By Sarupya Ganguly BENGALURU (Reuters) -U.S. 10-year Treasury yields, assuming no upside inflation surprises, are likely to rise modestly in coming months, according to a Reuters poll of market experts, while short-dated yields are ​forecast to decline on rate cut bets. The survey results suggest inertia in the world's largest debt market despite a long list of ‌potential risks, not least of which is a mountain of upcoming supply. U.S. President Donald Trump’s recently passed budget will require an esti ...

Group 1 - The Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether proxy advisory firms ISS and Glass Lewis have violated antitrust laws regarding their influence on shareholder votes [2] - Sealed Air's shares are experiencing a surge in pre-market trading due to reports of discussions with buyout firm Clayton Dublier and Rice about taking the company private [3] - Prior to the pre-market increase, Sealed Air shares had already risen approximately 10% year-to-date [3] Group 2 - BYU is launching new AI processors and supercomputing products, emphasizing their capability to provide domestically controlled computing power [2]

Economic Data and Government Actions - The reopening of the government removes investor uncertainty and allows for the release of delayed economic data, including the September jobs report, which is critical for shaping rate-cut expectations ahead of the Fed's December meeting [1][3] - White House Press Secretary stated that the October jobs and inflation reports are "likely never" to be published due to the shutdown, impairing economic data and leaving policymakers at the Fed without critical information [1] Market Performance - In the latest trading session, Wall Street's major indices ended mixed, with the Dow reaching a new all-time high [2] - Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) saw a +9% increase after forecasting faster sales growth driven by strong demand for data center products [2] - On Holding (ONON) jumped about +18% after posting positive Q3 results and raising its full-year revenue growth guidance [2] - BILL Holdings (BILL) surged over +11% amid reports of exploring options, including a potential sale [2] - Conversely, most members of the Magnificent Seven stocks fell, with Meta Platforms (META) and Tesla (TSLA) declining more than -2% [2] Federal Reserve Outlook - Fed officials are divided on whether inflation or a weakening labor market poses a greater risk, with some advocating for unchanged rates due to solid growth [5] - U.S. rate futures indicate a 53.9% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut and a 46.1% chance of no rate change at the next FOMC meeting in December [6] Earnings Reports - S&P 500 companies are projected to post a +14.6% increase in Q3 profits year-over-year, nearly double analysts' expectations [8] - Major companies like Walt Disney (DIS) and Applied Materials (AMAT) are scheduled to report quarterly figures [8] International Market Developments - The Euro Stoxx 50 Index rose +0.26%, reaching a new record high, with technology stocks leading gains [9] - Japan's Nikkei 225 Stock Index closed higher, driven by optimism over the end of the U.S. government shutdown [13] - China's Shanghai Composite Index hit a fresh 10-year high, led by gains in the new energy sector, as investors await key economic data [12]

Core Insights - The current national average HELOC rate is 7.64%, with a significant amount of home equity available to homeowners, exceeding $34 trillion at the end of 2024 [1][2] Group 1: HELOC Rates and Trends - The average weekly HELOC rate is 7.64%, applicable to applicants with a minimum credit score of 780 and a maximum combined loan-to-value ratio of 70% [2] - HELOC interest rates are influenced by the prime rate, which is currently at 7.00%, plus a margin set by lenders [4] - Rates can vary significantly among lenders, ranging from nearly 6% to as high as 18%, depending on creditworthiness and shopping diligence [11] Group 2: HELOC Features and Benefits - A HELOC allows homeowners to access their home equity without giving up their low-rate primary mortgage, providing flexibility in borrowing [6] - Introductory rates, such as FourLeaf Credit Union's 5.99% for 12 months, can be beneficial, but borrowers should be aware of future rate adjustments [8] - The structure of a HELOC enables homeowners to borrow only what they need, avoiding interest on unused credit [9] Group 3: Financial Considerations - For homeowners with low primary mortgage rates, obtaining a HELOC is considered advantageous, allowing for cash use in home improvements or other expenses without losing favorable mortgage terms [12] - A $50,000 HELOC at a 7.50% interest rate would result in a monthly payment of approximately $313 during the draw period, but rates are typically variable, leading to increased payments over time [13]

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][2] - Despite a recent decline in rates, some MMAs still offer over 4% APY, making them competitive for savers [3][12] Historical Context - MMA rates have experienced significant fluctuations, primarily influenced by the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies [4][6] - Following the 2008 financial crisis, MMA rates dropped to between 0.10% and 0.50% due to the Fed's near-zero federal funds rate [5] - The COVID-19 pandemic prompted another reduction in rates, but aggressive rate hikes began in 2022 to combat inflation, resulting in historically high MMA rates by late 2023 [7][8] Current Market Analysis - As of 2025, MMA rates remain elevated compared to historical standards but are on a downward trend following recent Fed rate cuts [8] - Online banks and credit unions are currently offering the highest MMA rates [8] Considerations for Consumers - When selecting an MMA, factors beyond interest rates, such as minimum balance requirements, fees, and withdrawal limits, are crucial for evaluating overall value [9][10] - Many MMAs require a significant minimum balance to access the highest rates, with some accounts charging monthly fees that can diminish interest earnings [10] - It is essential to ensure that the chosen account is insured by the FDIC or NCUA, which protects deposits up to $250,000 [11] Financial Projections - The national average interest rate for MMAs is currently 0.59%, while top accounts can offer rates around 4% to 4.50% APY [12] - For example, a deposit of $50,000 in an MMA with a 4.5% APY would yield approximately $2,303 in interest over one year [13]

Core Points - The Bank of England has maintained its key interest rate at 4%, breaking a pattern of quarterly rate cuts that began in August 2024 [2][3] - Inflation in the U.K. has increased to an annual rate of 3.8% for three consecutive months through September, up from 2.6% in March, primarily driven by government policy rather than consumer demand [5][6] - The decision to keep rates unchanged was made after a tight vote within the Monetary Policy Committee, reflecting differing views on inflation and the cooling jobs market [4][6] Economic Context - Other European central banks have also kept their key rates unchanged, but the Bank of England indicated that further cuts are likely in the coming months if inflation trends towards the 2% target [3] - The recent rise in inflation in the U.K. mirrors trends seen in the U.S., where inflation has also increased due to factors like higher tariffs [5][6] - The cooling jobs market in the U.K. suggests that inflation may ease by 2026, despite the current acceleration in prices [5]

LONDON (AP) — The Bank of England kept its main interest rate unchanged at 4% on Thursday with policymakers indicating that they need more information on how swiftly inflation will fall back towards their target. Thursday’s decision by the nine-member rate-setting body to maintain Bank Rate — a benchmark for mortgages as well as consumer and business loans — was widely anticipated, though some economists thought there was a chance that borrowing rates would be reduced by a further quarter of a percentage ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Overall net sales for Q3 2025 were $73.1 million, down 2% from $74.3 million in Q3 2024 [4] - Consolidated gross earnings were 40.7% of net sales compared to 44.3% in the previous year [4] - Earnings from operations were $8.1 million, down 21% from $10.2 million in Q3 2024 [4] - Net earnings totaled $6.6 million, down 18% from $8.1 million last year [4] - Diluted earnings per share were $0.69, compared to $0.84 in Q3 2024 [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American wholesale segment net sales were $60.2 million, down 2% from $61.1 million last year [5] - Sales volumes in the wholesale segment were down 7%, but a price increase of 10% helped mitigate the impact [5] - Retail segment net sales were $7 million, down 4% from $7.2 million in 2024, primarily due to softer demand [8] - Florsheim Australia net sales remained flat at $6 million, but were up 2% in local currency [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall inventory as of September 30, 2025, was $67.2 million, down from $74 million at December 31, 2024 [17] - The incremental tariff on goods sourced from China remained at 30% throughout Q3 2025, impacting gross margins [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is diversifying its factory base to reduce manufacturing concentration in China while maintaining quality [11] - A strategic decision was made to wind down operations of the Forsake brand due to lack of growth and profitability [16] - The company is focused on expanding casual offerings for the Stacy Adams brand to regain growth [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the unsettled tariff environment and weak consumer sentiment continue to create midterm challenges [11] - The company remains confident in the strength of its brands and the resilience of its business model despite current challenges [12] - Future strategies include shifting supply chains and assessing the need for additional price increases based on tariff developments [18] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share and a special cash dividend of $2 per share [10] - The company generated $13.2 million in cash from operations during the first nine months of 2025 [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin deterioration attributable to tariffs - Management indicated that the margin erosion is primarily due to tariffs, with a 10% price increase not fully covering the 30% incremental duties from China [24] Question: Consumer behavior across demographics - Management observed that higher-income customers are performing well, while lower middle-income customers are facing challenges [26]

Core Insights - The article discusses the current state of money market account (MMA) rates, highlighting the impact of recent Federal Reserve rate cuts on these rates and the importance of finding competitive rates for savings [1][5]. Group 1: Current MMA Rates - The national average interest rate for money market accounts is 0.59%, while top rates can exceed 4% APY, comparable to high-yield savings accounts [2]. - TotalBank currently offers the highest MMA rate at 4.26%, which is over seven times the national average [8]. Group 2: Federal Reserve Influence - Money market account rates are closely tied to the federal funds rate set by the Federal Reserve, which influences deposit account rates [3]. - Following a series of rate cuts by the Fed, including a 50 basis point cut in September 2024 and additional cuts in November and December, money market rates have begun to decline [4]. Group 3: Future Rate Expectations - Rates are expected to continue declining after the Fed's recent rate cut in October, suggesting that savers may have limited time to take advantage of higher rates [5]. Group 4: Considerations for Savers - Money market accounts are appealing for those seeking safety, liquidity, and better returns than traditional savings accounts, especially in the current elevated interest rate environment [6]. - Factors to consider when choosing a money market account include liquidity needs, savings goals, and risk tolerance [7].

Core Insights - Money market accounts (MMAs) offer higher interest rates compared to traditional savings accounts, providing liquidity and flexibility for long-term savings [1][3] - The national average interest rate for MMAs is currently 0.59%, while the best rates exceed 4% APY, with some accounts offering rates above 5% APY [3][7][13] - Historical fluctuations in MMA rates are closely tied to changes in the Federal Reserve's target interest rate, with significant drops following the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic [4][5][6] Interest Rate Trends - Following the 2008 financial crisis, MMA rates fell to between 0.10% and 0.50% due to the Fed's near-zero federal funds rate [5] - The Fed's gradual interest rate increases post-recession led to higher MMA yields, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused another decline in rates [6] - Starting in 2022, aggressive interest rate hikes by the Fed resulted in historically high MMA rates, with many accounts offering rates of 4.00% or higher by late 2023 [7] Current Market Conditions - As of now, MMA rates remain high by historical standards but are beginning to decline following recent Fed rate cuts [8] - Online banks and credit unions are currently offering the highest MMA rates [8] Considerations for Choosing MMAs - When selecting an MMA, factors such as minimum balance requirements, fees, and withdrawal limits should be considered alongside interest rates [9][10] - Some MMAs may require a minimum balance of $5,000 or more to earn the highest rates, and monthly maintenance fees can reduce interest earnings [10] - It is crucial to ensure that the chosen account is insured by the FDIC or NCUA, which protects deposits up to $250,000 per institution [11]