Economic Data The housing market is a major focus of this week’s economic calendar, with the National Association of Home Builders – Wells Fargo (WFC) home builders confidence index for July kicking things off today. June’s reading hit a two-year low as inflation and rising mortgage rates weighed on sentiment. [...]
There’s a good chance that your employees are clamoring for housing assistance benefits. The sharp rise in housing prices over the past decade and a lack of homes for sale have made it harder for homebuyers, especially first-time buyers, to achieve the ever more elusive American dream. Employees have responded [...]
Snowpoint and Baillie Gifford Lead Round Autonomous aviation company Merlin Labs snagged $105 million in a Series B round that was led by Snowpoint and Baillie Gifford. GV (GOOGL), previously Google Ventures, also participated. With this latest funding, Merlin has $130 million in total. Though significant, that falls short of [...]
Inflation and the Fed This week’s inflation report indicated prices continue to march upward, despite the Fed’s efforts to rein them in. Some industries will be more affected than others. Banks, in particular, are feeling the pain as recession fears mount and, in some cases, the appetite for risk decreases. [...]
Breakups can be tough. But what’s even tougher? Staying in relationships, whether with your partner or your bank, that aren’t right for you anymore. Millions kick the can down the road, but they’re missing out on the opportunity to find the right relationship or best bank for them. SoFi recently [...]
Valuation Craters Netflix (NFLX) stock is having a tough year. After its share price peaked at $691.69 on November 17, 2021, the company’s valuation has tumbled, bouncing along at levels below $200 a share since early May. The streaming pioneer faces increasing competition. While numerous alternative platforms, big and small, [...]
Contingencies are Back As Americans are adjusting to the new realities of rising inflation, some are regretting their expenditures. Many find their income doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. As the Federal Reserve has taken aim at inflation through a series of rate hikes this year, mortgage rates [...]
Breaking Down the Big Number The US Labor Department reported June’s CPI checked in at 9.1% over the previous 12-month period. Prices are rising at their fastest pace since November 1981. For the better part of this year, the Consumer Price Index has been at or above a 40-year high. [...]
Sharpest Decline in Nine Years PC manufacturers are experiencing a drop-off in demand for their products. Research firm Gartner (IT) reported Q2 shipments were down nearly 13% compared to the previous year — the sharpest decline in nine years. Some market observers contend the market is cooling due to geopolitical [...]
Ambitious Goals As sustainability efforts expand, some large companies like Coca-Cola (KO) and Nestlé (NSRGY) have pledged to reduce their carbon footprint by using recycled plastic. Coca-Cola has announced goals to make 100% of their packaging recyclable by 2025 and to use recycled material in a minimum of half their [...]
