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☆ I moved from the US to Ireland. Here are 11 things that surprised me most.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-21 | by ( Alexis Mcsparren | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

Read on for some of the things that surprised me when I first got to Ireland. I thought a lot of the phrases in Ireland would be similar to what I heard in the UK. But I knew I finally adapted to the language when I found the words "thanks a million" (or "thanks a mil") and "bye bye bye … bye bye bye bye" after any phone call slipping off my tongue. Although it's been an adjustment, unpredictability is what makes Ireland feel like things are still run by people, not by algorithms and advancement. But my alcohol consumption has definitely increased since living in Ireland because socializing here often happens exclusively at the pub.

Persons: —, it's, Alexis McSparren, I've, I, I'm, there's, Alexis McSparren Small, There's, Alexis McSparren Leprechauns, Harry Potter, Tinker Bell, King Puck, Queen Puck, King Puck's, he's Organizations: Service, Business, Guardians, RyanAir, Hollywood Locations: England, Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Indiana, Moher, County Clare, County Meath, County Kerry, Dublin, Europe, Killorglin

European stocks ended the day slightly lower on Tuesday as sentiment struggled to pick up in global markets. Mining stocks fell 1.84%, as tech dropped 1.7%, while chemicals jumped 2.5%. Asia-Pacific markets fell Tuesday, as investors parsed the Chinese central bank's decisions on key lending rates. In the U.S., stocks were lower as the market came off its first losing week in more than a month. U.S. markets were closed Monday for the Presidents Day holiday.

Organizations: Barclays, U.S . Federal Locations: Asia, Pacific, U.S

☆ The Fed has a very strong case to keep rates higher for longer
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-17 | by ( Phil Rosen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Yet Jerome Powell and his central bank colleagues have rebuffed those forecasts, and markets have pushed their rate cut predictions further into 2024. And the producer price index for January came in at 0.3% on Friday, higher than the expected 0.1% increase. Jimmy Chang, the chief investment officer for Rockefeller Global Family Office, told Business Insider that it would be difficult for the Fed to cut rates in the current landscape. AdvertisementThe Fed's next moveThe case for keeping rates unchanged has gained momentum over recent weeks, but both markets and the Fed ultimately expect easing interest rates in 2024. Bank of America forecasts that the first cut likely won't happen until June, and policymakers could opt to cut rates "later and faster."

Persons: Jerome Powell, Nonfarm payrolls, Mary Daly, agilely, Joe Seydl, Seydl, Jimmy Chang, Chang, Austan Goolsbee, Goolsbee, Jay Woods, We're, Woods, Powell Organizations: Federal Reserve, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Atlanta Fed, San Francisco Fed, JPMorgan Private Bank, Rockefeller Global Family Office, Fed, Chicago Fed, Council, Foreign Relations, Freedom Capital Markets, Bank of America

Consumers remained largely sanguine about the economy and inflation in February, according to the latest sentiment survey from the University of Michigan released Friday. The February index rose 0.6 points to 79.6 after posting strong gains in the prior two months. The index of consumer expectations, a forecast of how Americans see the economy in the coming months, is now up 21.6% from a year ago. Expectations for inflation did tick up slightly, with the 12-month level now at 3%, up from 2.9% in January. “The upside surprise in the January PPI report echoes the month’s CPI report,” said Bill Adams, chief economist for Comerica Bank.

Persons: ”, Joanne Hsu, “ Consumers, Hsu, Jerome Powell’s, Ken Tjonasam, Powell, Bill Adams Organizations: University of Michigan, “, PPI, Global, CPI, Comerica Bank, “ Labor

Mortgage rates rose following the release of the latest Consumer Price Index data, and they remain elevated today. Though the Fed doesn't directly impact mortgage rates, investor expectations of Fed policy moves can push mortgage rates up or down. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. Mortgage Rates for Buying a Home30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Up Closer to 7% (+0.24%)The current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.68%, up 24 points from where it was this time last week. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Back Above 6% (+0.31%)The average 15-year mortgage rate is 6.05%, up 31 points from last week.

Persons: they've, we'll, you'll, It's, refinance Organizations: of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, Zillow, FHA Locations: reaccelerate, Chevron

See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. Mortgage Rates for Buying a Home30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Jump Up (+0.43%)The current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.48%, up 43 points from where it was this time last week. 20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Increase (+0.39%)The average 20-year fixed mortgage rate is up quite a bit from last week, and is sitting at 6.22%. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Go Up (+0.37%)The average 15-year mortgage rate is 5.78%, up 37 points from last week. Mortgage Refinance Rates30-Year Fixed Refinance Rates Tick Up (+0.19%)The average 30-year refinance rate is 6.26%, just 19 basis points higher than last week.

Persons: you'll, It's, refinance Organizations: Investors, Federal Reserve, Zillow, FHA Locations: Chevron

☆ A couple that retired early explains the 'sweep away method' that helped them build a $1 million net worth — and why they don't budget or track expenses
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

After you’ve paid yourself and the rest of your monthly bills, you’re free to spend any excess however you’d like. When you’re debt-free, you could then sweep your excess into an investment account where your money can compound over time. The Keys hit a seven-figure net worth in 2023. “The reason we like net worth better than anything else is because it captures the whole picture and encourages big-picture actions that affect your total financial situation in a positive way,” said Steven. “If you look at your net worth, you'll see that that's just a transfer of assets from one place to another.

Persons: —, Lauren, Steven Keys, ”, you’ve, ’ ” Steven, Steven, we're, “, ” It’s Organizations: Service, Business, BI Locations: Florida, ”

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani walked through his new spring training clubhouse wearing a simple white T-shirt with one word “BOSS” across the front in big, dark capital letters. The two-time Most Valuable Player might not be in charge of these Los Angeles Dodgers, but there's little doubt who commands the most attention. “Try to get along with all the guys and teammates.”The Dodgers had their first official workout of spring training on Friday, with pitchers and catchers reporting. Los Angeles could start a lineup that includes fellow All-Stars like Betts, Freeman, Max Muncy and Will Smith. The Ohtani deal was even richer than many expected and then days later, Los Angeles landed right-handed pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto with a $325 million, 12-year deal.

Persons: Shohei Ohtani, ”, Ohtani, baseball's, ” Ohtani, “, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman haven't, Betts, Freeman, Max Muncy, Will Smith, Ohtani's, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dave Roberts, he's, ” Roberts, I've, Taylor Swift, harkened, Barry Bonds Organizations: Los Angeles Dodgers, Dodgers, San, San Francisco Giants Locations: GLENDALE, Ariz, San Diego, Seoul, South Korea, Angeles, Los Angeles, Arizona

☆ We spend most of our extra money traveling. We believe it's the best education for our kids.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Melissa Noble | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

I've continued traveling with my own family, and we prioritize spending money on trips. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . We've decided to prioritize travel over spending money on private schooling for our children. Noble and her family prioritize spending money on travel. Courtesy of the authorThese kinds of experiences repeatedly reaffirm our decision to prioritize travel for our children .

Persons: I've, —, we'd, Petra, Abu, Noble, we've, He's marveled, He's, We've, you'd, St, Augustine Organizations: Service Locations: Bali, Indonesia, Mexico, East, Asia, Africa, Europe, Jordan, Abu Simbel, Egypt, Canada, London, Cape Town , South Africa, France, Rocamadour, hysterics, Borneo

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — For the eighth straight month in January, Earth was record hot, according to the European climate agency. Even though it was record hot in January, the level above normal was lower than the previous six months, according to Copernicus data. This is the time of year that El Nino warming often peaks, said Texas A&M University climate scientist Andrew Dessler. Minneapolis has already set a record for the number of 50-degree days for a winter. “For maple trees to run, it needs to be freezing at night, above freezing during the day.

Persons: Copernicus, Andrew Dessler, ” Dessler, that's, Natalie Mahowald, ”, Kathie Dello, floes, “, Greg McKush, ” McKush, Theresa Baroun, ” Baroun, Ed White, Rick Callahan, Seth Borenstein, Steve Karnowski, @skarnowski Organizations: PAUL, European Space Agency, Nino, El Nino, Cornell University, United, North Carolina State, Minnesota, Montgomery National Golf Club, ”, Syrup Producers Association, Isle Royal, Metropolitan Mosquito Control, Associated Press Locations: United States, Minneapolis, Texas, United Nations, Paris, North Carolina, Minnesota, Harriet, ” In Wisconsin, U.S, Wisconsin, De Pere , Wisconsin, Green Bay, Lake Superior, Michigan , Minnesota, Canada, St, Paul , Minnesota, Borenstein, Kensington , Maryland, Detroit, Indianapolis, AP.org

☆ Perfection and Precision in a Poet’s Miniature Worlds
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Elisa Gabbert | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Think of those intricate rooms behind glass at the Art Institute of Chicago, a chandelier dangling from crown molding at 1:12 scale. Each poem feels like a scene from a life re-enacted on a dollhouse movie set, a scaled-down world. “In my numb mind, a little leather jacket,/the sleeve no bigger than a thumb drive,” she writes, in “A Miniature.” “In that diminished instance,/I light a cigarette. They’re small because they’re stored in cells, in our nutshells, our mental microfiche. The work of miniaturizing a life is painstaking, and Bang’s poems have a characteristic clockwork precision — they tick and spin like mechanical music boxes.

Persons: “, Rosencrantz, hutch, Mary Jo Bang, ” Organizations: Art Institute of Chicago Locations: Denmark

☆ Opinion: Stuck in traffic, I wonder if this European city’s car-free vision is working
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( David A. Andelman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The fact is that gas cars aren’t being weaponized on most of the continent the way they are in America. I’m all in favor of the commendable end to gas cars that Europe has now embraced – a decade or more hence. Of course, that’s only one corner of what’s happened to Paris traffic under the Hidalgo regime. The same toxic, planet-warming emissions are being generated, especially with all that idling in place in endless traffic jams. Perhaps a couple of decades from now when all those gas guzzling cars will be gone entirely?

Persons: David A, That’s, “, Giuseppe Sala, hasn’t, van, Laurent Nunez, ”, King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Anne Hidalgo, Hidalgo, Joe Biden, Eric Adams Organizations: CNN, French Legion of, The New York Times, CBS News, European Union, Sunday, ”, Concorde, Olympic, Seine, Maison de Radio, Notre Dame, US Locations: Europe, Asia, Paris, America, Milan, Italy’s, Swedish, Stockholm, Vienna, Pontevedra, Spain, –, dribs, Hidalgo, ”, Seine, Taxis, New York

☆ Everything to know about Taylor Swift's new album 'The Tortured Poets Department'
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Callie Ahlgrim | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

"Sincerely, The Chairman of The Tortured Poets Department." All’s fair in love and poetry... New album THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT. Swift still has two installments left in her rerecorded album series: 2017's "Reputation" and her self-titled debut "Taylor Swift." Fans are already dissecting the album announcement for Easter eggs"The Tortured Poets Department" is a conspicuously wordy phrase for Swift, who tends to prefer one or two-word album titles. Healy may be another aforementioned muse ("My muses, acquired like bruises") for "The Tortured Poets Department."

Persons: —, Taylor, Swift, I've, 🤍h Organizations: Service, Department, Business, Recording Academy, Poets Department Locations: .

☆ Uncle Sam just overhauled the H-1B visa lottery, and that's good news for startups
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Melia Russell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewA new reform to the US H-1B visa program aims to ring out some of the uncertainty for migrant workers and employers. Each year, tens of thousands of foreign nationals wind up at venture-backed companies through the employment-based visa program. However, obtaining an H-1B visa remains challenging due to high demand. Data shows much of the increase was due to a record-breaking number of employers submitting multiple H-1B registrations for the same person. "This led to many individuals being entered into the lottery multiple times, through different companies, and ultimately decreasing the odds of being selected in the lottery," Finkelman said.

Persons: —, Jason Finkelman, Finkelman, USCIS, Sophie Alcorn, Alcorn Organizations: Service, Immigration Services, Business, Tech Locations: Austin, Hyderabad, Beijing, Silicon Valley

☆ Nobody's quitting their job anymore. That's a bad sign for workers.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( George Glover | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

That could be a sign that workers feel less confident about the state of the labor market. AdvertisementFriday's blowout jobs report confirmed the labor market is still holding firm, but one often-ignored statistic could signal a looming slowdown. "The second straight 2.2% quits rate — just below the pre-Covid level — is more important, because it clearly signals slower wage gains." "All that air is coming out of the labor market, even though hiring remains strong." "The job market is steadily returning to its pre-pandemic self," Morningstar's Preston Caldwell said in a research note.

Persons: —, José Torres, Ian Shepherdson, Philipp Carlsson, Szlezak, Optimists, Morningstar's Preston Caldwell Organizations: Service, of Labor Statistics, Macroeconomics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Boston Consulting Group, Business, eBay, Los Angeles Times

While mortgage rates are expected to go down in 2024, we'll likely experience some volatility getting there. Experts believe mortgage rates will fall as inflation continues to slow and the Federal Reserve is able to start cutting the federal funds rate, removing upward pressure off of mortgage rates. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage Refinance Rates TodayMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's interest rates will affect your monthly payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates inched down to 5.94% last week, according to Freddie Mac data.

Persons: we'll, Fannie Mae, Mark Palim, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's, they've Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, Zillow Locations: Chevron

☆ January jobs report: Expect to see strong but slower hiring and an uptick in the unemployment rate
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

New York CNN —The first jobs report for 2024, set to be released at 8:30 am ET Friday, is expected to underscore the strength of the US economy despite 11 rate hikes from the Federal Reserve. That can make the January jobs report among the trickiest to forecast, said Sarah House, a senior economist with Wells Fargo. Friday’s jobs report also will include the final annual benchmark review of payroll data for the 12 months that ended in March 2023. However, excluding January 2023, last month’s job cuts were the highest seen in January since 2009, according to Challenger. US worker productivity grew 3.2% in the fourth quarter, according to a BLS report released Thursday.

Persons: Jerome Powell, he’s, Sarah House, Wells, “ We’re, ”, there’s, Boussour, EY, ” Boussour, Daniel Zhao, Zhao, haven’t, ” Andrew Challenger, people’s paychecks, ” Diane Swonk, “, —, Swonk Organizations: New, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, Labor, Workers, Challenger, ”, BLS, KPMG, CNN Locations: New York, Wells Fargo, United States

Learn moreBusiness Insider Reviews has been covering the best pet products for more than five years. AdvertisementWhat types of pet products we coverFood: After hundreds of hours of interviews and research, we carefully selected the best cat foods and best dog foods. We also put dozens of litters to the test for our guides to the best cat litters and natural cat litter. Veterinarians and professional groomers also helped us narrow down the best dog toothpastes, dog dental chews, cat dental products, dog shampoos, and cat shampoos. Her article on pet anxiety in Pet Sitting Magazine was also nominated for The PSI Professional Pet Care Award.

Persons: We've, Ollie, we've, groomers, shampoos, Lisa Sabatini, Lisa, basset, JoAnna Pendergrass, JoAnna, Emory University's, Janelle Leeson, Janelle, Dodo, Shoshi Parks, Shoshi, Phoebe, Christy Caplan, Christy, Sherman, Walter, You'll, Jackie Brown, Jackie, Dr, Julie Liu, Liu, — Organizations: Health, Animal Association, Association of American, Business, Wall Street, JPen Communications, Virginia - Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Emory, Emory University's Yerkes, Primate Research, Insurance, Rover, Shop, USA, Freelance, Shoshi Parks, NPR, Smithsonian, Atlas Obscura, Portland Community College, Dog Writers Association of America, Animal Wellness, Product, Pet Health, Service Locations: Virginia, Shoshi, Oregon, Austin , Texas, Austin

☆ Economists say a potential spike in gas prices could hand Trump the White House
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

One of the key points for their model is an expectation that gas prices will remain largely stable. The economists caution a slight surge in prices could shift expectations towards a Trump victory. "All else equal, if gas prices surge back close to $4 per gallon, [former President Donald] Trump will win." AdvertisementBiden's presidency has endured major shocks in the oil market, which have sent gas prices as high as $5 a gallon in the summer of 2022. The popular gas-pricing app said in its 2024 outlook that gas prices could average $3.15 in November with a potential range of $2.99-$3.31.

Persons: Biden, —, Joe Biden, Biden's, Mark Zandi, Brendan Lacerda, Justin Begley, Donald, Trump, Moody's, Nikki Haley, Nate Silver Organizations: Trump, Service, Biden, Arizona Locations: Ukraine, North Carolina

☆ Fed Chair Powell says the job market is still strong. Here’s how the numbers break down
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

That can make the January jobs report among the trickiest to forecast, said Sarah House, a senior economist with Wells Fargo. Friday’s jobs report also will include the final annual benchmark review of payroll data for the 12 months that ended in March 2023. Fresh data on job cuts and productivityOn Thursday, the layoff picture became clearer. However, excluding January 2023, last month’s job cuts were the highest seen in January since 2009, according to Challenger. US worker productivity grew 3.2% in the fourth quarter, according to a BLS report released Thursday.

Persons: Jerome Powell, he’s, Sarah House, Wells, “ We’re, ”, there’s, Boussour, EY, ” Boussour, Daniel Zhao, Zhao, haven’t, ” Andrew Challenger, people’s paychecks, ” Diane Swonk, “, —, Swonk Organizations: New, New York CNN, of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, Labor, Workers, Challenger, ”, BLS, KPMG, CNN Locations: New York, Wells Fargo, United States

☆ The economy is roaring. So why do we keep hearing about layoffs?
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Madison Hoff | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Los Angeles Times, eBay, and UPS are three companies that have made recent layoff announcements. Despite cuts at big household names, the nation's layoffs and discharges rate has been steadily low. AdvertisementEmployees at the Los Angeles Times, eBay , Microsoft , and UPS are some of the workers impacted by recent layoff announcements in January. That sector had a layoffs and discharges rate of 0.8% in December, which is actually a small dip from the 0.9% in November. Zhao noted that "the scale here" means that this number probably isn't really going to change because of the recent layoff announcements.

Persons: —, Nick Bunker, Bunker, Julia Pollak, ZipRecruiter's, Daniel Zhao, Glassdoor, Zhao, that's, Kory Kantenga, isn't Organizations: Los Angeles Times, eBay, UPS, Service, Microsoft, Bureau of Labor Statistics, North America, Labor, LinkedIn

☆ You hear the market expects six Fed rate cuts this year — here's where that data comes from
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Zev Fima | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

This week's question: CNBC guests often say six Fed cuts are priced into the 2024 market. – Mike H. When you hear about the number of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts being priced into the market, the data comes from the CME FedWatch tool . The overnight fed funds bank lending rate is the rate that everyone is referring to when talking about Fed rate moves. You may have heard us say things like, the market is trading on Fed rate cuts. This week's question: CNBC guests often say six Fed cuts are priced into the 2024 market.

Persons: Jim Cramer, Mike H, Jerome Powell, Jim Organizations: Federal, CME, That's, CNBC

☆ Boeing’s reputation is taking a hit, survey shows
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A report by the market research company shows net trust dropped 12 percentage points among U.S. adults from December 2023 to January 2024. Net trust represents the share of people who say they trust a brand minus those who say they don’t. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwardsBoeing has not yet replied to CNBC’s request for comment. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwardsAmericans typically show greater net trust in its homegrown Boeing brand than in the European-based Airbus, its largest competitor. “Expect Boeing’s net trust metrics to tick down a bit more, especially as the brand’s name remains in the headlines, but not to the extent that we saw in March 2019,” she said.

Persons: Joanna Piacenza, “, Max, Stanley Deal, ” Organizations: Morning, Boeing, Max, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Lion, Ethiopian Airlines, Airbus Locations: Piacenza, Alaska

☆ Consumers Feel Better About the Economy. Why? Gas Prices, Eggs, Stocks
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Emily Stewart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Listen, I'm not saying that all the good vibes Americans are suddenly feeling about the economy boil down to stocks, gas prices, and eggs. What improved America's economic vibes was basically three things: the soaring stock market, falling gas prices, and eggs. Research shows that consumers feel more pessimistic when gas prices go up — James Surowiecki points out in The Atlantic that high gas prices also make people less happy and more likely to hate the president. If oil prices stay relatively low and, in turn, keep gas prices down, less exasperated drivers could help Joe Biden keep his job come November. There are all sorts of geopolitical threats and unknowns that could throw global trade and oil prices (and thus gas prices) into chaos.

Persons: I'm, there's, There's, Jordan Weissmann, —, It's, James Surowiecki, Joe Biden, they're, Emily Stewart Organizations: University of, Dow, Federal Reserve Bank of San, AAA, Research, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Times, Business Locations: America, The

But barring any surprises in the latest economic data, mortgage rates shouldn't spike back up too high. This would remove a lot of upward pressure off of mortgage rates and finally allow them to fall. If the Fed suggests a cut is coming sooner rather than later, mortgage rates could trend back down a bit. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. This is good news for mortgage rates — as inflation slows and the Federal Reserve is able to start cutting the federal funds rate, mortgage rates are expected to trend down as well.

Persons: We'll, we'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

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