For most of the 13 years the Cayena hotel has operated in Caracas, rooms starting at $400 a night mostly sat empty. The occupancy rate was a dismal 21% last year. Five months later, it’s become the center of action as investors rush into Venezuela to profit from what they expect will be an economic revival in the post- Nicolás Maduro era. In the heart of a busy commercial district, surrounded by t...
For most of the 13 years the Cayena hotel has operated in Caracas, rooms starting at $400 a night mostly sat empty. The occupancy rate was a dismal 21% last year. Five months later, it’s become the center of action as investors rush into Venezuela to profit from what they expect will be an economic revival in the post- Nicolás Maduro era. In the heart of a busy commercial district, surrounded by tall glass office buildings and boulevards lined with palm trees, the 47-room Cayena is a busy hub for movers and shakers. As Venezuela’s new leader moves to open the economy and US President Donald Trump urges a swift boost in oil output, the hotel’s rooms are filled by executives from global energy firms, billionaires hunting business opportunities and hedge fund managers seeking insight on what the country’s debt restructuring may look like. Those who can’t get a room when the hotel sells out converge for breakfast meetings over cheese-filled cachapas or the restaurant’s signature eggs Benedict. The scene would be almost unimaginable just a few months ago. For nearly a decade, Venezuela had been in disarray following years of economic mismanagement, nationalizations and US sanctions tied to allegations of rigged elections, prompting multinational companies and citizens to flee at unprecedented rates. And to be sure, much of the current optimism has yet to bolster the economic fortunes of everyday Venezuelans, where the monthly minimum wage is just $240, inflation is 600% and many people can’t afford the basics. Read more: Venezuela Raises Minimum Wage to $240 Amid Rising Social Unrest But since Trump ousted Maduro in a nighttime raid in January and Vice President Delcy Rodríguez took over seemingly eager to jettison the socialist past and embrace foreign investment, the country seems ripe for a turnaround. Investors have seen rapid change: The US restored relations, eased sanctions and announced that a country home to the world’s largest oil reserves was open for business...
Cases of Lyme disease have risen more than 20% in England in the past year, public health experts have revealed, as pharmaceutical companies work to create new vaccines and drugs to tackle the tick-borne illness. According to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), published as part of its One Health vector-borne disease surveillance report, there were 1,168 laboratory-confirmed cases of ...
Cases of Lyme disease have risen more than 20% in England in the past year, public health experts have revealed, as pharmaceutical companies work to create new vaccines and drugs to tackle the tick-borne illness. According to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), published as part of its One Health vector-borne disease surveillance report, there were 1,168 laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme disease in 2025, up from 959 in 2024 – an increase of 22%. However, the figure is similar to that recorded in 2023, when there were 1,151 confirmed cases. Two probable cases of tick-borne encephalitis complex were also identified in 2025, bringing the total number of locally acquired cases to six since 2019, when the virus was first identified in the UK. Dr Claire Gordon, the head of the rare and imported pathogens laboratory at UKHSA, said: “While the number of laboratory-confirmed acute cases of Lyme disease in 2025 is an increase on numbers reported in 2024, we expect overall case rates to vary year to year depending on awareness, testing rates and factors that impact outdoor activities such as weather. Broader trends in 2025 remain consistent.” Lyme disease is caused by a type of bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which lives in the gut of ticks – tiny spider-like creatures found in grassy and wooded areas that feed on the blood of birds and mammals, including humans. “In recent years, we have seen an increasing geographical distribution of ticks across the UK,” Gordon said. “But tick numbers continue to vary due to changes in weather conditions, climate trends, habitat changes and shifting host populations.” Symptoms of Lyme can include a bullseye-like rash, fever, muscle and joint pain, and lethargy. Left untreated, the condition can become chronic and, even among those who receive antibiotics, some report ongoing symptoms. Not all ticks carry Lyme bacteria, and it is thought rapid removal of ticks reduces the risk of infection after a bite. But while there ar...
CompX International ( CIX ) declares $0.30/share quarterly dividend , in line with previous. Payable June 16; for shareholders of record June 4; ex-div June 4. See CIX Dividend Scorecard, Yield Chart, & Dividend Growth. More on CompX International Historical earnings data for CompX International Dividend scorecard for CompX International Financial information for CompX International
CompX International ( CIX ) declares $0.30/share quarterly dividend , in line with previous. Payable June 16; for shareholders of record June 4; ex-div June 4. See CIX Dividend Scorecard, Yield Chart, & Dividend Growth. More on CompX International Historical earnings data for CompX International Dividend scorecard for CompX International Financial information for CompX International
The number of childminders in England has roughly halved over the past decade, with many citing rising costs, low pay and increasing paperwork as reasons for leaving the profession. Campaigners warn the decline is making it harder for families to find flexible and affordable childcare. We want to hear from parents and carers whose childminder has recently closed their business, stopped accepting c...
The number of childminders in England has roughly halved over the past decade, with many citing rising costs, low pay and increasing paperwork as reasons for leaving the profession. Campaigners warn the decline is making it harder for families to find flexible and affordable childcare. We want to hear from parents and carers whose childminder has recently closed their business, stopped accepting certain age groups such those over three-year-olds or reduced the number of children they look after. How did it affect your family? Did you struggle to find alternative childcare? Have you been forced to move your child into a nursery setting despite feeling they were better suited to a smaller, home-from-home environment? Share your experience You can share your experience using this form. Please share your story if you are 18 or over, anonymously if you wish. For more information please see our terms of service and privacy policy Tell us here Your responses, which can be anonymous, are secure as the form is encrypted and only the Guardian has access to your contributions. We will only use the data you provide us for the purpose of the feature and we will delete any personal data when we no longer require it for this purpose. For alternative ways to get in touch securely please see our tips guide Name Where do you live? Tell us a bit about yourself (e.g. age, background, what you do) Optional How did losing your childminder affect your family? Please include as much detail as possible. If you are happy to, please upload a photo of yourself here Optional Please note, the maximum file size is 5.7 MB . Choose file Can we publish your response? Yes, entirely Yes, but contact me first Yes, but please keep me anonymous No, this is information only Phone number Optional Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Email address Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They ...
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Mohamad Faizal Bin Ramli/iStock via Getty Images Market Review The bond markets including US Treasuries and municipals turned markedly bearish during March, as the US-Israel/Iran conflict drove macro rate volatility and uncertainty. Negative price pressures pushed yields higher in March as concerns over labor market weakness were replaced by concerns on inflation due to war-induced higher energy p...
Mohamad Faizal Bin Ramli/iStock via Getty Images Market Review The bond markets including US Treasuries and municipals turned markedly bearish during March, as the US-Israel/Iran conflict drove macro rate volatility and uncertainty. Negative price pressures pushed yields higher in March as concerns over labor market weakness were replaced by concerns on inflation due to war-induced higher energy prices. The March selloff largely erased solid gains from the asset class during the first two months of 2026 as municipal yields tracked the broader Treasury market as well as reflected typical seasonal weakness. March has historically been a challenging period for municipals due to less favorable technicals. On the supply front, total municipal issuance reached a record $128 billion in 1Q26, representing a 6% increase year-over-year, according to The Bond Buyer . In contrast, taxable municipal issuance remained subdued at $6 billion, down 15% from 1Q25. Limited taxable municipal supply supported relative performance in the taxable municipal sector, contributing to its outperformance during the quarter. “We believe bond market volatility amid the ongoing Iran conflict is likely to continue as the market digests competing themes of a slowing economy and higher energy prices.” Performance Summary For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, the Fund's Class I shares returned -0.01%, excluding sales charges. In comparison, the Fund's unmanaged benchmark, the Bloomberg U.S. Municipal Bond Index, returned -0.18% for the same period. Investor demand remained strong overall, with municipal funds experiencing solid inflows. According to Investment Company Institute (ICI) data, open-end municipal mutual funds recorded net inflows of $16 billion during the quarter, while municipal ETFs attracted $13 billion. Over the quarter, the municipal yield curve steepened, while the Treasury curve bear-flattened. Municipal yields in the one- to two-year range declined by 3 to 9 basis points (bps), whe...
Warren Buffett, who served as chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway from 1965 to 2025, once said his favorite holding period was "forever." Now, that doesn't mean the legendary investor held on to every stock he ever bought. Just like investors of all stripes, he was apt to cash out of investments that were either overvalued or where the bull case was shifting in the wrong direction. Howev...
Warren Buffett, who served as chief executive officer of Berkshire Hathaway from 1965 to 2025, once said his favorite holding period was "forever." Now, that doesn't mean the legendary investor held on to every stock he ever bought. Just like investors of all stripes, he was apt to cash out of investments that were either overvalued or where the bull case was shifting in the wrong direction. However, among the core Berkshire Hathaway portfolio, there are a few stocks Buffett bought but never sold. Interestingly enough, they are also currently the three largest positions in the portfolio. With each one representing ownership in businesses with strong balance sheets, deep economic moats, and long track records of earnings and/or dividend growth, these are the Warren Buffett investments to buy and hold forever: Apple (AAPL +1.02%), American Express (AXP +0.19%), and Coca-Cola (KO 0.37%). Apple remains the tech stock best meeting Buffett's criteria Berkshire Hathaway first invested in tech giant Apple in 2016. Berkshire has periodically sold some of its position, but by and large it has held on to this holding. Expand NASDAQ : AAPL Apple Today's Change ( 1.02 %) $ 3.05 Current Price $ 302.02 Key Data Points Market Cap $4.4T Day's Range $ 298.07 - $ 302.79 52wk Range $ 193.46 - $ 303.20 Volume 2M Avg Vol 44M Gross Margin 47.86 % Dividend Yield 0.35 % Per the latest 13-F disclosure filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Berkshire Hathaway's 1.6% stake in Apple is the portfolio's largest and most valuable single holding. Making up almost 21% of the overall portfolio, the position is worth about $67.9 billion . When Berkshire first invested in Apple, it was a unique moment, because Buffett had long shunned technology stocks. Since then, Berkshire Hathaway has invested in many major tech companies, including Google parent Alphabet, which has since become a top 10 Berkshire Hathaway holding. However, among the "Magnificent Seven" stocks that are also Warren Buffe...
May 21 (Reuters) - Manus co-founders are exploring options to fulfill Beijing's demand to unwind a controversial takeover by Meta, including raising about $1 billion from external investors to buy back the Chinese-founded AI operation, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday. Manus's three founders — Xiao Hong, Ji Yichao and Zhang Tao — are discussing a round of funding at a valuation that w...
May 21 (Reuters) - Manus co-founders are exploring options to fulfill Beijing's demand to unwind a controversial takeover by Meta, including raising about $1 billion from external investors to buy back the Chinese-founded AI operation, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday. Manus's three founders — Xiao Hong, Ji Yichao and Zhang Tao — are discussing a round of funding at a valuation that would at least match the $2 billion Meta paid to acquire the agentic AI outfit, the report said citing people familiar with the matter. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Manus did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. (Reporting by Ruchika Khanna in Bengaluru; Editing by Joyjeet Das)
By Alexandra Alper and Stephen Nellis WASHINGTON, May 21 (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Thursday plans to launch a new program to entice foreign firms to buy U.S. AI tools with billions in export financing, according to a document seen by Reuters, as it seeks to beat China in the race to expand worldwide use of its technology. The U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) is expected to approve t...
By Alexandra Alper and Stephen Nellis WASHINGTON, May 21 (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Thursday plans to launch a new program to entice foreign firms to buy U.S. AI tools with billions in export financing, according to a document seen by Reuters, as it seeks to beat China in the race to expand worldwide use of its technology. The U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) is expected to approve the plan later on Thursday to provide financing for foreign purchases of American artificial intelligence tools, according to a one-page description of the program obtained by Reuters. Under the program, which follows through on an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last July, the Commerce Department would have to sign off on specific licenses for sensitive AI technologies such as advanced chips like those made by Nvidia before financing deals could be inked. Financial support from EXIM would include insurance and loan guarantees for medium-term transactions and direct loans and loan guarantees for long-term deals, the document showed. "The ExportAI Initiative strengthens American AI leadership by modernizing EXIM financing tools and supporting the export of trusted U.S. AI technologies across industries of the future," the document said. It was not immediately clear which countries and companies would benefit from the new program, but the move shows the Trump administration continues to see U.S. AI exports globally as critical to winning the AI race against China. China's DeepSeek last month released a free and open-source AI model tailored for chips made by China's Huawei, a move that some AI advocates say shows China is vying for global influence in both the hardware and software used to create AI systems. DeepSeek's models have become widely used over the past year because they are competitive with the capabilities of U.S. models, though some U.S. firms have accused DeepSeek of piggybacking off their technology. The Biden administration had ba...
The S&P 500 Index has had a fitful 2026 as it aims for a fourth-straight year of double-digit percentage gains , something it hasn’t done since the 1990s, while contending with risks from the war in Iran and rising inflation. But one high-profile culprit is most responsible for holding back the market: Microsoft Corp. The software giant is down 13% this year, making it by far the biggest drag on t...
The S&P 500 Index has had a fitful 2026 as it aims for a fourth-straight year of double-digit percentage gains , something it hasn’t done since the 1990s, while contending with risks from the war in Iran and rising inflation. But one high-profile culprit is most responsible for holding back the market: Microsoft Corp. The software giant is down 13% this year, making it by far the biggest drag on the index’s 8.6% gain, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. While Meta Platforms Inc. and Tesla Inc. , both of which have lost more than 7% in 2026, are the next closest, their moves amount to a fraction of Microsoft’s weight. The stock is struggling amid tepid results from Microsoft’s cloud-computing division, concerns about the company’s position in the artificial intelligence landscape and caution about the scale of its AI-related spending. It also has gotten caught up in investors’ broader angst about software’s growth potential in an AI world. “There are a lot of problems Microsoft has to solve, a lot of questions where we haven’t gotten good answers on its ability to successfully transition into a more AI-forward company,” said Howard Chan , chief executive officer at Kurv Investment Management, which owns Microsoft shares. “Its death has been exaggerated many times, and with sentiment so negative we see more upside than downside. But until we get answers, I don’t think it’s going to be smooth sailing.” Meanwhile, the two other major players in cloud computing, Alphabet Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. , are putting up double-digit percentage gains in 2026. With the Nasdaq 100 Index rising 16% in 2026, Microsoft is on pace for its third-straight year trailing the tech-heavy benchmark. If the 29-percentage-point gap between the two lasts through the end of December, it would mark the most severe underperformance since 2003. Microsoft’s earnings report in late April pointed to underwhelming growth in its Azure cloud computing business, especially relative to Alphabet and Ama...
Key Points The acquisition will make NextEra Energy the top renewable and nuclear company in the country. The deal comes amid unprecedented energy demands from data centers and hyperscalers. 10 stocks we like better than NextEra Energy › NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) made big waves this week, announcing a megadeal to acquire Dominion Energy (NYSE: D) in an all-stock transaction valued at $66.8 billio...
Key Points The acquisition will make NextEra Energy the top renewable and nuclear company in the country. The deal comes amid unprecedented energy demands from data centers and hyperscalers. 10 stocks we like better than NextEra Energy › NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) made big waves this week, announcing a megadeal to acquire Dominion Energy (NYSE: D) in an all-stock transaction valued at $66.8 billion, pending approval. As with any gigantic merger or acquisition, investors are trying to understand what this will mean for their holdings. One thing NextEra's investors should know about this deal is that it will make the combined company the world's leading renewable energy operator. Moreover, because of the sheer size and scale, it will also solidify NextEra's position as the second-largest nuclear power operator and largest natural gas utility in the U.S. Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue » There are also risks involved with a deal of this magnitude. In the short term, the financial implications of this acquisition may put real pressure on NextEra's balance sheet. There's significant integration risk in bringing Dominion under the NextEra umbrella. The all-stock transaction will also dilute current NextEra shareholders. The short-term pain of integration and other operational risks is real, but investors should remain patient. In the long term, NextEra will have the opportunity to maintain market dominance and grow its energy business like never before. The price the company and shareholders will have to pay in the interim may hurt a bit, but it will be worth it over the course of several years. NextEra's share price fell slightly on the news, but as of this writing, it's rebounded. NextEra is trading around $90 per share, about 9% below its 52-week high. Should you buy stock in NextEra En...