Global Business Magazine Business news, opinion, reviews, interviews 2024-12-25T08:00:00Z https://thegbm.com/feed/atom/ WordPress https://thegbm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Bizmag-logo.png BusinessMagazine https://thegbm.com <![CDATA[Verum Ecosystem: The Future of Digital Communication and Finance]]> https://thegbm.com/verum-ecosystem-the-future-of-digital-communication-and-finance 2024-12-25T08:00:00Z 2024-12-25T08:00:00Z

Verum Ecosystem

Verum Ecosystem
Verum Ecosystem

LONDON, Dec. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In times of technological transformation, Verum creates a harmonious ecosystem that unites cutting-edge technologies. It’s not just a collection of standalone apps but a seamlessly integrated platform combining advanced developments in one environment. At its core is Verum Messenger, revolutionizing communication and financial operations. Yet, this is just the tip of the iceberg: behind the messenger lies an entire ecosystem of unique products, each playing a key role in reshaping digital reality.

Verum Messenger: Communication and Security
Verum Messenger is more than just a messaging app. It’s a multifunctional platform focused on user safety and convenience.
Key features:

  • Verum AI: An integrated artificial intelligence for data search, analysis, and planning.
  • VPN: One-click data encryption and anonymity.
  • E-SIM: Internet access in 150+ countries.

Verum Coin: The Payment Backbone of the Ecosystem
Verum Coin ensures fast and secure transfers within and beyond the ecosystem. It’s used for service payments and instant low-fee transactions, both inside and outside the Verum ecosystem.

BitCoinPay Trade: Secure Cryptocurrency Exchange
BitCoinPay Trade offers secure trading and a wide selection of cryptocurrencies. Transactions are protected by advanced encryption methods, eliminating the risk of asset loss or theft. The platform provides access to major cryptocurrencies.

Crypto Bank: Reliable Crypto Wallet
Crypto Bank offers users a secure storage solution for digital assets. Designed for those who actively work with cryptocurrencies and value financial security, the service fully supports Verum Coin and other major cryptocurrencies, ensuring reliability and ease of use.

Verum Pay: Integrating Cryptocurrencies into Business
Verum Pay is an innovative solution to make and receive payments with a cryptocurrency for businesses. Verum Pay is actively utilized within the Verum ecosystem, enabling users to pay for goods and services with Verum Coin.

Verum Exchange: Currency Converter and Mining
Verum Exchange is a currency converter with integrated Verum Coin mining capabilities, allowing users to earn cryptocurrency on their devices.

E-SIM Applications: Revolution in Connectivity
Mobile E-SIM applications (Verum E-SIM, World E-SIM, Euro E-SIM, Canada E-SIM, London E-SIM, USA E-SIM, Ukraine E-SIM, Balkan E-SIM, Africa E-SIM) provide internet access in 150+ countries, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards.

Verum VPN: Data Protection
A highly efficient Verum VPN ensures robust data encryption, making it ideal for protecting personal information online, especially when connected to public Wi-Fi networks.

Verum AI: Artificial Intelligence at Your Fingertips
A smart assistant Verum AI with extensive functionality. AI employs powerful algorithms for communication, analysis and creativity, adapting to each user’s needs. Idea generation and skill development with no censorship.

Verum Runner: A Crypto Game with Real Earnings
Verum Runner is a crypto game enabling users to earn Verum Coin in real-time. This game motivates players to not only have fun but also gain real financial benefits.

Verum Ecosystem changing approach to communication, finance and security in the modern world. All ecosystem products work in perfect synergy, delivering unparalleled user experiences that ensure privacy, security, and convenience every step of the way.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f25feaca-9a98-418a-8846-2871db98fec1

CONTACT: Media contact: info@verum.im

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BusinessMagazine https://thegbm.com <![CDATA[“Fully-Automatic Intelligent Unmanned Laboratory for Physical Properties of Metal Materials” Officially Opened]]> https://thegbm.com/fully-automatic-intelligent-unmanned-laboratory-for-physical-properties-of-metal-materials-officially-opened 2024-12-25T07:16:00Z 2024-12-25T07:16:00Z XIAMEN, China, Dec. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On November 27, the unveiling ceremony of Fujian Province’s first “Fully Automatic Intelligent Unmanned Laboratory for Physical Properties of Metal Materials“ was held at Xiamen Jiehang Engineering Testing Technology Co. Ltd. of CCCC Third Harbor Engineering Co., Ltd.

The “Fully Automatic Intelligent Unmanned Laboratory for Physical Properties of Metal Materials” consists of an electric tensile universal testing machine, a video extensometer, an infrared length measuring device, a weighing device, a sample placement device and an automated robotic arm. It relies on the “Jie Intelligent Inspection Intelligent Detection System” independently developed by Jiehang for interconnection, all-weather automatic measurement can be achieved.

The laboratory has functions such as Automatic scanning of samples, fully automatic steel bar weight deviation detection, steel bar tensile performance testing, steel bar mechanical connection joint tensile testing, metal material (plate) size measurement and tensile testing etc. The early manual preparation process of metal materials can be eliminated, and the detection work efficiency is increased by more than 6 times. The degree of automation and the completeness and comprehensiveness of the detection function are in the leading position in automated detection equipment in the field of domestic engineering testing.

Company:Xiamen Branch of CCCC Third Harbor Engineering Co., Ltd.
Contact Person:Hong Bingdong
Email:sh6dwzzb@163.com
Website:http://www.ccshj6.com
Telephone:0592-5686315
City:Xiamen, Fujian

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BusinessMagazine https://thegbm.com <![CDATA[Immutable Announcement: If You Have Suffered Losses in IMX Tokens, You Are Encouraged to Contact The Rosen Law Firm About Your Rights]]> https://thegbm.com/immutable-announcement-if-you-have-suffered-losses-in-imx-tokens-you-are-encouraged-to-contact-the-rosen-law-firm-about-your-rights 2024-12-24T23:16:00Z 2024-12-24T23:16:00Z NEW YORK, Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims against Immutable resulting from allegations that Immutable may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

So what: If you purchased IMX tokens you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31342 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

What is this about: On November 1, 2024, Immutable revealed the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) had filed a Wells Notice to Immutable over its sales of IMX tokens. Immutable believes the SEC “are targeting the listing and private sales of IMX in 2021.”

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

——————————-

Contact Information:

        Laurence Rosen, Esq.
        Phillip Kim, Esq.
        The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
        275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
        New York, NY 10016
        Tel: (212) 686-1060
        Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
        Fax: (212) 202-3827
        case@rosenlegal.com
        www.rosenlegal.com

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BusinessMagazine https://thegbm.com <![CDATA[DEMESNE RESOURCES LTD. ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF A THIRD TRANCHE OF PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED PRIVATE PLACEMENT FINANCING]]> https://thegbm.com/demesne-resources-ltd-announces-closing-of-a-third-tranche-of-previously-announced-private-placement-financing 2024-12-24T22:30:00Z 2024-12-24T22:30:00Z – NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES –

Vancouver, BC, Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Demesne Resources Ltd. (CSE:DEME) (OTCQB:DEMRF) (“Demesne” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has completed the third tranche (the “Third Tranche”) of its previously announced non-brokered private placement financing (the “Offering”). Pursuant to the Third Tranche, the Company issued 1,660,000 common shares of the Company (“Common Shares”), at a price of $0.25 per Common Share for gross proceeds of approximately $415,000.

The Company plans to complete a subsequent tranche of the Offering, for gross proceeds of up to $424,599 in January 2025.

In connection with the Third Tranche, the Company paid finder’s fees to eligible finders consisting of $17,150 in cash and 68,600 Common Share purchase warrants (the “Finder’s Warrants”). Each Finder’s Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Common Share of capital of the Company at an exercise price of $0.25 per Common Share for a period of 12-months.

Closing of the Offering is subject to a number of conditions, including receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”).

The Company will use the net proceeds from the Offering to fund certain payments pursuant to an option agreement in connection with the IMA Mine Project, certain payments pursuant to an option agreement in connection with the Star Project, work program related expenses, marketing expenses, and for general working capital purposes. All securities issued in connection with the Third Tranche are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

ABOUT DEMESNE RESOURCES LTD.

Demesne Resources Ltd. is a British Columbia based company involved in the acquisition and exploration of magnetite mineral properties. The Company’s Star Project consists of five contiguous mineral titles covering an area of approximately 4,615.75 hectares located in the Skeena Mining Division, British Columbia, Canada. The Company has entered into an option agreement pursuant to which it is entitled to earn an undivided 100% interest in the Star Project. Demesne has also entered into an option agreement, pursuant to which it can acquire a 100% interest (subject to a 2% royalty) in and to the IMA Mine Project, a past producing underground tungsten mine situated on 22 patented claims located in East Central, Idaho, United States.

Social media links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/demesneresources/

X: https://x.com/demesneresource

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DemesneResources

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demesneresources/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@demesneresources

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Murray Nye
‎CEO
1055 West Georgia Street, Suite 1500
Vancouver, BC V6E 0B6
Canada

For further information, please contact:

Murray Nye, CEO
Email: ir@demesneresources.com
Phone: +1 (416) 300-7398

CSE:DEME
OTCQB:DEMRF

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

This press release includes “forward-looking information” that is subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Such statements represent the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

 

CONTACT: Holly Iervella

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BusinessMagazine https://thegbm.com <![CDATA[Nissan could face cost-cutting ‘carnage’ in Honda merger, Carlos Ghosn says]]> https://thegbm.com/nissan-could-face-cost-cutting-carnage-in-honda-merger-carlos-ghosn-says 2024-12-24T17:26:00Z 2024-12-24T17:26:00Z

Nissan will be the victim of cost-cutting “carnage” if it combines forces with Japanese peer Honda, former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn told CNBC on Tuesday.

“I think, without any doubt, Honda is going to be in the driver’s seat, which is very sad to see after having led Nissan for 19 years [and] brought Nissan to the forefront of the industry, to see that they’re going to be the victim of a carnage, because there is total duplication between Nissan and Honda,” he told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe.”

Ghosn, who once led three automakers as part of the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi alliance, has been residing in Lebanon after being arrested in Japan in November 2018 and fleeing trial on charges of financial crimes. He denies misconduct.

“There is practically no complementarity here, which means, if they want to make synergy it is going to be through maybe cost reduction, duplication of plan, duplication of technology, and we know exactly who’s going to pay the price of it. It’s going to be the minor partner, and it’s going to be Nissan,” Ghosn said.

Nissan had greater complementarities with France’s Renault, Ghosn estimated, referencing a long-standing partnership that has been largely unwound.

Speculation about a potential Honda and Nissan merger began earlier this month, and the two companies confirmed the official start of talks over a business integration during a news conference on Monday. Under current proposals, a holding company would act as the parent of both firms and be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, with Honda — which has a market capitalization around four times that of Nissan — nominating most board members of the new entity. Nissan’s strategic partner Mitsubishi is also engaged in talks over joining the group.

A $54 billion Nissan-Honda group would leapfrog South Korea’s Hyundai to become the world’s third-largest automaker by vehicle sales, behind Japan’s Toyota and Germany’s Volkswagen. The integrated group would also represent a landmark in automotive industry consolidation, which has been long expected in both Japan and worldwide as businesses struggle to shoulder the development costs of electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology.

A sign marks the location of a Honda dealership in Libertyville, Illinois, on Dec. 18, 2024.

Honda shares set for best day in more than 16 years on share buyback plan, Nissan deal

Executives at both Honda and Nissan on Monday stressed that a combined company would be able to share the intelligence and resources necessary to compete in the EV transition and deliver economies of scale, boosting operating profit to a projected 3 trillion yen ($19.1 billion) in the long term.

Nissan is embarking on the ambitious merger while simultaneously undertaking a deep restructure it announced in November, which will reduce global production capacity by a fifth and cut 9,000 jobs.

Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe on Monday acknowledged that some shareholders may feel his company would be supporting struggling Nissan as part of the deal, but stressed that the business integration talks will “not come to fruition” if the two automakers fail to stand on their own.

Ghosn nevertheless told CNBC that the merger plan suggests “Nissan is in panic mode, looking for somebody to save them from the situation, because they are unable to generate the solution by themselves.”

He expressed “high doubts” that the turnaround at Nissan will be successful, without providing details.

Kei Okamura, senior vice president and portfolio manager at Neuberger Berman, echoed the sentiment that details of the merger plan still need to be ironed out.

“If you’re an investor you’re going to be thinking about the three to five earnings outlook. What was announced [Monday] was the near term, so the timeline, and the long-term vision. The only issue is how is this merged entity going to get there, and that’s where there are a lot of uncertainties ahead,” Okamura told CNBC’s “Street Signs Asia” on Tuesday.

“The post-merger integration is going to be absolutely essential … unless these companies are able to really full integrate themselves together in terms of the people, the assets and of course the culture, these deals have the potential to unwind, and we have to take into consideration that this deal may not happen if [Nissan] doesn’t come through with its turnaround program,” Okamura added.

Nissan declined to comment on this story beyond its statement out on Monday. Honda did not immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment.

By CNBC

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BusinessMagazine https://thegbm.com <![CDATA[Patent Tech-AI Law NGO serving disabled people who can’t afford attorney (Quantum computers meets law sector): VRN News]]> https://thegbm.com/patent-tech-ai-law-ngo-serving-disabled-people-who-cant-afford-attorney-quantum-computers-meets-law-sector-vrn-news 2024-12-24T10:21:00Z 2024-12-24T10:21:00Z P2P virtual law clinic aiding disabled veterans in legal actions may be the first AI-powered attorney network licensed in nearly every jurisdiction

pexels-thisisengineering-3861969

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Earlier this month, AI Legal Mate, an AI Law research organization that started out as a Harvard class project, has filed its Gen AI ‘Law and Health’ technology utility patent updates, utilizing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and quantum computing. The parent developer ‘AI-119’ filed their (provisional) patent tech updates under a new application submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office two days before Google announced its Willow chip breakthrough earlier this month.

CLASSROOM TO COURTROOM

The ‘AI119 Project’ is currently assisting disabled Harvard students in civil rights actions and military veterans at Veterans Recovery Network seeking settlement claims through the PACT Act Relief programs. AI Legal Mate is dedicated to helping low-income or disabled military veterans, senior citizens, and people dealing with immigration or disability claim issues. Thanks to quantum computing, this works as a conduit between a pro-bono law client, and a live attorneys and AI Law technicians to handle batches of similarly situated claimants within a scintilla of the time it takes a well-staffed civil rights organization with a dozen or more attorneys.

The Henry Nanpei Academy Project and AI-119 Tech’s propel development team have filed a second utility patent update application this week for their ‘third generation’ AI Law and Health technology, actually designed similar to military ISACs (information sharing and analysis centers) established in the 90s. This technology uses quantum computer technology under Grover’s algorithms for quantum-error corrections in human-driven transactions. The ‘YK2K Evolution for Veritas Mission’ and ‘AI Legal Mate’ are part of the ‘YK2K Evolution for Veritas Mission’ project, which aims to improve AI capabilities that enable the human brain and body to become more interactive through computers or applications without the need for traditional connections or devices.

This AGI technology known as ‘AI-119,’ started as a Harvard class project and was mentioned in a student thesis in 2023 (‘10508 Citizens’ Legal Action Supporting Disabled Voters in 2020 Elections, Dec. 18, 2023 (C. Peterson, LSTU-E132 – Prof. M.A. Stein)). This term paper discusses a civil rights action that resulted in millions of petition inquiry affidavits from being disabled voters who did not receive a ballot card or had voter registration problems during the COVID community lockdowns. The newer version of AI119’s technology is described as being capable of resolving tens of thousands of administrative complaint cases within a few days by integrating [live] attorneys with AI Law resources and SOC-2 applications to certify legal documents.

NEXT GEN OUTLOOK (QM-WARE)

AI119’s ‘25 plans are to complete its fifth-generation technology with innovative lab affiliates, including their “QM-ware” (quasi-mindware) approach. They aim to integrate AI with assistive technology like earbuds, eye-ware, wrist-ware, head-ware, and body-ware to enable adaptive learning. This will empower users to receive treatment or training for mental health disabilities or professional skills through peer-to-peer transmission of AI.

AI119’s performance moves expert minds through SOC-2 certification with AGI-ware that mitigates critical decision-making and enhancing resilience.

For more information about AI Legal Mate or AI119 Gen AI Law technology, visit www.ailegalmate.com.

News content by: Joe Butler, David De Livera (freelance writers)

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c32ceafb-5d99-449a-9edb-1074fadff1e5

CONTACT: Contact: david.delivera@ailegalmate.com (David De Livera)

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BusinessMagazine https://thegbm.com <![CDATA[Where to Watch Fireworks in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi for New Year’s Eve 2025]]> https://thegbm.com/where-to-watch-fireworks-in-ho-chi-minh-city-and-hanoi-for-new-years-eve-2025 2024-12-24T02:47:43Z 2024-12-24T02:47:43Z For the New Year’s Eve celebration of 2025, Ho Chi Minh City will host fireworks…

The post Where to Watch Fireworks in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi for New Year’s Eve 2025 appeared first on Vietnam Insider.

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For the New Year’s Eve celebration of 2025, Ho Chi Minh City will host fireworks…

The post Where to Watch Fireworks in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi for New Year’s Eve 2025 appeared first on Vietnam Insider.

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BusinessMagazine https://thegbm.com <![CDATA[Honda shares set for best day in more than 16 years on share buyback plan, Nissan deal]]> https://thegbm.com/honda-shares-set-for-best-day-in-more-than-16-years-on-share-buyback-plan-nissan-deal 2024-12-24T02:28:39Z 2024-12-24T02:28:39Z

In this article

A sign marks the location of a Honda dealership in Libertyville, Illinois, on Dec. 18, 2024.
Scott Olson | Getty Images

Shares of Japanese automaker Honda were on track for their best day in 16 years after it announced to buy back up to 1.1 trillion yen ($7 billion) of its shares on Monday amid merger talks with Nissan.

Nissan and Honda said they had begun official negotiations to merge, which could catapult them to the world’s third-largest carmaker by sales.

Honda also announced to buy back 24% of its issued shares by Dec. 23 next year. Its shares were last up 15.51%, and would clock their best day since October 2008, if gains hold. Nissan shares fell over 1%.

The Honda-Nissan deal would focus on sharing knowledge and resources, achieving economies of scale and creating synergies, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe said. A holding company will be established as the parent organization for both Honda and Nissan, and will be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

“These two companies, they are operating in the same market, and they have very similar brand images, they have very similar products,” Hakan Dogu, chairman of Alagan Mobility Solutions, told CNBC on Tuesday. 

“The new management has a big challenge to differentiate the product range and also extend the business,” he added. 

Stock Chart IconStock chart icon

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Honda shares year-to-date

Discussions are set to conclude in June 2025.

Nissan’s strategic partner, Mitsubishi, has been given the opportunity to join the new group and is expected to make a decision by the end of January 2025.

Honda reported 1.382 trillion yen in operating profit for the full year to March 2024, versus Nissan’s 568.7 billion yen. The automakers would have a combined value of nearly $54 billion, with Honda’s market capitalization contributing the greater $43 billion share.

Analysts suggested that the potential merger stems from Nissan’s financial struggles and the restructuring of its long-standing partnership with France’s Renault.

In its latest quarterly report, Nissan announced plans to cut 9,000 jobs and reduce its global production capacity by 20%.

—CNBC’s Jenni Reid contributed to this report.

By CNBC

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BusinessMagazine https://thegbm.com <![CDATA[Asia-Pacific markets trade mixed after Wall Street gains on tech strength]]> https://thegbm.com/asia-pacific-markets-trade-mixed-after-wall-street-gains-on-tech-strength 2024-12-24T01:41:40Z 2024-12-24T01:41:40Z

In this article

People posing for photos in front of a Christmas light installation in central Seoul on December 22, 2023.
Jung Yeon-je | Afp | Getty Images

Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Christmas Eve, after key U.S. benchmarks rose overnight helped by gains in tech stocks.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.32% as minutes of the Bank of Japan’s October meeting showed that members agreed to stick with raising rates if the economic and inflation outlook was met.

Japanese automaker Honda surged 15%, while Nissan shares fell over 5%, a day after they announced starting formal discussions to merge, paving the pay to create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales. Discussions are set to conclude in June 2025.

South Korea’s Kospi was down 0.26% while the Kosdaq was 0.16% higher.

South Korea’s consumer confidence slipped to the lowest in over two years. The country’s consumer sentiment index dropped by more than 12 points from November to 88.4 in December, falling below the 100-point mark that separates optimism from pessimism, a survey released by the Bank of Korea showed.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose 0.42% on open, while mainland China’s CSI 300 was up 0.10%.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was 0.35% higher in a shortened trading day.

Overnight in the U.S., stocks rose as strength in technology names helped the broader market.

The S&P 500 gained 0.73% to 5,974.07. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose 0.98% to 19,764.89, as Tesla and Meta Platforms added more than 2% and Nvidia climbed more than 3%.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average erased earlier losses and ended the day 66.69 points higher, or 0.16%, to 42,906.95.

Trading was thin on Monday and is expected to remain muted during the week. The New York Stock Exchange closes early Tuesday for Christmas Eve at 1 p.m. ET, and the market is shut on Christmas Day.

—CNBC’s Yun Li contributed to this report.

By CNBC

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BusinessMagazine https://thegbm.com <![CDATA[ALPHA PRO TECH, LTD. ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION EXPANSION OF SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM]]> https://thegbm.com/alpha-pro-tech-ltd-announces-2-million-expansion-of-share-repurchase-program 2024-12-23T21:00:00Z 2024-12-23T21:00:00Z NOGALES, Ariz., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd. (NYSE American: APT), a leading manufacturer of products designed to protect people, products and environments, including disposable protective apparel and building products, today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a $2.0 million expansion of the Company’s existing share repurchase program.

With this authorized expansion, the Company now has approximately $2.8 million available to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.8 million of which remains from the previous expansion, most recently announced in October 2024.

Management anticipates repurchasing shares through open market purchases or through privately-negotiated transactions and intends to retire all shares purchased through the share repurchase program. Open market purchases may be executed by the Company’s broker through a pre-arranged repurchase plan, which operates in accordance with the guidelines specified under Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any transactions under the repurchase plan will be effected in accordance with the terms of the plan, including specified price, volume and timing conditions, and will be applied against the amount authorized for the Company’s share repurchase program. Other open market and privately-negotiated purchases may occur from time to time outside the repurchase plan based on market and general business conditions, subject to applicable rules and regulations.

About Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd.

Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd. is the parent company of Alpha Pro Tech, Inc. and Alpha ProTech Engineered Products, Inc. Alpha Pro Tech, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets innovative disposable and limited-use protective apparel products for the industrial, clean room, medical and dental markets. Alpha ProTech Engineered Products, Inc. manufactures and markets a line of construction weatherization products, including building wrap and roof underlayment. The Company has manufacturing facilities in Nogales, Arizona; Valdosta, Georgia; and a joint venture in India. For more information and copies of all news releases and financials, visit Alpha Pro Tech’s website at http://www.alphaprotech.com.

 Certain statements made in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements instead of historical facts and may be identified generally by the use of forward-looking terminology and words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “potentially,” “may,” “continue,” “should,” “will” and words of similar meaning. Without limiting the generality of the preceding statement, all statements in this press release relating to the Company’s strategy, including the number of shares of common stock to be repurchased by the Company, if any, are forward-looking statements. We caution investors that any such forward-looking statements are only estimates based on current information and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results contained in the forward-looking statements. We cannot give assurances that any such statements will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by us include the risks, uncertainties and assumptions described from time to time in our public releases and reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Specifically, these factors include, but are not limited to, changes in global economic conditions; the inability of our suppliers and contractors to meet our requirements; potential challenges related to international manufacturing; the inability to protect our intellectual property; competition in our industry; customer preferences; the timing and market acceptance of new product offerings; security breaches or disruptions to the information technology infrastructure; the impact of legal and regulatory proceedings or compliance challenges; and volatility in our common stock price and our investments. We also caution investors that the forward-looking information described herein represents our outlook only as of this date, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or developments after the date of this press release. Given these uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.

CONTACT: Company Contact: Alpha Pro Tech, Ltd. Donna Millar 905-479-0654 e-mail: ir@alphaprotech.com Investor Relations Contact: Hayden IR Cameron Donahue 651-653-1854 e-mail: cameron@haydenir.com

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