We all know that Paramount Skydance finally won the bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery.But who was the real winner in this takeover tussle of the century?The epic, six-month tango between some of the largest players in media for the owner of the Warner Bros. studio, HBO Max streamer and CNN came to a suitably stunning finish late Thursday — although regular readers of this column probably weren’t too surprised.Let’s start with Netflix and its co-CEO Ted Sarandos, the architect of the streaming giant’s t ...

Find out how much you could earn with today’s money market account rates. The Federal Reserve cut its target rate three times in 2025. So deposit rates — including money market account (MMA) rates — have been steadily declining. It’s more important than ever to compare MMA rates and ensure you earn as much as possible on your balance. Overview of money market account rates today The national average money market account rate stands at 0.56%, according to the FDIC. Even so, some of the top accounts are ...

Find out how much you could earn by locking in a high CD rate today. A certificate of deposit (CD) allows you to lock in a competitive rate on your savings and help your balance grow. However, rates vary widely across financial institutions, so it’s important to ensure you’re getting the best rate possible when shopping around for a CD. The following is a breakdown of CD rates today and where to find the best offers. Overview of CD rates today Historically, longer-term CDs offered higher interest rates t ...

Interest rates on home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and home equity loans are prompting a growing number of homeowners to tap the value in their homes. More lenders are offering second mortgage products, so your shopping choices are expanding. HELOC and home equity loan rates: Sunday, March 1, 2026 The average HELOC rate is 7.23%, according to real estate data firm Curinos. The 52-week HELOC low was 7.19%. The national average rate on a home equity loan is 7.44%. The low was 7.38% in early December 2 ...

Today's mortgage rates are near multi-year lows. While Freddie Mac reported the current 30-year fixed home loan rate at 5.98% this week, the Zillow lender marketplace is reporting an average rate of 5.81%. And the 15-year is at a new low since 2022: 5.32%. Is it a good time to buy a house or refinance your mortgage? Run the numbers at these low rates. Current mortgage rates Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 5.81% 20-year fixed: 5.76% 15-year fix ...

Find out how much you could earn with today’s savings rates. Interest rates on savings accounts have been falling, so it’s important to be sure you’re getting the best rate possible when shopping around for a savings account. The following is a breakdown of savings interest rates today and where to find the best offers. Overview of savings interest rates today The national average savings account rate stands at 0.39%, according to the FDIC. This might not seem like much, but consider that three years ag ...

Core Insights - Value strategies have benefited from a lack of exposure to troubled software stocks, leading to better performance in early 2026 compared to the broader market [1] Group 1 - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF (VYM) is highlighted as a key investment vehicle for those favoring long-term, buy-and-hold strategies focused on high-quality earnings [1]

Core Insights - An insider-trading scheme that led to the Panic of 1792 resulted in the establishment of the first rules for stock trading [1] Group 1 - The insider-trading scheme was a significant event that triggered a financial crisis in 1792 [1] - The Panic of 1792 highlighted the need for regulatory frameworks in the stock trading industry [1] - The agreement formed as a result of this scheme laid the groundwork for future trading regulations [1]

Core Viewpoint - Oil markets are facing potential supply shocks due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for global oil [1][2][4]. Group 1: Market Reactions and Predictions - Analysts anticipate an immediate reaction in oil prices following U.S. strikes on Iran, with concerns about a sustained interruption of Gulf exports [2][8]. - The potential for a full-scale military conflict between the U.S. and Iran raises uncertainties regarding the trajectory of oil prices and supply [2][3]. - The worst-case scenario could see oil prices reaching triple digits if the Strait of Hormuz is closed, significantly impacting global markets [11][12]. Group 2: Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz - The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for global oil, with approximately 13 million barrels per day passing through it, accounting for about 31% of all seaborne oil flows [4][5]. - Any disruption in this waterway would have immediate and outsized consequences for global oil and LNG flows, heightening the risk of supply disruptions [4][12]. Group 3: Potential Scenarios and Risks - Scenarios range from limited disruptions of Iranian exports to a complete blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, with significant implications for global oil supply [9][10]. - The probability of a severe outcome, such as an attack on Saudi oil infrastructure and subsequent closure of the Strait, is estimated at about 33% [13]. - Early indications suggest a broader scale attack on Iran could escalate tensions and involve multiple Gulf countries, further complicating the situation [6][9].

Key TakeawaysIsrael and the U.S. launched a massive joint strike on Tehran, confirming the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and 40 top military commanders.Iran retaliated by deploying Fattah-2 hypersonic missiles for the first time, striking U.S. bases in Qatar and Bahrain, and targeting the Omani Port of Duqm.Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi has been appointed to a "Transitional Leadership Council" to temporarily fulfill the duties of the Supreme Leader as the regime faces an existential threat.Globa ...