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Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card Review: Is the Amazon Prime Rewards Card the Best Credit Card for You? Amazon Prime Visa Card RewardsWelcome bonusThe Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is currently offering a $100 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval. Amazon Prime Rewards Card Benefits and FeaturesFor a no-annual-fee card, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card offers a solid range of benefits. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card Annual Fee and Other CostsThe Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card doesn't have an annual fee as long as you have an Amazon Prime membership, and it doesn't add foreign transaction fees, so it's a good choice for international purchases. Methodology: How we reviewed the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa CardThe Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is a cash back credit card.

☆ The 5 best business credit cards for Amazon: Earn bonus rewards on Amazon purchases and services
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Jason Stauffer | Elizabeth Gravier | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +13 min

Regardless of what business expenses you have and the type of credit card rewards you prefer, there's a business card for you. Below, CNBC Select details the best credit cards for your Amazon business purchases, so you can make the best decision for your business or side hustle. The Amazon Business Prime American Express Card is the most rewarding credit card for Amazon business purchases. FAQsIf I have a personal Amazon credit card, can I still apply for a business Amazon credit card? Here's our analysisBottom lineThe right business credit card for your Amazon business purchases should be the most rewarding and offer benefits that align with your business' needs.

Pay down your credit card balancesIf you already have credit card debt, paying it off should become a priority. With credit card interest rates continuing to reach new heights, you don't want to get stuck with credit card debt if a recession hits. The credit utilization ratio, or how much of your available credit you're using, is the second most important credit factor after payment history. For that reason, it's best to get rid of credit card debt as soon as possible. You might also want to consider a 0% APR credit card (like the ones below) if you're anticipating big expenses.

Summary Oil prices near flat, after two days of lossesFed's Powell sets scene for higher and faster rate hikesUS crude stocks fall larger-than-expected - EIAMarch 9 (Reuters) - Oil prices were near flat on Thursday, as a larger-than-expected draw in U.S. crude stocks contended with worries that more aggressive U.S. interest rate rises would strain economic growth and therefore dent oil consumption. Brent crude futures had edged higher by 5 cents to $82.71 per barrel by 0103 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 5 cents to $76.71 a barrel. U.S. crude stocks fell 1.7 million barrels last week, government data showed, compared with analyst estimates for a build of 395,000. Industry data late Tuesday showed a decline in crude inventories for the first time after a 10-week build. U.S. gasoline stocks drew down by 1.1 million barrels, according to official data, less than the 1.8 million forecast, adding to demand concerns.

☆ CERAWEEK-TotalEnergies CEO talk briefly interrupted by protestor
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Ron Bousso | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Patrick Pouyanne, the CEO of TotalEnergies, listens to a question from Daniel Yergin, the vice chairman of S&P Global, during the CERAWeek 2023 energy conference in Houston, Texas, U.S., March 8, 2023. REUTERS/Callaghan O'HareCompanies TotalEnergies SE FollowHOUSTON, March 8 (Reuters) - A protestor briefly interrupted an on-stage discussion with France's TotalEnergies (TTEF.PA) Chief Executive Patrick Pouyanne at an energy industry conference in Houston on Wednesday. The protestor unfurled a banner and shouted "stop your greenwashing and lies." She was ushered away before the on-stage discussion between Pouyanne and U.S. energy historian Daniel Yergin continued. The CERAWeek energy conference is the biggest annual gathering of oil executives and officials and takes place in Houston, the capital of the U.S. energy industry.

☆ Oxy CEO Vicki Hollub doesn't seem worried about White House pressure on buybacks, oil prices
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-07 | by ( Eric Rosenbaum | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

That new fiscal approach from the energy patch has not made the White House happy, especially when oil prices and oil company profits were at a peak last year. Gas prices are right where they should be right now, she says, and are likely to stay this way. If there is risk to gas prices this year, it's to the upside. Amid high gas prices last year, the Biden administration released the most oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve on record, 180 million barrels. Among the reasons oil prices will remain higher?

☆ US natgas plunges 15% on less cold forecasts, biggest drop in 8 months
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-06 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

U.S. natural gas futures plunged by about 15% on Monday - its biggest one-day drop in over eight months —on forecasts for much less cold weather and heating demand than previously expected over the next two weeks. "This has translated to ... [gas] demand lost over the forecast period ... With the vast majority of that being [residential and commercial] demand," Gelber said. The gas market is used to huge price swings, which are usually related to changes in weather forecasts. When operating at full power, Freeport LNG, the second-biggest U.S. LNG export plant, can turn about 2.1 bcfd of gas into LNG for export. That compares with a monthly record of 12.9 bcfd in March 2022, before the Freeport LNG facility shut.

The effort comes as the United States seeks to sustain its liquefied natural gas, or LNG, exports to Europe to displace Russian fuel, while also promoting efforts to fight global warming. A credible market for certified natural gas could help it tackle both goals at once. Crabtree said he hosted a workshop in October with gas industry representatives, including a new industry group called the Differentiated Gas Coordinating Council (DGCC), to discuss standards for certified gas. While gas burns cleaner than other fossil fuels, its main component is the powerful greenhouse gas methane, which can leak into the atmosphere from drilling, processing, shipping and distribution. Palti-Guzman said certified gas could also be key to securing a longterm role for U.S. LNG in Europe where carbon prices last month hit a record 100 euros per tonne.

Balance transfer fee: Many balance transfer cards charge a fee per transfer. Learn more: How 0% APR cards work and how to complete a balance transferWhat credit score is required for 0% APR credit cards? Most 0% APR credit cards are reserved for consumers with good (670-739) or excellent (740 and greater) credit. 8 things to know before applyingWhat's the best way to use a 0% APR credit card? When you apply for a credit card (including a 0% APR card), you'll have a hard credit pull on your credit report, which typically comes with a dip of a few points in your credit score.

MarriottThe Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card has increased its welcome bonus to 125,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first three months of card membership (offer ends 5/3/23). With an annual fee of $125, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is a little pricier than similar hotel credit cards. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. But even without the elevated welcome bonus offer, the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is well worth the annual fee.

☆ Gas surcharges have ended. But not everyone is happy
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Amazon, Uber and Lyft recently ended extra fuel surcharges as gas prices dropped late last year. These companies added gas surcharges in response to skyrocketing energy prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year. Gas prices swung wildly in 2022: At one point the national average for a gallon of gas was above $5 for the first time ever, according to AAA. Fuel surcharges went directly to ride-share drivers and were meant to help them soften the blow of high gas prices. It’s unlikely that gas prices will spike this year.

☆ NABE economists still expect a recession this year. The question is when
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Nearly 60% of survey respondents said they believe the US had a more than 50% shot of entering a recession in the next 12 months. When such a recession would start was another matter: 28% said first quarter, 33% said second quarter, and 21% said third quarter. Creating some uncertainty among economists, however, is what the Fed might do during that time as well as the potential effect from external factors. NABE economists said they expect unemployment to increase, but the majority doubt it’ll exceed 5%. A mere 2% of respondents said that a “housing market bust” was the greatest downside risk to the US economy in 2023.

☆ UAE gas IPO’s $50 bln valuation looks like a floor
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Karen Kwok | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LONDON, Feb 22 (Reuters Breakingviews) - The United Arab Emirates’ bumper gas listing inevitably invites comparisons with Saudi Aramco (2222.SE). As with the five other subsidiaries which ADNOC has listed, including its distribution arm and Borouge (BOROUGE.AD), ADNOC Gas comes with juicy shareholder payouts. While ADNOC Gas benefits from a 25-year agreement with its parent to provide gas for its needs, ADNOC takes a share of the resulting profit. That said, with over two thirds of its gas serving local customers who contribute one-third of its operating profit after tax, ADNOC Gas earnings are arguably more predictable. ADNOC Gas envisages an equity valuation of at least $50 billion, people familiar with the situation told Reuters Breakingviews.

LONDON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - U.S. gas prices have slumped close to their lowest level on record, after adjusting for inflation, as traders respond to signs of a persistent production surplus in the domestic market. Chartbook: U.S. gas prices and inventoriesThe U.S. gas market appears to have been running a persistent surplus since early September 2022, which has sent futures prices tumbling. The storage surplus marked a significant turn around from a deficit of -427 billion cubic feet (-13% or -1.52 standard deviations) on September 9. Gas prices are now sending the strongest possible signal for fuel-switching to blunt the accumulation of excess stocks. Related columns:- U.S. gas prices slump to maximise power burn (Reuters, February 10, 2023)- U.S. gas prices slump on production surplus (Reuters, January 12, 2023)John Kemp is a Reuters market analyst.

As a result, research on business cycles moved in other directions, and policymakers increasingly aimed to eliminate cyclical instability altogether. Oil and gas cycles have been closely correlated with each other and with U.S. manufacturing activity. On average, troughs in oil prices occur within ±3 months of a turning point in U.S. manufacturing activity, while troughs in gas prices occur within ±4 months. Some softness in manufacturing activity as well as oil and gas prices should therefore be expected at this point. If the current slowdown proves to be a mid-cycle soft patch, gas and especially oil prices are likely to rise strongly later in 2023.

☆ Gas, airfares, car insurance: How transportation costs are impacting high inflation
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Xinhua News Agency | Xinhua News Agency | Getty ImagesMeanwhile, fuel oil dipped 1.2% in January but was up 27.7% for the past 12 months. While high gas prices made headlines in 2022, prompting gas tax holidays in some states, those prices have subsided from last year's highs. Gas prices "did rise in January and that was mostly due to the weather," said Andrew Gross, spokesperson at AAA. Other transportation costs are in fluxNew vehicles are up 5.8% over the past 12 months ending Jan. 30, and up 0.2% for the month. However, used cars and trucks, a category that surged during record high inflation, are now down 11.6% for the past 12 months and down 1.9% for January.

☆ Just How Good for the Planet Is That Big Electric Pickup Truck?
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( Elena Shao | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +11 min

But as electric vehicles have bulked up, they have also faced new questions over their environmental and safety impacts. Less emissions per mile More emissions per mile Electric vehicles Vehicle SIZE, BY WEIGHT: Heavier vehicles tend to have higher emissions. Take the Ford F-150 pickup truck compared with the electric F-150 Lighting. The same beeswarm chart as in the previous graphic, but Ford F-150 Lightning and Ford F-150 gas-powered models are highlighted. Larger batteries have also added significant weight to many big electric vehicles, anywhere from hundreds to thousands of pounds.

Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). Opening more than one of the same credit card could mean hundreds of dollars in value toward your next trip. How to get two (or more) of the same credit cardThe first thing to mention is that credit cards sometimes will not allow you to apply for a credit card that you already have. "Product changing" is the act of requesting that a credit card issuer changes the card you currently have to a card within the same family (generally a card that collects the same rewards). When product changing a credit card, you will almost never receive a welcome bonus with the new card.

☆ U.S. gas producers skimped on price hedges and now face a reckoning
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( Arathy Somasekhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

HOUSTON, Feb 14 (Reuters) - A rout in natural gas prices will hurt first-quarter earnings and cash flows at gas producers as hedges - the industry's version of price insurance - were inadequate to offset the expected losses, analysts and industry experts said. About 36% of 2023 gas production was hedged at the end of September, according to consultancy Energy Aspects, which tracked 40 publicly traded gas producers. EQT Corp (EQT.N), the top U.S. producer of natural gas, last month said it expects a $4.6 billion loss on derivatives for 2022, and net cash settlements of $5.9 billion. These transactions have a producer buy an agreement to sell natural gas at one price, called a put, while also selling a put at a lower price in hopes of pocketing the premium from its buyer. Were gas prices to average $2.36 per mmcf, the company would pay out 14 cents per mmcf, reducing the gains from the hedge.

You can earn Marriott points from paid stays, co-branded credit cards, or flexible points transfers. How to earn Marriott pointsEarn points from Marriott Bonvoy hotel staysThere are plenty of different ways to earn Marriott points, but let's start with the simplest: earning points on hotel stays. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 6X Marriott Bonvoy Points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy4X Marriott Bonvoy Points on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets2X Marriott Bonvoy Points on all other eligible purchases1,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Points with each qualifying stayComplimentary Gold Elite statusA Free Night Award (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points) after making $15,000 in purchases per year.

☆ How to earn, redeem, and maximize Hilton Honors rewards points — from luxurious Conrad resorts to family-friendly Hampton Inns, there are options for every traveler
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( Carissa Rawson | Freelance Writer | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +44 min

How to earn Hilton rewards pointsHilton has two main categories of points: bonus points, which help you earn rewards via special promotions, and elite-qualifying base points. You can do so at the following ratios:HawaiianMiles : 1 HawaiianMile = 1.5 Hilton Honors points: 1 HawaiianMile = 1.5 Hilton Honors points Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 1 Virgin Atlantic point = 1.5 Hilton Honors pointsEarn Hilton points through your elite statusJoining Hilton Honors can be especially lucrative if you're on the road often. Finally, Lyft and Hilton have teamed up to offer 3x Hilton Honors points on Lyft rides, or 2x Hilton points for shared Lyft rides. Redeem Hilton Honors points for event creditsIt's also possible to redeem your points for events at a Hilton, though this isn't generally considered a good way to maximize your Hilton points value. Here's how much the credits cost:25,000 points = $5050,000 points = $10075,000 points = $150125,000 points = $250250,000 points = $500Exchange Hilton points for airline milesIf you'd rather have airline or rail points, you have the option to transfer Hilton points to partner airlines, though redemption rates vary.

Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. Limited benefits beyond earning Hilton points Highlights Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Details Rewards Earn 12x Hilton Honors Points at Hilton per dollar for purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Keep in mind that transferable credit card points — like Chase Ultimate Rewards®, Amex Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Capital One miles — are generally more valuable than hotel points or airline miles. That's worth around $500 in stays, according to Insider's valuation of Hilton points.

Hilton HotelsYou can earn Hilton free reward night certificates with select Amex Hilton credit cards. Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your Card in a calendar year. If the annual fee of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is too high for you, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a good option. Details Rewards Earn 12x Hilton Honors Points at Hilton per dollar for purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card.

☆ Consumer sentiment rises to 13-month high on strong jobs report, lower inflation
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

The preliminary consumer sentiment index for February increased to 66.4 from 64.9 in January, the university reported Friday. The survey also showed that consumers are expecting inflation to remain high in the near term. One-year inflation expectations increased to 4.2% from 3.9% in January. Long-run inflation expectations held steady at 2.9% for the third consecutive month. Inflation expectations are crucial data points for the Federal Reserve.

Chartbook: U.S. gas prices and inventoriesFreeport’s eventual reopening should provide an outlet for some excess inventory, but with stocks in Europe also very full, exporters will have to compete for price-sensitive customers in Asia. Slumping futures prices will discourage drilling and incentivise electricity generators to run their gas-fired units for more hours at the expense of coal. Discounted futures prices will also boost combustion from the power sector, helping limit the accumulation of inventories this summer. Gas prices are now trading below the cost of coal, once the superior efficiency of gas-fired units is taken into account, which will encourage maximum gas burn this summer. Related columns:- Europe’s gas supply stabilises after colder weather (Reuters, February 3, 2023)- U.S. gas prices slump on production surplus (Reuters, January 12, 2023)John Kemp is a Reuters market analyst.

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