RICS: Resilience of housing market will be tested if mortgage rates rise

Israeli forces are intensifying their offensive in Gaza, with plans to seize large areas and create buffer zones, causing concern among officials and aid groups over the humanitarian crisis. Defence minister Israel Katz announced the renewed fighting and evacuation of Gaza's population, urging Palestinians to turn against Hamas. The offensive, in response to Hamas's attack on Israel, has already displaced thousands and left much of Gaza in ruins, with the situation worsening as resources dwindle...

Barbara Corcoran, a Shark Tank investor and successful entrepreneur, advises on how to ask for a raise by being prepared and specific, suggesting making a list of responsibilities and naming a percentage or monetary value for the raise. Corcoran, known for her successful business ventures and leadership skills, emphasizes the importance of negotiation and clarity in communication when seeking a salary increase. While raises vary by industry and company financial health, Corcoran's tips can help...

President Trump has finalized a plan for reciprocal tariffs, set to be announced on Wednesday, aimed at addressing unfair trade practices. The administration is considering various tariff strategies, with the possibility of different levels for different countries. The European Union is preparing to respond with countermeasures, potentially targeting services and big tech firms in retaliation. Full Article

The blog offers tips and analysis as the tax year end approaches, including advice on topping up pensions and utilizing the "Bed & ISA" strategy to protect gains from taxes. Recommendations for selecting funds for stocks and shares ISAs are provided, emphasizing the benefits of investing over cash. The importance of ISAs as tax-efficient tools is highlighted, with information on different types available and their respective allowances, such as Cash ISAs, Stocks and Shares ISAs,...

In this week's Unlock the Editor's Digest, FT Editor Roula Khalaf highlights the stark contrast in vehicle sales between China's BYD and Tesla, with BYD experiencing a 58% increase in sales while Tesla faces declining demand in Europe. Analysts predict Tesla's first-quarter deliveries to drop by over 10% due to decreased sales in France and Sweden, possibly influenced by CEO Elon Musk's political interventions. Despite challenges, Tesla's strong manufacturing footprint in the US may help...

Chris Bergen, owner of a commercial greenhouse business in northern Minnesota, faces uncertainty due to President Trump's trade and immigration policies, causing caution in expansion plans. The business, a major producer of flowers, is impacted by potential tariffs on peat moss and plastic pots from China. Federal Reserve is closely monitoring businesses like Bergen's amid concerns of higher prices and slower growth, as the economy grapples with inflation and trade policy uncertainties. Full Article