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Managing overcapacity, environmental pressures and rising costs in shippingThe Anti-Doping Lab Qatar (ADLQ) concluded its 11th annual symposium, bringing together international experts to discuss the latest challenges in anti-doping science. The two-day event at Aspire Academy, focused on fostering collaboration and innovation in the fight against doping in sports. The symposium was attended by a distinguished group of experts and researchers, along with representatives from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Prof Olivier Rabin from WADA presented on biomarker discovery, highlighting the agency’s approach to identifying doping substance abuse and the role of the Athlete’s Biological Passport. Keynote speakers included: Dr Francesca Terracciano from the Anti-Doping Lab FMSI, Italy; Dr Rosa Ventura from the Anti-Doping Laboratory of Catalonia, Spain; Prof Kim Wolff from the Drug Control Centre, King’s College Forensics, London, UK; Dr Maha Almazroua from the Regional Poison Control Centre, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia; Dr Mark Stuart representing the International Testing Agency; Prof Andreas Thomas from German Sport University Cologne, Germany; Dr Kentaro Akiyama from the Anti-Doping Laboratory LSI Medience Corporation, Japan; and Prof Fatima Bosch Tubert from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona and Wada. Speakers from ADLQ included, Prof Vidya Mohamed-Ali, Dr Maneera al-Jaber, associate lab director at ADLQ, Ibrahim al-Mohannadi, Dr Konduru Seetharama Sastry, Dr Chidambaram Manickam along with others from various countries and institutions, significantly contributed to the symposium. Prof Mohammed al-Maadheed, chairman of the Board of Trustees of ADLQ, said: “The field of anti-doping science is not without its hurdles. The topics we address are inherently complex, requiring exceptional analytical expertise and innovative approaches. Alongside these technical challenges, we also face significant structural and operational barriers. However, the need for collaboration within the anti-doping community is imperative. At ADLQ, we recognise this need and are ready to open our doors and work together.” Key highlights of the symposium included discussions on major challenges in anti-doping, particularly focusing on gene doping and blood doping. These topics are becoming increasingly relevant as advancements in technology provide new methods for athletes to enhance performance illicitly. The symposium broke new ground by hosting an athletes’ forum, a unique opportunity for athletes to directly engage with anti-doping scientists. Athletes shared their personal experiences, including the psychological pressures of elite competition, the challenges of injury recovery, and the mental resilience required to overcome setbacks. ADLQ also showcased its unique research platforms, including innovative metabolomics and camel antibody technologies. These platforms are designed to enhance the detection of prohibited substances and improve the overall effectiveness of anti-doping efforts. The use of camelid antibodies, known for their stability and ability to penetrate tissues, represents a significant advancement in the field. Another focal point of the symposium was exploring the potential impact of artificial intelligence on sports and anti-doping initiatives. AI holds promise for revolutionising detection methods and improving training and recovery processes for athletes while also raising important questions regarding fairness and accessibility in competitive sports. Related Story GU-Q conference draws influential voices to confront Islamophobia
ALTOONA, Pa. — The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO struggled with deputies and shouted while being led into court Tuesday as new details emerged about his possible motivation behind the ambush. In his first public words since a five-day search ended with his arrest at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania, Luigi Nicholas Mangione emerged from a patrol car shouting about an “insult to the intelligence of the American people” while deputies pushed him inside a courthouse. The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family is fighting attempts to extradite him to New York to face a murder charge in the Manhattan killing of Brian Thompson, who led the United States’ largest medical insurance company. A law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press said that at the time of his arrest, Mangione carried a handwritten document expressing anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed and power. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world and that profits of major corporations continue to increase while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin. In social media posts, Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski — who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology — a “political revolutionary,” according to the bulletin. Mangione remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Manhattan prosecutors began to take steps to bring Mangione to New York, but at a brief hearing Tuesday, defense lawyer Thomas Dickey said his client will not waive extradition and instead wants a hearing on the issue. Mangione was denied bail after prosecutors said he was too dangerous to be released. “You can’t rush to judgment in this case or any case,” Dickey said afterward. “He’s presumed innocent. Let’s not forget that.” Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 230 miles west of New York City, after a McDonald’s customer recognized him and notified an employee, authorities said. An image of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald’s while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and beanie. New York police officials said Mangione was carrying a gun like the one used to kill Thompson and the same fake ID the shooter had used to check into a New York hostel, along with a passport and other fraudulent IDs. A law enforcement official who spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said a handwritten document found with Mangione included a line in which he claimed to have acted alone. “To the Feds, I’ll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone,” the document said, according to the official. It also said, “I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.” Thompson, 50, was killed last Wednesday as he walked alone to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. From surveillance video, New York investigators determined the shooter quickly fled the city, likely by bus. Mangione was born into a life of country clubs and privilege. His grandfather was a real estate developer and philanthropist. Valedictorian at his elite Baltimore prep school, he went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesperson said. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Maryland Del. Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” From January to June 2022, Luigi Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. “There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, from surfing to romance, Ryan said. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. Mangione Mangione Get local news delivered to your inbox!The AI revolution has seen some significant players, and Palantir Technologies has emerged as a standout. Once priced at a low of around $6 during the 2022 bear market, the software company’s stock has skyrocketed over the past two years, multiplying its value more than 12 times. But as 2025 approaches, there’s uncertainty about whether this impressive growth can persist. While predicting the future is always challenging, examining Palantir’s business and financial health provides some clues. Palantir’s Growth Drivers The engine behind Palantir’s recent success is largely AI-driven efficiencies. Its platforms, Gotham and Foundry, have long utilized AI, but the launch of the generative AI-driven Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) in 2023 took it to new heights. After introducing this technology through exclusive boot camps, clients reported significant productivity boosts. Notably, an equipment rental firm saw a 12-fold increase in its average revenue retention, leading many industries to secure seven-figure contracts with Palantir. The company’s government contracts have also flourished, especially with the introduction of TITAN, a cutting-edge intelligence ground station. Financial Upsurge The financial implications of Palantir’s advancements are notable. Over the first nine months of 2024, the company experienced a 26% revenue increase, reaching $2 billion. Yet, its operating expenses grew modestly at 9%, while net income surged 229% year-over-year to $383 million. Despite raising its revenue forecast for 2024 to over $2.8 billion, concerns about overvaluation remain. With a trailing P/E ratio of about 368, some investors are wary of the stock’s high price-to-sales ratio. Looking Ahead While Palantir’s software likely promises ongoing growth, the current stock valuation may discourage new investors. The prediction game is risky, but potential buyers might want to observe rather than purchase at this time. Is Palantir Technologies’ Stock Surge Sustainable? An In-Depth Analysis As Palantir Technologies continues to ride the wave of AI-driven growth, investors and market analysts are keenly anticipating the company’s trajectory towards 2025 and beyond. With its stock witnessing an exponential rise from its $6 low in 2022, understanding the factors at play and what the future holds is crucial for both current and potential stakeholders. Key Features and AI Innovations A significant catalyst behind Palantir’s ascent is the expansion and maturation of its AI platforms: Gotham and Foundry. However, it was the introduction of the generative AI-driven Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) in 2023 that truly revolutionized its capabilities and market appeal. Clients engaging in AIP-exclusive boot camps have reported drastic improvements in productivity. Among the notable successes, an equipment rental firm achieved a staggering 12-fold increase in average revenue retention. Moreover, Palantir’s government contracts have been bolstered by TITAN, its sophisticated intelligence ground station, enhancing its reputation and securing long-term partnerships in both public and private sectors. Financial Performance and Market Evaluation Palantir’s financial health has mirrored its technological breakthroughs with robust growth indicators. From the first nine months of 2024, the company saw a 26% rise in revenue, reaching $2 billion. Operating expenses showed a modest increase of 9%, while net income skyrocketed by 229%, climbimg to $383 million. Yet, the significant growth has been met with concerns over valuation metrics like the exorbitant trailing P/E ratio of approximately 368, sparking caution among investors regarding the stock’s high price-to-sales ratio. With a raised revenue forecast exceeding $2.8 billion for 2024, Palantir still faces the challenge of balancing its ambitious growth targets with investor expectations of sustainable valuation. Trends and Insights Palantir’s stock price and market position are at the center of a broader tech-industry trend driven by AI integration and innovation. As more industries pursue digital transformation, Palantir’s comprehensive AI solutions have placed it in a compelling position. However, its high market valuations are closely scrutinized. Investors are likely to observe market trends meticulously before making new commitments to the stock. Predictions and Future Outlook Despite Palantir’s promising growth trajectory, the uncertainty of future valuations suggests potential buyers proceed with caution. The AI sector’s rapid evolution requires continuous innovation and performance to maintain its momentum. Market analysts might advise observing how Palantir navigates these dynamics before making investment decisions. For more insights on Palantir Technologies, visit their official website here .
SANTA CLARA — Brock Purdy is charged with distributing the ball to the 49ers’ still-plentiful array of offensive weapons. On Tuesday, he threw disgruntled wide receiver Deebo Samuel his full support. “I want to get Deebo the ball every play if I could,” Purdy said. “I want to have him break all the records as best as possible. I want Deebo to do Deebo things, and we all do in this building.” Thing is, Samuel’s sub-par production this season has mirrored the 49ers’ rocky road to a 6-7 record entering Thursday night’s visit by the Rams (7-6). “Not struggling at all just not getting the ball!!!!!!!” Samuel wrote Monday in a since-deleted post on the social media platform X. The timing off that complaint was peculiar. The 49ers had just shaken a three-game losing streak with a 38-13 win over the Chicago Bears, a game Samuel acknowledged was their best offensive showing and most complementary outing. But the 49ers did so with minimal production again from Samuel, who had two catches for 22 yards and five carries for 13 yards. “You read what you read. A little frustrated, for sure,” Samuel said Tuesday at his locker before practice. General manager John Lynch asked 49ers fans to give Samuel “some grace,” and coach Kyle Shanahan also threw support behind Samuel’s gripes. “Deebo and I talk every day so I understand Deebo saying that,” Shanahan said. “Deebo wants to help us out, and the only way he is helping us is getting the ball more. And we’d like to get him the ball more.” Samuel, a two-time captain, has scored just two touchdowns (Week 1 run, Week 5 reception) after 12 last regular season; he had 14 in 2021. He missed the 49ers’ Week 3 loss in Los Angeles because of a calf injury. Three years removed from his All-Pro breakout season, Samuel’s production has taken a nosedive this season, even though he is getting the ball. His 72 touches (40 receptions for 533 yards, 32 carries for 92 yards) are second to only now-injured running back Jordan Mason’s 164. In an X post 10 minutes after complaining about his opportunities, Samuel wrote : “Just cause I voice my opinions don’t mean I’m hating on any of my teammates!!” Jauan Jennings (57 catches, 774 yards, six touchdowns) and tight end George Kittle (56-800-8) have seized more on their targets from Brock Purdy, while 2022-23 mainstays Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey have missed most of the season injured. “We’d always love things to stay in-house,” Shanahan said. “It’s probably why I don’t go on social media: I’d get worked up if I was reading stuff all the time. Is it a distraction in our building? No.” “He’s one of my best friends on this team. I absolutely love Deebo and what he’s done for me,” Purdy said. “He’s right: he’s doing great right now with what we ask of him the offense. He’s not struggling. Like Ricky (Pearsall) or Aiyuk last year a little bit, there are moments through a season where guys just don’t get the ball, depending on defensive schemes and taking guys away.” Samuel has flourished in the 49ers’ rivalry against the Rams, including three years ago when his “wide back” persona emerged as he scored on both a run and a reception to lead the victorious 49ers out of a 3-5 rut and toward the playoffs. That dual-threat duty is not such an inventive concept anymore, however. “They’re not surprised anymore,” Samuel said. “We’ve been doing it almost three years now, so you’ve got a 50-50 chance whether I’m in the backfield getting a handoff or anything along those lines. They have a glimpse of what’s going on. ... There’s three or four (defenders awaiting) no matter who has the ball.” “Deebo has created such a high standard, the things he’s done, the innovation which we’ve created things for Deebo. That’s part of the problem,” said Lynch, noting that multiple teams now deploy Samuel-esque, dual-threat players that no longer surprise defenses. “... That frustration mounts. But he’s made so many plays for us, I think we need to give this guy some grace and bring him along, because we need him the rest of the way,” Lynch added. “We need him Thursday night. Deebo’s a big part of this team. We’re alright. We can all learn from different situations and a lot of things in the world these days that you can get caught up in.” Some of Samuel’s most productive efforts this season have come as a kick returner (11 returns for 333 yards, including six returns in their Dec. 1 loss at Buffalo). “We’ve got a lot of big football to play and he’ll be a big part of our season moving forward,” Lynch said. As for next season, Samuel carries a $16 million mark on the salary cap. The 49ers restructured his contract in March, so he would incur a $31.6 million hit if he’s released or traded before June 1; after that date, an exit would count $11 million in 2025 and $21 million in ’26. GUERENDO IDLING Running back Isaac Guerendo’s foot sprain Sunday kept him out of Tuesday’s light walkthrough and it’s uncertain whether he’ll make a second straight start. Guerendo ran for 78 yards and two touchdowns, and he had 50 yards on two catches, before exiting and bequeathing the backfield to Patrick Taylor Jr. Guerendo got clocked at 20.2 mph on a 30-yard, second-quarter carry that was the NFL’s fastest by a running back in Week 14. GREENLAW UPDATE The 49ers remain reluctant to declare whether linebacker Dre Greenlaw will make his season debut Thursday night, the date pegged for his comeback from an Achilles tear in the Super Bowl. Shanahan said there’s been no setback, that he merely wants to talk first to Greenlaw and see how the next two days go. OTHER INJURY UPDATES Defensive end Nick Bosa (oblique, hip) and left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) will officially miss the fourth week of practice, albeit this week’s only consisting of Tuesday’s walk-through that began at 5:10 p.m. Shanahan has not indicated whether they’ll miss a fourth straight game. While left guard Aaron Banks practiced for the first time since a Nov. 24 concussion in Green Bay, guard Ben Bartch (ankle) did not practice and is expected to go on Injured Reserve before Thursday’s kickoff. Limited were defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos, safety Malik Mustapha, and linebackers Dee Winters and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. HARGRAVE MOVEMENT Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave’s bloated contract was restructured to lessen the 49ers’ financial restraints next year. While that could stage his potential release after two seasons, as pointed out by OverTheCap.com, Hargrave is also more affordable to keep, seeing how his 2025 salary was chopped from $19.9 million to $2.1 million, and his salary cap mark fell from $28 million to $10.3 million. “The plan for him is to be a Niner,” Shanahan said, deferring business matters to the front office staff. “The mechanics of contract stuff, those are things I don’t look into until after the offseason.” Hargrave, 31, has been on injured reserve since tearing a biceps in the Sept. 22 loss at Los Angeles. He made the Pro Bowl last season and totaled seven sacks in his first year with the 49ers. Jordan Elliott replaced him in this season’s lineup next to Maliek Collins, with rookie Evan Anderson, Kevin Givens, Kalia Davis and Khalil Davis also in the interior rotation.Outgoing US President Joe Biden on Tuesday branded his successor Donald Trump's economic plans a "disaster" in a speech hailing his own legacy in office. Biden said Trump's threats to impose huge tariffs on imports were a "major mistake" and urged the Republican to abandon proposed tax cuts. The lame-duck president's speech comes after Trump won a second term largely on the back of US voters' anger at the high cost of living under the Democrats. "I pray to God the president-elect throws away Project 2025. I think it'd be an economic disaster for us and the region," Biden said in his speech at the Brookings Institution in Washington, referring to a conservative blueprint for a second Trump administration. Coughing frequently because of a cold, Biden said US consumers would pay the price for the tariffs that Trump has vowed to slap on US neighbors Mexico and Canada and on Asia-Pacific rival China. Together they are the three biggest US trading partners. "I believe this approach is a major mistake," Biden added. The White House had touted Biden's speech as a "major address on his economic legacy" as the 82-year-old looks to the history books with less than six weeks left in office. Biden dropped out of the 2024 race against Trump in July due to concerns about his age and passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Trump comfortably defeated at the November polls. More from this section Trump's inauguration is not until January 20 but he has already become something of a shadow president, making pronouncements on the economy and foreign policy and being feted by world leaders. Biden has meanwhile kept a relatively low profile since the November 5 election, but he came out swinging in defense of his own record in front of an audience of economists. He contrasted his "middle-out, bottom-up economic playbook" with what he called Trump's failed promise of "trickle-down economics" in which tax cuts for the wealthy are supposed to boost incomes across the board. Biden also touted achievements including the US economy's recovery from the Covid pandemic and his huge investments in green technology and industry. "President-elect Trump is receiving the strongest economy in modern history, which is the envy of the world," said Biden. But the departing president said he regretted not signing his own name to Covid stimulus checks sent out to Americans, like Trump had done. "I also learned something with Donald Trump. He signed checks for people for 7,400 bucks," he said. "And I didn't -- stupid!" Biden ended his speech with a broader plea for US leadership in a troubled world, even as Trump has repeatedly signaled his intention to take a more isolationist stance. "If we do not lead the world, what nation leads the world? Who pulls Europe together? Who tries to pull the Middle East together?"he said. dk/nroRupee gains six paise against dollar to close at 84.44
Putin Meets Slovak PM In Moscow For Expected Talks About Natural Gas DeliveriesNEW YORK — U.S. stock indexes drifted lower Tuesday in the run-up to the highlight of the week for the market, the latest update on inflation that’s coming on Wednesday. The S&P 500 dipped 0.3% a day after pulling back from its latest all-time high. They’re the first back-to-back losses for the index in nearly a month, as momentum slows after a big rally that has it on track for one of its best years of the millennium. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 154 points, or 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.3%. Tech titan Oracle dragged on the market and sank 6.7% 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 more than 80% for the year coming into Tuesday, which raised the bar of expectations for its profit report. 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 similar increases as the month before. Wednesday’s update 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 take pressure off 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. Expectations for a series of cuts through next year have been a big reason the S&P 500 has set so many records this year. Trading in the options market suggests traders aren’t expecting a very big move for U.S. stocks following Wednesday’s report, according to strategists at Barclays. But a reading far off expectations in either direction could quickly change that. 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 to stay high and have been volatile since the autumn. That has hampered the housing industry, and homebuilder Toll Brothers’ stock fell 6.9% even though it delivered profit and revenue for the latest quarter that topped analysts’ expectations. 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 13.2% 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 4.5% 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 2.5% after the ski resort operator reported a smaller first-quarter loss than analysts expected in what is traditionally its worst quarter. All told, the S&P 500 fell 17.94 points to 6,034.91. The Dow dipped 154.10 to 44,247.83, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 49.45 to 19,687.24. 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. Indexes fell across much of Europe ahead of a meeting this week by the European Central Bank, where the widespread expectation is for another cut in interest rates. Choe writes for the Associated Press.
Family-run enterprises must adapt, reinvent themselves, and explore new ways of staying resilient to tackle emerging challenges and seize fresh opportunities at a time when India is cementing its position as a global economic powerhouse, said the next-generation leaders of prominent Indian business families during The Economic Times Leadership Dialogues. The panel, featuring Siddharth Jain, promoter and director of Inox Group; Jay Kotak, co-head of Kotak811; Keshav Reddy, promoter of GVK Group and founder of Equal; and Vivek Gupta, partner and M&A tax leader at Deloitte South Asia, agreed that India's rise as a global leader is inevitable. "We are eternal optimists when it comes to India. We're not just growing as a domestic economy; we're on the path to becoming a global leader. It's exciting to witness this transformation," said Jain of Inox Group. "There's never been a better time to be in India. Indians are saying it, and people outside the country are echoing it as well. This optimism stems from a multitude of factors-political, social, democratic, and economic-all converging beautifully," added Reddy of GVK Group. And to keep up with the pace of transformation, Indian businesses must adapt swiftly as change accelerates, competition peaks, and business models converge. With technology and capital no longer serving as key differentiators, staying ahead of the curve has become more critical than ever. Jay Kotak of Kotak811 said: "I see us as a principal shareholder in a regulated, listed business. At the same time, I view banking as a very long-gestation, multi-generational, and often multi-century endeavour. If you look at some of the great global banking institutions, they've existed for longer than any of us alive today. That's because banking is fundamentally a rooted and trust-based business. For a bank to succeed, I believe three pillars are essential (risk management, excellence in technology) which have become increasingly critical-and scale." 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"They are more digitally savvy, more conscious of how their businesses can be disrupted, and, in many cases, less entitled. This generation recognises the privilege of their position-that they've been born into an opportunity-and they take that responsibility seriously," said Deloitte's Gupta. Family businesses face tough diversification decisions. Reddy shared how his family used diversification as a de-risking strategy. Expanding into power, roads, pharma, and airports every five years, they ensured independence and professional management. "Diversify strategically, aligned with core strengths, to mitigate risks," he advised. Kotak shared a contrasting view on diversification, advocating a focused approach rooted in core expertise. "Concentration isn't always bad when you have conviction in your core business," he said. Kotak explained that their strategy prioritises India and diversified financial services, where opportunities for innovation and growth abound. Instead of venturing into unrelated areas, they focus on strengthening their ecosystem. "We believe in doubling down on our strengths and expanding within the space we know best," he added. Inox's Jain highlighted a strategic shift in family businesses from diversification to scaling within industries. "We prioritise scale over diversification, focusing on India's ample opportunities within specific verticals," he said. Citing the PVR-Inox merger, Jain explained how his family chose scale over control. Deloitte's Gupta noted that diversification once centered on licensed industries with government-protected moats but that's not true anymore. "Today, family businesses focus on a single core moat, supported by family offices managing investable capital. The strategy now leverages core business cash flow for strategic investments rather than pursuing large-scale diversification," he explained. He added family businesses now focus on core expertise, pooling capital into family offices for strategic investments in high-growth sectors. As family businesses evolve, ownership structures and management approaches are being redefined. Reddy of GVK Group highlighted the value of context-specific leadership. "Adaptability, humility, and understanding your role's nuances are crucial. Whether learning or building, make the most of each role while navigating leadership and teamwork across diverse structures," he said. Kotak emphasised a balanced approach to stakeholder interests and regulatory compliance. "Every decision is guided by two key principles: maximising value for all shareholders-not just the majority-and adhering to regulation in both letter and spirit. In a highly regulated industry like banking, this balance is essential," Kotak explained. For young leaders, crises are invaluable teachers. The pandemic tested Jain as the family business had to supply medical oxygen to over 800 hospitals across 17 states while cinemas shut down. "Leading through this crisis taught me resilience, teamwork, and the value of leading from the front," Jain said, recalling the logistical challenges and unwavering commitment to supporting his team on the ground. Finally, on AI and its likely impact on business, the young turks said it could be transformative. Reddy emphasized AI's dual potential to drive backend efficiencies and revolutionise consumer experiences, highlighting his venture Equal's AI-first application set to launch next year as a core innovation driver. Kotak offered a cautious perspective, comparing AI's unpredictable future to past innovations like automobiles, which brought both advancements and challenges. Jain viewed AI as an enabler, predicting it will catalyze growth and efficiency across industries, urging businesses to harness its potential to stay competitive. Gupta wrapped it up by saying businesses must embrace AI, regardless of understanding, as mastering its complexities is non-negotiable for any business. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has set his sights on automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Champions League after a 3-2 win at RB Leipzig. Ross Barkley’s 85th-minute goal gave them victory in Germany after goals from John McGinn and Jhon Duran early in each half were cancelled out by Lois Openda and Christoph Baumgartner. That sent them up to third in the new league phase of the competition ahead of Wednesday’s games and with matches against Monaco and Celtic to come, Villa have an excellent chance of finishing in the top eight. Job done... in the end 😅 — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) That would mean they would avoid a play-off round to make it through to the last 16 and Emery says that is the target. “Today was key. Juventus at home, we were thinking more to win but in the end we accepted the draw because it was important for a point to be more or less in the top 24,” he told Amazon Prime. “Today was a match we were thinking at the beginning was key to be a contender to be in the top eight with the last two matches to be played. “It is going to be difficult and we have to get some more points but we now have the possibility to achieve this option. “We are going to enjoy and try to get top eight but we have to be happy because we are in the top 24 and maybe even the top 16. “We weren’t contenders in the beginning to get there but now we have to accept it.” Leipzig, who are flying high near the top of the Bundesliga, are out after losing all six matches. They did pose a threat to Villa, who inflicted some of their own problems on themselves, notably a rare gaffe from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for Openda’s equaliser. But Emery was happy with his side’s performance. “I try to enjoy and always we want to improve and sometimes it is hard but today the team were performing well, playing seriously and I was enjoying it,” he added. “We tried to overcome the mistakes we made and we did. More or less we were playing consistently. One mistake and they score but then we played very well. “Champions League is very difficult and we have to expect that every team playing at home are feeling strong. We played with consistency and domination.”
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes drifted 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 0.3%, a day after pulling back from its latest all-time high . They’re the first back-to-back losses for the index in nearly a month, 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 fell 154 points, or 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.3%. Tech titan Oracle dragged on the market and sank 6.7% 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 more than 80% for the year coming into Tuesday, which raised the bar of expectations for its profit report. 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 similar increases as the month before. Wednesday’s update 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 take pressure off 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. Expectations for a series of cuts through next year have been a big reason the S&P 500 has set so many records this year. Trading in the options market suggests traders aren’t expecting a very big move for U.S. stocks following Wednesday’s report, according to strategists at Barclays. But a reading far off expectations in either direction could quickly change that. 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 to stay high and have been volatile since the autumn. That has hampered the housing industry, and homebuilder Toll Brothers’ stock fell 6.9% even though it delivered profit and revenue for the latest quarter that topped analysts’ expectations. 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 13.2% 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 4.5% 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 2.5% after the ski resort operator reported a smaller first-quarter loss than analysts expected in what is traditionally its worst quarter. All told, the S&P 500 fell 17.94 points to 6,034.91. The Dow dipped 154.10 to 44,247.83, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 49.45 to 19,687.24. 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. Indexes fell across much of Europe ahead of a meeting this week by the European Central Bank, where the widespread expectation is for another cut in interest rates. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Romanians are casting ballots on Sunday in the first round of a presidential election that could pit a far-right nationalist against the incumbent leftist prime minister in the runoff. Thirteen candidates are vying for the presidency in the European Union and NATO member country, and the vote is expected to go to a second round on Dec. 8. Polls opened at 7.00 a.m. local time (0500GMT) and will close at 9.00 p.m. (1900GMT). Romanians abroad have been able to vote since Friday. By 8 p.m. local time (1800GMT), 9.2 million people — about 51% of eligible voters — had cast ballots, according to the Central Election Bureau. The final vote could see George Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, or AUR, face off against incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, backed by Romania’s largest party, the Social Democratic Party or PSD. The presidential role carries a five-year term and has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security, foreign policy, and judicial appointments. Romania will also hold parliamentary elections on Dec. 1 that will determine the country’s next government and prime minister. Simion, 38, is a vocal supporter of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and has long been a controversial figure. He campaigned for reunification with Moldova, which this year renewed a five-year ban on him from entering the country over security concerns, and he is banned for the same reason from entering neighbouring Ukraine. “I would like that in the next five to ten years, for Romanians to be really proud to be Romanians, to promote Romanian culture, Romanian products,” he told reporters on Wednesday in the capital, Bucharest. “As a Romanian president, I will promote Romanian interests. In most cases, Romanian interests coincide with partner interests.” Ecaterina Nawadia, a 20-year-old architecture student, said she voted for the first time in a national election on Sunday and hopes young people turn out in high numbers. “Since the (1989) revolution, we didn’t have a really good president,” she said. “I hope most of the people my age went to vote ... because the leading candidate is not the best option.” Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, says Sunday’s vote will be “a tight race” in which the diaspora will likely play a key role in which candidates make it to the runoff. “We are at a point where Romania can easily divert or slip toward a populist regime because (voter) dissatisfaction is pretty large among a lot of people from all social strata,” he told The Associated Press. “And the temptation for any regime, any leader — will be to go on a populist road.” He added that Romania’s large budget deficit, high inflation, and an economic slowdown could push more mainstream candidates to shift toward populist stances amid widespread dissatisfaction. Ciolacu told the AP that if he is elected, one of his biggest goals is “to convince Romanians that it is worth staying at home or returning” to Romania, which has a massive diaspora spread throughout EU countries. “Romania has a huge chance to become a developed economy in the next 10 years, where honest work is fairly rewarded and people have the security of a better life,” he said. “But for this, we need balance and responsibility ... I am running for the Presidency of Romania because we need a change.” Other key candidates include Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union party, or USR former NATO deputy general secretary Mircea Geoana, who is running independently and Nicolae Ciuca, a former army general and head of the center-right National Liberal Party, which is currently in a tense coalition with the PSD. Geoana, a former foreign minister and ambassador to the United States, told the AP that he believes his international experience qualifies him above the other candidates. “I think I bring a lot of competence and experience and connections in this complicated world,” he said. Lasconi, a former journalist and the leader of the USR said she sees corruption as one of the biggest problems Romania faces and that she supports increased defence spending and continued aid to Ukraine. Romania has been a staunch ally of war-torn Ukraine since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022. But Simion of the AUR party said he opposes Romania — which has sent a Patriot missile system to Ukraine — contributing further military aid and that he hopes Trump can “stop the war.” In 2020, the AUR party went from relative obscurity to gaining 9% in a parliamentary vote, allowing it to enter parliament. Opponents have long accused Simion and AUR of being extremists, charges he denies. “We are sort of a Trumpist party in this new wave of patriotic political parties in Europe,” Simion said.NEW YORK , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of PACS Group Inc. (NYSE: PACS) of (i) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") in connection with the Company's April 11, 2024 initial public offering ("IPO"); (ii) securities between April 11, 2024 and November 5, 2024 , both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"); and/or (iii) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus issued in connection with the Company's September 2024 secondary public offering ("SPO"), of the important January 13, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. So what: If you purchased PACS common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the IPO and/or securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. What to do next: To join the PACS class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=30617 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 13, 2025 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, the Registration Statement and defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) PACS engaged in a "scheme" to submit false Medicare claims which "drove more than 100% of PACS' operating and net income from 2020 – 2023"; (2) PACS engaged in a "scheme" to "bill thousands of unnecessary respiratory and sensory integration therapies to Medicare"; (3) PACS engaged in a scheme to falsify documentation related to licensure and staffing; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about PACS' business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the PACS class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=30617 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pacs-investors-have-opportunity-to-lead-pacs-group-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit-302328029.html SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.WINNIPEG — Two health-care groups said Tuesday Manitoba's health-care system is facing more strain, even as the government has promised to improve front-line care. Doctors Manitoba, which represents physicians across the province, said emergency room closures over the holiday season are set to rise slightly from December of last year due to staffing challenges. Only one-quarter of emergency rooms in rural and northern areas will be reliably open around-the-clock this month. Two dozen are set to open for limited hours or have frequent closures, and 29 health centre emergency rooms are scheduled to be closed. The group has set up a web page with links to scheduled emergency room hours this month and tips on planning ahead. "I would advocate for patients who are planning on travelling, particularly if it's an area that they're not familiar with, to peruse the website (and) see where the nearest emergency room is," president-elect Dr. Nichelle Desilets said. "And then, maybe even also make note of the second-closest facility because of those unpredictable closures that (can occur)." The Manitoba Nurses Union, meanwhile, said its members have been seeing constraints on staffing. Some shifts are not being filled when someone calls in sick and overtime shifts are being curtailed, union president Darlene Jackson said. "There's been a memo sent out from the employer saying that they're no longer allowing nurses to sort of say, 'Oh yeah, I'll pick up that shift Saturday on overtime,'" Jackson said. The NDP government, which made improving health care its top promise in last year's election campaign, said it directed regional health authorities months ago to cut administrative costs by eight per cent and redirect the money to front-line care. "I could not have been more clear that we need to ensure that there are no clinical impacts, that the front lines will be not only protected but enhanced by these efforts," Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said. If that directive is not being followed, the government will move quickly to address the situation, Asagwara added. Jackson said administrative costs were already cut by the former Progressive Conservative government. "I'm not sure how much more there is to cut at the bureaucracy level in some of our regions," Jackson said. As for emergency room closures, Asagwara pointed to the recent hiring of hundreds of health-care professionals and the reopening earlier this year of the emergency department in Carberry, 170 kilometres west of Winnipeg. "It is not something that you can fix overnight. It's going to take us time," Asagwara said, blaming the former Tory government for long wait times and staffing shortages. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2024. Steve Lambert, The Canadian PressTrump considering Kimberly Guilfoyle for ambassador to Greece, sources say
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Managing overcapacity, environmental pressures and rising costs in shippingThe Anti-Doping Lab Qatar (ADLQ) concluded its 11th annual symposium, bringing together international experts to discuss the latest challenges in anti-doping science. The two-day event at Aspire Academy, focused on fostering collaboration and innovation in the fight against doping in sports. The symposium was attended by a distinguished group of experts and researchers, along with representatives from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Prof Olivier Rabin from WADA presented on biomarker discovery, highlighting the agency’s approach to identifying doping substance abuse and the role of the Athlete’s Biological Passport. Keynote speakers included: Dr Francesca Terracciano from the Anti-Doping Lab FMSI, Italy; Dr Rosa Ventura from the Anti-Doping Laboratory of Catalonia, Spain; Prof Kim Wolff from the Drug Control Centre, King’s College Forensics, London, UK; Dr Maha Almazroua from the Regional Poison Control Centre, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia; Dr Mark Stuart representing the International Testing Agency; Prof Andreas Thomas from German Sport University Cologne, Germany; Dr Kentaro Akiyama from the Anti-Doping Laboratory LSI Medience Corporation, Japan; and Prof Fatima Bosch Tubert from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona and Wada. Speakers from ADLQ included, Prof Vidya Mohamed-Ali, Dr Maneera al-Jaber, associate lab director at ADLQ, Ibrahim al-Mohannadi, Dr Konduru Seetharama Sastry, Dr Chidambaram Manickam along with others from various countries and institutions, significantly contributed to the symposium. Prof Mohammed al-Maadheed, chairman of the Board of Trustees of ADLQ, said: “The field of anti-doping science is not without its hurdles. The topics we address are inherently complex, requiring exceptional analytical expertise and innovative approaches. Alongside these technical challenges, we also face significant structural and operational barriers. However, the need for collaboration within the anti-doping community is imperative. At ADLQ, we recognise this need and are ready to open our doors and work together.” Key highlights of the symposium included discussions on major challenges in anti-doping, particularly focusing on gene doping and blood doping. These topics are becoming increasingly relevant as advancements in technology provide new methods for athletes to enhance performance illicitly. The symposium broke new ground by hosting an athletes’ forum, a unique opportunity for athletes to directly engage with anti-doping scientists. Athletes shared their personal experiences, including the psychological pressures of elite competition, the challenges of injury recovery, and the mental resilience required to overcome setbacks. ADLQ also showcased its unique research platforms, including innovative metabolomics and camel antibody technologies. These platforms are designed to enhance the detection of prohibited substances and improve the overall effectiveness of anti-doping efforts. The use of camelid antibodies, known for their stability and ability to penetrate tissues, represents a significant advancement in the field. Another focal point of the symposium was exploring the potential impact of artificial intelligence on sports and anti-doping initiatives. AI holds promise for revolutionising detection methods and improving training and recovery processes for athletes while also raising important questions regarding fairness and accessibility in competitive sports. Related Story GU-Q conference draws influential voices to confront Islamophobia
ALTOONA, Pa. — The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO struggled with deputies and shouted while being led into court Tuesday as new details emerged about his possible motivation behind the ambush. In his first public words since a five-day search ended with his arrest at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania, Luigi Nicholas Mangione emerged from a patrol car shouting about an “insult to the intelligence of the American people” while deputies pushed him inside a courthouse. The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family is fighting attempts to extradite him to New York to face a murder charge in the Manhattan killing of Brian Thompson, who led the United States’ largest medical insurance company. A law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press said that at the time of his arrest, Mangione carried a handwritten document expressing anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed and power. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world and that profits of major corporations continue to increase while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin. In social media posts, Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski — who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology — a “political revolutionary,” according to the bulletin. Mangione remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Manhattan prosecutors began to take steps to bring Mangione to New York, but at a brief hearing Tuesday, defense lawyer Thomas Dickey said his client will not waive extradition and instead wants a hearing on the issue. Mangione was denied bail after prosecutors said he was too dangerous to be released. “You can’t rush to judgment in this case or any case,” Dickey said afterward. “He’s presumed innocent. Let’s not forget that.” Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 230 miles west of New York City, after a McDonald’s customer recognized him and notified an employee, authorities said. An image of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald’s while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and beanie. New York police officials said Mangione was carrying a gun like the one used to kill Thompson and the same fake ID the shooter had used to check into a New York hostel, along with a passport and other fraudulent IDs. A law enforcement official who spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said a handwritten document found with Mangione included a line in which he claimed to have acted alone. “To the Feds, I’ll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone,” the document said, according to the official. It also said, “I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.” Thompson, 50, was killed last Wednesday as he walked alone to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. From surveillance video, New York investigators determined the shooter quickly fled the city, likely by bus. Mangione was born into a life of country clubs and privilege. His grandfather was a real estate developer and philanthropist. Valedictorian at his elite Baltimore prep school, he went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesperson said. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Maryland Del. Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” From January to June 2022, Luigi Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. “There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, from surfing to romance, Ryan said. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. Mangione Mangione Get local news delivered to your inbox!The AI revolution has seen some significant players, and Palantir Technologies has emerged as a standout. Once priced at a low of around $6 during the 2022 bear market, the software company’s stock has skyrocketed over the past two years, multiplying its value more than 12 times. But as 2025 approaches, there’s uncertainty about whether this impressive growth can persist. While predicting the future is always challenging, examining Palantir’s business and financial health provides some clues. Palantir’s Growth Drivers The engine behind Palantir’s recent success is largely AI-driven efficiencies. Its platforms, Gotham and Foundry, have long utilized AI, but the launch of the generative AI-driven Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) in 2023 took it to new heights. After introducing this technology through exclusive boot camps, clients reported significant productivity boosts. Notably, an equipment rental firm saw a 12-fold increase in its average revenue retention, leading many industries to secure seven-figure contracts with Palantir. The company’s government contracts have also flourished, especially with the introduction of TITAN, a cutting-edge intelligence ground station. Financial Upsurge The financial implications of Palantir’s advancements are notable. Over the first nine months of 2024, the company experienced a 26% revenue increase, reaching $2 billion. Yet, its operating expenses grew modestly at 9%, while net income surged 229% year-over-year to $383 million. Despite raising its revenue forecast for 2024 to over $2.8 billion, concerns about overvaluation remain. With a trailing P/E ratio of about 368, some investors are wary of the stock’s high price-to-sales ratio. Looking Ahead While Palantir’s software likely promises ongoing growth, the current stock valuation may discourage new investors. The prediction game is risky, but potential buyers might want to observe rather than purchase at this time. Is Palantir Technologies’ Stock Surge Sustainable? An In-Depth Analysis As Palantir Technologies continues to ride the wave of AI-driven growth, investors and market analysts are keenly anticipating the company’s trajectory towards 2025 and beyond. With its stock witnessing an exponential rise from its $6 low in 2022, understanding the factors at play and what the future holds is crucial for both current and potential stakeholders. Key Features and AI Innovations A significant catalyst behind Palantir’s ascent is the expansion and maturation of its AI platforms: Gotham and Foundry. However, it was the introduction of the generative AI-driven Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) in 2023 that truly revolutionized its capabilities and market appeal. Clients engaging in AIP-exclusive boot camps have reported drastic improvements in productivity. Among the notable successes, an equipment rental firm achieved a staggering 12-fold increase in average revenue retention. Moreover, Palantir’s government contracts have been bolstered by TITAN, its sophisticated intelligence ground station, enhancing its reputation and securing long-term partnerships in both public and private sectors. Financial Performance and Market Evaluation Palantir’s financial health has mirrored its technological breakthroughs with robust growth indicators. From the first nine months of 2024, the company saw a 26% rise in revenue, reaching $2 billion. Operating expenses showed a modest increase of 9%, while net income skyrocketed by 229%, climbimg to $383 million. Yet, the significant growth has been met with concerns over valuation metrics like the exorbitant trailing P/E ratio of approximately 368, sparking caution among investors regarding the stock’s high price-to-sales ratio. With a raised revenue forecast exceeding $2.8 billion for 2024, Palantir still faces the challenge of balancing its ambitious growth targets with investor expectations of sustainable valuation. Trends and Insights Palantir’s stock price and market position are at the center of a broader tech-industry trend driven by AI integration and innovation. As more industries pursue digital transformation, Palantir’s comprehensive AI solutions have placed it in a compelling position. However, its high market valuations are closely scrutinized. Investors are likely to observe market trends meticulously before making new commitments to the stock. Predictions and Future Outlook Despite Palantir’s promising growth trajectory, the uncertainty of future valuations suggests potential buyers proceed with caution. The AI sector’s rapid evolution requires continuous innovation and performance to maintain its momentum. Market analysts might advise observing how Palantir navigates these dynamics before making investment decisions. For more insights on Palantir Technologies, visit their official website here .
SANTA CLARA — Brock Purdy is charged with distributing the ball to the 49ers’ still-plentiful array of offensive weapons. On Tuesday, he threw disgruntled wide receiver Deebo Samuel his full support. “I want to get Deebo the ball every play if I could,” Purdy said. “I want to have him break all the records as best as possible. I want Deebo to do Deebo things, and we all do in this building.” Thing is, Samuel’s sub-par production this season has mirrored the 49ers’ rocky road to a 6-7 record entering Thursday night’s visit by the Rams (7-6). “Not struggling at all just not getting the ball!!!!!!!” Samuel wrote Monday in a since-deleted post on the social media platform X. The timing off that complaint was peculiar. The 49ers had just shaken a three-game losing streak with a 38-13 win over the Chicago Bears, a game Samuel acknowledged was their best offensive showing and most complementary outing. But the 49ers did so with minimal production again from Samuel, who had two catches for 22 yards and five carries for 13 yards. “You read what you read. A little frustrated, for sure,” Samuel said Tuesday at his locker before practice. General manager John Lynch asked 49ers fans to give Samuel “some grace,” and coach Kyle Shanahan also threw support behind Samuel’s gripes. “Deebo and I talk every day so I understand Deebo saying that,” Shanahan said. “Deebo wants to help us out, and the only way he is helping us is getting the ball more. And we’d like to get him the ball more.” Samuel, a two-time captain, has scored just two touchdowns (Week 1 run, Week 5 reception) after 12 last regular season; he had 14 in 2021. He missed the 49ers’ Week 3 loss in Los Angeles because of a calf injury. Three years removed from his All-Pro breakout season, Samuel’s production has taken a nosedive this season, even though he is getting the ball. His 72 touches (40 receptions for 533 yards, 32 carries for 92 yards) are second to only now-injured running back Jordan Mason’s 164. In an X post 10 minutes after complaining about his opportunities, Samuel wrote : “Just cause I voice my opinions don’t mean I’m hating on any of my teammates!!” Jauan Jennings (57 catches, 774 yards, six touchdowns) and tight end George Kittle (56-800-8) have seized more on their targets from Brock Purdy, while 2022-23 mainstays Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey have missed most of the season injured. “We’d always love things to stay in-house,” Shanahan said. “It’s probably why I don’t go on social media: I’d get worked up if I was reading stuff all the time. Is it a distraction in our building? No.” “He’s one of my best friends on this team. I absolutely love Deebo and what he’s done for me,” Purdy said. “He’s right: he’s doing great right now with what we ask of him the offense. He’s not struggling. Like Ricky (Pearsall) or Aiyuk last year a little bit, there are moments through a season where guys just don’t get the ball, depending on defensive schemes and taking guys away.” Samuel has flourished in the 49ers’ rivalry against the Rams, including three years ago when his “wide back” persona emerged as he scored on both a run and a reception to lead the victorious 49ers out of a 3-5 rut and toward the playoffs. That dual-threat duty is not such an inventive concept anymore, however. “They’re not surprised anymore,” Samuel said. “We’ve been doing it almost three years now, so you’ve got a 50-50 chance whether I’m in the backfield getting a handoff or anything along those lines. They have a glimpse of what’s going on. ... There’s three or four (defenders awaiting) no matter who has the ball.” “Deebo has created such a high standard, the things he’s done, the innovation which we’ve created things for Deebo. That’s part of the problem,” said Lynch, noting that multiple teams now deploy Samuel-esque, dual-threat players that no longer surprise defenses. “... That frustration mounts. But he’s made so many plays for us, I think we need to give this guy some grace and bring him along, because we need him the rest of the way,” Lynch added. “We need him Thursday night. Deebo’s a big part of this team. We’re alright. We can all learn from different situations and a lot of things in the world these days that you can get caught up in.” Some of Samuel’s most productive efforts this season have come as a kick returner (11 returns for 333 yards, including six returns in their Dec. 1 loss at Buffalo). “We’ve got a lot of big football to play and he’ll be a big part of our season moving forward,” Lynch said. As for next season, Samuel carries a $16 million mark on the salary cap. The 49ers restructured his contract in March, so he would incur a $31.6 million hit if he’s released or traded before June 1; after that date, an exit would count $11 million in 2025 and $21 million in ’26. GUERENDO IDLING Running back Isaac Guerendo’s foot sprain Sunday kept him out of Tuesday’s light walkthrough and it’s uncertain whether he’ll make a second straight start. Guerendo ran for 78 yards and two touchdowns, and he had 50 yards on two catches, before exiting and bequeathing the backfield to Patrick Taylor Jr. Guerendo got clocked at 20.2 mph on a 30-yard, second-quarter carry that was the NFL’s fastest by a running back in Week 14. GREENLAW UPDATE The 49ers remain reluctant to declare whether linebacker Dre Greenlaw will make his season debut Thursday night, the date pegged for his comeback from an Achilles tear in the Super Bowl. Shanahan said there’s been no setback, that he merely wants to talk first to Greenlaw and see how the next two days go. OTHER INJURY UPDATES Defensive end Nick Bosa (oblique, hip) and left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) will officially miss the fourth week of practice, albeit this week’s only consisting of Tuesday’s walk-through that began at 5:10 p.m. Shanahan has not indicated whether they’ll miss a fourth straight game. While left guard Aaron Banks practiced for the first time since a Nov. 24 concussion in Green Bay, guard Ben Bartch (ankle) did not practice and is expected to go on Injured Reserve before Thursday’s kickoff. Limited were defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos, safety Malik Mustapha, and linebackers Dee Winters and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. HARGRAVE MOVEMENT Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave’s bloated contract was restructured to lessen the 49ers’ financial restraints next year. While that could stage his potential release after two seasons, as pointed out by OverTheCap.com, Hargrave is also more affordable to keep, seeing how his 2025 salary was chopped from $19.9 million to $2.1 million, and his salary cap mark fell from $28 million to $10.3 million. “The plan for him is to be a Niner,” Shanahan said, deferring business matters to the front office staff. “The mechanics of contract stuff, those are things I don’t look into until after the offseason.” Hargrave, 31, has been on injured reserve since tearing a biceps in the Sept. 22 loss at Los Angeles. He made the Pro Bowl last season and totaled seven sacks in his first year with the 49ers. Jordan Elliott replaced him in this season’s lineup next to Maliek Collins, with rookie Evan Anderson, Kevin Givens, Kalia Davis and Khalil Davis also in the interior rotation.Outgoing US President Joe Biden on Tuesday branded his successor Donald Trump's economic plans a "disaster" in a speech hailing his own legacy in office. Biden said Trump's threats to impose huge tariffs on imports were a "major mistake" and urged the Republican to abandon proposed tax cuts. The lame-duck president's speech comes after Trump won a second term largely on the back of US voters' anger at the high cost of living under the Democrats. "I pray to God the president-elect throws away Project 2025. I think it'd be an economic disaster for us and the region," Biden said in his speech at the Brookings Institution in Washington, referring to a conservative blueprint for a second Trump administration. Coughing frequently because of a cold, Biden said US consumers would pay the price for the tariffs that Trump has vowed to slap on US neighbors Mexico and Canada and on Asia-Pacific rival China. Together they are the three biggest US trading partners. "I believe this approach is a major mistake," Biden added. The White House had touted Biden's speech as a "major address on his economic legacy" as the 82-year-old looks to the history books with less than six weeks left in office. Biden dropped out of the 2024 race against Trump in July due to concerns about his age and passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Trump comfortably defeated at the November polls. More from this section Trump's inauguration is not until January 20 but he has already become something of a shadow president, making pronouncements on the economy and foreign policy and being feted by world leaders. Biden has meanwhile kept a relatively low profile since the November 5 election, but he came out swinging in defense of his own record in front of an audience of economists. He contrasted his "middle-out, bottom-up economic playbook" with what he called Trump's failed promise of "trickle-down economics" in which tax cuts for the wealthy are supposed to boost incomes across the board. Biden also touted achievements including the US economy's recovery from the Covid pandemic and his huge investments in green technology and industry. "President-elect Trump is receiving the strongest economy in modern history, which is the envy of the world," said Biden. But the departing president said he regretted not signing his own name to Covid stimulus checks sent out to Americans, like Trump had done. "I also learned something with Donald Trump. He signed checks for people for 7,400 bucks," he said. "And I didn't -- stupid!" Biden ended his speech with a broader plea for US leadership in a troubled world, even as Trump has repeatedly signaled his intention to take a more isolationist stance. "If we do not lead the world, what nation leads the world? Who pulls Europe together? Who tries to pull the Middle East together?"he said. dk/nroRupee gains six paise against dollar to close at 84.44
Putin Meets Slovak PM In Moscow For Expected Talks About Natural Gas DeliveriesNEW YORK — U.S. stock indexes drifted lower Tuesday in the run-up to the highlight of the week for the market, the latest update on inflation that’s coming on Wednesday. The S&P 500 dipped 0.3% a day after pulling back from its latest all-time high. They’re the first back-to-back losses for the index in nearly a month, as momentum slows after a big rally that has it on track for one of its best years of the millennium. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 154 points, or 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.3%. Tech titan Oracle dragged on the market and sank 6.7% 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 more than 80% for the year coming into Tuesday, which raised the bar of expectations for its profit report. 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 similar increases as the month before. Wednesday’s update 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 take pressure off 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. Expectations for a series of cuts through next year have been a big reason the S&P 500 has set so many records this year. Trading in the options market suggests traders aren’t expecting a very big move for U.S. stocks following Wednesday’s report, according to strategists at Barclays. But a reading far off expectations in either direction could quickly change that. 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 to stay high and have been volatile since the autumn. That has hampered the housing industry, and homebuilder Toll Brothers’ stock fell 6.9% even though it delivered profit and revenue for the latest quarter that topped analysts’ expectations. 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 13.2% 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 4.5% 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 2.5% after the ski resort operator reported a smaller first-quarter loss than analysts expected in what is traditionally its worst quarter. All told, the S&P 500 fell 17.94 points to 6,034.91. The Dow dipped 154.10 to 44,247.83, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 49.45 to 19,687.24. 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. Indexes fell across much of Europe ahead of a meeting this week by the European Central Bank, where the widespread expectation is for another cut in interest rates. Choe writes for the Associated Press.
Family-run enterprises must adapt, reinvent themselves, and explore new ways of staying resilient to tackle emerging challenges and seize fresh opportunities at a time when India is cementing its position as a global economic powerhouse, said the next-generation leaders of prominent Indian business families during The Economic Times Leadership Dialogues. The panel, featuring Siddharth Jain, promoter and director of Inox Group; Jay Kotak, co-head of Kotak811; Keshav Reddy, promoter of GVK Group and founder of Equal; and Vivek Gupta, partner and M&A tax leader at Deloitte South Asia, agreed that India's rise as a global leader is inevitable. "We are eternal optimists when it comes to India. We're not just growing as a domestic economy; we're on the path to becoming a global leader. It's exciting to witness this transformation," said Jain of Inox Group. "There's never been a better time to be in India. Indians are saying it, and people outside the country are echoing it as well. This optimism stems from a multitude of factors-political, social, democratic, and economic-all converging beautifully," added Reddy of GVK Group. And to keep up with the pace of transformation, Indian businesses must adapt swiftly as change accelerates, competition peaks, and business models converge. With technology and capital no longer serving as key differentiators, staying ahead of the curve has become more critical than ever. Jay Kotak of Kotak811 said: "I see us as a principal shareholder in a regulated, listed business. At the same time, I view banking as a very long-gestation, multi-generational, and often multi-century endeavour. If you look at some of the great global banking institutions, they've existed for longer than any of us alive today. That's because banking is fundamentally a rooted and trust-based business. For a bank to succeed, I believe three pillars are essential (risk management, excellence in technology) which have become increasingly critical-and scale." Artificial Intelligence(AI) Collaborative AI Foundations: Working Smarter with Machines By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Office Productivity Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By - Study At Home, Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere View Program Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Entrepreneurship Startup Fundraising: Essential Tactics for Securing Capital By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development C++ Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development JavaScript Essentials: Unlock AI-Driven Insights with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Boosting Startup Revenue with 6 AI-Powered Sales Automation Techniques By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Intermediate Java Mastery: Method, Collections, and Beyond By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program Data Science MySQL for Beginners: Learn Data Science and Analytics Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) ChatGPT Mastery from Zero to Hero: The Complete AI Course By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Strategy ESG and Business Sustainability Strategy By - Vipul Arora, Partner, ESG & Climate Solutions at Sattva Consulting Author I Speaker I Thought Leader View Program Marketing Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, Author | Speaker | Thought Leader | Branding Consultant View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Design Canva Magic Write: Ideas to Stunning Slides in No Time By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program With many companies undergoing family transitions, young leaders will play a crucial role in shaping the future of businesses. "They are more digitally savvy, more conscious of how their businesses can be disrupted, and, in many cases, less entitled. This generation recognises the privilege of their position-that they've been born into an opportunity-and they take that responsibility seriously," said Deloitte's Gupta. Family businesses face tough diversification decisions. Reddy shared how his family used diversification as a de-risking strategy. Expanding into power, roads, pharma, and airports every five years, they ensured independence and professional management. "Diversify strategically, aligned with core strengths, to mitigate risks," he advised. Kotak shared a contrasting view on diversification, advocating a focused approach rooted in core expertise. "Concentration isn't always bad when you have conviction in your core business," he said. Kotak explained that their strategy prioritises India and diversified financial services, where opportunities for innovation and growth abound. Instead of venturing into unrelated areas, they focus on strengthening their ecosystem. "We believe in doubling down on our strengths and expanding within the space we know best," he added. Inox's Jain highlighted a strategic shift in family businesses from diversification to scaling within industries. "We prioritise scale over diversification, focusing on India's ample opportunities within specific verticals," he said. Citing the PVR-Inox merger, Jain explained how his family chose scale over control. Deloitte's Gupta noted that diversification once centered on licensed industries with government-protected moats but that's not true anymore. "Today, family businesses focus on a single core moat, supported by family offices managing investable capital. The strategy now leverages core business cash flow for strategic investments rather than pursuing large-scale diversification," he explained. He added family businesses now focus on core expertise, pooling capital into family offices for strategic investments in high-growth sectors. As family businesses evolve, ownership structures and management approaches are being redefined. Reddy of GVK Group highlighted the value of context-specific leadership. "Adaptability, humility, and understanding your role's nuances are crucial. Whether learning or building, make the most of each role while navigating leadership and teamwork across diverse structures," he said. Kotak emphasised a balanced approach to stakeholder interests and regulatory compliance. "Every decision is guided by two key principles: maximising value for all shareholders-not just the majority-and adhering to regulation in both letter and spirit. In a highly regulated industry like banking, this balance is essential," Kotak explained. For young leaders, crises are invaluable teachers. The pandemic tested Jain as the family business had to supply medical oxygen to over 800 hospitals across 17 states while cinemas shut down. "Leading through this crisis taught me resilience, teamwork, and the value of leading from the front," Jain said, recalling the logistical challenges and unwavering commitment to supporting his team on the ground. Finally, on AI and its likely impact on business, the young turks said it could be transformative. Reddy emphasized AI's dual potential to drive backend efficiencies and revolutionise consumer experiences, highlighting his venture Equal's AI-first application set to launch next year as a core innovation driver. Kotak offered a cautious perspective, comparing AI's unpredictable future to past innovations like automobiles, which brought both advancements and challenges. Jain viewed AI as an enabler, predicting it will catalyze growth and efficiency across industries, urging businesses to harness its potential to stay competitive. Gupta wrapped it up by saying businesses must embrace AI, regardless of understanding, as mastering its complexities is non-negotiable for any business. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has set his sights on automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Champions League after a 3-2 win at RB Leipzig. Ross Barkley’s 85th-minute goal gave them victory in Germany after goals from John McGinn and Jhon Duran early in each half were cancelled out by Lois Openda and Christoph Baumgartner. That sent them up to third in the new league phase of the competition ahead of Wednesday’s games and with matches against Monaco and Celtic to come, Villa have an excellent chance of finishing in the top eight. Job done... in the end 😅 — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) That would mean they would avoid a play-off round to make it through to the last 16 and Emery says that is the target. “Today was key. Juventus at home, we were thinking more to win but in the end we accepted the draw because it was important for a point to be more or less in the top 24,” he told Amazon Prime. “Today was a match we were thinking at the beginning was key to be a contender to be in the top eight with the last two matches to be played. “It is going to be difficult and we have to get some more points but we now have the possibility to achieve this option. “We are going to enjoy and try to get top eight but we have to be happy because we are in the top 24 and maybe even the top 16. “We weren’t contenders in the beginning to get there but now we have to accept it.” Leipzig, who are flying high near the top of the Bundesliga, are out after losing all six matches. They did pose a threat to Villa, who inflicted some of their own problems on themselves, notably a rare gaffe from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez for Openda’s equaliser. But Emery was happy with his side’s performance. “I try to enjoy and always we want to improve and sometimes it is hard but today the team were performing well, playing seriously and I was enjoying it,” he added. “We tried to overcome the mistakes we made and we did. More or less we were playing consistently. One mistake and they score but then we played very well. “Champions League is very difficult and we have to expect that every team playing at home are feeling strong. We played with consistency and domination.”
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes drifted 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 0.3%, a day after pulling back from its latest all-time high . They’re the first back-to-back losses for the index in nearly a month, 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 fell 154 points, or 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 0.3%. Tech titan Oracle dragged on the market and sank 6.7% 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 more than 80% for the year coming into Tuesday, which raised the bar of expectations for its profit report. 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 similar increases as the month before. Wednesday’s update 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 take pressure off 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. Expectations for a series of cuts through next year have been a big reason the S&P 500 has set so many records this year. Trading in the options market suggests traders aren’t expecting a very big move for U.S. stocks following Wednesday’s report, according to strategists at Barclays. But a reading far off expectations in either direction could quickly change that. 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 to stay high and have been volatile since the autumn. That has hampered the housing industry, and homebuilder Toll Brothers’ stock fell 6.9% even though it delivered profit and revenue for the latest quarter that topped analysts’ expectations. 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 13.2% 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 4.5% 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 2.5% after the ski resort operator reported a smaller first-quarter loss than analysts expected in what is traditionally its worst quarter. All told, the S&P 500 fell 17.94 points to 6,034.91. The Dow dipped 154.10 to 44,247.83, and the Nasdaq composite slipped 49.45 to 19,687.24. 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. Indexes fell across much of Europe ahead of a meeting this week by the European Central Bank, where the widespread expectation is for another cut in interest rates. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Romanians are casting ballots on Sunday in the first round of a presidential election that could pit a far-right nationalist against the incumbent leftist prime minister in the runoff. Thirteen candidates are vying for the presidency in the European Union and NATO member country, and the vote is expected to go to a second round on Dec. 8. Polls opened at 7.00 a.m. local time (0500GMT) and will close at 9.00 p.m. (1900GMT). Romanians abroad have been able to vote since Friday. By 8 p.m. local time (1800GMT), 9.2 million people — about 51% of eligible voters — had cast ballots, according to the Central Election Bureau. The final vote could see George Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, or AUR, face off against incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, backed by Romania’s largest party, the Social Democratic Party or PSD. The presidential role carries a five-year term and has significant decision-making powers in areas such as national security, foreign policy, and judicial appointments. Romania will also hold parliamentary elections on Dec. 1 that will determine the country’s next government and prime minister. Simion, 38, is a vocal supporter of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and has long been a controversial figure. He campaigned for reunification with Moldova, which this year renewed a five-year ban on him from entering the country over security concerns, and he is banned for the same reason from entering neighbouring Ukraine. “I would like that in the next five to ten years, for Romanians to be really proud to be Romanians, to promote Romanian culture, Romanian products,” he told reporters on Wednesday in the capital, Bucharest. “As a Romanian president, I will promote Romanian interests. In most cases, Romanian interests coincide with partner interests.” Ecaterina Nawadia, a 20-year-old architecture student, said she voted for the first time in a national election on Sunday and hopes young people turn out in high numbers. “Since the (1989) revolution, we didn’t have a really good president,” she said. “I hope most of the people my age went to vote ... because the leading candidate is not the best option.” Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, says Sunday’s vote will be “a tight race” in which the diaspora will likely play a key role in which candidates make it to the runoff. “We are at a point where Romania can easily divert or slip toward a populist regime because (voter) dissatisfaction is pretty large among a lot of people from all social strata,” he told The Associated Press. “And the temptation for any regime, any leader — will be to go on a populist road.” He added that Romania’s large budget deficit, high inflation, and an economic slowdown could push more mainstream candidates to shift toward populist stances amid widespread dissatisfaction. Ciolacu told the AP that if he is elected, one of his biggest goals is “to convince Romanians that it is worth staying at home or returning” to Romania, which has a massive diaspora spread throughout EU countries. “Romania has a huge chance to become a developed economy in the next 10 years, where honest work is fairly rewarded and people have the security of a better life,” he said. “But for this, we need balance and responsibility ... I am running for the Presidency of Romania because we need a change.” Other key candidates include Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union party, or USR former NATO deputy general secretary Mircea Geoana, who is running independently and Nicolae Ciuca, a former army general and head of the center-right National Liberal Party, which is currently in a tense coalition with the PSD. Geoana, a former foreign minister and ambassador to the United States, told the AP that he believes his international experience qualifies him above the other candidates. “I think I bring a lot of competence and experience and connections in this complicated world,” he said. Lasconi, a former journalist and the leader of the USR said she sees corruption as one of the biggest problems Romania faces and that she supports increased defence spending and continued aid to Ukraine. Romania has been a staunch ally of war-torn Ukraine since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022. But Simion of the AUR party said he opposes Romania — which has sent a Patriot missile system to Ukraine — contributing further military aid and that he hopes Trump can “stop the war.” In 2020, the AUR party went from relative obscurity to gaining 9% in a parliamentary vote, allowing it to enter parliament. Opponents have long accused Simion and AUR of being extremists, charges he denies. “We are sort of a Trumpist party in this new wave of patriotic political parties in Europe,” Simion said.NEW YORK , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of PACS Group Inc. (NYSE: PACS) of (i) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") in connection with the Company's April 11, 2024 initial public offering ("IPO"); (ii) securities between April 11, 2024 and November 5, 2024 , both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"); and/or (iii) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus issued in connection with the Company's September 2024 secondary public offering ("SPO"), of the important January 13, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. So what: If you purchased PACS common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the IPO and/or securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. What to do next: To join the PACS class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=30617 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 13, 2025 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, the Registration Statement and defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) PACS engaged in a "scheme" to submit false Medicare claims which "drove more than 100% of PACS' operating and net income from 2020 – 2023"; (2) PACS engaged in a "scheme" to "bill thousands of unnecessary respiratory and sensory integration therapies to Medicare"; (3) PACS engaged in a scheme to falsify documentation related to licensure and staffing; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about PACS' business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the PACS class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=30617 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pacs-investors-have-opportunity-to-lead-pacs-group-inc-securities-fraud-lawsuit-302328029.html SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.WINNIPEG — Two health-care groups said Tuesday Manitoba's health-care system is facing more strain, even as the government has promised to improve front-line care. Doctors Manitoba, which represents physicians across the province, said emergency room closures over the holiday season are set to rise slightly from December of last year due to staffing challenges. Only one-quarter of emergency rooms in rural and northern areas will be reliably open around-the-clock this month. Two dozen are set to open for limited hours or have frequent closures, and 29 health centre emergency rooms are scheduled to be closed. The group has set up a web page with links to scheduled emergency room hours this month and tips on planning ahead. "I would advocate for patients who are planning on travelling, particularly if it's an area that they're not familiar with, to peruse the website (and) see where the nearest emergency room is," president-elect Dr. Nichelle Desilets said. "And then, maybe even also make note of the second-closest facility because of those unpredictable closures that (can occur)." The Manitoba Nurses Union, meanwhile, said its members have been seeing constraints on staffing. Some shifts are not being filled when someone calls in sick and overtime shifts are being curtailed, union president Darlene Jackson said. "There's been a memo sent out from the employer saying that they're no longer allowing nurses to sort of say, 'Oh yeah, I'll pick up that shift Saturday on overtime,'" Jackson said. The NDP government, which made improving health care its top promise in last year's election campaign, said it directed regional health authorities months ago to cut administrative costs by eight per cent and redirect the money to front-line care. "I could not have been more clear that we need to ensure that there are no clinical impacts, that the front lines will be not only protected but enhanced by these efforts," Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said. If that directive is not being followed, the government will move quickly to address the situation, Asagwara added. Jackson said administrative costs were already cut by the former Progressive Conservative government. "I'm not sure how much more there is to cut at the bureaucracy level in some of our regions," Jackson said. As for emergency room closures, Asagwara pointed to the recent hiring of hundreds of health-care professionals and the reopening earlier this year of the emergency department in Carberry, 170 kilometres west of Winnipeg. "It is not something that you can fix overnight. It's going to take us time," Asagwara said, blaming the former Tory government for long wait times and staffing shortages. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2024. Steve Lambert, The Canadian PressTrump considering Kimberly Guilfoyle for ambassador to Greece, sources say
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