U.S. CPI

Over the past year, the rate of U.S. price increases accelerated unexpectedly in September 2024, as policymakers considered their decision on interest rates, as indicated in a U.S. Labor Department report on Thursday 10th October 2024. Sticky U.S. inflation The consumer price index (CPI), which measures the cost of goodsRead More →

Potential legal Google break-up

On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) indicated that it might consider the break-up of Google as an antitrust action. The DOJ is considering both behavioural and structural options to prevent Google from using products like Chrome, Play, and Android to favour Google Search. The decisionRead More →

Passive income from dividend stocks

The FTSE 100 index comprises the 100 largest companies by market capitalisation. These companies are typically well-established and financially stable, making them reliable dividend payers.  The average dividend yield for the FTSE 100 is around 3.97%. Here are ten dividend stocks in the FTSE 100 British American Tobacco (BATS) – KnownRead More →

China stocks drop

On Wednesday 9th October 2024, Chinese stocks experienced a sharp decline, with the Shanghai benchmark plummeting by 6.6% Hong Kong’s index fell by 1.5%, in contrast to the mostly positive performance of other global markets. Beijing’s recently detailed economic stimulus plans did not meet the high expectations set after theRead More →

New Zealand Central Bank

New Zealand’s central bank has reduced its benchmark interest rate by 0.50% points following its monetary policy meeting, resulting in a consecutive interest rate reduction This decrease sets the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s interest rate at 4.75%, down from 5.25%. Economists surveyed by Reuters had anticipated this move. PreviouslyRead More →

Crypto exchange desk workser

Creditors of the disgraced cryptocurrency exchange FTX are set to receive up to $16.5 billion (£12.6 billion) following a bankruptcy plan sanctioned in the U.S. on Monday This settlement concludes a tumultuous period that began with the company’s bankruptcy in November 2022, which left millions of customers without access toRead More →

EU EV Charge

On Friday 4th October 2024, the European Union voted to implement definitive tariffs on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) made in China ‘The European Commission’s proposal to levy definitive countervailing duties on imports of Chinese battery electric vehicles has garnered the requisite support from EU Member States to proceed with theRead More →

U.S. non-farm payroll data

In September 2024, the U.S. economy saw a significant increase in job additions, substantially surpassing expectations and contributing to a robust employment landscape as the unemployment rate declined, according to the U.S. Labor Department’s report issues Friday 4th October 2024. U.S. Non-farm payroll numbers rose by 254,000 in September 2024,Read More →

Tax black hole

Tax Reforms Increase in VAT: Adjusting the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate could generate substantial revenue. Pension Tax Relief: Limiting pension tax relief to the basic rate of income tax could raise around £15 billion per year. Pension tax relief raid. Windfall Tax: Increasing the windfall tax on the profitsRead More →

Super rich

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has overtaken Jeff Bezos as the world’s second-richest person Zuckerberg’s wealth surged by $78 billion in 2024, a rise unmatched by any other member of the index’s 500 richest individuals, thanks to his 13% stake in Meta. Throughout the year,Read More →

Chatbot with celebrity voices

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has announced that voices of Dame Judi Dench and John Cena will be available as options for its AI chatbot. Moreover, users can access information through AI representations of celebrities such as Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key, and Kristen Bell. Meta is hopeful that this newRead More →

Tesla EV

Tesla posted its third-quarter vehicle production and deliveries report on Wednesday 2nd October 2024 – the stock fell 3.7%. Total deliveries Q3 2024: 462,890 – Total production Q3 2024: 469,796 Analysts had projected Tesla would deliver 463,310 vehicles by the end of September 2024. However, other sources indicated a larger shortfall; the averageRead More →

AI microchips

Chinese firms are reportedly intensifying their efforts to develop a competitive alternative to Nvidia’s AI chips, as part of Beijing’s ongoing initiative to reduce its reliance on U.S. technology. China faces several challenges that are impeding its technological progress, including U.S. export restrictions that limit domestic semiconductor production. The lackRead More →

Crypto

Cryptocurrencies fell on Tuesday evening 1st October 2024, with Bitcoin retreating to the $60,000 level following an unstable beginning to what is typically one of its best performing months. Shares associated with digital currencies also fell in after-hours trading. Crypto exchange Coinbase saw a decline of about 1%, and MicroStrategyRead More →

Believe in yourself

Muhammad Ali – (Cassius Clay) 1942 – 2016 He was an American professional boxer, activist, spokesperson for civil rights and entertainer. Nicknamed “the Greatest“, he is regarded as one of the most significant sports figures of the 20th century and is often regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. CONCEIVE – BELIEVE –Read More →

Property China stock up

Shares of many Chinese property stocks listed in Hong Kong soared to their highest levels in more than a year, propelled by the ongoing stimulus rally in China The real estate sector emerged as the top performer in the Hang Seng Index on Wednesday 2nd October 2024. Chinese stocks experiencedRead More →

Financial trading app

Freetrade acquires Stake’s UK customer base, increasing domestic presence amid intense competition with similar apps such as Robinhood The British retail investment platform Freetrade is set to acquire the UK customer base of its Australian competitor Stake, highlighting the growing competition in the UK’s digital investment sector. The acquisition, initiallyRead More →

Crypto exchange

The retail investment platform Robinhood has announced the introduction of cryptocurrency transfers in and out of its app for European customers As part of its international expansion efforts, the company aims to enhance its product offerings in the region. According to a blog post-dated Tuesday 1st October 2024, Robinhood willRead More →