By Suzanne McGee (Reuters) - Three separate asset management firms launched exchange-traded funds on Tuesday, unveiling products focused on securitized debt, the artificial intelligence industry and Ozempic-maker Novo Nordisk in the closing weeks of a year that has seen a deluge of new funds. New ETF offerings have exploded in 2024, as investors sought ways to participate in the soaring U.S. stock market. Year-to-date inflows for U.S.-listed ETFs are poised to cross the $1 trillion mark this week for the first time ever. As of late November, a record 612 ETFs had launched, compared to 480 last year, according to State Street Global Advisors. The latest include the BondBloxx Private Credit CLO ETF, which will give financial advisors and others access to private CLOs, or collateralized loan obligations, issued by middle-market corporations. CLOs are pools of leveraged loans, structured as one actively managed security. They have become a major source of funding for non-investment grade companies seeking debt financing. More broadly, lending to companies by institutions other than banks, known as private credit, has grown rapidly in recent years as stricter regulations made it more expensive for traditional lenders to finance riskier loans. On Tuesday, BlackRock said it will buy private credit firm HPS Investment Partners for about $12 billion in an all-stock deal, as the world's largest asset manager seeks to expand in the red-hot market. Another launch, the VistaShares Artificial Intelligence Supercycle ETF, will seek to invest in companies building data centers and semiconductors for the AI industry. Its largest position is in Vertiv Holdings Co., which designs and builds data center infrastructure and has seen its shares soar nearly 170% this year. The ETF is the first product from VistaShares, a new asset management firm headed by Jon McNeill, former president of Tesla and Adam Patti, former CEO of IndexIQ, an alternative assets investment firm later acquired by New York Life. Meanwhile, Defiance ETFs is offering investors the first chance to get leveraged exposure to pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk via its new Defiance Daily Target 2x Long NVO ETF. The product is designed to deliver double the daily price movement in Novo Nordisk, whose shares have gyrated this year amid publicity for its diabetes and weight loss drug, Ozempic. "As with any new product, it remains to be seen if there will be broad enough adoption to keep any of these new products alive over the longer haul in a competitive market," said Todd Rosenbluth, head of ETF research at VettaFi, a New York-based market analysis firm. (Reporting by Suzanne McGee; Editing by Ira Iosebashvili and David Gregorio)

As the interview drew to a close, I couldn't help but be impressed by Zuo's confidence and creativity. His bold choice to embrace the "Monkey Zuo" hairstyle was a testament to his willingness to stand out and express himself fearlessly. As we parted ways, I couldn't help but feel inspired by Zuo's adventurous spirit and his ability to turn heads with a single hairstyle.Dell Technologies Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

exp World Holdings CEO Glenn Sanford sells $691,794 in stockDP World Callao Strengthens Position as Peru's Gateway for Trade with AsiaThe talented cast of "Gourmet Chronicle" brings the characters to life with their remarkable performances. Li Wei, portrayed by the charismatic actor Zhang Hua, exudes passion and determination in his pursuit of culinary excellence, while Emma, played by the enchanting actress Sophie Lacroix, brings a touch of grace and elegance to her portrayal of a talented pastry chef. The on-screen chemistry between Zhang Hua and Sophie Lacroix is palpable, drawing viewers into their world and making them root for the success of their relationship.

One of the key aspects of cultivating a comprehensive system is the development of a robust consumer market. With the rapid rise of the middle class in China, there is a growing demand for high-quality goods and services. This presents an opportunity for businesses to innovate and cater to the diverse needs of consumers. By providing a wide range of products and services that meet consumer preferences, businesses can tap into new markets and drive economic growth.

Police in Georgia on Saturday fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse pro-EU protesters rallying for a ninth consecutive day against the prime minister's decision to shelve talks on joining the bloc. The Caucasus nation has been engulfed in turmoil since the governing Georgian Dream party declared that it had won a disputed October 26 election. The party's critics have accused it of creeping authoritarianism and of steering the country back towards Russia. Thousands of defiant pro-EU protesters in Georgia rallied Friday after the prime minister claimed victory in a "battle" against the opposition. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets since the election to protest against alleged electoral fraud. Fresh rallies took place across the country after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced last week that Georgia would not hold talks on European Union membership until 2028. Police have fired tear gas and water cannon against pro-EU protests in Tbilisi and hundreds of arrests have been made, triggering outrage at home and mounting international condemnation. France, Germany and Poland condemned what they called the government's "disproportionate" use of force against protesters and opposition leaders in a joint statement Friday. On Saturday, riot police moved in with water cannon to disperse the rally outside the parliament building, making arrests as the crowd retreated a few metres (yards), an AFP reporter witnessed. Tear gas was later deployed and groups of protesters reportedly spread across the city, blocking traffic along the capital's key thoroughfare. Georgia's rights ombudsman, Levan Ioseliani, said police "had no legal grounds for the dispersal of peaceful rally." He called on the interior ministry "to immediately halt the dispersal of the protest, cease the detention of participants, and refrain from using special measures, ensuring that protesters can continue their demonstration peacefully." Thousands blocked the street outside parliament on Friday, with some blowing whistles and others setting off firecrackers. "People will continue the protest," said one demonstrator, 23-year-old Giorgi, wearing a Georgian flag and a back scarf pulled over his nose. "They're patient, I will be here for the rest of my life if it is necessary to save my country." Separate protests were held outside Georgia's public broadcaster -- accused of being a government propaganda tool -- as well as the education ministry and the country's tourism administration offices. Thousands have also staged anti-government rallies in the second city of Batumi on the Black Sea coast. More from this section On Friday, a court in Tbilisi put a 19-year-old youth activist in pre-trial detention on charges of "organising, leading, and participating in group violence". Zviad Tsetskhladze told the judge "the rule of law has been crushed. "Our actions are a form of resistance, aimed at preserving the rule of law, defending democracy, and protecting the rights of every individual." The prime minister on Friday praised his security forces for "successfully neutralising the protesters' capacity for violence". "We have won an important battle against liberal fascism in our country," he told a news conference, using language reminiscent of how the Kremlin in Russia targets its political opponents. "But the fight is not over. Liberal fascism in Georgia must be defeated entirely," Kobakhidze said. With both sides ruling out a compromise, there appeared to be no clear route out of the crisis. The leader of the opposition Lelo party, Mamuka Khazaradze, said the government "has resorted to arresting young activists and political opponents out of fear of relentless public protests and growing civil disobedience by public servants." Masked officers have raided several opposition party offices and arrested opposition leaders earlier this week, while around 300 people have been detained at rallies. On Friday Nika Gvaramia, leader of the opposition Akhali party, was sentenced to 12 days in prison. Alexandre Elisashvili, leader of the Strong Georgia opposition group, was remanded in custody for two months of pretrial detention. More trouble is expected after December 14, when Georgian Dream lawmakers elect a loyalist to succeed pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili. She has vowed not to step down until the parliamentary polls are re-run. Local media has also reported protests across the country, including in the cities of Batumi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Rustavi and Telavi. Critics of Georgian Dream are enraged by what they call its betrayal of Tbilisi's bid for EU membership, enshrined in the constitution and supported by around 80 percent of the population. Several ambassadors, a deputy foreign minister, and other officials have resigned over the suspension of EU talks. Georgian Dream, in power for more than a decade, has advanced controversial legislation in recent years, targeting civil society and independent media and curbing LGBTQ rights. Brussels warned such policies were incompatible with EU membership, while domestic critics accuse the government of copying Russia's playbook. Rights ombudsman Ioseliani has accused the police of "torture" against those arrested. ub-im/rsc

Chargers QB Justin Herbert does not practice because of left ankle injuryIn the days and weeks to come, the focus will remain on seeking justice for CEO Mei and ensuring that her legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. The arrest of the suspect is a crucial development in the case, but it is just the beginning of the journey toward finding resolution and healing for those affected by this senseless act of violence.Tensions Rise as Iranian Ambassador Warns of Consequences of Assad Regime Collapse, Potentially Triggering Regional Conflict

The departure of Lingard, if it materializes, could open up opportunities for younger players to step up and make their mark in the first team. One such player who has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford is Jude Bellingham. The 17-year-old midfielder has been turning heads with his performances for Birmingham City in the Championship and has attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe.The departure of Lingard, if it materializes, could open up opportunities for younger players to step up and make their mark in the first team. One such player who has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford is Jude Bellingham. The 17-year-old midfielder has been turning heads with his performances for Birmingham City in the Championship and has attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe.