Core Insights - ING has a legacy of innovation, having launched ING Direct in the late 1990s as a branchless banking model to reduce costs and offer higher savings rates, expanding this model to multiple countries before digital onboarding became mainstream [2] Group 1: Company Overview - ING employs 60,000 people globally, including 20,000 engineers, and operates in over 100 countries, with a balance sheet exceeding €1.1 trillion, over €700 billion in customer lending, and nearly €740 billion in deposits [3] - The retail business accounts for half of ING's capital and two-thirds of its profits, serving over 40 million clients, and is a leading mortgage lender in Europe with over €300 billion in housing loans and €100 billion in loans to SMEs [4] Group 2: Digital Strategy - Digital innovation is central to ING's strategy, with 1.2 million clients joining digitally last year without human interaction, 70% of loans processed through digital workflows, and 90% of sales occurring online, alongside a mobile app receiving 170 million visits weekly [5] - ING is integrating generative AI in various operations, including customer contact centers and lending, with plans for agentic AI in mortgage operations starting in Germany and the Netherlands [5] Group 3: Financial Literacy and Wealth Transfer - The upcoming generational wealth transfer in Europe presents both challenges and opportunities for financial literacy, with European households lagging behind Americans in investment growth, particularly in Italy where less than 10% of portfolios are in equity [6] - ING employs a three-pillar approach to improve financial literacy: innovation, personalization, and transparency, delivering 91% of investment proposals through digital channels and emphasizing goal-oriented advice [7]

Guys, let's bring in Scott Ren this morning, senior global equity strategist over at Wells Fargo Investment Institute. Talk about what the new year may bring. Scott, good to see you.>> Hey, Carl. >> I know you're also looking for better GDP and accelerating earnings, but can you get moderating inflation along with that. >> I, you know, I think you can, Carl.And, and you know, we've got a 2.8% number out there next year for CPI, so that's you know, and that's not pretty much in line with where we are right n ...

Core Insights - SoFi Technologies has become the first nationally chartered U.S. bank to offer retail crypto trading, marking a significant step in integrating digital assets into the traditional financial system [2] - The launch of crypto trading comes as regulatory bodies have eased restrictions, allowing banks to engage in crypto custody and execution, which may lead to other major banks following SoFi's example [3] Company Strategy - SoFi aims to be a one-stop shop for its members, providing banking, borrowing, investing, and now crypto trading within a single regulated platform [4] - The integration of crypto trading directly within SoFi's FDIC-insured banking app allows members to use funds from their SoFi Checking and Savings accounts, enhancing user convenience [6] Market Position - SoFi's approach gives it a competitive edge in the crowded crypto market, as approximately 60% of its members who own crypto prefer trading with a licensed bank rather than traditional crypto exchanges [7] - The easing of regulatory pressure under the Trump administration has facilitated banks' entry into crypto activities, with significant developments in federal frameworks for stablecoins and clarified regulations for crypto custody [8]

Dec 22 (Reuters) - Alphabet said on Monday it would buy clean energy developer Intersect for $4.75 billion in cash, plus assumed debt, as ​tech giants spend billions to expand the computing and power capacity ‌necessary for developing artificial intelligence. Big Tech has ramped up investments in energy firms as U.S. power ‌grids struggle to keep pace with the soaring electricity demand of generative AI amid an intensifying race to capitalize on the booming technology. Under the deal, the Google parent ...

Core Insights - Many individuals, despite having significant savings, feel insecure about their financial readiness for retirement, particularly in the context of recent inflation trends [1][5]. Financial Preparedness - A case study highlights a 52-year-old individual with a net worth of approximately $4 million who is contemplating early retirement at age 55, before becoming eligible for social security benefits at age 62 [2][3]. - The individual has an annual income of $500,000 and maintains a modest spending lifestyle, covering all major expenses [3][6]. Retirement Strategy - The proposed strategy of gradual retirement starting at age 55 allows for testing the sustainability of cash flow before fully retiring [3][5]. - Concerns about financial security in retirement are common, even among those with substantial savings, indicating a psychological aspect to retirement planning [5][6]. Lifestyle Considerations - The phenomenon of "lifestyle creep" may affect individuals with higher incomes, leading to increased spending that could impact retirement readiness [6][7]. - Despite the individual's high income, they are perceived as financially responsible and frugal, suggesting that they are unlikely to face financial difficulties in retirement [7].

Tesla CEO Elon Musk took a swipe at Waymo after its self-driving cars stopped moving at intersections in San Francisco, causing traffic jams during a widespread blackout over the weekend. Waymo temporarily suspended its autonomous ride-hailing service in the San Francisco Bay Area on Saturday after a massive power outage knocked out electricity to about 130,000 homes and businesses. Video was shared online of Waymo self-driving cars appearing to be stalled at intersections, triggering traffic jams across af ...

Shares of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) are drifting sideways Monday. They gained almost 10% on Friday after offering upbeat guidance.If the move higher continues, there is a chance it ends around the $32.50 level. Our chart shows it was resistance in September; levels that have previously been resistance can become so again. This is why Carnival is the Stock of the Day.When a stock reaches a resistance level, reverses, and trends lower, holders of shares purchased at that level regret their decisio ...

Group 1 - Tech giant Alphabet has agreed to acquire Intersect, a provider of data center and energy infrastructure solutions, in a deal valued at $4.75 billion [1]

Core Insights - Alphabet, the parent company of Google, announced the acquisition of Intersect, a data center and energy infrastructure company, for $4.75 billion in cash, along with the assumption of debt [1] Group 1 - The acquisition is part of Alphabet's strategy to enhance its data center capabilities and energy infrastructure [1] - The deal reflects Alphabet's ongoing investment in expanding its operational efficiency and sustainability initiatives [1]

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of F5, Inc. (NASDAQ: FFIV) between October 28, 2024 and October 27, 2025. F5 describes itself as a "global multicloud application security and delivery company which enables customers to deploy, secure, and operate applications on-premises or via public cloud.†For more information, submit a form, email attorney Phillip Kim, or give us a call at 866-767-3653. ...