HOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some former employees who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. What happened at Enron? Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company's collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work, wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions and rendered $60 billion in Enron stock worthless. Its aftershocks were felt throughout the energy sector. Twenty-four Enron executives , including former CEO Jeffrey Skilling , were eventually convicted for their roles in the fraud. Enron founder Key Lay’s convictions were vacated after he died of heart disease following his 2006 trial. Is Enron coming back? On Monday — the 23rd anniversary of the bankruptcy filing — a company representing itself as Enron announced in a news release that it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” It also posted a video on social media, advertised on at least one Houston billboard and a took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle In the minute-long video that was full of generic corporate jargon, the company talks about “growth” and “rebirth.” It ends with the words, “We’re back. Can we talk?” Enron's new website features a company store, where various items featuring the brand's tilted “E” logo are for sale, including a $118 hoodie. In an email, company spokesperson Will Chabot said the new Enron was not doing any interviews yet, but that "We’ll have more to share soon.” Signs point to the comeback being a joke. In the “terms of use and conditions of sale” on the company's website, it says “the information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.” Documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show that College Company, an Arkansas-based LLC, owns the Enron trademark. The co-founder of College Company is Connor Gaydos, who helped create a joke conspiracy theory that claims all birds are actually surveillance drones for the government. What do former Enron employees think of the company’s return? Peters said that since learning about the “relaunch” of Enron, she has spoken with several other former employees and they are also upset by it. She said the apparent stunt was “in poor taste.” “If it’s a joke, it’s rude, extremely rude. And I hope that they realize it and apologize to all of the Enron employees,” Peters said. Peters, who is 74 years old, said she is still working in information technology because “I lost everything in Enron, and so my Social Security doesn’t always take care of things I need done.” “Enron’s downfall taught us critical lessons about corporate ethics, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Enron’s legacy was the employees in the trenches. Leave Enron buried,” she said. ___ Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at https://x.com/juanlozano70 Juan A. Lozano, The Associated Press
is nearly here, but this year’s may be a bit more contentious than year’s past; the was only three weeks ago, after all. Ever since President-elect claimed victory over Vice President , some Americans may not be feeling so jolly and bright this holiday season, what with the merry-go-round of and concerns over . For some Americans, Thanksgiving serves as a time to gather with friends and and acknowledge what it is we’re truly grateful for. But for others, the holidays can prove to be difficult, especially when your political views greatly differ from your relatives. Not everyone has the ability to put politics aside for the sake of a peaceful meal, considering certain issues have direct impacts on the health and safety of our loved ones (or even ourselves). These days, it seems nearly impossible to avoid such hard-pressing topics, and we shouldn’t be avoiding all responsibility when it comes to these discussions either. However, that doesn’t mean we should reject all that the holiday season, including Thanksgiving, has to offer, like feelings of joy and togetherness. That’s why spoke with , a licensed marriage and family therapist, for his expert advice on how to navigate this year’s Thanksgiving dinner, all while avoiding political discussions that are sure to ignite a heated debate. For starters, why is it that these contentious arguments tend to flare up at the dinner table in the first place? Well, according to O’Neill, peoples’ political views have become deeply intertwined with their identities and values. When someone disagrees with those views, it can feel like they’re challenging who we are at our core. “Family dynamics and the nostalgia of the holiday can amplify emotions, creating a perfect storm for conflict. We’re also coming in with all the polarization we’ve seen on social media, where echo chambers have made it easy to dig in our heels,” he told . “So, it’s not surprising that discussions can turn heated when we’re all in one room, balancing our desire to connect with the pressure of defending our beliefs.” When these dinner table discussions go south, it’s important to remember why we’re all celebrating Thanksgiving together in the first place. Although you may not agree with your friend or family member’s political views, it’s polite for a Thanksgiving host to acknowledge their opinion. O’Neill suggested the response, “I understand where you’re coming from,” before gently sharing your own perspective. This way, it helps to create a more constructive dialogue rather than a combative one. What’s more, using “I” statements can be especially effective during a contentious political discussion. Not only does this technique avoid any semblance of a personal attack, but it also invites a more open and respectful conversation. “Keeping the tone friendly and focusing on the ideas rather than the person can help maintain a positive atmosphere while still expressing your disagreement,” the family therapist said. Unfortunately, there may come a time during Thanksgiving dinner when that respectful dialogue veers off course, and the conversation must be redirected. According to O’Neill, the best way to diffuse tension is to acknowledge everyone’s feelings and views without dismissing them. Then, try pivoting to a related topic that’s less divisive, such as community issues or shared interests. “Humor can also be a great tool; a light-hearted comment can break the ice and ease the tension,” he recommended. “Focusing on common ground or shared values can help remind everyone that, at the end of the day, we’re all human and connected, which is what really matters during the holidays.” Instead of diving into politics this Thanksgiving, go around the table and ask your guests their favorite holiday traditions or what they’re most thankful for this year. Or, offer up some of the movies or TV shows you watched over the past few months. O’Neill added: “If you throw in a few fun, light-hearted games or trivia about Thanksgiving, it can keep the mood upbeat and steer the focus away from potentially contentious topics, ensuring everyone has a good time!” Ultimately, taking care of our mental health should be a main priority this holiday season, especially after such a politically divisive year. This Thanksgiving, prepare yourself as best as possible for potentially contentious dinner table discussions by practicing self-awareness and setting your boundaries. “Know your triggers and how you usually respond in heated situations, which can really help you manage your emotions when things get tense,” O’Neill said. “Setting some ground rules for discussions can be super helpful, like agreeing to steer clear of certain topics or just focusing on understanding each other rather than debating.” Additionally, carve out time for activities that can recenter and recharge your energy, such as going for a walk, reading, or even finding a quiet moment to yourself. Deep breathing and meditation ahead of the holiday season can also help you stay centered during stressful Thanksgiving debates. “It’s helpful to remind myself that it’s okay to take breaks during gatherings, stepping away for a bit if things get too intense,” O’Neill added. “And let’s not forget to prioritize gratitude and connection over confrontation — reminding ourselves of what we appreciate about each other can really shift the atmosphere and keep the focus on the positives instead of diving into arguments.”Disney’s streaming business now profitable, possibly signaling a turning point
LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Andrej Jakimovski converted an off-balance layup with 8 seconds left, and Colorado handed No. 2 UConn its second loss in two days at the Maui Invitational, beating the two-time defending national champion 73-72 on Tuesday. A day after a 99-97 overtime loss to Memphis that left Huskies coach Dan Hurley livid about the officiating, UConn (4-2) couldn't shake the unranked Buffaloes (5-1), who shot 62.5% in the second half. With Colorado trailing 72-71 in the closing seconds, Jakimovski drove to his right and absorbed contact from UConn’s Liam McNeeley. He tossed the ball toward the glass and the shot was good as he fell to the floor. Hassan Diarra missed a 3-pointer just ahead of the buzzer for UConn. Elijah Malone and Julian Hammond III scored 16 points each for Colorado, and Jakimovski had 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Huskies led 40-32 at halftime and by nine points early in the second half, but Colorado quickly closed that gap. McNeeley led UConn with 20 points. UConn: Hurley's squad is facing its first adversity in quite a while. The Huskies arrived on Maui with a 17-game winning streak that dated to February. Colorado: The Buffaloes were held to season lows in points (56) and field goal percentage (37%) in a 16-point loss to Michigan State on Monday but shot 51.1% overall and 56.3% (9 of 16) from 3-point range against the Huskies. Hurley called timeout to set up the Huskies' final possession, but the Buffs forced them to take a contested 3. Colorado had a 28-26 rebounding advantage after being out-rebounded 42-29 by Michigan State. Colorado will play the Iowa-Dayton winner in the fifth-place game on Wednesday. UConn will play the loser of that matchup in the seventh-place game. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball .Analysis: Barkley is NFL's version of Ohtani
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU) is proud to announce the launch of its new digital banking experience, designed to deliver a smart, secure, and personalized experience to its global membership. This evolution in digital banking reflects SDFCU's commitment to serving members with unparalleled effectiveness. By listening to member needs and investing in cutting-edge technology, SDFCU is providing a platform that empowers members to manage their finances with ease and confidence, no matter where they are in the world. "Our new digital banking platform is a testament to our member-centric approach," said Jim Hayes, CEO of SDFCU. "We are confident that this platform will empower our members to manage their finances with greater ease, security, and confidence, allowing them to focus on what matters most." The new digital banking platform offers a range of features designed to enhance the member experience, including: streamlined account management via a customizable dashboard, industry-leading security measures including multi-factor authentication and advanced fraud detection, easy user-to-user and worldwide money transfers, proactive credit monitoring, digital card issuance, financial wellness tools, and more. "We are thrilled to introduce our new digital banking platform, which represents our continued commitment to providing exceptional member service," said Rachel Rust, Chief Experience Officer of SDFCU. "This platform is more than just technology; it's a reflection of our dedication to understanding and meeting the unique needs of our diverse membership." SDFCU is committed to providing its members with the tools and resources they need to achieve their financial goals. The new digital banking platform is a key part of this commitment, offering an intuitive and personalized banking experience for members around the world. About State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU): SDFCU is a member-owned full-service financial institution that is committed to serving its nearly 90,000 members worldwide. With $2.8 Billion in assets, SDFCU offers a full range of financial products and services that address the diverse and global needs of its members. SDFCU is headquartered in Old Town Alexandria, VA with 6 branch locations. Learn more about SDFCU at www.sdfcu.org . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/state-department-federal-credit-union-sdfcu-launches-new-digital-banking-platform-302336434.html SOURCE SDFCU
Partsol Secures Technology-Enabled Service Subscription with the US ArmyWith the first quarter of the NHL season in the books, it's time to take stock of the blue-liners making waves early on. But here's the real question: Are these strong starts sustainable, or are we looking at players who might fade into the background as the grind of the season kicks in? In 2023-24, only 10 defenders who appeared among the top 24 in fantasy points for the first quarter of the season were also among the top 24 performers for the final quarter. That's it. Just 10 of the best 24 managed to sustain their relative rate for both bookends of the season. And it's not a fluke. Across the past six seasons the number of defenders to be great at the start and great at the end are: 10, 12, 12, 12, 10 and six. The blue-liners don't get much more consistent when you tighten the focus. If we look at top-12 starts and top-12 finishes, we get the same player in both groups six times last season, seven the year prior and six the season before that. Jump ahead: Goalies | Power play | Droppables That's a lot of fluctuation and it makes it hard to trust some of these players, but many who shift across these arbitrary lines in the sand only do so by a matter of inches. So what if Noah Dobson finished last season like a lamb, ranking outside the top 40 defenders for the final quarter; he was fifth overall and got you to the end to be competitive. What you actually want to avoid are the extreme swings the other way, and there are some every season. Filip Hronek was ninth among defenders after the first quarter last season, but closed the season ranked 122nd among his peers down the stretch. In 2022-23, it was Ivan Provorov putting up top-12 stats at the start, but limping toward the finish line. (Dobson did the same that season, which is a concerning coincidence, we hope.) It's Not Too Late To Play Fantasy Hockey Create or join a fantasy hockey league on ESPN. New leagues start fresh weekly! Sign up today >> In 2021-22, Mario Ferraro did the disappearing act, ranking third among defenders in the first quarter but closing out with barely 1.3 fantasy points per game in the final quarter. (Oh, hey, there's Dobson again in this season ranking 87th in the first quarter and fifth in the fourth quarter; Dobson seems to be the definition of streaky.) That means that if we look at the current top 12 defenders, there is at least one player, possibly two, that history suggests won't even be roster-worthy once we get to March. That can be a tough pill to swallow, but if you look closer, there are candidates that jump out at you. Neal Pionk of the Winnipeg Jets stands out. He ranks ninth in fantasy scoring at the moment, but isn't even on his own team's top power-play unit. The second unit of the Jets had a strong start and has helped spike Pionk's totals with nine extra fantasy points. But is he likely to tumble like some of the aforementioned seasons? The Jets are great, he has his physical engine going with hits and blocks, it's tough to foresee such a wild value swing. I really like Travis Sanheim because he is a reliable shot blocker, but eighth overall among D is a little on the overachieving side. So I expect a slip, but not an enormous one. Fantasy hockey essentials • Free agent pickups: Who to add • Weekly trends: Power play, goalie picks • Projections | Goalie depth chart • Rankings | Player rater • Fantasy impact of Bruins change • It's not too late, sign up today! I keep coming back to Rasmus Andersson as my top value-drop candidate. He's fifth among all defensemen for fantasy points, one spot behind his teammate MacKenzie Weegar . But Andersson doesn't throw hits and isn't on the top power-play unit. These points are being generated through a rate of blocked shots that is out of line with his profile. For his career before this season, Andersson posted 4.3 blocked shots per 60 minutes. This season, he's blocking 7.32 per 60 minutes. I might try to sell high on all three of these players, but I'd be especially aggressive with Andersson. This statistical deep dive ended with a very specific example, but the idea is to constantly evaluate trends and look for anomalies. Fantasy hockey is as much about spotting patterns as it is about knowing when to act on them. By identifying players with unsustainable rates or those benefiting from unusual circumstances, you can stay ahead of the inevitable regression and avoid being caught off guard when the dynamic shifts. The numbers tell a story - but only if you're willing to read between the lines. Whether you're selling high on a player like Andersson or holding steady with a hard worker like Sanheim, the key is staying proactive, not reactive. Resources: Goalie depth chart | Daily lines | Projections | Play for free | Player rater | Most added/dropped | Mock draft lobby | How to watch on ESPN+ Goalie notes Check out some of the top performers in fantasy NHL from Monday, including Jacob Markstrom and Jack Hughes. Carolina Hurricanes in 24 games (five last week) : Pyotr Kochetkov (crease share season/week: 53.5%/DNP, fantasy points season/week: 36.0/DNP, 60.6% available) Spencer Martin (crease share season/week: 29.0%/96.5%, fantasy points season/week: -8.4/-9.8, 98.5% available) Frederik Andersen (crease share season/week: 16.9%/DNP, fantasy points season/week: 19.0/DNP, 42.1% available) Yaniv Perets (crease share season/week: 0.6%/3.5%, fantasy points season/week: -0.8/-0.8, 99.9% available) The crease has been ugly with just Martin and Perets, but Kochetkov has been back at practice and may even be in the crease Tuesday. If not then, soon. As a reminder, Kochetkov has runway until at least mid-February to have massive crease share for an elite club. In other words, lock him into rosters. Colorado Avalanche in 25 games (five last week) : Alexandar Georgiev (crease share season/week: 58.6%/87.5%, fantasy points season/week: -0.8/-2.2, 34.5% available) Scott Wedgewood (crease share season/week: 17.4% with Nashville, fantasy points season/week: -4.0/3.0, 97.8% available) Wedgewood is expected to make his debut on Tuesday. Georgiev just hasn't been able to find his form and keep key pucks out of the Avs net. Wedgewood has had a journeyman's career to date, but with the middling performances in the net for Colorado so far, all bets are off. A goaltender that gives them a chance to win 3-2 or 4-3 is all the Avalanche need right now, and Wedgewood could push for split of duties in the short term with a strong opening performance. Detroit Red Wings in 24 games (five last week) : Cam Talbot (crease share season/week: 56.5%/60.2%, fantasy points season/week: 34.2/0.0, 38.5% available) Alex Lyon (crease share season/week: 35.0%/24.5%, fantasy points season/week: 20.0/5.4, 94.5% available) Ville Husso (crease share season/week: 8.5%/15.3%, fantasy points season/week: -10.0/-2.0, 98.6% available) Editor's Picks NHL betting: More bark than bite for home underdogs? 4h Sean Allen Fantasy hockey free agents: Big week ahead for Celebrini, Forsberg 1d Sean Allen They are dropping like flies in Detroit. Lyon remains out and Talbot has now joined him on the sidelines. Sebastian Cossa was called up for Tuesday's contest, but Jack Campbell might be an option if these injuries drag out. Husso has not been the answer but, as you can tell from Talbot's and Lyon's fantasy totals, there is value here that only requires competency to tap. Both the injuries are listed as "lower body," which is never good for goaltenders. For what it's worth, Cossa is on the short list to be a crease contender in 2025-26 given his trajectory, so this is a tad early. But he's been great this season in the AHL. Los Angeles Kings in 25 games (five last week) : David Rittich (crease share season/week: 55.0%/75.6%, fantasy points season/week: 21.8/-2.2, 92.4% available) Darcy Kuemper (crease share season/week: 39.2%/DNP, fantasy points season/week: 16.4/DNP, 86.5% available) Erik Portillo (crease share season/week: 3.9%/24.4%, fantasy points season/week: 7.6/7.6, 99.9% available) Pheonix Copley (crease share season/week: 1.8%/DNP, fantasy points season/week: -2.0/DNP, 99.9% available) Kuemper's status keeps getting strung along day-by-day, while Rittich has mercurial results. Portillo had a fantastic debut but becomes truly interesting for fantasy this season only if Kuemper's timeline is confirmed to be longer than anticipated. St. Louis Blues in 25 games (three last week) : Jordan Binnington (crease share season/week: 74.0%/66.6%, fantasy points season/week: 20.8/13.8, 45.9% available) Joel Hofer (crease share season/week: 26.1%/33.4%, fantasy points season/week: 14.2/5.4, 95.8% available) With 13.4 of his 20.8 fantasy points on the season coming in one magical game against the Devils last week, we aren't quite on side with renewed optimism for Binnington with the coaching change. We need to see the Blues give him goal support before the upside meter starts pinging again here. Power-play notes Lane Hutson , D, Montreal Canadiens (available in 64.2% of ESPN leagues): The Habs power play has been better with Hutson instead of Mike Matheson . The guard hasn't changed fully yet, but it might soon. This past week, Hutson spent more time with the top unit and generated a much better shot attempts rate with them. Of course, we need this dangerous power play to start scoring again for this to matter. Patrik Laine is back soon, you say? Brandt Clarke , D, Los Angeles Kings (21.2%): Drew Doughty is now reportedly eyeing early January -- not early December -- for a return. This buys Clarke another month as the power-play QB. He's currently tied with Moritz Seider for 14th among defenders for fantasy points. Mackie Samoskevich , LW, Florida Panthers (99.7%): As the Panthers power play found its footing again, Samoskevich found himself in the middle of the action. He was on the ice for three of the Cats' six power-play goals across the past three games, including staying on the ice with the first unit for both wins against the Hurricanes. Was that matchup-specific, or are we going to see more of him on special teams? Ryan Donato , RW, Chicago Blackhawks (88.1%): The composition of the first unit has been crystalizing. Donato is a part of it with Connor Bedard and has been in on both goals by the group across the past three games. Michael Rasmussen , C, Detroit Red Wings (98.8%): Filling in for Patrick Kane on the top unit, Rasmussen has been a successful addition. Even if Kane comes back soon, there is a chance the Red Wings keep him here. It's your league. Run it how you want. Choose your league size, customize the scoring and set the rules you want to create the fantasy hockey league you want to play in. Create your custom league for free! Corey Perry , RW, Edmonton Oilers (99.6%): Zach Hyman could be back as early as Tuesday evening, but it's worth filing away the fact that Perry was a more-than-adequate replacement on the top unit. Though he didn't quite pick up enough fantasy points for his own benefit, he kept the engine running for others. Philip Tomasino , C, Pittsburgh Penguins (99.6%): I suspect it was very situational and one great game, but it's fun to look at the week and see the Penguins top unit with 1.25 shot attempts per two minutes and zero goals across 7:56 of PP time, while the second unit had 6.58 shot attempts per two minutes and three goals in 5:10. Droppables No one we haven't already discussed here is jumping off the page this week, but I'm serving notice to three players who might get highlighted here next week if they don't pick up the pace: Casey Mittelstadt , C, Colorado Avalanche; Jonathan Marchessault , RW, Nashville Predators ; and JJ Peterka , RW, Buffalo Sabres .
Atria Investments Inc Takes $330,000 Position in Lantheus Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LNTH)South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stunned voters, lawmakers and investors by declaring martial law on Tuesday in a high-stakes move he claimed would prevent the opposition from trying to paralyze his administration amid a political rift that is set to deepen markedly. In an emergency national address televised live, Yoon said he made the decision to protect freedom and constitutional order, and that it will not have an impact on South Korea’s foreign policy. He added that it would also help eradicate the influence of North Korean supporters. “Through the declaration of martial law, I will rebuild and protect a free South Korea,” Yoon said in a six-minute speech. A proclamation released after the address banned all political activities and strikes and said media would be subject to control of the Martial Law Command, according to Yonhap News. The move was initially viewed by analysts as a risky political play that was likely to backfire rather than an attempt to return to military-led regimes of the past. South Korea’s National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik called on lawmakers to go the national assembly immediately. In the 300-seat parliament, 190 lawmakers unanimously voted to demand the lifting of the martial law. “I urge the public to trust the parliament and monitor the situation with calm,” Woo said in a statement. It was not immediately clear whether the vote would be binding. The won suffered its sharpest drop since the global financial crisis to hit 1444.65 its lowest in over two years. Samsung Electronics’ London-listed shares fell as much as 7.2 percent. The finance minister and central bank chief met and promised to provide unlimited liquidity to markets if needed. The shock announcement to impose martial law for the first time since the democratization of South Korea in 1987 left even Yoon’s own party blindsided with its leader vowing to stop the move. Yoon’s abrupt decision comes after months of wrangling and deadlock in parliament between the president’s minority government and the main opposition Democratic Party, but with little expectation that the president would take such a drastic step. The DP is currently trying to force through its own budget proposal through parliament and has submitted an impeachment motion against the chief prosecutor after months of also trying to get Yoon’s wife prosecuted. Meanwhile, the DP’s leader has faced multiple court cases and was convicted last month of election-law violations, barring him from running for president if it is finalized. Yoon has dealt with the political deadlock in a largely standoffish manner, vetoing a string of bills passed by parliament and at times angering his own party. His latest act ramps up tensions considerably domestically, while also creating high uncertainty abroad for the outlook of one of the world’s key suppliers of semiconductors and tech-related gear. “Yoon’s declaration of emergency martial law is highly concerning. It marks a stark shift in the administration’s policy,” said Kayla Orta, senior associate at the Hyundai Motor-Korea Foundation Center for Korean History and Public Policy in Washington DC. “Instead of solidifying his political position, this could further damage his domestic standing.” South Korea’s defense minister ordered a meeting with the military’s top commanders. Broadcaster YTN said martial law would be maintained until the president lifts it, citing a defense official it did not identify. While Clause 77 of the Constitution says the president must withdraw a martial law declaration after a parliamentary majority demands it, Clause 89 says such an annulment should undergo a review by the cabinet as well. Earlier YTN showed police restricting entry to the parliament compound as people gathered neared the gate. Aides of lawmakers used fire extinguisher to block soldiers from entering the building. Even if the martial law order lasts only a day, the political instability it will generate is set to last two or three years, according to Lee Won-Jae, a sociology professor at Kaist Graduate School of Culture Technology in Daejeon. The leader of Yoon’s People Power Party condemned the move, in comments that indicated the lack of consultation on the move. He expressed the view that the vote had put an end to Yoon’s order. “The president’s declaration of martial law is wrong,” Han Dong-hoon, said in a Facebook post. “Martial law has lost its effect, so from this moment on, all state institutions exercising physical force, including the military and police of the Republic of Korea, are obligated not to follow unlawful or unfair instructions,” Han said in a separate post. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung urged the military and the police to go back to their posts, saying the declaration was nullified with the parliament’s vote. “All presidential orders based on the declaration of the martial law are unconstitutional, invalid and illegal,” Lee said, flanked by dozens of lawmakers. The move comes at a time of high uncertainty for the nation as its trade-dependent economy faces potential tariffs from President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration. Bloomberg Economics estimates that full imposition of tariffs on China, South Korea and other U.S. trading partners could reduce Seoul’s exports to the U.S. by as much as 55 percent. Meanwhile, North Korea continues to present a security concern as it deepens its ties with Russia, having sent thousands of troops there to help in Moscow’s war against Ukraine. Russia’s defense minister visited Pyongyang last week in the latest sign of talks between the two countries. Russia may help provide North Korea key technology for its weapons programs including its intercontinental ballistic missiles. “We shouldn’t be fooled — this has nothing at all to do with North Korea and all to do with domestic politics,” said Defense Priorities Fellow Daniel DePetris. “I expect U.S. and U.K. officials will be getting on the phone to try to convince President Yoon to abide by what the parliament just did.” U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg said the U.S. embassy in Seoul and the State Department are closely tracking Yoon’s martial law declaration. “The situation is fluid,” Goldberg said in an X post, urging citizens to monitor local news sources for updates. China suggested its citizens residing in South Korea keep calm and try to avoid going outdoors for anything non-essential, the country’s embassy said in a post on social media Tuesday night. The embassy also asked Chinese citizens to comply with official orders from the Korean government and “use caution” over sharing political opinions. “The domestic uncertainty adds to the external pressures in recent weeks as the market is starting to price in the rise of higher U.S. tariffs under the new Trump administration,” said Aroop Chatterjee, a strategist at Wells Fargo. “Korea is an open economy sensitive to shifts in global export demand and spillovers from a weaker China.” It is unclear what impact the martial law will have on South Korea’s biggest chipmakers. Nvidia depends mostly on SK Hynix for so-called high-bandwidth memory chips required for its most cutting-edge semiconductors, and whether the South Korean chip firm can continue to supply those high-end memory chips may affect the global AI development. While it remains to be seen if the move will have a lasting impact on markets and the economy, Yoon’s high-stakes move is certain to knock confidence in his leadership and his reliability as a bulwark of democracy in a nation with many authoritarian neighbors. “U.S. officials look to South Korea now as a beacon of democracy so for a president to pull a fast one like this is certainly shocking and unprecedented.” said DePetris.Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. grew its position in First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF ( NYSEARCA:FPX – Free Report ) by 5.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 2,413 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 131 shares during the period. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.’s holdings in First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF were worth $266,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC bought a new position in First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF during the third quarter valued at $5,178,000. Cetera Advisors LLC increased its holdings in First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF by 94.9% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC now owns 58,906 shares of the company’s stock worth $6,232,000 after acquiring an additional 28,679 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its stake in First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF by 23.2% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 130,004 shares of the company’s stock valued at $13,754,000 after acquiring an additional 24,514 shares during the period. Proactive Wealth Strategies LLC purchased a new stake in First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF during the third quarter valued at about $2,112,000. Finally, Lloyd Advisory Services LLC. bought a new position in First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF during the third quarter worth about $1,789,000. First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF Trading Up 1.8 % First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF stock opened at $128.47 on Friday. First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF has a 1-year low of $86.65 and a 1-year high of $128.47. The firm has a market capitalization of $937.86 million, a PE ratio of 20.57 and a beta of 1.56. The firm’s 50 day simple moving average is $114.08 and its 200 day simple moving average is $105.21. About First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF First Trust US IPO Index Fund (the Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of an equity index called the IPOX-100 U.S. Index (the Index). The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its assets in common stocks that comprise the Index. The Index is a modified value-weighted price index measuring the performance of the top 100 United States companies ranked quarterly by market capitalization in the IPOX Global Composite Index. See Also Receive News & Ratings for First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .