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Economy

“California exodus left a gaping population hole. Can the Golden State finally bounce back?”

“…Though the state population grew 0.17% in 2023 — the first year of growth since the COVID-19 pandemic — California is still 1.2% smaller than it was in 2019, according to a Times data analysis. If the state continues to… Continue Reading…

Economy

“A tax mystery: Why are fewer people getting refunds?”

“If it seems like you’re not getting a tax refund like you used to, you’re not alone. The share of taxpayers who get money back at tax time is slowly and, a little mysteriously, shrinking. At the same time, the… Continue Reading…

Economy

[U.S.] “Democratic cities that welcomed [illegal aliens] are starting to roll back aid”

“When a wave of migrants began arriving in Democratic-run cities far from the Southern border two years ago, officials welcomed them with open arms. Now they’re limiting aid to new arrivals as their instinct for compassion confronts hard budgetary realities.… Continue Reading…

Energy

“One activist investor is taking on BP, urging the oil giant to scale back green pledges”

“Activist investor Bluebell Capital Partners is pushing for BP to urgently change tack, saying it is “highly debatable” whether the oil major’s strategy of reducing fossil fuel investments in favor of clean energy has any chance of succeeding…” https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/30/bp-activist-investor-urges-oil-giant-to-scale-back-green-pledges.html It has zero… Continue Reading…

Business

“GM initiates $10 billion buyback, boosts dividend and reinstates 2023 guidance after UAW strikes”

“…The Detroit automaker plans to increase its quarterly dividend next year by 33% to 12 cents per share; initiate an accelerated $10 billion share repurchase program; and reinstate its 2023 guidance to include an estimated $1.1 billion in earnings before interest… Continue Reading…

Business

“Ford to scale back plans for $3.5 billion Michigan battery plant as EV demand disappoints, labor costs rise”

“Ford Motor is scaling back plans for a $3.5 billion battery plant in Michigan as consumers shift to electric vehicles more slowly than expected, labor costs rise and the company moves to cut costs…” https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/21/ford-scales-back-ev-battery-plant-in-michigan.html Ford sees the writing on the… Continue Reading…

Banking

“IMF says central bank digital currencies can replace cash: ‘This is not the time to turn back’”

” Central bank digital currencies have the potential to replace cash, but adoption could take time, said Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund on Wednesday… The IMF has said that more than 100 countries are exploring CBDCs – or approximately 60% of… Continue Reading…

Real Estate

“…Now the 8% mortgage rate is back”

“…Now the popular 30-year fixed mortgage rate is at 8%, the highest in decades, making things even tougher. Mortgage demand is at its lowest point in nearly 30 years… Would-be sellers, meanwhile, are trapped. They have little desire to trade the 3% rate… Continue Reading…

Economy

“COVID masks are back as Canadian wildfires fill skies with smoke”

“Just when it seemed safe to unmask, some Canadians are donning the face coverings made ubiquitous during the coronavirus pandemic as a protection against hazardous smoky conditions as wildfires ravage much of the country. Canada is seeing its worst-ever start… Continue Reading…

Business, Stocks

“Home Depot Tops Earnings Estimates, Launches $15 Billion Stock Buyback”

https://finance.yahoo.com/m/7a5dbac6-51ee-38c9-8218-f8bd736dac4e/home-depot-tops-earnings.html The article is behind a paywall but the headline is useful. There’s a 15 billion dollar buyback.