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☆ Debt limit bill would speed completion of controversial West Virginia gas pipeline
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-30 | by ( Emma Newburger | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Lengths of pipe wait to be laid in the ground along the under-construction Mountain Valley Pipeline near Elliston, Virginia, September 29, 2019. A bipartisan debt limit bill struck by President Joe Biden and House Republicans over the weekend would expedite approval of all permits for a West Virginia natural gas pipeline and curtail environmental reviews under one of the country's landmark environmental laws. The Mountain Valley Pipeline, which has been promoted by Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., would transport natural gas 303 miles from West Virginia to the Southeast, and part of it would cross through the Jefferson National Forest. The construction of the $6.6 billion pipeline is nearly done, though plans have been delayed for several years amid legal setbacks. Proponents say the pipeline is vital to bolstering U.S. domestic energy security, and that the plan was already near completion and set to move forward.

☆ Russia is seeking allies to shift trade away from the greenback and quicken the pace of de-dollarization, deputy prime minister says
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Russia is seeking partners to quicken the pace of de-dollarization, Russia's deputy prime minister Alexey Overchuk said. The nation could create an independent financial system with Islamic countries. We are talking about processes of de-dollarization and the creation of an independent financial system," Overchuk said at an economic forum on Friday, per a report from Russian news agency Tass. Ties between Russia and Islamic countries also have a "positive future," Overchuk said, given Russia's alignment on issues like energy, food, and de-globalization. The shift away from the US dollar is already beginning to take place, Russia's foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said, though experts have argued de-dollarization fears are largely overblown.

Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business RewardsWhat is the Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business welcome bonus? How to earn rewards from Capital One Spark Miles SelectThe Spark Miles Select Business Card has a very straightforward earning structure. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightCapital One Spark Miles Select for Business Annual Fee and Other CostsThe Spark Miles Select Business Card doesn't charge an annual fee, so it's free to keep and use year after year. What's the difference between the Capital One Spark Miles and Spark Miles Select? Methodology: How we reviewed the Capital One Spark Miles Select for BusinessWe evaluated the Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business in relation to Capital One's other small-business cards, as well as competing no-annual-fee business cards from other banks.

☆ China's first-quarter GDP growth seen rebounding to 4.0%, 2023 rate seen at 5.4% - Reuters poll
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-14 | by ( Kevin Yao | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

That would be the fastest growth since the first quarter of last year. The government has set a modest target for economic growth of around 5% for this year, after badly missing the 2022 goal. The government is due to release first quarter GDP data, along with March activity data, at 0200 GMT on April 18. On a quarterly basis, the economy is forecast to grow 2.2% in January-March, compared with no change in October-December, the poll showed. “We need to maintain the stability and continuity of macro policies to consolidate the economic recovery,” said Wen Bin, chief economist at China Minsheng Bank.

☆ China's Q1 GDP growth seen rebounding to 4.0%, 2023 rate seen at 5.4%: Reuters poll
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-14 | by ( Kevin Yao | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

That would be the fastest growth since the first quarter of last year. For 2023, growth was expected to pick up to 5.4%, the poll showed, from 3.0% last year - one of its worst performances in nearly half a century due to strict COVID-19 curbs. The government has set a modest target for economic growth of around 5% for this year, after badly missing the 2022 goal. The government is due to release first quarter GDP data, along with March activity data, at 0200 GMT on April 18. Consumer inflation will likely quicken to 2.3% in 2023 from 2.0% in 2022, before steadying in 2024, the poll showed.

ABLE accounts provide those with disabilities an opportunity save enough to purchase a house without putting their benefits at risk. Can ABLE account funds be used for a down payment on a house? Tim Elliot, another ABLE account owner and ABLE NRC ambassador, found out about these accounts through an internet search. Home-related expenses an ABLE account can coverOne of the more popular uses of an ABLE account for hopeful homeowners is saving for a down payment. How to open an ABLE account and start saving to buy a homeTo open an ABLE account, you'll need to choose a state program to participate in.

☆ Play ball - more quickly! New rules aim to speed MLB games
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The new rule gives the pitcher 15 seconds in between pitches with the bases empty and 20 seconds with runners on base. Another major change - outlawing the shift - will allow for more hits, making games more exciting for fans. In 2003, the average time of a nine-inning game was two hours and 46 minutes, according to Elias Sports Bureau. An MLB memo obtained by Reuters last week showed the pitch clock was already having its intended effect. The average number of violations per game also dropped from 2.03 in the first week to 1.03 by mid-March.

Capital One Spark Cash Select Review: Is the Capital One Spark Cash Select the Best Credit Card for You? For nearly every purchase you make on the Spark 1.5% Cash Select for Excellent Credit, you'll earn 1.5% cash back. Capital One Spark Cash Select RewardsSpark Cash Select welcome bonusThe card currently offers a $500 cash bonus after spending $4,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. What's the difference between Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit and Spark Cash Select for Good Credit? Methodology: How we reviewed the Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent CreditInsider's credit card team compared the Spark 1.5% Cash Select for Excellent Credit to other small business cards issued by Capital One and other banks.

See Insider's picks for the best mortgage lenders »Insider's Featured Mortgage Lenders Rocket Mortgage by Quicken LoansAmeriSave Mortgage Corporation MortgagesNew American Funding Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Only a handful of US states require financial education in high schools, and those requirements are thin. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has free, easy-to-navigate content about tons of financial products, including mortgages. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has free, easy-to-navigate content about tons of financial products, including mortgages. There's a dearth of consumer education built into our financial systems (likely by design).

☆ The dollar is spiking against rival currencies as Fed boss Powell delivers tough talk on rate hikes
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Carla Mozée | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Investors are preparing for the Fed to ramp up the pace of interest rate hikes. The dollar has inflicted "technical damage" to some of its rivals, says one strategist. The US Dollar Index rose to 105.88, the highest level since early December. The Fed "would be prepared to increase the pace of rate hikes," if the totality of the incoming economic data were to warrant such moves, he said. The Dollar Index has gained more than 2% this year after hitting a two-decade high in 2022.

☆ Russian factory activity expands at quickest rate in six years in Feb -PMI
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The S&P Global Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose in February to 53.6 from 52.6 in January, moving further above the 50 mark that separates expansion from contraction. Manufacturing firms surveyed highlighted that February's solid rise in production was linked to import substitution and a further expansion in new orders, S&P Global said in a statement. Input costs increased further, the survey showed, with the rate of inflation accelerating. "The pace of increase in input prices was sharp and the fastest since May 2022," S&P Global said. "Concurrently, the rate of job creation eased further," S&P Global said.

☆ Renewed U.S. junk bond rally ignites hope for more stuck buyout debt
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-03 | by ( Matt Tracy | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

This exercise now has more impetus on expectations that junk bond prices will continue to rally in the wake of Powell's comments, which raised hopes of slowing rate hikes and a so-called economic soft landing. Junk bond spreads on average tightened 37 basis points on Wednesday, the day of Powell's remarks, from a day earlier, according to ICE BAML data. This is around the level in September when banks sold only about half of the total $15 billion of debt through a U.S. dollar bond, leveraged loan and a Euro-denominated loan. Reuters could not confirm the exact amount sold in these sales and balance of LBO debt still left with banks. Banks could consider selling larger parcels of LBO debt in the primary bond markets where there has been a surge in new issue supply, said the sources.

A slow real estate market is the most straightforward reason to consider an interest-rate buydown. If you're in a strong financial position and want to sell your home quickly, consider a buydown. People also ask whether they should sell and cash out on the appreciation of their real estate over the last few years. If selling some real estate is in your financial plan for 2023, though, then an interest-rate buydown, or seller buydown, might be worth offering. You're selling a 'starter home'While most first-time homebuyers anticipate staying in their first home for several decades, many typically stay in their home for five to 10 years.

Buyers love interest rate buydowns because they come with reduced interest on their mortgage. That has led to an uptick in interest rate buydowns — money paid upfront to secure a lower interest rate. Jones saw interest rate buydowns increase last year, particularly in the second half of 2022. But interest rate buydowns can also be good for sellers even if buydown points come at a cost. To lower the interest rate permanently, each point costs 1% of the loan and usually lowers the interest rate by 0.25%.

☆ The world is 'dangerously unprepared' to handle the next pandemic, the Red Cross says in a scathing report
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-30 | by ( Natalie Musumeci | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The world is "dangerously unprepared" for future pandemics, the Red Cross warned in a report. The Red Cross' secretary general said the COVID-19 pandemic "should be a wake-up call." The humanitarian aid organization said in its World Disasters Report released Monday that "many countries" were not prepared for COVID-19 and that "all countries remain dangerously unprepared for future outbreaks." Pandemic preparedness plans, the report says, "should include concrete measures to strengthen equity, trust, and local action." By 2024, according to the report, all countries should adopt a new treaty and revised International Health Regulations.

☆ All countries 'dangerously unprepared' for future pandemics, says IFRC
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

GENEVA, Jan 30 (Reuters) - The world is "dangerously unprepared" for future pandemics, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) say in a report published on Monday, calling on countries to update their preparedness plans by year-end. In its World Disasters Report 2022, the IFRC said "all countries remain dangerously unprepared for future outbreaks" despite COVID-19 killing more people than any earthquake, drought or hurricane in history. said Jagan Chapagain, secretary general of the IFRC, the world's largest disaster response network. "There will be no excuse for a continued lack of preparedness after having gone through three terrible years." "The important thing is there has to be a political will to commit to that," he said.

☆ South Korea pension fund will deplete faster than expected, report says
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

SEOUL, Jan 27 (Reuters) - South Korea's huge national pension fund is set to see its pool of money depleted by 2055, earlier than expected, because of a shrinking population amid low economic growth, an official estimate showed on Friday. A government panel commissioned for the estimate, made every five years, said in a report that the National Pension Service (NPS) would see its fund depleted two years earlier than 2018 estimate predicted. The fund will grow until at least 2040 as the relatively young pension system, launched in 1988, still has more contributions than payments. President Yoon Suk-yeol, who took office in May 2022, has promised sweeping reforms of the national pension system with the aim of making it more sustainable, and the panel's findings will be the basis for the reform plans. South Korea's population has started shrinking since reaching its peak in 2020 at 51.84 million, and the speed of decline will likely quicken because of low birth rates, official data and estimates show.

☆ 12 ways to save on groceries during inflation
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-23 | by ( Jamie Johnson | Jamie Johnson Is A Kansas City-Based Personal Finance Writer Whose Work Has Been Featured On Several Of The Top Finance | Business Sites In The Country | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

12 ways to save money on groceriesGroceries are an unavoidable purchase, but by shopping strategically, you can avoid paying full price at the store. You can also use loyalty programs to save money at your favorite stores. Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger all offer membership programs where you can earn free delivery for groceries, save money on gas, and learn about in-store promotions. Buying in bulkYou can save on groceries during inflation by buying household products in bulk at warehouse stores like Costco and Sam's Club. Get organized and plan aheadOne of the best ways to avoid overspending is to go to the grocery store with a plan.

The bottom line: Pentagon Federal Credit Union is a solid choice for conventional, FHA, or VA mortgages thanks to its competitive rates. Pentagon Federal Credit Union vs. Navy Federal mortgagesPenFed Credit Union Navy Federal Credit Union Types of home loans Conforming, jumbo, FHA, VA, HELOC Types of home loans Conforming, jumbo, VA Standout feature Power Buyer certification Standout feature Alternative credit data Get Started Compare RatesPenFed and Navy Federal Credit Union are both solid options if you want a lender that emphasizes services and products for military members or families. How Pentagon Federal Credit Union mortgages workPenFed is featured in our best banks and credit unions for military members and their families guide. Is Pentagon Federal Credit Union trustworthy? Pentagon Federal Credit Union mortgage FAQWhat credit score do PenFed mortgages use?

☆ China growth seen rebounding to 4.9% in 2023, more stimulus on the cards: Reuters poll
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Kevin Yao | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"We expect economic activities and consumption to rebound strongly from March-April onwards, helped by post-COVID re-opening and release of excess savings," Tao Wang, chief China economist at UBS, said in a research note. Reuters GraphicsThe expected 2022 growth rate would be far below the official target of around of 5.5%. China is likely to aim for economic growth of at least 5% in 2023 to keep a lid on unemployment, policy sources said. "Economic policy would turn more supportive in 2023. Consumer inflation will likely quicken to 2.3% in 2023 from 2.0% in 2022, before steadying in 2024, the poll showed.

☆ Wells Fargo is retreating from the mortgage market it once led
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-10 | by ( Matt Egan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Wells Fargo, long one of the biggest players in the mortgage business, is taking a big step back. Wells Fargo said it will also exit its correspondent business, which buys loans made by other lenders, and reduce the size of its mortgage servicing portfolio. The retreat will likely cause Wells Fargo to lay off at least some employees, though the bank did not announce any specifics. The move comes as Wells Fargo continues to be in trouble with regulators. In late 2017, Quicken Loans toppled Wells Fargo as America’s largest mortgage lender.

☆ Carbon-Plated Sneakers: Pro Runners Love Them, but Do You Need a Pair?
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-05 | by ( Amanda Loudin | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

Bulbous and gaudy, the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% 2 feature a carbon-fiber footplate, promising energy return with each step. Mr. Kipchoge theoretically could have slayed the record sans the shoes, but it is telling he’s worn them each time he’s tried. Now less-stellar runners are asking themselves if their shoes need carbon plates too. Minimalist sneakers, like the unmistakable Vibram FiveFingers, gained cachet over a decade ago for encouraging a low-impact gait. But carbon-plated shoes are explicitly designed to maximize speed by cutting down on the energy lost when the foot bends, seizing the imagination of podium seekers.

☆ Why do I owe taxes this year? 6 reasons you may not get a refund
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( Jamie Johnson | Lisa Niser | Jamie Johnson Is A Kansas City-Based Personal Finance Writer Whose Work Has Been Featured On Several Of The Top Finance | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Common reasons include underpaying quarterly taxes if you're self-employed or not updating your withholding as a W-2 employee. Let's look at six common reasons some people could owe money to the IRS. Editor's Rating 4.6/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Editor's Rating 3.7/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Editor's Rating 4.5/5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star Learn more On Tax Slayer's website Learn more On Liberty Tax's website Learn more On H&R Block's website1. If you underpay your quarterly taxes — or fail to pay them — you could owe money at the end of the year. If you haven't paid any income taxes on the benefits you received, you may owe money when you file.

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[1/2] A logo for Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seen at the Collision conference in Toronto, Ontario, Canada June 23, 2022. REUTERS/Chris HelgrenNov 30 (Reuters) - French IT consulting firm Atos (ATOS.PA) is making Amazon.com's (AMZN.O) cloud services division its preferred partner for migrating its clients' workloads to the cloud, it said on Wednesday. The enhanced partnership will allow Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world's number one cloud computing services provider, access to more than 800 of Atos' infrastructures services customers globally and lead to the training of 20,000 employees on AWS' technology at Atos. The AWS-Atos partnership will allow Atos' customers with large infrastructure outsourcing contracts to quicken their workload migrations to the cloud, Atos said in its statement. Atos said it would consult with over 800 customers to offer a new hybrid cloud service with the option to move selected workloads to AWS.

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