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Instablog9ja
1 mth
14
Singer Dammy Krane has thrown a shad£s at Davido ahead of his wedding in Lagos.
He said he can have money but he can’t have peace.
Click to watch
Investopedia
1 mth
10
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If the U.S. is to build its way out of the current housing shortage, it needs homebuilding to take off like a rocket. In May, at least, it fizzled on the launchpad.
The pace of homebuilding slowed in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.28 million per year, the Census Bureau said Thursday. That's down from 1.35 million in April and well below the 1.38 million forecasters expected, according to a survey of economists from and . It was also the slowest pace of new home construction since June 2020.
Building permits, an indicator of future groundbreaking, were also down, falling to an annual rate of 1.39 million from 1.44 million in April, and missing the median forecast for 1.45 million.
There’s no lack of people who need new homes. High demand for housing, driven partly by a worsening housing shortage, has pushed home prices to record highs. But those high prices, combined with high mortgage rates, have pushed monthly mortgage payments out of reach of many would-be buyers.
“The scarcity of existing homes on the market should benefit new construction, though affordability remains a substantial challenge for many homebuyers, particularly those purchasing for the first time,” wrote Wells Fargo economists Sam Bullard and Patrick Barley.
As a result of high mortgage rates, leaders in the homebuilding industry have become pessimistic that customers can afford what they build.
The June edition of the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, which measures how builders assess business conditions, fell to its lowest level since last December, the association said Wednesday. At a rating of 43, the indicator stayed below the significant “50” mark, which indicates more builders believe the outlook is good rather than bad.
"Builders are in an ‘if you build them, they won’t come’ market, as continued high mortgage rates keep more potential buyers out of the market,” said Robert Frick, corporate economist with Navy Federal Credit Union. “Real relief to the housing crisis may now have to wait until next year when, presumably, the Fed will reduce rates as inflation continues its slow decline."
There is some possible relief on the horizon for potential homebuyers.
The average rate for a 30-year mortgage offered this week was 6.87%, continuing a downward trend that began in early May, according to Freddie Mac. However, that's still far above the record low of 2.65% reached in 2021.
Mortgage rates are influenced by the fed funds rate, which the Federal Reserve has kept at a 23-year high in order to drive up borrowing costs, reduce borrowing and spending in the economy, and keep inflation in check.
Inflation has been more tame in the past few months and that has made financial markets hopeful the Fed might cut its key interest rate later in the year, potentially providing some relief on mortgage rates.
“While a growing population and workforce are providing some support, U.S. home builders won't become busier until borrowing costs fall,” wrote Sal Guatieri, senior economist at BMO. “Thankfully, this is one more report pushing the needle toward a Fed rate cut later this year.”
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Investopedia
1 mth
9
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The S&P 500 briefly crossed 5,500 for the first time Thursday before edging lower, as Nvidia (NVDA) shares rose amid enthusiasm for developments related to artificial intelligence (AI). The Dow climbed, while the Nasdaq lost ground.
Dell Technologies (DELL) and Super Micro Computer (SMCI) shares gained after Elon Musk said the two tech firms would be providing hardware for his xAI startup. Dell CEO Michael Dell also noted that Dell would be teaming with Nvidia on the project.
Accenture (ACN) shares jumped after the company reported third-quarter profit that beat estimates as its AI-related bookings surged.
Darden Restaurants (DRI) shares advanced after the restaurant chain posted better-than-expected adjusted profit as it benefited from the acquisition of Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
Shares of Newmont Corporation (NEM) and some of its mining peers gained along with the prices of gold, copper, and other metals.
Kroger (KR) shares fell as the big supermarket chain said it had paused its stock buyback program as it works to get approval for its planned $24.6 billion purchase of rival Albertsons (ACI).
Shares of Jabil (JBL) tumbled as the maker of electronic equipment warned of “softness” in several of its markets. Apple (AAPL) shares also lost ground, with the iPhone maker’s purchases representing a large portion of Jabil’s revenue.
Oil futures and the yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose. The U.S. dollar was up on the euro, pound, and yen. Prices of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major cryptocurrencies edged lower.
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Instablog9ja
1 mth
15
A new sensation in refreshment and cafe liqueur brand ‘Isiagu’ has been unveiled, crafted to capture the hearts and taste buds of the Eastern region of Nigeria. The drink is meticulously crafted to embody the East Nigerian market’s lifestyle, tradition, and culture.
The Essence of Isiagu
Isiagu is more than just a drink; it is a celebration of culture, tradition, and the vibrant spirit of the East. Inspired by our land’s rich heritage and natural beauty, Isiagu represents a unique blend of flavours that refreshes and rejuvenates with every sip.
The name Isiagu, which means “lion head,” symbolizes bravery and leadership, reflecting the adventurous spirit and industry of the Igbo people. Each bottle of Isiagu is adorned with the Ofor, a symbol of authority and trust in Igboland, signifying the confidence and reliability of this exquisite beverage.
Cultural Significance
The bottle of Isiagu features inscriptions in Nsibidi, an ancient graphic alphabet unique to the Igbos. The letters signify “Love” and “Unity,” core values that are widely demonstrated among the Igbos. These elements emphasize the communal nature of the Igbo people, wherever they may be, making Isiagu a perfect blend of tradition and modern refreshment.
A Refreshing Experience
Imagine a drink that captures the essence of a sunny day in the East – Isiagu. Whether you’re cooling off after a day’s work, enjoying a meal with loved ones, or celebrating a special occasion, Isiagu is the perfect companion. Its crisp, clean taste is designed to rejuvenate and refresh, providing a moment of pure enjoyment with every sip.
More Than Just a Drink
Choosing Isiagu means embracing a piece of our shared history and tradition. But Isiagu is not just about providing a great drink; it’s about supporting local farmers, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable practices. Emperor Beverages Ltd is dedicated to positively impacting the Eastern region, ensuring that our community grows with us as we grow.
Join Us on This Exciting Journey
As we launch Isiagu, experience the vibrant flavours, feel the connection to our roots, and celebrate the essence of the East with every bottle available in 20cl and 75cl across various trade channels – modern trade, supermarkets, open markets, bars and lounges.. Isiagu is here to redefine refreshment, one sip at a time. Welcome to the world of Isiagu – a liqueur for the brave from the heart of the East
Healthwatch
1 mth
28
Drug side effects are common, and often quite troublesome.
Major side effects, such as severe or even life-threatening allergic reactions, require immediate treatment and discontinuation of the drug. More minor symptoms may be tolerable when weighed against drug benefits. And sometimes, these go away on their own as the body gets used to the drug.
But there's another type of side effect you hear much less about: ones that are beneficial. Though uncommon, they're worth keeping in mind when you're starting a new medicine.
Aren't all side effects bad?
The term side effect is usually assumed to be a bad thing. And that's typically true. But that leaves out the "good" side effects. Relatively little is published on this, so it's not clear how common they are. But four notable examples include:
In the best study I've read on the topic, researchers found more than 450 reports of serendipitous beneficial effects of various drugs since 1991. And that may be an underestimation, since report forms did not specifically ask for or label this type of side effect, according to the study authors.
Silver linings: Repurposing and repackaging drugs
While the discovery of helpful drugs can arise unexpectedly, drug developers are increasingly using a more intentional approach: using side effect profiles to look for new uses.
For example:
The availability of large side effect registries has made this method of identifying drugs for repurposing a more realistic option. So, even negative side effects can have a silver lining.
Bad side effects and the nocebo effect
While side effects can be positive, most are not. Medication side effects are a common reason people give for not taking prescribed drugs regularly. And adverse reactions to medicines prompt up to 8% of hospital admissions, according to one analysis.
To make matters worse, in some cases the expectation of side effects seems to make them more likely to occur. Called the nocebo effect, it increases the chances of experiencing a negative side effect and seems due, at least in part, to expectations. Contrast this with the placebo effect, where a sugar pill or another inactive treatment can lead to benefit.
The bottom line
Many people avoid taking medications because they fear possible side effects. That's understandable. But not taking a medication can mean missing out on its benefits. And anticipation or expectation of side effects can increase the chances you'll have them.
So, while it's important to be aware of the most common side effects caused by the medicines you take, it's also important not to overestimate your chances of experiencing them. And remember: there's always a chance you'll have a side effect you actually welcome.
Source: Harvard Health Publishing
Instablog9ja
1 mth
10
A UK based Nigerian man has said he will put his 50,000 to a more noble cause after his friend lamented the 50,000 he was about to gift him for his wedding.
He said a certain friend is getting married soon. So he asked him to give him his bank details so he can send him #50,000 to get a wedding gift since he will unfortunately not be able to attend his wedding.
While they were still talking, baba said ‘so na £25 you go give me for wedding gift’. He was confused and perplexed at the same time. He has already converted the 50k to GBP and felt he deserves more than the pound equivalent. He doesn’t have energy for back and forth. He just told him make he no vex. He’s surely not sending him any dime again, He’Il put his 50k to a more noble cause.
Sometimes, some people are always too quick to forget that no one owes them anything in reality; and one choosing to give is purely out of love and kindness of heart.
