Group 1 - The global precious metals market experienced a panic sell-off, with silver prices dropping over 34% from above $110/oz to around $75/oz, and gold prices falling over 12% from $5400/oz to approximately $4700/oz, marking the largest single-day drop since 1983 [1] - The decline in precious metals is attributed to profit-taking by investors after record gains and a rebound in the US dollar, alongside the news of Kevin Walsh being nominated for the next Federal Reserve Chairman, which negatively impacted gold and silver prices [4] - Analysts predict that the Federal Reserve may slow down its easing measures due to rising inflation and improving economic growth in the US, which could exert temporary pressure on gold prices [4] Group 2 - In Beijing, gold recycling prices dropped nearly 70 yuan per gram overnight, with significant fluctuations observed throughout the day, leading to a potential loss of around 800 yuan for sellers due to rapid price changes [5] - Consumers expressed frustration over the rapid decline in gold prices, with some reporting significant losses shortly after purchasing gold [5] - Retailers have implemented strict return policies for gold products, with many not accepting returns for investment gold items, and some brands charging fees for returns, which has led to consumer complaints about high fees and lack of clear communication regarding return policies [9][11]

Key takeaways The interest rate on a mortgage indicates how much interest you’ll pay for the amount you borrow. The annual percentage rate (APR) is the interest rate plus additional fees and any points. When comparing loan offers, it’s best to compare APRs to get a fuller picture of the true cost of the financing. Understanding the distinction between a mortgage loan’s interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR) can make you a more savvy mortgage shopper — and potentially save you some money alon ...

We're going to be announcing next week. I think sometimes Scott and Howard and everybody, we're going to be announcing the head of the fair. Who that will be. And it'll be a person that will, I think, do a good job.We're paying far too much interest in the Fed. The Fed rates too high, unacceptably high. We should have the lowest.And I think you read my statement and I put out a statement before the meeting, but we should have the lowest interest rate in anywhere in the world because a lot of these countries ...

Group 1: Oil Market Dynamics - Gasoline stocks increased by 200,000 barrels while distillate stocks rose by 300,000 barrels, indicating a shift in refinery output potentially due to changing demand [1] - Gasoline production surged to 9.6 million barrels per day, whereas distillate production declined to 4.8 million barrels, highlighting an imbalance in the market [1] Group 2: Federal Reserve Impact - The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates at 3.50%–3.75%, pausing after three cuts last year due to persistent inflation and slowing job growth, which indirectly supported the oil market [2] - The stabilization of the U.S. dollar due to the Fed's cautious stance, combined with ongoing inflation fears, has added rate premiums to oil prices [3] Group 3: Geopolitical Factors - Citgo's purchase of Venezuelan oil marks a significant development, as it is the first deal since 2019, following a U.S.-Venezuela agreement after political changes in Venezuela [4] - The delivery of approximately 500,000 barrels of heavy crude arranged through Trafigura indicates a re-entry of Venezuelan oil into the market, which could alter global supply dynamics [5] - Citgo refineries are specifically designed for heavy crude processing, suggesting that this shift may complicate global supply flows in the near future [5]

Market Overview - Major U.S. stock indexes experienced choppy trading, ending the day mixed with the S&P 500 down 0.57 points to 6,978.03, the Dow up 12.19 points to 49,015.60, and the Nasdaq rising 40.35 points to 23,857.45 [1] - The Federal Reserve announced its decision to keep interest rates unchanged at a target range of 3.50 to 3.75 percent after three consecutive quarter-point cuts [2] - The decision to maintain rates was not unanimous, with two Fed Governors advocating for a further quarter-point cut [2][4] Economic Outlook - The Fed's decision was influenced by elevated uncertainty regarding the economic outlook, emphasizing the dual mandate of maximum employment and maintaining inflation at 2 percent over the long term [3] - A majority of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) appears to favor a pause in rate cuts unless the job market weakens further, with inflation remaining a concern [4] Sector Performance - Gold stocks surged, with the NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index increasing by 2.7 percent to a new record closing high, driven by rising gold prices [5] - The NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index rose by 2.6 percent, also reaching a new record closing high, largely due to a 19.1 percent increase in Seagate Technology's shares following better-than-expected fiscal second-quarter results [6] - Semiconductor and networking stocks showed considerable strength, while oil service, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology stocks experienced significant declines [7] International Markets - In the Asia-Pacific region, stock markets mostly moved higher, with Japan's Nikkei 225 Index up 0.1 percent, South Korea's Kospi up 1.7 percent, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index up 2.6 percent [7] - Conversely, major European markets declined, with the French CAC 40 Index down 1.1 percent, the U.K.'s FTSE 100 Index down 0.5 percent, and the German DAX Index down 0.3 percent [8] Bond Market - Treasuries saw a decline in prices following the Fed announcement, leading to a rise in the yield on the benchmark ten-year note by 2.8 basis points to 4.251 percent [9] Upcoming Events - Trading on Thursday may be influenced by earnings reports from major tech companies including Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Tesla [9]

Core Insights - The total cost of a business loan includes not only the interest rate but also additional fees, which can significantly increase the overall repayment amount [1][4][29] Loan Costs and Structure - The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) reflects the total cost of borrowing, including interest and fees, which can differ from the nominal interest rate [1][2] - A business loan's cost is influenced by factors such as the interest rate, repayment term, and any associated fees [3][4] - Understanding the amortization schedule is crucial for comparing loan options and planning repayments effectively [3] Borrowing Challenges - A significant percentage of firms face difficulties in managing operating expenses, with 56% reporting struggles and 51% dealing with cash flow issues [6] - Many business owners resort to loans to address financial challenges, but these loans come with costs that need careful consideration [6] Interest Rates and Types of Loans - Interest rates for business loans can vary widely based on the type of loan, credit history, and market conditions [8][9] - Small business loans can have either fixed or variable interest rates, each with its own advantages and disadvantages [11][12] - Different types of business loans include term loans, lines of credit, equipment loans, microloans, SBA loans, and alternative financing options [19][20] Loan Amounts and Terms - Typical loan amounts for various business loans range from $1,000 to over $5 million, depending on the type of loan and the borrower's financial profile [17][30] - Repayment terms can vary significantly, from six months to 25 years, with longer terms often associated with commercial real estate [31] Fees and Additional Costs - Business loans may incur various fees, including origination fees, closing costs, and prepayment penalties, which can add substantial costs to the loan [26][27] - It is advisable to negotiate fees with lenders to potentially reduce overall loan costs [28]

分组1 - The Federal Reserve has decided to maintain current interest rates while leaving the option open for future rate cuts, indicating a cautious approach to monetary policy [1][3] - Economic activity is reported to be expanding at a solid pace, with job gains remaining low and signs of stabilization in the unemployment rate, although inflation remains elevated [2][3] - There is an emphasis on uncertainty regarding the economic outlook, with the Fed indicating attention to risks on both sides of its dual mandate, which includes employment and inflation [3] 分组2 - The New York Fed is instructed to maintain ample reserves by purchasing Treasury bills or maturities of up to three years, reflecting a strategy to ensure liquidity in the market [3] - The upcoming news conference by Chairman Powell is anticipated to provide insights into the future direction of interest rates and his own position within the Fed [4]

Construction on the Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve Board Building in Washington, Jan. 12, 2026.Pete Kiehart | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesThe Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged Wednesday at the conclusion of its first policy decision of the year. In the face of escalating political pressure from President Donald Trump, a softening labor market, persistent inflation pressures and an uncertain geopolitical landscape, "there is no shortage of confusing narratives," said certified financ ...

Officials offered little clarity on when cuts might resume. Two governors favored a rate reduction. ...

Core Viewpoint - Sound Financial Bancorp, Inc. reported a net income of $2.2 million for Q4 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase in earnings and a cash dividend declaration of $0.21 per share [1][2]. Financial Performance - Net income for Q4 2025 was $2.2 million, or $0.87 diluted earnings per share, compared to $1.7 million, or $0.66 per share in Q3 2025, and $1.9 million, or $0.74 per share in Q4 2024 [1]. - Total assets increased by $32.0 million, or 3.0%, to $1.09 billion at December 31, 2025, from $1.06 billion at September 30, 2025, and increased by $98.5 million, or 9.9%, from $993.6 million at December 31, 2024 [5][30]. - Total deposits rose by $49.9 million, or 5.6%, to $948.9 million at December 31, 2025, compared to $898.9 million at September 30, 2025, and increased by $111.1 million, or 13.3%, from $837.8 million at December 31, 2024 [6][30]. Loan and Deposit Trends - Loans held-for-portfolio decreased by $4.2 million, or 0.5%, to $905.5 million at December 31, 2025, compared to $909.7 million at September 30, 2025, but increased by $5.4 million, or 0.6%, from $900.2 million at December 31, 2024 [5][35]. - The loans-to-deposits ratio was 96% at December 31, 2025, down from 101.45% at September 30, 2025, and 108% at December 31, 2024 [7]. Credit Quality - Nonperforming loans increased by $3.1 million, or 112.8%, to $5.8 million at December 31, 2025, from $2.7 million at September 30, 2025, but decreased by $1.7 million, or 22.8%, from $7.5 million at December 31, 2024 [7][36]. - The allowance for credit losses on loans to total loans outstanding was 0.95% at December 31, 2025, compared to 0.94% at both September 30, 2025, and December 31, 2024 [38]. Income and Expenses - Net interest income decreased by $278 thousand, or 3.1%, to $8.7 million for Q4 2025, compared to $8.9 million for Q3 2025, but increased by $442 thousand, or 5.4%, from $8.2 million for Q4 2024 [8][11]. - Total noninterest income decreased by $14 thousand, or 1.6%, to $867 thousand for Q4 2025, compared to Q3 2025, and decreased by $293 thousand, or 25.3%, compared to Q4 2024 [10][26]. - Total noninterest expense decreased by $836 thousand, or 10.9%, to $6.8 million for Q4 2025, compared to Q3 2025, and decreased by $218 thousand, or 3.1%, compared to Q4 2024 [10][30]. Operational Insights - The company emphasized consistent expense control and operational improvements, positioning itself for future recovery despite challenges in the mortgage market [2][3]. - The CEO noted that every employee contributed to the results, demonstrating an ability to do more with less [2].