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The largest digital cryptocurrency asset Bitcoin, has crossed the $98,000 threshold for the first time on Thursday, overtaking Taiwan’s dollar to become the 12th biggest currency in the world. The leading cryptocurrency was last reported trading up more than 3%, reaching $97,930. Major crypto-related stocks also saw gains, with Coinbase rising 3% in premarket trading and MicroStrategy, often regarded as a proxy for Bitcoin, surging by 11%. Additionally, more than $88 million in short positions were liquidated in the past 24 hours, further propelling the cryptocurrency upward. Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025 ) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts. Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here. Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and i nvest in Africa’s finest startups here . The sharp rise in Bitcoin has been driven by several major developments in the cryptocurrency space, which includes the introduction of options trading for BlackRock’s Shares Bitcoin Trust and speculation surrounding Former US President Donald Trump’s social media company exploring a deal to acquire crypto trading firm Bakkt. Reports reveal that Trump’s move to acquire Bakkt has raised expectations of a potentially favorable environment for cryptocurrencies under his influence. This news has led to renewed interest in Bitcoin as a financial asset, further driving its price upward. Also, Bitcoin’s meteoric rise has been fueled by expectations of a Trump administration that could usher in favorable regulations for the crypto industry . “Bitcoin continues its bullish streak creating a new all-time high of $95,000. Market sentiment grew stronger from Bloomberg’s report of Trump’s plan to establish a dedicated White House role for crypto policy,” said Edul Patel, CEO Of Mudrex. As Bitcoin continues to rally upward, several analysts predict that the next significant test would be the psychological $100,000 level, which could be reached in the coming weeks. Investors are speculating that another Trump term may result in larger budget deficits, higher inflation, and potential shifts in the global role of the dollar- all factors that could further benefit Bitcoin’s price. With a gain of over 130% in 2024 so far, Bitcoin’s rally underscores its resilience and appeal as a hedge against economic uncertainty. Notably, the introduction of options trading for BlackRock’s Shares Bitcoin Trust marks a turning point in Bitcoin’s journey. It highlights growing institutional interest and provides, investors with more ways to gain exposure to the asset.” Institutional inflows post Trump’s election victory Since Trump’s election victory, US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded products have attracted approximately $4.2 billion in inflows. This represents 15% of the total inflows since such products were introduced on US exchanges earlier this year. Analysts suggest that these inflows are a reflection of increased investor confidence in Bitcoin as a mainstream asset class. Bitcoin’s consistent price rally signals a broader shift toward mainstream adoption. Industry analysts believe that institutional participation, along with growing retail interest, is paving the way for cryptocurrencies to become a part of global investment portfolios.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Wednesday that he has chosen Keith Kellogg, a highly decorated retired three-star general, to serve as his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, who is one of the architects of a staunchly conservative policy book that lays out an “America First” national security agenda for the incoming administration, will come into the role as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its third year in February. Trump, making the announcement on his Truth Social account, said, “He was with me right from the beginning! Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!” Kellogg, an 80-year-old retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence , was chief of staff of the National Security Council and then stepped in as an acting security adviser for Trump after Michael Flynn resigned. As special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Kellogg will have to navigate an increasingly untenable war between the two nations. The Biden administration has begun urging Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and revamping its mobilization laws to allow for the conscription of those as young as 18. The White House has pushed more than $56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s February 2022 invasion and expects to send billions more before Biden leaves office in less than two months. The U.S. has recently stepped up weapons shipments and has forgiven billions in loans provided to Kyiv. Trump has criticized the billions the Biden administration has spent in supporting Ukraine and has said he could end the war in 24 hours, comments that appear to suggest he would press Ukraine to surrender territory that Russia now occupies. As a co-chairman of the American First Policy Institute’s Center for American Security, Kellogg wrote several of the chapters in the group’s policy book. The book, like the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” is designed to lay out a Trump national security agenda and avoid the mistakes of 2016 when he entered the White House largely unprepared. Story continues below video Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” Trump's proposed national security adviser , U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz of Florida, tweeted Wednesday that “Keith has dedicated his life to defending our great country and is committed to bringing the war in Ukraine to a peaceful resolution.” Kellogg featured in multiple Trump investigations dating to his first term. He was among the administration officials who listened in on the July 2019 call between Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in which Trump prodded his Ukrainian counterpart to pursue investigations into the Bidens. The call, which Kellogg would later say did not raise any concerns on his end, was at the center of the first of two House impeachment cases against Trump, who was acquitted by the Senate both times. On Jan. 6, 2021, hours before pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, Kellogg, who was then Pence’s national security adviser, listened in on a heated call in which Trump told his vice president to object or delay the certification in Congress of President Joe Biden ’s victory. He later told House investigators that he recalled Trump saying to Pence words to the effect of: “You’re not tough enough to make the call.” Baldor reported from Washington. AP writer Eric Tucker in Washington contributed to this report.Colby Rogers, Moussa Cisse lead Memphis to an 87-70 win over No. 16 Mississippi

'The Five' co-hosts discuss Walmart's plan moving forward with diversity, equity and inclusion programs and how DEI impacts a company's product and staff morale. First-time Democratic candidate and Army veteran Derek Tran has won California's 45th Congressional District , unseating Trump-endorsed Rep. Michelle Steel in what was considered one of the Golden State's closely watched races, per The Associated Press. Tran challenged Steel in what was a traditionally conservative district, although in recent years it has become somewhat of a swing district. The district covers parts of Orange County, including Fountain Valley, Westminster and Garden Grove. The voting demographic is predominately Asian American. CALIFORNIA REP IN HEAVILY ASIAN AMERICAN DISTRICT FIGHTS AGAINST CHINESE COMMUNIST INFLUENCE IN EDUCATION GOP Rep. Michelle Steel, left, and challenger Derek Tran, right (Getty Images) Steel was first elected to Congress in 2020 in the neighboring 48th District, in which she defeated incumbent Democrat Harley Rhouda, flipping the district red. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP In 2018, Democrat Katie Porter flipped the district blue after defeating Republican incumbent Mimi Waters. Steel reclaimed the seat in 2020 and held onto it in 2022 by a narrow lead, making CA-45 one of the Republican-dominated districts that President Biden won in 2020 by around 6%. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Jamie Joseph is a writer who covers politics. She leads Fox News Digital coverage of the Senate.

NEW YORK — If you’re a Blues player, you might check your phone and get a notification that your new head coach has sent you a TikTok. “(If) I see something that when I’m sitting at home reading, or I do like to do TikTok, and I get something that I think relates and connects to our group, I’ll send it out in a text thread,” new Blues coach Jim Montgomery said Monday morning before making his Blues coaching debut in New York. Blues players should know to expect this, of course, since Montgomery did this when he was an assistant coach in St. Louis from 2020-22. His familiarity with the Blues roster is part of the reason why both Montgomery and general manager Doug Armstrong felt he was a good fit back in St. Louis. “He used to send me a lot of motivational stuff, and mindset stuff,” Blues forward Robert Thomas said. “I really enjoyed it. I obviously don’t have TikTok and I can’t watch them anymore, but it was pretty funny and really cool part about our relationship.” Montgomery: “Because to me, even though when I’m at home, I try to be very present with my own family. Your mind when something connects with me emotionally, I’m going to share that. That lets the players know what kind of person I am, and that I’m thinking about them.” Montgomery’s relationship with Blues players was something that was a topic of conversation on his first game day as the St. Louis coach. Of the current 23-man active roster, 14 Blues players were around when Montgomery was an assistant back in 2021-22. That was also the year that Thomas, Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich each became point-per-game players for the first time in their careers. “A lot of us give him a lot of credit for taking big steps in our career to him: myself, Buchy, Rouzy,” Thomas said. “He was a big part of getting us to the players we are today. It’s really exciting to be back with him and back on the ice with him today.” What aspects of Thomas’ game did Montgomery help bring out? “A big thing was making the right play at the right time, puck possession, being on the right side of things,” Thomas said. “At times, you can be a little bit more opportunistic and, at times, you need to play into the system. He was a huge help for me, someone that I really relied on a couple years ago. Can’t say enough how excited I am to see him back here.” So many times in recent NHL seasons, the mood is tense after a coach is fired. Most times, the team is underperforming and the coach pays the price with his job. But general manager Doug Armstrong made it clear that Montgomery’s availability — and not the Blues’ 9-12-1 record — was the motivating factor behind the change. “This one does feel different for sure,” Blues captain Brayden Schenn said. “One, because he does know his players. Two, he’s so well-respected in this locker room. Three, when we was here, he got a lot out of a lot of guys, self included. He’s a guy that he’s fun to be around, but at the same time, he’s detailed and smart and guys respect him.” Montgomery will have to sort out how to squeeze more offense out of the Blues, particularly guys like Kyrou and Buchnevich, who Montgomery called “skilled guys that think the game at a high level that compete.” “To me, this is an offensive-slanted team,” Montgomery said. “It just shows you how hard it is to score. We’ve got to get the details and being in the right areas, the hard areas at the right times to be able to score more. But we have the ability to score goals.” The Blues entered Monday’s game in New York 30th in the league scoring 2.36 goals per game. (Montgomery’s former team Boston was last at 2.32.) “He’s detailed and structured, but at the same time, he lets his guys play hockey,” Schenn said. “He wants his creative guys to be creative. He wants his guys to play hard, he wants them to be aggressive, everything within the system. He doesn’t want everyone to play the same. He doesn’t want everyone to be robotic out there. That was kind of his messaging.” Broberg on the ice Blues defenseman Philip Broberg was on the ice for morning skate on Monday, joining the team in New York and on the ice with the Blues for the first time since his lower-body injury on Nov. 2. Broberg is three weeks into a projected 4-6 week timetable, but did not participate in every drill during skate on Monday. On Sunday, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong was asked about the progress of both Broberg and Nick Leddy (lower-body). “I’m not sure what close is anymore,” Armstrong said. “They’re skating, which is a positive. They’re not on the road trip (as of Sunday), which is a negative. ... We can’t worry about when they get back. We have to be prepared to work tomorrow night. When they get back, that’s a bonus.” Monday night’s game was the 11th that Broberg missed since he was injured against the Maple Leafs when Mitch Marner fell on his right knee. On Bannister Before Thomas spoke about Montgomery, he wanted to make sure he talked about Drew Bannister, who was fired Sunday in order to make way for Montgomery’s hiring. “He was a great person, great hockey mind, great coach,” Thomas said. “I learned a lot from him as a player and also as a person. I just want to say thank you to him. It’s always tough going through a change, and I wish him and his family all the best.” In the 64 games that Thomas was in the lineup under Bannister, he racked up 68 points and averaged 21:08 of ice time, more than a minute above the next closest Blues forward.By COLLEEN SLEVIN DENVER (AP) — Amid renewed interest in the killing of JonBenet Ramsey triggered in part by a new Netflix documentary, police in Boulder, Colorado, refuted assertions this week that there is viable evidence and leads about the 1996 killing of the 6-year-old girl that they are not pursuing. JonBenet Ramsey, who competed in beauty pageants, was found dead in the basement of her family’s home in the college town of Boulder the day after Christmas in 1996. Her body was found several hours after her mother called 911 to say her daughter was missing and a ransom note had been left behind. The details of the crime and video footage of JonBenet competing in pageants propelled the case into one of the highest-profile mysteries in the United States. The police comments came as part of their annual update on the investigation, a month before the 28th anniversary of JonBenet’s killing. Police said they released it a little earlier due to the increased attention on the case, apparently referring to the three-part Netflix series “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey.” In a video statement, Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said the department welcomes news coverage and documentaries about the killing of JonBenet, who would have been 34 this year, as a way to generate possible new leads. He said the department is committed to solving the case but needs to be careful about what it shares about the investigation to protect a possible future prosecution. “What I can tell you though, is we have thoroughly investigated multiple people as suspects throughout the years and we continue to be open-minded about what occurred as we investigate the tips that come into detectives,” he said. The Netflix documentary focuses on the mistakes made by police and the “media circus” surrounding the case. JonBenet was bludgeoned and strangled. Her death was ruled a homicide, but nobody was ever prosecuted. Police were widely criticized for mishandling the early investigation into her death amid speculation that her family was responsible. However, a prosecutor cleared her parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, and brother Burke in 2008 based on new DNA evidence from JonBenet’s clothing that pointed to the involvement of an “unexplained third party” in her slaying. The announcement by former district attorney Mary Lacy came two years after Patsy Ramsey died of cancer. Lacy called the Ramseys “victims of this crime.” John Ramsey has continued to speak out for the case to be solved. In 2022, he supported an online petition asking Colorado’s governor to intervene in the investigation by putting an outside agency in charge of DNA testing in the case. In the Netflix documentary, he said he has been advocating for several items that have not been prepared for DNA testing to be tested and for other items to be retested. He said the results should be put through a genealogy database. In recent years, investigators have identified suspects in unsolved cases by comparing DNA profiles from crime scenes and to DNA testing results shared online by people researching their family trees. In 2021, police said in their annual update that DNA hadn’t been ruled out to help solve the case, and in 2022 noted that some evidence could be “consumed” if DNA testing is done on it. Last year, police said they convened a panel of outside experts to review the investigation to give recommendations and determine if updated technologies or forensic testing might produce new leads. In the latest update, Redfearn said that review had ended but that police continue to work through and evaluate a “lengthy list of recommendations” from the panel. Amy Beth Hanson contributed to this report from Helena, Montana.

Vikings vs. Packers Predictions & Picks: Odds, Moneyline, Spread – Week 17

NoneMotta satisfied with point as 'compact' Juventus draw at Villa

Colby Rogers, Moussa Cisse lead Memphis to an 87-70 win over No. 16 MississippiJimmy Carter: A brief bio

A new independent report reveals that medication management solutions like Ochsner Digital Medicine deliver superior hypertension outcomes and long-term cost savings compared to other digital approaches NEW ORLEANS , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A groundbreaking evaluation by the Peterson Health Technology Institute (PHTI) has identified that digital hypertension solutions centered on medication management deliver rapid and clinically meaningful improvements in blood pressure that outperform traditional care. The report also found that other digital approaches to hypertension management focused only on patient behavior change and transmitting home monitoring data to providers are less effective, and do not provide clinically meaningful improvements. Among the standout solutions with clinically effective medication management at its core is Ochsner Digital Medicine , a digital platform that integrates cutting-edge technology to improve patient outcomes. "Unlike other programs that simply monitor health conditions, Ochsner Digital Medicine offers comprehensive care, including adjusting medications to find the right treatment, health coaching, and managing conditions with specialized clinicians," said Dan Shields , CEO of Ochsner Digital Medicine. "The program was designed and is delivered by a leading academic health system, and studies like this show it gets better results than traditional care models." Hypertension, a prevalent chronic condition affecting nearly half of U.S. adults, incurs an annual economic burden of $131 billion . Addressing this silent menace demands innovative approaches that transcend conventional care. According to PHTI's findings, digital solutions that emphasize medication management not only offer immediate clinical benefits but also promise long-term cost savings. These savings stem from a reduction in costly utilizations such as unnecessary emergency department visits and inpatient admissions, as well as mitigating risks associated with strokes and heart attacks. Ochsner Digital Medicine has emerged as a leader in the medication management category, exemplifying how integrating connected blood pressure cuffs with expert virtual care from licensed clinicians can usher in a new era of hypertension management. This approach both optimizes clinical outcomes and supports healthcare providers in delivering timely and personalized care. "Too many people are living with uncontrolled hypertension, but there are effective digital solutions to help patients improve their cardiovascular health, save lives, and lower spending over the long run," Caroline Pearson , Executive Director of PHTI, said in a press release. "Digital medication management solutions support healthcare providers with virtual teams to monitor blood pressure and adjust medications to help bring patients into control within months rather than years." The report advocates for the broader adoption of medication management-based digital solutions, urging healthcare purchasers to consider long-term health benefits and cost-effectiveness when incorporating these technologies. PHTI's comprehensive analysis categorized digital hypertension solutions into three categories: The report findings were that blood pressure monitoring and behavior change interventions led to small, non-significant reductions in systolic blood pressure compared with usual care, while medication management resulted in more rapid and clinically meaningful SBP reductions with higher evidence certainty. PHTI's evaluation is based on a rigorous assessment framework, considering clinical efficacy, economic impact, and health equity. By reviewing 2,498 articles and collaborating with experts across health technology, economics, cardiology, and endocrinology, PHTI provides a robust endorsement of these innovative solutions. In an era where healthcare innovation is paramount, Ochsner Digital Medicine stands at the forefront, leveraging digital technology to transform hypertension care and ensure better health outcomes for millions. "We aren't just about monitoring health conditions, we're about comprehensive, unwavering clinical excellence. That is our commitment to our patients," said Shields. About Ochsner Digital Medicine Ochsner Health is an integrated healthcare system with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Celebrating more than 80 years of service, it leads nationally in cancer care, cardiology, neurosciences, liver and kidney transplants, and pediatrics, among other areas. Ochsner is consistently named both the top hospital and top children's hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report. Its cutting-edge Connected Health Digital Medicine program cares for patients beyond its walls by applying technology and data to create customized, patient-centered digital health solutions for chronic condition management. This program is a true clinical model that includes medication management by licensed clinicians. It enables members to improve their health and patient experience while reducing costs. Ochsner Digital Medicine is live in all 50 states, serving members, health plans, and employers nationally. Learn more at connectedhealth.ochsner.org/digital-medicine . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/independent-evaluation-recognizes-ochsner-digital-medicine-for-superior-hypertension-management-302315813.html SOURCE Ochsner HealthA signing ceremony of an intergovernmental agreement on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project is held in Beijing, capital of China, June 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) "It will certainly reshape regional logistics, bringing significant economic benefits." BISHKEK, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- The commencement ceremony for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project was held in Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan, on Friday. Representatives from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan highlighted the railway's potential to promote regional connectivity and prosperity. Sanjar Mukanbetov, director of the National Institute of Strategic Initiatives under the President of Kyrgyzstan, told Xinhua that the support of China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan's leaders has made the railway project possible. "Residents and nearby settlements will directly benefit from the economic impact of the project," Mukanbetov said. "It will certainly reshape regional logistics, bringing significant economic benefits." According to the current progress of the project, the construction of the Kyrgyz section of the railway project is scheduled to begin in July 2025 and last for six years, the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. said. This aerial photo taken on Nov. 8, 2023 shows the Torugart port of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) Igor Shestakov, an expert from Kyrgyzstan, said the railway would help showcase Belt and Road cooperation projects and significantly benefit projects under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Kyrgyz economist Iskender Sharsheev said he believed that the project would attract more investments in energy, transport, and agriculture. "The infrastructure will open opportunities for logistics, product processing, and export-oriented production," he said, adding that the railway will drive change, fostering economic growth and social stability in the region. Abdurasul Abdukhalilov, head of Uzbekistan's Tashkent regional department of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the railway will link China with European and Middle Eastern markets, facilitating freight transport. Calling the railway the "road of the new century," Azamat Seitov, head of the Laboratory of Anthropology and Conflictology at Uzbekistan's University of World Economy and Diplomacy, said there is no doubt that it will open up new opportunities for trade, tourism and industry, while strengthening regional economic interconnectivity.Trump’s picks for key positions in his second administration

NEW YORK — More shoppers than ever are on track to use 'buy now, pay later' plans this holiday season, as the ability to spread out payments looks attractive at a time when Americans still feel the lingering effect of inflation and already have record-high credit card debt. The data firm Adobe Analytics predicts shoppers will spend 11.4% more this holiday season using buy now, pay later than they did a year ago. The company forecasts shoppers will purchase $18.5 billion worth of goods using the third-party services for the period Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, with $993 million worth of purchases on Cyber Monday alone. Buy now, pay later can be particularly appealing to consumers who have low credit scores or no credit history, such as younger shoppers, because most of the companies providing the service run only soft credit checks and don't report the loans and payment histories to the credit bureaus, unlike credit card companies. This holiday season, buy now, pay later users can also feel more confident if a transaction goes awry. In May, the CFPB said buy now, pay later company must adhere to other regulations that govern traditional credit, such as providing ways to demand refunds and dispute transactions. To use a buy now, pay later plan, consumers typically sign up with bank account information or a debit or credit card, and agree to pay for purchases in monthly installments, typically over eight weeks or more. The loans are marketed as requiring no or low interest, or only conditional fees, such as for late payment. Klarna, Afterpay and Affirm are three of the biggest buy now, pay later companies. But consumer advocates warn that shoppers who sign up for the payment plans using a credit card can be hit with more interest and fees. That's because individuals open themselves up to interest on the credit card payment, if it's carried month to month, on top of any late fees, interest, or penalties from the buy now, pay later loan itself. Experts advise against using a credit card to pay for these plans for this reason. Consumer watchdogs also say the plans lead consumers to overextend themselves because, for example, not paying full price up front leaves, in the shopper's mind at least, more money for smaller purchases. They also caution consumers to keep careful track of using multiple buy now, pay later services, as the automatic payments can add up, and there is no central reporting, such as with a credit card statement. "Buy now, pay later can be an innovative tool for purchases you're going to make anyway," said Mark Elliott, chief customer officer at financial services company LendingClub. "The challenge is that it does fuel overspending." For merchants, that's part of the appeal. Retailers have found that customers are more likely to have bigger cart sizes or to convert from browsing to checking out when buy now, pay later is offered. One report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York cited research that found customers spend 20% more when buy now, pay later is available. "The reality is that the increased cost-of-living and inflation have put more people in a situation where they're already relying on revolving credit," Elliott said. "The psychographics of 'buy now, pay later' may be different — people don't think of it as debt — but it is." If a consumer misses a payment, they can face fees, interest, or the possibility of being locked out of using the services in the future. Emily Childers, consumer financial expert for personal-finance technology company Credit Karma, said that internal data shows member credit card balances are up more than 50% for Gen Z and millennial members since March 2022, when the Fed started raising interest rates. "Young people are entering this holiday season already in the red," she said. "And, based on what we're seeing in the data, they're continuing to bury their heads in the sand and spend."

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Bengals keep confidence and playoff hopes high as they head for a showdown with PittsburghWall Street's holiday cheer ended abruptly on Friday, with all three main benchmarks closing lower in a broad-based sell-off affecting even tech and growth stocks that had driven markets higher through much of the shortened trading week. The decline ended the Dow Jones Industrial Average's five-session winning streak that had followed a 10-session decline, its worst losing stretch since 1974. According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 lost 65.34 points, or 1.08 per cent, to end at 5,972.25 points, while the Nasdaq Composite lost 294.69 points, or 1.47 per cent, to 19,725.67. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 321.73 points, or 0.74 per cent, to 42,992.58. "Today feels like there is quite a bit of profit-taking across the board," said Michael Reynolds, vice president of investment strategy at Glenmede. "We are more than two years into a pretty strong bull market ... so it's really not surprising to see some people taking their profits and rebalancing their portfolios ahead of the new year." The sell-off thwarted the seasonal Santa Claus rally, in which stocks traditionally rise during the last five sessions of December and the first two of January. Since 1969, the S&P 500 has climbed 1.3 per cent on average, according to the Stock Trader's Almanac. Thursday's session hinted at momentum stalling, with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posting marginal losses to end multi-session winning runs. Rising US Treasury yields had been catching investors' attention, with the benchmark 10-year note hitting a more than seven-month high in the previous session. The yield hovered close to that mark on Friday, at 4.62 per cent. Higher yields are seen as hampering growth stocks, as they raise borrowing costs for business expansion. These stocks, especially the so-called Magnificent Seven technology megacaps which had been key drivers of the market's 2024 rally, were also caught up in Friday's sell-off. For the second successive day, Tesla led decliners among the group. "We have a higher cost of capital whenever rates go up like this, and they have gone up pretty significantly over the last month or so," said Glenmede's Reynolds. "Investors may just be reassessing the bets they are taking when the cost of capital is higher, perhaps looking at some of the valuations on the Mag 7 and wondering whether they can find better value elsewhere." Most of the 11 major S&P sectors fell. The worst performers on Friday were the three indexes which have been 2024's leading lights: consumer discretionary, information technology and communication services. Despite Friday's travails, all three indexes recorded weekly gains. News events helped some stocks to buck the market sell-off. Amedisys gained after the home health service provider and insurer UnitedHealth extended the deadline to close their $US3.3 billion ($A5.3 billion) merger. Lamb Weston climbed after a filing showed activist investor Jana Partners is working with a sixth executive to push for changes at the French fry maker, a move which could result in a majority of the company's board being replaced. Trading volumes in this holiday-shortened week have been below the average of the last six months and are likely to remain subdued until January 6. The next major focus for markets will be the December employment report due on January 10.

My dear 2024, By Dakuku Peterside Letter writing may be a lost art in this digital age, yet there are moments when the weight of reflection demands the intimacy of a letter. So, dear 2024, consider this a heartfelt note from a Nigerian seeking to encapsulate the whirlwind of emotions, events, and transformations that have unfolded over the past twelve months. As I pen down these words, I do so with the awareness that you are not an ordinary year. Your arrival brought hope, but as the days rolled, that hope was replaced with hardship, struggle, perseverance and lessons. In this letter, as tricky as it may be, I will attempt to recount the key events that shaped you – the milestones that defined not only my life but the collective experience of a nation grappling with economic hardship, political uncertainty, and social upheaval. Nigeria stands at a crossroads, and you will be remembered as a year that tested our spirit and resolve. This is not just a recollection of facts but a narrative of survival in a land where, at times, the future seemed uncertain. You were, indeed harsh, but we, the Nigerian people, have shown remarkable resilience and perseverance. Despite the economic hardships you brought, with inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs affecting all, we have stood strong. Your visitation of economic hardships worsened by 34-40% inflation rate and supply chain disruptions, an embarrassing unemployment rate of 40%, and rising living costs affected both the high and the low. Almost all households felt your pinch. Nigeria’s food inflation rate rose to close to 40% by mid-year, pushing millions into poverty. National Bureau of Statistics reports indicated that over 71 million Nigerians faced food insecurity by the third quarter. The exchange rate rose by over 60%. Yet, amid these challenges, the Nigerian people showed remarkable resilience and perseverance. To put it into context, essential commodities such as rice, maize, and garri doubled in price within months. The petrol price fluctuated between ₦700 to ₦1200 per litre, severely impacting transportation and logistics. Even sachet water, popularly called ‘pure water’, became a luxury for many, reflecting the depth of economic strain. You made our economic thinkers and planners look clueless. Thank God we, the people, showed understanding with them. You brought needless political contentions –the Rivers crisis, contentious elections in Edo and Ondo states, the Kano Emir drama, the Old-New-Old national anthem, and “Endbadgovernance”demonstrations. An attempt to reform our tax system highlighted our stubborn ethnic fault lines. You were not short of drama, both relevant and irrelevant. The reinstatement of the old national anthem left citizens divided, as critics viewed it as distracting from pressing governance issues. However, amid these contentions, the Nigerian people stood united, showing remarkable solidarity. Despite the divisive nature of some of these events, we have remained a united front. Poverty and hunger became our companions, resulting in three deadly stampedes during palliative distributions in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leaving no fewer than 60 people dead. Unemployment among the youth reached over 45%, with many university graduates resorting to menial jobs or leaving the country in search of greener pastures, contributing to the ongoing ‘Japa’ wave. At the global scene, you delivered historic elections and global unrest. People in more than 60 countries—representing almost 50 per cent of the world’s population—went to the polls during the year. Voters in Mexico and the United Kingdom picked new leaders, while a former U.S. president was invited by voters back to the White House. In Nigeria, voter turnout in local elections dipped to a record low of 28%, reflecting growing disillusionment with governance. This disinterest was amplified by widespread insecurity, with over 1,500 reported cases of abduction and banditry disrupting daily life. Villages in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Borno faced relentless attacks, forcing thousands into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. “Lakurawa” gained a strong foothold in parts of North-West states. Some strange things happened that we did not foresee. Greece extended adoption rights to same-sex couples, and Thailand legalised same-sex marriage, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. You gave LGBTQ+ rights activists something to celebrate. This felt strange in this part of the world, where same-sex relations remain criminalised, and social acceptance lags far behind. In Nigeria, lawmakers intensified efforts to uphold conservative values, with proposed bills aimed at further restricting LGBTQ+ rights. The disparity in cultural values highlighted the widening gap between regions of the world, reflecting the complex layers of societal evolution. You saw the world in turmoil, and the Russian vs Ukraine war continued unabated. This war brought about lots of military posturing, leading some to fear nuclear conflict between Russia and NATO. The conflict between Israel, Hamas, and Iran ramped up to greater heights. The Middle East is in commotion, with the war extending to Lebanon and Israel vowing not to stop until it wipes Hamas and Hezbollah out. Iran has shown its willingness to confront Israel, framing itself as the watchdog of the Middle East against Israel’s aggression. You also witnessed the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, raising fears of extremist groups seizing power. Reports from the UN suggested that over 300,000 Syrian refugees fled to neighbouring countries by year-end, adding to the growing refugee crisis. But amid it all, you allowed some of my compatriots to think and look at things differently, to learn that hard work does not kill and bad governance is for a season. Despite the odds, small businesses grew by 7% in sectors like agriculture and technology, offering a glimmer of hope. Despite the increase in tariffs and persistent collapse of the national grid, there has been a marginal improvement in power output in homes and factories. The healthcare sector witnessed significant transformation in the past few months of 2024 because of incisive, superlative reforms and programmes. So far, 53,000 health workers have been re-trained—an impressive number—to deliver integrated, high-quality services. The Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Initiative, which offers free caesarean sections to all eligible Nigerian women meeting the criteria, and the Nigeria Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessment Report were launched. These initiatives represent a step forward in our healthcare system, offering hope for the future. Your successor, 2025, is shaping up to be quite the mixed bag — it’s like the year is expecting a baby, but no one knows if it’ll be a bundle of joy or a handful of trouble. Nigeria is trying really hard to stop putting all its eggs in the oil basket. There’s a lot of noise about agriculture, tech, and manufacturing stepping up. With this African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) getting more action, we might see Nigeria flexing as West Africa’s trade big brother. But let’s be honest — oil and gas aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The Dangote Refinery finally kicking into gear might help us cut down on those expensive imported petroleum products. If it plays out right, that could mean fewer trade deficits and more jobs, which we desperately need. But you know how it is with oil — prices are like Lagos traffic, unpredictable and everywhere. Plus, the world’s moving towards greener energy, so we’ve got to figure out how to keep the money flowing long-term. Now, on the money front, I won’t sugarcoat it. Inflation and the exchange rate will probably keep dancing around, and not in a fun way. The Central Bank will try to keep things under control, but they’ll need serious foreign investment and more non-oil exports to make it work. The tech space is looking exciting, though. With all these young, sharp minds and everyone glued to their phones, Lagos and Abuja are becoming mini–Silicon Valley — fintech, e-commerce, aggrotech, you name it. Politically, Nigerians are still out here demanding real change. Anti-corruption will stay a hot topic — we’re all tired of the same old stories. There’s also this growing pressure for electoral reforms and better public services. Civil society is getting louder, and I’m here for it. But security? Whew. That’s going to be a big one. Between insurgency in the Northeast, banditry up North, and secessionist noise in the Southeast, the government has its hands full. It will take more than military action — they must dig into why these issues keep popping up. On top of that, some states are pushing harder for more control over their resources and policies. The whole decentralisation and restructuring debate might heat up. Meanwhile, you can bet politicians are already gearing up for 2027. Alliances will shift — it’s like watching chess, but with higher stakes. Look, Nigeria has its share of problems—inequality, environmental issues, governance struggles. But the potential? It’s huge. We’ve got the people and the energy, and if we can channel it right, the sky’s the limit. Here’s hoping 2025 is more of a blessing than a headache. As I look ahead to 2025, I do so with cautious optimism. While the road ahead remains uncertain, I am reminded that even in the darkest of times, resilience shines through. So, to everything we have passed through, thank you, 2024, for setting us free. 2025, if you’re reading, please be more liberal to us as a nation and as a people. May our leaders listen more and apply more wisdom. May 2025 usher in real hope, stability, and progress for Nigeria and the world. Wishing Nigerians a happy, peaceful, and prosperous new year. DAP .What Did Billy Ray Cyrus Say About Beyonce’s Snub at CMA Awards 2024? By Acclaimed singer has recently reacted to from the . The iconic artist only ventured into the genre of country music earlier this year, releasing her debut album, Cowboy Carter, to glaring reviews from fans. Therefore, Beyonce’s exclusion from this year’s CMA Awards has generated a discussion on the internet, with Cyrus also sharing his two cents on the topic. But what did the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer say about the aforementioned snub? Here’s everything you need to know regarding Cyrus’ comments about Beyonce and the 2024 CMA Awards. Billy Ray Cyrus reacts to Beyonce snub at CMA Awards 2024 The Country Music Association recently announced their nominees for this year’s edition of their annual award ceremony, which aims to honor the relevant country music artists and broadcasters. In response, Billy Ray Cyrus, a veteran of the field, took to to congratulate the nominated personalities and highlight the unexpected exclusion of Beyonce. The 32-time Grammy winner released the first country record of her career in March 2024. Despite Cowboy Carter being her maiden outing away from pop music, the album received much praise. Many listeners lauded Beyonce for her seamless transition into uncharted territories. Nevertheless, she still failed to make it into the nominee list for the prestigious award. As such, a baffled Billy Ray Cyrus addressed Beyonce’s snub, stating, “I was surprised to see @beyonce wasn’t nominated??? Her album was brilliant. Her single ruled. But she knows that.” However, Cyrus also recognized the might of the “Single Ladies” singer. He conveyed, “She doesn’t need a trophy from the CMA. Or permission. Or approval from any of their judges.” He ended his post by quoting Muhammad Ali, “When ya knock ’em out. Ya don’t need no judge.” Fellow country singer Luke Bryan also regarding Beyonce during his recent appearance on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy. Apoorv is an SEO Contributing Writer for ComingSoon. A dedicated cinephile inside and out, Apoorv's passion for content creation motivated him to ditch the software sector in favour of pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. He is also an avid sports enthusiast, with football topping his favorites list. Share article

Feddersen added nine rebounds for the Bison (4-4). Masen Miller added 15 points while finishing 5 of 9 from 3-point range while he also had six rebounds. Brennan Watkins had 14 points and shot 4 for 5 (3 for 4 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line. The Wolves (0-8) were led by Shelton Williams-Dryden, who posted 19 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Tauris Watson added 14 points for West Georgia. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .