Category: Uncategorized

Key Points: – 24X National Exchange will initially operate from 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, with plans to extend trading to 23 hours daily. – The platform aims to meet the growing demand for overnight liquidity, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. – This initiative reflects a broader trend toward aligning equities trading with the 24/7 nature of cryptocurrency markets.

The trading landscape is set to undergo a significant transformation with the arrival of the 24X National Exchange, a new platform aimed at providing nearly round-the-clock stock trading. Announced by Stamford, Connecticut-based 24 Exchange, the platform is scheduled to debut in the second half of 2025, pending final regulatory approvals.

Initially, the exchange will offer trading from 4:00 a.m. ET to 7:00 p.m. ET on weekdays. However, its long-term vision extends to providing trading hours from 8:00 p.m. ET on Sunday through 7:00 p.m. ET on Friday, with a one-hour daily pause. This model could bring U.S. equities trading closer to the 24/7 structure popularized by the cryptocurrency market.

The move to expand trading hours addresses a key challenge faced by traders—limited access to markets during off-peak hours in their regions. “Traders are most at-risk when the market is closed in their geographic location,” explained Dmitri Galinov, CEO and Founder of 24 Exchange. “The 24X National Exchange will seek to alleviate this problem by facilitating around-the-clock U.S. equities trading for broker-dealers and their institutional and retail customers.”

The platform plans to target a growing demand for overnight liquidity, particularly from the Asia-Pacific region, where investors often face significant time zone mismatches with U.S. market hours.

The concept of expanded trading hours has been gaining momentum. Brokerages like Robinhood Markets and Interactive Brokers already offer extended-hours trading for select securities, allowing users to trade before or after the standard U.S. market hours.

This trend is partially driven by the global nature of financial markets and the popularity of cryptocurrencies, which trade continuously across time zones. For traditional equities, 24X’s model could mark a shift toward aligning with these global dynamics, giving investors more opportunities to react to breaking news and economic data.

While the move could enhance market accessibility and liquidity, it may also present challenges. Critics of extended trading hours point to risks such as thinner volumes and heightened volatility during non-traditional hours. However, proponents argue that technology and global demand are reshaping market expectations, and platforms like 24X are well-positioned to address these needs.

As regulatory approvals progress, the launch of 24X will be closely watched by traders, institutions, and analysts alike. The exchange’s ambitious plan to modernize U.S. equities trading could not only provide greater flexibility for investors but also set the stage for a broader shift in how markets operate globally.

The 24X National Exchange is poised to be a significant step forward, reinforcing the industry’s move toward more accessible and inclusive financial markets.

Research News and Market Data on SKYX

Rani Kohen, Founder, and Steve Schmidt, President of SKYX, to Present at 1:30 PM ET on December 3, 2024, and Engage in Investor Meetings Throughout the Conference

MIAMI, Nov. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SKYX Platforms Corp. (NASDAQ: SKYX) (d/b/a “SKYX Technologies”), a highly disruptive smart platform technology company with over 97 issued and pending patents in the U.S. and globally, and over 60 lighting and home décor websites with a mission to make homes and buildings become smart, safe, and advanced as the new standard, today announced that Rani Kohen, Founder, and Steve Schmidt, President of SKYX, will present on Tuesday, December 3, at 1:30 pm in presentation room 2, and conduct investor meetings with SKYX’s CEO Lenny Sokolow at NobleCon20, Noble Capital Markets’ Twentieth Annual Emerging Growth Equity Conference, being held December 3-4 in Boca Raton, Fla.

Investors interested in arranging a meeting with the Company’s management during the conference should contact the NobleCon conference coordinator. A video webcast of the presentation will be available the day following the presentation under the  IR Events tab of the SKYX website at www.skyplug.com and as part of a complete catalog of presentations available at Noble Capital Markets’ Conference website at www.nobleconference.com and on Channelchek, the investor portal created by Noble Capital Markets, at www.channelchek.com.

Details of the SKYX Platforms Presentation

Event:   NobleCon20, Noble Capital Markets’ Twentieth Annual Emerging Growth Equity Conference

Date:     Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Time:     1:30 p.m. ET

Location:            Florida Atlantic University, College of Business Executive Education (COBEE) Complex

Track:    Presentation Room 2

About SKYX Platforms Corp.

As electricity is a standard in every home and building, our mission is to make homes and buildings become safe-advanced and smart as the new standard. SKYX has a series of highly disruptive advanced-safe-smart platform technologies, with over 97 U.S. and global patents and patent pending applications. Our technologies place an emphasis on high quality and ease of use, while significantly enhancing both safety and lifestyle in homes and buildings. We believe that our products are a necessity in every room in both homes and other buildings in the U.S. and globally. For more information, please visit our website at https://skyplug.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn.

Investor Relations Contact:

Jeff Ramson

PCG Advisory

jramson@jramsonpcgadvisory-com

Key Points: – October’s Core PCE rose 0.3% month-over-month, mirroring September’s figures, with annual growth at 2.8%. – Despite a market-anticipated December cut, the Fed remains cautious due to stagnant inflation progress. – November’s CPI and PPI reports will heavily influence the Fed’s December policy decision.

The Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation, the Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, showed little movement in October, raising concerns about whether progress toward the Fed’s 2% inflation target is stalling.

The Core PCE, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, increased 0.3% from the previous month, matching both September’s reading and Wall Street’s expectations. On an annual basis, core prices rose by 2.8%, a slight increase from 2.7% in September. Overall PCE rose 2.3% year over year, up from September’s 2.1%.

This “sideways” trend, as described by S&P Global Ratings chief economist Paul Gruenwald, adds complexity to the Fed’s plans. “Unless there’s a more convincing decline in core PCE, the Fed will likely pause before cutting rates further,” Gruenwald noted.

The data follows other mixed inflation indicators. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed a stable 3.3% annual gain for three consecutive months, while the Producer Price Index (PPI) saw a slight uptick, climbing from 2.8% in September to 3.1% in October.

Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman expressed caution, stating, “While we’ve seen progress since 2023, the last few months indicate a stall in momentum.” She advocated for a careful approach to rate adjustments.

Despite these concerns, markets remain optimistic. The CME FedWatch tool shows a 67% probability that the Fed will cut rates at its December meeting.

The Fed’s rate decision on December 18 hinges on upcoming inflation reports. Analysts suggest November’s CPI and PPI data will play a crucial role. Oxford Economics chief economist Ryan Sweet remains confident: “The Fed will likely proceed with a rate cut despite the recent inflation plateau.”

The next few weeks will test the Fed’s resolve as it balances stalled inflation momentum against market expectations for easing monetary policy.

Key Points – Amazon invests an additional $4 billion in Anthropic, solidifying AWS as the primary training platform for its Claude AI models. – Anthropic collaborates with AWS’ Annapurna Labs to enhance Trainium chips, central to its AI model development. – The partnership is under regulatory scrutiny but positions both companies as leaders in advancing generative AI technology.

In a groundbreaking move, Amazon has invested an additional $4 billion in Anthropic, further solidifying its commitment to advancing generative AI technology. This new funding makes Amazon Web Services (AWS), its cloud computing division, the primary training platform for Anthropic’s AI models. With this partnership, Amazon aims to strengthen its position in the increasingly competitive AI landscape while enabling Anthropic to scale its operations and develop cutting-edge technology.

Anthropic, a prominent rival to OpenAI, will leverage AWS’s custom-built Trainium chips to train its flagship Claude family of generative AI models. The collaboration extends to Annapurna Labs, AWS’s chipmaking division, where the two companies are working together to enhance the next generation of Trainium accelerators. These chips, optimized for efficiency, will play a critical role in powering Anthropic’s next-gen AI models. AWS’s Inferentia chips, designed to accelerate model deployment, will also be integral to ensuring seamless functionality.

“Our engineers work closely with Annapurna’s chip design team to extract maximum computational efficiency from the hardware, which we plan to leverage to train our most advanced foundation models,” Anthropic noted in a blog post. This collaboration, from silicon to software, underscores the technological foundation both companies are laying to shape the future of AI research and development.

The investment comes at a pivotal time for Anthropic. While it has demonstrated remarkable growth, serving “tens of thousands” of customers via AWS’s Bedrock platform, the company faces the financial pressures of scaling its AI products. Reports indicate that Anthropic projected a $2.7 billion burn rate in 2024, making Amazon’s investment essential for maintaining its trajectory.

This partnership also reflects Amazon’s strategic ambitions. The tech giant is set to integrate Anthropic’s AI models into its own consumer products, including a reported overhaul of Alexa’s underlying systems. This move could revitalize Amazon’s virtual assistant and strengthen its position in the AI-powered consumer market. Additionally, AWS customers will benefit from early access to fine-tuning new Claude models, enhancing their ability to customize AI tools for specific business needs.

Despite its promising advancements, the alliance has attracted regulatory scrutiny. Both the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority are closely monitoring Amazon’s investments in AI startups like Anthropic. The regulators are particularly focused on understanding the implications of such partnerships on competition within the AI industry.

Meanwhile, Anthropic remains focused on innovation. The company has introduced features like Computer Use, enabling its Claude 3.5 Sonnet model to autonomously perform PC tasks. Anthropic has also expanded its offerings, unveiling new tools, subscription plans, and mobile apps, and has attracted high-profile hires, including Instagram co-founder Mike Krieger.

Founded in 2021 by former OpenAI executives, Anthropic has positioned itself as a safety-conscious leader in generative AI. Co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei emphasized the importance of Amazon’s support, calling it instrumental in scaling Claude’s capabilities and reaching millions of end users.

As the partnership evolves, Anthropic and Amazon are poised to reshape the generative AI landscape. With Amazon’s financial and technological resources and Anthropic’s commitment to responsible AI, the collaboration promises to push the boundaries of innovation while addressing critical challenges in scalability and safety.

Key Points: – Prosecutors are pushing for Google to sell off Chrome and potentially Android, aiming to dismantle its dominance in search and advertising. – Google calls the proposal an overreach, warning it could harm innovation and America’s tech leadership. – The case is part of a broader antitrust crackdown on Big Tech, with far-reaching consequences for the industry.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is wading into one of the most significant antitrust battles in modern tech history, aiming to dismantle the sprawling empire of Google. This bold move is intended to address what prosecutors argue is an illegal monopoly in the search engine market. However, the journey to achieving this ambition lies in the hands of District Judge Amit Mehta, who must now decide whether the DOJ’s proposals are warranted.

The DOJ’s remedies propose radical changes. Among them, prosecutors are calling for the divestment of Google’s Chrome browser and its Android mobile operating system. These actions, they argue, are necessary to break Google’s grip on key technology markets. The DOJ also seeks measures to blunt Google’s ability to maintain preferential treatment for its search and advertising businesses. By limiting the preinstallation of Google products on Android devices and requiring new search data-sharing arrangements, the DOJ aims to foster a more competitive landscape.

Google, unsurprisingly, has pushed back fiercely. The company labeled the DOJ’s proposals as extreme and counterproductive, claiming that such actions would disrupt not just Google’s operations but also the broader tech industry. Citing its role in driving innovation, Google framed the DOJ’s demands as harmful to America’s global technological leadership. Meanwhile, Alphabet’s stock took a significant hit, dropping over 6% as the news broke, reflecting market jitters over the potential fallout.

Industry experts are divided on the DOJ’s approach. Some argue that divestitures, like spinning off Chrome, are grounded in sound antitrust principles. Chrome commands a dominant 61% of browser traffic, making it a central pillar of Google’s ecosystem. However, others question whether breaking up Google’s assets would achieve the DOJ’s goals. Critics highlight the practical difficulties, such as finding buyers for these assets who won’t create new antitrust concerns of their own.

The DOJ’s action is the latest in a broader crackdown on Big Tech under the Biden administration. Apple, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft have all faced allegations of anticompetitive behavior. The government’s aggressive stance reflects a growing consensus that unchecked consolidation in the tech industry stifles competition, innovation, and consumer choice. However, this isn’t solely a Democratic initiative. The DOJ’s case against Google began under the Trump administration, signaling bipartisan support for reining in the power of tech giants. Notably, Trump has suggested alternative remedies, such as ensuring fairer competition without breaking up the company.

The stakes in this case are immense. If the DOJ prevails, the decision would mark the most consequential antitrust action against a tech company since the landmark Microsoft case in the late 1990s. That case, which sought to curtail Microsoft’s dominance in the browser market, eventually resulted in a settlement that opened the door for competitors. A similar outcome here could reshape the digital landscape, opening up opportunities for rival browsers, search engines, and emerging AI technologies.

However, the path forward is fraught with uncertainty. Google has vowed to appeal, potentially delaying any final resolution for years. Even if Judge Mehta orders divestitures or other remedies, these decisions could be adjusted or overturned depending on the outcome of Google’s legal challenges. The role of the incoming administration also looms large, as changes in leadership could influence how the case is ultimately resolved.

For now, the DOJ’s case against Google represents a critical test of antitrust law’s ability to adapt to the complexities of the digital age. With tech companies wielding unprecedented influence, the outcome will shape not only Google’s future but also the broader dynamics of competition and innovation in the technology sector.

Key Points – $73.59 Per Share Deal: Amcor and Berry merge to form a $24 billion packaging giant. – Peter Konieczny named CEO; focus on growth, sustainability, and innovation. – $650M synergies, 35% EPS accretion, and $3B+ annual cash flow projected.

Amcor plc (NYSE: AMCR)and Berry Global Group, Inc. (NYSE:BERY) have announced a significant merger agreement to create a dominant force in the packaging industry. The all-stock transaction values Berry’s stock at $73.59 per share, a 10% premium over its previous closing price. This merger brings together two industry leaders with a combined annual revenue of $24 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $4.3 billion, positioning the new entity as a global powerhouse.

Under the terms of the deal, Berry shareholders will receive 7.25 shares of Amcor for each Berry share, resulting in an ownership split of 63% for Amcor shareholders and 37% for Berry shareholders. The transaction, unanimously approved by both companies’ boards, is expected to close by mid-2025. The new organization will retain the Amcor name and be headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, while continuing its primary listing on the NYSE with a secondary listing on the ASX.

The leadership team of the merged entity will include Peter Konieczny as CEO, Graeme Liebelt as Chairman, and Stephen Sterrett as Deputy Chairman. Together, they aim to focus on customer-centric growth, expanding into faster-growing and higher-margin segments, and strengthening their sustainability efforts. Konieczny emphasized that this merger supports the company’s strategy to provide innovative and sustainable packaging solutions with greater global scale and operational flexibility.

Financially, the merger is set to deliver substantial benefits. Projected annual cash flow is expected to exceed $3 billion, allowing for reinvestment, shareholder returns, and future acquisitions. Synergies from the merger are estimated at $650 million within three years, including significant cost savings and growth opportunities. Additionally, the transaction is anticipated to drive adjusted cash earnings per share growth by more than 35% and boost annual earnings growth expectations from 10%-15% to 13%-18%.

Despite these ambitious plans, both companies will maintain their current dividend policies until the merger is finalized. Afterward, Amcor aims to continue growing its annual dividend from the current $0.51 per share base.

The market has reacted to the news with a slight uptick in Berry’s stock price, rising 3.7% to $69.53, while Amcor shares dipped marginally by 0.44% to $10.11. The combined entity’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer-driven growth signals a promising future, setting a new benchmark for the packaging industry. This merger represents a step forward in achieving long-term value for shareholders while responding to evolving market demands with enhanced product offerings and operational efficiency.

Noble Financial Group and Channelchek are pleased to present the NobleCon20 VIP Giveaway. This contest was open exclusively to registered, verified Channelchek members.

Contest is now closed.  The winner will be announced on November 18, 2024. The winner was notified via email on November 15.

Learn more about NobleCon20 @ www.nobleconference.com

Sponsored Content – In Partnership with Grassi

Unlike private companies that may or may not need an annual audit of their financial statements for compliance or stakeholder purposes, all public companies do – and not just any audit. It must be conducted under the specific rules and regulations of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB).

Many companies looking to go public have never been audited before. And if they were, the audit probably adhered to Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), which are not accepted by the SEC. The differences between PCAOB and GAAS audits mainly lie in the auditor independence standards, level of regulatory scrutiny, and scope of details that the auditor’s opinion must address. An objective engagement quality review partner, separate from the engagement team, must also review and sign off on PCAOB audit results.

While CPA firms that audit private companies face periodic peer reviews, PCAOB-registered auditors face more heightened and frequent scrutiny. A PCAOB inspection is a rigorous inspection and public reporting of the audit results.

A PCAOB audit is required before a company can file with the SEC. If a private company has never been audited, it must provide PCAOB audits for at least the past two years. This additional work should be factored into the audit engagement timing relative to the target IPO timeline.

An audit can take anywhere from six weeks to several months, depending on the level of complexity and preparedness, but a company looking to go public should start the process much sooner. Leave enough time to get your company audit-ready with the help of a qualified CPA and public company reporting consultant.

A private company should ensure it has adequate internal resources to support the PCAOB audit process, which requires demanding engagement from accounting staff. This internal support should be maintained to meet the heavy reporting burden that comes with being a public company.

Certain financial data not required in private company audits must be compiled, including source documentation, evaluation of complex accounting transactions and technical accounting memorandums. One example is a capitalization (cap) table, a complex spreadsheet detailing all equity transactions, ownership stakes, types of shares and option pools.

The CPA will lead the audit process and serve as part of a larger team of advisors, including an investment banker and attorney, who will help your company manage and meet the many requirements of the SEC filing, IPO process and exchange listing.

Going public is not the only reason a private company would want a PCAOB audit. Another factor could be to make the company more attractive to potential public company buyers. Whatever the reason, it will be an adjustment for the company’s accounting staff. Reach out early and often to a PCAOB-registered audit firm that can guide you through the audit process and work collaboratively with your advisory team.

Grassi is an experienced PCAOB audit provider and ready to help your business. Contact us today to learn more about our SEC Accounting Services.

Key Points: – US stocks rise as inflation data meets forecasts, supporting a potential December Fed rate cut. – Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows annual inflation at 2.6% with core inflation at 3.3%, aligning with expectations. – FedWatch tool indicates 80% likelihood of a rate cut in December, reinforcing investor confidence.

US stocks gained in Wednesday afternoon trading as the latest consumer inflation report aligned with expectations, reinforcing the likelihood of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in December. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) rose by approximately 0.4%, recovering from previous session losses, while the S&P 500 (^GSPC) and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) saw increases of about 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively. Bitcoin (BTC-USD) also continued its bullish trend, climbing 5% to over $92,000 per coin as investors maintained optimism in the digital asset market.

The October Consumer Price Index (CPI) reported a 2.6% year-over-year increase, with core inflation — which excludes volatile food and energy prices — rising by 3.3%. Both monthly and annual inflation rates met analyst forecasts, with core inflation edging up 0.3% month-over-month. These figures suggest that inflation may be stabilizing, a welcome development for the Fed as it considers a rate cut to support economic growth.

Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari commented on the importance of inflation data for upcoming Fed policy decisions. He stated that while the numbers are in line with expectations, any unexpected rise in inflation could influence the Fed’s approach. The latest CME FedWatch tool data indicates an 80% chance of a December rate cut, as traders expect the Fed to act cautiously in light of recent economic and inflation trends.

Looking at broader market factors, post-election economic optimism has slowed somewhat as investors consider the potential impact of President-elect Donald Trump’s policy promises on inflation and growth. Concerns over rising borrowing costs due to increased Treasury yields have tempered market enthusiasm, adding some caution to the economic outlook. However, the inflation data provides a clearer backdrop for the Fed, likely keeping it on a path toward reducing rates next month, which could help offset higher yields and bolster economic activity.

Investors continue to keep a close eye on inflation as well as any signals from the Fed. With the markets increasingly expecting rate cuts, the stability of inflation numbers may provide confidence for both consumers and businesses as they plan for 2024. Meanwhile, the growing strength of assets like bitcoin reflects a broader trend of investor confidence across diverse sectors.

As the year winds down, the stock market will closely monitor any changes in inflation, economic data, and Fed commentary, which will likely guide trading activity into 2024.