S&P 500 Soars as Strong Bank Earnings Offset Trade War Fears

Major U.S. bank earnings are driving significant gains in the S&P 500, overshadowing escalating trade war tensions. Both Bank of America and Morgan Stanley posted better-than-expected results, continuing the strong performance from financial institutions. Meanwhile, trade concerns mounted as President Trump threatened new tariffs and cooking oil embargoes against China.

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Wizards of the Coast lays off staff and cancels Skeleton Key project

Wizards of the Coast has reportedly laid off staff and canceled an unannounced project at Skeleton Key, as indicated by audio director Nassim Ait-Kaci’s LinkedIn post expressing his job search. Despite plans for expansion and the development of AAA horror titles, Skeleton Key’s website shows no current job openings, raising concerns about the studio’s future. Founded in 2022 by industry veteran Christian Dailey, Skeleton Key aims to deliver immersive gameplay and unique narratives.

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Scott Bessent to Divest Bitcoin ETF Amid Treasury Secretary Nomination

Scott Bessent, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as the next Treasury Secretary, plans to sell his stake in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) valued between $250,001 and $500,000, as part of federal ethics guidelines requiring divestment within 90 days of Senate confirmation. While his Bitcoin investment has garnered support in the cryptocurrency community, there is uncertainty about whether he must divest this particular asset. Bessent’s confirmation hearing is set for January 16, 2025, and he is expected to advocate for a pro-cryptocurrency stance, contrasting with the current Treasury Secretary’s critical view of Bitcoin.

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Scott Bessent to Divest Bitcoin ETF Ahead of Treasury Confirmation

Scott Bessent, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as Treasury Secretary, is set to divest his stake in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) before the inauguration, adhering to federal ethics guidelines. Bessent, a pro-crypto hedge fund manager, will also resign from his firm, Key Square Group, as he prepares for his confirmation hearing on January 16. Amid speculation about the necessity of the divestment, IBIT recently experienced record-high outflows, attributed to profit-taking by investors.

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