Oil Industry - U.S. crude futures increased by 2.4% to over $56 per barrel following President Trump's order for a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers off Venezuela [2][3] - The blockade represents a significant escalation in U.S.-Venezuela tensions, particularly after the recent seizure of a tanker off the Venezuelan coast [4] - Approximately 30% of Venezuela's oil shipments are at risk if U.S. sanctions continue to be enforced [5] - U.S. crude futures had previously dipped below $55 for the first time in nearly five years due to expectations of a potential easing of sanctions amid a possible Russia-Ukraine peace deal [6] - Analysts indicate that crude oil is nearing critical technical levels, with a potential downside break that could test the $50 mark [7] Consumer Finance - The CFO of Affirm Holdings (AFRM) reported that consumers currently feel healthy, with no signs of stress in repayment rates [8] - Approximately 96% of Affirm's transactions come from repeat borrowers, who typically exhibit lower default rates [9] - Delinquencies and repayment rates are aligning with expectations, indicating stable financial health for the company [10] - Affirm's shares rose nearly 12% after renewing a partnership with Amazon for an additional five years, reaching their highest point in a month [11] Rail Industry - The proposed $85 billion merger between Union Pacific (UNP) and Norfolk Southern (NSC) has lost support from two major unions representing over half of the workforce [12] - Concerns from the unions include increased safety risks, higher shipping rates, and potential disruptions to service [13] - The unions are set to announce their decision regarding the merger, which will be evaluated by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board for public interest [14]

Ford has canceled an electric vehicle battery contract with LG worth 9.6 trillion Korean won (US$6.52 billion). ...

Core Insights - Three stocks are highlighted with a buy rank and strong income characteristics for investors to consider on December 17 Group 1: Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited (NTB) - The company provides a range of community, commercial, and private banking services [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 5.1% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a dividend yield of 3.9%, compared to the industry average of 2.7% [1] Group 2: F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (FG) - The company specializes in fixed annuities and life insurance products [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 15% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a dividend yield of 2.5%, compared to the industry average of 1.6% [2] Group 3: Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. (BFH) - The company is a tech-forward financial services provider offering payment and lending solutions [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 22.2% over the last 60 days [3] - The company has a dividend yield of 1.2%, compared to the industry average of 0.0% [3]

Core Insights - EP Wealth Advisors has acquired Clearview Wealth Advisors, adding approximately $218 million in assets under management to its Phoenix region [1] - The acquisition enhances the client experience by providing Clearview's team access to EP Wealth's extended planning, tax, and investment resources [1][4] - This marks EP Wealth's ninth partnership in 2025, indicating its ongoing growth strategy across the US [3] Company Details - Clearview Wealth Advisors operates in the Phoenix area and the Pacific Northwest, focusing on planning-led client relationships [2] - The Clearview team, led by Michael and Corbin Coursey, will integrate into EP Wealth's Phoenix operations under Regional Directors Adrian Larson and M.J. Nodilo [2][3] - EP Wealth aims to maintain Clearview's client-focused approach while leveraging its broader capabilities [4] Strategic Implications - The partnership allows Clearview to enhance its service offerings by accessing additional expertise and resources from EP Wealth [3][4] - The integration is designed to preserve the personalized attention and care that Clearview has historically provided to its clients [3][4] - EP Wealth's previous acquisition of NBS Financial Services in April 2023 further demonstrates its strategy to strengthen its regional footprint [4][5]

During times of turbulence and uncertainty in the markets, many investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. These are often companies that have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with a high dividend payout.Benzinga readers can review the latest analyst takes on their favorite stocks by visiting Analyst Stock Ratings page. Traders can sort through Benzinga's extensive database of analyst ratings, including by analyst accuracy.Below are the ratings of the most accurate analysts for three high-yield ...

Group 1 - No relevant content found in the provided documents [1][2][3][4][5][6]

Core Insights - GITPAC Consultancy has expanded its financial management services in Dubai by implementing a live accounting system to ensure continuous monitoring and compliance with local regulations [1][3] - The new system addresses the UAE's business requirements, including VAT documentation management, audit preparation, and adherence to reporting standards [1][2] Group 1: System Features - The live accounting system integrates cloud-based tools with professional oversight, enabling ongoing recording, checking, and reconciliation of financial data [2] - It supports internal controls, reduces reporting delays, and maintains documentation consistency across various business units [2][4] - Key processes covered include client onboarding, transaction tracking, bookkeeping, automated reporting, and reconciliation [2] Group 2: Operational Impact - Daily operations are enhanced to ensure regulatory compliance and maintain reporting standards [3] - Continuous monitoring allows companies to maintain operational oversight and adapt to evolving regulatory expectations [3] - GITPAC Consultancy provides professional accounting services, enabling structured accounting practices while businesses continue their standard operations [3][4] Group 3: Market Response - Enterprises of different sizes are adjusting their internal procedures to meet rising demands for transparency and financial reporting [4] - The service is accessible to organizations across Dubai and other regions in the UAE, facilitating daily financial management and compliance oversight [4][5] - Businesses utilizing this framework are expected to maintain more current records, follow structured reconciliation routines, and improve their reporting readiness [5]

Core Viewpoint - Medline is set to debut on the Nasdaq after raising $6.26 billion in the largest global initial public offering of 2025, marking a strong year for new listings [1] Group 1 - The IPO raised $6.26 billion, making it the biggest IPO globally in 2025 [1] - This event highlights a robust market for new listings in the current year [1]

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