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U.S.-listed shares of Chinese firms such as JD.Com Inc , Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Pinduoduo Inc (PDD.O) climbed around 2% each in premarket trading. With a handful of trading sessions left this year, investors are hoping for a so-called "Santa rally" at the end of what has been a largely disappointing month for U.S. equities. Economic data so far has offered little hope that the Fed could hit the brakes on its interest rate hikes. ET, Dow e-minis were up 147 points, or 0.44%, S&P 500 e-minis were up 12.5 points, or 0.32%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were up 5 points, or 0.05%. Reporting by Amruta Khandekar and Ankika Biswas in Bengaluru; Editing by Vinay Dwivedi and Sriraj KalluvilaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ H&M removes Justin Bieber merchandise following criticism from pop star
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-21 | by ( Stefan Sykes | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Canadian singer-songwriter Justin Bieber arrives for the 64th Annual Grammy Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 3, 2022. H&M will no longer sell a line of Justin Bieber merchandise after the musician told fans he didn't "approve" of the clothing bearing his name and likeness. H&M said Wednesday it will be removing the line from its stores and its website out of "respect" for Bieber. A representative for H&M told CNBC it pulled all items from the line including t-shirts and hoodies. Many of the products featured Bieber himself or lyrics to hit songs like "Ghost" from his 2021 album "Justice."

☆ Three Marvel sequels are the most anticipated movies of 2023, according to Fandango
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

A trio of upcoming Marvel movies − the newest installments of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Spider-Man and Ant-Man franchises − are the top three most anticipated films for 2023, according to a new survey by Fandango. Many of the most-anticipated films are prequels, sequels or films otherwise connected to a well-known franchise. 2023's Top 10 Most-Anticipated Movies Across Categories 1. "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" (Universal )Among the top 10 overall most anticipated films, only "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" isn't part of an established movie series. Last year, 80% said they wanted to see a minimum of five movies in theaters.

☆ Nonstop partying, lavish spending, and sexual-harassment accusations: Inside the self-destruction of Pollen, the music startup once worth $800 million
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Melkorka Licea | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +41 min

About 400 Pollen employees were camped out in Mendocino County, California, for five straight days of partying. Two former Pollen employees told Insider that they recalled the assistant telling them about Callum's inappropriate comments at the time. (The Pollen representative said Callum and Bedi didn't date at Pollen or at any other company connected to Pollen. Out of 360 events Pollen announced over the past 12 months, 39 were canceled, the Pollen representative said. (The Pollen representative said that "out of hundreds of thousands of customers, fewer than 100 people were moderated" online.)

☆ Casinos in Macau, the Vegas of the East, have managed to renew crucial gaming licenses. But there's a hefty catch — they need to pump in $15 billion into non-gaming sectors.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Macau's six casino operators pledged to invest nearly $15 billion in non-gaming sectors. In return for the investments, Macau's government has renewed their gaming licenses. Gaming licenses for the six major casino operators had expired back in June, throwing into question Macau's future as a gambling hub. The new 10-year gaming licenses come into effect on January 1, 2023. Among the six gaming companies, Sands China has committed to spending the most in non-gaming projects — about 27.8 billion patacas, or $3.5 billion.

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Disney, Tesla, Mesa Air and more
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( Michelle Fox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Check out the companies making the biggest moves midday Monday:Disney — Disney fell 3.6% after its film, "Avatar: The Way of the Water" fell short of box office expectations. The highly-anticipated movie brought in $134 million, less than the $175 million expected by analysts and under the $135 million to $150 million range Disney had forecast. Casino operators — Wynn Resorts fell 4.2%, while MGM Resorts lost 2.9% and Las Vegas Sands dropped 1.6%. Mesa Air Group — Shares of the airliner jumped 5% after Mesa Air announced it is finalizing a deal to run regional flights for United Airlines, while ending its partnership with American Airlines. Warner Music Group — Shares gained 2.5% following an upgrade to overweight from Atlantic Equities.

☆ The biggest media targets and buyers in 2023, as speculation swirls around Disney's next move under CEO Bob Iger and how Warner Bros. Discovery can shed debt
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( Lucia Moses | Claire Atkinson | Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Continued pressure to get bigger has big media companies in Hollywood looking to scale up. Media bankers and investors predicted to Insider that dealmaking will rebound in 2023 as companies big and small size up their options for possible tie-ups. Pressure on big media companies to get bigger hasn't gone away. Apple: Could eye a big content prizeTim Cook. Paramount's library could help a streaming company bulk up its content; Netflix for one has explored Paramount's studio business before.

☆ Concession awards mark a reset for Macao casinos
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Contessa Brewer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

With mandatory quarantines lifted, ferry and airline service resuming, and licenses renewed, casinos hope 2023 marks a new beginning for the world's preeminent gambling destination, Macao. The Macao government awarded six companies new 10-year concessions to operate their integrated casino resorts. This month, Macao has seen an increase in tourism from mainland China from visitors trying to get an mRNA Covid vaccine. A rise in Covid infections around China caused November gaming revenue in Macao to fall 23% from October and plummet 99% from November 2019 pre-pandemic levels, according to government data. Fitch estimates Singapore will achieve 80% of its pre-pandemic gaming revenue in 2022, and 95% in 2023.

☆ Macau casinos' new contracts to sharpen focus on non-gaming activities
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The operators are expected to focus on non-gaming activities in the new term, particularly as Beijing is keen for Macau to diversify away from gambling and attract foreign tourists. Some analysts expect them to make non-gaming investments of up to $15 billion cumulatively over the next decade. Genting, with its strong non-gaming track record and mass market appeal, was a credible threat for the Macau operators, many executives and analysts have said. Previous attempts by Macau to diversify have been unsuccessful, with casino operators shying away from investing in non-gaming due to the high costs, particularly as the gambling industry was far more lucrative. Macau's gambling industry currently accounts for more than 80% of government revenues.

☆ From Apple and Disney to Warner Bros. Discovery, here's the 2023 media deal outlook for Hollywood's biggest companies, according to 13 bankers and industry experts
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Lucia Moses | Claire Atkinson | Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

☆ Pictures of the year: Entertainment
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Jeremy Schultz | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Jon Batiste poses with their Grammys for Best American Roots Performance for "Cry," Album of the year for "We Are," Best American roots song, Best music video and Best score soundtrack for visual media for “Soul," at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards at...moreJon Batiste poses with their Grammys for Best American Roots Performance for "Cry," Album of the year for "We Are," Best American roots song, Best music video and Best score soundtrack for visual media for “Soul," at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, April 3. REUTERS/Steve MarcusClose

☆ A travel-centric three stock lunch
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

In this videoShare Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailA travel-centric three stock lunchDelano Saporu, New Street Advisors founder and CEO, joins 'Power Lunch' for a travel-focused three stock lunch, taking a look at Delta, Royal Caribbean, and MGM Resorts.

☆ Jill Scott announces ‘Who is Jill Scott? Words & Sounds Vol. 1’ 23rd anniversary tour
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Marianne Garvey | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —After a 20th-anniversary tour of Jill Scott’s chart-topping album, “Who Is Jill Scott? : Words and Sounds Vol I” was forced to end prematurely due to the pandemic, it will resume. The tour, produced by Live Nation Urban, will play in over 20 markets across the country. It went double platinum album and earned her several Grammy nominations, including best new artist (2001), best R&B album (2001), and best female R&B vocal performance for three years in a row (2001-2003). Pre-sales for Scott’s tour will begin Dec. 6.

☆ Truist upgrades MGM Resorts, says strong 2023 Las Vegas Strip calendar can boost stock more than 30%
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Fred Imbert | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

MGM Resorts could be in for a big rally in the new year thanks to a jam-packed events calendar on the Las Vegas Strip, according to Truist. This event was held in Las Vegas last year, but Jones noted that comps will be easy to beat as the omicron Covid variant breakout hindered turnout. Other events slated to take place on the strip include the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix in the third quarter and the electric Daisy Carnival in the second quarter. Attendance to the former is expected around 170,000, while turnout for the latter is forecast at more than 400,000, Truist said. Still, he thinks that "the number and quality of events planned for Vegas should drive relative outperformance."

☆ Chinese stocks rally on reopening hopes; Morgan Stanley upgrades to overweight
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Jihye Lee | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Hang Seng TECH Index, which represents the 30 largest technology companies listed in Hong Kong, surged 8% in Asia's trade. Electronic vehicle-maker Xpeng gained 24%, leading gains for the broader index, Li Auto jumped 12% and Nio climbed more than 15%. The Hang Seng index rose 4% while China's CSI 300 index, which tracks the largest largest mainland-listed stocks, rose almost 2%. Hong Kong-listed casino operators also saw significant gains, with MGM China rising 19%, Wynn Macau climbing 16% and Sands China adding 13%. Morgan Stanley upgrades to overweight

☆ Jim Cramer breaks down shares of Apple, Disney and MGM Resorts
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailJim Cramer breaks down shares of Apple, Disney and MGM ResortsCNBC's Jim Cramer and the 'Squawk on the Street' team discuss shares of Disney after the company released its annual 10-K report. Cramer also discusses shares of MGM Resorts and Apple.

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Tesla, VF Corp, Marriott, MGM and more
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Alex Harring | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

United Airlines , Delta Airlines – United gained 4% following a Morgan Stanley upgrade to overweight from equal weight on the notion that 2023 could be a "goldilocks" year for the airline. Silvergate Capital — Shares dropped more than 5% after Morgan Stanley downgraded the crypto bank to underweight from equal weight, saying there is more revenue pressure following the FTX fallout. Signature Bank — The stock declined more than 7% after Morgan Stanley downgraded it to equal weight from overweight. Morgan Stanley expects funding costs to jump "significantly" over the next several quarters as Signature works to retain deposits from customers. Many Chinese stocks pared earlier gains, however, as the broader market sold off amid fears of aggressive monetary tightening.

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves premarket: Silvergate Capital, MGM Resorts, Bilibili, Murphy Oil & more
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Sarah Min | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

United Airlines — Shares rose 1% after Morgan Stanley upgraded United Airlines to overweight from equal weight, saying 2023 could be a "goldilocks" year for the airline stock. Silvergate Capital — Shares dipped 3% after Morgan Stanley downgraded Silvergate Capital to underweight from equal weight, saying a "high level of uncertainty" remains around the stock following the FTX collapse. Chinese tech stocks — Shares of Chinese internet stocks jumped in premarket trading after Beijing and Shenzhen reportedly further eased Covid restrictions. Johnson Controls International — Johnson Controls shares rose slightly after Deutsche Bank named it its top pick heading into 2023. The stock rose by more than 2%.

☆ Here are Monday's biggest analyst calls: Apple, Amazon, Tesla, Netflix, Coinbase, Costco, Etsy & more
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

JPMorgan reiterates Apple as overweight JPMorgan said Apple's iPhone supply chain challenges appear to be moderating. JPMorgan reiterates Netflix as overweight JPMorgan said it sees a "heavily backend-weighted quarter" for Netflix. Morgan Stanley initiates Marriott as overweight Morgan Stanley said it likes how the hotel chain has transformed its business and that it sees a "further re-rating." Jefferies reiterates Amazon and Etsy as buy Jefferies said Amazon and Etsy will be winners this holiday shopping season. Morgan Stanley downgrades Silvergate to underweight from equal weight Morgan Stanley said in its downgrade of the crypto bank that it sees too many headwinds due to the FTX collapse. "

☆ Amazon media chief Jeff Blackburn retires from the company for the second time
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Jonathan Vanian | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Senior Vice President of Business Development at Amazon Jeff Blackburn (R) and Anne Blackburn attend the The IMDb Dinner Party at the Sundance Film Festival presented by Dolby on January 28, 2019 in Park City, Utah. Jeff Blackburn is retiring for the second time from Amazon , where he held a number of high-profile leadership roles over two decades. Amazon said Friday that the senior vice president of global media and entertainment will remain at the company through early 2023 to "ensure a smooth transition." Blackburn joined Amazon in 1998 and has worked on a number initiatives at the company including advertising, Amazon Studios and Prime Video service and music business. He rejoined that May as the senior vice president of a new Global Media & Entertainment division, overseeing Amazon's video, music, podcast, and gaming businesses.

☆ Blackstone Stake Sale Values MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay at $5.5 Billion
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Peter Grant | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

An agreement to sell a stake in two properties, including the MGM Grand Las Vegas, marks one of the largest U.S. casino deals this year. Blackstone Inc. has agreed to sell its 49.9% stake in two Las Vegas hotels in a deal that values the properties at $5.5 billion, marking one of the largest U.S. casino transactions this year. The New York investment firm is selling its stake in the MGM Grand Las Vegas and the Mandalay Bay to Vici Properties Inc., which owns the other 50.1% stake in the properties, the companies said, confirming The Wall Street Journal’s previous report. Blackstone would receive $1.27 billion in cash, and Vici would assume Blackstone’s share of some $3 billion in debt, according to the companies.

☆ Photos: Prince William and Kate visit Boston
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Britain's Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, arrive for the Earthshot Prize awards at the MGM Music Hall in Boston, Massachusetts on Friday, December 2. Produced by CNN Digital's Photo TeamBritain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, are in Boston this week to attend the Earthshot Prize Awards that William founded two years ago. This is the couple's first trip to the United States since they visited New York City eight years ago. Prince William, the heir to the British throne, founded his climate change prize in the hope of harnessing the world's smartest minds to confront some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing humanity. Each year for the next decade, five winners will receive £1 million (around $1.12 million) to fund their creative solutions to the climate crisis.

The largest property owner on the Las Vegas Strip is doubling down and taking full ownership of the MGM Grand Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay, which the deal values at $5.5 billion. VICI currently owns a 50.1% stake in the property, which it acquired when it bought MGM Growth properties in May. Strip casinos are seeing a 20% surge in revenue through October to $6.8 billion in gaming revenue from a year ago. "It's further evidence that Las Vegas remains amongst the most in-demand destinations in the world," said Rosemary Vassiliadis, Clark County's director of aviation. And hotel revenue in Las Vegas was up 51% in October compared with October 2019, before the pandemic, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

☆ MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay are very attractive deals for Vici Properties investors, says CEO
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailMGM Grand and Mandalay Bay are very attractive deals for Vici Properties investors, says CEOEdward Pitoniak, Vici CEO, joins 'Power Lunch' to discuss why it's important to own 100% of Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand, how the company could've paid less for for its stake in both companies and more.

☆ Blackstone to sell stake in MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay to VICI Properties
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Dec 1 (Reuters) - Blackstone Inc (BX.N) will sell its 49.9% stake in the joint venture that owns the MGM Grand Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay resorts to co-owner VICI Properties Inc (VICI.N) for about $1.27 billion in cash, the companies said on Thursday. The deal includes the assumption of Blackstone Real Estate Investment Trust's (BREIT) existing property-level debt that has a principal balance of $3 billion. The company had been ramping up investments in the real estate sector until earlier this year. In July, the company drew commitments worth $24.1 billion for its latest real estate fund. VICI Properties, which owns properties such as the Caesars Palace Las Vegas, MGM Grand and the Venetian Resort Las Vegas, expects the deal to be immediately add to adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) per share upon closing.

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