Optimist Club scholarship winners are ‘great examples of what can be possible’Where I Live: Westcliff resident feels ‘a strong sense of belonging’ in welcoming community
As a British investor, the first place I think about when buying shares is the . Over the past five years, the flagship index has gone up 12%. Not bad. Then again, not that good. After all, across the pond, the index has soared during the same period. Sure, that index has benefitted from strong performance by a few specific tech shares. But even the – a closer equivalent to the Footsie in terms of the mix of companies – is up in that period. That gives me pause to thought. As an investor from Blighty, ought I to be buying more shares in the S&P 500? I think there are some good reasons for me to consider it — but also some counterarguments. Here is one pro and one con I see when it comes to me buying into S&P 500 shares. Going where the big growth opportunities are This week saw strong results from UK software group , sending its share price soaring. But that also got me thinking about how few options there are as an investor . Sage is a tech company — but not exactly at the cutting edge of market growth opportunities. It supplies accountancy software to small- and medium-sized businesses. Even after its strong performance this week, the company’s market capitalisation is under £13bn. Still, an investor who bought into Sage five years ago would be sitting on a 74% return. But compare that to a tech share I own from the S&P 500, namely ( ) ( ). Its market-cap is over $2 (around £1.6trn). Over five years, Alphabet’s performance has trounced that of Sage. The Alphabet share price has soared in that period. Those are just two examples, but I think they point to a larger conclusion. The S&P 500 is stuffed full of tech shares I think are at the cutting edge of innovation. Alphabet has a cash cow in the form of its search business, though I see a risk of market share loss to platforms like as well as regulatory concerns, perhaps ultimately forcing a breakup of the group. But it is also involved in a host of other areas, from its own short form video rival to (on YouTube) to self-driving vehicles and balloon-based Internet connectivity. Such a breadth of tech innovation from a large, proven business is simply far easier to find among S&P 500 members than on the London exchange. Investing like Warren Buffett But as British retailers from to have found to their expense, the US can be a difficult market to crack. Firms like Alphabet are US-based multinationals. So I think investing in them benefits from an understanding of the US market, from its regulatory environment to Stateside . Like , I like to stick to what I can understand when buying shares. So while I am willing to invest in some S&P 500 enterprises, my comfort zone is hunting for bargains in the market I best understand. Fortunately, right now, I think a lot of UK shares are more attractively valued than their US counterparts!
Former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah has already found a new program in Duke, while Mississippi State's Michael Van Buren Jr., Wisconsin's Braedyn Locke and Cal's Fernando Mendoza are exploring changes of their own in the transfer portal. Mensah, a redshirt freshman with three years of eligibility remaining, told ESPN on Wednesday he has transferred to Duke. He attended the Blue Devils men's basketball game against Incarnate Word on Tuesday night. The Blue Devils (9-3) will face Mississippi in the Gator Bowl, but without 2024 starting quarterback Maalik Murphy and backup Grayson Loftis, who also entered the portal. Mensah, viewed as one of the top players in the portal, threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns and completed 65.9% of his passes. He led the Green Wave to a 9-4 record and the American Athletic Conference championship game, where they lost 35-14 to Army. Tulane will play Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl on Sunday. Van Buren, Mendoza and Locke announced on social media they had entered the portal. Van Buren started eight games as a true freshmen for the Bulldogs. He threw for 1,886 yards on 55% passing with 16 total touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Bulldogs (2-10, 0-8 Southeastern Conference). He took over as the starter when Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in a 45-28 loss to Florida on Sept. 21. Shapen has said he plans to return next season. Van Buren, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound passer from St. Frances Academy in Maryland, had two 300-yard performances for the Bulldogs, including 306 yards and three touchdown passes in a 41-31 road loss against Georgia. Mendoza threw for 3,004 yards in 2024 with 16 TDs, six interceptions and a 68.7 completion percentage. "For the sake of my football future this is the decision I have reached," he posted. Locke passed for 1,936 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for Wisconsin this season. He said he will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next school. ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has joined defensive tackle Mason Graham in the NFL draft. Johnson declared for the draft on Wednesday, one day after Graham decided he would also skip his senior season with the Wolverines. Both preseason All-America players are expected to be first-round picks. Johnson was limited to six games this year due to an injury. He had two interceptions, returning them both for touchdowns to set a school record with three scores off interceptions. Johnson picked off nine passes in three seasons. Graham played in all 12 games this season, finishing with 3 1/2 sacks and seven tackles for losses. He had 18 tackles for losses, including nine sacks, in his three-year career. Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is The Associated Press offensive player of the year in the Southeastern Conference and South Carolina defensive lineman Kyle Kennard is the top defensive player. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was voted the top newcomer on Wednesday while the Gamecocks' Shane Beamer is coach of the year in voting by the panel of 17 media members who cover the league. Sampson led the SEC and set school records by rushing for 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is tied for third nationally in rushing touchdowns, recording the league's fifth-most in a season. Sampson was chosen on all but two ballots. Mississippi wide receiver Tre Harris and his quarterback, Jaxson Dart, each got a vote. Kennard led the SEC with 11-1/2 sacks and 15-1/2 tackles for loss. He also had 10 quarterback hurries and forced three fumbles. Beamer led the Gamecocks to just their fifth nine-win season, including a school-record four wins over Top 25 opponents. They've won their last six games and ended the regular season with a win over eventual ACC champion Clemson. South Carolina plays Illinois on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl. Pavia helped lead Vandy to its first bowl game since 2018 after transferring from New Mexico State. He passed for 2,133 yards and 17 touchdowns with four interceptions. He ran for another 716 yards and six touchdowns, directing an upset of Alabama. AMES, Iowa — Matt Campbell, who led Iowa State to its first 10-win season and became the program's all-time leader in coaching victories, has agreed to an eight-year contract that would keep him with the Cyclones through 2032. University president Wendy Wintersteen and athletic director Jamie Pollard made the announcement Wednesday, four days after the Cyclones lost to Arizona State in the Big 12 championship game. “Given all the uncertainty currently facing college athletics, it was critical that we moved quickly to solidify the future of our football program,” Pollard said. “Matt is the perfect fit for Iowa State University and I am thrilled he wants to continue to lead our program. Leadership continuity is essential to any organization’s long-term success." The Cyclones won their first seven games for their best start since 1938 and are 10-3 heading into their game against Miami in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 28. BRIEFLY FLAG PLANT: Ohio Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. MALZAHN: Gus Malzahn, who resigned as UCF’s coach last month to become Mike Norvell’s offensive coordinator at Florida State, said he chose to return to his coaching roots rather than remain a head coach distracted by a myriad of responsibilities. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Mark Vancil has been called “Michael Jordan’s Boswell.” For more than 30 years that has been the case and it all began when Vancil, a native of far west suburban and charming Sycamore, was a young sportswriter covering the Bulls and their rookie named Jordan for the Chicago Sun-Times. Vancil had come to the paper after getting a journalism degree at Northern Illinois University and working at such newspapers as Florida’s Clearwater Sun and St. Petersburg Times, DeKalb’s Chronicle and the Aurora Beacon-News. “When I came to the Sun-Times in 1984, the Bulls weren’t good, so they took a chance on this young guy,” he told me last week, “I think Michael and I became friends, in part, because I never asked him for anything.” Vancil would soon leave the Sun-Times to cover the NBA for the short-lived sports daily The National. But he never lost touch with Jordan. “I had been thinking about writing books since I was young and finally in Jordan I came upon the perfect subject,” he told me. “I pitched the idea in the late ‘80s and nothing happened. Then in 1992, I was ready.” He was in Southern California, where Michael was practicing with the so-called U.S. “Dream Team” for the Olympics. “We were a stairwell, and he tells me he is going to quit and play baseball,” Vancil says. “I realized that the next season could be his last in the NBA, the timing was perfect for a book.” Vancil explained his idea, telling Jordan, “I can guarantee you a million dollars.” Jordan smiled and said, “You’ve got a million dollars?” “Not yet,” said Vancil. They made a deal, orchestrated an innovative publishing venture and in 1993 the world had “Rare Air: Michael on Michael,” with dozens of striking photos by acclaimed Walter Iooss Jr. and words from Jordan. “This was Michael’s book, his words. I interviewed him all over (on tape) and put it together,” Vancil says. The book was a sensation. It is estimated to have sold more than 2.5 million copies. (You can now find autographed copies online for, oh my, many thousands of dollars.) This success spawned a publishing company called Rare Air Media. Vancil also wrote books about Ken Griffey Jr., Mario Andretti, Dan Marino and musician Johnny Cash. His latest, just published, is unlike the rest but certainly benefits from Vancil’s experiences and opinions. It is a thought-provoking marvel titled “The Last Excellent Man: The Meaning of Our Jordan Year,” which is a bit about Jordan but also a lot else. In it, there is Vancil’s near dust-up with Oprah, the quiet visits Jordan would make to local children’s hospitals, “acts of kindness personal and executed quietly”; and thoughts on politics, technology, sports gambling. Though Vancil, in his self-effacing manner, writes “readers (will) notice that parts of my life string through these pages ... the attention to my own life in these pages is uncomfortable.” Sorry he feels that way but having him pepper the book is what gives it its special kick, its authoritativeness, its philosophical potency as in “The connection between people and their inner lives is largely misunderstood, if acknowledged at all. Yet, it appears to be the source of Jordan’s on-court theatrics, (Taylor) Swift’s three-and-a-half-hour performances, and the soulful countenance with which both travel.” There is no specific “man” referred to in the title, and many men and women are discussed, including Caitlin Clark, Muhammad Ali and Steve Jobs. One of the most moving portions deals with the murder of James Jordan, Michael’s father, whose body was discovered on Aug. 13, 1993, by a fisherman in a South Carolina swamp. I learned things, such as that race car driver Mario Andretti “could pick out his wife in the infield while maneuvering a Ferrari around the track’s 17 turns, sometimes at 180 miles an hour.” I was especially grabbed when Vancil addresses “America’s peculiar desire to attack what it previously cheered.” He writes of the theories surrounding Jordan’s first “retirement,” and how any involved would have had to craft “one of the greatest conspiracies in the history of conspiracies, and then maintained a Black Ops level silence for more than 30 years.” I had not seen Vancil in some time before we sat down last week and our conversation was filled with memories of the newspaper business and the names of mutual friends, such as his high school friend and former Sun-Times and New York Times writer Dirk Johnson. Another of those ink-stained pals, Ron Rapoport, told me, “I remember when Mark was one of us at the Sun-Times, scuffling to get athletes’ quotes and trying to make deadlines, and then all of a sudden he became this journalistic colossus explaining the phenomenon of Michael Jordan to the world. Did James Boswell know as much about Samuel Johnson as Mark does about Jordan? I wonder.” I was happy to hear that Vancil and his wife Laura, who runs a granola company, have been married for more than three decades and have four grown children, often dropping into the family home in the suburbs. And, born storyteller that he is, he told me, “Laura and I went on our first date in mid-January 1993. After dinner, she suggested extending the night at the Old Town Ale House. I was hooked. So, for symmetry, a while later we stopped into the Ale House on our way to a family event, put Patsy Cline on the jukebox, got down on a knee at the bar, and that was that. We were married on Sept. 4.” He still talks to Jordan. They are friends. “Yes,” Vancil says. “Of course our lives have diverged.” He smiles and then says, “For one thing, Michael’s a multi-billionaire and I’m not.” And that’s OK. Money isn’t everything. rkogan@chicagotribune.comWall Street stocks finished a lackluster week on a muted note Friday as concerns about rising Treasury bond yields competed with enthusiasm over artificial intelligence equities. Of the major indices, only the Nasdaq mustered a gain in Friday's session. The tech-rich index was also the only of the three leading US benchmarks to conclude the week higher. "Equities are kind of treading water," said LBBW's Karl Haeling. "A negative influence to some extent is the rise in bond yields." The latest US consumer price index data released this week showed prices ticked higher in November and the wholesale data also showed stubborn inflationary pressures. "Yields rose to their highest levels in over two weeks as markets brace for the Federal Reserve's final meeting of the year, reflecting concerns over sticky inflation," said Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at online trading platform IG. There is also growing concern over the inflationary pressures from President-elect Donald Trump's pledges to cut taxes and impose tariffs, as inflation still stands above the Fed's target. "While the markets still anticipate a rate cut from the Federal Reserve next week, the likelihood of a move in January has dropped," said Patrick Munnelly, partner at broker Tickmill Group. The CME FedWatch tool shows the market sees a more than 75 percent chance that the Fed will hold rates steady in January. In Europe, the Paris CAC 40 index ended the day down 0.2 percent after French President Emmanuel Macron named his centrist ally Francois Bayrou as prime minister, ending days of deadlock over finding a replacement for Michel Barnier. Frankfurt also dipped, with Germany's central bank sharply downgrading its growth forecasts on Friday for 2025 and 2026. It predicted a prolonged period of weakness for Europe's biggest economy. London stocks were also lower after official data showed that the UK economy unexpectedly shrank for the second consecutive month in October. The euro recovered after flirting with two-year lows against the dollar following a warning Thursday by ECB president Christine Lagarde that the eurozone economy was "losing momentum", cautioning that "the risk of greater friction in global trade could weigh on euro area growth". In Asia, Hong Kong and Shanghai both tumbled as investors were unimpressed with Beijing's pledge to introduce measures aimed at "lifting consumption vigorously" as part of a drive to reignite growth in the world's number two economy. President Xi Jinping and other key leaders said at the annual Central Economic Work Conference they would implement a "moderately loose" monetary policy, increase social financing and reducing interest rates "at the right time". The gathering came after Beijing in September began unveiling a raft of policies to reverse a growth slump that has gripped the economy for almost two years. "We're still not convinced that policy support will prevent the economy from slowing further next year", said Julian Evans-Pritchard, head of China economics at research group Capital Economics. Among individual equities, chip company Broadcom surged nearly 25 percent after reporting a 51 percent jump in quarterly revenues to $14.1 billion behind massive growth in AI-linked business. New York - Dow: DOWN 0.2 percent at 43,828.06 (close) New York - S&P 500: FLAT at 6,051.09 (close) New York - Nasdaq Composite: UP 0.1 percent at 19,926.72 (close) London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.1 percent at 8,300.33 (close) Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.2 percent at 7,409.57 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 0.1 percent at 20,405.92 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 1.0 percent at 39,470.44 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 2.1 percent at 19,971.24 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 2.0 percent at 3,391.88 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.0504 from $1.0467 on Thursday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2622 from $1.2673 Dollar/yen: UP at 153.60 yen from 152.63 yen Euro/pound: UP at 83.19 pence from 82.59 pence Brent North Sea Crude: UP 1.5 percent at $74.49 per barrel West Texas Intermediate: UP 1.8 percent at $71.29 per barrel burs-jmb/st
In the past, students relied on books to garher information for their projects, homework, and other academic tasks. However,, this is no longer the case with the advent of artificial intelligence. The use of AI has become increasingly popular, particularly among the younger generation. Students are drawn to AI because it simplifies their tasks, allowing them to complete their work more efficiently and quickly. But is AI only about speed and convenience in completing schoolwork? Excessive use of AI in academics can lead to dependency on the tool. This reliance may erode critical thinking, reduce problem-solving abilities, diminish creativity, and even increase the risk of plagiarism. Despite these concerns, students frequently rely on AI as their go-to source for academic material, contributing to issues on academic integrity. From my observations, a lack of understanding about AI has led to a significant number in AI-generated academic submissions compared to those derived from original ideas. This trend highlights the need for better awareness of AI’s appropriate use in education. On the other hand, AI has its merits. It can support development and enhance creativity and critical thinking skills when used appropriately. The key lies in balance. It’s fine to use AI, but it should remain a tool, not a replacement for human effort. Proper use ensures that both its benefits and drawbacks are managed effectively. The rise of generative AI has surprised and amazed many, including those in the academic sector. While its development is widely welcomed, the lack of policies governing its use in education has left schools in a state of uncertainty. AI is still new, and it’s too early to label it as entirely good or bad. However, we should acknowledge that technology can be used both constructively and destructively. By integrating ethical guidelines and clear policies on AI use, educational institutions can address concerns like academic dishonesty. It’s high time for the education department to explore how to effectively integrate AI technology into students’ learning processes before bad habits develop. Honestly, this is a challenging task, especially in a developing country. Nonetheless, it is crucial for government leaders to prioritize efforts to understand technology and its impact on education. Addressing this now can help ensure that AI becomes a tool for progress rather than a hindrance to a meaningful learning. Andrea Gayle Acas | Grade 8 Special Program in Journalism Abellana National School
Yorkton’s 2024-28 city council faced a busy agenda at its first meeting Monday evening. "It was an excellent meeting. I think we had good presentations as well as excellent presenters,” shared Mayor Aaron Kienle. “Council, I think, did really well. We have a couple new councillors that this was their first meeting and they asked excellent questions." During the meeting, various delegations came up including the Parkland Filipino-Canadian Association Corporation (PFCAC) who asked council if a facility for future basketball tournaments could be provided to the group – with the request of installing basketball nets at the Gallagher Centre Flexihall. While council passed a motion to send the request to the city’s budget deliberations, Kienle shared that council plans on working with PFCAC on finding an alternative in the meantime. “It’s going to be referred as far as looking for new facilities or new equipment, it will get referred to the budget where we will certainly take a look at the ask, and see where it could fit,” Kienle stated. “I think there’s got to be some relationships that can be built, or fostered, between the school divisions as well. Their big ask is for gym space and we do have a number of gyms in the community. I'm not sure if that's been investigated before, but will certainly be something that will be looked into." Other matters were presented such as the rezoning of multiple properties on Broadway Street West to allow mixed use for residential and business occupancies, the change of language to the city’s Cemetery bylaw to make it easier for families, and a pilot project called Social Prescribing in Saskatchewan. The initiative – organized by Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM) – is to provide community, based programs for people ages 55+ in attempt to reduce the frequency of medical interventions and hospital stays, all while supporting individuals to live safe and independently. “This is a way of asking people to tell their story, not to tell the person what they need, but to ask them what’s their story and how we can support you going through your life so you’re able to live healthy and well in your own community for as long as you choose to,” explained Rod McKendrick of SSM, during his presentation to council. “Social prescribing is not an intervention by itself, but rather a pathway that helps to address the individuals needs. The Community Connector model can be adapted to each unique context.” After the presentation, council voted in favour of the project unanimously. "I think it’s excellent. As mentioned in council, I think it should be something available all the way down to kids having issues as teenagers as this would certainly help,” Kienle expressed. “Then it was explained this is kind of where it starts. They are doing it with the senior population and then in time, potentially, it could go to more of our residents, but an excellent initiative." Yorkton Chamber of Commerce shared their thoughts on how the city’s new council meeting went. “I thought it went very well. It ran very smoothly,” voiced executive director Juanita Polegi. “I thought the new councillors in particular were very engaged and asked some good questions.” She added that she looks forward to seeing how the group will support the city’s business community in the nearby future. "As always, we hope they look to create an environment that's great for businesses to expand and grow in,” she shared. “As well as continue to invest into Yorkton.”
Utah Hockey Club bring 3-game losing streak into matchup with the PenguinsNeedless statement
The New York Jets may have entered the 2024 NFL season in win-now mode, but with six weeks still to play, they've completely reversed course, kicking off a total teardown. Head coach Robert Saleh was the first to go back in October, and on Tuesday, increasingly impatient owner Woody Johnson went even higher up, firing general manager Joe Douglas , who was set to have his contract expire after the season anyway. And now, it appears Aaron Rodgers may possibly be following Saleh and Douglas out the door. Johnson (who reportedly sought to have Rodgers benched after just four games this year) has lost confidence in Rodgers' ability to end Gang Green's 14-year playoff drought, according to The Athletic , which also reported that Rodgers wants to play in 2025 but for another team. The Jets can save money by releasing Rodgers this offseason, so a split would appear to make sense for both parties. Is it possible that Johnson can rediscover his faith in Rodgers? Sure. The Jets, after all, aren't exactly a model of sound process. But in the event they do move on, likely by designating Rodgers a post-June 1 cut, these teams could be potential landing spots: 4. Las Vegas Raiders There is perhaps no team more desperate for something -- anything -- at quarterback, and while the 2025 NFL Draft figures to be their first priority for addressing the position, who says they couldn't double dip? With more than a whopping $100 million in projected cap space, they also have the money to make big investments up front and out wide, where Rodgers would conceivably demand upgrades. Would Davante Adams ' sour experience in Las Vegas prevent A-Rod from trying his own hand in Sin City? Maybe. But Rodgers may not have many alternatives, and Raiders coach Antonio Pierce could earn his respect as a former NFL colleague and California native. Star rookie tight end Brock Bowers is another draw. 3. Minnesota Vikings Besides the storybook parallels to Brett Favre, who also went from Packers legend to Jets and Vikings rental to close his career, this one registers as sneakily plausible. The Vikings would surely prefer to re-sign current starter Sam Darnold , who's fared reasonably well under Kevin O'Connell, but what if Darnold opts for a better-paying gig in 2025 free agency, confidence restored, ready to depart the lurking shadow of first-round pick J.J. McCarthy ? Minnesota might still want a placeholder as McCarthy returns from knee surgery, and Rodgers would be getting a ready-made lineup with the best offensive line, skill weapons and defense he's had in years. Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was in the San Francisco 49ers ' front office when the Niners reportedly tried to land Rodgers in 2021, and he'd also be betting on the vengeance factor, allowing Rodgers to play the Packers at least twice. 2. Tennessee Titans After almost two seasons with Will Levis at quarterback, the Titans may still be unsure of what they have in the former second-rounder -- so much so that the gifted but erratic gunslinger might benefit from taking a seat. With veteran skill weapons, including Tony Pollard and Calvin Ridley , a solid defense, a very winnable division, more than $65 million in projected salary cap space and an offensively geared head coach in Brian Callahan they could be one of the few teams with an apparent quarterback need and enough proven talent to lure Rodgers at this stage of his career. Like Adofo-Mensah in Minnesota, general manager Ran Carthon was also part of the 49ers regime that eyed a possible Rodgers trade years ago. 1. Retirement Let's face it: If Rodgers doesn't return for a third season with the Jets, he probably won't return at all. In some ways, it took great pains for the one-time star to even leave the Green Bay Packers in 2023. Plus, New York is specifically where he wanted to be. The Jets' subsequent catering to his every desire, pouring resources into ex-Packers allies like Nathaniel Hackett and Allen Lazard , confirmed as much. It's one thing to start all over again. It's another to do it at age 41, coming off back-to-back injury-riddled seasons, and likely for a team that either won't want to shoulder his level of power or isn't properly equipped to make a title run. Rodgers may desire a celebratory sendoff, but like Tom Brady after his sluggish finale, he may realize that time is simply past, calling it a career rather than subjecting himself to additional turmoil.
Clemson added a quarterback to its 2025 recruiting class on Tuesday with Chris Denson announcing his decision to flip from Coastal Carolina. The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder from Plant City High School in Florida had been committed to the Chanticleers since April and has yet to visit Clemson's campus. Tigers coach Dabo Swinney has been putting a push on to flip Denson in recent weeks following the decommitment of Blake Hebert last month. "I just feel like my development will be through the roof," Denson told On3.com about his decision to switch. "Playing under one of the best coaches in the country and knowing that I haven't reached my potential yet, I know that they will take me to that level." A three-star recruit, Denson is ranked as the No. 50 quarterback in the nation by the 247 Composite. He is the 14th player to commit to the Tigers, who have also seen six players decommit this cycle, according to The Greenville News. "What makes Clemson special is just the level of ball that they are playing at," Denson said. "And the way they compete. I'm a huge competitor, so that's the type of place and people I want to surround myself around." --Field Level MediaLOUDONVILLE, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul has a negative 39-49% favorability rating, up slightly from 36-51% in October (then among likely voters), and her job approval rating also got a bump to 46-49%, up from 41-51%, according to a Siena College poll of New York State registered voters.When asked if they would vote to re-elect [...]FLY WITH CONFIDENCE
Verdence Capital Advisors LLC lifted its position in Alphabet Inc. ( NASDAQ:GOOGL – Free Report ) by 4.9% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 72,779 shares of the information services provider’s stock after acquiring an additional 3,389 shares during the period. Alphabet accounts for 1.0% of Verdence Capital Advisors LLC’s holdings, making the stock its 17th largest position. Verdence Capital Advisors LLC’s holdings in Alphabet were worth $12,070,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. China Universal Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in Alphabet by 70.6% in the 1st quarter. China Universal Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 101,230 shares of the information services provider’s stock worth $15,279,000 after purchasing an additional 41,880 shares in the last quarter. Quent Capital LLC increased its holdings in shares of Alphabet by 3.6% in the first quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 31,171 shares of the information services provider’s stock valued at $4,705,000 after purchasing an additional 1,072 shares during the last quarter. Cumberland Partners Ltd lifted its position in Alphabet by 14.3% during the first quarter. Cumberland Partners Ltd now owns 144,393 shares of the information services provider’s stock worth $21,793,000 after buying an additional 18,104 shares in the last quarter. Wintrust Investments LLC boosted its stake in Alphabet by 5.8% during the first quarter. Wintrust Investments LLC now owns 32,780 shares of the information services provider’s stock worth $4,947,000 after buying an additional 1,803 shares during the last quarter. Finally, TCTC Holdings LLC grew its holdings in Alphabet by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. TCTC Holdings LLC now owns 63,255 shares of the information services provider’s stock valued at $9,547,000 after buying an additional 194 shares in the last quarter. 40.03% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Alphabet Stock Performance Shares of Alphabet stock opened at $164.76 on Friday. Alphabet Inc. has a one year low of $127.90 and a one year high of $191.75. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $167.64 and a 200-day simple moving average of $170.36. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 1.95 and a current ratio of 1.95. The company has a market cap of $2.02 trillion, a PE ratio of 21.85, a P/E/G ratio of 1.27 and a beta of 1.03. Alphabet Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 9th will be paid a $0.20 dividend. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.49%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 9th. Alphabet’s dividend payout ratio is presently 10.61%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $210.00 price target on shares of Alphabet in a report on Wednesday, October 30th. Scotiabank raised shares of Alphabet to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Friday, October 11th. Wedbush reissued an “outperform” rating and issued a $205.00 price target on shares of Alphabet in a research note on Thursday, October 24th. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed a “neutral” rating and set a $190.00 price target on shares of Alphabet in a research report on Wednesday, October 30th. Finally, Tigress Financial upped their price objective on Alphabet from $210.00 to $220.00 and gave the company a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Thursday, September 26th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirty-one have assigned a buy rating and five have assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Alphabet has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $205.90. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on GOOGL Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, CEO Sundar Pichai sold 22,500 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $176.67, for a total value of $3,975,075.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 2,061,806 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $364,259,266.02. This represents a 1.08 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink . Also, CAO Amie Thuener O’toole sold 682 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $160.44, for a total transaction of $109,420.08. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 32,017 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,136,807.48. The trade was a 2.09 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold 206,795 shares of company stock valued at $34,673,866 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 11.55% of the company’s stock. About Alphabet ( Free Report ) Alphabet Inc offers various products and platforms in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and Latin America. It operates through Google Services, Google Cloud, and Other Bets segments. The Google Services segment provides products and services, including ads, Android, Chrome, devices, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Maps, Google Photos, Google Play, Search, and YouTube. Recommended Stories Five stocks we like better than Alphabet Stock Splits, Do They Really Impact Investors? Tesla Investors Continue to Profit From the Trump Trade Best Stocks Under $10.00 MicroStrategy’s Stock Dip vs. Coinbase’s Potential Rally What is Insider Trading? What You Can Learn from Insider Trading Netflix Ventures Into Live Sports, Driving Stock Momentum Receive News & Ratings for Alphabet Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alphabet and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
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