Author: Money Mechanics

While the world is watching the UN General Assembly discussions on Gaza-Israel, hybrid warfare in Europe (drones) and Trump, global oil markets are showing increased instability, as Ukrainian drones are destroying key oil and gas infrastructure inside of Russia. Over the last few weeks, a tsunami of reports has been published about a possible oil glut in the coming months or years, supported by OPEC-8 decisions to increase the export ceiling. However, reality in the market shows a different picture. Until now, no real crude oil price crash is showing; global prices are even very stable, while fundamentals in the…

Sherman’s Sports, a family-owned retailer that has been a staple in North Carolina for over a century, has announced its closure. The company, which has been in operation since 1922, has been a cornerstone of the community, providing a variety of products from outdoor clothing and footwear to souvenirs and outdoor gear.The information of the closure was disseminated through a community Facebook page, as Sherman’s Sports does not maintain a website or social media presence. The owners pointed to retirement as the reason for the closure. Becky Sherman Banadyga, the present owner, confirmed the news to the local Times-News newspaper, expressing that…

While most investors were focused on Fed policy, gold and tech earnings, a supply crisis was quietly brewing in global energy markets that would soon send oil prices rocketing. Oil prices surged to multi-week highs as September 2025 ends, with WTI crude climbing 0.95% to $65.60 per barrel and reaching $70.70 (marking the biggest weekly gain since June). This dramatic rally stems from a convergence of supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions that could reshape energy markets heading into 2026. The price surge represents more than just another commodity bounce. According to futures data, oil prices have broken above key resistance…

The insurance-linked securities (ILS) market remains in good shape, but opportunities exist to refine terms and conditions in the traditional reinsurance space, where coverage in some areas remains broad, Niklaus Hilti, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Euler ILS Partners, told Artemis in a recent interview.Artemis spoke to Hilti around the recent Monte Carlo Rendez-Vous event about a range of topics, such as the ILS investment manager’s current outlook on the ILS market, and the firm’s expectations for further ILS market expansion into perils such as cyber, specialty, and casualty lines. Firstly, we asked Hilti how he rates the health of…

Mortgage spreads In 2025, my forecast for mortgage spreads was for them to improve by 0.27%-0.41% using a 2025 average of 2.54%. As volatility compresses and the Federal Reserve continues its rate-cut cycle, much like in 2024, the spreads should improve. With mortgage spreads down to 2.15% last week, the improvement reached 0.39%, so we are almost at the peak of my forecast. So, if we see more improvement, then my 2025 forecast was actually too conservative.Mortgage rates would not have reached a yearly low this year if it weren’t for improved mortgage spreads in 2025. The 10-year yield hasn’t…

(BOE Report) – Kazakhstan’s oil and condensate output rose to 8.885 million metric tons in August from 8.631 million tons in July, driven by production growth at Tengiz, Kashagan, and Karachaganak oilfields, official data showed on Friday. The August figure translates into 2.150 million barrels per day, according to Reuters calculations. Despite exceeding quotas set by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, Kazakhstan restated its commitment to the pact, which excludes gas condensate, a type of light oil, from its production limits. Tengizchevroil (TCO), Kazakhstan’s largest producer, reached a record output…

Long-term care (LTC) and insurance for it (LTCI) are two of the most misunderstood issues in retirement and retirement finances.One big reason is that people don’t want to talk about it. A survey a few years back reported that more people would rather go to the dentist than talk about LTC. Other surveys reveal that misinformation and misunderstandings about LTC and LTCI are widespread. But when people have the right information, they’re more likely to develop realistic plans and preparation for LTC.LTC often is thought to be nursing home care. It used to be. But LTC now encompasses much more.A…

Key Takeaways Medicare charges monthly premiums for Part B (outpatient care) and Part D (prescriptions). Payments are usually drawn from Social Security, but you can have a bill mailed to you that you pay by check, card, or bank transfer. Part B bills cover three months at once, leading to big first-time charges—plus, possible income-based surcharges or late penalties. Penalties can last a lifetime, so enrolling on time is essential. You qualify for Medicare after paying Medicare taxes your entire career. While those taxes cover most of your costs, Medicare still charges additional premiums to enrollees. These premiums can be…

Gov. Bill Lee (R-Tenn.) announced Friday that additional federal agents and state resources will arrive in Memphis next week to help curb violent crime.The reinforcements, which include National Guard troops deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service, will join a new multi-agency effort known as the “Memphis Safe Task Force.”The Associated Press reports that the initiative will bring together 13 federal agencies, state troopers, and local police, marking one of the largest joint security operations in the city in recent years.Also Read: Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Oracle, Costco, NIO — And Wall Street Snaps Its SlideLee explained that the Guard members…

Selfie with iJustine and Tim Cook at 2025 Apple Event. Jason Hiner/ZDNETWe always knew people took a lot of selfies, but when Apple unveiled its 2025 fall devices, it revealed that iPhone users had taken over 500 billion selfies in the past year. Since there are about 1.5 billion iPhone users in the world, that’s an average of about 330 selfies a year per person. In this selfie taken on the iPhone 17, you can see the level of detail in the face, hat, and the texture on the wall. You can also see the dynamic range in the clouds…