News Companion

Day: June 3, 2024

Cyndi Lauper Announces Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour

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Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper Announces Farewell Tour

Cyndi Lauper, the iconic “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” singer-songwriter, has revealed her retirement from touring with the announcement of a farewell tour. The tour, dubbed the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour, marks Lauper’s final journey across 23 cities in North America this fall, bidding adieu to her life on the road.

Farewell Tour Details

The tour, considered Lauper’s first major road trip in ten years, is scheduled to kick off on October 18th in Montreal, wrapping up on December 5th at Chicago’s United Center. Along the way, fans can catch her electrifying performances at renowned arenas, including New York’s Madison Square Garden, Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome, and San Francisco’s Chase Center. Additionally, a special non-arena show will take place at Detroit’s Fox Theatre on October 24th.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour will be available for purchase through various presales, starting with an artist presale on Tuesday, followed by other presales, before the general on-sale begins on Friday at 10 a.m. local time at LiveNation.com. Opening acts for the tour will be announced at a later date.

Documentary Premiere

Coinciding with the tour announcement, Lauper’s career documentary, Let the Canary Sing, is set to premiere on Paramount+ on Tuesday. Directed by Alison Ellwood, the documentary offers an intimate look into Lauper’s illustrious career. Lauper will also be participating in a handprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, followed by a private local premiere of the film, alongside a Q&A session. Additionally, she will be appearing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to discuss both the documentary and her farewell tour.

The Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour dates:

Here’s the complete list of tour dates for the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour:

  • Fri Oct 18 | Montreal, QC | Bell Centre
  • Sun Oct 20 | Toronto, ON | Scotiabank Arena
  • Thu Oct 24 | Detroit, MI | Fox Theatre
  • Sat Oct 26 | Boston, MA | MGM Music Hall at Fenway
  • Sun Oct 27 | Washington, DC | Capital One Arena
  • Wed Oct 30 | New York, NY | Madison Square Garden
  • Fri Nov 01 | Nashville, TN | Bridgestone Arena
  • Sun Nov 03 | Columbus, OH | Schottenstein Center
  • Wed Nov 06 | Tampa, FL | Amalie Arena
  • Fri Nov 08 | Hollywood, FL | Hard Rock Hollywood
  • Sun Nov 10 | Atlanta, GA | State Farm Arena
  • Tue Nov 12 | Dallas, TX | American Airlines Center
  • Thu Nov 14 | Austin, TX | Moody Center
  • Sat Nov 16 | Houston, TX | Toyota Center
  • Tue Nov 19 | Phoenix, AZ | Footprint Center
  • Wed Nov 20 | San Diego, CA | Viejas Arena
  • Sat Nov 23 | Los Angeles, CA | Intuit Dome
  • Sun Nov 24 | Palm Desert, CA | Acrisure Arena
  • Tue Nov 26 | San Francisco, CA | Chase Center
  • Sat Nov 30 | Portland, OR | Moda Center
  • Sun Dec 01 | Seattle, WA | Climate Pledge Arena
  • Wed Dec 04 | Minneapolis, MN | Target Center
  • Thu Dec 05 | Chicago, IL | United Center

Rumer Willis and Sisters Celebrate Mom Demi Moore’s Rise to Iconic Status: “You Look Iconic”

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5 1 Rumer Willis and Sisters Celebrate Mom Demi Moore's Rise to Iconic Status: "You Look Iconic"

Rumer Willis: Embracing Mom’s Iconic Moments

Rumer Willis, daughter of Hollywood icons Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, is proudly cheering on her mother’s recent spotlight moments. Fans have coined this resurgence in Demi Moore’s career and fashion as the “Demi-ssance,” drawing parallels to Matthew McConaughey’s celebrated career revival, the “McConaissance.”

A Sisterly Cheer Squad: “Lineage of Females”

In a recent interview on “Today,” Rumer shared insights into the supportive dynamic among her and her sisters, Scout and Tallulah Willis. They’ve formed a dedicated group chat, affectionately named “Lineage of Females,” solely focused on hyping up their mother’s stunning red carpet appearances.

“We’re constantly in awe,” Rumer expressed, mimicking the excitement of their chats. “We shower her with praises like, ‘Mom, you’re absolutely iconic!’ It’s a frenzy of admiration.”

From Mentor to Muse: Demi Moore’s Influence

Reflecting on her mother’s journey, Rumer fondly recalls the sacrifices Demi made to nurture their family. Now, witnessing her mother’s multifaceted talents on display, particularly during the pandemic, has left Rumer deeply impressed.

“She’s not just a phenomenal actress; she’s also been my mentor,” Rumer shared. “During lockdown, she was there helping me with auditions, and I was blown away by her insights and skills.”

Embracing Vulnerability: Demi Moore’s Cannes Revelation

Demi Moore’s recent role in “The Substance” has garnered attention, especially for its portrayal of vulnerability and rawness. Speaking at Cannes, Moore delved into the challenges and depth of her character, Elizabeth Sparkle, who undergoes a transformative journey fueled by a mysterious substance.

“The role demanded a level of emotional depth that was both daunting and exhilarating,” Moore explained during a press conference. “Engaging in scenes of nudity required immense trust and sensitivity, elements that Margaret Qualley, my co-star, embodied effortlessly.”

A Testament to Trust: Moore and Qualley’s On-Screen Chemistry

Despite the intimate nature of their scenes, Moore credits Qualley with fostering a safe and supportive environment on set. Their camaraderie and shared understanding added a layer of comfort to the vulnerable moments captured on screen.

“In Margaret, I found not just a co-star, but a true partner in storytelling,” Moore expressed. “Our shared experiences, both poignant and absurd, allowed us to navigate these challenging scenes with grace and humor.”

In essence, Demi Moore’s resurgence signifies not just a career revival but a testament to resilience, vulnerability, and the enduring bonds of family support. As her journey continues to unfold, audiences eagerly anticipate the next chapter of the “Demi-ssance.”

BYD Launches Affordable Hybrids with 1,300-Mile Range

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BYD Launches Affordable Hybrids with 1,300-Mile Range

BYD has just rolled out new, budget-friendly hybrid electric vehicles that can travel an impressive 1,300 miles without needing to recharge or refuel. This exciting development is set to shake up the electric vehicle (EV) market.

Rising EV Sales in China

Experts expect China’s EV sales to bounce back in May after a slow start earlier this year, which was partly due to seasonal factors and ongoing price competition.

BYD: Tesla’s Main Competitor

BYD’s Strong Sales

In May, BYD, Tesla’s biggest rival, sold 331,817 EVs. This is a 5.9% increase from April and a 38.1% jump from the same time last year. While this is slightly below December’s record of 341,043, it includes 184,093 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and 146,395 fully battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Innovative Technology

BYD’s latest boost in sales is thanks to its new fifth-generation hybrid electric powertrain technology, launched on May 28. This tech can cover 2,100 kilometers (1,305 miles) on a full charge and tank, with some real-world tests reaching 2,500 kilometers. That’s about double the range of the longest-range hybrids currently available in the U.S.

New Models and Pricing

BYD has also introduced new models: the Qin L and Seal 06, both featuring the latest hybrid tech and starting at under RMB 99,800 ($14,000). They began deliveries just before the end of May, along with the all-electric Sea Lion 07 crossover, which competes with Tesla’s Model Y.

Market Reaction

BYD’s stock saw a 5% increase in Hong Kong trading, though it dipped slightly by 0.7% on Friday. The shares have recently regained their 50-day and 200-day moving averages.

How Other EV Makers Are Doing

Li Auto

Li Auto delivered a record 35,020 EVs in May, up 35.8% from April and 23.85% from last year. The new L6 SUV, which is an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), has been particularly popular since its April launch.

Nio

Nio delivered 20,544 EVs in May, a 31.5% increase from April and a 233.8% jump from last year. So far this year, Nio has delivered 66,217 vehicles, up 51% from the previous year. They also recently launched the Onvo L60 EV, aimed at the mass market.

XPeng

XPeng delivered 10,146 EVs in May, marking an 8% increase from April and a 35.2% rise from last year. They are expected to unveil a new model from their affordable Mona sub-brand in June.

Zeekr

Zeekr, part of the Geely auto giant, delivered 18,616 EVs in May, setting a record for the second month in a row. This represents a 15.7% increase from April and a 114.5% rise from last year. So far this year, Zeekr has delivered 67,764 vehicles, up 111.7% from the previous year.

BYD’s new hybrid electric vehicles and the fierce competition among other EV makers like Li Auto, Nio, XPeng, and Zeekr highlight the fast-changing and exciting landscape of the EV market. With these companies pushing boundaries and launching innovative products, the race to lead the global EV market is heating up.

Salesforce Stock Drops 21.6%: Analyzing Earnings Miss and Future Prospects

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Salesforce Stock Drops 21.6%

Salesforce stock (NYSE: CRM) experienced a significant drop of 21.6% on May 30th, starkly contrasting with the 1% decrease in the S&P 500. Meanwhile, Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), a peer in the industry, saw its stock fall by only 5% during the same period. This sharp decline for Salesforce followed the announcement of its first-quarter FY 2025 earnings, which missed revenue expectations and presented lower-than-anticipated guidance for Q2 and the full year FY 2025.

Current Financial Performance

Year-to-Date Performance

As of now, Salesforce stock is down 19% year-to-date, while the S&P 500 has risen by 10%. At its current price of $218 per share, Salesforce is trading 27% below its estimated fair value of $298, according to Trefis.

Historical Performance and Volatility

Over the past three years, Salesforce’s stock performance has been volatile:

  • 2021: +14%
  • 2022: -48%
  • 2023: +98%

In comparison, the S&P 500 returns for the same years were 27%, -19%, and 24%, respectively, highlighting that Salesforce underperformed the S&P 500 in 2021 and 2022.

Revenue and Earnings Report

Q1 FY 2025 Results

Salesforce reported total revenues of $9.13 billion for Q1 FY 2025, marking an 11% year-over-year increase. This growth was primarily driven by a 12% rise in subscription and support revenues. Key sub-segments contributing to this growth included:

  • Sales Cloud: +10%
  • Service Cloud: +11%
  • Integration & Analytics: +24%

Notably, Salesforce generates around 95% of its total revenues from subscription and support income. The company also saw a favorable decrease in operating expenses, leading to an operating margin of 18.7%, up from 5%. Overall, net income improved significantly from $199 million to $1.53 billion.

FY 2024 Performance

For FY 2024, Salesforce’s total revenues grew by 11% year-over-year to $34.9 billion, driven by a 12% increase in subscription and support revenues. The reduction in total expenses as a percentage of revenues led to an improved operating margin of 14.4%, up from 3.3%. Consequently, GAAP net income surged from $208 million to $4.14 billion.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Salesforce expects Q2 revenues to range between $9.20 billion and $9.25 billion. For FY 2025, we estimate Salesforce’s revenues to be approximately $38 billion. Additionally, the revenue per share is likely to increase to $37.59, which, coupled with a price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 7.9x, leads to an estimated valuation of $298.

Market Challenges and Predictions

Macro-Economic Environment

Given the current uncertain macroeconomic environment, characterized by high oil prices and elevated interest rates, Salesforce might face challenges similar to those experienced in 2021 and 2022. The question remains whether CRM will underperform the S&P 500 over the next 12 months or if it will witness a strong recovery.

Investment Portfolio Performance

While individual tech stocks, including Salesforce, have shown volatility, the Trefis High-Quality Portfolio, consisting of 30 stocks, has consistently outperformed the S&P 500 each year. This portfolio has provided better returns with less risk, offering a more stable investment option in uncertain times.

Oilers Defeat Stars in Thrilling Game 6 to Secure Stanley Cup Final Berth

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Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers have completed a remarkable journey, transforming from the worst to the first in the Western Conference. Their reward? A shot at the Stanley Cup.

McDavid Shines in Opening Period

Connor McDavid kickstarted the Oilers’ momentum with a goal and an assist in the opening period. Stuart Skinner, the hometown hero, stopped 34 shots, helping the Oilers secure a 2-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Sunday night.

Key Contributions from Hyman and Bouchard

Zach Hyman scored on a first-period power play, and Evan Bouchard provided two assists. These efforts propelled the Oilers to win the Western Conference final in six games, marking their first Stanley Cup appearance since 2006.

Facing the Panthers in the Final

The Oilers now head to Florida to face the Panthers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. This series marks the longest distance between Final opponents in NHL history, with 2,540 miles separating Edmonton and Sunrise, Florida.

Historic Achievement for Canadian Teams

Edmonton is the first Canadian team to reach the Final in a non-COVID-19-affected season since the Vancouver Canucks in 2011. The last Canadian team to win the Cup was the Montreal Canadiens in 1993.

“When the horn went off, that’s the loudest I ever heard it,” McDavid told Sportsnet during the on-ice celebration. Edmonton fans chanted “We want the Cup” in unison, reflecting the city’s rich hockey history and passionate support.

Stars’ Efforts Fall Short

Mason Marchment scored for the Stars in the third period, and Jake Oettinger stopped eight shots. Despite finishing the regular season with the second-best record in the NHL, the Stars couldn’t maintain their conference final lead.

Heartbreak for Dallas

“We should be going to play a Game 7, but we’re not,” Stars coach Peter DeBoer said. “You have to give Edmonton credit. Their power play and goaltender were excellent. It’s fine lines at this point of the year.”

Edmonton’s Improbable Run

The Oilers’ journey to the Cup final is nothing short of extraordinary. They were 10 points out of a playoff spot during the regular season and had a 5-12-1 record entering games on Nov. 24. However, a mid-season coaching change and an eight-game winning streak turned their fortunes around.

A Remarkable Turnaround

Under new coach Kris Knoblauch, the Oilers embarked on a historic comeback, finishing the season with a 44-15-5 record. They led the league in goals (239) and goal differential (plus-76) during this period.

“We’re not done here. This is just one step in the right direction for us,” Edmonton’s Mattias Ekholm stated.

Eyes on the Stanley Cup

The Oilers aim to bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada, joining the ranks of Toronto (1958-59) and St. Louis (2018-19) as teams that made the final after being 10 points or more out of a playoff spot. The Blues won the Cup that season, and the Oilers hope to replicate that success.

McDavid’s Spectacular Performance

McDavid’s goal in Game 6 was a masterpiece, weaving through traffic to beat Oettinger. “Connor McDavid, doing Connor McDavid things,” Skinner remarked.

McDavid then assisted Hyman for another power-play goal, setting the stage for Edmonton’s victory. Despite having only 10 shots on goal, the Oilers made them count, securing a memorable win.

“We hung in there. We got it done,” McDavid said. “Everyone deserves it.”

The Oilers’ journey from the basement of the NHL to the brink of a Stanley Cup victory is a testament to their resilience and determination. As they prepare to face the Panthers, the dream of bringing the Cup back to Edmonton is closer than ever.

Rupert Murdoch Marries Elena Zhukova at Age 93

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Untitled design 2024 06 03T102520.378 Rupert Murdoch Marries Elena Zhukova at Age 93

A Joyful Ceremony at Murdoch’s Estate

At age 93, Rupert Murdoch is once again a newlywed. The media mogul and former News Corp executive chairman married his girlfriend Elena Zhukova on Saturday. A representative for Murdoch confirmed the news to USA TODAY.

Wedding Details

Photos from the wedding, show Murdoch posing with Zhukova, who held a bouquet of flowers. The ceremony took place at Murdoch’s vineyard and estate in California.

Engagement and Relationship Timeline

Murdoch announced his engagement to Zhukova, a 67-year-old retired molecular biologist, in March, just days before his 93rd birthday. According to The Guardian, the couple met at a gathering hosted by Wendi Deng, Murdoch’s third wife. They have been together since last summer, as reported by The New York Times.

Previous Marriages and Family

Murdoch was most recently married to model Jerry Hall from 2016 to 2022. Despite their divorce, their attorneys told USA TODAY, “They remain good friends and wish each other the best for the future.”

In 2023, Murdoch became engaged to Ann Lesley Smith, but the engagement was called off soon after it was announced.

Murdoch’s earlier marriages include Patricia Booker (1956-1965), Anna Torv (1967-1999), and Wendi Deng (1999-2013). He has six children: Prudence, Elisabeth, Grace, Chloe, Lachlan, and James.

In September, Murdoch stepped down as chair of Fox Corporation and executive chairman of News Corp. His son Lachlan succeeded him. Reflecting on his career, Murdoch stated, “Neither excessive pride nor false humility are admirable qualities. But I am truly proud of what we have achieved collectively through the decades, and I owe much to my colleagues, whose contributions to our success have sometimes been unseen outside the company but are deeply appreciated by me.”

Nvidia CEO Highlights Next-Gen Chips; AMD Unveils New Products

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Nvidia Becomes World's Most Valuable Company

Last week, the stock market experienced notable losses with major indexes breaking or testing key levels. However, a bullish thrust on Friday offered some optimism. Software stocks saw significant sell-offs, affecting many leading companies.

Keynote Speeches at COMPUTEX 2024

Nvidia and AMD Announcements

  • Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang: On the eve of Taiwan’s COMPUTEX 2024, Huang teased future artificial intelligence chips, generating significant interest.
  • AMD CEO Lisa Su: Su showcased upcoming AI mobile processors during her keynote speech on Monday.

Other Keynote Speakers

  • Intel and Qualcomm: Both companies are set to deliver keynote speeches throughout the week.
  • Arm Holdings and Super Micro Computer: CEOs from these companies will also present, highlighting their latest advancements and collaborations.

Developments in the Electric Vehicle Market

China EV Makers Report Rising Deliveries

  • Li Auto, Nio, XPeng, Zeekr, and BYD reported significant increases in deliveries for May. Nio and Zeekr achieved new monthly bests, indicating strong market performance.

Tesla Shareholder Voting Issues

The Financial Times reported technical issues preventing international Tesla shareholders from voting in the upcoming annual meeting. This affects about $17 billion worth of shares, potentially influencing decisions on CEO Elon Musk’s pay deal and the plan to reincorporate Tesla in Texas.

Stock Market Performance

Dow Jones Futures and Treasury Yields

  • Dow Jones Futures: Rose 0.25% vs. fair value.
  • S&P 500 Futures: Climbed 0.3%.
  • Nasdaq 100 Futures: Advanced 0.25%.
  • 10-Year Treasury Yield: Edged down to 4.49%.

Crude Oil and Manufacturing Index

  • Crude Oil Futures: Little changed, with OPEC+ extending production cuts into 2025.
  • Caixin Manufacturing Index: Increased 0.3 points to a two-year high of 51.7 in May.

Stock Market Rally Details

Weekly Performance

  • Dow Jones Industrial Average: Fell 1%, despite a 1.5% bounce on Friday.
  • S&P 500: Lost 0.5%.
  • Nasdaq Composite: Dropped 1.1%.
  • Small-Cap Russell 2000: Rose slightly, rebounding from earlier losses.
  • Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP): Reclaimed its 50-day line, down just 0.1% for the week.
  • First Trust Nasdaq 100 Equal Weighted Index ETF (QQEW): Tumbled 2%, finishing just below its 50-day despite a Friday bounce.

Commodity Prices

  • U.S. Crude Oil Futures: Fell 0.9% to $76.99 a barrel.
  • Copper Futures: Sank 2.9%, marking a second straight weekly decline but up 1% for May.

ETFs Performance

  • iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV): Plunged 5.8%.
  • VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH): Fell 1.55%.
  • ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK): Tumbled 4.35%.
  • ARK Genomics ETF (ARKG): Lost 4.4%.
  • SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME): Rose 1.7%.
  • Global X U.S. Infrastructure Development ETF (PAVE): Gave up 1.05%.
  • U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS): Shed 1.2%.
  • SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB): Edged up 0.1%.
  • Energy Select SPDR ETF (XLE): Gained 2%.
  • Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV): Declined 0.5%.
  • Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI): Sank 0.8%.
  • Financial Select SPDR ETF (XLF): Edged up 0.1%.

Key Earnings and Economic Reports

  • CrowdStrike (CRWD): Earnings report on Tuesday night will be crucial for the cybersecurity and software sectors.
  • May Jobs Report: Investors are awaiting this key economic indicator on Friday.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s Speech

Huang highlighted significant gains from adding advanced GPUs to data centers or PCs. He also announced plans for future AI chips, including the Blackwell Ultra chip in 2025 and the Rubin platform for 2026.

China EV Sales

Chinese EV makers reported strong sales for May, with several companies achieving record deliveries. Notably, BYD unveiled a fifth-generation hybrid system capable of impressive range on a single charge.

What Investors Should Do Now

Despite a positive close on Friday, the stock market rally remains uncertain. Investors should consider waiting for more clarity before making new investments. Notable events like Nvidia’s announcements and the upcoming jobs report could significantly impact market trends.

Conclusion

The stock market faces a challenging yet potentially rewarding period ahead. Keynote speeches, earnings reports, and economic data releases will play pivotal roles in shaping investor sentiment and market direction.