The mortgage rate environment has been turbulent in recent years. After hovering near record lows during the height of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, rates surged as the Federal Reserve attempted to reign in inflation. The benchmark interest rate was raised so high that mortgage rates subsequently hit their highest point since 2000 last summer, leaving many buyers and …

Despite an unexpected uptick in inflation that occurred in late 2023, the Federal Reserve announced todaythat it would leave interest rates unchanged for now. This is the fourth consecutive rate hike pause by the Fed — keeping its benchmark rate range at a 23-year high of between 5.25% and 5.50%. “The committee does not expect it will be appropriate to …

Finding the right assets to add to your investment portfolio can be difficult — and that’s true even for the most seasoned investors. For example, stocks may offer an opportunity to earn big returns on your money, but these investments can also be volatile, with a penchant for quick drops and increases in value. And, other assets, like treasuries and …

Inflation has been high for some time, and prices on many goods and services have been rising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, transportation costs are up almost 10%, housing costs more than 6% and food costs nearly 3%. The result has been increased financial stress for the average American and, for many, an increased reliance on credit cards …

The Federal Reserve’s federal funds rate has been a hot topic since rate hikes started about two years ago. However, the Fed announced today that it was pausing rate hikes again — for the fourth consecutive time — and it’s unclear which direction rates will move in next. However, the central bank also noted that the current inflation rate remains …

Margot Robbie says she is not losing sleep over her controversial Oscar snub for best actress in the title role of “Barbie,”Variety reported. During a SAG-AFTRA panel with her “Barbie” co-stars on Tuesday, Robbie instead focused on the blockbuster filmscoring eight Academy Award nominations, including for best picture, for which Robbie is nominated in her role as a producer. “There’s …

A wife wanted in her husband’s murder has been missing from her Oregon home for four days – and Portland police are asking for the public’s help to locate the woman. Analiesa Golde is wanted for second degree murder and “should be considered armed and dangerous,” police said. Golde may be driving a 2015 burnt orange Toyota 4Runner, authorities said. …

Washington — John Podesta, a senior adviser to President Biden and longtime fixture in multiple Democratic administrations, has been named senior adviser to the president on international climate policy, the White House announced Wednesday. John Kerry, 80, is departing the White House after serving as special presidential envoy for climate since the creation of the position at the beginning of …

Aircraft laser strike reports soared to a record high in 2023, jumping 40% from the previous year, the Federal Aviation Administration said on Wednesday. “The FAA takes this threat very seriously,” said FAA Administrator Michael G. Whitakerin a videotaped statement. Laser incidents have soared since 2020 – more than doubling in three years. Pilots reported more than 13,000 laser strikes …

Federal Reserve officials capped their first monetary policy meeting of 2024 by leaving the central bank’s benchmark interest rate unchanged,a decision that was widely expected on Wall Street. But policymakers signaled they want to see more progress made on battling inflation this year, heightening investor focus on exactly when the Fed might release the brakes on the U.S. economy for …