HBT Finl (NASDAQ:HBT) Stock, Quote.Headers.trade-ideas

HBT Finl

HBT Financial Inc provides a comprehensive suite of business, commercial, wealth management, and retail banking products and services to individuals, businesses, and municipal entities throughout Central and Northeastern Illinois and Eastern Iowa. It operates through one reportable segment: community banking.

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Earnings

News

Price Target

Markets

Analyst Ratings

Trading Ideas

HBT Financial Analysts Increase Their Forecasts After Q2 Results

Small Cap

HBT Financial (NASDAQ: HBT) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.57 per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. This compares to earnings of $0.64 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

HBT Financial Matches Q1 Earnings Estimates

Long Ideas

Insider Trades

Pre-Market Outlook

SNCR

Although U.S. stocks closed mixed on Friday, there were a few notable insider trades.

Insiders Buying Agree Realty And 3 Other Stocks

HBT Financial Inc

Huobi BTC

XPENG Motors (("XPENG" or the "Company, NYSE:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NYSE">XPEV</a>), a leading Chinese AI mobility company, is set to participate in the Paris Motor Show 2024 from October 14th to October 20th. Showcasing under the theme "Enchanté, Paris!"1, XPENG will present a range of new technologies and solutions on Booth 6A51 in Hall 6, highlighting its commitment to intelligent, sustainable mobility solutions tailored for the European market.
At the show, XPENG will unveil its latest advancements, including the next-generation smart in-car operating system, Tianji XOS 5.4 for the European market. This innovation showcases XPENG's roadmap to bring adaptive, AI-powered driving experiences to European roads. In addition, XPENG will also demonstrate its next-generation smart cockpit, featuring advanced personalized customization options for displays and frequent OTA update.
Visitors will gain insights into XPENG's future plans, including a roadmap for expanded AI integration and the latest vehicle model incorporating these advancements.
XPENG's participation in the Paris Motor Show underscores its long-term plan to expand globally and become the leading company in AI-powered mobility. As part of this vision, XPENG will continue to leverage its AI expertise and technological innovations to redefine the future of AI mobility.

Government

Regulations

XPEV

XPENG To Showcase Smart Mobility Solutions and Latest Vehicle Model at Paris Motor Show 2024

New Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) vehicle registrations in the European Union in the first eight months of 2024 dropped 15% as compared to the corresponding period last year<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/06/39499253/elon-musks-ev-giant-will-see-revenue-from-its-auto-business-slumping-this-year-but-"> as overall electric vehicle (EV) demand dropped</a>, data from Europe&#8217;s auto industry body showed on Thursday.
What Happened: Only 152,607 new Tesla vehicles were registered this year in the EU as of the end of August, as compared to 179,363 registrations in the corresponding period of last year, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) said. 
Dearborn-based Ford Motor Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) is not faring great in the EU either. In the eight months that ended August, Ford&#8217;s new vehicle registration dropped 16% to 210,351 units. 
However, Swedish automaker Volvo Cars, majority-owned by China&#8217;s Geely, saw new car registrations rise 38% to 192,365 units while Chinese state-owned SAIC Motor also marked an 18% growth in registrations to 102,924 units.
Japan-based Toyota Motor (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TM#NYSE">TM</a>) witnessed its registrations rise by 18% this year through the end of August to 571,574 units even as rivals including Stellantis (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STLA#NYSE">STLA</a>) and Hyundai (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HYMTF#OTC">HYMTF</a>) recorded a 3.2% and 4.3% dip in registrations, respectively.
German automaker Volkswagen (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VWAGY#OTC">VWAGY</a>) continues to be the best-selling car brand in the EU, with 1.9 million new vehicles registered in the first eight months of 2024, growing by 1.6% over the same period last year.
Why It Matters: Overall, 7.2 million new cars have been registered<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39635158/eu-imposes-provisional-duties-of-as-much-as-37-6-on-chinese-ev-imports"> in the EU</a> this year as of the end of August, marking a growth of 1.4% from last year. 
Hydrid electric vehicles&#8217; popularity in the period rose, as depicted by the 21% rise in registrations. Battery electric vehicle registrations dipped 8.3% while diesel vehicle registrations dropped 9.7%.
On Wednesday, the ACEA took note of the drop in BEV market share in the EU. &#8220;European auto manufacturers, united in ACEA, therefore call on the EU institutions to come forward with urgent relief measures before new CO2 targets for cars and vans come into effect in 2025,&#8221; it said. 
EV adoption and production are hindered by a lack of charging infrastructure and a competitive manufacturing environment, it said, while adding that the current emission rules do not account for the profound shift in the geopolitical and economic climate over the past years. 
The 2025 CO2 emission targets could result in multi-billion euro fines, production cuts, and job losses, ACEA said, while calling for the CO2 regulations for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles to be reviewed next year. 
&#8220;We stand ready to discuss a package of short-term relief for the 2025 CO2 targets for cars and vans, as well as a fast-track, comprehensive, and robust review of the CO2 Regulations for both cars and trucks, plus targeted secondary legislation, to get the zero-emission transition firmly on track and secure Europe's industrial future,&#8221; it said. 
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40917032/tesla-cybertruck-lead-engineer-warns-against-using-extension-cord-on-superchargers">Tesla Cybertruck Lead Engineer Warns Against Using Extension Cord On Superchargers</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Unsplash

Tech

HYMTF

STLA

TSLA

VWAGY

Tesla Registrations In EU Take A Hit In 2024 As EV Demand Slows: Volkswagen, Volvo, And Toyota Continue To Gain Speed

Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban is teaming up with Vice President Kamala Harris to protect American businesses from Chinese knockoffs.
What Happened: In a post on X, Cuban mentioned he had a &#8220;conversation with the @KamalaHarris team about protecting American companies from Chinese knockoffs.&#8221; He emphasized the detrimental impact of knockoffs on small businesses, stating they &#8220;cost them time, money and may put them out of business.&#8221;
&#8220;Knockoffs are a plague on small businesses,&#8221; he added.
Cuban questioned whether marketplace platforms should vet all foreign manufacturers selling to U.S. consumers, seeking suggestions for the best approach. He did not specify when the conversation occurred or any further strategies discussed.
&#8220;Kamala is focused on supporting and protecting American companies from unfair foreign competition,&#8221; Cuban wrote. 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Had an interesting conversation with the <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> team about protecting American companies from Chinese Knockoffs Knockoffs are a plague on small businesses, that costs them time, money and may put them out of business. Right now all marketplace platforms do is help…
&mdash; Mark Cuban (@mcuban) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcuban/status/1836523911351263690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40913080/shiba-inu-team-says-launching-k9-finance-liquid-staking-on-shibarium-tomorrow-are-shib-bur?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shiba Inu Team Says Launching K9 Finance Liquid Staking On Shibarium Tomorrow: Are SHIB Burns Set To Accelerate From Here On Now?</a>
Cuban reiterated Harris&#8217; commitment to supporting American companies against unfair foreign competition. 
Why It Matters: This collaboration comes at a significant time for Cuban, who recently announced that the 16th season of &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; will be his last. Cuban has been a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/09/40930343/slide-over-mark-cuban-theres-a-new-shark-in-the-pool-could-this-billionaire-be-his-replacem">fixture on the show since its third season</a>, investing over $20 million in various companies. The announcement has led to speculation about who might replace him on the popular investing show. 
Additionally, Cuban has been vocal about his support for Harris and her economic policies. He recently praised her for being pro-business and more supportive of entrepreneurs than any <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/09/40855223/mark-cuban-praises-kamala-harris-support-for-business-is-her-new-tax-plan-a-game-changer">other candidate in recent memory</a>. 
This was highlighted in a recent post on X, where he stated, &#8220;Kamala Harris is listening to business leaders and gathering their feedback on what&#8217;s fair and what will lead to more investment in businesses.&#8221; 
Cuban&#8217;s engagement with Harris also extends to discussions about her tax policies. He recently invited Elon Musk to a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40872989/mark-cuban-asks-elon-musk-he-can-directly-question-him-about-kamala-harris-economic-policies-but-wan">direct discussion about Harris&#8217; economic policies</a>, emphasizing his active role in shaping business-friendly policies. 
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40930357/amazon-ends-remote-work-former-employee-asks-if-this-is-the-companys-version-of-silent-sacking">Amazon Ends Remote Work, Former Employee Asks If This Is The Company&#8217;s Version Of &#8216;Silent Sacking&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photos courtesy: Flickr and Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Kaustubh-Bagalkote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>

Politics

Global

Economics

Mark Cuban Teams Up With Kamala Harris To Protect American Businesses From 'Unfair Foreign Competition' From Chinese Clone Products: 'Knockoffs Are A Plague On Small Businesses'

Marygold Companies (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MGLD#AMEX">MGLD</a>) reported quarterly losses of $(0.05) per share. This is a 266.67 percent decrease over earnings of $0.03 per share from the same period last year. The company reported $8.30 million in sales this quarter. This is a 6.74 percent decrease over sales of $8.90 million the same period last year.

The Marygold Companies, Inc. Common Stock

MGLD

Marygold Companies Q4 EPS $(0.05) Down From $0.03 YoY, Sales $8.30M Down From $8.90M YoY

AXNX

Reported Earlier, Axonics Prevails In Patent Dispute With Medtronic, Jury Confirms No Infringement On Three Patent

Ahead of the official release of Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40780100/apple-intelligence-ready-iphone-16-with-faster-processor-dedicated-camera-button-announced-check-pri">iPhone 16</a>, T-Mobile US Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>) CEO Mike Sievert has shared promising sales figures for the new model, indicating a strong start despite earlier concerns about demand.
What Happened: In an interview <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/18/t-mobile-ceo-says-iphone-16-is-selling-more-than-last-years-model.html">with</a> CNBC's Jim Cramer on Wednesday, Sievert revealed that the iPhone 16 is outperforming last year&#8217;s model in sales.
&#8220;The first week was better than last year,&#8221; Sievert noted. He emphasized that customers are purchasing higher-end models, contributing more to Apple's top and bottom lines.
"People are buying Pros, they're buying Maxs, so they're buying up the food chain, and they're buying at a greater rate than last year," Sievert said, according to the report.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Although the iPhone 16 will hit stores on Friday, its much-anticipated AI features will not be available until next month. Some analysts had predicted lower demand due to this delay, increasing pressure on the Apple stock.
However, Sievert stated that demand remains strong and the delay might extend the buying cycle. He believes it will take longer for customers to share their experiences due to the postponed features.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40892284/oracles-larry-ellison-predicts-police-officers-will-be-supervised-at-all-times-and-citizens-will-be?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oracle&#8217;s Larry Ellison Predicts Police Officers Will Be Supervised &#8216;At All Times&#8217; And Citizens Will Be On Their Best Behavior Thanks To Constant AI-Powered Surveillance</a>
Why It Matters: The positive sales report from T-Mobile comes amid concerns about the iPhone 16&#8217;s market performance.
Top analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40872864/apple-staring-at-lower-than-expected-demand-for-iphone-16-pro-and-pro-max-in-the-fi">pre-orders for the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max</a> were lower than expected during the first weekend, with around 37 million units sold. Kuo&#8217;s analysis, based on supply chain surveys and pre-order data, suggested weaker demand for the Pro models, contrary to Sievert's comments.
Further, early pre-order data indicated that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/09/40930388/apple-iphone-16-pre-orders-show-possible-low-demand-one-sign-could-point-to-company-breaking-this-em">demand for the iPhone 16</a> might be lower than anticipated due to insufficient reasons for existing iPhone owners to upgrade.
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40876783/steve-jobs-came-back-to-apple-27-years-ago-today-after-12-years-in-exile-if-you-invested-1-000-w">Steve Jobs Came Back To Apple 27 Years Ago Today After 12 Years In Exile. If You Invested $1,000 When Jobs Became Apple CEO In 1997, Here&#8217;s How Much You&#8217;d Have</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Apple

Equities

AAPL

TMUS

Apple iPhone 16 Selling At A 'Greater Rate Than Last Year,' Says T-Mobile CEO Amid Reports Of Lower Demand: 'People Are Buying Pros, They're Buying Maxs…They're Buying Up The Food Chain'

- New digital health solution for heart failure management puts patients at the center of their care by providing ability for at-home disease monitoring -

ALPMY

Astellas Announces FDA Listing Of DIGITIVA, A Non-Invasive Digital Health Solution For Heart Failure Management

Jim Kavanaugh, CEO of World Wide Technology, stated that leaders should not deceive employees about AI&#8217;s impact on jobs. 
What Happened: In an interview last week, Kavanaugh emphasized that employees are &#8220;too smart&#8221; to believe that AI won&#8217;t change job dynamics. He stressed the importance of transparency from CEOs regarding AI&#8217;s effects, CNBC <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/19/billionaire-tech-ceo-bosses-shouldnt-bs-employees-about-ai-impact.html">reported</a> on Thursday. 
"If you think you're going to try to game this, and that you're going to tell employees nothing's going to change, and everything's going to be fine, that's just BS," Kavanaugh said&nbsp;
Kavanaugh advised that leaders should embrace AI and educate themselves about it. He acknowledged that while AI will disrupt some jobs, it will also enhance productivity and create new opportunities.
He also mentioned that no one can predict the exact impact of AI on jobs, and any claim to do so is misleading. Kavanaugh remains optimistic about AI&#8217;s potential benefits.
In related news, Clara Shih of Salesforce echoed similar sentiments, noting that AI will lead to new job descriptions rather than eliminating most jobs. Salesforce recently introduced an AI platform, AgentForce, to assist companies in various tasks.
Additionally, Klarna has utilized AI to significantly reduce its workforce, highlighting the technology&#8217;s role in reshaping business operations.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40911877/jeff-bezos-had-a-habit-of-keeping-an-empty-chair-for-the-most-important-person-in-the-room-at-compan?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jeff Bezos Had A Habit Of Keeping An Empty Chair For The Most Important Person In The Room At Company Mee</a>
Why It Matters: The conversation around AI&#8217;s impact on the workforce has been gaining momentum. In May, Bill Gates <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/05/39084794/will-ai-take-over-our-jobs-bill-gates-asks-if-ai-can-support-blue-collar-jobs-as-it-is-already-d">discussed AI&#8217;s role in supporting</a> both blue-collar and white-collar jobs. Gates noted that while AI assists employees and streamlines tasks, its impact on white-collar jobs is already evident. Recent studies show that 37% of companies have replaced staff with AI, and 44% predict AI will lead to layoffs in 2024.
Further adding to the debate, an OpenAI engineer admitted that AI companies are<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/05/39028738/openai-engineer-admits-ai-companies-taking-away-peoples-jobs-theres-nothing-you-could-do-to-stop-the"> taking away jobs</a>, and there&#8217;s little that can be done to stop them. This statement highlights the growing concern about AI&#8217;s role in the job market and the need for proactive measures to address these changes.
Moreover, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman predicted the end of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/08/40473377/linkedin-co-founder-predicts-the-death-of-9-to-5-jobs-by-2034-how-ai-the-gig-economy-will-reshape-th">traditional 9-to-5 job</a> by 2034, attributing this shift to AI and the gig economy. Hoffman argues that the workforce is undergoing a profound transformation, with increased productivity and flexibility but also uncertainty around stable employment.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40898388/qualcomm-analyst-sees-opportunity-in-regaining-share-with-samsung-after-apple-reven?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Qualcomm Analyst: Samsung Can Fill Apple Revenue Void</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Pooja-Rajkumari" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pooja Rajkumari</a>

General

Billionaire Tech CEO Says Not To 'BS' Employees, They Are 'Too Smart' To Believe AI Will Not Impact Their Jobs: 'If You Think You're Going To Try To Game This...'

The Company expects to use the net proceeds from the offering to exercise its option to purchase its joint venture partner&#39;s&nbsp;24%&nbsp;minority membership interest in Trilogy Holdings, LLC and to repay certain amounts of debt outstanding under its lines of credit. All of the shares are being offered by the Company, and the offering is expected to close on&nbsp;September 20, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.

Reported Earlier, American Healthcare REIT Prices Upsized Public Offering Of 17.4M Common Shares At $23.55/Share

Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIE#NASDAQ">FFIE</a>) ("Faraday Future", "FF" or "Company"), a California-based global shared intelligent electric mobility ecosystem company, today announced the planned delivery of an FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance to Born Leaders Entertainment, a company deeply immersed in the entertainment business that helps support some of the biggest artists in the entertainment industry and provides recording management and support services for music tours and other events. Born Leaders Entertainment will also become a user and Developer Co-Creation Officer for FF. The vehicle is scheduled to be delivered on September 20.
Born Leaders Entertainment is a full-service entertainment company and may work together with FF on promotional opportunities, red carpet events and other high-profile engagements with celebrities and entertainers that may open further future opportunities or endorsements. Other possible engagements may include VIP chauffeur services with the FF 91 that will create marketing opportunities. This marks another forward step in FF's B2B business.

FFIE

Faraday Future to Deliver FF 91 Futurist to Born Leaders Entertainment, Tapping into Music and Celebrity Marketing

Sportradar (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SRAD#NASDAQ">SRAD</a>) is set to further transform the betting landscape with the launch of micro markets, the next generation of in-play betting products, across leading sports, opening fresh revenue streams for operators. In a strategic move, Sportradar, in collaboration with Tennis Data Innovations (TDI), is introducing micro markets for ATP tennis matches this October. This exclusive partnership marks yet another step in offering bettors more granular and engaging wagering options in tennis.&#x2A; Sportradar currently offers micro markets across other popular sports including soccer and table tennis. &nbsp;
By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and deep tennis data from TDI, Sportradar will offer operators a cutting-edge solution that processes hundreds of thousands of data points per match. The result is eight distinct micro markets expected to generate approximately 1,500 new betting opportunities per match.
Unique to Sportradar, the ATP tennis micro markets include:
<ul>
<li>The next breakpoint</li>
<li>Will the next serve be an ace, rally, or double fault&nbsp;</li>
<li>Who will serve the next ace</li>
<li>All point outcomes (player 1 winner; Player 1 Error, Player 2 Winner; Player 2 Error)&nbsp;</li>
<li>Total shots in a point&nbsp;</li>
<li>Last stroke type (e.g. serve, return, forehand, backhand, or volley)&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

SRAD

Sportradar Launches AI-Powered Micro Markets for ATP Tennis, Creating 1,500 New Betting Opportunities

Nasdaq (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NDAQ#NASDAQ">NDAQ</a>) and BYMA, Argentina's leading stock exchange group, today announced a significant expansion of their technology partnership that will see BYMA base its entire post-trade ecosystem on Nasdaq technology.
Under the terms of the agreement BYMA will adopt Nasdaq's real-time clearing platform at its central counterparty clearinghouse (CCP), complementing Nasdaq's existing technology partnership with Caja de Valores, Argentina's central securities depository, which is also owned by BYMA.
Together, the platform allows BYMA to improve the speed, capacity, and connectivity of its post-trade network, whilst optimizing risk management across the system through more real time access to data, advanced risk analytics, and greater operational resiliency. In addition, it aims to enhance reconciliation and the digital experience for clearing members, drawing on industry standard APIs.
The clearing system will be able to add capacity rapidly through periods of heightened volume, while its modular architecture offers BYMA the flexibility to launch new products and services with a much shorter time-to-market.
The move will support BYMA's shift to a model where cash and security settlement takes place at the central securities depository after netting has taken place at the clearing house, in line with international best practice. This will allow liquidity to be centralized and optimize collateral management for members, whilst ensuring a clear distinction of functional capabilities between the two entities. It also simplifies the company's existing structure whereby settlement, clearing, and risk are processed independently across three different systems.

NDAQ

BYMA Adopts Nasdaq's Real-Time Clearing Platform to Boost Speed, Capacity, and Operational Resilience

<a href="https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4257243-1&amp;h=2228484876&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.topgolfcallawaybrands.com%2F&amp;a=Topgolf+Callaway+Brands+Corp">Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp</a>. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MODG#NYSE">MODG</a>) continues its global expansion by entering into a multiyear agreement with Golf Saudi Entertainment, LLC ("Golf Saudi"), to bring Topgolf Callaway Brands' family of brands, including Topgolf, Callaway, TravisMathew, Odyssey and Ogio, to Saudi Arabia.
As part of the agreement, Golf Saudi plans to build three Topgolf venues by 2028, to be owned and operated by Golf Saudi with the option to open another two venues in the future. In addition, Callaway Golf, Odyssey, TravisMathew and Ogio will become the official equipment and apparel brands for the Saudi Men's, Women's and Junior National golf teams as well as for Saudi Elite golf professionals and golf pros working at Golf Saudi facilities. Finally, Golf Saudi will be the exclusive distributor of Callaway Golf, Odyssey and Ogio products in Saudi Arabia.

MODG

Topgolf Callaway Partners with Golf Saudi, Plans Three New Venues and National Team Sponsorship

Editor's Note: This story has been updated with a statement from Telegram.
French prosecutors have placed Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, under formal investigation using a stringent new cybercrime law.
What Happened: The LOPMI law, enacted in January 2023, criminalizes tech executives whose platforms facilitate illegal activities. This marks the first significant use of the law, which has yet to secure a conviction. Durov faces charges including &#8220;complicity in the administration of an online platform to allow an illicit transaction, in an organized gang,&#8221; carrying a potential 10-year sentence and a €500,000 fine, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
Being under formal investigation does not imply guilt but indicates sufficient evidence for a probe. Durov, who is out on bail, denies the allegations, asserting that Telegram complies with EU laws. Telegram has called the accusations &#8220;absurd.&#8221;
Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau praised the 2023 law in a recent radio interview, highlighting its effectiveness against organized crime operating online. The law is unique, with no known international equivalent, according to experts.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40870369/trumps-i-hate-taylor-swift-met-with-witty-response-from-harris-campaign-the-american-people-want-to?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s &#8216;I Hate Taylor Swift&#8217; Met With Witty Response From Harris Campaign: &#8216;The American People Want ToBe Out Of The Woods&#8217;</a>
The case against Durov is significant as it tests the boundaries of the new LOPMI law, which aims to hold tech executives accountable for illegal activities conducted on their platforms. The law&#8217;s effectiveness and international implications are being closely watched by legal experts and tech companies worldwide.
Why It Matters: The investigation into Durov follows a series of legal challenges for the Telegram CEO. On Aug. 26, Paris Public Prosecutor Laure Beccuau <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40558693/telegram-ceo-pavel-durov-faces-12-serious-charges-french-prosecutor-reveals">released a detailed statement </a>outlining 12 serious charges against Durov, including complicity in facilitating illegal online transactions, unauthorized provision of cryptology services, and involvement in child pornography distribution, drug-related offenses, organized fraud, and money laundering. 
In response to these mounting legal pressures, Telegram had reportedly<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40745251/telegram-updates-policy-on-private-chat-moderation-after-ceo-pavel-durovs-arrest-heres-what-you-need"> updated its policy</a> on private chat moderation. In September, the company retracted a statement from its FAQ page that previously assured users of immunity from moderation requests in private chats. This move came after Durov&#8217;s first public statement post-arrest, where he committed to improving content moderation on the platform.
However, a spokesperson from Telegram highlighted that the update to the FAQs was made only to clarify how to report content on Telegram, including under the EU Digital Services Act and the retracted statement was not related to content reporting.
The spokesperson also mentioned that reporting messages from any group to the moderators has always been possible, which functions as a forwarding option. 
&#8220;Private chats remain private, although it has always been possible to report a new incoming chat to the moderators using the Block > Report option,&#8221; the person informed <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga</a>.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40869086/trump-vs-harris-new-poll-reveals-post-debate-swing-towards-this-candidate-in-key-state?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Vs Harris: New Poll Reveals Post-Debate Swing Towards This Candidate In Key State</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Flickr/ Hubert Burda Media
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Pooja-Rajkumari" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pooja Rajkumari</a>

Social Media

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Faces 10-Year Sentence And €500K Fine In France's First Cybercrime Case Under New Law (UPDATED)

Transaction highlights:
<ul>
<li>Expands Bel&#39;s exposure to the aerospace and defense end market from&nbsp;17.5%&nbsp;to&nbsp;31%&nbsp;of total revenue, based on LTM&nbsp;Q2&nbsp;2024</li>
<li>Enercon gross margin of&nbsp;46.0%&nbsp;and Adjusted EBITDA margin of&nbsp;32.5%&nbsp;for LTM&nbsp;Q2&nbsp;2024, ahead of Bel&#39;s historical margin profile</li>
<li>Expected to be accretive to Bel&#39;s GAAP EPS within one-year post-close, and to Bel&#39;s non-GAAP EPS on Day 1</li>
<li>Expected net leverage of under 2.0x within one quarter from close, as T-bills mature</li>
</ul>

BELFA

Reported Earlier, Bel Fuse To Acquire 80% Stake In Enercon Technologies For $320M, Expanding Aerospace And Defense Portfolio

A Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) bull on Wednesday weighed in on the relationship between the electric-vehicle company led by Elon Musk and the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40767621/elon-musk-refutes-reports-of-xai-negotiating-revenue-share-deal-with-tesla-there-is-no-need-to-licen">billionaire&#8217;s artificial intelligence company xAI. </a>
The Tesla Analyst: Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas reiterated an Overweight rating and $310 price target for Tesla shares. 
The Tesla Thesis: Training and simulation are the common denominators between Tesla and xAI, and these two are &#8220;deterministic&#8221; to Tesla&#8217;s future in robotics, autonomy and manufacturing, said Jonas in a note. AI execution is vital to Tesla&#8217;s upside, the analyst said, adding that the Musk-led company&#8217;s future valuation is highly dependent on its ability to develop, manufacture and commercialize autonomous technologies, ranging from transportation to humanoids.
The analyst also noted that training and simulation have been revolutionizing robots as accessing supercomputing resources for training and simulation is critical to optimizing autonomous software/models and hardware.
He said that xAI was established to attract top-tier AI talent who might not otherwise be interested in working for Tesla, the electric vehicle company. The AI company is investing billions of dollars toward assembling advanced computing resources which is beneficial to Tesla, he added.
Jonas noted that xAI&#8217;s massive compute cluster named Colossus has recently been brought online in the Memphis area, and it consists of 100,000 Nvidia Corp.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) H100s. Musk plans to double it to 200,000 H100 equivalent, he said.
Tesla&#8217;s rival in robotaxi operations, Alphabet, Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) Waymo, has been aggressively expanding its fleet size, city deployments and technological/ network partnerships of late, Jonas said. &#8220;Waymo's recent resurgence is a reminder to investors that the road to AV supremacy is a race for data, computing, capital and talent,&#8221; he said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-buy-tesla-stock">How To Buy Tesla (TSLA) Stock</a>
Sneak-Peek Into Robotaxi Day: Jonas raised doubts about Tesla living up to investors&#8217; high expectations as he does not see anything beyond a demo of the FSD v12.5 software and a ride in a generation 1 Cybercab. The company could share a detailed analysis of the addressable market, showing &#8220;tens of trillions of passenger vehicle miles and tens of trillions of $ of potential recurrent revenue (by 2050),&#8221; the analyst said.
Looking ahead to the Oct. 10 event, the analyst said he would look out for reinforcement regarding safety, which can be through comparing the safety of Tesla&#8217;s autonomous vehicle technology with human driving. Tesla may also have to show the rate of change of performance across recent full self-driving iterations, he said.
Investors will also look forward to the methodology, i.e. how the critical enabling technologies will likely drive further improvement in FSD/Cybercab autonomy, Jonas said. The Morgan Stanley analyst, however, does not expect Tesla to announce updates regarding its<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39880470/elon-musk-pushes-back-optimus-timeline-says-teslas-humanoid-robot-will-hopefully-be-available-for-ot"> Optimus humanoid robot</a> at the event.
Tesla ended Wednesday&#8217;s session down 0.29% to $227.20, according to <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro data.</a>
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40750932/tesla-bull-asks-investors-to-temper-expectations-concerning-robotaxi-day-but-reiter">Tesla Bull Asks Investors To Temper Expectations Concerning Robotaxi Day, But Reiterate Stock As Top Auto Pick: &#8216;Continues To Take Steps To Mitigate Downside Risks&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Reiteration

GOOG

GOOGL

NVDA

Tesla Bull Explains Why Elon Musk's xAI Is Critical To EV Maker's Autonomous Ambitions

The CNN Money Fear and Greed index showed further improvement in the overall market sentiment, with the index in the &#8220;Greed&#8221; zone on Wednesday.
U.S. stocks settled lower on Wednesday, following the Federal Reserve&#8217;s interest rate decision. The U.S. central bank slashed interest rates by 50 basis points Wednesday at its September Federal Open Market Committee meeting, lowering the federal funds rate to a range of 4.75% to 5%. This marks the first rate cut in over four years and breaks a streak of 12 consecutive months with rates held steady.
On the economic data front, housing starts in the U.S. climbed by 9.6% from the prior month to an annualized rate of 1.356 million units for August. U.S. building permits gained by 4.9% to an adjusted annual rate of 1.475 million in August.
General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GIS#NYSE">GIS</a>) reported better-than-expected earnings for its first quarter on Wednesday.
Most sectors on the S&amp;P 500 closed on a negative note, with consumer staples, utilities, and information technology stocks recording the biggest losses on Wednesday. However, energy and communication services stocks bucked the overall market trend, closing the session higher.
The Dow Jones closed lower by around 104 points to 41,503.10 on Wednesday. The S&amp;P 500 fell 0.29% to 5,618.26, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.31% at 17,573.30 during Wednesday's session.
Investors are awaiting earnings results from Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRI#NYSE">DRI</a>), FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDS#NYSE">FDS</a>), and FedEx Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) today.
What is CNN Business Fear &amp; Greed Index?
At a current reading of 56.2, the index was in the &#8220;Greed&#8221; zone on Wednesday, versus a prior reading of 55.9.
The Fear &amp; Greed Index is a measure of the current market sentiment. It is based on the premise that higher fear exerts pressure on stock prices, while higher greed has the opposite effect. The index is calculated based on seven equal-weighted indicators. The index ranges from 0 to 100, where 0 represents maximum fear and 100 signals maximum greediness.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/09/40927530/coinbase-global-electronic-arts-and-2-other-stocks-executives-are-selling">Coinbase Global, Electronic Arts And 2 Other Stocks Executives Are Selling</a></li>
</ul>

Dow Tumbles Over 100 Points Following Fed's Rate Decision: Fear & Greed Index In 'Greed' Zone

HESM

Reported Earlier, Hess Midstream Prices Upsized Secondary Public Offering Of 11M Class A Shares

<ul>
<li>Urges Stockholders to Vote FOR the CSG Transaction at September 27th&nbsp;Special Meeting to Maximize the Value of The Kinetic Group</li>
<li>Vista Outdoor Inc. (&quot;Vista Outdoor&quot;, the &quot;Company&quot;) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VSTO#NYSE">VSTO</a>) today issued the following statement from the Company&#39;s Chairman of the Board, Michael Callahan:</li>
<li>We are committed to continuing to explore all opportunities to maximize the value of Revelyst, including a potential sale.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

VSTO

Reported Earlier, Vista Outdoor Board Committed To Maximizing Revelyst's Value, Including Potential Sale Amid CSG Transaction Vote

Greenfire Resources Appoints Interim Chairman, Adopts Shareholder Rights Plan Following Waterous Energy Fund's Acquisition Agreement

Companies in the Financial sector have received a lot of coverage today as analysts weigh in on Cathay General Bancorp (CATY – Research Report), Tr...

Analysts Have Conflicting Sentiments on These Financial Companies: Cathay General Bancorp (CATY), Truist Financial (TFC) and HBT Financial (HBT)

Piper Sandler analyst Nathan Race maintained a Hold rating on HBT Financial (HBT – Research Report) today and set a price target of $21.50. The com...

Piper Sandler Sticks to Its Hold Rating for HBT Financial (HBT)

There's a lot to be optimistic about in the Financial sector as 3 analysts just weighed in on Credicorp (BAP – Research Report), HBT Financial (HBT...

Analysts Offer Insights on Financial Companies: Credicorp (BAP), HBT Financial (HBT) and TPG (TPG)

HBT Financial raised to Outperform at Raymond James; stock gains

HBT Financial (HBT) has provided an update. HBT Financial has unveiled its second-quarter results presentation, showcasing performance highlights a...

HBT Financial Releases Q2 Results and Performance Insights

HBT Financial reports Q2 Non-GAAP EPS of $0.57

KBW analyst Damon Delmonte maintained a Buy rating on HBT Financial (HBT – Research Report) yesterday and set a price target of $27.00. The company...

KBW Keeps Their Buy Rating on HBT Financial (HBT)

Analysts have been eager to weigh in on the Financial sector with new ratings on Bank Of Hawaii (BOH – Research Report), Washington Bancorp (WASH –...

Analysts Have Conflicting Sentiments on These Financial Companies: Bank Of Hawaii (BOH), Washington Bancorp (WASH) and HBT Financial (HBT)

D.A. Davidson analyst Jeff Rulis reiterated a Buy rating on HBT Financial (HBT – Research Report) today. The company's shares closed yesterday at $...

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