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I’ve collected personal favorites, NBC Select staff picks, and other bestsellers below. SKIP AHEAD Bestselling gifts for new parents | Best gifts for new parents | Why trust NBC Select? Best gifts for new parents in 2024One of the hardest parts of the newborn season for me was finding time (and energy) to get groceries and cook. These socks are from an NBC Select staff-favorite brand and are a Wellness Awards winner. NBC Select Commerce Editor Jordan Bowman reviewed it and could easily sample international blends from India, Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador.

Persons: I’ve, Grace, Stella, . Bean, “ I’m, ”, Lindsay Schneider, it’s, they’ll, Jordan Bowman, Zoe Malin, Brooks, Malin, It’s, TikTok Organizations: NBC, tote, CNBC, NBCUniversal, Atlas Coffee, barre, Bath, Facebook, Twitter Locations: New York City, men’s, Theragun, India, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador

Black Friday is on Nov. 29, 2024, and Cyber Monday is on Dec. 2, 2024. Many retailers’ early Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales have already begun, including at Walmart, Home Depot and REI. While shopping Black Friday and Cyber Monday, don’t forget to poke around subscription services and travel sites for deals, says Shand. Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping tipsPlanning is key to shopping Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Don’t wait to buy what’s on your wishlistDuring Black Friday and Cyber Monday, shopping traffic peaks online and in stores.

Persons: it’s, I’ll, You’ll, Mackenzie Shand, they’re, Shand, ”, Vipin Porwal, Porwal, don’t, We’ve, you’re, Black, can’t, you’ll, that’s, TikTok Organizations: NBC, Walmart, Home, Retailers, Black, Apple, Nintendo, Products, Tech, Brands, Target, Costco, Facebook, Twitter Locations: REI

☆ Get more active to extend your life expectancy, study suggests
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Kristen Rogers | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Increasing your physical activity levels could extend your life by several years, a new study has found. skynesher/E+/Getty ImagesMany studies have examined the connections between physical activity and longevity. The activity levels in that study were measured with accelerometers — wearable activity-tracking devices. Total activity levels in the lowest quartile were equivalent to walking for 49 minutes at roughly 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) per hour daily. Total activity levels in the second-, third- and fourth-highest quartiles were equivalent to 78, 105 and 160 minutes, respectively.

Persons: “, ”, Lennert Veerman, Veerman, ” Veerman, Andrew Freeman, wasn’t, Freeman, hasn’t, Peter Katzmarzyk, Katzmarzyk wasn’t, ” Katzmarzyk Organizations: CNN’s, CNN, British, of Sports Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry, Griffith University, National Health, National Center for Health Statistics, Jewish Health, Louisiana State, Pennington Biomedical Research, World Health Organization Locations: USA, Australia, Denver, United States, Europe

☆ ‘Just pure uncertainty.’ Small businesses are hopeful and fearful ahead of Trump’s second term
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

However, the post-election environment is hitting different this time around for many small business owners, such as Barrel-Art’s Michael Prieto, and leaving them wondering what comes next. For business owners who already were unsettled about the economy or its direction prior to the election, navigating the months and years ahead could be even more precarious, he added. Running leaner, hoping for cheaper moneyIn the months leading up to the election, Prieto was taking a wait-and-see approach. Michael Prieto, owner of Barrel-Art, in his shop in Newport News, VA, on November 13. Michael M. Santiago/Getty ImagesSmall business owners, by their nature, are optimistic, he said.

Persons: Michael Prieto, Donald Trump, John Arensmeyer, they’ve, ” Arensmeyer, “, ”, Art’s Prieto, Prieto, America ”, “ It’s, he’d, We’ve, Arensmeyer, Michael M, I’ve, Clifton Broumand, Janna Rodriguez, Rodriguez, she’d, can’t, JD Opel, he’s, ” Opel, ” JD Opel, — Opel, “ I’ve, Trump, Jeff Wood’s, ” Wood, we’ve, it’s, Marc Marcuse, Marcuse Organizations: CNN, Small, Economic, Shipping, Port, Getty, Machine, Corp, Opel, Reel Management, Management’s, Republican, White Locations: America, Newport News, Newark, New Jersey, China, Maryland, Freeport , New York, Evansville , Indiana, Jeff Wood’s Coldwater, Florida , Georgia, Utah, Pennsylvania, Los Angeles, Florida

☆ Meet Miss USA 2024 Alma Cooper, the Army officer who hopes to become the 10th American woman to win Miss Universe
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Anneta Konstantinides | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Alma Cooper always dreamed of competing at Miss USA. Alma Cooper competing at the Miss USA 2024 pageant. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images"Pageants were like the Super Bowl in my household," Cooper told Business Insider after she won the Miss USA title in August. When Cooper decided to compete at Miss Michigan Teen USA, she followed her mother's example. Cooper bought her dress for Miss Michigan Teen USA 2016 on Facebook Marketplace.

Persons: Alma Cooper, Alberto E, Rodriguez, Cooper, Auntie Anne's Organizations: Miss USA, Miss, Miss America, Miss Michigan Teen USA, Miss Michigan Teen, Facebook

☆ Here's why Americans are obsessed with iced coffee
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Ryan Baker | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

In 2023, Americans spent about $17.7 billion on out-of-home cold coffee including iced coffee, cold brew and frozen coffee drinks. Giants like Starbucks have played a major role in iced drinks taking share from more traditional hot coffee. 45% of coffee drinkers ages 18 to 24 said they had a cold coffee in the past day according to a survey conducted in July 2024 by the National Coffee Association. Cold coffee drinks are highly customizable, with syrups, toppings and cold foam incorporated into many of the popular offerings at major coffeehouse chains. Watch the video to learn more about why cold coffee has taken off in the United States.

Persons: Matthew Barry, Kelsey Olsen, Olsen, Dunkin, Barry, David Henkes Organizations: Giants, Starbucks, Euromonitor, National Coffee Association, Mintel's, Bros, CNBC Locations: U.S, Mintel's U.S, Technomic, United States

☆ Inside the Quest to Make Fusion Energy a Reality
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Raymond Zhong | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +15 min

The Quest to Build a Star on Earth Start-ups say we’re closer than ever to near-limitless, zero-carbon energy from fusion. Today’s fusion start-ups aren’t just preparing for this moment in the lab. Such advances helped the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory produce more fusion energy than the energy in the incoming laser beams, for the briefest of moments, in 2022. They also helped European researchers generate record amounts of fusion energy at a facility in Britain last year. What worries researchers is how much some fusion start-ups are promising, and how soon.

Persons: General Atomics, Lawrence, —, Charles Darwin’s, Lord Kelvin, Darwin, Arthur Eddington, Nicolas Tucat, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Vinod Khosla, Sam Altman, Kitty, presale, Gerald Navratil, Navratil, “, it’s, ”, Robert Goldston, you’ve, David James Bartho, Simon Simard, Tony Stark, Robert Downey Jr, Stark, Bob Mumgaard, Mumgaard, Brandon Sorbom, Sorbom, “ We’re, Dr, Earl Marmar, Thea Energy, Salvador Dalí, Cary Forest, Grant Hindsley, Richard Magee, “ It’s, Jean Paul Allain, there’s, Steven Cowley, Cowley, ” David Gates, you’d, Gates, ” Thea, Thea, Eos Organizations: Nuclear Fusion Facility, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Agence France, Princeton University, University of Sydney, Underwood Archives, Getty, Fairfax Media, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, SPARC, The New York Times, ARC, Commonwealth, The New York, Dawn Princeton Plasma Physics, tokamaks, That’s, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Energy, Thea, Zap Energy, Helion, Microsoft, General Fusion, West, Technologies, Department of, Princeton Plasma Physics Locations: France, Columbia, Princeton, Harwell , England, Britain, Massachusetts, Russian, Commonwealth, Seattle, Vancouver, Southern California

☆ I've sailed on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian ships. Here's which was my favorite — and how to choose the right cruise for you.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Brittany Chang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

AdvertisementI've been on Norwegian, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean's newer cruise ships. Brittany Chang/Business InsiderWhen a few rounds of foosball and ping-pong have worked up your appetite, you'll have 16 dining venues to choose from. AdvertisementNorwegian Cruise LineNorwegian Cruise Line has 18 cruise ships. Norwegian Cruise LineIt's the only cruise line on the list with a semi-inclusive "More at Sea" — formerly known as "Free at Sea" — promotion. The company operates 28 cruise ships, several of which are the biggest in the world.

Persons: Bauer, Griffin, Brittany Chang, It's, Guy, you'll, Finnbarr Webster, Norwegian Luna, Prima flaunts, Pieter De Boer, Firenze, There's Organizations: Royal, Firenze, Costa Cruises, Grill, Cruise Line, Cruise, Norwegian Aqua, Prima, Seas Locations: Royal Caribbean, roundtrip Port Canaveral , Florida, Bahamas, Brittany, Norwegian, Alaska, Europe, Asia, Jacksonville , Florida, Haven, CocoCay, Mexican, Los, Ensenada, Mexico

☆ YouTube has added a 'gifting' feature to its vertical streams, ramping up the competition for livestream e-commerce
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( Kenneth Niemeyer | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

YouTube is adding a "gifting" feature for vertical livestreams that allows users to purchase digital gifts for streamers, similar to a feature that fuels livestream sales on TikTok. Related Video TikTok could be banned in US after House voteTikTok's LIVE Gifts feature operates similarly. Livestream e-commerce in the United States is expected to grow to $68 billion by 2026, according to Statista, a data research firm. AdvertisementGoogle is also looking to expand its own shopping feature. YouTube Shopping allows creators to make "collections" of products that viewers can purchase.

Persons: TikTok, ByteDance Organizations: YouTube, Google, Forbes Locations: China, TikTok, United States, livestreams, Culver City , California, Indonesia

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

☆ Fingerprint from decades-old taxi application led to arrest in 1978 cold case double murder
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-14 | by ( Minyvonne Burke | Minyvonne Burke Is A Senior Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

A fingerprint on a decades-old taxi application led to the arrest of a man accused of fatally shooting two people and leaving their bodies along a Massachusetts roadway in 1978, officials said. Investigators determined that the print on the car was from Joley's left thumb, the district attorney said. The district attorney said the case now has "renewed hope." An autopsy determined they each suffered multiple gunshot wounds, the district attorney said. Harnish was "known as a quiet, polite young man," the district attorney said.

Persons: Timothy Scott Joley, Theresa Marcoux, Mark Harnish, Anthony Gulluni, Theresa A, Mark, Joley, It's, Gulluni, Timothy Joley, Joley's, Marcoux, Harnish Organizations: Hampden, Facebook, Hampden District, Springfield police, Investigators, West Springfield Police, Dodge, Riverdale Locations: Massachusetts, Clearwater , Florida, West Springfield, Springfield, Pinellas, Jail, Hampden, Riverdale

If we could give the Apple AirTag an award, we would. The Apple AirTag is also on sale for its lowest price ever. A single Apple AirTag usually retails for $29 but is currently 34% off, bringing the price down to $19. The beauty of the Apple AirTag is how adaptable it can be. You can currently get the Apple AirTag on sale for $19, which is its lowest price ever.

Persons: It’s, ”, Rabinowitz, you’re, “, Pamela Holt, I’ve, TikTok Organizations: Apple, Giftable, NBC, Solo, Facebook, Twitter Locations: Japan

☆ Toxic chemical ‘Hall of Shame’ calls out retailers in time for holiday shopping
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-14 | by ( Sandee Lamotte | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

“This is a critical time of year, the time when most retailers make a lot of their money,” Schade said. Only four companies in the top 50 retailers earned an A or A- — Apple, Sephora, Target and Walmart. Three companies — Ulta Beauty, IKEA and Whole Foods Market — received a B grade, while 26 companies were equally split between C and D grades. “We also grade companies on whether the changes requested from their suppliers are actually implemented, if they have truly ‘banned the bad,’ so to speak,” Peele said. Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the number of retailers who earned an A or A-.

Persons: —, “ It’s, ”, Mike Schade, ” Schade, “, Dunkin ’, Jimmy John’s, Joe’s, Ahold, Hannaford, Tard, Sherwin, Williams, Sally Beauty, Jodi Caro, Alimentation, Cheri Peele, ” Peele, Peele, Homer Swei, Swei, Schade, Perfluoroalkyl, Julianna Bragg Organizations: CNN, Toxic, Black, Brands, KFC, Taco Bell, Inspire Brands, Baskin, Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Canadian, Lion, Nordstrom, Walmart, National Retail Foundation, Companies, “ Retailers, Environmental, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, US, “ Locations: United States, Canada, Chipotle, Target, Nordstrom

☆ The real reason Starbucks is bringing back self-serve milk and sugar
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-14 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —Starbucks baristas can put eight shots of espresso into one cup. Starbucks’ self-serve stations had milk, sugar, sweeteners, spices and stirrers, just like at other coffee shops. This influx of mobile orders has sometimes strained Starbucks workers during rush hours. Gabby Jones/Bloomberg/Getty ImagesNiccol said bringing back self-serve stations will help Starbucks serve drinks in four minutes or less. “We’ll need to have proper staffing so that people are able to restock the condiment bar and make sure it’s clean and presentable.”

Persons: Amanda Poore’s, creamer, ”, Poore, David Garfield, “, Brian Niccol’s, Gabby Jones, Niccol, We’re, it’s, Amanda Rivera, Rivera Organizations: New, New York CNN, Starbucks, Bloomberg, Getty, Starbucks Workers Locations: New York, Seattle, Atlanta

☆ Amazon's new discount section 'Haul' looks like a Temu version of Temu
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-14 | by ( Katie Notopoulos | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

I've gotta say, sadly: It's the Temu version of Temu. It's Amazon's attempt to compete with cheap e-commerce apps like Temu, Shein, and the TikTok Shop. The Haul section of Amazon's app is now in beta mode. The sweater section on Amazon's Haul section has a familiar aesthetic. But for now, to me, it just feels like a sort of crummy version of Temu.

Persons: —, Ava Max, Lady Gaga, It's, Obama, Shein, China — Organizations: Amazon, Service, Apple, Business Locations: Temu, China, Utah

☆ Landry CEO Fertitta becomes Wynn Resorts' largest individual shareholder with nearly 10% stake
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-14 | by ( Contessa Brewer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Billionaire Tilman Fertitta has increased his ownership stake in Wynn Resorts to 9.9%, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Wynn Resorts and Fertitta declined to comment on his increased stake. He is frequently outspoken about issues that affect Las Vegas, whether it is Formula One or historic union wage contracts. Wynn Las Vegas is the top-of-the-line, uber-luxurious resort on the Strip, and it owns two high-end resorts in Macao. That position gave him a 6.2% stake in the company and made him the second-largest individual shareholder in Wynn, after co-founder Elaine Wynn.

Persons: Billionaire Tilman Fertitta, Jefferies, David Katz, Wynn, Craig Billings, Ras Al Khaimah, Fertitta, Elaine Wynn, Steve Wynn Organizations: CNBC, Wynn Resorts, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, Hilton, Fertitta, Houston Rockets, Golden, Las, Wynn, United, United Arab Emirates, United Arab Locations: U.S, Las Vegas, Wynn Las, Macao, United Arab, Ras Al, United Arab Emirates, Wynn

☆ Amazon debuts discount store with everything under $20 to take on Temu and Shein
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-13 | by ( Annie Palmer | In Annierpalmer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Amazon has rolled out a new storefront featuring apparel, home goods, electronics and other items priced below $20, to fend off growing competition from discount upstarts Temu and Shein. Called "Amazon Haul," the storefront is accessible through the company's mobile app, and promises "crazy low prices" on a plethora of goods. CNBC previously reported that Amazon planned to launch its own discount webstore with goods shipped directly from China. With Amazon Haul, the company is responding to the rise of Temu, Shein and TikTok Shop, which all have ties to China, the world's second-largest economy. Amazon is able to offer low prices through its Haul storefront by importing each item directly from manufacturers in China, similar to how Temu's and Shein's business models operate.

Persons: Dharmesh Mehta, it's Organizations: Shoppers, Amazon, CNBC Locations: China, U.S

☆ Everything is under $20 at Amazon’s newest store
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-13 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Amazon is targeting retail rivals Shein, Temu and TikTok Shop with a new deeply discounted storefront that sells a wide array of products for $20 or less. Called “Amazon Haul,” the mobile-only experience debuted Wednesday in the Amazon app and has everything from fashion accessories to home goods, plus clothes and electronics. Amazon said in an announcement that a “majority” of the Haul items are under $10, with some even less than $1. However, the cheap prices come with a caveat that items can take one to two weeks to be delivered. Also, the store only accepts returns on items that are $3 or more.

Persons: Neil Saunders, ”, ” Saunders, it’s Organizations: New, New York CNN, Shein, CNN, Amazon, Consumer Product Safety Locations: New York, United States, GlobalData

☆ Inside AI-Healthcare Startup Forward's Demise
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-13 | by ( Rebecca Torrence | Rob Price | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

The healthcare startup Forward bet the future of its business on a spaceshiplike mall kiosk in Roseville, California. AdvertisementEleven former Forward employees spoke with BI before the closure on the condition of anonymity to avoid retribution from the company. Two former employees told BI that, at that time, the startup was set to run out of money in less than a year. Lea Suzuki/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty ImagesThe CarePods came with many financial and logistical challenges, former employees told BI. Most former employees BI spoke with said they still believed in Forward's mission.

Persons: —, Elon, Adrian Aoun, Axios, Forward's, fundraise, Forward, Rob Price, Larry Page's, Aoun, Rebecca Torrence, iPads, hadn't, he'd, Lea Suzuki, CarePod, CarePods Organizations: Google, Business, Forward, Apple, San Francisco, Getty, BI Locations: Roseville , California, Roseville, Chicago, New York City, Forward's San Francisco, Forward's Washington, DC, Washington ,, San Francisco, Washington, Dallas, Bellevue , Washington, Sacramento, Chandler , Arizona, Chicago's Willis, Galleria, there's

☆ 37+ best small but fun gifts to give in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-12 | by ( Ashley Morris | Ashley Morris Is An Associate Seo Reporter For Select On Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +17 min

Below, we compiled a list of all things fun sized — the best small, miniature and tiny gifts to make your loved ones smile this holiday season. SKIP AHEAD The best fun size gifts in 2024 | Why trust NBC Select? The best fun size gifts in 2024Below, you’ll find the best small gift ideas for this holiday season. I compiled this list using products from past coverage, including previous award winners and some NBC Select staff favorites. To find the best fun size gifts, we searched the web for the best small and miniature gift ideas, including products we’ve covered previously along with some NBC Select staff favorites.

Persons: Jordan Bowman, It’s, Le, popper, Puzz, Bowman, Zer, Tamagotchis, Zoe Malin, “, ”, Malin, it’s, Nikki Brown doesn’t, ” Brown, Brown, Nikki Brown, Tricia Hersey, Mili Godio, There’s, leashes, who’s, Rose, Harry Rabinowitz, They’ll, Sonny Angel, Rebecca Rodriguez, TikTok Organizations: NBC, Ototo, NBC Select’s, XL, Apple, Giftable, Facebook, Twitter Locations: Baggu

The Summary An advanced diagnostic test uses genetic sequencing to detect a range of pathogens — viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites — that might be causing an illness. A cutting-edge diagnostic test is helping some doctors find diagnoses for medical mysteries by analyzing DNA and RNA to detect a broad swath of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, according to a pair of studies published Tuesday. Traditional diagnostic tests are generally designed to measure specific substances such as proteins, hormones or trace amounts of genetic material. The technology is not a replacement for existing tests used to diagnose common illnesses — like those for Covid or strep throat — since it’s slower to deliver results and more expensive. The test also misses some cases, she added, so it should be used alongside other diagnostic tests in hospitals.

Persons: ”, Charles Chiu, Noah Berger, Covid, Chiu, it’s, Susan Butler, Wu, ” Butler, “ It’s Organizations: University of California, Nature, UCSF, Nature Communications, Drug Administration, University of Southern Locations: San Francisco, Mexico, UCSF, University of Southern California

Three U.S. airlines have suspended flights to Haiti after a Spirit Airlines jet was struck by gunfire. Some see Rubio as one of the “less MAGA” options but is still someone “Trump’s base could trust,” a Trump ally said. Trump’s first Cabinet pick was Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, to serve as ambassador to the United Nations. Hours later Trump announced his second Cabinet selection, former Rep. Lee Zeldin, to oversee the Environmental Protection Agency. The State Department is advising against travel to Haiti in the midst of violent political turmoil.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, Patrick T, Fallon, Donald Trump’s, Sen, Marco Rubio, Rubio, ”, Trump’s, Elise Stefanik, Lee Zeldin, Zeldin, Joe Biden’s, Stephen Miller, Miller, Mike Waltz, Ruben Gallego, Republican Kari Lake, ➡️ Trump, Christopher Wray, ➡️, —, MAGA, “, Kayla Smith, Jillaine St.Michel, Rebecca Vincen, Brown, Julie Lyons, Emily Corrigan, Jennifer Adkins, Richard Allen, Crews, Aaron Rodgers, Peter Guo, Calpak, Elizabeth Robinson Organizations: Spirit Airlines, Getty, United Nations, The, Republican Conference, Trump, Environmental Protection Agency, Trump’s Cabinet, Green Beret, Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, Intelligence, Democratic, Republican, Senate, State Department, JetBlue, New York City, American Airlines, The State Department, Women, Center for Reproductive, East, New York Jets, Riding Army, NBC, Walmart, Casper Locations: U.S, Haiti, AFP, Marco Rubio of Florida, New York, Israel, Gaza, Florida, Afghanistan, East, Africa, He’s, Arizona, Fort Lauderdale , Florida, Port, Prince, Dominican Republic, Miami, Idaho, Portland , Oregon, Ada County, Indiana, Delphi, West, New Jersey, California, China, Kaifeng, Asia

☆ Singles’ Day shopping festival loses its shine under China’s lagging economy
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-12 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

HONG KONG — Businesses and consumers in China found the annual Singles’ Day shopping festival less attractive this year due to a sluggish economy, forcing e-commerce firms to look abroad for growth. While Singles’ Day was previously a one-day event, shopping platforms in China now kickstart the festival weeks ahead to drum up sales volume. But amid China’s lagging domestic economy, dragged down by a real estate crisis and deflationary pressures, consumers no longer go all out during the shopping extravaganza. Wang said that the prices offered on e-commerce platforms during Singles’ Day are not necessarily cheaper than usual. “I used to buy a lot two or three years ago and I even purchased a mobile phone (during Singles’ Day),” he said.

Persons: Alibaba, ”, —, “, Wang Haihua, Wang, we’ve, Zhang Jiewei, ” Zhang, Shaun Rein, ” Rein, Gucci, Jacob Cooke, ” Cooke Organizations: HONG KONG —, China Market Research Group Locations: HONG KONG, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, “

☆ TikTok and its owner ramped up their hiring from China, even as Congress raised national security concerns
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-12 | by ( Dan Whateley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

669 of the 1,089 approved US H-1B hires for TikTok and ByteDance in that fiscal year were from China. The hiring occurred as US officials raised concerns about TikTok's ties to China. Only 12% of all approved fiscal year 2023 H-1B applications were for Chinese nationals, compared to 61% of TikTok and ByteDance's approved applications. AdvertisementEven as TikTok has taken steps to downplay its association with China, its owner, ByteDance, continues to operate in the US. The company has also used TikTok's Chinese sister app, Douyin, as a testing ground for features that ultimately end up on TikTok.

Persons: —, ByteDance, US Sen, Tom Cotton, Cotton, Alejandro Mayorkas, ByteDance's, China TikTok, TikTok, Trump Organizations: TikTok, Service, Companies, Citizenship, Immigration Services, Business, US Data Security, Chinese Communist Party, US, Homeland, India, National Intelligence Locations: China, Beijing, ByteDance, California, Taiwan, Canada, Vietnam

☆ The Federal Reserve is trimming rates, and these higher-yielding assets could be called back soon
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-12 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The Federal Reserve last week dialed back interest rates by a quarter point, bringing its target rate range down to between 4.5% and 4.75%. Give and take In addition to buying CDs directly from a bank, investors can also shop for brokered CDs through their brokerage. Indeed, a client holding a 12-month brokered CD with an APY of 4.65% had their instrument called with six more months to go, he said. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. backs bank CDs and savings accounts up to $250,000 per depositor and per ownership category. "The time with the brokered CDs has probably come to an end," he said.

Persons: Banks, Marcus, Goldman Sachs, Malcolm Ethridge, There's, noncallable, Ethridge, They're, Dinon Hughes Organizations: Federal Reserve, Capital Area, Vanguard, Nvest, Capital, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp, Treasury, ., Bond, SEC Locations: BTIG, Washington ,, Portsmouth , New Hampshire, Kennebunk , Maine

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