Month: August 2024

Consumer spending rose in July, with retail sales rising 1%, much better than expected

Consumer spending rose in July, with retail sales rising 1%, much better than expected

In a strong display of consumer resilience, July retail sales beat expectations, rising 1%, the Commerce Department reported. The gain, which was adjusted for seasonal variations but not for inflation, beat the modest 0.3% increase forecast by economists polled by Dow Jones. The adjustment followed a downward revision to June's figures, which showed a 0.2% decline from initially reported flat growth. Excluding auto-related sales, retail data still showed a positive trend, rising 0.4%, again beating the 0.1% forecast. The positive retail trade figures were complemented by encouraging developments in the employment sector. The week ended August 10 saw initial jobless…
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Trump to hold press conference at his golf resort in New Jersey

Trump to hold press conference at his golf resort in New Jersey

Former President Donald Trump has scheduled a press conference at his golf resort in New Jersey, marking his second media event in recent weeks as he takes a fresh, force-infused approach ahead of next week's Democratic National Convention. Trump has also stepped up his criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris, despite not having held any recent press conferences or interviews with President Joe Biden, who ended his reelection campaign in an effort to regain his position. Vice President Harris has had limited interactions with the media since becoming the Democratic nominee. Although she has traveled with reporters on Air Force…
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Discovering a characteristic Italian apartment uninhabited for more than two decades: a personal journey.

Discovering a characteristic Italian apartment uninhabited for more than two decades: a personal journey.

In 2020, Kristina Knighten, 38, and her husband Paul Cordier, 46, finalized the purchase of their picturesque home overlooking Lake Iseo in Italy. They purchased this charming two-bedroom residence for €23,000 (approximately $24,973 USD). Describing their new home, Knighten shares with CNBC Make It, "It's the kind of house you picture as a kid, complete with a gable roof, center door, and quaint upstairs windows. It's ideally located, just steps from both the train station and the lake, and it almost seems too good to be true." The duo began the renovation in March this year, anticipating costs of around…
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Pochettino in the US national team: A turning point for US soccer?

Pochettino in the US national team: A turning point for US soccer?

Mauricio Pochettino, known for his attacking, high-pressing style, is set to take the reins of the United States men’s national team. The U.S. Soccer Federation has made a bold statement by securing the services of Mauricio Pochettino as its new manager. The Argentine tactician, celebrated for his work at Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Pochettino’s appointment is undoubtedly a stroke of luck for U.S. soccer. The former defender has built a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting and innovative coaches. His ability to develop young talent and…
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US inflation falls to three-year low, preparing for possible rate cut

US inflation falls to three-year low, preparing for possible rate cut

The United States recorded its lowest annual inflation rate in three years in July, signaling a slowdown in the smallest price increases seen in nearly four decades. That development could allow the Federal Reserve to consider cutting interest rates as early as September. The Labor Department reported that consumer prices rose just 0.2% from June to July, marking a slight acceleration but the first of its kind in four years. On an annual basis, the inflation rate came in at 2.9%, down from 3% in June, marking the lowest annual rate since March 2021. This easing of inflation could play…
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Walmart Beats Financial Forecast, Improves Full-Year Projections on Steady Consumer Demand

Walmart Beats Financial Forecast, Improves Full-Year Projections on Steady Consumer Demand

Walmart on Thursday raised its full-year guidance following a nearly 5% increase in quarterly revenue, fueled by increased activity at its brick-and-mortar stores and online platform, along with better-than-expected sales in non-food categories. The retail giant beat Wall Street forecasts in both revenue and profit, sending its stock price up 6% during morning trading. Walmart now expects full-year sales to rise 3.75% to 4.75%, with adjusted earnings per share between $2.35 and $2.43. The outlook change marks a change from previous projections, which called for sales growth of 3% to 4% and earnings per share between $2.23 and $2.37. Despite…
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Election officials face rising tide of misinformation

Election officials face rising tide of misinformation

GEORGIA — In an election year marked by unprecedented challenges, Tate Fall, the newly appointed director of elections in Cobb County, Georgia, is facing more than the usual duties of registering voters and maintaining equipment. Today, her role increasingly involves combating a relentless wave of misinformation that threatens the electoral process. As the 2024 election approaches, local election officials like Fall find themselves on the front lines of an uphill battle against misinformation. This phenomenon isn’t just a distraction; it actively undermines public confidence in the democratic process, complicating the task of conducting free and fair elections. Cobb County Elections…
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Mucouspox resurgence in Africa prompts declaration of global health emergency

Mucouspox resurgence in Africa prompts declaration of global health emergency

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on Wednesday due to a rapid increase in mpox cases in more than a dozen African countries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is experiencing the most severe outbreak, with more than 15,600 confirmed cases and 537 deaths reported by the UN agency. This surpasses the lethality of the 2022 mpox outbreak, which previously led to a PHEIC declaration. What you need to know about Mpox Previously known as monkeypox, the virus was renamed in 2022 following concerns raised by health authorities. Key points For…
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Resilience After Captivity: The Journey of Freed Israeli Hostages

Resilience After Captivity: The Journey of Freed Israeli Hostages

Following their release, former Israeli hostages are now facing the difficult process of rebuilding their lives. They are actively involved in advocating for the release of others still held in Gaza, while honoring the memory of those tragically lost in captivity. Their stories of resistance and hope continue to inspire a nation bound by complex geopolitical conflicts. These individuals, once bound to the harsh conditions of captivity, have returned to a reality that requires immense personal adjustment and resilience. Many of them have undertaken public speaking engagements, sharing their harrowing experiences to raise awareness and foster support for the ongoing…
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