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☆ U.S. military raid in northern Somalia kills a senior ISIS leader and 10 ISIS fighters
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Courtney-Kube-Circle-Byline-Template.Jpg | Courtney Kube | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

A U.S. military operation in northern Somalia killed a senior leader of the Islamic State terrorist group and 10 other ISIS fighters on Wednesday night, according to two senior administration officials. Bilal al Sudani, who the officials described as a key operative and facilitator of the terror group’s global network, was the target of the raid. The only injury the officials reported was a U.S. service member who was bitten by one of the American military service dogs. The operation took place in a mountainous area in northern Somalia and followed months of planning, the officials said. “Our intelligence community expects to glean valuable information from this operation as well, demonstrating our continued emphasis on maximizing intelligence collection,” one official said.

☆ A Russian graveyard reveals Wagner’s prisoner army
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +18 min

The resting places were adorned with simple wooden crosses and brightly coloured wreaths that bore the insignia of Russia’s Wagner Group - a feared and secretive private army. The news agency matched the names of at least 39 of the dead here and at three other nearby cemeteries to Russian court records, publicly available databases and social media accounts. He said gravediggers told him the bodies had come from the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, close to Russia’s border with Donetsk region. According to Russian court documents, Kochas and another man burst into the apartment of an acquaintance while drunk in an attempted robbery. But he refused, so he’s a fool.”A Russian graveyard reveals Wagner’s prisoner army By Felix Light and Filipp Lebedev in Tbilisi and Reade Levinson in London Photo editing: Simon Newman Graphics: Fielding Cage Art direction: Eve Watling Edited by Janet McBride

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.

☆ How to decode a package shipping label, from the jumbled letters to the sea of barcodes
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( Emma Cosgrove | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Here's how to break down what's on most e-commerce package labels. What can a package label tell you? A package label can tell you a lot about where the package has been, how far it traveled, and even what's inside. The recipient and the destination address is in the middle, return address at the top left. Next to the return address is usually the weight of the package — a good thing to check on big items before lifting.

Global stocks rallied and the dollar dropped. The upbeat market momentum continued on Monday, with Asian stocks up after China reopened its borders, bolstering the outlook for the global economy. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) rose to its highest in more than six months. Redha said that there was "over-excitement" in the market reaction to the U.S. jobs data, and that more wage data would be needed. Emerging market stocks (.MSCIEF) were up 2.4% on the day, and have risen by more than 20% since their October lows.

☆ Global stocks rally to near 4-week highs, oil rises on hopes of 'soft landing'
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( David Randall | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The gains were broad across equity markets, with Europe's STOXX 600 near a one-month high (.STOXX) and emerging market stocks (.MSCIEF) up 2.4% on the day. Asian stocks rose after China reopened its borders, bolstering the outlook for the global economy. The U.S. dollar index was down around 0.8%, near its lowest in seven months after it dropped 1.2% on Friday . In bond markets, European government bond yields rose, in a reversal after the previous weeks' sharp falls. Bond yields move in the opposite direction of prices.

Today, there are 54 Hispanic American banks and credit unions that are FDIC or NCUA insured around the US. We selected Hispanic American-owned credit unions from the National Credit Union Administration's list of minority depository institutions which was also updated in September 2022. In our list of Hispanic American-owned banks and credit unions, many of the institutions listed offer customer support in Spanish and English. You can open up savings accounts, checking accounts, CDs, and money market accounts in most of the institutions listed. To help you learn more about a specific Hispanic American-owned bank or credit union, we've included links to reviews of individual institutions.

☆ U.S. service sector contracts in December, price increases slow - ISM survey
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said on Friday its non-manufacturing PMI dropped to 49.6 last month from 56.5 in November. It was the first time since May 2020 that the services PMI fell below the 50 threshold, which indicates contraction in the sector that accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity. Outside the COVID-19 pandemic slump, this was the weakest services PMI reading since late 2009. The weakness in the services sector came in the wake of another ISM survey this week showing manufacturing slumping for a second straight month in December. The ISM survey's gauge of new orders received by services businesses fell to 45.2 from 56.0 in November.

The best hotel credit cards all have one outstanding benefit that gives cardholders the incentive to renew year after year: free night certificates and/or bonus points that are worth more than the annual fee. 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent in your top three spend categories each quarter through 12/31/23, then your top two categories each quarter. Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. Show more Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 20.24% - 27.24% Variable Editor's Rating 4.4 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4.4 out of 5 Stars Our editor's ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available. Credit Cards With Annual Free Nights Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)How do I use a free night certificate?

You can buy your pet insurance through a company you know, like Nationwide pet insurance, or seek a specialty pet insurance provider like the ASPCA. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightCompare the best pet insurance in CaliforniaBest overall: PumpkinPumpkin pet insurance gets about as close to a one-size-fits-all solution as you can with insurance. Best cheap pet insurance: LemonadeThe Lemonade pet insurance system is built for digital automation. Best for senior pets: SpotSpot pet insurance offers both wellness plans and accident and illness pet insurance plans. Run pet insurance quotes for comparison: Insider looks at average pricing for pet insurance products being reviewed.

Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightThe Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is worth considering if you're a Hilton loyalist and are eligible for a small-business credit card. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is one of four co-branded Hilton credit cards issued by Amex, and the other three — Hilton Honors American Express Card, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card , and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card — are also solid picks. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a small-business card, which means you'll need to have a business to qualify. So, for example, if you already have the Hilton Honors American Express Card, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, you're still eligible for The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.

Since the early days of the invasion, Mr. Putin has conceded, privately, that the war has not gone as planned. “I think he is sincerely willing” to compromise with Russia, Mr. Putin said of Mr. Zelensky in 2019. To join in Mr. Putin’s war, he has recruited prisoners, trashed the Russian military and competed with it for weapons. To join in Mr. Putin’s war, he has recruited prisoners, trashed the Russian military and competed with it for weapons. “I think this war is Putin’s grave.” Yevgeny Nuzhin, 55, a Russian prisoner of war held by Ukraine, in October.

☆ Home delivery of medications can help improve access, especially when time is tight
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Deidre Mcphillips | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

As the supply of Paxlovid has grown, efforts have been made to improve timely, equitable access to the treatment. Transportation is one significant barrier to health care access for many people, experts say, but creating equitable outcomes will involve a much more comprehensive approach. The initiative is meant to increase access to Covid-19 treatment, particularly for those in socially vulnerable or medically underserved communities. “It’s a combination of things that prevent access to care,” said Werner, whose research has focused on health equity. And those may be the ones that I think would be ripe for this kind of home-based delivery system,” Werner said.

Dec 7 (Reuters) - Oil prices were mixed in early Asian trade on Wednesday after falling to their lowest settlement levels this year as economic uncertainty and the prospect of higher interest rates pressured prices. Brent crude futures rose 17 cents, or 0.2%, at 0107 GMT to $79.52 a barrel. U.S. crude futures fell 3 cents to $74.22 a barrel. These fears are sparked by strong economic data or hawkish signals from other policymakers. Oil prices have dropped by more than 1% for three straight sessions, giving up most of their gains for the year.

☆ Morning Bid: Five Alive
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

And given that investors are overwhelmingly positioning for peak rates by mid year and Fed rate cuts after that, the 'good news is bad news' reactions re-emerged on Monday. Futures markets pushed their implied Fed 'terminal rate' next May back above 5% - from as low as 4.85% shortly after Fed Chair Jerome's peculiarly dovish speech last week. There were further signs that China's COVID restrictions are being lifted gradually - though that's ambiguous for global inflation outlooks more generally. There will also be attention later on the U.S. Senate runoff in Georgia - although Democrats have control of the Senate regardless. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.

Brent crude futures gained 38 cents to $83.06 a barrel by 0458 GMT. Crude futures on Monday recorded their biggest daily drop in two weeks, after U.S. service sector data raised worries that the Federal Reserve could continue its aggressive policy tightening path. In China, more cities are easing COVID-19-related curbs, prompting optimism for increased demand in the world's top oil importer. The country is set to announce a further relaxation of some of the world's toughest COVID curbs as early as Wednesday, sources said. But the oil price gains could prove fragile, as it would take time to confirm a sustained recovery in Chinese consumption, as well as the supply impact of Russian sanctions.

Summary Oil futures edge higher after falling more than 3% last sessionG7 price cap on Russian oil kicks inOPEC+ keeps steady policy amid weakening economyDec 6 (Reuters) - Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday, after a G7 price cap on Russian seaborne oil came into force on Monday on top of a European Union embargo on imports of Russian crude by sea. The Group of Seven price cap comes as the West tries to limit Moscow's ability to finance its war in Ukraine, but Russia has said it will not abide by the measure even if it has to cut production. read moreThe price cap, to be enforced by the G7 nations, the European Union and Australia, comes on top of the EU's embargo on imports of Russian crude by sea and similar pledges by the United States, Canada, Japan and Britain. The Group of Seven (G7) countries and Australia last week agreed on a $60 a barrel price cap on seaborne Russian oil. In China, more cities eased COVID curbs over the weekend, prompting optimism for increased demand in the world's top oil importer.

☆ Oil drops below $80 as demand doubt deepens
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Global oil prices slid below $80 per barrel for the first time since January on Tuesday, extending a downward trend as growing concerns about global demand offset any bullish effects from an EU-led price cap on Russian oil sales. Brent crude futures settled down 4.03%, to $79.35 a barrel, their lowest since Jan. 4. West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) fell 3.48%, to $74.26 after hitting its lowest level this year. The U.S. dollar index edged lower on Tuesday but was still buoyed by bets on higher interest rates, following the biggest rally in two weeks on Monday. U.S. crude oil stocks are forecast to have fallen last week.

☆ Wall St slides as services data spooks investors about Fed rate hikes
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( David French | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Broadly, indexes suffered as data showed U.S. services industry activity unexpectedly picked up in November, with employment rebounding, offering more evidence of underlying momentum in the economy. Investors see an 89% chance that the U.S. central bank will increase interest rates by 50 basis points next week to 4.25%-4.50%, with the rates peaking at 4.984% in May 2023. The rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee meets on Dec. 13-14, the final meeting in a volatile year, which saw the central bank attempt to arrest a multi-decade rise in inflation with record interest rate hikes. "Stock Exchange" is seen over an entrance to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Wall St. in New York City, U.S., March 29, 2021. Although bank profits are typically boosted by rising interest rates, they are also sensitive to concerns about bad loans or slowing loan growth amid an economic downturn.

Also last week, Sun Chunlan, China's top pandemic official, suggested the central government was rowing back on the zero-COVID policy. This is putting a fire under Chinese assets, and prompting many analysts to look on 2023 in a more positive light. Chinese stocks jumped 2% and Hong Kong stocks surged 4.5% on Monday, and the yuan rallied through the closely watched 7-per-dollar level. It has only posted three bigger daily rises since 2005, and two of them were in the last two months. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.

Broadly, indexes were suffering as data showed U.S. services industry activity unexpectedly picked up in November, with employment rebounding, offering more evidence of underlying momentum in the economy. In other economic data this week, investors will also monitor weekly jobless claims, producer prices and the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment survey for more clues on the health of the U.S. economy. It was weighed by U.S. natural gas futures slumping more than 8% on Monday, as the outlook dimmed due to forecasts for milder weather and the delayed restart of the Freeport liquefied natural gas (LNG) export plant. EQT Corp (EQT.N), one of the largest U.S. natural gas producers, led declines with a 7.1% drop. Although bank profits are typically boosted by rising interest rates, they are also sensitive to concerns about bad loans or slowing loan growth amid an economic downturn.

Brent crude futures were down $2.18, or 2.6%, at $83.39 a barrel by 1:23 p.m. EST (1823 GMT). read moreThe news caused oil and stock markets to pare gains. The data challenges hopes that the Fed might slow the pace and intensity of its rate hikes amid recent signs of ebbing inflation. The Group of Seven (G7) countries and Australia last week agreed on a $60 a barrel price cap on seaborne Russian oil. At the same time, in a positive sign for fuel demand in the world's top oil importer, more Chinese cities eased COVID curbs over the weekend.

☆ Services Come With a Smile, but the Economy Could Still Be Frowning
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Justin Lahart | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Robotic arms at a Mercedes-Benz facility in Alabama. Weakness overseas and a strong dollar are hurting manufacturing more than services. The manufacturing sector has fallen into a funk. Services business are in anything but that. The details of the report were good, showing employment picking up and supply-chain problems easing.

Data showed U.S. services industry activity unexpectedly picked up in November, with employment rebounding, offering more evidence of underlying momentum in the economy. "Right now it's more of an issue of watching the Fed and they are going to need to tighten and longer than needed." Investors see an 89% chance that the U.S. central bank will increase interest rates by 50 basis points next week, with the rates peaking in May 2023. All major Wall Street indexes notched a second straight week of gains last week, with the S&P 500 rising 1.13%, the Dow gaining 0.24% and the Nasdaq climbing 2.1%. The S&P index recorded four new 52-week highs and one new low, while the Nasdaq recorded 54 new highs and 39 new lows.

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