DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

The cultural shift has spawned a booming business in divorce photography not only for Tan, but also for other photographers hoping to profit. Photos shared on Chinese social media Xiaohongshu show some couples signing their divorce papers, while others pose with their divorce certificate. Happy divorce,” one user wrote alongside a photo of her marriage and divorce certificates side by side. “It is not shameful to be brave enough to divorce,” Tan said. Faces on old wedding photos are spray-painted, to ensure privacy is respected, before being tossed into a crusher along with other tokens of memories.

Persons: Tan, ” Tan, “, Peng Xiujian, ‘, Peng, it’s, Liu Wei, Liu, Justin Robertson, ” Liu, he’s, Gary Ng, “ I’ll, ” Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, China’s National Bureau of Statistics, Companies, Victoria University, CNN Locations: Beijing, Hong Kong, Henan, China, Australia

And yet an unusual air of uncertainty overhangs this week's meeting: It’s unclear just how large the Fed’s rate cut will be. Wall Street traders and some economists foresee a growing likelihood that the central bank will announce a larger-than-usual half-point cut. Many analysts foresee a more typical quarter-point rate cut. This week's move is expected to be only the first in a series of Fed rate cuts that will extend into 2025. Over time, Fed rate cuts should lower borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards, as well as for business loans.

Persons: Donald Trump's, Kamala Harris, Jerome Powell, —, Powell, Jackson, Freddie Mac Organizations: WASHINGTON, —, Federal Reserve, Wall Street, Companies, Associated Press Locations: Jackson Hole , Wyoming

☆ Stock market today: Indexes edge up ahead of major Fed interest rate decision
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

US indexes edged higher as investors waited for a likely interest rate cut from the Fed. AdvertisementUS stocks rose on Wednesday as traders readied for what's likely to be the Federal Reserves's first rate cut in four years. "Though consensus is leaning toward a 50 basis point move, we look for the Fed to cut by 25 basis points today. AdvertisementFollowing the interest rate decision, all eyes will be on Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who will deliver prepared remarks during a press conference. "While the market has usually bounced immediately following the 2 PM rate decision, the sell-off usually starts at or near the end of Powell's post-FOMC press conference."

Persons: Jerome Powell's, —, John Lynch, José Torres, Jerome Powell, Powell, shouldn't Organizations: Fed, Traders, Service, Federal, Comerica Wealth Management, Interactive, Deutsche Bank, Investment

☆ How to play the Fed decision using options on gold
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Tony Zhang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Gold is trading at all-time highs due to a combination of inflation concerns, geopolitical risks, and expectations around monetary policy. Historically, gold tends to benefit from dovish monetary policies, especially when they signal prolonged low interest rates, which reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold. Gold has maintained its bullish momentum, trading near $2,600, and appears to be breaking into new all-time highs. Looking at the chart, gold has consistently made higher highs and higher lows, a sign of strong upward momentum. The trade To express a bullish to neutral view on gold going into the Fed announcement, consider selling a SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) Nov 1 $237.5/232.5 Put Vertical @ $2.02 Credit.

Persons: GLD Organizations: CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL Locations: Central

☆ The Fed has waited four years to cut rates. But it’s still a tough call
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Bryan Mena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

It’s also a sign of confidence from Fed officials that inflation has come under control just enough to comfortably dial back policy. Typically, in the lead-up to a Fed policy decision, Wall Street and economists are in alignment on what to expect. But investors’ wagers for a half-point cut ramped up on Monday; and as of Tuesday afternoon, federal funds futures contracts were pricing in a 63% chance of a jumbo rate cut, up from around 30% on Thursday, according to the CME Group. As inflation skyrocketed in 2021 and 2022, American employers pumped out jobs and the unemployment rate declined to half-century lows. The Fed eventually responded to the country’s inflation problem with its bitter medicine of high interest rates.

Persons: It’s, Christopher Waller, Elizabeth Warren, Robert Kaplan, Bill Dudley, ”, Powell, ” Gregory Daco, “, ” Julia Hermann Organizations: Washington CNN, Federal Reserve, Street, CME, Fed, Democratic, Dallas Fed, CNBC, Former New York, Bloomberg, Dow, Labor, New York Life Investments, CNN

But a series of data points showing worsening economic conditions has made some analysts believe a 0.5% cut is more likely — and perhaps even necessary. “We do not seek or welcome further cooling in labor market conditions,” Fed Chair Jay Powell said in a speech last month. “A (0.5%) cut is usually done in emergencies,” like the Covid-19 pandemic, said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s financial group. Mortgage interest rates have hit their lowest level since February 2023, while auto loan rates are also falling. A 0.5% cut would more directly affect rates tied to the fed funds rate, including credit cards, home equity lines of credit and small-business loans.

Persons: Steve Liesman, Jay Powell, Bill Dudley, ” Dudley, Preston Mui, Mui, ”, “, Mark Zandi, Greg McBride, ” McBride Organizations: Federal, CNBC, Wall, Minneapolis Federal Reserve, Federal Reserve Bank of New, Bloomberg News, Fed, Bankrate Locations: Minneapolis, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, America

☆ We spent $900,000 to build a glass house. Airbnb guests love it, and it's a dream to live at one with the outdoors.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-17 | by ( Dan Latu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

This New Zealand home inspired Hawthorne to build a glass house in San Diego and another one in North Carolina. The design for the glass house had been on my mindHawthorne took some inspiration from Phillip Johnson's Glass House in Connecticut. It is somewhat based off Philip Johnson's Glass House, which has been one of my favorite architectural projects of all time. I planted a maple tree on our dock, which has become a destinationThe maple tree is watered by a Wi-Fi-operated irrigation system. We're renting out the glass house, but I dream of growing old thereWe drove the Airstream back to San Diego and came back here full-time in early August.

Persons: —, Andrew Hawthorne, Maya, Hawthorne, Andrew Hawthorne I'm, Andrew, Maya Hawthorne, let's, Phillip Johnson's, Philip Johnson's, Gaston, That's, I'm, I'd, it's, Lake Gaston, It's, We've, Andrew Hawthorne . Organizations: Service, Business, San, Lake Gaston, YouTube Locations: North Carolina, New Zealand, Hawke's, Zealand, San Diego, Park City , Utah, Lake Gaston, Raleigh, Connecticut, Zillow, Lake, NICU

☆ Americans Really Hate the so-so Economy, Worried About Recession
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-17 | by ( Emily Stewart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

We expected there to be a cooling labor market — that's kind of the goal — and it's always just, you know, how cool?" That being said, when it comes to the labor market … it is, in fact, so over. That's an improvement over July's 4.3% unemployment rate, but overall, the jobs market in the US is cooling off. Related stories"If you imagine a labor market like a bathtub, the bathtub is full," said Dana Peterson, the chief economist at the Conference Board. Despite the strong labor market, they're sending endless résumés into the ether without getting any bites, and they don't understand why.

Persons: I've, it's, Allison Shrivastava, Joanne Hsu, there's, Dana Peterson, Jaime, Alexis Fowler, she'd, That's, pang, Hsu, Michael Madowitz, Y, Peterson, We're, Emily Stewart Organizations: Federal, University of Michigan, Conference Board, Roosevelt Institute, Business

☆ Cooling needs and more: Jefferies names global stocks to buy driven by AI data center demand
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-17 | by ( Weizhen Tan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

That also means that AI data centers are growing fast — as is the demand for them. That in turn is set to drive up the demand for cooling systems for data centers. We believe the demand for liquid cooling for AI data centers should sustain for the following 5-10 years, driven by continuous iteration of AI chips and rising heat dissipation requirements," Jefferies said in a Sept. 10 report. Cooling services have been said to improve power efficiency in data centers and, by extension, cost efficiency. Envicool Technology : Jefferies expects data center cooling sales in Southeast Asia to contribute one-third of such sales for the Chinese firm.

Persons: Jefferies, — CNBC's Michael Bloom Organizations: Jefferies, Stock, Schneider Electric, Technology, PSU, Nvidia Locations: China, Southeast Asia

Amazon Basics Memory Foam Mattress (10-inch, Queen) While it has its shortcomings, the Amazon Basics Memory Foam Mattress is a good budget option for side sleepers and couples. AdvertisementConstructionYour body sinks into the foam of the Amazon Basics Memory Foam Mattress. AdvertisementComfortWhile Joyner and I tested the Amazon Basics Memory Foam Mattress in different thicknesses, we both tested the queen size and plush feel. AdvertisementThe bottom lineWhile the 10-inch Amazon Basics Memory Foam Mattress was comfortable, the 8-inch version (shown here) will likely be uncomfortable for most adults. The Amazon Basics Memory Foam Mattress is only $300, so it's no surprise it has deficiencies.

Persons: Kylie Joyner, Read, Joyner, Alyssa Powell, Erin Brains, James Brains Organizations: Business, Garmin Locations: Siena

☆ Elizabeth Warren calls for emergency-like Fed rate cut ASAP
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-17 | by ( Matt Egan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —The American economy appears to be just hours away from a major milestone: The first interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve since Covid. Yet there remains an unusual amount of drama over the magnitude of that rate cut, with some in Washington calling for a supersized move. Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren wants the Fed to slash interest rates at a pace rarely seen outside of a full-blown crisis. “It is clearly the time for the Fed to cut rates. For instance, in early 2008 the Fed slashed interest rates by three-quarters of a point or more on three occasions.

Persons: Massachusetts Democratic Sen, Elizabeth Warren, Jerome Powell, Warren, “, ” Warren, Sheldon Whitehouse, John Hickenlooper, Powell, Bill Dudley, “ dawdling, Dudley, ” Dudley, panicking, David Kelly, ” Kelly, ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, Massachusetts Democratic, Sens, Wall, Fed, Federal Reserve Bank of New, CNN, Democrats, Asset Management Locations: New York, Washington, Massachusetts, Federal Reserve Bank of New York

☆ Amazon's RTO mandate won't pay off in the way the company hopes
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-17 | by ( Madeline Berg | Tim Paradis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Read previewSorry, Amazon employees. CEO Andy Jassy announced on Monday that starting next year, Amazon employees must be in the office five days a week. Amazon's announcement comes after 15 months of hybrid work — employees had to be in three times a week. Some employers like Amazon are looking to take back powerIn the pandemic era, the labor market favored office workers. Oftentimes, introverted employees work better outside the office, and some people find that the pressure of in-person work can stifle productivity and deep thinking, Duffy said.

Persons: —, Andy Jassy, Goldman Sachs, Caitlin Duffy, Duffy, Julia Hobsbawm, Hobsbawm, Amazon's Jassy, Jassy, Nicholas Bloom, who's, Bloom, what's, Deborah McGee, McGee, Gen Z, they're Organizations: Service, Business, Slack, Employees, JPMorgan, Gartner, Stanford, Research, Data Technologies, PZI Locations: America

☆ BOJ unlikely to raise rates this year amid leadership change and cooling economy, economist says
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-17 | 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 EmailBOJ unlikely to raise rates this year amid leadership change and cooling economy, economist saysWith Japan's upcoming party leadership election on Sept. 27 and its cooling economy, "moving in that environment is tricky" for the Bank of Japan, said Martin Schulz, chief policy economist at Fujitsu.

Persons: Martin Schulz Organizations: Bank of Japan, Fujitsu

☆ How to shop for a mattress online, according to experts
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-16 | by ( Bethany Heitman | Bethany Heitman Is A Contributing Editor At Nbc Select. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +9 min

However, according to experts we spoke with, buying a mattress online can be an incredibly successful endeavor because there are so many online, direct-to-consumer options that aren’t available in stores. | Tips for shopping for a mattress online | Where to shop for a mattress online | Why trust NBC Select? How to shop for a mattress onlineIf you want to shop for a mattress online, it’s helpful to arm yourself with some tools and tactics to make sure you make the best purchase possible. Where to shop for a mattress onlineWant to shop for a mattress online but don’t know where to start? For this story, she interviewed experts on how to shop for a mattress online.

Persons: ”, Jeff Kahn, there’s, Kahn, You’ll, Ben Trapskin, Yawnder, “, it’s, Foster, Casper, Bethany Heitman, TikTok Organizations: NBC, Amazon, Sealy, Walmart, Mattress Firm, Stearns, Facebook, Twitter Locations: Casper, Tempur

☆ Private-label grocery brands boomed during inflation. Prices are down, but store-brand items keep going higher
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-16 | by ( Bob Woods | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

Private brands — also called store brands and private-label brands — of foods and beverages have shared shelf space with national brands for years. Customer shopping habits are changing for goodIn the past, the value proposition of private brands was driven primarily by lower prices. But consumer attitudes are evolving, according to a recent survey by the Food Industry Association, which represents both food retailers and producers. And 46% said they expect to buy private brands somewhat or much more, compared to 27% saying that for national brands. "In the U.S., the market for private brands as an industry to eclipse national brands is not something we'll see," Baker said.

Persons: Peggy Davies, they've, Kraft Heinz, —, Rick Gomez, Sally Lyons Wyatt, John David Rainey, Scott Morris, Kroger, King Scoopers, Albertsons, Smart, Lyons Wyatt, They've, Doug Baker, Baker, Gen Zers, Xers, Steve Zurek, there's, Zurek, Morris, Gen, Joe's Organizations: Retailers, Private Label Manufacturers Association, Procter & Gamble, Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Target, Wall Street, Walmart U.S, Brands, Metro Market, Food Industry Association, Aldi Locations: Kellogg's, U.S, California , Florida, Western Europe

The Federal Reserve is expected to start lowering rates this week, and mortgage rates are down as a result. But will mortgage rates drop further once the Fed cuts rates? See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. 5-Year Mortgage Rate TrendsHere's how 30-year and 15-year mortgage rates have trended over the last five years, according to Freddie Mac data. Mortgage rates are determined by a variety of different factors, including larger economic trends, Federal Reserve policy, your state's current mortgage rates, the type of loan you're getting, and your personal financial profile.

Persons: they've, Freddie Mac Organizations: Federal, Zillow, ARM, Federal Housing Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs Locations: Chevron

☆ The Fed is finally about to cut interest rates. What took so long?
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-16 | by ( Bryan Mena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Washington CNN —It’s a pivotal week for the US economy, with the Federal Reserve expected to cut interest rates for the first time since 2020. Fed officials and investors have long anticipated that borrowing costs would come down in 2024 — at some point — according to their economic forecasts. But nine months in, rate cuts still haven’t happened, drenching Wall Street’s parade and leaving US consumers squeezed by elevated interest rates. Here’s why the Fed didn’t cut soonerIt’s simple: The Fed didn’t cut interest rates sooner because it could have reignited inflation or left it stuck above the central bank’s target. Bond yields, which move in anticipation of the Fed’ decisions on rates, have come down over the past several weeks based on signs encouraging the Fed to cut rates, such as weaker-than-expected employment data and cooling inflation.

Persons: Washington CNN — It’s, it’s, ” Oscar Muñoz, ” Muñoz, Jerome Powell, Powell, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, “ Jerome Powell’s, ” Philipp Carlsson Organizations: Washington CNN, Federal Reserve, Fed, Wall, TD Securities, CNN, Kansas City, Capitol, White, Boston Consulting Group Locations: —, Jackson Hole , Wyoming

☆ Trump’s social media stock reacts to latest security scare
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-16 | by ( Matt Egan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Shares of Donald Trump’s social media company are experiencing another bout of turbulence following the latest assassination attempt against the former president and face of Truth Social. Experts have compared Trump Media to a meme stock because it tends to trade on sentiment and hype, not fundamentals. And even though it brings in little revenue, the conservative social media company continues to be valued in the billions of dollars. Trump Media finished the day up by 12%, its best performance in three weeks. Investors who bought Trump Media when it went public this March remain deeply in the red.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, ” Trump, Trump, Trump’s Organizations: New, New York CNN, Trump Media & Technology, Trump, Trump Media, Nasdaq Locations: New York

☆ Prices are easing, but wages still lag—here's when they're likely to catch up
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-16 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Looking at a different measure, median real wages — wages adjusted for inflation — have barely budged, growing at just 0.8% over the last year, as of August 2024. With wage growth cooling, the gap between wages and inflation isn't expected to close until the second quarter of 2025, according to Bankrate's projections. Leisure and hospitality workers saw wage growth of 23.7%, which is above the overall average of 17.4%. In contrast, education workers have slipped further behind, with wage gains of only 13.6% over the past three years. The Fed is widely expected to announce its first interest rate cut in more than three years this week.

Persons: there's, Sarah Foster, Foster Organizations: U.S . Department of, Federal Reserve, Wage, CNBC

☆ Why finding a job is so awful right now
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-15 | by ( Tim Paradis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

I'm still unemployed," Jolles told Business Insider. AdvertisementIn any case, Jolles, who describes himself as an "older" tech worker, felt depleted by the job search in California. Averett believed the position wasn't a good fit for her, but she also knew from her experience in HR how tough a job search could be. As someone who works in HR, she gets what it's like to be inundated with applications from job seekers like her. Given how fruitless his job search has been, Cash plans to soon give it up.

Persons: —, David Jolles, I'm, Jolles, It's, Nick Bunker, Bunker, Jason Henninger, Heller, bupkis, Jenitta Averett, Averett, she's, — Averett, it's, Kevin Cash, he'd, Cash, Uber, he's, I've, Kevin Cash Ben Boxer Cash's Organizations: Service, Business, UPS, LinkedIn, Navy Locations: Silicon Valley, It's, Atlanta, America, Georgia, California, Covid, Hampton , Virginia, Portland , Oregon

See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowWhat Are Today's Mortgage Refinance Rates? Current 30-Year Mortgage RatesAverage 30-year mortgage rates remain low after dropping last week and are hovering around 5.70%, according to Zillow data. Last month, 30-year refinance rates averaged 6.59%, while 15-year refinance rates were around 5.90%. Now, 30-year refinance rates are nearly 70 basis points lower, and 15-year refinance rates are around 50 basis points lower. Mortgage rates are determined by a variety of different factors, including larger economic trends, Federal Reserve policy, your state's current mortgage rates, the type of loan you're getting, and your personal financial profile.

Persons: they've, Freddie Mac, it's, Fannie Mae Organizations: Zillow, Fed, Mortgage, Association, ARM, . Government Locations: Chevron, Government

As the Fed lowers its benchmark rate, mortgage rates are likely to go down. Mortgage rates often trend up or down ahead of expected Fed moves, but once a hike or cut is priced in, they tend to hold steady unless the Fed surprises everyone. Haymore also notes that mortgage rates could fluctuate depending on other information that comes out of this upcoming meeting. As it does, mortgage rates should trend down, too (as will the rates banks pay on high-yield savings accounts). If you got your mortgage more recently, you could save on your mortgage payment by refinancing.

Persons: —, Freddie Mac, Scott Haymore, Haymore, you've, Matt Baker, Baker Organizations: Service, Business, Fed, TD Bank, Mortgage Bankers Association, Navy Federal Credit Union

☆ Resist the temptation of AI and bet on safe defensive stocks, Wall Street analysts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-15 | by ( Filip De Mott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

More analysts are recommending "defensive" shares over AI plays as macro conditions change. With some questioning the AI rally, investors could benefit from non-tech growth companies, an analyst said. Similar to BofA's call, Morgan Stanley's Mike Wilson last week called the AI theme "overcooked" and said investors should shift to defensive shares. But in tune with what others had said, Diton also touted that utilities stocks as one meaningful investment to make right now. As bullish on AI as he may be, he warned that the market has become extremely concentrated in tech's leading names, and investors need to diversify.

Persons: —, Morgan Stanley's Mike Wilson, Brad Conger, Hirtle Callaghan, Conger, Morgan Stanley's Wilson, Eric Diton, Diton Organizations: Service, Nvidia, P Global Semiconductor, Bank of America, Vanguard, JPMorgan, Wealth Alliance, Federal Reserve Locations: BlackRock

☆ Trump lashes out at Nasdaq over routine trading halt of Truth Social
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-14 | by ( Matt Egan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Former President Donald Trump lashed out at Nasdaq over a routine trading halt in shares of his social media company and even threatened to move the listing to the New York Stock Exchange. “Why is NASDAQ halting the sale of DJT?” Trump said Friday on Truth Social, referring to the ticker symbol of Truth Social owner Trump Media & Technology Group. For Trump Media (DJT), the first halt occurred at 2:26 p.m. Nasdaq explained the halts were caused by what’s known as limit up-limit down, rules designed to “protect investors and the public interest.”Even though all of this appeared to be routine, Trump threatened to punish Nasdaq. “I am going to hold NASDAQ, and maybe the SEC, liable for doing what they are doing,” he said in his Truth Social post.

Persons: Donald Trump, ” Trump, ”, Trump, won’t Organizations: CNN, Nasdaq, New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, Social, Trump Media & Technology, SEC, Trump, Trump Media

Mortgage rates probably won't drop much further if the Fed cuts rates, unless central bankers opt for a larger-than-expected cut. 30-Year Mortgage RatesAverage 30-year mortgage rates have been dropping this month and are now down near 5.70%, according to Zillow data. 5-Year Mortgage Rate TrendsHere's how 30-year and 15-year mortgage rates have trended over the last five years, according to Freddie Mac data. Mortgage rates are determined by a variety of different factors, including larger economic trends, Federal Reserve policy, your state's current mortgage rates, the type of loan you're getting, and your personal financial profile. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: you'll, they've, Freddie Mac, it's, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow, ARM, Federal Housing Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Fed, Mortgage, Association Locations: Chevron

Search resuls for: "Cooling"

25 mentions found