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Stock indices marked their eighth consecutive week of gains, with the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq all rising. Inflation measured by the PCE index fell to 2.5% in November, the lowest since March 2021, prompting economists to reconsider the Fed's rate plans for 2024. Bullish views included predictions for Apple and Tesla, a potential Bitcoin ETF approval, and a Dogecoin rally. Bearish perspectives involved a drop in oil prices following Angola's OPEC exit, a predicted 75% fall in Ethereum, and a downgrade of Roku by Seaport Research Partners.

Portfolio Pulse from Michael Cohen

December 23, 2023 | 2:50 pm

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The NFL playoffs picture remains unclear, with only a few teams qualified. A bettor won $125K on a Brock Purdy MVP bet. The LA Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, becoming the betting favorite. The Detroit Pistons are nearing an NBA record losing streak, with a bet on them not winning another game. A FanDuel bettor has a parlay on NFL awards with potential for a big payout.

Portfolio Pulse from Chris Katje

December 23, 2023 | 2:47 pm

AAPL

Apple Inc. (AAPL) is in talks with news and publishing firms for licensing deals worth $50 million to train its generative AI systems. The deals with firms like Condé Nast, NBC News, and IAC are part of Apple's efforts to compete in the generative AI space, where tech giants like Microsoft, OpenAI, Google, and Meta Platforms are active. Publishers' responses are mixed, with some concerned about licensing terms and legal liabilities, while others see potential for collaboration. The deals could provide a legal framework for using news content in AI training, amid industry concerns about copyright use by AI systems.

Portfolio Pulse from Ananya Gairola

December 23, 2023 | 8:10 am

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OpenAI, led by Sam Altman, is in early talks to raise funds at a valuation of at least $100 billion, a significant increase from its previous $90 billion valuation. Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT), a major investor with a 49% stake, has invested $13 billion in OpenAI. The AI startup's valuation has more than tripled in less than a year, potentially making it the second most valuable startup in the U.S. OpenAI is also allowing employees to sell shares at an $86 billion valuation and is seeking funds for a chip venture to compete with Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:NVDA). The interest in OpenAI has surged following the success of ChatGPT, with tech giants like Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) and Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META) developing their own AI technologies.

Portfolio Pulse from Rounak Jain

December 23, 2023 | 2:06 am

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GameSquare Holdings Inc, Faze Holdings, and GameSquare Merger Sub I have amended their merger agreement, extending the deadline to complete the merger to February 15, 2024, according to an SEC filing.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

December 22, 2023 | 9:40 pm

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AERWINS Technologies has signed a Letter of Intent with Helicopter Technology Company to form a new entity. According to the SEC filing, AERWINS will own 70% of the new entity, while Helicopter Technology will own the remaining 30%.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

December 22, 2023 | 9:36 pm

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ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) has decided to proceed with the Willow project in Alaska, following a Final Investment Decision and support from the Department of the Interior and court orders. The project is expected to generate significant revenue and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign energy. It will create jobs and has been designed with environmental considerations and local community input.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

December 22, 2023 | 9:32 pm

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The cannabis industry is experiencing significant leadership changes as we head into 2024. The Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA) hosted a roundtable to discuss hemp and cannabis regulation. Emerald Holding, Inc. (NYSE:EEX) promoted Emilie Lewis to oversee marketing for Marijuana Business Daily. MediPharm Labs Corp. (OTCQB:MEDIF) announced the resignation of board member Miriam McDonald. Lowell Farms Inc. (OTCQX:LOWLF) reported the departure of board member Brian Shure. Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (OTCQX:TCNNF) named Wes Getman as its new CFO, and Organigram Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:OGI) appointed Greg Guyatt as CFO. Innocan Pharma Corporation (OTCQB:INNPF) established a team for FDA submission for its LPT CBD platform.

Portfolio Pulse from Jelena Martinovic

December 22, 2023 | 9:31 pm

GFI

Gold Fields Limited has agreed to sell its stake in the Asanko joint venture to Galiano Gold Inc. for $150 million in cash, $20 million in Galiano shares, and a 1% royalty on future gold production. The White House is scrutinizing Nippon Steel's proposed $14.1-billion acquisition of United States Steel Corporation due to national security concerns. ArcelorMittal SA announced a companywide safety audit to be conducted by dss+ across more than 350 sites, with results expected in September 2024.

Portfolio Pulse from Austin DeNoce

December 22, 2023 | 9:24 pm

MSFT

OpenAI is reportedly planning a new primary funding round in the new year with a valuation above $100 billion, following a tender closing early January valuing the startup at $86 billion. Additionally, OpenAI is in discussions with G42 to invest in the AI chip project Tigris.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

December 22, 2023 | 9:21 pm