Verallia Group is evaluating changes to its European operations in response to weakening demand for glass packaging. The company is assessing possible site closures and production adjustments across Germany, France, and the UK. In a statement, Verallia outlined several proposals. In Germany, subdued demand in the region is leading the company to consider closing its Essen site, which could result in the loss of around 300 jobs. Production from Essen would be redistributed to facilities in Bad Wurzach, N ...

South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has confirmed that all bottled drinking water in the domestic market must be produced and sold without traditional plastic labels from 1 January 2026. The new rule shifts the display of crucial product details to digital QR codes printed directly on bottle caps or external packaging, marking a significant change in beverage packaging practices. The regulation aims to cut plastic use and support better recycling outcomes across supply chains. New ...

California has set a firm licensing clock for digital asset firms that want to keep serving residents of the state. The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation issued a formal implementation update for the Digital Financial Assets Law, confirming that any individual or company conducting covered crypto activity for or on behalf of California residents must, by July 1, 2026, hold a DFAL license, have submitted a license application, or qualify for an exemption. Applications will open ...

With Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) currently trading for less than $70,000, it might seem inconceivable that it could more than double in value to hit a price of $150,000 this year. Yet, that's exactly what some top Wall Street firms are now predicting. So what are some of the catalysts that could send Bitcoin soaring this year? Let's take a closer look. Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the ...

In the race to lead the innovation narrative, the US healthcare industry needs to actively consider systemic changes to contend with the growing competition from China, say industry experts. At the glitzy event organised by the lobbying group PhRMA on 17 February in Washington DC, several administration leaders mingled with leading pharma and biotech executives to discuss the latest trends and challenges in the pharmaceutical sector. The chief topic on the agenda for all was China; with PhRMA and others ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the current state of money market account (MMA) rates, highlighting the importance of earning competitive rates as interest rates decline following recent Federal Reserve rate cuts [1][2]. Group 1: Current Rates and Trends - The national average interest rate for money market accounts is 0.56%, while top rates range from 3.5% to 4% APY, comparable to high-yield savings accounts [2]. - Following the Federal Reserve's target range of 5.25%–5.50% maintained between July 2023 and September 2024, multiple rate cuts have led to a decline in money market rates [3]. - The expectation is that rates will continue to decline after the Fed's recent cuts, suggesting that now may be a critical time for savers to capitalize on higher rates [3]. Group 2: Considerations for Investors - Money market accounts are currently attractive due to elevated rates, offering a balance of safety, liquidity, and better returns compared to traditional savings accounts [4]. - Factors influencing the decision to invest in a money market account include liquidity needs, savings goals, and risk tolerance [6]. - For conservative savers, money market accounts are appealing as they are FDIC insured and protect principal, while riskier investments may be necessary for long-term savings goals [6]. Group 3: Best Rates and Options - TotalBank currently offers the highest money market account rate at 4.01%, significantly above the national average [7]. - In a declining interest rate environment, finding accounts that yield 5% is challenging, prompting consideration of market investments that carry higher risks but potentially greater returns [8]. Group 4: Safety of Money Market Accounts - Money market accounts are considered safe when opened with federally insured banks or credit unions, with the primary risk being associated with fees rather than market fluctuations [9].

Core Insights - Deposit account rates are declining, but competitive returns on certificates of deposit (CDs) can still be locked in, with the best CDs offering rates above 4% [1] Group 1: Current CD Rates - The best short-term CDs (six to 12 months) currently offer rates around 4% to 4.5% APY, with Marcus by Goldman Sachs offering the highest rate of 4% APY on its 1-year CD [2] - Historical trends show that average one-year CD rates fell to around 1% APY by 2009, with five-year CDs at less than 2% APY following the 2008 financial crisis [2] - By 2013, average rates on 6-month CDs dropped to about 0.1% APY, while 5-year CDs returned an average of 0.8% APY due to the Federal Reserve's policies [3] Group 2: Historical Context - Between 2015 and 2018, the Federal Reserve's gradual rate increases led to a slight improvement in CD rates, marking the end of nearly a decade of ultra-low rates [4] - The COVID-19 pandemic prompted emergency rate cuts by the Fed, causing CD rates to fall to new record lows [4] - Following the pandemic, the Fed hiked rates 11 times between March 2022 and July 2023, resulting in higher APYs on savings products, including CDs [5] Group 3: Future Trends - As of September 2024, the Fed began cutting the federal funds rate, leading to a steady decline in CD rates from their peak, although they remain high by historical standards [6] - Traditionally, longer-term CDs offered higher interest rates, but currently, the highest average CD rate is for a 12-month term, indicating a flattening or inversion of the yield curve [6][7] Group 4: Choosing the Best CD - When selecting a CD, factors such as goals, type of financial institution, account terms, and inflation should be considered [8] - Rates can vary significantly among financial institutions, with online banks often offering higher rates due to lower overhead costs [8] - Understanding the terms of the CD, including maturity date and withdrawal penalties, is crucial for maximizing returns [8]

Core Insights - The Federal Reserve has cut the federal funds rate three times in 2025, leading to a decline in deposit rates, making high-yield savings accounts increasingly important for earning competitive interest [1][5]. Group 1: High-Yield Savings Accounts - High-yield savings accounts offer significantly higher interest rates compared to traditional savings accounts, with rates reaching as high as 4% APY [2][3]. - The average savings account rate is only 0.39%, highlighting the advantage of high-yield accounts [3]. - As of February 18, 2026, the highest savings account rate available is 4% APY, offered by institutions like SoFi, Barclays, and Valley Direct [4]. Group 2: Interest Rate Trends - Deposit account rates are closely tied to the federal funds rate; when the Fed lowers its target rate, deposit rates typically decrease [4][5]. - Following multiple interest rate hikes in response to inflation, the Fed's recent cuts have resulted in a continued downward trend in deposit rates [5][6]. - Experts predict that further rate cuts may occur, suggesting that savings account rates will likely continue to decline [6]. Group 3: Considerations for Savings Accounts - When evaluating savings options, factors such as interest rates, financial goals, accessibility, and security should be considered [7][8]. - High-yield savings accounts are suitable for short-term savings goals, providing a secure place to hold funds while earning interest [7]. - Savings accounts are generally insured by the FDIC, offering a low-risk option compared to other investment types that may expose funds to market fluctuations [8].

Rates for home equity lines of credit and home equity loans are near multi-year lows. With the next Federal Reserve meeting still one month away — and further interest rate cuts not likely soon — second mortgage rates are expected to remain mostly unchanged. HELOC and home equity loan rates: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Today's national average monthly HELOC rate is 7.23%, down just two basis points from one month ago. The average rate on a home equity loan is 7.44%, down 12 basis points from last month, ...

Mortgage rates are poised to move even lower, as the 10-year Treasury has fallen nearly 2% over the past week. Stock market jitters are nudging investors into bonds, and as prices rise, yields fall. Zillow, which usually reports lower rates than Freddie Mac, reports the 30-year fixed rate at 5.79% — the lowest in years. The 15-year fixed rate is 5.34%. Today's mortgage rates Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 5.79% 20-year fixed: 5.71% 15-year fi ...