headlines...by halloapp

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12-27-2023

TECH

• Tang Tan, former Apple design executive, is leaving to join Jony Ive’s LoveFrom design firm to develop an AI hardware project.

• The rise of ChatGPT in 2022 led to a surge in AI startups and investments in 2023, impacting literature and industries.

MEDIA

• South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, known for his role in ”Parasite,” has died at 48 after an alleged drug use investigation.

• Amazon Prime Video will introduce limited advertisements in the UK, Germany, and the US starting January 29, 2024, unless users pay an additional fee for an ad-free experience.

• Kanye West apologizes in Hebrew for his past antisemitic comments and expresses regret and a commitment to unity.

CONSUMER

• US holiday retail sales in 2023 grew at a slower pace of 3.1% compared to the previous year, with online sales up 6.3%.

• Boxing Day footfall in the UK increased by 4%, with central London seeing a 10.6% rise due to tourism. However, footfall remained 14.9% lower than 2019 levels. Overall retail sales on Boxing Day declined by 2.9% to £3.68 billion compared to last year.

REAL ESTATE

• Refinance rates for mortgages have slightly increased, with 30-year fixed-rate mortgages at 7.22% and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages at 6.35%. Additionally, interest rates for refinanced student loans have risen to an average of 7.68% for 10-year loans.

ECONOMIC

• Bank of Japan board members discuss potential timing of ending easy monetary policy, while some criticize confusing communication style.

• China’s industrial profits surged 29.5% in November, supported by stimulus measures and improved manufacturing, despite deflation concerns and weakened demand.

CRYPTO

• Bitcoin’s price increased by 2.1% as traders anticipate SEC approval for a Bitcoin ETF, which could lead to further price movement.