DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Egg prices are going even higher. This time it’s avian flu and the holidays
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-24 | by ( Vanessa Yurkevich | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

New York CNN —Egg prices have risen steadily over the past two years. Egg prices at the grocery store were up 30.4% in October from the year prior, according to the consumer-price index. Increased demand from holiday cooking makes egg prices even more volatile. Avian flu, which is spread through wild birds, has been plaguing farmers and egg supply since January 2022. “Our egg prices really ride the waves associated with high influenza,” said Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Persons: ”, Stew Leonard Jr, Steward Leonard’s, Emily Metz, That’s, Bernt Nelson, Leonard Jr, he’s, “ I’ve, ” Morton Williams, “ It’s, they’re, Steve Schwartz, Morton Williams, Schwartz, nothing’s, ” Schwartz Organizations: New, New York CNN, American Egg Board, American Farm Bureau Federation, US Department of Agriculture, Grocers Locations: New York, Oregon , Utah, Washington, York, New York City, mayo

It is compact, with an e-ink display that can easily handle bright light and, the best part, is the stellar battery life. The Amazon Kindle can last up to 6 weeks, while the Kindle Paperwhite can last up to 12 weeks. Both the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite are now at their lowest prices ever. You can pick up the Kindle for $84, which means you get a 23% discount, the lowest price we’ve ever seen. Its incredible 12-week battery life, 16GB storage capacity and size and design make it a must-have for avid readers.

Persons: I’ve, — I’ve, TikTok Organizations: NBC, Facebook, Twitter

☆ Dollar hugs 13-month peak as market awaits next Fed cue
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-22 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Global PMIs are due later in the day, although those figures should not "change the dial too much," said Tony Sycamore, market analyst at IG. Recent comments from Fed officials, including Chair Jerome Powell, have indicated the central bank may take a slower course in its rate cut path. Among Trump policies on weighing on investors' minds were the president-elect's campaign pledges of tariffs, with Europe and China both likely in the firing line. The euro , which makes up a hefty portion of the dollar index, steadied at $1.0475 after falling to a 13-month low of $1.0461 on Thursday. The dollar was last down 0.17% on the day at 154.27 yen.

Persons: Tony Sycamore, It's, it's, Sycamore, Donald Trump's, Jerome Powell, CME's, Trump, Sterling, Bitcoin, Marcel Thieliant, Kazuo Ueda Organizations: The U.S, greenback, Bank of Japan's, Global, IG, U.S, PCE, Trump, Capital Economics Locations: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, The, Europe, China, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Asia

I’ve been covering Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals as an editor at NBC Select for over four years. To find the best early Black Friday deals on Amazon, I combed through sales actually worth shopping for right now on the site. SKIP AHEAD Best early Black Friday Amazon deals | More early Black Friday Amazon sales | Best early Black Friday sales at other retailers | How I picked the best early Black Friday Amazon deals | Why trust NBC Select? Best early Amazon Black Friday dealsEach deal I recommend below is highly rated and at least 20% off. Best early Black Friday Amazon salesHere are the best Black Friday Amazon sales to know about.

Persons: I’ve, it’s, Bissell, It’s, Nordstrom, sitewide Casper, TikTok Organizations: Amazon, NBC, Amazon’s, Deal, Black, Amazon Alexa, Walmart, Gamestop, Wellness, Bath, Giftable Tech, Facebook, Twitter Locations: tangling

A sharp drop in mortgage rates brought homebuyers off the fence in October after a slow summer. Sales were 2.9% higher than October of last year, marking the first annual increase in more than three years. While mortgage rates remain elevated, they are expected to stabilize.”There were 1.37 million units for sale at the end of October, an increase of 19.1% from October 2023. That is still high historically, but lower mortgage rates likely caused that share to drop. Mortgage rates are much higher now, at 7.05% on the 30-year fixed.

Persons: ”, Lawrence Yun, ” Yun, Chen Zhao Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Mortgage News, Fed Locations: Redfin

☆ HBO says 'Harry Potter' series will 'benefit' from J.K. Rowling's involvement
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-21 | by ( ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +9 min

Two of the biggest Harry Potter fan communities, MuggleNet and The Leaky Cauldron, denounced Rowling’s views and severed ties with the author’s future projects. On Sept. 10, she posted the U.K. open casting call for the roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley to her 14.2 million followers on X. “Every time we sit down to have a fun conversation about Harry Potter, the conversation becomes angry and depressing, and so we end up not publishing,” she says. “There are so many fans who deeply disagree with what Rowling is saying, but still want to engage in the Harry Potter fandom.”Ironically, while Rowling’s actions have undermined many Potter fans’ dedication to her, they also appear to have strengthened those fans’ solidarity with each other. We can love and enjoy that without the author.”The question now is whether HBO can cast the same spell.

Persons: J.K, Rowling, Harry Potter ”, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Eddie Redmayne —, Harry Potter, Francesca Gardiner, Mark Mylod, ”, Casey Bloys, Harry Potter —, “ J.K, Gardiner, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, “, Potter, She’s, It’s, Melissa Anelli, “ Harry, “ It’s, Maggie Smith, Murray, Kat Miller, MuggleNet, Miller, Radcliffe, “ Potter, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Jim Broadbent, traumatised detransitioners, rebuking John Oliver —, Lumos, Trump, ” Miller, —, Anelli, Tylor Starr, Starr Organizations: Warner Bros, Discovery, ” HBO, J.K, HBO, Potter Locations: “

That's why I can gladly round up all of the best early Black Friday deals for you, below. Keep scrolling to see the best Black Friday deals you can score now. To explore even more, check out our guides to the best Amazon Black Friday sales, the best Black Friday mattress sales, and the best Walmart Black Friday deals. Best Black Friday tech dealsBeats Studio Buds $79.99 $149.95 Save 47% The Beats Studio Buds offer great sound, an excellent fit, and decent noise cancellation for their price. View at AmazonBest Black Friday fashion dealsNisolo Men's Huarache Sandal $105.00 $150.00 Save 30% Handwoven craftsmanship meets sustainability in our top selling huarache sandal.

Persons: it's, I've, Dyson, we've, Amelia, Price, Secretlab Magnus, Magnus Pro, — Organizations: Business, Walmart, Alexa, HP, Honeywell, Dyson, Kettle, Secretlab Locations: Tempur, Brooklinen

☆ I'm 27 and paid $156 for a buzzy health test, fearing I was unknowingly sick. It was reassuring but I felt scammed.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-21 | by ( Kim Schewitz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

AdvertisementThe idea that testing and tracking your health will help you live longer is buzzy right now. I feared I had problems like high cholesterol or blood sugar and paid $156 for a direct-to-consumer health test. The author eating pineapple to feel less dizzy after the blood tests. AdvertisementDirect-to-consumer tests might seem like a good idea, but in most cases, you'd be better off letting sleeping dogs lie. AdvertisementMore testing isn't necessarily betterPeople tend to think that tests can only do good, but unnecessary health testing can actually be harmful, Plüddemann said.

Persons: I'd, you'll, Max, I'm, I've, Kim Schewitz, Annette Plüddemann, Plüddemann Organizations: Global Wellness Institute, University of Oxford, Nova Locations: Arizona, Australia

☆ 10-year Treasury yield dips as investors await economic data, Fed speeches
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-21 | by ( Sam Meredith | In Samuelmeredith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

One basis point equals 0.01%. The 10-year Treasury yield fell more than 1 basis point to 4.390%, while the yield on the 2-year Treasury slipped by nearly 2 basis points to 4.291%. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield dipped on Thursday as investors await a fresh batch of economic data and a flurry of speeches from Federal Reserve policymakers. Existing home sales for October and the Kansas City Fed survey for November are scheduled to follow slightly later in the session. Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack, Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee, Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid, Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr are all poised to deliver remarks about the U.S. economy on Thursday.

Persons: Donald Trump's, Beth Hammack, Austan Goolsbee, Jeff Schmid, Michael Barr, Michelle Bowman, Samantha Subin, Sophie Kiderlin Organizations: Treasury, Federal Reserve, Philadelphia Fed, Kansas City Fed, Cleveland Fed, Chicago Fed Locations: Russia, Ukraine, Washington, Moscow, Kansas, U.S

Black Friday is almost here, and Target is already offering deals on apparel, holiday decor, tech and more that you can shop right now. As an associate reporter for NBC Select, I frequently cover Target deals and sales year round. SKIP AHEAD Best early Black Friday Target deals | More early Black Friday Target sales |Why trust NBC Select? Best early Black Friday Target deals4.8-star average rating from 3,285 reviews at TargetThis Apple iPad is our pick for the best overall tablet due to its functionality and price. Best early Black Friday Target salesHere are the best early Black Friday Target sales to know about.

Persons: ”, Harry Rabinowitz, terry, Rabinowitz, TikTok Organizations: Target, NBC, Garmin, Facebook, Twitter Locations: woofers

☆ Treasury yields rise as investors weigh geopolitical tensions, economic data
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Sophie Kiderlin | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

ET, the yield on the 10-year Treasury was up by over four basis points to 4.4178%. The 2-year Treasury yield was last trading at 4.2932% after rising by more than two basis points. U.S. Treasury yields were higher on Wednesday as investors considered the geopolitical situation and assessed the latest economic data. Elsewhere, investors weighed the latest economic data, with new housing starts falling short of expectations in October, and building permits slipping month over month, according to data published Tuesday. Later in the week, investors will be watching out for October's flash purchasing managers' index reports from S&P Global for the services and manufacturing sector.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump's Organizations: Treasury, U.S, Investors, Global, Federal Reserve Locations: Russia, Ukraine, U.S, Ukraine's, Kyiv

☆ Savings, CD and Checking Account Interest Rates Today: Earn up to 5% APY
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Business Insider | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Featured High Interest Checking Account Offers Compare checking accounts that offer high APYs, rewards on debit card purchases, or both. UFB Direct Freedom Checking with Portfolio Savings: Earn 2.00% APY on your checking account. High-Yield Savings AccountsThe best high-yield savings accounts provide the security of a savings account with the added bonus of a high APY. A checking account is like a hub for your money: If your paycheck is direct deposited, it's typically to a checking account. 2-Year CDsThe best 2-year CD rates will be slightly lower than 1-year and no-penalty CD rates.

Persons: APYs, —, Cash, we've Organizations: Federal Reserve, Cash Locations: —

The San Francisco-based couple recently partook in a TikTok trend that features shoppers showing off the quirky items found at their local HomeGoods stores. “You feel the need to walk away with it because it’s gone the next day,” Gavello, 27, said about the appeal of HomeGoods products. But HomeGoods really does dictate for you, it tells you what to buy.”Wood said that he used to go to HomeGoods with his mom and pull out the weirdest items in the store to inspect. The official HomeGoods TikTok account commented on the couple’s video saying, “sometimes you don’t know what you need until you go to HomeGoods.”A representative for HomeGoods did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Gordon said the TikTok trend is fun because it shows the wide range of decorations that exist across HomeGoods stores.

Persons: Aubrey Gavello, Alex Wood, it’s, ” Gavello, Wood, ” Wood, “, HomeGoods, ”, Tatyiana Gordon, Gordon, “ It’s Organizations: TJX Companies, Sierra Trading, Marshalls, CNBC Locations: HomeGoods, San Francisco, Maxx, Syracuse , New York

Indians have become the biggest group of international students in the U.S., surpassing Chinese students this year for the first time in 15 years. New data released by the State Department in conjunction with the Institute of International Education shows that there are now 331,602 Indian international students in the U.S. (a 23% growth from last academic year), compared with 277,398 Chinese international students (a 4.2% decline). South Korea, Canada and Taiwan follow distantly as the next most common countries of origin for international students, with numbers all well under 50,000. Long the most populous at U.S. colleges and universities, Chinese international students have been falling in number every year since the pandemic. Chinese international students typically come with different priorities, Martel and Khanna said.

Persons: ”, Gaurav Khanna, Mirka Martel, IIE’s, “, Khanna, Martel, ” Martel, haven’t, “ We’ve Organizations: State Department, Institute of International Education, U.S, University of California, Pew Research, Indian, “ Locations: U.S, South Korea, Canada, Taiwan, India, China, Covid, San Diego, “ U.S

However, there are consequences for failing to file a tax return that you should be aware of. Why filing taxes is importantLegal obligationsFirst things first: Do you even need to file a tax return? However, you are required to file a tax return if you have $400 or more in net self-employment income. FAQs on what happens if you don't file taxesHow long can I go without filing taxes? If you don't file a tax return and don't owe any taxes, you have up to three years to claim any refund that might be due.

Persons: David Beck, Beck, filers, TurboTax, you'll, It's, it'll, there's, There's, haven't, Morgan, Tanza, Read Organizations: Free, NEC, TurboTax, Budget, Social Security, State, IRS, Levy, Railroad, Board, Military, garnishment, Chevron, Finance, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Fidelity, BI, Elon University Locations: U.S, Dix Hills, NY, TheStreet

☆ Treasury yields fall amid rising Ukraine-Russia tensions
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-19 | by ( Sawdah Bhaimiya | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

One basis point is equal to 0.01% and yields and prices move in opposite directions. ET, the yield on the 10-year Treasury was lower by 5 basis points at 4.365%. U.S. Treasury yields slid on Tuesday as tensions between Ukraine and Russia increased, while investors awaited new data. Bloomberg News also reported, citing RBC Ukraine, that Ukraine hit Russia with U.S.-made missiles for the first time. Yields have soared following the election with traders betting that Trump's pro-business policies and tax cuts will boost economic growth.

Persons: Vladimir Putin, —, Joe Biden, Trump's, Scott Bessent, Howard Lutnick, Trump, Elon Musk Organizations: Treasury, U.S, Bloomberg News, RBC Ukraine, Traders, Wall, US Treasury, ING, Key Square Group Locations: Ukraine, Russia, U.S, Trump's, Washington

☆ India central bank plans 2025 launch of cloud services, countering dominance of global firms
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-19 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

India's central bank will launch a pilot program in 2025 offering local cloud data storage to financial firms at affordable prices, according to two sources aware of the matter, who declined to be identified as conversations are confidential. The Reserve Bank of India's planned cloud platform will use local IT firms, pitting it against the likes of Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud and IBM Cloud, in a first-of-its-kind initiative from a major global central bank. In December last year, RBI governor Shaktikanta Das announced plans to set up a public cloud for the financial services industry. Initial work on the cloud is being driven by the research wing of the central bank called the Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services. It will then be developed further in partnership with one or more private sector technology firms, according to the sources.

Persons: Shaktikanta Das, EY Organizations: Bank, Reserve Bank of, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Google, IBM, International Data Corporation, Indian Financial Technology, Allied Services, Reuters

☆ These 2 active ETFs have outperformed the S&P 500 this year, last year and over 5 years
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-18 | by ( Ganesh Rao | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The S & P 500 has risen 24.73% so far this year, up fractionally more than last year's 24.23%, according to FactSet data. The U.S.-listed Gotham Enhanced 500 ETF , which has the ticker GSPY, has also posted similar gains since 2021. JREU-GB .SPX 5Y line GSPY The Gotham Enhanced 500 ETF is a newer fund and so has a shorter track record of outperformance. Yet it has beaten the S & P 500 every year since its inception in 2021. Gotham ETFs say the fund "buys all 500 stocks in the S & P 500 Index but reweights them, buying more of the ones we think are cheaper and less of the ones we believe are more expensive."

Persons: Piera Elisa Grassi Organizations: Deutsche Bank, JPMorgan U.S, Research, Equity, Gotham, JPMorgan Asset Management, CNBC, JREU, New York Stock Exchange Locations: London, U.S, Gotham

☆ 10-year Treasury yield ticks up slightly following week of gains
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-18 | by ( Karen Gilchrist | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

The 10-year Treasury yield ticked up marginally on Monday as investors looked ahead to fresh data and central bank commentary after closing out a week of gains. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note shifted half a basis point higher to 4.4316%. Meanwhile, the 2-year Treasury yield traded less than a basis point lower at 4.2992%. Yields and prices have an inverted relationship and one basis point is equivalent to 0.01%.

Organizations: Treasury

☆ Stock futures open little changed as traders await Nvidia earnings: Live updates
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-17 | by ( Pia Singh | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during the opening bell on Nov. 13, 2024. Stock futures were slightly higher on Sunday night as Wall Street awaits a major earnings week and monitors a seemingly fizzled out postelection rally. S&P futures added 0.1%, while Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.2%. The next major catalyst for the market this week will be Nvidia earnings, which are set to be released on Wednesday. Earnings from Palo Alto Networks and several major retailers, including Walmart , Target and Ross , are also on deck this week.

Persons: Donald Trump's, Jerome Powell, selloff, FactSet's John Butters Organizations: New York Stock Exchange, Stock, Dow Jones, Nasdaq, Federal, Traders, Blackwell, Palo Alto Networks, Walmart, Target Locations: 18.680.12, Palo

Stocks tumbled on Friday as the post-election rally fizzled and investors fretted over the path of interest rates. The S&P 500 slipped 1.32% and closed at 5,870.62, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 2.24% to 18,680.12. Declines in pharmaceutical stocks weighed on the 30-stock Dow and broader S&P 500, with Amgen down about 4.2% and Moderna off by 7.3%. The information technology sector of the S&P 500 was the worst performing corner of the market, down more than 2% as Nvidia, MetaPlatforms, Alphabet and Microsoft tumbled. The S&P 500 posted a weekly loss of 2.1%, while the Nasdaq Composite slid about 3.2%.

Persons: Stocks, Donald Trump, Robert F, Kennedy Jr, Tesla, ”, Kristy Akullian, “, Jerome Powell, Susan Collins, Dow Jones Organizations: Dow Jones Industrial, Nasdaq, Dow, Moderna, Department of Health, Human Services, P Biotech, Nvidia, Microsoft, Trump Trade, ” Traders, Federal, Boston, Street Locations: Americas, BlackRock

☆ Mortgage rates may be stabilizing after the election. Here's what to expect into early 2025
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Don't expect 'huge swings' on mortgage ratesElection uncertainty contributed to an upward swing in mortgage rates during October. But now that we have a president-elect, mortgage rates are expected to gradually come down over time, Lautz said. Experts say that mortgage rates might head into a "bumpy" or "volatile" path over the next year. "Our expectation is that rates are going to be in the 6% range as we move into 2025," she said. For example, if you bought your home around this time last year, when mortgage rates peaked at around 8%, you might benefit from a mortgage refinance, Lautz said.

Persons: Freddie Mac, it's, Jessica Lautz, Lautz, Jerome Powell, Robert Dietz, Jessica Lautz Jessica Lautz, Jeff Ostrowski, Jacob Channel Organizations: Getty, Federal Reserve, National Association of Realtors, Treasury, Trump, Federal, CNBC Locations: U.S

☆ Analysis of Chang’e-6 lunar samples reveals first detailed information about moon’s far side
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Katie Hunt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Lunar samples from the Chang'e-6 mission could help explain differences between the near and far side of the moon. Li and his team studied 108 basalt fragments contained in two small samples of the lunar far side soil. Future Chang’e-6 sample researchThe Chang'e-6 probe's return capsule, which contained lunar samples from the moon's far side, is shown on June 25 after landing in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Xinhua/ShutterstockThese initial analyses of the lunar soil samples raise questions that will take more time and the study of additional samples to address, Neal said. The space agency declined to comment on the studies but said it is coordinating with US researchers who applied for access to Chang’e-5 lunar samples.

Persons: NASA’s, Russia’s Luna, Clive Neal, China’s Chang’e, ” Neal, ”, Richard W, Carlson, ” Carlson, Qiu, Li, Neal, Bill Nelson, CNSA Organizations: CNN, NASA, Arizona State University, University of Notre Dame, Chang’e, Carnegie Institution, Planets Laboratory, State Key Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences ’, of Geology, Geophysics, Mongolia Autonomous, Xinhua, China National Space Administration, Apollo, FBI, ” NASA Locations: China, Washington , DC, Xinhua, Mongolia, Mongolia Autonomous Region

SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best travel tech essentials | The best travel tech gadgets on Amazon | Why trust NBC Select? As you consider travel gadgets, it’s important to evaluate their size and weight, especially if you have limited space in your carry-on or suitcase. Convenience : Whether you’re taking a car, plane, train or bus, the best travel tech gadgets provide convenience when you’re on the road, ensuring you’re comfortable and prepared for common travel issues. : Whether you’re taking a car, plane, train or bus, the best travel tech gadgets provide convenience when you’re on the road, ensuring you’re comfortable and prepared for common travel issues. The best travel tech gadgets on AmazonUsing the guidance of travel experts, I sorted through hundreds of popular travel tech gadgets on Amazon.

Persons: Tom Marchant, Marchant, ”, you’re, it’s, You’ll, Anker PowerCore, there’s, trimmer, TikTok Organizations: NBC, Fyy, Tile Network, Apple, AAA, Apple Watch, Bluetooth, AA, Facebook, Twitter

☆ The interest rate on my high-yield savings account keeps dropping. I asked 3 experts how to earn more on my cash.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-12 | by ( Christine Ji | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

My bank has lowered the APY on my high-yield savings account by almost half a percent recently. AdvertisementIt's never pleasant to receive an email from your bank informing you that the interest rate on your high-yield savings account is decreasing. From August until the end of October, the annual percentage yield (APY) on my high-yield savings account has fallen from 4.6% to 4.2%. After paying off my bills every month, I would put the remainder of my paycheck into my high-yield savings account and watch the number creep up. Is there anything I can do about the state of my savings account, or do I have to watch my yield erode away slowly?

Persons: I'm, —, I've, Jerome Powell, Patti Black, it's, Jerome Powell's, Black, Daniel Milan, Milan, that's, Richard McHorter, There's, McHorter, Trump's, What's, Zer, Christine, cji Organizations: Service, Federal Reserve, Savant Wealth, Cornerstone Financial Services, SRM Private Wealth, Treasury Locations: Milan, California, New York City

Search resuls for: "4.2"

25 mentions found