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MUMBAI: The increasing digitalisation of investments and credit is creating new challenges for monetary authorities, RBI deputy governor Michael Patra said. "The shift from traditional modes of savings can affect the transmission of monetary policy impulses to the real economy. Second, central banks need to be vigilant about the possibilities of debt escalation and risk build-up at the household level," he said, while addressing a Maldives Monetary Authority conference. "The proliferation of digital consumption has been accompanied by a shift in saving and investment decisions such as online brokerage accounts, robo-advisers, investment apps and the like, as they are easier, faster and more informed," the deputy governor said. He added that digitalisation has also influenced borrowing patterns of households, with greater and easier access to fintech companies for digital loans , and by reducing information asymmetries through a wide range of sources, including tax returns, electronic toll collection, and bill payments. "The rapid progress in information and communication technology is contributing significantly to shortening the 'space-time flow' of circulation of capital - allowing it to move faster and grow larger," Patra said. Ready to Master Stock Valuation? ET’s Workshop is just around the corner!
Israeli forces crossed the military buffer zone and advanced towards the outskirts of the Syrian capital, capturing several towns along the way. The unexpected military incursion has raised tensions in the region and drawn international concern.The latest La Liga standings have added more excitement and drama to the intense battle for supremacy in the Spanish top-flight league. Among the standout matches in the recent round of fixtures was Getafe's crucial victory in the relegation battle, as well as the continued dominance of Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid in the title race.
Malaysia's Asean chair with a twistAs the sun set on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the airport tarmac, a moment of silence was observed to honor the memory of the passenger who had passed away. The flashing lights of emergency vehicles served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of being prepared for any eventuality, even in the skies above.HOUSTON (AP) — The Astros welcomed first baseman Christian Walker to the team Monday, in one of two moves that almost certainly marks the end of Alex Bregman’s time in Houston. Walker signed a $60 million, three-year contract that will pay him $20 million annually just more than a week after the Astros acquired infielder Isaac Paredes from Cubs in the trade that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago . “The way I view it right now is Paredes is going to play third base and Walker is going to play first base,” general manager Dana Brown said Monday. “And Bregman’s still a free agent.” The Astros had hoped to re-sign Bregman, the team’s third baseman for the last nine seasons, but Brown said the negotiations stalled. “I thought we made a really competitive offer, showing that we wanted him back,” he said. “But we had to pursue other options. We couldn’t just sit there. We locked in Paredes early in that trade, knowing that he could play third or first and then when the opportunity to add another bat came up we just jumped on it.” The addition of a first baseman was a priority this offseason for the Astros after they released struggling first baseman José Abreu less than halfway through a $58.5 million, three-year contract. “We knew we had to get better at first base,” Brown said. “We pursued (Walker) and we’re excited to have him because we know that we’re going to have a really good first baseman that can defend and also hit the ball on the seats from time to time.” Walked was attracted by the sustained success of the Astros, who won their first two World Series titles in 2017 and '22. “I’ve been watching this team for a while now, and that edge, the energy, the expectation, you can tell that they’re going out there with a standard,” he said. “And I’m very excited to be a part of it.” Walker is looking forward playing on an infield with star second baseman Jose Altuve. He’s fascinated by the success and consistency Altuve has had over his 14-year career. “I get a chance to learn from Jose Altuve,” Walker said. “Nothing really gets better than that.” Brown was asked what he would tell fans disappointed to see the Astros lose another star after George Springer and Carlos Correa left as free agents in recent years. “I would just tell the fans that look, we are very focused on remaining competitive,” he said. “We’re very focused on winning division and going back to the World Series, and I think with these additions that we have the ability to do that. So, I feel strongly that we’re going to be picked to win the division first off. And if our pitching holds up, which I feel strongly about, as well, I think we’ll get deep into the postseason.” The Astros won the AL West for a fourth straight year this season before being swept by the Tigers in an AL Wild Card Series. Walker, who turns 34 during the opening week of the season, hit .251 with 26 homers, 84 RBIs, 55 walks and 133 strikeouts this year. That was down from 2023, when he batted .258 with 33 homers and 103 RBIs as the Diamondbacks reached the World Series. Walker played in 130 games this year, down from 157 in 2023 and 160 in 2022. He was sidelined between July 29 and Sept. 3 by a strained left oblique. He spent the last eight seasons with the Diamondbacks, where he hit 146 homers with 442 RBIs and a .251 batting average. He didn’t secure a full-time job in the big leagues until 2019. He’s provided consistent power over the past six seasons and has grown into an elite defensive first baseman, winning Gold Gloves in each of the past three seasons. Walker played college ball at South Carolina and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2012. He made his big league debut with the Orioles in 2014 but couldn’t stick in the majors and was claimed off waivers by Atlanta, Cincinnati and Arizona in a five-week span. Walker’s contract has a limited no-trade provision allowing him to block deals to six teams without his consent. He would earn $200,000 for winning an MVP, $175,000 for second, $150,000 for third, $125,000 for fourth and $100,000 for fifth. Walker also would get $100,000 for World Series MVP, $50,000 for League Championship Series MVP and $75,000 apiece for making the All-Star Game or winning a Gold Glove or Silver Slugger Award. Infielder Grae Kessinger was designated for assignment to open a roster spot. ___ AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb Kristie Rieken, The Associated Press
As Sampdoria-Bene prepare to take on Arsenal, they know that they will need to bring their A-game to come out on top. The English team is known for their attacking prowess and technical skill, so Sampdoria-Bene will need to be at their best to contain their opponents and create scoring opportunities of their own. However, with their recent performances demonstrating their strength and determination, Sampdoria-Bene are more than capable of rising to the challenge.Qatar tribune dpa Magdeburg The alleged perpetrator of the deadly car-ramming attack on a Christmas market last week in Germany had been contacted by police just weeks before the incident, authorities said on Monday. The attack in the central city of Magdeburg on Friday, which killed five people and injured 235 others, is believed to have been carried out by a Saudi national identified only as Taleb A according to German privacy laws. Investigators have been searching for a motive since the incident, amid suggestions that authorities failed to heed warnings about the man. Tamara Zieschang, the interior minister of the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, on Monday told lawmakers in Magdeburg that police met the man twice - in September 2023 and October 2024 - to warn him about his behaviour. The first conversation was held at the police station in Salzlandkreis, near Magdeburg, while the meeting this year took place at the suspect’s workplace. Zieschang did not comment publicly on the background to the meetings, but told members of the state parliament that she would present relevant context in the confidential part of the parliamentary session. Authorities had previously reported that 200 people were injured in the incident. The suspect, a Saudi national identified only as Taleb A according to German privacy laws, has been living in Germany since 2006 and was granted political refugee status in 2016. He was most recently working as a doctor in the town of Bernburg, south of Magedeburg. He was detained at the scene and is being held in police custody. Magdeburg, a city of some 237,000 to the west of Berlin, is the capital of the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The Interior Ministry of the northern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern said on Monday that Taleb A became known to authorities as a potential suspect in 2015. Regional authorities had informed the Federal Criminal Police Office at the Joint Counter-Terrorism Centre, which is supported by Germany’s federal and regional government, about the man’s possible intention to carry out an attack on February 6, 2015, it said. Copy 24/12/2024 10
In conclusion, the case of the missing female postgraduate student and the allegations of her captivity have sparked a heated debate and raised serious questions about the reliability of the information surrounding the incident. With conflicting accounts from the hosts, villagers, and authorities, the truth remains elusive, leaving many eager for closure and justice in this perplexing and unsettling saga.
China Economic Outlook 2024: Multiple Drivers Propel High-Quality Development
Furthermore, China's commitment to infrastructure development has played a crucial role in driving economic growth and connectivity. The Belt and Road Initiative, for example, has expanded China's global reach and bolstered trade and investment opportunities with partner countries. By investing in transportation networks, digital infrastructure, and energy projects, China has not only enhanced its own economic resilience but also contributed to the development of regions along the Belt and Road.President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak
The Brazilian defender, known for his tenacity, leadership, and defensive prowess, captured the hearts of fans around the world during his time at Manchester United. With his impeccable timing in tackles, aerial dominance, and unwavering commitment to the team, he was a pillar of strength at the heart of the defense. His partnership with fellow defenders formed the backbone of the team's success, earning accolades and admiration from both teammates and opponents alike.
In the post-match interview, Dragon Lake Shine's captain emphasized the importance of continuous learning and improvement in the world of competitive sports. "We may have won today, but there is always room for growth and development. Every match teaches us something new, and we must be willing to adapt and evolve our strategies accordingly," the captain remarked.
Stocks shook off a choppy start to finish higher Monday, as Wall Street kicked off a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 ended 0.7% higher after having been down 0.5% in the early going. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also recovered from an early slide to eke out a 0.2% gain. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Gains in technology and communications stocks accounted for much of the gains, outweighing losses in consumer goods companies and elsewhere in the market. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, rose 3.7%. Broadcom climbed 5.5% to also help support the broader market. Walmart fell 2% and PepsiCo slid 1%. Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan said they are talking about combining in a deal that might also include Mitsubishi Motors. U.S.-listed shares in Honda jumped 12.7%, while Nissan ended flat. Eli Lilly rose 3.7% after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first and only prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Department store Nordstrom fell 1.5% after it agreed to be taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. All told, the S&P 500 rose 43.22 points to 5,974.07. The Dow gained 66.69 points to 42,906.95. The Nasdaq rose 192.29 points to 19,764.89. Traders got a look at a new snapshot of U.S. consumer confidence Monday. The Conference Board said that consumer confidence slipped in December. Its consumer confidence index fell back to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Wall Street was expecting a reading of 113.8. The unexpectedly weak consumer confidence update follows several generally strong economic reports last week. One report showed the overall economy grew at a 3.1% annualized rate during the summer, faster than earlier thought. The latest report on unemployment benefit applications showed that the job market remains solid. A report on Friday said a measure of inflation the Federal Reserve likes to use was slightly lower last month than economists expected. Worries about inflation edging higher again had been weighing on Wall Street and the Fed. The central bank just delivered its third cut to interest rates this year, but inflation has been hovering stubbornly above its target of 2%. It has signaled that it could deliver fewer cuts to interest rates next year than it earlier anticipated because of concerns over inflation. Expectations for more interest rate cuts have helped drive a roughly 25% gain for the S&P 500 in 2024. That drive included 57 all-time highs this year. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market's path ahead and shifting economic policies under an incoming President Donald Trump. "Put simply, much of the strong market performance prior to last week was driven by expectations that a best-case scenario was the base case for 2025," said Brent Schutte, chief investment officer at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.59% from 4.53% late Friday. European markets closed mostly lower, while markets in Asia gained ground. Wall Street has several other economic reports to look forward to this week. On Tuesday, the U.S. will release its November report for sales of newly constructed homes. A weekly update on unemployment benefits is expected on Thursday. Markets in the U.S. will close at 1 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday for Christmas Eve and will remain closed on Wednesday for Christmas.As the clock ticks toward 2025, real estate experts are predicting a rise in home sales and a stabilization of home prices across the United States in the new year, while also warning about the persistent affordability challenge. Nationally, for 2025, NAR is forecasting 4.5 million existing home sales and a median existing-home price of $410,700. However, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun cautioned that housing affordability may still be an issue for first-time buyers. “We do have a housing crisis in affordability for renters who would like to buy a property,” he said. “Americans are still not moving, which is keeping inventory lower and prices higher.” There is still a significant disparity in net worth between homeowners and renters, with homeowners having an average net worth of $415,000 compared with just $10,000 for renters in 2024, according to the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances. “Both 2023 and 2024 have had historically low home sales,” Yun said. Still, he said the “worst is over” and predicted existing home sales to increase from 7 percent to 12 percent in 2025 and 10–15 percent in 2026. New-construction home sales are expected to grow by 11 percent in 2025 and 8 percent in 2026. Nationally, the median sales price is expected to rise by 2 percent. Jessica Lutz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research, said high-income and high-equity homebuyers are winners in today’s market, with one in 10 purchasing a home with cash. “Many first-time buyers are using their inheritance, or others are using their savings from the ‘bank of mom and dad,’” she said. “But the prices are shutting out lots of people.” The new median age of the national first-time homebuyer has climbed to 38, and to 61 for repeat buyers. “Forty years ago, most first-time buyers were in their early 20s,” Lutz said. Fifty percent of those buyers are married, and 25 percent are single women. “We’re also seeing an all-time high of multigenerational buyers who are pooling their money to make a purchase,” she said. Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, also forecasted a hike in home sales for next year, but possibly at a lower rate of 1.5 percent. “It could be a slow climb out of this current situation, and I believe home prices will continue to go up, but at a slower pace,” she said. “Income gains, easing mortgage rates, and new construction will help with affordability, and I do expect rents to stay flat.” Yun also predicted that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates another four to six times in 2025, and forecasted the average mortgage interest at just above 6 percent in 2025. Jim Nabors, president of the National Association of Mortgage Bankers, agreed with Yun’s forecast. “We anticipate the Fed to drop rates another three-quarters of a quarter during 2025 if inflation stays stable,” he told The Epoch Times. “If you look at mortgage rates over the past 40 years, with the exception of the early 1980s and 2021, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was between 6 percent and 8 percent.” Nabors noted that the housing market relies on more than just interest rates. “The need for housing is still increasing as 10 million millennials will be looking for homes over the next few years,” he said. “They are going to have to decide when they find a house they want—are they going to buy it now at whatever rates are available or sit on the sidelines waiting for rates to drop while house prices continue to rise?” The Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown region of Connecticut and the Boston-Cambridge-Newton areas of Massachusetts and New Hampshire were named next year’s Northeast hot spots. Jared Wilk, president of the Greater Boston Association of Realtors, told The Epoch Times that home prices remain high in Boston and its immediate suburbs, with a median single-family home price of $865,000. “I’m optimistic about rates coming down in 2025, but fearful that affordability is going to continue to be a challenge for first-time buyers,” he said. Wilk, a principal with the Shulkin Wilk Group at Compass in Wellesley, Massachusetts, noted that despite higher home prices, the region continues to be a major attraction because of its hospitals, universities, and technology companies. “There’s a furious demand for homes here, and as a result, we don’t see the prices easing very much,” he said. While new construction is more prevalent in the Boston suburbs, home prices still remain on the high end. Many of Wilk’s clients are people moving within the region—some desiring a closer location to Boston for employment with others seeking the outskirts of the suburbs for more affordable options. “We’re definitely seeing people pushing further north, west, and south of the city to places like Brookline, Newton, Concord, and Lexington,” he noted. “And most of these towns have their own character and a commuter rail line.” Sheryl Bowden, president of the Phoenix Association of Realtors, told The Epoch Times that she wasn’t surprised to see that the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler region of Arizona also made NAR’s list of Top 10 2025 markets. Plus, the area is more affordable than many Northeast locations, with a median single-family home price of $475,000. “We’re in the Sun Belt, and people like to come here for change of scenery—either to buy second homes or to relocate,” she said. “We do have hot summers, but we never have hurricanes, tornadoes, or nasty winter weather.” Bowden said inventory is beginning to pick up and that she expects more potential buyers to hit the market in January. “We also have major employers like Google and Amazon, along with some great universities, medical schools, and sports teams—all of which are attracting people to the area,” Bowden said. Many of her buyers are former Californians seeking more affordable housing options and often paying cash for homes. She also works with retirees moving from other parts of the country. A 40-year real estate veteran, Bowden works with Realty Executives in Phoenix, but also serves the nearby communities of Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and Chandler. “We do see a lot of new construction in our area, but they’re not building it as fast as we’d like,” she said. “I think builders are becoming a bit more conservative now, constructing just a few homes to start before putting too much inventory out there.” While prices are lower here than in much of the United States, Bowden said it’s still a struggle for first-time buyers. “I have a son who’s 28 and a daughter who’s 25, and all of their friends want to buy homes but can’t afford it yet,” Bowden said. “A lot of young people are living at home with their parents to try to save up for a down payment. Typically, your total household income should be at around $100,000 to be able to buy a home, but the majority of young people are not making that much.” In nearby Scottsdale, the median price for a single-family home jumps to $1.1 million. Other regions in NAR’s Top 10 2025 hot market list include Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, North and South Carolina; Greenville-Anderson, South Carolina; Grand Rapids-Kentwood, Michigan; Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, Indiana; Kansas City, Missouri; Kansas City, Kansas; Knoxville, Tennessee; and San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas.
The Gophers football program continued to address its needs along the offensive line on Saturday, getting commitments from Washington left tackle Kahlee Tafai and Kentucky left guard Dylan Ray out of the NCAA transfer portal. The U has four starters leaving after this season, including both tackles — Aireontae Ersery to the NFL Draft and Phillip Daniels in a transfer to Ohio State — and both senior guards Quinn Carroll and Tyler Cooper. The Gophers have added 13 total players through the transfer portal, including right guard Marcellus Marshall (Central Florida). Tafai Tafai, who is listed at 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds, moved into the Huskies’ starting lineup during his freshman season in 2024. He has three years of eligibility remaining. A native of Lawndale, Calif., Tafai played 267 offensive snaps in the Big Ten last season but had a low 38.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in his first extensive college experience. He also played a few snaps at right tackle a year ago. Ray Ray, who is listed at 6-6 and 310, has played more than 1,000 snaps over the last two seasons for Kentucky after beginning his career with two years at West Virginia. He started 10 games for the SEC program in 2023, but only two last year. The Noblesville, Ind., native had a near-average grade of 57.5 from PFF in 2024. He has one year of eligibility remaining for the U next fall.