NEW YORK (AP) — Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa scored 27 points as Columbia beat Fairfield 85-72 on Saturday night. De La Rosa shot 8 of 15 from the field, including 5 for 11 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 6 from the line for the Lions (11-1). Avery Brown shot 5 of 8 from the field and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line to add 16 points. Kenny Noland went 5 of 12 from the field (3 for 7 from 3-point range) to finish with 15 points. The Stags (5-8, 1-1 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) were led by Louis Bleechmore, who recorded 12 points. Fairfield also got 12 points and seven assists from Jamie Bergens. Deon Perry had 12 points and five assists. Columbia's next game is Monday against Rutgers on the road, and Fairfield visits Merrimack on Friday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .lol646 code free ios 。

In recent market trends, ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) emerges as a standout in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Spurred by new analyst insights, the company’s innovative strides in artificial intelligence have caught the attention of investors and analysts alike. Cantor Fitzgerald’s CJ Muse notes that the current cycle of AI investment differs from past trends, highlighting the hefty capital influx by tech giants as they chase after artificial general intelligence (AGI), a pursuit requiring robust computational power. Unlike previous tech revolutions, this wave is marked by a substantial generation of free cash flows, offering significant opportunities for companies like ServiceNow. On its latest earnings call, ServiceNow unveiled impressive third-quarter results, paving the way for future growth. The introduction of their Now Platform Xanadu highlights over 350 generative AI tools, enhancing areas such as data visualization automation and virtual agent capabilities. Another feather in their cap is the release of RaptorDB Pro, which consolidates operational data and analytics, strengthening ServiceNow’s IT market position. Stifel analysts are optimistic, predicting that ServiceNow could see organic revenue growth rates soar between 20% to 22% beyond 2025. They also forecast considerable margin expansion opportunities, underpinned by operational efficiencies and strategic advancements. With the global IT service management (ITSM) market projected to grow at a 9.3% CAGR through 2030, ServiceNow seems well-positioned for continued success. As the company climbs to 8th on the list of high-profile AI stocks, investor interest remains strong, driven by the potential for substantial returns in a booming sector. Discover How ServiceNow is Transforming the AI Landscape In recent developments, ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:NOW) has solidified its status as a key player in the burgeoning artificial intelligence (AI) sector. This evolution is fueled by new market insights and cutting-edge advancements in AI technologies that are capturing significant attention from investors and analysts. Innovations Driving Growth ServiceNow’s introduction of the Now Platform Xanadu stands out as a pivotal moment in its growth strategy. Featuring over 350 generative AI tools, Xanadu enhances capabilities such as data visualization automation and the performance of virtual agents. Additionally, the launch of RaptorDB Pro marks a significant upgrade in operational data and analytics, enabling ServiceNow to strengthen its hold in the IT market. Predictions and Market Trends According to Stifel analysts, ServiceNow is on a trajectory of impressive growth, with projected organic revenue increases of 20% to 22% extending beyond 2025. This optimistic forecast is bolstered by the firm’s strategic focus on operational efficiencies and expansion into new technological areas. Capitalizing on a booming market, ServiceNow is leveraging these innovations amid a projected 9.3% CAGR for the global IT service management (ITSM) sector through 2030. As a result, the company has climbed to 8th place among high-profile AI stocks, a testament to its potential for significant returns. Insights from Industry Experts CJ Muse from Cantor Fitzgerald highlights the current AI investment cycle as markedly different from previous trends. Unlike past technological revolutions, this era is characterized by robust computational demands and the generation of free cash flow. Such dynamics present substantial opportunities for companies like ServiceNow, which are positioned to capitalize on these industry shifts. Market Analysis The strategic advancements of ServiceNow not only fortify its position in AI but also underscore its potential within a broader market context. As the ITSM market continues to grow, ServiceNow’s focus on leveraging AI for operational transformation is drawing considerable interest from stakeholders, further cementing its role as a leader in the digital transformation space. For more insights into the evolving AI market and ServiceNow’s role in it, visit ServiceNow’s official site . This platform provides an in-depth view of their latest offerings and industry trends.Three-game skid over, NC State faces winless Coppin StateThe Miami Hurricanes, who once appeared to be a near-lock for the College Football Playoff, are not playing for a national title. Instead, they will play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando. That bowl berth against Iowa State is a let-down for fans with dreams of a sixth national title in their minds, as well as players hoping to compete for a championship. However, Miami’s trip to Orlando and the lead-up to it are still crucial periods for the Hurricanes for multiple reasons. First, it’s a chance for the program to achieve something it has not done in more than two decades: win 11 games. Although the 11th win won’t get them closer to a championship, it is a good sign of the program’s progress over Mario Cristobal’s tenure. It would also end UM’s five-game losing streak in bowls. “We’re not satisfied,” Cristobal said. “We want to win every single game. We won 10. We were close on the other two, but close isn’t good enough. We want progress. We’re hungry and driven to get better, and so that’s what our focus is on: to improving as a football program, to getting better, to moving into the postseason with an opportunity against a great football team like this and putting our best on the field.” There are signs the Hurricanes will show up at close to full strength for the bowl game. Running back Damien Martinez announced he was going to play, and star quarterback Cam Ward said in a video call posted on social media that he intends to play, as well. “We’re trying to win our first bowl game in 20 years,” Ward said in the video, mistaking the length of UM’s long bowl losing streak. “We’re going hard.” Playing in the bowl game also provides the opportunity for the Hurricanes to get in several practices between now and the game. That means Miami can develop its young players and prepare them for next season during both the practices and the bowl game itself. “It’s extremely valuable,” Cristobal said. “You really don’t have many opportunities throughout the course of the year — time is limited more and more each season with your student-athletes. I want to state this and be very clear: it’s very important, it’s ultra-important for the University of Miami to continue to develop and grow and progress by stressing the importance of offseason opportunities ... You learn a lot about your team and learn a lot about your people and your program when you head to the postseason.” Of course, there are potential negatives. Players can get hurt; Mark Fletcher Jr. suffered a foot injury in the Pinstripe Bowl last year that cost him all of spring practice. A poor performance can also potentially set the tone for next season, like how Florida State, fresh off a playoff snub last year, suffered a devastating loss against Georgia in the Orange Bowl and went on to a dismal 2-10 season this year. “This is the ending of ’24 and the beginning of ’25,” Cristobal said. “This is the last opportunity to be on the field and carry some momentum into the offseason. So it is, in essence, it is the most important game because it’s the next game. “There’s a lot of excitement in the form of opportunity for our guys. Our guys love to play football. The chance to play one more time with this special group — this is a special group of guys now. They’ve worked hard to really change the trajectory of the University of Miami, and they want to continue to elevate the status and the culture at the University of Miami. So certainly a ton to play for.” ©2024 South Florida Sun Sentinel. Visit at sun-sentinel.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.UK reaches landmark deal with Germany to prosecute gangs behind small boat crisis

NEW YORK — Boston College’s offense had its moments on Saturday, converting 6 of 13 third downs and amassing 296 passing yards. BC caught Nebraska’s aggressive, blitzing defense with a few screens, coach Matt Rhule said, and Eagles’ quarterback Grayson James kept plays alive with timely scrambles. But Rhule said the Huskers' defense found its footing in the red zone — inside NU’s own 20 — by twice denying the Eagles points when they reached the Nebraska 9 and Nebraska 2. The Huskers, coordinated by John Butler, were trying to make BC attempt field goals. Boston College only attempted four all season, and missed its fifth try early in Saturday’s game. From thereon, BC went for its fourth downs in NU territory. It did not successfully convert one. “They missed the first one, so we felt pretty good about our opportunity — hey, they’re not going to kick one, it’ll be four downs,” Rhule said. “We knew how to address it.” People are also reading... Eight of BC’s drives reached Nebraska territory, producing just 13 of BC’s 15 points. “We were having trouble kicking the ball, so I didn't want to kick it,” Boston College coach Bill O’Brien said. “We were in that area where you're either going to plus-50 and punt it — which we could have done, but we're not great at that — or tried to kick a 50-yard field goal, which we're definitely not ready to do that. “I went for it on fourth down and probably put the defense in a couple tough positions. Look, Nebraska did a good job. We had trouble running the ball, had trouble scoring in the red area. We moved the ball. I think at halftime we had the time of possession, we had yardage, but didn't have the score.” Photos: Nebraska football vs. Boston College in Pinstripe Bowl — Dec. 28 Nebraska players stand on the stage covered in confetti after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. From left, Nebraska's Joey Mancino (67) celebrates with teammate Cayden Echternach (48) after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) walks off the field in celebration after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Nash Hutmacher (0) shakes confetti out of his hair after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) celebrates as the trophy is awarded after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Henry Lutovsky (59), left, hugs Nebraska's Bryce Benhart (54) after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) places a hat on head coach Matt Rhule after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule celebrates after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) and Heinrich Haarberg (10) embrace after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) runs around the outfield fencing after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) places a hat on head coach Matt Rhule after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) and Heinrich Haarberg (10) embrace after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) runs around the outfield fencing after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule celebrates after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. From right, Nebraska's Derek Branch (24) celebrates with Nebraska's Elijah Jeudy (16) after Jeudy’s tackle on the punt return during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) tackles Boston College's Jeremiah Franklin (17) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Nash Hutmacher (0) and Ty Robinson (9) celebrate after a good defensive play during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. University of Nebraska Cornhusker Marching Band cheers during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Ben Scott (66) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Gage Stenger (47), left, and Vincent Genatone (30), right, celebrate with Elijah Jeudy (16) after Jeudy’s tackle on the punt return during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) tackles Boston College's Jeremiah Franklin (17) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Ben Scott (66) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) motions to the crowd after a stop against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) motions to the crowd after a stop against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Boston College head coach Bill O'Brien watches on during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Evan Taylor (37) tackles Boston College's Lewis Bond (11) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Boston College's Grayson James (14) throws the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Keona Davis (97) tackles Boston College's Grayson James (14) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Keona Davis (97) tackles Boston College's Grayson James (14) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Janiran Bonner (16) tackles Boston College's Cameron Martinez (29) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Kwinten Ives (28) celebrates after a touchdown against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) stretches out for the first down as he is tackled by Boston College's Ashton McShane (35) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) is tackled by Boston College's Ashton McShane (35) and KP Price (20) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball as Nebraska's Ben Scott (66) blocks Boston College's Bryce Steele (2) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. A look inside Yankee Stadium during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. A look inside Yankee Stadium during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. A look inside Yankee Stadium during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Bryce Benhart (54) lifts up teammate Kwinten Ives (28) after Ives’ touchdown during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Kwinten Ives (28) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Luke Lindenmeyer (44) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Kwinten Ives (28) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Justin Evans (51) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's John Hohl (90) kicks in an extra point during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans wave as the Nebraska bus pulls up to Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans gather in the Dugout BX bar ahead of the Pinstripe Bowl vs. Boston College in New York. Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) runs the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans watch on during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) reaches out but misses the pass ahead of Boston College's Ashton McShane (35) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's MJ Sherman (48) attempts to tackle Boston College's Dino Tomlin (13) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Boston College's Reed Harris (4) makes a catch during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Marques Buford Jr. (3) and John Bullock (5) stop Boston College's Turbo Richard (27) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Vincent Shavers Jr. (1) celebrates after a stop against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks to an official during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball against Boston College's George Rooks (91) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) runs the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball against Boston College's KP Price (20) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) makes a catch against Boston College's Max Tucker (13) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) makes a catch against Boston College's Max Tucker (13) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans look on during the Pinstripe Bowl vs. Boston College on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (10) catches the ball during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska football players stand together during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Ceyair Wright (15) holds the ball during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans walk up to the gates at Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans take shelter from the rain outside of Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. The Nebraska bus pulls up to Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans wave as the Nebraska bus pulls up to Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans walk outside of Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Subscribe for the best Husker news & commentary Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Nebraska's Dylan Raiola talks key late hit on day he sets school freshman season passing markNEW YORK (AP) — A slide for market superstar Nvidia on Monday knocked Wall Street off its big rally and helped drag U.S. stock indexes down from their records. The S&P 500 fell 0.6%, coming off its 57th all-time high of the year so far. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 240 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite pulled back 0.6% from its own record. Nvidia’s fall of 2.5% was by far the heaviest weight on the S&P 500 after China said it’s investigating the company over suspected violations of Chinese anti-monopoly laws. Nvidia has skyrocketed to become one of Wall Street’s most valuable companies because its chips are driving much of the world’s move into artificial-intelligence technology. That gives its stock’s movements more sway on the S&P 500 than nearly every other. Nvidia’s drop overshadowed gains in Hong Kong and for Chinese stocks trading in the United States on hopes that China will deliver more stimulus for the world’s second-largest economy. Roughly three in seven of the stocks in the S&P 500 also rose. The week’s highlight for Wall Street will arrive midweek when the latest updates on inflation arrive. Economists expect Wednesday’s report to show the inflation that U.S. consumers are feeling remained stuck at close to the same level last month. A separate report on Thursday, meanwhile, could show an acceleration in inflation at the wholesale level. They’re the last big pieces of data the Federal Reserve will get before its meeting next week on interest rates. The widespread expectation is still that the central bank will cut its main interest rate for the third time this year. The Fed has been easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high since September to offer more help for the slowing job market, after bringing inflation nearly all the way down to its 2% target. Lower interest rates can ease the brakes off the economy, but they can also offer more fuel for inflation. Expectations for a series of cuts from the Fed have been a major reason the S&P 500 has set so many all-time highs this year. “Investors should enjoy this rally while it lasts—there’s little on the horizon to disrupt the momentum through year-end,” according to Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide, though he warns stocks could stumble soon because of how overheated they’ve gotten. On Wall Street, Interpublic Group rose 3.6% after rival Omnicom said it would buy the marketing and communications firm in an all-stock deal. The pair had a combined revenue of $25.6 billion last year. Omnicom, meanwhile, sank 10.2%. Macy’s climbed 1.8% after an activist investor, Barington Capital Group, called on the retailer to buy back at least $2 billion of its own stock over the next three years and make other moves to help boost its stock price. Super Micro Computer rose 0.5% after saying it got an extension that will keep its stock listed on the Nasdaq through Feb. 25, as it works to file its delayed annual report and other required financial statements. Earlier this month, the maker of servers used in artificial-intelligence technology said an investigation found no evidence of misconduct by its management or by the company’s board following the resignation of its public auditor . All told, the S&P 500 fell 37.42 points to 6,052.85. The Dow dipped 240.59 to 4,401.93, and the Nasdaq composite lost 123.08 to 19,736.69. In the oil market, a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rallied 1.7% to settle at $68.37 following the overthrow of Syrian leader Bashar Assad, who sought asylum in Moscow after rebels. Brent crude, the international standard, added 1.4% to $72.14 per barrel. The price of gold also rose 1% to $2,685.80 per ounce amid the uncertainty created by the end of the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule. In stock markets abroad, the Hang Seng jumped 2.8% in Hong Kong after top Chinese leaders agreed on a “moderately loose” monetary policy for the world’s second-largest economy. That’s a shift away from a more cautious, “prudent” stance for the first time in 10 years. A major planning meeting later this week could also bring more stimulus for the Chinese economy. U.S.-listed stocks of several Chinese companies climbed, including a 12.4% jump for electric-vehicle company Nio and a 7.4% rise for Alibaba Group. Stocks in Shanghai, though, were roughly flat. In Seoul, South Korea’s Kospi slumped 2.8% as the fallout continues from President Yoon Suk Yeol ’s brief declaration of martial law last week in the midst of a budget dispute. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.19% from 4.15% late Friday. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.

Tweet Facebook Mail A Victorian snake catcher has warned people to beware of snakes seeking indoor shelter as the days get hotter and longer. Wyndhamvale-based Stewy the Snake Catcher wrote on Facebook that snakes were at risk of overheating during summer, because they cannot regulate their body temperature. "A snake's optimum temperature range is anywhere between 18 degrees to 30 degrees. Any hotter than that and they can really struggle," he said. READ MORE: Where is Assad? Russia solves the mystery of the Syrian dictator's escape  Victoria-based Stewy the Snake Catcher posted this picture on Facebook to show how snakes squeeze under doors. (Stewy the Snake Catcher/Facebook) "When the temperature is too hot for snakes, they will enter houses, garages, warehouses, shops etc in order to cool down." Alongside the post, the snake catcher uploaded a photo of a red-bellied black snake flattening itself out to sneak under a closed door. "If you have your air conditioner going, a snake can sense the cooler air seeping from underneath your door, and they are absolutely amazing at squeezing into tight places," he said. READ MORE: Court blocks unions from striking after Sydney Trains talks break down  Watch your fingers - can you spot the snake in the box? View Gallery "A (snake) can squeeze through a gap of about one-third of its body circumference." And, he said, if a snake can't squeeze through the gap, it can lie against the crack and absorb the cooler air that way. "So please always look down before you step out," Stewy wrote. Anybody who comes into contact with a snake is urged to call a snake catcher for advice and a possible relocation. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .