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jili vip Stockhead Don't miss out on the headlines from Stockhead. Followed categories will be added to My News. Three key megatrends are set to shape the 2025 investment scene Geopolitical tensions and defence spending rise Energy demand surges and AI is influencing markets For investors aiming to get a head start in 2025, understanding the key 'megatrends' that will shape the global economy is crucial. According to deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent advisory and asset management firms, three key megatrends are set to dominate the investment landscape in 2025: Escalating global conflict, surging energy demand, and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Here’s how these powerful forces could affect markets and how Aussie investors can position themselves to benefit. Geopolitical conflict Geopolitical tensions are on the rise around the world. Europe remains destabilised by ongoing conflicts, the Middle East is grappling with renewed unrest, and East Asia is facing increased territorial disputes. This growing instability is having a profound effect on global markets. As Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, explained: “Conflict, unfortunately, continues to be a driving force in global markets. According to the Institute for Economics & Peace, the global conflict index is at its highest point since World War II, with over 50 active armed conflicts globally. “The financial ramifications of these tensions are profound.” The result of this increasing conflict is a significant rise in defence spending. For example, the US is projected to exceed US$1 trillion in defence spending in 2025, a figure that is expected to boost investments in advanced military technologies, missile systems, and cybersecurity. “Defence budgets are ballooning... and investments are flowing into advanced military technologies, missile systems and cybersecurity – areas that are critical for national security. “As AI-driven threats rise, companies providing digital defences will be major beneficiaries. “Investors should be looking at how geopolitical risk can actually create long-term opportunities in this space.” Surging energy demand Energy consumption is reaching unprecedented levels, driven by several key factors: global economic growth, the electrification of transport, and the rise of AI. One surprising beneficiary of this surge is nuclear energy, which is undergoing a renaissance despite previous concerns. “The energy transition is at a critical juncture. Investors need to think beyond the traditional green-versus-fossil-fuel narrative,” said Green. Nuclear energy has seen a resurgence, with many older plants being refurbished and new projects slowly progressing despite regulatory delays. Often overlooked, it is now a crucial part of the energy mix. Companies with existing nuclear infrastructure are poised for substantial growth, he added. This signals a promising future for companies with established nuclear infrastructure. Also, offshore oil and gas exploration has picked up again, demonstrating that traditional energy sources still play a vital role in meeting global demand. “Offshore oil and gas exploration is experiencing a revival, signalling confidence in long-term profitability.” Artificial intelligence AI continues to reshape industries worldwide, and its influence is expected to accelerate in 2025, said Green. From automating tasks to transforming business models, AI is not just a passing trend – it’s an essential component of future economic growth. “The companies building the infrastructure to support AI’s expansion will drive the next phase of market gains,” noted Green. “This is a long-term play, and investors who position themselves now will benefit immensely. "While there is always talk of bubbles, the reality is that AI’s transformative potential is only beginning to unfold.” One of the key drivers of AI’s growth is the massive increase in capital expenditure on infrastructure. Tech giants and emerging players are investing heavily in data centres, cloud computing, and hardware to support AI’s rapid development. As more businesses integrate AI into their operations, the companies providing this essential infrastructure stand to see enormous growth. Read more here: Why AI should be on the radar of every investor “2025 will be a year of complexity and opportunity,” Green said. "We expect that conflict, energy, and AI are the investment megatrends that will define 2025." "Now is the time to act.” The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the interviewee and do not represent the views of Stockhead. Stockhead has not provided, endorsed or otherwise assumed responsibility for any financial product advice contained in this article. Originally published as Three key megatrends that could shape investing in 2025 More related stories Stockhead 2025’s hottest resources stocks: Pt 2 In the second part of our end-of-year special, seven more fundies and analysts give their commodity and resources stock picks for 2025. Read more Stockhead 2025’s hottest resources stocks: Pt 1 In the first part of our end-of-year special, seven fundies and analysts give their commodity and resources stock picks for 2025. Read more

Brentford boss Thomas Frank claimed Brighton forward Joao Pedro should have been sent off during his side’s goalless Premier League draw at the Amex Stadium. Pedro escaped punishment after swinging an arm at Bees substitute substitute Yehor Yarmoliuk without making contact. VAR reviewed the second-half incident but deemed there was no violent conduct. Frank and Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler disagreed about the decision. “As I understand the rules, you can’t swing your arm to try to hit someone,” said Frank. “If you hit them or not, it’s a red, that’s the way I understand the rules.” Frank spoke to the match officials, including referee Andy Madley, about the flashpoint at full-time. “They haven’t seen the situation yet, not on TV afterwards,” said Frank. “To be fair to him, I think the angle can be tricky so that’s why you’ve got VAR.” Asked about Frank’s assessment, Hurzeler replied: “Interesting opinion. I see it completely different. “For me, it’s not a red card. He tried to get free from a person.” Brighton were booed off after their winless run was stretched to six top-flight games. Albion dominated for large periods and hit the woodwork inside four minutes through Julio Enciso. Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken made some important saves before being forced off injured in the 36th minute, albeit his replacement Hakon Valdimarsson was rarely tested on his Premier League debut. The Seagulls remain 10th ahead of Monday’s trip to Aston Villa, with Brentford a position and two points below moving towards their New Year’s Day showdown with Arsenal. Hurzeler thought the jeers at full-time were unfair. “The team doesn’t deserve that because in all the games we had in the last weeks they were all good, they were all intense, they were all where we thought we deserved more” said the German, whose team have lost to Fulham and Crystal Palace and drawn with Southampton, Leicester and West Ham in recent matches. “We try to work hard to satisfy our supporters, we try to give them what they deserve, we try to make them proud. “But the Premier League is tough. We know there will be (tough) periods we have to go through, especially with this young squad. “We try to stick together, find the positive and keep on going.” Brentford, who remain without a top-flight away win this term, had an early Yoane Wissa finish ruled out for offside following VAR intervention but barely threatened, despite an improved second-half showing. Frank, who is awaiting news on Flekken and defender Ben Mee, who also left the field injured, said: “I thought it was a fair point. “Brighton were better in the first half, no big, clearcut chances, and I thought we were better second half. “Overall, I’m happy with the performance, especially the way we defended. “We haven’t had too many clean sheets this season, so in that context I thought it was very impressive against a good Brighton team. “We know we have a lot of players out – we get two more injuries during the game. “The way the players showed their mentality and character and dug in was hugely impressive.”

We’ve got our Chelsea back – Enzo Maresca loving chants from fans after winMARRIED At First Sight star Jordan Gayle has revealed he has split from his girlfriend after five months together. Earlier this year, Jordan , 27, went Instagram official with Australian beauty Melissa Golik,32, who works as a nurse. But the pair have called time on their relationship, leaving the E4 star heartbroken just nine months after splitting from co-star Erica Roberts , 26 . Jordan took to his Instagram story to share the sad news. He wrote: "It's with a heavy heart that I announce I've gone through another break-up," followed by a broken heart emoji. Jordan continued: "When you are from the other sides of the world it makes it very difficult to work." READ MORE ON MAFS He added: "I wish nothing but happiness for Mel." Back in August, Jordan shared a slew of snaps with Melissa. In the images, the new couple were seen sipping on cockatils as they enjoyed romantic nights out in London. Jordan couldn't keep his eyes off the beauty as they partied in China Town and cosied up in a swanky-looking club. Most read in News TV Jordan wrote in his caption: "Life with you," followed by heart and lock emojis and an Australian flag. In July, the reality star reignited a very bitter feud with Erica , accusing her of recording '14 TikToks about him'. Exes at war Jordan hit back at his ex in a podcast and claimed she has 'dragged his name through the mud' with her videos. Erica, however, clapped back and insisted her videos are NOT about him. But Jordan said on The Bro'Cast Podcast : "So she's done 14 TikToks where everyone has assumed it's about me. "Everyone has flooded to my page, viewed my Stories, sent me messages, saying, 'Look what she's saying about you'... that I'm toxic or my behaviour was horrible. I've done this, this, this. "She's aware that people are assuming it's about me. "Whether it is about me or it isn't, the fact that people are assuming it's about me is bringing all this negativity. It's making people look negatively at me. "It's dragging my name through the mud. To me, I would never do that because it's not worth social media views and I wouldn't do that to anyone." Jordan added: "If I don't start defending myself, it's going to run away. This has been going on for four months now." Jordan shared a clip from the podcast on his Instagram account and added screenshots from Erica's TikTok account to it. One was from a video of Erica rolling her eyes with the caption: "I focused on myself after the breakup and you had to go seek validation from multiple women." Erica has insisted the TikToks are nothing to do with Jordan, however, and hit back on his Instagram page. She blasted: "You are genuinely clutching at straws here. "Did I not message you 3 weeks ago to clear up that my TikTok’s were NOT about you as I’d seen you on multiple podcasts trying to run with this false narrative, so why are you still going please stop flattering yourself. "I’ve not spoken about you or the break up once online you’re the only one still yapping on." She added: "Please go heal and move on." Jordan and Erica appeared on last year's series of Married At First Sight and tied the knot within seconds of setting eyes on each other. Their relationship appeared to be going well once outside of the TV experiment, but The Sun revealed they had split in February. A source said at the time: "It was Erica that ended her marriage with Jordan... she did everything possible to make it work but sadly they struggled and in the end, she had no choice but to give up." Jordan previously spoke out and said he felt "a mug" for falling so hard and fast for Erica on the show last year. The fitness fanatic admitted in another podcast: “I feel like a mug for falling as hard as I did. READ MORE SUN STORIES "It’s weird because I’ve not got emotional about it for a long time because I think I've been holding it back a bit." He added: "I didn’t care about any of the fame or the opportunities or any of the money, so losing the relationship was like the be all and end-all for me.”

Mahayuti govt will take oath on 5 December, says Maharashtra BJP chief amid suspense over CM pickCher’s memoir made Howard Stern want to ‘strangle’ Sonny Bono

The rift within the BC Conservative party has deepened over the resignation of a Vancouver police board member. Elenore Sturko, who represents Surrey-Cloverdale, publicly defied Leader John Rustad's request that she meet with Comfort Sakoma-Fadugba, the VPD board vice chair who resigned over controversial comments about diversity and inclusion in classrooms. "I stand by my position, and I won't be meeting with her," Sturko told reporters on Tuesday shortly before a B.C. Conservative caucus meeting in Victoria. Sturko says she had "no trepidation" going into the caucus meeting with the 13 MLAs who condemned her in a leaked letter but acknowledged it might be "feisty." Sturko told CBC News last month that Sakoma-Fadugba's comments were offensive and that she was right to resign. That put her at odds with some B.C. Conservatives, who said Sakoma-Fadugba raised valid issues about protecting Christian values, and she was a victim of cancel culture. In screenshots shared to Reddit, one of Sakoma-Fadugba's posts discusses how "mass immigration" and "a growing aversion to assimilation" are "transforming Canada into a place where a shared identity is disappearing." Another post questions Diwali celebrations at schools, saying the "push for secular education isn't about religion — it's about erasing Christian values from the lives of our children." Group of B.C. Conservative MLAs turn on fellow caucus member for backing police board member's resignation Vancouver Police Board vice-chair resigns following social media comments A third references "gender transitions" while criticizing a "woke culture that pits children against their parents." Thirteen Tory MLAs signed a letter condemning Sturko's comments and pressing Rustad to ask her to apologize." It is our view that the statements caused undue harm to Ms. Sakoma and called into question our commitment to the core values shared by Conservatives," they wrote. As they walked into their party's caucus meeting, all 13 MLAs refused to comment on why they signed the letter. Rustad had been silent about the issue until Monday night when he posted on social media that he had shared a meal with Sakoma-Fadugba in her home and invited Sturko to meet with her as well. On The Coast 10:14 Cracks appearing in B.C. Conservative Party B.C. Conservative Party board president Aisha Estey talks about 13 B.C. Conservative MLAs turning on fellow B.C. Conservative MLA Elenore Sturko in a leaked letter to party leader John Rustad. "I want to make it crystal clear where I personally stand — I support Comfort Sakoma, and I don't believe she should have been asked to quit the VPD police board," Rustad wrote. He said he understands "the critical importance of freedom of speech, particularly for MLAs." However, he said Sturko should "meet with Comfort Sakoma before drawing further judgment. "Comfort is a wonderful person with so much to offer, and I hope she continues to advocate for the Conservative movement in British Columbia and in Canada." CBC News asked Rustad Tuesday if Sturko publicly defied him by responding that she would not meet with Sakoma-Fadugba. "I expected that she would," he said. "They have the right to be able to say things, they have a right to bring forward issues." Rustad denied there's a rift in the party, saying differences of opinion are welcome. B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad speaks to reporters after forming Opposition on Oct. 29, 2024. (Mike McArthur/CBC) Sturko said she was disappointed to learn about Rustad's position on social media but insists she stands behind him as party leader. "I came to Victoria and joined this party to work side by side with John. I intend to do that," Sturko said. "I think that what people don't necessarily realize is that caucuses do have disagreements." Former B.C. United spokesperson Andrew Reeve told CBC News he expected divisions within the big tent B.C. Conservative Party which formed as a result of several high-profile defections among B.C. United MLAs, including Sturko. However, Reeve said he didn't expect those rifts to happen just weeks after the Conservatives became the Official Opposition and for them to be exposed so publicly. B.C. Conservative leader names shadow cabinet, takes shots at NDP Rustad has said he will allow his MLAs to have free votes on issues and vote according to their conscience, but Reeve says that could expose further divisions between social conservatives and more progressive centrists in the party. The letter's signatories are: Tara Armstrong, Rosalyn Bird, Dallas Brodie, Brent Chapman, Reann Gasper, Sharon Hartwell, Anna Kindy, Jordan Kealy, Kristina Loewen, Macklin McCall, Heather Maahs, Korky Neufeld and Ward Stamer.Putin says Russia-China mutual investment policies effective

United States women’s head coach Emma Hayes admitted she initially grappled with how best to behave during ‘God Save The King’ ahead of her side’s goalless draw with England in their Wembley friendly. The billing of London-born former Chelsea boss Hayes against England’s Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman – arguably the best two bosses in the women’s game – had generated more buzz in the build-up than the players on the pitch, despite it being a rare encounter between the two top-ranked sides in the world. Hayes enjoyed her return to familiar shores but felt the US lacked the “killer piece” after they looked the likelier side to make the breakthrough. Asked what was going through her mind during the national anthem, Hayes said: “I was definitely mouthing (it), and Naomi (Girma) and Lynn (Williams) could see that I was struggling with where to be and all that. “I got to the end of the anthems and I thought, ‘that’s so ridiculous. I’m proud to be English and I’m proud of our national anthem, and I’m also really proud to coach America’. “Two things are possible all at once. I don’t want to fuel a nationalist debate around it. The realities are both countries are really dear to me for lots of reasons, and I’m really proud to represent both of them.” The Lionesses did not register a shot on target in the first half but grew into the game in the second. Hayes, who left Chelsea after 12 trophy-packed years this summer, said: “I’ve been privileged to coach a lot of top-level games, including here, so there’s a familiarity to being here for me. “It’s not new to me, and because of that there was a whole sense of I’m coming back to a place I know. I have a really healthy perspective, and I want to have a really healthy perspective on my profession. “I give everything I possibly can for a team that I really, really enjoy coaching, and I thrive, not just under pressure, but I like these opportunities, I like being in these situations. They bring out the best in me. Hayes had travelled to London without her entire Olympic gold medal-winning ‘Triple Espresso’ forward line of Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith, all nursing niggling injuries. Before the match, the 48-year-old was spotted chatting with Wiegman and her US men’s counterpart, fellow ex-Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino, who was also in attendance. England were also missing a number of key attackers for the friendly including Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Ella Toone, all ruled out with injury. Wiegman brushed aside suggestions from some pundits that her side were content to settle for a draw. She said: “I think we were really defending as a team, very strong. We got momentum in the second half, we did better, and of course both teams went for the win. “So many things happened in this game, also in front of the goal, so I don’t think it was boring. “We wanted to go for the win, but it was such a high-intensity game, you have to deal with a very good opponent, so you can’t just say, ‘Now we’re going to go and score that goal’. “We tried, of course, to do that. We didn’t slow down to keep it 0-0. I think that was just how the game went.”By Steve Holland and Alexandra Ulmer -President-elect Donald Trump is expected to pick prominent investor Scott Bessent to take on the role of U.S. Treasury secretary, sources told Reuters on Friday, putting him at the helm of a cabinet position with vast influence over economic, regulatory and international affairs. One source briefed by the Trump transition team and a donor briefed on the plans told Reuters of Trump's intention to pick Bessent. The Trump transition team did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Wall Street has been closely watching who Trump will pick, especially given his plans to remake global trade through tariffs. Bessent was picked from a crowded field of candidates for the coveted role. That list included Apollo Global Management Chief Executive Marc Rowan and former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh. Investor John Paulson had also been a leading candidate, but dropped out while Wall Street veteran Howard Lutnick, another contender, was appointed as head of the Commerce Department. Bessent has advocated for tax reform and deregulation, particularly to spur more bank lending and energy production, as noted in a recent opinion piece he wrote for The Wall Street Journal. The market's surge after Trump's election victory, he wrote, signaled investor "expectations of higher growth, lower volatility and inflation, and a revitalized economy for all Americans." Bessent follows other financial luminaries who have taken the job, including former Goldman Sachs executives Robert Rubin, Hank Paulson and Steven Mnuchin, Trump's first Treasury chief. Janet Yellen, the current secretary and first woman in the job, previously chaired the Federal Reserve and White House Council of Economic Advisers. ECONOMY'S QUARTERBACK As the 79th Treasury secretary, Bessent would essentially be the highest-ranking U.S. economic official, responsible for maintaining the plumbing of the world's largest economy, from collecting taxes and paying the nation's bills to managing the $28.6-trillion Treasury debt market and overseeing financial regulation, including handling and preventing market crises. The Treasury boss also runs U.S. financial sanctions policy, oversees the U.S.-led International Monetary Fund, World Bank and other international financial institutions, and manages national security screenings of foreign investments in the U.S. Bessent would face challenges, including safely managing federal deficits that are forecast to grow by nearly $8 trillion over a decade due to Trump's plans to extend expiring tax cuts next year and add generous new breaks, including ending taxes on Social Security income. Without offsetting revenues, this new debt would add to an unsustainable fiscal trajectory already forecast to balloon U.S. debt by $22 trillion through 2033. Managing debt increases this large without market indigestion will be a challenge, though Bessent has argued Trump's agenda would unleash stronger economic growth that would grow revenue and shore up market confidence. Bessent would also inherit the role carved out by Yellen to lead the Group of Seven wealthy democracies to provide tens of billions of dollars in economic support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion and tighten sanctions on Moscow. But given Trump's desire to end the war quickly and withdraw U.S. financial support for Ukraine, it is unclear whether he would pursue this. Another area where Bessent will likely differ from Yellen is her focus on climate change, from her mandate that development banks expand lending for clean energy to incorporating climate risks into financial regulations and managing hundreds of billions of dollars in clean energy tax credits. Trump, a climate-change skeptic, has vowed to increase production of U.S. fossil fuel energy and end the clean-energy subsidies in President Joe Biden's 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. FED FACING The Treasury secretary is also the administration’s closest point of contact with the Federal Reserve. Both Yellen under Biden and Mnuchin under Trump typically met weekly with Fed Chair Jerome Powell, often over breakfast or lunch. Bessent has floated the idea of creating a “shadow” Fed chair. This would entail nominating as early as possible a presumptive Powell predecessor to the Fed Board who would then deliver their own policy guidance so that, as Bessent told Barron’s last month, "no one is really going to care what Jerome Powell has to say anymore." The next seat to open up at the Fed Board is that of Governor Adriana Kugler, whose term runs to January 2026. Bessent has since said he no longer thinks the idea of a shadow chair worth pursuing, the Wall Street Journal reported. Powell's term as Fed chair expires in May 2026, and presidents rarely wait until the Fed chief's term ends before nominating a successor. FROM FINANCE TO DC Bessent, 62, primarily lives in Charleston, South Carolina with his husband and two children. He grew up in the fishing village of Little River, South Carolina, where Bessent has said his father, a real estate investor, experienced booms and busts. Bessent worked for noted short seller Jim Chanos in the late 1980s and then joined Soros Fund Management, the famed macroeconomic investment firm of billionaire George Soros. He soon helped Soros and top deputy Stanley Druckenmiller on their most famous trade - shorting the British pound in 1992 and earning the firm more than $1 billion. In 2015, Bessent raised $4.5 billion, including $2 billion from Soros, to launch Key Square Group, a hedge fund firm that bets on macroeconomic trends. Key Square's main fund gained about 31% in 2022, according to media reports, but firm assets have declined to approximately $577 million as of December 2023, according to a regulatory filing. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

Bill Clinton is hospitalized with a fever but in good spirits, spokesperson says

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes drifted lower in the runup to the highlight of the week for the market, the latest update on inflation. The S&P 500 slipped 0.3% Tuesday and marked its first back-to-back losses in three weeks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite also fell 0.3%. Oracle dragged on the market after reporting weaker growth than analysts expected. Treasury yields rose in the bond market ahead of Wednesday’s inflation report, which will be among the final big pieces of data before the Federal Reserve’s meeting on interest rates next week. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes are drifting lower Tuesday in the runup to the highlight of the week for the market, the latest update on inflation that’s coming on Wednesday. The S&P 500 dipped by 0.2% in late trading, a day after pulling back from its latest all-time high . The index is on track for its first back-to-back losses in more than three weeks, as momentum slows following a big rally that has it on track for one of its best years of the millennium . The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down by 7 points, or less than 0.1%, with roughly an hour remaining in trading, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.3%. Tech titan Oracle dragged on the market and sank 7.8% after reporting growth for the latest quarter that fell just short of analysts’ expectations. It was one of the heaviest weights on the S&P 500, even though CEO Safra Catz said the company saw record demand related to artificial-intelligence technology for its cloud infrastructure business, which trains generative AI models. AI has been a big source of growth that’s helped many companies’ stock prices skyrocket. Oracle’s stock had already leaped nearly 81% for the year coming into Tuesday, which raised the bar of expectations for its profit report. C3.ai fell 2.1% despite reporting a smaller loss for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The AI software company increased its forecast for how big a loss it expects to take this fiscal year from its operations. In the bond market, Treasury yields ticked higher ahead of Wednesday’s report on the inflation that U.S. consumers are feeling. Economists expect it to show roughly similar increases as the month before. That and a report on Thursday about inflation at the wholesale level will be the final big pieces of data the Federal Reserve will get before its meeting next week, where many investors expect the year’s third cut to interest rates . The Fed has been easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high since September to lift the slowing jobs market, after bringing inflation nearly down to its 2% target. Lower rates would help give support to the economy, but they could also provide more fuel for inflation. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.22% from 4.20% late Monday. Even though the Fed has been cutting its main interest rate, mortgage rates have been more stubborn and have been volatile since the autumn. That has hampered the housing industry, and homebuilder Toll Brothers’ stock fell 5.2% even though it beat analysts’ expectations for profit and revenue in the latest quarter. CEO Douglas Yearley Jr. said the luxury builder has been seeing strong demand since the start of its fiscal year six weeks ago, an encouraging signal as it approaches the beginning of the spring selling season in mid-January Elsewhere on Wall Street, Alaska Air Group soared 13.6% after raising its forecast for profit in the current quarter. The airline said demand for flying around the holidays has been stronger than expected. It also approved a plan to buy back up to $1 billion of its stock, along with new service from Seattle to Tokyo and Seoul . Boeing climbed 5.2% after saying it's resuming production of its bestselling plane , the 737 Max, for the first time since 33,000 workers began a seven-week strike that ended in early November. Vail Resorts rose 2.7% after the ski resort operator reported a narrower first-quarter loss than expected in what is traditionally its worst quarter. In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed in China after the world’s second-largest economy said its exports rose by less than expected in November. Stocks rose 0.6% in Shanghai but fell 0.5% in Hong Kong. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, now known as GivingTuesday, has become a major day for nonprofits to fundraise and otherwise engage their supporters each year, since the 92nd St Y in New York started it as a hashtag in 2012. GivingTuesday has since become an independent nonprofit that connects a worldwide network of leaders and organizations who promote giving in their communities. “This just really shows the generosity, the willingness of American citizens to show up, particularly collectively,” said Asha Curran, CEO of the nonprofit GivingTuesday. “We are just seeing the power of collective action and particularly collective giving over and over and over again.” This year, about 18.5 million people donated to nonprofits and another 9.2 million people volunteered, according to GivingTuesday's estimates. Both the number of donors and the number of volunteers increased by 4% from the group's 2023 estimates. “For us, it’s not just about the number of dollars," Curran said. "It’s about the number of people who feel like they have agency over the way their communities progress forward into the future.” The nonprofit GivingTuesday estimates the amount of money and goods donated and the number of participants using data from donor management software companies, donation platforms, payment processors and donor-advised funds. Curran said they are purposely conservative in their calculations. Nonprofits in the U.S. raised $3.1 billion in both 2022 and 2023 on GivingTuesday. That mirrored larger giving trends where the overall amount of donations dropped in 2022 and mostly held steady in 2023 after accounting for inflation. It’s never easy to predict current giving trends, but Una Osili, associate dean at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, said there were economic forces pushing in both directions. “At the very same time, there’s a lot of uncertainty, especially around prices, the cost of living, the supermarket toll that people are expecting to continue even though inflation has moderated,” she said. Donating or volunteering with nonprofits aren't the only ways people participate in their communities. Many give to crowdfunding campaigns , political causes or support people directly in their networks. But tracking charitable donations is one way that researchers use to understand people's civic engagement. “This country is undeniably in a lot of pain and very divided right now,” Curran said. “And so to have a day that felt as hopeful and as optimistic as yesterday did, I’m sure was not only comforting to me, but to many, many millions of people.” Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy .

In certain ways, Howard Stern is like a lot of Cher’s fans, becoming angry while digesting details about her exploitative and emotionally abusive marriage to ex-husband Sonny Bono. In her newly released “Cher: The Memoir,” Cher reveals a lot about her miserable times with Bono, who also was her partner in their famed Sonny & Cher pop duo and on their hit 1970s TV show, “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour.” While Cher discussed marriage to Bono on Howard Stern’s Sirius XM show Wednesday, the radio host acknowledged his own conflicted feelings about the former singer-songwriter who later became a Republican U.S. congressman representing Palm Springs. “The relationship with Sonny in the book, there were times I loved Sonny, I became appreciative of Sonny and his skill, because I didn’t know a lot about Sonny’s background, and then there were times I wanted to strangle him—because he did horrible things,” Stern said on his eponymous “Howard Stern Show” Wednesday, according to a clip from the interview. Stern, of course, is speaking metaphorically about strangling Bono, who died in a skiing accident in 1998. In the book and in interviews to promote it, Cher, 78, revealed that she and Bono had a “loveless” marriage, even as they became one of America’s most popular celebrity couples, the Daily Beast reported. They met in 1964, when she was just 16 and he was a 27-year-old aspiring musician. They got married in Tijuana, even though she was underage, then made their marriage official in 1969 while becoming parents to one child, Chaz Bono, now 55. They divorced in 1975. Cher claimed that Bono regularly “manhandled” her, and that he “seriously thought about” killing her at one point, the Daily Beast reported. During their marriage, she wrote, she felt “trapped” in the marriage and contemplated suicide because Bono became controlling and paranoid and wouldn’t let her socialize with other people, the New York Times also reported . He also was unfaithful. On top of all that, Cher wrote that Bono “took all my money,” as he wanted to be more than an entertainer — he wanted to be a mogul, the New York Times reported. He arranged their finances so that Cher was working for him, as an underpaid employee in a company he called Cher Enterprises. Stern appeared to become especially incensed by Cher’s descriptions of how Bono took her earnings. “I could never get him to give me an answer that was real for me enough,” Cher told Stern. “I said, ‘At what point, what time of the day or the night, or what were you doing when you thought, ‘I’m gonna take Cher’s money?’” “He wanted to be Sonny & Cher more than anything,” Cher said. “He loved that time.” Stern said that taking her half of their money was “outrageous,” no matter the circumstances, and pointed out Bono did so even though, “Here you are, the mother of his child.” Related Articles Entertainment | Queen Camilla will skip Royal Variety Performance as she recovers from chest infection Entertainment | Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Entertainment | Meghan McCain voted for late father in 2024 presidential election Entertainment | With Trump’s victory, Ellen DeGeneres will never return to America: report Entertainment | Attorney representing 120 alleged Diddy victims sued for assault Cher agreed, telling Stern, “Absolutely,” before recalling one explanation Bono gave her about why he’d taken her money: “His answer was, “Because I know you’d always leave me.’” “But what kind of answer is that?” Stern said, outraged on her behalf. During an appearance on NBC’s Today show Monday, Cher said she reached out to TV legend Lucille Ball, seeking her advice about her failing marriage, the Daily Beast reported . Ball had had a famous falling out with her husband and TV partner Desi Arnaz. Cher initially told co-host Hoda Kotb that she couldn’t repeat what Ball told her on live TV. But Kotb assured her: “We’ll bleep it.” That’s when Cher said Ball told her, “(Expletive) him.” Unfortunately, the morning talk show was not ready with its seven-second delay, and Ball’s advice went out on the airwaves uncensored. Ball, who died in 1989, urged Cher to have faith in going it alone, without Bono. Ball was right; Cher’s music career continued to soar, and she began to act in movies, earning an Academy Award for best actress in 1988 for “Moonstruck.” “You’re the one with the talent,” Cher said Ball told her.Unions attack 2.8% Government pay rise proposal for NHS workers and teachers

Unions attack 2.8% Government pay rise proposal for NHS workers and teachers

Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon roast each other with cheeky marriage revelations in must-watch video

RFK Jr. to meet Romanian presidential frontrunner in Bucharest next week, local TV saysRussian region in Siberia cancels injury allowance for soldiersHONG KONG , Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CCSC Technology International Holdings Limited (the "Company" or "CCSC") (Nasdaq: CCTG), a Hong Kong -based company that engages in the sale, design and manufacturing of interconnect products, including connectors, cables and wire harnesses, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first six months of fiscal year 2025 ended September 30, 2024 . Mr. Kung Lok Chiu , Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company, commented, "The first six months of fiscal year 2025 has been a remarkable period of growth for our Company. We are proud to report a 22.9% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year, while our gross margin remained stable despite a net loss of $0 .74 million in a challenging environment. Furthermore, in January 2024 , we successfully completed our initial public offering (IPO) and got listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol "CCTG". Building on the momentum, we launched a plan in May 2024 to establish a new supply chain management center in Serbia, Central Europe . Once completed, this center will serve as the headquarter of our supply chain operations in Europe to support our operations across the region. As of the date of the report, we have acquired the land plot for our new center and expect to complete this project by the fourth quarter of 2025. Looking forward, we plan to strategically focus on further expanding into high-growth industries, such as new energy, robotics, and medical technologies. By continuing to invest in research and development, we aim to deliver innovative and cost-effective products that meet the evolving needs of our customers. We are committed to delivering high-quality products to our customers and generating long-term value for our shareholders." First Six Months of Fiscal Year 202 5 Financial Highlights First Six Months of Fiscal Year 202 5 Financial Results Revenue Total revenue was $9.2 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024 , which increased by 22.9% from $7.5 million for the same period of last year. The following table sets forth revenue by interconnect products: Revenue generated from cables and wire harnesses increased by 24.9%, to $8 .6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024 , from $6 .9 million for the same period of last year. Revenue generated from connectors remained essentially unchanged compared to the same period last year. The increase in revenue was primarily attributable to the increase in sales volume and partially offset by the decrease in the average selling price of products. The increase in demand was mainly due to that customers had utilized their inventories previously purchased and increased their orders accordingly. The following table sets forth the disaggregation of revenue by regions: Revenue generated from Europe increased by 29.7%, to $5 .6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024 , from $4 .3 million for the same period of last year. The increase was primarily due to the increase of sales in Denmark of $1.0 million and Bulgaria of $0.2 million . Revenue generated from Asia increased by 14.6%, to $2 .7 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024 , from $2 .4 million for the same period of last year. The increase was primarily due to sales increases in Hong Kong, China of $0 .1 million, and sales increases in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, of $0 .2 million. Revenue generated from the Americas increased by 9.9%, to $0 .9 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024 , from $0 .8 million for the same period of last year. The increase was primarily due to sales increases in Northern America of $0.08 million . Revenue from other regions was mainly derived from Australia . Cost of Revenue Cost of revenue increased by 23.9%, to $6 .5 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024, from $5.2 million for the same period of last year, which was in line with the increase of the total revenue. Inventory costs amounted to $4 .4 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $3 .5 million for the same period of last year. The increase of inventory costs was primarily due to a 47.5% increase in the total sales volume and a 13.6% decrease in the inventory cost per unit. Labor costs amounted to $1.5 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $1.2 million for the same period of last year. The increase of labor costs was primarily due to the increase in production volume as a result of an increase in sales volume. Gross Profit and Gross Margin Gross profit increased by 20.5%, to $2 .7 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024 , from $2 .3 million for the same period of last year. Gross profit margin was 29.8% for the six months ended September 30, 2024 , compared with 30.4% for the same period of last year. The gross profit margin was basically consistent with the same period of 2023. The Company recruited more workers to cope with the increased sales volume, and the increased labor costs eroded profits, resulting in a decrease in gross profit margin. Operating Expenses Operating expenses increased by 38.5%, to $3.6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024 , from $2 .6 million for the same period of last year. The expense increase was mainly due to the increases in the selling expenses of $0.3 million , inclusive of $0 .2 million in costs relating to market development and expansion to ASEAN market, and general and administrative expenses of $0.7 million , inclusive of $0.6 million in agent and professional fees for expenses related to compliance requirements as a public company following the IPO in the U.S.. Other Income/(Expenses) Other income/(expenses) decreased by $0.8 million, to other expenses of $0 .1 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024 , from other income of $0.6 million for the same period of last year, primarily due to the decrease in foreign exchange gain. Income tax benefit Income tax benefit increased by 170.7%, to $0 .2 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024 , from $0.1 million for the same period of last year, which was due to the loss of CCSC Technology Group for the six months ended September 30, 2024 . Net (Loss)/Income Net income decreased by 280.0%, to net loss of $0.7 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024 , from net income of $0 .4 million for the same period of last year. Basic and Diluted (Loss)/ Earnings per Share Basic and diluted loss per share was $0 .06 for the six months ended September 30, 2024 , compared to basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.04 for the same period of last year. About CCSC Technology International Holdings Limited CCSC Technology International Holdings Limited, is a Hong Kong -based company that engages in the sale, design and manufacturing of interconnect products. The Company specializes in customized interconnect products, including connectors, cables and wire harnesses that are used for a range of applications in a diversified set of industries, including industrial, automotive, robotics, medical equipment, computer, network and telecommunication, and consumer products. The Company produces both OEM ("original equipment manufacturer") and ODM ("original design manufacture") interconnect products for manufacturing companies that produce end products, as well as electronic manufacturing services ("EMS") companies that procure and assemble products on behalf of such manufacturing companies. The Company has a diversified global customer base located in more than 25 countries throughout Asia , Europe and the Americas. For more information, please visit the Company's website: http://ir.ccsc-interconnect.com . Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Company's proposed Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events that may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as "may," "will," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "propose," "potential," "continue", or other similar expressions in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's registration statement and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, please contact: CCSC Technology International Holdings Limited Investor Relations Department Email: ir@ccsc-interconnect.com Ascent Investor Relations LLC Tina Xiao Phone: +1-646-932-7242 Email: investors@ascent-ir.com *Retrospectively reflect the changes in class of shares effective on September 10, 2024

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau flies to Florida to meet with Trump after tariffs threat WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has flown to Florida to have dinner with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club after Trump threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Trump's picks for commerce secretary, interior secretary and national security adviser, and the three men's wives. From the Canadian side, the dinner guests included Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security. Trump’s transition did not respond to questions about what they had discussed or whether the conversation alleviated Trump’s concerns about the border. A smiling Trudeau declined comment upon returning to his West Palm Beach hotel late Friday. Emboldened 'manosphere' accelerates threats and demeaning language toward women after US election CHICAGO (AP) — An emboldened fringe of right-wing “manosphere” influencers has seized on Donald Trump’s presidential win to justify and amplify misogynistic derision and threats online. Many have appropriated a 1960s abortion rights rallying cry, declaring “Your body, my choice,” and have been using it publicly on college campuses and even in public schools. While none of the current online rhetoric is being amplified by Trump, experts say many young men see the former president’s return to the White House as vindication of their views on women. For many women, the words represent a worrying harbinger of what might lie ahead as some men perceive the election results as a rebuke of reproductive rights and women’s rights. Syrian insurgents are inside Aleppo in a major setback for Assad as government forces regroup BEIRUT (AP) — Thousands of Syrian insurgents have fanned out inside Syria's largest city Aleppo a day after storming it with little resistance from government troops. Syria's army said troops have redeployed to prepare for a counteroffensive. Witnesses said insurgents were seen Saturday at landmarks in Aleppo for the first time since 2016, when they were expelled by government forces backed by Russia and Iran. The surprise offensive is a major embarrassment for Syrian President Bashar Assad, who has regained total control of the city eight years ago. Israeli strike in Gaza allegedly kills workers with World Central Kitchen charity DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli airstrike on a car in Gaza has killed five people, according to a senior Palestinian health official. An aid worker says three of the people killed were employees of the charity World Central Kitchen. The charity's aid delivery efforts in Gaza were temporarily suspended earlier this year after an Israeli strike killed seven of its workers. Israel's military says it struck a wanted militant who had been involved in the Hamas attack that sparked the war. In a later statement, it said that the alleged attacker had worked with WCK and it asked “senior officials from the international community and the WCK administration to clarify” how that had come about. Lebanese fisherman hope ceasefire with Israel means normal life returning TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is bringing hope for normality back to many in southern Lebanon. That includes fishermen who’ve long launched their single-engine wooden boats into the Mediterranean at dawn. For months, Israel imposed a siege that kept hundreds of fishermen at this ancient Phoenician port ashore. That upended their lives and dealt the industry a major blow. The port siege also cut people off from key ingredients for traditional Lebanese dishes. As war devastated their country, the loss of fish damaged a deep association with home. Now, the possibility of renewed fishing is helping fuel hope. How Brazilian police say Bolsonaro plotted a coup to stay in office SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s Federal Police have formally accused former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro and 36 others of plotting a coup to keep him in office. The plot was allegedly comprised of several components and substantiated by evidence and testimony in the agency's 884-page report. The pieces of the puzzle include laying the groundwork by systematically sowing distrust of the electoral system among the populace. It also includes drafting a decree to give the plot a veneer of legal basis and pressuring top military brass to go along with the plan. Bolsonaro and his main allies have denied any wrongdoing or involvement and accuse authorities of political persecution. More than 100 arrested as Georgian police clash with protesters over suspension of EU talks TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — More than 100 demonstrators were arrested overnight in Georgia as protesters clashed with police following the government’s decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union, the country’s Interior Ministry said. Friday marked the second straight night of protests after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the country’s ruling Georgian Dream party announced the suspension the previous day. The Associated Press saw protesters in Tbilisi being chased and beaten by police as demonstrators rallied in front of the country's parliament building. The violence follows Georgian Dream’s disputed victory in the Oct. 26 election, which was widely seen as a referendum on the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. Romania's parliamentary vote risks being overshadowed by presidential race chaos BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanians are preparing to go to the polls in a parliamentary vote that will determine a new government and prime minister to lead the European Union and NATO member country. However, Sunday's vote is sandwiched between a two-round presidential race and is overshadowed by controversies and chaos following the outcome of the first vote. While the president has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security and foreign policy, the prime minister is the head of the nation’s government. Sunday’s vote will determine the formation of the country’s 466-seat legislature. North Korea's Kim vows steadfast support for Russia’s war in Ukraine SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country will “invariably support” Russia’s war in Ukraine as he met Russia's visiting defense chief. A Russia military delegation led by Defense Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea on Friday as international concerns about the two countries’ expanding cooperation deepened after North Korea sent thousands of troops to Russia. During a Friday meeting, Kim and Belousov reached “a satisfactory consensus” on issues on how to further boost strategic partnership and defend each country’s sovereignty and security interests, state media said. Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest forecast to be hit with snow and dangerous cold into next week BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The first big snow of the season has the potential to bury towns in New York along lakes Erie and Ontario during a hectic holiday travel and shopping weekend. Forecasters says winter storm conditions could persist into next week and cause hazards in the Great Lakes, Plains and Midwest regions. Forecasters predict 4 to 6 feet of blowing and drifting snow could fall in Watertown and other areas east of Lake Ontario through Monday. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a disaster emergency in affected areas.

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