Home sales dropped in March due to rising mortgage rates around 7.5%. The number of homes for sale has increased, but it's not enough to offset the impact of higher borrowing costs. The median home price hit a record $393,500. First-time buyers are struggling with affordability challenges, while investors are pulling back. The housing market is stuck in a narrow range, with sales low due to affordability and inventory shortages.
Netflix had an exceptional first quarter, surpassing expectations with a surge in new subscribers and revenue growth. However, concerns emerged due to lower guidance for the current quarter, reflecting potential headwinds from currency fluctuations and slowing subscriber growth. Netflix's content strategy shift and password sharing crackdown have been effective, driving revenue and growth. Despite the positive results, the company's valuation remains a concern, and its earnings call will be crucial in clarifying its future plans and addressing these concerns.
Despite strong economic growth, the Federal Reserve (Fed) is not planning interest rate hikes. They believe current rates are cooling inflation and easing labor market pressure, and they expect inflation to eventually return to the 2% target. However, the Fed may adjust if data indicates a need for higher rates to achieve their goals. The strong economy is mainly driven by supply factors, which has helped keep unemployment low and balance growth.
Bitcoin's value dropped but has since recovered. Some experts worry it might decline again after a "halving" event, where rewards for Bitcoin miners get halved. However, recent innovations on the Bitcoin network and the need for miners to upgrade their equipment may offer opportunities in the industry. Bitcoin's recovery, coupled with the halving and ongoing advancements, suggest a unique situation for the cryptocurrency and the mining sector.
The cost of a new house can vary based on various factors, including the finishes chosen by the buyers. To save money, potential buyers may consider hiring a contractor later on to add desired finishes after moving in. This strategy can help avoid high costs for unnecessary upgrades during construction, allowing buyers to focus on essential structural elements.
Between 2023 and 2030, millions of baby boomers will retire. However, women face greater financial risks during retirement than men, with lower income, savings, and Social Security benefits. Factors contributing to this include the gender income gap, longer life expectancy, lower risk tolerance, and the financial consequences of caregiving responsibilities. Addressing the root causes of these disparities is crucial, including equal pay and support for women in the financial industry.
TSMC, a major chipmaker for companies like Apple and Nvidia, reported strong first-quarter results driven by demand for AI chips used in technologies like ChatGPT. Despite macroeconomic headwinds and an earthquake, TSMC's revenue and profit exceeded expectations. The company expects continued growth in 2024 due to its advanced technology and growing customer base. TSMC's focus on producing smaller, more efficient chips is also driving long-term growth.
LabHost, a massive online fraud website, was infiltrated by police, leading to the arrest of 37 suspects. The site had stolen personal information from thousands of users, including bank and password details. Police have identified 70,000 U.K. victims so far and are contacting them to alert them to the data breach. International collaboration between law enforcement and technology companies enabled the takedown of LabHost, which was used by criminals to create fake websites and exploit victims.
Investing in semiconductor companies, which produce chips, could be a smart way to benefit from the booming artificial intelligence (AI) industry. Semiconductors are essential for AI, and the demand for them is high. Experts believe that the limited competition in this sector will allow chipmakers to maintain high profits even in the short term. However, it's important to keep an eye on fund flows as a potential indicator of future performance.
Visitors to national parks in the US can enter for free on April 20th, in honor of the start of National Park Week. Normally, 108 parks have an entrance fee of $20-$35 per vehicle, but this will be waived on that day. However, some parks may require an additional reservation to enter.
Mark your calendars for November 13, 2024, for CNBC's 14th annual Delivering Alpha Investor Summit, where industry leaders and investors converge to discuss the latest market trends and investment strategies.
There's a proven trading strategy that consistently yields significant profits from small trades. Developed by a former hedge fund manager, it eliminates stress and frees traders from constant monitoring. Traders who have used this strategy have seen remarkable returns, some even doubling their money on a single trade. The approach is easy to learn and accessible to traders of all experience levels. By following the instructions in the provided video, traders can unlock consistent profits, financial security, and the freedom to live on their terms.