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☆ Here's why a new $40,000 electric vehicle tax credit for business owners may be relatively easy to get
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

"I think it's going to be a lot more straightforward and easy to take advantage of than the light-duty-vehicle tax credit," Ingrid Malmgren, policy director at Plug In America, said of the tax credit for commercial EVs. "It's really a great opportunity for business owners to reduce emissions in a cost-effective way." Business owners can get the tax credit for new vehicles purchased on or after Jan. 1, 2023. Because the financial benefit is structured as a tax credit, business owners must have a tax liability to benefit. A tax credit isn't available to single individuals with modified adjusted gross income of $150,000 and above.

☆ Biden’s Oil Price Machinations
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( The Editorial Board | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

White House officials accuse OPEC and its allies of manipulating oil prices, but then what do you call what President Biden is trying to do? Three weeks before Election Day, Mr. Biden is ordering 15 million more barrels released from the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to reduce gasoline prices. Crude price climbed after OPEC+ this month announced a two million barrels a day cut in production. This is really closer to one million barrels a day since many countries aren’t meeting their quotas now. But as day follows night, U.S. gas prices have increased, and the political timing couldn’t be worse for Democrats.

☆ Gas stoves can leak chemicals linked to cancer, mounting evidence shows
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Aria Bendix | Aria Bendix Is The Breaking Health Reporter For Nbc News Digital. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

Natural gas stoves and ovens can leak harmful chemicals inside homes even when they're not in use. The World Health Organization has said there’s no safe level of benzene exposure when it comes to cancer risk. Decades of research has suggested that gas stoves are a source of indoor air pollution. Another co-author of the study, Drew Michanowicz, previously identified 21 hazardous air pollutants from gas stoves and outdoor gas lines at Boston homes. Pregnant women, infants and young children may be particularly susceptible to adverse health outcomes from long-term benzene exposure, De Vizcaya Ruiz said.

Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightThe Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a solid cash-back card with no annual fee. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns cash back on every purchase, with no annual fee. Blue Cash Everyday card benefits and featuresBecause the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is fairly basic, there aren't a lot of the ancillary benefits that come with some other cards. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightBlue Cash Everyday fees and costsThe Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express has no annual fee but does charge a variety of other fees. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express could be worth it, depending on where you spend the most money.

☆ U.S. natgas languishes near 7-month low after big storage build
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Oct 20 (Reuters) - U.S. natural gas futures fell to their lowest since March on Thursday, after a federal report showed a larger-than-expected storage build last week and as the market is expected to see increases in output. Front-month gas futures fell 1.9% to settle at $5.358 per million British thermal units, after sliding to $5.253 per mmBtu earlier in the session. It was also the fifth week in a row that stockpiles increased by over 100 bcf. With milder weather coming, Refinitiv projected average U.S. gas demand, including exports, would fall from 100.6 bcf per day this week to 95.5 bcf per day next week. Even though natural gas production growth will likely outpace domestic natural gas demand growth in winter 2022-2023, the continued growth in net exports and reduced natural gas storage inventories are expected to place additional upward pressure on natural gas prices this winter, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) said on Thursday.

☆ Fracking: What's all the fuss about it in the UK?
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Reuters Christian Edwards | Christian Edwards | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, involves drilling into the Earth and injecting water and chemicals at high pressure to break rocks and release the gas trapped inside. Since only few test wells have been drilled, there are no estimates of proven reserves to confidently predict how much shale gas would be technically and economically viable to extract by fracking. Cuadrilla, 96% owned by Australia’s AJ Lucas, was the only one of these firms to receive consent to begin fracking. Former British Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng said in March when he was Business and Energy secretary gas fracking would not lead to lower British gas prices. “With the best will in the world, private companies are not going to sell the shale gas they produce to UK consumers below the market price,” he tweeted.

☆ European countries are shelling out huge sums to deal with the energy crunch. Economists fear it could spark a new financial crisis.
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

A new debt crisis could be looming as European countries throw huge sums of money at the energy crisis. Already, the energy crisis is estimated to have cost Europe around 700 billion euros. Combined with a high debt load, that spells trouble, Boskin says, because debt itself is also inflationary. Additional spending and debt from the energy crisis could result in more stress being exerted on the financial system. "I think a debt crisis could very likely ensue given the vast amounts that [are] being spent as a percentage of GDP.

Online shoppers can do extra well this holiday season with the new offer from the Amex Blue Cash Everyday. Its previous offer was a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first six months from account opening. When using a credit card, it's important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay. Simply link your Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express to your PayPal account and use the card as your preferred PayPal payment method. Here are some other notable benefits:$7 monthly statement credit toward your Disney Bundle subscription** (which includes Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+), up to $84 per year.

For a limited time, the Hilton Honors American Express Card, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card , and The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card are offering a higher number of points than usual. But if you want to earn Hilton points in a hurry or like the benefits that come with these cards, they should be on your radar. That makes it a good option for those looking to earn Hilton points on everyday expenses without paying an annual fee. With 130,000 Hilton points, you could book a night here and still have points left over. Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card.

And demand for the greener fuel has dried up, according to Reuters interviews with nine LNG market analysts, industry officials and traders. Several gas drillers, including in the world’s top gas producer the United States, told Reuters they have invested in finding and plugging greenhouse gas emissions associated with production, transport and processing. Since Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, gas prices have soared about 25% in the United States and 32% in Europe . To export gas, the fuel must be supercooled into LNG and then shipped across the sea, a process that produces substantial additional greenhouse gas emissions. Other U.S. LNG suppliers, like Cove Point LNG and Cameron LNG, also told Reuters they are not certifying their cargoes.

President Joe Biden's announcement is expected this week as part of the response to Russia's war on Ukraine, one of the sources said. The sale would market the remaining 14 million barrels from Biden's previously announced, and largest ever, release from the reserve of 180 million barrels that started in May. Biden said last week gasoline prices are too high and that he would have more to say about lowering costs this week. Gasoline prices hit a record average above $5.00 in June. It suggested then that deliveries would be linked to lower oil prices and lower demand, likely after fiscal year 2023, which ends Sept. 30 next year.

☆ Biden admin talks with energy firms as it seeks to balance oil prices-sources
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterBiden said last week gasoline prices are too high and that he would have more to say about lowering the costs this week. The Energy Department still has about 14 million barrels of SPR oil left to sell from the 180 million barrel release, which was slowed in July by holidays and hot weather. Gasoline prices hit a record average above $5.00 in June. The White House and the DOE did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the talks with energy companies. It suggested then that deliveries would be linked to lower oil prices and lower demand, likely after fiscal year 2023, which ends Sept. 30 next year.

☆ The US cities suffering most from inflation
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( Madison Hoff | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The year-over-year inflation rate is relatively high in the metro area of Phoenix, based on data for 23 metros. Inflation rates are relatively low in the metro areas of San Francisco, New York, and DC. US inflation data out last Thursday showed inflation remains elevated. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also provides inflation data for 23 of the nation's biggest metro areas, and the following chart shows year-over-year inflation rates for those cities. Americans across the nation are being affected by inflation, whether in the metro areas where inflation is above the national rate or not.

☆ U.S. natgas falls 4% to 3-mth low on mild weather, global price collapse
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Oct 18 (Reuters) - U.S. natural gas futures fell about 4% on Tuesday to a three-month low as oil and European gas prices dropped and forecasters called for milder U.S. weather over the next two weeks. U.S. gas prices have been declining for eight weeks as record domestic output and reduced liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports have allowed utilities to inject much more gas than usual into storage. Last year, just 29%, or about 2.8 bcfd, of U.S. LNG exports went to Europe. With milder weather coming, Refinitiv projected average U.S. gas demand, including exports, would fall from 101.0 bcfd this week to 95.9 bcfd next week. U.S. LNG exports, however, could start to rise this week if Cove Point returns to service as some traders expect.

☆ The Hottest App Right Now? One Where Teens Have to Say Nice Things About Each Other
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-17 | by ( Ann-Marie Alcántara | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

TBH was hot. Five years ago, the app, which prompted teens to compliment one another, topped Apple ’s App Store charts and quickly amassed millions of users in the coveted high-school demographic. Facebook snapped it up less than three months after launch—and soon shut it down. Now one of TBH’s co-creators is back with Gas, a nearly identical iPhone app. Gas asks teens multiple-choice questions about people in their school, letting them choose yearbook-style superlatives such as “the most beautiful person you have ever met” or the classmate who is “never afraid of getting in trouble.”

Hedge funds and other money managers purchased the equivalent of 47 million barrels of petroleum-related futures and options in the week to Oct. 11. Purchases came after OPEC+ announced on Oct. 5 the group would reduce its combined output target by 2 million barrels per day from November. There was also strong buying of middle distillates (+14 million barrels), including European gas oil (+7 million) and U.S. diesel (+6 million), but sales of U.S. gasoline (-3 million). The total position in mid-distillates has risen to 70 million barrels (58th percentile) from a low of 45 million (40th percentile) two weeks ago. Related columns:- Diesel's gloomy message for the global economy (Reuters, Oct. 14)- OPEC+ cut draws hedge funds back into the oil market (Reuters, Oct. 10)- Oil investors ready for recession (Reuters, Oct 3)- Hedge funds dump distillates as recession risks intensify (Reuters, Sept. 26)John Kemp is a Reuters market analyst.

Chase, American Express, Citi, Capital One, and other banks are currently offering elevated credit card bonuses, and there are dozens of other lucrative deals available. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application. If you're looking to take advantage of a credit card 0% APR offer, one of the best options is the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card. How to pick a credit card bonusCredit card limited time offersCredit card intro bonuses aren't always the same. For a flexible all-around card with a six-figure bonus and modest annual fee, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a terrific choice.

When most people think about the different types of credit cards, they typically think of cash-back cards, secured credit cards, premium credit cards, and travel cards. When deciding on which credit card to apply for, it's important to understand the four major types of cash-back credit cards available to you. Flat-rate cash-back cardsA flat-rate credit card is the most common and basic type of cash-back credit card. Cash-back credit cards with bonus categoriesA cash-back credit card with bonus categories, also known as a tiered credit card, offers different percentages of money back depending on the type of purchase you're making. Here's our guide to the best cash-back credit cards, and even a list of top small-business cash-back cards to consider.

Two of American Express's Blue cards — the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express — are excellent options for earning cash back. Card benefits and rewardsAs cash-back cards, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express are light on extra perks compared to rewards credit cards that often come with high annual fees. Card benefitsThe Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express both offer statement credits for select purchases. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express also offers two statement credits to cardholders, including the same Disney Bundle credit as the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. When comparing the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, you'll want to look at your own specific spending patterns.

☆ US Bank will soon launch the Shopper Cash Rewards card — and its earning rate of up to 6% cash back at popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target will be tough to beat
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-13 | by ( Tessa Campbell | Personal Finance Reviews Fellow | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

The new US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards card will earn up to 6% back at popular retailers, including Walmart, Chewy, Lululemon, and Macys. YakobchukOlena/ Getty ImagesUS Bank has released a sneak peek at its new U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards. The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card isn't currently accepting applications, but you can join the waitlist. US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card earning ratesThe U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card earns bonus cash back at popular retailers. The card will be most appealing as a no-annual-fee rewards card.

☆ U.S. home heating bills expected to surge this winter - EIA
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The Skyline of New York City is seen covered by clouds during the pass of a winter storm as it is seen from Weehawken, New Jersey, U.S., February 25, 2022. The average cost for a home with gas last winter was $724, far cheaper than other major sources of heat. U.S. gas prices at the Henry Hub benchmark were up about 75% so far this year as soaring global gas prices feed demand for U.S. exports due to supply disruptions and sanctions linked to Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine. It is more expensive than gas at an estimated $1,359 per household this coming winter - but that represents a more modest 10% increase from last winter. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Scott DiSavino Editing by Marguerita ChoyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Review: Is the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card the best credit card for you? Or, for flexibility, consider a card that earns American Express Membership Rewards points like The Platinum Card® from American Express (which also offers Hilton Gold status**) or the American Express® Gold Card . Amex Hilton Honors Express Surpass benefits and featuresThe Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card comes with a lot of useful perks that can improve your travel experience and save you money. If you already have a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card open, you won't be able to open another one. So, for example, if you already have The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, Hilton Honors American Express Card, or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, you could still qualify for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.

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

☆ U.S. home heating bills expected to surge this winter -EIA
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nearly half of U.S. households rely on natural gas for heat, with the average winter heating cost expected to rise to $931, up by 28% from last year, EIA said. The average cost to heat a home with gas last winter was $724, far cheaper than other major sources of heat. It is more expensive than gas at an estimated $1,359 per household this winter - but that is just a 10% increase from last winter. Homes that rely on heating oil are concentrated in the Northeast, while the biggest propane users are in the Midwest. That compares with last winter's residential costs of $13.02/mcf for gas, $2.30-3.33 per gallon for propane, 14.0 cents per kWh of electricity and $3.90 per gallon for heating oil.

☆ Amex Hilton card Free Night Certificates are now permanently valid any day of the week, making them much more flexible for travelers
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-11 | by ( Tessa Campbell | Personal Finance Reviews Fellow | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +25 min

The Free Night Certificates (previously referred to as Free "Weekend" Night Certificates) you can earn with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card ,Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card , and The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card are now valid any day of the week, instead of just Friday, Saturday, or Sunday nights. Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card. Hilton Honors and American Express offer several co-branded cards for travelers (such as the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card) which earn Free Night Certificates either automatically or for meeting spending thresholds. How to earn Hilton Honors Free Night CertificatesThere are multiple ways to earn a Free Night Certificate, and the easiest is with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Be sure to read Insider's guide to earning and redeeming Hilton points to learn about the best ways to maximize the Hilton Honors program.

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