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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 25, 2024-- Invest Saudi and The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) officially launched the 28th World Investment Conference (WIC) today in Riyadh. With an overarching theme of ‘Harnessing Digital Transformation and Sustainable Growth: Scaling Investment Opportunities’, the first day brought together more than 2,000 attendees from 130 countries, including 30 ministers, to explore key strategies for overcoming global investment challenges and unlocking opportunities for the future. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125177448/en/ Saudi Minister of Investment, H.E. Khalid A. Al-Falih, addresses delegates at the 28th World Investment Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo: AETOSWire) H.E. Khalid A. Al-Falih, Saudi Minister of Investment, opened the event with an insightful keynote address, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s transformation under Vision 2030 and its emergence as a global investment hub. He identified the critical global trends shaping investment, such as the rise of green and blue economies, the impact of new technologies, the reconfiguration of global supply chains, and demographic shifts. Showcasing Saudi Arabia’s development, H.E. Khalid A. Al-Falih told the audience: “Our GDP has grown by 70% since the launch of Vision 2030 to $1.1 trillion, with half of this attributed to non-oil economic activities. Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows have tripled compared to pre-Vision levels, and registered international investors are 10 times what they were.” Nivruti Rai, Managing Director and CEO of Invest India and WAIPA President, also addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of collaborative global efforts to reshape economics and drive sustainable growth. First day panels ranged from discussions on the evolving role of emerging economies to strategies for fostering global trade and investment. Topics included the increasing importance of FDI in driving economic transformation, the alignment of industrial policies with investment promotion, and transformative innovations in climate action. H.E. Faisal F. Alibrahim, Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning, joined H.E. Eng. Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Egypt, and H.E. Samir Abdelhafidh, Minister of Economy and Planning, Tunisia, in a panel discussing how emerging economies, such as Saudi Arabia, are redefining the role of investment promotion agencies (IPAs) and creating new opportunities for FDI amidst challenges like geopolitical shifts and sustainability goals. “Saudi Arabia is today the global growth platform, actually the growth platform if you look at how the global economy is evolving. And we’ve been lucky enough to prove the power of diversification over the last few years,” H.E. Alibrahim said. The conference also featured a masterclass on ‘Investor Services 2.0’ by the World Bank, exploring AI-driven analytics and VR site visits, along with matchmaking sessions that connected investors with SMEs and government representatives. H.E. Khalid A. Al-Falih, Saudi Minister of Investment also brought up the topic of supply chain resilience ahead of the Global Supply Chain Resilience Event (GSCRI) being held on the sidelines WIC tomorrow. In his opening speech, he stated, “One trend is the steady reconfiguration of global supply chains, with decentralization creating hubs in emerging regions that offer new opportunities for investment in infrastructure and production capacity. We have observed that as investors look to enhance the stability and resilience of supply chains, new economic clusters are coalescing around resources, energy, and demography.” Minister Al-Falih will give the opening remarks at the GSCRI event tomorrow along with H.E. Bandar Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Saudi Arabia. The second day will also see sessions on technology innovation, industrial transformation, and sustainable partnerships. About WIC : https://waipa.org/wic-info/ *Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125177448/en/ For media inquiries:WIC28media@apcoworldwide.com KEYWORD: AFRICA TUNISIA EGYPT INDIA ASIA PACIFIC SAUDI ARABIA MIDDLE EAST INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING SOFTWARE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINTECH SUSTAINABILITY TECHNOLOGY ASSET MANAGEMENT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ENVIRONMENT DATA ANALYTICS RETAIL FINANCE SOURCE: World Investment Conference Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/25/2024 05:07 PM/DISC: 11/25/2024 05:07 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125177448/enYou could watch baseball for 100 years, and some of the readers here come pretty close, and you would never see a right-handed hitter have the season Aaron Judge did. The Yankees ’ captain was rightfully announced as the 2024 American League Most Valuable Player today, his second time capturing the honor and becoming the first Yankee since Mickey Mantle in his Triple Crown 1956 to do so unanimously. Hitting .322/.458/.701 with 58 bombs will do that, as Judge put up a season better than anything Albert Pujols, Mike Trout, Alex Rodriguez, Mike Schmidt, Joe DiMaggio, or any righty since the Roaring ‘20s had done. The MVP Award shouldn’t just be the WAR Award, but by fWAR, Judge (11.2) was almost a full win better than runner up Bobby Witt Jr. (10.4), who himself had an all-time, historically remarkable season — one better than many past MVP campaigns by others. Witt just had the best season by a Royal in franchise history and there are some names on that list, and Bobby wasn’t even close* in the MVP race this year. That’s how good Judge was. *Though somewhat amusingly, Witt was the unanimous second-place winner, taking all 30 of those votes. MLB’s capstone award this year follows Judge’s win in 2022, bookending a three-year stretch of play that but for one dumb block of concrete could sit among the most dominant runs in this sport. Since the beginning of that contract year, Judge has two MVPs, a 202 wRC+, 27.0 fWAR (!!), and missed those 56 games last year — and who knows if he was truly 100 percent when he did come back. Judge’s teammate Juan Soto heads into free agency with a feather in his cap in his own right, finishing third in the voting for his third top-five finish in his first seven seasons. His defensive game might keep him from ever reaching the very top of the vote, but a 26-year-old with multiple top-five MVP runs is exactly why he’s going to make the money he’ll get. Baltimore’s Gunnar Henderson and Cleveland’s José Ramírez finished fourth and fifth, respectively. There was also a unanimous decision in the Senior Circuit, as Shohei Ohtani took home the NL MVP over the Mets’ Francisco Lindor. It was Ohtani’s third time winning the award—the first in MLB history by an exclusive DH—and put him in a very exclusive club. Ohtani is just the 12th player in history to take home MVP honors three times, and the second after Hall of Famer Frank Robinson to win both the AL and NL versions of the award. It may be sour grapes after seven seasons, but had Judge won the 2017 AL MVP, which I believe he should have, he would join the three-time-winner club with Ohtani tonight. Alas. The end-of-season hardware has been handed out, and all the individual accolades Judge could be given he has. The trophy case is a little more full, but we all know the one piece missing from his collection. He’ll get the chance to chase it again in a few months.

President-elect Donald Trump threatened 100% tariffs Saturday against a bloc of nine nations if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar. His threat was directed at countries in the so-called BRICS alliance, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia have applied to become members of the alliance, and several other countries have expressed interest in joining. While the U.S. dollar is by far the most-used currency in global business and has survived past challenges to its preeminence, members of the alliance and other developing nations say they are fed up with America's dominance of the global financial system. Trump, in a Truth Social post, said, "We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy." At a summit of BRICS nations in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the U.S. of "weaponizing" the dollar and described it as a "big mistake." "It's not us who refuse to use the dollar," Putin said at the time. "But if they don't let us work, what can we do? We are forced to search for alternatives." Russia has specifically pushed for the creation of a new payment system that would offer an alternative to the global bank messaging network, SWIFT, and allow Moscow to dodge Western sanctions and trade with partners. Trump said there is "no chance" BRICS will replace the U.S. dollar in global trade and any country that tries to make that happen "should wave goodbye to America."Jones accounts for 4 TDs, defense adds two TDs, NC Central swamps Delaware State 52-10

Jake Paul wants “to set the record straight,” when no straightening is required. If anyone would understand that we moved on from his “fight” against Mike Tyson, it should be Paul, who has made a fortune in the split-second entertainment world of social media. Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions issued a statement on Monday to dispel the rumor that his fight at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 15 against Tyson was rigged. The intention is to change the narrative of what was an embarrassing, if highly profitable, evening, and maintain the interest in Paul’s boxing career. The fight was not rigged, and no statement was needed. The fight was simply awful. The statement begins: “Following the wide circulation of incorrect and baseless claims that undermine the integrity of the Paul vs. Tyson event, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) would like to set the record straight regarding the contractual agreements and the nature of the fight.” “Integrity” and “Tyson v. Paul” have no business of being in the same sentence. “Rigging a professional boxing match is a federal crime in the United States of America. Paul vs. Tyson was a professional match sanctioned by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR). Both fighters in good faith performed to the best of their abilities with the goal of winning the fight,” the statement said. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations did sanction this kitten fight between a Disney kid turned YouTuber against a 58-year-old man with serious health issues. The fight had judges, and Paul was awarded a decision when none was needed. “Best of their abilities” is subjective. After landing one of his first punches, a left to Paul’s head, Tyson looked like he may have something in what was once one of the most feared boxers who ever lived. He flashed some of that old Tyson head movement, but mostly he looked like an old boxer. Because that’s what he is. The event quickly became an awkward money grab embarrassment, an indictment on the ticket-buying audience more than the promoters, who were doing their job, and leaving Netflix blushing over streaming issues. “There were absolutely no restrictions – contractual or otherwise – around either fighter. Each boxer was able to use his full arsenal to win the fight. Any agreement to the contrary would violate TDLR boxing rules,” the statement said. No restrictions is a liberal use of the term. The fight was eight rounds, not 10 or 12. The rounds lasted two minutes, not three. The gloves the boxers used were 14 oz., not 10. President Jimmy Carter could take a few shots from a 14 oz. glove. The statement continues, “Trash talk and speculation are common in sports, and athletes and promoters need to tolerate nonsensical commentary, jokes and opinions. But suggesting anything other than full effort from these fighters is not only naïve but an insult to the work they put into their craft and to the sport itself.” Accusations of rigged outcomes have been hurled at sporting events in the United States since the New York Nine defeated the Knickerbockers 23-1 in four innings, the first recorded baseball game ever played in America, in 1846. The New York Nine did not release a statement to the press that the game was rigged. Such accusations are hallow, but every now and then there is a Chicago Black Sox. “It is further illogical and inane that MVP, in the debut of a hopeful long-term partnership with the world’s biggest streamer—an organization that made its first-ever foray into live professional sports with Paul vs. Tyson—would even so much as consider such a perverse violation of the rules of competition,” the statement said. That’s not how rigged works. You don’t tell the broadcast partner that the live event is staged. Making sure his boss knows he’s working, MVP co-founder Nakisa Bidarian issued his own words to this statement, saying, “This is not the first time Jake Paul has faced unfounded skepticism or outright disbelief as a professional athlete, and frankly, the claim that his bout must have been rigged is just the latest backhanded compliment to come his way.” Paul, 27, beat a 58-year-old man in a fight that looked like two-hand touch. There is no compliment. “From day one in this sport, people have doubted his abilities — unable to reconcile how someone with his background has accomplished so much in such a short time. Jake has not only proven himself repeatedly, but he has continuously set historic records that speak for themselves,” Bidarian wrote. Paul has created a niche for himself in the sport by carefully fighting opponents who are names, but are not boxers. Older guys. Ex-UFC fighters looking for one more check. He’s also spent the necessary time to train, and learn how to box. He knows how to promote himself, and an event. He created “boxing entertainment,” but his fights are not traditional boxing matches. They are also not scripted WWE. “As long as Jake continues to exceed expectations, there will always be those who try to discredit his achievements.” Bidarian said. “We embrace the doubt — it only fuels Jake to work harder and achieve greater success.” Herein lies the “need” for this press statement. Paul wants to continue to fight, but not against fighters who may knock him out. Considering the type of money his fights have generated, he would have no problem finding a line of potential traditional opponents waiting to pummel him through the canvas. He has avoided real fighters for a reason. Because he’s smart. Because he can. Because there is a market for the fights he stages. The fallout from his bout against Tyson is that Paul could have unintentionally knocked out the audience for these matches that are staged, not rigged, which is really why he wants to “set the record straight.” ©2024 Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Visit star-telegram.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Donald Trump has threatened to seize the Panama Canal, revived calls to buy Greenland and joked about annexing Canada -- leaving the world guessing once again whether he is serious or not. By challenging the sovereignty of some of Washington's closest allies four weeks before he even returns to the Oval Office, the US-president elect has underscored his credentials as global disruptor-in-chief. His comments have renewed fears from his first term that Trump will end up being harsher on US friends than he is on adversaries like Russia and China. But there are also suspicions that billionaire tycoon Trump is looking for leverage as part of the "art of the deal" -- and that the former reality television star is grabbing headlines to look strong at home and abroad. "It's hard to tell how much of this he really wants, and how much is the latest soundbite that will be heard around the world," said Frank Sesno, a professor at George Washington University and former White House correspondent. "He puts other leaders in position of having to figure out what is literal and what is not," he told AFP. The idea of buying Greenland is not a new one for Trump. He also raised the prospect of purchasing the vast strategic island, a Danish territory, during his first term in office. He revived his push over the weekend when naming his ambassador to Copenhagen, saying the "ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity" for US national security. But he received the same answer this time as he did then, with Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede saying on Monday that the resource-rich island was "not for sale." Yet his most headline-grabbing remarks have been on Panama, as he slammed what he called unfair fees for US ships passing through and threatened to demand control of the Panama Canal be returned to Washington. Trump said on Sunday that if Panama did not agree "then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America -- in full, quickly and without question." He also hinted at China's growing influence around the canal, which was built by the United States in 1914 to link the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It was returned to Panama under a 1977 deal. Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino dismissed Trump's threats, saying that "every square meter" of the canal would remain in Panamanian hands. Trump responded on TruthSocial: "We'll see about that!" Trump also teased neighboring Canada last week that it would be a "great idea" to become the 51st US state -- but against a dark backdrop of threatened tariffs. Sesno said it was hard for other countries to know how to deal with Trump's comments. "Well, it's clearly a joke. Or is it? said Sesno. "Imagine if you're the President of Panama, how do you react to something like that? You can't ignore it and your country will not let you. So the ripple effect of these comments is extraordinary." Trump's harsh treatment of US allies also stands in stark contrast to his repeated praise for the leaders of US foes -- including Russia's Vladimir Putin, who invaded Ukraine in 2022 in a bid for a land-grab. But there is still likely to be method behind Trump's rhetoric. "Maybe the message is for China" when Trump talks about buying Greenland, said Stephanie Pezard, senior political scientist with the Rand Corporation. Just as Trump expressed concern about Beijing's influence in Panama, China's growing presence in the Arctic and its ties with Russia were "something that the US is really worried about," Pezard told AFP. But there could also be a signal to Denmark that 'If you're too friendly with China, you'll find us in your way" -- even though Denmark and Greenland had been "very good NATO allies." And perhaps Trump knows the reality. Any US plan to "buy" Greenland would be unfeasible "not just in international law but more broadly in the global order that the US has been trying to uphold," she said. dk/bgsMPs who backed assisted dying Bill suggest concerns could see them change stanceTHE holiday season is just around the corner, and Los Alcázares is already getting ready to celebrate in style. From festive lights to holiday markets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Christmas. Key Dates for Festive Lighting Ceremonies The fun kicks off on December 1 with the Christmas lighting ceremony, where the town will light up in celebration. Then, on December 2, Las Lomas del Rame will join in, followed by Los Narejos on December 5. The Belén Municipal (municipal nativity scene) opens on December 13, a must-see for families. Most Read on Euro Weekly News Ship shape: Murcia’s maritime traffic hits record high Reviving history: A century-old Mar Menor villa restored to glory Costa Calida events & activities Navidadlandia: Fun for kids all season long If you’re in the mood for some Christmas shopping, be sure to check out the Mercadillo Navideño (Christmas Market) running from December 18 to January 6, where you can find gifts, decorations, and more. For the kids, Navidadlandia (Christmas land) will be open from December 20 to January 6, offering fun activities all season long. Stay updated on events through town hall social media To wrap up the celebrations, don’t miss the Baño de Navidad (Christmas Dip) on December 22, a unique way to dive into the Christmas spirit. It’s clear that Los Alcázares has plenty of festive plans to make this holiday season special. Keep an eye on the town hall social media pages for more information and events. Read more Costa Calida news, articles and events here

Morgan Stanley Initiates Coverage on 4D Molecular Therapeutics (NASDAQ:FDMT)Judge grants dismissal of election subversion case against TrumpThe presidential candidate of the conservative coalition that has governed Uruguay for the past five years conceded defeat on Sunday after a close runoff election even as the vote count continued. Álvaro Delgado, the center-right government’s candidate, told his supporters at his campaign headquarters that “with sadness, but without guilt, we can congratulate the winner,” referring to left-wing challenger Yamandú Orsi. Electoral officials said that Orsi had secured 784,523 votes with over half of all ballots counted, compared to Delgado’s 771,434. The Broad Front released a statement on X saying that “Joy will return” and announcing Orsi as president. Delgado’s concession, with more than 57% of official votes counted, ushers in Orsi of the center-left Broad Front as Uruguay’s new leader. It spells an end to the short stint of the right-leaning government in Uruguay that, in 2020, with the election of President Luis Lacalle Pou, had broken 15 years of rule by the Broad Front. The Broad Front drew international acclaim over those years for overseeing the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and the sale of marijuana. The Broad Front released a statement on X saying that “Joy will return” and announcing Orsi as president. “I called Yamandú Orsi to congratulate him as President-elect of our country,” Lacalle Pou wrote on social media platform X, adding that he would “put myself at his service and begin the transition as soon as I deem it appropriate.” THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans on Sunday voted in the second round of the country's presidential election, with the conservative governing party and a left-leaning coalition locked in a close runoff following level-headed campaigns widely seen as emblematic of the country's strong democracy. As polls closed Sunday evening, turnout stood at 89.4 per cent — around the same as during the first round last month in which the two moderate coalitions both failed to win an outright majority. Voting in Uruguay is compulsory. The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App Depending on how tight the vote turns out to be, electoral officials may not call the race for days — as happened in the contentious 2019 runoff that brought center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou to office and ended 15 years of rule by Uruguay’s left-leaning Broad Front by a razor-thin margin. Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party’s candidate who won nearly 27 per cent in the first round of voting on Oct. 27, has campaigned under the slogan “re-elect a good government." Other conservative parties that make up the government coalition — in particular, the Colorado Party that came in third place last month — notched 20 per cent of the vote collectively, enough to give Delgado an edge over his challenger. Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, who took 44 per cent of the vote in the general election, is promising to forge a “new left” in Uruguay that draws on the memory of stability and economic growth under his Broad Front coalition, which presided over pioneering social reforms that won widespread international acclaim from 2005-2020, including the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and sale of marijuana. With inflation easing and the economy expected to expand by some 3.2 per cent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund, surveys show that Uruguayans remain largely satisfied with the administration of Lacalle Pou, who constitutionally cannot run for a second consecutive term. But persistent complaints about sluggish growth, stagnant wages and an upsurge in violent crime could just as easily add the small South American nation to a long list of places this year where frustrated voters have punished incumbents in elections around the world. With most polls showing a virtual tie between Delgado and Orsi, analysts say the vote may hinge on a small group of undecided voters — roughly 10 per cent of registered voters in the nation of 3.4 million people. “Neither candidate convinced me and I feel that there are many in my same situation,” said Vanesa Gelezoglo, 31, in the capital, Montevideo, adding she would make up her mind at “the last minute.” Yamandu Orsi, presidential candidate from the Broad Front, votes in the presidential run-off election in Canelones, Uruguay, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico) Analysts say the candidates’ lackluster campaigns and broad consensus on key issues have generated extraordinary indecision and apathy in an election dominated by discussions about social spending and concerns over income inequality but largely free of the anti-establishment rage that has vaulted populist outsiders to power in neighboring Argentina and the United States. “The question of whether Frente Amplio (the Broad Front) raises taxes is not an existential question, unlike what we saw in the U.S. with Trump and Kamala framing each other as threats to democracy," said Nicolás Saldías, a Latin America and Caribbean senior analyst for the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit. “That doesn't exist in Uruguay.” Both candidates are also appealing to voter angst over the current government's struggle to stem the rise in violent crime that has shaken a nation long regarded as one of the region’s safest, with Delgado promising tough-on-crime policies and Orsi advocating a more community-oriented approach. 5 Things to Know newsletter: Get the biggest headlines in your inbox each morning Delgado, 55, a rural veterinarian with a long career in the National Party, served most recently as Secretary of the Presidency for Lacalle Pou and promises to pursue his predecessor’s pro-business policies. He would continue pushing for a trade deal with China that has raised hackles in Mercosur, an alliance of South American countries promoting regional commerce. "We have to give the government coalition a chance to consolidate its proposals,” said Ramiro Pérez, a street vendor voting for Delgado on Sunday. Alvaro Delgado, candidate for the ruling National Party, waves to supporters after voting in Montevideo, Uruguay, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Orbach) Orsi, 57, a former history teacher and two-time mayor from a working-class background, is widely seen as the political heir to former President José “Pepe” Mujica, an ex-Marxist guerilla who became a global icon for helping transform Uruguay into one of the region's most socially liberal and environmentally sustainable nations. “He's my candidate, not only for my sake but also for my children's,” Yeny Varone, a nurse at a polling station, said of Orsi. “In the future they'll have better working conditions, health and salaries.” Mujica, now 89 and recovering from esophageal cancer, turned up at his local polling station before balloting even began, praising Orsi's humility and Uruguay’s famous stability. “This is no small feat,” he said of Uruguay's “citizenry that respects formal institutions.” Orsi planned no dramatic changes, and, despite his call for a revitalized left-wing, his platform continues the Broad Front's traditional mix of market-friendly policies and welfare programs. He proposes tax incentives to lure investment and social security reforms that would lower the retirement age but fall short of a radical overhaul sought by Uruguay's unions. Yeni Varone, a nurse, casts her vote in the presidential run-off election in Montevideo, Uruguay, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) The contentious plebiscite on whether to boost pension payouts failed to pass in October, with Uruguayans rejecting generous pensions in favor of fiscal constraint. Both candidates pledged full cooperation with each other if elected. “I want (Orsi) to know that my idea is to form a government of national unity,” Delgado told reporters after casting his vote in the capital's upscale Pocitos neighborhood. He said that if he won, he and Orsi would chat on Monday over some yerba mate, the traditional herbal drink beloved by Uruguayans. Follow the CTV News channel on WhatsApp Orsi described Sunday's democratic exercise as “an incredible experience" as he voted in Canelones, the sprawling town of beaches and cattle ranches just north of Montevideo where he served as mayor for a decade. “The essence of politics is agreements,” he said. “You never end up completely satisfied.” Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Villa Tunari, Bolivia, contributed to this report.U.S. investors are preparing for a swathe of changes in 2025 , from tariffs and deregulation to tax policy , that will ripple through markets as President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House, putting the focus on whether the U.S. economy can continue to outperform. The changing of the guard in Washington has big implications for how stocks, bonds and currencies fare in the new year and may require investors to rejig portfolios. Forecasts call for another buoyant year for stocks, the dollar to maintain its recent strength over the coming months and Treasury yields to march higher. Here is a chart-based overview of key market themes and segments that investors are closely monitoring: | U.S. exceptionalism Investors largely expect U.S. economic exceptionalism to persist in the new year, as robust consumer spending and a resilient labor market put U.S. growth on a firmer footing than that of many of its developed market peers. The U.S. economy is expected to find further support from any potential tax reform, including a reduction in the corporate tax rate. Such tax cuts – which would need to pass Congress – could support company earnings and sentiment on stocks. In contrast, although the euro-zone economy grew faster than anticipated in the third quarter, its outlook remains weak due to potential large tariffs from the Trump administration, escalating trade tensions with China and low consumer confidence. “We do expect U.S. growth to outperform the rest of the world in 2025, on the back of potentially favorable monetary and fiscal policy,” said Sonu Varghese, global macro strategist at Carson Group. The Fed Front and center for investors in 2025 is how rapidly or deeply the U.S. Federal Reserve can cut rates . The Fed cut rates in December , continuing reductions after a period of aggressive rate hikes, but indicated it would slow the pace of further cuts. Stocks have been buoyed by expectations of easier monetary policy. But with benchmark Treasury yields rising sharply after the Fed meeting, the rate outlook threatens to undermine the momentum for stocks. King dollar Dollar bears have taken a battering this year and most FX market strategists forecast continued strength for the greenback. Many of the factors that powered a 7% gain for the currency against a basket of peers this year, including relatively robust U.S. economic growth and rising Treasury yields, are expected to continue supporting the dollar. Trump’s tariffs and protectionist trade policies are also likely to bolster the buck. Prospects of heightened inflation could also hinder the Fed from keeping up with interest-rate cuts, even as other central banks proceed with cuts, further lifting the dollar. Getting the dollar’s trajectory right is crucial for investors, given the currency’s central role in global finance. A strong dollar could weigh on the outlook for U.S. multinationals as well as complicate other central banks’ efforts to fight inflation as it makes their currencies cheaper. “Another year of spectacular gains in the dollar might break something in the global economy – but with major uncertainties clouding the horizon and another round of American exceptionalism largely priced in, further outperformance could be difficult to achieve,” said Karl Schamotta, chief market strategist at payments company Corpay. Volatility watch Investors got a taste on Wednesday of how quickly market stability can shift to turmoil. U.S. stocks fell sharply after the Federal Reserve projected fewer interest-rate cuts than expected and as concerns grew about a potential partial government shutdown . Global financial markets may extend generally tranquil trading conditions into the new year but analysts warn that a volatility shock is overdue. Analysts at BofA Global Research said they do not expect a repeat of the record-low stock-market volatility levels set in 2017, the beginning of Trump’s first term. FX markets could be in for higher volatility next year as the twin forces of tariffs and central-bank actions come to bear. “The shock absorber in financial markets is going to be foreign exchange next year,” said Fredrik Repton, senior portfolio manager with the global fixed income and currency management teams at Neuberger Berman. Crypto fever The speculative fever that gripped bitcoin and crypto-related stocks in 2024 is unlikely to abate in the new year, strategists said. “2024 was a banner year for speculation, which had morphed into a self-fulfilling frenzy in recent weeks,” Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers. While these trades have sometimes run into trouble, most recently after the Fed’s December meeting, investors have been willing to buy the dip. “When something has been working for so many people for so long, they are loath to give it up,” Sosnick said. And work the trades have. Bitcoin hit a record high above $100,000 in December on expectations that Trump’s election will usher in a friendly regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies. Crypto-related stocks have also been on a tear, with software company and bitcoin stockpiler MicroStrategy leading the charge with a more than 400% rise for the year. —Saqib Iqbal Ahmed, Reuters

AP Business SummaryBrief at 10:55 a.m. EST

The holidays are creeping up on us and next week we will all be eating turkey, hopefully surrounded by family, to kick off the season of festive cheer that will start soon. In fact, Thanksgiving is one of the reasons why retirees worry during the month of November, but there are some good news for those who still have not received their Social Security check. Between the food purchases to feed a small army, or a family, and the mad rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday to get the best deals on Christmas presents, it is a month with a lot of expenses, and many worry that their check will not make it in time for the turkey or the shopping. But this year it will not be the case. Social Security payments in November Most beneficiaries will have already gotten their check for the month, so they are covered for all the expenses they are going to make, but there is one collective that has still not received their retirement check, and that is those born between the 21st and 31st of any month who will receive their November deposit on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. This is the normal date for the disbursement of this payment, but many are worried that the holidays will impact its timely arrival. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for many payments throughout the year, and this will not be the time to fail. The well-oiled machine that is the SSA will have all checks ready to be deposited in accounts and mailboxes on time for you to spend them. Every year, especially during the winter months, the same issues arise. Unpredictable snowfalls, system collapses, natural disasters, etc. and while these cannot be made better, there are mechanisms in place to ensure that the money does not get lost in the way and makes it to its designated recipient on time for such important times of the year. This year there are some additional good news just after Turkey Day. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will make their way into people’s accounts and mailboxes as well! Just in time to go shopping. SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources, so not every retiree will receive this extra payment, but for those who qualify, their SSI payment for December will be advanced and will get distributed on Friday the 29 of November. Regrettably this is not an effort to ease shopping by the federal government, although it would be nice. This is in accordance with the protocol that the SSA enacts when a distribution date coincides with a weekend or a National Holiday. In this case, December 1 st , which is the date SSI should be distributed in, is a Sunday and thus the payment needs to be moved to the prior day banks are open and the US Postal Service delivers mail. Contrary to popular belief, Black Friday is not actually a federal holiday (banks are open and the mail is delivered) even though most companies make the best of the long weekend, and so the distribution of SSI checks is scheduled for Friday 29 of November. For those who have received heir checks already or are still waiting, just remember not to spend the whole balance in one go, as there is still Christmas to think about and there will be no more SSI checks until December 31 st , just after most of the expenses have been made, although it will still be a nice present to ring in the new year.

THE Sun’s columnist Jane Moore last night told of her close friendship with Coleen Rooney — and how she dubbed the Wag “the Queen of Clean”. Jane was sent packing by the public in Friday’s first eviction from ITV1’s I’m A Celebrity. But she revealed how she and Coleen unexpectedly bonded over the 15 days they were together in the jungle. Our columnist also spoke of her medical drama after finding a blood-sucking leech attached to one of her boobs. In an exclusive interview in Oz, hours after she left the jungle, Jane, 62, said of Coleen , 38: “We ended up being quite close and having a lot of good chats. “She loves cleaning. She is the Queen of Clean. We were saying she needs her own TV show — Clean With Coleen . . . whatever play on words you can come up with. She’s a real grafter. READ MORE ON I'M A CELEB "She really got on with the jobs in hand around the camp, without fanfare.” Jane said Coleen confided in her that she had wanted to become a journalist — and that she’d then urged Coleen to join her on ITV1’s Loose Women panel. She said: “I have suggested to her that she would make a very good Loose Woman. I said, ‘No pressure, but you could come on with me and GK (Barry) and Christine Lampard and I think you’d have a fantastic time, and I think you’d be very good.’ “I said, ‘So I’m just going to leave that with you.’ She just sort of nodded and smiled, so we’ll see.” Most read in I’m A Celebrity 2024 Before Jane was axed, campmates spoke emotionally about their jungle experience and their fellow celebs. Coleen, wife of football legend Wayne Rooney , said Jane “scared” her when they met at the start of the series — because she is a journalist. But in a heartwarming moment, she added: “I feel like we’ve bonded more and more as time’s gone on.” Jane said she “totally gets” why Coleen was “nervous to be in the jungle for 15 days, 24/7 with a journalist”. She said she was “very mindful” of it — so much so that she opted not to choose Coleen as her partner for the race into camp on the launch show. But their friendship eventually began to develop in camp and they formed a connection. Ironically, despite trepidation towards journalists, Coleen told Jane she actually fancied it as a career at one point. Jane said: “I said to her, ‘What would you have done if you hadn’t ended up marrying Wayne?’ “And she said, ‘I think I would’ve liked to have been a journalist.’ “I said to her, ‘You would have made a very, very good journalist’ — because she has great observational skills. I liked her enormously, and I think, as she said at the very end, she bonded with me “She sits back, she watches everybody, and every so often she’ll chip in with something and it’s a really good point. “So I liked her enormously, and I think, as she said at the very end, she bonded with me. “There’s something that we had, weirdly, as probably the two people in camp that had the most to play for.” Asked if they will remain pals when the celebs go their separate ways, Jane added: “I hope so, but I think I’m going to leave that ball in her court .” Jane had been left angry last week after being put on washing up duty, the task she hates most. She jokingly accused boxer Barry McGuigan and McFly singer Danny Jones of being “sexist” for giving her the chore — despite her pleading for them not to. Jane had already spent nine days cleaning out the dunny and was annoyed with the new camp leaders. She also revealed she’d been battered with bruises she doesn’t know the cause of. But the culprit of one injury she ­sustained was clear — two marks on her breast after being latched on to by a leech in the night. She’d noticed her bra was blood-soaked after a freezing cold camp shower. Jane said: “It honestly looked like it had been shot in the chest. “I had two puncture marks and then it started to bruise. But I just went, ‘Oh, look, everyone, I’ve been breastfeeding a leech all night’. 'Absolutely delightful' “And they all went, ‘How are you so calm?’ So I said, ‘Well, it’s dead now and it’s done, so there’s no point fretting about it. Anyway, it’s on the fire now. Little bugger.” After being evicted, she had an emotional reunion with daughters Grace, 20, and Ellie, 32, before heading off to enjoy her first hot shower in weeks. She then cracked a bottle of champagne and her blonde hair had its bounce back after a blow-dry from Danny’s mum, Kathy. She heaped praise on Danny — who she described as “absolutely delightful” - and the rest of her campmates. Barry, she said, is a “fighter from the top of his head to the tip of his toes”. READ MORE SUN STORIES And she insisted screaming Dean McCullough definitely acts “himself” and is an “absolute powerhouse of positivity”. Asked about a winner, she said she hopes radio DJ Melvin Odoom , 44, or Coleen can power on to victory. MELVIN SOMETIMES you don’t notice that Melvin is there because he’s not begging for your attention. He’s an absolute grafter. He is the loveliest guy, very respectful, kind and considerate. TULISA TULISA, the Female Boss. That is a title well-earned. Tulisa is a tough cookie. We’re alike in that we don’t let people in very easily. But when we do, you’re in for life. I’m hoping I’m in. RICHARD HE was in The Communards and he joined a monastery — you couldn’t get two more extreme things in life. He travels a lot, he loves being around people, but he also likes his own space. COLEEN I’VE got a new title for her — Col-Umbo. She’s quiet, quite reserved, but underestimate her at your peril. She’s the absolute hub of the Rooney household. She runs it like a machine. BARRY IF you are a friend of Barry’s you’re sorted because Barry will always be on your side. He’s a grafter. And he really struggled with being a leader because he wasn’t allowed to do anything. OTI SHE is a fabulous woman. The first week she was switched on the whole time. But week two was different. She wants more children and said: “If I don’t do it [the show] now, I probably won’t." DANNY I THINK he’s going to take a lot out of being in the jungle. He said: “I need to be in the moment more with my family and just in life.” He added: ‘I’m always working and fretting about work.’” G.K. BARRY SHE has absolutely no filter. She’s hilarious. But again, the first few days she was very GK Barry. Then there was this segue where she became Grace and had hilarious moments. ALAN HE is just so resourceful and practical. He’s a great guy and he’s a hard worker. He helped me a lot. When allowed he was there helping me lug the washing-up up and down steps. MAURA SHE’S hilarious and swears like a trooper. Maura is 100 per cent ­herself, which I really, really like. The guys doing the filming were laughing because she’s so funny. DEAN DEAN is an absolute powerhouse of positivity. He’s funny, he’s entertaining, he’s caring. But most of all, he is himself. In a quiet moment he said he got badly bullied at school. i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz , Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street , was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women . She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher . Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan . It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth."

In-person shopping makes comeback amid record-spending holiday seasonNone