Monthly Archives: October 2022

Nobel laureate Paul Krugman warns the Fed risks going too far in fighting inflation – and predicts a return to rock-bottom interest rates

Paul Krugman. Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images Paul Krugman fears the Federal Reserve may go overboard in fighting inflation. He noted rate hikes have a delayed impact, and highlighted signs of a cooling labor market. The economist predicted rates would eventually return to near zero without causing inflation. Paul Krugman has warned the Federal Reserve is at…

Mortgage demand falls to its lowest level in 2 decades as rates hit a 16-year high of 6.75%

House with American flag and ‘for sale’ sign, low angle view – stock photo Phillip Spears/ Getty Images Demand for mortgages hit its lowest level in 25 years, Mortgage Bankers Association said Wednesday.  Weekly total mortgage application volume dropped by 14.2% as the 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.75%.  Hurricane Ian also crimped demand…

The best early Prime Day deals on Amazon devices, including the Echo Dot for an all-time low of $25

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Get a head start on Amazon’s second Prime Day with early savings on Amazon devices. Amazon; Insider Calling all holiday shoppers! Amazon’s back with another major deals event, and it’s called the Amazon Prime Early Access Sale. The new members-only shopping…

Mortgage rates hit their highest levels since the peak of the 2000s housing bubble as the Fed’s war on inflation escalates

Rawpixel/Getty The average rate on a 30-year mortgage rose to 6.75% last week, the Mortgage Bankers Association said. That’s the highest since 2006, when the housing market bubble was at its peak before crashing one year later. Rates have more than doubled in the past year as the Fed raises interest rates to combat inflation….

Netflix reportedly pitched a $250 million ‘Marvel approach’ to ‘Lord of the Rings’ TV shows, but it ‘freaked out’ the Tolkien estate

Aragorn in “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.” New Line Cinema Netflix pitched the Tolkien estate on “Lord of the Rings” TV shows before Amazon landed the rights. It took a “Marvel approach” that “freaked out” the estate, according to The Hollywood Reporter. HBO also pitched the estate on a TV…

Pet insurance doesn’t cover spaying and neutering, but an add-on wellness plan might

Insider’s experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In some cases, we receive a commission from our our partners, however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page. Spaying and neutering procedures for dogs and cats can cost up to…

There’s good reason to think that the 2-day surge in stocks this week wasn’t just another bear market rally, according to Fundstrat

Tom Lee was formerly JPMorgan’s chief equity strategist. Brendan McDermid/Reuters There’s good reason to think the two-day surge in stocks this week wasn’t another bear market rally, according to Fundstrat’s Tom Lee.The firm highlighted a “100% bid” day in the Nasdaq, a 10% decline in JOLTS, and stability in high-yield spreads.“The promising aspect is the…

China’s reliance on Russian oil has soared with more than 1 in 5 barrels of imported crude now coming from Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Chinese President Xi Jinping at BRICS Summit in Brasilia Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images China’s imports of Russian crude oil were up in the second quarter of 2022, according to the EIA.  21% of China’s August crude imports were Russian, a 5% increase from a month earlier.  Meanwhile, China is processing its…

Spotify’s latest acquisition is a company that detects harmful content in podcasts

Spotify has bought a company it says will help it detect and address harmful content on the platform. Kinzen uses machine learning and human expertise to analyze possibly harmful content and hate speech across multiple languages, Spotify said in a statement. It added that Kinzen will “help us more effectively deliver a safe, enjoyable experience…