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Connexus Personal Loan OverviewYou can use a Connexus personal loan to consolidate credit card debt, cover unexpected expenses, make home repairs, and more. Compare Personal Loan RatesConnexus Personal Loan Rates and TermsLoan Amounts and TermsConnexus offers personal loans with amounts ranging between $1,000 and $50,000, and loan terms starting at 24 months and going up to 84 months. Connexus Personal Loan AlternativesConnexus Credit Union Personal Loan vs. Navy Federal Credit Union Personal LoanNavy Federal has more stringent membership requirements than Connexus, as you're only eligible if you are active military member or a veteran, as well as an employee or retiree of the Department of Defense. Navy Federal Personal Loan ReviewConnexus Credit Union Personal Loan vs. PenFed Credit Union Personal LoanConnexus's personal loans also have higher minimum and maximum amounts than personal loans from PenFed. Connexus Personal Loan FAQsWhat credit score do I need for a Connexus personal loan?

Persons: You'll, Fiona, Insider’s, Connexus, PenFed, you've, doesn't, Ryan Wangman, Read, Elias Shaya, Elias, Potters Rebecca Potters, Rebecca Organizations: Credit, Connexus, Digital Banking, BBB, Nationwide, Connexus Credit Union, Federal, Social, . Navy Federal Credit, Loan Navy Federal, Department of Defense, Navy Federal Credit Union, Navy, PenFed, Connexus Association, Credit Union, Better, Bureau, Chevron, Finance, Northwestern University, Boston Globe, Business, Banking Savings, McGill University Locations: Chevron, New York City

Annual fee Insider’s Take The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is worth considering if you fly Southwest, even occasionally. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card OverviewThe Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is the middle child of Chase's three Southwest consumer credit cards. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit CardThe Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is the "baby" card of the Southwest family. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card vs. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit CardThe Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is Southwest's top-tier consumer credit card, and the option you should consider instead of the Southwest Premier if you frequently fly on this airline. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card has an "older sibling" — the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card.

Persons: HBO Max, you'll, You'll, cardholders, Jasmin Baron, Read, Angela Fung Organizations: Business, Rewards, Card, Rapid, Southwest Premier, Southwest ®, Southwest, Southwest Premier cardholders, Apple, Disney, ESPN, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, Pandora, Paramount, Showtime, Spotify, YouTube, Southwest Premier Southwest, Central America, Rapid Rewards, Chase, Sapphire, Southwest Airlines, cardholders, TSA, Southwest Premier Chase, Finance Locations: Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean, Central, Southwest airfare, Southwest, U.S, Chevron, Canada

☆ Here’s how Apple might cash in on its latest artificial intelligence features
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-24 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Some Wall Street analysts and money managers see a path to monetization ahead for Apple 's latest artificial intelligence features despite some near-term rollout headwinds. Earlier this month, the technology behemoth debuted its iPhone 16 , incorporating its new AI features known as Apple Intelligence. While including Apple Intelligence as a paid tool may not be on investors' radar, some see a strong case for a future added cost down the road. AAPL YTD mountain Apple shares in 2024 The setup with Apple Intelligence could resemble the company's Apple TV debut, notes CFRA Research analyst Angelo Zino. The portfolio manager also sees an avenue for third-party developers to draw on Apple's AI features to improve their offering.

Persons: Craig Moffett, Moffett, Angelo Zino, Zino, Gene Munster, Apple, OpenAI's, John Belton Organizations: Street, Apple, Apple Intelligence, Meta, Deepwater Asset Management Locations: Europe, China

☆ Finland zoo to send giant pandas back to China because they’re too expensive to keep
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-24 | by ( Alex Stambaugh | Story Reuters | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Helsinki, Finland — Finland will return two giant pandas to China in November, more than eight years ahead of time, as the zoo where they live can no longer afford their upkeep, the chair of the zoo’s board told Reuters on Tuesday. Since its founding in 1949, the People’s Republic of China has sent pandas to foreign zoos to strengthen trading ties, cement foreign relations and boost its international image. The Finnish agreement was for a stay of 15 years, but instead the pandas will soon go into a month-long quarantine before they are shipped back to China, according to Ahtari Zoo, the pandas’ current home. The pandas will soon go into a month-long quarantine before they are shipped back to China. Lehtikuva/Roni Rekomaa/ReutersRising inflation had added to the costs, the zoo said, and Finland’s government in 2023 rejected pleas for state funding.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Ahtari, Risto Sivonen, Roni Rekomaa, Sivonen, ” Sivonen Organizations: Finland —, Reuters, Nordic, Ahtari Zoo Locations: Helsinki, Finland, Finland — Finland, China, People’s Republic of China

☆ Americans are drowning in credit card debt. Trump’s proposed cap on interest rates probably won’t help
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-24 | by ( Elisabeth Buchwald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

At $1.14 trillion, Americans’ credit card debt is at a record high, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. “While working Americans catch up, we’re going to put a temporary cap on credit card interest rates,” Trump said at a rally last week. You may not be able to count on your credit card for purchasesThe average American has racked up $6,500 in credit card debt, according to Experian data from the third quarter of last year. The reason: Interest rates are how credit card companies manage the risk that a customer won’t pay their credit card bill on time. Your favorite credit card rewards could be jeopardizedEven if you don’t currently have any credit card debt and have a top-tier credit score, you could be left worse off from a 10% credit card fee cap.

Persons: New York CNN —, Donald Trump’s, ” Trump, Republican Sen, Josh Hawley, Sen, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio, Matt Schulz, “, Schulz, Karoline Leavitt, ” Leavitt, Banks, Joe Biden’s, ” Schulz, ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, Federal Reserve Bank of New, Republican, CNN, Trump Locations: New York, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Congress, Alexandria, Cortez

The payment was listed as a “speaking engagement.”Trump’s latest disclosure form said Melania Trump was paid by the Log Cabin Republicans for the April fundraiser. The source told CNN that Ric Grenell, former ambassador to Germany and a Trump ally, was the one who made the request on behalf of Melania Trump. One person close to Melania Trump said she has decided “my best and highest use is where I am,” adding that “she’s a priceless, timeless asset” for Donald Trump. A spokesperson for Melania Trump declined to comment in response to CNN’s questions. Melania Trump is not the only Trump family member to get paid while in the political spotlight.

Persons: Washington CNN — Melania Trump, she’s, Donald Trump’s, ”, Melania Trump, Charles Moran, Ric Grenell, Trump, Grenell, Virginia Canter, Canter, “, it’s, Donald Trump, John Paulson, “ She’s, ’ ”, Stephanie Grisham, ” Grisham, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Trump’s, Donald Trump Jr, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe, Jill Biden, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, Hunter Biden, CNN’s Fredreka Schouten Organizations: Washington CNN, CNN, Melania, Trump, Republican National Convention, Trump White House, House, White, Secret, Capitol, ”, Politico Locations: Germany, Florida, California, Palm Beach , Florida, Palm Beach, Butler , Pennsylvania, Manhattan

☆ How to know if a financial robo-advisor is right for you
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-22 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

So if you’re looking for help along the way, there are plenty of increasingly low-cost digital and human adviser options. Now they offer a much wider array of services and financial planning tools. Many also offer hybrid solutions: automated portfolio management plus access to human advisers who can help with your more holistic financial planning needs. To figure out if a robo-advisor might be a good fit for you, here are some things to consider:Preference: Digital first or human first? “Perspective, judgment and coaching — talking through something and addressing fears and concerns, such as managing (a client’s) reaction to short-term (market) volatility,” said Paul Brahim, president-elect of the Financial Planning Association and managing director of the Wealth Enhancement Group.

Persons: It’s, ”, Paul Brahim, ” Brahim, Brian Concannon, —, ” Concannon, you’re, “, Ben Johnson, Morningstar’s, it’s, Johnson, Schwab Organizations: CNN, Financial, Association, Vanguard, Vanguard Digital, Fidelity

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates in its September meeting. With inflation starting to level off and the Fed cutting interest rates in its September 18 meeting, many experts believe rates have only just started dropping. After all, lower rates help consumers save when they borrow money, but they also translate to lower rates on savings accounts and money market accounts. For example, borrowing money at lower rates can make it easier to purchase a home, finance a car, or start a business. Lower interest rates can also help potential homebuyers buy a pricier home, since less of the mortgage payment they qualify for goes toward interest each month.

Persons: It's, Jennifer Beeston, it's, Beeston, Stephen Kates, Cliff Ambrose, Ambrose, Lawrence D, doesn't, Holly Johnson Freelance, Holly Johnson, Johnson Organizations: Federal Reserve, Savings, Apex Wealth, U.S . News, Club Locations: RetireGuide, U.S

☆ Top Wall Street analysts find these stocks promising for the long haul
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-22 | by ( Tipranks.Com Staff | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Investors seeking stocks that can withstand short-term pressures and deliver over the long term should track the recommendations of top Wall Street analysts. Bearing that in mind, here are three stocks favored by the Street's top pros, according to TipRanks, a platform that ranks analysts based on their past performance. Recently, Baird analyst Colin Sebastian reiterated a buy rating on Take-Two Interactive stock with a price target of $172. He anticipates the mobile business will contribute around $3.1 billion, and catalog/live services will generate $2.5 billion in the full year. Benedict noted that the August comparable sales growth was sequentially steady compared to the 7.2% increase in July, as stronger traffic was offset by some moderation in average traffic growth.

Persons: Baird, Colin Sebastian, Max Payne, Sebastian, TipRanks, Peter Benedict, bullish, Costco's, Benedict, Doug Anmuth, Anmuth Organizations: Netflix, Wall Street, Costco Wholesale, Costco, JPMorgan Locations: Flora, TipRanks

☆ I'm American and traveled to Europe for a month. I love how I can take my kids out for dinner late and no one bats an eye.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-21 | by ( Jamie Davis Smith | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

As a citizen of three countries, the United States, Poland, and Portugal, I am acutely aware of cultural differences. My children and I live in the United States but have visited Europe several times. Children often get free admission to museumsIn the United States, visiting a museum, aquarium or zoo can easily cost more than $100. In Europe, children often receive free admission to museums or have to pay a nominal fee equivalent to a few dollars. In Europe, I found that there are often great fares for families traveling together by train or substantial discounts for children.

Persons: Austria I, Gustav Klimt's, I've Organizations: Service, Business, Amtrak Locations: United States, Poland, Portugal, Europe, Vienna, Austria, Washington, New York City, Rome, Venice, London, Krakow

☆ How this 'Bachelor' star turned reality TV fame into a small influencer fortune
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-21 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Mari Pepin and Kenny Braasch got engaged on season 7 of "Bachelor in Paradise" and married in 2023. Pepin was a participant on "The Bachelor" season 25, which aired in 2021, and then returned for "Bachelor in Paradise" season 7 later that year. After "Bachelor in Paradise" aired and her following jumped, influencer opportunities followed. Mariela Pepin, who goes by Mari, was a contestant on "The Bachelor" season 25 and then "Bachelor in Paradise" season 7. Still, 57% of Gen Zers said they would like to become an influencer if given the chance, according to a 2023 report from Morning Consult.

Persons: Mari Pepin, Kenny Braasch, Pepin, Kenny Braasch's, Braasch, Mariela Pepin, Mari, influencers, Casey Lewis, Gen Zers, Lewis, Bankrate Organizations: Finance, Pepin, CNBC, Brands Locations: Chicago, U.S

☆ A boomer who couldn't afford retirement in the US moved to Ecuador and said she's living an 'upscale life on a modest budget'
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-20 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

She said she went from stressing constantly about retirement to living comfortably, though life is at times lonely. "Between all those things, the result of that wonderful, exciting life was that I didn't save for retirement," Gretchen said. Living comfortably for cheaperWith $3,000 a month and a small brokerage account, Gretchen and her husband live comfortably in Ecuador. Gretchen Kay and her husband live in a newly built condo in Ecuador. In Utah, they paid over $1,000 a year in property insurance and about $1,000 in property taxes.

Persons: Gretchen Kay, Robert, Gretchen, Ecuador Gretchen, wasn't, she's Organizations: Service, Business, Walmart, Social Security, Mayo Clinic, Google Locations: Ecuador, Utah, Canoa, San Vicente, Moab, South America, Peru, Ecuador's, San Diego, Quito, Cuenca

☆ Britain's ultra-wealthy are threatening to exit en masse ahead of proposed tax changes
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-20 | by ( Karen Gilchrist | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

They're just a few of the destinations trying to lure away the U.K.'s uber wealthy ahead of proposed changes to the country's divisive non-dom tax regime. They will also be prevented from avoiding inheritance tax on assets held in trust. The majority (83%) cited inheritance tax on their worldwide assets as their key motivator for leaving, while 65% also referenced changes to income and capital gains tax. Where the wealthy are movingIt comes as other countries are shaking up their tax regimes to incentivize wealthy investors. Ultra-wealthy U.K. citizens, who are typically highly active in the super-prime market, are also in "wait and see" mode ahead of possible changes to capital gains and inheritance tax.

Persons: Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves, Macleod, Miller, they'll, Leslie Macleod, Helena Moyas de Forton, Moyas de Forton, Labour's, Alexander Spatari, I'm, Marcus Meijer, Mark, CNBC's, it's, James Myers, Oliver James, Myers, Knight Frank, Stuart Bailey, Knight Frank's, they're, Bailey Organizations: Old Bond, Pawel, Bank, Getty, Labour, Oxford Economics, Conservative, Investors, Britain, CNBC, Treasury, EMEA, Christie's, Estate, Henley & Partners, Monaco, London, Istock Locations: Old, Mayfair, London, United Kingdom, Monaco, Italy, Switzerland, Dubai, They're, Britain, Greece, Malta, Caribbean, Bahamas, Monte Carlo, Gibraltar, South Kensington, England

And, like thousands of Haitians, he chose to settle in Springfield, Ohio, where his brother lived and the surrounding community made him feel safe and welcome. “That’s hard.”Vilbrun Dorsainvil speaks to CNN in Springfield, Ohio. “There are concerns for our safety and future,” said Madet Merove, a Haitian immigrant and United Methodist pastor who lives in Springfield. But that’s changed, she said, with the increase of Haitian immigrants. But despite the threats, Dorsainvil said he has reason to hope.

Persons: Vilbrun Dorsainvil, Dorsainvil, ”, “, fiancée, ‘, you’ve, Donald Trump, specter, CNN ‘, Madet Merove, Mike DeWine, Andy Wilson, ” Wilson, Springfield, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue, ” “, Rue, Biden, Margery Koveleski, Bryan Heck, Sen, Sherrod Brown, Heck, I’m, Koveleski, she’s, that’s, we’re, That’s, –, ” Corey Worden, Rachel Worden, Corey Worden, Trump, ’ ”, ” Dorsainvil Organizations: Springfield , Ohio CNN, CNN, Clark State College, United Methodist, Ohio Gov, FBI, ATF, Schools, Springfield Mayor, Springfield, Ohio Democrat, Patrol, “, Job, Talent, Springfield “, ” Locations: Springfield , Ohio, Haiti, United States, Ohio, Springfield, Haitian, Clark County, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Cuba, Macy’s, Springfield’s, New York City, ”

While school meal prices vary throughout the country, a survey conducted by the School Nutrition Association, a trade organization, found that lunches typically cost about $2.83 for elementary school students, $3 for middle school students and $3.05 for high school students. The prices mean that the $100 million in transaction fees could have bought another 33 million or so school lunches or over 55 million school breakfasts. “Junk fees on school lunch should not exist. A handful of states have made universal school meals permanent, but most have returned to the pre-pandemic format. “School lunch should always be free, and definitely free of judgment,” Fetterman said at the hearing on Wednesday.

Persons: Tom Vilsack, Sen, Elizabeth Warren, “, ”, Bernie Sanders, ” Warren, NBC News . Sen, John Fetterman, Warren, Sanders, Fetterman, Bob Casey, Debbie Stabenow, Sherrod Brown, Raphael Warnock of, Brian Schatz, —, Marisa Kirk, Epstein, ” Fetterman Organizations: Agriculture Department, NBC News, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, School Nutrition Association, NBC News ., USDA, NBC, Sens, Supplemental, Assistance, SNAP Locations: Vermont, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Hawaii, Vilsack

☆ Nike and Adidas veterans are backing a $125M project seeking to revitalize the Portland sportswear industry
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-19 | by ( John Kell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

The Northeast is the ancestral home of footwear manufacturing in the US, where New Balance still assembles more than 4 million pairs of sneakers each year. But that could soon change with a plan for a $125 million development campus called Made in Old Town. At the federal level, the US government has offered billions in subsidies to support manufacturing, mostly targeting the auto, semiconductor, and solar industries. With the Made in Old Town project, the aim is to generate about 6,000 full-time jobs in Portland by as soon as 2028. A long way to goThe Made in Old Town project is still in its early stages, having raised $15 million of its $125 million goal.

Persons: Portland's, Hilos, —, Keen, Elias Stahl, Portland's Hilos, Stahl, they're, Eric Liedtke, Liedtke, They've, Alo, Armour, Tina Kotek, Noel Kinder, Nike's, Kinder Organizations: Technology Association of Oregon, Chain Management, Service, Nike, Adidas, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Factory, Brands, Columbia, Midwest ., Gov Locations: Old Town, Portland , Oregon, Columbia, Portland's Old, Portland, Vietnam, China, Asia, Old, Germany, North America, Atlanta, Midwest

Business Insider's personal finance team compared Navy Federal Credit Union personal loans to the best personal loan companies and found it to a standard offering. Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) is a credit union that serves the military community and their families. Navy Federal Personal Loan Credit RequirementsNavy Federal doesn't make its minimum credit score to be eligible for a personal loan public — though in general, a higher credit score will secure you a lower rate. Navy Federal Personal Loan AlternativesNavy Federal Personal Loans vs. PenFed Personal LoansWith a range of 8.99% to 18.00%, offers a minimum loan amount than what you can get with PenFed, which as a range of 8.99% to 17.99%. Navy Federal Personal Loan FAQsWhat credit score do I need for an NFCU personal loan?

Persons: Fiona Insider’s, you'll, ber, you've, Foster, I'm, Ryan Wangman, Read, Elias Shaya, Elias, Potters Rebecca Potters, Rebecca Organizations: Navy Federal Credit, Navy Federal Credit Union, Federal Credit Union, Navy Federal, Department of Defense, Navy, Federal, National Guard, Social, Loan, Foster Care, Better, BBB, Chevron, DoD, Finance, Northwestern University, Boston Globe, Business, Banking Savings, McGill University Locations: creditworthiness, Alliant, Chevron, New York City

☆ Yonder, a London fintech startup offering rewards for credit card spending, has raised $30.1 million using this 11-slide pitch deck
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-19 | by ( Callum Burroughs | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewYonder, a London-based fintech startup, has raised $30.1 million in new funding. Founded in 2020 by former staffers at credit scoring startup Clearscore, Yonder offers users a credit card with rewards such as meals at high-end restaurants, tickets to events, and points toward flights. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Yonder claims its latest raise is a significant up round, resulting in a post-money valuation of more than $132 million.

Persons: —, we've, Tim Chong, Chong Organizations: Service, Business, RTP Global, Northzone Locations: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Bath

Introduction to the federal funds rateDefinition and purpose of the federal fund rateThe federal funds rate, or fed funds rate, is the interest rate set by the Federal Open Markets Committee. The Federal Reserve lowered the federal fund rate on September 19, 2024, to stop aggressive inflation and prevent a recession. Today, the federal fund rate is 5.00%, with the federal fund target rate being 4.75% to 5.00%. How the federal funds rate worksThe federal funds rate, or the overnight rate, is the interest commercial banks charge when they lend money to one another for extremely short-term periods — literally, overnight. Federal funds rate FAQsWhat happens when the federal funds rate is high?

Persons: Karen Fernandez Tessa Campbell, Tessa Campbell, Tessa, she’s Organizations: Federal Reserve, Federal, Federal Open Markets, Fed, Market, Fed's, Governors, Federal Reserve Bank, Susquehanna University

Mortgage rates came down again last week, and with the expectation that they could fall further, mortgage demand suddenly jumped, especially for refinancing. The Federal Reserve is expected to make its first interest rate cut in four years on Wednesday, and while mortgage rates don’t follow the Fed exactly, they are influenced by policy. “The most important takeaway is that lower mortgage rates are not only not remotely guaranteed by [the] Fed rate cut. “Application activity was up significantly last week, as market expectations of a rate cut from the Fed pulled mortgage rates lower,” said Joel Kan, an economist with the Mortgage Bankers Association. “Homebuyers are seeing improving affordability conditions, sparked by lower rates and slower home-price growth.”

Persons: Jerome Powell’s, They’re, ”, Matthew Graham, Joel Kan, ” Kan, “ Organizations: Federal, Mortgage News, Mortgage, Labor, Fed, Association

☆ I take quiet vacations from my $300,000 Wall Street job because the work isn't fulfilling. Here's how I get away with it.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Read previewThis as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with a 42-year-old vice president at a Wall Street bank in New York City. I work in tech for a Wall Street bank, and I quiet vacation. I do the bare minimum work for my Wall Street job because the pay and bonuses aren't as good as they used to beI wanted to work on Wall Street because of the money. Even on Wall Street, it seems like once people fall into a way of thinking, they stick with it their entire lives. On Wall Street, it's more important not to make any mistakes than to see how many hours someone can sit in an office.

Persons: —, I've, he'd, I'm, Lauryn Haas Organizations: Service, Business, Microsoft, lhaas Locations: New York City, Virginia, Atlantic City, Ocean City

The process of building credit is often described as a catch-22, because you already need credit to get approved for credit products like a credit card. Fizz Credit Builder Debit Card OverviewFizz is a credit-building debit card that launched in January 2023. User Reviews and RatingsCustomer reviews of Fizz Credit Builder Debit Card are mostly positive. The Fizz Credit Builder Debit Card debit card operates on the Mastercard's network. How to Get a Fizz CardTo get the Fizz Credit Builder Debit Card , you need to download the Fizz app from the Apple app store or the Google Play store.

Persons: Read, —, Fizz's Organizations: Patriot Bank, Google, Apple, Mastercard, Social Locations: Chevron

☆ Gold has rallied ahead of Fed rate cuts. Here's why there could still be more upside
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Jesse Pound | In Jesse-Pound | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Gold is already near the top of the 2024 range of outcomes projected by BlackRock Investment Institute, for example. Emerging market central banks have about 6% of their FX reserves in gold, and developed markets have about 12%. "Weaponizing dollar-based systems, including SWIFT , has led to more people, more countries specifically — more sovereign wealth funds and central banks — not trusting dollar-based assets as much. ETF flows As central banks have been bidding up gold, smaller investors were selling for much of this year. The VanEck Merk Gold ETF (OUNZ) and the Abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) are the other funds with at least $100 million in net inflows this year, according to FactSet.

Persons: there's, Robert Minter, Minter, SWIFT, Lauren Goodwin, we're, Chris Verrone Organizations: Federal, Nasdaq, BlackRock Investment Institute, Abrdn, World Gold Council, U.S ., FX, United, Russia, New York Life Investments, MiniShares, Federal Reserve Locations: U.S, Abrdn . Central, Central, United States, Ukraine

☆ Weekly mortgage demand surges 14% higher as interest rates hit two-year low
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Diana Olick | In Dianaolick | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Mortgage rates came down again last week, and with the expectation that they could fall further, mortgage demand suddenly jumped, especially for refinancing. The Federal Reserve is expected to make its first interest rate cut in four years on Wednesday, and while mortgage rates don't follow the Fed exactly, they are influenced by policy. "The most important takeaway is that lower mortgage rates are not only not remotely guaranteed by [the] Fed rate cut. Even with this large jump in volume, it is coming off a very low base, as the vast majority of borrowers have loans with interest rates well below 5%. "Homebuyers are seeing improving affordability conditions, sparked by lower rates and slower home-price growth."

Persons: Jerome Powell's, They're, Matthew Graham, Joel Kan, Kan Organizations: Federal, Mortgage News, Mortgage, Labor, Fed, Association

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Intuitive Machines, U.S. Steel, Victoria's Secret and more
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Sarah Min | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading: Intuitive Machines — Shares soared 51% after the space exploration company secured a roughly $5 billion space network contract from NASA. The move is likely intended to push a decision on the politically controversial takeover past the presidential election in November. Victoria's Secret — The intimate apparel maker gained 5% after Barclays upgraded shares to equal weight from underweight, citing a more balanced risk/reward backdrop. The investment firm said VF Corp should start to see benefits from last year's CEO change this fall. Casella Waste Systems — The recycling company fell 5% after announcing a $400 million public offering of its Class A common stock.

Persons: Steward, McGrath RentCorp —, McGrath, Eli Lilly's GLP, — CNBC's Sean Conlon, Michelle Fox, Lisa Han, Yun Li, Jesse Pound, Pia Singh Organizations: NASA, United States Steel, Nippon Steel, Barclays, Medical Properties, Medical Properties Trust, WillScot Holdings, Wolfe Research, Casella Waste Systems Locations: U.S

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