In response to a disappointing jobs report triggering concerns about the economy, mortgage rates dropped to their lowest levels since April. The average rate on 30-year fixed home loans decreased to 6.63% from 6.72% the previous week, providing potential benefits for homebuyers.FULL STORY: Mortgage Interest Rates Today: Mortgage Rates Drop to Four-Month Low as Pressure Mounts on FedKey takeawaysMortgage rates have fallen to their lowest levels since April, presenting an opportunity for prospective homebuyers to enhance their purchasing power.Dissension within the Federal Reserve regarding interest rates, coupled with a sluggish job market, hints at a potential policy shift that could…
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Carbon Credit Trading Platform MarketThe global carbon credit trading platform market was valued at approximately USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach around USD 8.5 billion by 2033, growing at a robust CAGR of 19.2% from 2024 to 2033.Carbon Credit Trading Platform Market OverviewThe carbon credit trading platform market is witnessing significant growth as governments and industries worldwide intensify efforts to meet climate goals and reduce carbon footprints. These platforms facilitate transparent, efficient trading of carbon credits, helping organizations comply with emission regulations and achieve sustainability targets. Increased awareness of climate change impacts and rising adoption of…
Image source: Getty Images I ultimately decided not to buy Airbnb (NASDAQ:ABNB) shares a year ago, when they traded at a price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 17. But at a P/E ratio of 30… I’ve just become interested. That sounds like it makes no sense, but bear with me. Despite the share price being up 5% in the last 12 months, I think the stock is actually much better value today than it was a year ago. What’s been going on? A year ago, Airbnb’s earnings per share were being boosted by a one-off tax gain from the third quarter of…
Standard Chartered has signed a five-year deal to sell up to five million carbon credits on behalf of the Brazilian state of Acre. The major bank and the state are working together to fund rainforest conservation using the carbon credit market. Credits will be created within a REDD+ framework. This global system aims to cut emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. Carbon credits will start being issued in 2026. They will be in the “avoided deforestation” category. This means they help prevent emissions by preserving current forests instead of creating new ones. The goal is to prevent deforestation and protect biodiversity…
The surprise revisions to the nonfarm payroll data last week convinced investors that the Federal Reserve Bank will lower interest rates at its next meeting in September. Beyond that, expectations that at least two more rate cuts are in the offing sent stocks flying.The promise of a potential decline in interest rates outweighed the Aug. 7 implementation of reciprocal tariffs by the Trump administration. Then again, while the headlines appear to show sweeping tariffs levied on dozens of countries, with “no exemptions, no exceptions,” the truth is much murkier.The announcement of 100 percent tariffs on semiconductors by the White House…
Uranium Energy Corp (UEC) announced that its Sweetwater Uranium Complex in Wyoming had been officially designated as a transparency project by the U.S. Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council. This recognition comes under President Trump’s March 20, 2025, Executive Order aimed at accelerating domestic mineral production. The decision allows Sweetwater to move through a fast-track permitting process, cutting project delays that are critical to national mineral and energy goals. Once upgrades are complete, Sweetwater will be the largest dual-feed uranium facility in the United States. Significantly, it marks a major step toward restoring domestic uranium production and advancing U.S. energy security.…
Lenovo launched its TruScale Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) for Sustainability. This subscription service helps businesses cut their IT carbon footprint by up to 35%. It also lowers device costs. This all-in-one service manages the entire lifecycle of devices, incorporates carbon tracking tools, and offers flexible subscriptions. In doing so, it supports sustainability goals while improving budget efficiency. The launch shows a bigger change in how companies view technology. It’s not just about tools for getting things done; it is also about helping with corporate climate action. IT now plays a key role in helping organizations meet their net-zero and ESG (Environmental, Social,…
Image source: Getty Images The FTSE 100 may be flying but I can still see plenty of cheap shares on the index worth buying. I’ve spotted three that look really good value, measured by their price-to-earnings ratio (P/E), but that isn’t everything. While I think investors might consider buying two of them, I can’t say the same about the third. HSBC shares soar In my opinion, HSBC Holdings (LSE: HSBA) still looks good value despite a stellar run. The Asia-focused bank is up 45% in the past year and 185% over five years. It has rewarded investors with another generous $3bn…
Image source: Getty Images UK stocks have been soaring lately. I’ve got cash sitting in my trading account but with the FTSE 100 near record highs, some of the shares on my watchlist are starting to look pricey. Here are three I’d add to my portfolio if valuations dipped a little. London Stock Exchange Group London Stock Exchange Group (LSE: LSEG) has skyrocketed over the last decade but it’s found the going slower lately, rising just 2.5% in the last 12 months. With a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 27.5, the financial data company is beginning to look expensive, and I may not be…
Image source: Getty Images As someone looking to build a long-term passive income, I tend to like defensive stocks that can deliver steady(ish) revenue and earnings even when consumer confidence takes a hit. Finding high-quality defensive shares can sometimes be challenging. There are plenty of companies in the FTSE 100 Index operating in non-cyclical sectors. However, investors usually have to pay more for the privilege of lower cyclical risk that comes from owning these. That said, I’ve picked out three big names that I think other passive income investors should be considering in 2025. GSK Pharma heavyweight GSK (LSE: GSK)…