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Mortgage rates fall to 5.98%: Freddie Mac

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Mortgage rates fall to 5.98%: Freddie Mac

Mortgage rates fell below 6% this week for the first time in three and a half years, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday.

Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, released Thursday, showed the average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 5.98% from last week’s reading of 6.01%. 

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The average rate on a 30-year loan was 6.76% a year ago. It was most recently under 6% on Sept. 8, 2022, at 5.89%.

RENT BECOMING MORE AFFORDABLE FOR MANY AMERICANS AS MARKET STABILIZES

People outside a home for sale.

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 5.98% from last week’s reading of 6.01%. (David Ryder/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“This rate, combined with the improving availability of homes for sale, is meaningful and will drive more potential buyers into the market for spring homebuying season,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.

The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage increased to 5.44% from last week’s reading of 5.35%.

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TEXAS CAPITAL’S HOUSEHOLD GROWTH SURGES, FAR OUTPACING NATIONAL RATE

Mortgage rates are affected by several factors, including the Federal Reserve and geopolitics. Though mortgage rates are not directly affected by the Fed’s interest rate decisions, they closely track the 10-year Treasury yield. The 10-year yield hovered around 4.02% as of Thursday afternoon.

Realtor.com economist Jiayi Xu said the dip in rates comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling against the Trump administration’s use of emergency tariff powers.

US HOME PRICES ARE RISING – BUT THESE FAST-GROWING MARKETS REMAIN AFFORDABLE

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New homes for sale in Encinitas, California.

The average rate on a 15-year fixed mortgage rose to 5.44% from last week’s reading of 5.35%. (Mike Blake/Reuters)

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“This legal tug-of-war has triggered a flight to safety among investors, pushing bond prices higher and yields lower, helping mortgage rates settle around 6%,” Xu said. “However, as this week’s decline stems from market volatility rather than fundamental economic data, more supportive economic data is needed to establish a consistent trend.”

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FTC chair calls $100M Walmart settlement a ‘huge win for American workers’

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FTC chair calls $100M Walmart settlement a ‘huge win for American workers’

Walmart has agreed to a $100 million judgment to settle allegations that it deceived delivery drivers about their pay and tips, the Federal Trade Commission announced Thursday — a move FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson touted as “a huge win for American workers.”

“We had been investigating Walmart and its representations that it was making to its delivery drivers that millions of Americans use all across the country, and the consumers who are using the delivery services, about how much delivery drivers were going to be paid, whether the entirety of your tip was actually going to go to drivers, which is what Walmart was telling both drivers and consumers,” Ferguson told “Varney & Co.”

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“What we concluded in our investigation is that… Walmart was misrepresenting both how much drivers were going to get paid and where tips were going, both to drivers and consumers, and that meant that drivers were denied millions and millions of dollars that they thought they were going to get when they signed up to do these jobs for Walmart.”

UBER IN HOT SEAT AS PROBE FINDS VIOLENT OFFENDERS WERE CLEARED TO DRIVE PASSENGERS: REPORT

FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson

Andrew Ferguson, chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), during a Bloomberg Television interview in Washington, D.C. on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025.  (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Ferguson said the settlement will require Walmart to pay $100 million to drivers who “were denied the full compensation that they had been promised.”

He said the development also requires the company to “redo its business practices to make sure drivers get what they’re promised” and ensure representations made to both drivers and consumers are “correct [and] accurate,” and that the company “will live up to its promises.”

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The FTC, along with 11 states, accused the retail giant of deceiving Spark delivery drivers about “base pay, incentive pay and tips they could earn,” leaving them to “lose tens of millions of dollars’ worth of earnings,” according to the agency’s public affairs office.

AMAZON PRIME SETTLEMENT COULD PUT MONEY BACK IN YOUR POCKET

The outside of a walmart store

This photo shows a Walmart store exterior in Salinas, Calif. on April 8, 2014.  (iStock / iStock)

“Labor markets cannot function efficiently without truthful and non-misleading information about earnings and other material terms,” FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Christopher Mufarrige said in the press release.

A Walmart spokesperson told Reuters that the company has compensated affected drivers and is continuing to issue additional payments where necessary.

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“We value the hard work and dedication of the drivers who deliver great service and products to our customers… We are continuously improving procedures to ensure fairness and transparency for drivers,” the spokesperson told the outlet.

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Ferguson told FOX Business that the outcome isn’t limited to Walmart.

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“Any of the sort of gig delivery services that try to induce people to do deliveries by making promises about compensation have to be honest about those promises, and we’re going to hold everyone to account – not just Walmart,” he said.

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FBI Returns Home to Family After Final Sweep, $1 Million Reward Yields Hundreds of Tips

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US woman Denyse Holt always shared her daily Wordle score, so when she missed a day, her daughter immediately knew something was wrong

The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, stretched into its fourth week on Thursday with authorities preparing to return her Tucson-area home to the family following a final FBI evidence sweep.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen entering her residence on Jan. 31, 2026, and was reported missing Feb. 1 after failing to appear at church. Investigators quickly classified the case as an abduction, citing evidence that she was taken against her will. Multiple ransom notes have surfaced, though details remain limited to protect the investigation.

Savannah Guthrie twitter
Savannah Guthrie

In a emotional video posted to Instagram on Tuesday, Savannah Guthrie announced that her family is offering up to $1 million for information leading to her mother’s safe return — or recovery if the worst is feared.

“We are desperate to find her,” Savannah Guthrie said in the video. “We also know that she may be lost. She may already be gone.” The plea highlighted the family’s anguish after more than three weeks without contact.

The reward announcement triggered an immediate surge in tips. A senior official familiar with the probe told NBC News that the FBI tip line has received over 23,000 calls since the disappearance began, including more than 750 in the first 12 hours after the reward was publicized. Authorities describe some as credible, though no arrests or named suspects have been announced publicly.

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On Wednesday, a flurry of FBI activity at the Guthrie home signaled a final forensic sweep before releasing the property back to the family. Sources told multiple outlets, including NBC News, NewsNation and the New York Post, that agents collected additional evidence, including mixed DNA samples noted earlier in the investigation. The return of the home marks a procedural shift as the case enters a prolonged phase without major breakthroughs.

Pima County authorities and the FBI have released limited details, including doorbell footage showing a masked individual with a backpack near the property, possibly surveilling it beforehand. Volunteers have assisted in searches, discovering items like a backpack in a nearby storm drain, but connections to the case remain unconfirmed.

Online speculation has swirled, with some amateur investigators focusing on individuals peripherally connected to the family, including a bandmate of one son-in-law. Dominic Evans, identified in reports as a schoolteacher, publicly denied any involvement in interviews, telling The New York Times that false accusations stem from “clickbait” and misinformation.

A recent briefing featured a county sheriff addressing “new developments,” though specifics were not disclosed publicly. Retired FBI agents consulted by media outlets have noted the challenges in abduction cases involving elderly victims, emphasizing the importance of tips while cautioning against premature conclusions.

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Savannah Guthrie has used her platform sparingly but powerfully, urging the public to come forward. The family has expressed willingness to pay a ransom if demanded, though no verified contact from abductors has been confirmed in recent reports.

The case has drawn national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s prominence as a journalist and co-anchor. Colleagues and viewers have rallied in support, amplifying calls for information.

As Day 26 dawned, optimism remained tempered by the passage of time. Investigators continue canvassing leads, analyzing evidence and following up on the influx of tips spurred by the reward. The FBI maintains an active tip line, and authorities urge anyone with information — no matter how small — to contact them.

The Guthrie family continues to hold out hope amid the uncertainty. “We just want her home,” Savannah Guthrie has repeatedly emphasized.

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'Is this all good debt or bad debt?'

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'Is this all good debt or bad debt?'

Karen has not only left the family in emotional turmoil but also serious debt

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WNBA star Breanna Stewart partners with Throne SPORT COFFEE

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WNBA star Breanna Stewart partners with Throne SPORT COFFEE

Between her hard work on the court as a WNBA superstar, and her duties as a mother at home, Breanna Stewart needs some caffeine throughout the day to keep her going.

But Stewart isn’t just drinking any coffee to get her fix — she’s partnered with a brand that is perfect for the pro athlete she is.

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Stewart has joined Throne SPORT COFFEE, becoming the first female athlete to partner with the brand that prides itself on being much more than just a coffee provider. It has natural caffeine, 100% daily value of vitamin B and is NSF Certified for Sport.

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Breanna Stewart and Throne SPORT COFFEE

WNBA star Breanna Stewart became the first female athlete to partner with Throne SPORT COFFEE. (Throne SPORT COFFEE / Fox News)

Beverage industry vet Michael Fedele created the COFFEE PLUS+ formula for both the brand’s premium charges lattes and cold brews, which offers 150mg of natural caffeine as well as 10 grams of protein for recovery — just what’s needed for athletes like Stewart.

“It just seems really natural and fitting for me,” she told FOX Business in an exclusive interview about the partnership. “I think that being an athlete, being a mom, there’s so many reasons why we constantly need caffeine. But to have it in a healthy way, and also have the protein in it — every time I walk in the gym I’m having one. I’m letting everyone know that not only am I drinking coffee, but I’m getting so positive protein benefit as well.”

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‘UNRIVALED’ WOMEN’S BASKETBALL LEAGUE SILENCES CRITICS AFTER RECORD-BREAKING ATTENDANCE IN FIRST TOUR STOP

Stewart said that she loves to go with the mocha, salted caramel or just plain black coffee. But it’s the perfect pick-me-up when she’s ready to take the court, hit the gym or get in any physical activity to better herself for her games.

Stewart also joins a star-studded group of partners, which includes Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, becoming an immediate face of the coffee brand.

Breanna Stewart looks on court

Breanna Stewart of the Mist reacts against the Lunar Owls during the second half of the Unrivaled 2026 game at Sephora Arena on Jan. 17, 2026 in Medley, Florida. (Tomas Diniz Santos/Getty Images / Getty Images)

“It’s a huge win and I think just to see athletes like myself [and] Patrick Mahomes continue to partner with Throne just shows why. Because all of these supplements — vitamin B, protein and natural caffeine — is essential to help us be our best on and off the court, or on and off the field, they say in football. I’m really excited it all came to fruition.”

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Today, professional athletes have to worry about what they put in their bodies more than ever considering regulations and banned substances.

What sets Throne SPORT COFFEE apart from the rest is having its products independently tested and NSF Certified for Sport, meaning athletes like Stewart, and every other consumer, knows that quality and safety are in the beverage.

“As an athlete, you don’t want to think about [it], or constantly check labels, especially with the national team and those type of things coming up. Knowing it’s a safe and healthy drink is perfect for us,” she said.

Breanna Stewart looks on court

Breanna Stewart of the Mist shoots the ball against the Vinyl during the fourth quarter of the game at Sephora Arena on Jan. 25, 2026 in Medley, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images / Getty Images)

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While Throne SPORT COFFEE is spotted in the fridges at Unrivaled Basketball, Stewart’s three-on-three league she co-founded with fellow WNBA star Napheesa Collier, she’s excited to get back with her Liberty teammates and get them involved, too.

“Once I get back to New York, I’ll make sure I put some in the locker room on a consistent basis,” she said.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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SpaceX-xAI Merger Fuels Space-Based AI Ambitions as Wealth Nears Trillion-Dollar

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Shanghai

Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, continues to reshape industries from space exploration to artificial intelligence, with his recent acquisition of xAI by SpaceX marking one of the most significant corporate consolidations in history.

Elon Musk Says SpaceX-xAI Merger Will Form ' Most Ambitious'

The February 2026 merger, which valued the combined entity at $1.25 trillion — SpaceX at $1 trillion and xAI at $250 billion — has positioned Musk’s ventures as a vertically integrated powerhouse spanning rockets, satellites, AI development, and social media through X (formerly Twitter). Musk described the move in a SpaceX blog post as creating “the most ambitious, vertically-integrated innovation engine on (and off) Earth,” with plans to deploy AI data centers in orbit powered by limitless solar energy and Starlink connectivity.

The deal comes amid Musk’s push to overcome terrestrial constraints on AI compute, including energy shortages, regulatory hurdles, and land limitations. Experts have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of orbital data centers due to launch costs, radiation risks, latency issues, and maintenance challenges, but Musk has doubled down, stating in recent comments that SpaceX is shifting focus toward building a “self-growing city” on the moon within the next decade.

Musk’s net worth, estimated by Forbes at around $845 billion to nearing $900 billion as of late February 2026, edges closer to trillionaire status, driven largely by SpaceX’s valuation surge and Tesla’s ongoing role in the electric vehicle and autonomy markets. A new Oxfam analysis highlighted Tesla’s contribution to U.S. inequality as a factor in Musk’s wealth accumulation, noting his extreme fortune amid broader economic disparities.

Tesla faces headwinds, including a first-ever annual revenue decline reported earlier in 2026 and a federal judge’s decision upholding a $243 million verdict in a fatal Autopilot crash case from 2019. Despite these, Musk has teased advancements in Full Self-Driving software, including upcoming voice commands, and progress on the Cybercab robotaxi. He recently claimed Tesla has “solved” dry electrode manufacturing, a key hurdle for next-generation batteries.

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In AI, Musk’s xAI — now under the SpaceX umbrella — continues developing Grok, facing scrutiny from regulators. The European Union launched probes into Grok’s features over deepfake capabilities, including nonconsensual undressing images, while U.S. House Democrats opened an investigation into similar concerns on X. Musk has countered criticisms, including accusing rival Anthropic of large-scale data theft for training its Claude model, sharing Community Notes alleging a $1.5 billion settlement over pirated books.

Musk’s political influence remains prominent. He has advocated for stricter election laws, endorsing the SAVE Act with photo ID requirements ahead of the 2026 midterms, warning that without it, democracy could end. On X, he frequently comments on Senate proceedings, criticizing delays on voter integrity bills and mocking what he called a “dog parade” in the chamber instead of legislative action.

Other ventures show momentum. The Boring Company is tunneling simultaneously in Nevada, Texas, and Tennessee at costs reportedly 99% lower than traditional methods, expanding projects like the Vegas Loop and Nashville Music City Loop. Neuralink’s brain-computer interface work has inspired a surge in similar efforts in China.

Musk’s public statements on X often spark controversy. He recently called Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum a potential “cartel plant” without evidence following a major cartel leader’s death, prompting her government to consider legal action. He also reignited his feud with Bill Gates, posting “Karma is real” in response to reports about Gates and linking it to Tesla short sellers, while warning that Tesla’s potential dominance could bankrupt even Gates.

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In a recent all-hands meeting at xAI, Musk emphasized speed in AI development, massive compute scaling, and future breakthroughs like code-free binary generation. The Pentagon reached a deal to use Grok in classified systems, underscoring xAI’s growing role in defense applications.

As Musk’s companies intertwine more tightly, questions persist about governance in his sprawling empire, potential conflicts of interest, and the long-term viability of ambitious goals like lunar cities and orbital AI. Yet his track record of defying skeptics — from reusable rockets to mass-market EVs — keeps investors and observers watching closely.

The SpaceX-xAI merger, ahead of a potential SpaceX IPO later in 2026, may redefine how private conglomerates operate in emerging tech frontiers. For now, Musk’s focus remains outward — toward the stars, where he sees the future of intelligence unbound by Earth’s limits.

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Firm’s giant distribution centre approved for airport site

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Roofing Supplies Group expanding at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone

The site for the proposed new storage and distribution centre at the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone

The site for the proposed new storage and distribution centre by Blackpool Airport (Image: Google/LDRS)

Plans for a huge new storage and distribution centre which could bring in extra jobs have been given the green light.

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Blackpool Council’s planning committee, meeting on Tuesday February 25, unanimously approved the reserved reserved matters application for the construction of the new 1,742sqm facility at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

Applicants Roofing Supplies Group Ltd are looking to expand further, having become one of the leading independent roofing merchants in the North West.

The firm already has two existing depots close to the application site and it is intended to amalgamate the operations of both onto the new development with a modern, fit for purpose facility.

The Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone is a 144-hectare economic development area spanning Blackpool and Fylde, established in 2016 to create up to 5,000 jobs by 2041.

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It already features over 200 businesses, specialising in aviation, advanced manufacturing, and digital technology, but it is undergoing a major expansion, with a new £18.5m access road and infrastructure works set to complete this year, opening up 10.5 hectares of new development land. The new storage and distribution centre is part of that developing landscape.

A planning statement on behalf of the applicants stated: “Roofing Supplies Group Ltd were established in 2001 and have since grown to become a leading independent roofing merchant in the North West.

“The company specialises in supplying a comprehensive range of roofing materials for both pitched and flat roof developments.

“They currently have branches in St Annes, Manchester, St Helens, Morecambe, Carlisle, Deeside and Burnley and are looking to improve the efficiency of their business.

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“The company has two existing depots close to the application site and it is intended to amalgamate the operations of both onto the new development with a modern, fit for purpose facility. “

The proposals comprise a double heighted storage and distribution facility with mezzanine floor, with the ridge height of the building measuring 7.902m.

The scheme also includes a service yard to the rear of the site, containing the bin store as well as open storage racking, and extensive landscaping.

The earlier outline planning consent, which was approved last year, included several conditions which the applicants agree will be adhered to throughout the development of this project.

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To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.

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Dollar Falls as Risk Sentiment Recovers

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Stocks Little Changed After Fed Decision

The dollar edged lower against a basket of currencies as a recovery in risk sentiment drives investors away from safe-haven assets.

A deal for social-media giant Meta Platforms to buy AI chips from Advanced Micro Devices helped U.S. stocks recover overnight.

AI lab Anthropic’s announcement about tools that could potentially be used in combination with existing software, rather as a replacement, also boosted sentiment along with improved consumer confidence data.

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Walmart to pay $100m over claims it misled drivers over pay

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Walmart to pay $100m over claims it misled drivers over pay

The company told drivers they could expect to receive more in pay and tips than they actually did.

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Millrose Properties: An Attractive 9+% Yield As Portfolio Ramps Up

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Millrose Properties: An Attractive 9+% Yield As Portfolio Ramps Up

Millrose Properties: An Attractive 9+% Yield As Portfolio Ramps Up

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(VIDEO) Jets Trade Pass Rusher Jermaine Johnson to Titans for Defensive Tackle T’Vondre Sweat

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Jermaine Johnson

The New York Jets and Tennessee Titans agreed Thursday to a player-for-player swap that sends edge rusher Jermaine Johnson to Tennessee for nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat, a deal that reunites Johnson with his former coach Robert Saleh while giving the Jets a promising young run-stuffer on a cost-controlled contract.

Jermaine Johnson
Jermaine Johnson

The trade, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and confirmed by multiple sources including NFL Network, ESPN and the Associated Press, cannot be officially processed until the start of the new league year in March. Both players must pass physicals for the deal to become final.

Johnson, 27, was the Jets’ first-round pick (No. 26 overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft under Saleh, who was then New York’s head coach. The Florida State product spent four seasons with the Jets, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2023 after recording a career-high 7.5 sacks. Last season, he appeared in 14 games with 13 starts, finishing with 43 combined tackles, six quarterback hits and 3.0 sacks. Over his career, Johnson has 131 tackles, 27 quarterback hits and 13 sacks in 47 games.

The move marks the latest exodus of a former first-round pick from New York. The Jets previously traded star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys at last year’s trade deadline, signaling a significant roster overhaul under new leadership.

For the Titans, the acquisition brings back a familiar face. Saleh, hired as Tennessee’s head coach this offseason after his Jets tenure, now reunites with the player he helped draft. Johnson will play the 2026 season on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, providing immediate pass-rush help for a Titans defense looking to rebound from a 3-14 campaign in 2025.

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Sweat, 24, was selected by the Titans in the second round (No. 38 overall) of the 2024 draft out of Texas. The 6-foot-4, 366-pound defensive tackle played in 12 games last season, recording 34 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks and three quarterback hits. Pro Football Focus ranked him among the top run-stoppers at his position in 2025, with the sixth-best grade among defensive tackles as a run defender.

Analysts have praised the Jets for acquiring Sweat, who has two years remaining on his rookie deal and cannot be extended until after the 2026 season. Trading Johnson, whose fifth-year option carries a cap hit of approximately $13.4 million in 2026, allows New York to create salary-cap flexibility while adding a high-upside interior defender to pair with existing pieces like Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs.

Sweat is expected to fit well in the scheme new Jets defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn plans to implement in 2026. Glenn, who will also call plays, has emphasized building a stout run defense, and Sweat’s size and quickness make him an ideal nose tackle in a 4-3 alignment.

Trade grades from major outlets leaned toward the Jets as the winners in the exchange. CBS Sports highlighted New York’s gain in contract control and positional value, noting Sweat’s youth and production against the run. Sports Illustrated suggested the deal positions the Jets to target a top edge rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft with their high selection, potentially the No. 2 overall pick.

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For Tennessee, the trade represents a bet on Johnson’s upside under Saleh’s guidance. Despite a dip in production last season, Johnson’s athletic traits and experience make him a potential reclamation project for a Titans team rebuilding after a disappointing year. The move adds veteran presence to an edge group needing reinforcement.

This swap is one of the earliest significant player trades in recent NFL history, occurring well before free agency and the draft. It reflects both teams’ strategic priorities: New York shedding salary and repositioning for youth and draft capital, Tennessee leveraging a coaching reunion to bolster its pass rush.

Neither team has commented officially on the deal as of Thursday afternoon. The trade underscores the Jets’ continued transformation, with multiple high-profile departures reshaping the roster ahead of what could be a pivotal offseason.

As the league year approaches, attention will turn to how both players integrate into their new schemes and whether this exchange proves beneficial long-term. For now, it’s a notable early move in what promises to be an active period for NFL transactions.

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