Author: Vickie Helm

Shifting the Odds: Women in Sports Betting Traditionally seen as a male-dominated activity, sports betting is on the brink of transformation, according to a study conducted by the University of Queensland. This research highlights a potential shift in the demographics of sports bettors, with women poised to play an increasingly significant role. The Current Landscape of Sports Betting Rohann Irving, a PhD candidate at UQ’s School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, explored the reasons behind the fact that nearly 90% of regular sports bettors are men. He also examined how betting companies are strategizing to attract female bettors. Accessibility…

Pre-Market Highlights: Notable Stock Movements As the market prepares to open, several companies are making headlines with significant stock movements attributed to recent earnings reports, upgrades, and other developments. J.B. Hunt Transport Services J.B. Hunt’s shares experienced a notable decline of over 7% following the release of their fourth-quarter earnings, which fell short of expectations. The company reported earnings of $1.53 per share, lower than the consensus estimate of $1.61 per share by LSEG. However, their revenue for the quarter met expectations at $3.15 billion. Qorvo In contrast, Qorvo’s stock surged by more than 7%. According to a report from…

Republican U.S. House Passes Controversial Anti-Trans Bill After the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted on Tuesday to pass the exclusionary “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025,” concerns were raised by Democrats regarding its implications for children, particularly in relation to genital checks and vulnerability to sexual predators. The legislation, which prohibits transgender girls and women from competing in school sports that align with their gender identity, narrowly passed with a vote of 218-206. Notably, two Democratic representatives from Texas—Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez—voted in favor of the bill. Key Provisions of the Bill The proposed…

Highlights BlackRock has seen a remarkable 15% year-over-year increase in assets under management, now totaling $11.55 trillion. The firm surpassed analysts’ predictions for both earnings and revenue during the reporting period. CEO Larry Fink highlighted that this marks the second consecutive quarter with record inflows for BlackRock. Shares of BlackRock (BLK) experienced a 4% rise on Wednesday morning following a robust quarterly performance, buoyed by record assets under management (AUM). The company reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $11.93 for the fourth quarter, reflecting a remarkable 23% increase year-over-year. Revenue also surged by 23% to reach $5.68 billion, exceeding…

Story Links James Madison Dukes (13-4, 5-0 SBC) vs. Marshall Thundering Herd (5-11, 0-5 SBC) Date: January 15, 2025 – Time: 6 p.m. ET Location: Huntington, W. Va. – Cam Henderson Center Game Information Broadcast: ESPN+ · Audio Coverage · Live Stats JMU Game Notes Follow Us: JMUSports.com · @JMUWBasketball · #GoDukes Women’s Basketball Takes the Court in Huntington On Wednesday, January 15, the James Madison Dukes will finalize their regular-season match-up with the Marshall Thundering Herd at 6 p.m. inside the Cam Henderson Center. Fans can catch the game streaming live on ESPN+. Recently, Peyton McDaniel shone with a…

Midday Market Movers: Key Highlights from Today’s Trading In midday trading, several companies made significant headlines, with notable fluctuations in their stock prices influenced by recent announcements and upgrades. Netflix Reacts to Analyst Upgrade Netflix shares experienced a 0.7% decline after Seaport upgraded the streaming giant’s stock from neutral to buy, just ahead of the upcoming earnings report scheduled for next week. UnitedHealth Group’s Mixed Q4 Results UnitedHealth Group saw its stock drop by 6% as its fourth-quarter revenue failed to meet analysts’ expectations. The company reported revenue of $100.81 billion, falling short of the anticipated $101.76 billion, according to…

Cabinet Reshuffle Paves the Way for Greater Queensland RepresentationRecent changes in the government lineup align with ongoing discussions about a potential reshuffle announced over the past six weeks. Notably, a report on December 1 suggested that Bill Shorten’s responsibilities would likely be distributed among several ministers.This reshuffle preserves the factional balance in the cabinet, appointing another member from the Right faction to replace Shorten. Elevating the profile of Katy Wells underscores a significant boost for Queensland representation in the government.Wells joins the ranks as the third minister from Queensland, alongside Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Employment Minister Murray Watt.Meanwhile, Defence Personnel…

The Liquidity of Gold Assets: Investing Insights for Today’s Market Understanding the liquidity of various gold assets can enhance your investment portfolio. Caspar Benson/Getty Images In today’s unpredictable economic climate, gold remains a go-to asset for investors seeking stability and protection from inflation. The allure of gold soared in 2024, with prices surpassing $2,700 per ounce. Though there has been some moderation since then, the strong momentum from last year is evident as we head into early 2025, with recent price increases enticing more individuals to invest. When considering gold as part of your investment strategy, liquidity is vital. This…

Story Links Women’s Volleyball: Halfway Point of the 2024-25 OUA Season The 2024-25 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) women’s volleyball season is entering its second half, and excitement is building among players and supporters alike. Current Standings of Women’s Volleyball – Record: 8-2 Current Ranking: No. 9 (as of December 2) Peak Ranking: No. 9 (notable dates: November 25, December 2, January 13) Weeks in U SPORTS Top 10: Five (weeks starting October 28, November 4, November 25, December 2, January 13) Brock University proudly holds the No. 9 position for the third time this season, showcasing their impressive performance throughout…

Market Movements: Key Players in Premarket Trading In the dynamic world of premarket trading, several companies have caught the spotlight with their recent performances and updates. UnitedHealth Group Faces Decline UnitedHealth Group experienced a drop of over 3% in its shares following a fourth-quarter revenue report that fell short of Wall Street’s expectations. The company reported a top-line figure of $100.81 billion, which was below the anticipated $101.76 billion from analysts at LSEG. However, it is important to note that their earnings outperformed expectations, providing a silver lining amidst the decline. Morgan Stanley Surges on Positive Results In contrast, Morgan…