Author: Justin M. Larson

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) building in Wellington, New Zealand, on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023.Mark Coote | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesNew Zealand’s central bank on Wednesday cut benchmark interest rates by 50 basis points to 2.5%, bringing the policy rate to its lowest level since July 2022 as growth worries loom.The cut to the overnight cash rate was larger than the 25 basis points expected by economists polled by Reuters.In its statement, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand said inflation was likely to return to its 2% target by the first half of next year, while pointing to…

When the Eiffel Tower was first erected for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris, it faced harsh criticism. Prominent artists and writers labeled it “monstrous” and “useless,” and its creator, Gustave Eiffel, initially received only a 20-year permit to occupy the land. Despite its groundbreaking engineering, many Parisians disliked the structure, fearing it would scar the city’s beauty. Yet Eiffel found a clever way to secure its survival: he transformed the tower into a hub for scientific research and communication. By installing a station at its peak for experiments and radio transmissions, he proved its practical value and ensured it…

Mergers-and-acquisitions activity globally is roaring back to life, with several megadeals in the third quarter building on momentum from earlier this year. When Donald Trump returned to the White House, markets expected a deregulatory wave and tax-friendly environment to spark a dealmaking surge. However, recession fears, geopolitical flashpoints and tariffs concerns kept boardrooms a bit cautious. Now, they appear to have put aside those worries for good, leading to a sharp surge in M & As, buoyed by rate-cut expectations and elevated levels of private-equity “dry powder.” According to data provided by financial markets platform Dealogic, the third-quarter saw a…

In 2025, the median rent for a 1-bedroom in Hong Kong is $2,421.Nikada | E+ | Getty ImagesAsia-Pacific markets traded mixed Wednesday, breaking ranks from Wall Street losses, after the World Bank raised the region’s growth forecast Tuesday.That comes after a summer that saw U.S. tariff-led uncertainty rock the global economy.Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 was little changed, while the the Topix added 0.62%. Australia’s ASX/S&P 200 fell 0.3%.Futures for Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index stood at 27,165, higher than its Tuesday close of 26,957.77.Mainland China and South Korean markets are closed for the holidays.The Bank of Thailand and Reserve Bank of…

Avocado toast and nut butter toast are popular choices for breakfast or a mid-day snack—both have an impressive nutritional profile and are a great source of healthy fats. However, avocados and nut butters (including peanut butter, cashew butter, or almond butter) do differ in their protein and fiber content, as well as their overall effect on your health. So, is it better to add nut butter toast or avocado toast to your plate? We asked three dietitians to break down the individual nutritional benefits of each and compare them side-by-side to help you choose. Type of Fat Avocados are rich…

As it did in 2018, the White House plans to dole out relief funds to struggling U.S. farmers who have lost their biggest customer. Source link

Cortisol, widely known as the stress hormone, can have health benefits in the body when it isn’t too high or low, such as regulating stress, inflammation, and immunity. It also helps manage how well your body turns food into energy. Certain types of foods may affect your cortisol levels and how your body handles stress. Cesare Ferrari / Getty Images Drinking alcohol directly affects your central nervous system (CNS). Your CNS includes your brain and spinal cord, which control thoughts, emotions, movement, and the proper function of organs. Alcohol can temporarily raise your cortisol levels. Occasional or moderate drinking isn’t…

PepsiCo Inc. has recalled nearly 70,000 bottles of Lipton Tea over a labeling error, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The brand’s Green Tea Citrus flavor, which contains 25 grams (g) of sugar per bottle, was mistakenly put in bottles labeled as Diet Green Tea Mixed Berry, which is supposed to be sugar-free. The incorrectly labeled bottles were then put in 12-packs with the correct Green Tea Citrus label. Here’s how to know if your tea is affected. The recalled tea can be identified by the following information: Product description: Lipton Green Tea Citrus (16.9 oz.) in bottles…

Apples and pears are packed with nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Fiber supports gut health by promoting regular, comfortable bowel movements and nourishing beneficial bacteria. It also helps protect heart health by keeping cholesterol levels and body weight in check. Apples and pears are both nutritious, fiber-rich fruits, but one delivers more fiber than the other.  Apples and pears both provide fiber, but pears contain significantly more.  Here’s the fiber breakdown of a 140-gram apple and a 140-gram pear: Apple: 2.38 gramsPear: 4.34 grams Pears contain significantly more fiber than apples, making them a better overall choice for those…

Calcium is a mineral that plays important roles in the body, such as regulating nerve function and providing structure to the bones and teeth. If you’re trying to boost your calcium intake, consuming calcium-rich foods can help. Milk is a major source of calcium in many people’s diets, providing 306 milligrams of calcium per cup, or 23.5% of the Daily Value (DV). However, many other foods contain calcium, some providing more than milk. Yogurt is a fermented dairy product rich in essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamin B12. One cup of yogurt contains 415 milligrams of calcium, or 32%…

Pumpkin seed oil, or pepita oil, is an extract of pumpkin seeds available as a cooking oil, dietary supplement, or topical formulation. You can consume or apply pumpkin seed oil for a range of health benefits. Pumpkin seed oil may boost skin health and promote hair growth. Though more research is needed, here’s what studies found: Male pattern hair loss: Topical or ingested pumpkin seed oil may promote hair regrowth. In a small study of men with pattern baldness, those who took 400 milligrams (mg) of pumpkin seed oil supplements every day reported satisfactory hair regrowth at 24 weeks. Female…

Two ready-made meals from HelloFresh may be contaminated with Listeria, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) warned in a public health alert issued Monday. The spinach in the subscription-based meals tested positive for the bacteria, which can cause serious or potentially life-threatening illness if consumed. Here’s what you need to know. The public health alert impacts two ready-to-eat products: HelloFresh Ready Made Meals Cheesy Pulled Pork Pepper Pasta, 10.1 oz.; with establishment number “Est. 47718” and lot code 49107, or establishment number “Est. 2937” and lot code 48840HelloFresh Ready Made Meals Unstuffed Peppers With Ground Turkey, 10 oz.;…

The EU has announced plans to hike tariffs on imported steel in a move the UK’s steel industry has said could be “perhaps the biggest crisis” it has ever faced. The commission has set out plans to cut the amount of steel that can be imported into the bloc by half – beyond which the new 50% tariffs will apply. The EU is the UK’s most important export destination for steel, worth nearly £3bn and representing 78% of steel products made in the UK for overseas markets.The commission has come under pressure from some member states and their steel industries,…

Paul KirbyEurope digital editor andLaura GozziReutersAfter eight years in office, Emmanuel Macron’s position as president is coming under increasing pressure as France’s political crisis escalates.Macron once called himself maître des horloges – master of the clocks – but his command of timing is not what it was. For the third time in a year his choice of prime minister has resigned, and opinion polls suggest almost three-quarters of voters think the president should step down too.Long-time ally Édouard Philippe, who served as Macron’s first prime minister from 2017-20, has urged him to appoint a technocrat prime minister and call presidential…

When it comes to anti-inflammatory spices, turmeric often steals the spotlight, but it’s not the only spice with anti-inflammatory potential.  We asked experts to weigh in on the top inflammation-fighting spices that are worth keeping in your kitchen, and these are their top choices. manusapon kasosod / Getty Images Ginger is a popular spice that contains compounds that help reduce inflammation. “Ginger inhibits pro-inflammatory chemicals and has been used for centuries to treat inflammatory conditions,” David Clarke, MD, president of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms, told Health.  Ginger’s potent anti-inflammatory properties come from unique phenolic compounds, including…

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Automotive giant Stellantis has just revealed that it suffered a data breach, exposing customer contact details, after attackers infiltrated a third-party platform used for North American customer services. The announcement comes at a time when large-scale attacks on cloud CRM systems have already shaken tech and retail sectors alike, with Salesforce clients such as Google, Allianz and Dior reporting similar intrusions. These earlier incidents exposed names, emails, and phone numbers, which were sufficient for attackers to launch phishing campaigns or extortion attempts.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips,…

Tensions have been building over government attempts to bring the Kurdish-led region in northeastern Syria under its authority. Kurdish leaders have so far resisted. Source link

The surge in displacement in late September marks a turning point in the conflict – now entering its eighth year – with more than 100,000 people already uprooted during 2025.The violence in Cabo Delgado began in 2017, led by armed groups locally known as al-Shabaab – unrelated to the Somali Islamist militia of the same name. The conflict has evolved into a complex crisis compounded by the effects of repeated cyclones, floods and drought that have devastated livelihoods.For the first time since hostilities began, all 17 districts of Cabo Delgado have been directly affected, and more than 1.3 million people…

Two Austrian women, who were switched at birth at a hospital in the southern city of Graz have finally met each other 35 years later.Doris Grünwald and Jessica Baumgartner were born at the LKH-Uniklinikum in Graz in October 1990, according to Austrian reports.Both were premature. Shortly after they were born, the two babies were accidentally switched and were given to the parents of the other family.Then in 2012 Ms Grünwald discovered that she was not the biological daughter of her parents, Evelin and Josef, when she donated blood, and realised her blood type did not match with that of her…

Oatmeal can be a smart and satisfying breakfast option for people with diabetes. As a whole grain rich in soluble fiber, oatmeal helps slow digestion and promote steady blood sugar levels. With the right toppings and portion sizes, oatmeal offers both nutrition and blood sugar support. Oatmeal is considered a diabetes-friendly food because it typically falls in the low to moderate range on the glycemic index (GI). The GI is a measure of how quickly carbohydrate-containing foods raise blood glucose (sugar) levels. Foods with a lower GI are digested and absorbed more slowly, which can lead to steadier blood sugar…

Tonight, the spectacular harvest moon is set to reach its fullest in UK skies. The lunar event is particularly significant as it is the first of three consecutive supermoons – which occur when a full moon is at its closest point to the Earth. The last was in November 2024. If that’s not enough, the moon tonight is also known as a hunter’s moon, which is usually the name given to the full moon that comes after the harvest moon – but on this occasion it occurs at the same time.Sky News spoke to experts to find out what stargazers can…

A judge in Albania has been shot dead after a man opened fire during a trial at the Court of Appeal in the capital, Tirana.Judge Astrit Kalaja died en route to hospital, officials said, while two others involved in the hearing over a property dispute – a father and son – were shot but sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.Police said they had arrested a 30-year-old male suspect who they identified by the initials “E Sh”, but Albanian media have named as Elvis Shkëmbi. His uncle, a defendant in the case, has also been arrested, as has a security guard…

From trendy fiber bars to Starbucks protein coffee, Americans’ obsession with these two macronutrients seems to only be growing. Both fiber and protein are necessary for a balanced diet, of course. But is there one that you should be prioritizing, particularly as you start your day? “When it comes to breakfast, fiber and protein are a power duo,” Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CPT, a New Jersey-based dietitian and author, told Health. “Fiber helps keep digestion and blood sugar on track, while protein is key for staying full, supporting muscle, and boosting metabolism.” But here’s what you need to know about how…

The Danish government is proposing a ban on several social media apps for under-15s, according to the country’s prime minister.”We have unleashed a monster,” Mette Frederiksen told Denmark’s parliament on Tuesday. “Mobile phones and social media are stealing our children’s childhood.”Research published by Denmark’s wellbeing commission earlier this year found 94% of the country’s young people had a social media profile before they turned 13 – despite that being the minimum age for many social media platforms.It also found nine to 14-year-olds were spending an average of three hours a day on TikTok and YouTube. Ms Frederiksen did not give…