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Mastercard has launched its CBDC Partner Program, with Ripple and Consensys among the key participants. Other partners include Fluency, Idemia, Consult Hyperion, Fireblocks, and Giesecke+Devrient. The initiative aims to promote payment interoperability in the digital economy. However, Mastercard acknowledges that CBDC adoption faces challenges such as public unfamiliarity and recent controversies in the crypto sector.

Portfolio Pulse from Murtuza Merchant

August 18, 2023 | 1:05 pm

AAPL

Apple Inc. is close to becoming the world's top smartphone maker, a feat it has not yet achieved, according to market research firm Counterpoint. The upcoming iPhone 15 series could help Apple achieve this, despite an expected slowdown in iPhone demand due to a slower-than-expected recovery in the Chinese market and worsening conditions in the US. However, Counterpoint analysts are optimistic about Apple's chances, stating that barring production issues, Apple's chances look the brightest among key smartphone makers.

Portfolio Pulse from Rounak Jain

August 18, 2023 | 12:20 pm

ISRG

LLY

NVO

PFE

The rise of weight-loss drugs from companies like Eli Lilly And Co and Novo Nordisk A/S could signal a decline in obesity rates and a shift in industries related to obesity management. The success of these drugs could impact sales of related medical equipment and applications, and may lead to a decline in demand for unhealthy food products. Medical device companies like Intuitive Surgical Inc have raised concerns over decreasing demands for surgeries due to the success of these drugs.

Portfolio Pulse from Vandana Singh

August 18, 2023 | 12:04 pm

AKTX

Akari Therapeutics has announced the establishment of a new headquarters office in Boston, US. This move is to support the company's expanding operations and the start of its registrational phase 3 clinical trials.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

August 18, 2023 | 12:03 pm

BNTX

MRNA

PFE

Moderna and Pfizer have announced that their updated COVID-19 vaccines show effectiveness against the 'Eris' variant in early human and preclinical studies. Moderna's vaccine showed a significant boost in neutralizing antibodies against EG.5 and FL.1.5.1 variants, suggesting it may effectively target the expected circulating variants of COVID-19 in the upcoming vaccination season. Pfizer's updated COVID-19 shot also showed neutralizing activity against the 'Eris' subvariant in a study conducted on mice. Both companies have submitted their updated vaccines to the FDA and other regulators.

Portfolio Pulse from Vandana Singh

August 18, 2023 | 11:59 am

MSFT

Microsoft Corp is set to sell a new version of Databricks software, which aids in the creation of AI apps for businesses, through its Azure cloud-server unit. This move comes amidst a shake-up in the AI market, with Databricks offering an alternative to licensing OpenAI's proprietary models. Microsoft has also revealed plans to increase charges for new AI features in its Microsoft 365 service by 53% - 83%. Meanwhile, OpenAI has acquired the team at Global Illumination.

Portfolio Pulse from Anusuya Lahiri

August 18, 2023 | 11:39 am

LNTH

Progenics Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Lantheus (LNTH), has announced it will discontinue the production and promotion of Azedra and will be winding down its Somerset manufacturing site due to limited usage and associated fixed costs. The company plans to continue manufacturing Azedra into Q1 of 2024.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

August 18, 2023 | 11:37 am

AMZN

BABA

GOOG

GOOGL

WMT

Amazon is enhancing its social commerce capabilities by inviting influencers to create videos for its shopping platform. However, the compensation offered is below market rates. Amazon's new platform, Inspire, allows users to buy featured products instantly, similar to social media platforms. This move comes as TikTok strengthens its e-commerce capabilities. Amazon's challenge is to create content that can compete with TikTok's established expertise.

Portfolio Pulse from Anusuya Lahiri

August 18, 2023 | 11:36 am

AAPL

Apple Inc.'s iPhone 15 is rumored to support up to 30% faster charging speeds due to the anticipated USB-C port. The charging speed could increase from 27W to 35W. Some iPhone 15 models are expected to get this fast charging boost, but it's unclear which ones. The iPhone 15 series is expected to launch on September 12.

Portfolio Pulse from Rounak Jain

August 18, 2023 | 11:32 am

SSNLF

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, backed by Samsung Electronics Co's (OTC:SSNLF) marketing efforts, has emerged as a notable contender in the smartphone market. The device features an expanded cover screen, camera enhancements, and improved battery life. However, at $999, the smartphone is considered pricey for the battery life and camera it offers. Despite minor drawbacks, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is still the top choice among flip phones due to its balance of price, features, software, and after-sales support.

Portfolio Pulse from Ananya Gairola

August 18, 2023 | 11:10 am