The US economy is witnessing surge in job market and attractive mortgage rates. These positive factors are expected to boost the new home market. The US economy is forecast to grow at 2.7 percent in 2016 from 2.1 percent in 2015. Economists predict that the GDP growth rate may slowdown to 2.2 percent in 2017. The market for new homes grew 15 percent during the first 11 months of 2015.
North America
Pope Mobile-Sports Will Be Auctioned in Philadelphia Next Week
Two of Fiat 500L used by Pope Francis during his visit in U.S. will be auctioned next week in Philadelphia Auto Show. Pope used the car during his historic visit to U.S. last September.
GM And Chinese Coportation Open Cadillac Plant in China To Woo Luxury Market
GM with its main Chinese partner have opened a Cadillac plant in Shanghai on Thursday, 21 Jan 2016 to take advantage of the potential growth in the overcrowded luxury market of China. Cadillac plant has capacity to produce 160,000 vehicles annually. Cadillac believe the luxury car market offer a lot margin opportunity notwithstanding pressure in pricing. Shares of GM have been reported trading on NYSE higher by more than 1 percent on Thursday.
US Immigration: New Visa Requirements for European with Dual Nationalities of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria
The new regulation is being established initiated by the San Bernardino shooting in California that killed 14 people and left 22 wounded. It has drawn many concern and dismay among European citizens, especially those with the dual nationalities as mentioned. Europe could also reciprocate, restricting American with the same duality to enter Europe.
Google’s Financial Documents Marked ‘Attorney’s Eyes Only’ Leaked By Oracle Attorney
Oracle has been accusing Google for violating copyright law through using Java operating system in Android for long five years. The search engine provider has failed in its earlier bid to derail the case in the US Supreme Court and lawsuit proceeding has resumed in a North Carolina District Court. The database maker’s attorney has placed to Google’s financials to claim a margin from Google’s earnings since its introduction of Androids.
Latest News
Boeing will report a $569 million after-tax accounting loss in its fourth quarter. The company will also reduce production of its 747 airplane starting September this year..
Uber generated more revenue in 2015 than in the previous year. However, the company experience more losses in order to pursue growth.
As winter storm is heading toward East Coast this Friday, flight disruption is expected. Airlines are offering refund and waiver to customers whose flight schedule is affected by the snow storm.
A recent report showed the declining trend of people to have driver's license in United States. Research was conducted by University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.
The adverse conditions in the global economy and weaker stocks on Wall Street may prevent the US Federal Reserve from going for a rate hike again. Some analysts forecast four more rate hikes in 2016, while Reuters' poll indicate three times hike this year. The slump in commodities, weaker global markets, slowdown in China's economy and lower oil prices are causes of concerns for the US Fed as these are upsetting the Wall Street.
Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations are buying thousands of acres in the US. Recently, Fondomonte California has purchased 1,790 acres of farmland in California. Almarai bought 10,000 acres of farmland in Arizona two years back. These companies have cultivating alfalfa hay and exporting back it to feed dairy herds. Local farmers in California and Arizona are expressing concerns over drop in groundwater table.
Saudi Arabia has ruled out allegations that Iran has been targeted in the oil price war. Saudi Arabian foreign minister said that it's demand-supply situation that determines price in the global oil market. The low price is also hitting US shale oil, which involves high cost of production.
Luxe valet parking app is partnering with Tesla. The two-year old tech startup will provide Tesla owners in New York and San Fransisco its on-demand valet parking service.
Palmer Luckey, founder of Oculus Rift company have to stand in court in a lawsuit against him. The plaintiff is Total Recall Technologies that accused the 23-year old to use its data illegally.
