• Wed, March 19, 2025

by: IOL

Public comment invited on R100bn draft Transformation Fund for black-owned businesses

Minister Parks Tau has unveiled the R100 billion Draft Transformation Fund aimed at empowering black-owned businesses, now open for public comment until May 7

by: CNBC

Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady: What that means for mortgages, credit cards and more

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at the end of its two-day meeting on March 19. Although the central bank is on the sidelines, for now, some consumer loan rates are starting to ease, giving households a little breathing room.

by: Bloomberg

Elon Musk's X Raises Almost $1 Billion in New Equity Funding

Elon Musk's social network X has raised close to $1 billion in new equity from investors in a deal that values the company at roughly $32 billion, according to people with knowledge of the matter — a valuation in line with when Musk took it private in 2022.

by: WYTV

'An amazing culture': Business wins distinguished award

A locally owned and operated home improvement franchise is being recognized once again for its sales, service and volume.

by: MarketWatch

Discount retailer Ollie's adds Big Lots stores, and a jewelry seller retreats from malls

Retailers have responded to a long period of inflation with a renewed emphasis on value over less essential products.

by: GOBankingRates

Credit Counseling Explained: How It Works and When To Use It

What is credit counseling? Learn how it provides guidance on debt repayment, budgeting and financial planning. See if it's the right choice for you.

by: Newsweek

Bridging Eastern and Western Values To Evolve Web3

Web3 doesn't belong to any one country or region. To succeed, it must adopt the best practices and mindsets from around the world. Different approaches don't need to be in conflict. In fact, their integration can drive the next wave of innovation.

by: AOL

Nvidia's Huang isn't shying away from DeepSeek, says AI needs 100x more computing power

CEO Jensen Huang isn't sounding the alarm over the introduction of AI models like China's inexpensively trained DeepSeek R1. Instead, the chip executive said the world needs far more computing power to handle so-called reasoning and agentic AI applications than previously anticipated.

by: CNET

Fed Pauses Interest Rate Cuts. Where Do Mortgage Rates Go From Here?

The Fed's pause could keep mortgage interest rates — which are sensitive to fiscal policy and economic growth — higher for longer. If you're in the market for a new home, average mortgage rates are projected to stay above 6% for a while.

by: Investopedia

S&P 500 Gains and Losses Today: Boeing Surges on Several Positive Signals

The S&P 500 added 1.1% on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, as the Fed held interest rates steady, reaffirming plans for future cuts but expressing caution on inflation and growth.

by: Fortune

Trump's tariffs and policies are putting America's economy at risk: Consumer Technology Association CEO

Higher tariffs are already creating "cost shocks" for businesses, which for many will be passed on to consumers.

by: Kiplinger

The SSA Is Changing How You Apply for Benefits and Update Your Direct Deposit Information: Here's What You Need to Know

The SSA is transitioning to stronger identity verification procedures for both new benefit claims and direct deposit changes.

by: WJCL

Secretary Raffensperger says Pooler's growth comes from small businesses

Raffensperger added that small businesses have a positive impact on the way the city of Pooler is run. "Everything that really happens good in your

by: Reuters

Pottery Barn owner Williams-Sonoma warns of 2025 margin impact from tariffs, shares fall

Pottery Barn parent Williams-Sonoma warned on Wednesday the Trump administration's tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico as well as on steel and aluminum would weigh on its fiscal 2025 margin, sending its shares down 5.

by: Insider

SoftBank is buying Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion

SoftBank said it was buying Ampere Computing, a Silicon Valley chip design startup, for $6.5 billion in cash.

by: Zawya

Gulf Bank appoints Bader Al-Ali as General Manager of Consumer Banking and Faisal Al-Gharabally as General Manager of International Banking

This step aligns with the Bank's ongoing efforts to empower national talent and promote them to leadership positions

by: Reuters

Vitol snaps up West Africa assets from Eni, strengthening upstream presence

Vitol will buy stakes in West African oil and gas assets from Italy's Eni , bolstering the global commodity trading house's position in the upstream sector, as it seeks to reinvest the huge profits it has been generating since 2022.

by: Insider

Why one analyst and Nvidia skeptic says the chipmaker might not grow at all next year

If Nvidia's largest customers start to pull away next year, the stock could plunge as much as 48% in the most bearish scenario, one analyst says.

by: AOL

Fed sees two rate cuts in 2025, projects higher inflation and lower economic growth

The Federal Reserve maintained its previously expected pace of rate cuts, but signaled higher inflation and a slowdown in economic growth for 2025.

by: AOL

March Madness predictions: Cinderellas, upsets, Final Four picks and more for the NCAA men's and women's tournaments

The Madness is here. What can we expect? Our experts weigh in with their Cinderella picks, Final Four teams, title winners and more.

by: Reuters

Factbox-How hard have US agencies been hit by Trump and Musk's layoffs?

U.S. President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk are undertaking a sweeping campaign to slash the size of the 2.3-million-strong civilian federal workforce, firing or offering buyouts so far to more than 100,

by: Insider

The relationship between Ben & Jerry's and its parent company just got stickier

In a new filing, Ben & Jerry's accused its parent company Unilever of ousting its chief executive and silencing its mission.

by: Insider

7 reasons one analyst says it's time to buy Tesla after its stock crash

Cantor analysts said their bullishness on Tesla crystallized after they visited the company's Gigafactory and AI data centers in Austin, Texas.

by: Insider

IMG Travel Insurance Review 2025

IMG offers a vast array of travel insurance plans for all types of trips. Read our IMG travel insurance review to see if it's right for you in 2025.
  • Thu, March 20, 2025

by: FXStreet

EOS rebrands to Vaulta: Here is what investors should know

EOS (EOS) announces its rebranding to Vaulta and its pivot toward Web3 banking. The change will introduce a banking advisory group composed of financial and blockchain experts. The planned token swap allows EOS holders to exchange their tokens at a 1:1 ratio and is expected to occur by May 2025, pending community approval.

by: CNN

Fed leaves rates unchanged. But here are changes you can make to earn more on savings or pay less on debt

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday decided yet again to stand pat on interest rates. Despite the Fed's inaction, there are still opportunities to maximize the interest you earn on your savings or reduce what you pay on your debts.

by: CNET

Tariffs Explained: What They Mean for You Amid Rising Cost Fears

The rollout of President Donald Trump's tariffs was messy, uncertain and caused widespread market volatility, and a lot of folks are now getting anxious about big purchases.

by: Deadline

Media Stocks, Broader Markets Rebound As Fed Forecasts Two Interest Rate Cuts In 2025

Shares rose across the board, extending gains later in the session after the Federal Reserve weighed in at the close of its two-day March meeting and the news wasn't terrible.

by: WKYC

Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne calls Cleveland Browns' Brook Park domed stadium proposal 'a risky bet'

During his press conference, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne referred to the Browns' $3.4B stadium plan in Brook Park as 'a risk the county shouldn't take.'

by: CoinTelegraph

Pakistan eyes crypto legal framework to spur foreign investors

Pakistan plans pro-crypto regulations to lure global investors and position itself as a leader in blockchain-powered finance.

by: ProPakistani

Meezan Bank and NED University Partner to Launch Centre for Islamic Finance and FinTech

Meezan Bank, Pakistan's leading Islamic bank and NED University of Engineering and Technology have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to

by: SmartAsset

Form 4684: How to Claim a Casualty and Theft Loss Deduction

Form 4684 allows individuals, businesses and estates to claim deductions against any unexpected losses due to theft or disasters. These deductions can help reduce taxable income, but they come with specific eligibility requirements and limitations.

by: Stockhouse

Buzz on the Bullboards: A $15 billion oil business combination, Trump, & everything in-between

This week, the TSX saw a mix of gains and losses. The index climbed higher on Monday, driven by strong performances in the energy, finance, and mining sectors. However, it lost some ground in subsequent sessions as losses in these sectors weighed on the market.

by: Mint

Co-branded credit cards vs. regular credit cards: Pros, cons, and which to choose

Choosing the right credit card can be challenging. Co-branded cards offer brand-specific benefits, while regular credit cards provide broader rewards. Understanding your spending habits and preferences is crucial in selecting a card that fits your lifestyle and financial goals.

by: Barchart

Stocks Rise Before the Open as Investors Digest Fed Decision, U.S. Economic Data and Earnings in Focus

S&P 500 E-Mini futures (ESH25) are up +0.18%, andMarch Nasdaq 100 E-Mini futures (NQH25) are up +0.25% this morning, extending yesterday's gains after the Federal Reserve indicated there remains scope to lower interest rates later this year,

by: MarketWatch

I'm 63 and planning to retire. I watched in horror as the markets tanked. Will I have enough to get me to my 90s?

I'm within a couple of months of an early retirement at 63. I watched the market tanking last month.

by: GlobalData

Saudi Arabia grants exploration licences to local and international mining companies

Saudi Arabia awarded exploration licenses for 4,788km2 within the mineral-rich regions of Jabal Sayid and Al-Hajjar to several companies.

by: Forbes

Reconsidering The MBA: Is It Still Worth It?

The skills taught in traditional business programs are increasingly seen as outdated, and employers are shifting their focus to creativity, adaptability and real-world experience.

by: Moneycontrol

Bain Capital strikes gold as deal likely for majority stake in Manappuram Finance

Bain to acquire approximately 22 percent stake from VP Nandakumar, Manappuram Finance's founder and MD & CEO and come up with an open offer to increase stake to 42 percent

by: Insider

Deloitte exec says consultants have to 'take an engineering first mindset' amid AI disruption in the industry

Deloitte principal Jillian Wanner said AI is disrupting the consulting industry and employees need to act as "technologists and engineers first."

by: Insider

Tesla's most bullish analyst says 2 things need to change

Dan Ives, a Wedbush analyst who has been bullish on Tesla, called the automaker's latest woes a "crisis" that only one person can fix: Elon Musk.

by: Insider

Wait a minute. Has Elon Musk really turned Twitter around, after all?

Elon Musk scared away many advertisers after he bought Twitter in 2022, and the company's value plummeted. Now it has reportedly recovered.

by: Reuters

Israel's 2025 budget passes key hurdle, likely staving off new elections

Israel's parliament on Thursday approved the framework for the 2025 state budget and its accompanying economic plan, clearing a political hurdle that likely paves the way for final approval by the end of the month to avoid the collapse of the government.

by: Reuters

Analysis-Fed's balancing act gives respite to tariff-struck investors

By Davide Barbuscia, Laura Matthews and Suzanne McGee NEW YORK (Reuters) -Investors are taking some comfort from the U.S. Federal Reserve's wait-and-see approach, after being rattled by tariff-related turmoil that poses a threat to markets and the economy.

by: Reuters

London gains ground on New York in Z/Yen global financial hub survey

London is gaining ground on New York in a closely-watched index of the world's leading financial centres, in a first sign that efforts by policymakers to reboot Britain's sluggish banking and investment industry have started to bear fruit.

by: Reuters

Trump fires both Democratic commissioners at FTC

Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the world's largest multimedia news provider, reaching billions of people worldwide every day. Reuters provides business, financial, national and international news to professionals via desktop terminals, the world's media organizations, industry events and directly to consumers.

by: Reuters

Nvidia, Musk's xAI to join Microsoft, BlackRock and MGX to develop AI infrastructure

Nvidia and Elon Musk's xAI have joined a consortium backed by Microsoft, investment fund MGX and BlackRock to expand AI infrastructure in the U.S., the companies said on Wednesday, as a global race to dominate the nascent technology intensifies.

by: Reuters

In the Market: How Trump is driving Asia to diversify away from US

President Donald Trump's tariffs and other policies have some financiers and officials in Asia predicting the remaking of the post-World War II economic order, leading to an urgent quest to diversify away from America.

Public comment invited on R100bn draft Transformation Fund for black-owned businesses

Minister Parks Tau has unveiled the R100 billion Draft Transformation Fund aimed at empowering black-owned businesses, now open for public comment until May 7
The South African government has opened public comments on a draft proposal for a R100 billion Transformation Fund aimed at supporting black-owned businesses. This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, seeks to address economic disparities by providing financial support to black industrialists. The fund is part of a broader strategy to enhance economic transformation, promote inclusive growth, and ensure that black South Africans have greater access to economic opportunities. The proposal outlines how the fund will be managed, its objectives, and the criteria for eligibility, with the goal of fostering sustainable black-owned enterprises. Public input is being sought to refine the fund's framework, ensuring it effectively meets its transformative goals.

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