Author: Money Mechanics

In-brief analysis September 11, 2025 Data source: Natural Gas IntelligenceNote: Prices are adjusted for inflation based on June 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index data. Monthly average natural gas spot prices in the northwestern United States reached historic lows in 2025, as ample supply from Canada coincided with subdued regional demand for natural gas-fired electricity. At Northwest Sumas, a key pricing hub for natural gas in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, the daily spot price averaged $1.59 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) in 2025 through August and reached its lowest…

“We have automated emails going out, drip campaigns,” he said. “But agents have to know the scheduling of that drip campaign. If they have a conversation with someone today, [they had] better make sure an email doesn’t go out tomorrow saying, ‘Hey, haven’t talked to you forever.’” Franco founded the five-member Michael J. Franco Group in 2013 and joined Compass in 2019. He’s using AI for a range of marketing content, but never as a complete human replacement.  “I’m continuing to push for more (use of AI) in content creation, primarily for marketing,” he said. “It can be everything [from…

The California State Assembly took a big step toward regulating AI on Wednesday night, passing SB 243 — a bill that regulate AI companion chatbots in order to protect minors and vulnerable users. The legislation passed with bipartisan support and now heads to the state Senate for a final vote Friday. If Governor Gavin Newsom signs the bill into law, it would take effect January 1, 2026, making California the first state to require AI chatbot operators to implement safety protocols for AI companions and hold companies legally accountable if their chatbots fail to meet those standards. The bill specifically…

Key Takeaways Novo Nordisk said it is laying off about about 9,000 positions or 11.5% of its workforce in a “transformation” of the drugmaker’s business. The maker of Ozempic and Wegovy said the cuts are part of a plan to help the company grow its diabetes and weight-loss products.Novo Nordisk expects the job reductions will save about $1.25 billion by the end of next year. Novo Nordisk (NVO) is making big job cuts as the weight-loss drugmaker faces growing competition. The pharmaceutical firm said it is slashing about 9,000 positions or 11.5% of its workforce. 5,000 of the cuts will…

Key Takeaways Pueblo, Colorado, is a retirement destination worth considering because of its low cost of living, health care access, and recreational life. Pueblo County’s median monthly housing cost is $1,083.Pueblo County offers over 300 health care establishments and is relatively close to Denver, which has many more specialized facilities. For history buffs and art lovers, Pueblo offers the El Pueblo History Museum and Helen Thatcher White Galleries. With a low cost of living, rich cultural history, health care access, and welcoming community, Pueblo, Colorado, may be an affordable and attractive retirement option for you. Constituting roughly two-thirds of the Pueblo County…

Key Takeaways Synopsys reported quarterly earnings and revenue that missed analysts’ forecasts as sales for its design intellectual property sank.The chip design software maker also gave a weak current-quarter forecast and slashed its full-year outlook.Shares lost a third of their value Wednesday and fell into negative territory for the year. Synopsys (SNPS) shares plunged Wednesday, after the semiconductor design software maker posted quarterly earnings that missed analysts’ expectations and lowered its full-year outlook as demand for its design intellectual property slumped. The stock was down about 35% in recent trading, dragging it into negative territory for the year. Synopsys reported…

This article was originally published by The Trade.As Europe’s largest stock exchange by value traded, Cboe Europe is leveraging its pan-European coverage, extensive market relationships and commitment to innovation to deliver better execution outcomes for retail investors. Alex Dalley, Head of European Cash Equities, explores our new European Best Bid and Offer (EBBO) retail service, its points of differentiation and the regulatory tailwinds behind the initiative.Cboe’s EBBO retail service is a new trading solution designed to improve execution quality for retail investors trading European stocks and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). This service will go live on 8 September, subject to…

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A, BRK.B) is the single largest private holder of U.S. Treasury bills, surpassing even the Federal Reserve’s own holdings. As of the end of the first quarter of 2025, Berkshire controlled about $305 billion in Treasury bills, while the Fed’s holdings had dropped to $195 billion. This shift reveals much about Buffett’s take on today’s investment climate. What Are Treasury Bills and Why Do They Matter? Treasury bills (T-bills) are short-term debt securities issued by the U.S. government, with maturities ranging from four weeks to one year. They pay no periodic interest but are sold at a…

Key Takeaways Housing demand continues to outpace supply, driving up prices nationwide for home buyers and renters. High mortgage rates are pricing out some buyers while discouraging existing homeowners to sell.Restrictive local zoning regulation can make it harder to build new homes, driving up the cost of housing in those communities.Institutional buyers are also buying homes as investments, taking them off the market and reducing supply. For many Americans, the prospect of homeownership is becoming increasingly unattainable. While prices rise, the number of homes on the market has actually decreased, leaving many to wonder if they will ever be able to…

Credit unions have always stood apart from other financial services providers. Not because of clever marketing or sleek technology, but because of how and why they were first built.They weren’t created to generate profit for shareholders. They were formed by people — teachers, postal workers, church groups, manufacturing employees — who needed access to fair financial services when traditional banks wouldn’t serve them.That origin story still defines what credit unions are today: financial cooperatives shaped by the needs of their members, with missions grounded in service and community support. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Be a smarter,…