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China’s Antimony Export Restrictions Ignite Global Demand Surge: A Bullish Outlook on This Critical Mineral

MILIF, PPTA, LMT, NOC

Antimony, an essential mineral for military and high-tech applications, is at the center of an escalating supply crisis. In August 2024, China, which controls nearly 80% of global antimony production, imposed strict export restrictions, citing national security concerns. This decision left Western nations scrambling to secure alternative sources, underscoring their dependency on China for critical minerals. “The vise-tight grip that China wields over rare minerals crucial for today’s technologies is about to become even stronger,” reported The New York Times, capturing the harsh reality facing many industries. For U.S. defense contractors like Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC), the timing couldn’t be worse. Both rely on antimony to harden ammunition and enhance flame-resistant armor. Without secure, reliable supply chains, these companies face potential production disruptions, sparking concerns around U.S. defense readiness. The urgency to secure antimony has led to renewed focus on North American mining projects, one of note is the Perpetua Resources’ (NASDAQ: PPTA) Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho. Backed by government funding and fast-tracked permits, Perpetua’s project could provide much-needed domestic supply. CEO Jon Cherry describes it as a "win-win" for Idaho and U.S. security, stressing its potential to reduce reliance on China. As Western nations grapple with a critical supply crisis in antimony, driven by China's stringent export restrictions, there is a pressing need for alternative sources of this essential mineral. This urgency has sparked renewed interest in domestic and European mining projects, highlighting the importance of securing reliable supply chains for defense and technology applications. In this context, Military Metals Corp. (CSE: MILI) (OTCQB: MILIF) is positioning itself to play a vital role in addressing these challenges through strategic acquisitions and resource development. West Gore Antimony Project In September 2024, Military Metals acquired the historic West Gore Antimony Project in Nova Scotia, Canada—a former antimony-producing site with a history dating back to the late 19th century. The brownfield project, with a record of significant antimony and gold production, represents a cornerstone of Military Metals’ portfolio. At its peak, West Gore was Canada’s largest antimony mine, with historic high-grade drill results revealing yields of 10.6 grams per tonne (gpt) of gold and 3.4% antimony across 7.07 meters. Military Metals CEO Scott Eldridge noted that the acquisition aligns with the company’s goal of becoming a significant global player in antimony. “Antimony prices have surged due to recent supply constraints, including China’s export restrictions. West Gore is a critical step toward providing our shareholders exposure to this strategically important metal,” Eldridge stated. The site offers valuable untapped resources and aligns with efforts to secure domestic critical mineral supplies. West Gore spans 585 hectares, with additional claims in Hants County covering another 388 hectares, encompassing historic mine workings and mineralized zones. Reports of surface stockpiles and tailings from early 20th-century operations provide a potential near-term resource. This Canadian acquisition strengthens Military Metals' foothold as the company prepares to explore both legacy deposits and new mineralized zones for the 2024 season. Expanding into Europe Extending its reach into Europe, Military Metals recently signed a definitive agreement to acquire three key properties in Slovakia, marking its entry into the European critical mineral landscape. This acquisition includes the Trojarova and Tiennesgrund antimony projects, and the Medvedi-Potok tin project—sites that were initially explored during the Soviet era. These locations hold substantial historical data, with Soviet-era exploration indicating strong antimony potential, especially at Trojarova. Trojarova, the most advanced of the three, contains an estimated 1.5 kilometers of mineralized strike. While Soviet classifications need modern confirmation, Military Metals intends to conduct validation drilling to bring estimates in line with National Instrument 43-101 standards. Eldridge highlighted the acquisition’s strategic importance, pointing to the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act as a potential pathway to secure funding for regional mineral projects. These resources aim to meet European demand and diversify supply chains, reducing dependency on minerals from politically sensitive regions. Alongside Trojarova, the Tiennesgrund Project features a 10-kilometer fault-hosted vein system with promising mineralization potential. Initial surveys will be followed by further exploration, as past production was largely artisanal. The Medvedi-Potok Project complements Military Metals’ portfolio with its tin deposit, adding revenue potential within a stable European jurisdiction. Positioning and Market Impact With antimony prices surging from $11,000 per tonne to over $34,000 due to recent supply disruptions, Military Metals is positioning itself to address demand. Antimony’s importance spans applications from advanced battery technologies and military equipment to renewable energy solutions, making it a designated critical mineral in the U.S., Canada, the European Union, and other Western economies. China, Russia, and Tajikistan collectively control over 90% of the world’s antimony reserves, leaving the Western world vulnerable to supply issues and pushing for new domestic sources. Military Metals’ acquisitions not only expand its portfolio but align with a broader Western push to secure critical resources vital for economic and defense stability. These efforts may also benefit from regulatory support, like the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act, which could help fund mineral development on the continent. By establishing assets in stable, Western-aligned jurisdictions, the company aims to cater to North American and European markets and reduce the reliance on politically sensitive imports. Looking Ahead: Military Metals’ Growing Role in the Critical Minerals Landscape With the recent uplisting to the OTCQB on October 30, Military Metals has gained increased visibility in U.S. markets, positioning itself to attract a broader investor base as it expands through strategic acquisitions and resource development. By securing assets across North America and Europe, the company is establishing itself at the center of the Western antimony supply chain, poised to meet both North American and European demand. As geopolitical tensions reshape global supply chains, Military Metals Corp. is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone in Western markets for this essential mineral. With exploration underway, the industry is closely watching the company’s Canadian and Slovakian projects as they promise to support a diversified and secure supply chain for the West. Disclaimers: RazorPitch Inc. "RazorPitch" is not operated by a licensed broker, a dealer, or a registered investment adviser. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors a safe harbor in regard to forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, goals, assumptions, or future events or performances are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward-looking statements in this action may be identified through the use of words such as projects, foresee, expects, will, anticipates, estimates, believes, understands, or that by statements indicating certain actions & quote; may, could, or might occur. Understand there is no guarantee past performance will be indicative of future results. Investing in micro-cap and growth securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. It is possible that an investor's investment may be lost or impaired due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. RazorPitch has been retained and compensated by Military Metals Corp. to assist in the production and distribution of this content. RazorPitch is responsible for the production and distribution of this content. It should be expressly understood that under no circumstances does any information published herein represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. This content is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by RazorPitch or any third-party service provider to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments. All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in this article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. RazorPitch is not a fiduciary by virtue of any persons use of or access to this content. Contact Details RazorPitch Mark McKelvie +1 585-301-7700 mark@razorpitch.com Company Website https://razorpitch.com/

November 01, 2024 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

ETFs: A Streamlined Approach to Sector-Specific Investment

Select Sector SPDR

In the dynamic world of financial markets, the Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer a practical method for investors seeking sector-specific investments. By segmenting the S&P 500 into defined sectors, these ETFs present both individual and institutional investors with an opportunity to build more targeted and strategic investment portfolios. Select Sector SPDR ETFs are designed to cater to various segments of the economy, allowing investors to concentrate their investments based on specific economic sectors, aligned with their investment goals, risk tolerance, and market perspectives. Overview of the available Select Sector SPDR ETFs Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) is centered around telecommunications and media companies. Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) is comprised of companies involved in non-essential goods and services focused on luxury items, automobiles, and hotels. Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) is primarily essential consumer goods and services like beverages, clothing, and personal products. Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) is focused on the energy sector which includes oil and natural gas industries. Financials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) includes banking, capital markets, and insurance industries. Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) is dedicated to pharmaceuticals, healthcare equipment, and biotechnology. Industrials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) encompasses manufacturing, construction, and aerospace companies. Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB) focuses on mining, construction materials, and packaging sectors. Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) looks into commercial real estate services and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), excluding Mortgage REITs. Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) is focused on the information technology, semiconductor, and electronics industries. Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) centers around electricity and natural gas companies. The Select Sector SPDR ETFs provide an uncomplicated and transparent way to navigate sector-specific investments, allowing investors to adjust their strategies in response to ever-changing market dynamics. This sector-focused approach can provide detailed analysis and strategic portfolio management, offering a valuable tool for investors to fine-tune their investment allocations. As the ETF landscape continues to evolve, the Select Sector SPDR provides a mechanism for investors aiming to fine tune their investment strategies through focused sector allocations. This structured investment avenue supports the development of robust and adaptive portfolios, tailored to meet diverse investor needs and market conditions. DISCLAIMER: This is a work of research and should not be taken as investment or financial advice. Therefore, Select Sector SPDRs or the publisher is not liable for any decision made based on the publication. About the Company: Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer flexibility and customization opportunities. Many investors have similar outlooks, but no two are exactly alike. Select Sector SPDR ETFs let investors select the sectors that best meet their investment goals. DISCLOSURES The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 common stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. The index is heavily weighted toward stocks with large market capitalizations and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks. The S&P 500 Index figures do not reflect any fees, expenses or taxes. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses before investing. One may not invest directly in an index. Transparent ETFs provide daily disclosure of portfolio holdings and weightings All ETFs are subject to risk, including loss of principal. Sector ETF products are also subject to sector risk and nondiversification risk, which generally will result in greater price fluctuations than the overall market. Diversification does not eliminate risk. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other information, call 1-866-SECTOR-ETF (732-8673) or visit www.sectorspdrs.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. Media Contact: Company: Select Sector SPDRs Contact: Dan Dolan* Address: 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203 Country: United States Email: dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Website: https://www.sectorspdrs.com/ *Dan Dolan is a Registered Representative of ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is the distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust. SEL007907 EXP 12/31/24 Contact Details Dan Dolan +1 203-935-8103 dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com Company Website https://www.sectorspdrs.com/

November 01, 2024 05:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

San Diego Foundation Launches National Rainbow College Fund in California

National Rainbow College Fund

Today, San Diego Foundation (SDF) launched the National Rainbow College Fund (NRCF) in California, the first scholarship designed to exclusively support LGBTQ+ students pursuing their ambitions for higher education regardless of the public nature of their sexual and gender identity. The National Rainbow College Fund is powered by San Diego Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the U.S. and the largest provider of scholarships of any community foundation in California. The mission of the National Rainbow College Fund is to lessen the financial burden for young people who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are grappling with the secrecy of remaining in the closet. The groundbreaking fund addresses the unique challenges LGBTQ+ students face such as social acceptance, mental health issues and family rejection that can hinder their ability to afford college that in turn impacts long-term economic earning power. “Speaking from personal experience, I know that many young people struggle with the fear of being outed or coming out. It can be overwhelming. Like many young people, I did everything possible to hide who I was because I feared being kicked out of my home and my family, as well as being cut off financially and emotionally,” said Mark Stuart, President and CEO of San Diego Foundation. “Every LGBTQ+ person should have the means to realize their educational dreams, regardless of the public nature of their sexual and gender identity.” The $2,500 award per selected student may be used for tuition, books, fees, room and board and other educational expenses. It does not need to be repaid. The application period is from January 15, 2025 – March 5, 2025. San Diego Foundation will make students’ privacy the highest priority during the application process. All information submitted to the application portal will be confidential. Setting the precedent in California, San Diego Foundation’s vision is for the fund to grow to be a national source of financial aid for LGBTQ+ students to attend the technical school, college or university of their choosing. To apply, a student who identifies as LGBTQ+ whether publicly or privately must be a high school senior; an incoming or current college or university student; or an adult re-entry student. Applicants need to have lived in California for at least one year and must demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the California DREAM Act Application or the Federal Student Aid Estimator Tool. Students must plan to enroll in at least 6 units in an accredited public or nonprofit community college; four-year university or trade/vocational school anywhere within the United States. For more details about eligibility and selection criteria, please visit rainbowcollegefund.org/scholarship-program/. The need for this scholarship is well-documented. According to a survey conducted by Student Loan Hero, LGBTQ+ students face significant barriers in paying for their education. Families may not financially support their children, leading LGBTQ+ students to turn to loans to finance their schooling. LGBTQ+ borrowers had a higher debt burden on average, with $16,000 more than their cisgender/heterosexual peers: 60% of LGBTQ+ student loan borrowers regret taking out student loans; 28% feel that they can’t manage their student loan payments and more than 53% reported earning less than $50,000 per year. For every $1,000 scholarship a student receives, they are 5% more likely to complete their education. Privacy remains a major concern. A 2022 study from the Williams Institute found that LGBTQ+ students are four times more likely than non-LGBTQ+ students to choose college in a state with a more welcoming climate and to live away from family; 60% of white LGBTQ+ students are not out to staff/faculty and less than 40% of LGBTQ+ students of color are out to staff/faculty. Community colleges have even higher rates of keeping sexual identity private: more than 70% white LGBTQ+ students and 65% LGBTQ+ students of color are not out. LGBTQ+ rights have been under increased attack in general, but also transgender and gender diverse communities in particular. This political landscape is the backdrop by which teenagers are navigating their identities while emerging into adulthood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a study documenting that approximately 3.3% of high school students identify as transgender and another 2.2% are questioning their gender identity. Transgender and gender-questioning teenagers reported alarmingly higher rates of bullying at school, persistent sadness and suicidal thoughts and behavior. About one in four transgender students said they had attempted suicide in the past year, compared with 11% of cisgender girls and 5% of cisgender boys. * * * About National Rainbow College Fund National Rainbow College Fund (NRCF) is the first scholarship designed to exclusively support LGBTQ+ students pursuing their ambitions for higher education regardless of the public nature of the student’s sexual and gender identity. The groundbreaking fund addresses the unique challenges LGBTQ+ students face such as social acceptance, mental health issues and family rejection that can hinder their ability to afford college that in turn impacts long-term economic earning power. Setting the precedent in California, San Diego Foundation’s vision is for the fund to grow to be a national source of financial aid for LGBTQ+ students to attend the technical school, college or university of their choosing. Learn more at RainbowCollegeFund.org. Follow NRCF on social media: Instagram: @RainbowCollegeFund, Facebook: Rainbow College Fund, X (formerly Twitter): @RainbowColFund, LinkedIn: Rainbow-College-Fund About San Diego Foundation For nearly 50 years, San Diego Foundation has been inspiring enduring philanthropy and enabling community solutions to improve the quality of life in our region. Our strategic priorities include advancing racial and social justice, fostering equity of opportunity, building resilient communities, and delivering world-class philanthropy to realize our vision of just, equitable and resilient communities. Since our founding in 1975, SDF and our donors have granted $2 billion to support nonprofit organizations strengthening our community. Join us in commemorating 50 years of impact – and looking toward the next 50. Learn more at SDFoundation.org. Contact Details Landis Communications Inc. Cheryl Reiss +1 415-640-5431 NRCF@landispr.com Company Website https://rainbowcollegefund.org/

October 31, 2024 09:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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VIZIA Diagnostics Selects PathAI and the AISight Image Management System to Support the Transition to Digital and AI-Powered Pathology

PathAI

PathAI, a leader in digital and AI-powered pathology solutions, and VIZIA Diagnostics, a GI- specialized pathology laboratory based in Alpharetta, Georgia, have announced that VIZIA has adopted PathAI’s AISight Ⓡ1 Image Management System (IMS) and AI technology to advance the precision and operational efficiency of its pathology services. In today’s rapidly evolving pathology landscape, independent labs face increasing pressure to provide timely and accurate assessments. To meet these demands, VIZIA Diagnostics conducted a thorough evaluation of digital pathology solutions and selected PathAI’s AISight Image Management System as the ideal platform. AISight’s robust workflow optimization, advanced case management, and broad applicability across various use cases were key factors in the decision. By integrating AISight with algorithm products, VIZIA Diagnostics aims to improve turnaround times for their clients and deliver even higher-quality pathology services. "AISight offers more than just efficiency; it empowers us to lead in the evolving field of gastrointestinal pathology," said Gregg Costantino, CEO of VIZIA Diagnostics. "By streamlining our workflows and enhancing accuracy, we're able to deliver faster, more precise results for our clients. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to being a flexible and quality-focused partner, providing exceptional service and care in the GI space, and positioning us at the forefront of digital and AI pathology." "The transformative potential of AI and Digital Pathology, coupled with the growing need for business-critical solutions our pathologists and GI providers require, was at the forefront of our decision to adopt this system," added Ed Cochrane, commercial director of VIZIA Diagnostics. “PathAI’s platform provides us unmatched agility and responsiveness for the dynamic landscape of anatomic pathology and our diverse customer base”. "The selection of PathAI by VIZIA Diagnostics reflects our shared commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovative, digital, and AI-powered pathology solutions," said Andy Beck, MD, PhD, co-founder and CEO of PathAI. "By adopting these technologies, VIZIA Diagnostics is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for more efficient, high-quality pathology operations. We are excited to support them as they embark on their digital journey to transform their pathology services." AISight is a cloud-native, intelligent enterprise workflow solution trusted by pathologists worldwide. As a centralized platform for case management, workload balancing, and image management, AISight seamlessly integrates best-in-class artificial intelligence tools from PathAI and third-party partners. This comprehensive approach will enable VIZIA Diagnostics to address a broad spectrum of histopathology use cases efficiently and consistently. Footnote 1. AISight is for Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. About PathAI PathAI is a leading provider of integrated AI and digital pathology solutions dedicated to transforming workflow and operational efficiency in pathology labs worldwide. Through innovative technologies and strategic partnerships, PathAI aims to enhance patient outcomes and drive the future of medical diagnostics. For more information, please visit www.pathai.com. About VIZIA Diagnostics VIZIA Diagnostics is an established leader in gastrointestinal pathology, dedicated to advancing diagnostic services through enhanced processes and exceptional patient care. As a vital partner in healthcare, VIZIA leverages advanced, modern technology and the expertise of its dedicated team to deliver accurate, timely, and reliable results. Focused on setting new industry standards, VIZIA's experts ensure that these advanced solutions elevate the quality of GI diagnostics and improve patient outcomes. For more information on VIZIA Diagnostics, please visit www.viziadx.com. Contact Details SVM Public Relations and Marketing Communications Maggie Naples +1 401-490-9700 pathai@svmpr.com Company Website https://www.pathai.com/

October 31, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Intus Care to Host Virtual Roundtable on “PACE & The Future of Healthcare Data Interoperability”

Intus Care

Intus Care, a technology leader in the PACE market, will host a virtual conversation on “PACE and the Future of Healthcare Data Interoperability” with prominent guests within healthcare and the PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) community. Intus Care Cofounder and CEO Robbie Felton will moderate a discussion among Shawn Bloom, CEO and president of the National PACE Association (NPA); Dr. David Feinberg, Chairman of Oracle Health (formerly CEO of Cerner); and Stephanie Rock, Vice President of Product at Intus Care. The discussion will center around healthcare system interoperability, the importance of interoperability, and the current interoperability challenges that remain. In particular, the conversation will focus around: What can the PACE community learn from modern interoperability standards by the broader value-based care community? Why does PACE need an interoperable and modular technology strategy as the model expands? The hour virtual roundtable is scheduled for Thursday, November 14 at 1 p.m. ET. Anyone interested in interoperability, healthcare, and PACE is invited to listen to the discussion. Registration is open now. PACE is a “comprehensive, fully integrated, provider-based health plan for the frailest and costliest members of our society – those who require a nursing home level of care,” according to the National PACE Association. The goal, however, is to provide care that allows those enrolled to continue living at home and in their communities. Nationally, 95% of participants continue to live at home. The model is now considered the gold standard for seniors with complex care needs. According to the NPA, there are currently 178 PACE programs serving more than 78,500 participants in 33 states and the District of Columbia. As the U.S. population ages – adults 65 years or older will increase 30%, from 63 million to 82 million, accounting for nearly one-quarter of the U.S. population by 2050 – the need for PACE to expand will only increase. To scale effectively, PACE organizations need technology that meets their needs, including a unified documentation system that integrates and shares data securely and seamlessly. "The future of interoperability in PACE lies in seamless data sharing across care teams, empowering providers to deliver truly coordinated, patient-centered care," said Felton. "While progress has been made, there are still regulatory and technological hurdles for this to be truly realized for PACE organizations, but its realization will unlock unprecedented value and transform how we care for our aging population. I look forward to unpacking this with our esteemed guests for the virtual fireside chat." Registration for the virtual roundtable is open now. A recording will be available following the event for individuals unable to attend live. About Intus Care Intus Care creates technology and services for PACE and value-based care organizations to achieve operational efficiency and better clinical and financial outcomes. Intus Care currently works with over 60 PACE programs across 16 states. Visit our website to learn more at intuscare.com. Contact Details SVM Public Relations +1 401-490-9700 intuscare@svmpr.com Company Website https://www.intuscare.com/

October 31, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Lisk Integrates with LayerZero to Enhance Interoperability

Lisk

Lisk, a Layer 2 blockchain dedicated to bringing Web3 adoption in emerging markets back to Ethereum, is excited to announce its collaboration with LayerZero, the leading cross-chain messaging protocol. This integration marks a significant step towards enhancing the interoperability of the Lisk ecosystem, enabling developers and users to leverage LayerZero’s advanced bridging solution. With this integration, Lisk developers will gain access to LayerZero as a messaging layer, allowing for seamless token transfers and omnichain application development across supported chains. This enhancement simplifies app deployments, fostering a more vibrant developer community and user experience. This integration empowers developers by allowing them to easily transfer arbitrary data and external function calls while maintaining complete control over their applications, fostering an environment where they can innovate with confidence. Notably, Lisk is distinguished as one of the networks within the Optimism Superchain to integrate with LayerZero, highlighting its commitment to building robust solutions within web3. "This integration reflects our belief in LayerZero’s ability to provide the safest interoperability solution for web3 users,” said Dominic Schwenter, COO of Lisk. “By connecting the Lisk and LayerZero communities, we’re breaking down longstanding barriers to interoperability, which is essential for innovation in emerging markets and beyond.” Simon Baksys, VP of Business Development at LayerZero, added, “The team at Lisk has carved out a unique focus on emerging markets, representing the untapped potential for web3. We are excited to be part of this story." This partnership addresses a crucial need for improved interoperability for developers building on Lisk, facilitating their entry into the rapidly evolving web3 space. For more information, visit Lisk and LayerZero. About Lisk Lisk is a Layer 2 blockchain dedicated to bringing web3 adoption in emerging markets back to Ethereum. By leveraging cost-efficient, scalable, and innovative Layer 2 technology, Lisk enables real-world applications in emerging markets to operate efficiently on Ethereum for the first time. Lisk's founder-focused approach provides a comprehensive ecosystem of startup programs, tooling, seed liquidity, and knowledge bases to support local founders from inception to success. As a long-standing web3 infrastructure project, Lisk has been contributing towards democratizing blockchain accessibility for developers globally since 2016. As an original member of the Optimism Superchain, Lisk also plays a pivotal role in building the industry’s first truly interoperable supernetwork alongside Optimism, Base, Mode, and Worldchain. For more information, visit us on X and join our network of builders to start building for the real world. About LayerZero LayerZero is the leading blockchain messaging protocol LayerZero. LayerZero's advanced messaging infrastructure seamlessly connects over 30 blockchains and facilitates transparent and secure cross-chain messaging from one easy-to-use interface. Since going live in March 2022, the LayerZero protocol has processed more than 20 million messages with thousands of mainnet contracts being deployed by thousands of developer teams. Backed by leading venture capital firms including a16z, Sequoia, Binance Labs, Christie's, Lightspeed, Opensea, Bond, Samsung Next, and GBV, LayerZero was recently valued at $3 billion. Developers building on LayerZero can create interoperable, omnichain dApps, which will lead to the establishment of a unified digital asset ecosystem. Contact Details Wahaj Khan wahaj@serotonin.co Company Website https://lisk.com/

October 31, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Handleflex: Revolutionizing Trash Management with Innovative Solutions

Rev Up Marketers

Handleflex is changing the landscape of trash management through its innovative and user-friendly designs. With a focus on simplifying the handling of heavy and often dirty trash cans, Handleflex has introduced multiple versions of its patented handle extender device to meet different needs. By focusing on ease of use, hygiene, and efficiency, the company has gained significant recognition, including a 2024 Global Innovation Award. Handleflex Works At its core, Handleflex is a handle extender designed for refuse containers. The device attaches securely to the trash can, allowing users to move it with less physical effort. This innovation addresses a common household issue: the discomfort of transporting heavy bins while avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces. Handleflex minimizes the risks of physical strain and exposure to bacteria, dirty water, and trash residue. Additionally, the extender can lock the trash can lid to prevent animals, such as raccoons, from tampering with the contents. Handleflex's smart design also keeps the user clean by preventing dirty water from splashing when the trash can is tilted, especially in wet conditions like rain or snow. Its ergonomic and practical build ensures that people of all ages, sizes, and physical abilities can move trash cans effortlessly. The goal is not just to make the process easier but also to maintain hygiene and safety in handling waste. Handleflex - Green Version The Green version of Handleflex is an eco-friendly and budget-friendly solution! This sustainable, all-wood 2D version is designed for those who care about the planet. Sold disassembled, it turns assembly into a fun family activity, like building a toy together. With just six screws and easy-to-fit pieces, it’s simple to put together. The result? A lightweight, ergonomic, and durable tool that makes moving heavy, dirty trash cans a breeze. Plus, it won innovation awards at the 2024 New York Product Design Awards, proving its excellence. Affordable and eco-friendly, when it’s time to say goodbye, it naturally decomposes, leaving no trace, just helping nature thrive. The choose Handleflex Green make the difference. Handleflex - Silver Edition The Silver Edition of Handleflex is an award-winning model, recognized for its outstanding design and functionality. It has been honored with accolades like the New York Product Design Award, which underscores its excellence in trash management solutions. The Silver Edition is designed for both home and workplace use, making it versatile and practical for various environments. Its key features include enhanced mobility, a more durable build, and additional safety features to reduce the risk of injury during trash handling. By offering a cleaner, more efficient trash disposal process, the Silver Edition meets the needs of those seeking high-quality, reliable solutions. Handleflex Wins 2024 Innovation Award for Trash Solutions In 2024, Handleflex earned the prestigious Global Recognition Award for its groundbreaking contributions to trash management. This award highlights the company’s commitment to solving everyday challenges with smart, effective solutions. The recognition not only showcases Handleflex's innovation but also solidifies its position as a leader in the industry. By addressing a simple yet overlooked household task—waste disposal—Handleflex has shown that innovation can thrive even in mundane areas, improving the quality of life for its users. About Handleflex Handleflex is dedicated to advancing waste management through innovative, safe, and sustainable solutions. With the Green and Silver editions catering to diverse consumer needs, Handleflex is reshaping how individuals manage waste in their daily lives. For more information about Handleflex and its products, please visit https://www.handleflex.com/ Contact Details Handleflex Keyla Deloach +1 407-704-0667 info@handleflex.com Company Website https://www.handleflex.com/

October 31, 2024 08:38 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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YXT.COM Is Turning The Corporate Training Market On Its Head With Its AI First Approach, And It’s Already Made A Name In China

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Thanks to rapid internet penetration in China over the past decade, advances in artificial intelligence and the acceleration of the digital economy in one of the world’s most populous countries, digital learning, particularly among companies, seems to be taking off. As of 2023, the digital corporate learning market in China was valued at RMB 126.0 billion, according to Frost & Sullivan. Its forecast is to reach RMB 300.0 billion in 2028, growing at a CAGR of 18.9%. Among large enterprises in China, the market is projected to grow at an even higher CAGR of 20.5%. It makes sense that companies are embracing digital training, even without considering the disruptive impact of AI. Not only does digital training reduce costs for enterprises, it gives companies of all sizes access to a wide range of learning resources that can improve engagement and increase outcomes among workers. The old way of training, which typically relies on in-person educators to address a broad group of workers, tends to be more costly and can be relatively untargeted. With digital training, employees can learn at their own pace and engage in content geared toward their unique needs, which many enterprises are betting will improve engagement and outcomes. It comes at a time when AI, machine learning and other technology developments are reshaping the way we work and the skills we need. Enterprise self-training is expected to play an important role in readying the workers of tomorrow. While China’s enterprise digital learning market has shown growth in recent years, one company citing Frost & Sullivan data believes there’s still significant room for improvement in the penetration rate of enterprise digital learning. Welcome To The Era Of Self-Training That’s what YXT.com – or YXT.com Group (NASDAQ: YXT) – the Chinese digital enterprise learning solutions provider, is betting on. The company is leveraging a SaaS services model to usher in a new era in corporate training, allowing companies to target content to specific groups and skill sets online. It’s why YXT.com has 2,545 customers in about 20 industries, including over 200 Chinese Fortune 500 enterprises. Some sectors using YXT.com’s digital learning software include manufacturing, new retail, catering, finance and automotive. YXT.com counts well-known enterprises like Schneider Electric SE (OTC: SBGSY), Shiseido Co. Ltd (OTC: SSDOY), Sany Group, Yunnan Baiyao Group Co. Ltd (SHE: 000538), Huazhu Group (NASDAQ:HTHT) and NIO Inc. (NYSE: NIO) as customers. Among its subscription customers, YXT.com says the net revenue retention rate was 106.1% at the end of March. At last check, YXT.com offered its customers more than 8,200 courses with a total learning time of over 20,500 hours. Of that, 6,800 hours are proprietary courses. Technology Underpins The Offering YXT.com can offer so much digital learning content thanks to its focus on leveraging technology to provide customers with targeted training and learning paths for employees based on their positions and required skills. Using the insights the company has gleaned across different industries and business scenarios, YXT.com says it can offer companies a personalized recommendation engine that designs optimal learning paths for employees. The company says its solutions accurately match personnel, positions and courses for employees across China. Embedded in its learning platforms are speech recognition, adaptive learning, anti-cheating and simulation training, which make corporate learning more intelligent, exciting and effective, reports YXT.com. Cash In The Coffers After IPO The company’s successes include a U.S. listing. YXT.com went public on the NASDAQ in August, raising $25 million. Proceeds of its IPO are going to grow the business via research and development and technology investments, brand marketing and business promotions. The company is targeting enterprises with over 1,000 employees with its digital training platform. It’s an area of the market that Frost & Sullivan predicts will grow at a CAGR of 20.5% from now until 2028. YXT.com says focusing on large enterprise customers is speeding its path to profitability. The company says large enterprises have recurring annual budgets in place for enterprise learning, which gives YXT.com access to more stable revenue. Since focusing on large enterprises, the company says it has reduced sales, R&D and management expenses. "YXT.com's successful listing on the US NASDAQ is an important milestone in the company's development journey and a new starting point,” YXT.com’s founder and chairman Lu Ruize said at the time of the IPO. “After completing the listing, YXT.com will leverage the power of the capital market to provide more competitive products and better services to customers with stronger technological capabilities in the AI era, promoting the digital and intelligent development of China's human resources technology and enhancing the global competitiveness of Chinese enterprises." YXT.com’s stock may not be as high as when it went public in August, suffering from what may be a lack of attention from the capital market. Still, the company sees a big opportunity in bringing China’s workforce into the digital age thanks to its technology-driven adaptive learning SaaS model, and Frost & Sullivan data cited by the company in a regulatory filing states that YXT.com was already the largest digital corporate learning solution provider in China in terms of total revenue, subscription revenue and number of subscription customers in 2023. With the digital training market taking off and a client roster that includes big-name companies, YXT.com may be worth keeping an eye on for those interested in the market. Featured photo by Headway on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 31, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Understanding Dispersion And The Cboe S&P 500 Dispersion Index

Benzinga

By Cboe, Benzinga The Cboe S&P 500 ® Dispersion Index (DSPX SM ) debuted over a year ago, but the investment concept of dispersion still remains unfamiliar or unclear to many investors. In simple terms, dispersion refers to the range or spread of individual stock returns around the index’s average return. Each day, indices like the S&P 500 calculate a market-cap-weighted average return based on the performance of the stocks within the index. However, this average does not reveal the variation in returns between individual stocks, which is where the concept of dispersion becomes relevant. Dispersion measures this variation, highlighting the potential opportunities for stock selection. Understanding dispersion is helpful for portfolio managers engaged in active management or individual traders because it reflects the potential payoff for selecting stocks that outperform the average. The Value Proposition Of Dispersion During periods when there’s more distance between the best- and worst-performing stocks, a portfolio manager or trader can add more value by picking the best stocks and avoiding the worst. Thus, dispersion is a means of quantifying one’s stock selection ability. In a relatively lower dispersion environment where stocks generally move in tandem, an active investor will find it especially difficult to construct an index-beating portfolio. In such circumstances, the case for passive investing is typically highlighted. However, in a high-dispersion environment, one should expect a relatively wide range of returns, increasing the probability of profiting more. The Relationship Between Dispersion And Volatility Given that dispersion is a measure of magnitude, intuitively, one would assume that periods of high dispersion would be accompanied by increased volatility. In actuality, dispersion has been present in both bull and bear markets. As detailed in S&P Dow Jones Indices’ whitepaper, Dispersion: Measuring the Market Opportunity, between April 1999 and January 2001, there was a material increase in dispersion for the S&P 500 Index, driven by the industry behavior of the technology sector. However, index volatility did not rise, as sectors other than technology performed more normally. The takeaway was that dispersion can better capture periods where only a portion of the market either bubbles or crashes. There have also been instances where volatility has been elevated, but dispersion has been low. During the summers of 2010 and 2011, volatility surged without a corresponding increase in dispersion. Individual stocks performed similarly as market participants responded indiscriminately to events like the European debt crisis and the U.S. government debt downgrade. The Cboe S&P 500 Dispersion Index Explained The Cboe S&P 500 ® Dispersion Index (DSPX℠) measures the expected dispersion in the S&P 500® over the next 30 calendar days, as calculated from the prices of S&P 500 index options and the prices of single stock options of selected S&P 500 constituents, using a modified version of the VIX ® methodology. In contrast to "realized dispersion" – a measure of independent movement observed in the components of a diversified portfolio – the Dispersion Index is a forward-looking implied measure. The index may provide an indication of the market's perception of the near-term opportunity set for diversification or, equivalently, an indication of the market's perception of the near-term intensity of idiosyncratic risk in the S&P 500's constituents. How Dispersion Can Work For You The Cboe S&P 500 Dispersion Index offers several advantages, the primary one being that it measures the variation in individual stock returns within the S&P 500, helping active investors spot potential stock-picking opportunities. By understanding how much individual returns differ from the average, active investors can gauge the potential rewards of selecting better-performing stocks. The index also helps with risk management by showing periods of greater or lesser market dispersion, which can guide trading and portfolio decisions. For traders, it offers insights for using options or hedging strategies based on market volatility. Overall, it provides a clearer picture of market behavior beyond just the average return. Featured photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

October 31, 2024 08:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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