The United States’ growing housing shortage, rising construction costs and a limited supply of skilled labor are pushing builders to look beyond traditional methods. Three-dimensional printing is quickly moving from concept to real-world use.

Once confined to small pilot projects, 3D-printed homes are now being built and sold in active U.S. neighborhoods. The technology replaces much of the framing process by using large-scale printers that extrude layers of concrete, allowing walls to take shape in a fraction of the time required with standard construction.

HOMEBUILDERS REPORTEDLY DEVELOPING ‘TRUMP HOMES’ PROGRAM TO IMPROVE AFFORDABILITY

FOX Business’ Jeff Flock joined Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria” from a 3D-printed housing development in Austin, Texas, where the technology is already being put to work.

Supporters say the approach offers more than just speed. Jason Ballard, co-Founder and CEO of ICON, says the technology addresses multiple pain points facing the housing market, including affordability and durability.

“It is more energy efficient… stronger, resilient to natural disasters… it is like measurably better in every way that we care to measure buildings,” Ballard said.

JUST 17% OF VOTERS THINK NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO BUY A HOME AS AFFORDABILITY CONCERNS WEIGH: POLL

The appeal is already reaching buyers. Developments featuring 3D-printed homes have drawn interest from first-time homebuyers looking for solid construction and long-term efficiency. The concrete walls are designed to resist pests, weather and structural wear, while curved interiors allow builders greater flexibility in layout and design.

One early buyer, Vicky Pridgen, suggested the material itself helped shape her decision.

“It would take a lot to like break down these walls or have like ants funnel through the layers of concrete, so it seems sturdy to me,” Pridgen said.

As housing demand continues to outpace supply in many parts of the country, builders are focusing on methods that reduce building time without sacrificing quality. With labor shortages and construction costs remaining high, some builders are turning to alternative construction methods, including 3D printing.

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Manchester United welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford on Saturday for a Premier League clash that pits a revitalized home side against a Spurs team mired in a prolonged slump, with interim manager Michael Carrick aiming to extend his perfect start in charge.
The match kicks off at 12:30 p.m. GMT (7:30 a.m. ET), refereed by Michael Oliver with Paul Tierney on VAR. Broadcast options include TNT Sports in the U.K. and various international feeds, with live streaming available on platforms carrying Premier League rights.

United enter the fixture in fourth place in the table with 41 points from 24 matches (11 wins, 8 draws, 5 losses), boasting a goal difference of +8 after scoring 44 and conceding 36. Their recent resurgence under Carrick — who took over following a managerial change — has seen three consecutive Premier League victories against high-profile opponents: Manchester City, Arsenal and most recently a 3-2 home win over Fulham on Feb. 1, where Benjamin Sesko’s stoppage-time strike sealed the deal.

That triumph extended United’s unbeaten run to seven matches across all competitions, lifting them firmly into the Champions League qualification spots, just five points behind third-placed Aston Villa. Carrick, a former United midfielder and coach, has instilled confidence and tactical discipline, with the team showing improved defensive solidity and clinical finishing. Key contributors include Bruno Fernandes, whose creativity and set-piece threat remain central, alongside emerging talents like Kobbie Mainoo in midfield and forwards such as Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

The Red Devils have named an unchanged starting lineup for the match, signaling trust in the group that has delivered recent results. Defenders like Lisandro Martínez, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw provide a robust backline, supported by Diogo Dalot and full-back options. Casemiro anchors the midfield, allowing Amad Diallo and Fernandes freedom to link with attackers.

At Old Trafford, United have been particularly strong this season, winning seven of 12 home league games (3 draws, 2 losses) while scoring 23 goals. Their home advantage — bolstered by a passionate crowd — has been a factor in the turnaround, with the team unbeaten in their last several matches at the Theatre of Dreams.

Tottenham, meanwhile, sit 14th with 29 points from 24 games (7 wins, 8 draws, 9 losses), a +2 goal difference from 35 scored and 33 conceded. Their form has been poor, especially at home where they have won just two of 12 league matches, but they show slightly better away resilience (5 wins, 4 draws, 3 losses on the road).

Spurs have endured a six-match winless run in the league heading into this fixture, though they salvaged a 2-2 draw against Manchester City last weekend, with Dominic Solanke scoring twice to rescue a point. Under manager Thomas Frank — who succeeded in a previous role — the team has struggled with consistency, injuries and defensive vulnerabilities.

Tottenham make three changes for the visit, with Micky van de Ven returning to the starting lineup to bolster the backline alongside Cristian Romero. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario starts, with midfielders like João Palhinha featuring. The squad has been hampered by injuries, leaving them short in key areas and contributing to their mid-table position.

Head-to-head, recent encounters favor Spurs: they are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with United across all competitions (5 wins, 3 draws), including a 2-2 draw in their most recent league clash and results from last season’s Europa League final. However, United’s current momentum contrasts sharply with Tottenham’s struggles, and many analysts see this as a winnable game for the hosts.

Preview analyses from outlets like Sports Illustrated, The Sun and Evening Standard highlight United’s confidence. Predictions lean toward a home win, with scores like 2-1 commonly suggested. Betting markets favor United, citing their form, home record and Spurs’ injury issues. Key battles include Fernandes vs. Palhinha in midfield, and United’s attackers exploiting Tottenham’s leaky defense.

For United, victory would solidify their top-four push and strengthen Carrick’s case for the permanent role. A loss or draw could halt momentum in a tightly contested race for European spots. Tottenham need points desperately to climb away from the lower mid-table and rebuild confidence.

The fixture is Matchweek 25 of the 2025-26 Premier League season. Both teams played last weekend — United winning at home, Spurs drawing — setting up contrasting moods at Old Trafford.

As kickoff approaches, focus remains on United’s revival and whether Tottenham can end their drought against their rivals. Fans anticipate an entertaining contest between two historic clubs with attacking talent on display.

Australia has once again fallen outside the world’s top 10 happiest nations in the latest World Happiness Report, maintaining its 11th-place position from the previous year amid ongoing discussions about social connections, economic pressures and generational wellbeing trends, according to data released in early 2026.

The annual World Happiness Report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in partnership with Gallup and the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, ranks countries based on how people evaluate their own lives on a 0-10 Cantril Ladder scale. The 2026 edition, building on surveys from 2023-2025, continues to highlight Nordic dominance at the top while noting shifts in other regions.

Finland retained its crown as the happiest country for the ninth consecutive year, with a score of approximately 7.74 out of 10. Denmark followed closely in second, then Iceland, Sweden and the Netherlands rounding out the top five. Costa Rica and Norway held strong positions in the upper ranks, with Israel, Luxembourg and Mexico completing the top 10 in various analyses.

Australia scored around 6.97 to 7.06 in recent compilations, placing it solidly at 11th — just behind Mexico and ahead of New Zealand at 12th. This marks a continuation of a gradual slide: Australia was 10th in 2024 before dropping to 11th in 2025 and holding steady into 2026. The slight dip reflects broader patterns in English-speaking countries, where younger generations have reported declining life satisfaction in recent reports.

The rankings draw from Gallup World Poll data, averaging life evaluations over three years to smooth annual fluctuations. Six key variables explain much of the differences: GDP per capita, social support (having someone to count on in times of trouble), healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity and perceptions of corruption. Additional factors like positive and negative emotions, benevolence acts (donating, volunteering, helping strangers) and caring behaviors featured prominently in recent editions.

In the 2025 report — the most recent full edition widely referenced as of early 2026 — the focus was on “caring and sharing,” examining how acts of kindness and social bonds boost both givers’ and receivers’ happiness. Researchers found people often underestimate others’ willingness to help, leading to missed opportunities for connection. The 2026 edition is anticipated to delve into social media’s complex role in wellbeing, following a call for proposals in mid-2025 to address debates over its impact on youth happiness and global trends.

Experts attribute Nordic success to strong social safety nets, high trust in institutions, work-life balance and access to nature. Finland’s consistent lead stems from robust social support, low corruption perceptions and a culture emphasizing equality and community.
For Australia, the 11th ranking remains respectable among 140+ nations but signals challenges. High GDP per capita and life expectancy bolster its score, yet factors like social isolation among youth, housing affordability pressures and work-related stress may contribute to the slide. Reports note a gradual decline in Australian happiness scores since the early 2010s, mirroring trends in the United States (24th in 2025) and other Anglophone nations where younger people report lower satisfaction.

The report underscores generational divides. In many wealthy countries, including Australia, older adults tend to rate their lives higher than younger cohorts. English-speaking nations show sharper youth declines, potentially linked to social media, economic uncertainty and changing social norms. Benevolence measures — such as donating or helping strangers — rank Australia well (often in the top 20-30 globally), suggesting strong community spirit despite overall life evaluation dips.

Comparatively, Latin American entries like Costa Rica (6th) and Mexico (10th) highlight how strong family ties, cultural emphasis on relationships and optimism can elevate happiness despite lower GDP. These nations entered or re-entered the top 10 recently, displacing some traditional high-rankers.

The United States continued its downward trajectory to 24th in 2025, its lowest ever, attributed to polarization, inequality and youth mental health struggles. Canada (18th) and the United Kingdom (23rd) also lagged behind Nordic peers.
Australia’s position prompts reflection on policy priorities. Advocates call for investments in mental health services, affordable housing and community programs to strengthen social support. The country’s high volunteerism and helping-stranger rates offer strengths to build upon.

The World Happiness Report does not dictate policy but informs it. Governments increasingly use wellbeing metrics alongside GDP. Australia’s steady high ranking affirms quality of life advantages — universal healthcare, natural beauty, outdoor lifestyle — while the drop from top-10 status urges attention to emerging issues.

As the 2026 report’s full details emerge (expected around March 20, International Day of Happiness), focus may shift to social media’s dual role: connecting people yet contributing to comparison and isolation, especially among youth.

For Australians, the ranking serves as both reassurance and reminder: life down under remains enviable by global standards, yet sustaining happiness requires nurturing social bonds in a changing world.

The full dataset and interactive tools are available on worldhappiness.report, allowing comparisons across variables and years.

In a 6-day trading week, the Nifty traded with heightened volatility throughout the week and ended with gains. The week was marked by sharp swings as markets first reacted nervously to the Union Budget announced on Sunday, followed by a strong positive response to the India–US deal that led to a gap-up move.

As a result, the index oscillated in a wide intra-week range of 1661.80 points before settling higher. India VIX cooled off meaningfully over the week, declining by about 12%, reflecting easing volatility after the event-heavy phase.

On a weekly basis, the Nifty posted a gain of 373 points. Structurally, the broader trend of the market remains positive, though the index is currently navigating a consolidation phase after a strong up-move.

On the weekly chart, Nifty continues to hold above its key medium-term moving averages, but recent price action shows hesitation near the upper end of the rising channel. The index is dealing with a supply zone around the recent highs, where selling pressure has emerged repeatedly.

While the primary trend is still up, a sustained move above the recent swing high would be required to reassert momentum on the upside, whereas a decisive break below the lower end of the recent consolidation band could trigger a deeper corrective move. For the coming week, the markets may see a positive start after the volatile but event driven week gone by.
Immediate resistance for the Nifty is placed around 26,000, followed by a stronger hurdle near 26,300. On the downside, supports are seen at 25,400, with the next important support placed near 24,850, which also coincides with key moving average support.
Momentum indicators present a neutral-to-slightly-positive picture. The weekly RSI is placed near 53, staying in the neutral zone and not indicating any bullish or bearish divergence against price.
The weekly MACD remains below its signal line, but the histogram has started to narrow, suggesting a loss of downside momentum. On the candlestick front, the week has resulted in a relatively long-range candle, highlighting volatility and indecision near higher levels rather than outright strength.

From a pattern perspective, the weekly chart shows Nifty closing above the falling trendline support. The recent pullback from the highs does not damage the larger trend, as the index continues to trade comfortably above its 50-week and 100-week moving averages. This setup suggests that the long-term trend is intact, but short-term consolidation cannot be ruled out.

Given the current setup, traders and investors should adopt a balanced and selective approach in the coming week. Aggressive long positions may be avoided until the index shows a clear breakout above resistance, while existing positions should be managed with disciplined trailing stops to protect gains. Fresh opportunities are likely to remain stock-specific rather than index-led.

Overall, the focus for the week ahead should be on prudent risk management, selective participation, and closely tracking how the index behaves around the identified support and resistance zones.

In our look at Relative Rotation Graphs®, we compared various sectors against the CNX500 (NIFTY 500 Index), representing over 95% of the free-float market cap of all the listed stocks.

Relative Rotation Graphs (RRG) show that the Nifty Financial Services, IT, Banknifty, Services Sector, Metal, and the PSU Bank Indices are inside the leading quadrant of the RRG. While some relative momentum is being lost on the PSU Banks, these groups will continue to relatively outperform the broader markets.

The Nifty Midcap 100 Index has rolled inside the weakening quadrant. This may see a slowdown in the Midcap Index’s relative performance. Along with this, the Nifty Auto and the Infrastructure Indices are also inside the weakening quadrant.

The Nifty Realty and the FMCG Indices languish inside the lagging quadrant with the Realty Index showing a slight improvement in its relative momentum. The Energy Index has rolled inside the improving quadrant. Besides this, the Media Index is also inside the improving quadrant.

Important Note: RRG™ charts show the relative strength and momentum of a group of stocks. In the above Chart, they show relative performance against NIFTY500 Index (Broader Markets) and should not be used directly as buy or sell signals.

(The author Milan Vaishnav is CMT, MSTA Consulting Technical Analyst)

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

The Dow industrials crossed the 50000-point threshold for the first time Friday.

The blue-chip average soared more than 2%, about 1,100 points, to the new record level. All but two of the 30 stocks in the blue-chip average rose on the day. Nvidia gained around 7%. Caterpillar added 6%. 3M rose 4%.

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