>>Ahead Of The Bell
(New York, NY) -- The opening bell rings this morning after a higher close on Wall Street yesterday. A sharp rise in Nvidia shares helped boost markets despite economic worries. Stocks struggled after the Conference Board's consumer confidence index suffered its biggest monthly decline in more than three years. At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 83 points to 42-208. The S&P 500 added 14 points to 57-32. The Nasdaq rose 100 points to 18-074.
>>Cuban Criticizes Trump Tariff Plan
(Undated) -- Billionaire Mark Cuban is criticizing former President Trump's ideas on tariffs. Trump on Monday threatened tractor manufacturer John Deere with 200 percent tariffs if it sends some of its manufacturing to Mexico. Cuban posted on X that the plan is insane, and shows a lack of understanding of business. Cuban said such a move would make it cheaper for China to sell its products in the U.S.
>>Consumer Confidence Hits 3-Year Low In September
(New York, NY) -- Consumer confidence slipped to its lowest level in three years in September. The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index fell nearly seven points from August's upwardly revised reading. The board's chief economist said the drop was steepest for consumers aged 35-54 with a broad decline across most income groups. The survey noted concerns about prices and inflation continue to affect consumers' views of the economy.
>>DOJ Sue Visa For Monopolizing Debit Markets
(Washington, DC) -- The Department of Justice is suing Visa over alleged antitrust violations. Visa is accused by the DOJ of monopolizing debit markets. Prosecutors say Visa controls debit network markets by using agreements with merchants, card issuers and competitors. Attorney General Merrick Garland said, "Visa's unlawful conduct affects not just the price of one thing, but the price of nearly everything." The DOJ said over 60-percent of U.S. debit transactions run on Visa's network with Visa raking in more than seven-billion dollars in processing fees each year.
>>Former Crypto Executive Sentenced To 2 Years In Prison
(New York, NY) -- A former cryptocurrency executive connected to FTX will be spend two years in prison. Caroline Ellison ran a hedge fund connected to FTX and was the star witness in the prosecution of FTX founder and her ex-boyfriend Sam Bankman-Fried. She is also being ordered to forfeit eleven-billion dollars. Ellison agreed to a plea deal in 2022, pleading guilty to conspiracy and financial fraud charges. She had faced up to 110 years behind bars for her crimes. Bankman-Fried is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence.
>>Coca-Cola Discontinues Spiced Flavor
(Atlanta, GA) -- Coca-Cola is discontinuing its new Spiced flavor just six months after its release. According to a statement from the company, it's looking to introduce a new flavor instead next year. Coca-Cola initially introduced the Spiced flavor as a permanent addition to shelves. It didn't add a reason for its walk back, but lack of recognition and complaints that it's not really spiced have been cited as possible reasons.
