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☆ Gold flat; set for best week in three on smaller rate-hike bets
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

One kilo gold bars are pictured at the plant of gold and silver refiner and bar manufacturer Argor-Heraeus in Mendrisio, Switzerland, July 13, 2022. Gold prices were flat on Friday but set for their best week in three ahead of the U.S. jobs report, helped by the dollar's retreat on expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve will slow the pace of interest rate hikes. Spot gold was little changed at $1,800.78 per ounce as of 0037 GMT, after hitting its highest level since Aug. 10 earlier in the session. Fed Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday said the U.S. central bank might scale back the pace of its interest rate hikes as soon as December. SPDR Gold Trust , the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, said its holdings fell 0.16% on Thursday.

Thankfully, there are a few ways to get around those extra fees, with more airlines offering passengers access to free Wi-Fi than ever before. Hawaiian Airlines is also planning to launch free in-flight Wi-Fi in 2023 thanks to its partnership with SpaceX's SkyLink. American Airlines also seems to be testing out free Wi-Fi on many of its aircraft that are equipped with Viasat — as part of an ongoing trial, passengers who opt to watch a sponsored video can access 30 minutes of Wi-Fi free of charge. Some international carriers offer free Wi-Fi, but with certain stipulations. Then, choose the airline's Wi-Fi network and login on the Wi-Fi homepage using your T-Mobile or Sprint phone number.

You don't need to worry about paying a high annual fee to open a small business credit card that's worthwhile. But the below small business credit cards are the best of the best if you're not willing to pony up just yet. Review: Amex Blue Business Plus card reviewWhy the Amex Blue Business Cash card is worth it: The American Express Blue Business Cash Card earns cardholders straightforward cash-back on all eligible purchases. Review: Chase Ink Business Unlimited card reviewWhy the Chase Ink Business Cash card is worth it: The Ink Business Cash® credit card is a great option for businesses looking to maximize their spending at office supply stores, internet, cable, restaurants, and more. Review: Ink Business Cash card reviewWhy the Triple Cash Rewards Mastercard is worth it: The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards Card is ideal if you're looking for a card with a generous bonus and intro APR.

☆ Your Amex Platinum hotel credit expires at the end of the year — here's what you need to do by December 31 to avoid wasting $200 in value
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Joseph Hostetler | Credit Cards Reporter | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

American Express; Rachel Mendelson/InsiderThe Platinum Card® from American Express comes with up to $200 in hotel credits each calendar year. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. Head to Amex TravelNavigate to the Amex Travel hotel finder to search for a hotel. Again, only hotels that participate in Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection will trigger this $200 hotel credit. Book a prepaid rate to trigger your hotel creditThis $200 hotel credit is only valid for prepaid bookings.

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☆ The SEC is suing real-estate mogul Kent Swig's shady crypto partner for perpetuating a 'pump-and-dump' scheme with a different gold-backed crypto currency
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Alex Nicoll | Daniel Geiger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Now the SEC is suing the CEO of Swig's company for an earlier, separate gold-backed crypto scam. According to the SEC, Braverman was said to be the chief operating officer of one of two companies the regulator targeted in the complaint. When Swig's company announced Digau, cryptocurrencies were on a sugar high, with bitcoin trading above $60,000. Neither Swig nor Dignity Gold would reveal to Business Insider any of the specific site locations where the company plans to mine. To extract the gold, Swig partnered with a mining company called Apache Mill Tailings.

☆ I traveled to every country in the world, including North Korea, in 558 days. These are my top 10 travel tips.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Cassie De Pecol has traveled to all 193 sovereign nations in addition to Taiwan, Kosovo, and Palestine. These are some of her top travel tips — from her favorite airlines to how to stay safe as a solo traveler. So I decided to go after the Guinness World Record for traveling to every country in the fastest amount of time. How I traveled to 193 countries in just over 18 monthsCassie De Pecol in North Korea. If you can, pack lightFor my trip around the world, I traveled with just a backpack.

☆ Delta is making big changes to who can access its popular Sky Club airport lounges
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Taylor Rains | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Some Medallion members can no longer access the lounge when traveling internationally in select cabins. According to Delta, starting January 1, only Diamond, Platinum, Gold, and Silver Medallion members can buy annual memberships to the Sky Club. Sky Club members flying on a basic economy ticket, as well as Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion Members flying internationally in Delta's Main Cabin or Comfort+ can no longer access the Sky Club, effective February 2. Access can be granted through other means, like having an eligible American Express credit card or a Club membership, according to Delta. These are huge changes for the airline, especially since anyone can currently purchase a Sky Club membership.

☆ Gold flat as traders brace for Powell's speech
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

One kilo gold bars are pictured at the plant of gold and silver refiner and bar manufacturer Argor-Heraeus in Mendrisio, Switzerland, July 13, 2022. Gold prices were little changed on Wednesday, with investors largely focusing on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech for insights into the U.S. central bank's monetary policy path. Spot gold was flat at $1,750.00 per ounce, as of 0019 GMT. Powell's speech at a Brookings Institution event scheduled for 1830 GMT will be evaluated for any new signs of hawkishness. Spot silver slipped 0.2% to $21.23, platinum fell 0.1% to $1,000.88 and palladium rose 0.2% to $1,837.58.

☆ A battle over paid leave is threatening to grind the US economy to a halt
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | Hannah Towey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

US rail workers are preparing to strike over their latest negotiations with management. Three years of rail workers' negotiations with management over this issue could soon culminate in an economy-disrupting strike, after the latest tentative agreement included just one paid personal day off a year. That's too far from the 15 days of paid sick leave that rail workers pushed for, and which railroads argue would cost them $688 million a year. While praise for essential workers has faded, rail workers still hold a lot of power in the economy. "The stockholders would go absolutely crazy if we were able to strike for one day."

Amex Platinum; InsiderThe Platinum Card® from American Express offers a ton of value from its welcome bonus and benefits. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. Choose an airline for the Amex Platinum incidental fee creditOne of the biggest perks of the Platinum Card is a yearly airline incidental fee credit. Add your Amex Platinum card to your Uber accountThe Platinum Card offers cardholders up to $200 in Uber Cash credits** each calendar year. Bottom lineThe Platinum Card® from American Express comes with potentially thousands of dollars in statement credits and benefits each year.

☆ 10 Amex Business Platinum card benefits you'll want to activate right away, so you can enjoy hotel elite status, statement credits, and more
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Joseph Hostetler | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +16 min

Thomas Pallini/InsiderThe Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers luxury benefits and rewards. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is packed full of benefits that are perfect for small business owners — including freelancers and remote workers. Here are 10 things you should do when you first get The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. More travel benefits than you'll find on any other business credit card Check mark icon A check mark. But by paying with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you'll get a statement credit of up to $189 back**.

☆ Gold edges up on dollar dip; Fed policy cues remain key
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

One kilo gold bars are pictured at the plant of gold and silver refiner and bar manufacturer Argor-Heraeus in Mendrisio, Switzerland, July 13, 2022. Gold prices ticked up on Tuesday, helped by a softer dollar, while market participants awaited more clarity on the U.S. Federal Reserve's rate hike stance. Fed Presidents James Bullard and John Williams said there was a long way to go to fight inflation. Gold is also sensitive to rising interest rates as they increase the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding asset. "Investors will now turn attention to U.S. economic data this week for any signs the Fed may ease its aggressive rate hikes," ANZ said in a note.

☆ Gold dips as dollar gains on China Covid risks
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

One kilo gold bars are pictured at the plant of gold and silver refiner and bar manufacturer Argor-Heraeus in Mendrisio, Switzerland, July 13, 2022. Gold prices slipped on Monday, as the dollar strengthened on safe-haven demand triggered by protests in several Chinese cities over the country's strict Covid-19 restrictions. "Gold prices have been tracking the U.S. dollar's moves closely, and increased uncertainty from the growing unrest in China seems to be underpinning the dollar this morning," said IG market strategist Yeap Jun Rong. People may be shifting to defensive assets considering the Covid situation in China, but the dollar's gains are currently overshadowing gold's safe-haven status, Yeap said. Spot silver slipped 1.8% to $21.21, platinum fell 0.3% to $978.00 and palladium declined 0.3% to $1,846.94.

☆ The Amex Platinum, Business Platinum, and Hilton Aspire come with annual airline incidental fee credits, but you have to select one airline — here's how to choose
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Jasmin Baron | Read More | Read Less | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +15 min

You'll have to choose one qualifying airline for your Amex incidental fee credit — most major domestic carriers are eligible. With the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card , this benefit is good for up to $250 in credits per year. Which Amex cards offer an airline fee credit? Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. The airline fee credit section will also show you your current selected airline (in this case, United).

☆ Gold dips as dollar gains on China COVID risks
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Ashitha Shivaprasad | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SummarySummary Companies Dollar index up 0.4%Powell's speech on Wednesday awaitedNov 28 (Reuters) - Gold prices slipped on Monday, as the dollar strengthened on safe-haven demand triggered by protests in several Chinese cities over the country's strict COVID-19 restrictions. Spot gold was down 0.4% at $1,749.00 per ounce, as of 0314 GMT. The dollar index was up 0.4%, making the greenback-priced bullion more expensive for buyers holding other currencies. "Gold prices have been tracking the U.S. dollar's moves closely, and increased uncertainty from the growing unrest in China seems to be underpinning the dollar this morning," said IG market strategist Yeap Jun Rong. People may be shifting to defensive assets considering the COVID situation in China, but the dollar's gains are currently overshadowing gold's safe-haven status, Yeap said.

☆ The Amex Platinum card offers up to $100 per year in Saks Fifth Avenue credits, and you can stack other discounts to save more on your purchases
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( David E. Slotnick | Sarah Silbert | Senior Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Northfoto/ShutterstockThe Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $100 in credits at Saks Fifth Avenue each year. Here's how to use the Amex Platinum Saks credit. More Information Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. The Platinum Card currently offers an excellent welcome bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.

☆ Gold advances as Fed signals slower rate hikes
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

One kilo gold bars are pictured at the plant of gold and silver refiner and bar manufacturer Argor-Heraeus in Mendrisio, Switzerland, July 13, 2022. Gold prices bounced above the key $1,750 an ounce level on Thursday, consolidating gains after minutes of the U.S. Federal Reserve's latest meeting signalled slower interest rate hikes. Spot gold rose 0.4% to $1,755.73 per ounce by 0321 GMT. The minutes of the Fed's Nov. 1-2 meeting showed that a "substantial majority" of Fed policymakers agreed it would "likely soon be appropriate" to slow the pace of interest rate hikes. Spot silver rose 0.5% to $21.62 per ounce, platinum added 0.3% to $999.38, while palladium gained 0.7% to $1,894.75.

☆ Gold flat as market awaits Fed minutes for rate-hike path
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-23 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

One kilo gold bars are pictured at the plant of gold and silver refiner and bar manufacturer Argor-Heraeus in Mendrisio, Switzerland, July 13, 2022. Gold prices were flat on Wednesday, as investors held back from making big bets ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting minutes, which could offer clues on further interest rate hikes. "There is some nervousness in the market ahead of the Fed minutes," said Edward Meir, an analyst with ED&F Man Capital Markets. Market participants are awaiting the minutes of Fed's Nov. 1-2 policy meeting due at 1900 GMT. Although gold is seen as a hedge against inflation, rising U.S. interest rates dull non-yielding bullion's appeal.

☆ Platinum deficit expected in 2023 after bumper surpluses, WPIC says
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, Nov 22 (Reuters) - The World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) said on Tuesday it expected a deficit of the metal used in vehicle exhausts, industry and jewellery in 2023 after a hefty surplus this year. The World Platinum Investment Council expects the market to swing into deficit in 2023. Manufacturers are also replacing palladium with cheaper platinum to save money, with such substitution accounting for 340,000 ounces of platinum demand this year and just over 500,000 ounces in 2023, the WPIC said. "This could lead to an even further tightening of the platinum market next year," he said. ANNUAL PLATINUM SUPPLY/DEMAND ('000 oz)*QUARTERLY PLATINUM SUPPLY/DEMAND ('000 oz)** Source: World Platinum Investment Council, Platinum Quarterly Q3 2022Reporting by Peter Hobson.

Bilt Mastercard® holders will also get eight days to earn bonus rewards, up to a max of 50,000 points. For December's Rent Day, Bilt is giving you a 100% transfer bonus to IHG, the chance to earn up to 50,000 bonus points, and more. To earn points with the Bilt Mastercard®, you must use your card at least five times per statement period. That makes your Bilt Rewards worth 1.4 cents each when transferring to IHG during this 100% transfer bonus. You'll earn 2,500 Bilt points per friend you refer to the Bilt Mastercard® — and 10,000 bonus points after successfully referring five members.

☆ Gold ticks up as dollar pauses advance; focus on Fed minutes
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

One kilo gold bars are pictured at the plant of gold and silver refiner and bar manufacturer Argor-Heraeus in Mendrisio, Switzerland, July 13, 2022. Spot gold rose 0.2% to $1,740.56 per ounce by 0033 GMT. San Francisco Federal Reserve President Mary Daly said on Monday the real-world impact of the U.S. central bank's interest rate hikes is likely greater than what its short-term rate target implies. SPDR Gold Trust , the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, said its holdings rose 0.2% to 906.06 tons on Monday. Spot silver advanced 0.4% to $20.92 per ounce, platinum also rose 0.3% to $985.30, while palladium added 0.6% to $1,877.14.

☆ Holiday shoppers aren’t in a rush. What that means for retail stocks
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( Christina Cheddar Berk | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

If you're a retailer, and it's the holiday season, the thing you most want consumers to feel is a sense of urgency. Unlike last year, holiday shoppers don't need to fear empty shelves at the store. Walmart said it saw more shoppers with incomes above $100,000 ring up items in its stores, drawn in by less expensive groceries. He suggests investors position themselves in discounters like Walmart or Family Dollar or in luxury stocks like RH or Lululemon . She explained that many shoppers perceive Target as a place where "you go in for two items and come out $150 later."

☆ Where can you buy Taylor Swift tour tickets? Not Ticketmaster
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-18 | by ( James Skoufis | James Skoufis Is A Democratic New York State Senator Representing The Hudson Valley. In | He Undertook A Legislative Investigation Into Predatory Ticketing Practices | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +6 min

Ticketmaster is, yet again, pointing blame at literally everyone but itself after the latest debacle involving tickets for Taylor Swift’s 2023 “Eras” concert tour. Federal anti-trust regulators never should’ve allowed the company’s 2010 merger with Live Nation — and should course-correct by breaking up Ticketmaster. It’s likely that at each of Taylor Swift’s 52 upcoming concerts, thousands of tickets will be “held back” and never released to the general public. Even if you do secure a ticket, fees are out of control. “I should not be left to my own devices,” sings Taylor Swift.

Michael M. Santiago/Getty ImagesCredit card issuers are getting too caught up in quantity of perks instead of focusing on quality. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express offer potentially thousands of dollars in niche benefits. Intro Offer Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. When using a credit card, it's important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay. I'd rather have a card with five astonishing benefits than a card with 12 neat benefits.

The best Bank of America credit card reviewsBank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards CardWhy the BofA Unlimited Cash Rewards card is worth it: The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for straightforward flat-rate rewards on all purchases. You need good to excellent credit to qualify for the best Bank of America credit cards (most of the cards on this list) — meaning a FICO score of at least 670 (VantageScore of at least 700). Certain cards (such as the Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card) require you to have excellent credit (FICO score of at least 800). You can request a credit line increase on eligible Bank of America credit cards when you sign into your Online Banking account, select your credit card, go to Account Summary, and click the "Request a credit line increase" link under Card Details. The best way to avoid paying interest on your Bank of America card (as with all credit cards) is by paying your credit on time and consistently.

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