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The BlackRock Foundation and Commonwealth Launch National Research Effort to Understand First-Time Investors Who Entered Capital Markets Since 2020

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Supported by a $1MM grant from The BlackRock Foundation, “The Investor Diaries” will shed light on investors earning low to moderate incomes; pave the way for more sustainable wealth-building

BOSTON, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The BlackRock Foundation and national nonprofit Commonwealth launched “The Investor Diaries,” a research initiative designed to better understand the millions of new investors who entered retail capital markets in the U.S. since 2020, particularly those earning low to moderate incomes (LMI). By following these investors through voice diary entries, a national survey, and analysis of large transaction data sets representing millions of investment decisions by people earning LMI, the project shines a light on their unique financial circumstances, motivations, behaviors, needs, and the role that capital market investing plays in the overall financial wellness of LMI households. The initiative aims to equip the investing industry, financial platforms, and policymakers with important insights to support and sustain this and future generations of new investors. 

During 2020-21 alone, 46 million new brokerage accounts were opened by individual investors in the U.S., an 80% increase over a two-year period. Despite the prediction that this might be a temporary surge, more than 75% of these new investors remain invested today.

Partnering with Investing Platforms
The Investor Diaries will feature real-time research with people earning LMI ($30,000 to $80,000) who are currently investing, capturing their unique stories through their experiences and transaction data. The longitudinal research study will follow dozens of individual investors over 18 months, conducting observational diary-style interviews and tracking their transactional behavior on an ongoing basis. Many are among the first in their families to invest.

Commonwealth has partnered with investment platforms Betterment and moomoo to capture participants’ experiences with both robo-advised and self-directed platforms:

Betterment – For investors who don’t want to pick their own stocks, Betterment’s easy-to-use, automated investment technology offers diversified, expert-built portfolios and continually monitors the investments, rebalances the portfolios, and reinvests the dividends.moomoo – Moomoo offers an accessible platform for self-directed investors of all levels to confidently make their own investment decisions with advanced tools and features to help guide their trades.

The Investor Diaries will also include a large National Perceptions and Habits Survey and a parallel study of macro-level investor transaction data to better understand the broad investing behaviors of this population. 

“The Investor Diaries will provide a groundbreaking holistic view of those living on modest incomes who are new to investing in the past five years,” says Timothy Flacke, CEO, Commonwealth. “Understanding the choices and actions of these new market participants, and where existing platforms and tools are serving these new investors well—and falling short—will inform the next wave of investing innovations and help ensure broader capital market participation is a sustainable, productive source of wealth creation.” 

Commonwealth’s past research has demonstrated an unmet appetite for investing among LMI households and the early positive impact of this type of market participation on financial stability and mobility.

“Measuring household investing behavior will help determine how supported these new market participants feel in their investing experience,” says Claire Chamberlain, President, The BlackRock Foundation. “The insights derived from The Investor Diaries can help inform product solutions, investor education, and outreach strategies to optimally support LMI households in building and sustaining wealth via the capital markets.”

For more information about The Investor Diaries, please visit https://buildcommonwealth.org/research/investordiaries

About Commonwealth
Commonwealth is a national nonprofit building financial security and opportunity for people earning low- to moderate-income through innovation and partnerships. For over two decades, Commonwealth has designed effective innovations, products, and policies enabling over 2 million people to save nearly $8 billion. Commonwealth collaborates with consumers, the financial services industry, employers, and policymakers. Because Black, Latin, and women-led households disproportionately experience financial insecurity, we focus especially on these populations. The solutions we build are grounded in real life, based on our deep understanding of people who are financially vulnerable and how businesses can best serve them. To learn more, visit us at www.buildcommonwealth.org. 

About The BlackRock Foundation
Helping people earn, save, and invest – earlier, more often and for their futures. Guided by BlackRock’s history of making saving and investing more accessible and affordable, The BlackRock Foundation funds and partners with organizations that elevate the voices and experiences of LMI households. With our partners, we aim to 1) support individuals in their efforts to build a financial safety net to protect against shocks that widen disparities and 2) make it easier to build wealth and support upward mobility. With Commonwealth and partners, BlackRock’s Emergency Savings Initiative has provided access to more than 10 million people and led to $2 billion in new liquid savings between 2019 and 2022.

About Betterment 
Betterment LLC (“Betterment”) is the largest independent digital financial advisor, using automated technology powered by human expertise to fulfill a singular mission: making people’s lives better. With easy-to-use saving, investing, and retirement solutions, Betterment is built to help people optimize their money, no matter their level of experience or how the market is doing. Launched in 2010, Betterment helps more than 900,000 customers manage over $50 billion with curated selections of low-cost, expert-built investing portfolios; personalized guidance; and tax-smart tools. The company has received multiple awards for its investing app, including Buy Side from WSJ (2024). Learn more and for additional disclosure on these awards, visit https://www.betterment.com/#award-disclosure.

About moomoo
Moomoo is an investment and trading platform that empowers global investors with pro-grade, easy-to-use tools, data, and insights. It provides users with the necessary information and technology to make more informed investment decisions. Investors have access to advanced charting tools, technical analytics, and in-depth data. Moomoo grows with its users, cultivating a community where investors share, learn, and grow together in one place. Moomoo provides free access to investment courses, educational materials, and interactive events that any investor, at any level, can gain from. Users can join forum discussions, trending topics, and seminars to better their investment knowledge and insights. The moomoo app is offered by Moomoo Technologies Inc. (“MTI“) a company that is based in Jersey City, New Jersey. The app is used globally in countries including the U.S., Singapore, Australia, Japan, Malaysia and Canada. MTI is not a broker-dealer and does not provide investment advice or recommendations. In the U.S., securities products and services are offered by Moomoo Financial Inc. (“MFI“), an SEC-registered broker-dealer and member FINRA/SIPC. MTI and MFI are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Futu Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: FUTU). For more information, please visit Moomoo’s official website at www.moomoo.com/us.

Contact:
Jackie Jusko
216-374-0945

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-blackrock-foundation-and-commonwealth-launch-national-research-effort-to-understand-first-time-investors-who-entered-capital-markets-since-2020-302350968.html

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VOLTME Wins 2024-2025 Global Emerging Brand Shines at CES 2025

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January 15, 2025

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LAS VEGAS, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — VOLTME, the flagship brand of Voltnex Innovations and a global leader in power solutions, has been honored with the 2024-2025 Global Emerging Brand Award for its revolutionary products – the VOLTME Revo 240 PD3.1 GaN Desktop Charger and the Hako Series Portable Power Station – during the CES 2025. These prestigious accolades underscore VOLTME’s excellence in innovation, design, and technology and its growing influence in the global consumer electronics industry.

Innovation Driving Industry Leadership

As a trailblazer in advanced power solutions, VOLTME has earned widespread recognition for its cutting-edge products and global impact. Winning the Global Emerging Brand Award affirms VOLTME’s dedication to advancing consumer electronics. Its diverse portfolio, which spans from ultrathin power banks to high-powered GaN chargers, caters to the modern demand for convenience and efficiency in charging. VOLTME’s relentless innovation has firmly established it as a leader in power management solutions.

“We are deeply honored to receive the Global Emerging Brand Award during the CES 2025,” said Tommy Tse, COO of VOLTME. “This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and exceptional user experiences.”

Breakthrough Innovations in Mobile Charging

VOLTME Revo 240 PD3.1 GaN Desktop Charger
Harnessing advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, the Revo 240 delivers up to 240W of power and supports PD3.1 and QC fast-charging protocols. Its compact design and superior energy efficiency make it ideal for safely and quickly powering laptops, tablets, and smartphones. A reliable choice for frequent travelers and high-demand users, the Revo 240 exemplifies robust and portable charging excellence.VOLTME Hako Series Portable Power Station
The Hako Series combines high-capacity battery performance with intelligent power management, offering multiple AC and USB ports to meet diverse power needs. Whether for outdoor adventures, travel, or emergencies, this portable power station supports simultaneous device charging while ensuring stability and efficiency. Designed for versatility, the Hako Series empowers modern consumers with dependable energy on the go.

Global Growth Through Innovation

VOLTME’s strategic global expansion has driven its success, with its innovative products now available in over 150 countries, serving more than 25 million households. By understanding consumer needs and introducing tailored solutions, VOLTME continues to lead the evolution of mobile power technologies.

The company has strengthened its international presence by establishing offices in key regions, including the United States, Russia, and Japan. As VOLTME scales its global operations, it remains steadfast in its mission to deliver high-quality, high- performance power solutions for diverse consumer needs.

Looking Ahead

Guided by its philosophy of “innovation-driven growth,” VOLTME is committed to advancing power technology and creating smarter, more efficient charging solutions for users worldwide. The company aims to redefine modern living with products that prioritize performance, reliability, and sustainability.

About Voltnex Innovations

Voltnex Innovations is a pioneering technology company specializing in cutting-edge consumer electronics and power solutions. The driving force behind the globally acclaimed VOLTME brand, Voltnex develops advanced charging devices, portable power stations, and innovative accessories designed to enhance modern lifestyles. With a focus on innovation, quality, and global partnerships, Voltnex Innovations delivers products that meet the evolving demands of consumers and businesses worldwide.

About Global Top Brands

The Global Top Brands Awards(GTB for short), established in 2006 by International Data Group (IDG), the GTB is a world-class selection event organized by Asia Digital Group and Europe Digital Group, supported by TWICE and International Data Corporation(IDC for short), an authoritative market research and analysis firm. This annual ceremony at CES highlights top global consumer electronics brands, promoting their prominence and fostering industry growth.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/voltme-wins-2024-2025-global-emerging-brand-shines-at-ces-2025-302351228.html

SOURCE VOLTME

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PR Newswire Connects Companies and Media with Strategic APAC Network Expansion in 2024

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January 15, 2025

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Bolsters press release distribution capabilities, facilitates productive and insightful sharing between PR professionals and the media

77% increase in media pickups with newly launched APAC English Premium circuit25% increase in average media pickups in Greater ChinaStrategic content partnerships with major news agencies and news aggregators in South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan

HONG KONG, Jan. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PR Newswire expanded its extensive APAC network in 2024, onboarding 280 new content partners, bringing the total network to 2,300. These efforts further strengthen PR Newswire’s position as the most extensive and reliable press release distribution network in APAC, enabling businesses to communicate effectively across diverse markets.

“We are committed to delivering high-quality and highly relevant media coverage in target markets,” said Lynn Liu, VP, Audience Development and Distribution Services, APAC, at PR Newswire. “Our expanded network ensures broad distribution across key channels, while fostering productive relationships between communications teams and the media.”

Key Market Highlights: 

APAC English Markets: Launched APAC English Premium Circuit 77% increase in media pick-ups compared to standard APAC English circuit260 English-language outlets placements

Mainland China: Launched Xinhua Bizwire CircuitPress release distribution to China’s most influential news platforms, including Tencent, Sina Finance, and the Financial Times (Chinese Edition)1,300 industry-specific media outlets in finance, technology, healthcare, travel, retail, and B2B sectors210,000 new social media followers in 2024, bringing total to 2.8 million500 million impressions and views of PRN content across major Chinese platforms such as Weibo, WeChat, and Baidu

Hong Kong and Taiwan: Key additions to Greater China DistributionTop-tier news portals such as MSN Chinese, Yahoo Taiwan, and China Times, garnering a combined 814 million monthly visitorsAM730, Bastille Post, ULifestyle, Economic Daily News, Investing.com, Yahoo Hong Kong, and Line Today, which all host around three to 46 million visitors monthly25% increase in average media pick-ups, growing to 300 from 240

South Korea and Japan: New strategic partnerships across key networksExclusive partnerships with leading private South Korean news agencies such as Newsis, News1, and ZDNet Korea, which see around 3.8 to 19 million visitors monthlyAgreements with major Japanese news aggregators for distribution through leading mobile news apps such as Gunosy, Newspass, and AU Service Today, which attract 6 to 46 million visitors monthly

Bridging Business & Media  

To foster a deeper understanding of the media landscape, media tours were conducted in Hong Kong, Malaysia and mainland China. Such experiences are unique and highly valuable among PR Newswire’s clients and staff as they allow attendees to gain firsthand insights and processes in leading media outlets.

Aside from tours, media gatherings, seminars, and panel discussions were also held in mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam. These events facilitate productive and insightful sharing between PR professionals and the media.

Growing Connections with Journalists and Influencers

In 2024, PR Newswire welcomed over 7,000 new journalists and media newsrooms in APAC to their ecosystem. 

“Currently, over 82,000 journalists, bloggers, and influencers in the APAC region rely on PR Newswire press releases as a key source of news. In 2025, we aim to deepen our partnerships with mainstream and industry-leading media outlets. While driving quality content and traffic to media websites, we will also explore more mutually beneficial collaborations to deliver superior value,” said Lynn Liu.

With 16 offices across 9 markets in APAC and a dedicated team of over 250 experienced professionals, PR Newswire has cultivated a strong, unmatched media distribution network. Leveraging unique partnerships with official national news agencies and their networks, including Xinhua News Agency, Yonhap News Agency in Korea, Kyodo News in Japan, Australian Associated Press, Press Trust of India, Antara News in Indonesia, Bernama News in Malaysia, and Vietnam News Agency, ensures that PR Newswire’s distribution network continues to lead in delivering impactful results for their clients.

About PR Newswire

PR Newswire is the industry’s leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive catalog of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination for brands to share their most important news stories across the world.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/pr-newswire-connects-companies-and-media-with-strategic-apac-network-expansion-in-2024-302351244.html

SOURCE PR Newswire

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Infosys and Tennis Australia Create New Generative AI Innovations at the Australian Open 2025

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January 15, 2025

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Launch of ‘Beyond Tennis’: A new generative AI tennis league with AI players and data-driven tournaments

MELBOURNE, Australia, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Infosys (NSE: INFY), (BSE: INFY), (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, in partnership with Tennis Australia, has unveiled its latest suite of AI-driven features and platforms for Australian Open (AO) 2025, marking another milestone in the seven-year partnership between the two organizations. It further advances their joint vision of creating a more immersive experience of tennis through AI-driven technology innovations.

To know more about Infosys’ AI innovations at AO 2025, click here.

These innovations, powered by Infosys Topaz, an AI-first suite of offerings using generative AI technologies, will redefine fan engagement, empower players and coaches, and expand the boundaries of digital interactivity in tennis.

‘Beyond Tennis’ (World’s First Gen AI league in tennis): A unique breakthrough is ‘Beyond Tennis‘ powered by Infosys, the world’s first generative AI-powered tennis league. This fan-driven digital experience will provide year-round interactivity, allowing users to connect with virtual tennis players, train their teams, and compete in AI-generated tournaments. Fans will interact with 16 AI-crafted virtual players spread across eight teams. Envisioned as “The Slam That Never Stops,” the league will enhance the sport’s affinity among younger Gen Z audiences while ensuring their safety in digital environments, enabled by responsible AI framework.Agentic AI to drive fan engagement with AI Commentary: Australian Open 2025 will feature AI Commentary in the Infosys Match Centre on AO digital properties, on the website and the app. Using out of the box large language models AI Commentary will provide byte-sized insights at every match moment.VR AI Stadium: The Infosys Fan Zone at Melbourne Park steps into the future, introducing a new VR AI Stadium where fans can create stunning virtual courts. Using a new generative AI speech-to-image feature, fans can step onto a galaxy- or nature-inspired court, or even a 1970s themed court, and play a game of tennis.

Infosys is helping the Australian Open with AI, video analytics, and machine learning tools. Using AI Videos, players and coaches continue to get access to post-match reviews and pre-game advance video analysis. The AI Shot of the Day feature helps AO’s media team meet growing digital content demands, enabling rapid creation and sharing of social media-ready clips to feature captivating moments on court.

The Infosys Fan Zone at Melbourne Park remains climate active, with its carbon footprint fully offset and structures fully recyclable. Infosys and Tennis Australia are also advancing the Future Leaders Program powered by Infosys Springboard, the company’s digital learning and collaboration platform for the community, that provides participants with the opportunity to learn transferrable skills in areas such as inclusion, leadership, technology, and design thinking. The participants will also get a glimpse of a generative AI future by visiting the Infosys Fan Zone at Melbourne Park.

Andrew Groth, Executive Vice President – Asia Pacific, Infosys, said, “Each year at the Australian Open, we have pushed the boundaries of technology to fuel fan engagement and player performance. Infosys is proud to bring the latest generative AI innovations to court, from the fan-driven Beyond Tennis league to AI-amplified VR experiences, leveraging our industry leading AI-suite of offerings Infosys Topaz. Through this collaboration with Tennis Australia, we are enabling truly innovative platforms for fans, players, coaches, and media to engage with the sport.” 

Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia, and Australian Open Tournament Director, said, “For the past seven years, Infosys has helped Tennis Australia to raise the bar and serve up new experiences for fans using digital technologies. We’re excited to see the leaps being made with AI at AO 2025. AI is enabling new dimensions of interactivity for fans and insight for players, not to mention the speed and scale it brings to our content delivery. It’s an exciting leap forward that showcases how technology and AI is transforming tennis.”

Follow all the action from the tournament on AusOpen.com and discover more about the partnership at Infosys.com/AusOpen.

About Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace.

Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the ‘safe harbor’ under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/infosys-and-tennis-australia-create-new-generative-ai-innovations-at-the-australian-open-2025-302351252.html

SOURCE Infosys

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