BUSINESS AND MONEY
Peter Duncan 22, Jun 3 mins
3 mins
The Ritz Herald
© Spencer Platt
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 potentially leading to further deceleration in 2026.”

The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index® (CEI) for the US inched up by 0.1% in May 2025 to 115.1 (2016=100), after a 0.2% increase in April. The CEI rose by 1.3% over the six-month period between November 2024 and May 2025, more than twice as fast as its 0.5% growth over the previous six months. The CEI’s four component indicators—payroll employment, personal income less transfer payments, manufacturing and trade…

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Over the…

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2 mins
© U.S. Department of the Treasury
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Sanctioning Iran’s “Shadow Banking” network of money launderers and illicit oil traders

The 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…

4 mins
© Planet Volumes
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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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The Ritz Herald
Downtown Austin with view of Capitol building taken from South Congress Bridge. © Mitchell Kmetz
Austin, Texas ranks first with the lowest rent-to-income ratio and a booming tech scene
By / Associate Writer

Amid the hustle and bustle of graduation season, Realtor.com has announced its highly anticipated list of the Top Rental Markets for Recent College Graduates in 2025. This year’s rankings highlight cities that not only offer affordable housing options but also promise vibrant job markets and a lively social scene suitable for new degree holders seeking their footing in the professional world.

Leading the pack is Austin, Texas, a city known for its dynamic culture and booming tech sector. “This year’s rankings reflect a rental landscape shaped by falling rents and shifting job markets,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com. “Young people can launch their careers here without sacrificing their lifestyles. These markets offer energy, opportunity, and community—all essential for recent grads.”

The top three cities, which include Raleigh, North Carolina, and Overland Park, Kansas, were chosen based on an array of factors relevant to recent graduates. The rankings considered rent affordability, job availability, commute times, social amenities, and the local share of recent college graduates.

Budget-Friendly Living

For cash-strapped graduates, the news is especially encouraging. Austin boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in the rankings at 18.9%. This figure reflects the percentage of gross income typically spent on housing, and a lower number indicates more disposable income for all those post-graduation celebrations—think late-night tacos or pizza. Following close behind, Minneapolis, Minnesota (19.7%) and Raleigh, North Carolina (20.0%) also provide affordable housing options, with the average graduate in the top 10 markets spending only 21.5% of their income on rent—well below the national average.

Strong Job Prospects

In addition to…

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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 during challenging market conditions.

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