Mes: agosto 2024

US investigates US involvement with Russian state media ahead of election

US investigates US involvement with Russian state media ahead of election

In a significant escalation of its efforts to counter foreign influence in its electoral processes, the U.S. Department of Justice has launched a full criminal investigation into American individuals who have been associated with Russian state media outlets. This action underscores a proactive approach to safeguarding the integrity of the upcoming November presidential election. Earlier this month, FBI operations included raids on the residences of two well-known individuals with ties to Russian media: Scott Ritter, a former United Nations weapons inspector and a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy, and Dimitri K. Simes, who served as an advisor to Donald…
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Fed’s Harker Calls for September Rate Cut

Fed’s Harker Calls for September Rate Cut

At the Federal Reserve's annual conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker expressed strong support for lowering interest rates at the next meeting in September. This stance was reinforced by recent Federal Reserve minutes, which suggested a potential drop in short-term rates. Officials are more confident about inflation trends and are eager to forestall any potential decline in employment. "We should start the process of cutting rates in September," Harker said in an interview. He stressed the importance of the Federal Reserve making these adjustments methodically and communicating them clearly in advance. Financial markets are fully expecting…
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Dow Jones drops 200 points ahead of Powell speech, rising Treasury yields: Live updates

Dow Jones drops 200 points ahead of Powell speech, rising Treasury yields: Live updates

As the sun rose over the crowded floor of the New York Stock Exchange on August 20, 2024, the mood was tense. The S&P 500 Index fell Thursday after enjoying a recent surge, as investors awaited Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's eagerly anticipated speech at the central bank's annual symposium in Jackson Hole. The overall index fell 0.7%, approaching its intraday high in July. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 212 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite fell 1.3%. A significant factor in Thursday's market decline was rising bond yields, particularly 10-year U.S. Treasuries, which rose about 10 basis…
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The boom in online sports betting changes investment behavior

The boom in online sports betting changes investment behavior

The rapid growth of online sports betting, following its legalization in several states, has significantly affected the dynamics of personal finances, especially among economically vulnerable groups. Study insights A recent analysis titled “Gambling Away Stability: The Financial Repercussions of Sports Betting on At-Risk Families” highlights the dramatic increase in sports betting following the 2018 Supreme Court decision overturning a nationwide ban. With 38 states now allowing the activity, the industry has boasted more than $120 billion in wagers and generated revenues of more than $11 billion in 2023. This influx of funds has benefited government budgets but has placed significant…
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Congressional Investigation of MultiPlan Exposes Billing Practices Harmful to Health Insurance

Congressional Investigation of MultiPlan Exposes Billing Practices Harmful to Health Insurance

Recent congressional actions have highlighted concerns about certain health insurance practices that could increase financial burdens for both patients and employers. At the center of these investigations is MultiPlan, a well-known data analytics firm known for its role in helping insurers determine medical claim payout amounts. On Tuesday, Reps. Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), who hold leadership roles on a key House committee that deals with employer-sponsored insurance, sent a detailed request to a senior Labor Department official. They asked for a full explanation of the measures being taken against what they called “disturbing practices” in the health…
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