scott ApplewhiteMcCarthy's office spent the equivalent of two salaries — or $95,000 —on pastries and lunches, with an additional $4,000 being spent on bottled water, ABC reported. The next highest spender that year, Republican House Speaker John Boehner, spent a comparative $64,000.In his fifth term, McCarthy was part of a group of mostly GOP leaders who sued the Obama administration.McCarthy (R-CA), leaves a meeting of the House Republican conference June 18, 2014 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC.Win McNamee/Getty ImagesCritics of the Obama administration, including McCarthy, sued over the president's use of executive action related to the Affordable Care Act's employer health insurance mandate.He ran an unsuccessful bid for Speaker of the House in 2015.House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., center, with Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., right, sponsor of the Senate's Keystone XL pipeline bill version, and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., chair of the Republican Conference, urge President Barack Obama to sign the legislation passed in the House and Senate approving expansion of the Keystone XL pipeline, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015.AP Photo/J. Scott ApplewhiteBecoming more of a figurehead within the GOP, then-House Majority Leader McCarthy took a lead role in challenging the Obama administration's policy goals. McCarthy urged President Obama to sign legislation approving the expansion of the Keystone XL pipeline and called for a firmer response to Russian aggression in Ukraine. McCarthy was among the first Republicans to express support for Donald Trump and endorsed him for the Republican primary in the 2016 presidential election.Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., speaks during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.AP Photo/J. Scott ApplewhiteMcCarthy's alliance with Trump would persist through two impeachments. McCarthy, now a GOP figurehead, also vastly out-fundraised other House Republicans in 2016— raising $7.74 million in campaign finance contributions compared to the average $1.73 million, according to OpenSecrets.In 2017, CalMatters reported "no politician has more clout with the Trump White House than [McCarthy] does."President-elect Donald Trump, followed by President Barack Obama, greets Congressional leadership as they arrive for Trump's inauguration ceremony on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017.AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, PoolMcCarthy was called "Trump's closest ally in Congress," though The Washington Post reported McCarthy had been recorded saying "I think Putin pays" Trump the year before he was elected.As House Majority Leader, McCarthy unified House Republicans in voting against Trump's first impeachment.House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., listen to President Donald J. Trump during a signing ceremony for S. 756, First Step Act and H.R. 6964, Juvenile Justice Reform Act in the Oval Office at the White House on Friday, Dec. 21, 2018 in Washington, DC.Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty ImagesMcCarthy vehemently opposed Trump's impeachment related to allegations the former president threatened to withhold aid from Ukraine in order to enlist the government in discrediting his political rival, Joe Biden.McCarthy maintained his defense of the former president on numerous occasions.House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Calif. speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019.AP Photo/Susan WalshCNN reported McCarthy said "there's nothing that the president did wrong" on his phone call with Zelenskyy. Politico reported he defended military expenditures at Trump's Scottish resort, saying, "It's just like any other hotel."Following the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, McCarthy privately lambasted the then-president.President Donald Trump steps off Air Force One, followed by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Calif., as he returns Saturday, May 30, 2020, at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. Trump is returning from Kennedy Space Center for the SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch.AP Photo/Alex BrandonPrivately, McCarthy said he would call for Trump's resignation — while maintaining public support for him. Though their relationship was briefly questioned after recordings of McCarthy's criticism surfaced, Trump reaffirmed his belief in McCarthy's loyalty in 2021."Kevin McCarthy will sell his mother's soul in order to protect his own political career and to do whatever the former president tells him to do. And that's not okay," McCarthy's 2022 political challenger, Marisa Wood, told Insider.House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., speaks during a news conference as Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., right, looks on at Capitol Hill, in Washington, Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Pelosi is rejecting two Republicans tapped by House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy to sit on a committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. She cited the "integrity" of the investigation.AP Photo/Jose Luis MaganaWood echoed concerns from within McCarthy's own party that his ambition had outweighed his morals."He's willing to sacrifice everything for his own political gain," Liz Cheney said of McCarthy in October 2022.McCarthy announced his bid for Speaker of the House just as Trump announced his third presidential campaign.House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., heads to his office surrounded by reporters after House investigators issued a subpoena to McCarthy and four other Republican lawmakers as part of their probe into the violent Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol in Washington, May 12, 2022.AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, FileMcCarthy needed to win 218 votes to win the Speaker seat, though several Republicans publicly opposed him.His tumultuous bid to hold the Speaker's gavel was clinched after a record 15 ballots held in the House.US House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) calls out in the House Chamber during the 14th vote for Speaker of the House at the US Capitol Building on January 06, 2023 in Washington, DC.Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesA feud between Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz and McCarthy began brewing during McCarthy's election to the Speakership in January 2023, which faced heavy resistance from Gaetz and other GOP critics of McCarthy's.It took 15 painstaking votes for McCarthy to secure the Speaker's seat.The last time a speaker election went to multiple votes was in 1923 when a Speaker of the House was elected after nine ballots.In order to secure the Speakership, McCarthy changed House rules and made concessions that would ultimately lead to his ouster.US House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) rubs his face during the fourth day of elections for Speaker of the House at the US Capitol Building on January 06, 2023 in Washington, DC.Kevin Dietsch/Getty ImagesOne of the concessions that McCarthy made with Gaetz and other fringe members of the GOP was to allow any sitting member to call a snap vote for a successor.McCarthy's feud with Gaetz heated up over the course of the year.House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) (L) talks to Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz (R-FL) in the House Chamber after Gaetz voted present during the fourth day of voting for Speaker of the House at the US Capitol Building on January 06, 2023 in Washington, DC.Chip Somodevilla/Getty ImagesThe Florida Republican criticized McCarthy's leadership, saying the speaker was "out of compliance" with the agreements that he made with the outlying conservatives earlier this year. Making good on a previous threat, Gaetz initiated the motion to remove McCarthy from the Speaker's seat October 3, 2023.McCarthy has argued Gaetz's move was payback for Gaetz facing a House Committee inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of funds. McCarthy was removed from the Speaker's seat less than a year after taking the office.US Republican Representative from California Kevin McCarthy walks from the House Chamber after he was ousted as Speaker at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on October 3, 2023.MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty ImagesFor the first time in American history, the House of Representatives successfully moved to vacate the Office of the Speaker following Gaetz' motion.The 216-210 vote included every present Democratic member of the House and eight Republicans — including Gaetz. Editor's note: This story was first published in November 2022 and has been updated to reflect recent developments.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
US-China relations are "on the brink of red lines" but war is still unlikely, says hedge fund legend Ray Dalio
There are "irreconcilable differences" between the US and China, including Taiwan, the rivalry over semiconductor chips, and geopolitics, Dalio said on Tuesday. Ray Dalio said "irreconcilable differences" between the US and China include Taiwan, their rivalry over semiconductor chips, and geopolitics.Eoin Noonan/Web Summit via Getty ImagesHedge fund legend Ray Dalio said US-China relations are "on the brink of red lines.""Irreconcilable differences" between the two include Taiwan, their rivalry over chips, and geopolitics.Even so, Dalio said he doesn't think a war between the US and China is likely.The US and China relationship is "on the brink of red lines" — but war is unlikely, said hedge fund legend Ray Dalio at the Greenwich Economic Forum on Tuesday, according to a Bloomberg recording.Dalio said at the forum there are "irreconcilable differences" between the world's two latest economies — including Taiwan, the rivalry over semiconductor chips, and geopolitics.China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its territory and has been ramping up military drills around the island."The breaking point is if the United States said 'we are in favor of the independence of Taiwan.' That's the equivalent of declaration of war," said Dalio, who is the founder of hedge fund giant Bridgewater Associates."And because of our political issues now, internally, you are going to be likely to push that — because of the fact that many in the Congress and so on would say 'we'll defend Taiwan,'" he added.Even so, Dalio said he doesn't think a war between the US and China is likely.Dalio's latest assessment on US-China relations appears to dial down on his comments in April when he said in a LinkedIn post that the two countries were on the brink of war."Neither country wants to go to war. Everybody's afraid of what that war would be like because it would be devastating economically and politically," said Dalio on Tuesday."These issues will remain and probably intensify over the next five to 10 years, but they will be at that edge," he added.Dalio stepped down as Bridgewater's co-CIO in October last year but was involved in setting up the hedge fund's first onshore China fund in 2018.Onshore assets under management under Bridgewater's flagship China fund stood at 30 billion Chinese yuan, or $4.1 billion, as of August, Bloomberg reported on September 15, citing people familiar with the matter. They rose from over 20 billion Chinese yuan last year.Dalio did not immediately respond to Insider's request for additional comments sent outside regular business hours.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
Taylor Swift wanted to cut a multimillion-dollar deal with SBF"s FTX but he "dragged his feet" on the collaboration, author Michael Lewis says
"FTX had an agreement with Swift to pay her between $25 and $30 million a year but Sam dragged his feet on the deal," Lewis wrote in his book on FTX. Taylor Swift (left) and Sam Bankman-Fried (right).Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images; Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty ImagesTaylor Swift wanted to take up FTX endorsement deal, says author Michael Lewis.But Lewis said negotiations fell through after Sam Bankman-Fried "dragged his feet on the deal."Lewis wrote about FTX's talks with Swift in his new book on the rise and fall of the company. Taylor Swift may have signed an endorsement deal with FTX if not for Sam Bankman-Fried delaying the deal, per author Michael Lewis's latest book on the now-bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange.Lewis's book on the rise and fall of Bankman-Fried's FTX, "Going Infinite," was published on Tuesday. Lewis wrote in his book that news reports that Swift had "turned down FTX's money" weren't "quite true.""FTX had an agreement with Swift to pay her between $25 and $30 million a year, but Sam dragged his feet on the deal," Lewis wrote.Lewis wrote that he spoke to a former FTX employee, Natalie Tien, who told him Swift wanted to do the deal, "but Sam kept postponing on response to her team.""Another person intimately involved with the negotiation between Swift and FTX said, 'Taylor did not turn it down. They were waiting for Sam to sign it when he didn't,'" Lewis wrote. A representative for Bankman-Fried declined to comment on the excerpt. Representatives for Swift did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider sent outside regular business hours.Swift was one of the many celebrities that FTX and Bankman-Fried courted for endorsements. Besides the pop star, Bankman-Fried landed former NFL quarterback Tom Brady and tennis star Naomi Osaka as brand ambassadors.In April, lawyer Adam Moskowitz said on "The Scoop" podcast that Swift didn't take the deal because she was the only celebrity to have done her due diligence. According to Moskowitz, Swift had asked FTX if they were dealing with unregistered securities.Moskowitz, who is handling a class-action lawsuit against several FTX promoters, said on the podcast that Swift eventually pulled out of the deal.In any case, Swift likely dodged a bullet when the deal fell through.Bankman-Fried was charged in December 2022 with illegally funneling millions of dollars from FTX customer funds into his trading firm, Alameda.The criminal trial against Bankman-Fried began on Tuesday. The embattled crypto entrepreneur faces seven criminal charges ranging from securities fraud to money laundering.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
Stephen Starr wants to make his next D.C. concept a "destination" restaurant
Philadelphia's Stephen Starr has inked a deal for the take over a Washington, D.C., space that was previously home to one of the most storied restaurants in the nation's capital......»»
Here are the best resorts in Hawaii for 2023, according to Conde Nast Traveler
Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort was named the No. 1 Best Resort in the Aloha State, according to the ranking......»»
Air taxi service is coming. But cities aren"t ready for it, experts say.
Air taxis could be ready to fly passengers as soon as 2025. But a whole steps need to be taken to make that happen, a panel of experts said at an industry conference Tuesday......»»
Kroger adds Hispanic-inspired line to Our Brands roster
Kroger Co. has added a Hispanic-inspired line to its fast-growing Our Brands roster, joining Simple Truth, Home Chef, Private Selection, and more......»»
Citizens Bank"s Dan Fitzpatrick works fast to nail down Phillies playoff guests
The bank's Mid-Atlantic region president can often be seen directly behind home plate at Citizens Bank Park, entertaining clients while also quenching his own rabid fandom. It didn't take home long to lineup guests for this week's playoff games......»»
CNHA announces Host Housing Support Program
The program will provide stipends to households providing shelter to those displaced by wildfires on Maui......»»
Neovera acquires two OP-based tech companies, putting it at "forefront of cybersecurity innovation"
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KC accessories and jewelry brand will open Zona Rosa store, its second area location
A growing lineup of local brands have opened stores at Zona Rosa this year. The latest is an accessories and jewelry brand with offerings that include a custom hat bar......»»
Insider Sell: CFO Alexander Bradley Sells 5,000 Shares of First Solar Inc
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Insider Sell: Silicon Laboratories Inc"s President & CEO Robert Johnson Sells 3,534 Shares
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5 Top-Ranked ETFs to Play in October
Here is a look at some ETFs that could be good picks in October. After a downbeat September, October started on a volatile note. High oil and gas prices, still-high inflation, and the Fed’s policy tightening spree along with the resultant rise in bond yields may keep the market volatile. But then, October is historically upbeat. Historically, October has a moderate reputation in the stock market. According to moneychimp.com, a consensus carried out from 1950 to 2022 has revealed that October ended up offering positive returns in 45 years and negative returns in 28 years, with an average positive return of 0.79%. This year is unlikely to be an exception. While jitters may emanate from rising rates, strength may be added by peaking rates, falling inflation, rebounding manufacturing activities and the upcoming holiday season. Investors should note that the Fed’s preferred measure of underlying inflation increased at the slowest monthly pace since late 2020, which may help the central bank to forgo an interest-rate hike at their next meeting. The core personal consumption expenditures price index, which bars the volatile food and energy components, increased 0.1% in August. A key gauge of services costs watched closely by the Fed also recorded the smallest monthly increase since 2020. Against such a backdrop, let’s take a look at the ETFs that could be good picks in October. ETFs in Focus Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF VTI – Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) With the fourth quarter being one of the upbeat times of Wall Street, one can bet on the total market stock. The ETF holds a large basket of well-diversified 3847 stocks with key holdings in technology, consumer discretionary, industrials, healthcare and financials. It charges as low as 3 bps in fees per year from investors Invesco NASDAQ Internet ETF PNQI – Zacks Rank #2 Tech stocks took a beating in the third quarter. This might help them to stage a rebound in October. Within the pack, Internet stocks deserve special mention. Unparalleled growth of high-speed mobile Internet traffic, still-untapped opportunities in emerging markets especially via the adoption of smartphones and tablets, 5G revolution and a sharp rise in online shopping should translate into the outperformance of Internet ETFs. Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF VCR – Zacks Rank #2 Consumers are expected to shell out a record $12.12 billion (up from $10.6 billion last year) on Halloween this year, according to the National Retail Federation. The average consumer is expected to spend $108.24 on costumes, candy, decorations and greeting cards, $10 more than last year, according to the NRF survey. A record number of people, i.e. 73% Americans look to celebrate Halloween or participate in Halloween activities this year, up from 69% in 2022. No wonder, retail and consumer discretionary stocks should see a great journey ahead. Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF XLF – Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) The journey this year for bank ETFs has been anything but smooth this year. But the tables are probably turning for the segment as the rates are peaking and the yield curve is steepening. Such an interest rate environment will boost banks’ net interest rate margin. Regional deposits and loans also rose in the middle of the year. Plus, most bank ETFs have a cheaper valuation than the S&P 500. Invesco S&P SmallCap Value With Momentum ETF XSVM – Zacks Rank #2 The pint-sized stocks should gain momentum in the final quarter of 2023 due to a decent U.S. economic recovery, the upcoming holiday season and a still-resilient consumer base. Since small-cap stocks are closely tied to the domestic economy, an uptick in economic outlook bodes well for small caps. These stocks are not heavily export-centric and, hence, do not get battered if the greenback rises. Most importantly, higher rate environment bodes well for the value stocks. Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF): ETF Research Reports Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI): ETF Research Reports Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF (VCR): ETF Research Reports Invesco NASDAQ Internet ETF (PNQI): ETF Research Reports Invesco S&P SmallCap Value with Momentum ETF (XSVM): ETF Research Reports To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research This article originally appeared on Zacks Sponsored: Tips for Investing A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit......»»
UBS Upgrades Warner Music Group
UBS has upgraded its outlook for Warner Music Group to Buy. Fintel reports that on October 3, 2023, UBS upgraded their outlook for Warner Music Group Corp – (NASDAQ:WMG) from Neutral to Buy. Analyst Price Forecast Suggests 15.06% Upside As of August 31, 2023, the average one-year price target for Warner Music Group Corp – is 35.77. The forecasts range from a low of 15.55 to a high of $54.60. The average price target represents an increase of 15.06% from its latest reported closing price of 31.09. See our leaderboard of companies with the largest price target upside. The projected annual revenue for Warner Music Group Corp – is 6,801MM, an increase of 14.34%. The projected annual non-GAAP EPS is 1.34. Warner Music Group Corp – Declares $0.17 Dividend On August 14, 2023 the company declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.17 per share ($0.68 annualized). Shareholders of record as of August 24, 2023 received the payment on September 1, 2023. Previously, the company paid $0.16 per share. At the current share price of $31.09 / share, the stock’s dividend yield is 2.19%. Looking back five years and taking a sample every week, the average dividend yield has been 1.78%, the lowest has been 1.23%, and the highest has been 2.86%. The standard deviation of yields is 0.41 (n=145). The current dividend yield is 0.99 standard deviations above the historical average. Additionally, the company’s dividend payout ratio is 0.82. The payout ratio tells us how much of a company’s income is paid out in dividends. A payout ratio of one (1.0) means 100% of the company’s income is paid in a dividend. A payout ratio greater than one means the company is dipping into savings in order to maintain its dividend – not a healthy situation. Companies with few growth prospects are expected to pay out most of their income in dividends, which typically means a payout ratio between 0.5 and 1.0. Companies with good growth prospects are expected to retain some earnings in order to invest in those growth prospects, which translates to a payout ratio of zero to 0.5. The company’s 3-Year dividend growth rate is 0.42%, demonstrating that it has increased its dividend over time. What is the Fund Sentiment? There are 392 funds or institutions reporting positions in Warner Music Group Corp -. This is a decrease of 22 owner(s) or 5.31% in the last quarter. Average portfolio weight of all funds dedicated to WMG is 0.34%, a decrease of 13.31%. Total shares owned by institutions increased in the last three months by 0.48% to 142,789K shares. The put/call ratio of WMG is 0.29, indicating a bullish outlook. What are Other Shareholders Doing? Darlington Partners Capital Management holds 6,061K shares representing 1.17% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 4,097K shares, representing an increase of 32.40%. The firm increased its portfolio allocation in WMG by 5.49% over the last quarter. Caledonia (Private) Investments Pty holds 6,026K shares representing 1.17% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 5,458K shares, representing an increase of 9.42%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in WMG by 15.49% over the last quarter. FIL holds 5,532K shares representing 1.07% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 515K shares, representing an increase of 90.68%. The firm increased its portfolio allocation in WMG by 1,349.26% over the last quarter. Capital World Investors holds 5,483K shares representing 1.06% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 5,956K shares, representing a decrease of 8.64%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in WMG by 33.04% over the last quarter. Cooke & Bieler holds 4,819K shares representing 0.93% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 1,931K shares, representing an increase of 59.93%. The firm increased its portfolio allocation in WMG by 84.76% over the last quarter. Warner Music Group Background Information (This description is provided by the company.) With a legacy extending back over 200 years, Warner Music Group (WMG) today brings together artists, songwriters and entrepreneurs that are moving entertainment culture across the globe. Operating in more than 70 countries through a network of affiliates and licensees, WMG’s Recorded Music division includes renowned labels such as Asylum, Atlantic, Big Beat, Canvasback, Elektra, Erato, First Night, Fueled by Ramen, Nonesuch, Parlophone, Reprise, Rhino, Roadrunner, Sire, Spinnin’, Warner Records, Warner Classics and Warner Music Nashville. WMG’s music publishing arm, Warner Chappell Music, has a catalog of more than 1.4 million musical compositions spanning every musical genre, from the standards of the Great American Songbook to the biggest hits of the 21st century. Warner Music Group is also home to ADA, the independent artist and label services company, as well as consumer brands such as Songkick, the live music app; EMP, the merchandise e-tailer; and UPROXX, the youth culture destination. This article originally appeared on Fintel Sponsored: Find a Qualified Financial Advisor Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now......»»
KeyBanc Upgrades Dow
KeyBanc has upgraded its outlook for Dow to Sector Weight. Fintel reports that on October 3, 2023, Keybanc upgraded their outlook for Dow (NYSE:DOW) from Underweight to Sector Weight. Analyst Price Forecast Suggests 11.76% Upside As of August 31, 2023, the average one-year price target for Dow is 57.33. The forecasts range from a low of 47.47 to a high of $69.30. The average price target represents an increase of 11.76% from its latest reported closing price of 51.30. See our leaderboard of companies with the largest price target upside. The projected annual revenue for Dow is 52,469MM, an increase of 6.55%. The projected annual non-GAAP EPS is 4.46. Dow Declares $0.70 Dividend On August 9, 2023 the company declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.70 per share ($2.80 annualized). Shareholders of record as of August 31, 2023 received the payment on September 8, 2023. Previously, the company paid $0.70 per share. At the current share price of $51.30 / share, the stock’s dividend yield is 5.46%. Looking back five years and taking a sample every week, the average dividend yield has been 5.44%, the lowest has been 3.95%, and the highest has been 12.73%. The standard deviation of yields is 1.14 (n=211). The current dividend yield is 0.01 standard deviations above the historical average. Additionally, the company’s dividend payout ratio is 1.13. The payout ratio tells us how much of a company’s income is paid out in dividends. A payout ratio of one (1.0) means 100% of the company’s income is paid in a dividend. A payout ratio greater than one means the company is dipping into savings in order to maintain its dividend – not a healthy situation. Companies with few growth prospects are expected to pay out most of their income in dividends, which typically means a payout ratio between 0.5 and 1.0. Companies with good growth prospects are expected to retain some earnings in order to invest in those growth prospects, which translates to a payout ratio of zero to 0.5. The company has not increased its dividend in the last three years. What is the Fund Sentiment? There are 2735 funds or institutions reporting positions in Dow. This is a decrease of 30 owner(s) or 1.08% in the last quarter. Average portfolio weight of all funds dedicated to DOW is 0.35%, a decrease of 3.66%. Total shares owned by institutions decreased in the last three months by 0.72% to 508,605K shares. The put/call ratio of DOW is 0.88, indicating a bullish outlook. What are Other Shareholders Doing? Massachusetts Financial Services holds 23,410K shares representing 3.33% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 23,332K shares, representing an increase of 0.33%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in DOW by 3.81% over the last quarter. Pzena Investment Management holds 14,884K shares representing 2.12% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 14,901K shares, representing a decrease of 0.12%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in DOW by 4.06% over the last quarter. Capital World Investors holds 14,109K shares representing 2.01% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 14,107K shares, representing an increase of 0.02%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in DOW by 9.58% over the last quarter. VTSMX – Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares holds 12,868K shares representing 1.83% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 22,093K shares, representing a decrease of 71.69%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in DOW by 21.87% over the last quarter. Bnp Paribas Arbitrage holds 12,571K shares representing 1.79% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 8,257K shares, representing an increase of 34.32%. The firm increased its portfolio allocation in DOW by 771.37% over the last quarter. Dow Background Information (This description is provided by the company.) Dow combines global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation and leading business positions to achieve profitable growth. The Company’s ambition is to become the most innovative, customer centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company, with a purpose to deliver a sustainable future for the world through its materials science expertise and collaboration with its partners. Dow’s portfolio of plastics, industrial intermediates, coatings and silicones businesses delivers a broad range of differentiated science-based products and solutions for its customers in high-growth market segments, such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer care. Dow operates 106 manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employs approximately 35,700 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $39 billion in 2020. This article originally appeared on Fintel Sponsored: Find a Qualified Financial Advisor Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now......»»
3 Aerospace-Defense Stocks to Buy Amid Improved Defense Bill
Featured stocks include Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics. Improved budgetary provision offered by the U.S. government, as witnessed from the approved defense bill, is expected to bode well for aerospace-defense companies that are primarily engaged in combat space. However, lingering supply-chain challenges might continue to delay deliveries and thereby remain a threat to the industry players. Nevertheless, improved projections for air travel, as stated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), are expected to bode well for companies that are engaged in commercial aerospace operations. The frontrunners in the aerospace-defense industry are Northrop Grumman NOC, General Dynamics GD and Textron TXT. About the Industry The Zacks Aerospace-Defense industry comprises of companies that primarily design and manufacture heavy-built products like commercial as well as military jets and helicopters, tankers and other combat vehicles, missiles, combatant ships as well as auxiliary ships, submarines, bombs, guns, space transportation vehicles, military satellites and a few more. The industry also includes cyber security players who offer information technology services and C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) solutions. A portion of its revenues comes from defense contractors offering spare parts, aircraft modification, ship repair and overhaul services, and supply-chain management services. 4 Trends Shaping the Future of the Aerospace-Defense Industry Improved Air Traffic Outlook Boosts Prospects: Recovering global air traffic data in recent times has boosted the near-term growth prospects of the industry. As stated in the latest report published by the IATA, industry-wide global RPK increased 26.2% year over year in July 2023, thereby reaching 95.6% of the traffic numbers seen in 2019. Looking ahead, IATA projects industry-wide RPKs to reach 87.8% of the 2019 level in 2023, as stated in its latest global outlook for air transport. Such impressive projections bode well for commercial aerospace manufacturers that have long borne the brunt of poor air travel in the form of delayed jet deliveries and, in some cases, cancellation of orders by airlines. Expanding Defense Budget Remains a Growth Catalyst: While the commercial aerospace market has been recovering steadily over the past couple of quarters, the defense side of the industry stood its ground amid the COVID-19 crisis, cushioned by steady government support. To this end, it is imperative to mention that in June 2023, the U.S. defense bill for fiscal 2024, reflecting a 3.6% increase over the fiscal 2023 enacted level, got its approval. Such improved budgetary provisions set the stage for industry players focused on the defense business to win more contracts, which is likely to boost their top line. Supply-Chain Issues May Hurt: Significant supply-chain disruption impacted the Aerospace and Defense industry, thanks to the pandemic-induced lower aircraft demand and restrictions on the movement of people and goods. This primarily affected small suppliers like aircraft part manufacturers, especially those with heavy exposure to commercial aerospace, and the aftermarket business. Although the global economy has started to improve, aircraft manufacturers project supply-chain issues to continue to delay aircraft production and deliveries, as estimated by IATA. This, in turn, might constrict the growth trajectory of the U.S. Aerospace and Defense industry, to some extent, in the near term. Strengthening Dollar Adds to Industry Woes: The recently appreciating U.S. dollar is adding another layer of cost to airlines that are already burdened with high inflation and rising jet fuel prices. The Federal Reserve’s policy rate now stands in the 5.25-5.50% range as of September 2023, having started at 0.25% in 2022. All U.S. dollar-denominated costs are rising for airlines that earn revenues in non-U.S. currency. Similarly, the debt burden has increased for all non-dollar-based entities that have borrowed in dollars. Such a burden on airlines might lead to lower aircraft delivery, thereby hurting aerospace-defense industry players that particularly operate in the commercial aerospace. Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Bright Prospects The Zacks Aerospace-Defense industry is housed within the broader Zacks Aerospace sector. It currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #102, which places it in the top 41% of more than 250 Zacks industries. The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is basically the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates bright near-term prospects. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. Before we present a few aerospace-defense stocks that you may want to add to your portfolio, let’s take a look at the industry’s recent stock market performance and valuation picture. Industry Lags S&P 500 & Sector The Aerospace-Defense industry has underperformed the Zacks S&P 500 Composite as well as its own sector over the past year. The stocks in this industry have collectively lost 4.4% compared with the Aerospace sector’s decline of 1.5%. The Zacks S&P 500 Composite has gone up 13.5% in the said time frame. Industry’s Current Valuation On the basis of the trailing 12-month EV/Sales ratio, which is used for evaluating capital-intensive stocks like aerospace-defense, the industry is currently trading at 2.01 compared with the S&P 500’s 3.41 and the sector’s 2.04. Over the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 2.46X, as low as 2.01X and at the median of 2.29X. 3 Aerospace-Defense Stocks to Keep in Your Portfolio Northrop Grumman: Based in Falls Church, VA, Northrop Grumman supplies a broad range of products and services to the U.S. Department of Defense, including electronic systems, information technology, aircraft, space technology and systems integration services. On Sep 12, 2023, NOC announced that its B-21 Raider bomber aircraft continues to progress in ground testing with the commencement of engine runs. Once this jet becomes available in the market, NOC can be expected to receive a solid inflow of orders from Pentagon and other U.S. allies, as nations across the world continue to boost their defense spending. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s 2023 sales implies an improvement of 5.8% from the 2022 reported figure. NOC boasts a long-term earnings growth rate of 3.7%. It currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). General Dynamics: Based in Falls Church, VA, General Dynamics is a prominent combat shipbuilder in the United States, along with a leading designer and builder of nuclear-powered submarines. It also manufactures business jets as well as renowned combat vehicles. On Oct 2, 2023, the company secured a contract worth $218 million for production of 155mm M1128 Load, Assemble, and Pack (LAP). This contract win boosts GD’s revenue generation prospects as well as strengthens its position in the artillery market. General Dynamics currently boasts a long-term earnings growth rate of 9.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s 2023 sales implies an improvement of 7.8% from the 2022 reported figure. GD currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. Textron: Based in Providence, RI, Textron is a global multi-industry company that manufactures aircraft, automotive engine components and industrial tools. The company is known globally for its most recognizable and valuable brand names, such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, E-Z-GO and Greenlee. On Sep 26, 2023, Textron announced that the Garmin G5000 integrated flight deck will soon be available for the Cessna Citation XLS+ and XLS Gen2, as well as for installation at the Textron Aviation Service Centers, following supplemental type certification approval by the FAA (anticipated in the first half of 2024). This should further bolster TXT’s position in the rapidly growing business jet market. The company currently boasts a long-term earnings growth rate of 11.7%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Textron’s 2023 sales implies an improvement of 5.8% from the 2022 reported figure. TXT currently holds a Zacks Rank #2. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC): Free Stock Analysis Report General Dynamics Corporation (GD): Free Stock Analysis Report Textron Inc. (TXT): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research This article originally appeared on Zacks Sponsored: Tips for Investing A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. 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Bet on These 4 High-Flying Stocks With Increasing Cash Flows
In terms of cash flow, these stocks like are worth considering. Investors mostly flock to companies that earn profits, but even a profitable business can succumb to failure if its cash flow is uneven and, eventually, file for bankruptcy. However, one can effectively judge a company’s resilience by looking at its efficiency in generating cash flow. This is because cash not only shields it from any market mayhem, but also indicates that its profits are being channeled in the right direction. In this regard, stocks like Modine Manufacturing Company MOD, Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. ARCO, Karat Packaging Inc. KRT and LSI Industries Inc. LYTS are worth buying. In fact, if achieving profit is a company’s goal, then having a healthy cash flow is highly essential for its existence, development and success. This is because cash gives a company more flexibility with respect to business decisions and potential investments, as well as the fuel to run its growth engine. Cash, in fact, indicates a company’s true financial health. This holds more relevance in the current context amid uncertainties in the global economy, market disruptions and dislocations, as well as liquidity concerns. To figure out this efficiency, one needs to consider a company’s net cash flow. While in any business cash moves in and out, it is net cash flow that explains how much money a company is actually generating. If a company is experiencing a positive cash flow, it denotes an increase in its liquid assets, which gives it the means to meet debt obligations, shell out for expenses, reinvest in the business, endure downturns and finally return wealth to shareholders. On the other hand, a negative cash flow indicates a decline in the company’s liquidity, which in turn lowers its flexibility to support these moves. However, having a positive cash flow merely does not secure a company’s future growth. To ride on the growth curve, a company must have its cash flow increasing because that indicates management’s efficiency in regulating its cash movements and less dependency on outside financing for running its business. Therefore, keep yourself abreast with the following screen to bet on stocks with rising cash flows. Screening Parameters: To find stocks that have seen increasing cash flow over time, we ran the screen for those whose cash flow in the latest reported quarter was at least equal to or greater than the 5-year average cash flow per common share. This implies a positive trend and increasing cash over a period of time. In addition to this we chose: Zacks Rank 1: No matter whether market conditions are good or bad, stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) have a proven history of outperformance. Average Broker Rating 1: This indicates that brokers are also highly hopeful about the company’s future performance. Current Price greater than or equal to $5: This sieves out low-priced stocks. VGM Score of B or better: This score is also of great assistance in selecting stocks. Importantly, this scoring system helps in picking winning stocks in their industry categories. Here are our four picks out of the 17 stocks that qualified the screening: Modine Manufacturing operates primarily in a single industry consisting of the manufacturing and selling of heat transfer equipment. These include heat exchangers for cooling all types of engines, transmissions, auxiliary hydraulic equipment, air conditioning components used in cars, trucks, farm and construction machinery and equipment, and heating and cooling equipment for residential and commercial building heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Modine Manufacturing’s fiscal 2024 earnings has moved 24.1% north in the past two months to $2.88 per share. MOD has a VGM Score of B. Arcos Dorados operates as a franchisee of McDonald’s, with its operations divided in Brazil, the North Latin America division, South Latin America and the Caribbean division. It also runs quick-service restaurants in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Arcos Dorados’ 2023 earnings per share has been revised 2.6% upward to 78 cents in the past two months. ARCO has a VGM Score of A. Karat Packaging is a specialty distributor and manufacturer of disposable foodservice products and related items. Its products include food and take-out containers, bags, tableware, cups, lids, cutlery, straws, specialty beverage ingredients, equipment, gloves and other products. The company also offers customized solutions, including product development and design, printing, and logistic services. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Karat Packaging’s current-year earnings has moved up nearly 28% to $1.83 per share over the past two months. KRT has a VGM Score of A. LSI Industries is an Image Solutions company that combines integrated design, manufacturing, & technology to supply its own high-quality lighting fixtures and graphics elements for applications in the retail, specialty niche, and commercial markets. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LSI Industries’ fiscal 2024 earnings has moved up by 19.1% to $1.12 per share in the past two months. LYTS has a VGM Score of A. Modine Manufacturing Company (MOD): Free Stock Analysis Report Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc. (ARCO): Free Stock Analysis Report LSI Industries Inc. (LYTS): Free Stock Analysis Report Karat Packaging Inc. (KRT): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research This article originally appeared on Zacks Sponsored: Find a Qualified Financial Advisor Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now......»»
UBS Downgrades Emerson Electric
UBS has downgraded its outlook for Emerson Electric to Neutral. Fintel reports that on October 3, 2023, UBS downgraded their outlook for Emerson Electric (NYSE:EMR) from Buy to Neutral. Analyst Price Forecast Suggests 14.32% Upside As of August 31, 2023, the average one-year price target for Emerson Electric is 109.42. The forecasts range from a low of 90.90 to a high of $126.00. The average price target represents an increase of 14.32% from its latest reported closing price of 95.71. See our leaderboard of companies with the largest price target upside. The projected annual revenue for Emerson Electric is 16,060MM, a decrease of 22.76%. The projected annual non-GAAP EPS is 4.68. Emerson Electric Declares $0.52 Dividend On August 2, 2023 the company declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.52 per share ($2.08 annualized). Shareholders of record as of August 11, 2023 received the payment on September 11, 2023. Previously, the company paid $0.52 per share. At the current share price of $95.71 / share, the stock’s dividend yield is 2.17%. Looking back five years and taking a sample every week, the average dividend yield has been 2.62%, the lowest has been 1.92%, and the highest has been 5.25%. The standard deviation of yields is 0.49 (n=236). The current dividend yield is 0.92 standard deviations below the historical average. Additionally, the company’s dividend payout ratio is 0.09. The payout ratio tells us how much of a company’s income is paid out in dividends. A payout ratio of one (1.0) means 100% of the company’s income is paid in a dividend. A payout ratio greater than one means the company is dipping into savings in order to maintain its dividend – not a healthy situation. Companies with few growth prospects are expected to pay out most of their income in dividends, which typically means a payout ratio between 0.5 and 1.0. Companies with good growth prospects are expected to retain some earnings in order to invest in those growth prospects, which translates to a payout ratio of zero to 0.5. The company’s 3-Year dividend growth rate is 0.04%, demonstrating that it has increased its dividend over time. What is the Fund Sentiment? There are 2538 funds or institutions reporting positions in Emerson Electric. This is a decrease of 27 owner(s) or 1.05% in the last quarter. Average portfolio weight of all funds dedicated to EMR is 0.32%, an increase of 0.96%. Total shares owned by institutions decreased in the last three months by 6.03% to 446,593K shares. The put/call ratio of EMR is 0.56, indicating a bullish outlook. What are Other Shareholders Doing? VTSMX – Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares holds 17,833K shares representing 3.12% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 17,699K shares, representing an increase of 0.75%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in EMR by 3.57% over the last quarter. Bank Of America holds 16,304K shares representing 2.85% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 13,712K shares, representing an increase of 15.90%. The firm increased its portfolio allocation in EMR by 393.49% over the last quarter. VFINX – Vanguard 500 Index Fund Investor Shares holds 13,607K shares representing 2.38% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 13,333K shares, representing an increase of 2.01%. The firm decreased its portfolio allocation in EMR by 4.12% over the last quarter. Wellington Management Group Llp holds 12,537K shares representing 2.19% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 9,207K shares, representing an increase of 26.57%. The firm increased its portfolio allocation in EMR by 34.79% over the last quarter. Wells Fargo holds 10,680K shares representing 1.87% ownership of the company. In it’s prior filing, the firm reported owning 10,767K shares, representing a decrease of 0.82%. The firm increased its portfolio allocation in EMR by 194.13% over the last quarter. Emerson Electric Background Information (This description is provided by the company.) Emerson, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global technology and engineering company providing innovative solutions for customers in industrial, commercial, and residential markets. Its Automation Solutions business helps process, hybrid, and discrete manufacturers maximize production, protect personnel and the environment while optimizing their energy and operating costs. Its Commercial & Residential Solutions business helps ensure human comfort and health, protect food quality and safety, advance energy efficiency, and create sustainable infrastructure. This article originally appeared on Fintel Sponsored: Find a Qualified Financial Advisor Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now......»»
5 Giant Wholesale Retailers to Buy for Q4 2023
Featured stocks include Alibaba, Amazon and Walmart. Wall Street completed a disappointing third-quarter 2023 after witnessing an impressive bull run in the first two quarters. The fourth quarter of any year historically remains favorable to U.S. stock markets as it deals with the holiday season. Notably, during the holiday season the retail sector gets maximum importance. This year too, the scenario remains the same. Retail sales have not been impacted much due to record-high inflationary pressures. U.S. consumption expenditure stayed buoyant despite the Fed pursuing an extremely high interest rate regime in the last one and a half years. Research firm Deloitte estimated that the total holiday retail sales in 2023 will be in the range of $1.54 to $1.56 trillion during the November to January timeframe. This marks an year-over-year improvement of 3.5% to 4.6% in 2023. Deloitte also forecast that within the total holiday retail sales, e-commerce sales will account for $278 billion to $284 billion. This marks a year-over-year improvement of 10.3% to 12.8%. Mastercard SpendingPulse estimated that holiday retail sales (excluding automotive) between Nov 1 and Dec 24, are expected to increase 3.7% year over year. E-commerce and online sales are likely to grow 6.7% and 2.9%, respectively. Bain & Company forecasts nominal U.S. retail sales to grow 3% year over year in November and December, reaching nearly $915 billion, with 90% of the growth coming from non-store (e-commerce and mail-order) sales. Our Top Picks We have narrowed our search to five retail giants that have strong growth potential for the rest of 2023. These stocks have seen positive earnings estimate revisions in the last 60 days. Each of our picks carries either a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). Amazon.com Inc. AMZN has been benefiting from a strengthening AWS services portfolio and its growing adoption rate has contributed well. Ultrafast delivery services and an expanding content portfolio are positives for AMZN. The strengthening relationship with third-party sellers is also encouraging. Its advertising business is also making a robust contribution. Improving Alexa skills along with robust smart home product offerings are tailwinds for AMZN. Zacks Rank #1 Amazon has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 11.1% and more than 100%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 43.9% over the last 60 days. Walmart Inc. WMT has been benefiting from its robust omnichannel operations due to its efforts to enhance store and online experience. WMT has been particularly gaining from its efforts to boost delivery services. Increased market share in grocery continued to boost U.S. comps in the first quarter of fiscal 2024. Strong comps growth globally, expense leverage and e-commerce growth across all units favored the company. WMT raised its guidance for fiscal 2024. Zacks Rank #2 Walmart has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 9.3% and 2.2%, respectively, for the current year (ending January 2024). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 0.2% over the last 30 days. Ross Stores Inc. ROST has benefited from positive customer response to its improved merchandise and strong value offerings. ROST has been benefiting from the execution of its store expansion plans over the years. ROST operates a chain of off-price retail apparel and home accessories stores, which target value-conscious men and women, aged 25 to 54 in middle-to-upper middle-class households. ROST has a proven business model as the competitive bargains it offers continue to make its stores attractive destinations for customers in all economic scenarios. Zacks Rank #1 Ross Stores has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 8.1% and 19.4%, respectively, for the current year (ending January 2024). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 6.1% over the last 60 days. Lithia Motors Inc.’s LAD diversified product mix and multiple streams of income reduce its risk profile and position it for long-term sales and profit growth. LAD is on a buyout spree, which is increasing its market share. Enhanced digital solutions — including the Driveway e-commerce program — are helping LAD to further boost profitability and market presence. Driveway generated $900 million in revenues in 2022 and expects to hit $9 billion in annual revenues by 2025, thus paving the path for LAD’s rapid growth. Zacks Rank #1 Lithia Motors has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 7.6% and 1.4%, respectively, for next year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for next-year earnings has improved 0.1% over the last seven days. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.’s BABA solid momentum across the China and international commerce retail businesses is driving its top-line growth. Notably, China commerce retail business is driven by rising online physical goods GMV at Taobao and Tmall. Further, International retail business is riding on solid combined order growth. BABA’s strength across the Cainiao logistics services, owing to robust domestic consumer logistics and international fulfillment solution services is a plus. This apart, cloud computing business and local services are acting as tailwinds. Considering these factors, we expect total revenues of BABA to grow 8.2% in fiscal 2024 from fiscal 2023. Zacks Rank #1 Alibaba Group Holding has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 4.7% and 14.9%, respectively, for the current year (ending March 2024). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for next-year earnings has improved 13.7% over the last 60 days. Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report Walmart Inc. (WMT): Free Stock Analysis Report Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST): Free Stock Analysis Report Lithia Motors, Inc. (LAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research This article originally appeared on Zacks Sponsored: Tips for Investing A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit......»»
4 Homebuilding Stocks to Buy on Rise in Construction Spending
Given increased construction spending, investing in homebuilding stocks like these would be a wise decision. Spending on construction projects in the United States increased in August, hinting at a slow but steady recovery to normal. Inflation has been showing signs of easing, which has seen investment in construction projects picking up lately. The Commerce Department said on Oct 2 that spending on construction projects was primarily driven by investment in the housing sector. Given this scenario, investing in homebuilding stocks like Toll Brothers Inc. TOL, M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. MDC, NVR, Inc. NVR and PulteGroup PHM would be a wise decision. Construction Spending Expands The Commerce Department reported that spending on construction projects increased 0.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1,983.5 billion in August after rising 0.9% in July and coming in line with economists’ expectations. Year over year, construction spending jumped a solid 7.4% in August. Spending on private construction projects rose 0.5%, with investment in private residential projects advancing 0.6% after rising 1.6% in July. Overall spending on private construction projects rose 1.2% in July. Construction spending totaled $1,284.7 billion in the first eight months of this year compared to $1,233.4 billion for the same period in 2022. Construction spending on private non-residential structures such as factories increased 0.3% in August, while manufacturing construction projects jumped 1.2%. A shortage of homes available for sale is fueling investment in private residential projects, although mortgage rates remain sky-high. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 7.31% last week, the highest level since December 2000. However, this appears to be the new normal. Spending on multi-family residential projects jumped 0.6% in August, while spending on single-family home projects increased 1.7%. The homebuilding sector had been the mainstay of construction spending during the peak of the pandemic and months following that as more people opted for single-family homes. However, inflation has had the biggest and most far-reaching impact on private housing projects as the Fed’s monetary tightening campaign has been taking its toll on the housing sector owing to higher mortgage rates. The current housing market is still grappling with a significant shortage of single-family homes available for sale. Despite the high cost of borrowing, this scarcity has led to sustained investments in construction projects, especially in single-family homes. Demand for housing remains robust, encouraging investments in new housing developments. Moreover, inflation has seen a notable decline over the past year, and there are signs of a slowdown in the labor market. These developments have sparked optimism and the Federal Reserve has also said that it will go for another quarter percentage point interest rate hike in November before starting to cut rates in 2024. Such a move would likely lead to a reduction in mortgage rates, which is seen as a positive development for the housing market. Lower mortgage rates can make homeownership more affordable and potentially stimulate further demand in the real estate sector. Our Choices Given this scenario, it will be prudent to invest in homebuilding stocks with a favorable Zacks Rank that are poised to gain from the rise in spending on construction projects. We have narrowed down our search to four such stocks. Each of these stocks carries either a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). Toll Brothers Inc. builds single-family detached and attached home communities; master-planned luxury residential resort-style golf communities; and urban low, mid, and high-rise communities, principally on the land it develops and improves. TOL operates in Arizona, California, Florida, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. Toll Brothers offers homes under two segments, namely Traditional Home Building Product and City Living. Toll Brothers’ expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 1.4%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improved 12.3% over the past 60 days. TOL presently sports a Zacks Rank #1. M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. is engaged in homebuilding and financial services in the United States. MDC’s Homebuilding operations include land acquisition and development, home construction, sales and marketing, as well as customer service. The segment delivers single-family detached homes to first-time and move-up buyers under the name Richmond American Homes. M.D.C. Holdings’ expected earnings growth rate for next year is 14.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 26.6% over the past 60 days. MDC presently sports a Zacks Rank #1. NVR, Inc. is engaged in the construction and sale of single-family detached homes, townhomes and condominium buildings, all of which are primarily constructed on a pre-sold basis. To serve homebuilding customers, NVR operates a mortgage banking and title services business. NVR’sexpected earnings growth rate for next year is 0.4%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 2.1% over the past 60 days. NVR presently carries a Zacks Rank #2. PulteGroup engages in homebuilding and financial services businesses, primarily in the United States. PHM conducts operations through two primary business segments — Homebuilding (which accounted for 97.2% as of 2021 total revenues) and Financial Services (2.8%). PulteGroup’s Homebuilding segment offers a wide variety of home designs, including single-family detached, townhouses, condominiums and duplexes at different prices, with a variety of options and amenities to all major customer segments: first-time, move-up and active adult. PulteGroup’s expected earnings growth rate for next year is 0.8%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 4.1% over the past 60 days. PHM has a Zacks Rank #2. PulteGroup, Inc. (PHM): Free Stock Analysis Report Toll Brothers Inc. (TOL): Free Stock Analysis Report NVR, Inc. (NVR): Free Stock Analysis Report M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (MDC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research This article originally appeared on Zacks Sponsored: Find a Qualified Financial Advisor Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now......»»
Top 5 High-Flying Nasdaq Stocks Defying Index’s Recent Turmoil
These stocks have strong potential for the rest of 2023 and have seen positive earnings estimate revisions recently. The impressive 2023 rally of U.S. stock markets suffered a severe blow in the last two months. All three major stock indexes — the Dow, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite — ended in negative territory in both August and September. Of these three indexes, the Nasdaq Composite was hit the hardest. The tech-heavy index tumbled 2.2% and 5.8%, respectively, in August and September. In third-quarter 2023, the tech-laden index fell 4.1%. Market participants are worried as the Fed warned of one more rate hike of 25 basis points by the end of this year and pursued a higher interest rate regime for a longer period. The first rate cut is not expected before September 2024 and the inflation rate is unlikely to decline to the central bank’s target rate of 2% before 2026. A higher market interest rate is detrimental to high-growth sectors like technology and consumer discretionary. Investment in growth stocks creates wealth over a long period of time. A higher market interest rate will increase the discount rate, which in turn will reduce the net present value of investment. Moreover, many of these companies depend on the chip source of credit for the business to grow. As a result, the Nasdaq Composite suffered the most as it mostly comprises of growth sectors, especially technology. Despite the index’s recent bloodbath, several stocks within this stable provided double-digit returns in the past month. Investment in these stocks with a favorable Zacks Rank should be fruitful going forward. Our Top Picks We have narrowed our search to five Nasdaq Composite-listed stocks that have popped more than 10% in the past month. These stocks have strong potential for the rest of 2023 and have seen positive earnings estimate revisions in the last 60 days. Each of our picks carries either a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). Virco Mfg. Corp. VIRC designs, produces, and distributes quality furniture for the contract and education markets worldwide. Examples of facilities served by VIRC include public and private schools, colleges and universities, convention centers, federal and state institutions, churches and other businesses. VIRC also sells to wholesalers, distributors, retailers and catalog retailers. In order to divide the workload into manageable amounts, VIRC has divided the sales force into two groups: Education and Commercial. Zacks Rank #1 Virco Mfg. has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 24.5% and 9.8%, respectively, for the current year (ending January 2024). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 35.8% over the last 30 days. The stock price of VIRC has soared 36.8% in the past month. G-III Apparel Group Ltd. GIII has been benefitting from solid gains from its brands and digital business. GIII has been accelerating digital growth and strives to become the best omnichannel organization. GIII benefits in strength in outerwear and dress categories. Zacks Rank #1 G-III Apparel Group has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 8% and 14.7%, respectively, for the current year (ending January 2024). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 14.3% over the last 30 days. The stock price of GIII has jumped 22.8% in the past month. SIGA Technologies Inc. SIGA is a commercial-stage pharmaceutical company, focusing on the health security related markets in the United States. SIGA’s lead product is TPOXX, an oral formulation antiviral drug for the treatment of human smallpox disease caused by variola virus. Zacks Rank #2 SIGA Technologies has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 58.1% and more than 100%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 4.8% over the last 60 days. The stock price of SIGA has surged 12.7% in the past month. Lantronix Inc. LTRX designs, develops and markets products that enable almost any electronic device to be controlled, configured or reprogrammed over the Internet and intranets. LTRX’s products connect these electronic devices to the Internet and intranets by using the infrastructure already in place to connect businesses and homes to the Internet, including fiber optic, Ethernet and wireless connections. LTRX’s primary products that connect electronic devices are its Device Servers and Multiport Device Servers. Zacks Rank #2 Lantronix has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 32.5% and 94%, respectively, for the current year (ending June 2024). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved more than 100% over the last 60 days. The stock price of LTRX has climbed 13.1% in the past month. Duolingo Inc. DUOL operates as a mobile learning platform in the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and internationally. DUOL offers courses in 40 different languages, including Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, and Chinese through its Duolingo app. DUOL also provides a digital language proficiency assessment examination. Zacks Rank #2 Duolingo has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 39.1% and 94%, respectively, for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved more than 100% over the last 60 days. The stock price of DUOL has advanced 11.4% in the past month. Lantronix, Inc. (LTRX): Free Stock Analysis Report G-III Apparel Group, LTD. (GIII): Free Stock Analysis Report Virco Manufacturing Corporation (VIRC): Free Stock Analysis Report Siga Technologies Inc. (SIGA): Free Stock Analysis Report Duolingo, Inc. (DUOL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research This article originally appeared on Zacks Sponsored: Tips for Investing A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now. Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit......»»
"Not-ESG Friendly": New Panasonic EV Battery Plant In Kansas To Be Powered By Coal
'Not-ESG Friendly': New Panasonic EV Battery Plant In Kansas To Be Powered By Coal Panasonic's new battery plant in Kansas will require an amount of energy equivalent to that used by a small city, forcing a nearby utility to halt the shutdown of a coal-fired power plant. This has sparked criticism that electric vehicle production and electric vehicles aren't 'ESG-friendly.' According to The Kansas City Star, citing documents filed by power company Evergy with the Kansas Corporation Commission, Panasonic's 4-million-square-foot plant in Johnson County will double the utility's load and require two new substations and upgrades to 31 miles of transmission lines. Documents show Evergy will have to keep a Lawrence coal-fired power plant online until 2028 to meet the new load at the EV battery plant that will be ramped up as production begins at the end of 2025/early 2026. The utility plans to transition from coal to natural gas by the decade's end. "Beyond the sheer magnitude of load and load factor, Panasonic's construction schedule, and, in turn, its energy needs, are being planned on a very aggressive schedule. With energy needs starting to ramp in 2024 and full load requirements by 2026, there is urgency to procure capacity and energy to fulfill the expected energy usage schedule," said Kayla Messamore, Evergy's vice president of strategy and planning. Currently, no other power generation source in the area can supply enough on-demand power to the Panasonic battery plant. In testimony from Ryan Mulvany, Evergy's vice president of distribution, he said the plant will demand approximately 200 to 250 megawatts (or the equivalent of a small city). Despite the $4 billion cost of the factory, the Japanese company is "poised to get as much as $6.8 billion from provisions in last year's federal Inflation Reduction Act," the local paper said in July. The company is expected to receive over $8 billion in federal, state, and local incentives and support the plant in Johnson County. Zack Pistora, a lobbyist with the Kansas Sierra Club, called the EV battery plant powered by coal a "shame": "Not only are we squandering an opportunity to access local Kansas clean energy resources that invest in our state, but it also is not doing anyone else a favor as far as more greenhouse gas pollution." For readers, none of this should be a surprise. The whole 'ESG' movement is a scam. For years, we've noted "Some EVs Are "Dirtier" Than Conventional Vehicles; New Study Finds" and 'Zero Emissions' From Electric Vehicles? Here's Why That Claim Has Zero Basis. Four years ago we said, "Electric Car-Owners Shocked: New Study Confirms EVs Considerably Worse For Climate Than Diesel Cars." Tyler Durden Tue, 10/03/2023 - 22:05.....»»
The SAFER Banking Act Is Anything But
The SAFER Banking Act Is Anything But.....»»
Tropical Storm Philippe Forecasted To Impact Maine Or Nova Scotia
Tropical Storm Philippe Forecasted To Impact Maine Or Nova Scotia Several weeks after Tropical Storm Lee made landfall in the western part of Canada's Nova Scotia province, another storm is brewing in the Atlantic Basin, with computer models forecasting parts of the US Northeast and Nova Scotia could be hit again. The latest report from the National Hurricane Center states Tropical Storm Philippe was about 70 miles northwest of Anguilla and about 55 miles east-northeast of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, moving northwest at 10 mph with sustained winds of 45 mph. "It made landfall on the island of Barbuda on Monday with 50 mph winds and is now headed away from the Caribbean into the Atlantic, but its tropical-storm-force winds still extend out 175 miles," according to Orlando Sentinel. "On the forecast track, the center of Philippe is expected to pass just north of the British Virgin Islands today and then move away from the northern Leeward Islands beginning tonight," NHC wrote in the 1100 ET update, adding, "However, the strongest winds and heaviest rains will likely occur in the islands to the southeast of the center." Philippe moves slowly northwestward while bringing tropical storm conditions to the northeastern Leeward Islands. pic.twitter.com/mYYMp8mOOb — CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) October 3, 2023 NHC said, "Little change in strength is forecast during the next day or two, but Philippe could begin to strengthen after midweek." Models expect the storm to turn north and parallel the US East Coast while at sea, with a potential landfall impact area from Maine to Nova Scotia by as early as Sunday. So far, the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season has produced 18 named storms and is already above average, according to Phil Klotzbach, a hurricane researcher with Colorado State University. Tyler Durden Tue, 10/03/2023 - 22:45.....»»
Truth-Speaking & The Technocratic Cabal
Truth-Speaking & The Technocratic Cabal Authored by Bert Olivier via The Brownstone Institute, Truth-speaking (or truth-telling) is not the same as truth. At least not in the familiar sense of a correspondence between what is stated and the state of affairs to which it corresponds – the so-called correspondence theory of truth. Or, for that matter, the coherence theory of truth, which judges the truth of statements by the criterion of whether it coheres with the body of statements within which it functions. There are several other such theories of truth, for example the pragmatic theory of truth, which assesses truth in the light of what supposedly true statements do, or by their consequences for action (ancient Greek ‘pragma’: ‘thing done’; ‘act’; ‘deed’). Truth-telling, or in ancient Greek, parrhesia, is something different. It is what one does when you tell or speak the truth exactly as you experience or perceive it, with no punches pulled. You don’t have to call the proverbial spade a shovel (unless this is what it takes to get through to your interlocutor), but you have to speak truthfully without holding back. This is particularly relevant for speaking (or writing) in public, where you run the risk of exposing yourself to harsh criticism. It is also what you do when you feel constrained to tell a friend the barefaced truth about something that she or he has done, or is doing, and which falls short of the standards of honesty, or decency, or friendship, and because you care for your friend and value your friendship, you risk it by saying what has to be done to rescue it. It is not this kind of friend-to-friend parrhesia which concerns me here, in the first place, but rather the kind that sometimes, albeit seldom, occurs in the public domain. Here is Michel Foucault, in a justly famous philosophy seminar, talking about it: In parrhesia, the speaker is supposed to give a complete and exact account of what he has in mind so that the audience is able to comprehend exactly what the speaker thinks. The word ‘parrhesia’ then, refers to a type of relationship between the speaker and what he says. For in parrhesia, the speaker makes it manifestly clear and obvious that what he says is his own opinion. And he does this by avoiding any kind of rhetorical form which would veil what he thinks. Instead, the parrhesiastes uses the most direct words and forms of expression he can find. Whereas rhetoric provides the speaker with technical devices to help him prevail upon the minds of his audience (regardless of the rhetorician’s own opinion concerning what he says), in parrhesia, the parrhesiastes acts on other people’s mind by showing them as directly as possible what he actually believes. This should sound very familiar to us today. Not because we are familiar with such truth-speaking, but precisely because we are not – at least not in the public domain, in the vast majority of cases. On the contrary, today one is mostly witness to the deliberate distortion of truth, and not even through the sophisticated use of rhetoric. It is usually straightforward, blatant lying. Foucault is careful to add that there are two types of parrhesia – sometimes the word is used to denote the genuine thing and sometimes it is employed pejoratively, to indicate that someone is just “chattering”, as Foucault calls it. Heidegger calls this “idle talk”. In both instances it means that someone says virtually anything that comes to mind, without exercising any discerning judgement about the sense or implications of what they say, or simply because it is the fashionable thing to say. However, according to Foucault, most of the time when the term is encountered in classical Greco-Roman texts, it is in the affirmative sense of truth-speaking. Needless to point out, it is not a practice explicitly familiar to us today, in the specific sense with which it was endowed in antiquity. Nonetheless, it would not be difficult to find counterparts to parrhesia in contemporary society, particularly because there is an exigency for it in the present time. Why is that? In the text cited earlier, Foucault reminds one that: …the commitment involved in parrhesia is linked to a certain social situation, to a difference of status between the speaker and his audience, to the fact that the parrhesiastes says something which is dangerous to himself and thus involves a risk, and so on… If there is a kind of ‘proof’ of the sincerity of the parrhesiastes, it is his courage. The fact that a speaker says something dangerous — different from what the majority believes— is a strong indication that he is a parrhesiastes. To appreciate this, one should remind oneself that not every instance of speaking the truth can be considered as being parrhesia. Foucault explains: Someone is said to use parrhesia and merits consideration as a parrhesiastes only if there is a risk or danger for him or her in telling the truth. For instance, from the ancient Greek perspective, a grammar teacher may tell the truth to the children that he teaches, and indeed may have no doubt that what he teaches is true. But in spite of this coincidence between belief and truth, he is not a parrhesiastes. However, when a philosopher addresses himself to a sovereign, to a tyrant, and tells him that his tyranny is disturbing and unpleasant because tyranny is incompatible with justice, then the philosopher speaks the truth, believes he is speaking the truth, and, more than that, also takes a risk (since the tyrant may become angry, may punish him, may exile him, may kill him)… Parrhesia, then, is linked to courage in the face of danger: it demands the courage to speak the truth in spite of some danger. And in its extreme form, telling the truth takes place in the ‘game’ of life or death. The well-known saying, ‘to speak truth to power’, is obviously related to this, and probably derives from Foucault’s (and also Edward Said’s) work. And have we not witnessed exemplary instances of this today, in the face of what is arguably the largest attempt at a (global) coup d’etat in the history of humanity! We all owe those brave souls who have risked their reputations, their incomes, and sometimes their lives, by acting as parrhesiastes in the face of almost incomprehensible institutional, technological and media power, a huge debt of gratitude for setting an example for the rest of us. There are too many to list here, but among the names that come readily to mind are those of Dr Naomi Wolf, Robert F. Kennedy, Dr Joseph Mercola, Dr Robert Malone, Dr Peter McCullough, Alex Berenson, Dr Meryl Nass, Dr Denis Rancourt, and Todd Callender, among many others who have suffered and even died. As Foucault said, parrhesia is dangerous and risky. But what choice does one have, if not merely your income, reputation and your life, but also – more importantly – your moral integrity as a human being is at stake? It takes courage to be a parrhesiastes. This is why Foucault observes that: When you accept the parrhesiastic game in which your own life is exposed, you are taking up a specific relationship to yourself: you risk death to tell the truth instead of reposing in the security of a life where the truth goes unspoken. Of course, the threat of death comes from the Other, and thereby requires a relationship to himself: he prefers himself as a truth-teller rather than as a living being who is false to himself. Here’s the thing: presumably all those people who contribute to, and most of those who read Brownstone articles, know what evil power is behind the attempts to cause the collapse of the world economy and decimate the world’s human population. I use the word ‘evil’ advisedly, for there is no way of saying more clearly and accurately what animates the actions of those agents in the service of the Leviathan in question, which has several fronts, among them most prominently the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Moreover, one cannot expect any parrhesia from them. On the contrary, as Foucault points out, “It is because the parrhesiastes must take a risk in speaking the truth that the king or tyrant generally cannot use parrhesia; for he risks nothing”. Nothing prevents us from practicing this ancient mode of address when we confront the tyrannical monstrosity in question, however, which is why I want to say to them that, contrary to what they believe, drunk with their own vaunted importance and supposed power, they should not be too sure of not risking their necks. The disgusting Klaus Schwab of the WEF himself talks about people being very “angry,” which is probably an understatement, judging by the opinions expressed by many people I know. So, Klaus Schwab, Bill Gates and your ilk – including the bankers who are hiding in the shadows – I cannot encourage you to examine your collective and individual conscience, because you evidently don’t have one. It is, after all, a telling characteristic of psychopaths to be devoid of a conscience, and therefore of the capacity to feel guilt or remorse. But evidently you can feel fear, otherwise you would not have been sufficiently paranoid to surround yourselves with 5000 heavily armed troops at your exclusive boys’ club meeting at Davos in January. And you should be afraid, very afraid, because when this is over, you will be called to account. Signs are abounding that increasing numbers of people are realising that you and your empty ‘promise’ of ‘building back better’ are the engineers of the increasing economic hardships they face, and are showing in no uncertain terms that they will not allow that to continue indefinitely. Hence, don’t start celebrating too soon about your desired success in getting the better of the putative ‘useless eaters’. Except, of course, that you don’t know how to celebrate; only truly human people know how to do that – people who know the joy of togetherness at a birthday celebration, or a wedding, or when you go dancing – something the love of my life and I do regularly, when our favourite bands perform live at a joint we frequent in the city. To quote the late, inimitable Leonard Cohen: So you can stick your little needles in that voodoo doll; I’m very sorry baby, doesn’t look like me at all I’m standin’ by the window where the light is strong… Now, you can say that I’ve grown bitter but of this you may be sure: The rich have got their channels in the bedrooms of the poor And there’s a mighty Judgement comin’… You see, I hear these funny voices in the Tower of Song… Therefore, you empty vessels, here is a concluding bit of parrhesia: on those cold winter nights (as Dolly famously sang to Horace Vandergelder) you can snuggle up to your AI robots, while we humans cuddle up for mutual warmth. You would be envious if you could imagine it, but I know you have no imagination. If you did, you would use all your money and technology to make the world a better place for all people; not just the few quasi-robots in your coterie, masquerading as people. But I can assure you that we shall make the world a better place – without you. Tyler Durden Tue, 10/03/2023 - 23:05.....»»
Food Stamps Will Be Harder To Get From October
Food Stamps Will Be Harder To Get From October Authored by Jack Phillips via The Epoch Times, This month, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will get a boost, but eligibility requirements have changed. The new rules, which went into effect Oct. 1, stipulate that able-bodied adults without dependents between the ages of 52 and 54 will have to prove that they are actively working, training, or in school. Before, those between the ages of 18 and 52 had to prove they are working at least 80 hours per month, in school, or involved in a training program to get the SNAP benefits. The age requirement was expanded as part of the debt ceiling deal that was passed in Congress and signed by President Joe Biden earlier this year. The age requirement will expand by another year in October 2024, while the new requirements will be in effect until Oct. 1, 2030. With the recent changes, the left-wing Center on Budget and Policy Priorities warned that more than 750,000 "older adults" are at risk of losing SNAP benefits due to the "expansion of the existing, failed SNAP work-reporting requirement." The requirements initiated under the debt ceiling deal were the largest changes made to the SNAP, or food stamps, in decades. "The expansion of this requirement would take food assistance away from large numbers of people, including many who have serious barriers to employment as well as others who are working or should be exempt but are caught up in red tape," it said. It was part of a deal between President Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) several months ago. At the time, Mr. McCarthy said that "what work requirements actually do [is to] help people get a job." Republicans have tried for decades to expand work requirements for these government assistance programs, arguing they result in more people returning to the workforce. “We’re going to return these programs to being a life vest, not a lifestyle. A hand up, not a handout and that has always been the American way,” Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) told reporters in June. A U.S. Department of Agriculture spokesperson told The Hill that there are some exceptions to the new requirements. They include veterans, homeless people, and people aged 18 to 24 who aged out of foster care situations, the spokesperson said. Those who have a mental or physical limitation, have a child aged 18 or younger living in their home, or pregnant women are also exempt, the spokesperson added. At the same time, individuals who already get SNAP and still qualify will see their benefits increase starting Oct. 1, said the USDA. Benefit changes for SNAP are based on the Consumer Price Index that measures inflation for June 2022. "The maximum allotments will increase for the 48 states and D.C., Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands," the agency said. "The maximum allotment for a family of four in the 48 states and D.C., will be $973," and allotments "for a family of four will range from $1,248 to $1,937 in Alaska," while "maximum allotments for a family of four in Hawaii will decrease to $1,759. The minimum benefit for all 48 states and the District of Columbia will stay the same at $23, according to the USDA. The average family started receiving about $90 less per month in March, although some households dropped by up to $250, according to a study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Fraud? Last month, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) warned that the food stamp program is losing some $1 billion per month due to errors and fraud as she announced legislation designed to deal with the alleged monthly losses. "Families across the country are going hungry while bureaucrats are jumping the line to gobble up SNAP dollars, either as a meal ticket to beef up state budgets or a self-serve buffet of benefits for themselves or others who do not qualify," the senator said. "I’m snapping back! It’s time for states at fault to pay the piper and eat the costs of their taxpayer waste. Instead of overserving bureaucrats, let’s end the waste and set a place at the table for hungry families," Ms. Ernst added. Other Details Earlier this year, the federal government ended its public health emergency over COVID-19, which ended a booster program for all SNAP recipients. The duration of those extra payments was originally tied directly to the duration of the public health emergency, but that was changed in December 2022 and the final pandemic-boosted SNAP payments went out at the end of February. The emergency program was enacted by Congress at the start of the pandemic in March 2020 and expanded a year later. Originally, the extra benefits were intended to continue as long as the COVID-19 public health emergency was in force before it expired. SNAP benefits can rise and fall with inflation and other factors. Maximum benefits went up by 12 percent in October to reflect an annual cost-of-living adjustment boosted by higher prices for foods and other goods. But payments went down for those who also receive Social Security because of the 8.7 percent cost-of-living increase in that program on Jan 1. Tyler Durden Tue, 10/03/2023 - 21:05.....»»
Judge Denies SEC"s Plan For Quick Appeal Against Ripple Ruling
Judge Denies SEC's Plan For Quick Appeal Against Ripple Ruling District court judge Analisa Torres has rejected the SEC's motion to appeal its loss against Ripple Labs, the company responsible for issuing the XRP token. The SEC needed Torres' permission to appeal her ruling because it wasn't a final judgment. The regulator was also seeking to put on hold its suit against Ripple for allegedly offering unregistered securities while the appeal is pending. As CoinTelegraph's Tom Mitchellhill reports, in the court order, Judge Torres denied the SEC's motion, claiming that the regulator failed to meet its burden to show that there were controlling questions of law or that there were substantial grounds for differences of opinion on the matter. "The SEC’s motion for certification of interlocutory appeal is denied, and the SEC’s request for a stay is denied as moot." As a reminder, Bloomberg reports that Torres’ initial ruling was widely hailed as a victory for the crypto industry, which has resisted attempts to categorize digital assets as securities subject to regulation. In her July 13 decision, Torres drew a distinction between sales of XRP to institutional investors, which she said met the test for an investment contract under federal securities law, and sales to the public on exchanges. Ripple's XRP token is up over 6% following the headlines... Notably, the decision isn’t an outright loss for the regulator, as judge Torres scheduled a trial for April 23, 2024 to address the remaining issues on the matter. Tyler Durden Tue, 10/03/2023 - 21:25.....»»
Trump, Newsom, And DeSantis - The Odd Throuple
Trump, Newsom, And DeSantis - The Odd Throuple Authored by Susan Crabtree via RealClear Wire, Appearing at the annual California Republican Party convention Friday, former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took an unusual political tack: They not only heaped scorn on President Biden and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, but on the state of California itself. “California really is the petri dish for American liberalism,” DeSantis told a dinner crowd of some 350 Republicans at the Anaheim Marriott. “What Biden is doing are things that California was doing many years ago. What California is doing now is likely what a second Biden term would do, or God forbid, Kamala Harris, or God forbid, Newsom himself.” A few hours earlier, at a sold-out luncheon with a crowd four times as large, Trump used his singular rhetorical style to make similar assertions. Expanding the hit list beyond Biden and Newsom to four members of California’s congressional delegation (Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff, Eric Swalwell, and Maxine Waters), Trump said, “Guess who is running your state? Bad people. It’s becoming a symbol of our nation’s decline.” Warming to the subject matter, Trump continued: “Gavin Newsom and the far-left Communists in Sacramento…San Francisco and L.A., cities which are absolutely being destroyed rapidly on a daily basis, have given you sanctuary cities, wide open borders, vast homeless encampments, and out-of-control taxes.” The former president also referred to Biden and his administration’s economic advisers as “lunatics,” vowed that if returned to the White House he’d investigate the “Marxist monsters unleashing mayhem” on the streets of Los Angeles and San Francisco, and called Newsom an “environmental maniac.” When it came to California’s governor, however, Trump’s heart didn’t quite seem to be in it. He quickly amended his statement to say that Newsom was appeasing California’s environmentalists “for political reasons,” adding as an aside that as president he and Newsom had worked well together. Trump expressed no similar sentiment for his fellow Republican who occupied the governor’s mansion in Tallahassee, whom he ridiculed in a lengthy riff about the time DeSantis asked for Trump’s endorsement in his first gubernatorial election. A member of Congress at the time, DeSantis was trailing far behind in the GOP primary. After he endorsed DeSantis, his campaign started soaring, Trump recalled. “I said, 'Let’s do it,' and this guy went up like a rocket,” Trump said, claiming that he, not DeSantis, was responsible for turning Florida Republican red. Trump also boasted about receiving more than a million votes more than DeSantis did in 2020. Trump went on to wallow in his irritation at DeSantis’ “no comment” response to a reporter’s question last year about a presidential run. “That means he's running!” Trump said. “And I started hitting him very early. I hit him hard, and he’s crashing like a bird seriously wounded in flight.” If Trump sounded like he was making up for lost time, there was a reason: He skipped Wednesday’s debate at the scenic Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, and he wasn’t able to immediately rebut criticism from DeSantis and Chris Christie implying that Trump was wimping out. Moreover, even before the debate, DeSantis sensed it would be nearly impossible to break out of the bickering pack of seven Republican candidates, all desperate to shed their second-tier status and cut into Trump’s gaping lead. So with the focus of the political world on California, Team DeSantis released a campaign ad a day before the debate teasing the real showdown he’s counting on to change his trajectory: a mano a mano cage match between himself and Gavin Newsom over their ideals, ideology, and records as mega-state governors. After rattling off a series of comparisons between the state of Florida and California on violent crime, government deficits, and the economy, the ad wraps up with the words “Revival vs. Decline” flashing on the screen in bold letters against black-and-white images of a sunglass-clad DeSantis staring down a scowling Newsom. “Florida vs. California, conservative vs. progressive – It’s the debate we should be having at the national level,” the ad quotes Fox Business host Stuart Varney intoning. Actually, it is the debate Americans are already having – with the two governors leading the conversation joined by Trump, who likes taking pointed potshots at both Newsom and DeSantis. But there is a wrinkle, as is almost always the case with The Donald. Trump’s penchant for making all politics personal means that the three-way conversation has the feel of a tag-team wrestling match that doesn’t break along party lines: DeSantis is fighting them both. For his part, Newsom noticed DeSantis’ pre-debate trolling – and responded with some of his own. California’s governor played the smart-alecky host showing up at the Republicans’ Wednesday debate where he extolled California’s weather, lauded the scenic Reagan library, and jousted good-naturedly with Fox News host Sean Hannity about California’s sky-high gasoline prices. Then he got down to business, taking dead aim at DeSantis. As Newsom worked the post-debate spin room, he heckled DeSantis for “taking the bait” and agreeing to the faceoff, set to take place Nov. 30 with Hannity moderating. “DeSantis looks small debating a California governor that’s not running for president,” Newsom told a throng of reporters. “He’s getting smaller by the day.” Newsom also indicated that the animus between him and DeSantis is genuine, calling Florida’s governor a “liar” and a “hypocrite” who bullies “marginalized communities.” Newsom insists he’s not running for president himself – at least not in this cycle – but that hasn’t stopped the swirling speculation that he’s operating a shadow campaign and is ready to jump in if Biden isn’t able to answer the bell. On Friday night in Anaheim, DeSantis fired back, hitting Newsom and Biden on gas prices, stubborn inflation, and what he cast as a collapse of the American Dream. For the first time in the history of the Golden State, he told the crowd in the Anaheim Marriott ballroom, more Americans were leaving California than arriving. Many of them were arriving in Florida he added, appreciative of lower taxes and an absence of Democrats trying to micromanage their lives. “To me, the debate about what state is governed better, Florida or California, that debate has already been answered by people voting with their feet,” DeSantis said. Speaking less than a mile from the entrance of Disneyland, DeSantis began his speech with a puckish reference to his prominent role in the culture wars as the nemesis of the Disney Company. It was this battle that prompted Newsom to throw down the gauntlet last year when he went up on Florida airwaves targeting DeSantis’ war on woke and his socially conservative policies on abortion and public-school curriculum. “Freedom, it’s under attack in your state,” Newsom argued in the spot. “Republican leaders – they’re banning books, making it harder to vote, restricting speech in classrooms, even criminalizing women and doctors.” DeSantis returned the favor earlier this year when visiting San Francisco, a city Newsom ran for two terms as mayor, and touring the city’s homeless encampments in the Tenderloin district, a denizen of fentanyl dealing and overdoses. He then tweeted out photos of tents and squalor, labeling the city a “dumpster fire.” DeSantis seems to like his chances in a battle against Biden or Newsom, but that might be fantasy land. The massive obstacle in his path isn’t a Democratic president or a Democratic governor. It’s the most recent Republican president. In recent weeks, the gap between Trump and DeSantis has grown to a chasm, increasing as each criminal indictment against the former president has piled up at his feet. Trump is now 43.9 percentage points ahead of DeSantis in the RealClearPolitics Average of polls, a 27-point jump in six months. That gap was on full display at the California GOP convention. Trump, the political reality TV star, attracted a larger crowd than DeSantis, Sen. Tim Scott, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy combined. He relished the attention, captivating his audience with his fiery freewheeling riffs, humorous jabs, wild exaggerations, and appalling insults. Trump spent the first 10 minutes telling the largely supportive audience that he would have won California – a state he lost by more than 5 million votes in 2020 – if not for a “rigged election.” The former president also promised to take on “ultra-left-wing liars, losers, creeps, perverts and freaks” that, he said, “are devouring the future of this state like a swarm of locusts.” When it comes to rampant smash-and-grab thefts undermining retail businesses from here to Philadelphia, Trump offered a simple but shocking solution. “We will immediately stop all of the pillaging and theft very simply: If you rob a store, you can fully expect to be shot as you are leaving that store – shot,” Trump said. He promised to stand up to “crazy Nancy Pelosi,” who he said had “ruined San Francisco,” then shifted to mock her husband, who was a victim of a brutal attack in the family’s San Francisco home last October. “How’s her husband doing, anybody know?” he asked a crowd that laughed uncomfortably in response. “And she’s against building a wall at our border, even though she has a wall around her house – which obviously didn’t do a very good job.” Although Trump put most of the blame for the country’s ills on Democrats, toward the end of his remarks he punched hard at DeSantis too. “I’m the only candidate that [Biden and the Democrats] don’t want to run against – they’ll take DeSanctimonious in about two seconds,” he remarked. He then rattled off the results of the most recent Morning Consult poll, showing him with 63% support nationwide compared to 12% for DeSantis. And in a recent CNN poll, DeSantis fell to fifth place in the New Hampshire primary, Trump jeered. Here in California, Trump holds an enormous, nearly 50% lead over DeSantis in the primary. Thanks to a new change in state Republican election rules, which the Republican National Committee still must approve, if Trump wins more than 50% of the March 5 primary vote, he would secure all 169 of the state’s delegates. If no candidate hits that threshold, delegates will be awarded proportionally. By now, DeSantis is accustomed to Trump’s slings and arrows. In the ballroom Friday night DeSantis seemed more relaxed and natural, sprinkling his remarks with quotes from Reagan and offering Reaganesque flourishes about American renewal and this generation’s “rendezvous with destiny.” He appeared to acknowledge his underdog status in the race but also his commitment to soldier on in what he described as a moral obligation to reverse the country’s trajectory. DeSantis also seemed slightly amused by all of Trump’s attention earlier in the day. “I understand that one of my residents was here earlier saying that he turned Florida red,” he remarked. “All I will say is, Ronald Reagan made the point [that] there’s no limit to what you can do when you don’t care who gets the credit. I just wish if he was the one that turned Florida red, that he wouldn’t have turned Georgia and Arizona blue because that’s not been good for us at all.” In an earlier Friday interview, DeSantis addressed Newsom’s attempt to ridicule him for agreeing to debate in the first place and brushed it off as disingenuous campaign jousting. “You know Sean [Hannity] asked him to debate. He said yes. So, then he asked me,” DeSantis recounted. “I’m like, ‘I’ll do it. Let’s do it.’ And now he’s acting like ‘Why do you want to debate me?’ Well, I’m debating you because you asked to do it, so let’s go and get it done.” “I do think it will be good, it will be instructive,” he added. “These are the types of debates America really needs to have.” Susan Crabtree is RealClearPolitics' White House/national political correspondent. Tyler Durden Tue, 10/03/2023 - 21:45.....»»
: Supreme Court case on CFPB funding could have wider ramifications for mortgage borrowers
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau faces a high-stakes legal fight......»»
Dow Jones Newswires: RBNZ keeps interest rates steady, says policy could be restrictive for some time
New Zealand's central bank kept interest rates unchanged ahead of a national election later this month where cost-of-living pressures and economic management are top concerns of voters......»»
: New England’s housing markets ‘heat up’ as home prices jump in August — and rose by over 9% in one state
Home prices rose in August, with New England states leading the pack, CoreLogic economist says......»»
Trump"s SPAC Partner Digital World, Novavax, Palantir, And Tesla: Why These Stocks Are Trending Today?
U.S. stocks experienced a downturn, with significant losses noted toward the end of trading. The S&P 500 fell approximately 1.4%. read more.....»»
Top 10 Dividend Stocks of 2023
In this article, we discuss top 10 dividend stocks of 2023. If you want to read our detailed analysis of dividend stocks and their performance, go directly to read Top 25 Dividend Stocks of 2023. 10. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 71 Year-to-Date Returns as of October 2: 8.75% An American […] In this article, we discuss top 10 dividend stocks of 2023. If you want to read our detailed analysis of dividend stocks and their performance, go directly to read Top 25 Dividend Stocks of 2023. 10. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 71 Year-to-Date Returns as of October 2: 8.75% An American energy company, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is next on our list of the best dividend stocks of 2023. The company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.91 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.14%, as recorded on October 2. It has been growing its dividends consistently for the past 40 years. At the end of Q2 2023, 71 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database reported having stakes in Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), down from 73 in the previous quarter. The consolidated value of these stakes is over $3 billion. Follow Exxon Mobil Corp (NYSE:XOM) Follow Exxon Mobil Corp (NYSE:XOM) We may use your email to send marketing emails about our services. Click here to read our privacy policy......»»
Top 25 Dividend Stocks of 2023
In this article, we discuss top 25 dividend stocks of 2023. You can skip our detailed analysis of dividend stocks and their performance, and go directly to read Top 10 Dividend Stocks of 2023. The S&P 500 didn’t perform well in September and ended the third quarter on a low note mainly because investors were […] In this article, we discuss top 25 dividend stocks of 2023. You can skip our detailed analysis of dividend stocks and their performance, and go directly to read Top 10 Dividend Stocks of 2023. The S&P 500 didn’t perform well in September and ended the third quarter on a low note mainly because investors were worried about the U.S. economy and the possibility of a government shutdown. Even with some positive economic news, the S&P 500’s value dropped by 4.5% last month. However, it’s still up by 10.35% for the year so far, despite concerns about a possible U.S. recession. This is because inflation has eased, and rising interest rates didn’t harm the economy as much as experts thought. Investors are hopeful that things will get better this month because historically, October has been a good month for the broader market. They are looking forward to a potential turnaround in the market during this time. This year, investors are shifting their focus toward assets that generate income. While tech stocks performed strongly in the first half of the year, the NASDAQ, which is dominated by tech companies, experienced a significant drop of nearly 6% in September. This decline marked the worst month for the index in 2023. The previous performance of these stocks also shows that the tech sector has always remained sensitive to interest rates. When comparing, dividend stocks have consistently stayed reliable over time, even when the economy goes through ups and downs. Not only this, but dividend growth has also outpaced inflation over the years. In one of our articles, we referred to BlackRock’s data which revealed that U.S. companies increased their dividends by 3.7% annually from 1971 to 2022, while inflation only grew by 2% each year. We also mentioned that S&P 500 dividends grew by 5.73% from 1957 to 2022, whereas inflation only rose by 3.68% during that time. This indicates that dividends have been beating inflation consistently. Also Read: Dividend Aristocrats Ranked By Yield: Top 25 Investing in dividend stocks is important, but it’s not as straightforward as it appears. Some companies pay dividends, but they haven’t consistently kept up with them, and some have even reduced or stopped paying them altogether. For this reason, companies that consistently raise their dividends are favored by investors. The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG), Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL), and PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) are some of the best dividend stocks that have raised their payouts for decades, becoming top choices for investors. In this article, we will discuss the top dividend stocks of 2023. photo by scott graham on Unsplash Our Methodology: For this list, we scanned Insider Monkey’s database of 910 hedge funds and identified companies that have raised their dividends for 5 consecutive years or more. From that list, we picked stocks that have generated positive returns in 2023, as of October 2. We ranked those companies in ascending order of the number of hedge funds having stakes in them as of the second quarter of 2023. 25. Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 25 Year-to-Date Returns as of October 2: 12.03% Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD) is a Texas-based energy company that operates as a master limited partnership (MLP). It is one of the largest midstream energy companies in the US. The company currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share, having raised it by 2% in July this year. Through this increase, the company stretched its dividend growth streak to 24 years, which makes it one of the best dividend stocks on our list. The stock has a dividend yield of 7.35%, as of October 2. At the end of Q2 2023, 25 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database reported having stakes in Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD), compared with 26 in the previous quarter. The collective value of these stakes is over $272.7 million. 24. Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 34 Year-to-Date Returns as of October 2: 4.59% Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) is an American diversified manufacturing company that operates in a wide range of industries and provides various products and solutions. On August 4, the company announced a 7% hike in its quarterly dividend to $1.40 per share. This marked the company’s 51st consecutive year of dividend growth. As of October 2, the stock has a dividend yield of 2.43%. It is among the best dividend stocks on our list. As of the close of Q2 2023, 34 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owned stakes in Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW), up from 32 in the previous quarter. The consolidated value of these stakes is over $278.3 million. Among these hedge funds, Markel Gayner Asset Management was the company’s largest stakeholder in Q2. 23. Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 37 Year-to-Date Returns as of October 2: 9.48% Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG) is a leading waste management and environmental services company in the US. The company provides a range of services related to waste collection, disposal, recycling, and environmental sustainability. Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG) has been raising its dividends consistently for the past 19 years, which makes it one of the best dividend stocks on our list. It currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.535 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.52%, as of October 2. At the end of June 2023, 37 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database held investments in Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG), compared with 40 in the previous quarter. The total value of these stakes is over $1.8 billion. The London Company mentioned Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG) in its Q2 2023 investor letter. Here is what the firm has to say: “Initiated: Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG) – RSG is the 2nd largest waste management company in North America. It generates consistent, predictable cash flows with over 80% of its revenues being annuity-like. RSG holds almost 25% of the landfill capacity in the U.S. Industry consolidation and the limited availability of landfills, on top of high transportation costs, have created local duopolies for landfill owners in their respective markets and increased returns. We’re attracted to RSG’s leading position in a stable business with a high degree of recurring revenue, and we believe the company is at an inflection point with its pricing strategy and landfill asset utilization. RSG has a solid balance sheet along with an experienced and shareholder friendly management team.” 22. Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 38 Year-to-Date Returns as of October 2: 18.3% Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) is one of the largest and most diversified steel producers in the US. On September 14, the company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.51 per share, which fell in line with its previous dividend. It holds a 50-year streak of consistent dividend growth, which makes it one of the best dividend stocks on our list. The stock’s dividend yield on October 2 came in at 1.31%. Nucor Corporation (NYSE:NUE) was a part of 38 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q2 2023, as per Insider Monkey’s database. The collective value of stakes owned by these hedge funds is over $563.5 million. 21. Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 46 Year-to-Date Returns as of October 2: 8.64% Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) is an American medical technology and medical device company that specializes in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of a wide range of medical products and equipment. The company offers a quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.12%, as of October 2. It has raised its dividends for 29 consecutive years. At the end of June 2023, 46 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database owned investments in Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK), up from 42 in the previous quarter. The consolidated value of stakes owned by these hedge funds is over $2.42 billion. 20. International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 51 Year-to-Date Returns as of October 2: 0.08% An American tech company, International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) is next on our list of the best dividend stocks of 2023. The company has raised its dividends for 28 years consistently and currently pays a quarterly dividend of $1.66 per share. The stock’s dividend yield came in at 4.71% on October 2. The number of hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owning stakes in International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) grew to 51 in Q2 2023, from 49 in the previous quarter. The overall value of these stakes is roughly $814 million. 19. Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 55 Year-to-Date Returns as of October 2: 11.48% Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is a California-based multinational tech company. It is a leading player in the information technology (IT) and networking industries, providing a wide range of products and services. The company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share for a dividend yield of 2.92%, as of October 2. It is one of the best dividend stocks on our list as the company has grown its dividends for 12 years straight. With stakes worth over $1.4 billion, 55 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database owned positions in Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) at the end of Q2 2023. With nearly 11 million shares, AQR Capital Management was the company’s largest stakeholder in Q2. 18. Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 56 Year-to-Date Returns as of October 2: 12.74% Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL) is an American multinational corporation that specializes in providing water, hygiene, and energy technologies and services. On August 3, the company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.53 per share, which was consistent with its previous dividend. The company’s dividend growth streak stands at 31 years, which places it as one of the best dividend stocks on our list. As of October 2, the stock has a dividend yield of 1.28%. Of the 910 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database at the end of Q2 2023, 56 funds owned investments in Ecolab Inc. (NYSE:ECL), up from 53 in the previous quarter. The collective value of these stakes is roughly $2.3 billion. 17. McKesson Corporation (NYSE:MCK) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 60 Year-to-Date Returns as of October 2: 17.01% McKesson Corporation (NYSE:MCK) is one of the largest healthcare services and pharmaceutical distribution companies in the world. On July 24, the company announced a 15% hike in its quarterly dividend to $0.62 per share. This marked the company’s seventh consecutive year of dividend growth, which makes it one of the best dividend stocks on our list. The stock has a dividend yield of 0.57%, as of October 2. The number of hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owning stakes in McKesson Corporation (NYSE:MCK) stood at 60 in Q2 2023, which remained unchanged from the previous quarter. The consolidated value of these stakes is over $3.1 billion. 16. ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 62 Year-to-Date Returns as of October 2: 2.76% ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) is one of the world’s largest independent exploration and production (E&P) companies in the energy sector. The company has raised its dividends every year since 2015, which makes it one of the best dividend stocks on our list. It offers a quarterly dividend of $0.51 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.91%, as of October 2. As of the end of Q2 2023, 62 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database reported having stakes in ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP), worth collectively $2.6 billion. With nearly 15 million shares, Harris Associates was the company’s leading stakeholder in Q2. 15. Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 64 Year-to-Date Returns as of October 2: 0.13% An American retail corporation, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) has been growing its dividends consistently for the past 59 years. The company pays a quarterly dividend of $1.10 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.21%, as of October 2. At the end of Q2 2023, 64 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported owning stakes in Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW), compared with 67 in the previous quarter. The collective value of these stakes is over $3.7 billion. Among these hedge funds, Pershing Square was the company’s leading stakeholder in Q2. 14. Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 65 Year-to-Date Returns as of October 2: 6.73% Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI) is a leading global semiconductor company that specializes in designing, manufacturing, and marketing analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing (DSP) integrated circuits and solutions. The company offers a quarterly dividend of $0.86 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.98%. The company maintains a 20-year streak of consistent dividend growth. At the end of the June quarter of 2023, 65 hedge funds owned stakes in Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI), worth collectively over $5 billion. Madison Investments mentioned Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI) in its Q2 2023 investor letter. Here is what the firm has to say: “The bottom five individual contributors for the quarter were U.S. Bancorp, Progressive, Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADI), Dollar Tree, and Danaher. Analog Devices and Danaher are both seeing end market demand moderate (in semiconductor and medical research, respectively) compared to the artificially high levels they experienced for two years due to the post-Covid chaos in supply chains. Despite these near-term dynamics, we think the longer-term outlooks remain excellent in both cases.” 13. Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 66 Year-to-Date Returns as of October 2: 22.77% Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) is an American multinational telecommunications and media company that operates through several subsidiaries and divisions and offers a wide range of products and services. The company maintains a 15-year streak of consistent dividend growth and currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share. As of October 2, the stock has a dividend yield of 2.66%. As of the end of Q2 2023, 66 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported having stakes in Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA), compared with 68 in the previous quarter. The collective value of these stakes is over $3.14 billion. 12. Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 67 Year-to-Date Returns as of October 2: 25.3% Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) is a multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of membership-based warehouse club stores. The company offers a per-share dividend of $1.02 every quarter for a dividend yield of 0.72%, as of October 2. It has been rewarding shareholders with growing dividends for the past 19 years. The number of hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database owning stakes in Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) grew to 67 in Q2 2023, from 63 in the previous quarter. The collective value of these stakes is over $2.24 billion. RiverPark Advisors mentioned Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) in its Q2 2023 investor letter. Here is what the firm has to say: “Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST), founded in 1983, is the world’s third-largest retailer with 850 stores, $240 billion in revenue and 68 million members spread across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Southern Pacific Region. The company is known for its strong value proposition driven by high-quality low-cost offerings including a well-regarded private-label brand. Costco regularly ranks at the top of customer surveys related to brand trust, product price and quality, and all-around experience. Historically, 90% of the company’s shoppers renew their memberships, which generate more than 50% of operating income. Through expanding market share, new store openings, increasing member productivity, and omnichannel expansion, we believe the company can grow revenues annually in the high single digit percentage range. This revenue growth should yield steadily growing margins and EPS growth in the low-to-mid-teens, which should drive shareholder returns in the same range.” 11. Linde plc (NYSE:LIN) Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 70 Year-to-Date Returns as of October 2: 16.51% Linde plc (NYSE:LIN) is a multinational industrial gases and engineering company that operates in various sectors, including industrial, healthcare, and specialty gases. The company’s dividend growth streak currently stands at 28 years, which makes it one of the best dividend stocks on our list. It pays a quarterly dividend of $1.275 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.37%, as of October 2. At the end of June 2023, 70 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owned investments in Linde plc (NYSE:LIN), the same as in the previous quarter. The overall value of these stakes is more than $4.5 billion. Click to continue reading and see Top 10 Dividend Stocks of 2023. Suggested articles: 10 Best ASX Stocks To Invest In 11 Best Battery Stocks To Buy Before They Take Off 15 Best Cloud Computing Stocks Heading into 2024 Disclosure. None. Top 25 Dividend Stocks of 2023 is originally published on Insider Monkey......»»
25 Dumbest Cities in America
In this article, we will take a look at the 25 dumbest cities in America. In the past 50 years, the United States has made a lot of progress in fighting poverty. For example, child mortality rates and deaths from heart disease have gone down by about 70%. But the number of poor Americans has […] In this article, we will take a look at the 25 dumbest cities in America. In the past 50 years, the United States has made a lot of progress in fighting poverty. For example, child mortality rates and deaths from heart disease have gone down by about 70%. But the number of poor Americans has stayed the same, going up during recessions and down during good times. Different ways to count the poor, like the Supplemental Poverty Measure in 2011, which found three million more poor people, may be to blame for the lack of growth. Access to cheap goods made in large quantities does not guarantee stable housing, inexpensive medical and dental care, or good care for children. The American working class and working poor are being taken advantage of as consumers in the housing and financial markets. For example, rent is going up faster than renters’ wages. Poor families, especially black families, don’t have many options for where to live. This is because landlords in poor areas make twice as much money as landlords in wealthy neighborhoods. Banks don’t like to give out small mortgages and keep people out of public housing, so low-income families have to rent from private landlords and spend at least half of their income on rent and expenses. A Pew Research Center analysis found that lower-income Americans are most harmed by COVID-19’s economic repercussions. In August 2020, 13,200 U.S. adults were surveyed, and one in four had trouble paying their bills since the outbreak, a third had to dip into savings or retirement accounts, and one in six had borrowed money or food from friends or family. Low-income folks, non-college graduates, and black and Hispanic Americans continue to have these experiences. Americans, especially low-income, black, and Hispanic adults, have used more resources due to the coronavirus outbreak. Over 10% of low-income adults have borrowed money, obtained food from a food bank or charity, or received government aid. Since February, 15% of U.S. individuals have received unemployment benefits, a significant source of income. People who are poor may miss payments, have bad credit, or have no credit score at all. This can make it hard for them to rent an apartment, buy insurance, or get a job. To stop the exploitation of workers, anti-poverty programs should focus on giving workers more power by renewing contracts with American workers, encouraging sectoral bargaining, giving low-income families more housing choices, and giving first-time homeowners more money. Fair access to capital is important, and banks should stop stealing billions of dollars from poor and near-poor people every year by charging them outrageous overdraft fees. Meanwhile, taking the top spot on our list of the 25 Dumbest States in America is Mississippi. Mississippi’s status as one of the most economically challenged states can be attributed to a range of factors. It holds the unfortunate distinction of being identified as the state with the lowest socioeconomic status nationwide. The Delta region, in particular, is predominantly inhabited by influential cotton farmers who own large-scale mechanized plantations. These farmers are the main recipients of a substantial portion of the extensive federal subsidies directed toward the state. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to highlight that a lot of people in the region still face economic circumstances, living as rural laborers without land ownership. These things make Mississippi one of the worst big cities to live in USA. Our Methodology The average income, the poverty rate, and the unemployment rate are the three factors that are considered while ranking the 25 Dumbest Cities in America. These are the elements that render a city uninhabitable and uncomfortable, as well as those that contribute to the general deterioration of economic well-being. In addition, the population of the cities that applied had to be at least 250,000 in order for them to be considered. The figure assures that there are a sufficient number of people living in a city to determine whether or not it can be categorized as one of the stupidest cities in the United States. This list of the 25 Dumbest Cities in America was built using data from nine independent sources. You can take a look at our 25 Dumbest Cities in the US in 2018 article and see how the rankings have changed. 25 Dumbest Cities in America 25. San Jose Population: 930,862 Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 7.4% Unemployment Rate: 3.6% Average Annual Income Per Family: $133,835 Even though San Jose is a prosperous city with a thriving culture and business, it is not without its drawbacks. Residents should budget for a high standard of living due to the median home value and anticipate additional costs. The city’s focus on pedestrians may make it difficult for motorists. There are some scorching days, but the city is often not as hot as nearby McKinney, Texas. With these reasons in mind, San Jose easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America. 24. Seattle Population: 725,487 Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 11% Unemployment Rate: 3.6% Average Annual Income Per Family: $115,409 Seattle has high housing costs, 40–50% of the take-home salary. The city has dreary skies most of the year due to its rainy climate. Traffic in Seattle is notorious, with rush hour lasting five hours a day and the city in utter standstill. Seattle’s housing market is also not diverse, with many residents renting rather than buying. Starter homes in Seattle cost $799,000 and rise annually. Moreover, the city contains 10 cities and the third-highest homeless population in the US. Drug usage is widespread. The city is trying to solve homelessness, a serious humanitarian issue. Wildfires are increasing, generating dense black smoke and bad air quality, which drives inhabitants out of Seattle. Lack of service, high traffic, and delayed buses and trains plague public transportation. While Seattle has possibilities, living car-free is not easy. All these things considered, Seattle easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America. 23. San Francisco Population: 715,717 Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 11.3% Unemployment Rate: 3.7% Average Annual Income Per Family: $136,692 Homelessness, drug abuse, rising crime, and the closing of businesses have all contributed to San Francisco’s downfall in recent years. The COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent shift in employment practices caused a mass exodus that persisted into 2022. San Francisco and the Bay Area shrank even more slowly than before. As a result of the pandemic, many people outside of the city have decided not to relocate there, and the city’s pace and lifeline have changed. As a result, numerous structures are now either mostly or entirely empty, hurting retail and tearing the city apart from its previous cohesive state. As of 2022, it is predicted that 7,754 individuals will be homeless. Due in part to the loss of jobs, the city is also experiencing a rise in crime. Due to an increase in larceny and thefts in San Francisco, Target has decided to reduce nighttime hours at several of its shops in 2021. Walgreens said it was forced to shut down five outlets in the area because of a spike in “organized retail crime.” The city’s recent downfall demonstrates the importance of diversity and adaptability in the face of economic uncertainty. Considering these, San Francisco easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America. 22. Charlotte Population: 885,663 Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 11.3% Unemployment Rate: 3.3% Average Annual Income Per Family: $74,401 Charlotte is a city known for its laid-back atmosphere, low cost of living, and diverse population. However, its traffic, religion, seclusion, insect repellent, and hurricane management history make it difficult to travel. The city’s mild climate and red clay soil make planting difficult, and mosquitoes are a nuisance. The city’s infrastructure is straining due to population growth, reducing its appeal. Despite its attractions like museums, performing arts, and festivals, Charlotte faces challenges for non-finance and tech workers, and early relocation can make bill payments harder. Considering the adjustments a newcomer might experience in Charlotte, it easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America. 21. Denver Population: 699,288 Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 11.6% Unemployment Rate: 3.4% Average Annual Income Per Family: $88,213 Air quality and pollution in Denver are at record highs, making it one of the most polluted cities. Denver is among the 30 Most Polluted Cities in the US. This month, smoke from many intermountain West wildfires has covered the city’s skyline, causing poor air quality. Forest fires in the Pacific Northwest and southwest Canada are causing Denver’s increasing smoke. Considering that the biggest concern in Denver is pollution, leading to more economic problems, it easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America. 20. San Diego Population: 1,374,076 Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 11.7% Unemployment Rate: 3.9% Average Annual Income Per Family: $100,010 Housing is expensive in San Diego, with the typical home price at $765,000 and the average one-bedroom apartment rent at $2,400. Moving to San Diego makes it hard to purchase a starter house. The city has one of the biggest homeless populations in the country, demonstrating the wealth gap. Concerns against migrating to San Diego include California’s 13.3% state income tax, the highest in the nation. Moreover, San Diego is car-centric due to its poor public transportation, which can take an hour to commute. Some residents switch to scooters and motorcycles to avoid parking and expensive fees. Considering the poor condition of living in San Diego, it easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America. 19. Austin Population: 963,121 Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 12.7% Unemployment Rate: 3.8% Average Annual Income Per Family: $89,415 By the end of the year, the Austin metro area is expected to overtake the competitive real estate markets of Boston, Miami, and New York City to become the least affordable major metro region outside of California for homebuyers. Multiple bids, bidding wars, and block-long queues outside open houses are usual due to the extreme scarcity of available homes. Due to the city’s rapid growth, Austin is experiencing a housing crisis that is altering the city and forcing low-income black and Latino inhabitants to move further from the city’s cultural centers, transportation hubs, grocery stores, and other urban conveniences. The constant presence of homeless encampments in front of City Hall and under busy highways has brought attention to the crisis of inadequate housing. Considering the housing concerns in Austin, it easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America. 18. Fort Worth Population: 961,885 Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 14.4% Unemployment Rate: 4.1% Average Annual Income Per Family: $71,527 The population in the Fort Worth ZIP code, which includes the city’s central business district, has the lowest life expectancy in Texas, at 66.7 years. This is 12 years less than the national average. The majority of the population is either at or below the poverty line. Income, access to healthy foods, insurance, safe places to exercise, educational opportunities, racial segregation, unemployment, and safe housing are all examples of social determinants of health that have a major impact on an individual’s health and longevity. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the area, along with other common chronic conditions. Community leaders are currently being polled to gauge public opinion on the city’s initiatives to enhance residents’ health and longevity. Considering the poor condition of living in Fort Worth, it easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America. 17. Las Vegas Population: 653,843 Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 14.8% Unemployment Rate: 6.1% Average Annual Income Per Family: $68,905 When it comes to the quality of life for the working poor in the United States, the casino capital of Las Vegas ranks at the bottom. In terms of life expectancy, Las Vegas is towards the bottom for both men and women. People’s vices come out to play in this gambling center, and the health of the minimum-wage workers around them suffers as a result of secondhand smoke. Residents, especially the impoverished, drink more, exercise less, and deal with the stress of living in a community where the economy has taken a significant hit. Nevada’s social welfare services would suffer severely if the state did not collect taxes. Considering the quality of life and the lack of social support and services that are available in Las Vegas, it easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America. 16. Phoenix Population: 1,651,344 Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 14.9% Unemployment Rate: 4.2% Average Annual Income Per Family: $75,969 When compared to other states still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, Arizona has one of the highest rates of people who are homeless. Home prices in the seller’s market have skyrocketed, making both homeownership and renting out of reach for many Californians. Arizona has been recognized for decades as an affordable area to call home, but due to rising housing costs caused by competition, that reputation has changed. It’s getting harder to rationalize living in a city that’s pricey, hot, and congested as the cost of living rises and the older millennial population starts having kids and moving out of Phoenix and other Arizona cities. Considering these developments, it easily makes Arizona one of the dumbest places to live in the USA. 15. Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government Population: 1,315,000 Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 15.3% Unemployment Rate: 2.9% Average Annual Income Per Family: $71,767 The Nashville-Davidson-Davidsonitan Government poverty rate dropped for the fourth year in 2013, but high-need areas have grown since 2000, according to Metro Social Services. Although the overall poverty rate fell to 15.3%, the child poverty rate remained at 30.5%. One in five children in the state is living in poverty. Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government has one of the lowest high school graduation rates in the state and one of the highest rates of school suspensions. Considering these reasons and the challenges that plague the Nashville-Davidson Metropolitan Government, it easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America. 14. Indianapolis Population: 871,449 Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 15.4% Unemployment Rate: 3.6% Average Annual Income Per Family: $61,501 Despite the government’s efforts to improve blighted neighborhoods, the city’s poverty rate has risen by roughly 90% over the past decade. The Hispanic and disadvantaged kid populations in Indianapolis are growing at a disproportionately high rate. The health crisis, lack of education, unstable housing, unreliable employment, and hunger are among the factors that contribute to the poverty in Indianapolis. Due to growing social stratification along racial, ethnic, and other lines, it is increasingly difficult to draw conclusions about a city’s or region’s poor situation from a single set of statistics. Despite this, the government in Indianapolis is committed to equitable development or growth that benefits all sectors and communities in the region. Considering the extreme inequality that one may experience in Indianapolis, it easily becomes one of the dumbest cities in the USA. 13. Jacksonville Population: 962,970 people Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 15.4% Unemployment Rate: 3.2% Average Annual Income Per Family: $69,309 There are multiple reasons that contribute to making Jacksonville one of the dumbest cities in America. It is also one of the worst small cities to live in the USA. The reasons are mainly: traffic congestion, high crime rates, limited job opportunities, hurricane risk, and a lack of cultural attractions. Petty crime, which occurs at an alarming rate in some regions, is another cause for concern. Jacksonville’s diverse economy includes healthcare, banking, logistics, and the military, all of which may or may not offer sufficient employment possibilities. From June through November, Jacksonville is in the path of potentially dangerous hurricanes. Moreover, high-quality education is just one of the many issues plaguing Jacksonville, along with infrastructural difficulties, poverty, income inequality, and environmental concerns. Jacksonville is home to some stunning natural features, but the city is also struggling with problems like water pollution and conservation. Despite these drawbacks, Jacksonville gives residents and visitors alike a well-rounded picture of life in Florida. All things considered, many negative reasons outweigh the positive reasons to stay in Florida, making the city one of the dumbest cities to live in America. 12. Oklahoma Population: 4,048,375 Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 15.8% Unemployment Rate: 2.8% Average Annual Income Per Family: $63,713 Oklahoma has had a substantial poverty problem ever since before it became a state, when early settlers encountered difficulties like drought, food insecurity, and a lack of infrastructure. The main problems that Oklahoma faces are the difficulties in meeting basic human needs and the material implications of this trait, which keeps the people poor. Oklahoma’s persistent poverty can be attributed to five features of the state’s social, economic, and political climate: low job rates, low levels of education, high incarceration rates, food insecurity, poor health, wide income gaps, and high rates of violence. Having a job is essential to lifting yourself out of poverty, yet opportunities vary greatly from county to county and race to race. Moreover, there is a close relationship between levels of education and economic success. The public school system in Oklahoma has long suffered from inadequate funding and a lackluster investment in its physical facilities. Lastly, Oklahoma’s persistent poverty is exacerbated by social inequalities. Taking these reasons in mind, Oklahoma easily makes it one of the dumbest cities to live in America. 11. Washington, DC Population: 631,693 Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 16.5% Unemployment Rate: 2.4% Average Annual Income Per Family: $101,027 Despite its original intent as a symbol of American principles, the nation’s capital, Washington, DC, has become a haven for the callous, insensitive, and dishonorable. The area has been plagued by poverty and violence for decades, and this is not likely to change anytime soon because of the rigidity of the local authority. The main concern for Washington currently is the inequality that impacts poor households through the housing market, making rental housing less affordable relative to their incomes. Monitoring the relationship between income and rental costs at different points in the distribution is crucial to ensuring an adequate response to affordability challenges and preserving housing opportunities for a wide range of workers and families. With these in mind, Wahington easily makes it to one of the dumbest cities to live in America. 10. Dallas Population: 1,259,404 people Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 16.5% Unemployment Rate: 4.1% Average Annual Income Per Family: $65,400 As income inequality and economic mobility rise, cities like Dallas, one of the most segregated in the country, see their land of opportunity shrink. For some, poverty is a trap set at birth from which there is no chance of escape, and the land of opportunity is increasingly restricted to largely white residents of the city’s northern census tracts. The poverty in Dallas is intertwined with two crises, and segregation is the greatest obstacle to economic advancement. In sum, the inequitable distribution of resources in Dallas greatly affects its rise to development, making it easily one of the dumbest cities to live in the USA. 9. San Antonio Population: 1,479,493 people. Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 17% Unemployment Rate: 4.2% Average Annual Income Per Family: $58,829 Due to San Antonio’s racial composition and the prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, the city has been dealing with generational poverty for quite some time. Because of the city’s demographics, notably its high poverty rates for black and Latino citizens, black and Latino neighborhoods in San Antonio have been disproportionately affected by the current COVID-19 situation. State-collected data from the epidemic suggests that disparities in survival rates due to race and socioeconomic position exist. A major factor contributing to the poor health of San Antonio’s black and Latinx groups is the city’s high poverty rate. Moreover, low-income people in San Antonio are more likely to be exposed to the coronavirus in the workplace, increasing their already elevated risk. Healthcare, discrimination, pandemic, COVID-19, diabetes, inequality, racial discrimination, Medicaid, asthma, Metro Health, Community Health and Prevention, Metropolitan Health District, poverty, generational poverty, healthcare access, chronic illness, and more are all problems that San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, must face. With all these factors, it can be said that San Antonio is one of the dumbest cities to live in the USA. 8. Chicago Population: 2,608,425 people. Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 17.1% Unemployment Rate: 4.2% Average Annual Income Per Family: $70,386 According to author Rachel Shteir, Chicago is the most depressing major city in America because it is stiflingly conformist, consistently elects crooks and the stupid, and stubbornly holds onto outdated stereotypes about itself. Long commute times, foreclosures, lower property values compared to the rest of the country, higher rates of uninsured residents, higher rates of high school dropouts, higher rates of unemployment, and a world-famous gun violence epidemic are all realities that the city must face head-on. With almost 550,000 people not having health coverage, the city is the fourth worst in the United States. Moreover, the city’s unemployment rate is almost three percentage points greater than the national average, and its home price index is now nearly 30 points below the national average. The biggest drop has been in public payrolls, which has hit minorities especially hard. South and West Side communities have been impacted hardest by government layoffs, contributing to Chicago’s already notorious gun violence epidemic. 7. Los Angeles Population: 3,769,485 people. Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 17.1% Unemployment Rate: 5% Average Annual Income Per Family: $76,135 The high cost of living, restrictions on specific groups, and the city’s long history of homelessness all contribute to Los Angeles’ high poverty rate. Since it was formerly the most segregated city in the South, the city’s property documents reflect that history of segregation. Since housing is expensive and there aren’t enough jobs to go around, the homeless population has increased. Because of the public and private resources available, several formerly homeless people have relocated here from other states. Moreover, the city of Los Angeles is home to the highest rates of both violent crime and poverty in the United States. Because of the city’s year-round warm climate, those without homes can easily obtain shelter as well as basic necessities like food and needles. However, the rising number of San Francisco’s homeless is a major worry as well, with the local government pointing the finger at rising rent prices. The high cost of living and high poverty rate in Los Angeles draw attention to the need for change and solutions to these problems. As a result of many reasons, including high living costs, historical restrictions, and governmental acceptance of poverty, Los Angeles has a high poverty rate. Considering these reasons, Los Angeles easily makes it to the dumbest cities to live in the United States. 6. Columbus Population: 907,865 people. Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 17.7% Unemployment Rate: 3.1% Average Annual Income Per Family: $61,727 A recent Ohio study indicated that urban poverty has increased more than gentrification in Columbus and Ohio city communities. The survey also indicated that black households are most affected by neighborhood poverty. Columbus is large, yet the number of high-poverty tracts increased from 26 in 1980 to 50 in 2018. Black residents are five times more likely than whites to live in high-poverty communities, according to the report. Transportation policies, local entrepreneurship, and small company development initiatives can aid urban communities. Considering these reasons, Columbus easily makes it one of the dumbest cities to live in America. 5. New York Population: 19,496,810 people Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 18% Unemployment Rate: 4.6% Average Annual Income Per Family: $74,694 Prior to the epidemic, nearly one in five adults and one in five children in New York City were living in poverty, and nearly half of the city’s population faced some type of disadvantage. The biggest concern for New York City is its unemployment rate. New York City has a high unemployment rate because of the city’s high job application rate and significant homeless population. The 2008 financial crisis triggered the Great Recession, which drove up the unemployment rate that year. Many of the unemployed, however, came from middle- and upper-class backgrounds and were likely to own at least one property. Considering the persistent problem of unemployment in New York, it easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America. 4. Boston Population: 617,459 people Percentage of People Living Below the Poverty Line: 18.7% Unemployment Rate: 2.7% Average Annual Income Per Family: $86,331 The Boston metro region is the seventh most unequal city in the United States when it comes to income inequality. The poverty rate in Boston is influenced by various factors, including educational attainment, disabilities, and household characteristics. This wealth gap persists from home to community, drawing attention to the cycle of poverty that persists in certain Boston households. Considering these factors and the wealth gap that persists in Boston, it easily makes it one of the dumbest cities in America......»»
5 Largest Economies in the World by 2030
In this piece, we will take a look at the 5 largest economies in the world by 2030. For more countries, head on over to the 25 largest economies in the world by 2030. 5. Germany Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $5,372.71 Germany will remain the the largest economy in Europe in 2030, and […] In this piece, we will take a look at the 5 largest economies in the world by 2030. For more countries, head on over to the 25 largest economies in the world by 2030. 5. Germany Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $5,372.71 Germany will remain the the largest economy in Europe in 2030, and will be the only country in Europe whose GDP is expected to exceed $5 trillion......»»
25 Largest Economies in the World by 2030
In this article, we will be taking a look at the 25 largest economies in the world by 2030. To skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to see the 5 largest economies in the world by 2030. The global economy has struggled post-Covid, and growth slowed down in most countries across the world, starting […] In this article, we will be taking a look at the 25 largest economies in the world by 2030. To skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to see the 5 largest economies in the world by 2030. The global economy has struggled post-Covid, and growth slowed down in most countries across the world, starting from 2022 when record inflation rates impacted the world, and the central banks of most nations hiked interest rates in a bid to control inflation, both of which were direct contributors to the economic growth rate declining, even among the largest economies in the world by 2030. According to the World Economic Forum, the global growth rate for 2023 is projected to decline to 3% in both 2023 and 2024, worse than even 2022 when the growth rate was 3.5%. Even then, this is partially good news because the projected global growth rate for 2023 was initially lower than eve 3%, even as high interest rates from central banks have been cited as one of the primary reasons behind the decline in economic activity. On the other hand, more positive news is expected in terms of inflation rates, as global headline inflation is expected to decline to 6.8% in 2023, as compared to 8.7% in 2022, which should also result in corresponding declines in interest rates, though inflation rates will still be relatively high compared to pre-2022 rates. Phongphan/Shutterstock.com While the largest economies in the world right now and by 2030 already experience slow, stable growth, some of these countries actually have fast growing economies including India and China. China in fact, considered by many to become the biggest economy in the world by 2030, has had a fast growing economy over the last few decades, but its fortunes seem to have turned post Covid-19. Unlike most nations, China continued to implement a Zero-Covid policy even after the threat had diminished, resulting in its economy remaining closed for much longer than other countries and has struggled to recover economically since. China’s economic slowdown has been more pronounced than in other large economies, and investors are now reconsidering whether the country will provide protection from weaknesses in other economies. Considering the fact that China has made major investments in many developing countries including Sri Lanka and Pakistan, countries who have defaulted or are at risk of default, China’s economic downturn is leading to even more questions. Hong Kong’s Han Seng Index is now in a bear market, and has fallen more than 20% from the peak it achieved back in January 2023. Even the Chinese yuan, a currency which has been considered to be a threat to the U.S. dollar as the premier global currency, has slid to its lowest level in over 15 years, which has resulted in China’s central bank increasing the rate to purchase dollars much higher than the actual market value. One of the reasons behind China’s economic woes is its real estate crisis, which began in 2021 after the country’s biggest real estate company in Evergrande defaulted on its debts, and is currently undergoing a debt reconstruction process. Additional companies which have further deepened the real estate crisis include Country Garden, one of the biggest developers there by property sales, also defaulting on its debts and though China’s government is attempting to revive the real estate market, additional players are also considered to be at risk of default, all of which will impact China’s ambition to become the largest economy in the world by 2030. In fact, some publications are already reconsidering their forecasts with respect to China’s economy in light of new information. Because of the property slump, local government debt has spiraled as well. Additional actions have further alienated major corporations operating in China, including Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), whose share price suffered a major slump after China reportedly banned government officials from owning iPhone. The aforementioned issues facing China have been incredibly beneficial to another large economy making its presence felt globally, India. Not only does India have a consistently growing middle-class population, it is also attracting investments from across the world in a bid to convince more companies to operate there, and India has received nearly $600 billion in Foreign Direct Investment in just the past 9 years, which makes up more than 60% of FDIs received in 23 years. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has also been moving towards India while still maintaining a strong presence in China for production, and opened two large retail stores in India in 2023 amid US-China tensions. India’s potential was also mentioned in Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) Q2 2023 earnings call, which stated “Looking at the business in India, we did set a quarterly record, grew very strong, double digits year-over-year. So it was quite a good quarter for us, taking a step back, India is an incredibly exciting market. It’s a major focus for us. I was just there, and the Dynamism in the market, the vibrancy is unbelievable. Over time, we’ve been expanding our operations there to serve more customers, and three years ago, we launched the Apple Store online, and then, as you just mentioned, we launched two stores just a few weeks ago, and they’re off to a great start, one in Mumbai and one in Delhi. We’ve got a number of channel partners in the country as well that we’re partnering with, and we’re very happy with how that’s going overall. Overall, I couldn’t be more delighted and excited by the enthusiasm I’m seeing for the brand there. There are a lot of people coming into the middle class, and I really feel that India is at a tipping point, and it’s great to be there.” As a lot of focus shifts to India, one of the largest economies in the world by 2030, many investors are now looking in this direction, and ETFs tracking India include iShares MSCI India ETF, which has had a YTD return of 6%. Methodology To determine the largest economies in the world by 2030, we accessed the International Monetary Fund’s data on each nation’s GDP up to 2028. We then calculated the CAGR of each country from 2023 to 2028 and prorated it to obtain their GDP for 2030. The countries are ranked from highest GDP in 2030 to lowest. 25. Vietnam Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $ $878.99 Vietnam has shown economic promise for decades but now seems to be capitalizing on it, and was the fastest growing economy in Asia in 2023. 24. Bangladesh Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $934.85 Bangladesh has seen exponential growth in recent years and had the second-highest GDP CAGR from 2023 to 2028 of any country in our list. 23. Taiwan Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $1,084.28 Taiwan has faced a tough 2023 as semiconductor sales have dropped significantly but it’s still expected to post a recovery in the longer term. 22. Poland Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $1,127.39 Poland has displayed remarkable growth in the last three decades after freeing itself from the influence of the Soviet Union, and is fast becoming a hub for many major global companies. 21. Nigeria Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $1,160.23 Nigeria is one of only two countries among the nations with the biggest economies in 2030 to register a CAGR of double-digit from 2023 to 2028. In fact, GDP is expected to more than double from over $500 billion in 2022 to nearly $1.2 trillion in 2030. 20. Switzerland Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $1,218.41 While Switzerland’s growth has been lower than average, it is still expected to grow at a stable level in the next decade, though the revival of growth in productivity and higher participation in the labor market are integral to making this happen. 19. Saudi Arabia Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $1,344.41 Saudi Arabia saw its economic growth in 2022 increase by an incredible 8.7%, the highest among all countries in the G20. 18. Netherlands Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $1,375.76 The Netherlands has faced challenges in a harsh economy and recently, the country revised its GDP growth forecast downwards, primarily because of the fact that the Dutch economy is highly integrated internationally. 17. Türkiye Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $1,480.88 Türkiye has seen inflation reach nearly 50% in 2023, and recently cut its economic growth forecast, though economic growth has still exceeded 4% in 2022 and 2023. 16. Spain Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $1,870.30 Despite fiscal challenges, Spain recently provided a boost to the eurozone in the second quarter of 2023, after outperforming expectations. 15. Australia Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $2,138.62 Australia is facing significant challenges to its economy and according to Deloitte, per capita economic activity in Australia in 2025 is expected to be the same as it was in 2021, highlighting the lack of growth in the country. 14. Mexico Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $2,157.91 While most of Latin America has suffered in the last year or two, Mexico has been considered to be the standout performer, aided by various companies establishing manufacturing facilities in Mexico to take advantage of cheaper labor while being in close proximity to the U.S. 13. South Korea Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $2,308.52 South Korea’s emergence as a highly advanced economy over the past few decades has been nothing short of remarkable and its strong growth is expected to continue in the long term, making it one of the biggest global economies by 2030. 12. Russia Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $2,353.22 Russia has the lowest expected GDP growth rate from 2023 to 2028, unsurprising considering the severe sanctions imposed by Western countries after its invasion of Ukraine. 11. Indonesia Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $2,391.02 The largest Muslim country in the world, Indonesia is expected to surpass other competitors including Russia in the coming years, even as emerging Asia is seeing a tougher economic outlook. 10. Italy Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $2,572.61 While Italy recently received 200 billion euros from the European Union, there is a lot of skepticism that the country won’t be able to make it count. 9. Canada Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $2,845.39 The immediate economic outlook for Canada isn’t very positive, and a downturn is expected in 2024, before rebounding in 2025 and 2026. 8. Brazil Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $3,088.07 The largest economy in Latin America saw a strong recovery in 2023 and its GDP growth expectation was revised from 0.8% to 2% for 2023. 7. France Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $3,598.16 Amid social tensions, France’s economic outlook has weakened recently though it will still easily be among the largest economies in the world by 2030. 6. United Kingdom Projected GDP in 2030 (in billions): $4,778.29 The UK has suffered significantly post Covid-19, especially in terms of cost of living and the energy crisis, while frequent changes in Prime Ministers have not bolstered confidence. Despite these setbacks, the UK is expected to have a CAGR of over 6% from 2023 to 2028. Click to continue reading and see 5 Largest Economies in the World by 2030. Suggested Articles: 12 Best Places to Retire in Netherlands 12 Most Popular Food Delivery Services in the US US Alcohol Exports by Country: Top 15 Disclosure: None. 25 largest economies in the world by 2030 is originally published on Insider Monkey......»»
5 Foods Consumed By Longest Living People Every Day
In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 foods consumed by longest living people every day. If you wish to see the market insights on longevity, head straight to the 20 Foods Consumed By Longest Living People Every Day. 5. Olive Oil Total Score: 3 Olive oil stands fifth among the […] In this article, we will be taking a look at the 5 foods consumed by longest living people every day. If you wish to see the market insights on longevity, head straight to the 20 Foods Consumed By Longest Living People Every Day. 5. Olive Oil Total Score: 3 Olive oil stands fifth among the foods consumed by longest living people everyday . It promotes heart health by reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering blood pressure. Substituting less healthy fats with olive oil can decrease the risk of stroke by over 40%. Its anti-inflammatory properties help combat harmful bacteria, including Helicobacter pylori, which can cause ulcers and cancer. Regular olive oil consumption is associated with a 7% reduced risk of early death for each 10-gram increase in daily intake. Research also indicates that it may slow telomere shortening, a sign of aging, and improve the “successful aging index” in people over 50, encompassing various physical, social, and mental health outcomes......»»
5 George Soros Stocks that are on Sale Now
In this article, we will discuss the 5 George Soros Stocks that are on sale now. If you want to explore similar stocks, you can also take a look at 17 George Soros Stocks that are on Sale Now. 5. 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) Year to Date Loss: 40% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 13 […] In this article, we will discuss the 5 George Soros Stocks that are on sale now. If you want to explore similar stocks, you can also take a look at 17 George Soros Stocks that are on Sale Now. 5. 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) Year to Date Loss: 40% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 13 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) is a technology company that provides 3D printing and digital manufacturing solutions. The company makes 3D printers using technologies like stereolithography, selective laser sintering, and direct metal printing. The once-hot stock in the 3D printing segment has been under pressure in recent months, hurt by disappointing earnings results. Revenues in Q2 totaled $128 million, below the $140 million delivered last year. 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD) is currently rated as a Hold in the market with an $8 a share price target, implying a 62.93% upside potential from current levels. The stock is down by 40% year to date. Follow 3D Systems Corp (NYSE:DDD) Follow 3D Systems Corp (NYSE:DDD) We may use your email to send marketing emails about our services. Click here to read our privacy policy......»»
17 George Soros Stocks that are on Sale Now
In this article, we will discuss the 17 George Soros Stocks that are on sale now. If you want to explore similar stocks, you can also take a look at 5 George Soros Stocks that are on Sale Now. George Soros is one of the greatest investors of all time, renowned for aggressive investment strategies […] In this article, we will discuss the 17 George Soros Stocks that are on sale now. If you want to explore similar stocks, you can also take a look at 5 George Soros Stocks that are on Sale Now. George Soros is one of the greatest investors of all time, renowned for aggressive investment strategies that have netted him billions of dollars over the years. The 93-year-old billionaire investor is best described as a greedy, impulsive risk taker, market-timer, and short seller who is always ready to go against the grain. Averaging gains of over 30% a year between 1970 and 2000 through the Quantum Fund underscores why he is regarded as one of the greatest in the investment circles. The stellar performance is down to the Hungarian-American businessman doing what investors are often advised not to do. The market is always efficient, the share price always reflects all relevant information, and that the stock market is always fairly valued; that’s the general thumb rule that most investors always stick to. However, not George Soros; to him, humans are not rational, especially with money. Therefore, the market can never be efficiently priced. Soros has always stuck to the idea that market prices are inefficient. Instead, they are distorted most of the time from reality. “My interpretation of financial markets directly contradicts the efficient market hypothesis which has been the prevailing theory about financial markets. That theory three claims that markets tend towards equilibrium deviations occur in a random fashion and can be attributed to extraneous shocks if that theory is valid mine is false and vice versa,” Soros once said. The theory that markets are never efficient allowed Soros to turn $12 million in seed funding to well over $20 billion using his hedge fund, Soros Fund Management. With a net worth of over $8 billion, Soros could have been much richer, given that he has donated well over $30 billion to charitable causes. Soros is best remembered as the man who broke the Bank of England, generating a single-day gain of over $1 billion at the expense of the British Pound. Using leverage, Soros took a $10 billion short position on the pound, a trade that ended up being one of the greatest of all time, racking $1 billion in profits as the pound imploded. The hedge fund manager also bet $1 billion against the Thai baht as the financial crisis was ensuing in 1997. He bet the currency would implode as the Bank of Thailand had run out of ammunition to support the currency. The currency did implode even though the billionaire had generated significant returns before it imploded. With age slowly catching up with the legendary investor, he has had to relinquish control of Soros Fund Management to his 37-year-old son, Alex Soros. He is tasked with managing over $20 billion. Since 2011, Soros has carried out investment activities through his family office, Soros Fund Management, which most people continue to follow to gain insights into the direction the market is likely to move. The hedge fund relies on diversification to generate returns in the market with stakes in technology companies to healthcare and Industrial goods consumer discretionary. He is also big on renewable energy as one of the proponents of fighting climate change. Horizon Therapeutics Public Limited Company (NASDAQ:HZNP) is one of the biggest holdings in the Soros fund, followed by Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:RIVN). Soros also has exposure in the tech industry through Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), having also made significant investments in Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM). Soros has also sought exposure to the artificial intelligence boom with stakes in Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) and NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA). He has also increased stakes in Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META), heavily invested in AI large language models. Yet, Soros is sometimes wrong and has endured losses and difficulties in his work. For example, in 2000, he lost about $2 billion when he bet against the rise of technology stocks during the dot-com bubble. In 2016, he lost about $1 billion when he bet against the U.S. stock market after Donald Trump’s election victory. In 2018, he faced criticism and backlash from some governments and groups for his support of liberal causes and organizations. Soros admits his mistakes and learns from them. He invests based on “reflexivity”, which means markets are shaped by people’s actions and beliefs. He adapts his strategies to changing situations. With this angle in mind let’s explore 17 George Soros stocks that are on sale now. Our methodology While the overall market has turned bullish in 2023, some stocks in the Soros hedge fund have been on the receiving end amid deteriorating macro conditions. We have compiled a list of the stocks that have shed a significant amount of market value and underperformed the S&P 500, which is up by about 15%. The stocks are ranked chronologically based on their year-to-date losses. Moreover, we looked into the perspectives of 910 hedge funds in our database on each stock at the end of Q2 2023. George Soros stocks that are on Sale now 17. Blue Apron Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:APRN) Year to Date Loss: 30% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 2 Blue Apron Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:APRN) operates a direct-to-consumer platform that delivers original recipes with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Likewise, it operates an e-commerce platform that offers cooking tools, utensils, pantry items, and other products. The home meal kit delivery company has underperformed in the market for the better part of the year, a situation compounded by a worsening debt situation. It has seen its sentiments take a hit on slowing growth amid increasing competition and soaring inflation. Blue Apron Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:APRN) was down by about 30% before it emerged. It is an acquisition target for Wonder Group, which has agreed to purchase it for $13 a share, representing a 137% premium. APRN shares currently trade at $12.83 a share and more than doubled before we are able to publish this article. 16. Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) Year to Date Loss: 13% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 51 Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) is a company that underscores Soros’ investment in the Industrial sector. The company engages in rail transportation of raw materials. It transports agriculture, forest, and consumer products. Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC) is down by 23% year to date after shedding 13% in market value last year. Wall Street has a Moderate Buy rating on the stock with a $246.31 price target, implying a 25.07% upside potential to current levels. 15. Canada Goose Holdings Inc. (NYSE:GOOS) Year to Date Loss: 14% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 7 With its subsidiaries, Canada Goose Holdings Inc. (NYSE:GOOS) designs, manufactures, and sells performance luxury apparel for men, women, youth, and children. The company has seen its prospects take a significant hit amid waning consumer spending power with persistent Inflationary pressure. Early in the year, the company struck a cautious note on its business amid easing luxury spending in the US. Canada Goose Holdings Inc. (NYSE:GOOS) said it expects full-year earnings of between $1.20 and $1.48, lower than estimates of $1.46. The stock is down by about 26% year to date compared to 155 gain for the S&P 500. 14. RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE:RNG) Year to Date Loss: 14% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 37 Soros’s exposure in the burgeoning cloud segment is further firmed by stakes in RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE:RNG), which provides cloud communications, video meetings, and collaborative contact center solutions. The company’s sentiments took a hit after founder long-term CEO Vlad Shmunis announced he was stepping down in August. The announcement came as RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE:RNG) delivered impressive Q2 results but offered disappointing guidance. Revenue in the quarter was up 11% to $539 million. It is one of the stocks in the red in Soros’s portfolio, having shed 14% in market value year to date. Nevertheless, analysts on Wall Street maintain a Moderate Buy rating on the stock with a $43.70 price target, implying 47.49% upside potential. 13. BlackLine, Inc. (NASDAQ:BL) Year to Date Loss: 20% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 23 Soros Fund Management holds stakes in BlackLine, Inc. (NASDAQ:BL), a company that offers cloud-based solutions for automating and streamlining accounting and finance operations. The company provides financial close management solutions for account reconciliation. BlackLine, Inc. (NASDAQ:BL)’s poor run that began last year and saw it lose about 28% in market value has persisted in 2023. The stock is already down by 20% year to date. The stock is currently rated as a Hold with a $59.0 price target, implying a 7.99% upside potential from current levels. 12. Alteryx, Inc. (NYSE:AYX) Year to Date Loss: 21% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 39 Alteryx, Inc. (NYSE:AYX) operates an analytic process automation platform that allows organizations to enhance business outcomes and the productivity of business analyst data scientists and data engineers. It was one of the biggest losers in Soros’s portfolio after dropping by 28% in August on delivering slowing sales that fell below expectations. Slowing sales saw Alteryx, Inc. (NYSE:AYX) deliver a 4% increase, half an 8% increase that analysts expected. A 22% growth in annual recurring revenue also suggests things are not okay in the company as it struggles amid deteriorating macroeconomic conditions. The company is exploring a potential business sale as it faces stiff competition from Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL). Amid the sale push, the stock is still rated as Moderate Buy with a $48.57 price target, implying a 28.87% upside potential to current levels. 11. Sea Limited (NYSE:SE) Year to Date Loss: 21.8% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: Soros turned to Sea Limited (NYSE:SE) to gain exposure in the digital entertainment e-commerce and digital financial sector. The company offers a platform that allows people to access mobile and PC games and sports operators. It also operates an e-commerce platform and provides financial services. In August, Sea Limited (NYSE:SE)’s shares tumbled by more than 28% after the rampant missed sales estimates and indicated plans to increase spending on e-commerce, a move that could lead to further losses. While the company has increased spending on e-commerce, such spending has only led to losses, which continues to spook investors. A slide that began in late 2021 shows no signs of slowing down, with the stock down by 21.8% year to date. Last year, the stock fell by about 73%. Amid the underperformance of Wall Street rates, Sea Limited (NYSE:SE) has a Moderate Buy with a $66 price target, implying a 50% upside potential. 10. NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) Year to Date Loss: 23% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 70 NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) and its subsidiary are a footwear and accessories company that designs, develops, and markets athletic footwear apparel equipment and services worldwide. It provides athletic and casual footwear apparel and accessories under the jump man trade wear. Deteriorating earnings has been NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE)’s biggest undoing, having reported its first revenue loss for the first time in two years. In its fiscal first quarter, it delivered $12.94 billion in revenue, missing $12.98 billion expected. Heightened inflation has seen most people cut back spending on footwear and other accessories. Nike has also struggled amid slowing growth in China NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) has underperformed the overall market as it is down by 23% years to date compared to a 15% gain for the S&P 500. Despite the underperformance, the stock is still rated as a moderate Buy with a $120.54 price target implying a 26.06% upside potential 9. RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX) Year to Date Loss: 30% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 56 Soros has also diversified his holdings into the aerospace and defense sector with stakes in RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX). The company provides systems and services for commercial, military, and government customers. It has four segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, and Raytheon Missiles & Defense. RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX)’s sentiments have significantly hit following a massive recall of its most popular aircraft engine. The recall is expected to result in $3 billion in charges. Likewise, the stock has tumbled by about 30% year to date. Nevertheless, the stock is still rated as a Moderate Buy with an $88.29 price target, implying a 22.68% upside potential to current levels. 8. SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (NYSEARCA:KRE) Year to Date Loss: 32% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: N/A Soros has also sought to gain exposure in the financial sector through exchange-traded funds. SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (NYSEARCA:KRE) is one of the ETFs in the legendary investor portfolio that tracks the performance of regional banks in the US. With regional banks trying to bounce back from the banking crisis early in the year, the ETF has continued to underperform the overall market. The ETF is down by about 32% year to date. 7. The Beauty Health Company (NASDAQ:SKIN) Year to Date Loss: 33% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 18 The Beauty Health Company (NASDAQ:SKIN) is a company that designs, develops, manufactures, and sells aesthetic technologies and products worldwide. Its flagship product, HydraFacial, enhances the skin to cleanse, extract, and hydrate it with proprietary solutions and serums. The Beauty Health Company (NASDAQ:SKIN) has underperformed in 2023 as investors react to demand trends for its products slowing. Revenue in the first quarter was only up 14% compared to 41% last year. The stock did receive a boost after the company announced a business reorganization and a stock repurchase program Nevertheless, The Beauty Health Company (NASDAQ:SKIN) is down by 33% year to date. The stock is also rated as a Moderate Buy with a $12.33 price target, implying 104% upside potential. 6. Block, Inc. (NYSE:SQ) Year to Date Loss: 38% Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 66 Block, Inc. (NYSE:SQ) develops tools for sellers to take card payments and get reports and analytics. It also includes hardware products, including Square Register, point-of-sale software, and payment technology. When Block, Inc. (NYSE:SQ) went public, it was a hot tech stock that attracted the likes of George Soros on its ability to develop fintech solutions. Nevertheless, the company has faced a myriad of challenges, among them struggling to be profitable. Block, Inc. (NYSE:SQ) is down by 38%, dragging George Soros’s portfolio lower. However, analysts are still bullish with a Strong Buy rating and an $85.72 price target, implying a 93.67% upside potential. Click to continue reading and see 5 George Soros Stocks that are on Sale Now. Suggested articles: 10 Best ASX Stocks To Invest In 11 Best Battery Stocks To Buy Before They Take Off 15 Best Beginner Stocks To Buy Now Disclosure: None. 17 George Soros Stocks that are on Sale Now is originally published on Insider Monkey......»»
20 Foods Consumed By Longest Living People Every Day
In this article, we will be taking a look at the 20 foods consumed by longest living people every day. If you are not interested in the details about market insights on longevity, head straight to the 5 Foods Consumed By Longest Living People Every Day. The pursuit of longevity and vitality has captivated humankind […] In this article, we will be taking a look at the 20 foods consumed by longest living people every day. If you are not interested in the details about market insights on longevity, head straight to the 5 Foods Consumed By Longest Living People Every Day. The pursuit of longevity and vitality has captivated humankind for centuries, and one of the intriguing aspects of this quest is the dietary habits of the world’s longest-living people. These individuals, who often reside in so-called “Blue Zones” scattered across the globe, have attracted the attention of researchers and health enthusiasts alike. From the lush hills of Okinawa, Japan, to the Mediterranean coasts of Sardinia, Italy, and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, these remarkable individuals consistently exhibit extraordinary lifespans. Their daily diets, rooted in tradition and regional availability, offer valuable insights into the connection between nutrition and longevity. Market Insights from Blue Zones: Longevity and Everyday Foods It’s fascinating to learn about people’s dietary habits in Blue Zones and how they contribute to their longevity. According to market insights from Blue Zones, these areas around the world with the highest concentration of centenarians have some standard dietary practices. For instance, they primarily consume plant-based diets rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. They also prefer nuts and seeds as snacks over processed foods. To avoid overeating, they eat until they are only 80% full. Interestingly, some of the foods that are considered staples in Blue Zones are also popular superfoods. For example, people in Okinawa, Japan, consume lots of sweet potatoes, which are high in fiber and vitamins A and C. Similarly, people in Sardinia, Italy, consume significant amounts of fava beans, which are high in protein and fiber. Financial statistics show that the market for plant-based foods is proliferating. In the US alone, sales of plant-based foods grew by 27% YoY in 2020 to reach $7 billion. Additionally, the global plant-based meat market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.7, reaching a value of $15.4 billion by 2027, as reported by Market and Markets. These figures suggest a growing demand for plant-based foods, and adopting a diet similar to that of Blue Zones may benefit one’s health and wallet. Leading Innovators in Longevity Research and Anti-Aging Solutions Several companies, including AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AGE), Athersys, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATHX), and Unity Biotechnology, Inc. (NASDAQ:UBX), are at the forefront of the longevity research landscape, each pursuing unique approaches to combat the effects of aging. AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AGE) is a pioneering biotechnology company aiming to develop innovative therapies for age-related degenerative diseases by harnessing proprietary technology platforms like telomerase-mediated cell immortality and regenerative biology. They recently merged with Serina Therapeutics, a specialist in neurological disease treatments. This strategic move is expected to aid the development of novel drug candidates using the POZ Platform. AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:AGE)’s approach, including their iTR platform for cellular immortality and regeneration, and candidates like AGEX-iTR1547 for tissue regeneration and cell-based therapies AGEX-VASC1 and AGEX-BAT1, shows promise in the field of anti-aging, although these approaches are in preclinical stages, requiring further study. In their Q2 earnings call, AgeX reported a decrease of $0.10 million in research & development expenses to $0.16 million, down from $0.26 million in Q2, 2022. Athersys, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATHX) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that focuses on developing novel therapies to enhance and extend human life. While their primary focus is not exclusively on anti-aging and longevity, their work in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapies holds promise for these areas. A significant milestone in their history was a reverse merger with a subsidiary of BTHC in 2007, which raised $65 million and enabled them to become a publicly traded company with enhanced resources for research and development. Recent developments include a $3.7 million direct offering and private placement in April 2023 and a debt restructuring in May 2023, emphasizing their commitment to research and development goals. Athersys, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATHX) is actively developing MultiStem, an off-the-shelf stem cell platform with potential applications in aging-related conditions. Notably, they have made substantial progress recently, with positive results from clinical trials for MultiStem in treating acute respiratory distress syndrome and ischemic stroke. They received a $10 million milestone payment and a $5 million grant for their research, reflecting significant advancements in developing new medical treatments. Unity Biotechnology, Inc. (NASDAQ:UBX) is a biotech company dedicated to developing therapies that can prevent, halt, and potentially reverse age-related diseases, primarily by targeting senescent cells, which are non-functioning cells contributing to age-related conditions. In 2022, the company underwent a strategic restructuring to emphasize its ophthalmology programs, focusing on its core objectives rather than a merger with another company. Previously, in 2016, Unity Biotechnology collaborated with Ascentage Pharma, a cancer specialist in China, to combat the effects of aging. Unity Biotechnology, Inc, (NASDAQ:UBX) successfully raised $116 million in 2016, securing investments from prominent figures like Jeff Bezos and Peter Thiel, who share an interest in anti-aging research and age-related therapy development. In a recent story, in April 2023, Unity Biotechnology reported positive 48-week results from a Phase 2/3 clinical trial of their lead drug candidate, UBX0101, designed for osteoarthritis treatment. This trial demonstrated the safety and efficacy of UBX0101, suggesting it could be a valuable treatment for this common age-related condition affecting millions worldwide. Let’s now head over to the list of the best foods for longevity. Our Methodology Due to unavailability of the data, our methodology for the list — 20 foods consumed by longest-living people every day — is based on the a priori assumption that rational individuals who want to live longer or who live longer than average follow scientific advice in this matter for their diet. Based on this assumption, we’ve looked at several empirical studies to see which foods aid in longevity. Following this approach, we were able to narrow down the data and we believe these are the foods that rational individuals living longer than average consume. We’ve scored these foods based on how many times they were endorsed in empirical studies that we sifted through for our research. Here is our list of the top foods for a long and healthy life. 20. Low-Fat Milk Total Score: 1 Low-fat milk is one of the healthiest foods consumed by longest living people every day. Low-fat milk consumption may slow biological aging, with higher fat content associated with more rapid aging. According to a research lead by Professor Larry Tucker published in the journal of Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, individuals who consumed more low-fat milk had longer telomeres than those who consumed milk with fat content of 2% or whole milk. 19. Cruciferous Vegetables Total Score: 1 Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage promote a healthy digestive system and offer longevity benefits. They are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and K, which are linked to healthy aging. The antioxidant sulforaphane found in these vegetables has anticancer properties, potential heart disease protection, and may help control blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes. 18. Turmeric Total Score: 1 Turmeric, containing the compound curcumin, offers anti-aging benefits and supports longevity, making turmeric stand among the foods longest living people eat every day. It reduces chronic inflammation linked to age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart disease. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant, shielding against age-related cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, it can increase telomere length, which is associated with a longer lifespan. Animal studies reveal that curcumin consistently prolongs life, with one study showing a 26% increase in lifespan, emphasizing its potential to promote longevity. 17. Leafy Green Vegetables Total Score: 1 Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are recommended by Harvard for longevity, with a suggested intake of two fruit and three vegetable servings, including leafy greens. The Institute for Functional Medicine supports the claim that these veggies may slow age-related processes. A Neurology study found that consuming one to two servings daily can reduce cognitive decline. The nutrient-rich profile, including vitamin K, lutein, and β-carotene, is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk and potential benefits for mental sharpness and eye health. Regular consumption is linked to better eye health and a 35% lower risk of age-related macular degeneration in a 15-year study involving 2,800 participants. 16. Coconut oil Total Score: 1 Coconut oil, one of the foods that longest living people eat every day is believed to have anti-aging and longevity-promoting effects through various mechanisms. It moisturizes and soothes the skin, potentially preventing issues like roughness, uneven tone, and wrinkles. It also stimulates collagen production, which can further reduce wrinkles. Coconut oil contains antioxidants and phenolic acids that combat the signs of aging and protect against UV-induced damage. Additionally, it improves skin barrier function and shields the skin from UVB rays. Several studies, including one on a mouse model and another on human skin cells, suggest the anti-aging potential of coconut oil when applied topically or ingested orally. 15. Low-Fat Yogurt Total Score: 1 Low-fat yogurt is a valuable food for promoting longevity and anti-aging. It’s rich in essential nutrients like calcium, B vitamins, probiotics, and protein, contributing to overall health. Regular yogurt consumption enhances bone density and aids in weight management, both vital for longevity. While more research is needed, studies indicate yogurt’s potential to improve older adults’ nutritional status and well-being, with some innovations even targeting healthy aging in the elderly population. 14. Sweet Potatoes Total Score: 1 Sweet potatoes are among top anti aging foods and also among the most consumed foods in the world. They activate the autophagy pathway, which breaks down and recycles damaged cell components. Their rich antioxidants, like beta-carotene, combat cell-damaging free radicals. Sweet potatoes contain vitamin C, promoting collagen production for skin elasticity. They also possess anti-inflammatory properties, reducing chronic inflammation linked to age-related diseases. Studies support these benefits, showing that sweet potatoes and their extracts can have anti-aging effects, such as extending lifespan and countering photoaging. 13. Dark Chocolate Total Score: 1 Dark chocolate offers anti-aging benefits, with cocoa’s key advantages. It enhances blood flow, skin density, and hydration, promoting better skin appearance. Rich in polyphenols, dark chocolate is an antioxidant, shielding the body from free radical damage. Cocoa supplementation reduces inflammation, lowers the risk of age-related diseases, and even decreases epigenetic aging, affecting gene expression with age. Studies show that quality dark chocolate consumption can alter skin structure, making a 50-year-old’s skin resemble that of someone in their 30s. Additionally, it reverses aging by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, possessing remarkable antioxidant power. 12. Red Wine Total Score: 1 Moderate red wine consumption has potential anti-aging and longevity benefits supported by scientific evidence. It increases the expression of longevity-associated genes, reduces the risk of age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer, and diabetes, and contains antioxidants, including resveratrol, which helps protect tissues. Red wine also improves insulin sensitivity and preserves collagen and elastic fibers, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. 11. Onions And Garlic Total Score: 2 Onions and garlic, two of the most effective foods longest living people eat, offer many health benefits that may promote longevity. They are rich in antioxidants, combating cell damage and aging. Aged garlic extract enhances the immune system, reducing the risk of infectious diseases. Both garlic and onions protect against chronic ailments like atherosclerosis, diabetes, and cancer. While their direct impact on human lifespan is challenging, studies demonstrate that garlic can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, key factors in longevity. Scientific research supports these claims, showing their effectiveness in reducing the incidence of respiratory diseases in the elderly, preventing cardiovascular disease, and countering oxidant-induced illnesses. 10. Mushrooms Total Score: 2 Mushrooms offer anti-aging and longevity benefits. Recent research indicates that Maitake and Lion’s Mane mushroom extracts inhibit key aging pathways in yeast, potentially extending lifespans. Moreover, frequent mushroom consumption has been linked to a 7-15% reduced risk of all-cause mortality, as seen in a study of Chinese older adults. 9. Tomatoes Total Score: 2 Tomatoes stand ninth among the foods that longest living people eat every day. Increased tomato consumption reduces the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. Recent research highlights a compound in green tomatoes for healthier aging and the development of antioxidant-rich tomatoes through genetic engineering. Tomatoes contain essential B vitamins for skin health and may protect against skin cancer, while lycopene has potent anticancer effects. They also promote bone health by increasing bone mineral density and preventing bone loss. 8. Fruits Total Score: 2 Consuming five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, with a 2:3 fruit-to-vegetable ratio, reduces the risk of death from conditions like heart disease and cancer. Fruits are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, contributing to a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Dong D. Wang’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School studies support these mortality-reducing effects. With immune-boosting anti-inflammatory properties, Berries particularly benefit brain and cardiovascular health, as demonstrated in a study involving blueberry juice and improved brain activity and memory in individuals aged 66 to 70. 7. Fish Total Score: 2 Fish like salmon provide essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, B vitamins, selenium, and iron. These nutrients contribute to a lower risk of heart disease, an 80-90% reduced risk of sudden cardiac death, improved memory and cognition, and a lower risk of depression. Analysis of studies reveals that consuming just over 2 ounces of fish daily is associated with a 12% lower risk of all-cause mortality. Regular fatty fish consumption also reduces the risk of death from Alzheimer’s Disease by 38%, cancer by 20%, and cardiovascular disease by 15-18%. 6. Green tea Total Score: 2 Backed by scientific evidence, green tea offers various anti-aging and longevity benefits. It’s rich in antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress, guarding cells and DNA from premature aging. Green tea preserves collagen, a vital protein for healthy skin, hair, and nails, delaying signs of aging. It also shields against telomere shortening linked to age-related diseases, and in a study focusing on individuals who had experienced strokes or heart attacks, those who consumed the most green tea (7 cups daily) had a remarkable 62% lower risk of death compared to non-green tea drinkers. Even those who drank just one to two cups daily still experienced some benefits. Click to see and continue reading the 5 Foods Consumed By Longest Living People Every Day. Suggested Articles: 25 Most Produced Foods in the World. 25 Most Consumed Foods In The World. 20 Most Addictive Foods According to Science. Disclosure. None: The 20 Foods Consumed By Longest Living People Every Day is originally published on Insider Monkey......»»
Insider Sell: Kevin Mullins Sells 113,333 Shares of LifeStance Health Group Inc (LFST)
Related Stocks: LFST,.....»»
Sam Bankman-Fried trial: Prospective jurors dismissed after sharing stories of losing money on crypto investments
A federal judge dismissed a man from the SBF jury pool over his thoughts on cryptocurrency. FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried is on trial for fraud.Chelsea Jia Feng/InsiderFeelings about cryptocurrency may be shaping the jury in Sam Bankman-Fried's criminal trial.He's charged with fraud following the collapse of crypto exchange FTX.One prospective juror said he couldn't be objective given "everything negative" he's heard of crypto.Cryptocurrency itself isn't on trial, but strong feelings about the virtual currency may be shaping Sam Bankman-Fried's criminal trial.During an otherwise plodding day of jury selection on Tuesday in Manhattan federal court, several prospective jurors shared some of their feelings about cryptocurrency.Several said that they or their family members had invested in cryptocurrency in general. All of them lost money.One potential juror, who was ultimately dismissed, said he would harbor bias in the case because he and his twin brother each experienced major financial losses after investing in cryptocurrency."I invested in crypto. I did lose a lot," he said. "My twin brother invested even more and it did finally ruin him."Another potential juror said he believed he harbored a bias in the case because of "everything negative" he's heard about the tokens."I'm not sure I could be totally unbiased about crypto given the history and everything negative I've heard about it," he told US District Judge Lewis Kaplan on Tuesday afternoon.Strong feelings about cryptocurrency, Kaplan explained, weren't relevant in the case. Prosecutors allege that former billionaire Bankman-Fried defrauded customers and investors of FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange he ran. He did this by commingling funds with Alameda Research, a cryptocurrency hedge fund he also controlled, they say.Jurors, Kaplan said, would be tasked with determining whether Bankman-Fried's actions fell into the legal parameters of fraud.After that man said he believed he would be biased — and explained that he had just started a new job and is supposed to be the best man at an upcoming wedding — Kaplan dismissed him from the case.Lawyers and Kaplan must choose 12 jurors and six alternates for the trial, which is scheduled to last six weeks. They whittled the group of around 170 down to about 50 eligble jurors, which would be narrowed to 18 on Wednesday morning, before opening statements.Familiarity with cryptocurrency, the dramatic collapse of FTX, or Bankman-Fried's case specifically isn't necessarily disqualifying to be a juror. Several prospective ones had said they'd learned about the case through news publications and podcasts. None said they were a customer or lender with FTX or Alameda Research.Another prospective juror said she worked at the private equity firm Insight Partners, which she said lost money from investing in FTX.But she didn't have any personal dealings with the company and could be impartial in the case by deciding "on the basis of the facts," she said. Kaplan didn't immediately dismiss her from the jury pool, but did before the end of the day.(A spokeswoman for Insight Partners told Insider that the company had made a small investment in FTX and never held a position Alameda Research.) A different potential juror said he doesn't "understand the cryptocurrency, how it works," even after asking his son to explain it to him."You probably have a lot of company in this courtroom," Kaplan dryly responded.After he said "all I can think of is the Madoff case," that prospective juror was dismissed.Other jurors raised different concerns. One prospective juror said she would have a problem rendering a guilty verdict if Bankman-Fried faced the death penalty.The trial is not, Kaplan assured her, a death penalty case. She appeared comforted to learn that.Kaplan did not mention that Bankman-Fried faces a potential — if unlikely — sentence of over 100 years.This story was updated to include a comment from a spokeswoman for Insight Partners.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
Republicans have temporarily played themselves out of the presidential line of succession after McCarthy"s historic ouster
An expert on the line of succession told Insider it is clear McCarthy's temporary replacement does not count. The Speaker of the House's chair was empty in January during the multiple rounds of voting.Liu Jie/Xinhua via Getty Images House Republicans have temporarily forced themselves out of the presidential line of succession. Following Speaker Kevin McCarthy's ouster, the position of second in line to the presidency is vacant. An expert on the line of succession told Insider it is clear McCarthy's temporary replacement does not count. House Republicans have temporarily played themselves out of the slim chance of capturing the White House in the event of a historic catastrophe through their unprecedented ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy.An expert on the presidential line of succession said it is clear that Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, who is temporarily leading the House, does not fit the bill to be considered Speaker of the House. McHenry was the first name on a once-secret list to lead the chamber in the event the speakership became vacant. His current title is acting Speaker pro tempore."He's not the speaker, he's just the speaker pro tem," Brian Kalt, a professor of law at Michigan State University told Insider, "and the whole point of having a speaker in line is that they were elected as speaker, not just appointed by someone to preside temporarily. So, as I read the statute, section 19 of title 3, Patty Murray is next in line."As a result, House Republicans for the time being would be skipped over entirely. If President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were unable to serve as President of the United States, the power would then fall to Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, Speaker Pro Tempore (not to be confused with McHenry's temporary title) and then Secretary of State Antony Blinken following her.Murray's status was also the result of some drama as before her death Sen. Dianne Feinstein would have been the likely senator to claim it. Feinstein ultimately passed on the opportunity.In reality, any disputes would likely be settled in the courts, though Kalt stressed that it is clear McHenry does not have a claim to the presidency should it arise. McHenry's office, which is understandably busy right now, did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.While McCarthy is the first speaker to be removed from power in this fashion, the concept of skipping over an official in the line of succession is nothing new. Secretary of State Madeline Albright would have been skipped over if she had the line of succession reached her during the Clinton administration since she did not meet the "natural born citizen" requirement to be president. Never before in history has the line of succession gone past the vice president, meaning most of this discussion is purely academic. Still, House Republicans are currently risking what they would be rightfully entitled to thanks to their slim majority following the 2022 midterm elections. If Biden and Harris were permanently unable to serve, Murray would have the opportunity to remain as acting president through January 2025.Here's where the current situation makes things really dicey.The Presidential Succession Act allows for officials to be "bumped," meaning that Murray or another lower-ranking official would be booted from office as soon as a new House speaker is elected. Many legal scholars have long had issues with the Truman-era law governing presidential succession. Some have questioned whether bumping someone from the presidency is even constitutional.At the very least, the nation could be faced with a defining court battle as it copes with whatever chaos led to the president and vice president being unable to serve. Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
Kevin McCarthy won"t run for speaker again after unprecedented ouster
The House voted to oust McCarthy from the speakership Tuesday after he worked with Democrats to pass a spending bill and avoid a government shutdown. Kevin McCarthy holds the gavelOLIVIER DOULIERY/Getty ImagesRep. Kevin McCarthy said he would not run for House speaker again in televised remarks on Tuesday.The House voted to oust McCarthy on Tuesday after he worked with Democrats to pass a spending bill.The move has left the chamber in chaos.Rep. Kevin McCarthy will not run for Speaker of the House of Representatives after his historic ouster from the role."I leave the speakership with the sense of pride, accomplishment, and, yes, optimism," McCarthy said in an evening statement before reporters.The California Republican was largely defiant as he traced the beginnings of his political career through his historic ouster earlier in the day.McCarthy said he wouldn't change anything, including his decision to push a last-minute spending bill over the weekend to avoid a government shutdown. McCarthy needed Democrats to help push the plan over the finish line, a decision that triggered Rep. Matt Gaetz's and other conservatives' ire."If I lose my job over truly doing what I think is right, I'm at peace with it," McCarthy said.In the lengthy news conference, McCarthy also sounded off on some of his detractors and lamented the current state of politics."They don't get to say they are conservative because they are angry, and they're chaotic that's not the party I belong to," McCarthy told reporters of Gaetz.McCarthy also declined to say if he would resign from Congress. He repeatedly expressed an interest in still helping the GOP. When asked if he would back primary challengers of Gaetz and others, McCarthy quipped, "I'm a free agent now.""A lot of them I helped get elected, I probably should have supported somebody else," McCarthy said.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
Best deals on Visible phone plans in October 2023: $25 for Verizon-like service
The best deals on Visible phone plans offer Verizon speeds and reliability without the extravagant costs. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreVisible offers 5G service on Verizon at a fraction of the cost.VisibleIf you've ever wanted Verizon service without the monthly financial burden that comes along with the privilege, you want a Visible phone plan. Visible has some of the best monthly rates in the industry. As a Verizon-owned wireless provider, it runs on the same 5G cellular network, albeit with modest data restrictions.Those rates get even better with Visible's latest offer, which saves you $10 on the Visible Plus Plan for six months when signing up with promo code 35for6. There are more savings in store depending on what you buy, and you can read more about those offers ahead.It couldn't be simpler to decide which Visible plan to go with. Visible and Visible Plus are your only two options, and both offer unlimited talk, text, data, and mobile hotspot (limited to 5-megabit speeds during network congestion on the basic plan and slowed after 50GB of usage on Plus). You also get unlimited talk and text to Canada and Mexico.Best deals on Visible phone plans Visible regularly discounts its already affordable service. Typically, you might be able to save $5 to $10 on several months of service. Right now, you can save $10 on six months of Visible+ when using code 35FOR6.New customers can also stack that offer with one that takes an extra $5 off a Visible plan for 12 months when bringing or buying an iPhone and doing the same with an Apple Watch. Just activate your phone on the plan, use promo code WATCHPROMO, then open the Visible app and activate your watch's service. You can potentially save a bit of money by checking out the best iPhone 15 deals and best Apple Watch deals.Visible also offers up to $240 of credit toward your monthly bill when purchasing select phones. You can get $120 over 12 months when buying a Samsung Galaxy A14 5G and Google Pixel 6a, or a $240 credit over 24 months when purchasing an iPhone 14 Plus.Right now, if you purchase your phone with Affirm financing and pay at least 50% off, Visible is offering to pay the remaining 50% when you upgrade to the next model. You can also use trade-in and phone swap offers to buy a new phone without paying full cost.Want to try the service for free? If you own an unlocked iPhone XS/XR or higher, you can try Visible free for 15 days. Visible allows you to try the full service without strings, and you don't need to cut ties with your previous carrier.Visible vs. Visible Plus: What's the difference?The most significant difference between Visible and Visible Plus is that the latter offers access to Verizon's fastest 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) network, which has faster speeds and better reliability in congested areas. Those benefits only come into play if you can even access it. 5G UW is only available in select markets and requires specific phones. You'll also get broader international calling and texting options, and the "Premium Network Experience" guarantees you full speeds up to 50GB, even during peak traffic hours.No matter which you pick, both plans offer unlimited everything. That includes talk, text, data, and even mobile hotspot, a rare concoction for MVNO cell phone service.How good is Visible phone service?Our Visible Wireless review found that it offers great overall value for money. The cellular network is top-notch, owing to its piggybacking on Verizon's extensive nationwide 5G network. We like the low monthly prices and the ability to get unlimited data no matter which plan you're on.The slow network speeds after exceeding thresholds and experiencing network congestion are annoying, but that's a standard practice most MVNOs use to keep costs down. We also thought Visible's customer support could be better (you only get direct help using its online chat) and would have appreciated even a small discount for having multiple lines.Is Visible owned by Verizon?Verizon does own Visible. Unlike T-Mobile's purchases of Metro and Mint Mobile and AT&T's purchase of Cricket Wireless, Verizon built Visible from the ground up. The MVNO launched in 2018 and operates independently under Verizon's supervision.If you'd like to read more about the network and how it handles in the real world, be sure to take a look at our in-depth Visible Wireless review.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
Who were the 8 GOP members who voted to oust McCarthy?
GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz and seven other Republicans voted to oust Kevin McCarthy from the Office of the Speaker of the House. US Republican Representative from California Kevin McCarthy walks from the House Chamber after he was ousted as Speaker at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on October 3, 2023.MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images For the first time in American history, the Speaker of the House has been voted out of office. GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz initiated the motion to oust fellow Republican Kevin McCarthy from the seat. Gaetz was joined by seven other Republicans and every Democrat in attendance to win the vote. For the first time in American history the sitting Speaker of the House, California Republican Kevin McCarthy, has been voted out of office — and it took eight members of his own party to turn the tide against him.These are the Republican members of the House who voted to oust McCarthy from the seat:Andy Biggs of ArizonaKen Buck of ColoradoTim Burchett of TennesseeEli Crane of ArizonaMatt Gaetz of FloridaBob Good of VirginiaNancy Mace of South CarolinaMatt Rosendale of MontanaMcCarthy faced a tumultuous ascent to the Speakership earlier this year. The House completed a record 15 ballots before he secured the required votes to take the seat after fellow Republicans stalled the proceedings, refusing to vote for McCarthy unless he made procedural concessions which would later lead to his ouster.Five of the Republicans who delayed the vote to appoint McCarthy to the Speakership later aligned with House Democrats to force him to vacate the seat — Biggs, Crane, Gaetz, Good, and Rosendale — with Gaetz leading the movement against McCarthy.Gaetz initiated the motion to vacate the Office of the Speaker of the House yesterday, making good on threats from earlier in the month that he would do so. McCarthy has argued Gaetz's move was payback for Gaetz facing a House Committee inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of funds. Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
Here"s what Kevin McCarthy is losing after Matt Gaetz knocked him out of the Speaker"s chair
Kevin McCarthy isn't just losing the title of House speaker. He'll also take a salary cut and lose access to the speaker's office and intel briefings. Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., is surrounded by press and police on the way to the chamber, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023.J. Scott Applewhite/Associated PressRep. Kevin McCarthy was ousted as speaker of the House on Tuesday in a historic vote.In addition to the title, McCarthy will lose his higher salary and large Capitol Hill office.He also will lose access to high-level intelligence briefings from the White House.Rep. Kevin McCarthy's time as speaker of the House ended as remarkably as it began: for the first time in US history, his fellow representatives voted to oust him as their leader.But the title isn't the only thing the California Republican is losing.The motion to vacate the speaker came days after McCarthy worked with some Democrats to pass a last-minute funding bill that avoided a government shutdown, angering some hard-right members of his party like Rep. Matt Gaetz.Rep. Patrick McHenry is now serving as interim speaker until the House holds another election, the last one of which took 15 rounds of voting for McCarthy to earn enough support to win.Despite maintaining the support of the vast majority of House Republicans, McCarthy said Tuesday he would not be seeking the speakership again.So it appears McCarthy really is out of the position he held for about eight months. Here's what else he's losing.The speaker's salaryWith the speakership, McCarthy was making an annual salary of $223,500.Going back to a regular member of the House means McCarthy's salary will be cut drastically to $174,000, which is what members of Congress who do not hold leadership roles make.The Gang of Eight intel briefingsThe Gang of Eight is an informal title used to refer to the eight leaders in Congress who are included in classified intelligence briefings by the executive branch.The group includes the leaders of both parties in both the House and the Senate, as well as the chairs and ranking minority members of the intelligence committees in both the House and the Senate.With McCarthy out as speaker, he'll no longer have access to those White House intelligence briefings.The speaker's suiteThe speaker of the House occupies the Office of the Speaker in the Capitol. The speaker's office is a large, elaborately adorned suite located near the center of the main Capitol building.McCarthy moved into the speaker's office at the beginning of this year before he actually had the votes to get elected speaker, prompting Gaetz to accuse him of "squatting."Due to limited space in the Capitol, most representatives' offices are located in the congressional office buildings adjacent to the Capitol building.The buildings are still part of the Capitol complex and close to the actual Capitol, but the longer walk from the House chamber to McCarthy's potential new office in another building should give him extra time to think about what exactly went wrong in his time as speaker.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»
Influential Women 2023: Kathy Chao Rothberg, CEO, Lao Family Community Development Corporation
Meet the Business Times' new class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business......»»
Influential Women 2023: Debbie I. Chang, President and CEO, Blue Shield of California Foundation
Meet the Business Times' new class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business......»»
Influential Women 2023: Nuzha Bukhari, Market Executive, Northern California Commercial Banking, City National Bank
Meet the Business Times' new class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business......»»
Influential Women 2023: Mehrnaz Boroumand Smith, Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend and Stockton LLP
Meet the Business Times' new class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business......»»
7 Philadelphia-area residents on Forbes 400 list of richest Americans
Three of the nation's 100 richest people call Greater Philadelphia home, according to Forbes' latest list of the 400 richest Americans......»»
TREC and partner Cornerstone Baptist Church launch cloud kitchen to help food entrepreneurs scale
The South Dallas Cloud Kitchen spans roughly 800 square feet and includes two kitchen setups stations, a freezer and a walk-in cooler......»»
Influential Women 2023: Cecilia A. Angat of Baker Tilly US, LLP
Meet the Business Times' new class of Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business......»»
Kalihi restaurant settles sexual and racial harassment lawsuit
A Kalihi restaurant serving Mexican food will pay a $227,000 settlement in response to a sexual and racial harassment lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission......»»
The Philadelphia region"s most and least profitable outpatient surgery centers in fiscal 2022
Among the 102 ambulatory surgery centers in the five-county Philadelphia region, 76 posted a profit and the 26 lost money in fiscal 2022......»»
State opens public comment period for Hawaii Digital Equity Plan
Public comment on a draft of the plan will be accepted through Oct. 31, with the final plan slated to be released in November......»»
McCarthy Won"t Seek Speaker Position In Re-Vote; Trump Nominated By Nehls
McCarthy Won"t Seek Speaker Position In Re-Vote; Trump Nominated By Nehls.....»»
Mexico President Blasts US Billions To Ukraine As "Irrational" - Says Focus On Latin America
Mexico President Blasts US Billions To Ukraine As "Irrational" - Says Focus On Latin America Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is no stranger to issuing pointed and scathing criticisms of Washington foreign policy. On Monday he did it again, but this time related to US military aid to Ukraine, at a sensitive moment that some Congressional Republican holdouts are trying to strip Ukraine funding from the defense budget. Lopez Obrador took the opportunity to question why more US foreign aid isn't being invested in America's own backyard. In this context, he blasted sinking billions into Ukraine as "irrational". "I was just looking at how now they're not authorizing aid for the war in Ukraine," he said during a daily press briefing. "But how much have they destined for the Ukraine war? 30 to 50 billion dollars for the war. Which is the most irrational thing you can have. And damaging." Via AP "So they do have to modify their strategy and learn respect. It's not the time for them to ignore Mexican authorities," The Mexican president added. Reuters underscored that in the remarks he "urged Washington to devote more resources to helping Latin American countries." The leftist Lopez Obrador has maintained a neutral stance regarding Ukraine, in line with other Global South countries, but has generally been supportive of a number of UN resolutions rebuking 'Russian aggression'. At the same time, he has still been more cooperative with Moscow than any of the big Western powers would ever be at this point, as Reuters also notes: Two weeks ago the president defended the presence of a Russian military unit in a weekend parade marking Mexico's independence day, following sharp criticism that his country had given a platform to forces that invaded Ukraine. Lopez Obrador has also frequently taken aim at US sanctions, having just last week linked anti-Cuba and anti-Venezuela sanction to a surge in migrant activity across the region and at the US border. "They (the U.S.) don’t do anything," he said last Friday, according to the Associated Press. "It’s more, a lot more, what they authorize for the war in Ukraine than what they give to help with poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean." He called on US leaders "to remove blockades and stop harassing independent and free countries, an integrated plan for cooperation so the Venezuelans, Cubans, Nicaraguans and Ecuadorans, Guatemalans and Hondurans wouldn’t be forced to emigrate." Tyler Durden Tue, 10/03/2023 - 19:25.....»»
Trump Campaign Asks RNC To Cancel All Future Debates
Trump Campaign Asks RNC To Cancel All Future Debates.....»»
IRS Hits MyPillow With Five Audits: Mike Lindell
IRS Hits MyPillow With Five Audits: Mike Lindell Last week we noted that MyPillow has been "crippled" by American Express, according to CEO Mike Lindell. On Saturday, Lindell said that his company is now facing five IRS audits related to employees who worked remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic. "It started in California. Now there's three other states that are coming at MyPillow. And Steve, it's disgusting," Lindell told Bannon on the "War Room" podcast. "They just keep attacking. Now they're going after our employees. They made it very personal," he added. Lindell says the audits are punishment for supporting President Donald Trump and claims that the 2020 US election were stolen. "This is something that hasn't happened in 15 years, and all of a sudden there's 5 IRS audits against MyPillow in three different years," said Lindell, who's also facing a billion-dollar defamation lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems and anotehr from Smartmatic. In July, MyPillow auctioned off equipment from its Minnesota pillow factory after the company lost more than $100 million in retail sales, Lindell said at the time. "It was a massive, massive cancellation," said Lindell. "We lost $100 million from attacks by the box stores, the shopping networks, the shopping channels, all of them did cancel culture on us." The stores which dropped MyPillow products include; Walmart Bed Bath & Beyond Slumberland Furniture In response, Lindell auctioned off more than 850 pieces of 'surplus equipment' online, including sewing machines, industrial fabric spreaders, conveyor belts, electric forklifts, and more. According to Lindell, the company is also subleasing some of its manufacturing space because the packaging for direct sales is different than what the company required when producing products for large retailers. "We kind of needed a building and a half, but now with these moves we're making, we can get it down to our one building," he said. "If the box stores ever came back we could have it if we needed it, but we don't need that," Lindell continued. "It affected a lot of things when you lose that big of a chunk [of revenue]." Tyler Durden Tue, 10/03/2023 - 20:05.....»»
Can RFK Jr Become President As An Independent?
Can RFK Jr Become President As An Independent? Authored by Jeffrey Tucker via The Epoch Times, As predicted two weeks ago, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., appears ready to declare as an independent for president. Already polling at 20 percent nationwide, he will announce that he is severing ties with the Democratic National Committee (DNC). This is because the DNC has set up impossible roadblocks to victory within the party apparatus and the primary process. The Biden administration is denying him Secret Service protection despite apparent attempts on his life. Of all figures in public life today, RFK has the strongest claim to the legacies of his father and uncle, ideologically and culturally. That would put him in the solid category of a real Democrat—half a century ago. Times have changed and dramatically so. He started off this campaign with the belief that he would help guide his family’s party back to a principled commitment to the common good. But he has discovered that this is not what the party is about anymore, at least not according to the masters at the top. This is a man who believes that America is not lost, not foundationally corrupt, not a complete goner. He looks around at the people in this nation and sees goodness, love of country, a desire for freedom, and a strong devotion to make things right. Conventional American politics, however, seems designed to block real solutions. Because he still wants to make a difference—one senses that he believes it is his destiny—he will continue his run for president as an independent. In normal times, there would be every reason to predict that he stands zero chance of winning. This is most likely due to Duveger’s law. In this model, voters don’t necessarily push the button for the person they want. Because only one candidate can win, they vote for the person most likely to beat the person they truly hate. That leaves us always with second-best choices, and third-party candidates, no matter how much they are loved, in the lurch. It’s because of this principle, this habit, this basic logic of voting, that third parties have never performed well in winner-take-all elections. They pop up every four years and usually get 1–5 percent or so and then go away. At best, such candidates have been spoilers: they don’t win, they only block victories for others. Who benefits from an RFK independent run? The conventional wisdom is that he pulls more from Trump than from Biden, in which case the Democrats benefit from his decision to go independent. But that’s just what the polls say. What happens at the voting booth is another matter. People who despise Trump might be reluctant to vote for RFK for fear that Trump could be made the winner, and people who despise Biden might feel exactly the same. Both major candidates have major issues, and yet, so far, there doesn’t seem to be anything stopping their nominations. Which is to say: it is very hard to predict in this environment. These are not normal times. It is not entirely impossible that RFK’s movement could overcome Durverger’s law simply through passion and excitement. If the polls start showing him as a possible winner, and if his rallies elicit more attendance, intelligence, and commitment than his competitors, that could cause a huge rush away from the two parties over to a genuine alternative. People might take the risk of “throwing away” their vote to push for the simply incredible, as a way of sending a much-needed message to the establishment of both parties. If any election year in my lifetime holds out the possibility of such a radical upset—something that would have been inconceivable in the past—it is this one. Vast numbers of people are overwhelmed with distrust of the entire system. And yet the same numbers have not and will not let go of the basic American idea: the people are in charge of their government and should be the determinative force concerning the laws under which we live. The hurdles are huge: essentially he is battling against the whole history of two-party dominance in the United States. In the 20th century, the history has shown us a number of fairly substantial runs: 1912, Teddy Roosevelt, 28 percent 1924, Robert LaFollette, 17 percent 1948, Strom Thurmond, 3 percent 1968, George Wallace, 14 percent 1980, John Anderson, 7 percent 1992, Ross Perot, 19 percent None came close to winning. And yet we have to admit that the system has never been as broken as it is today. Few people really want to see a Biden/Trump rematch, and those who do are motivated by a burning passion to reverse or reinforce the 2020 election, the results of which are widely disputed thanks to Trump’s aggressive protests against irregularities. Let’s just say that this constitutes about one-third of the electorate. What about everyone else who would like to see something like normalcy return to this country without the incredible corruption that has invaded our public lives? RFK makes a credible claim that he has the knowledge and ability to begin to clean up the system in Washington, precisely because he has been litigating against it for many years. What else does he have going for him? There is an authenticity to his language and approach that no other candidate can match. He is obviously not a professional politician. He speaks and sounds more like the best professor you ever had, with an incredible and ever-present command of facts and information about a huge range of subjects. His recall seems at times to be photographic concerning names, dates, data, and anecdotes. His speeches often seem more like teaching seminars. In a strange way, we need that now. Regardless of what you think about his views on this topic or that, everyone has to admit that he has an amazing command of all the issues, whether health policy, foreign policy, censorship, or environmental problems. In a startling way, when he doesn’t know something, he outright admits it and seeks out experts to help him. What’s especially beautiful about RFK is his absolute refusal to censor himself. He believes that the CIA was involved in the killing of his uncle and says that, bringing the receipts. He believes that the FDA and CDC are deeply corrupt, sacrificing American liberty and health in the pay of the legally privileged pharmaceutical industry, and he says that too. He looks around the country and sees a government/corporate cartel crushing the interests of small business, farmers, and the middle class generally, and he says that too. Most striking of all, none of these points are politically strategic, much less put together by consultants with focus groups. They come from his own mind and heart. He has ruminated on them for many years. Running for president is just his chance to reach a larger audience with a message that is his alone. There is not a single voter who agrees with all of his positions, and that’s ok. No single voter agrees fully with anyone else because we are human beings. In choosing a president, we are looking for truth telling, courage, sincerity, moral and practical clarity, and a ferocious opposition to government policies that pillage the public for ruling class interests. RFK certainly has a bead on that problem, and, for that reason, we are blessed to have him. He also benefits from niche interests that he has cultivated and only he represents: the vaccine-injured, the bitcoiners, the civil libertarians, the pro-peace contingent of both parties, the anti-corporatists, the partisans of old-fashioned environmentalism, the unjustly persecuted like Julian Assange and Edward Snowden, and the advocates of better health. Maybe together they make up only 25 percent but they are motivated and determined. They could bring others with them, in the interests of saving this country. A point I like about the quixotic run as an independent is that it breaks the model. It refuses to see the historical record as a given template of the future. He believes that these emergency times require heroic and unconventional measures. It’s a good bet that a majority of Americans agree with him on this point. Getting people to vote their conscience is the real challenge. Tyler Durden Tue, 10/03/2023 - 20:25.....»»
The Moneyist: My uncle persuaded my grandmother to cut my father and her grandchildren out of the family trust. Do we have a case against him?
‘My grandfather was a successful investor and knew his children very well.’.....»»
Washington Watch: Kevin McCarthy ousted as House speaker, falling after historic challenge by Matt Gaetz
The U.S. House of Representatives approves a measure that removes Kevin McCarthy, a California Republican, from his position as the chamber's speaker......»»
Washington Watch: Kevin McCarthy ousted as House speaker: Here’s who could replace him
Fight for the next speaker is better to hammer out now than on the eve of the next possible shutdown, analyst says.....»»
Key Words: Kevin McCarthy won’t run for House speaker again, says he has no regrets
Hours after being ousted as speaker of the House, Rep. Kevin McCarthy said he was "at peace" with how it played out and that he "wouldn't change a thing.".....»»
Dow Jones Newswires: LifeWallet shares fall 20% after 1-for-25 reverse stock split announced
Shares of MSP Recovery, which does business as LifeWallet, sank late Tuesday after the company said it would enact a 1-for-25 reverse stock split......»»
No Sam Bankman-Fried Jury Yet; Judge Expects to Cull 50 Prospects Quickly on Wednesday
The FTX founder was never offered a plea deal, Nicholas Roos, one of the federal prosecutors, said......»»
TV"s Kevin O’Leary: ‘All the Crypto Cowboys Are Going to Be Gone Soon’
O’Leary, an entrepreneur and television personality, was paid $15 million by FTX for “20 service hours, 20 social posts, one virtual lunch and 50 autographs,” according to Michael Lewis’ new book "Going Infinite.".....»»
Jump Trading Lost Almost $300M in FTX’s Collapse, Michael Lewis Says in ‘Going Infinite’
This makes the trading giant one of FTX’s top creditors, Lewis wrote, citing documents from the crypto exchange’s former chief operating officer, Constance Wang......»»
Chinese Firms Used Crypto Payments to Run Fentanyl Network, U.S. Claims in Charges
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) targeted several Chinese businesses and their employees Tuesday in the latest round of charges tied to production and trafficking of fentanyl – a network that depended on cryptocurrency payments, according to authorities......»»
Could Sam Bankman-Fried"s Saga Happen Without Crypto?
Is crypto "uniquely" responsible for the rise and fall of FTX?.....»»
Coinbase’s Attempt to End SEC Lawsuit Should Be Rejected, U.S. Regulator Argues
“To distract from the fatal flaws in its legal arguments, Coinbase cries foul and seeks to blame the SEC for its current legal predicament,” the SEC said in a Tuesday court filing......»»
When SRM Shot Up in Value, Sam Bankman-Fried Changed the Rules for His Workers, Michael Lewis Says
Michael Lewis’ “Going Infinite” outlines how the FTX CEO was worried his employees had gotten too rich because SRM’s price had gone up so much. So, he made it impossible for them to sell for longer......»»
Crypto-Friendly Congressman McHenry Temporarily Takes Over U.S. House
Crypto-friendly Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) has landed in the driver’s seat of the U.S. House of Representatives just as legislation to establish digital-asset regulations nears a finish line there......»»
SEC’s Motion to Appeal Loss in Ripple Case Is Denied
SEC’s Motion to Appeal Loss in Ripple Case Is Denied.....»»
Honda Races To Grab Consumers With Crypto Payment Expansion
Looking to offer new opportunities for consumers across the world, Honda Motor Co Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) expanded its payment options. Honda now has a list of around 46 cryptocurrencies that could be accepted for payment. read more.....»»
Donald Trump Has 48-Point Lead In Republican Poll After He Skips Presidential Debate: Which Other Candidates Slip, Hit New Highs
Former President Donald Trump skipped out on appearing at the second Republican primary debate, an event that hosted several of the leading candidates for the GOP nomination in the 2024 presidential election. read more.....»»
Swing Into Savings With Exclusive Spider-Man 2 PS5 Bundle Arriving Soon
Sony Group Corp. read more.....»»
Cannabis Reg Update: Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Fined, Denver"s Weed-Friendly Ghost Tour & More
Colorado: Denver’s First Cannabis-Friendly Ghost Tour This October, every Wednesday, the Cannabis Experience mobile lounge will drive passengers via Denver’s most “haunted parts” and less-known places. The weed touch? The lounge will first stop at the dispensary for gearing up. read more.....»»
The Freestyle Rap Boom: 1.8B Social Media Impressions And 800M Video Views In H1 2023
In a digital era where content is king, the FreeStyle Master Series (FMS) and Urban Roosters unleash a tsunami of digital content consumption, proving that the art of freestyle rap battles has not only endured read more.....»»
Is Cannabis Rescheduling A Solution? Experts Delve Into California Cannabis Retail Challenges At Benzinga Conference
“I think the taxation structure makes it extremely difficult to make money given the impact of that,” said Seth Yakatan, co-founder at Katan Associates, during a dynamic Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference panel discussion on the challenges and evolving landscape of the cannabis industry in California. read more.....»»
Trump, Biden Tied In National Poll Again: Did Skipping Republican Debate Help Former President?
The 2024 presidential election could end up being a rematch of the 2020 election race, which saw voters choose between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. read more.....»»
Biden Administration Sting: Surprise Indictments Against Chinese Fentanyl Supply Chain Producers
The Biden administration announced a series of indictments and sanctions against Chinese companies and executives blamed for importing the chemicals used to make the deadly opioid fentanyl. read more.....»»
Franklin Park crews to tear down former Leyden News building, making way for Metra lot beautification
The demolition of the building is part of a strategic plan to remove old, unused buildings and structures throughout the village.The demolition of the building is part of a strategic plan to remove old, unused buildings and structures throughout the village......»»
United Airlines purchases more new planes, eyeing fewer, larger flights
United could use the new planes to grow its fleet or to replace older planes, depending on demand as they are deliveredUnited could use the new planes to grow its fleet or to replace older planes, depending on demand as they are delivered.....»»
AdventHealth Hinsdale hospital ranked among 100 best in the country for a second year
This year marked the 30th edition of PINC AI’s study, and the second appearance of UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale, its first time listed being in 2017.This year marked the 30th edition of PINC AI’s study, and the second appearance of UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale, its first time listed being in 2017......»»
Companies plan to give smaller raises next year, surveys find
U.S. employers surveyed by Aon Plc, which compiles compensation data on more than 5,500 employers, said merit raises will average about 3.7% across all industries next year, down from 3.9% this year.U.S. employers surveyed by Aon Plc, which compiles compensation data on more than 5,500 employers, said merit raises will average about 3.7% across all industries next year, down from 3.9% this year......»»
Amid battle over proposed carbon pipelines in Illinois and other states, lawmakers call for federal moratorium
Illinois farmers, landowners and environmentalists are in a pitched battle over whether to allow Navigator CO2’s 1,350-mile Heartland Greenway pipeline to cross the state.Illinois farmers, landowners and environmentalists are in a pitched battle over whether to allow Navigator CO2’s 1,350-mile Heartland Greenway pipeline to cross the state......»»
: Dow tumbles almost 500 points, Nasdaq on pace for worst single-day performance in two months.
U.S. stocks were sharply lower in the final hour of trading Tuesday, as the 30-BX:TMUBMUSD30Y and 10-yearBX:TMUBMUSD10Y Treasury rates headed for their highest levels since the second half of 2007. The Dow Jones Industrial AverageDJIA fell 489 points, or 1.5%, to 32,948. The S&P 500SPX was down 65 points, or 1.5%, to 4,222. Only 8% of stocks in the S&P 500 are on pace to close above their 50-day moving average, according to Dow Jones market data. If it happens, it would be the lowest percentage of stocks to close above their 50-day moving average this year. The Nasdaq CompositeCOMP dropped 272 points, or 2.1%, to 13,034. The index is on pace for its worst one day performance since Aug. 2, 2023 when it fell 2.17%.Market Pulse Stories are Rapid-fire, short news bursts on stocks and markets as they move. Visit MarketWatch.com for more information on this news......»»
: Molson Coors OKs $2 billion buyback program, targets long-term sales growth in the low single digits
Molson Coors Beverage Co. TAP on Tuesday said its board had cleared a five-year, $2 billion stock buyback program and said it was “on track” to deliver its second straight year of sales and profit growth. The remarks were made in connection with the brewer’s 2023 strategy day in New York. Longer term, executives said they expected “low-single digit” annual net sales growth when factoring out currency fluctuations, with “high-single-digit” yearly “underlying” per-share profit growth. Executives said a bigger push toward more premium beverages would help drive that growth, as well as an expansion beyond beer. They said they expected high-single digit constant-currency sales growth for 2023, but did not offer specific forecasts for 2024. “Over the past few years, long before controversy upended the U.S. beer industry, we changed how we invest, market, and operate, and we changed our future,” Chief Executive Gavin Hattersley said, adding that the company had been “turned around.” Shares rose 0.7% after hours on Tuesday. Market Pulse Stories are Rapid-fire, short news bursts on stocks and markets as they move. Visit MarketWatch.com for more information on this news......»»