Victoria Liu: Pioneering the Future of Finance Through Extraordinary Insight and Innovation

Grey Market Labs announces $8M Series A funding led by Capri Ventures to accelerate growth of its Replica Platform - First of its kind "Secure Environment as a Service"

Sena(UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, first to contest any election from the Thackeray clan, retained his Worli seat in the 2024 Maharashtra polls. (PTI) Son of former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya had won the Worli seat in the 2019 assembly polls as well, with 69 per cent votes, defeating NCP's Suresh Mane. (PTI) Also coming from a known political family like Aaditya Thackeray, Milind Deora, son of Congress veteran Murli Deora, lost Worli by a margin of 8,801 votes. (ANI) Son of MNS founder Raj Thackeray and Aaditya's cousin, Amit Thackeray, lost the Mahim assembly seat with a significant margin of 17,151 votes.(Hindustan Times) Amit Thackeray has largely been away from the limelight, however, his entry into the realm of politics was seen as a move to maintain his father, Raj Thackeray's legacy.(Raju Shinde/HT Photo) Sena (UBT) candidate Mahesh Baliram Sawant, who replaced Sada Sarvankar, defeated MNS's Amit Thackeray by securing 50,213 votes. (ANI)

Trump raced to pick many Cabinet posts. He took more time to settle on a treasury secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump launched a blitz of picks for his Cabinet, but he took his time settling on billionaire investor Scott Bessent as his choice for treasury secretary. The Republican not only wanted someone who jibes with him, but an official who can execute his economic vision and look straight out of central casting while doing so. With his Yale University education and pedigree trading for Soros Fund Management before establishing his own funds, Bessent will be tasked with a delicate balancing act. Trump expects him to help reset the global trade order, enable trillions of dollars in tax cuts, ensure inflation stays in check, manage a ballooning national debt and still keep the financial markets confident. Trump chooses Bessent to be treasury secretary, Vought as budget chief, Chavez-DeRemer for Labor WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has chosen hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, an advocate for deficit reduction, to serve as his next treasury secretary. Bessent, 62, is founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management. He previously had worked on and off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. Trump also said he would nominate Russell Vought, 48, to lead the Office of Management and Budget, a position he held during Trump's first term. And Trump chose Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, an Oregon Republican, as his labor secretary, and Scott Turner, a former football player who worked in Trump’s first administration, as his housing secretary. Afraid of losing the US-Canada trade pact, Mexico alters its laws and removes Chinese parts MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico has been taking a bashing for allegedly serving as a conduit for Chinese parts and products into North America. Officials here are terrified that a re-elected Donald Trump or politically struggling Justin Trudeau could simply expel their country from the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement. Mexico's ruling Morena party is so afraid its has gone on a campaign to get companies to replace Chinese parts with locally made ones. And its legislators are consciously tweaking the wording of major laws to try to make them compatible with the trade pact's language. Mexico hopes the rules of the trade pact would prevent the U.S. or Canada from simply walking away. US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems? DALLAS (AP) — Delta and United Airlines have become the most profitable U.S. airlines by targeting premium customers while also winning a significant share of budget travelers. That is squeezing smaller low-fare carriers like Spirit Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday. Some travel industry experts think Spirit’s troubles indicate less-wealthy passengers will have fewer choices and higher prices. Other discount airlines are on better financial footing but also are lagging far behind the full-service airlines when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Most industry experts think Frontier and other so-called ultra-low-cost carriers will fill the vacuum if Spirit shrinks, and that there's still plenty of competition to prevent prices from spiking. What to know about Scott Bessent, Trump's pick for treasury secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has chosen money manager Scott Bessent, an advocate for deficit reduction and deregulation, to serve as his next treasury secretary. Bessent is a past supporter of Democrats who has become an enthusiastic supporter of Trump. He’s an advocate of cutting spending while extending the tax cuts approved by Congress in Trump’s first term. He has said tariffs imposed during a second Trump administration would be directed primarily at China. What to know about Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump's pick for labor secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has named Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer to lead the Department of Labor, elevating a Republican congresswoman who has strong support from unions in her district but lost reelection in November. Chavez-DeRemer has a legislative record that has drawn plaudits from unions, but organized labor leaders remain skeptical about Trump's agenda for workers. Trump, in general, has not supported policies that make it easier for workers to organize. Chavez-DeRemer is a one-term congresswoman, having lost reelection in her competitive Oregon district earlier this month. She joins Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio, the Florida senator, as the second Latino pick for Trump’s second Cabinet. Trump taps a Fox News personality, a surgeon and a former Congressman to lead public health agencies WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has nominated a critic of COVID-19 health measures to lead the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Marty Makary came to national attention for opposing mask mandates and other steps during the pandemic. He is a surgeon, author and professor at Johns Hopkins University. Makary is the latest of a string of Trump nominees who are deeply critical of government health regulators and experts. If confirmed, Makary would be expected to report to anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s pick to oversee the nation’s health agencies. Bitcoin ticks closer to $100,000 in extended surge following US elections NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin is jumping again, setting another new high above $99,000. The cryptocurrency has been shattering records almost daily since the U.S. presidential election, and has rocketed more than 40% higher in just two weeks. It's now at the doorstep of $100,000. Cryptocurrencies and related investments like crypto exchange-traded funds have rallied because the incoming Trump administration is expected to be more “crypto-friendly.” Still, as with everything in the volatile cryptoverse, the future is hard to predict. And while some are bullish, other experts continue to warn of investment risks. Supreme Court steps into fight over FCC's $8 billion subsidies for internet and phone services WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has stepped into a major legal fight over the $8 billion a year the federal government spends to subsidize phone and internet services in schools, libraries and rural areas, in a new test of federal regulatory power. The justices on Friday agreed to review an appellate ruling that struck down as unconstitutional the Universal Service Fund. The Federal Communications Commission collects money from telecommunications providers, who then pass the cost on to their customers. The Biden administration appealed the lower court ruling, but the case probably won’t be argued until late March. At that point, the Trump administration will be in place and it is not clear whether it will take a different view of the issue. Charlotte airport workers voting on whether to strike during busy Thanksgiving travel week CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Service workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport are voting on whether to go on a 24-hour strike around Thanksgiving amid complaints about low wages and poor working conditions. The vote is being taken by employees of two airport contractors who provide cabin cleaning services, trash removal and other services. The airport expects over 1 million passengers to depart from it the weekend before the holiday. The date of the proposed strike has not been announced.

Young Republican and Democratic Lawmakers and Activists Receive Political Bridge-Building AwardNone

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Young Republican and Democratic Lawmakers and Activists Receive Political Bridge-Building Award

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REDMOND, Ore., Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Expion360 Inc. (Nasdaq: XPON) (“Expion360” or the “Company”), an industry leader in lithium-ion battery power storage solutions, announced today the resignation of Greg Aydelott, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective December 31, 2024, due to family health concerns. Mr. Aydelott intends to remain available to the Company on an ongoing basis as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition. The Company’s Board of Directors has appointed the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Brian Schaffner, as interim Chief Financial Officer, and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, effective December 31, 2024, and is conducting a search process to identify a new CFO. Mr. Schaffner previously served as the CFO of Expion360 from March 2021 through January 2023. “On behalf of our Board of Directors, leadership team and employees, I would like to thank Greg for his outstanding service and commitment over the past three years," said Mr. Schaffner. "He has made significant contributions to Expion360’s success, including managing our growth, strengthening our balance sheet, enhancing our planning and budgeting process, and overseeing investments in new technologies and batteries.” “This has been an incredible journey with talented people, and it has been a privilege to help lead this passionate team,” said Mr. Aydelott. “I look forward to following the success of Expion360 for years to come.” About Expion360 Expion360 is an industry leader in premium lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries and accessories for recreational vehicles and marine applications, with residential and industrial applications under development. On December 19, 2023, the Company announced its entrance into the home energy storage market with the introduction of two premium LiFePO4 battery storage systems that enable residential and small business customers to create their own stable micro-energy grid and lessen the impact of increasing power fluctuations and outages. The Company’s lithium-ion batteries feature half the weight of standard lead-acid batteries while delivering three times the power and ten times the number of charging cycles. Expion360 batteries also feature better construction and reliability compared to other lithium-ion batteries on the market due to their superior design and quality materials. Specially reinforced, fiberglass-infused, premium ABS and solid mechanical connections help provide top performance and safety. With Expion360 batteries, adventurers can enjoy the most beautiful and remote places on Earth even longer. The Company is headquartered in Redmond, Oregon. Expion360 lithium-ion batteries are available today through more than 300 dealers, wholesalers, private-label customers, and OEMs across the country. To learn more about the Company, visit expion360.com . Forward-Looking Statements and Safe Harbor Notice This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which statements are subject to considerable risks and uncertainties. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are "forward-looking statements" and should be evaluated as such. Examples of such forward-looking statements include statements that use forward-looking words such as "projected," "expect," "possibility,” “believe,” “aim,” “goal,” “plan,” and "anticipate," or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements included in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected timing and impact of the executive transition, including Mr. Aydelott’s continuing role as a consultant to the Company, and the Company’s ability to build on its momentum and achieve its financial and strategic objectives. Forward-looking statements are subject to and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements predicted, assumed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Company Contact: Brian Schaffner, CEO 541-797-6714 Email Contact External Investor Relations: Chris Tyson, Executive Vice President MZ Group - MZ North America 949-491-8235 XPON@mzgroup.us www.mzgroup.usNo. 25 Illinois' TD with four seconds left upends Rutgers

NoneBy Brad Lendon , CNN Analysis - Russia's use of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile this week is the latest escalation in the Ukraine war. It also marks a decisive, and potentially dangerous moment in Moscow's conflict with the West. The use of what Vladimir Putin said was a ballistic missile with multiple warheads in offensive combat is a clear departure from decades of the Cold War doctrine of deterrence. Ballistic missiles with multiple warheads, known as "multiple independently targeted reentry vehicles", or MIRVs, have never been used to strike an enemy, experts say. "To my knowledge, yes, it's the first time MIRV has been used in combat," Hans Kristensen, the director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists, said. Ballistic missiles have been the underpinning of deterrence, offering what is known as "mutual assured destruction", or MAD, in the nuclear age. The thinking is, if even a few missiles survive a nuclear first strike, there will be enough firepower left in the opponent's arsenal to wipe out several major cities of the aggressor, therefore ensuring neither side is unable to escape the consequences of nuclear actions. In that vein, ballistic missiles were designed to stand sentinel over a future where nuclear arms would never again be fired in anger. But analysts, including Kristensen, argue that MIRVed missiles may invite, rather than deter, a first strike. The highly destructive capacity of MIRVs means that they are both potential first-strike weapons and first-strike targets, Kristensen and colleague Matt Korda at the Federation of American Scientists wrote in a study published in March. That is because it is easier to destroy multiple warheads before they are launched, than try to shoot them down as they are dropping at hypersonic speed on their targets. And according to a recent posting from the Union of Concerned Scientists, a US-based nonprofit science advocacy organisation, this creates a "use them or lose them" type scenario - an incentive to strike first in a time of crisis. "Otherwise, a first strike attack that destroyed a country's MIRVed missiles would disproportionately damage that country's ability to retaliate," said the posting. Videos of Thursday's Russian strike showed the multiple warheads falling at different angles on the target, and each warhead would need to be defeated with an anti-missile rocket, a daunting prospect even for the best air defense systems. And while the warheads dropped on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Thursday were not nuclear, their use in conventional combat operations is certain to raise new uncertainty in a world already on edge. Importantly, Russia alerted the United States to the use of the missile fired Thursday beforehand. But even with that advanced warning, any further launches by Putin's regime will now inevitably ratchet up fears across Europe, with many asking the question: Has deterrence just died? The world MIRVs It is not only Russia and the United States that have MIRV technology. China has it on its intercontinental ballistic missiles, according to the Center for Arms Control and Non-proliferation, and the United Kingdom and France, along with Russia and the US, have long had MIRV technology on their submarine-launched ballistic missiles. And there are new players in the MIRV game, too. Pakistan reportedly tested a missile with multiple warheads in 2017, and earlier this year India said it had successfully tested a MIRVed ICBM. Analysts worry about land-based MIRVs more than those on subs. That is because subs are stealthy and hard to detect. Land-based missiles, especially those in stationary silos, are more easily found and therefore are more tempting targets. In their March report, Kristensen and Korda wrote about the perils of the expanding MIRV club, calling it "a sign of a larger worrisome trend in worldwide nuclear arsenals" and an "emerging nuclear arms race". India proclaimed MIRV success during a test the same month was just one warning sign, they wrote. "It follows China's deployment of MIRVs on some of its DF-5 ICBMs, Pakistan's apparent pursuit of MIRVs for its Ababeel medium-range missile, North Korea may also be pursuing MIRV technology, and the United Kingdom has decided to increase its nuclear stockpile to enable it to deploy more warheads on its submarine-launched missiles," Kristensen and Korda wrote. They argue that more MIRV warheads in a range of county's arsenals "would dramatically reduce crisis stability by incentivizing leaders to launch their nuclear weapons quickly in a crisis". "A world in which nearly all nuclear-armed countries deploy significant MIRV capability looks far more dangerous than our current geostrategic environment," they said. - CNN

As they traverse their financial paths, affluent people actively seek out the best private wealth management possibilities and tools because they have high aspirations for both them and their wealth. However, their wealth managers typically provide this group with the typical financial advisory expertise. Approximately 46% of wealthy respondents stated that wealth management companies do not provide them with value-added services, and nearly one-third thought that robo-advisory services did not adequately address their inquiries. They genuinely want individualized assistance in making investment choices, to be involved and informed about value-added solutions, and to have someone who can respond to inquiries that a pure-tech model cannot. With DBS Treasures Private Client, DBS Bank has accelerated the wealth path of prosperous professionals and entrepreneurs around the region by utilizing this physical method to uncover opportunities and technologies that were previously exclusive to ultra-high net worth clients. Additionally, customers can effortlessly switch to the bank’s upscale private wealth management services when the time comes. About 2,000 clients have migrated up the wealth continuum over the last two to three years, from the DBS Treasures Singapore platform, which has an investible asset minimum of S$350,000 (US$257,011), to the Treasures Private Client platform, which has an investible asset minimum of S$1.5 million (US$1.1 million). Accelerate Your Path to Wealth DBS Treasures uses machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to deliver timely, personalized advice and services that align with their clients’ personal and financial objectives. From hedge fund investments and structured securities to international property finance options and estate planning, these include a range of alternatives intended to assist them in producing returns in accordance with their risk tolerance. In order to create robust portfolios with a mix of stability and growth, clients can also take advantage of the bank’s in-house wealth management solutions, which are founded on a “Core-Satellite” methodology. Along with other assets to spread and efficiently manage risk, the core component is made up of a diverse mix of asset classes, such as bonds for steady cash flow and stocks for possible high returns. The satellite component, meanwhile, provides the adaptability to seize transient market opportunities and raise total investment returns. Under the Core-Satellite concept, the bank uses a variety of investing methods aimed at improving the resilience of a portfolio. By making significant investments in assets at both extremes of the risk spectrum, the Barbell strategy, for example, aims to strike a balance between risk and profit. Another approach called I.D.E.A., which is divided into Innovators, Disruptors, Enablers, and Adapters, seeks to pinpoint industries and businesses that are most likely to succeed in the digital economy. Additionally, the Wealth Management Account allows clients to easily examine and manage their portfolios, trade stocks, buy funds (including those that are only accessible to accredited investors), and conduct foreign currency operations. They also have prompt access to expert views and well-chosen investment ideas. Always put safety first. The wealthy investors of today don’t mind taking chances, but in a world that is unpredictable and always changing, protecting one’s fortune is just as crucial as increasing it. DBS Treasures is supported by the globally recognized strength of the DBS Group, which has been rated Aa1 by Moody’s and AA- by S&P Global Ratings. Among other honours, DBS has been named Asia’s Best Bank for Wealth Management by Euromoney and the World’s Best Bank and Safest Bank in Asia by Global Finance for 15 consecutive years. Having Access to a Worldwide Network In a more unstable global environment, diversity has gained more attention as a strategy for generating profits and reducing risk. In order to better diversify their portfolios, wealthy investors are increasingly looking for access to markets outside of their native countries. Many DBS Treasures clients will eventually reach a point where they are prepared to start a new chapter with DBS Treasures Private Client and the capabilities provided on that higher platform as their wealth increases. This change can be made by clients without affecting their experience.