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Core Insights - Current mortgage rates are relatively low, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 5.95% and the 15-year fixed rate at 5.43%, marking significant milestones under 6% and 5.5% respectively [1][17] - Economic factors, including a disappointing job openings report, are contributing to the low rates, with potential increases expected if upcoming inflation data shows a slower rise [1] Current Mortgage Rates - The national average rates for various mortgage types are as follows: 30-year fixed at 5.95%, 20-year fixed at 5.99%, 15-year fixed at 5.43%, 5/1 ARM at 5.93%, and 7/1 ARM at 5.95% [5][17] - The average 30-year mortgage payment for a $300,000 loan at 5.95% would be approximately $1,789 monthly, resulting in $344,047 in interest over the loan's life [7] - For a 15-year mortgage at 5.43%, the monthly payment would increase to $2,440, with total interest paid being $139,222 [9] Adjustable Mortgage Rates - Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) typically start with lower rates than fixed rates but can increase after the initial period, such as the 5/1 ARM which remains fixed for the first five years [10][11] - Recent trends show that ARM rates can sometimes be similar to or higher than fixed rates, emphasizing the importance of comparing lenders and rates [12] Factors Influencing Mortgage Rates - Lenders offer the lowest rates to borrowers with higher down payments, excellent credit scores, and low debt-to-income ratios, suggesting that improving these factors can lead to better mortgage rates [13] - Options for reducing interest rates include paying for discount points at closing or utilizing temporary buydowns, which can lower initial payments [14][15] Future Rate Predictions - Forecasts indicate that the 30-year mortgage rate is expected to remain around 6.1% through 2026, with Fannie Mae predicting a similar rate near 6% by the end of the year [19]

Core Insights - Money market accounts (MMAs) are highlighted as a favorable option for storing cash due to their relatively high interest rates, liquidity, and flexibility [1] - MMAs typically offer better returns than traditional savings accounts and may include check-writing privileges and debit card access, making them suitable for long-term savings with easy access [2] Interest Rates Overview - Despite a general decline in rates over recent months, some MMAs still offer rates exceeding 4% APY [3] - Historical fluctuations in MMA rates are largely attributed to changes in the Federal Reserve's target interest rate [4] - Following the 2008 financial crisis, MMA rates were low, averaging between 0.10% to 0.50% due to the Fed's near-zero federal funds rate [5] - The COVID-19 pandemic prompted another drop in MMA rates as the Fed cut rates to combat economic fallout [6] - Starting in 2022, aggressive interest rate hikes by the Fed led to historically high deposit rates, with many MMAs offering rates of 4% or higher by late 2023 [7] - As of 2026, MMA rates remain high by historical standards but are on a downward trend following recent Fed rate cuts [8] Considerations for Choosing MMAs - When selecting a money market account, factors beyond interest rates, such as minimum balance requirements, fees, and withdrawal limits, should be considered [9] - Some MMAs may require a minimum balance of $5,000 or more to earn the highest advertised rates, and monthly maintenance fees can reduce interest earnings [10] - There are competitive MMAs available without balance requirements or fees, emphasizing the importance of comparing options [10] - It is crucial to ensure that the chosen account is insured by the FDIC or NCUA, which guarantees deposits up to $250,000 per institution, per depositor [11] Current Market Rates - The national average interest rate for money market accounts is currently 0.56%, while the best rates can reach around 4% APY, comparable to high-yield savings accounts [12] - For example, depositing $50,000 in a money market account with a 4.5% APY would yield approximately $2,303 in interest over one year [13] - Currently, no money market accounts offer 5% APY, but some high-yield savings accounts from online banks can exceed 4% [14]

Average rates for home equity lines of credit and home equity loans are under 7.5%. If you're planning some spring home upgrades, now is the time to start shopping the best home equity lenders and getting your lowest rate on a second mortgage. HELOC and home equity loan rates: Monday, February 9, 2026 The average HELOC adjustable rate is 7.23%, according to real estate data analytics company Curinos. The national average fixed rate on a home equity loan is 7.44%. Both rates are based on applicants with ...

Core Insights - Today's CD rates are significantly higher than the national average, with the Federal Reserve reducing its target interest rate three times in 2025, indicating a potential last opportunity to secure high rates with certificates of deposit [1] Group 1: Best CD Rates - As of February 9, 2026, the highest CD rate available is 4% APY, offered by Marcus by Goldman Sachs for a 1-year CD [2] - The article provides a comparison of the best CD rates from verified partners, highlighting competitive offers in the market [2] Group 2: National Average CD Rates - The national average CD rate for a 1-year term is 1.61% as of January 2026, which is significantly lower than the best available rates [3] - Current average CD rates are among the highest seen in nearly two decades, primarily due to the Federal Reserve's strategy to combat inflation by maintaining elevated interest rates [3] Group 3: Finding the Best CD Rates - To find the best CD rates, it is advisable to shop around and compare rates from various financial institutions, especially online banks that typically offer more competitive rates due to lower overhead costs [4] - It is important to check minimum deposit requirements, as higher rates may necessitate larger initial deposits [4] - Reviewing account terms and conditions is crucial, including early withdrawal penalties and auto-renewal policies, with some CDs offering no-penalty options for greater flexibility [4]

Core Insights - The Federal Reserve has cut the federal funds rate three times in 2025, leading to a decline in deposit account rates, making it crucial for savers to seek high-yield savings accounts to maximize interest earnings [1] Group 1: Savings Account Rates - High-yield savings accounts can offer interest rates as high as 4% APY, significantly above the national average [2][3] - As of February 9, 2026, the highest savings account rate available is 4% APY, offered by institutions such as SoFi, Valley Bank Direct, and Barclays [3] - The national average savings account rate is only 0.39%, while 1-year CDs average 1.61%, indicating a substantial gap between average and top rates [5] Group 2: Online Banks vs. Traditional Banks - Most top savings rates are provided by online banks, which have lower overhead costs and can offer higher rates and lower fees compared to traditional banks [4] - Despite recent rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, traditional savings accounts and CDs are still offering some of the highest interest rates seen in over a decade [4] Group 3: Choosing the Right Savings Account - It is essential for consumers to compare rates and account features from various financial institutions to secure the best deal [6] - Factors to consider include minimum balance requirements, customer service, ATM and branch access, digital banking tools, and the financial stability of the institution [7] - Ensuring that the savings account is insured by the FDIC or NCUA is critical for protecting deposits [7]

CVS Health (NYSE:CVS) is set to release its quarterly earnings with an estimated EPS of $0.99 and revenue of $103.57 billion.The company has a history of exceeding earnings estimates, but faces uncertainty due to proposed changes in Medicare Advantage payment rates.Financial metrics such as a P/E ratio of 212 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12 highlight CVS's market valuation and capital structure.CVS Health (NYSE:CVS) is a prominent player in the healthcare sector, offering a wide range of services includi ...

Core Insights - Loews Corporation reported a significant increase in net income for the fourth quarter of 2025, reaching $402 million or $1.94 per share, compared to $187 million or $0.86 per share in the same quarter of 2024, largely due to the absence of a pension settlement charge that impacted the previous year's results [2][5][8]. Consolidated Financial Highlights - For the fourth quarter of 2025, consolidated revenues totaled $4.734 billion, an increase from $4.546 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024 [19]. - The company’s net income attributable to Loews Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2025, was $1.667 billion, or $7.97 per share, compared to $1.414 billion, or $6.41 per share, in 2024 [8][19]. - Book value per share increased to $90.71 as of December 31, 2025, from $79.49 as of December 31, 2024 [4][19]. Segment Performance - CNA Financial's net income attributable to Loews Corporation was $276 million in Q4 2025, a significant increase from $19 million in Q4 2024, excluding the prior year's pension charge [4][5]. - Boardwalk Pipelines reported a decrease in net income to $110 million in Q4 2025 from $145 million in Q4 2024, primarily due to the non-recurrence of a $36 million income tax benefit recorded in the previous year [4][19]. - Loews Hotels & Co experienced a decline in net income to $6 million in Q4 2025 from $27 million in Q4 2024, mainly due to a $20 million asset impairment charge related to hotel renovations [4][19]. Share Repurchase Activity - In 2025, Loews Corporation repurchased a total of 8.9 million shares of its common stock for $782 million, with 1.0 million shares repurchased in Q4 2025 for $98 million [1][17]. Cash and Debt Position - As of December 31, 2025, Loews Corporation held $3.9 billion in cash and investments against $1.8 billion in debt, indicating a strong liquidity position [4].

Core Insights - Edgewell Personal Care Company reported a solid start to fiscal Q1 2026, with performance exceeding expectations for organic net sales, adjusted EPS, and adjusted EBITDA [1][2] - The company successfully completed the divestiture of its Feminine Care business for $340 million, which is expected to enhance portfolio focus and strengthen the balance sheet [1][2] - The full-year outlook for continuing operations remains consistent with prior expectations, despite the divestiture [2] Financial Performance - Net sales for Q1 2026 were $422.8 million, a 1.9% increase year-over-year, with organic net sales decreasing by 0.5% [4][5] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $0.03, down from $0.07 in the prior year, while GAAP diluted EPS was $(0.63), compared to $(0.21) in the previous year [5][15] - Gross profit was $161.0 million, with a gross margin of 38.1%, reflecting a decrease of 350 basis points from the prior year [7] Segment Performance - The Wet Shave segment saw a net sales decrease of $3.2 million, or 1.1%, with organic net sales down 3.9% [19] - The Sun and Skin Care segment experienced a net sales increase of $10.9 million, or 9.0%, driven by a 19.5% growth in Sun Care [20] Cost Management - Advertising and sales promotion expenses were $45.6 million, or 10.8% of net sales, a slight decrease from the prior year [8] - Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $102.4 million, or 24.2% of net sales, primarily due to higher personnel costs [9] Cash Flow and Capital Allocation - Net cash used for operating activities was $125.9 million for the quarter, compared to $115.6 million in the prior year [16] - The company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per common share, payable on April 8, 2026 [17] Full Year Outlook - The company expects net sales to increase by approximately 0.5% to 3.5%, with organic net sales projected to range from a 1.0% decrease to a 2% increase [21] - Adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to be in the range of $245 to $265 million, reflecting a reduction due to the divestiture of the Feminine Care business [21]

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $VCTR--Victory Capital to participate in upcoming investor conferences. ...