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☆ Gold steadies after steep sell-off, but bound for weekly drop
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-03 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold bullion bars are pictured after being inspected and polished at the ABC Refinery in Sydney on August 5, 2020. Gold prices steadied on Friday after a sharp sell-off in the previous session, as traders digested rate-hike remarks from global central banks, but the metal was set for its first weekly drop in seven amid a strong dollar. Therefore, it may trigger some near-term profit-taking, "but for gold prices, a greater conviction for sellers could be a break below the $1,895 level, where dip-buyers were seen stepping in this week just before the meeting," the analyst added. Gold prices have gained about $300 since November on expectations of softer rate hikes from the U.S. central bank, as a lower interest rate environment reduces the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion. The U.S. dollar, meanwhile, was up 0.1%, keeping a leash on gold prices.

The Capital One Spark Travel Elite, a premium travel business card, will be joining the Venture cards and getting a new name: the Capital One Venture X Business. Capital One Venture X Business benefitsThe Capital One Venture X Business will be a premium metal card with a new design. Here are some key features of the card: The Venture X Business is a charge card. Alternatively, you can look into the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card Learn More Information about the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

☆ The new Select World Elite Mastercard is making its debut — and it gives you big discounts at fancy restaurants, hotels, and more
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( Joseph Hostetler | Credit Cards Reporter | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +21 min

You can get exclusive discounts at restaurants at several cities in the US with the Select World Elite Mastercard. The Select™ World Elite Mastercard® will confer membership to the Select community (among other benefits). Coming soon: Select World Elite MastercardThe Select World Elite Mastercard (currently taking waitlist applicants here) has opened its waitlist as of February 2, 2023. Credit card perksThe Select World Elite Mastercard comes with standard World Elite Mastercard benefits, including access to the World Elite Concierge, Mastercard Luxury Hotels and Resorts, and discounts with Lyft, DoorDash, and Fandango. What to know about the Select World Elite MastercardThe Select™ World Elite Mastercard® offers a benefit that you won't find on any other card — membership to the Select community, giving you exclusive access to various events, discounts on travel, and more.

There's a new reason to consider the Delta American Express cards — a 15% discount on award flights. The new "TakeOff 15" benefit is permanent, and applies to the personal and small-business versions of the Amex Delta Gold, Delta Platinum, and Delta Reserve cards. If you redeem Delta miles for Delta flights with any regularity, it might make sense to open a Delta card for this benefit. That's double the miles of the previous card bonus, which was 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 MQMs after meeting minimum spending requirements. Review: Amex Business Delta Reserve card reviewDo you qualify for the Delta credit card bonuses?

☆ Gold hits more than 9-month high after Powell strikes dovish tone
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Spot gold was up 0.2% at $1,953.76 per ounce, as of 0206 GMT, after hitting its highest since April 2022 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures rose 1.3% to $1,967.50. However, Powell warned of further monetary policy tightening while noting the progress on disinflation, which he said was in its early stages. "Although Powell said rate hikes might continue, the market expects the Fed not to be drastic anymore, which is supporting gold. Gold tends to benefit in a lower interest rate environment, as it reduces the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion.

☆ Factbox: Possible U.S. debt-ceiling workarounds to avoid default
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Historians say that aimed to ensure the federal government would not repudiate its debts, as some ex-Confederate states had done. Some experts have suggested that Biden could invoke this amendment to raise the debt ceiling on his own if Congress does not act. That leaves only three possible dates for action in the first half of this year: March 27, May 22 and June 12. Analysts say this would leave Treasury on the hook for higher interest payments and unsettle the market for Treasury bonds, which serve as a bedrock for the global financial system. Attempts to abolish the debt ceiling have gotten no traction in Congress in recent years.

☆ How to access American Airlines Admirals Club airport lounges
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Jason Stauffer | Elizabeth Gravier | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

Below, CNBC Select details of the ways you can access American Airlines' network of Admirals Club lounges. American Airlines lounge locationsAmerican Airlines offers a network of nearly 50 Admirals Club lounges across 32 airports worldwide. How to access American Airlines loungesTo access any American Airlines lounge you'll need to be flying either with American Airlines, a Oneworld alliance partner or JetBlue. Members of the U.S. military traveling in uniform have access to most Admirals Club lounges when traveling on a same-day American Airlines flight. With an annual Admirals Club membership you'll also have access to Alaska Airlines lounges, Qantas lounges and other partner lounges.

☆ India's Budget 2023 highlights
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Manoj Kumar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/3] The Indian parliament building is pictured on the opening day of the parliament session in New Delhi, India, June 17, 2019. REUTERS/Adnan AbidiNEW DELHI, Feb 1 (Reuters) - The Indian government on Wednesday unveiled a 45 trillion rupees ($550.7 billion) spending budget for the next fiscal year starting April to boost economic growth, while aiming to lower fiscal deficit before elections due next year. The aim is to have strong public finances and a robust financial sector for the benefit of all sections of society, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. * Custom duty exemption extended to EV batteriesFor experts' reaction to the budget, click here. ($1 = 81.7620 Indian rupees)Reporting by Manoj Kumar; Editing by Janane Venkatraman, Nivedita BhattacharjeeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ UK's Johnson Matthey joins hands with Plug Power for hydrogen tech partnership
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Jan 30 (Reuters) - British chemicals firm Johnson Matthey (JMAT.L) said it had entered into a long-term supply and joint development agreement with Plug Power for hydrogen technology-related products. Johnson Matthey, which makes catalytic converters for vehicles and refines platinum group of metals (PGMs) used chiefly by automakers, said on Tuesday that the group would supply a substantial portion of U.S.-based Plug's demand for components of fuel cells and electrolysers. Reporting by Aby Jose Koilparambil in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi AichOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Gold edges higher, on track for third straight monthly gain
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold bars are displayed at a bullion merchant's, Baird & Co., in London, U.K., on Friday, March 14, 2008. Spot gold rose 0.2% to $1,925.39 per ounce as of 0257 GMT and was headed for a monthly gain of more than 5%. The dollar index was down 0.1% and was set for a fourth straight monthly drop. The U.S. central bank slowed its tightening pace to 50 bps in December after four straight 75-bp hikes. The gold market has already priced in a 25 bps hike, if the Fed strikes a dovish tone, then it will be positive for gold," said Ajay Kedia, director at Kedia Commodities, Mumbai.

You can get many thousands of dollars in value from Aeroplan points even if you never step foot on an Air Canada plane. Earn Aeroplan points with credit cards and points transfersThe Aeroplan® Credit Card is the only US credit card that earns Aeroplan points directly. So if you transferred 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, you'd end up with 20,000 Aeroplan points, plus a 5,000-point bonus for a total of 25,000 Aeroplan points. Earn Aeroplan points flying Air CanadaThe next easiest way to rack up Aeroplan points is by actually flying Air Canada, but the earning formula is going to change later this year. As far as we know, it will look like this:Basic fares: Earn 2x points per (Canadian) dollarStandard fares: Earn 3x points per (Canadian) dollarFlex/Comfort fares: Earn 3x points per (Canadian) dollarLatitude fares: Earn 3x points per (Canadian) dollarPremium economy fares: Earn 3x points per (Canadian) dollarBusiness fares: Earn 3x points per (Canadian) dollarEssentially, everything but basic economy fares will earn 3x per dollar.

☆ Gold ticks up as dollar slips ahead of Fed meeting
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-30 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Pure 1,000-gram gold bars produced by South Korea's LS-Nikko are stacked in a dealers room in Seoul on January 9, 2009. Gold prices inched higher on Monday as the U.S. dollar eased, while market participants globally awaited a slew of central bank meetings with the main focus on the Federal Reserve. Spot gold rose 0.3% to $1,932.84 per ounce, as of 0457 GMT. The European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of England (BoE) are also having policy meetings this week. Spot silver gained 0.6% to $23.70 per ounce, platinum rose 0.6% to $1,017.69, and palladium climbed 1.7% to $1,646.41.

Review: Is the Chase Aeroplan card the best credit card for you? It's not often an airline credit card makes waves with a strong welcome bonus and completely unique benefits, but the Aeroplan® Credit Card has managed to do just that. As the first Air Canada-branded credit card offered by Chase (and the only Aeroplan card on the US market) the Aeroplan® Credit Card is packed with perks — and it's worth considering, even if you're not a regular Air Canada flyer. However, points transferred to your Aeroplan account from the Aeroplan® Credit Card won't expire as long as your card account is open. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightAeroplan credit card fees and costsThe Aeroplan® Credit Card charges a $95 annual fee, but you won't pay foreign transaction fees, which makes it a good card to use when you're traveling internationally.

Two of American Express's Blue cards — the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express — are excellent options for earning cash back. Blue Cash credit card benefits and rewardsAs cash-back credit cards, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred and Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express are light on extra perks compared to travel rewards credit cards that often come with high annual fees. Card benefitsThe Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express and the Amex Blue Cash Preferred both offer statement credits for select purchases. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express also offers two statement credits to cardholders, including the same Disney Bundle credit as the Amex Blue Cash Preferred. When comparing the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, you'll want to look at your own specific spending patterns.

Audit your loyalty accounts to know exactly how many points you have and which ones are on the verge of expiring. Buy points Sometimes loyalty programs will sell points at a discount and buying them can save you money on travel. Earn points The easiest way to earn points is to get a co-branded credit card. Most loyalty programs offer shopping portals and dining rewards programs where you can earn points without a fee. Dining rewards programs are even easier to earn points with — link your credit card with the program, dine at a participating restaurant and earn points.

☆ Americans are going 'recession brunette' as economic woes force cutbacks on luxuries like hair-coloring
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-28 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

With prices still high, and recession concerns looming, people are going "recession brunette." Jacque Garza went recession brunette. Alonso charges $550 to dye a client's hair brunette, with little pops of lighter color to add dimension. If I had the money I would a hundred percent be blonde," Fitzgerald, the 25-year-old recession brunette, said. "It definitely has made me realize, okay this person can afford to do this to their hair right now.

☆ Electric vehicles throw Palladium's mega-rally into reverse
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Peter Hobson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

(Graphic: Palladium's rally, )Powering the rally was rising demand from automakers who needed more palladium per vehicle to meet tightening emissions standards. Electric vehicles (EVs) that do not need palladium are gaining market share and automakers are substituting some palladium for cheaper platinum in combustion engine vehicles. (Graphic: Palladium supply from recycled vehicles, )That will shift the roughly 11 million ounce a year market to a surplus of nearly a million ounces in 2027, they said. (Graphic: Palladium market balance, )But it is too early to rule out short-term upward moves. (Graphic: Palladium speculators, )

☆ Gold slips as dollar firms ahead of U.S. inflation data
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Ashitha Shivaprasad | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Spot gold was down 0.3% at $1,923.33 per ounce, as of 0648 GMT, shedding 0.2% so far in the week. Gold is seeing a pull-back as the dollar is on the higher side and the U.S. GDP data is also slightly pressuring prices, said Ajay Kedia, director at Kedia Commodities, Mumbai. Data on Thursday showed the U.S. economy grew at a faster pace in the December quarter than economists had expected, prompting bets the Fed would keep rates higher for longer. Investors are now awaiting U.S. personal consumption expenditures (PCE) data, the Fed's preferred inflation measure, at 1330 GMT for cues on the central bank's path forward. A downside surprise in the data may point towards a less-hawkish Fed, which could drive gold prices higher in the longer run, said IG Market strategist Yeap Jun Rong.

Amex OffersThe Amex Blue Cash Preferred comes with access to the Amex Offers** program. As with most other cards, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred charges fees for late payments, returned payments, and cash advances. Here's our comparison of the Blue Cash Preferred and Blue Cash Everyday to help you decide which is best for your wallet. Is the Amex Blue Cash Preferred a credit card or charge card? You can't transfer cash back (Reward Dollars) from the Amex Blue Cash Preferred to other Amex cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express or the American Express® Gold Card.

☆ Gold little changed ahead of U.S. inflation data
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Gold prices were little changed on Friday as traders awaited U.S. inflation data, due later in the day, to gauge the Federal Reserve's stance on further interest rate hikes. Spot gold was flat at $1,927.99 per ounce as of 0234 GMT, while U.S. gold futures were off 0.1% at $1,928.30. Investors are now awaiting U.S. personal consumption expenditures (PCE) data, the Fed's preferred inflation measure, at 1330 GMT for cues on the central bank's path forward. The GDP data points to a resilient U.S. economy but there were some signs of challenges to the economy, which kindled some hopes of a less aggressive Fed, Yeap said. Lower interest rates tend to be beneficial for bullion as it lowers the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding asset.

If everyone in the world expertly utilized credit card rewards to travel for free, there wouldn't be such amazing travel opportunities out there. Identify your travel goalsBefore you begin collecting credit card rewards, you should first identify your travel goals. Amex Membership Rewards points Capital One miles Chase Ultimate Rewards points Choice Privileges points Citi ThankYou points Hilton Honors points Hyatt points IHG Rewards points Marriott Bonvoy points Wyndham Rewards pointsYou travel with a large family Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Recommended credit card strategies for beginnersThe best practice for anyone new to credit card rewards is to invest in flexible points. You'll need: An annual fee-incurring Hilton credit card One of the greatest deals in credit card rewards is the free night certificate that comes with select American Express Hilton credit cards.

Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightThe IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card has the highest potential value of any IHG credit card. Review: Is the IHG Premier Business Card the best credit card for you? However, if you have other IHG credit cards, like the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card or the IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card, you're still eligible to open this card. The IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is the only IHG small-business card available to new applicants. If you're looking for a no-annual-fee IHG card, your only choice is the personal IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card.

Chase has rolled out big limited-time bonus offers on the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card. You can redeem IHG points at brands like Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, Hotel Indigo, and Kimpton. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightThe IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is the best choice for most frequent IHG guests. You'll typically get the best return by redeeming IHG points for stays at over 6,000 hotels across 18 brands worldwide. The ability to transfer to partners is why Insider values Chase Ultimate Rewards points as worth 1.8 cents apiece, on average.

However, you'll get a much better deal with the annual-fee personal Chase IHG card, the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card. How to earn points from the IHG Traveler cardThe IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card earns 5 points per dollar spent at IHG hotels. Only the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card and IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card offer this benefit for stays at IHG hotels. For most travelers who stay with IHG, the IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card is a better deal than the IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card, even though it charges a $99 annual fee. However, you can have the small-business IHG® Rewards Premier Business Credit Card and still qualify for a personal IHG card like the IHG® Rewards Traveler Credit Card.

☆ Billionaire investor Ray Dalio slams the US debt ceiling – and compares politicians who support raising it to binge-drinking alcoholics
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( George Glover | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Bridgewater Associates co-CIO Ray Dalio has slammed the US debt limit as "a farce". "It works like a bunch of alcoholics who write laws to enforce drinking limits," he said. "We all know that there is no real debt limit because what is called a debt limit never actually limits the debt," the Bridgewater Associates CIO wrote in a LinkedIn post published Wednesday. Congress has acted 78 separate times to extend the debt limit since 1960, according to the Treasury Department. Read more: A US debt default or even a near-nonpayment could plunge the economy into recession, top Goldman Sachs economist says

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