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Comcast Donates Free WiFi Access to Four Nonprofits in the Twin Cities to Help Increase Digital Opportunities in the Region

Comcast Twin Cities

Comcast today announced the opening of four new Lift Zones in the Twin Cities to provide free WiFi access to families across the area. Furthering the company’s deep and longstanding commitment to advancing equity and opportunity, our new Lift Zones at the International Institute, Every Third Saturday, Al Maa’uun, and GMCC will support digital access and adoption through tech training and career building. The new Lift Zone at International Institute will also receive 250 new laptops and two privacy pods, which will be used for virtual job interviews and telehealth appointments, as needed by clients. Comcast’s Lift Zones program provides free WiFi, powered by Comcast Business, to enable students, seniors, families, and community members to get online and fully participate in the digital economy. With these four new locations, Comcast now offers over 115 Lift Zones throughout the Twin Cities. Comcast’s investments in the four partner organizations will help increase college and career readiness, especially among underserved youth; connect workers to opportunities; provide upskilling for adult learners and those already in the workforce; and close the skills – particularly digital skills – gap. “The tasks of starting a new life in a new country can be overwhelming for refugees and immigrants when they arrive. Digital literacy and lack of reliable internet access can get in the way of applying for work, participating in classes or accessing community services,” said Jane Graupman, Executive Director, International Institute of Minnesota. “Thanks to Comcast and this Lift Zone partnership, we can make this time a little easier for New Americans who contribute so much to our community.” “Helping to close the digital divide and address digital equity remain top priorities here in the Twin Cities,” said Makram El-Amin, Executive Director from Al Maa’uun. “Our city and our region have become even more dependent on broadband to learn, find work and healthcare services and so many other aspects of our daily life. Comcast’s new Lift Zones will create endless opportunities for so many individuals, families, and seniors in our community.” “We’re proud to partner with these four wonderful organizations to launch new Lift Zones to advance digital equity and workforce readiness in our most vulnerable neighborhoods,” said Kalyn Hove, Regional Senior Vice President, Comcast Midwest. “Our continued partnership with our community partners will equip individuals, families and seniors with the tools, skills and resources they need to achieve their goals.” “Helping our communities achieve digital equity is in our DNA at Comcast,” said Broderick Johnson, EVP, Public Policy, and EVP, Digital Equity, Comcast Corporation. “We’re thrilled to partner with the International Institute, Every Third Saturday, Al Maa’uun, and GMCC on our next installation of Lift Zones in the Twin Cities and to work with partners who share our same goals of closing the digital divide.” Today’s announcement is part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to reach millions of people with the tools, resources, and skills needed to succeed in a digital world. Comcast’s Lift Zones complement Internet Essentials, which since 2011, has helped connect more than 10 million low-income people to the Internet at home. In Minnesota, the program has connected more than 416,000 Minnesotans. Comcast also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides qualifying households with a $30 per month credit, or $75 per month on Tribal lands, toward their Internet and mobile services. New and existing Xfinity Internet or Internet Essentials customers can learn more about the program and sign up by visiting: https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/acp/free-internet. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Comcast Corporation Jill Hornbacher +1 651-425-1695 Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com Company Website https://midwest.comcast.com

September 21, 2023 10:00 AM Central Daylight Time

TRUST RELATIONS CEO & FOUNDER APRIL WHITE NAMED A FINALIST IN THE 2023 STEVIE® AWARDS FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS FOR THE 2ND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Trust Relations

Trust Relations CEO & Founder April White has been named a finalist in the 20th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business for the second consecutive year. White was nominated in the category of “Maverick of the Year” by her colleagues for outstanding leadership and professional success during the 2023 award cycle. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, employees and the companies they run – worldwide. The Stevie Awards have been hailed as the world’s premier business awards. Finalists were determined by the average scores of more than 200 business professionals around the world, working on six juries. Their scores will also determine the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award placements that will be revealed at the 20th annual awards dinner and presentations in New York. “It is an incredible honor to be named a finalist in the renowned Stevie Awards for Women in Business for the second time in my career—and especially humbling to be recognized for the second year in a row,” said White. “I had the joy and privilege of attending last year’s award gala with a truly remarkable group of talented female business leaders from some of the best PR agencies and marketing firms in the world, and I look forward to celebrating alongside them again this year as we work hard to reinvent and elevate industry standards. I am on a mission to improve the quality of work, company culture and leadership integrity for the next generation of PR professionals, and it’s absolutely thrilling to be recognized for that.” In 2022, White received the Gold Stevie Award for “Most Innovative Woman of the Year – Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations” in recognition of her groundbreaking approach to the practice of public relations, with the inception of the first fully remote PR and integrated marketing agency that is striving to shift the world from public relations to “trust relations.” This year’s award further recognizes her accomplishments and ambition to establish Trust Relations as the agency of the future and redefine the industry status quo for the public relations profession. Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners will be announced during a gala event at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City on Friday, November 10. Nominated women executives and entrepreneurs from around the world are expected to attend. The event will be broadcast on Livestream. Details about the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at www.StevieAwards.com/Women. About Trust Relations Founded in 2019 by award-winning PR veteran-turned-disruptor and official TEDx speaker April White, Trust Relations is the first fully remote strategic communications and integrated marketing agency. We offer access to the best PR and marketing professionals nationwide across every industry. Our proprietary model provides clients with unparalleled transparency, helps align their storytelling and "story-doing," and unlocks exceptional value for businesses. It also empowers Trust Relations to scale alongside clients by providing everything from basic support to creative activations that maximize brand exposure. Our mission is to replace public relations with "trust relations" by discovering and championing every brand's authentic truth. Our unique approach and comprehensive suite of services empower organizations to achieve alignment between what they want people to think about their brands and how they can "show" as well as "tell" stories that demonstrate those proof points. For more information, visit https://www.trustrelations.agency/. About The Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. A ninth program, the Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence, will debut in 2024. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 nominations each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at www.StevieAwards.com. Media Contact: Briana Cusimano DiCenso briana@trustrelations.agency Contact Details Trust Relations April White +1 323-216-8589 marketing@trustrelations.agency Company Website https://trustrelations.agency/

September 21, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

News Direct Adds Streaming TV Interview Product, NEWS DIRECT INSIGHTS, to Its Newly Launched SYNTHESIS Service

News Direct

N ews Direct today announced that News Direct Insights, its streaming TV interview offering in partnership with Fintech.TV, has been added to its newly launched Synthesis service. Synthesis, is a first-of-it-kind bundling of News Direct’s suite of digital news and content distribution and amplification services that includes its state-of-the-art newswire, its sponsored content product ( Idea Marketplace ) and its News Direct Podcast Channel series, News Directly. News Direct Insights offers companies the opportunity for their senior execs or key spokespeople to be interviewed by a professional journalist from Fintech.TV live on the streaming channel. The interviews are conducted on-site at the Fintech.TV studio on the floor of the iconic New York Stock Exchange, a backdrop that adds an additional measure of distinction and significance to the appearance. News Direct clients can book their CEO’s, or other key executives, for 3-minute spots that will be included in Fintech.TV’s Daily Download segment, which airs throughout the day and week. The one-on-one format, hosted by a professional Fintech.TV staff journalist, offer guests a forum to discuss issues of importance to their companies and stakeholders. In addition to airing on the platform, the digital content will also be made available for clients to repurpose on websites and social media channels. “ News Direct is committed to consistently adding meaningful ways for companies to distribute, amplify and draw eyeballs (and eardrums) to their content and messaging, using the advanced technology that our service was built upon. Our objective from Day One has been to become a single platform, multichannel messaging solution for PR, IR, Corp Comms and Marketing professionals. ABOUT NEWS DIRECT News Direct is a technology-driven content distribution and amplification platform for PR, IR, corporate communications and marketing professionals. Our automated platform delivers a completely reimagined, modernized user experience for newswire users that has reshaped the industry landscape. Additionally, the company has expanded its offerings to include an array of technology- enhanced message amplification tools ranging from sponsored content to podcasting products, all from one online destination. ABOUT Fintech.TV Fintech.TV is a first of its kind global media platform bringing the latest news and perspectives in finance, blockchain, technology, sustainability, impact investing, SDGs, and ESG. Fintech.TV broadcasts from its marquis studios on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, at ADGM, Abu Dhabi’s leading International Finance Center, and with presence at other leading international exchanges including NASDAQ and the London Stock Exchange. News Direct is a technology-driven content distribution and amplification platform for PR, IR, corporate communications and marketing professionals. Our automated platform delivers a completely reimagined, modernized user experience for newswire users that has reshaped the industry landscape. Additionally, the company has expanded its offerings to include an array of technology- enhanced message amplification tools ranging from sponsored content to podcasting products, all from one online location. Contact Details News Direct Media at News Direct media@newsdirect.com Company Website http://www.newsdirect.com

September 21, 2023 08:27 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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BELLAMI Launches New Visual Identity, Bringing Inclusivity to the Forefront

BELLAMI

Today, BELLAMI, the global leader in hair extensions, announces its new visual identity for its direct-to-consumer product line alongside the launch of its Fall 2023 Silk Seam™ clip-in hair extensions. The new branding will appear in all marketing communications efforts. Celebrity Hair Stylist Andrew Fitzsimons will be leading the creative direction of the launch campaign in partnership with BELLAMI’s executive team along with distinguished Fashion Photographer Greg Swales and some of the world's most creative talent in fashion and makeup. Rounding out the BELLAMI Silk Seam™ Clip-In Hair Extensions collection, of what is now 44, with 5 new exclusive shades, in a wide range of textures and lengths, the launch campaign embodies a modern, edgy, and fashion-forward twist that ties in an earthy color palette to underscore the brand values of diversity and inclusivity, while echoing its focus on ethical sourcing and sustainable production. “I’ve been using BELLAMI Hair Extensions on my clients for a long time. They are the best of the best – from the quality to the range of colors, lengths, and textures,” says Fitzsimons. “With this new vision, I want to bring to life the brand’s personality and welcome everyone - of all shapes, sizes, colors, and hair textures - into our world. Together we are going to change the narrative when it comes to how consumers perceive hair and beauty. When they see BELLAMI, they will see themselves. We want our customers to know that they are beautiful as they are, but that they can still have fun and play with hair extensions the same way they would with jewelry, fashion, accessories, and makeup.” “BELLAMI launched with one of the first DIY Clip-In Hair Extensions in the world, making it easy to express yourself and have fun with hair, while still celebrating your own individual uniqueness. This new campaign is bringing us back to our roots, and Andrew is the perfect person to breathe life into our mission,” says BELLAMI VP of Marketing Laure Murciano. “As the leader in our category, it is our role to embrace diversity and the new beauty standards. Andrew not only understands who we are and where we want to be, but for years, Andrew has been inspiring people around the world through his work, and we know he will do the same with this campaign.” BELLAMI’s mission is to rebuild the visual identity of the Direct-to-Consumer brand portfolio, bringing the brand back to its roots and elevating its position within the ready-to-wear hair extension category which is projected to reach $1.3B by 2025. ABOUT BELLAMI Founded in 2012 by Nikki Eslami and Julius Salerno, BELLAMI is a global leader of high end, luxurious, ethically sourced and sustainably produced full-cuticle 100% Human Remy hair enhancement solutions for consumers and salon professionals. As the largest hair extensions brand in the world, collaborating with certified hair stylists, BELLAMI offers a full range of clip-in extensions and the four pro hair extension methods - Wefts, Tape-Ins, K-Tips, I-Tips. It is the only brand to have complete control over the sourcing and international manufacturing process, ensuring that all products are ethically sourced and sustainably produced. BELLAMIâs hair enhancement solutions and hair care are available via its e-commerce platform and company-owned stores, the BELLAMI Beauty Bars. BELLAMI is headquartered in Chatsworth, California. ABOUT BEAUTY INDUSTRY GROUP Established in 2004, Beauty Industry Group is an industry leader for professionally installed and DIY hair extensions and related beauty products. Beauty Industry Group's professional products are sold in more than 1,200 stores throughout North America and its collective brands service more than 30,000 salons across over 165 countries. Beauty Industry Group has offices in 6 countries and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT. ABOUT ANDREW FITZSIMONS Andrew Fitzsimons is an Irish hairstylist who splits his time between New York and Los Angeles. After training in Paris, Fitzsimons left for New York, where he quickly established himself as a hairstylist whose passion, professionalism, and love of fashion made him highly sought-after. He has styled the tresses of clients such as Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Adriana Lima, Megan Fox, and countless others. His work can be found in leading publications such as V Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Thailand, Vogue Arabia, Paper, Love, Elle, and in campaigns for brands including Calvin Klein, KKW Beauty, Skims, and Kylie Cosmetics. Contact Details Linsey Tilbor Rubin +1 732-991-5294 ltilbor@rellmc.com Company Website https://www.bellamihair.com/

September 20, 2023 09:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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A Nuclear Renaissance Is Reviving Long Stagnant Uranium Markets – Sprott ETFs Is Giving Investors Multiple Forms Of Exposure To The Heavy Metal

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga Uranium is one of the latest metals to see its price surge on clean energy demand. The key fuel in nuclear power plants had been declining for decades, but a recent renewed interest in nuclear power as a clean energy source to help economies transition to a fossil fuel-free future has revived investor interest. Uranium prices are up more than 19% since the start of the year as of this writing, trading above $58 per pound in August – the highest it’s been since April of last year, according to data from Trading Economics. Nuclear Power Is The Not-So-New Clean Energy Rising Star The recent surge in uranium prices has been driven largely by recent policy shifts that have made nuclear energy a higher priority as nations work to meet sustainability goals as quickly as possible. Earlier in August, for example, Sweden said it needs to triple its nuclear power capacity over the next decade in order to keep up with rising electricity demand in the country. In the United States, tax credits and investment initiatives in last year’s Inflation Reduction Act have clearly indicated the renewed focus on nuclear energy in the country. Joining Sweden are the UK, Canada, Japan and France which have each announced plans to ramp up uranium supply in efforts to reduce the world’s dependency on Russian uranium. The news has made some investors wonder why all the sudden interest in nuclear energy is cropping up now. But those in the industry are saying it’s actually always been here. “Nuclear is one of those silent contributors,” said Nuclear Energy Institute’s Director of Markets and Policy Benton Arnett in a recent episode of Sprott Radio. “A lot of folks don’t realize it’s producing 20% of our national electricity consumption here in the U.S. and has been doing that very quietly for decades.” It’s a similar story in other countries renewing their focus on nuclear. The reason it’s captured so much attention now is precisely because it’s already fairly well established in the countries that are reinvesting in it. “It is the largest carbon-free generator of power in the [United States.],” Arnett said. As the impacts of climate change have spurred a sense of urgency in the clean energy transition, nations are looking for a faster path away from fossil fuels. While renewables like wind and solar are still key in the long term, nuclear is the energy source that’s already providing a large quantity of clean power for many around the globe. Scaling that up would be a faster solution than building new renewable capacity from scratch. Scaling Up Nuclear Could Push Uranium Into A Supply-Demand Crunch As nations around the globe build new nuclear power plants, uranium – the key fuel supply needed for nuclear energy – is seeing record spikes in demand. In fact, the world’s existing uranium mines were already falling short of demand even before that demand spiked. According to the World Nuclear Association, production in recent years has only met 90% of current nuclear power plant needs. “The number that we’re focused on is trying to hit 150 million pounds or more,” said Sprott Asset Management CEO John Ciampaglia in a Bloor Street Capital interview. “That’s what we think is the annual replacement rate for the world’s existing nuclear power plants.” Getting to that target replacement rate will mean new investments from miners in the exploration and development of new uranium mines, a process that typically takes years. In the meantime, uranium prices could keep shooting higher as growing demand quickly outpaces the capacity of existing uranium mines. Sprott Offers Four Ways To Trade Bullish Uranium Assumptions Sprott has been a leader in precious metals – investing for decades – so expanding into energy transition themes was a natural fit as uranium, lithium, nickel and other metals have become key to so many clean energy projects. The company currently offers four funds for investors who are bullish on uranium and want to gain exposure to the growing market: Sprott Uranium Miners ETF (NYSEARCA: URNM), Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF (NASDAQ: URNJ), Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF (NASDAQ: SETM), and the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust. The first two are focused on uranium miners. While these stocks have felt the pressure of rising interest rates and the high costs of investing in new exploration and development activity, they’ve still managed to pull off healthy gains of over 9% year-to-date, as of this writing. Juniors, meanwhile, climbed nearly 12% in the three-month period ending in July – though they’re still down slightly since the start of the year. Likewise, shares of URNM have rallied 26% since June as of this writing while Sprott’s juniors ETF soared 35% in the same period. The Physical Uranium Trust is the world’s largest physical uranium fund — it “invests and holds substantially all of its assets in uranium in the form of U3O8”, with the goal of providing “a secure, convenient and exchange-traded investment alternative for investors interested in holding uranium.” SETM provides pure-play access to a range of critical minerals necessary for the global clean energy transition including uranium. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

September 20, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Theorem Launches Upward, an Advanced Automation Solution that Transforms Media Companies’ Ability to Scale Operations Effectively

Theorem Inc

Theorem Inc., a full-service flexible digital marketing and tech solutions provider, is launching its proprietary new automation solution called Upward, which transforms ad operations by making common pain points - including make-goods - obsolete. Upward enables organizations to scale ad operations workflows via tailored automation technology to accelerate revenue and remain competitive within the marketplace. With two decades of experience working with top media companies such as Hearst, The New York Times, Condé Nast and Advance, Theorem has deep institutional knowledge of the operations process and technology that generates revenue for ad-supported businesses. Theorem’s expertise inspired a solution that solves the most common challenges media companies experience with ad ops and extracts revenue from their advertising businesses. Upward is a customizable white-glove solution that enhances the ad operation process by: Speeding up order cycles; Eliminating make-goods; Automating manual processes; and Changing workforce dynamic to focus on creative production, business development and strategic thinking. Upward streamlines existing ad ops processes and establishes consistencies across the business. The solution enables automation of advertising operations across the order-to-cash process including trafficking, reporting, brand safety and campaign management. With Upward, companies can scale seamlessly and drive more revenue with less reliance on continuous staffing. “Nine Digital has been working with Theorem for a decade, and it’s their team’s expertise and innovation that have driven our longstanding partnership. Theorem’s approach to the challenges presented by the current ad ops process have been highly effective, and the codification of these processes with Upward has high potential of having far-reaching impacts on the media industry,” said Goran Tatomirovic, Digital Operations and Partnership Lead at Nine Digital. “We are excited to continue to collaborate with Theorem and implement Upward as a solution across our clientbase.” Theorem recently released a research report, in collaboration with global insights and strategy agency Hypothesis Group, that uncovers key findings around time savings that automation affords. 4 in 5 respondents have a positive view on automation; 90% of respondents state they were open to their roles evolving as a result of automation; 87% of ad operations professionals agree that automation can make their organization more profitable; 86% of respondents state that automation would modernize their organization; and 83% of respondents agree that automation would make their team more productive. “Our mission is to revolutionize ad operations and promote the role of automation in increasing business profitability,” said Jay Kulkarni, founder and CEO, Theorem. “Our role as a strategic partner to media companies is to drive change and enhance efficiencies across their organizations. Outside of revenue growth, the impact Upward and automation is having on teams is exciting. AdOps professionals are inspired by the opportunities to grow their careers in new ways. Teams now can focus on proactivity, building stronger relationships, client growth and satisfaction, team empowerment, as well as greater productivity and cost efficiencies.” Upward is ISO certified and adheres to the top data privacy and security practices. With safety of client intellectual property at the forefront of the process, Theorem combines the technical know-how with business outcomes, engaging with IT teams early and often throughout the automation onboarding process to ensure transparency, efficiency and quality of service. About Theorem Founded in 2002, Theorem provides end-to-end agile digital marketing services for some of the world's leading brands. With a mission of humanizing technology by delivering innovative solutions that empower businesses to drive sustainable growth, Theorem takes legacy services and pivots these approaches to develop future-proof, modern marketing solutions for clients and partners. Creating end-to-end solutions designed to solve client challenges, through extensive knowledge of digital marketing technology and strategies. Theorem is pioneering the future of full-service flexible marketing solutions. Theorem’s expertise saves their clients time, reduces their costs and increases their revenue. For more information, visit www.theoreminc.net. Contact Details Kerriann Becker +1 631-235-7796 kerriann@kitehillpr.com Company Website https://theoreminc.net/

September 20, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

After $8.8 Million IPO, Hanryu Rolls Out Multiple Revenue-Generating Upgrades To FANTOO, The Fandom App Connecting The Growing Global Audience Of K-Culture Fans

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga Hanryu Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HRYU) has had an eventful few weeks after its IPO closed last month, generating about $8.8 million in gross proceeds. In total, the company has raised approximately $53million over multiple fundraising rounds to date as its popular fandom social media app FANTOO grows to a user base of over 26 million and the company unveils a series of upgrades and new features slated to roll out in the coming months. Here’s a look at some of the milestones from the past month and how Hanryu is leveraging those to add new revenue potential to its popular fandom app. What Is FANTOO? Hanryu first launched FANTOO in 2021 as an all-in-one social media platform for K-culture fans worldwide. As K-pop, K-dramas and other forms of entertainment from South Korea continue to gain a growing international audience, there still hasn’t been a single dedicated destination so far where fans could go for any and all fandoms they are part of. Moreover, language barriers were a major hurdle preventing people with a shared fandom from connecting over the music, show or film that they love. FANTOO – with its real-time translation technology across 17 languages and features that allow users to create or join clubs built around any fandom – finally created a way to unify this global audience in one platform. For fans, it’s a way to find community and friendship even if they live somewhere with few other K-culture fans nearby. For Hanryu, it’s an exciting revenue opportunity with the massive advertising potential of a site with millions of dedicated fans. But advertising is just one of the revenue channels Hanryu is building through the platform. It also generates revenue from ticket sales to live shows and transaction fees on the buying and selling that happen in the eBay -like (NASDAQ: EBAY) shop section of FANTOO. The Future Of FANTOO Just days after the closing of its IPO, Hanryu announced the launch of version 2.0 of FANTOO. The upgraded app adds powerful data analytics to help deliver personalized content based on interest settings and the communities in which a user is engaged. It also makes a few updates to the interface to make it more user-friendly and intuitive. “Version 2.0 is also a more robust platform for revenue generation through multiple streams,” said Hanryu CEO Kang Chang Hyeok. “We look forward to releasing additional features and system improvements in the future." One of those future improvements is an AI-powered conversational virtual assistant. Later in August, Hanryu announced that it had partnered with Saltlux Inc. (KOSDAQ: 304100), the company behind Talkbot, an intelligent chatbot. Together, the companies will develop a virtual assistant for FANTOO built on technology similar to Talkbot that can guide users through the platform, make recommendations based on users’ interests and deliver personalized news and updates about their fandom. Slated to launch before the end of this year, the FANTOO virtual assistant is just the beginning. Later, Hanryu plans to use AI voice synthesis and deep learning tech to let users customize the voice of their virtual assistant to sound like their favorite artist or actor – or even themselves. Earlier this month, Hanryu teased even more new chat features coming to the app soon, including emoji purchasing, friend recommendations and club chat rooms where members can join in on club-wide conversations with like-minded fans from around the world – all with the convenience of real-time multilingual translation. A similar open chat room will give users a way to connect with users from other fandoms as well. Alongside the new chat room features, FANTOO will also soon have enhanced private chats where users can talk over an encrypted channel as well as video call functionality so fans who connect through the app can have “face-to-face” conversations with each other. “FANTOO is not just a space for fandom, but it is a place for fans with the same interests to meet and form relationships through chatting,” Hyeok said. “We expect these additional new features, including both the current and planned future upgrades, will increase revenue generation through FANTOO." This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

September 20, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

The Most Important Things Everyone Should Know Before Investing In Gold IRAs

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga When it comes to planning for a secure retirement, it is essential to explore all available avenues. Traditional investment options like stocks and bonds have their merits, but there is another store of value that often goes overlooked – gold Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). A gold IRA is a type of self-directed retirement account where the holder invests in physical gold instead of conventional assets such as stocks, bonds or mutual funds. Here are five things you need to know about gold IRAs. Harnessing Tax Advantages For Optimal Gains One of the most significant advantages of gold IRAs lies in the attractive tax benefits they offer. Depending on the type of gold IRA you open, you can enjoy favorable tax treatment either during the contribution phase or when you eventually withdraw your funds. For traditional IRAs and Simple Employee Pension (SEP) IRAs, contributions are not taxed, providing an immediate advantage for investors. In contrast, Roth IRAs tax contributions but offer the promise of tax-free withdrawals. Additionally, traditional and SEP IRA contributions are tax-deductible, further enhancing their appeal to investors seeking to maximize their gains. Shielding Your Assets From The Ravages of Inflation In times of economic uncertainty, where the value of the dollar can fluctuate unpredictably, gold presents a historically reliable hedge against inflation. History has shown that gold prices tend to rise when the dollar's value declines, making it an attractive long-term investment. Gold values have proven resilient against interest rate fluctuations, offering stability and solid returns. By incorporating gold into your retirement portfolio through a gold IRA, you can shield your portfolio from the erosive effects of inflation, ensuring that your wealth retains its value over time. A Safe Harbor Amidst Market Turmoil? In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, financial markets are prone to sudden swings and unexpected turbulence. Stock and bond investments can be particularly vulnerable, experiencing significant volatility during economic downturns. However, gold prices have historically displayed a tendency to hold steady during periods of economic turmoil, making gold IRAs an oasis of stability in an uncertain landscape. Strategic Diversification For Sustainable Returns Many experts say the key to successful investing lies in building a well-diversified portfolio, leveraging the strengths and advantages of different asset classes. While high-risk, high-reward investments have their place, a prudent and balanced approach is essential. Gold, as a more conservative asset, plays a crucial role in creating a diversified investment portfolio. While gold very often won’t witness rapid appreciation, the metal is effective at mitigating risk and enhancing stability – preventing extreme losses during turbulent market conditions. By incorporating gold IRAs into your investment strategy, you can strike the optimal balance between growth and security, multiplying the potential for sustainable returns. Choosing The Right Gold IRA Firm – An Option To Consider One leading IRA worth considering is offered by Preserve Gold, a U.S.-based precious metals firm with 0 BBB complaints and excellent reviews. The company specializes in helping individuals and families diversify and protect their wealth through tangible precious metals. The firm provides a selection of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins and bars. Preserve Gold distinguishes itself through its focus on three core principles: integrity, transparency and consistency. These principles serve as the company’s foundation for long-lasting customer relationships and reinforce the company's commitment to providing trustworthy and reliable services. To ensure a smooth and secure purchasing process, Preserve Gold offers an informed and easy way to acquire precious metals. The company's knowledgeable team assists clients in making educated purchasing decisions while prioritizing security and ease of transaction. A gold IRA can be an excellent addition to a retirement portfolio. It offers numerous benefits that can help you protect and grow your savings over time. When deciding to invest in a gold IRA, having a trusted partner like Preserve Gold is key to achieving your financial goals. 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

September 20, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Has ARKK Been Oversold? Traders Are Doubling Down On A Potential Innovation Recovery With This Leveraged ETF

Benzinga

By Rachael Green, Benzinga ARK Innovation ETF (NYSEARCA: ARKK) was an investor darling in the first year of the pandemic with its robust portfolio of COVID-era winners like Zoom (NASDAQ: ZM). But the disruptive tech ETF took a beating in 2022, falling more than 67% throughout the year. However, this year, ARKK seems to have begun a slow and arduous recovery, gaining over 40% year-to-date despite a widespread selloff this summer. Still, it’s far from its 2020 peak of over $150 per share, and some bullish investors believe the partial recovery this year is a sign that the ETF is ready to regain its former glory. Here’s what’s behind that bullish outlook. A Potential Upcoming Pause In Rate Hikes As Economic Data Gives Cause For Optimism Investors remain optimistic that the Federal Reserve will pause interest rate hikes at its upcoming meeting on September 20. In August, key economic indicators were largely mixed but still suggested that inflation was cooling overall. While consumer prices rose from 3% in June to 3.2% in July, core inflation – consumer prices with food and energy prices stripped out– declined slightly from 4.8% in June to 4.7%. And it’s that core inflation that the Federal Reserve wants to see come down to its 2% target. If interest rate hikes are paused, the macroeconomic tailwind this month could add more lift to ARKK which has already begun recovering some of its August losses. Despite Investor Exodus, ARKK Still Has A Potentially Promising Growth Portfolio ARKK may have missed the explosive AI-generated growth of Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), but the top 10 holdings are dotted with underdog growth stocks. For example, the app and game developer platform Unity Software (NYSE: U) just landed a deal this summer to use Unity’s gaming software in Apple’s (NASDAQ: AAPL) upcoming virtual reality headset, Apple Vision Pro. Zoom, the video communications platform that’s been relatively neglected by investors after its pandemic-era boom, has been building up a stockpile of cash that now sits at about $6 billion. It’s planning to use that to grow its enterprise vertical, one of its most successful segments. It’s also spending some of that on new AI-enhanced features, like the new AI Companion, a built-in AI-powered assistant that can catch you up on meetings if you’re late, auto-generate meeting summaries, and even give you feedback on your conversational and presenting skills. You Can Potentially Magnify Your Bullish ARKK Views With the AXS 2X Innovation ETF For investors who see the summer tumble as a hiccup in ARKK’s overall upward trajectory, AXS Investments has designed a unique leveraged ETF just for you. The AXS 2X Innovation ETF (TARK) seeks 200% of the daily performance of the ARK Innovation ETF. That 2x leverage gives investors a chance to turn the ETF’s slow and rocky recovery into more substantial gains. That added leverage does increase the risk of using TARK, so it’s important to use it for short-term trades, such as the potential upswing following the Fed’s upcoming meeting. But when used carefully, TARK is a useful tool for traders who are staunchly bullish on disruptive tech and see the periodic panicked selloffs as an opportunity to find yield. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

September 20, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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