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What the Trump Election Win Means for Our CEFs (Including This 11%-Payer) What the Trump Election Win Means for Our CEFs (Including This 11%-Payer) Immediately after President-Elect Donald Trump won his second term last week, the surged, while US Treasuries fell: Election Sends Dollar Up, Treasuries Down in Early Trading Both moves are opposite sides of the same coin: Investors believe Trump’s policies will be inflationary. The theory suggests this would happen for a couple of reasons: The US government will spend more, and interest rates will rise higher than rates elsewhere in the world in response. That will attract foreign capital to America while making it less attractive for capital to leave the US. All of that extra capital in America will boost economic activity and demand for the dollar. But it will also boost consumer prices. Now let me explain why both of these theories are incorrect. (And let me be clear we always take a non-political, data-driven approach here at Contrarian Outlook). Further on, we’ll look at a group of high-income closed-end funds (CEFs) that are set to profit, including a specific one to put on your buy list: It yields a rich 11% today. The best way to ***** in here is to look at how the trend of foreign investment in America affected bond rates and the dollar long before Trump became president the first time. America Is a Capital Magnet Whether the red or blue party is in power, America attracts a lot of money from abroad for a simple reason: It’s a great place to do business. As the head of Norway’s $1.6-trillion sovereign wealth fund recently said, “Americans just work *******” and have a higher “general level of ambition,” which is why a lot of Europeans love investing in America. This has been going on for a long time, which is why foreign direct investment in the US has risen strongly since 2000, when the divergence between ********* and ********* growth grew especially wide. America ******** a Magnet for Investment More investment in the US has helped America’s stock markets grow to become 60% of the planet’s stocks by market cap—even as the US accounts for just 20% of global economic activity. This, of course, is a big reason why our CEF Insider portfolio is heavily skewed toward ********* companies. But all economic success comes with a price, of course. In the case of the US, that price has been an inequality in wealth distribution. This trend grew quickly in the 1980s and early 1990s, and things have leveled off a bit since, as you can tell by looking at the GINI index (a metric of how wealth is distributed in a country). Here’s where the data tells us something else surprising: That inequality has actually helped lower inflation. You can see this seemingly odd correlation by plotting the rate of consumer price inflation (CPI), in red below, from the 1980s to today alongside the GINI index (in blue). This makes sense if you stop to think about it; if a lot of wealth is equally dispersed, more people will bid for the same goods and services, boosting prices. If wealth isn’t equally dispersed, fewer people can bid on many goods and services, and more people struggle to make ends meet. To be sure, this isn’t a recipe for a happy society, but it does point to one with lower inflation. And for the most part, that’s what America has seen in the last 50 or so years. Let’s be honest, no president from either party is going to change this, at least in any rapid way. As a result, we’re probably going to see less inflation than the market expects in the next four years. After all, if we compare inflation in Trump’s first term to Obama’s two terms, we see that they’re almost identical: Trump’s ******* saw 1.9% annualized inflation on average, while Obama saw 1.8% annualized. In other words, Trump’s presidency likely won’t see inflation soar because income inequality isn’t likely to change anytime soon. So in my view, the market is overpricing the odds of a sharp inflation increase. How to Position Your Stocks and Bonds This overpricing is an opportunity for us clear-eyed contrarians, who always set politics aside and look at things like this from a clear, investment-focused perspective. The obvious play is to buy US bonds, which have been oversold after the Trump victory, and sell US dollars, although selling USD is a bit complex for Americans living in the US. That leads us to stocks. But of course, stocks have surged since Election Day. Fortunately, we can easily get into oversold bonds and invest in high-quality US companies that are now well set up to attract foreign capital. The key is to buy oversold corporate bonds issued by US firms. The bond market is a bit complicated, so I wouldn’t suggest buying bonds individually, especially since the best bonds typically aren’t issued on the open market for anyone to buy, like a stock. However, we can “partner” with talented bond-fund managers who are already playing this longer-term trend of America attracting capital. Take, for instance, a CEF called the PIMCO Corporate & Income Opportunity (NYSE:), which is closing in on a 1,000% return over its 20-year history. Smartly Run PTY Has Delivered Big Gains (and Dividends) However, PTY currently trades at a pretty pricey 25.6% premium to net asset value (NAV, or the value of its underlying portfolio). Which is why I recommend PTY’s “sister” fund, the PIMCO Access Income Fund (NYSE:). PAXS, a holding of my CEF Insider service that we’ve reviewed in a couple of recent Contrarian Outlook articles (including our Monday piece), has just a 5% premium to NAV. That’s smaller than the typical markups on PAXS’s siblings in the PIMCO family. PIMCO funds tend to trade at high premiums for good reason: They deliver strong returns (see the chart above) and have great assets. (PAXS, like PTY, holds a range of US corporate bonds and bond derivatives that now yield more due to higher interest rates and America’s strong economic growth). Hence PAXS’s big returns so far in 2024. PAXS Jumps on US Economic Strength Here’s the best part of all this: PAXS yields 11% today. And it has actually increased its distributions in its short history: 11%-Yielding PAXS Boosts Its Dividends, Drops Special Divs, Too Source: Income Calendar This isn’t too surprising: Most of PIMCO’s bond funds raise their payouts over time, in addition to kicking out big current yields. Plus I see more special dividends as likely here. So if you buy PAXS now, you probably won’t get an 11% yield on your initial investment over time. You’ll likely get more. My Top 5 Monthly Dividend Funds Are Perfect Plays on the “Trump Trade” Bond funds are, of course, not our only play here. Other sectors, like real estate investment trusts (REITs) and even a select few tech stocks, are primed to soar as the whole “Trump will cause inflation” narrative gets a serious rethink. The best way to get in? CEFs, of course! PAXS, which we just discussed, is a great fund, and you can build on it with my 5-CEF “Monthly Dividend Portfolio.” These 5 CEFs hold REITs, bonds, blue chips, techs and more, and they’re all perfectly positioned to profit from the current moment. And as I said, they pay 10.5% annually and, yes, they pay dividends monthly, too. I can’t wait to share them with you, so you can kickstart your own monthly income stream (at a 10.5% annualized yield) NOW. And at a bargain price, too. Disclosure: Brett Owens and Michael Foster are contrarian income investors who look for undervalued stocks/funds across the U.S. markets. Click here to learn how to profit from their strategies in the latest report, “7 Great Dividend Growth Stocks for a Secure Retirement.” Source link #Trump #Election #Win #Means #CEFs #Including #11Payer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Miami Valley residents voice opinions after Ohio lawmakers pass transgender bathroom bill Miami Valley residents voice opinions after Ohio lawmakers pass transgender bathroom bill Ohio lawmakers have put a bill on the governor’s desk that would ban transgender students from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, the Ohio Senate voted 24-7 in favor of the bill. TRENDING STORIES: Governor Mike DeWine has 10 days to decide if Senate Bill 104 will become law. If DeWine signs off on the bill, students at public schools and universities will be required to use the restroom that aligns with their **** at birth. The ********* Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Ohio believes the bill will harm the rights and privacy of LGBTQ+ students and condemns its passage. “We are incredibly disheartened by the Ohio General Assembly’s continuous attacks against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals across Ohio. Senate Bill 104 is a cruel invasion of students’ rights to privacy, which will result in unwarranted governmental disclosures of private, personal information. If allowed to go into effect, SB 104 will create unsafe environments for trans and gender non-confirming individuals of all ages. This bill ignores the material reality that transgender people endure higher rates of ******* ********* and assaults, particularly while using public restrooms, than people who are not transgender. All Ohioans deserve to access the facilities they need, in alignment with their gender identity, without ***** of harassment or bullying. The ACLU of Ohio ******** steadfast in our commitment to standing with trans Ohioans and is closely considering next steps.” ACLU Ohio Policy director Jocelyn Rosnick said in a statement Sen. Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg) released a statement on why he voted for the bill. “Today, I voted to protect our school children across Ohio by ensuring biological males do not use the same restroom with ******. This is common sense policy that will ensure the safety and security of our school children. No young girl should be forced to go into the same restroom with a biological male. I was proud to support this legislation.” Antani said in a statement If the legislation passes, it will not apply to school employees, emergencies, or people helping young children or those with disabilities. Schools will still be able to provide single-use and family bathrooms. News Center 7 talked to people in the Miami Valley about the bill on Wednesday. “I would feel a little something about it, but I mean, if he wanted to be a girl then he’s a girl. If it’s real, then it’s real. If he makes a move then we’ll go that route, but gotta let everyone live,” Riverside resident Joshua said. “As long as they’re not harming anyone, mind your own business. They’re not doing anything to people. I don’t know, people don’t mind their own business. At this point, do what you’re gonna do, just don’t harm anyone,” Kettering resident Dulaney Sargent said. If the bill passes, it will go into effect 90 days later. News Center 7 will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Source link #Miami #Valley #residents #voice #opinions #Ohio #lawmakers #pass #transgender #bathroom #bill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Piper Sandler upgrades Campbell Soup to buy, highlights sauces brand Rao’s Piper Sandler upgrades Campbell Soup to buy, highlights sauces brand Rao’s Campbell Soup has a promising long-term growth outlook thanks to Rao’s, its popular sauces brand, according to Piper Sandler. Analyst Michael Lavery upgraded shares to overweight from neutral. He also raised his price target to $56 from $47, indicating 26.6% upside potential from Wednesday’s close. The company completed its acquisition of Rao’s parent company Sovos Brands earlier this year for approximately $2.7 billion. Although Rao’s retail sales growth slowed slightly to 18.7% in the fiscal first quarter from 23.9% in the prior quarter, Lavery said further gains lie ahead as the brand enters new markets and expands its white sauce offerings. The stock is also down more than 10% over the past three months, indicating a good entry point for investors, the analyst added. “We consider CPB one of the better-positioned large cap food names,” Lavery wrote in a Tuesday note. “Continued strong growth [is] expected” for the Rao’s brand, he added. To be sure, Lavery added that potential steel tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump’s second administration could present headwinds to Campbell Soup, which uses steel for its soup cans. Steel accounts for around 4% of the company’s costs of goods and services, per Lavery. However, the company has already secured its 2025 annual steel contract and steel prices remain depressed. “Further, roughly 75% of steel used in the US is produced in the US, which obviously would have no tariffs applied to it, helping mitigate any potential tariff risk from steel,” said Lavery. “While Rao’s tomato sauces are imported from Italy, we continue to expect tariff risk on food to be low,” the analyst continued. Analyst sentiment is mixed, with 12 of 21 covering the stock rating it as a hold, LSEG data shows. The average analyst price target signals a gain of 16%. Source link #Piper #Sandler #upgrades #Campbell #Soup #buy #highlights #sauces #brand #Raos Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Humza Yousaf accuses Elon Musk of ‘scouring’ private messages Humza Yousaf accuses Elon Musk of ‘scouring’ private messages Scotland’s former first minister, Humza Yousaf, has accused tech entrepreneur Elon Musk of accessing his private messages as part of a bid to “besmirch” his reputation. The ex-SNP leader claimed in a Tortoise Media podcast that the X owner “scours” the communications of people he views as a “threat”. He said he was “certain” the billionaire had access to his private communications on the platform. The podcast said it understood Musk had denied ever accessing private messages on X. That escalated over the summer during far-right riots in England and Northern Ireland. The former first minister described Musk as a “race baiter” and “one of the most dangerous men on the planet”. The X owner replied by calling Yousaf a ******* “scumbag”, posting: “I dare that scumbag to sue me.” He added: “Legal discovery will show that however big a ******* he’s been in public communications, he is vastly worse in private communications.” Speaking to the Elon’s Spies podcast, Yousaf described the comment as an attempt to “threaten and intimidate” him. “I’m certain he has a whole team of people who are now looking at any information they can gather on me and try to use it to besmirch my reputation,” he said. “And they’ll use any nefarious tactics in order to do that.” The former first minister said he interpreted Musk’s post as a “pointed accusation”, noting that people commented underneath urging the X owner to “release” private messages. Yousaf told the podcast: “I’m thinking, I’ve been on Twitter for a long time, have I made an off-colour joke? Have I said something in a private communication? “So, I thought I better do the belt and braces thing, and as I say there was nothing there, and unsurprisingly so. “But here is somebody who is basically saying to me by the way ‘you better watch out; I’m going to release stuff on you and it’s going to make your life *****’.” Yousaf repeated claims that the Trump-supporting tech entrepreneur was a *******, with “far-right, white supremacist tendencies”. He added: “Elon Musk could have trillions let alone billions and he wouldn’t have enough to shut me up.” Source link #Humza #Yousaf #accuses #Elon #Musk #scouring #private #messages Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Microsoft ramps up small language model effort Microsoft ramps up small language model effort In a bid to make artificial intelligence (AI) more applicable, Microsoft has worked with a number of industry platforms to deliver small language models (SLM) to its Azure AI catalogue. The industry-specific models, built on Microsoft’s Phi family of SLMs, represents an expansion of the company’s industry-tuned AI capabilities, which it said targets the specific needs and challenges in sectors ranging from healthcare to finance and manufacturing. In a blog post discussing the new models, Satish Thomas, corporate vice-president of business and industry solutions at Microsoft, said: “By integrating the Microsoft Cloud with our industry-specific capabilities and a robust ecosystem of partners, we provide a secure approach to advancing innovation across industries. “This collaboration allows us to create extensive scenarios for customers globally, with embedded AI capabilities – from industry data solutions in Microsoft Fabric to AI agents in Microsoft Copilot Studio to AI models in Azure AI Studio – that enable industries to realise their full potential.” He said the models will be available either through the Azure AI model catalogue, which offers a range of AI models to build custom AI applications in Azure AI Studio, or directly from Microsoft partners, adding that those available in the Azure AI model catalogue can also be used to configure agents in Copilot Studio, Microsoft’s platform for creating and deploying customised AI-powered agents. These include ELY Crop Protection from healthcare and agriculture life sciences firm Bayer. According to Bayer, this specialised SLM is designed to enhance crop protection, sustainable use, application, compliance and knowledge in the agriculture sector. Other big names include Siemens Digital Industries Software, which has developed a new copilot for its NX X software. Siemens said this uses an adapted AI model that enables users to ask natural language questions, access detailed technical insights, and streamline complex design tasks for faster and smarter product development. The copilot aims to provide CAD designers with AI-driven recommendations and best practices to optimise the design process within the NX X experience. In the financial sector, regulatory compliance tech firm Safir, backed by Fidelity Investments’ innovation incubator, Fidelity Labs, is planning to introduce four new models in the Azure AI model catalogue. Aimed at financial institutes, Safir said the retail marketing compliance model is focused on compliance in text, while the image detection model looks at compliance in images. There is also a risk interpretation model, which tries to explain why something was flagged, and a language suggestion model, which suggests alternative language that might be more compliant. Rockwell Automation is offering the FT Optix Food & Beverage model, which it claims brings the benefits of industry-specific capabilities to frontline workers in manufacturing, supporting asset troubleshooting in the food and beverage domain. Rockwell Automation said the model provides recommendations, explanations and knowledge about specific manufacturing processes, machines and inputs to factory floor workers and engineers. Other models include fine-tuned SLMs from in-car software developer Cerence, which run within a vehicle’s hardware and Factory Namespace Manager from SightManager, which analyses existing factory data, learns the patterns and rules behind the naming conventions and then automatically translates these data field names into a standardised corporate format. Source link #Microsoft #ramps #small #language #model #effort Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Iran will talk about nuclear, but not under pressure Iran will talk about nuclear, but not under pressure Iran is willing to resolve disputes with the ******* Nations nuclear agency over its compliance with safeguards on its atomic program but will not do so under pressure, Iran’s foreign minister says after meeting the IAEA head. ********* powers were pushing for a new resolution against Iran by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board next week to pressure Tehran over what they view as its poor co-operation, diplomats told Reuters on Wednesday. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has for months sought progress with Iran on issues including a push for more monitoring co-operation at its nuclear sites and an explanation of uranium traces found at undeclared sites. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, writing on X after talks with Grossi in Tehran, said: “The ball is in the EU/E3 court. Willing to negotiate based on our national interest and inalienable rights, but not ready to negotiate under pressure and intimidation.” He was referring to the three main ********* powers, France, Germany, and Britain. The talks took place with Donald Trump due to take office again as US president in January. During his previous tenure, the ******* States pulled out of the 2015 accord between Iran and several world powers aimed at curbing its suspected nuclear missile program. Araqchi said the talks with Grossi were “important and straightforward”, while the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation Mohammad Eslami said they were “constructive”. “As a committed member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, we continue our full co-operation with the IAEA. Differences can be resolved through cooperation and dialogue,” Araqchi said. Source link #Iran #talk #nuclear #pressure Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Vivo S20 Pro Specifications Leaked; Said to Get Dimensity 9300+ SoC, 50-Megapixel Front Camera Vivo S20 Pro Specifications Leaked; Said to Get Dimensity 9300+ SoC, 50-Megapixel Front Camera Vivo is expected to launch the mid-range S20 series in China soon. The upcoming lineup is thought to include base Vivo S20 and Vivo S20 Pro models, as a follow-up to the Vivo S19 and Vivo S19 Pro, respectively. A new ***** has now surfaced online suggesting key details about the Vivo S20 Pro. It could come with a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ SoC under the hood. The Pro model in the Vivo S19 series is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ SoC. The Vivo S20 Pro is likely to feature three 50-megapixel cameras at the rear. Vivo S20 Pro Specifications (Leaked) Popular tipster Digital Chat Station has shared the alleged specifications of the Vivo S20 Pro on Weibo. As per the *****, the upcoming phone will feature a 6.67-inch display with a 1.5K (1,260×2,800 pixels) resolution. It is tipped to run on a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ SoC. The Vivo S20 Pro could boast a 50-megapixel selfie camera and a triple rear camera unit, which is said to include a 50-megapixel Sony IMX921 main camera, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide angle sensor, and a 50-megapixel Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto sensor with 3x optical zoom. Vivo is expected to pack a 5,500mAh battery on the device with 90W charging support. It is said to sport an optical fingerprint scanner as well. Vivo S20 series is speculated to launch in China at the end of this month. Vivo usually rebrands its S series smartphones as the V series for the global market. Therefore we can expect the Vivo S20 and S20 Pro to launch as the Vivo V50 and V50 Pro in markets outside China. The Vivo S19 Pro was launched in China in May with an initial price tag of CNY 3,299 (roughly Rs. 38,000) for the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage option. It sports a 6.78-inch 1.5K OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and has a triple rear camera setup led by a 50-megapixel 1/1.56-inch Sony IMX921 primary sensor. It carries a 50-megapixel front camera and has a 5,500mAh battery that supports 80W fast charging. Affiliate links may be automatically generated – see our ethics statement for details. For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. Spotify for Podcasters Evolves Into a New Platform for Creators With Monetisation, Analytics and More YouTube Said to Be Testing New Vertical Scroll Gestures for Mobile App, Leaving Users Disgruntled Source link #Vivo #S20 #Pro #Specifications #Leaked #Dimensity #SoC #50Megapixel #Front #Camera Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

******* says 15 trucks carrying aid have been allowed into northern Gaza ******* says 15 trucks carrying aid have been allowed into northern Gaza ******* says 15 trucks carrying aid have been allowed into northern Gaza, where aid groups have warned that a monthlong ******** offensive could cause a famine. The trucks entered Gaza on Wednesday with aid from the ******* ***** Emirates, said the military body handling aid deliveries into the territory, COGAT. It said the aid consisted of food and water as well as hygiene, shelter and medical supplies. U.N. agencies did not immediately confirm the delivery of the aid. ******** forces have encircled the Gaza Strip’s northernmost areas for the past month, saying ****** militants have regrouped there. Experts say the ******** military campaign has caused a new wave of displaced civilians and warn that famine is imminent or may already be happening there. Human Rights Watch said in a report released Thursday that ******* has committed war ******* and ******* against humanity in the Gaza Strip, including massive forced displacements that amount to ******* cleansing. It said people have been ******* while evacuating under ******** orders and in ********-designated humanitarian zones, where hundreds of thousands are crammed into squalid tent camps. ******* has also been striking deeper inside Lebanon since September as it escalates the war against Hezbollah. *******’s war against ****** in Gaza has ******* more than 43,000 people, more than half of them women and children, ************ health officials say. The officials do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The *******-****** war began after ************ militants stormed into ******* on Oct. 7, 2023, ******** some 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and abducting 250 others. Lebanon’s Hezbollah group began ******* into ******* on Oct. 8, 2023, in solidarity with ****** in Gaza. Since then, more than 3,200 people have been ******* in Lebanon and more than 14,200 wounded, the country’s Health Ministry reported. In *******, 76 people have been *******, including 31 soldiers. ___ Here’s the latest: Syrian state media report explosions near Damascus and Homs DAMASCUS, Syria — Syrian state media are reporting explosions near the capital, Damascus, and the central city of Homs in what appeared to be ******** airstrikes. State news agency SANA said the country’s air defenses were activated against a “hostile target” south of Homs on Thursday. It gave no further details. The agency later reported an ********** near Damascus, adding that the cause of the blasts was not immediately clear. ******* has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria targeting members of Lebanon’s Hezbollah and officials from Iranian-backed groups. ******* says it has allowed 15 trucks carrying aid into northern Gaza JERUSALEM — ******* says 15 trucks loaded with aid have been allowed into northern Gaza, where aid groups have warned that a monthlong offensive could cause a famine. The military body handling aid deliveries into the territory, COGAT, said the 15 trucks entered Gaza on Wednesday with aid shipped in by sea by the ******* ***** Emirates. It said the aid consists of food and water, as well as hygiene, shelter and medical supplies. U.N. agencies did not immediately confirm that the aid was delivered to its destination inside northern Gaza. Over the past week, the U.N. says aid trucks have entered the north but have not reached their final destinations due to ******** movement restrictions and hungry crowds taking items from the trucks. ******* has scrambled to ramp up aid to Gaza after a monthlong stretch during which aid plunged to its lowest levels this year. The U.S. Biden administration warned ******* to increase the aid last month, saying a ******** to do so could lead to a reduction in military support. The White House backed down this week, citing some improvements and ruling out any reduction in arms supplies, even after international aid groups said ******* had fallen far short of the ********* demands. Human Rights Watch accuses ******* of war *******, ******* against humanity in the Gaza Strip JERUSALEM — Human Rights Watch says ******* has committed war ******* and ******* against humanity in the Gaza Strip, including massive forced displacements that amount to ******* cleansing. A report released by the New York-based rights group on Thursday says ******** evacuation orders have often caused “grave harm” to civilians. People have been ******* while evacuating and in ********-designated humanitarian zones, where hundreds of thousands are crammed into squalid tent camps. “The ******** government cannot claim to be keeping Palestinians safe when it ****** them along escape routes, ****** so-called safe zones, and cuts off food, water, and sanitation,” said Nadia Hardman, ******** and migrant rights researcher at Human Rights Watch. The report said the widespread, deliberate demolition of homes and civilian infrastructure in Gaza -– some of them to carve a new road bisecting the territory and establish a buffer zone along *******’s border -– was likely to “permanently displace” many Palestinians. “Such actions of the ******** authorities amount to ******* cleansing,” Human Rights Watch said. The ******** military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report. Human Rights Watch called on governments to stop supplying weapons to ******* and to comply with a July opinion by the International Court of Justice saying *******’s presence in the ************ territories is unlawful and must end. The group says its researchers interviewed 39 displaced Palestinians in Gaza, reviewed evacuation orders ******* has released throughout the war and analyzed satellite imagery and video of attacks along evacuation routes and in “safe zones.” *******’s blistering campaign in Gaza has ******* over 43,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to local health officials who do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Around 90% of the territory’s population has fled their homes, with many displaced multiple times. The ******** offensive has also damaged or destroyed around two-thirds of homes and other buildings in Gaza, according to U.N. assessments. ******* says it does not deliberately target civilians and blames ****** for their deaths, saying the militants hide among civilians and operate in residential areas. US military says it conducted strikes against Houthi rebels DUBAI, ******* ***** Emirates — The U.S. military says it has conducted several days of strikes targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The strikes included U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy aircraft, including the Navy’s F-35C stealth fighter jet, it said Thursday. The military also released video showing a strike by an MQ-9 Reaper drone on a mobile missile launcher placed on the back of what appeared to be a truck. A person standing next to the launcher is seen running away after the strike. “This targeted operation was conducted in response to the Houthi’s repeated and unlawful attacks on international commercial shipping, as well as U.S., coalition and merchant vessels in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden,” the U.S. military’s Central Command said. “It also aimed to degrade the Houthi’s ability to threaten regional partners.” The strikes happened Saturday and Sunday. The Houthis launched an ******* this week targeted two U.S. Navy destroyers entering the Red Sea. The Americans said they “engaged and defeated” eight *****-carrying drones, five anti-ship ballistic missiles and four cruise missiles that the Houthis used to target the vessels. ___ For more Middle East news: Source link #******* #trucks #carrying #aid #allowed #northern #Gaza Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Saudi Arabia’s Neom replaces its CEO amid reports of delays, cutbacks Saudi Arabia’s Neom replaces its CEO amid reports of delays, cutbacks Digital render of NEOM’s The Line project in Saudi Arabia The Line, NEOM Saudi Arabia’s massive Neom megaproject, a multi-trillion dollar plan to develop a swathe of land the size of Massachusetts, has replaced its CEO in a significant reshuffling as the kingdom faces questions over the economic viability of its ambitions. Neom’s board of directors announced Tuesday the appointment of Aiman Al-Mudaifer as acting CEO of the company following the unexpected departure of Nadhmi Al-Nasr, who was put in charge of the project in 2018. “As NEOM enters a new phase of delivery, this new leadership will ensure operational continuity, agility and efficiency to match the overall vision and objectives of the project,” a Neom statement said. It did not disclose the reason for the departure of Al-Nasr. The region, as envisioned by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is set to host hyper-futuristic cityscapes and structures including The Line — two parallel skyscrapers measuring at more than 100 miles long — and Trojena, a mountain ski resort capable of hosting the 2029 ****** Winter Games. The projects have faced skepticism and criticism from environmentalists and engineers in other parts of the world. Neom’s leadership reshuffle comes at a ******* of changing financial pressures on the kingdom, as oil prices and demand forecasts remain subdued, and Saudi Arabia’s budget deficit widens. Budgets are facing cutbacks and projects are seeing delays, three people with knowledge of the matter told CNBC, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization to speak to the press. NEOM map of the 500 billion dollar megacity project in Saudi Arabia along the Red Sea coast. Peterhermesfurian | Istock | Getty Images The Line, for instance, has been reportedly scaled back from an initial planned length of 106 miles to just 1.5 miles — which would still make it the world’s longest building. Neom executives have vocally denied these reports, calling them “false” and saying that work was continuing as planned. “NEOM is a fundamental pillar of Saudi Vision 2030 and progress continues on all operations as planned, as we deliver the next phase of our vast portfolio of projects including THE LINE, Oxagon, Trojena, Magna and The Islands of NEOM,” the Tuesday statement from the organization said. Saudi real GDP is expected to grow 0.8% this year, in a dramatic drop from a previous estimate of 4.4%, according to an October pre-budget report published by the Ministry of Finance. Saudi authorities also expect that the budget will remain in deficit for the next several years, as the kingdom prioritizes spending to achieve the targets of the Vision 2030 economic diversification program. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s fiscal breakeven oil price — what it needs a barrel of crude to cost in order to balance its government budget — was estimated by the International Monetary Fund to be $96.20 for 2024; a roughly 19% increase on the year before. It’s also 33% higher than the current price of a barrel of Brent crude, which was trading at around $72 as of Wednesday afternoon. Source link #Saudi #Arabias #Neom #replaces #CEO #reports #delays #cutbacks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

GenAI apps boost interest in differentiated 5G connectivity GenAI apps boost interest in differentiated 5G connectivity One of the key advantages of standalone 5G networks (5G SA) is the potential to offer dedicated spectrum and connectivity services to select users, and in a further development, Ericsson ConsumerLab research has found that global 5G smartphone users are willing to pay extra for high-end differentiated connectivity services, typically driven by artificial intelligence (AI). For its Elevating 5G with differentiated connectivity report, Ericsson surveyed 23,000 smartphone users between the ages of 15 and 69, more than 17,000 of whom were 5G smartphone users from 16 key markets with a global spread, namely Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mainland China, France, Hong Kong, India, KSA, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE, the *** and the US. Ericsson researchers assured that the sample was representative of 1.1 billion people, including 750 million 5G smartphone users. Ericsson noted that the number of smartphone owners who use generative AI (GenAI) apps on at least a weekly basis is expected to increase 2.5-fold in the next five years. A key finding of the study was that GenAI applications are driving interest in differentiated connectivity to guarantee uninterrupted high-end connectivity when users need it most. The rapidly growing category joins existing differentiated connectivity use cases such as video calling, streaming and online payments, which smartphone users say they are willing to pay a premium for. Specifically, almost one in four GenAI users say they are willing to pay up to 35% more for guaranteed fast and secure connectivity for such high-capacity applications. The research also showed that 35% of 5G smartphone users would be interested in paying for differentiated connectivity for essential applications. In what is said to contradict received wisdom that users will not pay extra for connectivity, the survey found 20% of users, known as “assurance seekers”, were actively seeking elevated connectivity for critical applications and were willing to pay for it. “As AI-powered applications become more prevalent, users’ expectations for enhanced connectivity are rising. This reflects consumers’ expectations for AI apps’ future capabilities – perhaps relating to image, audio or video generation – and their willingness to pay for those capabilities to perform in a speedy and high-quality way,” said Jasmeet Sethi, head of ConsumerLab at Ericsson. “This signals an opportunity for communications services providers (CSPs) globally to meet this demand through tailored connectivity experiences.” Differentiated connectivity revenue generation potential for CSPs could increase as they transition to performance-based business models, offering tailored subscriptions and plans with assured performance for different consumer segments in the market. “This shift could drive a 5% to 12% uplift in 5G ARPU [average revenue per user] as users seek guaranteed reliable performance for specific applications,” Sethi added. “Additionally, there is an opportunity to unlock new revenue pools from the significant demand among 5G users for high-performance apps, with one in three 5G smartphone users willing to reallocate 10% of their current mobile app spend to purchase apps with in-built elevated connectivity. By exposing quality on-demand network APIs [application programming interfaces] to developers, CSPs can tap into this demand, enabling developers to offer premium, high-performance experiences, and unlocking new revenue streams in the process.” Source link #GenAI #apps #boost #interest #differentiated #connectivity Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Investors to monitor economic data, Fed speeches Investors to monitor economic data, Fed speeches Treasury yields rose on Thursday as investors monitored a fresh batch of economic data and a flurry of speeches from Federal Reserve policymakers. The 10-year Treasury yield traded nearly 2 basis points higher at 4.469%, while the yield on the 2-year Treasury rose around 2 basis points to 4.301%. Yields and prices move in opposite directions. One basis point equals 0.01%. It comes as investors await the release of the latest weekly initial jobless claims and the producer price index for October. The PPI figure, which measures what producers get for goods and services, is expected to show a 0.2% increase from the month prior, according to a Dow Jones consensus estimate. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to discuss the U.S. economic outlook in Dallas, Texas on Thursday. Fed Governor Adriana Kugler, Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin and New York Fed President John Williams are also expected to deliver remarks later in the day. The speeches come as investors and economists scrutinize what President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House could mean for U.S. interest rates. The U.S. central bank delivered its second consecutive interest rate cut earlier in the month, in line with expectations, and traders see a decent chance of another trim in December. — CNBC’s Sarah Min contributed to this report. Source link #Investors #monitor #economic #data #Fed #speeches Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Indian Scientists Create Genetically Modified Bacteria Capable of Mathematical Computation Indian Scientists Create Genetically Modified Bacteria Capable of Mathematical Computation Genetic engineering efforts at the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP) in Kolkata have recently produced a type of bacteria that can perform mathematical operations. This breakthrough demonstrates that bacterial cells, when modified, can conduct addition, subtraction and even identify prime numbers between 0 and 9. The work by Indian researchers suggests a possible foundation for creating biocomputers—devices that utilise living cells for computation. This research could drive forward the integration of biological systems within computational science. Biocomputing’s Evolution and Emerging Capabilities The study was published in the journal Nature Chemical Biology. The use of living cells for computing has seen two decades of incremental progress. Initially, synthetic biology allowed scientists to develop cellular logic gates for fundamental operations like “AND,” “OR,” and “NOT,” mimicking the functions of silicon processors but on a much simpler level. By adjusting genetic networks in organisms like E. coli and yeast, researchers were able to prompt cells to perform addition and subtraction. However, the operations achieved in these early studies remained basic in scope, not yet matching the complexity of modern digital processors. Advances in Bacterial Computation through Neural Network Principles In their current work, SINP scientists applied artificial neural network models to the genetic framework of E. coli bacteria, integrating 14 unique genetic circuits to form distinct bacterial types. These bacteria were placed in controlled liquid environments, where they could ******** computations including determining whether numbers are prime. For example, when subjected to specific chemical stimuli, the bacteria signalled their responses by secreting proteins that indicated “yes” in green and “no” in red. This application of bacteria to solve more abstract problems, such as identifying prime numbers, marks a first in biological computing. Implications for Future Research According to Mohit Kumar Jolly, an assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, the study could provide insights into the decision-making abilities of cells, a process that yet to be fully understood. The findings open up new avenues in the study of biological information processing and reveal untapped potential for living cells in computational applications. This work by SINP researchers may well redefine the scope of computation, revealing bacteria’s potential as a biological computing medium. For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. Apple Reportedly Working on ‘AI Wall Tablet’ With Smart Home Controls and Apple Intelligence BSNL Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity Launch Announced by DoT Source link #Indian #Scientists #Create #Genetically #Modified #Bacteria #Capable #Mathematical #Computation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Maori haka in NZ parliament to protest at bill to reinterpret founding treaty Maori haka in NZ parliament to protest at bill to reinterpret founding treaty Watch: Moment MP leads haka to disrupt New Zealand parliament New Zealand’s parliament was brought to a temporary halt by MPs performing a haka, amid anger over a controversial bill seeking to reinterpret the country’s founding treaty with Māori people. Opposition party MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke began the traditional ceremonial group dance after being asked whether her party supported the bill, which faced its first vote on Thursday. At the same time, a hīkoi – or peaceful protest march – organised by a Māori rights group is continuing to make its way towards the capital, Wellington. Thousands have already joined the 10-day march against the bill, which reached Auckland on Wednesday, having begun at the top of New Zealand on Monday. The country is often considered a leader in indigenous rights, but opponents of the bill ***** those same rights are being put at risk by this bill. Act, the political party that introduced the bill, argues there is a need to legally define the principles of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, which has been fundamental to race relations in New Zealand. The core values of the treaty have, over time, been woven into New Zealand’s laws in an effort to redress the wrong done to Māori during colonisation. Danielle Moreau The protest march against the bill made its way through Auckland on Wednesday But Act – a minor party in the ruling centre-right coalition – say this has resulted in the country being divided by race, and the bill will allow the treaty to be interpreted more fairly through parliament, rather than the courts. The party’s leader, David Seymour, has dismissed opponents as wanting to “stir up” ***** and division. Critics, however, say the legislation will divide the country and lead to the unravelling of much-needed support for many Māori. The first reading passed on Thursday after a 30-minute break, backed by all parties from the ruling coalition. Maipi-Clarke was suspended from the house. It is unlikely to pass a second reading, as Act’s coalition partners have indicated they will not support it. But this has not placated those worried about the bill, and its impact, with the hikoi still making progress along its 1,000km (621-mile) route. Danielle Moreau Danielle Moreau (centre) took part in the march as it passed through Auckland with her sons Bobby and Teddy In Auckland, it took an estimated 5,000 marchers two hours to cross the harbour bridge. Officials had closed two lanes, the New Zealand Herald reported, to allow them to continue along the route. Danielle Moreau, who is Māori, walked over the Harbour Bridge with her two sons, Bobby and Teddy, and told the BBC she “was hoping it [the hīkoi] would be big but it was much more epic than I expected”. “I marched to make the point that Te Tiriti [the Treaty of Waitangi] is very important to our national identity,” said Winston Pond, who also took part in the march on Wednesday. “We are a multi-cultural society built on a bicultural base – something that cannot be altered.” Juliet Tainui-Hernandez Juliet Tainui-Hernandez (left), with her partner Javier Hernández (right) and daughter Paloma (centre) Juliet Tainui-Hernández, from the Māori tribe Ngāi Tahu, and her Puerto Rican partner Javier Hernández, brought their daughter Paloma to the hīkoi. Ms Tainui-Hernández said those who turned out in support did so “for the respectful and inclusive nation we want Aotearoa [New Zealand] to be for our tamariki mokopuna – our children and grandchildren”. Kiriana O’Connell, who is also Māori, said that the current treaty principles were already a compromise for her people, and she would not support a “rewrite”. Under the proposed legislation, the treaty principles that would be defined in law are: that the government has a right to govern and that parliament has the full right to make lawsthat the rights of Māori are respected by the Crown that everyone is equal before the law and is entitled to equal protection under it. Act leader Seymour – who is also New Zealand’s associate justice minister – argues that because the principles have never been properly defined legally, the courts “have been able to develop principles that have been used to justify actions that are contrary to the principle of equal rights”. He says these include “******* quotas in public institutions” that go against the spirit of fairness for all New Zealanders. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, however, has called the bill “divisive” – despite being part of the same coalition. EPA Act Party leader David Seymour will become deputy prime minister next year under a role-sharing agreement Meanwhile, the Waitangi Tribunal, which was set up in 1975 to investigate alleged breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi, notes the bill “purposefully excluded any consultation with Māori, breaching the principle of partnership, the Crown’s good-****** obligations, and the Crown’s duty to actively protect Māori rights and interests”. It also said that the principles of the bill misinterpreted the Treaty of Waitangi and that this “caused significant prejudice to Māori”. The tabling of the Treaty Principles Bill comes following a series of measures introduced by the government that have affected Māori. They include the closure of the Māori Health Authority, which was set up under Jacinda Ardern’s Labour government to help create health equity, and reprioritising English over Māori when it comes to the official naming of government organisations, for example. While roughly 18% of New Zealand’s population consider themselves to be Māori, according to the most recent census, many remain disadvantaged compared with the general population when assessed through markers such as health outcomes, household income, education levels and incarceration and mortality rates. There ******** a seven-year gap in life expectancy. The Treaty of Waitangi is an agreement between the British and many, but not all, Māori tribes, which was signed in 1840. It is contentious as it was written in both English and Māori – which had only been a spoken language until colonisation – and the two versions contain fundamental differences when it comes to issues such as land ownership. While the treaty itself is not enshrined in law, its principles have been adopted over time into various pieces of legislation. The bill will now be sent to a select committee for a six-month public hearing process. Source link #Maori #haka #parliament #protest #bill #reinterpret #founding #treaty Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Man seen rescuing trapped children in Valencia floods Man seen rescuing trapped children in Valencia floods A man is now being dubbed a “local hero” after a video of him smashing a door to take four children to safety went viral on social media. Daniel Burguet was trapped inside the Whitby English language school in Paiporta, Valencia with the children, one of whom was his 11-year-old daughter, unable to reach a higher floor as the road became engulfed in water. He eventually managed to break the door of the building next door and pulled the children to safety. Local media have hailed him as the “Hero of Pairporta”. Source link #Man #rescuing #trapped #children #Valencia #floods Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Moanco agrees extension to host Formula 1 until at least 2031 Moanco agrees extension to host Formula 1 until at least 2031 Monaco will continue to host Formula 1 races until at least 2031 after a new six-year deal was agreed. One of the sport’s most iconic and prestigious races, the Monaco Grand Prix has been an ever-present in the F1 calendar since 1955. There have been doubts about its future, however, because of questions regarding the suitability of the principality’s narrow streets for racing modern F1 cars, plus concerns over finances and other issues. As part of the new deal, the race will move to the first full weekend in June from 2026. “I’m delighted that Formula 1 will continue to race in Monaco until 2031,” said Formula 1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali. “The streets of Monte Carlo are unique and a famous part of Formula 1, and the Monaco Grand Prix ******** a race that all drivers dream of winning.” Source link #Moanco #agrees #extension #host #Formula Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Royal family wishes King Charles a happy 76th birthday Royal family wishes King Charles a happy 76th birthday The Prince and Princess of Wales have led the royal birthday wishes for King Charles by posting sunnies-clad picture of the monarch as he turns 76. Source link #Royal #family #wishes #King #Charles #happy #76th #birthday Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nikke’s Partnership With Netflix is Not Happening- Even After Raising $320 Million and Stellar Blade’s Success, Shift Up isn’t Coming to Los Angeles Nikke’s Partnership With Netflix is Not Happening- Even After Raising $320 Million and Stellar Blade’s Success, Shift Up isn’t Coming to Los Angeles Nikke is not going to partner with Netflix anytime soon, as was earlier believed to be. The game was earlier anticipated to be turned into a Netflix original anime, but the plans of doing so seem to have come to a halt. Stellar Blade’s success paved the way for Shift Up to rise the ranks. Image Credit: Shift Up Even after Stellar Blade’s success, Shift Up, which was supposed to open a new office in Los Angeles, will no longer be doing so. Shift Up has no plans to establish a new studio in Los Angeles. Even After Shift Up’s Recent Success, The Studio Refuses To Turn Completely Commercial Nikke is one of the most successful games by Shift Up. Image Credit: Shift Up Shift Up is a South Korean game development company that is known for making visually striking games like Nikke: Goddess of Victory and Stellar Blade, which have proved to be immensely successful. Shift Up has managed to gain popularity due to its unique approach to game design and art. Shift Up recently raised $320 million following the successful run of games like Nikke and Stellar Blade by highlighting their potential. This massive influx of funds positioned the studio high up amongst some of the other studios in the global gaming industry. This recent investment will also pave the way for more ambitious projects and collaborations. One such collaboration was supposed to happen with Netflix, but it did not materialize. It was rumored that the studio is in talks to adapt the game into an anime. However, it could not materialize, and it has recently been confirmed that there is no partnership happening at this moment in time. Shift Up and Level Infinite confirmed that reports in an article by Eurogamer about “NIKKE becoming an anime for Netflix” and “SHIFT UP’s new Los Angeles studio” are both incorrect! “The official response is as follows. 1) At present, SHIFT UP has no plans to establish a new… pic.twitter.com/hczplVKdFw — Genki (@Genki_JPN) November 14, 2024 Despite the recent success, Shift Up is adamant about sticking to its roots in South Korea and not expanding to Los Angeles, which is a hub of video game studios. There could be various reasons attached with the studio’s decision to stay in South Korea itself. The studio might want to maintain creative control, get away from the high production cost in the USA, or just simply contribute to the growing gaming industry in South Korea. The $320 Million Funding Might Be Used To Build Upon Existing IPs After raising $320 million Shift Up wants to be left alone. Image Credit: Shift Up The decision to not collaborate with Netflix or even expand its office to Los Angeles stems from the ******* to maintain creative control and focus on building its own IPs further following their successful run. The studio wants to focus on localized content and digital distribution of its games globally instead of physically expanding and losing touch with its roots. This strategy might prove quite beneficial in the future. Fans do have mixed reactions to the news of the studio not collaborating with Netflix since people really wanted to see its games being adapted for screen. What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #Nikkes #Partnership #Netflix #Happening #Raising #Million #Stellar #Blades #Success #Shift #isnt #Coming #Los #Angeles Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

YouTube Said to Be Testing New Vertical Scroll Gestures for Mobile App, Leaving Users Disgruntled YouTube Said to Be Testing New Vertical Scroll Gestures for Mobile App, Leaving Users Disgruntled YouTube is testing new vertical scroll gestures for its mobile app that might change the way how users navigate through and consume content on the platform, according to claims on social media. The video-streaming platform is said to be testing a change in the outcome of the swipe-up and swipe-down gestures when the fullscreen mode is toggled on the YouTube app. Notably, this development comes after YouTube for Android and iOS was speculated to roll out the ability to control the playback speed of videos more intricately. At present, swiping up on any video on YouTube’s mobile app toggles the fullscreen mode, while swiping down brings it back to the default view. Additionally, it also allows users to see videos from the suggested, for you, or related tabs by swiping up when the fullscreen view is enabled. The functionality of these gestures are now tipped to be changed. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), user Tushar Mehta (@thetymonbay) highlighted new vertical swipe gestures that are currently being tested by YouTube. If the proposed changes come to fruition, swiping up on any video will automatically send the user to the next video, instead of minimising to the default view. This is said to work along the same lines as the scroll gestures on YouTube Shorts. Furthermore, swiping up when the playback controls overlay is on the screen will bring up a scroll window, enabling the user to scroll through the video frame-by-frame. However, this change is said to be in testing and has not been implemented on the current version of the YouTube mobile app. Despite this change not being official, users on X appeared to not be fond of it. “this is so frustrating. Frustrating enough to drive me to twitter to see if I’m the only one who’s annoyed”, commented one user. For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. Spotify for Podcasters Evolves Into a New Platform for Creators With Monetisation, Analytics and More Source link #YouTube #Testing #Vertical #Scroll #Gestures #Mobile #App #Leaving #Users #Disgruntled Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Russia’s economy is heading toward a fate worse than recession, pro-Kremlin economists say Russia’s economy is heading toward a fate worse than recession, pro-Kremlin economists say MIKHAIL METZEL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Russia is facing the mounting risk of stagflation, a think tank tied to the Kremlin said. The nation’s high interest rates will trigger an economic a downturn while inflation ******** high, TsMAKP said. Tight monetary policy is costing Russian business profitability and risks spurring bankruptcies. Moscow’s ******* attempt to stamp out inflation is driving the country towards its worst-case economic scenario, according to a Russian think tank tied to the government. On Wednesday, TsMAKP condemned Russia’s tight monetary policy, warning that high interest rates will trigger an economic downturn. With inflation still running hot, that could create a nightmare outcome for Kremlin officials: stagflation. “As a result of the central bank’s actions, the Russian economy is effectively facing the threat of stagflation — simultaneous stagnation or even recession and high inflation,” the government advising think tank said, as translated by Reuters. Latest national and global stories This scenario, where growth is low and inflation high, is most feared by any central bank. Stagflation is ******* to escape than a recession. When an economy typically slows down, central banks can loosen interest rates to revive activity. But that option disappears if inflation keeps rising: interest rates must stay high to cool price growth. Put simply, the Kremlin’s hands appear to be tied. Russia’s central bank has already sensed the looming risk of stagflation, citing that price growth remained stubbornly high in the first half of 2024 despite cooling domestic demand. To that end, the bank elected to raise Russia’s key interest rate to a record high of 21% last month, and indicated more to come. So far, however, high interest rates have shown limited impact on Russia’s inflation rate, which hit 8.63% in September. Though annual inflation slowed to 8.54% in October, food prices continue to soar. That includes Russian staples such as the potato, which is up 64% this year, as of November 5th. Russian prices may seem largely indifferent to tight monetary policy, but the country’s business leaders are not. Sergei Chemezov, the CEO of the country’s defense conglomerate Rostec, warned that record interest rates were costing businesses profitability, and would trigger nationwide bankruptcies. “The current high level of the key interest rate and the indicated prospects for further increases have created a risk of economic downturn and a collapse in investments in the near future,” TsMAKP said. With the central bank now operating in the shadow of stagflation, the worst may still be ahead. Data released on Wednesday showed that Russia’s economy slumped 3.1% year-over-year in the last quarter. Story Continues “We think that year-on-year GDP growth will probably slow further over the coming quarters as war-related constraints on the economy continue to act as a limit on activity, and monetary tightening weighs more heavily on domestic demand,” Capital Economics wrote on Wednesday But with inflation likely to remain elevated, the central bank will probably tighten monetary policy further.” The research firm expects Russia’s central bank to hike the key interest rate to 22% next month. Read the original article on Business Insider Source link #Russias #economy #heading #fate #worse #recession #proKremlin #economists Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Here’s the inflation breakdown for October 2024 — in one chart Here’s the inflation breakdown for October 2024 — in one chart A customer walks by a display of fresh eggs at a grocery store on Sept. 25, 2024 in San Anselmo, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Progress in the ****** to tame pandemic-era inflation appears to have stalled out in October, despite lower prices at the gasoline pump and a moderation in other consumer staples such as groceries. Meanwhile, economists think policies such as import tariffs floated by President-elect Donald Trump would likely — if enacted — exacerbate the inflation rate, which hasn’t yet declined to policymakers’ long-term target. The consumer price index, a key inflation gauge, was up 2.6% in October versus a year ago — an increase from 2.4% in September, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday. The reading was in line with economists’ expectations. While that October uptick may seem like a setback, consumers can take solace that broad price pressures are continuing to ease, economists and policymakers said. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Thursday said economic data points to inflation “continuing to come down on a bumpy path.” “One or two really good data months or bad data months aren’t going to really change the pattern at this point,” Powell said during a press conference. Stephen Brown, deputy chief North ********* economist at Capital Economics, echoed that sentiment: “The overall [inflation] trend is positive,” he said. In fact, the pickup in the annual inflation rate is at least partly due to a statistical quirk: The monthly inflation rate in October 2023 was unusually low, making the October 2024 reading look relatively high by comparison, economists said. ‘Lagged impacts’ create trouble spots Inflation has pulled back significantly from its pandemic-era peak of 9.1% in June 2022. However, there are still some trouble spots. Auto insurance prices, for example, are up 14% since October 2023, according to CPI data. More from Personal Finance:Credit card debt among retirees jumpsWhat the Trump presidency could mean for housingThe best ways to save money this holiday season Vehicle insurance premiums face “upward pressure” largely due to a lag effect from earlier inflationary dynamics, Brown said. For example, new and used vehicle prices began to surge in 2021 amid a shortage of semiconductor chips used to manufacture cars; because of that sticker shock, insurers’ cost to replace vehicles after a car accident is much higher, Brown said. Insurers also typically need approval from regulators to raise consumer premiums, a process that takes time, he said. “Lagged impacts” are affecting other categories, too, making for overall slow progress on reining in inflation, Brown said. Housing is the ‘major impediment’ Homes in Discovery Bay, California. David Paul Morri | Bloomberg | Getty Images Housing, the largest CPI category, is a key example of that lag. Shelter inflation has throttled back painfully slowly, even as inflation in the national rental market has declined considerably, economists said. “Market rents, newly signed leases, are experiencing very low inflation,” Powell said during the press conference. Shelter inflation has taken a long time to adjust to that housing backdrop due to how federal statisticians compile the CPI index. In short, its slow adjustment up or down is by design. “So that’s just a catch-up problem,” Powell said. “It’s not really reflecting current inflationary pressures.” CPI shelter inflation heated up on a monthly basis in October, rising to 0.4% from 0.2% in September. Its annual inflation rate has declined to less than 5% from a peak of more than 8% in early 2023. Shelter is “the continued major impediment to getting inflation all the way back,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s. The Federal Reserve has a long-term annual inflation target of around 2%. Where consumers saw some relief in October Brandon Bell | Getty Images News | Getty Images Consumers saw some relief at the grocery store and at the gas pump in October. Inflation for groceries cooled on a monthly basis, to 0.1% from September to October, down from 0.4% the prior month. Grocery prices are up about 1% since October 2023. They’re “very, very tame,” Zandi said. That’s despite various supply-and-demand idiosyncrasies that are raising prices for certain food items, he said. For example, avian flu, which is lethal for chickens and other birds, has negatively affected egg supply and led prices to swell 30% in the past year; similarly, a poor orange crop has pushed up orange prices 7% annually. The price for a gallon of gasoline fell 1% during the month, according to CPI data. Prices are down more than 12% in the past year. “Gasoline prices are way down,” Zandi said. Average prices could fall further, to below $3 a gallon, he said. They were at $3.05 a gallon, on average, as of Nov. 11, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. “We could get more relief there because global oil prices are soft,” Zandi said. That weakness may be in anticipation of President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed policies around China, said Zandi. Those may include tariffs of at least 60% on goods imported from China, which has a huge appetite for oil. If Trump’s policies were to negatively affect the ******** economy, they’d also likely dampen China’s oil demand. Trump policies thought to be inflationary Trump has proposed broader tariffs, of perhaps 10% or 20% on all goods imported to the U.S. Additionally, he has announced plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and enact a package of tax cuts. If put in place, such policies would likely stoke U.S. inflation, economists said. “While we believe that inflation ******** on a disinflationary trajectory, we now see the risks as clearly tilted to the upside,” Bank of America economists wrote in a note Monday. “These risks stem from potential policy changes rather than economic fundamentals.” Placing an import tax on goods would likely lead U.S. companies to raise prices for those goods, for example, economists said. Fewer immigrants in the labor pool may push businesses to raise wages to attract applicants and retain workers, while tax cuts could put more money in consumers’ pockets and boost their spending. “Indeed, we see pro-growth fiscal policy, tariffs, and tighter immigration as potential sources of upside inflation risk over the coming years if they are implemented,” Bank of America economists wrote. The annual inflation would likely be around 2.1% by the end of 2025 absent Trump’s policies, said Brown of Capital Economics. If enacted, that figure would likely be around 3%, he said, as a “ballpark estimate.” “The return of inflation to the 2% target may prove short-lived,” Brown wrote in a research note Wednesday. However, much depends on how, when and if those policies are enacted, economists said. Source link #Heres #inflation #breakdown #October #chart Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Can Trump impose tariffs without Congress? It’s complicated, according to experts. Can Trump impose tariffs without Congress? It’s complicated, according to experts. President-elect Trump, who has said he thinks “tariff” is “the most beautiful word in the dictionary,” has proposed a variety of taxes on goods imported from other countries. His aim is to deter ********* companies from relying on parts and goods from overseas, including from China, by making it more expensive for them to do so. He’s also claimed that he doesn’t need Congress’ support to impose the tariffs he’s floated. The reality is more complicated, according to economists and foreign trade experts. What has Trump proposed? On the campaign trail, Trump proposed tariffs of between 60% and 100% on ******** goods. He’s offered few additional details, however, such as whether the tariffs would apply to all goods, or just certain categories of products. He’s also proposed a sweeping tariff policy including a universal tax of between 10% to 20% on all imports, and has promised reciprocal tariffs on any country that imposes tariffs on *********-made goods. Can Trump unilaterally impose tariffs? Once he takes office, President-elect Trump has a few different pathways through which he could try to implement the types of tariffs he has proposed. The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the authority to impose tariffs in Article 1, Section 8, which states that “The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties…To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations.” But Congress can also selectively delegate tariff-setting authority to the President, which it has done for decades. Trump, in his first term as president from 2017-2021, made use of this presidential authority to increase tariffs: Duties paid on U.S. imports doubled from roughly $37 billion in 2015 to $74 billion in 2020, according to the Congressional Research Service. “Looking at his previous four years in office, he seems to believe he has the authority to impose tariffs,” said Jake Colvin, president of the National Foreign Trade Council, a group dedicated to advocating for U.S. companies in international commerce. “If they decide on day one that they want to use executive authority to put tariffs on ******** goods, they could probably go ahead and do that.” Colvin added that it will be important for the incoming Trump administration to provide businesses with more specifics so that companies can plan accordingly. “A lot has been proposed in the course of the campaign, so it’s important for the administration to give a signal about the path it intends to pursue, for clarity and planning purposes for ********* businesses,” he said. Presidential authority to impose tariffs The president has authority to impose a range of trade restrictions on foreign nations, said Inu Manak, a trade policy fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. “It seems pretty clear that he would pursue tariffs soon after taking office. During his last term, tariffs were a tool of choice in the trade war against China and against allies, too. So I believe that is a strategy he’ll replicate in his next term,” Manak told CBS MoneyWatch. Manak added that he would likely be able to do so without support from Congress. “The president has quite a bit of discretion to do what he wants,” she said. Legal powers at Trump’s disposal include Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, under which the president may impose retaliatory tariffs when “an act policy, or practice of a foreign country … violates, or is inconsistent with, the provisions of, or otherwise denies benefits to the ******* States under, any trade agreement, or … is unjustifiable and burdens or restricts ******* States commerce.” Trump has already relied on Section 301 to impose tariffs on China throughout 2018 and 2019, and he could, simply, expand upon existing tariff actions he’s already taken, according to Manak. “That would require no action from Congress, because they are already in place,” she said. In his previous term as president, he also made use of Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. It grants the president the authority to adjust imports, including by imposing tariffs, when they are found to be a threat to national security. Threats to national security There’s also the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which hasn’t been used to restrict trade since President Nixon was in office, from 1969 until his resignation in 1974. The act says “Any authority granted to the President by … this title may be exercised to deal with any unusual and extraordinary threat … to the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the ******* States, if the President declares a national emergency with respect to such threat.” “The authorities granted to the President … may only be exercised to deal with an unusual and extraordinary threat with respect to which a national emergency …” it adds in part. In other words, in order to use IEEPA to impose tariffs, Trump would have to declare a national emergency through an executive order, claiming that the U.S.’s trading partners pose an unusual and extraordinary threat. Alan Wm. Wolff, former deputy director-general of the World Trade Organization and a distinguished visiting fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE), is skeptical that Trump has the authority to impose sweeping tariffs under IEEPA. “Can it be used against trade with all countries, our allies and friends in Europe and Asia, in the Americas, not to mention the poorest countries in *******? That would simply be too large a power grab to have been within what Congress intended in this statute,” he wrote in a recent blog post. Discrimination against U.S. commerce Manak said that Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 could also conceivably give the president the authority to unilaterally raise tariffs. The rarely used act allows the president to impose duties of up to 50% of a product’s value, and is triggered when a president finds that a foreign country has imposed an unreasonable charge on, or discriminated against U.S. commerce. Typically, though, the finding has to come from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). “But the statute’s language is ambiguous in terms of what that would look like, and I would imagine he could pursue this without a final finding from ITC, or pursue it while a finding is being made,” she said. Impact of tariffs on consumer prices Some companies have already said they’re aiming to move production out of China to avoid Trump’s proposed tariffs. Shoemaker Steve Madden, for example, says it plans to import fewer goods made in China to the U.S., and replace them with items made in other countries. If imposed, the proposed tariffs on imports could lead to consumers losing between $46 billion and $78 billion in spending power each year on products including apparel, toys, furniture, household appliances, footwear and travel goods, according to the National Retail Federation. By another estimate, a 20% general tariff on all imported goods, combined with a 60% tariff on goods imported from China, would cost the typical U.S. households more than $2,600 a year. If Trump imposes a 10% tariff across the board instead, that would cost families $1,700 more, according to PIIE. More concrete data on what the cost will be on consumers may soon be available, as experts expect Trump’s proposed tariffs to be implemented rather quickly. “We would imagine that within a few months of him taking office, we would see the first tranche of tariffs taking effect,” Manak said. Megan Cerullo Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting. Source link #Trump #impose #tariffs #Congress #complicated #experts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What private equity NFL investment could mean for the league What private equity NFL investment could mean for the league The National Football League is now accepting investment from private equity firms. The process was a long time in the making, after peer leagues like Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association began doing so starting in 2019. “This is something that we’ve been considering as a league for five years, when some institutions started investing in other sports leagues,” said Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt. “We just felt it was the right time for the NFL.” In recent years valuations of professional football teams have skyrocketed, boosted in part by soaring media rights packages. The average NFL franchise is valued at $6.5 billion, according to CNBC’s Official NFL Valuations, while the NBA’s average franchise is worth about $4.4 billion, according to Forbes. “A lot of teams in the NBA have been at a cash-loss position every year, some in a nine-figure cash loss. But the valuations have increased much more than that,” said Sportscorp co-founder Marc Ganis. “It has been a way to create liquidity without having to borrow money and without having to do capital calls.” Watch the video above to learn more about how the NFL’s new guidelines for private equity will work and how they may affect the league moving forward. Source link #private #equity #NFL #investment #league Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The best gaming mouse in 2024 The best gaming mouse in 2024 No gaming mouse will magically stop you from getting wrecked in Counter-Strike or Call of Duty, but a good one can give you a greater sense of control while making your playtime more comfortable. Which one is “best” will always be subjective: Shape is king, as the adage goes, and everyone’s hands are different. That said, we’ve tested dozens of well-reviewed gaming mice over the past several months to find the ones that stood out the most. After playing through countless sessions of CS2, Overwatch 2, Final Fantasy XIV and more PC games, here are our picks for the best gaming mice you can buy, along with some general shopping advice to keep in mind before you pull the trigger. The best gaming mouse Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget Connectivity: Wireless, wired (USB-C) | Shape: Symmetrical | Weight: 54 grams | Dimensions: 5 x 2.51 x 1.57 inches | Sensor: Razer Focus Pro 35K Optical Sensor Gen-2 | Switches: Razer Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3 | Maximum polling rate: 8,000Hz | Programmable buttons: 6 | Battery life (rated): Up to 95 hours at 1,000Hz If money is no object, the best gaming mouse with a symmetrical design that we’ve tested is the Razer Viper V3 Pro. It costs a hefty $160, but it’ll give you little to complain about if you play a ton of competitive PC games and can stomach the price. With its lightly grooved sides, noticeable but not aggressive hump and gentle flare-outs toward the back, the Viper V3 Pro’s shape should be comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes and grip types. It’s a bit on the wider side, and it probably works best with a claw or fingertip grip, but it’s not so short or flat that it can’t accommodate palm grippers. The main mouse buttons are contoured in a way that gives your fingers a natural resting place, and there are little ledges on either side to subtly nudge them to the right spot when you’re scrambling in-game. Put another way, this is one of the safer shapes we’ve tested. The Viper’s build quality is excellent. It’s impressively light at 54 grams, which makes it a breeze to flick around in fast-paced games, yet its matte plastic frame isn’t covered in dust-inviting holes like many other options around the same weight. We’ve seen zero hints of creaking, flexing or rattling after months of testing. The finish picks up some finger smudges but is grippy and delightfully soft to the touch. The main click buttons use durable optical switches but aren’t especially loud. Though they aren’t quite as full or crisp as the absolute best mechanical switches, they’re still snappy to press, neither too firm nor too light. The two programmable side buttons are well-sized and easy to reach. The scroll wheel, meanwhile, is tight and quiet, with clearly defined steps and a textured finish. Performance, as is the case with many high-end gaming mice these days, is effectively flawless. Razer’s Focus Pro 35K Optical Sensor Gen-2 — say that five times fast — is basically overkill from a technological perspective but makes the mouse exceptionally accurate and consistent all the same. It’s aided by amply-sized, smooth-gliding PTFE feet and a rock-solid connection to an included “HyperPolling” dongle. The latter lets the mouse reach a maximum polling rate of 8,000Hz, but as noted below, few people will actually noticed any benefit from jumping that high. Mostly, it’ll just zap battery life: Razer says the Viper V3 Pro can get up to 95 hours at 1,000Hz, which is fine for this market and roughly consistent with our experience, but that drops to just 17 hours at 8,000Hz. If the price didn’t make it obvious, the Viper V3 Pro is for gaming enthusiasts. As such, it gives up some of the perks you’d find on more mainstream mice: There’s no RGB lighting or Bluetooth, while the power button/DPI switcher is located on the bottom of the device to make it ******* to hit by accident. Since the device uses a special dongle instead of a traditional receiver, it still requires you run a separate USB-C cable from your PC or gaming laptop. You can connect over that cable when the battery is low, thankfully, but it’s relatively thick. And while Razer’s Synapse software makes it simple enough to adjust settings, it’s something of a resource hog. It’s also Windows-only. These are all nitpicks, though. The Viper V3 Pro is outstanding, and it should feel right at home in the hands of committed FPS players. ***** Exceptional performance Superb build quality Comfortable for most grip types and hand sizes ***** Expensive Bit of a fingerprint magnet Thick charging cable $160 at Amazon Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget Connectivity: Wireless, wired (USB-C) | Shape: Right-handed | Weight: 63 grams | Dimensions: 5 x 2.67 x 1.73 inches | Sensor: Razer Focus Pro 30K Optical Sensor | Switches: Razer Optical Mouse Switches Gen-3 | Maximum polling rate: 8,000Hz (“classic base” model requires optional dongle) | Programmable buttons: 6 | Battery life (rated): Up to 90 hours at 1,000Hz If you want a premium gaming mouse with a more ergonomic shape, get the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro. It packs most of the same strengths as the Viper V3 Pro but has a taller, slightly wider and more dramatically flared design that’s tailored to right-handed users. Most people with medium to large hands should find it to be a natural fit with a palm or claw grip, though it’ll probably be a touch too **** for smaller-handed folks and fingertip grippers. This kind of shape isn’t as easy to whip around as the Viper, but its high, sideways-sloping hump should provide a more relaxing place to rest your hand over the course of the day. Razer sells two variants of the DeathAdder V3 Pro: one with a similar soft-touch finish as the Viper V3 Pro, and one with a more textured matte plastic coating. We tested the latter; it’s not as grippy or smooth to the touch, but it’s still good, and it’s much less of a fingerprint magnet. Also, the side buttons are *******, closer together and a smidge less tight, but they’re still difficult to hit by accident. The design is heavier at 63 grams, too, but still seriously lightweight. The PTFE feet are smaller but still glide reliably. And while the sensor is technically a generation older, performance is effectively flawless. Otherwise, you’re looking at a similar feature set. The optical main buttons are satisfying and consistent but not overly sensitive. The lightly notched scroll wheel is soft, quiet and resistant enough, if not firm. Battery life is rated at a decent 90 hours, and you can connect a lighter and more flexible USB-C cable in a pinch. Both versions of the mouse also support polling rates up to 8,000Hz, though only the SKU with the “smooth-touch” texture comes with a wireless dongle that enables those higher rates in the box. The textured “classic base” model comes with a smaller USB receiver that “only” goes up to 1,000Hz, but since it’s often available for less at third-party retailers, it’s probably a better value. In general, the biggest knock against the DeathAdder V3 Pro is that it’s expensive, with the 8,000Hz model priced at $160. The newer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, which costs $99, is a “1B” pick here. Although it’s positioned below the Pro in Razer’s lineup, it’s more of a “DeathAdder V3 Pro Mini” than a clear downgrade. It doesn’t give up the rechargeable battery, cutout-free shell, optical switches and soft (if smudge-heavy) coating of its ******* sibling, and while its sensor is technically worse, it still performs wonderfully. Its battery life rating is actually 10 hours higher at 1,000Hz, plus it has a built-in storage compartment for its USB receiver. The major difference is that it’s lighter (55g) and more compact, with a lower-profile scroll wheel and a marginally shorter hump. If your hands are on the smaller side, it’s worth grabbing instead. ***** Top-shelf performance Lightweight Comfortable for those with medium to large hands ***** Expensive Naggy software Not ideal for smaller hands $115 at Walmart Photo by Jeff Dunn / Endgadget Connectivity: Wired (USB-A) | Shape: Right-handed | Weight: 49 grams | Dimensions: 4.65 x 2.38 x 1.46 inches | Sensor: PixArt PAW3395 | Switches: Kailh GX | Maximum polling rate: 8,000Hz | Programmable buttons: 6 | Battery life (rated): N/A If you don’t mind connecting over a cable, our favorite wired gaming mouse with a symmetrical design is the Endgame Gear OP1 8K. It weighs just 50 grams and has a simple design with flat sides and a reasonably-sized hump sloping down the back. It’s a bit smaller and more narrow than most mice we’ve tested, so it’ll be comfiest with a claw or fingertip grip, though a palm grip can also work in smaller hands. The whole thing is incredibly sturdy, with no flex or rattle, while the smooth matte plastic coating gives a fair bit of grip. The built-in cable is light, flexible and cleverly titled upwards at the base of the mouse, all of which helps reduce any dragging sensation as you throw your hand around. The OP1 8K uses mechanical switches, but the mouse is designed in a way that makes them (relatively) easy to swap out in a worst-case scenario. In general, the device’s openness to customization is commendable — there are readily exposed screws on the bottom and a screwdriver, optional side grips and larger PTFE feet in the box. By default, the main clicks are on the stiffer side but fast to actuate and noticeably crisp. You can actually set these switches to use a “speed mode” that reduces click latency even further, but either way the buttons are easy to spam. The right mouse button on our unit does sound a little sharper than the left, but the difference isn’t severe and you can pop in quieter switches on the cheap if you want a different noise profile. The notched scroll wheel and two side buttons are well-tensioned, too. The latter feel somewhat hollow, but they’re hard to hit by accident. Sensor performance is predictably excellent; we saw no accuracy or motion delay issues across a range of games. With its light weight, fast clicks and smooth stock skates, everything about it feels tailor-made for snapping around in esports-style games like Counter-Strike 2 that prioritize quick reactions. The mouse also supports polling rates up to 8,000Hz — that’s still far from essential, but it’s at least easier to turn on when there’s no battery drain to worry about. We also like Endgame Gear’s configuration software, which looks like something out of the Windows 95 era but is simple to grok and takes up next to no resources. At $75, the OP1 8K certainly isn’t the cheapest wired mouse, but it’s still a good way less than wireless high-performance models. The most pressing issue may be that it can fall out of stock from time to time, as Endgame Gear is a relatively small company out of Germany. ***** Fast to click and flick Sturdy, ultralight design Light and flexible cable Hardware is customizable ***** A bit small for large hands Side buttons feel somewhat hollow Occasional stock issues $75 at Endgame Gear Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget Connectivity: Wired (USB-A) | Shape: Right-handed | Weight: 101 grams | Dimensions: 5.11 x 2.95 x 1.65 inches | Sensor: Razer Focus Pro 30K Optical Sensor | Switches: Razer Optical Mouse Switches Gen-2 | Maximum polling rate: 1,000Hz | Programmable buttons: 11 | Battery life (rated): N/A It’s a few years old, but the Razer Basilisk V3 ******** our favorite wired gaming mouse with an ergonomic design. This one is more aggressively contoured than “ergo” mice like the DeathAdder V3 Pro, with a large rubberized thumb rest, long main buttons and a rounded, moderately-sized hump running down its middle. It’s fantastically comfy for palm grippers with medium- to large-sized hands, but it’ll also play well with claw grips. Those who prefer a fingertip grip or just have smaller hands will likely find it too chunky, however. The design as a whole feels robust; there’s some minor flexing on the bottom-right side when you press down hard, but you’d have to go out of your way to notice it. The matte plastic finish is pleasingly textured and sufficiently grippy. The cable is plenty flexible, while the PTFE feet glide smoothly. We also dig the fun-but-not-garish RGB lighting around the mouse’s underside and scroll wheel. There are 11 customizable buttons in total, including two easy-to-reach side buttons and a dedicated “sensitivity clutch” that lets you momentarily drop to a lower DPI for moments where you may need to aim more precisely. The latter will be particularly tough for the smaller-handed to reach comfortably, though. The Basilisk V3 uses older optical switches than our other Razer top picks, but we haven’t had any double-clicking issues after well over a year of testing. While main clicks aren’t nearly as fast as those on the Endgame Gear OP1 8K, they strike an agreeable balance between firmness and speed. They aren’t all that loud, either. Similar to the Viper V3 Pro, the buttons are grooved in a way that naturally invites your index and middle fingers. The scroll wheel might be the weakest element: It has clearly defined steps and an easily identifiable texture, but it’s fairly loud and a bit wobbly. That said, it can tilt side-to-side — which helps explain the wobbliness — and there’s a built-in toggle that lets you swap between a normal ratcheted scroll and a free-spin mode. That can be handy outside of games — say, when you need to scroll through a giant document or Excel sheet. Razer’s Synapse software is still naggy with updates and Windows-only, but it makes customizing DPI levels, macros and RGB effects simple enough. You can save up to five different profiles to the mouse itself, though your lighting customizations won’t carry over. We haven’t had any major issues with sensor accuracy, either, but at roughly 100 grams, the Basilisk V3 is obviously heftier than the ultralight mice we highlight above. While you absolutely can go off in Counter-Strike or Valorant with it, the mouse’s weight and wide frame mean it’s not expressly designed for games like those. It also can’t go above a 1,000Hz polling rate. In many ways, this is the exact opposite of the OP1 8K, a device that feels designed from the ground up for competitive fare. Instead, the Basilisk V3 makes sense for righties who want a comfy and reliable mouse they can turn to for more casual gaming across genres. Razer sells it for $70, but since it’s usually available for less than $50 at third-party retailers these days, you can consider it our pick for the best budget gaming mouse as well. It’s worth noting that Razer released a slightly refreshed model called the Basilisk V3 35K since our last update. That one comes with a technically improved sensor and newer optical switches, though the weight and overall shape are virtually identical. Given that we didn’t have many issues with the tech inside of original V3, we’d still recommend getting the older version while it’s still in stock and available for less. If you see the V3 35K on ***** for a similar price, however, it should be safe to just get that one instead. ***** Super comfortable for medium to large hands Well-built, with flexible cable Versatile scroll wheel Good value ***** Too heavy to be ideal for FPS games Too bulky to be ideal for small hands Scroll wheel is noisy Naggy software $44 at Amazon Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget Connectivity: Wired (USB-A) | Shape: Right-handed | Weight: 108 grams | Dimensions: 4.98 x 2.48 x 1.57 inches | Sensor: PixArt PMW3391 | Switches: Omron D2FC-F-K | Maximum polling rate: 1,000Hz | Programmable buttons: 17 | Battery life (rated): N/A If you want a mouse specifically designed for MMO and MOBA games, get the Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite. It does the most important thing any MMO mouse can do, which is let you access several in-game actions with minimal effort. That’s thanks to its 12 programmable side buttons, all of which deliver a comfortable, firm-but-not-stiff sensation when pressed. Two of the panel’s four button rows are textured, which makes them easier to distinguish without having to look down. Uniquely, you can physically reposition this side panel with an Allen key included in the box, so if you find the buttons difficult to reach by default, you can address that. Either way, having a host of buttons right under your thumb makes it much easier to play MMOs like Final Fantasy XIV or even single-player RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3, which ask you to navigate multiple “hotbars” of commands at any given time. Like most MMO mice, the Scimitar RGB Elite is on the larger and heavier (108g) side, but it’s not the bulkiest model we’ve seen. Its shape should be accommodating to palm and claw grips, and most hand sizes. The middle has a rounded, not-overly-aggressive hump, while the bottom is more gently sloped than rivals like Razer’s Naga lineup. The overall construction feels well-built, with a smooth matte finish, a grippy pinky rest and decent PTFE feet. Internally, its optical sensor (the Pixart PMW3391) isn’t exactly advanced these days, but it’s more than consistent enough for MMOs and MOBAs, which don’t rely on precise, quick-twitch movements. It has no significant issues with latency, either. However, there are a few downsides. The braided cable feels durable but somewhat stiff. The scroll wheel is grippy and accurate enough, but it’s a touch too recessed between the main buttons, and it could be firmer. Those main buttons never feel mushy, but they use mechanical switches, so they carry more of a long-term durability risk than optical alternatives. (Corsair rates them at 50 million clicks.) And Corsair’s iCue software is, frankly, the worst: You can use it to customize key bindings, assign macros, adjust the (mild) RGB lighting and save profiles to the mouse, but figuring out how is wildly unintuitive. Nevertheless, the MMO gaming mouse market doesn’t really have one ******* option these days. At a price that usually hovers in the $60 to $75 range, the Scimitar RGB Elite offers better value than most. If you hate cables, Corsair sells a wireless version of the device too. ***** Cleverly textured side buttons make MMOs easier to navigate Generally comfortable and well-built Decent value relative to MMO mouse market ***** Stiff cable Scroll wheel is too recessed Annoying software $59 at Amazon Lamzu Connectivity: Wireless, wired (USB-C) | Shape: Symmetrical | Weight: 57 grams | Dimensions: 4.84 x 2.6 x 1.5 inches | Sensor: PixArt PAW3395 | Switches: Huano Transparent Blue Shell Pink Dot | Maximum polling rate: 4,000Hz | Programmable buttons: 6 | Battery life (rated): No rating provided While our top wireless picks are great, we realize that they aren’t cheap. If you want a performance-focused model with a symmetrical shape that isn’t as pricey, consider the Lamzu Atlantis OG V2 4K. Clunky name aside, it tracks accurately and feels well-built. Its mechanical clicks are crisp and full, while its scroll wheel is quiet and sufficiently tight. The lightweight wireless design (57g) is soft in the hand, though it’s another one that can pick up smudges fairly easily. It has a wider and lower-profile shape than the Viper V3 Pro, particularly toward the front, with a centered hump that isn’t quite as aggressive. It’ll feel at home with a claw grip for any hand size, but fingertip grippers should find it comfortable too. (Just stick with the Viper if you use a palm grip.) Beyond that, Lamzu’s companion software is ugly but functional, and the included charging cable is suitably flexible. The main knock against the Atlantis is the set of cutouts strewn about its baseplate, which reduce the weight but leave the mouse’s interior open to dust and debris. It’s better to have these holes on the bottom than the top if they must be there, but the Viper avoids this risk entirely. That said, the Atlantis costs $60 less, so it’s a decent value for a premium mouse. ***** Satisfying clicks and quiet scroll wheel Comfy for claw or fingertip grips Decent value ***** Holes in baseplate leave interior open to dust and debris Not ideal for palm grips Ugly software $102 at Amazon Pulsar Gaming Gears (Xlite V3 Medium) Connectivity: Wireless, wired (USB-C) | Shape: Symmetrical | Weight: 55 grams | Dimensions: 4.8 x 2.6 x 1.7 inches | Sensor: PixArt PAW3395 | Switches: Raesha Optical (90 M) | Maximum polling rate: 1,000Hz (4,000Hz with optional dongle) | Programmable buttons: 5 | Battery life (rated): Up to 100 hours at 1,000Hz The Pulsar Xlite V3, meanwhile, is an excellent alternative to the DeathAdder V3 Pro if you want a right-handed design. It has a similar contoured shape, so it’s great for palm and claw grips, but it’s a pinch lighter. Notably, Pulsar sells mini, medium and large variants, so you can choose a size that fits your hands best. Each have rigid outer shells and snappy optical buttons, though the smooth plastic coating isn’t as grippy as either of the DeathAdder’s finishes and the side buttons aren’t as crisp. Like the Atlantis, the Xlite V3 also has cutouts across the bottom, making it more susceptible to gunk. Still, this is a light, comfortable and highly responsive ergo mouse. For a typical street price of $70, it’s a strong buy. We’ll note that Pulsar has released a revised version of this mouse called the Xlite V4 since our last update. We haven’t been able to test it just yet, though it doesn’t appear to be a huge refresh, primarily adding a newer sensor in effectively the same shape. We’ll update this recommendation once we’re able to get our hands on the V4, but for now we stand by our current pick, especially when it’s available for a lower price. ***** Solid value Well-suited for palm and claw grips Available in different sizes ***** Holes in baseplate leave interior open to dust and debris Coating could be grippier $100 at Amazon Other gaming mice we tested The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2. (Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget) Note: The following is a selection of especially noteworthy mice we’ve tested, not a comprehensive list of every single model we’ve put through its paces. Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 is a close rival to the Razer Viper V3 Pro for those who want a no-frills, high-end wireless gaming mouse. It has a similar “potato”-style shape, its tracking is similarly tremendous and its optical-mechanical switches have a distinct feel. Unlike the first Superlight, it also charges over USB-C. But the Viper’s main clicks are crisper and more pleasant-sounding, its side buttons aren’t as mushy and its scroll wheel is both firmer and grippier. It’s also slightly lighter. Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX The G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX is the ergonomic version of the Superlight 2, packing the same sensor and hybrid switches in a chunkier, right-handed shape. We found its right side to flare out a little too much, though, often leaving our pinky finger in a less-than-comfortable position. Those with medium-sized hands may find its center hump to be too aggressive for consistent aiming as well. The DeathAdder V3 Pro’s main buttons are still more invitingly curved and consistent to press beyond that, while its coating isn’t as slippery. The DEX’s scroll wheel is tighter, and all of its internal tech is great, so by no means is this a poor choice. But at $159, there are better values out there. Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed Much like the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, Razer’s Viper V3 HyperSpeed is a lower-cost variant of the top-end Viper V3 Pro. (Confusing, we know.) At $70, it’s a solid value. Its symmetrical shape and soft-touch finish are virtually identical to the more premium model, and though it technically has a worse sensor, the drop-off is hardly noticeable. The main trade-off is that it’s heavier (about 82g), as it requires a AA battery for power. That doesn’t make it outright hefty, but you can feel the difference in twitchier games. It uses older mechanical switches and smaller PTFE feet, too, plus it lacks a port for connecting a cable. So it’s not as close to its big sibling as the mid-tier DeathAdder. Some may prefer that its DPI button is located on the top of the mouse, though, and its simpler on-off switch is nice. Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed The Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed is a more affordable wireless version of the Basilisk V3 with the same comfortable shape and layout, plus a quieter scroll wheel. Because it requires a AA battery for power, though, it weighs around 115g. That’s not great for fast-paced games. The scroll wheel can’t tilt left or right, either, nor can it switch between a ratcheted and free-spin mode. It also uses less durable mechanical switches and only supports one onboard profile. All that said, it’s a decent value at $70. Left to right: the Logitech G309 Lightspeed, the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed and the Pulsar X2 V2. (Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget) Pulsar X2 V2 The Pulsar X2 V2 is a good alternative to the Lamzu Atlantis OG V2 4K if you want a high-performing symmetrical mouse for less than the Viper V3 Pro. It has a broadly similar shape as Lazmu’s mouse but is marginally lighter. Its plastic shell is nice and sturdy, but we find its flatter sides and hump make it a little less inviting to palm and claw grips. It does use optical switches, but its main clicks aren’t as quiet or full-feeling as those of the Atlantis. It, too, has cutouts across the bottom shell. We’ve seen the X2 V2 go for $70 on Amazon in recent months — at that price, it’s still better for FPS players than the Viper V3 HyperSpeed, but we prefer the Atlantis when both are at their normal MSRP of $100. Pwnage Stormbreaker The Pwnage Stormbreaker is a superlight (51g), exceptionally sturdy and premium-feeling wireless mouse that’s largely made from magnesium alloy instead of plastic. It performs about on par with our top picks, which is excellent, while its right-handed, medium-sized shape should suit palm and claw grippers well. (If you know BenQ’s Zowie EC line, the shape is basically that.) However, the extensive cutouts all over the sides and top shell are noticeable in the hand and make the device more susceptible to debris buildup than the DeathAdder V3 Pro. While the buttons and scroll wheel are impressively tight, the main clicks are a bit too stiff and high-pitched for our liking. We also noticed more connection stutters than usual on our test PC, and it’s expensive at $169. BenQ Zowie U2 Speaking of BenQ, its Zowie U2 is a perfectly decent alternative to the Viper V3 Pro that costs about $30 less. It tracks great, it’s lightweight (60g) and its mechanical clicks feel fine. It also comes with two receivers, one of which doubles as a handy charging dock. It has a symmetrical shape with sides that curve inwards and a decently-sized hump at the back; BenQ says it’s designed for claw grips, and it is indeed good for that, but it should also work for fingertip grippers with larger hands or palm grippers with smaller ones. Alas, the scroll wheel is gratingly loud and the plastic coating picks up smudges and hand oils like it’s its job. There’s also no configuration software, which can make adjusting settings a little cumbersome, though some may prefer not having to install any extra bloat on their PC. This mouse also maxes out at a fairly basic 1,000Hz polling rate — that’s not a huge deal in practice, but it is technically behind many other mice in this price range. The Pwnage Stormbreaker (left) and BenQ Zowie U2 (right). (Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget) Logitech G309 Lightspeed There isn’t much wrong with the Logitech G309 Lightspeed in a vacuum. It’s built like a tank, its sensor is accurate and its egg-like shape should feel OK, if not superlative, in most hand sizes and grip types. It uses the same hybrid switches as the G Pro X Superlight 2, so the clicks don’t sound great but are fast. It also has a supercapacitor inside, which gives it effectively infinite battery life if you own Logitech’s (costly) PowerPlay charging mat. That’s neat! Most people, though, will need to pop in a AA battery, which pushes the weight up around 85 grams. As most of that weight is felt toward the back, the mouse can feel relatively clunky to fling around in FPS games. We’re not fans of the ugly recess across the middle of the device, either, as it creates a space for dust to collect. At $80, the G309 is still fine for more casual types who’ll only buy from a name brand. But unless you use PowerPlay, it doesn’t do much to stand out from other options around the same price. HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 is a decent wired model for those who want a flatter ambidextrous shape. It performs well for competitive play, and it’s plenty light (53g) thanks to a clever design with cutouts on the bottom that are covered by the mouse’s label. But the Endgame Gear OP1 8K is better-built and more comfortable, so we think it’s worth the extra cash. The Razer Viper 8KHz was another solid, albeit heavier, option with a similar shape, but it’s no longer available for purchase. A few more gaming mice we’ve tested. Left to right: the Glorious Model I 2 Wireless, the Razer Cobra Pro, the Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed and the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2. (Photo by Jeff Dunn / Engadget) HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Wireless The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Wireless is a budget-friendly wireless variant of the Haste 2. It may be OK if you must go wireless and only have $50 to spend, as its shell feels sturdy and its low-profile shape is well-suited to claw or fingertip grips. It’s a bit weightier than the wired Haste 2 (about 70g) since it runs on a AAA battery, but that’s nowhere near heavy. That said, its main buttons feel somewhat mushy, and we observed a few sensor hiccups and inconsistencies, particularly when we had HyperX’s Ngenuity software open. Logitech G502 X The Logitech G502 X has a generally similar shape as the Razer Basilisk V3, with a lower weight (84g) and more side buttons. However, its main buttons are noisier, it’s a slightly more awkward fit for most hands, its rubber cable isn’t as flexible and it lacks RGB. Logitech G203 Lightsync The Logitech G203 Lightsync is our former budget pick. It’s often available in the $30 range these days, and at that price it’s still fine if you want a competent gaming mouse for as little money as possible. You can feel the cost cutting in its rubbery cable and mushy scroll wheel, however, and its shape is a bit too small and flat for larger hands. The Logitech G305 Lightspeed is a wireless model with more or less the same shape, but it requires a AA battery to work and thus weighs just over 100g. It, too, feels somewhat outdated in 2024. Razer Cobra The Razer Cobra is another value-oriented wired option with a compact shape. It’s much lighter (58g) than the Logitech G203, with a more flexible cable and optical switches instead of mechanical ones. It’s priced at $40, though, putting it in something of a no man’s land between the G203’s and Basilisk V3’s usual going rates. The Endgame Gear OP1 8K still feels higher-quality across the board, but if you have smaller hands, use a fingertip grip and want a symmetrical mouse on the cheap, go for it. The Logitech G203 Lightsync (Jeff Dunn / Engadget) Glorious Model I 2 Wireless There’s plenty to like about the Glorious Model I 2 Wireless: an ergonomic shape that’s reminiscent of the Basilisk V3/Logitech G502 X but lighter at 75g, four customizable side buttons, the ability to connect over a USB receiver or Bluetooth, a smooth scroll wheel and tasteful RGB lighting, all for $100. However, its honeycomb-style design and mechanical switches both raise concerns about its long-term durability. Glorious Model D 2 Wireless The Glorious Model D 2 Wireless also has holes all over its shell yet doesn’t perform or feel significantly better than other mice around the $100 mark. Reviews from other sites say it has latency issues, too. The ergonomic Model D 2 Pro and symmetrical Model O 2 Pro aren’t loaded with cutouts, but their main buttons are relatively loud and sticky-feeling. Razer Naga Left-Handed Edition The Razer Naga Left-Handed Edition isn’t nearly as good of a value as the Scimitar RGB Elite, but it’s one of the few MMO mice that’s actually built for lefties. Logitech G600 We would continue to recommend our former MMO pick, the old but wonderfully versatile Logitech G600, but sadly it’s been discontinued. What to look for in a gaming mouse Wired vs. wireless Buying a wireless gaming mouse used to mean sacrificing a certain level of responsiveness, but thankfully, that’s no longer the case. Over the last few years, wireless connectivity has improved to the point where the difference in latency between a good wireless model and a tried-and-true wired gaming mouse is barely perceptible. Note, however, that we’re strictly talking about mice that use a 2.4GHz connection (over a USB dongle), not Bluetooth. Many of the best wireless gaming mouse models support both connection options, which is great for travel, but Bluetooth’s latency is generally too high to be reliable for gaming. Going wireless still has other trade-offs, too. Battery life is improving all the time, but with their higher performance demands and RGB lighting, most wireless gaming mice usually don’t last as long as “normal” wireless models. You shouldn’t expect more than a few days of power from a rechargeable gaming mouse you use regularly. Some gaming mice offer wireless charging too, which makes things a bit easier. Good wireless gaming mice usually come at a much higher cost than their wired counterparts as well. That’s not to say the premium is never worth it: Who wants yet another cable on their desk? You may need a wireless model if you hate the feel of “cable drag” or if your gaming PC is located in an awkward spot. Many wireless gaming mice come with a cable you can ***** up in a pinch as well. But if price is your primary concern, a good wired mouse may be a better value. Comfort and grip types Everyone’s hands are different, so at the end of the day, calling one mouse “more comfortable” than another is mostly subjective. Ensuring your comfort is the most essential step when buying any mouse, though, so we’ve done our best to consider how each device we tested works with smaller, average-sized and larger hands alike. We also considered how each peripheral accommodates the three grip styles most people use while holding a mouse: palm, fingertip and claw. As a refresher, a palm grip is when your whole hand rests on the mouse, with your fingers resting flat on the main buttons. A fingertip grip is when you steer the mouse solely with the tips of your fingers, with your palm not in contact with the device at all. A claw grip is when your palm only touches the back edge of the mouse, with your fingers arched in a claw-like shape toward the buttons. In general, most people use a palm grip, which tends to offer the greatest sense of control — though, depending on the size of your hand, you may need your mouse to be a specific length to use it comfortably. A fingertip grip can allow for more rapid movements, while a claw grip is something of a balance between the two. Switch and Click has a good breakdown if you’d like a bit more detail, but we’ve noted above if a mouse isn’t well-suited for a particular grip style. For what it’s worth, yours truly is a claw gripper most of the time. Build quality and design A good gaming mouse feels sturdy and won’t flex or creak when used strenuously. We valued mice without any overly sharp angles or grooves that could be awkward for most people to hold. And while most gaming mice have plastic exteriors, not all plastic is created equal, so we looked for finishes that were smooth, not too slick and capable of withstanding the sweaty palms that often come with competitive gaming sessions. The gaming mouse market is mostly split between two design styles: ergonomic and ambidextrous. Ergonomic mice are almost always made with right-handed users in mind and often feature dedicated thumb rests. Ambidextrous mice are more symmetrical and designed to be used with either hand (though they may not have extra buttons on both sides). Whether an ergonomic or ambidextrous gaming mouse works best for you is largely a matter of personal preference. A gaming mouse’s feet, meanwhile, should provide a consistent glide and reduce the friction between your mouse and mouse pad beneath it as much as possible. For the best performance, look for feet made from PTFE (aka Teflon). All feet will eventually wear down, but many mice come with spares, and most manufacturers sell replacements if needed. As for flashy RGB lighting, it’s a nice bonus, but little more than that. Still, if you’ve already kitted out your setup with RGB, having a mouse with adjustable lighting effects can add to the gaming experience (and more consumer tech could stand to do things for pleasure’s sake). More practically, some mice let you assign custom lighting settings to separate profiles, which can make it easier to see which one you’re currently using. Weight Gaming mice have gotten lighter and lighter over the years, with some recent releases weighing less than 40 grams. Your mouse doesn’t need to be that feathery — anything under 80g is still reasonably light, and it’s not like a 100g mouse feels like a total anchor. Regardless, a lightweight mouse makes it easier to pull off fast movements repeatedly, with less inertia. That said, some players still enjoy a little bit of bulk in their gaming mouse (relatively speaking), especially with games that aren’t as reliant on twitchy reactions. To reach those lightest weights, some manufacturers have released gaming mice with “honeycomb”-style designs, which feature an array of cutouts in the outer shell. These mice can still perform great, but having a bunch of holes that expose the internal circuit board to possible sweat, dust and detritus isn’t the best for long-term durability. Switches, buttons and scroll wheel A growing number of gaming mice use optical switches instead of mechanical ones. Since these involve fewer bits making physical contact, they should generally be more durable and less prone to unwanted “double-clicks” over time. Many gamers still find good mechanical switches more satisfying to press, so it’s not like you should avoid mechanical mice altogether. They just carry a little more long-term risk in a vacuum. Since most people will use their gaming mouse as their mouse-mouse, you may want main buttons that have a softer feel when pressed, with enough travel to make inadvertent actuations less frequent. But even that is a matter of preference: You may want lighter buttons if you play games that call for constant clicking. We also looked to testing from sites like Rtings to ensure each mouse we recommend has a sufficiently low click latency, meaning your clicks will register with minimal lag. Beyond the standard click panels, a good gaming mouse should also have programmable buttons for quick macros or shortcuts. For most games, ****** for at least two extra buttons on the thumb-side panel that are easy to reach and difficult to press by accident. Many mice have more buttons, which can be a plus, but not if they force you to contort your fingers to avoid hitting them. For MMO mice, having at least 12 side buttons is preferable in order to access as many hotbar commands as possible. As for the scroll wheel, it should have distinct, ratcheted “steps” that aren’t too resistant but make it clear when you’ve actually scrolled. Its texture should be grippy, and it shouldn’t make a distracting amount of noise when used. The wheel should also be clickable, giving you another input to customize for certain games (e.g., to control the zoom on a ******* rifle). Sensors and performance Some are more proficient than others, but generally speaking, the optical sensors built into most modern gaming mice are more than fast and accurate enough for most people’s needs. While shopping for gaming mice, you’ll see a number of terms related to sensor performance. To be clear, a gaming mouse’s responsiveness doesn’t come down to just one spec. But for clarity’s sake, here’s a rundown of the more noteworthy jargon: DPI, or dots per inch, is a measure of a mouse’s sensitivity. The higher the DPI setting, the more your cursor will move with every inch you move the mouse itself. Many of the best gaming mice advertise extremely high DPIs that top out above 30,000, but that’s largely marketing fluff: Few people play above 3,000, with 800 a common sweet spot. This concept is also referred to as CPI (counts per inch), which is probably the more accurate term, though DPI is used more often. IPS, or inches per second, refers to the maximum velocity a mouse sensor supports. The higher the IPS, the faster you can move the mouse before it becomes incapable of tracking motions correctly. Acceleration goes with IPS. In this context, it refers to how many Gs a mouse can withstand before it starts to track inaccurately. Polling rate is a measure of how often a mouse tells a computer where it is. In general, the more frequently your mouse reports information to your PC, the more predictable its response time should be. Anything at 500Hz or above is fine for gaming. The sweet spot for most is 1,000Hz. Many newer mice can go all the way up to 8,000Hz, but you start to see diminishing returns the higher you go unless own a powerful PC and play on a gaming monitor with a particularly high refresh rate. Lift-off distance is the height at which a mouse’s sensor stops tracking the surface below it. Many competitive players like this to be as low as possible in order to avoid unintended cursor movements while repositioning their mouse. Software and onboard memory It doesn’t take long to find horror stories about bugs and other ********* issues caused by gaming mouse software, so the ideal app is one that doesn’t force you to use it all the time. It should let you adjust as many of the aspects above as possible, ideally to several distinct profiles. Preferably, you can save your settings directly to the mouse itself, letting you pick your customizations back up on another device without having to redownload any software. All this is most important on Windows, but Mac compatibility is always good to have. Warranty and customer support Most major gaming mice brands offer warranties between one and three years. The longer and more extensive a manufacturer’s program is, the better. This is the case with most consumer tech, but we note it here because the gaming mouse market is particularly flush with products from less-than-household names, many of which you may see hyped up on YouTube, Reddit or elsewhere around the web. A bunch of these more obscure mice are genuinely great, but if you ever buy from a more niche brand, it’s worth checking that some level of customer support is in place. We’ve made sure our picks for the best gaming mice aren’t riddled with an abnormal amount of poor user reviews. Recent updates November 2024: We’ve updated this guide with testing notes on the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX. We’ve also added mentions of the Razer Basilisk V3 35K and Pulsar Xlite V4, two recently released updates to a couple of our current picks. We aim to test those more fully, alongside a few others, for our next update. September 2024: We’ve completely refreshed this guide for late 2024, adding new main picks based on shape alongside notes on several other gaming mice we’ve tested in recent months. We’re now in the process of testing Logitech’s new G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX, a flagship ergonomic mouse that the company announced right as we were putting the finishing touches on this update. Source link #gaming #mouse Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Potholes still affecting rural journeys after £500m spend Potholes still affecting rural journeys after £500m spend BBC There have been almost 120,000 road defects and potholes recorded in Northern Ireland since January this year Potholes and the deteriorating conditions of rural roads are affecting journeys with vulnerable passengers, a transport provider has said. Frances Scullion is a driver with Out and About Community Transport in Magherafelt, a charity that offers lifts and day trips to elderly and vulnerable adults. “I have passengers in their 90s and wheelchair users, and some of the rural roads I drive on are just getting in worse condition, so you just have to always be extra vigilant,” he said. New figures show that more than £500m has been spent on trying to fix Northern Ireland’s roads during the last five years. But Mid Ulster, where the largest amount of money was spent, still has one of the highest numbers of potholes in Northern Ireland. Frances Scullion is a driver with Out and About in Magherafelt More than £500m has been spent on trying to fix Northern Ireland’s roads during the last five year Out and About Community Transport makes about 200,000 journeys annually, taking vulnerable passengers to appointments and the shops – it is raising serious concerns about the state of the roads. Mr Scullion, who spends his days driving for the dial-a-lift service, said rural roads in Mid Ulster are “very tired” and “the edges have eroded away”. “When I’m driving these roads I’m always having to scan ahead to see just where the potholes are, because there are plenty of them,” he said. “Rural roads make up about 60% of my journeys, and they are continuously eroding and wearing on the vehicle’s suspension and it’s causing ongoing damage to the buses.” ‘I’m constantly called about potholes’ For most local councillors, especially those in rural areas, the issue of potholes is not a new one. Malachy Quinn, an SDLP councillor in Mid Ulster, said people “can sometimes mock councillors for getting pictures beside potholes and things like, but it’s probably the issue I get people calling me and talking to me about most in this area”. Malachy Quinn Councillor Malachy Quinn standing in a deep pothole on the Ferry Road last year For years he has been on a mission to raise the state of the ****** Road in the Washingbay area of County Tyrone. Last year he posted a picture on social media of himself standing hip deep in a pothole on the road. “That picture did get a lot of reaction, and although it was filled in after that, it’s already started to fall away again into a pothole, but that’s just one example. “That road is full of them. “These are potholes that have formed during the summer, and things are only going to get worse during the winter. “We’ve had some resurfacing schemes and you can see how much is being spent on road repairs, and while investment is welcome, it’s just papering over the cracks.” Malachy Quinn standing at the same pothole a year later, which is beginning to open up again Investment DfI figures show there have been almost 120,000 road defects and potholes recorded in Northern Ireland since January this year, and structural maintenance expenditure has been increasing year on year. Structural maintenance includes resurfacing and reconstruction of roads and footways, as well as investment in both drainage infrastructure and in the structural stability of embankments. The majority were recorded in the western roads division which includes parts of Mid Ulster, Fermanagh and Londonderry. Almost 120,000 potholes were detected across Northern Ireland in 2024 Clement Cuthbertson, a DUP councillor for Mid Ulster, said the figures “mightn’t be considered that surprising given that Mid Ulster has so many rural roads and important trunk roads that constantly need maintenance”. “So while the money being spent is welcomed, and it’s high, the state of the roads show it’s not enough when you look at the level of potholes that we still have.” Jason Donaghy, who manages the Fermanagh Community Transport service, said potholes make life even ******* for passengers with painful physical conditions. “The roads make for a very uncomfortable and increasingly unsafe journey for folks who are already very, very vulnerable,” he said. Mr Donaghy told the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme that repairs were taking place, but they were only a short-term solution. “What we do see is a patch-up job and a very poor patch-up job at that. “No sooner are they filled to the holes reoccur again very, very quickly,” he said. Clement Cuthbertson believes more investment is needed in mid ulster’s road infrastructure Potholes ‘allowed to get deeper’ DUP assembly member Stephen Dunne, who sits on Stormont’s infrastructure committee, said it was important to point out poor road maintenance is both “a rural and urban issue”. But he did acknowledge that potholes are now allowed to get deeper before they are fixed. “There was a recent change in the intervention level – from 15mm down to 20mm – so that has had a significant impact where many potholes are left to further deteriorate,” he said. “I think we have an approach from the department where it’s penny wise, pound foolish, where they seem to be prepared to simply pay out on claims rather than getting to grips with the issue.” Mr Dunne insisted the committee has “consistently challenged” the minister on potholes. Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd recently launched the Road Safety Strategy to 2030, which sets the direction for future road safety policies and actions. This includes regular inspections of the road network to identify defects with funding targeted at areas of greatest need. A DfI spokesperson added: “Sadly, evidence shows that more than 95% of road deaths are due to human error – including careless or inattentive driving, inappropriate speed for the road or the conditions, and drink and ***** driving account for most deaths and serious injuries. “One of the best ways to ensure safety on our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating ****** and serious injury by 2050, is by changing road user behaviour.” Source link #Potholes #affecting #rural #journeys #500m #spend Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Floreat’s starving teen ballerina, now aged 20, withdrawn from giving evidence at parents’ neglect trial Floreat’s starving teen ballerina, now aged 20, withdrawn from giving evidence at parents’ neglect trial WARNING: CONFRONTING IMAGES. The ballerina whose parents are accused of starving her in their Floreat home has been withdrawn from testifying at their ********* neglect trial, in a dramatic last-minute twist. The now 20-year-old teacher was due to give evidence as a defence witness at the District Court of WA trial on Thursday. But after her name was called out before the jury, an agonising wait ensued. And following an adjournment, Michael Perrella, representing the mother, told the jury that it had been decided the girl would not be called. “There’s been a change of mind and you have decided not to call her?” Judge Linda ****** said, and Mr Perrella confirmed. Judge ****** told the jury there was “no point speculating” about the afternoon’s events, adding that all they needed to know was there was only one more witness to hear on Friday. The trial is running way overtime, flagged from the outset as lasting longer than its scheduled seven days and now in its fourth week. Camera IconThe mother said she had no concern about how her daughter looked in this photo. “She was always like that and everyone has a different body,” she said. Credit: Unknown/Supplied The girl’s parents have both given testimony, with the father depicted as the household’s controlling force, who tried to shield his wife from concerned enquiries about the girl from dance teachers and the Department of Communities. He admitted, under questioning by Mr Perrella, that he would access his wife’s phone without her permission – and delete messages without her knowledge. But that was described by prosecutor Jenha Winter as convenient. “You are now claiming it was all him … coercive, controlling and abusive,” Ms Winter said. “No, but he is those things,” the woman replied. Ms Winter said the mum was “not ******” and intelligent, accusing her of “consciously disregarding” concerns being raised. “You could physically see it in front of you and you ignored it,” the prosecutor said. Camera IconMs Winter said the mum was “not ******” and intelligent, accusing her of “consciously disregarding” concerns being raised. Credit: Unknown/The West *********** The mum denied that, crying as she said: “I thought she was beautiful how she was. I thought she was perfect how she was”. The girl was hospitalised in April 2021 when she was about to turn 17 – weighing the same as an average nine-year-old at just 28.1kg – and taken into the care of the State the following day. Her growth had been stunted — giving her a “bone age” of 13 — and puberty had been delayed. A vegan since the age of 12, she was fed via nasogastric tube for almost a week and ended up staying for 50 days after gaining 7kg and growing 3.4cm in height. Camera IconThe girl after she had gained weight and turned 17 during her emergency, 50 day admission to Perth Children’s Hospital in 2021. Unknown Credit: Unknown/Supplied The mother tearfully raised her voice in anger when complaining that hospital medics insisted the girl have the tube, which the couple objected to. “They all just swarmed on us and just surrounded us,” she said. “This was like an ambush.” The mother defended the couple stopping a blood test mid-way, saying the nurse who performed it was “useless”, causing the girl’s veins to collapse. She also said a GP appointment mandated by the department that led to the hospitalisation “wasn’t even an independent assessment”. The woman also reiterated an allegation that social worker Denise McNab grabbed her and her daughter roughly while trying to enforce a time limit on visits. Ms Winter then pointed out that the woman had also complained about Tania Shillington, one of the dance teachers who independently raised the alarm with the department. “Has everyone conspired against you?” the prosecutor asked. The mother replied: “It seems that way”. The parents are also accused of infantilising the avid dancer, wanting to keep her their “little girl forever”, which they denied. The father pleaded guilty at the start of the trial to uttering a forged record, having doctored their only child’s birth certificate to say she was two years younger than she actually was. Closing submissions will be heard next week before the jury deliberates its verdict. If you need help or support for an eating disorder or body image issue, please call Butterfly’s National Helpline on 1800 334 673 or email *****@*****.tld Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Source link #Floreats #starving #teen #ballerina #aged #withdrawn #giving #evidence #parents #neglect #trial Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]