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☆ Analysis: Bumper green aluminium output is good news for carmakers, and climate
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Eric Onstad | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Next year's forecast increase in "green aluminium" output would reduce that by 13 million tonnes, or about 1.2%. Polestar said it pays slightly more for green aluminium, partly due to the administrative costs of changing suppliers, but did not say how much more. "The cost per reduced kg of CO2 emissions when shifting to green aluminium is still significantly lower than many other ways of reducing raw material emissions," a company spokesperson told Reuters. Producers, however, are still managing to sell some of their low-carbon output at higher prices under quarterly and annual contracts. Rising output of both will keep green premiums relatively low in the coming years, said Marcelo Azevedo at the McKinsey consultancy.

☆ Factbox: Aluminium companies compete to sell low-carbon products
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Expert Analysis | Reuters Professional | Calls Grow For Companies To Disclose Impacts On Nature In Bid To Plug Finance Gap | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Aluminium companies have launched a raft of aluminium products with lower carbon emissions, largely by either using hydro power or recycled material. Below are low-carbon aluminium brands by the major producers. * ALCOA (AA.N)ECOLUM - Primary aluminium with a total carbon footprint of under 4 tonnes of CO2, including bauxite mining and refining. * RIO TINTO (RIO.L), (RIO.AX)RENEWAL - Primary metal with CO2 emissions of 4 tonnes or less of CO2 per tonne of metal. * CHINA HONGQIAO GROUP (1378.HK)The Chinese producer has introduced two low-carbon products, HQALoop and HQALight, one made with recycled aluminium and the other from low-carbon aluminium produced in Yunnan using hydro electricity and other renewables.

☆ 14 Best Gifts for Dog Lovers
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: +10 min

Browse the ideas below, and take a look at our roundups of expert-approved products to keep your pet calm and the best gifts for cat lovers too. For the bakerThe Dash Dog Treat Maker—a small waffle iron with bone-shaped plates—lets your pal whip up homemade dog treats. Dockx eased her golden retriever’s separation anxiety while she was at work with a Snuggle Puppy, a plush toy with a battery-powered heartbeat. To brush up on dog speak, DeWillems recommends “Doggie Language: A Dog Lover’s Guide to Understanding Your Best Friend,” which decodes canine body language through illustrations that highlight subtle nuances in their mannerisms. For the devoted dog dadDog Dad Hats Custom Dog Dad Hats $69 at Dog Dad HatsAny proud parent will dig a Dog Dad Hat, with a custom embroidered illustration of their pet’s portrait.

Big-spending American Airlines credit card holders could do very well with upcoming changes to the AAdvantage frequent flyer program. American Airlines credit card holders will be able to earn Choice Rewards without flying. Let's take a look at the most notable changes and see why the biggest beneficiaries are those who do a lot of spending on American Airlines credit cards. American Airlines credit cards earn Loyalty Points at varying rates, with some even offering large bonuses after meeting annual spending thresholds. Importantly, you can now reap all the benefits of every tier of elite status simply by swiping your American Airlines credit card — if you've got the ability to spend a lot.

☆ Citi/AAdvantage cardholders can now book American Airlines flights with Citi Flex Pay, but it may cost you more then it's worth
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-13 | by ( Tessa Campbell | Personal Finance Reviews Fellow | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +27 min

Book your American Airlines flight with your Citi/AAdvantage credit card and select Citi Flex Pay to spread payments over time. Hinterhaus Productions/Getty ImagesCiti/AAdvantage cardholders can now use Flex Pay for large American Airlines purchases. Now, with your eligible Citi/AAdvantage credit card you can book any American Airlines flight (must be worth $75 or more), and pay down the large purchase in smaller, equal monthly payments. Earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles with no annual fee Check mark icon A check mark. How to pay for your flight with Citi Flex PayCiti/AAdvantage cardholders can choose the Flex Pay option at checkout either on aa.com or through the American Airlines app.

☆ What do hotel 'star' ratings really mean? Here's a breakdown
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

And to add to the confusion, Frommer's website states its star ratings only go from one ("recommended") to three stars ("exceptional"). The non-profit organization Hotelstars Union uses common criteria to unify star ratings across Europe. A project called "World Hotel Rating" was meant to standardize hotel ratings around the world. What do star ratings mean? Secondly, a true five-star hotel must employ people who understand that "everything revolves around the guest," he said.

This week, we’ve got an Amazon Alexa device for your car, a stand mixer from Instant, new cast iron cookware from Made In and more. Made In expanded its Enameled Cast Iron Collection with its new 11-inch round Enameled Cast Iron Skillet. The skillet’s cast iron cooking surface retains heat well and distributes it evenly, making it particularly helpful for searing, sautéing and making stir-fry, Made In says. Stitch Fix is calling the program Travel Style Insurance. Those interested in the program can contact Stitch Fix via email (Travel-Style-Insurance@stitchfix.com) and provide proof of their lost luggage from a flight taken between Dec. 5 and Jan. 5.

☆ Fitch affirms United Kingdom rating at 'AA-'
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Peter NichollsDec 9 (Reuters) - Rating agency Fitch maintained United Kingdom's sovereign debt rating at "AA-" on Friday, citing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's macroeconomic policy framework, deep capital markets and the sterling's international reserve currency status. The agency affirmed its outlook for the country at "negative", due to high public and external debt, as well as rising energy prices. Despite concerns about a potential recession, investors have pinned hopes that the new government leadership will reinstill confidence in the country's fiscal health. "The new fiscal strategy has contributed to improved financial markets confidence," Fitch said. The agency also affirmed Bank of England's rating at "AA-", with a negative outlook.

☆ The S&P 500 could plunge 20% within months as a recession ushers in a market correction, BofA says
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Phil Rosen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Bank of America equity strategists warned that stocks could see a correction in 2023 as a recession looms. Historical trends suggest the S&P 500 bottoms out during a recession, rather than before, which suggests more downside ahead. In a Monday note to clients, the bank warned the index could fall to 3,240 by April 2023. In a Monday note to clients, the bank's analysts said that the S&P 500 could fall as low as 3,240, or roughly 20%, from it's current mark of about 4,100. "History suggests that if the US economy experiences a recession, the SPX bottoms out during the recession and not before," the analysts wrote.

☆ S&P cuts France's outlook to 'negative' on rising budgetary risks
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Dec 2 (Reuters) - Ratings agency S&P Global cut France's outlook to "negative" from "stable" on Friday, reflecting its view of rising risks to the country's public finances and the resulting fiscal space reduction. The country's slowing economy and government measures to cushion households and businesses from energy inflation is expected to weigh on public finances, the ratings agency said. Ratings agency Moody's, in its most recent rating action, affirmed France's rating at AA2, with a stable outlook. In September, the French government forecast that public debt will hover around 111.5% of GDP until 2026 before easing. The agency affirmed France's sovereign credit rating at "AA/A-1+".

☆ An often overlooked Swedish fighter may be the jet Ukraine needs to take on Russia now, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Constantine Atlamazoglou | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet has earned high marks for its capabilities and affordability. But buyers have often passed on the Gripen in favor of other jets, including the US-made F-35. A Saab JAS 39C Gripen jet during an air show in June 2011. US Air Force F-16s with Swedish air force JAS 39 Gripens over the Baltic Sea during an exercise in June 2018. A new Brazilian Air Force F-39E Gripen at an air base in Brasilia in October 2020.

Cyber Monday is delivering some fantastic deals on Xbox consoles, games, and gear, including the best price we've seen on the Xbox Series S.Microsoft's online store is the best place to find the more expensive and more powerful Xbox Series X console on Cyber Monday, while discounts on controllers and games can be found at stores like GameStop, Best Buy, and Amazon. Below, we've collected all the best Xbox deals during Cyber Monday 2022, from console sales and bundles to various popular games and accessories. Best Cyber Monday deals on Xbox consolesDeal icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Great Price Xbox Series S During the holidays, Microsoft is offering their budget console, the Xbox Series S, for $60 off. Deal Microsoft Xbox Series S|X Wireless Controller The new Xbox controller is a streamlined, enhanced version of the previous Xbox gamepad.

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

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

Below, we've collected all the best Xbox deals during Black Friday 2022, from console sales and bundles, to discounts on Xbox Game Pass. Best Black Friday deals on Xbox consolesDeal icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Great Price Xbox Series S During the holidays, Microsoft is offering their budget console, the Xbox Series S, for $50 off. Deal Microsoft Xbox Series S|X Wireless Controller The new Xbox controller is a streamlined, enhanced version of the previous Xbox gamepad. Deal Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 3-Month Membership (Digital) Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers a Netflix-style subscription with hundreds of games for Xbox and PC, and the Xbox Live Gold service needed to play Xbox games online.

☆ Ancient anti-aircraft guns are taking on a new mission amid Russia's war in Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-23 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Russia and Ukraine have both turned to older anti-aircraft guns to bolster their air defenses. During World War II, half of the Allied bombers shot down over Germany may have victims of "flak" — a shortened version of a German word for 1930s-era anti-aircraft guns. SERGEY BOBOK/AFP via Getty ImagesRussia and Ukraine are both using Soviet-made S-60 anti-aircraft guns that date to the 1940s. Older anti-aircraft guns also offer a political advantage. Even as more sophisticated anti-aircraft weapons have been deployed, anti-aircraft guns have remained useful, albeit in more limited roles.

☆ Mexico's America Movil to propose combination of share series
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

MEXICO CITY, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Mexican telecommunications giant America Movil will propose reclassifying three of its share series to shareholders, the company said Tuesday. The "AA," "A" and "L" share series would become part of the company's "B" series, it said in a filing. The change would require amending the company's bylaws and will be subject to regulatory authorization, America Movil said. Reporting by Kylie Madry, Editing by Isabel WoodfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ From Apollo to DZ Bank, funds snap up bargains in UK pension scramble
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-18 | by ( Nell Mackenzie | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File PhotoSummarySummary Companies Pension funds still need to raise cashCredit funds pick up bargains from pension fund salesSome credit funds already sitting on profitsLONDON, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Credit funds at Blackstone, Apollo, DZ Bank and Astra Asset Management picked up bargains from UK pension funds during their scramble for cash, and some say pension schemes are still offloading assets as pressures persist. Hedge funds and private equity firms have taken advantage of the forced sales to snap up deals - including certain portions of collateralised loan obligations (CLOs), securities that pension funds invest in. The credit funds are already sitting on juicy profits on some of these trades. This is because these pension funds must match their portfolios to what they will owe retired members. Even though the markets have calmed, some pension funds are still dealing with the implications," said Mody.

Show more Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 19.99% - 26.99% Variable Editor's Rating 4.65 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4.65 out of 5 Stars Our editor's ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available. Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. Read more: United Explorer card reviewCredit cards with airport lounge access frequently asked questions (FAQ)What are the Centurion Lounge locations? The Platinum Card® from American Express is the all-around best credit card for airport lounge access. Joseph Hostetler, CEPF Credit cards reporter Joseph Hostetler is a credit cards reporter for Insider who also covers helpful miles and points tricks.

☆ United Airlines to pay $305,000 to a Buddhist pilot who refused to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-13 | by ( Ryan Hogg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

United Airlines will pay $305,000 to a Buddhist pilot who refused to attend AA on religious grounds. United agreed to accommodate staff from non-Christian faiths in its program in the future. A step to regaining the certification in United's HIMS occupational substance abuse treatment program involves attending AA meetings. United rejected his suggestion of using the Buddhism-based peer support group Refuge Recovery as an alternative, the commission said. To resolve the lawsuit, United will pay the pilot $305,000 in back pay and damages and reinstate him into its HIMS program while allowing him to attend a non-12-step peer recovery program.

☆ Most Gulf stocks end higher, Abu Dhabi hits record high
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-07 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | Megan Rowling | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Brent crude futures recouped most losses after dropping by more than $1/bbl earlier in the session on China lockdowns worries. read moreSaudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) rose 0.7%, extending gains from the previous session, led by a 3% rise in Riyad Bank (1010.SE). Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI) gained 0.9%, with blue-chip developer Emaar Properties (EMAR.DU) rising 2.3%. In ABu Dhabi, the index (.FTFADGI) advanced 1.2% to hit a record high, buoyed by a 2.1% jump in the country's biggest lender, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB.AD). Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) advanced 2.4%, as most of the stocks on the index were in positive territory.

☆ Saudi bourse gains on rising oil prices; Egypt falls
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-06 | by ( Ateeq Shariff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 6 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's stock market ended higher on Sunday in response to Friday's sharp rise in oil prices, while the Egyptian index slipped into negative territory following a recent rally. The benchmark index (.TASI) in Saudi Arabia gained 0.7%, led by a 1.6% jump in oil giant Saudi Aramco (2222.SE) and a 0.5% increase in Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE). In Qatar, the index (.QSI) finished 0.8% higher, with Qatar National Bank (QNBK.QA), the Gulf's biggest lender, rising 1.9%. The Qatari bourse recorded an increase with natural gas prices continuing their rebound, Daniel Takieddine, CEO MENA at BDSwiss. read moreQatar, which hosts the 2022 FIFA World Cup this month, is one of the world's largest exporters of natural gas and has benefited from huge windfalls from soaring global oil and gas prices.

☆ S&P upgrades Qatar's credit rating on shrinking debt burden
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 4 (Reuters) - Ratings agency S&P on Friday raised Qatar's long-term sovereign credit rating to "AA" from "AA-", citing improvements in the government's fiscal position. "Qatar's debt interest costs as a share of government revenue have fallen, and we expect them to remain low because the government is repaying maturing debt," the agency said in a statement. read moreS&P believes that higher oil prices should result in strong government surpluses in 2022-2023. read moreS&P said Qatar government's revenue stream will substantially increase by the North Field Expansion, which is part of the world's biggest gas field that Qatar shares with Iran. Reporting by Vansh Agarwal in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'SilvaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ 11 Best Gifts for Dog Lovers
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: +8 min

For the bakerThe Dash Dog Treat Maker—a small waffle iron with bone-shaped plates—lets your pal whip up homemade dog treats. It makes up to eight bone-shaped dog treats at a time, and it includes sweet and savory recipes. Dockx eased her golden retriever’s separation anxiety while she was at work with a Snuggle Puppy, a plush toy with a battery-powered heartbeat. To brush up on dog speak, DeWillems recommends “Doggie Language: A Dog Lover’s Guide to Understanding Your Best Friend,” which decodes canine body language through illustrations that highlight subtle nuances in their mannerisms. For the devoted dog dadDog Dad Hats Custom Dog Dad Hats $69 at Dog Dad HatsAny proud parent will dig a Dog Dad Hat, with a custom embroidered illustration of their pet’s portrait.

Review: Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier the best credit card for you? That's the same bonus you'll find on the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card ($69 annual fee) and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card ($149 annual fee). Anniversary points bonusEach year when you renew your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, you'll receive 6,000 points, which are worth around $84 in Southwest airfare. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card comes with ongoing benefits valuable enough to offset the $99 annual fee each year. To have the best chance of being approved for a travel credit card like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, your credit score should be 700 or above.

$69 Annual Fee View Full Details $69 Annual Fee Apply now On Chase's websiteSouthwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Apply now On Chase's website Details Rewards Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Review: Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus the best credit card for you? The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is the entry-level version, with the lowest annual fee ($69) of the bunch. $69 Annual Fee View Full Details $69 Annual Fee Apply now On Chase's websiteSouthwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card Apply now On Chase's website Details Rewards Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. To have the best chance of being approved for a travel credit card like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card, your credit score should be 700 or above.

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