us-business

Topline A federal appeals court on Wednesday upheld a lower court ruling that blocked President Donald Trump’s order seeking to end birthright citizenship, deeming it unconstitutional in a blow to the administration, despite a Supreme Court ruling last month limiting the ability of courts to block Trump’s policies nationwide. President Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order was deemed unconstitutional by a … More federal appeals court. Getty Images Key Facts The 2-1 ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upholds a nationwide pause on the enforcement of the president’s order granted by a Washington District Court Judge in January. The court’s majority opinion said: “We conclude that the Executive Order is invalid because it contradicts the plain language of the Fourteenth Amendment’s grant of citizenship to ‘all persons born in the United States.’” The opinion noted that the district court “correctly concluded that the Executive Order’s proposed interpretation, denying citizenship to many persons born in the United States, is unconstitutional…We fully agree.” Trump appointee Judge Patrick J. Bumatay issued a partial dissent, arguing that the Democratic-led states that brought the case lacked standing to file the suit, but he did not address whether the executive order itself was unconstitutional. This is the first ruling on the matter by a federal appeals court and likely sets up a future hearing by the Supreme Court. What Do We Know About The Supreme Court’s Ruling On The Birthright Citizenship Order? While the Supreme Court has not ruled on the constitutionality of the Birthright Citizenship executive order, it handed a major legal victory to Trump last month by limiting lower court judges’ ability to block his policies nationwide. The top court’s ruling was in a case that consolidated multiple lawsuits nationwide against the order, in which the Trump administration had asked the judges to rule on whether federal judges from a single state or region could block the president’s policy from being implemented nationwide. The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 along partisan lines and the majority opinion from the court’s conservative justices stated that Courts are not supposed to “exercise general oversight of the Executive Branch.” The liberal judges’ dissenting opinion, penned by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, said the court’s majority ruling disregards “basic principles of equity” and called it an “attack on our system of law.” The dissenting opinion then warned: “No right is safe in the new legal regime the Court creates. Today, the threat is to birthright citizenship. Tomorrow, a different administration may try to seize firearms from law-abiding citizens or prevent people of certain faiths from gathering to worship.” What Do We Know About Another Recent Ruling Blocking The Order? Earlier this month, a federal judge in New Hampshire also blocked the executive order from going into effect nationwide. Judge Joseph Laplante’s ruling blocked the order, which was set to take effect on July 27, after the Supreme Court’s order overturned previous blocks imposed by lower courts. Laplante’s ruling relied on one of the many carveouts specified by the Supreme Court in its verdict, including one that allowed cases to be brought as class-action lawsuits, thereby blocking the Trump administration from implementing a policy against any specific group. The New Hampshire case was certified as a class action, preventing the implementation of Trump’s order against any child born in the U.S. who could be impacted by it—effectively freezing the policy. Further Reading Trump Birthright Citizenship Order Blocked Again—Despite Supreme Court’s Ruling (Forbes) Supreme Court Limits Judges From Blocking Some Trump Policies—But Punts On Birthright Citizenship Rule (Forbes) Read More

Freddie Mac Mortgage Rates—July 24, 2025 What happened to mortgage rates this week The Freddie Mac 30-year mortgage rate dropped 1 basis point, to 6.74%, this week while a lot of political pressure is being put on the FOMC to lower rates. However, the persistent risk of tariff-driven inflation, combined with a rising U.S. fiscal debt—expected to grow further following the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill Act—has helped establish a relatively high floor for interest rates, at least for now. Looking ahead, Realtor.com® predicts that mortgage rates are likely to stay elevated throughout the remainder of the year but gradually ease to around 6.4% by year-end, as anticipated slowing growth and subdued inflationary pressures help bring rates lower. What it means for the housing market High mortgage rates and elevated home prices have kept home sales near yearly lows—a trend that’s perhaps unsurprising given that, in nearly all major U.S. metros, renting a starter home remains the more budget-friendly option. While the long-term financial benefits of homeownership are still well-recognized, many prospective buyers are exercising patience in the face of persistent affordability challenges. Meanwhile, for renters, this environment offers flexibility and an opportunity to build savings.  Read More

In the current competitive housing landscape, buyers are becoming increasingly selective. Even with the challenges related to affordability, personalization remains a priority, especially for Millennial and Gen Z buyers who desire their homes to reflect their personal identities and lifestyles. For builders, this scenario creates both a challenge and an opportunity: How can design flexibility be provided without compromising efficiency? To achieve this balance, you need innovative and scalable customization. Builders who excel in this method obtain a competitive advantage by crafting homes that feel personalized without extending timelines or increasing costs. Here are strategies for effectively introducing customization into your business. Customization as a Value-Add Personalization has transitioned from a luxury to an essential element in driving sales. Buyers are more inclined to purchase when they feel emotionally connected to the property. Offering choices, like flooring, cabinetry, or a larger kitchen island, can enhance this connection and boost the perceived value of the home. The key is to avoid overwhelming potential buyers with too many options and instead offer a balanced selection of choices. Builders who present a carefully curated array of finishes and features allow buyers to feel like they have options while keeping the process streamlined. Additionally, these pre-selected choices can assist buyers who may not consider themselves experts in choosing color patterns, making guidance from actual experts a valuable resource. For example, many production builders are adopting a “menu mindset,” which includes a foundational base plan alongside upgrade tiers that seem personalized yet are standardized behind the scenes. There’s also a rising demand for homes that are stylish, inclusive, and equipped for the future. By designing flexible floor plans that follow universal design principles, builders can appeal to a broader audience, including multigenerational families and those seeking to age in place. Builder Customization Readiness Checklist Use this checklist to assess your current approach to design flexibility: We provide at least 2-3 curated design packages. Buyers are able to preview design options online. Our selection process integrates with our CRM or ERP systems. We monitor the popularity of different upgrades. Structural options are confined to manageable areas. Our trade partners/vendors are in sync with our standard SKUs. Our sales teams are trained to convey the benefits of personalization. If you checked five or more items, you’re on the right track toward scalable customization. Smart Systems for Smarter Design Technological advancements have made customization more scalable than ever before. Digital design studios and online visualization tools allow buyers to make selections remotely, relieving pressure from in-person design centers and helping to maintain timelines. When integrating these tools into the sales process, builders not only will improve the buyer experience but also help to have better communication among different departments, from sales to procurement to construction. Platforms that secure selections, provide real-time cost updates, and synchronize with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are more vital for operational efficiency. Curated Packages vs. Full Customization Not all forms of customization yield the same benefits, and not all are advantageous. Offering complete design flexibility can hinder production and reduce profit margins. Therefore, many builders are concentrating on curated design packages, pre-selected finish collections that reflect common buyer preferences while streamlining supply chain and labor requirements. Some builders also offer “structural option zones,” which are designated areas where buyers can select from a limited display of floor plan modifications. This strategy keeps engineering and permitting manageable while still permitting meaningful personalization without prolonging timelines and increasing costs. Finding a suitable balance between flexibility and standardization is essential for operational success. Who’s doing it well? Digital Design Studio Meritage Homes enables buyers to choose design packages via an online platform, cutting down design appointment durations by 50%. Source: www.meritagehomes.com Smith Douglas Homes implements tiered upgrade sheets that streamline decision-making for first-time buyers while preserving a premium experience. Source: www.tripointehomes.com Curated Finish Boards in Model Home Tri Pointe Homes has curated finish boards in model homes, assisting buyers in visualizing design packages without overwhelming details. Source: www.smithdouglas.com Data-Driven Design Choices The most successful customization approaches rely on data. Builders are leveraging post-closing feedback, insights from sales teams, and regional analytics to identify which design options attract the most attention, and which may not be worth the added work. For example, while tiling an entire wall behind the kitchen range may be a popular idea on Pinterest, if only 3% of buyers choose it and it complicates installation schedules, it may not be a practical option. However, adding an accent wall that requires only a few hours and a modest budget could be worthwhile. Builders who assess design center selections and track customer satisfaction metrics are better positioned to refine their offerings and enhance efficiency. To keep pace with shifting buyer preferences, industry events like the International Builders’ Show (IBS) are essential for gathering insights. If you weren’t able to attend the event, here are key takeaways every builder should consider, from design trends to technological advancements that are reshaping the new home experience. Design is not only about appearance; it also represents a fundamental business decision. Implications for Sales Teams Sales representatives often serve as the initial point of contact for buyers regarding customization. They need the right training and resources to position personalization as a value-added feature rather than just a distraction. This includes offering clear visuals, transparent pricing, and the ability to explain how specific selections affect timelines and costs. Customization can also effectively build trust. When buyers notice that their preferences are valued, they tend to remain engaged and refer others. Builders who equip their sales teams with digital tools and consultative selling strategies can turn personalization into a highly impactful dialogue. Effective Personalization When Executed Properly Customization is not about doing more but about approaching it smarter. Builders who provide the right options, supported by efficient systems and data-driven choices, are likely to gain buyer trust and boost sales.In a competitive market, it is important to make your homes unique. Offering personalized homes while keeping operations simple may be your

Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Read More

Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Read More

Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Read More

Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Read More

Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Read More

Trump Accounts, recently introduced as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), are generating a lively debate among savings and retirement experts. Presented as a new form of birthright investment account, could these accounts really rival, or even surpass, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)? A closer look is in order. A financial boost from birth The principle behind Trump Accounts is simple: for each child born between 2025 and 2028, the US Government automatically pays an initial deposit of $1,000, provided the child has a Social Security number. Thereafter, parents, employers or other entities can contribute up to $5,000 per year to this account, with inflation indexation scheduled to begin in 2027. Funds must be invested in Index funds tracking the US market, with fees limited to 0.1% to guarantee maximum returns. Unlike traditional retirement savings accounts, Trump Accounts do not require earned income to contribute. This means that even a newborn baby can start saving in its first year, an approach reminiscent of the “baby bonds” championed by several politicians for over a decade. An IRA-like structure, but with nuances Tax-wise, Trump Accounts resemble a hybrid between a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA. Contributions, as in a Roth IRA, are made on an after-tax basis and are not deductible. Funds grow tax-free, but unlike a Roth, withdrawals are generally taxed like a Traditional IRA, with certain exceptions (higher education, real estate purchases, etc.). From age 18, the account holder can make withdrawals, which then follow the usual IRA tax rules. Before the age of 59 and a half, penalties of 10% apply on earnings in the event of non-qualified withdrawals, except in the case of use for expenses provided for in the IRA early withdrawal code. A smart retirement tool or just another bureaucratic monster? The main advantage of these accounts lies in their long-term nature. Placed from birth in low-cost index funds, investments can grow significantly thanks to the power of compound interest. According to CNBC projections, an initial account of $1,000 with regular contributions of $200 a month could grow to over $250,000 in 30 years, with an average annual return of 7%. But this promise is nuanced. On the one hand, Trump Accounts enable families to build capital for education, home purchase or even their children’s retirement.  On the other hand, they add a layer of complexity to the already cluttered landscape of American retirement savings. Today, the US tax system has more than ten different savings vehicles, all with distinct rules: IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), 529, HSA… and now Trump Accounts. Trump Accounts vs IRAs: Key differences to be aware of Source: BRAGG Financial Trump Accounts are distinguished by their early accessibility. Unlike Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs, which require earned income to contribute, Trump Accounts are open from birth. In terms of contribution limits, Trump Accounts allow annual payments of up to $5,000, while Traditional and Roth IRAs offer a slightly higher limit, with set contribution limits at $7,000 in 2025 for people under 50. Taxation is another major point of divergence. Deposits into a Trump Account are not tax-deductible, just as in a Roth IRA.  On the other hand, contributions to a Traditional IRA can, under certain conditions, be tax-deductible, making it an attractive instrument for taxpayers wishing to reduce their taxable income in the short term. About withdrawals, Trump Accounts operate according to rules similar to Traditional IRAs: Gains are taxed at the time of withdrawal, with certain exceptions (education, first real estate purchase, etc.). Conversely, the Roth IRA is distinguished by a total tax exemption on qualified withdrawals after age 59 1/2, making it the most tax-efficient option for long-term retirement planning. Finally, the flexibility of use varies significantly. Trump Accounts allow withdrawals as early as age 18, but with restrictions. Traditional IRAs, on the other hand, impose an age limit of 59 and a half, on pain of penalty. The Roth IRA is more flexible, allowing contributions (but not earnings) to be withdrawn tax- and penalty-free at any time, providing useful leeway in case of unforeseen need. In short, while Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), and particularly the Roth IRA, retain a clear tax advantage for retirement planning, Trump Accounts are attractive for their early accessibility and apparent simplicity. However, the taxation of exit gains remains a potential brake, limiting their competitiveness with existing retirement savings products. An opportunity, but not a miracle solution It would be tempting to see Trump Accounts as a universal, miraculous solution. After all, who would turn down a free $1,000 payment for their child? Yet beyond this “gift”, experts point out that other retirement accounts may be more effective, depending on the objective pursued. To finance education, for example, 529 plans remain unbeatable, with their targeted tax advantages. For retirement planning, Roth IRAs dominate with their total exemption on exit. However, the management of these new accounts, their still unclear tax status, and their restricted investment framework (Index funds only) make them a tool to be used with discernment, as a complement to, not a replacement for, existing retirement savings instruments. IRAs FAQs An IRA (Individual Retirement Account) allows you to make tax-deferred investments to save money and provide financial security when you retire. There are different types of IRAs, the most common being a traditional one – in which contributions may be tax-deductible – and a Roth IRA, a personal savings plan where contributions are not tax deductible but earnings and withdrawals may be tax-free. When you add money to your IRA, this can be invested in a wide range of financial products, usually a portfolio based on bonds, stocks and mutual funds. Yes. For conventional IRAs, one can get exposure to Gold by investing in Gold-focused securities, such as ETFs. In the case of a self-directed IRA (SDIRA), which offers the possibility of investing in alternative assets, Gold and precious metals are available. In such cases, the investment is based on holding physical Gold (or any other precious metals like

Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page. If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet. FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted. The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice. Editors’ Picks EUR/USD drops below 1.1750 on modest USD rebound EUR/USD stays under modest bearish pressure and trades below 1.1750 in the second half of the day on Friday. The US Dollar (USD) holds its ground on growing optimism about improving US-China relations, making it difficult for the pair to gain traction. GBP/USD drops to 1.3450 area after weak UK Retail Sales data GBP/USD continues to push lower after closing in negative territory on Thursday and trades near 1.3450 on Friday. Weaker-than-expected Retail Sales data from the UK and the broad-based US Dollar strength forces the pair to stay on the back foot heading into the weekend. Gold drops to fresh weekly low below $3,350 Gold stays under bearish pressure for the third consecutive day and trades at a fresh weekly low below $3,350. Improving risk mood on news of the US and China organizing the next round of talks for next week and rising US T-bond yields weigh on XAU/USD. Is the Fed behind the curve? Fed is under increasing scrutiny about its decision to delay rate cuts. Ongoing tariff uncertainty and resilient economy support Fed’s case for pause. But Fed may have left it too late amid some cracks in labour market. Best Brokers for EUR/USD Trading SPONSORED Discover the top brokers for trading EUR/USD in 2025. Our list features brokers with competitive spreads, fast execution, and powerful platforms. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, find the right partner to navigate the dynamic Forex market. Read More