Wall Street hesitated on Thursday as investors analyzed key economic indicators ahead of next week's pivotal Federal Reserve meeting. The Labor Department reported higher-than-expected U.S. producer price increases, but service costs showed broader disinflationary trends. Rising unemployment claims triggered concerns about the labor market's resilience. Major indexes fluctuated with technology stocks initially fueling rallies, though mixed results from companies like Nvidia and Adobe weighed on gains. (With inputs from agencies.)
In the bustling city of Shenzhen, the transition to new electric vehicles (NEVs) is becoming increasingly evident. At the Lianhua Hill Supercharging Station, NEV owners can recharge their vehicles quickly, thanks to a major upgrade in the station's infrastructure. Once limited to 60 kilowatts, it now offers up to 600 kilowatts of charging power, allowing up to 46 vehicles to charge simultaneously. This development is part of Shenzhen's broader initiative to create a more convenient and efficient charging infrastructure for NEVs. As of October 2024, over a quarter of the city's vehicles are electric, and the trend is accelerating rapidly. The surge in adoption reflects a nationwide shift. Across China, NEV sales have skyrocketed, with more than 9.5 million vehicles sold in 2024 alone –an increase of 41.2 percent compared to the previous year, data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) shows. The rise in electric vehicles is also closely tied to a larger transformation in China's energy sector, with solar power playing an equally crucial role in the country's push toward sustainability. China's solar power generation has surpassed its wind and hydroelectric power generation to become the country's second-largest power generation source, with the installed capacity reaching 793 giga-watts by the end of October this year, according to official data. Much of this capacity is concentrated in China's eastern and western regions, where vast solar farms and distributed solar systems generate clean energy. "It is expected that the newly installed capacity of solar power generation will be about 250 million kilowatts in 2024, and the cumulative installed capacity of solar power generation is expected to exceed 850 million kilowatts, accounting for more than a quarter of the total installed capacity in the country," Yang Kun, executive vice chairman of China Electricity Council, told the China Media Group (CMG) China's rapid development of solar power capacity is complemented by investments in cutting-edge technologies to enhance efficiency and reliability, such as the 1-million-kilowatt integrated solar project in Hami, located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which combines photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal power generation. The Hami project, which commenced operations in December 2024, features China's largest "Linear Fresnel" concentrated solar power (CSP) demonstration, utilizing advanced technology that harnesses solar energy through reflection and refraction. With the integration of 260,000 sun-tracking mirrors, the project converts solar energy into stored thermal energy, enabling continuous power generation day and night, even after the sun sets. "The combination of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems allows for uninterrupted power generation around the clock, with photovoltaic energy during the day and solar thermal energy at night," explained Niu Jianle, the project manager. This dual system ensures reliable energy output and highlights the potential of integrating solar power with energy storage. Read more: One million-kilowatt integrated solar-thermal project begins operation in Xinjiang Solar thermal technology stabilizes energy output and enables flexible regulation, making it an essential tool for replacing traditional energy sources. Currently, more than 600 enterprises in China support the solar thermal sector, with improved domestic equipment helping to drive large-scale development of this renewable energy technology. As China advances its renewable energy capabilities, it also focuses on greening its logistics sector, a key component of the national economy. This includes adopting clean energy vehicles, such as hydrogen-powered trucks, and optimizing supply chains using digital technologies. Several key trends are driving the green transformation of China's logistics sector, according to the China Green Logistics Development Report (2023-2024) released this month by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP). One of the most significant developments is the rise of multimodal transport, which integrates road, rail and water transport to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. This approach is central to China's strategy for cutting the carbon footprint of its logistics sector while maintaining the efficiency of its vast supply chains. In addition to multimodal transport, the logistics sector is embracing digital technologies like artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These innovations streamline operations, reduce energy consumption, and boost overall efficiency. Alongside these technological advancements, China's logistics companies are also introducing recyclable packaging and biodegradable materials to minimize waste and further enhance sustainability. According to He Liming, head of the CFLP, intelligent warehousing systems and real-time data analytics are playing a key role in reducing waste and emissions. As a result, logistics operations are becoming increasingly environmentally friendly, fundamentally changing how goods are transported, stored and delivered. He highlighted the progress in clean energy and intelligent technologies that are shaping the green transformation of logistics. "In recent years, technologies like hydrogen fuel logistics vehicles and intelligent warehousing systems have made significant strides, creating new pathways for the industry's green shift," He noted. "Additionally, efforts are being made to promote sustainable materials and practices, such as recyclable packaging and biodegradable solutions, further reducing the carbon footprint of logistics operations."OUT with the old, in with the new . . . job, that is. The first two weeks of the new year see the annual January jobs spike, with employers reporting an average 80 per cent surge in applications. 3 The triple approach paid off when Chikondi Chamveka wanted to switch careers Credit: getty Fresh research from Career Wallet suggests that 19 per cent of staff plan to shift careers in 2025, driven by concerns about the long-term viability of the role they hold in their current industry. However, with vacancy numbers continuing to fall, competition for the best positions will be tough. So it pays to be prepared. Whether your New Year’s resolution is to follow a new employment path, climb the career ladder or simply get back into work, Sunemployment is here to support you each week with the best, free, expert advice. Today, we’ve teamed up with CV Builder to share their top tips for finding a new job in the New Year. READ MORE ON EMPLOYMENT BOSSING IT I've been offered a new sales job & am anxious about targets - what should I do? BOSSING IT I’m self-employed and love what I do - but how do I progress my career? UPDATE YOUR CV THE flair for writing one is to decide what to include — and what to leave out — for each individual role you apply for. Search cv-library.co.uk/career-advice/cv/cv-templates/ to find the template best suited to the relevant sector. TAILOR APPLICATIONS WHILE it might be easy to fire off the same CV for every job, it won’t improve your chances of landing an interview. Most read in Business ALL I WANT FOR BUSINESS From Boeing to Budget, test your knowledge with our festive quiz BOOZEY BET BrewDog founder James Watt reveals he played game of golf with MILLIONS at stake RATE EXPECTATIONS Bank of England divided over timing of interest rate cuts BANKS FOR NOTHING Wage surge dashes hopes for interest rate cuts as inflation fears grow Tailor yours, and cover letter if applicable, to reflect the skills and attributes the job advert asks for. It will take more time but return better results. Glasgow Tech Firm Axes 60 Employees Before Christmas TRANSFER TACTICS NO direct experience in the position you are applying for? Mention useful transferable skills such as communication, problem solving and adaptability, with examples, which can help fill any gaps in your skillset. This is essential to beat AI systems which sift applications to find the best match. HEADER HEROES MAKE sure your CV has clear headers outlining your key skills, career history and qualifications, but also make it personal. Avoid meaningless jargon and inject your own personality. GET YOURSELF FOUND UPLOAD your CV onto jobs boards and update your LinkedIn profile to help hiring managers discover you. GROW YOUR NETWORK MANY jobs never get to the stage of being advertised or available online, so knowing the right people is still vital. Connect with others you have worked with, join online discussions, attend relevant conferences and events and make the effort to meet like-minded professionals. Then keep those connections going. Check in, ask for advice, be helpful to others. Most people are happy to help if you ask in the right way. This might feel like a long game, but it can really pay off if you put the effort in. BOOST YOUR SKILLS EMPLOYERS love to see people who are taking an active role in their own career development, so invest in online courses and read up on your industry so you know the key trends and developments for 2025. VOLUNTEER IF you are out of work, volunteering can bring new experiences and skills, and will be viewed positively by prospective employers. DO YOUR RESEARCH WHETHER you are preparing for interview or writing your CV, find out all you can about the organisation you are applying to. Look at company websites, social media or LinkedIn. You can also ask an AI tool such as ChatGPT for a summary of financial reports or challenges facing the sector. But make sure you fact check that the answer is correct. PREP FOR INTERVIEWS THIS is your time to shine, so be sure to practise and prep properly. Research who you are meeting, understand the role and the industry and think about the questions you might be asked. Ensure you have a bank of really clear examples of work you have done, or situations you can reference, that help to showcase your expertise. For instance, be ready with examples of where you overcame a challenge but still delivered, or where you had to collaborate successfully with others. If you are doing a presentation or task in an interview, leave time to spell check and make it look polished. Silly mistakes can quickly undermine good work. The triple approach THE triple approach paid off when Chikondi Chamveka from Bristol wanted to launch a new career. She took action on three fronts – upskilling, volunteering and networking. The 28-year-old said: “If you want to find a new job for the new year, now is the time to start. Use the festive break to assess your skill set, then set about upskilling and retraining. “After relocating to the UK from Malawi, I discovered Click Start from the Institute of Coding, which helped me upskill and build my career. “The classes, employability workshops, and coaching sessions shaped my resume and prepared me for the workforce. I also took on two volunteer roles, attended networking events, and enrolled in the British Computer Society programme to enhance my digital skills and I now have a role as an insurance advisor with Lloyds Banking Group, one of the UK’s largest employers.” See instituteofcoding.org/campaign/click-start/ . Use time off wisely 3 LinkedIn career expert Zara Easton shares her advice STRUGGLNG to switch off over Christmas? Around half of UK workers will check in on work during their time off, but getting some downtime is essential if you’re ready to perform your best in the New Year. Here LinkedIn career expert Zara Easton shares her advice for a silent night or two away from work this Christmas holiday. She said: “It’s important to take breaks to avoid burnout at work. During the festive season, many of us will be looking forward to some well-earned time off to spend with family and friends. “However, it’s not always that simple. UK workers, particularly women, admit they feel the need to check in with work - even when they are on annual leave. It can be hard to switch off, but it’s very important for your mental health - and your career - to take this time away without feeling guilty or checking in.” lEnsure you leave a clear handover: Don’t overload teams with too much information, don’t offer a colleague’s help without running it by them first. lTell external clients and contacts who to contact: Craft a clear and concise OOO message and check it for typos, as it’s being broadcast to the outside world not just internally. lTurn off the tech: Switching off notifications on your workplace apps and email are a good way to enforce these boundaries for yourself. If you still feel tempted to check in, try deleting those apps from your phone. The additional effort you put into checking on work can help make you less likely to do it as frequently. lRediscover what energises you: Time off isn’t just an escape from work, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with yourself. Use your holiday to truly unplug – ditch the to-do lists and embrace activities that bring you energy. Explore nature, lose yourself in a good book, or spend quality time with family and friends. lLook to the future: By paying attention to what energises you, you will be reminded of what you need to prioritise to achieve a work-life balance, setting you up to be more productive and motivated on your return. Double holidays MAKE the most of your 2025 annual leave allowance. Research from Away Resorts claims most full-time workers can push up the average 28 days off to 60 days by booking certain key dates as holiday. In January, book 2nd and 3rd to take advantage of the New Year bank holiday. During April, take four days off in the two weeks either side of Easter. You will use up eight days of holiday but gain 16 days off. May has a double bank holiday but taking off four days on the week of the Early May bank holiday and the later Spring bank holiday will use up eight days of your leave allowance but you’ll enjoy 18 days away from work. August bank holiday is on the 25th, so taking holiday from 26th to 29th gets you nine days off. Next Christmas falls on a Thursday, so book 22nd to 24th then 29th to 31st off, to ensure a fortnight’s festive holiday. Who's top dog? 3 You can take part in Interaction's competition to find Britain’s Best Office Dog IS your office pooch top dog? Workplace design company Interaction has launched a competition to find Britain’s Best Office Dog. The firm is inviting dog owners to nominate their canine colleagues and share a photo of their pets at work, to highlight the important role that dogs play in workplace wellbeing. In the UK, households bought 3.2 million pets in lockdown and by supporting dog-friendly policies, companies can encourage these employees back into the office, while also reducing stress and improving engagement. Read more on the Scottish Sun CHRISTMAS MIRACLES Christmas baby joy for Scots parents as little ones begin arriving EDGE OF THE WORLD Inside the remote Scots golf club dubbed 'the world's loneliest course' The company will crown a monthly winner throughout 2025 and the overall winner will be named next December and will clinch a luxurious two-night stay at one of Britain’s finest canine-friendly hotels. Enter at interaction.uk.com/enter-britains-best-office-dog . Job spot Caremark is recruiting for care assistants and care managers nationally. Search at caremark.co.uk/careers/ Applications are open for the Govia Thameslink engineering apprenticeship scheme. You need to apply before Jan 1, 2025. Find out more at gtrailwaycareers.com/jobs/apprenticeships/
Bank of America Announces Full Redemption of Its Series MM Preferred Stock and Related Depositary SharesUS equity markets dipped fell on Thursday, with the Nasdaq retreating below 20,000 following a US inflation report that topped expectations. US wholesale inflation came in at 0.4 percent last month, seasonally adjusted, up from 0.3 percent in October and higher than projected. Despite the inflation report, markets continued to bet that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates later this month. "Right now we're seeing profit-taking after a big day," said Sam Burns, chief strategist at Mill Street Research, who viewed the inflation report as unlikely to shift the Fed's thinking. The Nasdaq Composite Index, which closed above 20,000 for the first time on Wednesday, dropped 0.7 percent to 19,902.84. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.5 percent to 43,914.12, while the S&P 500 also shed 0.5 percent to 6,051.25. US stock indices have scored repeat records since Donald Trump won the November 5 presidential election. The Republican took a victory lap on Thursday morning, ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Among individual companies, Adobe tumbled 13.7 percent on disappointment over the software giant's forecast for next year. But Warner Bros. Discovery surged 15.4 percent as it announced a reorganization, with one major division focused on operating television networks and the other focused on streaming and movie studios. (AFP)British distorted history to rule Indians: BhagwatPALO ALTO, Calif. (AP) — PALO ALTO, Calif. (AP) — Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) on Thursday reported fiscal fourth-quarter net income of $4.32 billion. On a per-share basis, the Palo Alto, California-based company said it had net income of 90 cents. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, were $1.42 per share. The results beat Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of 12 analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $1.39 per share. The chipmaker posted revenue of $14.05 billion in the period, which did not meet Street forecasts. Ten analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $14.06 billion. For the year, the company reported profit of $5.9 billion, or $1.23 per share. Revenue was reported as $51.57 billion. For the current quarter ending in January, Broadcom Inc. said it expects revenue in the range of $14.6 billion. Broadcom Inc. shares have climbed 62% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P's 500 index has risen 27%. In the final minutes of trading on Thursday, shares hit $180.66, a rise of 68% in the last 12 months. This story was generated by Automated Insights ( http://automatedinsights.com/ap ) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on AVGO at https://www.zacks.com/ap/AVGO
Drop in Boxing Day footfall ‘signals return to declining pre-pandemic levels’
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term, his approach to technology policy is becoming clearer, with significant implications for major tech companies and apps used daily by millions. Trump has long promised to crack down on big tech companies, filling his staff with individuals who share this vision. However, in recent weeks, Trump has been building relationships with industry leaders he has criticized for years. His inaugural fund has received million-dollar donations from Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, Jeff Bezos’ Amazon and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Elon Musk of X has even referred to himself as Trump’s “first buddy.” “I want to get ideas from them. Look, we want them to do well,” Trump said, indicating a willingness to engage with tech giants. Tech companies, particularly social media platforms, are aware of the potential challenges ahead. Trump has accused them of censoring conservative speech, and concerns over privacy and child safety are bipartisan issues in Congress. Scrutiny of the tech industry is expected to intensify. Brendan Carr, Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Communications Commission, has expressed a desire to change how the FCC operates. “For too long, you know, Republicans just sat by and said if a large corporation wants to do something, who are we to stand in the way? And Democrats said, well, they’re ideologically aligned with us, we’ll let them get away with it. I think that era is over,” Carr said. Carr has advocated for making it easier to sue social media companies over content moderation, a move platforms argue could force them to either moderate nothing or everything, drastically altering the internet landscape. TikTok also faces uncertainty, with its future in the U.S. potentially hinging on a Supreme Court decision unless President Joe Biden delays its sale deadline from its Chinese parent company. Trump has hinted at a possible reprieve, saying, “You know I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok because I won youth by 34 points and there are those that say that TikTok has something to do with that.” Google and Apple are also under scrutiny, with Gail Slater nominated to lead the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. Slater is expected to continue ongoing cases against these companies, which the DOJ claims engage in anti-competitive practices. When nominating Slater, Trump said, “Big Tech has run wild for years, stifling competition in our most innovative sector and, as we all know, using its market power to crack down on the rights of so many Americans, as well as those of Little Tech!” As Trump’s administration takes shape, the tech industry is left to wonder whether he will follow through on his plans to crack down on big tech or if collaboration with top executives will prevail.Overhauls of 'heritage brands' raise the question: How important are our products to our identities?
BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — Adam Jones ran for 197 yards and two touchdowns and Montana State ran over Montana 34-11 on Saturday to reclaim the Brawl of the Wild trophy. The Bobcats (12-0, 8-0 Big Sky Conference) wrapped up the 123rd meeting in this rivalry with 420 yards, 326 on the ground. Montana State capped its first unbeaten season and can match the school record for consecutive wins with a playoff win in two weeks. The Bobcats, ranked second in the FCS coaches poll, should be the top seed in the playoffs after top-ranked North Dakota State lost its finale to fifth-ranked South Dakota. Montana (8-4, 5-3), ranked 10th, is expected to add to its record 27 FCS playoff appearances but will not have a first-round bye in the 24-team bracket. Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott was 6-of-12 passing for 94 yards with a touchdown in poor conditions and added 50 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He has helped the Bobcats score at least 30 points in every game this season Mellott had a 5-yard touchdown run on MSU’s first possession and Mellott found Jones for a 35-yard touchdown early in the second quarter for a 14-3 lead. Myles Sansted had two field goals in the final two minutes, including a 49-yarder as time expired for a 20-3 halftime lead. Jones dominated the second half and scored two short touchdowns. Eli Gillman scored on a 1-yard run for Montana’s touchdown between the Jones’ touchdowns. The Grizzlies had just 234 yards and went 2 of 12 on third down. ___ AP college football: and . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter:Call the Midwife has made a triumphant return to our screens with a gripping double-bill festive special. Here's what fans can look forward to in the upcoming series. Following an emotional Christmas special set against the backdrop of 1969, Call the Midwife is back on BBC One for its 14th season. The show's social media channels have teased fans with a glimpse of a crucial scene. The caption accompanying the sneak peek alluded to a significant plot development, stating: "The end is approaching... With all this talk of endings, we thought we'd share a little technical detail from this behind-scenes picture of Zephryn Taitte (Cyril), as he completes a close up for an important [season 14] scene." Production has officially concluded, with a celebratory image featuring Stephen McGann (Dr Turner) and Natalie Quarry (Nurse Clifford) alongside a clapperboard signalling the wrap of filming. The update shared: "We have just received this traditional 'end slate' clapperboard shot from the set of Call the Midwife, where the very final scene of Series 14 has just been filmed! ! This year it was the turn of Stephen McGann and Natalie Quarry to bring the filming to a close with a VERY emotional story.." Audiences are left in suspense about what the new series holds, but here's when they can start watching. Call the Midwife season 14 is set to premiere on Sunday, January 5 on BBC One at 8pm. The eight-part series unveils its opening tale in the pivotal year of 1970, where we find the team uniting to support a teenage girl facing an unexpected pregnancy amid her parents' staunch belief in immaculate conception. The narrative declares, "Demonstrations cause havoc for the Nonnatus team, whilst Nancy's relationship blossoms." In a special holiday instalment, Nancy finds herself aiding a charming gentleman in desperate need of Dr Turner's medical acumen, which leads to an invitation for an evening out. Initially, she declines the offer of a date, yet a chance encounter at the Nonnatus House festive choir performance hints that sparks may fly after all. The cherished ensemble cast is gearing up for their return, featuring Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne, Linda Bassett portraying Nurse Phyllis Crane, with Judy Parfitt in the role of Sister Monica Joan. Adding to this star-studded lineup, Helen George will continue as the beloved Trixie Franklin, Laura Main as Shelagh Turner, and Georgie Glen as the steadfast Miss Higgins.
Victor Wembanyama Injury Status – Spurs vs. Pelicans Injury Report December 8Bitcoin is booming. From ETFs to crypto-linked stocks, here are 3 ways to join the rally.
