NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is proud to offer a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins.
NYSE CONTENT ADVISORY: PRE-MARKET UPDATE FOR JANUARY 31st
Kristen Scholer delivers the pre-market update on January 31st
January trading ends with stocks set to finish higher
DJIA is up 5.5% and the S&P 500 is up 3.2% in January
Apple shares rise after better than expected results
REYKJAVIK, Iceland, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The International Carbon Registry (ICR) has received unconditional endorsement of its carbon crediting program by the International Carbon Reduction and Offset Alliance (ICROA).This achievement solidifies ICR’s position among the foremost carbon standards in the voluntary carbon market (VCM).
ICROA is a globally recognized code of best practice committed to enhancing integrity in the carbon markets, ensuring that endorsed GHG programs comply with high standards across governance, registration, validation, and verification. The endorsement process involves stringent third-party assessments of a program’s ability to meet ICROA’s comprehensive criteria, which include environmental and social impact, independence, and stakeholder considerations. ICROA represents a benchmark for high-quality and integrity carbon crediting programs.
ICR’s achievement of this full endorsement is a testament to its robust processes and commitment to high-integrity carbon credit issuance. Furthermore, ICR is the second organization to receive full endorsement against the latest version of ICROA’s guidelines, which were updated last year with more stringent requirements, including conflict-of-interest management and transparency. Notably, ICR successfully completed the endorsement process in less than 12 months, demonstrating its commitment to efficiency, transparency, and best practices.
ICROA Approval and VCM Policy Director at IETA, Antoine Diemert, commented on the endorsement: “ICROA is pleased to add ICR to its list of endorsed crediting programs. ICR’s work incentivizes and accelerates the transition to a circular and sustainable industry, and their standard has successfully met all of ICROA’s criteria.”
The International Carbon Registry (ICR) currently has 121 projects listed on its platform, covering different sectors, both nature and technology based climate solutions on all continents. The program is supported by 20 Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs), ensuring that all projects meet the requirements for registration and issuance of carbon credits. The ICR relies on ISO standards as its core, for projects, validation, verification and accreditation. In addition ICR compliments ISO standards with comprehensive and robust requirements, focusing on innovation, efficiency and standardization while safeguarding environmental and socio-economic integrity.
“Receiving ICROA’s endorsement is a significant milestone for the International Carbon Registry (ICR). This recognition validates the integrity of the ICR program. We firmly believe that innovation and integrity can coexist within the carbon markets, and we are dedicated to embracing both values as we continue to advance. Most importantly the endorsement enhances the credibility of the climate projects registered with the ICR, globally, reinforcing the trust in the quality ICR’s credits brings,” said Gudmundur Sigbergsson, International Carbon Registry’s Founder and CEO.
With this endorsement, awarded only 10 months after submission, ICR joins an exclusive group of carbon crediting programs endorsed for their high standards, providing confidence to companies and stakeholders relying on and trusting carbon credits and VCM in general, that ICR credits are additional, measurable, permanent, real, certified and aligned with sustainable development goals.
CONTACT:
Media Inquiries:
Alondra Silva Muñoz
Chief Marketing Officer
International Carbon Registry alondra@carbonregistry.com
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) 2025 successfully concluded its Second Edition at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, following two days of insightful discussions and agreements to develop the future of work. The event brought together a distinguished international audience, with over 10,000 participants, 40 labor ministers, and more than 200 global experts and speakers representing over 100 countries, reinforcing GLMC’s role as a dynamic global platform shaping the future of work.
Closing of the Second Edition of the Global Labor Market Conference: Milestone Achievements and International Agreements to Shape the Future of Work
After the opening ceremony, H.E. Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, delivered the keynote speech, where he unveiled the Global Labor Charter. This groundbreaking initiative was announced following a high-level Ministerial Roundtable, involving 40 labor ministers from around the world, and introduces eight key pillars, including youth workforce integration, readiness for digital transformation, investment in human capital, and enhanced collaboration between governments and industries to foster innovative, and employment-driven solutions.
Further solidifying the conference’s impact, H.E. Al-Rajhi announced the launch of the Labor Market Academy, a GLMC collaborative initiative with the World Bank and Takamol Holding, aimed at equipping future labor market leaders with advanced policymaking expertise. The academy’s inaugural cohort will include 30 participants, with plans to scale up to 600 participants within three years, fostering global knowledge exchange and policy innovation for adaptive labor markets.
Additionally, the conference introduced two GLMC Policy Labs, developed in partnership with the World Bank which served as dedicated platforms for critical discussions on labor market transformation. The Active Labor Market Programs (ALMPs) Lab focused on integrating youth into the workforce through tailored employment initiatives, while the Sectoral Skills Councils (SSCs) Lab is designed to enhance private sector involvement in skills development and workforce planning.
As a key driver of global labor market transformation, GLMC facilitated the signing of 70 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and strategic agreements between government entities and private sector leaders, directly impacting over 300,000 individuals. These agreements focus on enhancing workforce skills, expanding employment opportunities, fostering innovation in labor policies, and strengthening global partnerships—all in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and GLMC’s mission to create resilient and adaptive labor markets.
In this context, several significant MOUs were signed between the public and private sectors, marking strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening the labor market, improving training and employment opportunities, developing skills, and empowering national talent across key sectors. Notable collaborations included the Ministry of Tourism, Takamol Holding, INSEAD, UiPath, Proven Arabia, BVIS, and the Saudi Digital Academy—each contributing to the advancement of education, workforce efficiency, and skill development.
In line with its commitment to research and analysis, GLMC unveiled an international report titled “Making Labor Markets Work for the Youth”, developed in collaboration with the World Bank. The report offers a comprehensive examination of economically inactive youth aged 15-24, exploring the economic and social implications of their disengagement from the labor market, and presents a strategic framework to tackle this issue, highlighting successful case studies and actionable solutions.
Over two days, 40-panel discussions were held, featuring 200 global speakers who explored key topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on employment, demographic shifts in labor markets, bridging the skills gap, and strategies to empower youth and promote green jobs. Sessions brought together distinguished figures from the public and private sectors, international organizations, and leading academics, fostering innovative solutions to enhance labor market sustainability.
Recognized as one of the most influential global platforms in global labor development, GLMC continues to cement its position as a premier international hub, bringing together governments, private sector leaders, global institutions, and thought leaders to facilitate knowledge exchange, analyze labor market trends, and design forward-thinking policies to keep pace with the rapid transformations in the world of work.
The success of the Global Labor Market Conference 2025 underscores Saudi Arabia’s dedication to shaping the future of work, driving innovation, and fostering global labor market progress. By strengthening partnerships and focusing on policy advancement, the conference sets the stage for a resilient, inclusive global workforce. GLMC’s transition into a year-round knowledge hub ensures ongoing collaboration and impactful action, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable labor markets and advancing Saudi Vision 2030 through human capital development.
DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has released the latest crypto derivatives report, published weekly with Blocks Scholes.
This week’s report highlights a significant risk-off event early in the week, as DeepSeek’s LLM announcement coincided with sharp declines across major indices and crypto markets. Despite this volatility, open interest in perpetual swaps remained stable, with funding rates momentarily turning negative before recovering. The options market also saw increased trading activity during the sell-off, even as forward-looking volatility expectations declined.
Key Insights:
BTC Open Interest Shows Minimal Movement – Despite the highest single-day trading volumes in BTC call options this month – reaching nearly $250 million during the spot price decline – volatility has continued to decline in both realized and implied terms. Short-tenor options are exhibiting lower volatility with a neutral skew, while longer-dated volatility smiles maintain a bullish bias towards out-of-the-money (OTM) calls, continuing a trend seen since the election.
ETH Options Maintain Bullish Momentum – Trading volume for ETH options has surged to its highest levels in a month, with open interest remaining heavily weighted toward calls. While the global market sell-off briefly impacted short-tenor ETH volatility smiles, ETH options have continued to trade at higher volatility levels relative to BTC. Despite ETH’s spot recovery lagging behind BTC’s, its options market remains strong.
Sources: Bybit, Block Scholes
Solana Options See Solid Open Interest – Following a price rally spurred by the launch of two presidential meme coins, Solana (SOL) has retraced alongside the broader crypto market. However, open interest in puts and calls remains elevated, with trading activity surpassing pre-rally levels. Stable levels of newly opened put options suggest strategic protective buying to hedge profitable long positions in other instruments.
The Bybit x Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report continues to provide actionable insights for traders and investors, offering a detailed breakdown of market trends and trading dynamics.
Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Due to a conversion of shares from Series A to Series B in accordance with AB SKF’s Articles of Association, the Company confirms the following.
As per 31 January 2025 there are a total of 455,351,068 shares in AB SKF, out of which 28,938,999 shares are of Series A and 426,412,069 shares are of Series B. The number of votes in the Company amounts to 71,580,205.9.
AB SKF does not hold any own shares.
Aktiebolaget SKF
(publ)
Information in this press release contains information that AB SKF is obliged to make public pursuant to the Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on 31 January 2025 at 12:00 CET.
For further information, please contact:
PRESS: Carl Bjernstam, Head of Media Relations
tel: 46 31-337 2517; mobile: 46 722-201 893; e-mail: carl.bjernstam@skf.com
INVESTOR RELATIONS: Sophie Arnius, Head of Investor Relations
tel: 46 31-337 8072; mobile: 46 705-908 072; e-mail: sophie.arnius@skf.com
MARBURG, Germany, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DRG Instruments GmbH (“DRG”) has been a top developer and manufacturer of immunoassays for over 50 years. The company is creating a new division, DRG Neuroscience, and the new division is presenting on the market its fully automated CLIA tests for evaluating suspected Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – the GFAP and UCH-L1 combo Tests. These tests are designed for use on DRG’s automated CLIA platform, DxDATA™, enabling the measurement of GFAP and UCH-L1 blood levels within 30 minutes when patients’ serum samples are collected within 12 hours of suspected traumatic brain injury. By providing fast and accurate TBI assessments, these tests increase the likelihood of immediate and effective treatment while reducing the need for radiation-based diagnostic imaging for suspected TBI.
“We are excited to bring these innovative TBI solutions to the global market,” said Joerg Schloesser, Managing Director and VP of Commercial. “By leveraging automated testing and rapid turnaround times, we can help healthcare professionals make quicker, more informed decisions. Our mission is to advance patient care for those affected by traumatic brain injuries worldwide.”
DRG’s TBI Tests are CE-marked and have been verified to meet CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) requirements. They are intended for use in a clinical laboratory setting and are indicated for patients aged 18 years or older.
To learn more about the test availability in your region or for more information about DRG’s TBI Tests, please contact our Sales Representative or email drg@drg-diagnostics.de.
DRG will also showcase the TBI tests at the upcoming MEDLAB Middle East, which will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 3 – 6 (Hall 1, Booth G50). The Product Development Team will be on hand to answer any questions about the TBI tests.
About DRG Instruments GmbH
DRG Instruments GmbH, was established in 1973 and is based in Marburg. Since 1990, DRG Instruments has developed and manufactured innovative immunoassays, both for routine and research applications, with distribution partners in over 120 countries. DRG is also the manufacturer of the DRG:HYBRiD-XL®, a fully automated analyzer for immunoassays and clinical chemistry. DRG is an ISO 13485-certified company and operates in accordance with the FDA 21 CFR 820 Quality System Regulation. To learn more, visit https://www.drg-diagnostics.de/, or follow us on LinkedIn,
SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On January 28, the 2025 CCTV Spring Festival Gala dazzled audiences worldwide, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology. As a long-term technical partner of CCTV, Unilumin once again played a crucial role in crafting breathtaking stage visuals with state-of-the-art LED display solutions and innovative digital content.
Pushing Boundaries with AR, XR, and 3D Visuals
Unilumin’s technology seamlessly integrated AI, XR, digital twin, and virtual production (VP) techniques, expanding the stage beyond physical limits. The opening act, Ruyi Dance, featured a golden serpent brought to life with AR, creating a dynamic visual spectacle. In Yi Ren, Unilumin’s UE-powered special effects transformed dancers’ movements into poetic ripples, fusing dance and technology.
In the modern ballet Yi Ren, Unilumin used UE special effects to fully capture its romantic and poetic essence.
Unilumin’s 3D glasses-free displays enhanced brand storytelling. For Alibaba Cloud’s segment, a deep-space-themed visual experience showcased its global infrastructure, demonstrating how immersive LED displays are reshaping event advertising.
AI-Driven Visual Innovation
A key highlight was the AI Spatial Rendering System, developed with CCTV’s technical team. Built around Unilumin’s LED cube, it combined camera tracking, motion capture, nDisplay rendering, and light-field reconstruction for unparalleled depth and realism.
For singer performances, Unilumin’s spatial computing technology transformed the stage into an immersive, evolving environment that synchronized with the music’s rhythm and emotion. Precise 3D visual effects further transported viewers into the song’s narrative, amplifying emotional impact.
Pioneering Virtual Human and AI Interaction
Unilumin advanced digital human technology by crafting a virtual stage companion that interacted with the singer in real-time. In Ascending Heights, an AI-rendered lion, inspired by traditional Chinese culture, took center stage, showcasing AI’s potential in performance art.
In Ascending Heights, Unilumin used AI to bring the traditional lion dance to life.
Industry-Leading Display Technology
Beyond digital content, Unilumin’s hardware ensured flawless execution. The UGNⅡ1.9 LED display delivered exceptional contrast and clarity, enabling precise AI-powered visual rendering. The UMini W series, featuring Uni-BLC AI enhancement and EBL+ technology, provided a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and HDR-quality visuals, supporting the Gala’s first-ever accessible broadcast for visually and hearing-impaired audiences.
Committed to pushing LED display technology boundaries, Unilumin continues to redefine stage design and live event experiences, delivering unforgettable moments through the fusion of art and innovation.
LOS ANGELES, USA – Newsaktuell – 31 January 2025 – High levels of governance have masked a slow decline in Germany, with political, economic, and social fractures “festering over years”, a new scientific report released only weeks ahead of the February 23 parliamentary elections concludes.
On February 23, Germany elects a new Bundestag. The issue of migration plays a particularly important role, not least for supporters of the far-right AfD party – seen here at a demonstration in front of the Reichstag building in Berlin, the seat of the Bundestag, in 2022. (Photo by Christoph Soeder/dpa)
“It has become clear that Germany rested on its laurels for far too long”, the BGI Germany Report on the country’s governance performance says. It is based on the Berggruen Governance Index (BGI) and was conducted by researchers from the Los Angeles-based Berggruen Institute think tank, the Luskin School of Public Affairs at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and the Hertie School, a German university.
In their report “Germany 2025 – Slow decline in governance performance erupts into crisis of government as geopolitics worsen” the researchers conclude that the country’s government and administrative systems have appeared increasingly sclerotic and hesitant to adopt necessary changes. Effective, often painful reforms are urgently needed, but political and economic constraints make them difficult to implement, the researchers write.
The 2024 BGI measures democratic accountability, delivery of public goods and state capacity on a scale from 0 to 100. It analyses the years from 2000 to 2021. According to the report, Germany has lost ground on all three measures, with structural problems festering since the “deceptively benign” years of the chancellorship of Angela Merkel (2005-2021). The Democracy Accountability Index score, for example, slid to 93 in 2021 from a near perfect 99 at the beginning of the century.
The data “suggests that some of Germany’s state capacity and democratic accountability challenges were masked by economic growth, driven by the success of its export-oriented model during the 2010s”, the report says. Chief among Germany’s challenges are economic troubles that have worsened in recent years, largely stemming from a lack of public investment during that period in areas such as digitalization and transport infrastructure.
On February 23, Germans go to the polls early after the ruling three-party coalition consisting of the Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens and the liberal Free Democrats (FDP) collapsed in November. Intra-government fighting over how to get the country’s ailing economy back on track was a main factor of the break-up.
At the same time, social trust is declining in Europe’s largest economy. However, a possible new government under the conservative CDU/CSU alliance and its candidate for the chancellorship, Friedrich Merz, seems poised to exacerbate divisions rather than resolving them, the researchers say.
The economic difficulties heighten uncertainty and discontent, the report argues – with migration emerging as the other major flashpoint. Rhetoric on economic scarcity is used to highlight tensions over migration, which are exploited by both the extreme right and left. That debate has been exacerbated by a recent deadly stabbing in which a migrant facing deportation from Germany is the main suspect.
Yet immigration is essential to Germany’s future growth, the BGI report says: “Any future government will have to attempt to reconcile anti-immigrant attitudes with the social reality of integration and the economic necessity of attracting foreign-born workers.”
Merz is promising a hard line on migration in case of an election victory. Despite provoking outrage from other political parties, Merz on Wednesday (January 29) pushed through a vote in parliament on proposals for tightening immigration controls. “Current asylum and immigration policy jeopardizes the security of the people and the confidence of all of society in the state,” the text of the motion by the CDU/CSU says.
The passed proposal includes a request to the German government to turn back asylum seekers at Germany’s borders. But even more incendiary in German politics has been Merz’s willingness to break long-standing taboos and use votes from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in order to pass the motion. All long-established parties in the lower house of the German parliament, the Bundestag, had previously said they would not work with the AfD, with many Germans alarmed at the rise of the party in recent years in a country still scarred by its Nazi past.
According to the latest opinion polls by the five major polling institutes, the conservative CDU/CSU is clearly in the lead, polling at between 28 and 34 per cent. Second comes the AfD with 19 to 21 per cent, followed by the SPD with 15 to 19 per cent. The current German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is a member of the SPD. The Greens are at 12 to 15 per cent in the opinion polls, while the FDP this time may not clear the 5-per-cent-threshold necessary to enter the Bundestag.
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