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Holiday Brand Campaigns Shift Toward Authenticity as Consumers Seek Real Connection

The holiday season remains one of the most important periods for consumer spending, but holiday brand campaigns are undergoing a noticeable transformation. This year, brands are moving away from polished perfection and embracing authenticity to better reflect real consumer experiences. According to Crystal Foote, founder and head of partnerships at Digital Culture Group, this shift is reshaping how brands connect with shoppers during the most competitive time of the year.

Holiday brand campaigns are increasingly focused on realism rather than idealized imagery. In an environment shaped by economic pressure and rising costs, consumers want messaging that reflects their daily lives. Brands that acknowledge financial realities and emotional complexity are resonating more strongly with audiences seeking relevance and trust.

Data shows that consumers respond better to advertising that mirrors lived experiences. This has led to campaigns that highlight imperfect, chaotic, and relatable holiday moments. Instead of aspirational scenes detached from reality, brands are leaning into stories that feel personal and emotionally grounded. These holiday brand campaigns create deeper engagement by validating how consumers actually experience the season.

Small businesses play a critical role in this shift. Local and community rooted brands represent more than half of U.S. employment and often lead cultural innovation at the grassroots level. During the holidays, consumers increasingly look to small businesses for meaningful, locally made products that offer a sense of connection beyond convenience.

Crystal Foote emphasizes that successful holiday brand campaigns balance both local and national retail strategies. Large retailers provide accessibility and essential goods, while small businesses deliver craftsmanship and authenticity. This combination allows consumers to meet practical needs while also supporting their communities.

Cultural intelligence has become a defining factor in effective holiday brand campaigns. Brands that understand the social and economic context of their audiences are better positioned to communicate value. For small businesses, this means highlighting local relevance and storytelling. For larger brands, it requires sensitivity to economic pressures such as tariffs and pricing concerns while maintaining trust.

Nonprofits also play an important role during the holiday season. Crystal Foote highlights the importance of including charitable initiatives as part of holiday brand campaigns. Supporting nonprofit efforts allows consumers to participate in meaningful impact while reinforcing values centered on generosity and community support.

Ultimately, holiday brand campaigns that succeed in today’s market are those built on genuine connection. By prioritizing authenticity, cultural awareness, and community engagement, brands can build lasting relationships that extend beyond the holiday season. The future of holiday marketing belongs to brands that reflect real life and create shared value for consumers and communities alike.

Leveraged ETFs Hit New Highs as Traders Capitalize on Market Swings

Leveraged ETFs are playing an increasingly prominent role in today’s equity markets as volatility rises and investor participation accelerates. With more than $1.3 trillion flowing into exchange traded funds this year, leveraged ETFs have emerged as a key tool for traders seeking to amplify returns during sharp market moves.

Douglas Yones, CEO of Direxion, shared insights on the surge in leveraged ETFs shortly after ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. He noted that heightened volatility, combined with strong investor sentiment, has driven significant growth in leveraged trading strategies as markets approach year end.

Markets have climbed sharply in 2025, with the S&P 500 up more than 15 percent. That rally has been accompanied by larger daily price swings, creating an environment well suited for tactical trading. As a result, the number of leveraged ETFs has expanded to more than 700 products, reflecting strong demand from active retail and professional traders alike.

Yones pointed to earnings growth as a critical driver supporting leveraged ETF activity. Analysts currently forecast nearly 13 percent earnings growth for the S&P 500 heading into the new year. With inflation pressures easing and the Federal Reserve potentially moving toward rate cuts, traders are positioning for continued momentum despite near term volatility.

Leveraged ETFs are designed to magnify daily market moves, making them particularly attractive during periods of sharp price action. Yones explained that market pullbacks in December have historically been followed by rebounds, creating opportunities for traders who understand how leverage works. For experienced participants, these conditions allow for precise positioning when markets move quickly.

Direxion has focused on expanding its leveraged ETF lineup to meet this demand. The firm offers single stock leveraged ETFs targeting high profile technology names, as well as sector based products tied to semiconductors, financials, and energy. Yones highlighted the company’s Titans series, which allows traders to concentrate exposure on leading companies within specific industries without taking broad market risk.

Beyond equities, leveraged ETFs tied to commodities have also gained traction. Gold and silver related leveraged ETFs have delivered strong performance this year as investors look for diversification and protection amid economic uncertainty. Direxion’s gold miner products have been among the firm’s most actively traded offerings as interest in hard assets increases.

Yones emphasized that education remains essential for anyone using leveraged ETFs. These products reset daily and are intended for short term strategies rather than long term holding. Direxion continues to invest in educational resources to help traders understand leverage mechanics, risk management, and proper use cases.

As markets remain volatile heading into 2026, leveraged ETFs are likely to remain a central tool for traders seeking flexibility and tactical exposure. With strong earnings expectations, evolving Federal Reserve policy, and active retail participation, leveraged ETFs continue to shape how investors navigate fast moving financial markets.

Crypto Regulation Draws Fresh Attention as CFTC Leadership Changes Course

The crypto regulation outlook is entering a critical phase as regulatory leadership changes in Washington intersect with shifting geopolitical dynamics and rapid innovation across digital markets. In a recent discussion, Patrick L. Young, chairman and founder of Exchange Invest, shared insights on U.S. crypto oversight, global policy tensions, and the growing role of prediction markets.

Young welcomed the confirmation of Mike Selig as chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), calling it a positive development for digital asset markets. Selig’s prior experience inside the CFTC and his involvement in earlier crypto initiatives have earned him credibility among industry participants. According to Young, that familiarity is essential as regulators attempt to balance innovation with market integrity.

The discussion also highlighted growing tension between crypto markets and traditional financial institutions. Exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq have raised concerns that digital assets may receive regulatory advantages not extended to legacy markets. That friction continues to shape dialogue between the Securities and Exchange Commission and the CFTC, particularly around jurisdictional authority.

While the idea of merging the SEC and CFTC occasionally resurfaces, Young argued that political realities make such a move unlikely. Congressional dynamics, especially within the Agriculture Committee, present significant barriers despite arguments that consolidation could streamline oversight. For now, the crypto regulation outlook remains defined by regulatory competition rather than unification.

Beyond domestic regulation, Young addressed geopolitical developments that could ripple through global markets. Recent U.S. actions targeting Venezuelan oil shipments signal a tougher foreign policy stance that may destabilize regional energy flows. Venezuela’s economic pressure has direct implications for Cuba, which has long depended on Venezuelan oil. These shifts, Young noted, could force political and economic realignments across the region.

The conversation also touched on cultural and economic contrasts in East Asia. Young highlighted the global rise of K-Pop as a symbol of South Korea’s economic and cultural strength, particularly when contrasted with North Korea. The success of South Korea’s entertainment industry underscores how soft power can reflect broader economic vitality.

Back in financial markets, Young pointed to the accelerating popularity of prediction markets. Platforms like Coinbaseand Polymarket are drawing increasing participation by allowing users to engage with market outcomes in a more interactive way. These platforms are reshaping how the public interacts with finance by blending speculation, data, and entertainment.

As digital assets continue to mature, the crypto regulation outlook will remain closely tied to regulatory clarity, geopolitical developments, and evolving market structures. Young emphasized that investors and policymakers alike must understand how these forces intersect. The future of crypto will not be defined by regulation alone, but by how effectively innovation, oversight, and global realities are aligned.

Wall Street Year-End Market Outlook Faces AI Volatility and Rate Cut Uncertainty

As Wall Street approaches the final stretch of the year, the Wall Street year-end market outlook reflects a mix of resilience and rising uncertainty. The S&P 500 is up more than 15% in 2025, positioning the market for a rare third consecutive year of double-digit gains. Still, a December pullback has raised fresh concerns tied to artificial intelligence spending and the timing of potential Federal Reserve rate cuts.

Veteran floor trader Peter Tuchman of TradeMAS says the market’s performance remains impressive despite relentless pressure throughout the year. From political transitions and tariff uncertainty to mini crashes and shifting rate expectations, Tuchman argues the market has absorbed an extraordinary number of shocks.

According to Tuchman, few years have tested investor sentiment this aggressively while still producing strong returns. He noted that virtually every risk scenario imaginable surfaced in 2025, yet equities continue to trade near record levels. That resilience, he says, is the defining feature of the current Wall Street year-end market outlook.

Artificial intelligence has played a dominant role in driving returns. The so-called MAG7 technology leaders remain central to market direction, though volatility has increased. Tuchman pointed to recent trading action in Palantir as a clear example. Shares surged ahead of earnings, only to sell off sharply once results were released. He explained that this pattern is common, with stocks often rising into earnings and declining afterward as traders lock in profits.

Retail participation has also reshaped market behavior. Since the pandemic, more than 50 million new retail traders have entered the market. Tuchman emphasized that these investors are far from inexperienced. Many are informed, disciplined, and comfortable navigating market volatility, which has altered traditional trading dynamics.

Inflation trends remain another key factor shaping the Wall Street year-end market outlook. Headline inflation has cooled significantly, falling from peaks near 8.5% to roughly 2.5%. However, Tuchman cautioned that the stock market and the everyday economy do not always move in sync. Many households continue to feel financial pressure even as equities post strong gains.

Looking ahead, Tuchman expects the market to finish the year on relatively firm footing, even if certain sectors experience turbulence. He refrained from calling specific winners for the next quarter but stressed that interest rates will remain the most important driver. Any shift in rate expectations could prompt rapid portfolio adjustments, especially in interest-sensitive sectors.

He also highlighted the growing link between technology and energy as a long-term theme. As artificial intelligence expands, demand for reliable power sources is increasing. Tuchman sees nuclear and solar energy as potential beneficiaries, positioning them as critical infrastructure supporting future AI growth.

In summary, the Wall Street year-end market outlook reflects a market that has weathered extraordinary challenges while maintaining strength. AI volatility, interest rate uncertainty, and shifting investor behavior continue to define the landscape. For investors and decision-makers, adaptability remains essential as technology, energy, and macroeconomic forces converge heading into the new year.

How Blockchain Verification for Tokenization Solves the Trust Gap in Digital Finance

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In the rapidly evolving world of blockchain and digital finance, trust has become one of the most valuable assets. As tokenization expands across financial markets, blockchain verification for tokenization is emerging as a critical requirement for institutions and investors alike. In a recent discussion, Wojtek Pawlowski, CEO of Accountable, outlined why reliable verification is essential for connecting off-chain data with on-chain financial products.

Tokenization allows real-world assets and financial strategies to be represented on a blockchain. While the benefits include transparency, efficiency, and programmability, the challenge lies in verifying information that exists outside the blockchain. Investors want assurance that assets are real, mandates are followed, and reserves exist. At the same time, firms must protect sensitive data and proprietary strategies.

A trading firm, for example, may want to demonstrate that it is operating within defined risk parameters or managing capital according to a specific mandate. Fully disclosing its trading logic or positions could expose intellectual property or create competitive risk. This tension highlights the need for blockchain verification for tokenization that confirms claims without revealing confidential data.

Traditional verification methods often rely on full disclosure. This approach can introduce privacy concerns and operational vulnerabilities. Pawlowski argues that the next phase of financial infrastructure requires verification models that preserve privacy while still delivering trust.

Accountable addresses this problem by enabling privacy-preserving verification of off-chain data. Using cryptographic techniques, organizations can prove statements such as proof of reserves, mandate compliance, or operational capacity without exposing the underlying data. Stakeholders receive credible verification while sensitive information remains protected.

This approach strengthens trust across the financial ecosystem. Investors gain confidence that claims are accurate. Firms retain control over proprietary information. Regulators and counterparties benefit from verifiable standards without unnecessary data exposure.

Pawlowski emphasized that verification must go beyond simple proof-of-reserves models. A single stamp of approval does not capture the complexity of modern financial operations. Instead, blockchain verification for tokenization must encompass multiple dimensions, including compliance, operational integrity, and ongoing accountability.

Looking ahead, Accountable is focused on scaling its verification infrastructure for institutional adoption. That effort includes expanding engineering teams, strengthening enterprise integrations, and ensuring verification workflows meet regulatory expectations. As tokenization grows, scalable verification solutions will be essential for widespread adoption.

The demand for talent and technical expertise remains a challenge across the industry. Pawlowski noted that sustained innovation requires investment in skilled engineers who can adapt verification systems to evolving financial products and regulatory frameworks.

In conclusion, blockchain verification for tokenization is becoming foundational to the future of digital finance. By enabling trust without sacrificing privacy, companies like Accountable are helping to define how institutions and investors engage with tokenized assets. As verification standards mature, they are likely to play a decisive role in shaping a more secure, transparent, and accountable financial system.

Gauntlet Crypto Yield Strategy Targets Safer Returns

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At the Solana Breakpoint event in Abu Dhabi, FintechTV’s Rachel Pether sat down with Tarun Chitra, CEO of Gauntlet, to discuss how the firm is shaping safer access to crypto yield as fintech adoption accelerates.

Gauntlet currently manages nearly $2 billion in assets and operates across two core business lines: consulting and onchain asset management. This dual structure allows the firm to support neobanks, fintech platforms, and regulated financial institutions that want to offer crypto yield products without exposing users to excessive risk.

A key focus of the discussion was Gauntlet’s role in helping fintech companies launch crypto yield offerings designed for everyday users. These products allow individuals to start with relatively small investments, sometimes as low as $100, while maintaining strong risk controls. According to Chitra, Gauntlet acts as the connective layer between borrowers and lenders, efficiently bridging offchain capital with onchain markets to improve returns compared to traditional savings tools like treasury bills.

Gauntlet’s credibility is rooted in its early work. For much of its seven-year history, the firm concentrated on risk modeling, auditing, and protocol design. That foundation now supports its asset management business, where safety, transparency, and compliance remain central. Chitra noted that investor hesitation around crypto yield often stems from past failures across the industry, making risk discipline essential for broader adoption.

The conversation also explored how regional dynamics shape blockchain ecosystems. Chitra observed that Ethereum adoption remains strong in parts of Latin America, where users often seek protection from currency instability. In contrast, Solana has gained traction in regions such as Singapore and the Middle East, where users tend to pursue growth opportunities and higher returns. These behavioral differences influence how yield products are structured and distributed.

Gauntlet’s collateral and risk management services play a critical role for fintech platforms. By assuming responsibility for complex onchain risk decisions, Gauntlet enables neobanks to focus on customer experience while still offering competitive yield products. This approach reduces operational strain while increasing confidence among users.

As crypto continues to mature as an asset class, Chitra emphasized the importance of responsible frameworks that balance innovation with protection. Gauntlet’s emphasis on controlled exposure, conservative modeling, and institutional-grade practices positions it as a bridge between traditional finance and decentralized markets.

In a rapidly evolving digital asset landscape, the Gauntlet crypto yield model highlights how disciplined risk management can unlock safer participation for both institutions and retail investors. As fintech firms increasingly look to blockchain for yield opportunities, frameworks built on trust and transparency are likely to define the next phase of crypto adoption.

Ritual AI Blockchain Aims to Power Next Wave of Crypto and Onchain Innovation

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The convergence of artificial intelligence and blockchain is accelerating, and Ritual is positioning itself at the center of that shift. Speaking at the New York Stock Exchange, Niraj Pant, co-founder of Ritual, outlined how the project is building a layer one blockchain designed to work natively with AI models.

Ritual was created in response to growing demand from developers who want AI capabilities embedded directly into crypto infrastructure. By allowing AI models to operate on-chain, Ritual enables smart contracts to incorporate inference, validation, and computation that previously lived off-chain. This design expands what decentralized applications can do while maintaining scalability and security.

Pant noted that 2025 marked a turning point for the crypto industry. Regulatory clarity improved, and digital assets continued moving closer to traditional finance. As a result, new sectors such as prediction markets, stablecoins, and perpetual decentralized exchanges gained traction. These categories are increasingly viewed as core components of the next crypto growth cycle.

Market volatility has remained a defining feature. Bitcoin has pulled back from earlier highs, and broader crypto markets have seen periods of consolidation. Pant described this as a healthy reset rather than a setback. Projects are now under pressure to demonstrate real value creation, not just narratives. In that environment, developer activity has become a key signal.

Despite price fluctuations, Pant highlighted strong growth in developer interest across the ecosystem. More builders are experimenting with AI-enabled applications, and that momentum is expected to continue into 2026. Ritual’s goal is to capture that developer mindshare by offering infrastructure that supports entirely new types of user interactions.

Prediction markets were a focal point of the discussion. Pant pointed to increased investor attention in 2025 as users explored markets that price real-world outcomes. These systems align naturally with blockchain principles by promoting transparency and decentralized decision-making. AI integration could further improve how these markets assess probabilities and manage risk.

Looking ahead, Pant expects stablecoins and prediction markets to remain major growth areas. He also anticipates the emergence of applications that do not yet exist, enabled by AI-native blockchains. Ritual is positioning itself to support those use cases by giving developers tools that combine machine intelligence with decentralized execution.

As the crypto industry moves into its next phase, the focus is shifting from experimentation to utility. Ritual’s AI blockchain approach reflects that transition. By embedding AI directly into the base layer, the project aims to support scalable innovation while aligning with the industry’s push toward sustainable, long-term growth.

Plume Builds Blockchain for Tokenized Real World Assets

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Plume is positioning itself as a key infrastructure player in the growing market for tokenized real world assets. Speaking at Solana Breakpoint in Abu Dhabi, Plume Co-Founder Teddy Pornprinya outlined how the company is building a blockchain designed specifically to bring real-world assets on-chain.

Plume’s strategy centers on three core pillars: infrastructure, distribution, and a decentralized finance layer. Together, these components aim to bridge traditional financial assets with crypto-native markets in a scalable and compliant way.

On the infrastructure side, Plume has developed tools that allow a wide range of real-world assets to be tokenized. These assets include private credit, treasuries, commodities, and unique datasets. A long-standing challenge in tokenization has been matching assets with real demand. Plume addresses this by integrating directly with wallets, custodians, and exchanges, helping assets reach active users instead of remaining idle on-chain.

Distribution has been a critical differentiator for the platform. Through partnerships across the crypto ecosystem, Plume has grown to roughly 300,000 users. This network effect allows tokenized assets to move efficiently between institutions and retail participants.

A defining feature of the platform is its DeFi layer. Plume enables tokenized real world assets to interact with established DeFi primitives. This allows assets to be used as collateral, combined with liquidity pools, or structured into yield-generating products. The goal is not just efficiency, but profitability.

Pornprinya noted that the tokenization narrative is evolving. Early adoption focused on transparency and lower operational costs. The market is now shifting toward yield and capital efficiency. Investors increasingly expect tokenized assets to generate returns that compete with traditional financial products.

Institutional demand has also increased, particularly for lower-risk, blue-chip assets. Plume has responded by developing structured products that prioritize capital preservation while still offering yield. Recent partnerships with firms such as WisdomTree and Securitize have expanded access to private credit and treasury-backed assets on the platform.

Plume is also focused on user experience. Its Nest products are designed to integrate directly into wallets and exchanges, reducing friction for both institutions and retail investors. This approach supports broader adoption without requiring users to understand complex DeFi mechanics.

As tokenized real world assets continue to gain traction, Plume is positioning itself as a bridge between traditional finance and decentralized markets. By combining infrastructure, distribution, and DeFi functionality, the company aims to make tokenized assets accessible, liquid, and productive.

The growth of platforms like Plume highlights how blockchain technology is moving beyond speculation and into real financial utility. As adoption expands, tokenized real world assets are expected to play an increasingly important role in the future of global finance.

Solana Incubator Backs Next Generation of Blockchain Startups

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The Solana ecosystem continues to expand as blockchain innovation moves closer to the mainstream. At the center of this effort is the Solana Incubator, led by Emon Motamedi at Solana Labs. The program is designed to support early-stage founders building scalable, real-world blockchain applications.

The Solana Incubator focuses on developing a small number of high-conviction teams at a time. Typically, only four to six startups are selected per cohort. This structure allows for hands-on support and close collaboration throughout the program. The goal is not rapid experimentation, but long-term company building within the Solana network.

Motamedi emphasized that founder quality is the primary selection factor. The Solana Incubator prioritizes technical founders who deeply understand their products and markets. Strong founder-market fit is essential, as is a willingness to collaborate with other teams in the cohort. The incubator views community building as a competitive advantage, not a side benefit.

Each cohort participates in weekly working sessions with Solana Labs contributors. These meetings cover product design, engineering challenges, go-to-market strategy, and user growth. This ongoing engagement helps teams move quickly while avoiding common startup pitfalls.

The program also mirrors elements of traditional accelerators. Founders attend workshops, networking dinners, and guest sessions with investors and industry operators. Over the course of a cohort, participants take part in roughly 90 structured events. These interactions give startups direct access to venture capital, ecosystem partners, and experienced entrepreneurs.

The Solana Incubator maintains close ties with alumni companies. Founders from earlier cohorts often mentor new teams and share operational lessons. This continuity has helped strengthen the broader Solana ecosystem and create durable founder networks.

Several alumni have already achieved notable success. Companies such as Marinade and Sanctum have raised significant capital and built profitable products on Solana. Their progress highlights how the Solana Incubator supports blockchain startups beyond the program itself.

As the incubator prepares for its fourth cohort, applications remain open. The focus remains consistent. Teams are expected to build sustainable businesses that can operate independently while contributing to the growth of the Solana network.

The Solana Incubator reflects a broader shift in crypto toward disciplined execution and long-term value creation. By combining technical innovation with business fundamentals, the program aims to help blockchain startups move from experimentation to real economic impact.

Under Motamedi’s leadership, the Solana Incubator continues to position itself as a launchpad for the next generation of blockchain companies. The emphasis on people, collaboration, and sustainability signals a maturing phase for both Solana and the wider crypto industry.

Quantum Computing Drives Tech Stocks as Investors Eye 2026

U.S. markets moved closer to record highs as easing inflation data revived investor confidence. A lower-than-expected CPI report fueled expectations for interest rate cuts and potential fiscal support, setting the stage for renewed momentum in technology stocks. Against this backdrop, Steven Orr, known as “BigBeat” and founder and CEO of Quasar Markets, outlined why quantum computing drives tech stocks heading into 2026.

Orr noted that the recent market rally reflects optimism around slowing price pressures, but he cautioned that not all technology names are positioned equally. Oracle shares rebounded roughly 7%, yet Orr expressed skepticism about the company’s long-term outlook. He argued that Oracle has struggled to fully align with emerging technology trends that are shaping the next investment cycle.

Instead, Orr highlighted Broadcom as a stronger opportunity. He pointed to Broadcom’s advanced chipset capabilities and its role in enabling next-generation computing infrastructure. Manufacturing strength within the United States, he said, will be a defining advantage as demand for specialized hardware continues to grow.

The discussion also underscored a broader transition within the technology sector. Artificial intelligence dominated investment themes throughout 2025, but Orr believes the next major inflection point is already forming. He expects quantum computing to become a primary driver of capital allocation in the years ahead, reinforcing why quantum computing drives tech stocks across multiple subsectors.

IBM emerged as a key beneficiary in this shift. Orr emphasized IBM’s decades-long investment in advanced computing, AI, and enterprise infrastructure. With quantum initiatives such as Nighthawk and a deep foundation in hardware development, IBM is positioned to lead as quantum applications move closer to commercial viability.

Orr also addressed the growing importance of cloud computing in shaping the technology landscape. He cited the multi-billion-dollar partnership between Palo Alto Networks and Google Cloud as a signal that mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances will accelerate. These deals are expected to strengthen security, scale cloud services, and unlock operational efficiencies.

Looking ahead, Orr suggested that improving consumer confidence and falling inflation could support a seasonal rally into early 2026. Expectations for a year-end market lift remain intact, with technology and small-cap stocks seen as potential outperformers if economic conditions stabilize.

Still, Orr acknowledged risks on the horizon. Job losses and labor market weakness remain areas to watch closely. Even so, he maintained a constructive outlook, arguing that innovation-led sectors tend to perform well once monetary conditions begin to ease.

As markets prepare for 2026, Orr’s analysis reinforces a central theme. Quantum computing drives tech stocks by reshaping hardware demand, cloud infrastructure, and long-term investment strategies. Companies with deep technical expertise and scalable platforms appear best positioned to benefit as the next wave of technological transformation unfolds.