DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Mortgage rates hit lowest level since February 2023
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

According to a report by the National Association of Realtors, pending home sales fell 1.5 percent in October to their lowest level in 20 years. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)Mortgage rates fell for the sixth straight week last week, but mortgage demand still seems to be waiting for something bigger. That is the lowest level since February 2023 and nearly a full percentage point lower than the same week one year ago. Total mortgage demand, however, rose just 1.4% for the week, according to the MBA's seasonally adjusted index. Mortgage rates continued to move lower to start this week, according to a separate survey by Mortgage News Daily, but the monthly release of the Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation, on Wednesday could impact the direction of rates more sharply in either direction.

Persons: Justin Sullivan, Joel Kan, Kan, Matthew Graham Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Mortgage, Association, Treasury, Federal Reserve, Labor, Mortgage News Locations: CALIFORNIA, Larkspur , California

☆ A couple say they spent $400,000 trying to regain access to Disney's exclusive club and lost the legal battle
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Nora Redmond | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

A couple said they spent $400,000 in legal fees to rejoin Disney's exclusive Club 33. Club 33 is an invite-only members club with hefty annual fees. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! AdvertisementAn Arizona couple say they have spent $400,000 in legal fees trying to regain membership to Disney's exclusive Club 33 after being booted out seven years ago — only to lose the case this month. Club 33 is an invite-only private dining members club that reportedly costs $31,500 a year and has, at times, had a waiting list of up to 14 years.

Persons: —, Scott, Diana Anderson Organizations: Disney's, Service, LA Times, Business Locations: Arizona, California

☆ Mortgage rates drop on CPI data
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Diana Olick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailMortgage rates drop on CPI dataCNBC’s Diana Olick joins ‘The Exchange’ to discuss the latest reports on mortgage rates.

Persons: Diana Olick

☆ Rate cut is taking center stage at REIT conference in NYC
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | 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 EmailRate cut is taking center stage at REIT conference in NYCCNBC's Diana Olick joins 'The Exchange' to share her takeaways from the ongoing Bank of America 2024 Global Real Estate Conference in New York City.

Persons: Diana Olick Organizations: of America, Real Estate Conference Locations: New York City

☆ These Americans are trying to make ‘underconsumption core’ trendy
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-07 | by ( Krystal Hur | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Enter underconsumption core, or a lifestyle that involves using just a small rotation of things for years rather than chasing the latest trend. Users are posting videos on TikTok showing off their underconsumption core lifestyles, with many receiving hundreds of thousands of likes. Experts say the underconsumption core trend isn’t just about maintaining a budget or wanting to get rid of stuff. Still, Americans are spendingDespite the underconsumption core trend’s popularity, spending in the US remains strong overall. Suzanne Lambert, a 32-year old consultant based in Virginia, says she canceled her subscription to a beauty box after watching underconsumption core videos.

Persons: “, ”, Megan Doherty Bea, Bea, Stanley, Diana Wiebe, Wiebe, ’ ”, Nikki Baird, Katrina Leibee, Leibee, ♬, Norah Jones Eleanor, Eleanor, June’s, Suzanne Lambert, Lambert, Scott Rick, Rick Organizations: New, New York CNN, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Savings, Kohl’s, ‘, Denver, CNN, Commerce Department, University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business Locations: New York, United States, Ohio, Utah, West Africa, Arlington , Virginia, Virginia

Nationwide, active listings in August were up 36% compared with the same month last year, according to a new report from Realtor.com. The growth in supply is due to the fact that homes are sitting on the market longer. “The widely anticipated Fed rate cut has already ushered in lower mortgage rates, but it seems that some buyers and sellers are waiting for additional declines.”That can be seen in weekly mortgage data. Regionally, active listings rose 46% in the South, 35.7% in the West, 23.8% in the Midwest and 15.1% in the Northeast. Part of that is due to the mix of homes on the market, as more smaller homes are being listed.

Persons: ”, Danielle Hale, “, Ralph McLaughlin Organizations: Nationwide, Mortgage, Association, Midwest, Realtor.com Locations: Tampa, San Diego, Miami, Seattle, Denver, West

☆ Home listings are up more than 60% in some cities. Here's where
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-06 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Nationwide, active listings in August were up 36% compared with the same month last year, according to a new report from Realtor.com. "The widely anticipated Fed rate cut has already ushered in lower mortgage rates, but it seems that some buyers and sellers are waiting for additional declines." Regionally, active listings rose 46% in the South, 35.7% in the West, 23.8% in the Midwest and 15.1% in the Northeast. More supply and longer selling times are finally translating into lower prices. Part of that is due to the mix of homes on the market, as more smaller homes are being listed.

Persons: Patrick T, Fallon, PATRICK T, FALLON, Danielle Hale, Ralph McLaughlin Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Getty, Nationwide, Mortgage, Association, Midwest Locations: Los Angeles , California, United States, AFP, Tampa, San Diego, Miami, Seattle, Denver, West

☆ Traveling to die: The latest form of medical tourism
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-23 | by ( Debwaldman | Kff Health News | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

At that point, she would have had to travel to Switzerland — or live in the District of Columbia or one of the 10 states where medical aid in dying was legal. (Montana effectively allows aid in dying through a 2009 court decision, but that ruling doesn’t spell out rules around residency. In Oregon, 23 out-of-state residents died using medical assistance in 2023, just over 6% of the state total, according to the Oregon Health Authority. She would’ve preferred to travel from her home in Pennsylvania to neighboring New Jersey for medical aid in dying, but it is allowed there only for state residents. Instead she has arranged to die in Vermont, one of two states that explicitly allow medical aid in dying for nonresidents.

Persons: Francine Milano, she’d, ”, “, Milano, Oncologist Charles Blanke, he’s, ” Blanke, Peg Sandeen, Kris Brackin, would’ve, nonresidents, Eric Harkleroad, Diana Barnard, there’s rescheduling, “ It’s, Anita Hannig, Sandeen, Barnard, Blanke, Airbnbs, Milano hasn’t, Dr, Sanjay Gupta, That’s, she’ll, it’s Organizations: Health, District of Columbia, Vermont Department of Health, Oregon Health Authority, KFF, Craigslist, CNN, CNN Health, KFF Health Locations: Pennsylvania, Vermont, Lancaster, Switzerland, District, Oregon, Montana, New York, California, Portland, U.S, Carolinas, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, America, . Delaware, Burlington, When Oregon

☆ Mortgage refinancing surges 35% in one week, as interest rates hit lowest level in over a year
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-14 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

It appears to have taken a few weeks for current homeowners to realize mortgage rates had dropped dramatically. Applications to refinance a home loan surged 35% last week, compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. While rates dropped just 1 basis point last week, they were down 33 basis points in the past four weeks. They were also 62 basis points lower than the same week a year ago. Mortgage rates started this week essentially flat, but that could change with the release of the government's monthly inflation report, the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Persons: Joel Kan, Matthew Graham Organizations: Woodland, Lifestyle Homes, Mortgage, FHA, Index, Mortgage News Locations: Cold Springs , Nevada

☆ Home Depot may need an interest rate cut to boost its sales
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-13 | by ( Melissa Repko | In Melissa-Repko | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

That waiting game has only intensified with a potential interest rate cut in sight. "What our customers tell their pros is, 'Everything I read tells me interest rates will be lower in three to six months,'" McPhail said. An interest rate cut could help move the needle for Home Depot as sales slow. The Federal Reserve has dropped hints that an interest rate cut could come soon. Even with an interest rate cut, Decker said, "people still might pause a little bit until some of this gets sorted out."

Persons: Richard McPhail, McPhail, Ted Decker, Jerome Powell, Decker, —, Diana Olick Organizations: Federal, CNBC, Depot, Mortgage News Locations: El Cerrito , California

☆ This startup will sell methane-eating microbes to Whole Foods
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-13 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

While some companies are trying to reduce methane emissions, others are trying to capture and remove it as it's produced. These naturally occurring microscopic organisms live in the soil and eat methane as food for survival. Much like yeast that eats sugar in bread and produces substances that make it rise, mems eat methane and produce fertilizer. This would mitigate methane emissions and enable the grocery company to make climate-friendly claims for their milk and other products. In addition to Cavallo Ventures, Windfall is backed by Prelude Ventures, Amazon Climate Pledge Fund, Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Mayfield.

Persons: Josh Silverman, I've, Silverman, We've, we've, Brett Morris, Lisa Rizzolo Organizations: Investors, Cavallo Ventures, Foods, Prelude Ventures, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, CNBC Locations: California, Mayfield

☆ These Latino athletes took home the gold at the Paris Olympics
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-12 | by ( Isabel Yip | Isabel Yip Is An Intern For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

At this year’s Olympic games, Latino fans cheered on athletes from their home countries as well as those representing Team USA. As the Paris Games come to an end, thirteen Latinos are returning home with gold medals. Beatriz Sousa brought Brazil, Latin America's gold medal leader, its first Paris gold medal in the 78kg+ judo final. Latino medal countdown, by country:Brazil took home the most medals of any Latin American country at the Olympic Games, including three gold medals. Latino athletes on Team USA were part of team events that earned the U.S. two gold medals and one silver medal at the Games.

Persons: Rebeca Andrade, Simone Biles, Andrade, Beatriz Sousa, Marileidy Paulino, Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Mijain López Núñez, López Núñez, Adriana Ruano, Cuba’s Erislandy Alvarez, Brazil’s Ana Patrícia, Duda Lisboa, Francisca Crovetto Chadid, Chile’s, Paris Games —, Jose Torres Gil, “, ” Torres Gil, Brian Pintado, Hezly Rivera, Rivera, Ángel, Shinnosuke Oka, Oka, Daniella Ramirez, Anita Alvarez, Sebastian Rivera Organizations: Team USA, Paris Games, Paris, USA’s, Olympic, Cuba, Canada, American, Argentina, Associated Press, Ecuador —, Dominican, U.S, Games, Paris Olympics, Ángel Barajas, Barajas, USA, Olympics, Puerto Rico, Rutgers, NBC Locations: Brazil, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Paris, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Venezuelan American, New Jersey, Puerto

PARIS — Two-time WNBA champion A'ja Wilson scored 21 points as the United States survived an unexpectedly close contest from host France, winning 67-66 for their eighth straight Olympic gold medal in women's basketball on Sunday. The U.S. women last lost in Olympic play when they failed to bring home gold in 1992. But after France drew a foul and Cooper made both free throws, a last-minute shot by Williams was not enough. "The dynasty we've built here at USA Basketball has been incredible," Wilson said in a postgame interview. For the first time in Olympic history, the gold medal games in both the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments were between the same nations.

Persons: A'ja Wilson, Kahleah Cooper, Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Plum, Gabby Williams, Cooper, Williams, Williams —, —, Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, David K, Li, Susan Baek Organizations: PARIS, France, Bercy Arena, U.S, Fauthoux, Chicago Sky, Seattle Storm, USA Basketball, WNBA, Team USA Locations: United States, U.S, France, Paris, New York

☆ Team USA wins nail-biter vs. France to secure 8th consecutive gold in women’s basketball
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-11 | by ( Chantel Jennings | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +4 min

PARIS — France was the official opponent; Team USA, its own worst enemy. And against an eager, home-crowd boosted team like France, it sure looked like the U.S. picked a bad game to have a bad game. This was not the kind of game that Team USA had built its reputation on and not the kind of play that looked worthy of eight consecutive gold medals, let alone one. AdvertisementThe chemistry and flow that showed itself in spurts throughout the Olympics seemed to be missing in the most important game. On Sunday night in Paris, Team USA extended its win streak, secured another gold medal and stayed atop the world.

Persons: ”, Gabby Williams ’, 😱, abby W illiams, INGLE, alf, ade, rance, hird, hough, urnovers. J ewell Organizations: PARIS —, Team USA, USA, SA, ard Locations: PARIS — France, France, U.S, PARIS

☆ Spending on renovation ticks up: Here's what to know
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-09 | by ( Diana Olick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailSpending on renovation ticks up: Here's what to knowHigh interests have not only hit home buying but also home remodeling. But is it finally turning around? CNBC's Diana Olick joins 'Squawk Box' with more.

Persons: Diana Olick

☆ Protesters interrupted Harris’ speech again. This time, she addressed them
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-09 | by ( Diana Tollison | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

How relevant is this ad to you? Video player was slow to load content Video content never loaded Ad froze or did not finish loading Video content did not start after ad Audio on ad was too loud Other issues

☆ Office demand improves as sector sees potential bottom
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-08 | by ( Diana Olick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailOffice demand improves as sector sees potential bottomCNBC's Diana Olick reports on the latest news from the commercial real estate sector.

Persons: Diana Olick

☆ Weekly mortgage refinance demand soars 16% as rates sink to lowest level in over a year
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-07 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Mortgage interest rates dropped last week to the lowest level since May 2023, causing a surge in mortgage demand from both homebuyers and especially current homeowners. Total mortgage application volume rose 6.9% last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index. "Despite the downward movement in rates, purchase activity only saw small gains, with an increase in conventional purchase applications offset by decreases in government purchase applications. "This is how things often play out when the bond market forces a quick move to extreme rate levels. For example, several of the biggest drops in daily mortgage rates have followed quick moves to long-term highs," wrote Matthew Graham, chief operating officer at Mortgage News Daily.

Persons: Joel Kan, Matthew Graham Organizations: Mortgage, Federal Reserve, Mortgage News Locations: Hawthorn Woods , Illinois

☆ Mortgage rates fall fast to lowest level since May 2023
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-05 | 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 EmailMortgage rates fall fast to lowest level since May 2023CNBC's Diana Olick reports on the latest around mortgage rates.

Persons: Diana Olick

☆ Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, says speaking out about suicidal thoughts is part of ‘healing process’
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-05 | by ( Lianne Kolirin | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The Archewell Foundation Parents’ Network aims to support affected families, including several whose children have taken their own lives as a result of online harm. During the CBS interview, the duchess was asked about the experience “that connects you to these families.”Appearing slightly uncomfortable, Meghan told interviewer Jane Pauley that she had not anticipated the question but understood why it was raised. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, first revealed that she had experienced suicidal thoughts in an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. In March 2019, the British royal family told social media users to show “courtesy, kindness and respect” when interacting with its online posts, after repeated cases of online abuse directed at Meghan and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. This followed Kensington Palace asking social media firms for help in combating the boom in abuse, which included sexist and racist comments.

Persons: CNN — Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, ideation, Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry, Winfrey, Meghan, Princess Diana, “, Harry, ”, Jane Pauley, you’ve, Joe Pugliese, ” Meghan, Archie Harrison Mountbatten, Lilibet, Lili ” Diana Mountbatten, Catherine , Duchess of Cambridge Organizations: Lifeline, CNN, CBS News, Duke, CBS, CNN’s Royal Locations: United Kingdom, Texas, Windsor, Kensington

☆ No need for army, UK government says, as it faces worst disorder in years
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-04 | by ( Radina Gigova | Sophie Tanno | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The UK is bracing for a new wave of protests on Sunday, after a stabbing attack in northwest England this week sparked disorder fueled by the far right. David Young/PA WireThere have been discussions to bring in the army to assist police, but currently “there is no need to bring in the army,” Johnson said. “The police have made it very clear that they have all the resources they need at the moment. There’s mutual aid, as I’ve just described, and they have the powers that they need.”Several UK cities saw violent protests on Saturday. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper denounced the incidents of public disorder and unrest on Saturday and said “thuggery” won’t be tolerated.

Persons: Dame Diana Johnson, Keir Starmer, “ We’ve, ” Johnson, David Young, “, Yvette Cooper, Taylor Swift, Jonathan McCambridge, Joe Mulhall, –, Mulhall, Stephen Lennon, a.k.a, Tommy Robinson, Elon Musk, ” Organizations: CNN, BBC, Labour, Belfast City Hall, PA Media, Southport, Research, Hope, Elon Locations: England, Belfast, Liverpool, Southport, Welsh, Cardiff

☆ UK leader Starmer condemns attack on hotel as act of ‘right-wing thuggery’
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-04 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

A small fire in a wheelie bin was also visible while windows in the hotel were smashed. Police in the north of England town of Rotherham struggled to hold back a mob of far-right rioters who were seeking to break into a hotel housing asylum-seekers. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers, describing it as "far-right thuggery" as violence broke out in several towns and cities across the country. Police in the north of England town of Rotherham struggled to hold back a mob of far-right rioters who were seeking to break into a hotel housing asylum-seekers. Britain's new prime minister, Keir Starmer, has blamed the violence on "far-right hatred" and vowed to end the mayhem.

Persons: Keir Starmer, John Healey, George Robertson, Tiffany Lynch, Wales, Andrew Menary, Axel Rudakubana, Rudakubana, Stephen Yaxley, Lennon, Tommy Robinson, Elon Musk, Nigel Farage, —, …, Diana Johnson Organizations: British, Defence, Downing, Police, . Police, Police Federation of England, BBC, English Defense League, Merseyside Police, Twitter, Elon, Reform U.K Locations: London, England, Rotherham, Middlesborough, Belfast, Northern Ireland, Liverpool, Bristol, Southport, Wales, Rwandan, France

☆ Rioters target hotel used to house asylum seekers amid worst UK disorder in years
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-04 | by ( Radina Gigova | Sophie Tanno | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Rioters attacked a hotel used to house asylum seekers in the UK town of Rotherham on Sunday, as the country faces the worst social unrest it has seen in years. In the latest violence, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel in Rotherham was targeted by protesters who stormed the building, with reports of it being set on fire, according to PA Media. “The criminal, violent attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham is utterly appalling. Deliberately setting fire to a building with people known to be inside,” she wrote on X.Protestors throw a blazing garbage bin outside the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham on Sunday. Riot police stand in front of windows broken by rioters outside of the Holiday Inn Express Hotel.

Persons: Yvette Cooper, ”, Stringer, Dame Diana Johnson, Keir Starmer, Christopher Furlong, ” Johnson, “, Joe Mulhall, –, Mulhall, Stephen Lennon, a.k.a, Tommy Robinson, Elon Musk Organizations: CNN, Police, PA Media, Reuters, BBC, Labour, Riot, Research, Hope, Elon Locations: Rotherham, Southport, England, Britain

☆ A New York basic income participant used his monthly $1,000 to pay bills and launch a nonprofit
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewAround the time that Kenneth McQueen received his first guaranteed basic income payment, he started rollerskating. McQueen was a participant in Creative Rebuild New York, a guaranteed basic income pilot for artists across the state. Previous participants have told BI that they used their basic income to pay rent, afford groceries, drop second jobs, pay down debt, and support their families. Basic income improved McQueen's mental health, encouraged entrepreneurshipPrimarily, basic income gave McQueen "peace of mind," he said. AdvertisementMcQueen isn't sure what will happen next, but he's grateful for the way basic income helped his career and mental health.

Persons: —, Kenneth McQueen, McQueen, — McQueen, Dr, Diana Pearce, Stavros Niarchos, GBI, It's, Maura Cuffie, Peterson, I'm Organizations: Service, Rebuild, Business, Alliance, Creative Rebuild, Mellon Foundation, Tides Center, Ford Foundation, America Locations: Harlem, York, hoodies, tote, New York

☆ Mortgage rates plunge to the lowest level in over a year after weak employment report
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The average rate on the popular 30-year fixed mortgage dropped 22 basis points to 6.4% Friday, according to Mortgage News Daily. The 15-year fixed rate fell to 5.89%, its lowest level since early May 2023. Mortgage rates loosely follow the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury. The 30-year fixed rate started the week at 6.81%, so the drop in just the past five days is dramatic. Buyers were battling not just high interest rates but high home prices and a lack of supply.

Persons: Jerome, Powell didn't, Matthew Graham, Graham, Mike Fratantoni Organizations: Mortgage News, Treasury, Federal, Buyers, Mortgage, Association, Mortgage Bankers Association

Search resuls for: "DIANA"

25 mentions found