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☆ Want Better Customer Service? Join the (Membership) Club
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( Katie Deighton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +7 min

Others such as online travel agent Booking.com and Sony Group Corp.’s PlayStation provide priority customer service for high-ranking members of their loyalty programs. Other companies that offer premium customer support also say the perk is often a small part of more comprehensive packages, and that its introduction doesn’t mean their standard customer service is lacking. “We’ve always provided fantastic customer service, but what we added was another layer on top of that,” said Genaro Perez, senior vice president of marketing for P.F. Other companies offer priority customer service to customers who have ascended to the upper tiers of loyalty programs that do not cost extra to join. The strategy may help profits, but could create the perception that “free” customer service is low-quality and amplify inequality by deprioritizing lower-income customers, she said.

☆ Gold rises for third day on softer dollar; rate-hike fears linger
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

An Argor-Heraeus SA branded two hundred and fifty gram gold bar, center, sits in this arranged photograph at Solar Capital Gold Zrt. Gold edged up for a third session on Wednesday as the dollar pulled back, although fears of more U.S. interest rate hikes on the back of stubbornly high inflation kept a lid on prices. Spot gold was up 0.1% at $1,829.37 per ounce, as of 0315 GMT. "Next stop for gold could be the $1,850-$1,860 area, at which point we'll be on the lookout for another top." The dollar index ticked 0.1% lower, making bullion more affordable for buyers holding other currencies.

☆ Prince Harry and Meghan to lose second home in UK -tabloid
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend a celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, U.S., July 18, 2022. REUTERS/Shannon StapletonLONDON, March 1 (Reuters) - The house used by Prince Harry and his wife Megan when they are in Britain has been offered by King Charles to the monarch's brother, Prince Andrew, although he has turned it down, the Sun newspaper reported on Tuesday. Charles's decision comes in the wake of the couple's damning revelations about Harry's father, his elder brother Prince William and other royals in his recent memoir, a Netflix documentary and a series of TV interviews, the tabloid said. Harry and Meghan moved to Frogmore Cottage within the grounds of the king's Windsor Castle estate to the west of London following their marriage in 2018. After stepping down from their royal duties in 2020, they moved to California to forge new lives and careers, but Frogmore Cottage remained their British base.

☆ Prince Harry and Meghan have been asked to vacate UK home
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend a celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, U.S., July 18, 2022. Earlier, the Sun newspaper reported the house had been offered by the monarch to his brother, Prince Andrew. "We can confirm The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been requested to vacate their residence at Frogmore Cottage," a spokesperson for Harry and Meghan said. The paper reported that Andrew wants to stay in his current home nearby rather than move to Frogmore Cottage. Harry and Meghan moved to Frogmore Cottage within the grounds of the Windsor Castle estate to the west of London following their marriage in 2018.

☆ Gold faces worst month in nearly two years on U.S. rate-hike dread
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold prices eased on Tuesday and were headed for their biggest monthly loss since June 2021 as impending interest rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve sapped the non-yielding asset's appeal. Spot gold was down 0.1% at $1,816.19 per ounce as of 0317 GMT, after hitting a two-month low on Monday. "The question is still, 'How much more to hawkish Fed repricing?' "A pause in hawkish Fed repricing could see USD momentum ease and that can provide support to gold." Markets expect the Fed's target rate to peak at 5.403% in September.

☆ Gold hovers near 2-month low after U.S. data fans rate-hike fears
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold was flat and hovered near a two-month low on Monday, after strong U.S. economic data stoked fears that the Federal Reserve would implement more interest rate hikes to rein in inflation. Data on Friday showed consumer spending shot up 1.8% last month — the largest increase since March 2021. The personal consumption expenditures price index, the Fed's preferred inflation measure, rose 0.6% last month, after gaining 0.2% in December. Money markets expect the Fed's target rate to peak at 5.4% in July, from a current range of 4.50% to 4.75%. The dollar index was near a seven-week peak, making bullion expensive for buyers holding other currencies.

☆ Gold edges up as dollar weakens, rate-hike worries cap gains
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold prices rose on Friday as the dollar weakened, though investor worries that recent economic data could lead the U.S. Federal Reserve to keep raising interest rates capped gains. Separately, data showed fourth-quarter personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index rose 3.7%, revised up from a previous estimate of 3.2%. Thursday's reports are the latest in a flurry of data that has fueled concerns that interest rates would stay higher for longer. The Fed's preferred inflation measure, the PCE data for January, is due at 1330 GMT and will be closely watched. "A lower-than-expected read could see some paring back of hawkish bets, which could prompt renewed upside in gold."

☆ Former NYC corrections union chief convicted of bribery wins early prison release
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( Jonathan Stempel | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Norman Seabrook, (C) the head of New York City's prison guard union, exits the Manhattan District court house in New York, U.S., July 22, 2016. Seabrook, 63, the former head of the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association, has spent 21 months in prison after unsuccessfully appealing his August 2018 conviction. "The sentence Huberfeld originally received reflected an approximate equivalence between the conduct of the bribe giver, Huberfeld, and the bribe taker, Seabrook," Hellerstein wrote. The correction officers union has about 20,000 active and retired members. The case is U.S. v Seabrook, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No.

Reddit user joeyp907 asks a question that almost every travel credit card holder ponders at one point or another. Does that mean you're forfeiting your coverage if you book an award flight or use a travel credit for your flight? Does credit card travel insurance cover free flights? If you attach a $50 flight credit to a $70 flight, you'll pay $20 with your travel credit card, and therefore be covered for your trip. What you need to know about credit card travel insuranceAs long as you charge the paid portion of your airfare to your travel insurance-conferring credit card (even if it's just a single penny), your trip will be covered.

☆ Gold firms on softer dollar but Fed's rate-hike views limit advance
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A one-kilogram gold bar sits at Gold Investments Ltd. bullion dealers in this arranged photograph in London, U.K., on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. Gold prices rose on Thursday, helped by a slight pullback in the dollar, although prospects of U.S. interest rates staying higher for longer kept bullion on a tight leash. Elevated interest rates dampen gold's appeal as an inflation hedge while raising the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding asset. St. Louis Fed President James Bullard reiterated on Wednesday that a Fed policy rate in the range of 5.25%-5.5% would be adequate to tame inflation. Investor attention is now on the U.S. personal consumption expenditures data, the Fed's preferred inflation measure, due on Friday.

☆ Gold tiptoes higher as investors focus on Fed minutes
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold prices rose marginally on Wednesday, as investors awaited minutes of the U.S. Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting to assess prospects of further interest rate hikes. Spot gold was up 0.1% at $1,835.40 per ounce, as of 0334 GMT. "Traders will be more sensitive to hawkish clues in the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) minutes, which could weigh on gold prices," said City Index's Simpson. "There's a greater chance of gold testing $1,800 before it tests $1,900 over the foreseeable future," given the prospects of markets repricing a higher terminal Fed rate, Simpson added. The Fed is expected to raise benchmark rates above 5% by May with a peak seen at 5.352% in July.

☆ Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise across the country. Russia could make it worse.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-20 | by ( Taiyler Simone Mitchell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

NYC saw a rise of 5,000 cases of catalytic converter thefts in just one year. download the app Email address By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider as well as other partner offers and accept our Terms of Service and Privacy PolicyThere has been a stark rise in catalytic converter thefts across the country since 2019 and there's a chance Russia could make it worse. "Catalytic converters are easy to steal, but generally very difficult to trace to a specific vehicle, allowing them to be sold on the black market. The lack of traceable identifying marks makes the theft of catalytic converters difficult to curb," a NADA press release says. Catalytic converter thefts have spiked all over the world, including the United Kingdom and Japan, Insider previously reported.

☆ Gold hemmed in tight range on Fed caution
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-20 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold prices were stuck in a tight range on Monday, as bets of more interest rate hikes from the U.S. Federal Reserve dimmed the outlook for non-yielding bullion and boosted the dollar. Higher interest rates discourage investment in non-yielding gold, although it is considered a hedge against soaring prices. "Gold may trade lackluster inside a tight range in the immediate run." Recent economic data showed signs of a resilient U.S. economy, higher consumer prices, a rebound in producer prices and a tight labor market, sparking concerns that the Fed would keep interest rates higher for longer. Several Fed officials last week signaled that more rate hikes were needed to bring inflation down to the central bank's 2% target.

☆ Amplats shares fall after power outages dim outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-20 | by ( Nelson Banya | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Amplats' shares were down 3.1% by 1130 GMT, having hit their lowest since early October 2020 earlier in the session. Amplats Chief Executive Officer Natascha Viljoen on Monday said South Africa's electricity crisis and the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine would lead to a decline in global PGM supply. Rising interest rates and a strong dollar typically result in lower prices for PGM, especially platinum, Amplats said. South Africa, the world's top PGM producer, is experiencing extended electricity cuts as coal-fired generating plants suffer frequent breakdowns, meaning Amplats's refined PGM output could fall by 5% in 2023, Viljoen said. Amplats declared a total dividend of 115 rand per share, down from 300 rand per share last year, returning $1.66 billion to shareholders.

☆ CNBC's best big bank savings accounts of 2022
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( Elizabeth Gravier | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +22 min

To determine which big bank savings accounts are the best overall, CNBC Select analyzed and compared dozens of savings accounts offered by the largest banks and credit unions. Best big bank savings accounts of 2022Best at Bank of AmericaBank of America Advantage Savings Learn More Bank of America, N.A. If you want a simple, no-frills and low cost savings account at a big bank, U.S. Bank's Standard Savings Account is for you. The three choices include Virtual Wallet, Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend and Virtual Wallet with Performance Select. Spend is your everyday checking account, Reserve your interest-bearing checking account / primary overdraft protection account and Growth is your long-term savings account / secondary overdraft protection account.

☆ Gold faces third weekly drop as rate-hike worries drag
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold prices dipped on Friday and were set for a third straight weekly drop, as investors fretted about more rate hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve after a slew of strong economic data. Gold is considered an inflation hedge, but higher interest rates increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion. Real interest rates have rebounded against this backdrop, so non-yielding gold has been down, Spivak said. Two Fed officials said on Thursday the U.S. central bank likely should have lifted interest rates more than it did early this month. Data on Thursday showed U.S. monthly producer prices rebounded 0.7% last month.

Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightThe U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card is one of the best secured credit cards for earning cash back. Review: Is the US Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card the Best Credit Card for You? Insider's Featured Secured Credit Cards Discover it® Secured Credit CardCapital One Platinum Secured Credit CardCapital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. How to Earn Rewards With the US Bank Cash+ Visa Secured CardThe U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card has a better cash back earning rate than you'll find on most credit cards — making it a screaming deal for a secured credit card. US Bank Cash+ Secured Visa Card vs Other Secured Credit CardsU.S. Bank Cash+® Visa® Secured Card Discover it® Secured Credit Card Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card Annual fee $0 $0 $0 Rewards rate 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined spending each quarter in two categories you choose* 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked through the Rewards Travel Center 2% cash back on eligible purchases in your choice of one category** 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter (then 1%) 1% cash back on all other purchases with no limit 5% cash back on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases Minimum security deposit $300 $200 $200 Benefits Choose your payment due date Zero fraud liability Contactless payments Refundable security deposit No foreign transaction fees Automatic consideration for credit line increases Refundable security deposit No foreign transaction fees Automatic consideration for credit line increases Refundable security deposit Review Discover it Secured Credit Card review Capital One Quicksilver Secured card reviewUS Bank Cash+ Visa Secured Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Is the US Bank Cash Plus Visa Secured Card worth it?

Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). ShutterstockThe Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is targeted toward college students with limited credit history. If you're a student, the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has four big benefits that make it the ultimate spring break credit card. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightAs its name suggests, the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a student credit card. The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card comes with a free Uber One membership which is valid through November 14, 2024.

☆ Gold claws back some ground as dollar eases
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Two Argor-Heraeus SA 250 gram gold bars at Solar Capital Gold Zrt. Gold prices regained some ground on Thursday as the U.S. dollar pulled back, although prospects of more interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve kept investors on edge. U.S. gold futures rose 0.3% to $1,850.20. Higher interest rates discourage investment in non-yielding gold, although it is considered a hedge against soaring prices. The dollar index was down 0.3% after hitting a near six-week peak on Wednesday, making greenback-priced gold less expensive for overseas buyers.

Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightThe $0-annual-fee U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card is an above-average secured credit card, with high earning rates in extremely common spending categories and a $15 annual statement credit to reimburse streaming purchases. Review: Is the US Bank Altitude Go Secured Credit Card the Best Credit Card for You? Let's take a look at the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card card to see if it's right for your situation. Insider's Featured Secured Credit Cards Discover it® Secured Credit CardCapital One Platinum Secured Credit CardCapital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightFees and CostsThe U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa® Secured Card is a $0-annual-fee card.

The American Express Centurion Lounge in Seattle has catapulted from the smallest lounge to one of the biggest. American ExpressThe American Express Centurion Lounge in Seattle has expanded from 4,000 square feet to nearly 14,000 square feet. American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. However, this lounge brings to the table something no other Centurion Lounge offers: A full-service coffee bar, dubbed "Blue Roast by American Express." American ExpressWhat to know about the Seattle American Express Centurion LoungeThe Amex Centurion Lounge network continues to improve by adding new locations and expanding current ones.

☆ Gold slips as U.S. inflation data heightens rate-hike jitters
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-15 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Spot gold was down 0.5% at $1,845.96 per ounce, as of 0538 GMT, after falling to its lowest since early January on Tuesday. U.S. gold futures fell 0.5% to $1,856.60. Rising interest rates discourage investors from placing money in non-yielding assets such as gold. Fed officials said on Tuesday the U.S. central bank would need to keep gradually raising interest rates to beat inflation. Money markets expect the Fed's target rate to peak at 5.263% in July from a current range of 4.50% to 4.75%.

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☆ Millions of seniors on Social Security are at risk of losing benefits this summer if the GOP doesn't raise the debt ceiling, Janet Yellen says
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Janet Yellen reiterated the consequences of failing to raise the debt ceiling. She said defaulting on the national debt could strip Social Security benefits from seniors and veterans. The GOP is currently negotiating a deal to raise the debt ceiling, including spending cuts. Janet Yellen told officials during a Washington conference that their constituents are greatly at risk if Congress fails to raise the debt limit by the summer. But Yellen has dismissed that idea on numerous occasions and remains committed to Congress lifting the debt limit once again.

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