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Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - July

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WNBA star Brittney Griner is sharing her story for the first time about spending 10 months in a Russian prison in a special edition of 20/20.
In a clip of the emotional interview, Griner shared her experience of having been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/22/03/26007231/breaking-russia-detains-wnba-all-star-brittney-griner-for-alleged-possession-of-hash-oil">arrested and incarcerated</a> after a small amount of cannabis oil was found in her suitcase at a Moscow airport. At the time, Feb. 17, 2022 — just one week before Russia invaded Ukraine — Griner was heading back to Russia where she played for seven years during the off-season from her U.S. team, a center for the Phoenix Mercury.
"I was just so scared for everything because there&#8217;s so much unknown," Griner <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/wnba-star-brittney-griner-opens-harrowing-russian-detention/story?id=109495984">told</a> ABC's&nbsp;Robin Roberts,&nbsp;co-anchor of&nbsp;Good Morning America.
Roberts asked Griner what was going on in her mind when she realized that the cannabis cartridges were found in her luggage. Griner, a medical marijuana patient in the U.S., said she realized immediately that her mistake could have devastating consequences.
"My life is over right here," Griner answered. 
Griner admitted that the conditions were so terrible that she had thoughts of ending her life. "The mattress had a huge blood stain on it. I had no soap, no toilet paper. That was the moment where I just felt less than a human," she told Roberts. "I just didn&#8217;t think I could get through what I needed to get through.&#8221;
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="1st look at Brittney Griner&#039;s interview" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ovmtrgsjwYA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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When Griner <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/22/07/27987966/breaking-brittney-griner-pleads-guilty-biden-lashes-out-over-her-detention-russia-calls-it-hype-">pleaded guilty to drug charges</a> in July 2022, she told a judge in Moscow that she accidentally packed the vape cartridges in her luggage and did not intentionally break Russian law. 
Sentenced to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/22/08/28355539/closing-remarks-in-brittney-griner-case-verdict-and-sentencing-expected-soon">nine years in prison</a> in August, Griner was released on Dec. 8 in a prisoner swap for Russian arms dealer&nbsp;Viktor Bout. But not before being moved to a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/22/11/29642858/brittney-griner-being-moved-to-russian-penal-colony-her-lawyers-dont-yet-know-exact-location">notorious penal colony</a>.
In addition to the exclusive interview, Griner&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/12/36147628/brittney-griner-will-exclusively-share-her-story-across-multiple-platforms-via-espn-disney-partn">story is the subject of an ESPN documentary</a> and a potential scripted series with ABC detailing her experience.
Photo: Courtesy of ESPN press room

Cannabis

Entertainment

News

Politics

Sports

Global

Media

Brittney Griner Talks For The First Time About Her Russian Detention In Exclusive '20/20' Special

For the first time in more than 130 years, voters will likely choose between two candidates with presidential experience for the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/2024-election">2024 presidential election.</a>
Here's a look at who voters in swing states currently favor in a 2020 election rematch of Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
What Happened: A close race is expected between Biden and Trump in the 2024 election based on election polls <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports-betting/24/04/38417836/trump-and-biden-get-ready-2024-election-betting-odds-point-to-major-showdown">and betting odds.</a>
Key demographics like young voters and old voters could play an important role in the election, along with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/swing-states">key swing states.</a>
A new poll of voters in swing states shows Biden gaining ground over Trump, who has led the way in these key states in recent months.
Here are the results of the recent swing state <a href="https://pro.morningconsult.com/analysis/swing-state-polling-april-2024">poll </a>from Morning Consult for the month of April, with the results from March in parentheses.
Arizona: 49% Trump (48%), 42% Biden (43%)
Georgia: 49% Trump (49%), 43% Biden (42%)
Michigan: 47% Biden (45%), 45% Trump (45%)
Nevada: 51% Trump (46%), 43% Biden (44%)
North Carolina: 51% Trump (49%), 41% Biden (43%)
Pennsylvania: 47% Trump (45%), 46% Biden (45%)
Wisconsin: 48% Trump (45%), 44% Biden (46%)
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/04/38358680/can-biden-or-trump-build-ikea-furniture-2024-election-polls-may-have-gone-too-far">Can Biden Or Trump Build IKEA Furniture? 2024 Election Polls May Have Gone Too Far</a>
Why It's Important: The new poll shows Trump gaining support in Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Trump has some of his biggest leads in Arizona, Nevada and North Carolina since polling began in October 2023 for the swing states.
Biden gained support in Georgia, Michigan and Pennsylvania, but lost support in several states. The key win for the current president is taking a lead in Michigan for the first time since polling began in October.
The new poll also showed Biden gaining voter trust on several items including Medicare and Social Security.
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/03/37884006/trump-vs-biden-key-swing-states-arizona-nevada-michigan-wisconsin-show-close-races-heres-the-rol">seven swing states </a>together represent 93 electoral votes in the 2024 election. Six of the seven swing states were won by Biden in the 2020 election, with Trump winning North Carolina. Five of the seven swing states won by Biden in 2020 flipped from Trump to Biden in the election, including Arizona, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/04/38366379/trump-committed-conspiracy-to-undermine-the-integrity-of-a-presidential-election-prosecution-all">Trump Committed &#8216;Conspiracy To Undermine The Integrity Of A Presidential Election,&#8217; Prosecution Alleges In Hush Money Trial</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

Trump Vs. Biden: Former President Dominates Swing States, But Loses One For First Time In New 2024 Election Poll

If you're the parent of a child under 12 and have streaming platform Disney+, there's a good chance you've watched Australian <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/23/12/36400565/is-disneys-percy-jackson-reboot-a-streaming-sensation-the-impact-of-new-shows-and-blueys-tr">animated hit &#8220;Bluey.</a>&#8220;
The show is turning in big numbers for Walt Disney Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>), but the company also hinted at the show ending or having less content going forward.
What Happened: Streaming platform Disney+, part of the Walt Disney Company, has one of the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/04/38024244/appletv-a-streaming-winner-new-survey-shows-platform-has-smallest-library-highest-rated-con"> largest content libraries</a> of family-based content, which is a draw to getting adults with children to subscribe to the platform.
Among the hit shows on Disney+ is the Australian show "Bluey," with Disney having the rights in the U.S. The show has drawn praise from kids and from parents, thanks to its relatable storylines.
On April 14, Disney+ aired the episode "The Sign" from the third season of the show. At 28 minutes, the episode was around three times longer than most episodes.
The episode had 10.4 million views globally in its first week on Disney+, <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/bluey-the-sign-ratings-disney-plus-1235879242/">according </a>to The Hollywood Reporter. This ranked as the most-watched episode in the show's history and had the biggest viewership for a Disney Junior show on Disney+.
This episode and its predecessor "Ghostbasket" left fans asking questions about the future as the Heeler family featured on "Bluey" dealt with a potential sale of their home and a move to another city.
Fans were treated to a surprise with the season 3 finale episode appropriately titled, "Surprise."
The episode included a flash forward to main character Bluey as an adult and with a child —&nbsp;leaving more questions about if the show is ending, as many voiced on social media that it felt more like a series finale than a season finale.
Related Link:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/02/36993564/disney-invests-1-5b-in-fortnite-owner-epic-games-in-biggest-ever-gaming-entry-posts-q1-earnings-bea"> Disney Invests $1.5B In Fortnite Owner Epic Games In &#8216;Biggest Ever&#8217; Gaming Entry, Posts Q1 Earnings Beat, Revenue Miss</a>
What's Next: Show creator Joe Brumm told The Hollywood Reporter in 2023 that the BBC, which originally commissioned the show alongside Australia's ABC, to not talk about the kids' voices or the future of the show.&nbsp;
Brumm has also said he's taking a break after the third season, which added to the speculation about the show's future.&nbsp;
A producer of "Bluey" recently confirmed to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68795941">BBC </a>that the show will return in the future. Another producer also said it would be a "dream" to make a movie based on Bluey and her family in the future.
"Bluey" debuted on the streaming platform in 2020, becoming one of the most-watched shows in the U.S. on streaming platforms. Data from Nielsen showed the series had an average of 1.19 billion minutes viewed per week across a three-season library of 150 episodes.
The children's show is the most streamed show in the U.S. in 2024 based on viewing time tracked by Nielsen. The show ranked second in 2023 and sixth in 2022.
The show has been a huge hit for Disney and a gap between seasons or an end to the show could eliminate one of the key pieces of content.&nbsp;
In a highly competitive streaming market, platforms need shows like "Bluey" that aren't available other places and are must-watch content for at least one age demographic.
With its appeal to kids and parents alike, "Bluey" hits multiple demographics.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/03/37701205/taylor-swift-concert-film-hits-streaming-heres-how-to-watch-the-eras-tour-taylors-version">Taylor Swift Concert Film Hits Streaming: Here&#8217;s How To Watch &#8216;The Eras Tour (Taylor&#8217;s Version)&#8217;</a>
Photo: Courtesy Disney+ UK

Bluey Dominates Ratings For Disney+: Kids, Parents Hoping Hit Show Not Over

<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Top Stories for April 24, 2024:</h1>
<ol>
<li>American Battery Technology (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABAT#NASDAQ">ABAT</a>) updated <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38404516/american-battery-technology-company-publishes-updated-initial-assessment-and-economic-analysis-for-t">its initial assessment</a> for the Tonopah Flats Lithium Project (TFLP).</li>
</ol>
It refined the project&#8217;s scope to use only measured and indicated mineral resources, excluding the more speculative inferred resources.&nbsp;
This strategy improves the project's economics by enhancing access to higher-quality resources and optimizing processing at its newly built demonstration facility. 
Key updates include a 7% reduction in total processed claystone, an 8% increase in lithium grade, a 7% decrease in production costs and a 6% rise in the project&#8217;s net present value to $4.67 billion.
<ol start="2">
<li>Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STLD#NASDAQ">STLD</a>) reported first-quarter results, with net sales of $4.7 billion and net income of $584 million. </li>
</ol>
Highlights include 3.3 million tons of steel shipments, operating income of $751 million and adjusted EBITDA of $879 million.&nbsp;
The company&#8217;s financial health was further supported by liquidity of $3.1 billion and shareholder returns through $298 million in stock repurchases and an 8% dividend increase.&nbsp;
Demand was solid across sectors, particularly automotive and construction, driving sequential improvements in earnings and operational performance.
Also Read:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mining"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38390383/copper-prices-approach-2-year-highs-whats-behind-analysts-12-000-price-prediction-for-2026">Copper Prices Approach 2-Year Highs: What&#8217;s Behind Analyst&#8217;s $12,000 Price Prediction For 2026?</a>
<ol start="3">
<li>Gold Royalty Corp (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GROY#AMEX">GROY</a>) entered into a three-year mutual cooperation agreement with Taurus Mining Royalty Fund that allows both parties to co-invest in precious metals royalties and streams. </li>
</ol>
The agreement focuses on assets valued at $30 million or more and provides a framework for identifying and evaluating co-investment opportunities, with the option for each party to invest 25% to 50% in selected transactions.&nbsp;
Additionally, any future sales of interests acquired through this partnership will offer first rights to the other partner.
<ol start="4">
<li>Coeur Mining Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CDE#NYSE">CDE</a>) released its 2023 ESG Report, emphasizing its progress in environmental, social and governance efforts aligned with shareholder value. </li>
</ol>
The report highlights Coeur&#8217;s achievement of the lowest injury rate among peers at 0.46 and its adoption of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (placing it among the top 17% of non-International Council on Mining and Metals companies).
The company also shared its commitment to biodiversity through the Biodiversity Management Standard and advancements in climate resilience, aiming for a 35% reduction in GHG emissions by the end of 2024.
Now Read:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/24/04/38405991/equinox-gold-snaps-up-greenstone-gold-mines-for-995m-in-incredibly-rare-deal">Equinox Gold Snaps Up Greenstone Gold Mines For $995 Million In &#8216;Incredibly Rare&#8217; Deal</a>
Benzinga Mining is the bridge between mining companies and retail investors. Reach out to <a href="mailto:licensing@benzinga.com">licensing@benzinga.com</a> to get connected with the Benzinga community!
Photo: Jose Luis Stephens via Shutterstock.

Commodities

ABAT

GROY

STLD

American Battery Optimizes Lithium Project; Steel Dynamics Reports Q1 Results; Gold Royalty Teams Up With Taurus Mining And More: Wednesday's Top Mining Stories

Helix Energy Solns Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HLX#NYSE">HLX</a>) reported quarterly losses of $(0.03) per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $0.02 by 250 percent. The company reported quarterly sales of $296.211 million which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $296.725 million by 0.17 percent. This is a 18.44 percent increase over sales of $250.084 million the same period last year.

Earnings

Earnings Misses

Helix Energy Solns Gr Q1 2024 Adj EPS $(0.03) Misses $0.02 Estimate, Sales $296.211M Miss $296.725M Estimate

National Bank Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NBHC#NYSE">NBHC</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.82 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.76 by 7.89 percent. This is a 22.64 percent decrease over earnings of $1.06 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $101.724 million which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $103.683 million by 1.89 percent. This is a 7.15 percent decrease over sales of $109.554 million the same period last year.

Earnings Beats

NBHC

National Bank Holdings Q1 2024 GAAP EPS $0.82 Beats $0.76 Estimate, Sales $101.724M Miss $103.683M Estimate

In June 2022, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a deal had finally been reached to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/22/01/24932856/new-york-gov-kathy-hochul-pledges-200m-to-boost-social-equity-efforts-as-part-of-cannabis-legali">fund a $200 million public-private effort</a>, which would finance cannabis dispensaries run by the people who have been the most impacted by the war on drugs.
The much-anticipated public-private fund is now coming under scrutiny following an <a href="https://www.thecity.nyc/2024/04/24/cannabis-fund-social-equity-dispensary/">investigation</a> by THE CITY&#8217;s Rosalind Adams, which uncovered a "lopsided deal" favoring the private equity firm Chicago Atlantic Group and raising concerns about the state's social equity goals. 
The agreement heavily favors Chicago Atlantic, leaving the state exposed to significant risks, noted the outlet.
Even the New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) cast doubts on the fund&#8217;s viability according to internal OCM documents that questioned whether the deal had overstated the potential revenue and profit potential.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">What Happened</h1>
New York state, unable to secure a private equity partner, agreed to a $50 million loan from Chicago Atlantic at a 15% interest rate, with all risk borne by the state.
Critics, including Reinvent Albany, an organization that advocates for government transparency and accountability, deemed the deal to have been detrimental to the state and prospective dispensary owners. Legal experts and consultants likened it to distressed debt lending.
Despite the skepticism and advice against the arrangement, negotiations ultimately led to a secret agreement benefiting Chicago Atlantic.
Previously, THE CITY revealed how cannabis licensees who accept loans from the social equity fund are burdened with high construction costs that they don't control and with interest rates that exceed the state's initial estimates.
"Everyone is worried about defaulting because of the rules and regulations of this loan," said Roland Conner, who runs <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/01/30496199/ny-gov-hochul-announces-opening-of-first-cannabis-shop-owned-by-person-impacted-by-war-on-drugs">Smacked on Bleecker Street</a> in Greenwich Village, the first legal dispensary owned by a person affected by the drug war.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Who's Responsible?</h1>
Details of the deal are still secret, with New York state authorities denying Freedom of Information Law requests. The state comptroller&#8217;s office and key lawmakers say they were not informed or involved in the making of the deal, exposing a shocking lack of oversight.
Meanwhile, Chicago Atlantic secured favorable terms, including leasing rights and a $100 million commitment for property development, raising yet more concerns about profiteering at the expense of marginalized communities.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Corruption Or Ineptitude?</h1>
The handling of New York&#8217;s cannabis program seems to reflect a corrosive mix of both ineptitude and potential corruption. While officials may have sought to support marginalized groups, their actions suggest a lack of due diligence and transparency.
One element of the story, which you can read in full <a href="https://www.thecity.nyc/2024/04/24/cannabis-fund-social-equity-dispensary/">here</a>, is that social equity applicants are furious.
A Queens shop owner, Dalessio, who was awarded a retail license designated for people impacted by past drug convictions told THE CITY that after a year of back and forth with the fund, he walked away from the deal.
"It just left such a bad taste in my mouth. I warned everyone I could to stay away from this deal," he said.
Photo: Courtesy of Branding Pot via Shutterstock

Government

Legal

Cannabis Saga In The Empire State: Corruption Or Ineptitude? Private Equity Tramples Social Equity, Report Reveals

Alamos Gold (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGI#NYSE">AGI</a>) reported quarterly Adj earnings of $0.13 per share which met the analyst consensus estimate. The company reported quarterly sales of $277.600 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $272.000 million by 2.06 percent. This is a 10.38 percent increase over sales of $251.500 million the same period last year.

Alamos Gold Q1 Adj EPS $0.13, Inline, Sales $277.600M Beat $272.000M Estimate

Piper Sandler analyst Clarke Jeffries maintains Tyler Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TYL#NYSE">TYL</a>) with a Overweight and maintains $520 price target.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on Tyler Technologies, Maintains $520 Price Target

Rogers, who will continue to serve as a director of Mativ and will assume the role of Audit Committee Chair.

Management

MATV

Mativ Holdings Appoints Kimberly Ritrievi As Chair Of Board, Succeeding John Rogers

First Bancshares (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FBMS#NASDAQ">FBMS</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.65 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.59 by 10.17 percent. This is a 24.42 percent decrease over earnings of $0.86 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $57.341 million which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $59.927 million by 4.32 percent. This is a 11.68 percent decrease over sales of $64.926 million the same period last year.

FBMS

First Bancshares Q1 2024 Adj EPS $0.65 Beats $0.59 Estimate, Sales $57.341M Miss $59.927M Estimate

Guidance

Veris Residential Raises FY24 Core FFO Per Share Outlook From $0.48-$0.53 To $0.50-$0.54, Est $0.53

Colony Bankcorp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CBAN#NASDAQ">CBAN</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.33 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.31 by 6.45 percent. This is a 6.45 percent increase over earnings of $0.31 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $28.141 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $27.600 million by 1.96 percent. This is a 0.30 percent decrease over sales of $28.227 million the same period last year.

CBAN

Colony Bankcorp Q1 2024 Adj EPS $0.33 Beats $0.31 Estimate, Sales $28.141M Beat $27.600M Estimate

Needham analyst Mike Matson maintains Boston Scientific (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BSX#NYSE">BSX</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $71 to $82.

Needham Maintains Buy on Boston Scientific, Raises Price Target to $82

CVB Financial (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVBF#NASDAQ">CVBF</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.35 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.34 by 2.94 percent. This is a 16.67 percent decrease over earnings of $0.42 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $126.574 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $116.576 million by 8.58 percent. This is a 8.89 percent decrease over sales of $138.930 million the same period last year.

CVBF

CVB Financial Q1 2024 GAAP EPS $0.35 Beats $0.34 Estimate, Sales $126.574M Beat $116.576M Estimate

Bridgewater Bancshares (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BWB#NASDAQ">BWB</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.24 per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $0.25 by 4 percent. This is a 35.14 percent decrease over earnings of $0.37 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $26.181 million which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $27.033 million by 3.15 percent. This is a 13.50 percent decrease over sales of $30.267 million the same period last year.

Bridgewater Bancshares Q1 2024 GAAP EPS $0.24 Misses $0.25 Estimate, Sales $26.181M Miss $27.033M Estimate

U.S. President Joe Biden&#8216;s recent signing of legislation has thrown ByteDance&#8217;s TikTok into the spotlight, with CEO Shou Zi Chew saying <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/38001945/amid-us-china-tussle-tiktok-content-creators-worry-about-bread-and-butter-if-app-ban-succeeds">the platform will fight back.</a>
&#8220;Make no mistake, this is a ban, a ban on TikTok and a ban on you and your voice,&#8221; the CEO said in a two-minute&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tiktok/video/7361448925972155679" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">video</a>&nbsp;posted to TikTok&#8217;s main corporate account.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38372058/analyst-predicts-tiktok-shutdown-in-us-by-next-year-ahead-of-senate-vote-will-not-operate-here">Analyst Predicts TikTok Shutdown In US By Next Year Ahead Of Senate Vote: &#8216;Will Not Operate Here&#8230;&#8217;</a>
Chew&#8217;s statement, delivered Wednesday, April 24, continued: &#8220;Politicians may say otherwise. But don't get confused. Many who sponsored the bill admit a TikTok ban is their ultimate goal.&#8221;
The legislation, part of a $95 million foreign aid package supporting Israel and Ukraine, was widely supported by the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives.
It gives ByteDance, TikTok&#8217;s parent company, 270 days to find new owners. If ByteDance fails to comply, TikTok faces removal from Apple Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Alphabet Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google app stores in the U.S., People magazine <a href="https://people.com/tiktok-ceo-says-we-arent-going-anywhere-biden-signs-potential-ban-into-law-8638226">reported. </a>
Additionally, there&#8217;s a provision for a three-month extension if a sale is in progress by the initial deadline.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">ByteDance&#8217;s TikTok Fights Back Against Ban</h1>
TikTok&#8217;s uncertain future stems from discussions that began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Former President Donald Trump initially proposed banning the app in April 2020, a move later paused by the Biden administration in February 2021. Currently, TikTok boasts 170 million American users.
The legislation presents concerns about security, with fears that TikTok could be used for Chinese surveillance or data access. TikTok denies these allegations, and the Chinese government asserts there&#8217;s no evidence supporting claims of national security threats. 
TikTok plans to challenge the legislation, citing freedom of speech. In his video, Chew expressed confidence in their legal fight: &#8220;Rest assured, we aren&#8217;t going anywhere.&#8221; 
&#8220;We are confident and we will keep fighting for your rights in the courts&#8230; The facts and the U.S. Constitution are on our side, and we expect to prevail again,&#8221; he added. 
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Can I Keep Using TikTok? Exploring The Ban&#8217;s Impact</h1>
Don&#8217;t worry, TikTok won&#8217;t just vanish from your phone overnight.
It&#8217;s likely to be at least a year before any ban takes effect, with potential legal challenges possibly extending the timeline further. While TikTok has succeeded in court before, this marks a new challenge against federal legislation.
Concerning your TikTok app, it&#8217;s unlikely to disappear from your phone immediately. However, if the ban goes into effect it may vanish from Apple and Google&#8217;s app stores, meaning no new downloads, updates, or fixes, as <a href="https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/tiktok-ban-us-what-to-know/5350848/#:~:text=No%2C%20TikTok%20will%20not%20suddenly%20disappear%20from%20your%20phone.">per</a> NBC New York. 
Over time, this could pose security risks and usability challenges.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38358239/microsoft-and-oracle-could-be-tiktoks-likely-buyers-but-real-winners-would-be-mark-">Microsoft And Oracle Could Be TikTok&#8217;s &#8216;Likely Buyers,&#8217; But Real Winners Would Be Mark Zuckerberg And Sundar Pichai</a>
Photo: <a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/es/g/salarko">salarko</a> on Shutterstock.

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TikTok Fights Back, 'We Aren't Going Anywhere': What's Next For Users?

Barrington Research analyst James Goss maintains Travelzoo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TZOO#NASDAQ">TZOO</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $14 to $12.

TZOO

Barrington Research Maintains Outperform on Travelzoo, Lowers Price Target to $12

Nanobiotix (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NBTX#NASDAQ">NBTX</a>) reported quarterly losses of $(1.17) per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $(1.66) by 29.52 percent. This is a 32.37 percent increase over losses of $(1.73) per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $39.323 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $13.680 million by 187.45 percent. This is a 681.30 percent increase over sales of $5.033 million the same period last year.

NBTX

Nanobiotix FY 2023 GAAP EPS $(1.17) Beats $(1.66) Estimate, Sales $39.323M Beat $13.680M Estimate

Rising investments in digitization and rapid adoption of emerging technologies boost the tech industry's prospects. Therefore, investors seeking to capitalize on the industry tailwinds in a relatively less risky way could consider buying promising tech ETFs Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF – July (QTJL), First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (TDIV), and iShares Semiconductor (SOXX). Read more… Continued advancements in technology make the technology industry one of the most closely tracked sectors for investment. While this could be the right time to invest in the space, the high-interest rate environment could have varied impacts on different tech businesses, making it risky to invest in specific stocks.
Moreover, given their enormous growth potential, most tech names trade at an expensive valuation. Therefore, a relatively safer approach to capitalize on the industry's promising growth prospects could be to have exposure to buckets of tech stocks by investing in promising tech ETFs.
To that end, Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - July (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/QTJL/">QTJL</a>), First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TDIV/">TDIV</a>), and iShares Semiconductor ETF (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/SOXX/">SOXX</a>) could be wise portfolio additions now.
Before diving deeper into these ETFs, let's discuss what's happening in the tech space.
Despite the high-interest rate environment, tech stocks have had a stellar run this year, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite returning 36.2% year-to-date. The hype around generative AI has primarily fueled Nasdaq's surge. Generative AI is being billed as the next big thing after the Internet.
Spending on tech has become almost non-discretionary for enterprises. Technology provides organizations with the required edge to get ahead of the competition. Gartner expects worldwide IT spending to grow <a href="https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-10-18-gartner-forecasts-worldwide-it-spending-to-grow-8-percent-in-2024">3.5% year-over-year</a> to $4.69 trillion in 2023. It is further expected to grow 8% year-over-year to $5.07 trillion in 2024.
The rise in IT spending could be attributed to the rapid adoption of digital transformation initiatives across various industries. The global digital transformation market is expected to grow at a <a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/digital-transformation-market">CAGR of 26.7%</a> to reach $4.62 trillion by 2030.
As part of the digital transformation initiative, enterprises swiftly transition from traditional software applications to cloud-based software services. Cloud technology aims to provide rapid, scalable access to computing resources and IT services.
According to Gartner, software and IT services segments will see double-digit growth in 2024, driven by cloud spending. Global spending on public cloud services is forecast to increase 20.4% in 2024.
Investing in tech ETFs could expose investors to emerging technologies in the market, such as cloud computing, generative AI, AR &amp; VR, blockchain, cybersecurity, edge computing, etc.
Considering these conducive industry trends, let's evaluate the three <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/technology-equities-etfs/">Technology Equities ETF</a> picks, starting with number 3.
ETF #3: Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - July (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/QTJL/">QTJL</a>)
QTJL is managed by Innovator Capital Management, LLC. The fund invests through derivatives in stocks of companies operating across communication services, consumer discretionary, consumer staples, energy, health care, industrials, information technology, materials, real estate, and utilities sectors. It uses derivatives such as Flexible Exchange Options that reference the Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1, to create its portfolio.
With $18.80 million in assets under management, QTJL's top holding as of November 30, 2023, is Options, with a 99.78% weighting, followed by U.S. Dollar, with a 0.22% weighting. It has a total of 2 holdings.
QTJL's has an expense ratio of 0.79%. QTJL's fund inflows were $9.43 million over the past six months. It currently has a <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/nav.asp">NAV</a> of $26.95.
QTJL has gained 37.2% year-to-date and 31.6% over the past year to close the last trading session at $26.86.
QTJL's <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a> reflect this promising outlook. The ETF's overall A rating equates to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, each weighted to an optimal degree.
QTJL has an A for Buy &amp; Hold, Peer, and Trade. Of the 119 ETFs in the A-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/technology-equities-etfs/">Technology Equities ETFs</a> group, it is ranked #52. <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/QTJL/">Click here</a> to access all of QTJL's POWR Ratings.
ETF #2: First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TDIV/">TDIV</a>)
TDIV is managed by First Trust Advisors LP. It invests in stocks of companies operating across information technology and communication services sectors. It invests in dividend-paying stocks of companies. It seeks to track the performance of the NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index.
With $2.10 billion in AUM, the fund has 84 holdings. TDIV's top holding as of November 28, 2023, is Microsoft Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MSFT/">MSFT</a>), with a 9.24% weighting, followed by International Business Machines Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/IBM/">IBM</a>), with an 8.39% weighting, and Broadcom Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/AVGO/">AVGO</a>), with 8.11%.
TDIV has an expense ratio of 0.50%, lower than the category average of 0.57%. It currently has a NAV of $60.81. Its fund inflows were $69.82 million over the past six months and $128.48 million over the past year.
The fund's annual dividend of $1.08 yields 1.78% on the current share price. Its four-year average yield is 2.12%. Its dividend payouts have increased at a CAGR of 4.4% over the past three years and 4.5% over the past five years.
TDIV has gained 27.3% year-to-date and 23% over the past year to close the last trading session at $60.80.
TDIV's strong outlook is reflected in its POWR Ratings. The ETF has an overall rating of A, translating to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system.
It has an A grade for Buy &amp; Hold, Peer, and Trade. It is ranked #16 in the same group. To access all the POWR Ratings for TDIV, <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TDIV/">click here</a>.
ETF #1: iShares Semiconductor ETF (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/SOXX/">SOXX</a>)
SOXX is an ETF launched by BlackRock, Inc. It is managed by BlackRock Fund Advisors. The fund invests in stocks of companies operating across information technology, semiconductors and semiconductor equipment sectors. It seeks to track the performance of the NYSE Semiconductor Index.
With $9.46 billion in AUM, SOXX's top holding is Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/AMD/">AMD</a>), with a 9.17% weighting, followed by AVGO, with an 8.14% weighting, and Intel Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/INTC/">INTC</a>), with 7.78%. It has a total of 30 holdings.
SOXX has an expense ratio of 0.35%, lower than the category average of 0.57%. SOXX's fund inflows were $28.16 million over the past three months and $424.32 million over the past year. It currently has a NAV of $517.21.
The fund's annual dividend of $4.45 yields 0.87% on the current share price. Its four-year average yield is 0.97%. Its dividend payouts have increased at a CAGR of 11.8% over the past three years and 15.9% over the past five years.
SOXX has gained 48.7% year-to-date and 41.3% over the past year to close the last trading session at $517.26.
SOXX's solid prospects are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The ETF has an overall A rating, which equates to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system.
It also has an A grade for Buy &amp; Hold and Trade and a B for Peer. It is ranked #5 within the Technology Equities ETFs group. <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/SOXX/">Click here</a> to access all of SOXX's POWR Ratings.
What To Do Next?
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SOXX shares rose $2.24 (+0.43%) in premarket trading Thursday. Year-to-date, SOXX has gained 50.52%, versus a 20.66% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Dipanjan Banchur</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Dipanjan-Banchur_headshots_3.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Since he was in grade school, Dipanjan was interested in the stock market. This led to him obtaining a master's degree in Finance and Accounting. Currently, as an investment analyst and financial journalist, Dipanjan has a strong interest in reading and analyzing emerging trends in financial markets.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=dipanjan-banchur">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/soxx-tdiv-qtjl-3-tech-etfs-ascending-for-december-growth-buy-now/>3 Tech ETFs Ascending for December Growth - Buy Now</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>