PNC Financial Services Group Inc. Reduces Stake in Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (NASDAQ:TXRH)
Pre-Christmas errands to check off your list with the help of SM Supermalls Hoping to make this Christmas the best one yet? SM Supermalls’ pre-holiday checklist will help ensure that you get just that! Here’s your ultimate Christmas checklist for a magical holiday experience. 1. Go Christmas Gift Shopping ‘Tis the season of giving! Start your holiday shopping at the nearest SM mall! We’ve got an exclusive Christmas gift guide that’s brimming with ideas for every personality on your list. Whether it’s a gift for mom and dad, luxury treats, or quirky finds, you’ll surely be spoiled for choice. Make sure to check it out to find that perfect gift for everyone here! 2. Countdown to Christmas Day with an Advent Calendar Extend the joy of the holiday season with an extravagant and unique advent calendar! Count down each day to Christmas with exciting surprises. Here are some of our festive picks: a. Lancôme Advent Calendar —This limited edition piece awaits you. Packed with luxurious skincare and beauty treats, you’ll surely want to get your hands on this! Check it out here. b. Auro Chocolate Advent Calendar —There’s no better way to celebrate each day towards Christmas with premium chocolates! Unlock an assortment of Auro Chocolate with your very own Filipino Holiday Advent Calendar crafted using sustainably sourced cacao beans. c. Nespresso x Jean Imbert Advent Calendar – A luxe countdown to Christmas, the Nespresso x Jean Imbert Advent Calendar contains daily coffee pods from Nespresso’s Original line, including exclusive flavors created with Chef Jean Imbert. This festive calendar is adorned with elegant foil relief and inspired by the art of travel. Behind its final door, you’ll find a limited-edition porcelain mug—a stylish keepsake to enjoy your favorite brews well beyond the holiday season. d. ALDO Welcometooz Advent Calendar – Uncover chic accessories and goodies all season long! The ALDO x Wicked “Welcometooz” Advent Calendar is a holiday treat filled with 12 chic accessories inspired by the magical world of Oz. Each day reveals a unique, wickedly stylish piece—from sparkling earrings to glam hairpins and bold bracelets—bringing a dash of enchantment and style to every outfit. 3. Decorate Your Christmas Tree Head over to the SM Store for a wide range of Christmas trees and decorations. From classic reds and greens to trendy metallics and pastels, you’ll find everything you need to bring your tree to life. And for those looking to make their tree truly stand out, the SM Store even offers tree decorating services to give your home that extra festive sparkle! 4. Get Creative with Christmas Cards for Your Loved Ones! Give your holiday greetings a dash of personality! Whether you’re into super cutesy designs or prefer a simple, elegant vibe, the National Book Store has the perfect Christmas cards to match. Add a heartfelt note, sprinkle on some stickers, and make each card a keepsake they’ll treasure. 5. Cozy Up at the Cinema Relax and enjoy a holiday movie with your loved ones at the SM Cinema. With the latest blockbusters and cozy seating, it’s the perfect way to unwind and share a few laughs or tears together. 6. Go Ice Skating For a truly unique experience, go ice skating and enjoy a winter wonderland right here at SM! Whether you’re a pro or trying ice skating for the first time, it’s a fun way to embrace the season’s festive spirit with friends and family. 7. Celebrate Noche Buena Dinner with your Family Ring in Christmas Day with a hearty feast at the SM malls. Select from a variety of cuisines, whether classic Filipino, hearty Italian, or comforting Chinese. 8. Experience Christmas Joy Witness Christmas Spectacles through SM’s Christmas Parades, Santa Meet and Greets, musical performances, and spectacular firework shows happening from November to December! Or visit your favorite SM mall and check out the Merriest Christmas Bazaar to find the perfect gifts to give your loved ones while also supporting local businesses. For kids and kids at heart, see Santa and his squad come to life through the magic of the Christmas Village AR—he might even give you special shopping vouchers as a surprise gift! Finally, to celebrate the season of giving, show support for the Bears of Joy initiative. For every bear purchased, another will be donated to a child in need, spreading warmth and comfort to those craving the magic of Christmas. Music lovers can also enjoy the Joyful Voices Chorale, where the best choir groups from all over the country serenade mall goers with stunning vocal performances, just in time for the holidays. And in celebration of World Choir Day on December 8, SM will be holding the first grand simultaneous gathering and performance of choir groups in solidarity with the global chorale community. Enjoy the holiday season and countdown to Christmas day with this checklist from SM Supermalls. To know more about the holiday activities you can do at SM, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @SMSupermalls on social media.HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans made mistakes in every facet of the game Sunday against the Tennessee Titans to lose for the third time in four games. C.J. Stroud threw two interceptions, the defense gave up multiple big passing plays and Ka′imi Fairbairn missed a 28-yard field goal that would have tied it late in a 32-27 loss . Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get the latest sports news delivered right to your inbox six days a week.
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A state's biggest environmental commitment faces a potential funding shortfall as analysis shows protecting key koala populations could cost more than $1.3 billion. Login or signup to continue reading The estimates, based on advice from the under-siege forestry industry, comes as the sector proposes two smaller alternatives for the planned Great Koala National Park in NSW. The park aims to link dozens of high-value koala habitat hubs near Coffs Harbour, protecting up to one in nine koalas living in NSW, Queensland and the ACT as well as 100 other native species. A report to be considered by state cabinet in the next fortnight lays out the cost of the baseline proposal to unite a string of national parks and state forests into a sprawling 176,000-hectare estate. Under conservationists' goal for a park twice the size of Canberra, establishment costs would reach an estimated $1.36 billion within five years. That includes $450 million in support to 2200 forestry workers, based on Victoria's cost of ending native timber harvesting. Ending wood supply contracts and establishing new plantations would add another $709 million, according to the analysis commissioned by the forestry industry. Only $80 million in state funds have been set aside for the park's establishment. The industry says a park one-fifth of the size could focus on areas with the highest populations of koalas and greater gliders while taking less than 10 per cent of the northeast wood supply. "The cost of the current assessment area comes with a jaw-dropping price tag for taxpayers," Australian Forest Products Association NSW chief executive James Jooste told AAP. "This is an enormous cost on taxpayers, and it puts the hardwood timber industry on the chopping block." The industry's preferred option comes with a 37,000-hectare footprint at an estimated establishment cost of $273 million and 440 jobs. An "acceptable" 58,000ha option would cost about $410 million and 660 jobs. Each proposal substantially reduces the amount of coastal forest under protection, with areas around Woolgoolga and Nambucca Heads left out. Environmentalists have attacked the analysis as disingenuous and grossly inflated. A Blueprint Institute assessment recently estimated the whole northeast NSW logging industry, including outside the national park footprint, would cost $215 million. "There is no science and there is certainly no credible economics in the logging industry pitch," Greens MP Sue Higginson said. "The real costs of the national park must be laid out including the actual losses the industry makes and the costs of the environmental harm of logging, including the carbon emissions." Logging has continued in state forests inside the proposed park area, although not since September 2023 in 106 koala hubs that mark out areas of high-value habitat. It comes as the state government faces mounting pressure over the impact of its logging business on nature. At least 5000 koalas were killed in the 2020 Black Summer bushfires and a subsequent parliamentary inquiry found they would be extinct by 2050 without urgent government intervention to stop habitat loss. An estimated 12,111 koalas live in the land earmarked for the national park. Official estimates have the combined koala population in NSW, Queensland and the ACT at somewhere between 95,000 and 238,000. The NSW government said the proposal from the industry advisory panel and two other panels would be considered before a final decision on the park's footprint. "We have always been clear that we need a comprehensive assessment process which takes into account environmental, economic, social, ecological and cultural issues," Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said. "The Great Koala National Park is the government's biggest environmental commitment, it will be delivered." 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KSE-100 index closes at historic high of 97,798 points, up 3.2% WoW The market is anticipated to maintain a positive trajectory, supported by ongoing monetary easing, a disinflationary environment, and improving macroeconomic fundamentals, according to AKD Securities Limited. Investors are expected to focus on upcoming inflation data and the Monetary Policy Committee’s decision next month The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) concluded the week on a strong note, with the KSE-100 index reaching an all-time high of 97,798 points, marking a 3.2% or 3,035 points increase week-on-week (WoW). On Friday, the index hit an intraday peak of 99,630 points, falling just shy of the 100,000 milestone. The market’s bullish momentum was driven by robust performances in the Banking and Fertilizer sectors, which collectively added 2,839 points to the index. The Fertilizer sector benefited from the ongoing amalgamation of Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) and Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim Limited (FFBL), with FFC emerging as the week’s top performer. Banks saw increased lending activity, pushing the Advance-to-Deposit Ratio (ADR) to 44% as of October 25, 2024, up from 39% the prior week. This increase aligns with banks’ efforts to avoid higher ADR-based taxation, as the government has appealed against the Islamabad High Court’s stay order on the tax. Bond yields also influenced market sentiment, with the latest PIB auction recording rates of 13.05% (2-year), 12.50% (5-year), and 12.84% (10-year), marking the lowest levels since March 2022. Additionally, positive remarks following the IMF interim review alleviated fears of a mini-budget, bolstering investor confidence. Macroeconomic indicators provided further support, with the current account posting a surplus of $349 million in October 2024, resulting in a cumulative 4MFY25 surplus of $218 million compared to a deficit of $1.5 billion in the same period last year. Average daily trading volume rose 13% WoW to 991 million shares, reflecting improved market participation. The State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $29 million, reaching $11.3 billion as of November 15, 2024. Sector-wise, Fertilizer (+8.6% WoW), Pharmaceuticals (+7.1% WoW), and Banks (+6.0% WoW) were the top performers. Conversely, Jute (-7.7% WoW), Woollen (-5.4% WoW), and Leasing (-4.2% WoW) sectors underperformed. Top-performing stocks included PSEL (+19.6% WoW), KAPCO (+18.5% WoW), GLAXO (+17.9% WoW), FFBL (+15.6% WoW), and FFC (+15.4% WoW). Key laggards were NCPL (-15.0% WoW), HCAR (-10.3% WoW), SEARL (-8.2% WoW), TRG (-7.2% WoW), and PKGP (-6.9% WoW). Currency markets experienced marginal changes, with the Dollar Index rising 0.79% WoW to 107.53. The USD/PKR rate remained stable at 277.76, while the Euro weakened against the dollar, with EUR/USD declining by 1.16% WoW to 1.042. Similarly, GBP/USD fell 0.77% to 1.252. In contrast, the Japanese yen showed slight depreciation, with USD/JPY climbing 0.28% to 154.73. Global indices delivered mixed results. Pakistan’s KSE-100 led gains with a 3.2% increase, while India’s Sensex rose 1.98% and the UK’s FTSE 100 gained 2.23%. Commodities saw upward trends, with Nymex WTI crude rising 4.74% WoW to $70.20 per barrel and gold gaining 4.83% to $2,687.18 per ounce. AKD Securities projected that with monetary easing, improving macroeconomic indicators, and declining fixed-income yields, equities remain an attractive asset class. Key picks include FFC, HBL, MCB, OGDC, and PPL, as investors eye continued market positivity. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );Experience the Excitement at KINGS & QUEENS FINAL Fan Zone The much-anticipated KINGS & QUEENS FINAL is set to captivate fans this Saturday, December 21st, with a vibrant Fan Zone event in the Salud-La Salle district. Located at the plaza next to Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium, this dynamic celebration offers a perfect blend of sports enthusiasm and family-friendly fun. The Fan Zone kicks off at noon, running until 5 PM , inviting visitors to indulge in a myriad of free activities spanning entertainment, technology, and culinary delights. Attendees can enjoy giant screens showcasing event highlights, while interactive stations feature simulators, video games, and experiences from the Kings League and Queens League universe. Live music and DJ sets ensure an electrifying atmosphere, complemented by a variety of food trucks serving up delicious options, and exclusive competition merchandise on display. The event caters to young attendees with activities such as inflatable castles, creative workshops, and play areas. A heartwarming toy drive, organized by Juguetes con Corazón in collaboration with the Pedro Rodríguez Ledesma Foundation, aims to support those affected by the recent Dana in Valencia. Post-event, DJ Renzzo El Selector will keep the vibes going from 8 PM to 10 PM. Santa Cruz Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez expresses pride in hosting this celebrated event, emphasizing its role in fostering a sense of community and excitement. District Councilor Zaida González shares her enthusiasm for the diverse range of activities designed to appeal to all ages, promising unforgettable memories for attendees. For fans eager to connect and share their passion for the Kings & Queens Leagues, this Fan Zone offers a remarkable opportunity—all with free entry in the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Discover the Newest Trends and Innovations at KINGS & QUEENS FINAL Fan Zone The excitement is palpable as fans gear up for the much-anticipated KINGS & QUEENS FINAL Fan Zone, which promises a spectacle of innovation and entertainment. This Saturday, December 21st, the Salud-La Salle district will transform into a vibrant hub of activity at the plaza next to Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium. Here, we delve into new trends, insights, and innovations that make this event a must-visit for enthusiasts. Innovations in Interactive Experiences The Fan Zone is pioneering a new approach to interactive sporting events by integrating cutting-edge technology. Attendees can engage with simulators that offer immersive experiences, bringing the action of the Kings League and Queens League to life like never before. Video game stations will feature the latest in esports, reflecting the growing trend of blending traditional sports with digital experiences. Sustainable Event Features In alignment with global sustainability trends, the event has incorporated eco-friendly practices. Food trucks will use biodegradable materials, and recycling stations will be prominently available to reduce waste. This commitment to sustainability highlights the event’s forward-thinking approach, ensuring that enjoyment does not come at the expense of the environment. Predictions and Future Trends As fan zones continue to gain popularity, the KINGS & QUEENS FINAL Fan Zone offers a glimpse into the future of sports entertainment. With technology integration becoming more prevalent, such events are expected to become even more immersive, offering virtual reality experiences that allow fans to engage directly with their favorite teams and leagues in real-time. Community and Cultural Impact Beyond the entertainment and technological experiences, the Fan Zone serves as a community-building initiative. The toy drive organized by Juguetes con Corazón and the Pedro Rodríguez Ledesma Foundation underlines the event’s commitment to giving back. These efforts not only support those affected by the recent Dana in Valencia but also foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among attendees. Conclusion The KINGS & QUEENS FINAL Fan Zone is more than just an event; it is a showcase of the latest trends in sports, technology, and community engagement. With free entry and a plethora of activities designed for all ages, it offers an unparalleled opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in the world of league excitement while contributing to a greater cause. For more information on events and innovations in the sports world, visit La Liga .MILWAUKEE — Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams left Saturday night's 125-119 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks late in the fourth quarter with a right knee injury. “I think it has just been diagnosed as a right knee injury,” Hornets coach Charles Lee said after the game. “We’ll continue to get some imaging and evaluations. The most important thing is that all of our prayers are with Grant and hoping the news comes back as good as possible.” Williams was hurt on a drive to the basket with just under four minutes remaining with the Bucks leading 114-101. He finished 2 of 6 with eight points and seven rebounds in 32 minutes.
DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development Secretary (DSWD) Rexlon Gatchalian informed the public on Saturday that the agency's key protective services programs, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), have helped a large number of poor Filipinos. Gatchalian made the remark in denying allegations that AICS and AKAP are being used for electoral purposes, including "vote buying." Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.NoneThe Australian share market may be pushing higher again on Wednesday, but the same cannot be said for ( ) shares. The battery materials and technology company's shares are back from their and crashing deep into the red. At the time of writing, the ASX All Ords stock is down 22% to 75 cents. Why is this ASX All Ords stock crashing? The catalyst for today's decline has been news that the battery materials technology company has . According to the release, the ASX All Ords stock is raising $44.4 million through a fully underwritten placement of new shares to institutional and sophisticated investors at an offer price of 60 cents per new share. This represents a sizeable discount of approximately 38% to its last close price of 96.5 cents. Novonix won't be stopping there. It is now pushing ahead with its non-underwritten share purchase plan (SPP) to eligible retail shareholders. This SPP aims to raise approximately $5 million and will provide each eligible shareholder with the opportunity to apply for up to $30,000 worth of Novonix shares. But if demand exceeds $5 million, the ASX All Ords stock may scale back applications. This will be undertaken at the same price as the institutional placement. Novonix's chair, Admiral Robert J. Natter, was pleased with the cash injection. He said: The Institutional Placement was supported by the Company's existing institutional shareholders. It is also pleasing to have the opportunity to welcome a number of new high quality domestic and international institutional investors to our register. As well, it is encouraging to receive the support of existing investors and major shareholder Phillips 66, for the Company's strong growth agenda. The ASX All Ords stock's CEO, Dr. Chris Burns, revealed that the funds will support its Anode Materials deliver on offtake agreements that were this month with Stellantis and Volkswagen's PowerCo business. He said: We are pleased to have secured the funding required to support growth in the NOVONIX Anode Materials business following announcements this month of offtake agreements with both Stellantis and PowerCo. This funding will be used to achieve 3,000 tonnes per annum of production capacity at our Riverside facility in 2025 and enable continued access of our Department of Energy's Office of Manufacturing & Energy Supply Chains grant of up to US$100 million. Despite today's sizeable decline, Novonix's shares are up 23% since this time in August.