The farming season in the United States is in full swing, with crops being planted in the spring, tended throughout the summer, and harvested in early fall. When it's harvesting time, consumers usually focus on fresh produce, but what about canned food that provides produce year-round?

The new Chameleon bottle from Berry Agile Solutions features an outstanding construction that enables a base section with a special textured finish.

The U.S. Farmed seal will first appear on Anheuser-Busch's Busch Light this May, and Budweiser, Bud Light and Michelob ULTRA have also obtained U.S. Farmed certification.

Flycatcher, the new California red wine from Frog’s Leap, comes in an ultra-lightweight glass bottle and features a wash-off label, among the first of its kind for California wine that enhances recyclability.

This innovative approach to wine packaging marks a first in the U.S. market, underscoring a commitment to recycled packaging solutions without compromising on the quality and flavor of wine that customers expect.

Packaging Strategies has reported on sustainable packaging tie-ins with sporting events, such as the Portland Trail Blazers' use of eco-friendly packaging and the Philadelphia Eagles' switch to bio-based bags at Lincoln Financial Field.

Alison Keane, President and CEO of the Flexible Packaging Association for eight years, is leaving her position on August 1. We want to express our appreciation for her work at FPA and her willingness to offer guidance on industry matters.

Labelexpo Americas 2024 in Rosemont, Illinois, was a key event for the label and package printing industry, featuring over 450 exhibitors. It offered live demonstrations and showcased the latest advancements in machinery and materials, underscoring its significance as a premier platform for industry innovation and networking since 1989.

In this story, we take a look at some of most recent announcements regarding the creation and adoption of new snack packaging materials.

Regardless of the industry, accuracy, quality assurance and customer satisfaction are of utmost importance when packing consumer products. When handled properly, product is apportioned precisely and packaged correctly, avoiding costly and reputation-damaging errors.

In 2023, the packaging equipment industry saw significant innovations, including Packsize's award-winning X5® solution, MGS's Matrix TL top-loading case packer, and Ishida Europe's ACP-700 series automatic case packing system. Read more about these game-changing innovations!

The FG1 Top Load Carton/Tray/Case Former is one of Serpa’s most versatile machines.

Part of the Paxiom Group, EndFlex’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has resulted in a diverse product line that includes case erecting, tray forming, case sealing, case packing, tray loading, pick & place, and robotic palletizing machines.

Innovations in modeling technology, which reduce the weight of the bottles to 18.5 grams, represent a major step in reducing the amount of materials used while preserving the durability and functionality of the packaging.

As we see consumer preference grow for high-protein products, Direct UHT (ultra-high temperature) becomes the stand-out processing method for its gentler treatment of protein-rich formulations, alongside other benefits.

Company will have a team of experts on-site to showcase innovative equipment additions such as the Tetra Pak A1 1100 Filling Machine and the new Tetra Pak Direct UHT (Ultra-High Temperature) unit.

With the addition of the Hartness High-Speed Layer Palletizing Tool, Schneider is now able to offer its world-class solutions to an even larger portion of the palletizing market.

New cobot palletizers can build pallets as high as 108 inches and handle packaging as heavy as 60 pounds.

SYMACH 3500S merges the original Thiele Master 3500 palletizer experience with the SYMACH palletizing platform.

Regulatory legislation such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has been the driving force behind food manufacturers and packagers taking a closer look at their conveyor systems to ensure compliance and hygienic standards are making the grade.

The egg brand is using the redesign to celebrate spring and attract more customers.

The VELTEKO WASHDOWN-360 vertical packaging machine can be used in operations with more stringent hygiene requirements as well as anywhere that liquids need to be packaged.

The METTLER TOLEDO C35 AdvancedLine Checkweigher is designed to deliver precise weighing results on a stable weighing platform resistant to high-pressure washdown and most caustic detergents.

From ensuring that recycled release liner rolls contain no defects to detecting leaks in flexible containers, inspection and detection technology is critical to the efficient production of high-quality packaging. Here is a look at some of the cutting-edge inspection and detection systems currently on the market.

Checkweigher is specifically designed for aerosol containers while scanner is specifically designed for leak detection in glass bottles and jars used in food & beverage applications.

The X350 is designed with large ink tanks, each holding 2L of CMYK ink, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for frequent refills.

MCS Inc. President David Loos says high-speed inkjet printers eliminate the need for adhesive labels by printing tracking codes, special offers and other promotional messages directly on secondary packaging.

A Perfect Collab: DMOs x Higher Education jhammond@desti… Fri, 08/02/2024 - 15:50

A note via Bank of America economists on expectations and wariness on US October CPI data due Wednesday at 8.30 am US Eastern time.

BoA expect core CPI to show an increase of 0.3% m/m month

• holding at 3.3% y/y
• would be the third consecutive month with a 3.3% core reading

BoA say that looking ahead, the rise is inflation tilted to the upside:

• "We see pro-growth fiscal policy, tariffs, and tighter immigration as potential sources of upside inflation risk over the coming years if they are implemented"

Higher inflation to come would slow/halt/reverse (you can pick more than one ;-)) Federal Reserve rate cuts.

The USDCHF has moved higher in trading today and in the process moved above the swing highs from last week and swing area between 0.8772 to 0.8776. That area is now a close risk and bias-defining level. Staying above is more bullish.

The move above that area today has led to an increase in momentum with the price moving to and through the 50% midpoint of the move down from the Mqy 1 high. That level comes in at 0.87986 (near natural resistance at 0.8800).

The price is in trading above and below that level the last four or so hours of trading with a high price of 0.8804. Also in play on the topside is its 200-day moving average at 0.8817 and a swing area from 0.88187 to 0.88251. Get above those levels would open the door for more upside momentum.

So buyers and sellers are battling it out near the 50% midpoint and below the 200-day moving average. That is natural estranged can defined and limited risk against the technical levels. However, the price were to move above the 200-day moving average, the seller leaning now, should look to cover and push the price higher.

---------------------------------

USDCHF Summary

The USDCHF continues its upward trend, testing the 50% target level at 0.87986.

Key Levels:

Resistance

• 0.8817 (200-day MA)

• 0.88187-0.8825 (swing area)

Support

• 0.8772-0.87763 (last week's highs)

Outlook:

• Breaking above 0.88187-0.8825 opens door for more upside momentum.

• Moving below 0.8772-0.87763 gives sellers short-term advantage.

• Absent a breakdown, buyers remain in control, targeting new highs since July 31.

Fundamental Overview

TSLA is now up more than 40% since the election day as the bullish momentum in the stock exploded following Trump’s victory. This shouldn’t be surprising given that Elon Musk bet big on Trump and the market is now rewarding it.

It looks like the US economy continues not only to do well but also re-accelerating amid the Fed’s easing and the expectations of expansionary fiscal policies like tax cuts and deregulation. Moreover, the manufacturing cycle might be in the early innings of a growth phase, so those are all positive macro factors for the stock.

Tesla, like Coinbase, Bitcoin and Dogecoin, have been the top beneficiaries of Trump’s victory given their direct connection to Trump. For now, there’s no real top in sight as we would likely need a contractionary monetary policy or a notable slowdown in the economy.

The risk going forward is the Fed. If the central bank starts to mention the need of more tightening, then we could see some big corrections in all risk assets. That day though looks to be at least a couple of months away for now.

TSLA Stock Technical Analysis – Daily Timeframe

On the daily chart, we can see that TSLA broke above the resistance zone around the 270.00 level and exploded higher as Trump’s victory became clear. The stock is now trading around the 359.00 level in pre-market. The target should be the all-time high around the 414.50 level but that doesn’t mean it cannot break through and reach new highs.

TSLA Stock Technical Analysis – 4 hour Timeframe

On the 4 hour chart, we can see that we have an upward trendline defining the current bullish momentum. That’s now far away from the current price and it’s unlikely that we will see a pullback into it in the near term unless we get a very hot US CPI report tomorrow.

If we do get there though, the buyers will likely lean on it to position for a rally into new highs, while the sellers will look for a break lower and below the previous resistance now turned support to increase the bearish bets into new lows.

TSLA Stock Technical Analysis – 1 hour Timeframe

On the 1 hour chart, we can see that we have another minor upward trendline defining the bullish momentum on this timeframe. The buyers will likely keep on bidding the stock up with a defined risk below the trendline, while the sellers will look for a break lower to start targeting a pullback into the next trendline.

Upcoming Catalysts

This week is a bit empty on the data front with the most important releases scheduled for the latter part of the week. Tomorrow, we have the US CPI report. On Thursday, we get the latest US Jobless Claims figures. On Friday, we conclude the week with the US Retail Sales data.

The USDCAD moved higher in the Asian session and extended above the highs over the last few weeks between 1.3945 and 1.3958. The high price extended to 1.39664 but fell short of the 2022 high which came in at 1.3977.

The inability to move higher turn the buyers to sellers, and the price has rotated back down toward the close from yesterday's trade where buyers have stalled the fall.

On the downside, the next major target comes against the rising 100 and 200 hour moving averages between 1.3908 and 1.3911. It would take a move below that area to increase the bearish bias with the 100 bar moving average on a four hour chart the next downside target at 1.38868.

On the top side, getting back above 1.3945 and 1.3958 would have traders looking again toward the 2022 high at 1.3977. Get above that level opens the door for further upside potential.

----------------------------------------------

USDCAD Summary

The USDCAD rose in the Asian session, approaching 2022 highs.

Key Points:

1. Broke above recent highs (1.3945-1.3958).

2. Reached 1.39664, shy of 2022 high (1.3977).

3. Buyers turned sellers, and the price fell.

Outlook:

Bullish Scenario

Move above 1.3945, 1.3958, and 1.3977 confirms further upside.

Bearish Scenario

Break below 1.3908-1.3911 (100/200-hour MA) and 1.38868 (100-bar MA) increases bearish bias.

Levels to Watch:

• Resistance: 1.3945, 1.3958, 1.3977

• Support: 1.3908, 1.3911, 1.38868

The USDJPY is extending to a new session high after testing is 61.8% retracement earlier in the day at 153.397 and finding willing buyers.

The market to the upside has now taken the price to a high of 154.75. That has extended above the high price from last week at 154.704. The buyers are making a play.

The swing high going back to July 30 came in at 155.21, and that becomes the next key target on the topside for the pair.

The high yield close for the 10-year note last week reached 4.433%. The current yield is currently at 4.4315%, up 12.3 basis points. A close above would be the highest close going back to July 1, 2024 when the close came in at 4.465%.

Good morning, afternoon and evening all. Any charts, technical analysis, trade ideas, thoughts, views, ForexLive traders would like to share and discuss with fellow ForexLive traders, please do so:

• US indices close lower on the day. No new records today.
• Bitcoin trades above $90,000 for the first time. It broke the $80,000 level on Monday
• US CPI to be released tomorrow at 8:30 AM. Expectations are for 0.2% MoM
• It's not a pretty picture in China
• Fed's Kashkari: The fundamentals seems strong and I'm optimistic that will continue
• BofA: Life don't come easy for CHF: What's the trade?
• US 10 year yield looks to close at the highest level since July 1
• Major European indices are closing sharply lower
• John Paulson drops out of the running for Treasury Secretary
• New York Fed: 1-year inflation expectations 2.9% versus 3.0% last month
• Fed's Barkin: Fed in position to respond appropriately regardless of how economy evolves
• Fed's Waller: Makes no comments on economy or monetary policy outlook
• And they are off. US stocks are marginally higher in the early trading
• LiteFinance Becomes the Official Trading Partner of Leicester City Football Club
• Kickstart the FX day. A look at the EURUSD, USDJPY and GBPUSD from a technical perspective
• Canada Sept building permits +11.5% vs +1.7% expected
• Forexlive European FX news wrap: Not much action as we await the US CPI release tomorrow

Markets:

• Bitcoin trades to $90,000 for the first time, two days after passing $80,000. The high reached $90,243
• WTI crude trades down $0.07 at $67.97
• 2 year yield 4.338%, up 8.4 basis points. 10 year yield 4.421%, +11.4 basis points.
• Gold down -$20.78 or -0.79% at $2598.58. Lowest level since September 20
• S&P 500 -17.36 points or -0.29% at 5983.99.
• Nasdaq index down -17.36 points or -0.09% at 19,281.40. Both the Nasdaq and the S&P closed by the exact same point amount....
• Russell 2000 tumbled -43.13 points or -1.77% at 2391.84

In the US the NY Fed Survey showed inflation expectations moving lower with the one year inflation at 2.9% vs 3.0% estimate. That is the lowest in 4 years. The 3 and five years measures also declined with the 3 year down to 2.5% from 2.7%, and the 5 year down to 2.8% from 2.9%.

In Canada building permits soared by 11.5% after -6.3% decline last month. Overall permits were the second-highest level since the start of the new series in January 2017 but it's more of a one-off around government spending than anything related to the economy. Ontario's institutional component received big contributions from construction for long-term care facilities across the province and a hospital permit in Prince Edward County. Residential building is holding up on the multi-family side as the pipeline of condos continues to work its way through but single-family has flatlined.

The US bond market was open after Monday's Veteran's Day holiday and selling was the order of the day as traders price in the inflationary and growth implications of a GOP sweep (and perhaps increased deficits too). The 10-year yield rose close to 12 basis points. The 2 year is up close to 9 basis points.

The USD moved higher with the greenback moving the most vs the GBP (0.95%).. The GBPUSD moved to the lowest level since August 8 and traded below the 61.8% retracement of the move up from the April low. That level comes in at 1.27322. The current price is trading just above that level into the close for the day.

The EURUSD is rallying modestly into the close but still saw the dollar higher by 0.26% versus the EUR. The pair moved below the 1.0601 level which took to price to a new low for 2024. The low could only get to 1.0594 before bouncing higher into the close. The sellers in the EURUSD had their shot. They missed.

The USDJPY is closing higher by 0.61% and into a swing area between 154.54 and 155.21. The high price reached 154.92 extending above the high price from last week at 154.70. The price is trading at 154.62 into the close. Buyers are in control. Can they extend to the high target at 155.21.

The USDCAD traded to the highest level going back to October 2022 when the price extended to 1.3977. The high price today reached 1.3966 just 11 pips short of that high. The price is trading at 1.3949 going into the end of the trading day.

Gold continues its move to the downside after reaching record levels at the end of October at $2790.07. The price has since fallen -6.89% to $2597.88.

Bitcoin's sprint to the topside continued today with the price reaching above $90,000 for the first time ever and just 2-days after breaking above the $80,000 level. The high price reached $90,243. The price has come off that lofty level and trades at $88,092.

Midnight Evergreen Technologies, Inc. (Midnight) dares to reimagine the role of an AA game publisher, with a mission to fundamentally reshape how we play together. Midnight is building The Evergreen, the first (of-its-kind) publishing platform designed as a deconstructed, composable MMORPG, delivering immersive, cross-genre experiences that seamlessly span across various platforms, pushing the boundaries of how games are played and enjoyed.

The Evergreen fuses enduring player progression with constantly evolving gameplay, creating an interconnected arcade of games that offer the reach, engagement, and monetization of a traditional MMO—without the risks of a single theme, game narrative, or prolonged production cycles.

Midnight proudly announces the launch of the first of its 26 planned core games in this Deconstructed MMO: The Evergreen: Midnight Market. Set to release on Web, Mobile, and Telegram, and built in partnership with Aptos Foundation, Midnight Market is a daring game of risk and reward where every spin teeters between fortune and mischief. Combining the thrill of crypto gaming with the reliability and scalability of Aptos' Layer 1 blockchain, Midnight Market sets a new standard for decentralized gaming.

Players will find themselves in a high-stakes world of chance, crafting items, earning tokens, and navigating encounters with the elusive Night Pig. How far will you push your luck in pursuit of the ultimate prize?

“Our partnership with Aptos Foundation marks a significant tipping point,” said Steve Wade, Founder & CEO of Midnight. “Aptos’ innovative Web3 infrastructure aligns perfectly with our strategy to focus on player participation in the ecosystems they engage with. Specifically, we’ve solved for interoperability between games, and Aptos makes that solution a reality.” Wade further explained, “We believe in the creator economy and see Web3 as the next logical step—empowering individuals and communities to shape the ecosystems they interact with. With Aptos, we envision a world where players’ stories matter and endure long after the game is over.”

Key Features of The Evergreen: Midnight Market

• Engaging, Unpredictable Gameplay: Players experience unpredictable rewards or unexpected encounters, with every spin holding the potential for either fortune or a surprise interaction with the Night Pig. This element of suspense enhances the gameplay experience with an entertaining, high-stakes twist.
• Decisive Risk-Reward Mechanics: With each turn, players must choose between pushing their luck for higher rewards or banking their earnings. This gameplay design adds strategic depth, enhancing engagement through meaningful player choices.
• Aptos Powered Player Economy: Midnight Market features a blockchain-powered economy, enabling players to craft items known as Keys and earn tickets that can be redeemed for the native ecosystem token or other exclusive merchandise. This player-driven system ensures that every reward has tangible value, heightening the stakes and making the game’s risk-reward mechanics even more impactful.

The game is the first major title to utilize the Aptos high-throughput blockchain, which boasts low latency and high transaction speeds, creating a seamless gaming environment for thousands of players worldwide.

“Powered by the speed and security of the Aptos blockchain, we’re excited to see Midnight’s ambitious vision for The Evergreen brought to life,” said Bashar Lazaar, Head of Grants and Ecosystem at Aptos Foundation. “Players can expect an immersive, genre-spanning experience where every move shapes their unique journey, and the time they spend leaves lasting echoes within the game’s universe and control over the assets they acquire. This isn’t just a step into the future of Web3 gaming—it’s a bold leap forward, placing players at the heart of a dynamic ecosystem, where every moment they choose to spend has a meaningful impact on the worlds they explore".

The Evergreen: Midnight Market is in closed beta now and available to players globally November 13th.

About Aptos Foundation

Aptos Foundation is dedicated to supporting the development of the Aptos protocol, decentralized network and ecosystem and driving engagement with the Aptos ecosystem. By unlocking a blockchain with seamless usability, Aptos Foundation aims to bring the benefits of decentralization to the masses.

About Aptos Network

Aptos is a next-generation Layer 1 blockchain. Aptos’ breakthrough technology and programming language, Move, are designed to evolve, improve performance and strengthen user safeguards.

About Midnight

Midnight (https://www.midnight.io/) is at the forefront of innovation with The Evergreen, the first-ever publishing platform that operates as a deconstructed, composable MMORPG. Players engage with and explore diverse, interconnected game worlds, all linked by The Evergreen, a dynamic nexus that binds these unique experiences together. Each game is its own universe, offering new adventures while feeding into a broader progression system. By combining immersive gameplay with a shared economy and evolving narratives, Midnight is reshaping how players discover and interact with new worlds across genres and platforms.

The dollar continues to sit in a good spot this week, holding gains ahead of the main event later today. It's all about the US CPI report and markets are likely to remain more tentative up until then. As for the bigger picture, the post-election sentiment continues to play out for the most part and that remains the larger focus.

For now, USD/JPY is one to watch as it closes in on the 155.00 mark currently. That will mark the first time since the end of July that the pair is taking a run at the figure level. Is Tokyo going to step up with their verbal interventions? There's going to be little technical resistance in between this pocket here and 160.00 next.

Besides that, EUR/USD is also in focus as the pair closes in on the April low of 1.0601. Large option expiries are in play for now but it's hard to ignore the stronger dollar post-election. If that breaks, sellers will be eyeing the 1.0500 level next before the October lows from last year seen at 1.0448-51.

• Eurostoxx -0.3%
• Germany DAX -0.2%
• France CAC 40 -0.1%
• UK FTSE +0.1%
• Spain IBEX flat
• Italy FTSE MIB -0.2%

There's some push and pull in the opening stages but the changes here don't take away from the heavy selling yesterday. As mentioned since last week, the outlook for European indices remain challenging considering the more dour economic outlook in the region. So far today, US futures are also a little more subdued with S&P 500 futures down 0.3%.

• There are still noticeable price pressures, especially in services sector
• Trump's tariffs may cause German economy to contract
• If tariffs come into effect, it could cost Germany 1% in economic output

And therein lies the dilemma for the ECB heading into next year I guess. The good news is that the disinflation process is still progressing, albeit with a few bumps along the way. All else being equal, the argument for further rate cuts should hold heading into 2025.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the passing of Rush Limbaugh, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) today announced the launch of “Voices From the Field,” a new digital campaign highlighting stories of local broadcasters through first-person accounts. The campaign, part of NAB’s “We Are Broadcasters” initiative, will spotlight how broadcasters are using their expertise, experience and dedication to local broadcasting to serve their audiences and uplift their communities.

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Karen Bass (CA-37) will be the inaugural guest in an exclusive new Spotlight Series from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) featuring members of Congress discussing key initiatives to advance diversity, equity and inclusion and their perspectives on broadcast media.

Washington, D.C. -- The 2022 NAB Show, April 23–27, will feature distinct destinations focused on three main pillars associated with the content lifecycle. Designated “Create,” “Connect” and “Capitalize,” and situated throughout the North Hall, Central Hall and new West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, each area offers renewed opportunities for learning, discovery and engagement.

Washington, D.C. -- The 2022 NAB Show will explore the ongoing deployment of Next Gen TV in broadcast television markets across the country and how broadcasters are utilizing the cutting-edge transmission standard to develop consumer-friendly features, capitalize on new content opportunities and unlock new revenue streams. Next Gen TV exhibits, demonstrations and sessions will take place throughout NAB Show, held April 23–27 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Washington, D.C. -- Iconic game show “The Price Is Right”, which airs on CBS and is produced by Fremantle, is the 2022 television inductee into the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Host Drew Carey and executive producer and showrunner Evelyn Warfel will accept the award at The Achievement in Broadcasting Awards on the NAB Show Main Stage on April 24 at 4:30 p.m. in Las Vegas, Nev.

Washington, D.C. -- Actor, director and educator LeVar Burton will receive the first-ever Insight Award from the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to broadcasting, history and American culture. Burton will be honored during the NAB Show Welcome on Monday, April 25 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Washington, D.C. – Award-winning journalist Ashleigh Banfield, host of “Banfield” on NewsNation, will reunite with her former MSNBC co-anchor, Lester Holt, the NBC Nightly News anchor and managing editor. Holt will join her “Rising Tide: The Value in Mentoring Others” series during the NAB Show Opening Main Stage session on Sunday, April 24 at 1:15 p.m. in Las Vegas, NV.