Rutgers had no answer for Princeton’s size in a 66-49 loss to its in-state rival on Sunday afternoon at Jersey Mike’s Arena. The Tigers dominated in the paint early and often —outrebounding the Scarlet Knights 10-0 in the opening minutes — an uncharacteristic start for a Rutgers team averaging 44.8 rebounds per game. Princeton went on to outrebound the Scarlet Knights, 46-33, and scored 36 points in the paint. “I think their size definitely gave us some problems, especially with the trio of Parker [Hill], Fadima [Tall] and Tabitha [Amanze],” Rutgers coach Coquese Washington said. “Their size gave us problems and we really just weren’t able to figure that out.” The Tigers held Rutgers star Destiny Adams, who averages 21.7 points and 12 rebounds per game, to just four points and 10 boards. “They did a good job of taking Destiny away,” Washington said. “She is a dynamic player and she had to play in a crowd all night tonight and we just never could quite get into a rhythm offensively — especially in the half court — because they did a good job of taking Destiny out of the game.” Freshman guard Kiyomi McMiller led Rutgers with 27 points and two assists. She had 14 points in the first half. “Kiyomi is a fantastic offensive player and she is really good at getting her own shot and creating space from her defenders,” Washington said. “We just needed to have more of a rhythm and flow on offense. We have had that in the past and we just didn’t have that tonight.” Ashley Chea led Princeton (4-2) with 20 points and nine rebounds. Skye Belker had 13 points and Tall added 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Scarlet Knights picked up their first loss of the season at Virginia Tech last Thursday, falling to the Hokies, 91-80. McMiller led Rutgers with 24 points. Rutgers (4-2) hosts Marquette and Georgia Southern in the Battle on the Banks Thanksgiving tournament this weekend. MORE RUTGERS COVERAGE Rutgers player grades vs. Kennesaw State: Ace Bailey struggles in homecoming as RU suffers 1st loss Rutgers wanted a homecoming for Ace Bailey. Kennesaw State gave them a humbling defeat. Breaking down Rutgers’ bowl scenarios after losing golden opportunity vs. Illinois Rutgers Rant: How did Rutgers lose that game to Illinois? Making sense of stunning last-second loss Where does Illinois stunner rank among Rutgers football’s most painful losses this century? Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Joey Chandler may be reached at jchandler@njadvancemedia.comNephew only wants to play video games on vacation567bets.com 。

Walmart’s Bold Move into Gaming! Can Retail Thrive in the Virtual World?Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s social media post about his government’s upcoming GST tax break on groceries is not sitting well with many Canadians. “In under two weeks, you’ll be paying less for groceries at the register,” stated Trudeau in an X post on Thursday. “Canadians are getting a tax break — starting December 14.” will make December 14, 2024, and February 15, 2025. Some highlights from the list of products eligible for the tax exemption include various food items, beer and wine, restaurant meals (dine-in, take-out, or delivery), essential childcare items, and even Christmas trees. However, Canadians reacted to Trudeau’s post by noting that many “basic” groceries in Canada, such as fresh, frozen, canned, and vacuum-sealed fruits and vegetables, breakfast cereals, most milk products, fresh meat, poultry and fish, and eggs, . X even tacked on a community note to Trudeau’s post, highlighting that readers “added context” to his message, pointing out that “most groceries are already exempt of GST.” The GST break will cover other food items like candy, snacks (potato chips and popcorn), cakes, and prepared foods. A full list can be found . “Most groceries are already exempt from GST, so there’s little benefit,” stated one person. “Canadians are struggling and hungry and your response is to give a GST break on beer, junk food, and take out...things Canadians can’t afford,” wrote another. “Basic groceries aren’t taxed... this means nothing,” said one commenter. Another person said they didn’t want a tax break on “Doritos or junk food.” Others commented that they wouldn’t be saving much on their grocery bills with the new exemption. While some Canadians aren’t buying into Trudeau’s tax holiday, they’ll likely not be pleased that they will be paying more for groceries next year. According to the recently released (CFRP), overall food prices will increase by 3% to 5%, with the average family of four expected to spend $16,833.67 in 2025 — an increase of up to $801.56 from last year. The most significant price increases are from 4% to 6% in categories such as bakery, dairy, meat, restaurants, and vegetables.New York Giants star rookie wideout Malik Nabers (toe) missed practice Thursday and termed himself a game-day decision. He also is unsure if he will be able to participate on Friday. The Giants host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. "I'm hoping so, it all depends on how it feels tomorrow, that's really it," Nabers said Thursday. Nabers, 21, has been one of the few bright spots for the Giants and leads the team with 97 receptions for 969 yards and four touchdown catches in 13 games (12 starts). Selected sixth overall out of LSU, Nabers has caught 10 or more passes on three occasions but has just one touchdown catch over the past 10 games. Though the Giants (2-13) are mired in a franchise-worst 10-game losing streak, Nabers isn't down about the situation. "We're happy where we're at," Nabers said. "Continue to grow every day. A lot of things to fix, a lot of things we can look back on in our rookie year and continue to try to get better for next year." In addition to Nabers, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle), center John Michael Schmitz (ankle), linebacker Micah McFadden (neck), cornerbacks Greg Stroman (shoulder/shin) and Dee Williams (toe) and safety Raheem Layne (knee) sat out practice Thursday. Quarterback Drew Lock (right shoulder) was a limited participant. --Field Level Media

NoneBarclays PLC increased its position in shares of Semrush Holdings, Inc. ( NASDAQ:SEMR – Free Report ) by 115.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 102,407 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 54,830 shares during the period. Barclays PLC’s holdings in Semrush were worth $1,609,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of SEMR. FMR LLC increased its holdings in shares of Semrush by 19.4% during the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 2,876,365 shares of the company’s stock worth $45,188,000 after buying an additional 467,517 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC purchased a new position in Semrush in the second quarter worth approximately $3,732,000. Federated Hermes Inc. increased its stake in Semrush by 385.0% during the second quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 297,311 shares of the company’s stock worth $3,981,000 after acquiring an additional 236,010 shares during the last quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC purchased a new stake in Semrush in the second quarter valued at $3,006,000. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its stake in shares of Semrush by 69.5% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 532,702 shares of the company’s stock valued at $7,132,000 after purchasing an additional 218,488 shares during the last quarter. 32.86% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Insider Buying and Selling In other Semrush news, Director Mark Vranesh sold 7,500 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.51, for a total transaction of $116,325.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 113,731 shares in the company, valued at $1,763,967.81. This represents a 6.19 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link . Also, CEO Oleg Shchegolev sold 8,964 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $14.14, for a total value of $126,750.96. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 4,378,823 shares in the company, valued at $61,916,557.22. This represents a 0.20 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders have sold a total of 249,523 shares of company stock valued at $3,255,887 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 57.83% of the company’s stock. Semrush Stock Performance Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts recently issued reports on SEMR shares. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on shares of Semrush from $14.00 to $16.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Monday, October 7th. KeyCorp boosted their price target on shares of Semrush from $19.00 to $21.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Semrush from $16.00 to $17.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 2nd. Finally, Needham & Company LLC reissued a “buy” rating and issued a $18.00 target price on shares of Semrush in a research report on Monday, November 11th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $16.50. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on SEMR Semrush Profile ( Free Report ) Semrush Holdings, Inc develops an online visibility management software-as-a-service platform in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company enables companies to identify and reach the right audience for their content through the right channels. Its platform enables the company's customers to understand trends and act upon insights to enhance the online visibility, and drive traffic to their websites and social media pages, as well as online listings, distribute targeted content to their customers, and measure the digital marketing campaigns. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SEMR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Semrush Holdings, Inc. ( NASDAQ:SEMR – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Semrush Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Semrush and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Cable One Declares Quarterly DividendFort Hill, Bridgeport to play in 2025-26

The outspoken Australian is set to make his comeback in Brisbane following knee and wrist surgeries. Nick Kyrgios has described Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek’s positive doping tests as “disgusting” ahead of his return to tennis. The controversial Australian has played only one match in more than two years because of injury but that has not stopped him being an outspoken presence on social media during a difficult few months for the sport. First it was announced in August that Sinner had failed two doping tests in March but was cleared of fault, while in November Swiatek was handed a one-month ban for a failed test caused by contaminated medication. Kyrgios has been particularly vociferous in his criticism of Sinner, who could yet face a ban after the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the finding of no fault or negligence in his case. At a press conference ahead of the Brisbane International, Kyrgios told reporters: “I have to be outspoken about it because I don’t think there’s enough people that are speaking about it. I think people are trying to sweep it under the rug. “I just think that it’s been handled horrifically in our sport. Two world number ones both getting done for doping is disgusting for our sport. It’s a horrible look. “The tennis integrity right now – and everyone knows it, but no one wants to speak about it – it’s awful. It’s actually awful. And it’s not OK.” Kyrgios initially underwent knee surgery in January 2023, returning to action in June of that year, but he played only one match before pulling out of Wimbledon due to a torn ligament in his right wrist. He has not played a competitive match since, and it appeared doubtful that he would be able to return, but the 29-year-old will make his comeback in Brisbane this week. Kyrgios will take on France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in singles, while he will also team up with Novak Djokovic in a blockbuster doubles pairing. “It’s good to be back,” said Kyrgios. “I honestly never thought I’d be back playing at this level. Even entering an event like this, preparing, doing all the right things. “I’m really excited to just go out there and play, just play tennis. I saw Novak in the gym, playing doubles with him, a lot to be excited about that I’m able to get out there and compete again.” Asked whether he could get back to the same level that saw him reach the Wimbledon final in 2022, Kyrgios said: “I still believe I can, whether or not that’s factual or not. There was another player who was like, ‘You have to be realistic’. That’s not how I am. I always back my ability.” The new tennis season is already under way, with the United Cup team event beginning on Friday. Great Britain, who are weakened by the absence of Jack Draper through injury, begin their campaign against Argentina in Sydney on Monday before facing hosts Australia on Wednesday. That could pit Katie Boulter against fiance Alex De Minaur, with the pair having announced their engagement last week. “Obviously some incredible news from our side, but I think we kind of wanted it to die down a little bit before matches started,” said Boulter of the timing. “My private life is out in the public a little bit at the moment. But, in terms of the stuff that I’m doing on the court, I’ll be doing the best I can every single day to stay in my own little bubble.” Billy Harris has taken Draper’s place, with the British number one facing a race against time to be fit for the Australian Open because of a hip problem. Emma Raducanu is the sixth seed at the ASB Classic in Auckland and will begin her season with a match against Robin Montgomery, while Cameron Norrie takes on another American, Learner Tien, at the Hong Kong Open.Health Catalyst, Inc. ( NASDAQ:HCAT – Get Free Report ) Director Duncan Gallagher sold 4,500 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.98, for a total transaction of $31,410.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 74,438 shares in the company, valued at $519,577.24. The trade was a 5.70 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link . Health Catalyst Trading Down 0.1 % Shares of HCAT opened at $7.08 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $430.80 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -5.24 and a beta of 1.31. Health Catalyst, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $5.42 and a fifty-two week high of $11.41. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $7.96 and a 200-day moving average price of $7.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 1.41 and a current ratio of 1.41. Health Catalyst ( NASDAQ:HCAT – Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 6th. The company reported $0.07 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.10 by ($0.03). The company had revenue of $76.40 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $76.27 million. Health Catalyst had a negative return on equity of 7.51% and a negative net margin of 26.20%. The business’s quarterly revenue was up 3.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business earned ($0.22) earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Health Catalyst, Inc. will post -0.33 earnings per share for the current year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades View Our Latest Stock Analysis on HCAT Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its stake in Health Catalyst by 6.9% during the second quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 29,469 shares of the company’s stock valued at $188,000 after acquiring an additional 1,907 shares in the last quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Health Catalyst by 21.3% during the third quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 11,764 shares of the company’s stock valued at $96,000 after buying an additional 2,064 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company raised its holdings in shares of Health Catalyst by 10.3% in the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 23,162 shares of the company’s stock valued at $148,000 after purchasing an additional 2,164 shares in the last quarter. Creative Planning raised its stake in Health Catalyst by 13.2% in the third quarter. Creative Planning now owns 21,348 shares of the company’s stock worth $174,000 after buying an additional 2,486 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quarry LP raised its position in shares of Health Catalyst by 59.4% in the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 7,002 shares of the company’s stock worth $45,000 after acquiring an additional 2,610 shares in the last quarter. 85.00% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Health Catalyst Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Health Catalyst, Inc provides data and analytics technology and services to healthcare organizations in the United States. It operates in two segments, Technology and Professional Services. The company provides data operating system data platform which provides clients single comprehensive environment to integrate and organize data from their disparate software systems; and analytics applications, a software analytics applications build for data platform to analyze clients face across clinical and quality, population health, and financial and operational use cases. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Health Catalyst Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Health Catalyst and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Interface Inc VP David Foshee sells $398,647 in common stock

49ers QB Brock Purdy, DE Nick Bosa out, Brandon Allen to start at Green BaySt. Thomas fraud victim loses nearly $100K to job scamSocial Security Champions Sound Alarm After Trump Picks Wall Street Titan to Run SSA - Common Dreams

Eagles QB Kenny Pickett expects to be ‘ready to go’ vs. Cowboys

None"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.

If Philadelphia Eagles star quarterback Jalen Hurts is unavailable for their Week 17 tilt with the rival Dallas Cowboys, they'll at least have Kenny Pickett at their disposal. Hurts remains in concussion protocol while also dealing with a finger injury on his non-throwing hand. He did not practice on Thursday, but QB2 Pickett (ribs) was a full participant. Pickett told reporters after practice Thursday that he expects to be able to play. He "tested out some different things padding-wise" in anticipation of being on the field Sunday against visiting Dallas, when the Eagles can clinch the NFC East title with a victory. "It is what it is. Just something I'm going to have to deal with," Pickett said. "So, yeah, I'll be ready to go for Sunday." Hurts was injured last Sunday in the Eagles' loss to the Washington Commanders. His head hit the turf while being tackled by Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner. Hurts connected on just 1 of 4 passes for 11 yards before he exited the game. Pickett took over and produced 143 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 14-of-24 passing as Washington rallied to beat Philadelphia 36-33. It was later revealed that Pickett hurt his ribs during the game. "I think after a couple more days, getting a chance to kind of rest it a little bit more, go do some rehab, I'll be good for Sunday," Pickett said. The only other quarterback on the Eagles' roster is Tanner McKee, a sixth-round pick in 2023 who has yet to play a snap for them. Philadelphia signed quarterback Ian Book to the practice squad earlier Thursday. --Field Level MediaReports: Eagles coach Nick Sirianni apologizes to Commanders TE Zach Ertz

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, announced today that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.225 per outstanding share of Carrier common stock. The dividend will be payable on February 7, 2025 to shareowners of record at the close of business on December 20, 2024 . Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.BATON ROUGE, La., Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lamar Advertising Company (Nasdaq: LAMR), a leading owner and operator of outdoor advertising and logo sign displays, announces that its board of directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.40 per share and a special cash dividend of $0.25 per share, both payable on December 30, 2024 to stockholders of record of Lamar’s Class A common stock and Class B common stock on December 18, 2024. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains “forward-looking statements” concerning Lamar Advertising Company’s goals, beliefs, expectations, strategies, objectives, plans, future operating results and underlying assumptions and other statements that are not necessarily based on historical facts. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those factors set forth in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as supplemented by any risk factors contained in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K‎. We undertake no obligation to update the information contained in this press release to reflect subsequently occurring events or circumstances. About Lamar Advertising Company Founded in 1902, Lamar Advertising Company is one of the largest outdoor advertising companies in North America, with over 360,000 displays across the United States and Canada. Lamar offers advertisers a variety of billboard, interstate logo, transit and airport advertising formats, helping both local businesses and national brands reach broad audiences every day. In addition to its more traditional out-of-home inventory, Lamar is proud to offer its customers the largest network of digital billboards in the United States with over 4,800 displays. Company Contact: Buster Kantrow Director of Investor Relations Lamar Advertising Company (225) 926-1000 bkantrow@lamar.comSampath Bank has been honoured as the Second Runner-Up in the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award 2024, hosted by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Widely regarded as Sri Lanka’s pinnacle of recognition for corporate sustainability, the awards ceremony took place recently at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. This accolade emphasises Sampath Bank’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, a philosophy deeply rooted in its purpose to “Empower Dreams and Enrich Life.” Over the years, the Bank has championed impactful initiatives that safeguard the environment, strengthen employee and customer relations, uplift communities, and uphold robust governance practices. The Bank also received several key accolades during the ceremony, including the Category Award Winner for Environment Beyond the Business, the Sector Award Winner – Finance Sector, and recognition as one of the Top Ten Corporate Citizens. ESG Chairman, Ajantha De Vas Gunasekara of Sampath Bank, remarked, “This recognition stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to driving positive change across all facets of our operations. Sustainability is not merely a part of what we do; it is the essence of who we are as an organisation.” “At the heart of our journey lies a steadfast dedication to the pillars of ESG – Economic, Environmental, Social, and Governance ensuring that every initiative we undertake creates enduring value for our stakeholders.” Sampath Bank’s award-winning efforts stem from a series of impactful sustainability initiatives. The flagship ‘Wewata Jeewayak’ programme, launched over two decades ago, focuses on restoring Sri Lanka’s traditional irrigation network, enabling dry zone farmers to cultivate paddy across the Yala and Maha seasons. By 2023-24, 21 tanks have been restored under this initiative, with investments increasing to strengthen agricultural resilience amid economic challenges. Complementing this, the ‘Gasai Mamai Pubudu Pothai’ tree-planting and vegetable gardening programmes were launched to foster environmental awareness and sustainability among students in these regions. In addition, the ‘A Breath to the Ocean’ marine protection programme addresses coral replanting and mangrove restoration, including a long-term project at the Anavilundawa Wetland Sanctuary in collaboration with Biodiversity Sri Lanka and the Department of Wildlife. Furthering its commitment to conservation, the Bank is also working to protect endangered turtles by establishing hatcheries in Rakawa village, a critical breeding zone for five globally endangered turtle species.

By Abigail Marie P. Yraola, Deputy Research Head AS THE COUNTRY embraces the digital revolution, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in its banking operations shows significant advancements for the country. AI, particularly generative AI (GenAI), redefines the operational and strategic landscapes of the banking sector and thus, has become a crucial factor in transformative change, Ernst & Young said in a report titled “How artificial intelligence is reshaping the financial services industry.” The report highlighted that utilizing AI is driving a significant transformation in financial services by fostering innovation and streamlining operations. Additionally, with its broad applications, AI enhances customer service, improves risk management, and reshapes capital markets. The banking sector is adapting to a landscape sculpted by the six major trends: emerging technologies, ecosystem models, sustainability, digital assets, talent acquisition, and regulatory adjustments, Ernst & Young said in their report noting that these factors are driving the industry to move beyond traditional boundaries, impacting not only consumer banking but also transforming investment, corporate banking, and capital markets. “By integrating AI technologies, banks are setting new benchmarks for operational efficiency, client engagement and sustainable growth,” it said. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recognizes that AI is continually evolving. “AI has been identified as one of the crucial components of the fourth industrial revolution,” the BSP said in an e-mail. The central bank added that AI can bridge the gap in financial inclusion through innovative solutions. However, it also pointed out barriers that hinder financial inclusion which include (a) a lack of documentation required to open an account, (b) low awareness of the digital products and services available in the market, and (c) the high costs associated with the infrastructure needed for digitalization. ADOPTING AI IN BANKING OPERATIONS Currently, the central bank is guided by the definition provided by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which describes an AI system as a “machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers how to generate outputs based on the input it receives. These outputs, it said, can influence physical or virtual environments. Different AI systems vary in their levels of autonomy and adaptability after deployment. This definition, the BSP said, aligns with the central bank’s goal of promoting the responsible use of technology to assist in inference and output generation that enhances decision-making processes. “There has been a notable increase in the adoption and integration of AI solutions within the financial sector, particularly in enhancing decision-making, automating processes, and personalizing services,” BSP said. It also added that recent advancements in technology have had a significant impact across various industries, particularly in BSP-supervised financial institutions (BSFIs) but noted that BSFIs can choose not to adopt AI if their existing processes are working efficiently. The central bank further explained that when considering the adoption of AI systems, BSFIs should ensure that these technologies are integrated into their overall business plans, highlighting that it should align with its digital transformation goals. “As with any emerging technology, there are benefits and risks associated in adopting AI,” the central bank said, acknowledging that there is “no one-size-fits-all approach for AI systems.” However, it suggested that financial institutions can establish a policy statement outlining their approach towards AI adoption which could help prime the organization on its use. Fintech Alliance.PH Founding Chairman and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Executive Vice-President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Angelito “Lito” M. Villanueva said that AI has played a crucial role in democratizing financial access, allowing for more efficient, secure, and personalized banking experiences. He cautioned that alongside these advances, AI also brings complex challenges that demand careful attention to regulation and ethical boundaries before widespread adoption. He further explained that AI is crucial for automating processes, enhancing predictive analytics, and enabling targeted decision-making, which helps banks accomplish data-driven tasks more efficiently and accurately. “Central banks can leverage AI for regulatory compliance and fraud detection. In commercial banking, AI can personalize customer interactions, credit risk analysis, and cybersecurity measures,” Mr. Villanueva said in an e-mail interview. He added that as AI evolves, concerns about job displacement, especially within low-skilled sectors, are growing. Under Philippine labor law, employers are permitted to terminate employees if labor-saving technologies, such as AI, lead to redundancies, provided that legal standards are followed. “This presents a need for the government to focus not only on AI regulations but also on creating alternative job opportunities for displaced workers,” he said. CONSIDERATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION When considering the adoption of AI or any emerging technology, financial institutions should start by evaluating their risk appetite. “Depending on the risk-reward analysis, BSFIs could integrate AI into their systems with proper controls,” the BSP said. The central bank expects that risk management measures for consumer protection, cybersecurity, and anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) are established whenever an AI system is implemented. “At the minimum, financial institutions should adhere to the principle of “Do no harm” regarding the use of AI, whether internally or externally,” BSP said. For Mr. Villanueva, phased and purpose-driven AI implementation should be given priority to areas that improve customer experience, risk management, and boost cybersecurity. Customer-facing applications, such as AI chatbots and virtual assistants, should be deployed initially to streamline basic customer interactions and make banking more accessible. “At RCBC, we’re focusing on how AI could improve the accuracy of customer risk profiles and improve cybersecurity protocols. Through Fintech Alliance.Ph, we work to advocate for AI policies that promote both innovation and customer protection, a balance that helps financial institutions adopt AI responsibly,” he said. Mr. Villanueva highlighted that traditional AI, such as predictive analytics and machine learning, can reinforce the foundational framework of Philippine banks, while GenAI can enhance customer engagement efforts. EMERGING CHALLENGES A report by McKinsey & Co. titled “Scaling Gen AI in banking: Choosing the best operating model” highlighted that banks and other financial institutions rapidly use AI technology, and challenges are emerging. It further explained that AI, specifically Gen AI is transforming the banking industry as financial institutions leverage this technology to enhance customer-facing chatbots, detect fraud, and accelerate time-consuming tasks such as code development, creating pitch book drafts, and summarizing regulatory reports. They suggested that banks and financial institutions can adopt varying approaches to structuring their GenAI operating models, ranging from highly centralized to highly decentralized. The BSP is cognizant of its crucial role in promoting an enabling regulatory environment that promotes innovation and risk resilient financial systems. When an institution intends to adopt artificial intelligence (AI), it should conduct risk-based assessments before development. These assessments should focus on key risk areas, including consumer protection, cybersecurity, and anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT). Additionally, continuous monitoring is essential to validate the AI system’s outputs over time. For Mr. Villanueva, institutions can maximize the value of AI by prioritizing transparency, ethical practices, and strong data governance policies. The proactive measures taken by the BSP in developing regulatory frameworks for AI are essential for establishing these standards, he highlighted. “We need that distinction between goal-oriented AI and ethically guided AI. AI’s capabilities for automation and problem-solving raise questions about maintaining a balance between efficiency and ethics,” Mr. Villanueva emphasized. “We must ensure that human judgment remains central, especially as AI advances to more autonomous roles, how AI systems are designed and used ultimately defines their impact, whether good or bad.” For John Paolo R. Rivera, senior research fellow at Philippine Institute for Development Studies, he said that AI can be used by banks to detect fraud in transactions and forecast financial risks. “As an advantage, generative AI can create customer outreach campaigns or designs tailored financial advice scripts using natural language generation,” he said in a Viber message. He further explained that traditional and GenAI are complementary technologies that financial institutions can utilize to enhance operations, boost customer satisfaction, and ensure regulatory compliance. “Banks should focus on adopting hybrid solutions — using traditional AI for precision and security, while exploring generative AI for innovation and customization.” RISKS AND BENEFITS Mr. Villanueva listed that harnessing AI offers numerous life-changing benefits, including improved decision-making, cost reduction, and more personalized customer experiences. “In fraud prevention, AI systems can monitor transactions in real time, which is critical in addressing the Philippines’ higher-than-global fraud rates. There is promise in reducing fraudulent transactions and boosting security.” However, he also cautioned that integrating AI posts risks such as data privacy concerns, potential biases, and high implementation costs. For example, he said that if not carefully monitored, AI systems can inadvertently introduce biases into decision-making processes. The central bank emphasized that financial institutions should also develop a workforce training plan to prepare employees for the adoption of AI technologies. “Similarly, with the rise of AI-powered cyber-attacks, institutions should continuously monitor and strengthen their cybersecurity defenses,” the central bank said. Mr. Villanueva emphasized that they are focused on implementing ethical AI adoption by working with regulators to establish standards that protect consumer data and mitigate bias risks. He noted that reports from McKinsey and Goldman Sachs predict that AI will impact millions of jobs in industries such as manufacturing and marketing. “This shift will require flexible regulatory frameworks that protect consumers without stifling innovation,” Mr. Villanueva said. Utilizing AI in banking operations, he said, is not just black or white. It has dual sides benefits and risks, wins and losses. It is undoubtedly a powerful tool that can either help us create a more inclusive and prosperous future or exacerbate the existing class and digital divide.Concrete Color Hardener Market Outlook and Future Projections for 2030 12-28-2024 12:00 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting Concrete Color Hardener Market The concrete color hardener market represents a dynamic and continually evolving landscape, shaped by changing consumer demands and technological advancements. In this comprehensive report, we provide an in-depth exploration of the market, designed for a wide range of stakeholders including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and investors. Our goal is to equip industry participants with essential insights that enable informed decision-making in an ever-changing market environment. This analysis not only examines the current state of the concrete color hardener market but also forecasts its future trends. Scope and Purpose This report serves as an extensive resource, thoughtfully curated to deliver actionable intelligence to industry stakeholders. It covers critical elements such as market dynamics, competitive environments, growth opportunities, challenges, and regional differences. The insights provided go beyond mere descriptions, offering a valuable tool for stakeholders to refine their strategies and make informed choices in a competitive market. Request for Sample Report: https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Concrete-Color-Hardener-Market/request-for-sample-report Comprehensive Market Analysis We are committed to providing a thorough analysis that explores every aspect of market growth, including shifts in consumer preferences and technological innovations driving demand for concrete color hardener products. We also address the challenges faced by the industry, such as economic uncertainties and intense competition, offering insights to help stakeholders navigate these complexities. Key Players in the Concrete Color Hardener Market: Brickform Sika SureCrete Design Products ChemSystems Kingdom Products Multicrete Products Ltd PROSOCO Urban Stone Inc Euclid Chemical Company Dhirajlal & Co Weatherstone Building Blocks Private Limited Concept Concrete Enterprises Strategic Guidance for the Future This report invites stakeholders to delve into a detailed examination of the competitive landscape. By profiling key players in the concrete color hardener market and analyzing their strategies, we offer crucial insights to help industry participants make informed strategic decisions. Whether it's about outpacing competitors or learning from successful approaches, our analysis is designed to guide stakeholders toward success. Anticipated Insights Understanding the diverse segments within the concrete color hardener market is critical to success. Our report breaks down segment sizes, potential growth trajectories, and key trends, offering actionable insights that allow stakeholders to develop targeted strategies and optimize resource allocation. The knowledge provided empowers stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the concrete color hardener market with clarity and confidence. Balancing Market Forces and Strategic Impact This report delivers a comprehensive analysis of the factors shaping the concrete color hardener market. By evaluating both the drivers of market growth and the obstacles that could impede it, stakeholders gain a holistic understanding of the market's dynamics. For manufacturers, this analysis helps align innovation efforts with consumer demands and regulatory trends, while investors and decision-makers gain a deeper understanding of economic risks and supply chain vulnerabilities, allowing them to make more informed strategic choices. Our goal is to provide stakeholders with the knowledge needed to confidently and successfully navigate the concrete color hardener market. Competitive Landscape Our in-depth examination of the concrete color hardener market's competitive landscape highlights key players, scrutinizing their strategies and impacts on the industry. By analyzing the approaches of major companies, stakeholders gain a valuable understanding of market dynamics and can leverage these insights to identify growth opportunities, innovate, and make informed strategic decisions. Market Segmentation The report begins with a detailed analysis of the unique characteristics defining each segment within the concrete color hardener market. Segmentation can occur across various dimensions, including product types, customer demographics, or specific use cases. Understanding these differences allows stakeholders to tailor their strategies, products, and marketing efforts to meet the specific needs of each segment, enhancing competitive positioning and maximizing opportunities for success. Market Segments: Product Type: Powder Concrete Color Hardener Liquid Concrete Color Hardener Application: Roads Landscape Industrial Sites Others Market Size and Segment Growth Potential A crucial part of the report focuses on understanding the size and significance of each market segment. We provide quantitative data that illustrates the market share and contribution of each segment, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation, strategic prioritization, and investment. This section offers insights into the growth potential of each segment, including factors driving future expansion, evolving consumer preferences, and technological adoption. Conclusion This report serves as a strategic guide for stakeholders in the concrete color hardener market, offering comprehensive insights into market segmentation, competitive dynamics, and growth potential. By understanding the market's complexities and emerging opportunities, industry participants can make well-informed decisions that drive success and innovation in this rapidly evolving market. 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Our objective is to enable our clientele to achieve transformational progress and help them to make better strategic business decisions and enhance their global presence. We serve numerous companies worldwide, mobilizing our seasoned workforce to help companies shape their development through proper channeling and execution. We offer our services to large enterprises, start-ups, non-profit organizations, universities, and government agencies. The renowned institutions of various countries and Fortune 500 businesses use our market research services to understand the business environment at the global, regional, and country levels. Our market research reports offer thousands of statistical information and analysis of various industries at a granular level." This release was published on openPR.

Stock market today: Wall Street hits more records following a just-right jobs reportThe U.S. House of Representatives will decide Jan. 3 whether to re-elect Speaker Mike Johnson to the top GOP job after he faced a contentious vote to avert a government shutdown at the last minute just before the holidays, leaving some Republicans skeptical of his prospects. All of Minnesota’s four Republican members of Congress say they plan to back Johnson, including Rep. Tom Emmer, the House majority whip and No. 3 Republican in the House. Emmer came close himself to becoming speaker before Johnson clinched the role last year. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.