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Moomoo Introduces 5.1% APY Cash Sweep Program For U.S. Investors

Moomoo

By Austin DeNoce, Benzinga Moomoo, an investment and trading platform known for its professional-grade tools and investor empowerment philosophy, has recently unveiled an upgrade to its Cash Sweep program. Aimed at U.S. investors, this program allows users to earn passive income on their idle cash with a 5.1% annual percentage yield (APY)*. Empowering Investors Moomoo focuses on providing tools and insights aimed at enhancing the capabilities of investors. The platform offers a variety of professional yet accessible tools designed to be useful for users ranging from beginners to more experienced investors. Moomoo seeks to positions itself as a platform that supports the concept of investing as a long-term endeavor, emphasizing its role that users can engage effectively in investment activities like buying and selling shares and performing various stock analyses. Moomoo’s platform provides real-time market data, free Level 2 data for funded accounts, advanced technical analysis tools and free detailed order book data to help users define and refine their trading strategies. With a mission driven by transparency, innovation and community, Moomoo aims to provide a comprehensive investment experience for individuals at every level of investing expertise. High APY With No Fees to Join At the heart of Moomoo's Cash Sweep program is a competitive APY of up to 5.1% for new and qualified users. This rate is notably higher than what is offered by traditional brokers, such as TD Ameritrade, which provides less than 1% APY as of the date of this article. Moreover, unlike other platforms that might attach various conditions or hidden user fees to their high-yield offerings, Moomoo maintains a transparent and straightforward approach to its cash sweep program. The program is free to join, has no account fees and has no cap on deposit amounts. Flexibility And Ease of Use Flexibility is another cornerstone of the Cash Sweep program. Investors have the freedom to withdraw or invest their funds at any time, meaning there are no lock-up periods for your money like with Certificate of Deposits (CDs), stablecoin staking platforms or the like. This ensures investors can quickly respond to potential market opportunities without affecting their brokerage account's purchasing power. The program is designed for ease of use, with interest accruing daily and being paid monthly, requiring no manual transfers from the users. Security And Peace of Mind Security is a paramount concern for any investor. Recognizing this, Moomoo partners with banks that provide coverage for the swept funds in the Cash Sweep program, which is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) up to $1 million, subject to FDIC coverage limitations. Here’s how FDIC coverage works for cash sweep accounts and its limitations. When the uninvested cash in an investor’s brokerage account is swept to deposit accounts at Program Banks, it becomes eligible for FDIC insurance up to $1 million or $250,000 per Program Bank, inclusive of any other deposits they may already hold at the bank in the same ownership capacity, which may impact how much is covered. An investor is responsible for monitoring the total amount of deposits they have with each Program Bank in order to determine the extent of FDIC deposit insurance coverage available to them. MFI is not responsible for any insured or uninsured portion of the Deposit Accounts or any other deposits at the program banks. Moomoo’s Cash Sweep Program Moomoo's Cash Sweep program introduces an inventive approach for U.S. investors to potentially maximize returns on idle cash. With a 5.1% APY, this program seems to stand out as a robust opportunity to generate interest on idle cash. Beyond offering higher yields, this initiative also embodies Moomoo's commitment to transparency, innovation and fostering a sense of community among its users, aligning with its broader mission to redefine the investing experience. Moomoo is an investment and trading platform that empowers global investors with pro-grade, easy-to-use tools, data, and insights. We believe investing is a transformative and long-term journey. That's why moomoo empowers investors with the tools and data they need to help unlock their financial potential today and in the future. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, moomoo is here to power your investment journey. With access to a wide range of both user-friendly and advanced features, including real-time market data, technical analysis tools, and in-depth order book data moomoo users can potentially enhance their trading strategies to pursue their goals. Our mission is built on three core values: transparency, innovation, and community. By using these values to guide us, we deliver a comprehensive investment experience for individuals across all trading levels. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. *Cash Sweep 5.1% APY is only for new & users that meet either qualifying deposit, transfer, or referral requirements. If conditions are not met, the rate is 0.03%. Rate as of 11/9/23 and can change. Terms & conditions apply. The Moomoo Financial Inc. (MFI) Cash Sweep Program is a feature of your brokerage account. Interest is earned on the uninvested cash swept from your MFI brokerage account to program banks. Program banks then pay interest on your swept cash, minus any fees paid to MFI. The APY might change at any time at the program banks' or Moomoo Financial's discretion. Additionally, any fees Moomoo Financial receives may vary and is subject to change. Neither Moomoo Financial Inc. nor any of its affiliates are banks. For more information on the cash sweep program, click here. When the uninvested cash in your brokerage account is swept to deposit accounts at program banks, it becomes eligible for FDIC insurance up to $1 million or $250,000 per program bank, inclusive of any other deposits you may already hold at the bank in the same ownership capacity, which may impact how much is covered. You are responsible for monitoring the total amount of deposits that you have with each Program Bank, in order to determine the extent of FDIC deposit insurance coverage available to you. MFI is not responsible for any insured or uninsured portion of the Deposit Accounts or any other deposits at the program banks. Please note that until funds are swept to a program bank, they are held in your brokerage account which is protected by SIPC. Once funds are swept, they are no longer held in your brokerage account and are not protected by SIPC. However, these funds are eligible for FDIC insurance through the Program Banks subject to FDIC insurance coverage limits. Investing is risky. Moomoo is a financial information and trading app offered by Moomoo Technologies Inc. In the U.S., investment products and services on Moomoo are offered by Moomoo Financial Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Benzinga was commissioned for this article and is not affiliated with the Moomoo app or its affiliated companies. This includes Moomoo Technologies Inc. (MTI) provider of the app and Moomoo Financial Inc. (MFI) Member FINRA/SIPC, which offers securities in the U.S. Contact Details Klim Yeeloy kyeeloy@us.moomoo.com Company Website http://www.moomoo.com

December 19, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Standard Time

SaverOne Makes Solid Strides During 2023, Setting It Up For A Potentially Strong 2024

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga It’s been a busy year for SaverOne 2014 Ltd. (NASDAQ: SVRE), the company that makes safety systems to prevent drivers from using distracting apps while driving. As of the last check, SaverOne’s technology has been installed in well over 3,000 cars, trucks and buses and is integrated into the fleets of more than 100 companies worldwide. But that doesn’t mean the company is resting on its laurels, which was evident in 2023. SaverOne reached milestones on the deals completed and on the financial front during the year. Pilot Programs Grow Take penetrations into new markets and customers for starters. During the year the tech company launched pilot projects in the U.S., Europe and the Gulf region. As of the end of August, more than 4,300 new systems have been ordered by customers with about 3,000 already installed. Some of its key alliances include MOU with IVECO, the commercial vehicle brand of Iveco Group, which it inked in the summer. IVECO will integrate SaverOne's technology into their vehicles, aimed at enhancing road safety. SaverOne reports that it expects a final OEM deal to be signed between SaverOne and IVECO in the near term. More recently, SaverOne announced a new pilot with Milan-based Systems Logistics, an Italian designer, manufacturer and provider of automated warehousing with customers in Europe, America and Asia. The company has a fleet of over 100 vehicles. The pilot is taking place on a number of vehicles from Systems Logistics’ fleet. If the pilot goes off without a hitch, Systems Logistics could add SaverOne’s technology to more vehicles in its fleet. It marks the second recent pilot SaverOne has in Italy. SaverOne also announced that Tecne Autostrade, the engineering company of Gruppo Autostrade per l’Italia, a leading concessionary in Europe for the construction and management of toll motorways started a pilot program with SaverOne. The pilot will involve the integration of SaverOne’s Driver Distraction Prevention System (DDPS) into an initial 10 vehicles. The whole Tecne Group fleet comprises about 3,000 vehicles, underscoring the potential strong opportunity for SaverOne. The region has been a focus area for SaverOne which also has deals with Italantin Country Partner and GVZ as well. Revenue Up, Loss Down On the financial side of things, SaverOne has been making strides this year. Revenue grew by almost 4X year-over-year in the first half of 2023, gross margins ticked up to 32% and the company continues to strongly invest in its growth opportunities. SaverOne expects to report more good news when it offers up its full-year 2023 results early next year. There are several reasons SaverOne seems to be thriving this year and becoming a favorite among customers around the globe. For starters, its technology blocks messages but still lets the driver access navigation and other work-related applications. That’s a key differentiator that many fleet operators and drivers appreciate. What’s more, there is no action required on the part of the driver. It's automatic and doesn’t require consent. Another selling factor: it doesn’t interfere with the mobile phones of passengers in the vehicle. SaverOne aims to prevent distractions from getting into the cabin while other systems on the market react once they are already in. It’s also helping companies keep costs down. In 2019, distracted driving in the United States resulted in 10,546 fatalities and 1.3 million nonfatal injuries, resulting in costs to the tune of $100 billion. While there’s an upfront cost for SaverOne’s system, the return on the investment can come quickly if it prevents an accident. It can also lower insurance premiums, enhance operational efficiency by reducing driver fatigue, stress and errors and even improve employee retention. Furthermore, it shows you care about the safety and well-being of your employees. Companies seem to be getting all that, which is why SaverOne reports that it is having a strong 2023. With plans to expand further and go after new markets in the new year, investors should pay attention to what’s coming down the pike for this publicly-traded, Israeli tech startup. The company is listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker SVRE. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

December 19, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Standard Time

BENZINGA Presents: Real Estate Reimagined - Capitalizing On Unique Opportunities In A Changing Market

Benzinga

Benzinga, a leading financial media company, is thrilled to announce its upcoming virtual event: " Real Estate Reimagined: Capitalizing On Unique Opportunities In A Changing Market. " This insightful webinar is scheduled to take place on December 21, 2023, at 11 AM EST. The real estate market is constantly evolving, and Benzinga is committed to providing investors with the knowledge they need to navigate these changes successfully. The event will feature a distinguished panel of industry leaders who will share their expertise and insights, making it a must-attend for anyone looking to capitalize on the opportunities available in today's real estate market. Event Details: Title: Real Estate Reimagined: Capitalizing On Unique Opportunities In A Changing Market Date: December 21, 2023 Time: 11:00 AM EST Description: Join us for an insightful webinar hosted by Benzinga, dedicated to the dynamic world of real estate investing. Our expert panel, featuring the most innovative industry leaders, will guide you through the intricacies of the current market and the unique opportunities available to retail investors. Learn about the various types of passive real estate investments that are currently showing the greatest potential and how virtually any investor can take advantage of the benefits that investing in real estate provides. This session is a must-attend for anyone looking to capitalize on the opportunities available in today's real estate market. Don't miss this chance to gain valuable insights and strategies from top industry leaders. Special Webinar Speakers: Ed Pitoniak, CEO of VICI Properties Kevin Cottrell, CEO of Realbricks John Green, CEO of Nada Dave Holeman, CEO of Whitestone REIT This event is free of charge, providing an excellent opportunity for investors, both experienced and novice, to gather valuable insights from industry leaders at no cost. Registration Information: To secure your spot and optimize your real estate investment strategy, click this registration link. For media inquiries, please contact: Benzinga Media Relations Email: Drew@benzinga.com Benzinga - Empowering the Individual Investor About Benzinga: Benzinga is a dynamic and innovative financial media outlet that empowers individual investors with high-quality information. With a commitment to providing accurate, timely, and actionable content, Benzinga strives to help investors make informed decisions in today's fast-paced market. Note: Benzinga reserves the right to make changes to the event schedule and speakers without prior notice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

December 19, 2023 09:25 AM Eastern Standard Time

Rally Ventures Announces Close of Rally Fund V at $240 Million

Rally Ventures

Rally Ventures, a leading venture capital firm focused on early-stage business technology, today announced the close of Rally Fund V, a $240 million fund to invest in companies bringing innovative approaches to enterprise technology. Fund V will continue Rally Ventures' history of investing in promising early-stage startups, with a strong focus on companies operating in the fields of AI/ML, cybersecurity, fintech and SaaS+. Since its founding in 2012, Rally Ventures has invested in 76 companies and has had 19 successful exits, including 3 initial public offerings. Rally Ventures has built a nationwide portfolio of sector-spanning investments, with over $1 billion AUM and consistently strong performance across funds. Notable investments from previous funds include Arctic Wolf, Bugcrowd, Harness, UiPath, Total Expert, Braze (IPO), Carbon Black (IPO, subsequently acquired by VMware), Coupa (IPO), SportsEngine (acquired by NBC Sports), Twistlock (acquired by Palo Alto Networks) and Verodin (acquired by FireEye). Rally Ventures recently announced the addition of former Google CIO Ben Fried, who strengthens the team’s expertise in engineering leadership, cybersecurity and AI/ML. Ben joins a team of three managing directors, four venture partners and seven professionals. “We’re excited to have Ben join the Rally team as we begin investing out of Rally Fund V,” said Jeff Hinck, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Rally Ventures. “We believe companies adopting AI aggressively can achieve an order of magnitude improvement in efficiencies and network effects enabling them to quickly and permanently surpass competition. Ben’s experience working for a company at the leading edge of technology will be a tremendous asset for Rally and our portfolio in discerning what will have a lasting impact vs what is just hype.” The Rally team includes a dynamic group of more than 100 Rally Tech Partners — executives, technologists and luminaries — who act as an extension to the Rally Ventures team and provide operating leverage for portfolio companies to help broaden the firm's capabilities. Rally Tech Partners have themselves invested more than $130 million into Rally Ventures funds. "While the industry has experienced some advancement, cybersecurity remains largely unsolved for the enterprise and it will remain a top priority for businesses and individuals," said Charles Beeler, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Rally Ventures. "We've seen great success from our investment team over the past two decades, and we're excited to continue investing in and creating cutting-edge solutions to protect against emerging threats." "SaaS+ and the world of vertically embedded fintech is remaking the financial industry,” said Justin Kaufenberg, Managing Director at Rally Ventures. “Rally Fund V will actively seek out companies that are driving innovation in embedded payments, insurance, lending, payroll, treasury management, spend management, funds distribution and every other part of the historically stand alone financial services stack." The Rally team is proud to have the continued support of existing limited partners and the addition of new investors with a long-term commitment to venture capital demonstrate their confidence in the team's ability to identify and nurture the next generation of tech leaders. About Rally Ventures Rally Ventures invests exclusively in early-stage business technology companies, focusing on entrepreneurs creating major new markets or bringing transformative approaches to existing ones. Since 1997, Rally Ventures' partners and venture capital industry veterans have invested in or run early stage enterprise business-to-business technology companies with a proven ability to deliver superior returns regardless of the overall market environment. For more information visit rallyventures.com. Contact Details Rally Ventures Rachel Subasic rachel@rallyventures.com Company Website https://www.rallyventures.com/

December 19, 2023 08:13 AM Central Standard Time

News Release

BYND Cannasoft Announces Pricing of US$1.5 Million Registered Direct Offering

BYND Cannasoft Enterprises

ASHKELON, Israel and VANCOUVER, British Columbia – TheNewswire - December 19, 2023 - BYND Cannasoft Enterprises Inc. (Nasdaq: BCAN ) (CSE: BYND ) (“ BYND Cannasoft ” or the “ Company ”) an Israeli-based integrated software and cannabis company, today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements in a registered direct offering with an institutional investor for the purchase and sale of approximately $1.5 million of Common Shares and investor warrants at a price of $0.52 per Common Unit. The registered direct public offering consisted of the sale of 2,884,616 Common Units, each consisting of one (1) Common Share and one (1) Common Warrant to purchase one (1) Common Share per warrant at an exercise price of $0. 52. The public offering price per Common Unit was $0.52. The Common Warrants are exercisable immediately and expire 60 months after the initial issuance date. Aggregate gross proceeds to the Company are expected to be approximately $1.5 million. The transaction is expected to close on or about December 21, 2023, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. The Company expects to use the net proceeds from the offering, together with its existing cash, for general corporate purposes and working capital. Aegis Capital Corp. is acting as Exclusive Placement Agent for the offering. Louis A. Brilleman, P.C. is acting as counsel to the Company. Kaufman & Canoles, P.C. is acting as counsel to Aegis Capital Corp. The registered direct offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form F-3 (No. 333-272374) previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and declared effective by the SEC on June 14, 2023. A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus describing the terms of the proposed offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained, when available, by contacting Aegis Capital Corp., Attention: Syndicate Department, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, 27th floor, New York, NY 10105, by email at syndicate@aegiscap.com, or by telephone at +1 (212) 813-1010. Interested parties should read in their entirety the prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the other documents that the Company has filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference in such prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, which provide more information about the Company and such offering. There is no offering of any of the Company’s securities by the placement agent in Canada. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About BYND Cannasoft Enterprises Inc. BYND Cannasoft Enterprises is an Israeli-based integrated software and cannabis company. BYND Cannasoft owns and markets "Benefit CRM," a proprietary customer relationship management (CRM) software product enabling small and medium ‐ sized businesses to optimize their day ‐ to ‐ day business activities such as sales management, personnel management, marketing, call center activities, and asset management. Building on our 20 years of experience in CRM software, BYND Cannasoft is developing an innovative new CRM platform to serve the needs of the medical cannabis industry by making it a more organized, accessible, and price-transparent market. The Cannabis CRM System will include a Job Management (BENEFIT) and a module system (CANNASOFT) for managing farms and greenhouses with varied crops. BYND Cannasoft owns the patent-pending intellectual property for the EZ-G device. This therapeutic device uses proprietary software to regulate the flow of low concentrations of CBD oil, hemp seed oil, and other natural oils into the soft tissues of the female reproductive system to potentially treat a wide variety of women's health issues. The EZ-G device includes technological advancements as a sex toy with a more realistic experience and the prototype utilizes sensors to determine what enhances the users' pleasure. The user can control the device through a Bluetooth app installed on a smartphone or other portable device. The data will be transmitted and received from the device to and from the secure cloud using artificial intelligence (AI). The data is combined with other antonymic user preferences to improve its operation by increasing sexual satisfaction. For Further Information please refer to information available on the Company’s website: www.cannasoft-crm.com, the CSE’s website: www.thecse.com/en/listings/life-sciences/bynd-cannasoft-enterprises-inc and on SEDAR+: www.sedarplus.ca. Gabi Kabazo Chief Financial Officer Tel: (604) 833-6820 e ‐ mail: ir@cannasoft-crm.com For Media and Investor Relations, please contact: David L. Kugelman (866) 692-6847 Toll Free - U.S. & Canada (404) 281-8556 Mobile and WhatsApp dk@atlcp.com Skype: kugsusa Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" including statements regarding the filing of a final Prospectus. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future events or developments that the Company expects, are forward-looking statements including but not limited to intended business objectives and the expected timelines to accomplish those objectives. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual events or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are subject to such risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including unanticipated regulatory requests and delays, final patents approval, and those factors discussed in filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including (without limitation) in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022 and annual information form dated March 31, 2023, which are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year then ended that was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 2023. Should one or more of these factors occur, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, or expected. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward‐looking statements except as required by law. Any such forward-looking statements represent management's estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. Shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward‐looking statements.

December 19, 2023 09:01 AM Eastern Standard Time

Investments & Wealth Institute Announces New Board Officers and Directors for 2024

Investments & Wealth Institute

The Investments & Wealth Institute (IWI), the leading professional association, education provider and standards organization for the financial advice industry, has announced its newly elected Board Officers and Board Directors. Christine Gaze, CIMA®, CFP®, has been elected to serve as Board Chair for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2024. Gaze has been a Board Director since 2016 and has assumed many volunteer roles within the organization, including most recently as Vice Chair of Professional Development. Gaze is Founder and President of Purpose Consulting Group, a practice management consulting firm that develops thought leadership and training programs to engage and advance financial advisors. She has held a variety of leadership positions at Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, AllianceBernstein, and TD Ameritrade during her career. Gaze succeeds Dorothy Bossung, CIMA®, CPWA®, RMA®, CFP®, Senior Director at Choreo Advisors. “We are excited to welcome Christine Gaze and our other new officers and directors,” said Sean R. Walters, CAE®, Chief Executive Officer. “The Institute has thrived for many years because of incredible leadership from successful investment and wealth management professionals who volunteer their time to serve the association. We thank all our Board Members for their dedicated service to our organization and to the profession at-large.” In addition to Gaze’s appointment, other newly elected Board Officers for 2024 and 2025 include: Elizabeth “Libet” Anderson, CIMA®, President, Concourse Financial Group Securities, as Vice Chair of Standards Noel Pacarro Brown, CIMA®, CPWA®, Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor, The Conscious Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley, as Vice Chair of Professional Development Lauris Lambergs, CIMA®, GFP (USA), Co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of Renaissance Wealth Advisors, as Vice Chair of Finance Newly elected Board Directors for 2024 and 2025 include: Moe Allain, RMA®, CPWA®, Financial Advisor, Baird Retirement Management Anuj Gupta, CIMA®, CPWA®, Principal Director, Wealth Products, Business Solutions, Envestnet Roger Mussa, CPWA®, RMA®, CPFA®, Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor, and Senior Portfolio Manager, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management William “Bing” Waldert, Managing Director, U.S. Research, Cerulli Associates Returning Board Directors for 2024 include: Chris Bidwell, CIMA®, CIMC®, RMA®, Financial Advisor, Vice President, and Senior Investment Management Consultant, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Desiree Maldonado Irizarry, CPWA®, CIMA®, CFP®, Financial Advisor at Popular Securities Hatem Zarrouk, CIMA®, Vice President and Head of Custody, Financial Markets, Investment Funds and ETF Servicing, National Bank Trust, a National Bank of Canada Division Past-Chair Dorothy Bossung, CIMA®, CPWA®, RMA®, CFP®, Senior Director, Choreo Advisors Board Directors completing terms in 2023 include: Brian Konish, CFP®, CPWA®, Managing Director, K|B Private Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors Todd Wagenberg, CIMA®, Managing Partner, Integrated Fiduciary Advisory Services Deidre Waltz, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, Vice President, Relationship Manager, Argent Trust Oklahoma (formerly Heritage Trust Company) Scott Welch, CIMA®, Investment/Wealth Management Advisor, UnconstrainedThought For more information, contact Allison Edmondson via 1+ 303-850-3207 or aedmondson@i-w.org. ### About the Investments & Wealth Institute Founded in 1985, the Investments & Wealth Institute is the premier professional association, education provider, and standards body for financial advisors. Through its award-winning events, publications, courses, and acclaimed certifications — Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), and Retirement Management Advisor® (RMA®) — the Institute delivers Ivy league-quality, highly practical education to more than 20,000 practitioners annually in over 40 countries. Members of the Institute include the industry's most successful investment consultants, advanced financial planners, and private wealth managers who embrace excellence and ethics in applying a broad set of knowledge and skills in their daily work with clients. Contact Details Allison Edmondson +1 303-850-3207 aedmondson@i-w.org Company Website https://investmentsandwealth.org

December 19, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Consumer Edge Data Points to 20+% Rise in One Fast Fashion Brand; Luxury Takes a Hit

Consumer Edge

Fast fashion continues to gain traction in the U.S. market while luxury spending takes a hit, possibly as a result of shrinking disposable income, according to recent data from Consumer Edge (CE), a provider of global consumer transaction data. In the U.S., one of the largest markets in the world for fast fashion and luxury shopping, spend on fast fashion grew 2% compared to the same period last year, according to CE data. This is a sharp contrast to spending in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) luxury industry where in 2023 spending was down over 7% compared to the nearly 15% increase in 2022. “Our data points to the challenging macroeconomic environment having a considerable impact on spending habits in 2023,” said Michael Gunther, Vice President and Head of Insights at Consumer Edge. “The bifurcated performance, with more affordable fast fashion increasing while luxury brands decrease, is likely because of a squeeze on real incomes. This dynamic logically plays out in the luxury sector where products tend to have a higher price tag.” Fast Fashion vs Luxury One of the big winners in fast fashion in the U.S. is Chinese fast fashion giant Shein. The company continued to exhibit robust growth throughout the year. In the 10 months of 2023, Shein’s sales increased by more than 20% compared to the same period in 2022 Another winner in fast fashion was Uniqlo, which was up 28% in 2023. Shein now has the biggest share of fast fashion spend in the U.S. (c40%). One of the casualties of Shein’s rapid growth appears to have been H&M, which has seen its share of U.S. spend decline by about 2ppts in the 12 months to November 2023. Luxury bore the brunt of a relatively soft appetite for discretionary spend. Major brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Burberry have all exhibited sizable declines in spend growth in 2023. Hermes, however, has been the bright spot in the industry; the brand has seen spend increase by close to 15% in the first 10 months of 2023. Resilient Older Shoppers CE data also showed that younger shoppers in the U.S. (younger than 35) appear to have had a decreasing appetite to purchase both fast fashion and luxury products compared to last year. This decreased demand could reflect lower discretionary incomes that leave them in a more challenged position to weather macroeconomic pressures. In 2022, 11% of shoppers aged 35+ in the U.S. purchased a fast fashion product. This has remained the same in 2023. In the luxury segment, 10% of shoppers aged 35+ purchased a product in 2022, while in 2023, the number stood at 9%. The potential obstacle to the expansion of fast fashion in the U.S. arises if there is increased emphasis on sustainability, similar to the trend in France and Italy, where governments incentivize individuals to repair their worn-out clothing and footwear. Insights Methodology Consumer Edge highlights observed panel sales for its Fast Fashion and Luxury aggregates and top individual brands across the US and UK/EU. The Consumer Edge panel consists of US ~40M debit and credit cards. About Consumer Edge Founded in 2009 by CEO Bill Pecoriello, Consumer Edge is a data and insights as a service (IaaS) company delivering unparalleled views into global consumer spending behavior coupled with deep industry knowledge and analytical expertise. CE solutions provide key stakeholders across the corporate and investment landscapes with best-in-class tools to enable enhanced strategic decision-making. CE’s unique capabilities allow for actionable insights driven by near real-time market intelligence and benchmarking at the brand, sub-industry and industry levels. For more information visit consumer-edge.com. Contact Details Kite Hill PR for Consumer Edge Maggie Stasko +1 724-787-1565 ConsumerEdge@kitehillpr.com Company Website https://consumer-edge.com/

December 19, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Maroon 5 wows a packed festival crowd at the 8Wonder Winter Festival in Phu Quoc

VinFast Auto

PHU QUOC, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 December 2023 - By the time the festival lights came down at the 8Wonder Winter Festival in Phu Quoc, legendary pop-rock icons Maroon 5, supported by a host of top Vietnamese stars had turned in an incredible series of performances lasting over 6 hours. A global audience of over 4 million online viewers tuned in to watch the headliners perform hit songs from their incredible catalogue, and the 11,500-crowd gathered at Phu Quoc United Center were left breathless. Maroon 5 stunned participants with an "explosive" 75-minute performance. From the first familiar beats of 'Moves Like Jagger', an excitable and energetic crowd at Phu Quoc Grand World Square "exploded" with excitement as the band took the stage. The six members of the legendary group appeared against the backdrop of the giant "Heavenly Sphere" stage under the theme "from twilight till first light", with amazing visuals that lit up the whole Grand World Square. The 75-minute show included a selection of Maroon 5's best-loved classics, taking the audience on a musical journey through a three-decade legacy. In addition to the dynamic opening song, other hits performed included 'This Love', 'Sunday Morning', 'Payphone', 'One More Night', and 'Sugar'. For the amassed fans gathered at the festival, and to those watching online, the craftsmanship and passion of the six experienced band members was all too evident, and Maroon 5 worked tirelessly to ensure the adoring crowd enjoyed every moment. This was the first chance for Vietnamese audiences to get an up-close and personal look at each of the talented band members, from the bombastic, funk-laden drumming of Matt Flynn, the intricate and precise fretwork of guitarists James Valentine & Jesse Carmichael, to the thunderous bass of Sam Farrar and the arrangements of keyboard player PJ Morton. The Grand World square automatically turned into a world-class "music paradise," resonating with cheers each time the familiar song lyrics began. As the setlist progressed, Adam Levine took time to involve the Phu Quoc audience in some backing vocals on tracks like 'This Love', 'Memories', 'Animals', 'Maps', 'Don't Wanna Know'. But the highlight of the evening was an impromptu visit to the audience to serenade watching fans, supported by guitarist Valentine on 'She Will Be Loved'. Levine's effortless charm was encapsulated when mid-song he used a fan's phone to take a selfie video with lucky audience members, creating a truly memorable moment at 8Wonder Winter Festival. Addressing the crowd during the show, Levine enthused over his enjoyment in Vietnam and the band's delight at being invited to the festival, "We're so honored to be here in beautiful Vietnam for our very first show. It took us 20 years to get here, but we'll definitely come back, and next time it'll definitely be sooner!" Vietnamese stars add their talent, energy and passion to an unforgettable night of music. The thousands of spectators amassed at Phu Quoc United Center not only had the opportunity to enjoy international superstars Maroon 5, but also got to savor a diverse musical feast featuring a plethora of famous Vietnamese artists. Explosive performances, including new hits and creative collaborations between Toc Tien and GreyD, Phuong Ly and JustaTee, Double2T and Xe Xe and the band Mau Nuoc rocked the stage of 8Wonder, and dazzled local music fans. One of the unique highlights of 8Wonder Winter Festival was the eye-catching debut performance of the VF 7 Dragon Forged model, appearing onstage with EDM virtuoso Touliver and the Hoang Thong dance group. This is a limited edition of the VinFast VF 7 with only 68 cars made, which will go on sale from January 1, 2024. This year's edition of 8Wonder Winter Festival provided an excellent opportunity to elevate the destination of Phu Quoc (translated as Pearl Island), a majestic tropical island paradise with world-class beach resorts, sunny skies and jaw-dropping sunsets. Further, the festival and its associated series of events and activities continue to draw attention towards the increasing stature of Vietnam as a prime tourist destination for global travellers. Indeed, that wonderfully positioned Phu Quoc as a picture-perfect beach destination. Speaking before the festival, Juergen Doerr, CEO of Vinpearl, said: "After major music festivals like 8Wonder, we expect international tourists to know Vietnam as a country of beautiful, friendly, and unique tourist destinations. With the added value of world music superstars and the elevated level of event experience, 8Wonder will be the leverage for Phu Quoc and Vietnam to become world-famous, loved, and attractive destinations to attract many tourists to return." The huge investment in world-class facilities along with the event's professional crew, sound, lighting and stage equipment and the collection of top Vietnamese music stars exceeded all expectations. The all-in-one ecosystem of culinary, entertainment and discovery offerings enabled 8Wonder Winter Festival to successfully deliver a top-notch festival experience for the thousands who flocked to Phu Quoc for this year's event. According to industry experts, Vietnam's ability to organize world-class music events has now been confirmed after two seasons of 8Wonder Festival. With Charlie Puth taking centre-stage in Nha Trang earlier this year, and Maroon 5 performing in Phu Quoc, 8 Wonder music festival has reached an elite stature as one of the top global entertainment events and music festivals, similar to Tomorrowland and Coachella. As this year's 8Wonder festival comes to a close, organizers can look back with pride after witnessing 6 hours of entertainment history in Phu Quoc, Vietnam. Maroon 5's blockbuster performance, ably supported by famous Vietnamese artists has created a journey of "Infinity Wonder" for thousands of audiences in the most beautiful sunset setting in Vietnam, have truly opened the door for more world-class events, all of which cannot help but to enhance Vietnam's popularity and position as one of the world's most attractive tourist destinations. Contact Details Chi Duong v.chidqd1@vingroup.net

December 19, 2023 08:56 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Agora Data Revolutionizes Retail Auto at NADA 2024

Agora Data, Inc.

Agora Data, Inc., a fintech company transforming automotive financing for U.S. car dealerships by offering abundant, low-cost capital with precision loan performance data and analytics, will be attending and exhibiting at the National Automotive Dealer Association (NADA) Show. NADA 2024 is February 1-4 in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Agora® will be present throughout the conference and at booth #6705N near the North Hall entrance. “Agora continues to expand our auto finance capabilities to help any car dealer build a revenue-generating non-prime auto loan portfolio by keeping customers in their ecosystem instead of passing the relationship and profits over to a bank,” said Brett Beebe, CRO of Agora Data. “Our innovative fintech approach generates additional revenue streams from auto loan payments, increasing profits beyond car sales and service departments.” Agora Data is revolutionizing the non-prime auto industry by offering capital and predictable performance of non-prime loans using advanced modeling and artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize loan portfolios and minimize risks. With Agora’s turnkey resources, including capital funding, legal structures, compliance, loan servicing, and technology efficiencies, a dealership can seamlessly and quickly build its non-prime auto loan portfolio. Dealers can easily improve portfolio performance by realizing revenue from the gross profit on cars and services and financing profit on loans. In December 2020, Agora Data made auto industry history by completing the first-ever crowdsourced non-prime auto securitization. This milestone achievement and succeeding private financing and other funding strategies provide auto dealers direct access to ample capital with favorable terms to help fuel their business. The company’s diversified capital financing resources open doors for car dealers to confidently gain access to a whole other consumer segment previously underserved. About Agora Data, Inc. Agora Data, Inc. is an automotive industry fintech revolutionizing financing for car dealers and finance companies. Car dealerships can secure affordable capital to build their own non-prime captive finance portfolio, obtain actionable loan performance data to support their lending portfolios and use a wide range of solutions to grow their business safely. Powered by patent pending artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technology, car dealers can access real-time data analytics and planning resources to help optimize the performance of their portfolios. For more information, visit www.agoradata.com or contact us at 1-877-592-4672. # # # Contact Details Shelly Vandeven media@agoradata.com Company Website https://agoradata.com/

December 19, 2023 08:06 AM Eastern Standard Time

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