Business

Mortgage Rates Hold Steady as Housing Starts Data and Fed Announcement Awaited

ByAudInsights.blog September 18, 2023November 10, 2023

The average mortgage rates remained largely unchanged compared to Friday, with a minor improvement later in the day that brought them slightly lower. Although these changes are very small, they may not be easily noticeable for borrowers when getting mortgage quotes. The upcoming Wednesday afternoon will likely bring more volatility in rates with the announcement from the Federal Reserve. While it is expected that the Fed will not raise rates, the accompanying information released with the decision can still have a significant impact. It is important to monitor the situation closely.

In economic news, Housing Starts data for August is scheduled to be released at 8:30 AM ET on Tuesday. The consensus forecast is for a slight decrease from the previous month, with 1.440 million homes starts compared to 1.452 million.

Additionally, State Employment and Unemployment figures for August 2023 will be published at 10:00 AM ET on Tuesday as well.

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Source: Tuesday: Housing Starts

Global Carbon Dioxide Emissions Expected to Rise in 2023

December 5, 2023December 5, 2023 Business

According to the Global Carbon Project, carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels will reach a new peak in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The world is on track to exceed its carbon budgets for limiting global warming to 1.5 and 1.7 degrees Celsius. A consistent reduction in emissions is needed to achieve the targets set in the Paris Agreement. Although some countries have seen a decline in emissions, overall global emissions have continued to rise. Renewable energy growth has not been sufficient to replace fossil fuels. Deforestation and emissions from aviation, shipping, and wildfires contribute to the overall emissions. The report also challenges the assumption that carbon removal technologies can fully substitute for emissions reduction.

Vietnamese Man Builds Functional Wooden Replica of Tesla Cybertruck

November 26, 2023December 3, 2023 Business

Truong Van Dao, a woodworker and car enthusiast from Vietnam, has built a fully functional wooden replica of the Tesla Cybertruck. Using a metal chassis, frame, and wheels as the foundation, he meticulously added wooden panels, seats, and wheel trims to create a waterproof vehicle. Dao’s creation caught the attention of Elon Musk, who expressed appreciation on Twitter. The wooden Cybertruck is set to be shipped to the United States, and Dao has been invited to attend the official Cybertruck launch.

California Home Sales Down 18.9% YoY in August

September 20, 2023November 11, 2023 Business

California experienced an 18.9% decline in home sales YoY in August. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is expected to report sales of 4.07 million SAAR. August sales in local markets were down 12.1% YoY, a slightly smaller decline compared to July. This can be attributed to sales slowly declining last year due to higher mortgage rates. Local markets such as Illinois, Miami, New Jersey, and New York will also report their sales numbers separately.

Lack of Sleep Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Disease in Middle-Aged Women

October 5, 2023November 23, 2023 Business

New research suggests that middle-aged women who experience ongoing insomnia or get little sleep each night may be at a greater risk for heart disease. A study found that persistent insomnia is associated with a significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in midlife women. Even after accounting for various risk factors, the increased risk remained significant. Therefore, considering sleep patterns and making necessary behavioral changes to improve sleep quality is crucial for reducing heart disease risk in middle-aged women.

Harvard College Sees Drop in Early Admissions Applications Amidst Antisemitism Controversy

December 16, 2023December 16, 2023 Business

Harvard College has reported a 17% decrease in early admissions applications, the lowest in four years, amid incidents of antisemitism on campus. The controversy and subsequent decline in applications raise concerns about safety and freedom of speech. Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania saw increases in their early application numbers. The decline is potentially influenced by concerns about safety and students’ reevaluation of their acceptance chances. The Supreme Court’s ruling on race-based admissions and the broader conflict between schools have further impacted enrollment and sentiments on campuses.

The Sopranos: A Reflection on its 25th Anniversary and the Future of Intelligent TV Writing

January 15, 2024January 15, 2024 Business

The 25th anniversary of ‘The Sopranos’ prompted creator David Chase to reflect on the state of intelligent TV writing. He expressed concern about the impact of streaming platforms and commercialization on content quality. Despite initial rejections, ‘The Sopranos’ became one of TV’s greatest series. Chase highlighted the lack of apologies from executives who had overlooked the show, highlighting the industry’s tendency to shift blame to talent.

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