The housing market took a substantial hit in January, marked by high mortgage rates and persistent home prices that led to a notable decrease in sales. According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), pending home sales—key indicators based on signed contracts—suffered a staggering 4.6% drop from the previous month. This decline represents
In recent years, the debate surrounding the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds has intensified, with public finance lobbyists working diligently to protect this crucial financing mechanism. The urgency of their efforts is compounded by historical precedents, particularly the changes made under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, which had significant ramifications for
The announcement from Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and owner of The Washington Post, regarding the reconfiguration of the newspaper’s editorial stance has sparked significant debate and backlash within the media industry and among the public. By declaring that the opinion pages will focus exclusively on promoting “personal liberties and free markets,” Bezos is
The municipal bond market recently exhibited signs of stability amidst fluctuating U.S. Treasury yields and mixed equity performance. On a Wednesday marked by shifting financial tides, municipal securities showed a slight uptick in value. Key statistics highlighted the ongoing relationship between municipal bonds and U.S. Treasury (UST) yields. For instance, the two-year ratio stood at
In a proactive move to enhance shareholder value, General Motors (GM) has announced a notable increase in its quarterly dividend alongside a substantial share repurchase initiative. This decision comes at a time when the automotive landscape is characterized by sluggish sales and reduced profitability. By raising its quarterly dividend by 25% to fifteen cents per
In a noteworthy development within the housing market, mortgage interest rates recently experienced a decline, reaching their lowest point in two months. Specifically, the average interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances dropped to 6.88%, a slight decrease from the previous week’s rate of 6.93%. Despite this positive shift in rates, the
On a defining evening for the current Republican leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, the chamber passed a budget resolution that signals a significant step towards comprehensive tax reform, a critical element of the broader “America First” agenda championed by former President Donald Trump. The final vote, which resulted in a narrow 217-215 approval,
Amid growing excitement in the tech sector, Bernstein has recently upgraded its recommendation for Alibaba’s stock from “market perform” to “outperform.” The research firm has also raised its price target for the e-commerce giant by a significant $61, bringing the new estimate to $165, which indicates a potential upside of 23.1% based on the stock’s
Recent data from Charles Schwab’s latest quarterly client survey reveals a striking contrast between optimism and valuation concerns among traders. Despite operating in what many characterize as an expensive stock market, active traders are increasingly expressing bullish sentiments, suggesting a potential continuation of the current bull run. The survey, which polled 1,040 active traders last
In an era where obesity is recognized as a critical public health concern, innovative pharmaceutical solutions are essential to overcoming this epidemic. Eli Lilly’s weight loss medication, Zepbound, has emerged as a game-changer in this domain. As demand for effective treatments escalates, Eli Lilly has made a strategic move to broaden the accessibility of Zepbound