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Consumer Sentiment Rises Slightly for the Third Consecutive Month

How are consumers feeling overall, and how does that translate to a real estate sale? The question is multifaceted, but asking it could be key to learning where buyers stand as the election fast approaches. The consumer sentiment index indicated yet another rise, for the third consecutive month, per the University of Michigan’s survey of…

The post Consumer Sentiment Rises Slightly for the Third Consecutive Month appeared first on RISMedia.




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Lender Data Shows Refinance Offers Have Increased 42% Nationwide Over the Last Year

Remember the days of 3% mortgage rates? As a relieved nation emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, along with it came those historically low average mortgage rates below 5.00%, 4.00% or even sub-3.00%. But as inflation began to increase so too did mortgage rates, rising to nearly 8.00% in 2023 and 2024, their highest…

The post Lender Data Shows Refinance Offers Have Increased 42% Nationwide Over the Last Year appeared first on RISMedia.




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UK retailer ASOS & Microsoft sign 3-Year AI-Driven partnership

ASOS has signed a three-year deal with Microsoft to boost efficiency and innovation through AI. The partnership includes tools like Microsoft Copilot, Power Automate, and Azure, enabling ASOS to automate processes and enhance customer experiences. This allows employees to focus on creativity while AI handles routine tasks, driving data-driven decisions.




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France’s Lectra launches AI-powered platform Valia Fashion

Lectra has launched Valia Fashion, an AI-powered digital platform that streamlines apparel production, from order processing to fabric cutting. Designed for Industry 4.0, it improves collaboration, automates workflows, and optimises material use. Valia Fashion helps brands, manufacturers, and subcontractors enhance agility, control costs, and meet sustainability goals.




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Vizoo, Makalot share best practices on material digitisation, DPC tech

Makalot made early investments on innovations in Digital Product Creation (DPC) beginning in 2006 that yield fruit today through lead time reduction, improved operational efficiency, and supply chain resilience. By integrating Vizoo’s material scanning and other DPC technologies, Makalot minimizes physical sampling and waste, contributing to a more sustainable apparel production model.




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Fast Track Sourcing announces partnership with Germany’s Vizoo

Fast Track Sourcing (FTS) has partnered with Vizoo GmbH to enhance apparel design and development using 3D technology and fabric digitisation. FTS integrates virtual 3D design into its process, boosting efficiency and sustainability. This partnership helps FTS create high-quality, innovative collections while maintaining top standards in garment production.




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Fashion Dot showcases innovative tailoring CAD software at GTE 2024

Fashion Dot showcased its advanced tailoring CAD software and laser cutting machines at GTE 2024. These machines allow tailors to input measurements and auto-generate cutting diagrams, improving accuracy, reducing costs, and eliminating manual work. The company offers customer support and regularly updates its software to include new garment models.




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Germany’s Adidas & Moon Boot launch first-ever winter collection

Adidas Sportswear debuts its first brand collaboration with Moon Boot, blending street style with ski heritage for urban winter wear. Showcased by Lena Mahfouf and BABYMONSTER, the collection features activewear, snow boots with BOOST cushioning, and a Collegiate Jacket. Made partly from recycled materials, the range embodies functional fashion for colder months.




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US’ Capri Holdings’ Q2 FY25 revenue drops 16.4% to $1.08 billion

Capri Holdings has reported Q2 FY25 revenue of $1.08 billion, a 16.4 per cent YoY decline. Gross profit reached $694 million with a margin of 64.3 per cent. Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors saw mixed results, with sales declines for Versace and Kors but slight growth for Jimmy Choo. Net income was $24 million, down from $90 million YoY.




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Canada Goose Q2 shows steady progress despite challenging environment

Canada Goose has reported a 5 per cent YoY revenue drop to CAD $267.8 million (~$192.43 million) in Q2 FY25. Direct-to-consumer revenue declined 5 per cent, and wholesale revenue decreased 15 per cent due to planned inventory adjustments. Gross margin fell to 61.3 per cent. Revised FY25 guidance forecasts a slight revenue change, with adjusted EBIT margin at -60 to +60 basis points.




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67% see vivid prospects in Indian fashion in 2025: McKinsey-BoF report

Leading global fashion brands are looking to Asian markets beyond China, with 67 per cent of respondent fashion executives citing promising growth prospects in India in 2025, The State of Fashion 2025 report says. Japan’s luxury boom will likely continue into 2025. But next year will be turbulent for global fashion and a deep sense of uncertainty persists amongst fashion industry executives.




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US’ Wolverine World Wide’s revenue falls 16.6% to $440.2 mn in Q3

Wolverine World Wide has reported Q3 revenue of $440.2 million, down 16.6 per cent YoY, with gross margin up 450 basis points to 45.3 per cent. Net debt fell to $563 million. For FY2024, the company projects revenue of $1.730-$1.745 billion, with a gross margin of 44.5 per cent and adjusted EPS between $0.80 and $0.90. Inventory is expected to decline by $85 million.




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US textile & apparel import volume up 8.7%, export volume down 3%

US saw an 8.79 per cent increase in textile and apparel imports from January to September 2024, totalling 76,860.803 million SME compared to 70,652.999 million SME in 2023, according to OTEXA. Apparel imports rose by 2.57 per cent, while non-apparel imports increased by 11.05 per cent. Cotton product imports grew by 6.03 per cent and MMF products by 9.17 per cent.




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Navigating AI Regulation: Balancing Innovation and Protection

In this article, we will learn how to navigate the fine balance building AI regulation while simultaneously fostering innovation.




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Rivian shares surge on $5.8 billion Volkswagen investment in JV




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AbbVie's Schizophrenia Failure Disappoints But Analysts Show Confidence In Immunology Portfolio




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Bitcoin Rally Cools After Jump of About 30% Since Trump Victory




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Why Were Dividend King Stocks Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Procter & Gamble Falling After the Election?




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These Stocks Are Moving the Most Today: Tesla, Rivian, Spirit Airlines, Spotify, Cava, Rocket Lab, and More




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1 Key Reason Palantir Stock Has the Potential to Be the "Next Nvidia Stock"




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Nvidia Stock Slips. SoftBank Deal Tells Us This About Its AI Chips.




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Should You Buy Nvidia Stock Before Nov. 20? History Says This Will Happen.




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Buffett’s Berkshire Is Being Packaged Into a Leveraged ETF




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Novavax stock plunges after quarterly earnings, but company sees hope in licensing deals




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Inside VW and Rivian’s $5.8 Billion Bet to Rescue Each Other




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Goldman Sachs Says Improving Growth Could Propel These 2 Stocks Higher




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Tesla Stock Rises. Elon Musk Will Lead New Government Department for Trump.




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These Unstoppable Dividend Stocks Treat Their Investors Like Royalty




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Rivian Jumps On Expanded Volkswagen Joint Venture; VW EVs As Early As 2027




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US Supreme Court to hear Nvidia bid to avoid securities fraud suit




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Tesla’s meme-like stock surge leaves Wall Street feeling wary




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Warren Buffett Owns 1 Vanguard Index Fund That Could Soar by 150%, According to a Top Wall Street Analyst




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Billionaires Warren Buffett, Israel Englander, and Steven Cohen Are Piling Into Wall Street's Most-Popular Reverse Stock Split of 2024




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Palantir Stock vs. Super Micro Stock: Billionaire Israel Englander Buys 1 and Sells the Other.




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Thinking About Leaving The U.S. After Trump's Win? Here Are The Top Expat Destinations




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Warren Buffett's Favorite Energy Stock Delivers Earnings Beat; Cuts Debt




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The International Drive Resort Area Offers Year-Round, Championship Golf in a Vacation Paradise

The I-Drive area is known for its world famous attractions, non-stop entertainment, great dining and shopping and it is home to the second largest convention center in the U.S. And Orlandos tourist corridor also provides a golf mecca known for its championship courses designed by legends to provide play year-round in this vacation destination.




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Families Make Unforgettable Vacation Memories...Endless Family Fun in the I-Drive Resort Area

Family fun is what it is all about in the International Drive Resort Area! And there is always something new for families to explore.




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Meeting in Orlando?I-Drive has all of the components for successful meetings

There are many reasons to choose the International Drive Resort Area in Orlando as the site for successful meetings and events. Flexible convention space, a wide range of accommodations, top-rated airports and convention center and sophisticated retail, dining and entertainment districts make it a top pick among meeting planners.




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Shopping Addictions Satisfied Here!!! International Drive Resort Area Offers Orlando Visitors Endless Shopping for Hot Bargains!

As one of the top five most popular shopping destinations in the U.S., Orlando is a shoppers paradise. And the I-Drive area is well-known for its designer outlets and great bargains.




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Weddings - Say I do and Celebrate the Wedding of Your Dreams in the International Drive Resort Area

Orlando is one of the worlds most popular wedding and honeymoon destinations. Situated in the center of all of the magic, it is no wonder that the International Drive Resort Area provides destination wedding locations that range from tropical to romantic to themed for an unforgettable day for the couple as well as the guests.




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From the Worlds Largest to the Worlds Best, the I-Drive Resort Area Offers Endless Dining Adventures!

Dining is just one more adventure for visitors to the International Drive Resort Area! With a surprisingly diverse array of epicurean delights, culinary choices include American, Brazilian, Caribbean, Chinese, Greek, Ethiopian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Mexican, Italian and Thai.




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I-Ride Trolley utilizes latest technology to transport visitors along Orlandos tourist corridor

Trolley system makes vacation planning easier, cost effective and more efficient for visitors to The I-Drive Resort Area




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Pet-Friendly - International Drive Resort Area Has Gone to the Dogs!

If you cant leave home without your four-legged family member, there are lots of choices in the International Drive Resort Area that will cater to your pet while you visit!




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Family reunions - magical gatherings in the International Drive Resort Area

Reconnect. Celebrate cherished family memories. Enjoy being together. Make some new memories. Have fun. Laugh until you cry. This is what family reunions are all about.




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Relax and Rejuvenate!

On vacation or attending a meeting, The International Drive Resort Area offers lots of ways to chill out




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Want to save on vacation? Check out these tips for stretching your budget in the International Drive

Looking to save on your Orlando vacation (and who isnt?)! In the heart of Orlandos tourism district, International Drive offers accommodations, dining, attractions and shopping for every budget. And special deals are always available by searching this site.




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Put Some Glamour in Your Next Vacation

Splurge on the Luxurious Side of International Drive! We all need some well-deserved pampering and slurging on a few luxurious treats on vacation and the International Drive Resort Area has it all: World class accommodations, soothing spas, elegant dining, great shopping, golfing and special tours fit for a VIP: YOU!!! Check out these suggestions to treat yourself to the best of the best in the worlds most famous vacation destination!




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Saving for Vocational School Through 529 Plans

Saving for Vocational School Through 529 Plans cbeaty Tue, 11/15/2022 - 15:39

Saving for Vocational School Through 529 Plans

Skilled laborers are needed across the nation. The shortage has affected overall construction costs and the recovery from Hurricane Ian, among many other localized issues. Increasing the number of vocational school graduates and providing resources to fund these programs may be a long-term solution.

A June 2022 assessment conducted by Indeed found that the average cost of trade school ranges from $3,674 to $15,923, which is more affordable than a traditional four-year degree program, but may still be a barrier for many Americans looking to develop trained labor skills.

Aside from grants and loans, 529 savings plans are an additional option to help students pay for trade or vocational programs, according to an October 2022 press release from the Education Trust Board of New Mexico, the organization that administers the state of New Mexico’s 529 education savings plan. A 529 plan is a state-funded savings plan that offers tax advantages and an opportunity to save for future education costs.

There are two types of 529 plans: prepaid tuition plans and education savings plans.

Under a prepaid tuition plan, the saver or account holder can purchase credits at the current rate for a beneficiary’s future use toward tuition. The contractual terms will vary by state, but most enforce a residency requirement and do not allow the funds to be applied toward room and board.

An education savings plan allows a saver to manage an investment account, including various mutual funds or exchange-traded fund portfolios, to fund the beneficiary’s future qualified higher education expenses. This includes tuition, fees and room and board, up to $10,000 per year.

According to the Education Trust Board of New Mexico, there is no required minimum contribution amount and savers have flexibility in how often they add to the account.

The demand for skilled workers will continue to grow. According to September 2022 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for construction laborers and electricians is projected to grow by 7% between 2022 and 2030. With no signs of slowing down, saving for trade school may be a promising option for those looking to invest in their or a loved one’s future.

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A Light Breeze Generates Electricity With New Invention

A Light Breeze Generates Electricity With New Invention hsauer Mon, 11/21/2022 - 14:08

A Light Breeze Generates Electricity With New Invention

Harvesting wind energy is not new, but scientists from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore designed a new device to harness and store it as electricity. This low-cost device, called a wind harvester, can transform energy from winds with a velocity as low as 2 meters per second (m/s).

Announced in a September 2022 article in the scientific journal Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, the device is currently capable of producing 3V and generating power of up to 290 microwatts, although lab test results indicate the harvester can power 40 LEDs consistently with a wind speed of just 4 m/s.

The harvester can also generate enough to power a commercial sensor and send the data to a mobile phone wirelessly or to a battery for storage, demonstrating that it can store enough excess charge to keep the device powered for an extended period, even without available wind.

At only 15 cm by 20 cm (or just under 6 inches by 8 inches), the small-sized harvester is easy to mount on the side of buildings. Scientists hope it will eventually replace batteries in the structural health monitoring sensors on buildings and bridges.

Made of fiber epoxy—a highly durable polymer—the device features a dynamic design that vibrates in the wind. Its plate, made of inexpensive materials like copper, aluminum foil and polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), vibrates during wind flow, causing charges to form on the film. As they flow from the aluminum foil to the copper film, an electrical current is generated.

Yang Yaowen, a professor in NTU’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, led the project. One of the study’s purposes was to develop a device able to harness wind energy at low cost, with low wear and tear and requiring only occasional maintenance.

In addition, he said, “Our research aims to tackle the lack of a small-scale energy harvester for more targeted functions, such as to power smaller sensors and electronic devices.”

An added benefit of this harvester is that it could be an alternative to small lithium-ion batteries that use heavy metals, which can cause environmental issues if not properly disposed of. Widespread use of this not-yet-patented or commercialized device could reduce electronic waste.

“Wind energy is a source of renewable energy,” Yang said. In addition to being renewable, it is clean, producing no greenhouse gases or other pollutants as it generates electricity. “Our invention has been shown to effectively harness this sustainable source of energy to charge batteries and light LEDs, demonstrating its potential as an energy generator to power the next generation of electronics, which are smaller in size and require less power.”

NTU scientists continue their research to improve the energy storage functions of the harvester. As part of that research, they are experimenting with materials that might improve its output power.

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