Naomi Robinson decided to pursue her relocation dream and now lives in Toronto on a two-year International Experience Canada visa. Naomi Robinson moved from London to Toronto.Naomi Robinson Naomi Robinson, a tech management consultant, moved from the UK to Canada. She swapped London for Toronto, where she now works remotely while on a two-year visa.  She broke down the visa process, her biggest cultural shocks, and how to navigate the big changes.This is an as-told-to essay based on a conversation with Naomi Robinson, a 26-year-old management consultant. Robinson's visa has been verified by Insider. The following has been edited for length and clarity.I wanted to move to Canada since I was 17.I studied geography in high school and then later at university, and as part of my studies, we looked at how various cities and countries shaped their societies through placemaking processes. Among them was Toronto. What struck me about Toronto was its similarity to London, but on a grander scale — with its natural beauty and multicultural society.Over the years, I kept the idea of moving to Canada in mind, and I started taking the dream seriously during the pandemic.Getting a visaAfter graduating, I entered the tech industry, working in management consulting.I reached out to people on LinkedIn, who I saw had made a similar transition, and sought advice on the visa process, job market, and other crucial aspects of the move. The visa process was surprisingly straightforward, as the Canadian and British governments offer a Youth Mobility Scheme visa for people between the ages of 18 and 30 to live and work in Canada for two years. The visa I applied for is known as the International Experience Canada (IEC) visa.Toronto's skyline is dominated by the CN Tower.Posnov/Getty ImagesI was fortunate to receive an acceptance letter within a week, likely because I applied during a period when they were actively accepting applications.The next steps involved gathering necessary documents such as a passport, a police check, and work experience details.Upon receiving and accepting my visa, I also had to secure health insurance, which is a requirement for the IEC.Life in TorontoI arrived in Toronto in August.My employer allows me to work remotely on UK projects, but there are tax limitations on how long I can work on UK clients, so I may explore opportunities within the Canadian office or other roles in the industry after October.I've pushed myself to be proactive, balancing my work and social life while adapting to a new culture.People say that Canadians are open, friendly, and welcoming — and I've found that to be true. I've met people from just walking down the street.I'm also making an effort to make new friendships online and through networking.To find accommodation, I scoured Facebook groups catering to UK residents moving to Canada, but I ultimately found a place through a family friend already living in Toronto.Having lived in my family home in north London for most of my life, the transition to renting has been a learning experience.Naomi Robinson says it's important to be proactive in Toronto.Katrin Ray Shumakov/Getty ImagesI've also been surprised by the cultural diversity in Toronto. London is a multicultural city — but Toronto takes it to another level. The expectation to tip has been a culture shock, however.There's an unsaid expectation to tip like in the US, and I've had to incorporate that into my spending and budgeting for recreational activities.Another thing I'm still getting my head around is prices in stores as tax is added at the checkout, whereas in the UK it's already included.In Toronto, I've discovered the importance of proactivity, putting myself out there, and staying authentic to who I am.It's a fresh start that has allowed me to build new relationships and gain valuable life experiences.My journey in Canada is still unfolding, and I'm excited to see where it leads next.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Nvidia shares could soon plunge just like 17th-century tulips and 1990s dot-com companies did, according to Rebellion Research. Investors' AI rush brings to mind the 17th-century tulip bubble, according to Rebellion Research.Reuters/Cris Toala Olivares Nvidia's stock price has become a bubble, according to Rebellion Research. Shares could soon crash like 17th-century tulips or 1990s dot-com companies did, the think tank said. The semiconductor giant has soared 180% this year, thanks to the rise of generative AI. Nvidia's stock has soared so high this year that the semiconductor giant now trades at a bubble-level valuation reminiscent of 17th-century tulips and late-1990s dot-com companies, according to Rebellion Research.Shares have jumped 180% to $410, but the think tank said earlier this month that the stock is now hugely overvalued and could crash at any time."Historically, financial markets have witnessed numerous asset bubbles, from the tulip mania in the 17th century to the more recent dot-com bubble in the late 1990s and early 2000s," Rebellion analysts wrote."Nvidia's recent stock performance, driven by the enthusiasm surrounding generative AI and soaring earnings, seems to exhibit many characteristics of such speculative bubbles," they added. "We think Nvidia is a great company … however, just maybe at $300 a share."Generative AI programs like ChatGPT run on high-powered, specialized graphics processing units (GPUs) – and Nvidia has a lion-sized share of that market.It's posted back-to-back stellar quarterly earnings report that showed demand for its products has surged thanks to the AI craze, and investors have responded by loading up on shares. That's pushed Nvidia to a trillion-dollar valuation and establish it as a member of the mega-cap "Magnificent Seven" group of Big Tech firms.But it remains to be seen how "practical and profitable" AI can be and that makes Nvidia's stock vulnerable at its current price, according to Rebellion.The company also looks overvalued at its current price-to-earnings ratio and could struggle if the Federal Reserve ends up holding interest rates at a higher level for longer to combat inflation, strategists warned."With historical price-to-earnings ratios as a reference and the looming shift in monetary policy, investors should tread with caution," they said. "Like every bubble that has come before, the factors leading to its rise often sow the seeds of its eventual burst."Rebellion, which uses probability models to generate market predictions, compared the chipmaker's valuation to several high-profile bubbles from the past 400 years.Those included the Dutch tulip boom of the 1630s – when contract prices for tulip bulbs skyrocketed, creating what's been called the first speculative financial bubble – as well as the more recent dot-com crash, which triggered a massive sell-off in the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite between March 2000 and October 2002.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

In this article, we will look at the 10 best jobs for people who love travelling. If you are interested in reading about our in-depth industrial analysis of the tourism industry along with a more extensive list, head straight to the 35 Best Jobs for People Who Want to Travel.  10. International Business Consultant Average […] In this article, we will look at the 10 best jobs for people who love travelling. If you are interested in reading about our in-depth industrial analysis of the tourism industry along with a more extensive list, head straight to the 35 Best Jobs for People Who Want to Travel.  10. International Business Consultant Average Salary: $81,997 International business consultants travel extensively to help companies navigate the complexities of global markets. Traveling allows them to engage with clients face-to-face, build rapport, and provide on-site guidance. It is one of the business jobs that require international travel......»»

In this article, we will look at the 35 best jobs for people who want to travel. If you want to skip our in-depth industrial analysis of the tourism industry, head straight to the 10 Best Jobs for People Who Want to Travel. The Global Rise of Sustainable Tourism In 2023, we observe a consistent […] In this article, we will look at the 35 best jobs for people who want to travel. If you want to skip our in-depth industrial analysis of the tourism industry, head straight to the 10 Best Jobs for People Who Want to Travel. The Global Rise of Sustainable Tourism In 2023, we observe a consistent and lasting emphasis on sustainable tourism. For example, the Sustainable Tourism for Development Programme is an initiative by The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) that will provide funding and technical assistance to developing countries to help them develop and implement sustainable tourism strategies. Moreover, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has released a new report on the economic impact of sustainable tourism. The report found that sustainable tourism contributed $3.5 trillion to the global economy in 2022 and supported 330 million jobs.  In line with the trend, Expedia Group Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE) has been contributing to sustainable tourism by recognizing the importance of environmental responsibility in the travel industry. In response to growing traveler demand for eco-friendly options, Expedia Group Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE) recently signed the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Travel and Tourism. Moreover, the company’s Open World social impact and sustainability strategy focuses on three key pillars: Inclusive Access, Economic Mobility, and a Prosperous Planet. One of the most notable achievements is the Expedia Group Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE)’s commitment to decarbonizing its operations and mitigating climate change impacts. As part of this initiative, Expedia Group Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE) is developing a comprehensive Climate Action Plan and they are actively promoting sustainable travel options to travelers, recognizing that 90% of consumers seek sustainability in their travel choices.  The company has been highly impressive with its financial standing as well. Expedia Group Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE) delivered impressive results in the second quarter of 2023, marked by a 7% increase in lodging gross bookings which was the highest ever for this quarter. Additionally, the company achieved a record-breaking second-quarter revenue growth of 6%, accompanied by substantial earnings growth and margin expansion. Notably, Expedia Group Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE)’s commitment to shareholder value was also evident in its accelerated share repurchases that amounted to a record $1.2 billion year-to-date. In the first quarter, Aristotle Atlantic Core Equity Strategy made the following comment about Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE): “Expedia Group, Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE) provides online travel services for leisure and small business travelers. The company offers a wide range of travel shopping and reservation services, as well as provides real-time access to schedule, pricing and availability information for airlines, hotels and car rental companies. Expedia serves customers worldwide. We see Expedia benefiting from the growth of booking travel online, both for leisure and in corporate travel. The company also benefits from rapid growth in alternative accommodations, vacation home rental, through VRBO. The main sources of revenue and profitability are from hotel and vacation home rental. Additionally Expedia has exposure to airline ticket sales and automobile rentals. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, Expedia’s debt has been reduced and share repurchase has resumed and we would expect a dividend to be reinstated.” The Era of Experiential Tourism After sustainable tourism, we also see how experiential tourism is on the rise, as travelers seek out unique and authentic experiences that connect them with local cultures and destinations. This trend is being driven by a number of factors like the growing popularity of social media, the desire for more meaningful travel experiences, and the increasing availability of experiential tourism experiences. One way to see the rise of experiential tourism is in the popularity of online platforms for booking experiential tourism experiences. Platforms such as TripAdvisor Experiences have made it easier for travelers to find and book unique and authentic experiences at their destination.  TripAdvisor Inc (NASDAQ:TRIP) also facilitates experiential travel by offering travelers access to over 300,000 bookable experiences in more than 250,000 destinations worldwide. After analyzing 12 months of review data from millions of travelers, TripAdvisor Inc (NASDAQ:TRIP) has also compiled the Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best “Things to Do” Awards which provides a definitive guide to extraordinary activities and excursions. TripAdvisor Inc (NASDAQ:TRIP) is also one of the Travel Stocks Billionaires Are Loading Up On. Methodology To list the best jobs for people who love to travel, we identified jobs that involved frequent travelling and thus, shortlisted a total of 50 jobs. Out of the 50 jobs, the 35 jobs with the highest average salaries in the US have been selected. We acquired data on average salaries from BLS. in case of non-availability of data, we have relied on average salary data from Indeed.com and Glassdoor.com. Here is a list of the best jobs for people who love to travel 35. Tour Guide Average Salary: $37,790 A tour guide job is interesting because it allows one to share their passion for travel, history, and culture while meeting people from different backgrounds and enjoying each day differently. 34. Stagehand Average Salary: $40,118 Stagehand jobs often involve frequent traveling as they are hired to set up and dismantle stage equipment and sets for events or performances in different locations. 33. Wildlife Photographer Average Salary: $44,958 Wildlife photographers travel to capture different animal species in their natural habitats, requiring mobility to access remote locations. It is one of the best jobs for people who love to travel.  32. International Event Coordinator Average Salary: $46,765 International event coordinators travel to plan, organize, and oversee events in different global locations to ensure that logistics and cultural considerations are met. 31. Global Brand Ambassador Average Salary: $47,856 These professionals travel to represent and promote a brand while building relationships, attending events, and expanding the brand’s reach internationally. 30. Travel Agent Average Salary: $48,250 Travel agents may travel to explore destinations, inspect accommodations, and gain firsthand knowledge to better advise and plan trips for clients. (link with without experience jobs article) 29. Travel Photographer Average Salary:  $48,876 Travel photographers travel to capture beautiful landscapes, variety in cultures, and experiences to create visually compelling stories and images for publications or clients. It is one of the jobs that require international travel with no experience.  28. Archaeological Illustrator Average Salary: $53,420 Archaeological illustrators frequently travel to archaeological sites to observe and document artifacts, ruins, and excavation processes. It is one of the best jobs for people who love to travel.  27. Interpreters Average Salary: $53,640 Interpreters may travel to facilitate communication at international conferences, meetings, or in regions with different languages and cultures. 26. ESL Teacher Average Salary: 54,348 ESL teachers often travel abroad to teach English in foreign countries. It is one of the most respected jobs in the world.  25. Travel Vlogger Average Salary: $56,780 These individuals explore destinations to create engaging content and share personal experiences. They also offer travel tips and insights to their audience. It is one of the traveling jobs that pay well with no experience.  24. Archaeologist Average Salary: $59,673 Archaeologists usually travel for fieldwork, research, and site exploration, as they investigate and document historical and cultural artifacts and sites. Its one of the fun jobs if you love travelling.  23. Chef Average Salary: $60,210 The job of a chef is such that it requires them to explore regional cuisines, source authentic ingredients, and engage in cross-cultural culinary exchanges so that they can brush their culinary repertoire. It is one of the most fun jobs that pay well. 22. Actor Average Salary: $61,000 Traveling is a major part of the acting profession as actors travel for film, theater, or TV productions, auditioning, filming on location, or even for promotions. It is one of the most profitable professions in the world.  21. Athletic Recruiter Average Salary: $62,425 Athletic recruiters travel to evaluate prospective athletes and build relationships with coaches and prospects.  20. International Trade Analyst Average Salary: $62,928 International trade analysts travel to assess global markets, meet with clients, and gather firsthand market insights for strategic decisions. 19. Truck Driver Average Salary: $64,012 Truck drivers have to travel extensively to transport goods and commodities across various locations and fulfill delivery requirements. 18. Geologist Average Salary: $66,597 Geologists keep moving from one place to another to conduct fieldwork, analyze rock formations, and gather geological data for research and environmental assessments. 17. Scuba Diving Instructor Average Salary:  $66,617  Scuba diving instructors provide underwater training and certification. They enable individuals to explore the world’s aquatic wonders. It is one of the fun travel jobs that pay well.  16. Influencer Average Salary: $67,113  Influencers travel to different destinations to document their experiences and engage with followers through content creation and social media. To read more about content creation, do check out our article on the highest-paid YouTubers in the world.  15. Travel Writer Average Salary: $67,640 Travel writers explore destinations to gather firsthand experiences and information in travel writing. It is one of the jobs that require international travel sometimes.  14. External Auditor Average Salary: $70,989  The job requires excessive traveling as auditors have to assess and verify financial records and compliance with regulations for different client organizations. It is one of the jobs that require travel and pay well.  13. International Aid Worker Average Salary: $71,327 To provide humanitarian assistance and support in crisis-affected regions and developing countries, aid workers need to travel internationally.  12. Fashion Designer Average Salary: $73,434  Fashion designers often travel to gather inspiration and attend fashion shows. Their jobs also involve meeting their clients frequently and visiting manufacturers while scouting materials. 11. International Sales Representative Average Salary: $81,180 International sales representatives travel frequently to negotiate deals and expand business opportunities in global markets. It is one of the best jobs for people who love to travel.  Click here to see the 10 Best Jobs for People Who Want to Travel. Suggested Articles: 30 High-Paying Remote Jobs Without a Degree or Experience 25 Highest Paying Jobs in the World 17 Highest Paying Government Jobs Without a Degree Disclosure: None. 35 Best Jobs for People Who Want to Travel is originally published on Insider Monkey......»»

Governments Start Calling For Price Controls, Rationing & CBDCs Come Next Authored by Brandon Smith via Alt-Market.us, Last month in the middle of the surreal “Bidenomics” hype I published an article titled ‘Nothing Is Over: Inflation Is About To Come Back With A Vengeance.’  I outlined the misconceptions surrounding CPI and how it is not an accurate model for the effects of inflation.  I also noted that the index had been manipulated downwards by Joe Biden as he flooded the market with oil from the strategic reserves.  Because so many elements of the CPI are connected to energy, Biden had created an artificial drop in CPI using this strategy. I argued that as the strategic reserves ran out and Biden lost his leverage, CPI would rise again and prices on a number of necessities would climb.  This is happening now, with the biggest jump in CPI in 14 months and gas prices clawing back towards all-time highs. Inflation is not going away anytime soon, but the bigger issue at hand is who benefits most from inflation and rising prices? The answer might be obvious to some but many people are oblivious to the root cause of inflationary dysfunction and often see it as a consequence of random economic chaos rather than a product of clever engineering. The truth is, banking oligarchs and political authorities revel in the inflationary tidal wave because it is a perfect opportunity to institute far reaching socialist controls over resources. In most cases central bankers are the primary culprits behind the creation of an inflationary event, and the word “creation” best applies because it is nearly impossible for overt inflation to occur without them. While money supply is not the only factor when dealing with inflation (sorry purists, but there are indeed other causes), it is the most important. More money chasing less resources triggers supply-side instability and prices go up. Central banks have a number of excuses as to why they “need” to conjure up more dollars or pesos or pounds or marks, but there is no doubt that they know what the ultimate end result will be. It’s happened too many times for them not to know… These inflation events trigger a predictable set of dominoes in society as well as in economy and finance. Price spikes, diminished savings, rising poverty, rising crime, and rising interest rates – This is then followed in most cases by failed rate hikes, more inflation, then more hikes, diminishing foreign investment in debt, foreign currency dumps (causing more inflation), plunging consumer spending and job losses. This same pattern has been witnessed from 1920s Weimar Germany to 1970s America to 1990s Yugoslavia to 2000s Argentina and Venezuela and beyond. But what happens next? In each case the trend leads first to price controls on producers and distributors, which ultimately fail. Then comes government rationing and the complete takeover of necessities including the food supply. Think it can’t happen in the US? It already has. In 1971 Richard Nixon issued Executive Order 11615, (under the Economic Stabilization Act which was established in 1970); the order demanded a 90 day freeze on wages and prices in order to counter inflation. It was an exceedingly rare action outside of a world war and conveniently took place during the election cycle. Keep in mind, the real inflationary crisis had not happened yet, but the price controls gave markets a short term boost and gave Nixon an election win. In 1973, controls returned during the Arab Oil Embargo. They failed and resulted in long term gas price inflation. Gerald Ford then called for American businesses to institute price controls under his “Whip Inflation Now” campaign; it was the subject of ridicule and was even made fun of by a young Joe Biden (who now falsely claims to have solved his own inflation problem with his useless Inflation Reduction Act). Finally, Jimmy Carter introduced price and wage “guidelines” (controls) which rewarded businesses that raised prices below a set percentage. Any businesses that raised prices above the percentage and made a pre-tax profit above the previous two years would be penalized. In no case could a firm increase its dollar profit by more than 6.5 percent unless the excess was attributable to increased unit sales volume. This plan, of course, also failed to stop inflation. Ultimately, the Fed had to jack rates up to around 20% in 1980-1981 to stop exponential inflation, which led to considerable business losses and high unemployment. The problem is simple, price controls lead to lost profit incentive which leads to less production. Less production leads to less supply and less supply leads to rising prices. This is on top of the root cancer that is fiat money creation. Politicians will rarely if ever address the actual cause of an inflationary crisis:  The government and the central banks. Instead, they try to blame free markets, “greedy” businesses and profit taking in times of distress. Sadly, the pattern is repeating again today as it is now becoming clear to the public that central bank interest rate hikes are not having a significant effect and the public is still paying between 25%-50% more on the majority of goods they purchase compared to three years ago. As inflation grinds forward, multiple leftist governments are now openly discussing price controls. Recently, Canada’s Justin Trudeau ordered top grocery chains in the country to cut prices while admonishing them for making higher profits, insinuating that they are the cause of inflation.  In Canada, profit margins among grocers are actually flat due to rising costs. If one looks only at raw profits without taking into account inflation in producer costs as well as transportation, distribution and wages, then it might look like these companies are pulling in the cash. There is zero evidence to support this claim. What Trudeau is doing is pretending to be stupid while engaging in a very clever strategy of scapegoating. It’s the government and the central bankers that are the foundational cause of inflation, but by blaming individual business sectors he sets the stage for government enforced price controls. When these fail and create a crisis in supply he will then introduce rationing, and once the government has conditioned the public to accept rationing the elites then control the entire population’s access to food and necessities. Some people may say “Well that’s Canada, what about the US?” The same agenda is in progress in America, but is being pursued at a city and state level. For example, the socialist Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, just announced a plan for the city (using state and federal tax funds) to build government run grocery stores in “food deserts.” These are places where a combination of inflation and shoplifting has forced grocers to leave certain areas of the city. The Chicago program would include price control measures and there’s ample opportunity for these institutions to use rationing in the future. Similar projects are also being considered in other cities across the country. In other words, leftist cities are scaring away businesses while planning to replace “essential services” with government run operations. I wrote about the inevitability of government rationing after price controls last year in my article ‘The Stagflation Trap Will Lead To Universal Basic Income And Food Rationing.’  Rationing generally comes when price controls fail. It’s been a long time since the US has faced these kinds of conditions but we are likely to in the near future. This time around, I believe that if the establishment is given rationing power they will never let go again. Rationing could also be used to lure the public into accepting Universal Basic Income (UBI) and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).  Government run food centers can easily restrict purchases of goods to a limited list of items, and also demand payment using specific methods (like digital currencies).  In a short period of time, cash would be removed because retailers, pressured by government, will refuse to accept it. It’s hard to say what the future will bring in terms of politics, given that the next presidential campaign is looking like a complete circus. Historically speaking, though, both Democrat and Republican presidents have tried price controls in the past. Public pressure must be applied (at the state level at minimum) to stop this from happening. As convenient as it might seem to blame producers and distributors, the real threat is coming from governments and banks. We cannot let the people who caused the crisis also benefit from it by giving them even more power. * * * If you would like to support the work that Alt-Market does while also receiving content on advanced tactics for defeating the globalist agenda, subscribe to our exclusive newsletter The Wild Bunch Dispatch.  Learn more about it HERE. Tyler Durden Fri, 09/22/2023 - 23:40.....»»

Featured stocks include Coinbase Global and Robinhood Markets. The Federal Reserve left its policy interest rate unchanged, as widely expected, in its September meeting. However, all three major indexes declined as the Fed hinted at another rate hike this year as concerns grew that inflationary pressures will prove to be stubborn. The cryptocurrency market also suffered following the announcement. Cryptocurrencies have been suffering lately after staging a solid rebound this year that saw Bitcoin (BTC) trading past $31,500 at the beginning of July. However, things have changed drastically since then, and Bitcoin hovered around the $26,600 mark on Sep 21. The Fed’s aggressive interest rate hikes have been affecting markets for more than two-and-a-half years now. This took its toll on all major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), Dogecoin (DOGE) and Litecoin (LTC). Despite the pressure, cryptocurrencies rallied in the first half of 2022 due to a number of positive developments in the space. In 2023, a pivotal event in the Bitcoin ecosystem was a major legal victory in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, involving Grayscale and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The court ruled in favor of Grayscale in its lawsuit against the SEC, which had previously denied the company’s application to transform the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust into an Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF). This ruling stands as a major victory for Grayscale and sets a precedent that could have far-reaching implications for other companies aspiring to launch Bitcoin ETFs, including prominent industry players. Moreover, the growing interest in cryptocurrencies within the financial sector is expected to propel the prices of Bitcoin and other digital currencies in the coming months. Notably, financial giants like BlackRock, Inc. BLK are advocating regulatory approval for a spot Bitcoin ETF, a move that has the potential to increase retail investor participation significantly. Similarly, The Charles Schwab Corporation SCHW is backing a new exchange named EDX Markets, underlining the expanding institutional interest in the crypto space. These collective developments signal a growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies within traditional finance and could contribute to a favorable trajectory for the overall cryptocurrency market.Top of Form The Fed’s recent decision to keep interest rates unchanged, however, didn’t lift investors’ sentiments because the central bank hinted at another rate hike this year. Then again, the Fed also said that it would end its monetary tightening campaign in November and start cutting rates in 2024. This definitely bodes well for cryptocurrencies. Historically, the price of Bitcoin has exhibited a notable correlation with the performance of the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 stock index. This correlation exists because both tech stocks and cryptocurrencies are considered to be relatively risky assets, leading investors to respond in a similar manner when evaluating their investment strategies based on prevailing market conditions. Thus, a pause in rate hikes bodes well for the cryptocurrency market in the near term. Stocks in Focus Robinhood Markets, Inc. HOOD operates a financial services platform in the United States. Its platform allows users to invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds, options, gold and cryptocurrencies. HOOD buys and sells Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin and other cryptocurrencies using its Robinhood Crypto platform. Robinhood Markets expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 57.3%.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 16.7% over the last 60 days. Robinhood Markets currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Coinbase Global, Inc. COIN offers financial infrastructure and technology to support the global cryptocurrency economy. COIN provides a main financial account for consumers in the crypto space, a marketplace with liquidity for institutional crypto asset transactions, and technology and services for developers to build crypto-based applications and accept cryptocurrencies securely as payment. Coinbase Global’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 84.8%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 21.7% over the last 60 days. Coinbase currently has a Zacks Rank #3. NVIDIA Corporation NVDA is a major player in the semiconductor industry and has been one of the standout success stories of 2023. As a leading designer of graphic processing units (GPUs), the value of the NVDA stock tends to surge in a thriving crypto market. This is primarily due to the crucial role that GPUs play in data centers, artificial intelligence and the mining or production of cryptocurrencies. NVIDIA’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 219.5%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 36.8% over the last 60 days. NVIDIA currently sports a Zacks Rank #1. Accenture plc ACN is a worldwide system integrator that offers consulting, technology and various services. The company promotes Ethereum-based blockchain solutions to businesses, aiming to simplify payment processing. Accenture’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 8.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 0.1% over the last 60 days. ACN currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. Accenture PLC (ACN): Free Stock Analysis Report BlackRock, Inc. (BLK): Free Stock Analysis Report The Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW): Free Stock Analysis Report NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): Free Stock Analysis Report Coinbase Global, Inc. (COIN): Free Stock Analysis Report Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD): 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......»»

What is a secular bull and bear market? Welcome to Episode #374 of the Zacks Market Edge Podcast. Every week, host and Zacks stock strategist, Tracey Ryniec, will be joined by guests to discuss the hottest investing topics in stocks, bonds, and ETFs and how it impacts your life. This week, Tracey is joined by Zacks Stock Strategist Bryan Hayes, who is also the editor of Zacks Headline Trader and the Income Investor portfolios, to discuss stock market trends. Are stocks in a secular bull or a secular bear in 2023? What is a Secular Bull and Bear Market? First thing investors should know is what is a secular bull or bear market. The stock market can have two kinds of markets, secular and cyclical. Cyclical bull and bears are the short-term trade. In 2022, stocks were in a cyclical bear market as they sold off. Secular bulls are longer term, and can last years. The 1982-2000 secular bull lasted 18 years. Secular bear markets are marked by the lack of new all-time highs on the S&P 500 and a treading water type of momentum, where stocks don’t seem to ever want to break out. And if they DO hit new highs, they give it up and sink again. This was the scenario in the 2001-2012 secular bear. Can These 5 Stocks Tell us if Stocks are in a Secular Bull or Bear Market? 1.      Shopify Inc. (SHOP) Shopify was one of the big winner stocks during the pandemic, hitting a new all-time high in 2021. But Shopify sold off in 2022, along with many growth stocks. But the shares rallied in 2023, gaining 54.6%. Many thought the worst was over. However, Shopify still remains down 62% over the last 2 years. It’s not really cheaper either, on a P/E basis. It still trades at 168x. Is Shopify’s big sell-off, and a lack of a return to the highs, a sign that stocks are now in a secular bear market? 2.      PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL) PayPal was one of the big winners of the pandemic as the fintech companies were in demand. Shares peaked in 2021 and have been on the slide ever since. Shares of PayPal have fallen 17.7% year-to-date, missing out on the growth stock rally. Over the last 2 years, they are down 78.9%. And they have even round tripped over the last 5 years and are now down 35% during that time. PayPal shares are now cheap. It trades with a forward P/E of just 12.3. Is the collapse of PayPal shares a sign that stocks are in a secular bear market? 3.      Apple Inc. (AAPL) Apple has been one of the stalwarts of the secular bull market which began in 2013. It was originally part of FAANG, then in FANGMAN and now it is a member of the Magnificent 7. Apple has joined in on the 2023 rally, gaining 34% year-to-date. Over the last 2 years, it’s also still in the green, up 18.4%. Apple even hit another all-time high in 2023. Apple, however, isn’t a cheap stock on a P/E basis. It trades at 29x. But with Apple, one of the big winners of the secular bull, still breaking out, is it a sign that stocks are still in the secular bull market? 4.      NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA) NVIDIA is having quite the year. Shares are up 180.7% year-to-date with earnings expected to jump 219.5%. Shares of NVIDIA originally hit new highs in 2021, along with the other FANGMAN and growth stocks. And although they sold off in 2022, they bounced back quickly and have been hitting new highs again in 2023. Over the last 2 years NVIDIA is up 85% and over the last 5, it has gained 520%. NVIDIA now trades with a forward P/E of 39.6. In secular bears, the prior winners do not lead yet NVIDIA is still leading. Is NVIDIA signaling that stocks are still in the secular bull? 5.      Baker Hughes Co. (BKR) Baker Hughes is an oil field services company. Energy has been out of favor since 2013. It was not one of the “winners” of that decade. Shares of Baker Hughes are up just 9.9% over the last 5 years. But, after bottoming in 2020, the energy stocks like Baker Hughes have been on the move higher. Over the last 2 years, Baker Hughes is up 44.8% and it’s kept the momentum going this year with shares up 18.7%. Baker Hughes is trading at 23x but earnings are expected to jump 73% this year. If stocks are in a secular bear, is Baker Hughes a good way to play it? What Else do you Need to Know About Secular Bulls and Bears?      Check out the podcast to find out. Apple Inc. (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): Free Stock Analysis Report Baker Hughes Company (BKR): Free Stock Analysis Report PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL): Free Stock Analysis Report Shopify Inc. (SHOP): 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......»»

The world of cannabis and psychedelics is evolving at a rapid pace, with companies introducing groundbreaking products and expanding into new markets. read more.....»»

NY Man Arrested With $1.6 Million In Fentanyl Fails To Show For Court After Being Granted Non-Cash Bail If we told you that a man accused of carrying $1.6 million in fentanyl in Pittsburgh didn't show up for his court date after being released on non-cash bail earlier this month, would you be surprised? Us neither. But that was precisely the case in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where 27 year old Carlos Pichardo Cepeda failed the appear for court. The New Yorker "is accused of carrying hundreds of thousands of fentanyl doses at a Pittsburgh bus station," according to Triblive.com. Pichardo Cepeda was previously handed a nonmonetary bond by a district judge and released after his arrest. This past Tuesday was his second court date that he missed, the report says. Republicans are blaming the cashless bail while Democrats are placing blame on the DA's office dragging its feet in prosecuting the case.  Pichardo Cepeda was arrested August 31 at the Greyhound Terminal in Downtown Pittsburgh. He had 9 kilograms, or about 450,000 doses, of fentanyl on him with a street value of $1.6 billion. His criminal history included seven prior arrests, two misdemeanor convictions and pending cases in New York for grand larceny and sexual assault. Two district judges involved in his case, Xander Orenstein and Gene Ricciardi, stand on opposite ends of the political aisle, the report says. Orenstein granted him a nonmonetary bond but imposed electronic monitoring.  But such monitors can only be ordered by a Common Pleas Court judge. The arrested are usually held in jail until such cases can be transferred. That's where Judge Ricciardi came in, according to the report: In the Pichardo Cepeda case, Orenstein believed the suspect would be held in jail until a decision about electronic monitoring was made, Asturi said. Orenstein set the nonmonetary bail on Sept. 1. The next day, Allegheny County Jail staff approached District Judge Gene Ricciardi, who was presiding that day, for clarification of the bail condition, according to Asturi. Asturi said Ricciardi then contacted Orenstein and received permission to review the electronic monitoring condition. Ricciardi then removed the electronic monitoring condition because district judges can’t impose it, and Pichardo Cepeda was released. Ricciardi did not read the criminal complaint and did not know the facts of the case at the time of release, Asturi said. Joe Asturi, a spokesman for the court system, offered the following perfunctory take: “Court administration is reviewing procedures to provide safeguards to prevent another such occurrence.” Tyler Durden Fri, 09/22/2023 - 20:40.....»»

In this article, we are going to discuss the 15 countries that export the most beer to the U.S. You can skip our detailed analysis of the import beer market in the United States, the local production of imported beer brands, and the recent success of import beer in the U.S., and go directly to […] In this article, we are going to discuss the 15 countries that export the most beer to the U.S. You can skip our detailed analysis of the import beer market in the United States, the local production of imported beer brands, and the recent success of import beer in the U.S., and go directly to 5 Countries that Export the Most Beer to the U.S. The American beer market has had a tumultuous history with influences from import trends, wars, prohibition, and local breweries. After prohibition ended in 1933, Heineken was the first imported beer to re-enter the American market, leading the way among brands positioning themselves as an upscale alternative to a domestic market that was basically nothing but watery macro brews. By the 1970s, the import market had begun to grow, making up nearly 3% of the entire U.S. beer market. As craft beer began its relentless, still accelerating rise on the domestic side in the 1990s and 2000s, imports changed as well. Heineken hasn’t gone anywhere, but Americans now also enjoy an astonishing wealth of delicious imported beer riches from Belgium, Germany, Ireland, and beyond.   Import Beer Market in the United States:  The United States of America is the largest importer of beer in the world. As we mentioned in our article – 20 Highest Rated Pilsner Beers in 2023 – the import beer category had a 22.2% share in the total U.S. sales volume in 2022, an increase of 2.8% from the previous year. In 2022, the U.S. imported around $7.05 billion worth of beer, accounting for 2 out of every 5 cross-border beer dollars.  Beer imports increased in 2022 as the premiumization trend drew consumers to foreign brews, which are often perceived to be of higher quality. An inflated U.S. dollar has also made foreign beers relatively more affordable for domestic consumers, boosting imports.  Yet, despite the positive performance of the imported beer market last year, analysts caution that inflation, depreciation of the dollar, tariffs on aluminum imports, and a possible recession could hamper its growth.  The Local Production of Imported Beer Brands:  Foreign beers usually tend to cost more than their local counterparts. Imported beer faces import duties and travels long distances, while licensed beers frequently encounter diseconomies of scale or profit-sharing arrangements with external licensors. However, revenues per hectoliter are also high as consumers generally see the product as a premium brew. As a result, many foreign beers have attractive margins. However, as costs are increasing, margins are coming under pressure and the attractiveness of imported beer is changing in the U.S. Beer coming from Europe, which makes up nearly 20% of the American beer imports, has been particularly hard hit as European imports are facing high container rates on the Europe-North America route, high fuel costs for road transport, and high packaging costs. Around 60% of U.S. beer imports arrive in glass bottles and furnaces in Europe now pay high natural gas prices due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In this context, moving production from Europe to the U.S. has obvious advantages. One of the Best Imported Beers in USA is Stella Artois. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) announced in 2021 that it would shift production of the signature Belgian brand from Europe to four of its U.S. breweries, including its St. Louis flagship, which would produce the beverage for domestic consumers. The move was part of the two-year $1 billion capital investment program that Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) announced for its production facilities in America. In addition to the brewery upgrades, the company also committed to spend $296 million more for the domestic production and distribution of Stella Artois in the U.S. over the same two-year period.  Although the move was heavily criticized by the American beer lovers, who feared that their beloved brand would lose its originality, it was announced earlier this year that so far, both consumer perception and sales volumes of Stella Artois have held up well.  Similarly, Sapporo has also started the domestic production of its beers after its recent $165 million acquisition of the California-based Stone Brewing.  As we mentioned in our article – Top 20 Wine Producing Countries in the World – Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) shares haven’t gone anywhere in recent years, and it lost around 40% of its value over the last 5 years. It is a highly leveraged company and the rising interest rates aren’t helping the stock either. Nevertheless, billionaire Bill Gates’ portfolio managers decided to initiate a $96 million position in the firm during the second quarter.  Recent Success of Import Beer:  As we mentioned in our article – 25 Top-Selling Beers in America –  the popular Mexican import beer brand, Modelo Especial, has now officially dethroned Bud Light as the best-selling beer in America. Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ), an American firm that went into brewing only a decade ago, symbolizes a major success story in the American beer industry. However, an important part of this success is attributed to the U.S. antitrust laws.  Back in 2013, when the brewing industry behemoth Anheuser-Busch InBev acquired Grupo Modelo for $20 billion, America’s Justice Department intervened. It was then decided that in order to keep the country’s beer market competitive, the company must divest Modelo’s entire U.S. business to Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ), which at the time was a little-known wine and spirit seller worth $8.1 billion. The American company then seized the $4.75 billion deal as a major opportunity and with its aggressive marketing and efficient distribution, turned its Mexican beers into some of the Biggest Beer Brands in America. The New York-based Fortune 500 company is single-handedly fueling the growth in the import beer industry in the U.S. through its highly sought-after Mexican brews. Shares of STZ were held by 48 out of 910 hedge funds in the Insider Monkey database at the end of Q2, with Holocene Advisors holding the largest stake of 796,935 shares, valued at $196.15 million. Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ) ranks among the Best Alcohol Stocks to Own According to Hedge Funds.  With that said, here are the Countries that Export the Most Beer to the U.S. Pixabay/Public Domain Methodology:  To collect data for this article, we have referred to the Beer Institute, which works closely with the U.S. Department of Commerce in order to track the volume of beer brought into the U.S. Following are the Countries that Export the Most Beer to America, ranked in order of the volume of beer they exported in 2022:  15. Japan Beer Exported to the U.S. in 2022: 1,182,509 gallons The beer industry is an integral part of beverage manufacturing in Japan. While the country is well-known for its high-quality clear liquors such as rice wine (sake) and fruit liqueurs, beer stands at the top of alcoholic beverage production. Sapporo and Asahi are some of the popular Japanese brands in the U.S. market. 14. France Beer Exported to the U.S. in 2022: 1,450,517 gallons France has become the European leader by number of breweries – ahead of both the United Kingdom and Germany – and second in the world. The country’s beer exports to the U.S. are lush and varied, with barrel-aged beers, beers blended with grape must, and more. France ranks among the Top Beer Producing Countries in the World.  13. Czech Republic Beer Exported to the U.S. in 2022: 2,029,513 gallons The Czech Republic is known as a major exporter of both hops and lager beer and the country has been exporting its brews to the U.S. since as far back as 1874. Brewed exclusively in the city of Plzeň, Pilsner Urquell is the most popular Czech beer brand in the United States.  The Czech Republic ranks among the top beer exporting countries.  12. Guatemala Beer Exported to the U.S. in 2022: 2,248,115 gallons Guatemala exported $7.59 million worth of beer to the United States in 2022, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. Gallo is a popular beer in the Central American country, but the brand is known as Famosa in the U.S. market.  11. Vietnam Beer Exported to the U.S. in 2022: 2,376,555 gallons Vietnam is the largest exporter of canned beer in the world and a big part of these shipments heads to the United States. Although a variety of foreign brands are produced in Vietnam and then exported worldwide, Saigon Export Beer is the only authentic Vietnamese brand available in the U.S. market.  Vietnam ranks 11th in our list of countries that export the most beer to the United States.  10. United Kingdom Beer Exported to the U.S. in 2022: 2,536,618 gallons With total beer exports of around $568 million in 2021, the U.K. is the 6th Largest Beer Exporter in the World. After Scotch whisky and chocolate, beer is the largest food and drink export from the United Kingdom. The U.S. imported about $117.5 million worth of beer from the U.K in 2022.  9. Poland Beer Exported to the U.S. in 2022: 2,674,820 gallons Poland is well-known for its beer culture and many varieties. The country’s large breweries are all owned by multinational companies, however, Poland’s craft beer scene has seen great evolution over the last decade.   Polish beers are not difficult to find in the U.S., especially in this day and age of online shopping. Brands such as Żywiec, Lech, Dębowe etc. can be easily bought in online shops, or found in local Polish stores.  Poland is counted among the Top 10 Countries that Export the Most Beer to America.  8. Jamaica Beer Exported to the U.S. in 2022: 3,289,045 gallons Red Stripe is a popular Jamaican lager that has had a presence in the U.S. since 1985. Since Heineken N.V. acquired a controlling stake in the brand and returned production back to the brand’s homeland in 2016, the company has embarked on an aggressive 10-year investment plan to build Red Stripe’s position as a truly global brand. In 2017, Red Stripe invested $16 million in a new, state-of-the-art production line dedicated exclusively to export markets.  Red Stripe ranks among the Cheap Imported Beer Brands Targeting Budweiser’s Market Share. 7. Belgium Beer Exported to the U.S. in 2022: 6,068,436 gallons Belgium witnessed an 82.7% decrease in beer exports to the U.S. in 2022, and a major reason for this is the shift of Stella Artois’ production by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD) to its local facilities in the U.S. The Belgian Beer Week was organized at the Disney World in Orlando, FL, in May this year, with around 32 Belgian breweries taking part. The brewers’ American tour could also help to strengthen Belgian beer exports to the U.S., which have been declining in recent years after a period of strong growth. 6. Italy Beer Exported to the U.S. in 2022: 9,723,254 gallons Italy has made significant contributions to the world of beer throughout its long history and the United States is the second-largest export market for Italian beers. Peroni Nastro Azzurro is among the most popular Italian beers in America. Produced exclusively in Italy, Peroni is exported to 50 countries and ranks among the Most Imported Beer Brands in the World.  Italy ranks among the countries that the U.S. imports the most beer from. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Countries that Export the Most Beer to the U.S. Suggested Articles: Top 15 Low Carb Craft Beer Brands in the US 20 Most Famous Breweries in the US 60 Highest Rated Beers in America Disclosure: None. 15 Countries that Export the Most Beer to the U.S. is originally published on Insider Monkey......»»

The Rise Of Hux-Well Authored by Jeff Einstein via 'The Quality Of Life Resistance Movement' Substack, Noam Chomsky stopped just one rung shy of perfection with his illuminating book, Manufacturing Consent, about how commercial media work as extensions of government and corporate power to manufacture the consent of the masses. Likewise, Matt Taibbi’s title, Hate, Inc. is a near-perfect indictment of cable and digital news profit models that manufacture and prioritize enmity to the exclusion of the truth and the common good. Both works fall just one rung shy of perfection, however, not because they aren’t impressive examples of applied critical thought and insight, but because neither consent nor hate are the primary products of commercial media. Rather, they are toxic byproducts of a commercial mass media whose primary product is addiction… “The effect of mass media is not to elicit belief but to maintain the apparatus of addiction.” — Christopher Lasch In the early 21st century, we turned the corner from a society in which addiction was the exception to the rule to a society in which addiction became the rule. By 2004, still some years before social media, the smartphone, and streaming media secured their reputations as history’s most perfect narcotics, the average American — according to the Ball State University Middletown Media Studies report (the first large-scale observational study of American media consumption habits) — was already consuming more than eleven hours of media each and every day. Concurrently, TV Everywhere, the commercial imperative behind the trillion-dollar campaigns for high-speed bandwidth and streaming HDTV, was ordained as the latest media industry mantra — part of an all-hands-on-deck digital blitzkrieg to normalize late-stage addiction. Since then, hundreds of studies, articles, books, and documentaries have confirmed what anyone with a smartphone, social media account or a teenager already knows or suspects: we are a nation of media addicts — by design. We are, per Stanford addiction researcher Dr. Anna Lembke, a Dopamine Nation. The scientific, theological, and lay juries are in: smartphones, streaming HDTV, and social media are now — by far — the primary narcotics of choice in what I call the Great Age of Addiction. “Every form of addiction is bad, no matter whether the narcotic be alcohol or morphine or idealism.” — Carl Jung What Carl Jung failed to mention at the time was the practical reason why all addictions are bad: because all addictions — regardless of the narcotics — are manifestations of behavioral excess. As such, they all steal our time and money and freedom — none more ruthlessly or efficiently than our default meta-addiction to all things media and all things digital. Needless to say, we didn’t just suddenly wake up one morning to discover that we had become a society of media addicts overnight. We became a society of media addicts the same way we became a society of institutions too big to fail. What happened to us (and what we allowed to happen), happened gradually over decades. Like too big to fail, it happened not as an unintended consequence of a failure to plan, or the unfortunate fallout from a lousy plan. Like too big to fail, state-sponsored default addiction is the plan. “The model of ownership, in a society built round mass consumption, is addiction.” — Christopher Lasch In the Great Age of Addiction, the meta-message we hear most is always the same binge-worthy call to action: “Eat all you want,” our digital overlords tell us over and over again. “We’ll make more.” Everything else, like the manufacture of consent and hate, follows… Of course, commercial mass media’s essential job in a culture of mass consumption is to promote and protect the narrow interests of the ruling elite, who now control virtually all of institutional America, including the corporate media, the technomedia cartel (with the current exception of Twitter), finance, the entertainment industry, academia and public education, all major surveillance and law enforcement agencies, all other major government agencies, and all major NGOs. Institutional dissenters are few and far between in the Great Age of Addiction. The manufacture of default addiction in the 21st century is a compliance mechanism borrowed straight from the pages of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World — the story of a dystopian society controlled by state-sponsored addiction to soma, sex, and endless entertainment… “There will be, in the next generation or so, a pharmacological method of making people love their servitude, and producing dictatorship without tears, so to speak, producing a kind of painless concentration camp for entire societies, so that people will in fact have their liberties taken away from them, but will rather enjoy it.” — Aldous Huxley Our own descent into the grips of state-sponsored default addiction was much accelerated in the early 21st century by the algorithmic tools of digital scale — behavioral targeting, Big Data, and AI — deployed en masse against foreign and domestic populations for the past generation by massive institutions in a classically fascist union of private and government interests. "Fascism should more appropriately be called Corporatism because it is a merger of state and corporate power." — Benito Mussolini Predictably, addiction is now a cradle-to-grave relationship for the children of the 21st century, an endless parade of state-sanctioned psychotropics, sexualization, and numerous other substance and behavioral addictions — not least our meta-addiction to all things media and all things digital. Our lives as addicts begin these days in early childhood, usually well before we can read — by design. Understandable, therefore, that the most compelling and intimate relationships in our lives as mass consumers of mass commercial media and just about everything else are the relationships we cultivate with our own narcotics — the same relationships designed to breed compliance, complacency, and consent. In recent years we have witnessed the addition of yet another dystopian vision to the American cultural stew. Unlike the Huxleyan model, this one is concerned far less with the bemused manufacture of addicted consent, already fait accompli in the Great Age of Addiction, and far more with the iron-fist mechanics of totalitarian enforcement. After all, even societies like ours, societies whose citizens have been duly converted into passive addicts in order to manufacture compliance and consent on behalf of a ruling elite — must deal with outliers and the occasional rise of populist movements. What is the ruling elite to do with those who refuse or fail to comply? What, American elites have asked us in recent years, are we to do with the tens of millions of Donald Trump voters, the populist MAGA movement, January 6th rioters, and angry parents who suddenly show up uninvited to school board meetings? What, ask blue-state governors, blue-city mayors, and the W.H.O. are we to do with anti-vax monsters who refuse to comply with covid lockdown, vaccine, and mask mandates? What, the Canadian oligarchs ask, are we to do with all these Nazi rogue truckers? What, ask the movers and shakers of civil society as they step off their private jets in Davos, are we to do with those who deny the science of climate change? What, ask the academicians and public school policy makers are we to do with those who deny gender-affirming care? What, ask the politicians, are we to do with those who deny election results? What, ask the global elite, are we to do with the anti-war Putin sympathizers who threaten the Liberal World Order, refuse to support the battle for democracy and freedom, and casually imperil so many Ukrainian lives? What happens when the Huxleyan model of manufactured consent and compliance via state-sanctioned addiction fails to keep them all in check? To properly manage these and future populist miscreants, the ruling elite have borrowed from the 20th century’s other great literary dystopia: George Orwell’s 1984. In it, Orwell describes a society ruled and controlled not by state-sponsored default addiction, but by 24/7 surveillance, linguistic thought control, the wholesale manufacture of abject hatred, and jackboot-enforced fear — all state-sponsored and manufactured. In Orwell’s classic dystopian vision, state-sanctioned violence is converted from something we fear into something we cheer. Each and every morning members of the Outer Party of Oceania are required by the elite Inner Party to participate in the daily Two Minutes Hate — 120 seconds of publicly expressed mob contempt and disgust for fabricated public enemy and terrorist, Emmanuel Goldstein… In retrospect, the fictional execration of the Two Minutes Hate seems almost quaint when compared to the real thing today, an endless torrent of 1984-inspired venom and vitriol spewed on cable news and social media. More ominously, however, in the past few years the primary focus of our institutionally inspired animus has been turned inward, from foreign to domestic enemies of the state. Nowadays, the new-and-improved Two Minutes Hate runs 24/7 nonstop, and the fabled Emmanuel Goldstein has been replaced by Donald Trump, his legions of deplorables, and the white-supremacist, transphobic, anti-vax MAGA insurrectionists of January 6th — the day that almost lived in infamy. To keep today’s unwashed and under-educated working class in line, the ruling elite call upon the mostly white, mostly college educated, and mostly affluent institutional shock troops and street thugs of Wokeism, last deployed en masse in the summer of 2020 to burn down poor black neighborhoods in the name of anti-racism… State-sponsored corporate shock troops promote arson and looting in poor black neighborhoods in the name of woke anti-racism. Everything about Wokeism is derivative of 1984, beginning with the perversely dangerous assertion that speech is violence: the epitome of 21st-century DoubleSpeak… War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Truth, Speech is Violence: the Orwellian mantras of Wokeism… Further homage to Orwell is everywhere manifest in official Woke vernacular, informed and enhanced at any given moment by an ever-expanding style guide of pandering pronouns and euphemisms designed to confer quasi-scientific status and legitimacy on toxic social contagions like climate change, anti-racism, and critical gender theory — bastard stepchildren of a thoroughly corrupt and kleptocratic academia that sits like a tin crown atop an equally corrupt and kleptocratic public school system. In the end, it seems, social justice or climate justice or racial justice or trans justice or any other form of justice that requires a modifier is nothing more than good old-fashioned mob justice at digital scale. With almost total control of institutional America — including academia and public education, the technomedia and corporate media giants, corporate finance, the Fortune 100, the DHS, the FBI, the DOJ, the CIA, all major NGOs, global think tanks, and the entire surveillance-state apparatus — the Woke machine’s eagerness to jettison civil liberties and resort to political violence whenever it wants is testimony to complete and unmitigated institutional power in the near-total absence of accountability. Institutionally, America is now a one-party town with the power and will to lavish DEFCON 1 levels of hatred and fear upon half the population of the country with casual disregard. We should be so lucky to confine their hate to only two minutes a day. Unfortunately, all one-party towns breed intolerance and corruption. As a study in illiberal intolerance that would humble both Big Brother and Mustapha Mond in equal measure, the Wokeists are the ruling elite’s Praetorian Guard in a global class war against poor and middle class people of all colors worldwide. Against you, your family, and your community. So there you have it: the compliance mechanism of state-sponsored default addiction borrowed from Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World on the one hand paired with the enforcement mechanism of 24/7 surveillance, linguistic thought control, and institutional terror borrowed from George Orwell’s 1984 on the other. Both at digital scale. They come together now as Huxwell — a global 21st-century adaptation of 20th-century totalitarianism. Huxwell — equal doses of both dystopian visions, equal measures of drug-induced compliance and Stasi-style enforcement — with a little Mary Shelley tossed in for good measure… Huxwell, however, ain’t your father’s totalitarianism. Three primary factors distinguish 21st-century Huxwellian totalitarianism from its 20th-century counterparts: Digital scale Back in the 20th century, Western totalitarianism was confined to specific nations and cultures. Today, however, it engulfs entire continents like North America, Europe, and Australia. Driven by global institutions of immense digital scale and reach, the totalitarian hegemony of Huxwell follows in the imperial footsteps of Western consumer culture: powered over the past two generations by trillions of microchips and thousands of server farms. And unlike Nazi Germany, Huxwell cannot be crushed by external forces because the forces large enough to crush it are all in league with it. Rise of the Bureaucrat Today’s Western totalitarians, at least those emerging now in Western democracies, are less akin to the larger-than-life fascists of the 20th century —like Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin, and Mao — and more like your Uncle Joe and Aunt Jacinda. Today’s Western totalitarians are career politicians and unelected apparatchiks: dull, nondescript, and wholly unremarkable except in the power they wield and their unquestioning loyalty to the state. The Huxwellian totalitarians of today personify what Hanna Arendt described as the banality of evil. The Great Age of Addiction Back in the 20th century addiction was still the exception to the rule. In the 21st-century rise of Huxwell, addiction is the rule. Huxwell: the confluence of state-sponsored default addiction and the institutional tyranny of runaway digital scale. Huxwell: the go-to Chief Compliance Officer and Enforcer-in-Chief — all rolled up into one totalitarian mega-state. Huxwell: a monster designed to crush populist political resistance while the ruling elite ransack the joint. Huxwell, the Great Reset come to life... *  *  * Subscribe to 'The Quality Of Life Resistance Movement' Substack,here Tyler Durden Fri, 09/22/2023 - 19:00.....»»

So far, we've had a few S&P 500 companies reveal quarterly results, but the sample size is too small to draw any conclusions from. The Q3 cycle is on the horizon, with several S&P 500 companies already revealing their quarterly results. For the 8 S&P 500 members that have reported already, total earnings and revenues are up +8% and +0.09% from the same period last year, with 87.5% beating both EPS and revenue estimates.For a detailed view of the upcoming Q3 earnings cycle, I invite you to view our weekly Earnings Trends report - Current Earnings Outlook Reflects Stability And next week, several notable companies are slated to report, including Costco COST, Nike NKE, and Carnival Cruise Line CCL. But how do expectations stack up heading into the quarterly releases? Let’s take a closer look at quarterly expectations.NikeNike designs, develops, and markets athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and services for men, women, and children worldwide. The company is expected to reveal quarterly results on Thursday, September 28th.Analysts have lowered their earnings expectations for the quarter to be reported, with the $0.73 Zacks Consensus EPS Estimate down 22% since June of this year.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchWe expect the company to post $12.9 billion in quarterly revenue, 2.2% higher than the year-ago period. Analysts have also taken their top line expectations lower since June, with the current estimate down nearly 4% since.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchCostcoCostco Wholesale sells high volumes of foods and general merchandise (including household products and appliances) at discounted prices through membership warehouses. The company’s quarterly release is expected on Tuesday, September 26th.Analysts have shown modest positivity for the release, with the $4.71 Zacks Consensus EPS Estimate up roughly 2% since June and reflecting year-over-year growth of 12%. Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchThe company is also expected to post revenue growth, with the $78.6 billion consensus estimate 9% higher than year-ago sales of $72.1 billion. The company’s revenue has a history of seasonality but overall remains steady, as shown below. Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchCarnival Cruise LineCarnival, a cruise and vacation company, is the world's leading leisure travel firm, carrying nearly half of global cruise guests. The company’s quarterly release is expected to hit the tape on Friday, September 29th.Analysts have left their earnings expectations unchanged since June, with the $0.75 Zacks Consensus EPS Estimate flat since. The value reflects a sizable 230% uptick in earnings, likely reflecting lowered costs.Concerning the top line, the $6.7 billion quarterly revenue estimate has inched 0.5% higher since June, indicating slight positivity. The company’s revenue has recovered nicely from pandemic lows, further illustrated in the chart below. Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchBottom LineThe Q3 cycle is just around the corner, undoubtedly an exciting period. So far, we’ve had a few S&P 500 companies reveal quarterly results, although the sample size is too small to draw any conclusions from.And next week, several notable quarterly releases should catch the attention of investors, including Costco COST, Nike NKE, and Carnival Cruise Line CCL.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Carnival Corporation (CCL): Free Stock Analysis Report NIKE, Inc. (NKE): Free Stock Analysis Report Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»

S&P 500 and all its sectors slid yesterday without as much as a brief visit to 4,420s at the open ... Read more S&P 500 and all its sectors slid yesterday without as much as a brief visit to 4,420s at the open – straight down through yesterday given 4,385 premium level, with Russell 2000 showing no signs of life. 10y yield of 4.50% has been reached, risk assets repricing is underway, and this is how I view the upcoming yield path, including it being only recession that can bring yields down somewhat. And given the goldilocks economy and the discussed elements behind the rise in yields – BoJ yield curve control (no move today there really), hawkish clarity of Powell‘s intentions, and returning inflation, are all set to make a Nov rate hike have better odds than a coin toss (there is still one more hike this year coming). The upcoming flash PMIs are likely to show continued improvement in the economy, which would on market‘s second thought feed into more Fed room for tightening. Note how little attention is being paid to rising TIPS (real rate of return as a competitor to stocks), profit margins and the troubled outlook for Q4 earnings calls with forward guidance especially – that‘s big picture bearish. Keep enjoying the lively Twitter feed via keeping my tab open at all times (notifications on aren't enough) – combine with subscribing to my Youtube channel, and of course Telegram that always delivers my extra intraday calls (head off to Twitter to talk to me there), but getting the key daily analytics right into your mailbox is the bedrock. So, make sure you‘re signed up for the free newsletter and make use of both Twitter and Telegram - benefit and find out why I'm the most blocked market analyst and trader on Twitter. Let‘s move right into the charts (all courtesy of www.stockcharts.com) – today‘s full scale article contains 3 of them. Gold, Silver and Miners Gold would have much trouble rising with such rates, but given that the dollar top is as many weeks away as things start to break (concern chiefly for 2024), I would be patient about signs of decoupling from yields emerging. For now, I‘m not counting on $1,960 early next week, yet silver is likely to defend $23.70 on a closing basis today. Copper did test the lower support of $3.65, and will have trouble overcoming $3.75 again. The red metal belongs among the more vulnerable ones post FOMC. Crude Oil Crude oil is still bullishly consolidating, and the tide hasn‘t shifted. Any break of $88.50 would prove temporary, and not reaching as deep as $85.50 – and the chart doesn‘t favor that deep a pullback anyway. $93 is closer, and will take a couple of weeks to reach. Thank you for having read today‘s free analysis, which is a small part of my site‘s daily premium Monica's Trading Signals covering all the markets you're used to (stocks, bonds, gold, silver, miners, oil, copper, cryptos), and of the daily premium Monica's Stock Signals presenting stocks and bonds only. Both publications feature real-time trade calls and intraday updates. While at my site, you can subscribe to the free Monica‘s Insider Club for instant publishing notifications and other content useful for making your own trade moves. Turn notifications on, and have my Twitter profile (tweets only) opened in a fresh tab so as not to miss a thing – such as extra intraday opportunities. Thanks for all your support that makes this great ride possible! Thank you, Monica Kingsley Stock Trading Signals Gold Trading Signals Oil Trading Signals Copper Trading Signals Bitcoin Trading Signals www.monicakingsley.co mk@monicakingsley.co All essays, research and information represent analyses and opinions of Monica Kingsley that are based on available and latest data. Despite careful research and best efforts, it may prove wrong and be subject to change with or without notice. Monica Kingsley does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the data or information reported. Her content serves educational purposes and should not be relied upon as advice or construed as providing recommendations of any kind. Futures, stocks and options are financial instruments not suitable for every investor. Please be advised that you invest at your own risk. Monica Kingsley is not a Registered Securities Advisor. By reading her writings, you agree that she will not be held responsible or liable for any decisions you make. Investing, trading and speculating in financial markets may involve high risk of loss. Monica Kingsley may have a short or long position in any securities, including those mentioned in her writings, and may make additional purchases and/or sales of those securities without notice......»»

The Federal Open Market Committee meeting dominated the markets this week, with the Fed deciding to leave rates unchanged at 5.25%-5.5%, as widely expected. Dot Plot Indicates 1 More Rate Hike, Fewer Cuts in 2024: The median preference for the projected fed funds rate at the end of 2023 held steady after Wednesday's Fed decision, aligning with the previous June forecast at 5.6%. This suggests the Fed is leaning toward one additional rate increase in either one of the two remaining meetings this year. FOMC members have scaled back their projected rate cuts for next year, now indicating a total of 50 basis points of cuts for 2024, a more hawkish shift from the previous June projection of a full percentage point reduction. Powell Delivers Balanced Remarks: During his press conference, Fed Chair Jerome Powell cautiously balanced his tone. He warned the path to the 2% inflation target has a long way to go, possibly keeping interest rates elevated for longer. At the same time, Powell indicated the Fed’s readiness to proceed carefully based on forthcoming economic data without a firm commitment to additional rate hikes. Treasury Yields Hit 17-Year Highs: Yields for two-year Treasury notes reached 5.2% on Thursday, marking their highest point since July 2006. Simultaneously, the 10-year yield surpassed 4.4%, reaching levels last seen in November 2007. Chart of The Week: Short-Term Treasury Yields Surge To July 2006 Levels As ...Full story available on Benzinga.com.....»»

The Federal Reserve chose not to raise interest rates this week, but policymakers' hawkish signaling sent bond yields soaring. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid US stocks ended slightly higher Friday to close out a losing week. Bond yields climbed on the week following the Fed's hawkish signaling Wednesday. Policymakers did not adjust interest rates this week, but another hike is on the table before 2024. US stocks closed lower on Friday to cap off a losing week that saw the Federal Reserve choose to keep interest rates unchanged but maintained a hawkish outlook for the rest of the year. Major indexes ended their fourth consecutive day in the red Friday. Both oil prices and bond yields surged over the course of the week, with the 10-year Treasury hitting 4.49%, its highest mark since 2007.The two-year Treasury, meanwhile, also climbed to its highest since 2006.Policymakers at the central bank signaled that another rate hike remains on the table before 2024, sowing doubt among investors that this year's stock market rally can last. Add in a potential government shutdown, which could weigh on consumer confidence and hurt the economy, and there's even more reason for concern. "While September is living up to its reputation as being a weak month for stocks, seasonality cannot take all the blame for the selling pressure," Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist for LPL Financial said. "In addition to a rally in crude oil, a nine-week winning streak in the dollar, and a 'hawkish pause' from the Federal Reserve this week, stocks have had to contend with nearly a 40-basis point surge in 10-year yields this month, which are now trading near 4.50%. Once again, the move in rates has proven to be too much too fast for equity markets to handle."Here's where US indexes stood as the market closed 4:00 p.m. on Friday: S&P 500: 4,320.00, down 0.23%Dow Jones Industrial Average: 33,964.31, down 0.31% (-106.38 points)Nasdaq Composite: 13,211.81, down 0.09%Here's what else is going on: Dollarization would eliminate Argentina's future inflation risk, a former IMF board member said.Investors pulled $19 billion from stocks in the last week, the highest outflow all year.'Shark Tank' investor Kevin O'Leary warned of more pain coming for the economy.Falling job openings raise red flags for the stock market.Legendary investor Jeremy Grantham called Elon Musk a 'wonderful propagandist.'In commodities, bonds, and crypto: Oil prices climbed, with West Texas Intermediate up 0.9 to $90.46 a barrel. Brent crude, the international benchmark, inched higher 0.45% to $93.72 a barrel.Gold edged higher 0.27% to $1,944.90 per ounce.The 10-year Treasury yield fell four basis points to 4.432%.Bitcoin inched lower 0.07% to $26,573.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

U.S. stocks capped off a rocky week by finishing lower on Friday after erasing their gains from earlier in the session as the Federal Reserve’s warning that it plans to keep interest rates higher for longer continued to reverberate across global markets. The S&P 500 SPX fell 10.17 points, or 0.2%, to finish Friday at 4,319.93, according to preliminary closing data from FactSet. It marked the fourth-straight session in the red, the longest streak of daily losses since early August. Also, the benchmark index fell 2.9% on the week, its biggest such drop since the week ended March 10, when the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank sparked a painful but short-lived selloff. The Nasdaq Composite COMP fell 12.18 points, or 0.1%, to 13,211.81, capping off a weekly loss of 3.6%, also the index’s worst since March 10. The Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA fell 106.38 points, or 0.3%, to 33,964.44, falling 1.9% on the week, its worst in about a month. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq have now fallen during six of the last eight weeks. 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......»»

Amazon.com Inc. AMZN on Friday said that its Prime Video shows and films would include “limited advertisements” starting early next year, and that it would roll out a new ad-free version of the service for an extra $2.99 per month in the U.S. Amazon said it made the move in order to “continue investing in compelling content and keep increasing that investment over a long period of time.” And it follows steps taken by rival streaming platforms to introduce ads, as investors push for better profitability. The online retailer said that “no action” was required for current Prime members, adding: “We’re not making changes in 2024 to the current price of Prime membership.” The ads will arrive in the U.S., U.K., Germany and Canada early next year, followed by France, Italy, Spain, Mexico and Australia later in 2024, Amazon said. The company said it was aiming for fewer ads than its rivals, and noted that live content, like sports, would continue to have advertising. Shares of Amazon were largely unchanged after hours on Friday.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......»»

In this article, we will take a look at the most innovative companies in America. If you want to explore similar companies, you can go to 5 Most Innovative Companies in America. Innovation and American Companies Innovation comes with new and creative ideas that bring a healthy change in society. Innovation in business and technology […] In this article, we will take a look at the most innovative companies in America. If you want to explore similar companies, you can go to 5 Most Innovative Companies in America. Innovation and American Companies Innovation comes with new and creative ideas that bring a healthy change in society. Innovation in business and technology is graded with the development of new business strategies, new business ideas, and new products and services. Technological change is a significant part of economic change and growth.  American companies have been at the forefront of innovation, taking on the global economy with massive contributions. American companies such as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Microsoft Inc. (NASDAQ:MSFT), Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META), Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), and NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:NVDA) are some of the most influential and biggest public companies in the world.  Innovation like the iPhone from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is a prime example of how American companies have created new markets around the world. According to the latest statistics by Statcounter Global Stats, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) leads the global smartphone market with a market share of 28.52%, as of August 2023. This means that every third user among 10 smartphone users worldwide uses Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone. Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (KRX:005930) follows Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) with a global smartphone market share of 24.15%, and both tech giants own a combined 52.67% of the world’s smartphone market share. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (KRX:005930) have led the market since 2013. Both the tech conglomerates surpassed Nokia Oyj (HEL:NOKIA) that year, one the most famous mobile manufacturers of that time. Dominance of American Companies Among Global Companies The U.S. companies have been dominating the global markets with their remarkable technology and products. Companies such as Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) have a global presence. Among the top 10 companies in the Fortune Global 500 list for 2023, five of them are U.S. companies including Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT), Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), Exxon Mobil Corp (NYSE:XOM), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), and UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:UNH). Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) remains first among the Fortune Global 500 for the 10th consecutive year.  As per the Forbes list of the Global 2000, the U.S. leads the race with 611 companies on the list, while China ranks second with a total of 246 Global 2000 companies. Thanks to American tech companies, the U.S. is one of the most innovative countries in the world. Contribution of U.S. Tech Companies to the U.S. Economy American multinationals from different sectors have dominated the U.S. economy and have far-reaching economic impacts globally. As per Fortune, the Fortune 500 companies represent two-thirds of the U.S. GDP with a revenue of $18 trillion in 2023. Technology has been the key to the success of American companies. Among the Fortune 500 companies list of 2023, 117 companies belong to the technology sector including Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT), Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META), and Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL). Among these companies, most of them are also part of the most innovative companies of all time, thanks to their contribution to both local and global markets over the years.  Tech companies are exploring new segments to enhance their penetration in more unique markets. According to Deloitte 2023 Technology Industry Outlook, tech giants are investing massively in the healthcare sector. Tech companies are adding efficient and innovative technologies to the healthcare sector that are ready to bring digital transformation to healthcare. The global digital health market is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030 from an estimated $211 billion in 2022. That reflects a massive potential for tech companies to explore this growth opportunity in health care.  Let’s discuss two tech giants that are innovating in the healthcare space. Deloitte’s report on the tech industry outlook highlights that the Big Five invested more than $3 billion into health care in 2021, in disclosed venture capital investments. Leading technologies such as virtual health care, augmented reality, cloud, predictive analytics, remote patient monitoring, and wearable devices have a growing impact on transforming health and well-being. In the last few years, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) has been penetrating the healthcare sector. On February 22, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) announced that it closed a deal with primary care provider One Medical for $3.9 billion. With the acquisition of One Medical, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) expanded its footprint in the healthcare industry. Through One Medical, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) will reach a wider audience to offer better healthcare experience and services. Amazon.com, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AMZN) senior vice president of Amazon Health Services, Neil Lindsay, on the acquisition of One Medical said: “We’re on a mission to make it dramatically easier for people to find, choose, afford, and engage with the services, products, and professionals they need to get and stay healthy, and coming together with One Medical is a big step on that journey. One Medical has set the bar for what a quality, convenient, and affordable primary care experience should be like. We’re inspired by their human-centered, technology-forward approach and excited to help them continue to grow and serve more patients.” Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) has planned for a long time to expand its network in the healthcare sector. Today, the e-commerce giant has a healthcare subsidiary, Amazon Clinic, which offers 24/7 virtual healthcare service through video calls and messaging. After the launch of Amazon Clinic in November 2022, the virtual care network has received a 96% customer satisfaction rating. On August 1, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) announced that they are expanding Amazon Clinic’s services all over the U.S. At the moment, Amazon Clinic does not offer insurance, but patients can use insurance to pay for medications prescribed through Amazon Clinic. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is also offering its online pharmacy through Amazon Pharmacy, which handles fulfillment and delivery of prescriptions. Another tech giant, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is creating partnerships with payers, clinical researchers, and healthcare systems through its products like Apple Watch and iPhone. Moreover, Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) wearable technology in its Apple Watch has healthcare apps that allow its users to create a healthy life. Apple Watch also supports its users with other aspects of health including heart health, activity, medications, and mobility, among others. As we mentioned earlier, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) in this year’s launch event unveiled the Apple Watch Series 9, which has a powerful new S9 SiP chip with enhanced performance and capabilities, providing access to health data. Our Methodology To find the 20 most innovative companies in America, we followed a consensus approach. We reviewed the most innovative companies lists published by BCG, PwC, CEOWorld Magazine, and Fortune. We shortlisted the companies that appeared in at least two sources. After narrowing down on companies, we calculated the stock returns of each company over the last 10 years, as of September 15. Our hypothesis was that a company that has higher stock returns has been at the forefront of innovation. We narrowed down our selection to companies that had the highest stock returns and ranked them in ascending order of this metric. An important note: Dell Technologies Inc’s (NYSE: DELL) data was available from August 2016, therefore its stock returns are from the last seven years. Here is the list of the 20 most innovative companies in America. 20 Most Innovative Companies in America 20. Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) Stock Returns: 60.30% Founded in 1968, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) has revolutionized the semiconductor industry. Considered the pioneer of metal-oxide semiconductors, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) launched its first commercial chip, the 1101 static random-access memory, which came with metal oxide semiconductors and silicon gates. Intel Corporation’s (NASDAQ:INTC) first product was its 3101 Schottky random-access memory. Ranked 20th on our list, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) is one of the most innovative companies in America. America has some of the most advanced and innovative companies in the world that include Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). 19. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) Stock Returns: 80.53% Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) was founded in 1886 by Robert Wood Johnson along with his brothers Edward Mead and James Wood. The American multinational corporation has built its empire in the medical, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods industries. The first mass-produced sterile surgical supplies were manufactured by Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ). Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) ranks among the most innovative companies in America. 18. The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) Stock Returns: 82.98% The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is the leader in the aerospace industry that has changed the dynamics of modern-day commercial planes. Founded in 1916, the company’s first product was a single-engine, two-seat seaplane, the B&W. Since then, The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) has innovated the aerospace industry with several planes and other aerospace products. The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is ranked 18th on our list of the most innovative companies in America. 17. Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) Stock Returns: 92.51% Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) is a multinational consumer giant that was founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble. One of the oldest companies operating today, Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) innovated a single bar of soap that could be used for both bathing and laundry. Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) ranks among the most innovative companies in America. 16. Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) Stock Returns: 97.39% Established in 1988, Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) has been playing a vital role in America’s financial ecosystem. Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) is one of the leading American banks that offer top financial services to their consumers. In today’s time, Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) is evolving to high-end technology such as using AI to enhance its financial services. Placed at the 16th spot, Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) is one of the most innovative companies in America. 15. Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) Stock Returns: 103.31% America’s largest multinational telecommunications and media company, Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) was founded in 1963. Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) began as a single-system cable operator in Tupelo, Mississippi, and now it is one of the most innovative and advanced media companies. Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) makes it to our list of the most innovative companies in America. 14. Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) Stock Returns: 129.38% Incorporated in 1984, Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) first developed the groundbreaking IP technology, the basic mode to communicate over the internet. Today, one of Cisco Systems, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:CSCO) fastest-growing business is its cybersecurity unit. Ranked 14th on our list, Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is one of the most innovative companies in America. 13. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)  Stock Returns: 133.53% Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) was founded in 1891 before the pharmaceutical company published its first Merck Manual in 1899. Merck Manual had treatments including bloodletting for acute bronchitis, almond bread for diabetes, and arsenic for impotence. Later, it became one of the widely used references in the medical world. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) ranks among the most innovative companies in America. 12. NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) Stock Returns: 179.98% NIKE, Inc.’s (NYSE:NKE) inspirational story began with its founder, Phil Knight’s vision of designing running shoes. Today, NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) is one of the most famous athletic footwear and apparel brands around the world. NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) makes it to our list of the most innovative companies in America. 11. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) Stock Returns: 210.42% One of America’s most decorated investment banks and financial services providers, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) has revolutionized commercial investment banking. One week after its launch in 1935, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) entered the bond market with a $19 million offering for Consumers Power Company. Since then, it has been a leader in the investment banking segment. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) ranks 11th on our list of the most innovative companies in America. 10. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) Stock Returns: 235.65% AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies by revenue. In 2013, the company released its first groundbreaking product, Humira, which is used for various inflammatory conditions in adults. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) is one of the most innovative companies in America. 9. Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) Stock Returns: 246.86% Founded in 1977, Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) is one of the biggest tech companies in the world. In 1978, Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) launched a software, Oracle Version 1, which helped in license compliance issues and avoiding unbudgeted costs. The company released its first commercial project in 1979, the Oracle Version 2. Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) is one of the leading tech companies and makes it to our list of the most innovative companies in America. 8. Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL) Stock Returns (From August 18, 2016 to September 15, 2023): 461.75% Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL) was founded in 1984 and the very next year the company built its first computer, the Turbo PC, featuring an Intel® 8088 processor running at 8MHz, a 5.25-inch floppy drive, and a 10MB hard drive. Since then, Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL) has taken the computer market by storm. Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL) is ranked eighth on our list of the most innovative companies in America. 7. Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) Stock Returns: 519.62% After operating as Google for 17 years, the tech giant changed its name to Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) in 2015. Larry Page and Sergey Brin released a search engine named Backrub, which was later named Google as it became a global phenomenon on the internet. Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) is a prime company that has infused innovation through technology. Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) is one of the most innovative companies in America. 6. UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:UNH) Stock Returns: 548.15% In 1988, UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:UNH) through its subsidiary initiated its first pharmacy benefit management, which was managed and delivered through retail pharmacies and mail. UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:UNH) is America’s leading multinational managed healthcare and insurance company. The company ranks among the most innovative companies in America. American companies that are at the forefront of innovation include Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). Click to continue reading and see 5 Most Innovative Companies in America. Suggested articles: 20 Biggest American Food Exports in Recent Years 13 Tech Stocks with Biggest Upside 14 Best Undervalued Stocks To Buy Now Disclosure: None. 20 Most Innovative Companies in America is originally published on Insider Monkey......»»

Innovator of neurovascular stroke technologies with 980% EPS growth is a buying opportunity Penumbra (PEN) is the $10 billion innovator of neurovascular treatments for stroke using catheter aspiration technologies.After a solid beat-and-raise Q2 reported in early August, upward estimate revisions by six Wall Street analysts moved PEN to a Zacks #1 Rank. And Wells Fargo raised their PT from $320 to $337.PEN is on its way to a 980% EPS growth surge this year, topped off by a 25% jump in the topline to cross $1 billion.Shares Tank After EarningsBut the stock suffered a perplexing drop of over 15% and Truist analysts, who lowered their PT from $370 to $345, identified the culprit right away on the evening of the August 1 report..."PEN shares are likely to see pressure largely due to a 12-month Thunderbolt approval/launch delay (now expected late '24/'25)."The Truist team also noted the "4Q-weighted 2H guide" as a possible selling catalyst. But overall, they think PEN is a name towards which investors will continue to gravitate to on pullbacks, especially with estimates increasing.They believe the profit outlook is at an inflection point, and a "multi-year new product cycle story is still very much intact."The PEN is Mightier Than the ScalpelFor years I've profiled Penumbra for its remarkable technology that was launched in 2007. The company takes its name from the dark shadow that is created in brain tissue when a person has a stroke.Their mission is to provide physicians with efficient emergency tools to remove the blood clot and save as much neurological function as possible.The Penumbra story was of particular interest to me since my father was a commercial airline pilot who had a mild heart attack in 1980. He was lucky to be selected for the newish angioplasty procedure to widen a partially blocked artery.Catheter technologies for cardiovascular issues were still experimental in the late 1970s.But we were thankful he didn't need to have open heart surgery, which would have been certainly scary and definitely ended his flying career.Not only was the angioplasty successful, it made him the first pilot to have the procedure and return to full aviation capabilities. He went on to perform another 20 years of duty as a United (UAL) captain of 747s and 767s flying to Japan and Germany.You can learn more about my hero, who flew to that great hangar in the sky in 2021, here...Flight Plan for Trading: Market Lessons from My Pilot DadIt's a fun and funny (jokes on me) piece as I describe his early exploits with flying and how his belief in me -- after he took me in as a potential foster kid -- was the #1 factor in finally getting my pilot's license at 17.If you want to learn more about my efforts to bring aviation to those less fortunate, check out my essay series...Curiosity Solves Everything: How the Wright Brothers Changed HistoryJumping Back Into the PENWhen the stock was still hanging out near $250 in mid-August, I saw a great opportunity to add shares in my Healthcare Innovators portfolio. And we were quickly rewarded with a ride back to $300.Here's what I told my group of investors on September 8...Shares of Penumbra (PEN) are on track for a +10% gain this week after adding 5% last week.Things got started this week on Wednesday after Penumbra CEO Adam Elsesser gave a bullish presentation about the company’s growth trajectory at the Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference.According to a RBC Capital note by Shagun Singh released Wednesday, Penumbra management was "very bullish" about a "huge second wave of launch" and demand for their cardiovascular devices Lightning Flash and Lightning Bolt 7.RBC added that Penumbra now sees delivering revenue growth of +20% year-over-year in 2024, "suggesting +$30M or 3% growth vs. consensus currently at 17% at the midpoint of their 2023 guidance."RBC reiterated their outperform rating on the stock with a price target of $349.Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley initiated coverage of the company on Wednesday with an equal weight rating and a significantly lower price target of $265.Morgan Stanley said that while the company looked ready to expand its presence in both the vascular and neurovascular markets with some "heavily anticipated" product launches, it regarded near-term Street estimates as "sensible" and valuation "justifiable at present."It seems clear right now the majority of investors are siding with the optimistic outlook of RBC. And so our favorable timing to scoop shares under $255 is being rewarded quickly.(end of Healthcare Innovators commentary from 9/8)Unfortunately, PEN has slid back down the stock market water slide this week after closing the gap above $300.So the 20% open gain we had in Healthcare Innovators inside of 3 weeks has now evaporated.And I think it's a big buying opportunity. While larger competitors like Medtronic (MDT) may move into the neurovascular turf, I still believe that Penumbra is the primary innovator to follow and at a $10 billion market cap, it could easily be on the M&A short lists of several MedTech and BioPharma giants.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Penumbra, Inc. (PEN): Free Stock Analysis Report United Airlines Holdings Inc (UAL): Free Stock Analysis Report Medtronic PLC (MDT): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»

Mesa diagnostics gains importance among big pharma so we want to watch this dip Mesa Labs (MLAB) is a small-cap medical provider of quality control monitoring and validation instruments serving niche markets in healthcare, industrial, pharmaceutical, medical and food processing applications.I have followed this small company for several years and traded the stock for profits in my Healthcare Innovators portfolio.But the recent run back to $200 in January was met with selling as their subsequent full-year outlook fell apart.To recap, here was my December analysis when MLAB shares were trading $165...MLAB delivered a big 107% earnings beat in early November that compelled analysts to significantly raise estimates for this year and next, thus pushing the stock into the upper realms of the Zacks Rank.Mesa reported EPS of $2.88 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.39. This compares to earnings of $1.87 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.Upward RevisionsThis snap-back was a welcome sign for investors after the prior quarter, where it was expected Mesa would post earnings of $1.95 per share when it actually produced EPS of only $1.17, delivering a negative surprise of -40%.During the most recent stock correction in October, MLAB shares fell below $120. They then rallied sharply back above $180 on the big earnings beat.For the full fiscal year 2023 (ends in March) analysts boosted the EPS consensus for Mesa a whopping 39% from $6.57 to $9.15, representing 29% annual growth.Even more encouraging is that the EPS consensus for fiscal 2024 (begins in April) jumped 21% from $7.62 to $9.23.(end of December commentary on MLAB business and financials)While it was nice to capture the run from $165 to $200, Mesa Labs began to show signs of slowing growth, with projected sales flat near $220 million.In the past two months since that June quarter report, EPS estimates have dropped 7% from $8.37 to $7.80, representing -6% annual growth.In the company's early August report for their Q1 FY'24 (ends in March) they delivered quarterly earnings of $1.77 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.67 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.17 per share a year ago.This quarterly report represented an earnings surprise of 5.99%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this quality control instruments and disposable products maker would post earnings of $1.98 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.94, delivering a surprise of -2.02%.Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times.Mesa Labs, which belongs to the Zacks Medical-Instruments industry, posted revenues of $50.65 million for the quarter ended June 2023, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.32%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $50.45 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates just once over the last four quarters.Bottom Line for MESA: While this small-cap has an up-hill battle against other giants in diagnostics and quality testing, it may be near a valuation level where other big MedTech and BioPharma might take an M&A interest in their proven platforms.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Mesa Laboratories, Inc. (MLAB): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research.....»»