Markets & Money Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

New Zealands housing market has experienced a dramatic boom and bust, leaving many citizens and investors feeling uncertain. The economy has struggled as a result, with a contraction in three of the last five quarters. The current slowdown stems from a decade-long affordability crisis that peaked during the pandemic, causing house values to soar by about forty percent in an eighteen-month period ending in November 2021. However, when the bubble burst, aggressive interest rate hikes and an increase in housing supply caused prices to fall by nearly twenty percent. This three-year decline is unprecedented for many New Zealanders who have seen average annual returns of roughly seven percent in housing over the last three decades. The market dynamics have shifted, with a different balance of supply and demand, and house prices predicted to rise by a modest five percent in both 2026 and 2027. With over half of New Zealands household wealth tied to property, this downturn has significantly impacted consumption and the broader economy.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zscalers Stock Plunge: A Potential Opportunity for Long-Term InvestorsZscalers stock took a hit, dropping 13% despite strong financial results. The company raised its full-year guidance, expecting $3.29 billion in revenue and $3.82 per share in earnings. Despite the post-earnings plunge, Zscalers growth and efficiency metrics remain impressive, with a 26% top-line growth and a 52% free cash flow margin. The companys three main growth areas are performing better than expected, and Wall Street analysts remain optimistic about Zscalers long-term prospects.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gasoline prices drop below three dollars a gallon in half of U.S. states, offering relief for drivers this Thanksgiving. The national average remains around three dollars and five cents, but twenty-eight states, primarily in the Midwest and Gulf Coast, have seen prices consistently fall below the three-dollar mark. Experts predict further declines as we approach Christmas, with a record number of Americans expected to travel by car. Despite a surge in holiday travel, overall demand for gasoline remains low, keeping pump prices down. The national average has stayed stable due to low crude oil prices and no major storms affecting Gulf Coast refineries. Oklahoma, with the lowest average price, hit its lowest level since early 2021, at two dollars and forty-three cents a gallon, with some stations selling regular unleaded for one dollar and ninety-nine cents a gallon.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Intel denies TSMCs claims of trade secret leak, highlighting intense competition in semiconductor industry.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chancellors Inheritance Tax Adjustment: A Minor Concession for Family BusinessesThe Chancellors recent adjustment to the inheritance tax plan, allowing a one million pound tax-free allowance to be transferable between spouses, has been met with criticism from business owners and farmers. Despite this minor concession, many still fear the significant tax burdens that will threaten family ownership of enterprises. The fixed one million pound figure and inflation will reduce the allowances effectiveness over time. Business leaders argue that the governments approach is short-sighted, potentially leading to businesses being forced to sell and undermining the economy.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Budget Proposal Unveils Significant Changes for Savers, Landlords, and Investors: Tax Rates Increase, ISA Limits AdjustedThe Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Budget announcement sparks concerns over salary sacrifice scheme cap, potentially impacting private sector pensions and reducing retirement funds. Government expects significant revenue, but critics argue the change adds complexity and reduces saving incentives, disproportionately affecting private sector workers.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chancellors Budget Announcement: A Mixed Bag for UK EconomyThe Chancellors recent Budget, delivered during the US Thanksgiving holiday, provided a brief window of reduced scrutiny for UKs fiscal announcements. The Chancellor aimed to restore acceptable fiscal space, creating twenty-two billion pounds of headroom, and was supported by falling US Treasury yields. However, the UKs debt management office still faces a significant challenge in securing three hundred and twenty-nine billion pounds in financing for the two thousand twenty-five to two thousand twenty-six fiscal year.The Budgets measures, particularly a clampdown on salary sacrifice for pensions, could reduce funds available for investments in equities and start-ups, potentially undermining the Chancellors focus on growth and innovation. Additionally, theres a growing concern about a brain drain, with skilled professionals, especially in digital and cyber fields, increasingly seeking opportunities abroad. This outflow of talent could significantly hinder Britains economic output and future growth prospects.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The North Sea oil and gas industry faces significant pressure due to a windfall tax, with critics arguing it hinders investment and job creation. Russell Borthwick, CEO of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, warns of a sharp decline in production and job losses within five years. Meanwhile, the government approves measures to allow drillers to develop new fields adjacent to existing ones, aiming to keep current oil and gas supplies flowing.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Major Gambling Industry Shake-Up: Thousands of Jobs at Risk as Tax Hikes Spark Job Cuts and Investment ReductionThe Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The dollar experienced a slight decline on Wednesday, influenced by a weak manufacturing index and strong stock market performance. The potential nomination of Kevin Hassett as the next US Federal Reserve Chair, known for his dovish stance on interest rates, further pressured the dollar. Meanwhile, the euro surged to a one-week high following balanced risks to economic growth and inflation in the Eurozone. Gold and silver prices also reached one-and-a-half-week highs due to anticipated lower interest rates and increased likelihood of a rate cut next month. Markets now expect an eighty percent chance of a federal funds target range cut at the Federal Open Market Committees early December meeting.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Australias Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act is set to be overhauled, with a new bill gaining crucial support from the Greens party. This landmark legislation aims to tighten environmental safeguards while streamlining approvals for major projects, particularly in renewable energy and mining. The new laws will establish a nationwide Environmental Protection Authority and require large projects to disclose their emissions. This development marks a significant step forward for environmental protection and economic certainty in Australia.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vietnam faces devastating floods and storms, causing billions in losses and numerous deaths. Climate change, inadequate policies, and poor urban planning exacerbate the situation. The countrys climate adaptation plan highlights significant gaps, and international aid is being provided for relief and recovery efforts.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nikkei Futures Prices: A Mixed Bag for Near and Long-Term ContractsThe Nikkei two hundred twenty-five futures prices for contracts extending into late twenty twenty-five, twenty twenty-six, and twenty twenty-seven show a range of activity across different expiration dates. The December twenty twenty-five contract closed at fifty thousand one hundred ten yen, marking a change of nine hundred sixty-five yen and a significant trading interest. In contrast, the March twenty twenty-six contract had a smaller daily volume, indicating less immediate trading action. Many of the later contracts, such as those in twenty twenty-seven, show consistent closing prices around the fifty thousand yen mark, suggesting a stable outlook for the Nikkei over the longer horizon. However, the estimated volume for today was one hundred fifty-eight, a stark contrast to Tuesdays volume of nineteen thousand seven hundred five, and open interest decreased by eighty thousand nine hundred fifty-three from the previous period.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The United Arab Emirates has introduced a groundbreaking central bank law, positioning itself as a global hub for financial innovation. This law brings digital assets and decentralized finance under traditional banking regulations, requiring any crypto or blockchain organization to be licensed by the central bank. The law includes substantial fines for unlicensed operations and offers incentives for innovation, such as a sixty-day licensing decision process and a one-year grace period for existing businesses to comply. This comprehensive framework, which treats digital assets as a core part of the financial system, is one of the most extensive national regulations worldwide.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Golds impressive rally is expected to continue through 2026, with many forecasters predicting a twenty percent increase. Factors driving this growth include ongoing deficit spending and economic policies in the US, as well as increased buying by central banks and expected interest rate cuts. Analysts from Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and Deutsche Bank predict gold could reach as high as five thousand dollars an ounce, while HSBC offers a more conservative forecast of between three thousand six hundred and four thousand four hundred dollars an ounce.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marvells stock has plummeted by twenty-five percent this year, with HSBC analyst Frank Lee advising investors to avoid the dip. Despite Marvells growing role in AI supply and strong Q2 earnings, Lee initiated coverage with a Hold rating due to potential ASIC business lag and customer delays. Marvells third-quarter earnings are due on December 2nd, with Wall Street maintaining a Moderate Buy rating, albeit with slightly reduced enthusiasm.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natural gas prices surged this week, with January futures closing up by 1.72%, following a report showing a larger-than-expected drop in storage levels. The EIA announced a 11 billion cubic feet decline, compared to the predicted 9 billion cubic feet. Colder weather forecasts across the US are also driving up prices. However, higher US natural gas production, with a 1% increase forecast for 2025, could put downward pressure on prices. Despite record production and active drilling rigs, the market remains complex due to the recent inventory drop and increased demand from colder weather.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crude oil and gasoline prices edge up amidst reduced Russian exports and geopolitical tensions. Russias oil product shipments plummeted in November due to Ukraines refinery attacks and new sanctions. OPEC predicts a shift from deficit to surplus, with OPEC Plus planning slight production increases in December, followed by a pause in Q1 2026. A potential global oil surplus in 2026 may reshape oil prices.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Retirees in the U.S. have an average net worth of nearly $288,000, with homes and investments contributing significantly. However, individual situations vary due to debts like mortgages and credit card balances. Experts recommend strategies like earning strong yields on savings, managing spending and debt, and potentially earning a modest income through part-time work to protect and strengthen retirement wealth.The Daily News Now! — Every city. Every story. AI-powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.