BUSINESS AND MONEY
Continued growth in housing markets: first half of 2025 sees rising sales and inventory levels across key regions
The first half of 2025 has brought continued growth to several housing markets, as detailed in a newly released report by William Pitt-Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty. The findings cover annual market results across regions including Fairfield, Litchfield, and Hartford Counties, the Shoreline in Connecticut, the Berkshires in Massachusetts, and parts of New York such as Westchester, Putnam, Columbia, Dutchess, and Ulster Counties.
According to the report, the initial two quarters of 2025 reflect a consistent upward trend observed throughout 2024, with substantial increases in closed dollar volume for single-family home sales across most markets compared to the previous year. Data indicates that many regions have outperformed in closed sales volume during the first half of 2025 relative to the same period in 2024.
In a notable shift, several markets are also observing a rise in inventory levels. After a prolonged period of inventory shortages, standing inventory is slowly recovering across various territories. While overall inventory has increased, the volume and units of new listings have surged in nearly all areas. Interestingly, the volume of new listings outpaced the number of units, suggesting that the new supply is predominantly made up of higher-end properties entering the market at elevated price points.
The previous year had seen a decline in closed units at the halfway point of 2024, but the latest report indicates that year-to-date unit sales have only dropped in a few markets when compared to the first half of 2024, and the declines are not significant. Many areas are either maintaining stable sales or seeing slight year-over-year increases in unit transactions. Additionally, twelve-month median sale prices have risen in most regions surveyed.
Despite a mixed economic…
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U.S. Government Launches National Farm Security Action Plan to Safeguard Food Supply and National Security
The Department of Agriculture announced a new governmentwide, multiprong effort focused on ensuring America’s ability
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Receives Tenth Modified UH-60L Black Hawk Helicopter
The Program Executive Office Aviation celebrated a significant milestone with a transfer of ownership ceremony
Matthew H. Fleeger’s Strategic Innovation at Gulf Coast Western Reshapes Oil Exploration
In an industry known for volatility and unpredictability, Matthew H. Fleeger has established Gulf Coast Western as a model of stability and growth through strategic innovation and thoughtful partnership development. As President and CEO, Fleeger has implemented a distinctive business approach that has enabled the company to thrive even…
Qatar Airways Makes Aviation History With Record-Breaking Order for 210 Boeing Jets
In a groundbreaking move that is set to reshape the aviation industry, Qatar Airways has finalized a historic order for up to 210 widebody jets from Boeing . This monumental agreement, which includes the largest acquisition of 787 Dreamliners in the airline’s history, marks the biggest widebody order…
Boeing Leads Defense Sector Rally; Ramdedovic Discusses Investment Implications
Respected across the financial sector for his precise, disciplined investment philosophy, the man behind some of the most talked-about tech and energy calls of the last decade has again turned heads. Known for his conservative yet consistently profitable strategies, Ramdedovic, whom we had the opportunity to interview earlier this…
Best Trust Companies 2025: Ken Lako’s Data Driven Approach to Humanizing Wealth Management
At Members Trust Company (MTC), President and CEO Ken Lako has cultivated a distinctive approach to wealth management that balances sophisticated data analysis with genuine human connection. This methodology has earned MTC recognition as one of America’s Most Advisor Friendly Trust Companies for 2025, positioning the organization as…
Americans Face Financial Risks as Lifespans Increase: Urgent Need for Better Retirement Planning
As the U.S. Census Bureau projects that the number of Americans reaching the age of 100 is set to quadruple by 2054, new research reveals a concerning gap in financial planning amidst this surge in longevity. According to a recent study conducted by the Nationwide Retirement Institute…
Navigating new rental regulations: How professional property management is reshaping the landscape for landlords in 2025
Across Canada and the United States, new rules are reshaping how landlords operate. Municipal licensing, tax reforms, and stricter compliance measures have raised the bar for rental providers.
For many property owners, navigating this complexity alone has become untenable. Institutional property managers such as Royal York Property Management are emerging as the solution, offering expertise in regulatory compliance, legal support, and guaranteed income that deliver true competitive advantage.
2025’s Regulatory Shift
Toronto’s Rental Licensing
On July 31, 2025, Toronto will require all multi-unit rental properties to obtain a municipal licence, register with the city, and meet new safety and maintenance standards. Failure to comply carries fines of up to $50,000 per offence. These rules aim to improve living conditions but add administrative burden for individual landlords.
Vancouver’s Minimum Lease Terms
As of April 1, 2025, Vancouver amended its Residential Tenancy Bylaw to mandate a minimum two-year lease option for new tenancies, removing short-term agreements shorter than six months. The change reduces turnover but constrains flexibility for landlords accustomed to month-to-month rentals.
Canada Revenue Agency Expense Rules
Effective January 1, 2025, the Canada Revenue Agency denied tax deductions for rental expenses on units not properly licensed or registered. Landlords now must verify licences before claiming maintenance,…
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the US inched down in May
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the US ticked down by 0.1% in May 2025 to 99.0 (2016=100), after declining by 1.4% in April (revised downward from –1.0% originally reported). The LEI has fallen by 2.7% in the six-month period ending May 2025, a much faster rate of decline than the 1.4% contraction over the previous six months.
“The LEI for the US fell again in May, but only marginally,” said Justyna Zabinska-La Monica, Senior Manager, Business Cycle Indicators, at The Conference Board. “The recovery of stock prices after the April drop was the main positive contributor to the Index. However, consumers’ pessimism, persistently weak new orders in manufacturing, a second consecutive month of rising initial claims for unemployment insurance, and a decline in housing permits weighed on the Index, leading to May’s overall decline. With the substantial negatively revised drop in April and the further downtick in May, the six-month growth rate of the Index has become more negative, triggering the recession signal. The Conference Board does not anticipate recession, but we do expect a significant slowdown in economic growth in 2025 compared to 2024, with real GDP growing at 1.6% this year and persistent tariff effects…
Northern Cyprus Emerges as Prime Mediterranean Destination for Real Estate Investment
Northern Cyprus is quickly gaining attention as one of the Mediterranean’s most promising destinations for real estate investment. With its combination of natural beauty, strategic location, and investor-friendly environment, the region offers an exceptional opportunity for those looking to grow capital or secure a home by the sea.
Over the…
Financial Inclusion: The Hidden Key to Economic Mobility With Insights From Adrien Matray
James lives in a working-class neighborhood in Cleveland. Despite holding a steady job for years, he’s never had a bank account. Like many Americans in similar situations, James cashes his paychecks at a local check-cashing outlet, paying a 2% fee each time. He keeps his savings in cash at…
Tax Filing Expert Jennifer O’Neill of IRS HELP Talks About Filing in a Complex Regulatory Climate
Buffalo, NY – Jennifer O’Neill of IRS HELP is featured in the latest edition of HelloNation, where she offers expert advice on navigating tax season with clarity and confidence. Her article, Navigate Taxes with a Professional Guide, addresses the growing question many taxpayers ask each year: Should I…
The New Perks of Work: How Employers Are Rethinking Benefits to Keep Teams Happy and Whole
Companies are no longer competing on salary or job titles in a work landscape that’s been flipped, stretched, and redefined since 2020. You’ve probably noticed that the script has changed. Employees aren’t just looking for a paycheck—they want meaning, flexibility, and wellness that goes beyond the occasional pizza Friday…
David Hao on Building Inclusive Global Teams From the Ground Up
Inclusive global teams are a cornerstone of success in today’s interconnected world. Organizations with diverse talent pools outperform their competitors, foster innovation, and better address the needs of a global customer base. However, creating these teams requires more than simply hiring people from different countries. It demands intentionality, clear…
Sanctioning Iran’s “Shadow Banking” network of money launderers and illicit oil traders
By Sandy Di Angelis / Associate WriterThe United States government announced on Friday the imposition of sanctions on over 35 individuals and entities associated with a sophisticated money laundering network that supports the Iranian regime. This action targets a network believed to have laundered billions through various exchange houses in Iran as well as foreign front companies, enabling Tehran to fuel campaigns that threaten international peace and further enrich regime elites.
Among those sanctioned are the Zarringhalam brothers, who, along with their associates, have utilized numerous companies based in the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong. These businesses are accused of assisting designated Iranian individuals in generating revenue from the sale of petroleum and other goods that are under U.S. sanctions.
This sanctions announcement marks the first significant action against Iran’s shadow banking system since President Biden signed the National Security Presidential Memorandum on February 4, which aims to increase pressure on the Iranian regime.
In tandem with the sanctions, the Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) released an updated advisory. This advisory is designed to aid U.S. and international financial institutions in identifying and reporting suspicious financial activities related to Iran’s illicit operations. It outlines various forms of illegal financing as well as red flags indicative of Iranian oil smuggling, shadow banking, and the procurement of weapons and dual-use components.
“We will continue to deny Iran access to financial networks and the global banking system as long as they engage in destabilizing activities,” a Treasury spokesperson stated. “We remain committed to holding accountable those who undermine international peace and security.”
The…
MORE ARTICLES
The Evolving Landscape of Intellectual Property Law in the Digital Age: Strategies and Challenges
Graduates Rejoice: Realtor.com Unveils Top Rental Markets for 2025
S&P Dow Jones Indices Reports U.S. Common Indicated Dividend Payments Increase of $15.3 Billion in Q1 2025 as Dividend Growth Continues to Slow
S&P Dow Jones Indices announced the indicated dividend net changes (increases less decreases) for U.S. domestic common stocks increased $15.3 billion during Q1 2025, compared to the $11.7 billion increase in Q4 2024 and the $16.0 billion increase in Q1 2024. Increases were $19.5 billion versus $14.2 billion for…
Revolutionizing Board Recruitment: Boardsi’s Role in Democratizing Access to Leadership
Board recruitment has traditionally been an exclusive process, favoring well-connected individuals within select networks. This approach has limited diversity and innovation, preventing fresh perspectives from shaping governance. Boardsi is challenging this outdated model by broadening access to leadership roles. By emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility, Boardsi is redefining board…
Goldstone Contracting Inc. Helping Homeowners in Maryland With Free Roof Inspections and Insurance-Paid Roof Replacements
For many homeowners, roof maintenance often takes a backseat—until an issue arises. However, neglecting regular roof inspections can lead to costly repairs or even a full roof replacement. Recognizing this, Goldstone Contracting Inc., a veteran-owned and family-operated roofing company, is stepping up to assist Maryland homeowners with free roof…
Turning intellectual property into a competitive advantage
In a rapidly digitizing world, intellectual property (IP) law stands at a critical crossroads. As technology transforms how products are developed, marketed, and consumed, legal systems are under increasing pressure to keep pace. Whether it’s protecting software code, securing global trademarks, or managing digital rights for creative content, the complexity of safeguarding IP has grown exponentially.
The digital age has given rise to new forms of innovation—and new threats. Artificial intelligence, blockchain, and virtual goods present unprecedented questions for IP ownership and enforcement. At the same time, traditional concerns like patent infringement and copyright violations persist, now magnified by the speed and reach of digital distribution.
Rethinking IP in a Digital-First Economy
“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how IP assets are created and valued,” says Feras Mousilli, an intellectual property attorney and former legal counsel at major tech firms including Apple and Dell. “Companies must think beyond registration and build dynamic strategies that adapt to rapidly evolving technologies and markets.”
Mousilli brings a unique perspective to the conversation, having worked on both litigation and in-house strategy across some of the world’s most IP-rich industries. With a background in biomedical engineering, computer science, and law, he understands the challenges that arise…
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Graduates Rejoice: Realtor.com Unveils Top Rental Markets for 2025
Veregy Approved as Participating Contractor in NY-Sun Incentive Program
Veregy, a leading decarbonization company, has proudly announced its approval as a participating contractor in the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) NY-Sun Incentive Program. This significant endorsement allows Veregy to provide enhanced solar solutions through both the Residential & Nonresidential and Commercial & Industrial…
U.S. Auto Sales to Reach 1.23 Million Units in February 2025, Indicating Mild Recovery Amid Economic Uncertainty
With volume for the month projected at 1.23 million units, February 2025 U.S. auto sales are estimated to translate to an estimated sales pace of 16.1 million units (seasonally adjusted annual rate: SAAR). This would be a step up from the 15.6 million unit pace of January 2025 and…
U.S. Home Prices Show Steady Gains in December 2024
S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI) announced the latest results for the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Indices, revealing a 3.9% annual gain in U.S. home prices for December 2024. This marks a slight uptick from the previous month’s 3.7% annual increase, indicating a consistent upward trend in the housing…