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The Duckhorn Portfolio Announces Fiscal First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Mystery Drones Spark Warnings from Delaware State Police—What You Need to KnowED: All Schools Need Cellphone Policies

TRAVIS Kelce has beat out Patrick Mahomes for a major NFL award. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has been nominated by his team for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Every year, each NFL team nominates one of their players for the prestigious award. "The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field. "The award was established in 1970 and was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame running back, Walter Payton. "Each team nominates one player who has had a significant positive impact on his community, with one winner selected from the 32 nominees. Read more on Travis Kelce "Each year, nominees are recognized beginning in Week 14 with a WPMOY trophy silhouette helmet decal applied through the end of the season. "In addition, all current players who have received this esteemed award are honored with a trophy silhouette patch on the front of their jerseys." The winner of the award receives a $265,000 donation to a charity of their choice while all nominees receive $55,000. Kansas City decided to nominate Kelce this season for his impact in the community. Most read in American Football Kelce runs the Eighty-Seven & Running foundation to help underserved youth learn life skills and mentorship. He also launched the Ignition Lab, an after-school program for inner-city students to learn real-world experience. "I'm truly honored to be nominated as the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. This organization and this city mean so much to me and to have the Chiefs nominate me again is special," Kelce said. "Growing up in Cleveland Heights with supportive family and friends, I know the power of having people in your corner. "It's been incredible to be able to work towards providing that same support and inspiration to kids through Eighty-Seven & Running and our work with Operation Breakthrough and the Ignition Lab. "To see the inaugural class from the Ignition Lab getting ready to graduate is so special and something that I'll cherish forever. I know how valuable hope and purpose is in those high school years, and these kids have really seized the opportunity. "Being able to give back to the community here in Kansas City as well as show love to my hometown is not something I'll ever take for granted. August 1 - Hall of Fame Game - Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears August 8 - Pre-season begins August 27 - Deadline for 53-man rosters September 1 - Final day of pre-season September 5 - Season opener - Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs November 5 - Trade deadline January 5 - Week 18 of regular-season January 11 - Playoffs begin February 9 - Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana "I'm forever grateful to represent Kansas City, the Hunt family, our fans and my foundation, and it's an honor to be nominated." Chiefs fans were thrilled to see their tight end be nominated for the special award, and shared their congratulations on social media . "Being nominated is a huge honor! Well done!," one fan said. Read More on The US Sun "Bring it home, Trav!" another fan said. "Congratulations Travis I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more," a third fan said.

European stocks bounced around Monday while US equities shook off early weakness to push higher as investors waited to see if a so-called Santa Claus rally sweeps over the market. Global stock markets had a tumultuous time last week, spiraling lower after the US Federal Reserve signaled fewer interest rate cuts than had been expected for 2025. But it ended on a positive note as traders welcomed below-forecast US inflation data that raised hopes about the health of the world's biggest economy. That helped Asian markets move higher on Monday, but the positive trend faltered in Europe and stumbled initially in the United States. "Another up leg in US yields not only put pressure on stock indices but also drove the greenback higher," said IG analyst Axel Rudolph. But after a sluggish start, US stocks rose progressively in a quiet session with analysts pointing to low pre-holiday trading volumes. "Stocks didn't really have any direction in the morning, then we got this tech rally that just sort of drifted higher all day," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers. Analysts view elevated Treasury bond yields as a threat to year-end gains in an historically strong period of the calendar. Known as a Santa Claus rally, there are various explanations for the phenomenon including seasonal optimism and end-of-year tax considerations. But there remains some trepidation among investors as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, pledging to cut taxes, slash regulations and impose tariffs on imports, which some economists warn could reignite inflation. "The initial response to the US election was positive as investors focused on the obvious tailwinds to profitability: lower corporate tax rates and less regulation," said Ronald Temple, chief market strategist at Lazard. "However, I expect much more dispersion within the equity market when the reality of a much-less-friendly trade environment sets in." In Europe, the FTSE 100 moved higher as the pound slid following data that showed that the UK economy stagnated in the third quarter, revised down from initial estimates of 0.1 percent growth. Official data out of Spain on Monday showed that the Spanish economy grew 0.8 percent in the third quarter as domestic consumption and exports increased, comfortably outstripping the European Union average. In company news, shares in crisis-hit German auto giant Volkswagen lost more than three percent on the back of news Friday that it plans to axe 35,000 jobs by 2030 in a drastic cost-cutting plan. Shares in Japanese auto giant Honda rose over three percent after it announced Monday an agreement to launch merger talks with struggling compatriot Nissan that could create the world's third largest automaker. New York - Dow: UP 0.2 percent at 42,906.95 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.7 percent at 5,974.89 (close) New York - Nasdaq Composite: UP 1.0 percent at 19,764.89 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.2 percent at 8,102.72 (close) Paris - CAC 40: FLAT at 7,272.32 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 0.2 percent at 19,848.77 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.2 percent at 39,161.34 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 0.8 percent at 19,883.13 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.5 percent at 3,351.26 (close) Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0408 from $1.0430 on Friday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2531 from $1.2570 Dollar/yen: UP at 157.14 yen from 156.31 yen Euro/pound: UP at 83.03 pence from 82.97 pence West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.3 percent at $69.24 per barrel Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.4 percent at $72.63 per barrel burs-jmb/jgc

Packham resigns as RSPCA president after animal cruelty claims at approved farmsQatar’s threat to stop gas sales to the European Union if fined under a new law could set a precedent for other energy-exporting nations to resist stringent EU sustainability and reporting regulations, experts say. Qatari Energy Minister Saad Al Kaabi told the Financial Times on Sunday that if any EU state imposed non-compliance penalties on the scale referenced in the corporate due diligence directive, Doha would stop exporting its liquefied natural gas to the bloc. The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) requires EU countries to impose fines for non-compliance with an upper limit of at least 5 per cent of the company’s annual global revenue. “Qatar is one of the world’s largest LNG exporters. The EU is increasingly reliant on its LNG due to reduced natural gas supplies from Russia. A disruption in Qatari LNG shipments would likely exacerbate supply constraints, especially during winter months when demand peaks,” said James Willn, partner at global law company Reed Smith’s energy and natural resources group. “Qatar’s response could set a precedent for other energy-exporting nations to resist stringent EU sustainability and reporting regulations. The EU may then face pressure to balance sustainability goals with economic and energy security considerations.” Passed by the European parliament last year and due to come into force by 2027, the CSDDD requires EU and non-EU companies with significant turnover in the bloc to ensure that their supply chains do not harm workers or the environment. Companies have new obligations to audit their supply chains for environmental damage and human rights violations. The CSDDD requires all listed companies (except listed microenterprises) as well as large organisations to disclose information on risks and opportunities from social and environmental issues. But the directive has prompted a widespread backlash from companies, both within and outside the EU, who have complained that the rules are too onerous. Germany had called for the law to be postponed by two years and to exempt small and medium enterprises from the reporting duties as the bloc’s largest economy struggles with a downturn, Bloomberg reported this month. Changes are needed “in order to avoid unnecessary burden for businesses”, says the letter. Failure to comply with the new reporting guidelines could result in fines of up to 5 per cent of companies’ net global turnover, as well as potential civil claims and reputational damage. “If the case is that I lose 5 per cent of my generated revenue by going to Europe, I will not go to Europe ... I’m not bluffing,” Mr Al Kaabi told the FT. “Five per cent of generated revenue of QatarEnergy [the state-run energy company of which he is chief executive of] means 5 per cent of generated revenue of the Qatar state. This is the people’s money ... so I cannot lose that kind of money – and nobody would accept losing that kind of money.” However, Mr Al Kaabi suggested there could be room for compromise if the penalties targeted just income generated in Europe rather than total global revenue. “But if you want to come to my total generated revenue, come on, it doesn’t make any sense,” he said. As European countries have sought to wean themselves off Russian gas, QatarEnergy has signed long term agreements to supply LNG to Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands. “Qatar could redirect its LNG exports to other markets, such as China, Japan or South Korea, which are major LNG importers and less likely to impose similar sustainability laws. The EU would need to seek alternative suppliers, such as the US, Australia or African nations, potentially at higher costs,” Mr Willn said. But “whether this is realistic depends on several factors, including market conditions, infrastructure, contractual obligations and geopolitical considerations”, he said. A significant portion of Qatar’s LNG exports is tied up in long-term contracts with specific buyers, including European countries. Diverting these supplies would be difficult unless there are force majeure conditions or legal grounds to breach contracts without incurring penalties, he explained. Long-term contracts often specify destination clauses, restricting where the gas can be shipped. Altering such agreements would require renegotiation, which takes time and may face resistance. “Diverting LNG to markets further away from Europe (e.g., Asia) would increase shipping times and costs, potentially affecting profitability. Qatar has one of the largest fleets of LNG carriers, giving it logistical flexibility, but significant redirection would still strain global shipping capacity,” Mr Willn said. “The redirection of spot market volumes or incremental increases to Asian buyers is plausible, but fully abandoning the EU market would likely be economically and strategically unviable, certainly in the short term.” Robin Mills, chief executive of Qamar Energy, said he’d be “very surprised if this really results in a halt”. “Europe is an important market for Qatar, and Qatari LNG is a key part of the EU’s supply, especially as they don’t want to be too reliant on the US under Donald Trump, and are still taking a significant amount of Russian LNG, which there is pressure to stop. Qatar LNG is anyway lower carbon than Russian or US gas,” he said. “I presume the two sides will work out a compromise. But it will mean reluctance to sign any new long-term contracts until it is resolved.” Mr Al Kaabi told FT that QatarEnergy would not break its LNG contracts, but it would look at legal avenues if it faced hefty penalties. “I will not accept that we get penalised,” he said. “I will stop sending gas to Europe.” Source: The National

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Packham resigns as RSPCA president after animal cruelty claims at approved farmsOROVILLE, Calif. -- A suspected gunman is dead and two students were taken to the hospital after a shooting Wednesday at a Northern California elementary school, according to authorities. Deputies were "on scene of an active incident involving a shooting" at Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Palermo, the Butte County Sheriff's Office said on the social platform X. Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said when deputies arrived at the school they found a man believed to be the shooter with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. That man is dead. The sheriff's office says deputies also found two students with gunshot wounds who were taken to the hospital but their condition is unknown at this time. Authorities say students are being transported to Oroville Church of the Nazarene where parents can reunite with their children. According to the school website, Feather River Adventist School has 33 students enrolled. The school is located roughly 10 miles south of Oroville. Palermo - home to about 5,500 people - is about 65 miles (104 km) north of Sacramento. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (AP) — Dejour Reaves scored 19 points as Iona beat Saint Peter's 72-63 on Sunday. Reaves had four steals for the Gaels (3-8, 1-1 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference). James Patterson scored 18 points and added 11 rebounds and three steals. Adam Njie shot 5 of 13 from the field, including 1 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 5 for 7 from the line to finish with 16 points. Marcus Randolph led the Peacocks (4-5, 0-2) in scoring, finishing with 29 points. Armoni Zeigler added 11 points and six rebounds for Saint Peter's. Stephon Roberts had eight points. Iona takes on Colgate on the road on Sunday, and Saint Peter's hosts Delaware on Friday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .With Assad Gone, a Brutal Dictatorship Ends. But the New Risks Are Huge.Maple Leafs superstar Mitch Marner opened up about his selection to Team Canada as they prepare for the 4 Nations Face-Off. With Canada, USA, Sweden, and Finland gearing up for the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament in February, the Maple Leafs have one representative on each roster. It's a great sign that not only is the team succeeding but that these players are trusted enough to lead their country. Mitch Marner Deserved A Team Canada Roster Spot With him being selected to Team Canada, it was another bright spot in a great season so far for the Leafs superstar. Opening up about the selection, Marner was thrilled to be asked to participate in such an occasion: It will be Marner's 4th time representing Canada on the international stage, and he deserves it for his season so far. On a blistering 100+ point pace, he has 36 points in 25 games and a big reason for Toronto sitting atop the Atlantic Division. Team Canada is with no shortage of firepower too, as Marner gets to join Connor McDavid , Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and several other All-Stars and future Hall of Famers. It will be interesting to see how head coach Jon Cooper uses Marner given how many stars he has on his team. With the tournament not taking place until February 12, the Maple Leafs star winger will be able to showcase even more of his abilities as he continues to lead the team toward a long playoff push. If Marner can dominate even more, there's no telling the type of success he could help lead Canada to. Toronto's other representatives for the tournament are: Auston Matthews (Team USA) William Nylander (Team Sweden) Jani Hakanpaa (Team Finland) While Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner are names you'd expect, Jani Hakanpaa's inclusion is a great story as well for the defenseman as he has dealt with some career-threatening injuries. It will be a battle of superstar teammate wingers as Team Canada takes on Team Sweden to kick off the tournament to kick off the tournament at the Bell Centre on February 12 with Marner looking to help the red and white come home with the gold. This article first appeared on Hockey Patrol and was syndicated with permission.

The Marketing Alliance Announces Financial Results for Quarter Ended September 30, 2024NNN says ill-health rumours a ‘shame’

VICTORIA — British Columbia Premier David Eby says his fellow premiers and the federal government have hatched a game plan to fight U.S. tariffs, with conservative premiers lobbying Republican counterparts, left-leaning provincial leaders courting the Democrats, and Ottawa focusing on president-elect Donald Trump. The premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau talked about using their political diversity and connections to thwart the prospect of Trump's proposed 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, Eby said Thursday in a year-end interview. He said it was discussed that conservative premiers Danielle Smith in Alberta, Doug Ford in Ontario and Nova Scotia's Tim Houston are well-placed to lobby Republican governors and business leaders. Eby said as a New Democrat he will likely have more in common with Democrat governors and business leaders from the West Coast states. "I can easily have conversations with governors and businesses down the West Coast of the U.S., where we have close relationships and our politics are very similar," he said. "Premier Smith can have conversations with Republican governors. That would be more challenging for me, and (she) would have more connections potentially with the Trump administration than an NDP administration in B.C. would." He said a meeting last week between the premiers and Trudeau discussed Canada's diversity of representation, and how it could bring leverage and advantages in tariff talks. "It's interesting, there was a lot of talk about what unity means in terms of Canada's response to the tariffs," he said. "There's obviously a diversity of views around the Council of the Federation table of all the premiers. Certainly, mine is not the same as Premier Smith's or Premier Ford's or Premier Houston's, and that diversity of views is actually potentially a significant strength for us as we enter into these discussions." Eby also said he was prepared to appear on American's right-leaning Fox News TV network, as did premiers Ford and Smith. "Anything that I can do to support the national effort to protect the families in Canada from the impact of tariffs and also families in the U.S. from those unjustified tariffs," he said. "Absolutely, if I thought it was helpful." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Dirk Meissner, The Canadian PressNearly three years after his last visit to India in December 2021, Russian President Vladimir Putin will be in New Delhi for the forthcoming reciprocal 23rd annual bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pending the announcement of specific dates. Putin’s visit will be at Modi’s invitation extended during their bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the October 2024 Kazan BRICS summit . The two leaders had earlier met at the 22nd India-Russia summit held on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia in July 2024. At that time, both sides reconfirmed their commitment to strengthen their “ special and privileged ” strategic partnership and its historical, time-tested and all-weather nature. The upcoming summit is significant as Putin’s priority would be to advance multipolarity amid a rapidly changing global order from unipolar dominance to multipolar balance. The Kazan BRICS summit declaration resembled a testament to building a fairer and more just world order, which will be represented by the voice of the global south/global majority that remains marginalised in Western-centric international institutions. Like China, India is expected to be considered a civilisational state and an important partner in building a multipolar order in the emerging global balance of power led by Russia’s initiatives. Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin, whose ideas have much influence on Putin and Moscow’s policy, considers China, India and his country as civilisational states rather than nation-states in the Westphalian model of international relations. For him, multipolarity should be based on dialogue among Russia, China and India which form the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) grouping that challenges Western dominance. Dugin emphasises the crucial role India can play in the new global order and balance of power, which includes liberation from a colonial mindset and keeping away from West-dominated narratives. Questioning Western dominance The discourse in academic and policy circles, especially in Russia and the Global South, questions the Western dominance and the marginalisation of non-Western voices and experiences. The debate calls for commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, pluralistic universalism and grounding in world history. Besides, the NATO expansion to the East, political instability, the rebirth of fascism in Europe and the US and confronting the new Cold War are the reasons for Russia’s call for building a multipolar world order with the support of Turkey, Egypt, India, China, Brazil, South Africa and others, through Eurasian integration and strengthening multilateral platforms like BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, G20, etc. BRICS is the most crucial institution in the new Cold War and for establishing a multipolar world order. The changing global context and cooperation with Russia in the Global South, especially under the framework of BRICS, shows that isolating Russia is difficult. Russia is now committed to building a fairer and just multipolar world order as envisioned in the Kazan Declaration , which calls for strengthening multilateralism, enhancing economic cooperation, strengthening people-to-people exchanges, respecting the UN Charter and international law, fighting terrorism and climate change, etc. A consensus was sought to be reached about viewing “ unlawful unilateral coercive measures ”, such as sanctions, as detrimental to the global economy and sustainable development goals. Therefore, the expanded BRICS agreed to de-dollarise and trade in national currencies. India’s position in global order Putin sees the current significance of Russia, India and China in the East to confront Containment II – US’s post-Cold War containment policy – in the 21st century; in the same way Lenin observed in 1923 the significance of Russia’s alliance with India and China for ensuring the success of socialism in its struggle against imperialist countries. In the context of the emergence of a multipolar world, former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger also said, “India will be a fulcrum of 21st-century order: an indispensable element...” Putin views that Russia, China and India’s alliance might counter NATO expansion and neo-liberal capitalism, strengthen multipolarity and ensure the emergence of a multipolar world order which will be more democratic, equitable, prosperous and peaceful. In a recent speech at Valdai International Discussion Club’s plenary meeting in Sochi, considering its fast technological and economic growth, Putin said, “India should be included in the list of great powers.” There is speculation that Putin may have played a role in bringing together Chinese President Xi Jinping and Modi for a successful meeting at Kazan. They agreed to keep the overall relationship cooperative, contribute to regional and global peace and act with a long-term perspective to advance multipolarity. Importantly, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi asserted that Beijing and New Delhi are non-aligned, uphold multilateralism and that the two countries would contribute to the process of building global multipolarity. Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, who met Wang Yi on the sidelines of the Rio de Janeiro G20 meeting recently, said that the two sides agreed to work together towards rebuilding trust and mutual understanding. Progress will be expected in resuming direct flights, exchanging journalists and facilitating visa issuance. At the July 22 India-Russia summit, Putin and Modi reaffirmed their commitment to the “special and privileged strategic partnership”. India has also adopted a neutral position in the Ukraine-Russia war, urging the latter to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with international law. After the Ukraine war, India-Russia trade expanded considerably. India is one of the main importers of Russian oil despite pressure from US-West partners. The target is to increase trade volume from US$65 billion in 2023 to US$100 billion by 2030. The forthcoming 23rd India-Russia summit will reflect upon and review the partnership, discuss future directions and trajectories and a roadmap for cooperation towards building global multipolarity. Defence cooperation is the major focus of Russia’s strategic partnership, though trade and economic cooperation is expanding. KB Usha is an Associate Professor at the Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi . Originally published under Creative Commons by 360info TM.

European stocks bounced around Monday while US equities shook off early weakness to push higher as investors waited to see if a so-called Santa Claus rally sweeps over the market. Global stock markets had a tumultuous time last week, spiraling lower after the US Federal Reserve signaled fewer interest rate cuts than had been expected for 2025. But it ended on a positive note as traders welcomed below-forecast US inflation data that raised hopes about the health of the world's biggest economy. That helped Asian markets move higher on Monday, but the positive trend faltered in Europe and stumbled initially in the United States. "Another up leg in US yields not only put pressure on stock indices but also drove the greenback higher," said IG analyst Axel Rudolph. But after a sluggish start, US stocks rose progressively in a quiet session with analysts pointing to low pre-holiday trading volumes. "Stocks didn't really have any direction in the morning, then we got this tech rally that just sort of drifted higher all day," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers. Analysts view elevated Treasury bond yields as a threat to year-end gains in an historically strong period of the calendar. Known as a Santa Claus rally, there are various explanations for the phenomenon including seasonal optimism and end-of-year tax considerations. But there remains some trepidation among investors as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, pledging to cut taxes, slash regulations and impose tariffs on imports, which some economists warn could reignite inflation. "The initial response to the US election was positive as investors focused on the obvious tailwinds to profitability: lower corporate tax rates and less regulation," said Ronald Temple, chief market strategist at Lazard. "However, I expect much more dispersion within the equity market when the reality of a much-less-friendly trade environment sets in." In Europe, the FTSE 100 moved higher as the pound slid following data that showed that the UK economy stagnated in the third quarter, revised down from initial estimates of 0.1 percent growth. Official data out of Spain on Monday showed that the Spanish economy grew 0.8 percent in the third quarter as domestic consumption and exports increased, comfortably outstripping the European Union average. In company news, shares in crisis-hit German auto giant Volkswagen lost more than three percent on the back of news Friday that it plans to axe 35,000 jobs by 2030 in a drastic cost-cutting plan. Shares in Japanese auto giant Honda rose over three percent after it announced Monday an agreement to launch merger talks with struggling compatriot Nissan that could create the world's third largest automaker. New York - Dow: UP 0.2 percent at 42,906.95 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.7 percent at 5,974.89 (close) New York - Nasdaq Composite: UP 1.0 percent at 19,764.89 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.2 percent at 8,102.72 (close) Paris - CAC 40: FLAT at 7,272.32 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 0.2 percent at 19,848.77 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.2 percent at 39,161.34 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 0.8 percent at 19,883.13 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.5 percent at 3,351.26 (close) Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0408 from $1.0430 on Friday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2531 from $1.2570 Dollar/yen: UP at 157.14 yen from 156.31 yen Euro/pound: UP at 83.03 pence from 82.97 pence West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.3 percent at $69.24 per barrel Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.4 percent at $72.63 per barrel burs-jmb/jgc Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, sports, arts & entertainment, state legislature, CFD news, and more.European stocks bounced around Monday while US equities shook off early weakness to push higher as investors waited to see if a so-called Santa Claus rally sweeps over the market. Global stock markets had a tumultuous time last week, spiraling lower after the US Federal Reserve signaled fewer interest rate cuts than had been expected for 2025. But it ended on a positive note as traders welcomed below-forecast US inflation data that raised hopes about the health of the world's biggest economy. That helped Asian markets move higher on Monday, but the positive trend faltered in Europe and stumbled initially in the United States. "Another up leg in US yields not only put pressure on stock indices but also drove the greenback higher," said IG analyst Axel Rudolph. But after a sluggish start, US stocks rose progressively in a quiet session with analysts pointing to low pre-holiday trading volumes. "Stocks didn't really have any direction in the morning, then we got this tech rally that just sort of drifted higher all day," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers. Analysts view elevated Treasury bond yields as a threat to year-end gains in an historically strong period of the calendar. Known as a Santa Claus rally, there are various explanations for the phenomenon including seasonal optimism and end-of-year tax considerations. But there remains some trepidation among investors as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, pledging to cut taxes, slash regulations and impose tariffs on imports, which some economists warn could reignite inflation. "The initial response to the US election was positive as investors focused on the obvious tailwinds to profitability: lower corporate tax rates and less regulation," said Ronald Temple, chief market strategist at Lazard. "However, I expect much more dispersion within the equity market when the reality of a much-less-friendly trade environment sets in." In Europe, the FTSE 100 moved higher as the pound slid following data that showed that the UK economy stagnated in the third quarter, revised down from initial estimates of 0.1 percent growth. Official data out of Spain on Monday showed that the Spanish economy grew 0.8 percent in the third quarter as domestic consumption and exports increased, comfortably outstripping the European Union average. In company news, shares in crisis-hit German auto giant Volkswagen lost more than three percent on the back of news Friday that it plans to axe 35,000 jobs by 2030 in a drastic cost-cutting plan. Shares in Japanese auto giant Honda rose over three percent after it announced Monday an agreement to launch merger talks with struggling compatriot Nissan that could create the world's third largest automaker. New York - Dow: UP 0.2 percent at 42,906.95 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.7 percent at 5,974.89 (close) New York - Nasdaq Composite: UP 1.0 percent at 19,764.89 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.2 percent at 8,102.72 (close) Paris - CAC 40: FLAT at 7,272.32 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 0.2 percent at 19,848.77 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.2 percent at 39,161.34 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 0.8 percent at 19,883.13 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.5 percent at 3,351.26 (close) Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0408 from $1.0430 on Friday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2531 from $1.2570 Dollar/yen: UP at 157.14 yen from 156.31 yen Euro/pound: UP at 83.03 pence from 82.97 pence West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.3 percent at $69.24 per barrel Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.4 percent at $72.63 per barrel burs-jmb/jgc

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China’s ‘world factory’ transforming in quest for high-tech economic futurePut politics aside and act on online harms, mother of sextortion victim tells MPs