If You Have Buddy-The-Elf-Levels Of Excitement Around The Holidays, These 37 Things Will Hype You Up Even MoreShanghai (Gasgoo)- Chinese autonomous driving solution provider Hyperview (as known as Hongjing Drive) recently established its headquarters in Quzhou city, Zhejiang province, according to a post on the company's WeChat account. As per the company's roadmap, Hyperview plans to leverage this new base to accelerate global business development, advance technology commercialization, and deepen its focus on intelligent driving solutions for commercial and passenger vehicles. Additionally, the company also aims to develop high-level intelligent hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks. Hyperview said it boasts comprehensive R&D capabilities in full-stack perception software, advanced driving, memory parking software, and automotive-grade autonomous driving computing platforms, with product lines covering all levels of autonomous driving from L1 to L4. By September this year, Hyperview had achieved mass production and deployment across 30 vehicle models from such automakers as SAIC Motor, Great Wall Motor, Chery, JAC Group, BYD, and HOZON Auto. In September this year, Hyperview announced the completion of its C1 financing round, raising hundreds of millions of yuan. Since its establishment in 2018, the company has raised funds across eight disclosed rounds, according to Chinese company information search platform Tianyancha. With the latest round of funding, Hyperview intends to intensify R&D of cutting-edge technologies such as BEV (battery electric vehicle) perception algorithms and integrated cabin-pilot-parking systems, as well as develop the next-generation ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) solutions to enhance product competitiveness and accelerate commercialization. Notably, Hyperview is actively working on a "second growth curve" and has launched the next-generation new energy intelligent heavy-duty trucks named "HyperTruck." The company has already partnered with heavy-duty truck manufacturers to produce and deliver these trucks for global markets. With the recent financing, Hyperview seeks to accelerate its strategic expansion into key global markets for new energy intelligent heavy-duty trucks, including partnerships with Saudi Aramco in the Middle East and Europe. This collaboration aims to promote the industrialization and widespread adoption of intelligent driving technologies. According to Dr. Liu Feilong, Founder and CEO of Hyperview, the company plans to carry out projects with Saudi Aramco in the Middle East, while also launching new initiatives in China.Ibazatene Lefebvre goes off for 36 points in Morristown win - Girls basketball recap
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Not all tech stocks are wild rides on the stock market rollercoaster. While tech often conjures images of skyrocketing prices and sharp crashes, many tech stocks are like calm lakes rather than roaring rapids. Let’s dive into why ( ), ( ), and ( ) are standout examples of steady performers with strong potential for future gains. These three aren’t just surviving the tech scene — they’re thriving with strategic growth, solid earnings, and promising outlooks. Celestica Starting with Celestica, this Toronto-based company specializes in advanced manufacturing and supply chain solutions. In the most recent quarter, Celestica reported a revenue surge of 22.3% year over year to $9.24 billion, accompanied by earnings growth of 14.3%. The tech stock has more than doubled over the past year, with a 52-week range highlighting a low of $35.13 and a peak near $130. These gains reflect its strategic pivot toward high-margin end markets, including renewable energy and aerospace. With analysts maintaining a “Strong Buy” consensus, CLS offers a blend of growth and stability, making it an attractive option for tech investors. OpenText Next, OpenText, a global leader in enterprise information management, boasts resilience in uncertain markets. Its first-quarter 2025 earnings showcased a net income increase of 4.3% year over year despite a revenue dip of 11%. The tech stock’s operating margin remains robust at 19.92%, underpinned by efficient cost management and its ability to generate $928 million in free cash flow over the trailing 12 months. While OTEX’s share price has recently dropped by around 28% in the last year, this dip is an opportunity to snag a dividend-paying tech stock with a forward yield of 3.58%. With a forward price to earnings (P/E) of just 7.92, OTEX is not just cheap. It’s also poised for long-term gains as digital transformation accelerates globally. Kinaxis Now, let’s talk about Kinaxis, a Canadian darling in supply chain management software. With revenue growing 14% year over year to $471 million and earnings per share climbing by 40%, Kinaxis continues to impress. What makes KXS unique is its software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, which offers recurring revenue and resilience against economic turbulence. Analysts predict a bright future, as the company is well-positioned to capitalize on increasing demand for (AI)-driven supply chain optimization. Insider ownership worth over $61 million aligns management’s interests with shareholders, reinforcing confidence in its strategic direction. Three top tech stocks What sets these three apart from volatile tech peers is their focus on consistent profitability and smart growth strategies. Celestica’s move into high-demand industries, OpenText’s emphasis on recurring revenue, and Kinaxis’s leadership in AI-enhanced solutions are all reasons these companies are less susceptible to market swings. Furthermore, each shows a knack for leveraging innovation while maintaining sound financial discipline. Another factor that enhances the appeal is attractive valuation. Celestica trades at a trailing P/E of 28.95, reasonable given its growth trajectory. At the same time, OpenText’s valuation metrics scream value at a forward P/E under eight. Kinaxis may have a higher forward P/E of 36.9, but its stellar revenue growth and leadership in a niche market justify the premium. Let’s not overlook market dominance. OpenText’s enterprise management tools are essential to businesses undergoing digital transformation. Kinaxis helps the world’s largest companies streamline their supply chains — a critical function in today’s interconnected economies. Meanwhile, Celestica is diversifying its revenue streams into growing sectors like green energy and defence, positioning itself as a key player for the next decade. Bottom line In addition to their financial performance, these stocks benefit from tailwinds that support their industries. Supply chain optimization, enterprise digitalization, and green energy are not trends. These are necessities in a rapidly evolving global economy. Companies like Celestica, Open Text, and Kinaxis are uniquely positioned to meet these needs, ensuring relevance and growth potential for years to come. For investors seeking without volatility, CLS, OTEX, and KXS offer a compelling mix of stability and upside potential. With strong earnings reports, manageable debt levels, and clear growth trajectories, these three stocks are perfect for those who want to ride the tech wave without wiping out.Eagles seek 7th straight win while Rams try to keep pace in crowded NFC West race
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Neverness to Everness release window, pre-registration link, platforms, and moreThe Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has announced that despite extensive advocacy and engagement, the annual accounts of listed companies revealed very limited adherence to the gender pay gap disclosure requirements. SECP through Circular 10 of 2024 in April this year directed the board of directors of listed companies to disclose gender pay gap data in their annual reports and on their websites with effect from June 30, 2024. The directive was issued in compliance with Prime Minister’s Women Empowerment Package (PM-WEP) 2024, said a press release issued here on Monday. Furthermore, the SECP advocated compliance through social media and by disseminating notices to listed companies for compliance through Pakistan Stock Exchange vide notice PSX/N-1140 dated November 26, 2024. In order to facilitate compliance with the disclosure requirement, a suggested format and calculation method was provided along with the Circular. Additionally, an advocacy session was organized in collaboration with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to further emphasize the importance of gender pay gap disclosure and to promote gender inclusive practices among businesses. The SECP is once again urging all listed companies to fully comply with the requirement to include gender pay gap data in their annual reports and on their websites. Failure to comply with the Circular may lead to enforcement actions against non-compliant companies. The SECP is committed to promoting transparency, gender equality and facilitating PM WEP 2024 to foster a more gender inclusive business environment in Pakistan.Syria’s Jolani: from jihadist to pragmatist On Sunday, as rebels entered Damascus, he ordered all military forces in capital not to approach public institutions CAIRO: Abu Mohammed al-Jolani is the leader of the Islamist alliance that spearheaded an offensive that rebels say brought down President Bashar al-Assad and ended five decades of Baath Party rule in Syria. Jolani heads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is rooted in Syria’s branch of al-Qaeda. He is an extremist who adopted a more moderate posture in order to achieve his goals. On Sunday, as the rebels entered Damascus, he ordered all military forces in the capital not to approach public institutions. He had earlier this week said the objective of his offensive, which saw city after city fall from government control, was to overthrow Assad. Thirteen years after Assad cracked down on a nascent democracy movement, sparking Syria’s civil war, the rebels said the president had fled the country and declared Damascus free of the “tyrant”. Jolani had for years operated from the shadows. Now, he is in the spotlight, giving interviews to the international media and delivering statements that have Syrians all around the world glued to their phones for clues of what the future might hold. Earlier in the offensive, which began on November 27, he appeared in Syria’s second city Aleppo after wresting it from government control for the first time in the war. He has over the years stopped sporting the turban worn by jihadists, often favouring military fatigues instead. On Wednesday, he wore a khaki shirt and trousers to visit Aleppo’s citadel, standing at the door of his white vehicle as he waved and moved through the crowds. Since breaking ties with al-Qaeda in 2016, Jolani has sought to portray himself as a more moderate leader. But he is yet to quell suspicions among analysts and Western governments that still class HTS as a terrorist organisation. “He is a pragmatic radical,” Thomas Pierret, a specialist in political Islam, told AFP. “In 2014, he was at the height of his radicalism,” Pierret said, referring to the period of the war when he sought to compete with the jihadist Islamic State group. “Since then, he has moderated his rhetoric.” Born in 1982, Jolani was raised in Mazzeh, an upscale district of Damascus. He stems from a well-to-do family and was a good student. During the offensive, he started signing his statements under his real name -- Ahmed al-Sharaa. In 2021, he told US broadcaster PBS that his nom de guerre was a reference to his family roots in the Golan Heights, claiming that his grandfather had been forced to flee after Israel’s annexation of the area in 1967. According to the Middle East Eye news website, it was after the September 11, 2001 attacks that Jolani was first drawn to jihadist thinking. “It was as a result of this admiration for the 9/11 attackers that the first signs of jihadism began to surface in Jolani’s life, as he began attending secretive sermons and panel discussions in marginalised suburbs of Damascus,” the website said. Following the US-led invasion of Iraq, he left Syria to take part in the fight. He joined al-Qaeda in Iraq, led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, and was subsequently detained for five years, preventing him from rising through the ranks of the jihadist organisation. In March 2011, when the revolt against Assad’s rule erupted in Syria, he returned home and founded the Al-Nusra Front, Syria’s branch of al-Qaeda. In 2013, he refused to swear allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who would go on to become the emir of the Islamic State group, and instead pledged his loyalty to Al-Qaeda’s Ayman al-Zawahiri. A realist in his partisans’ eyes, an opportunist to his adversaries, Jolani said in May 2015 that he, unlike IS, had no intention of launching attacks against the West. He also proclaimed that should Assad be defeated, there would be no revenge attacks against the Alawite minority that the president’s clan stems from. He cut ties with al-Qaeda, claiming to do so in order to deprive the West of reasons to attack his organisation. According to Pierret, he has since sought to chart a path towards becoming a credible statesman. In January 2017, Jolani imposed a merger with HTS on rival Islamist groups in northwest Syria, thereby claiming control of swathes of Idlib province that had fallen out of government hands. In areas under its grip, HTS developed a civilian government and established a semblance of a state in Idlib province, while crushing its rebel rivals. Throughout this process, HTS faced accusations from residents and rights groups of brutal abuses against those who dared dissent, which the UN has classed as war crimes. Aware perhaps of the fear and hatred his group has sparked, Jolani has addressed residents of Aleppo, home to a sizeable Christian minority, in a bid to assure them that they would face no harm under his new regime. He also called on his fighters to preserve security in the areas they had “liberated” from Assad’s rule. “I think it’s primarily just good politics,” said Aron Lund, a fellow at the Century International think tank. “The less local and international panic you have and the more Jolani seems like a responsible actor instead of a toxic jihadi extremist, the easier his job will become. Is it totally sincere? Surely not,” he said. “But it’s the smart thing to say and do right now.”
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OTTAWA - The Liberal government has outlawed another 324 firearm varieties — guns it says belong on the battlefield, not in the hands of hunters or sport shooters. The move follows the May 2020 ban of 1,500 makes and models of firearms, including the AR-15 and Ruger Mini-14. The number grew to more than 2,000 by November of this year as new variants were identified. The federal prohibition of hundreds more was announced Thursday after expressions of concern from gun-control advocates that many assault-style firearms were not covered by the 2020 ban. The measure came on the eve of the 35th anniversary of the murder of 14 women by a gunman armed with a Ruger Mini-14 at the École Polytechnique in Montreal. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc called the Polytechnique shooting a dark chapter that affected a generation. “Our goal is to ensure that no community, no family, is devastated by mass shootings in Canada again,” LeBlanc told a news conference. The federal government says it is working with provinces, territories and police on a planned buyback of prohibited weapons from individual owners. It has already run a pilot project on collecting banned firearms from businesses. Ottawa also says it has committed to the Ukrainian government to work with firearm businesses and identify how these guns could support the fight against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Every bit of assistance that we can offer to the Ukrainians is one step towards their victory, and a worthwhile investment of our collective time and efforts,” Defence Minister Bill Blair said at the news conference. Groups pushing for stronger gun control applauded the government’s announcement. PolySeSouvient spokeswoman Nathalie Provost, who was wounded in the 1989 massacre, said, “I’m crying, but I’m also smiling because it’s an important step forward, and I really believe that what remains to be done will be done.” Canadian Doctors for Protection from Guns added: “Guns that can injure and kill many people in mere moments have no place in our society.” Conservative MPs and some gun owners have vehemently opposed the Liberal efforts to ban certain firearms as an attack on law-abiding citizens. Tory public safety critic Raquel Dancho said the latest move was an attack on “lawful and vetted hunters, sport shooters, and Indigenous Peoples who safely and legally use firearms as they have done for generations.” The Canadian Coalition for Firearms Rights said the announcement was typical Liberal party “divide and conquer” politics. “They know they are out of time and Canadians are out of money.” Alberta Justice Minister Mickey Amery said the provincial government strongly opposes “the arbitrary reclassification of firearms and the federal government’s wasteful, ineffective, and repeatedly delayed program to confiscate these firearms.” The newly banned firearms share the same technical characteristics as those prohibited in May 2020. It means they can no longer be legally used or sold in Canada, and can be transferred or transported only under limited circumstances. Following the May 2020 prohibition, an amnesty for individuals and businesses was put in place, allowing time for compliance. A new amnesty order has been introduced for the firearms outlawed Thursday. Officials made it clear that additional makes and models could be added to the list of banned firearms, saying an expert panel will provide advice on guns that are still on the market. For instance, the SKS rifle, which has been used in shooting sprees, remains legal. LeBlanc said a decision on the firearm, used by many Indigenous people for hunting, would be made by February before the next phase of the buyback program. “We want to reflect on this over the coming weeks.” Late last year, Parliament passed a government bill that cemented restrictions on handguns, increased penalties for firearm trafficking and aimed to curb homemade ghost guns. The government says it is working to fully implement the bill, with remaining provisions to come into force early in the new year. The legislation included a ban on assault-style firearms that fall under a new technical definition. However, the definition didn’t apply to models that were already on the market when the bill passed. The government says it intends to table regulatory amendments in Parliament on Dec. 13, following through on commitments to make sure that all makes and models of firearms are accounted for prior to entering the Canadian market. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version stated that 19 women were killed at École Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989.
TORONTO - Canada’s main stock index pushed higher to end Monday up almost 150 points on light trading action, while U.S. stock markets also gained ahead of the Christmas break. “Today is a quiet pre-Christmas Day of trading,” said Kevin Burkett, a portfolio manager at Victoria, B.C.-based Burkett Asset Management. While markets in both Canada and the U.S. were mild, Burkett suggests watching the markets closely during the holiday season, a contrast to what’s typically a sleepy period for markets. “We’re continuing to watch markets very closely here because you’ve got some tectonic plate shifting in terms of the macroeconomic backdrop,” he said. “It’s all the political conversations both in Canada and in the U.S.” Burkett added fiscal policy seems to be disconnected from monetary policy in the post-pandemic period. “The fiscal policy may shift and that shift absolutely has market implications both in the short and long term,” he said. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 149.50 points at 24,748.98. Statistics Canada released its latest numbers on Canada’s economic growth, up 0.3 per cent in October — driven by the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector. The loonie continued its slide, trading for 69.47 cents US compared with 69.61 cents US on Friday. The telecom sector was the biggest loser at the closing on TSX, which Burkett attributed to “tax loss selling happening at the end of the year.” Competition Bureau Canada announced on Monday it was suing Rogers Communications Inc. for allegedly making misleading claims about its infinite wireless plans. The stock price for Rogers, which is hovering near 52-week lows, fell 0.7 per cent on Monday. Meanwhile, BCE was down almost 1.4 per cent and Telus dropped 0.9 per cent. Burkett suggested the day’s poor performance among telecom companies was likely tax loss selling since it’s almost the end of the year. “It’s been a tough year for the communication services sector,” he said. South of the border, communications services was the top-performing sector, led by large-cap tech companies. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 66.69 points at 42,906.95. The S&P 500 index was up 43.22 points at 5,974.07, while the Nasdaq composite was up 192.29 points at 19,764.89. The February crude oil contract was down 22 cents at US$69.24 per barrel and the February natural gas contract was down six cents at US$3.35 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was down US$16.90 at US$2,628.20 an ounce and the March copper contract was down one cent at US$4.09 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX: GSPTSE, TSX: CADUSD, TSE: BCE, TSE: RCI. B)This study evaluated factors affecting the duration of the infusion appointment times for 392 clinical trial patients. We found no significant correlations, although further research is needed. This study identified variables significantly affecting the duration of appointment times for oncology clinical trial patients. Additionally, researchers sought to differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic delays to determine areas needing optimization. Conducted as a single-center, retrospective quality improvement initiative, the study looked at data from adult patients enrolled in oncology clinical trials at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center in Sacramento, California, from July 1, 2019, to July 1, 2022. The analysis involved descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression to evaluate factors affecting infusion appointment duration and arrival-to-chair time. Variables included patient age, number of investigational products administered, appointment time (morning vs afternoon), type and phase of the study, pharmacokinetics at chair time, and the use of interactive response technology kit assignment. The study examined 392 individuals and found no significant correlations between the analyzed variables and infusion appointment duration ( = .085-.53) or arrival-to-chair time ( = .085-.93). Although this analysis did not yield definitive results, it highlights the complexity of delays in oncology infusion chair times. The lack of significant correlations suggests intricate interactions among various factors, emphasizing the need for further research to uncover these complexities and optimize appointment efficiency for patients in clinical trials. Image credit: Seventyfour | stock.adobe.com The UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCDCCC) in Sacramento, California, is a National Cancer Institute–designated comprehensive cancer center that conducts early-phase clinical trial research, operating hundreds of oncology clinical trials annually. UCDCCC is the main hub for cancer treatment in the Central Valley region. High patient volume has affected the infusion center schedule, leading to a long wait list. Patients who travel long distances, such as from Southern California or out of state, need to complete multiple care-related activities in a single day, including obtaining laboratory tests and seeing their provider, all on top of receiving their cancer treatment. This is especially the case for clinical trial patients seeking care at UCDCCC because their local institution may not conduct clinical trials or be permitted to conduct study-related activities for the trial on which they are enrolled. Typical reasons for extended infusion appointments, from a patient scheduling perspective, include satisfying trial requirements. Examples include accommodating predose and up to 10 hours postdose pharmacokinetic (PK) blood samples, infusions with durations of several hours, extensive postdose observation and monitoring periods, and numerous infusions. Examples of extenuating circumstances faced by many sites, which are not specific to clinical trials themselves, include patients arriving late, clinic providers experiencing delays in starting at the scheduled time, and other infusion patients utilizing a chair longer than expected. Although some of these reasons are consistent with challenges faced by standard of care, several are unique to clinical trials. Irrespective of the reason for prolonged treatment days, it is important to reduce patient chair time and improve care experiences at UCDCCC. Many US and international institutions have experienced similar challenges with infusion center efficiency and attempted to create tools to shorten infusion chair wait times and improve patient satisfaction. Examples include developing simulation models, process mapping, and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. In 2023, a quality improvement (QI) study was performed at UC Davis Health to identify areas of intervention for increased workflow efficiency and decreased infusion chair time for clinical trial patients. This QI project was completed through EPIC (electronic health record software)-generated reports and examined the current workflow by calculating the time intervals for the following: comprehensive metabolic panel and complete blood count laboratory processing, clinical trial medication orders signed by physician to medication verification by pharmacist, patient arrival to study medication dispense, patient arrival to administration of study medication, and the time of appointment (morning [am] or afternoon [pm]). No significant findings were identified, aside from the fact that patients with am appointments waited, on average, 10 minutes longer than patients with pm appointments. It is unclear whether am appointments happened to be generally longer, or because of the complexity of treatment (eg, the patient had multiple study medications administered at the same visit, multiple PK blood draws), these patients were scheduled in the am to ensure treatment could be completed during operating infusion hours. These follow-up study results extend the insights gained from the aforementioned 2023 UC Davis Health study that noted a significant difference between am and pm appointment delays, confirming trends identified in a 2019 study by the Infusion Efficiency Workgroup under the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. The study further investigated the variances in infusion chair time optimization for oncology clinical trial patients by comparing the duration of the appointment vs examined variables and arrival-to-chair time vs examined variables to ascertain their impact on the chair time duration. This study was a single-center, retrospective, continuous quality improvement study. An EPIC report was generated for all adult patients with a scheduled infusion clinic appointment between July 1, 2019, and July 1, 2022, who were enrolled in a clinical trial that involved infusion treatment. From the report, the following variables were collected and examined per patient and infusion appointment encounter, with up to the first 3 encounters included for each patient: age, am or pm appointment, type of study, phase of the study, requiring PK blood draw at chair time, requiring investigational product (IP) supply allocated by interactive response technology (IRT) kit assignment, and number of IPs administered. The primary objective was to determine any variable(s) that significantly affects the duration of the appointment time for oncology clinical trial patients. The secondary objective was to determine whether the intrinsic delay from the variable(s) differs from the extrinsic delay that needs optimization. Examples of intrinsic variables include type of study (industry, national, investigator-initiated), phase of study (eg, phase 1, 2, 3, 4), requiring PK blood draw at chair time, requiring IP IRT kit assignment, and number of IPs administered; these are inherent to the clinical trial process and not directly controllable by the clinical team and are not changeable (as is age). Extrinsic variables are am/pm appointment times and arrival-to-chair time, which reflect elements that may require external optimization. To compare the 2 types of delays, we examined arrival-to-chair time (extrinsic variable) to all mentioned intrinsic variables. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. This included calculating continuous variables’ mean, median, SD, and range. Frequency and percentage were used for categorical variables. These descriptive analyses helped to understand the general characteristics of the data set and the distribution of appointment durations. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between the dependent variable (duration of appointment time) and the independent variables (am/pm appointment, type of study, phase of study, requiring PK blood draw at chair time, requiring IP IRT kit assignment, number of IP administered, and age). This model helped to determine which variables were statistically significant predictors of appointment duration and the extent of their impact. A separate regression analysis focused on intrinsic vs extrinsic variables to help identify factors needing optimization through policy changes or additional resources. For this study, data from the 392 participants included in the final 2023 study analysis were examined. Most patients (59.4%) received 1 IP during their encounter, did not get PK blood draw done at chair time (62.7%), did not get IRT assignment for IP (82.7%), had equal occurrence of industry study (41.4%) vs federal study (41.3%), and participated in a phase 1 or phase 1/2 study (41.2%). Additionally, 77.9% of appointments were in am vs pm (22.1%) ( ). IP, investigational product; IIT, investigator-initiated trial; IRT, interactive response technology, PK, pharmacokinetics. For the primary objective, For the primary objective, the appointment time (am/pm) was not significantly associated with the appointment duration ( = .2776). The model showed that pm appointments were, on average, 41 minutes shorter, although this difference is not statistically significant. The type of study (ie, industry, investigator-initiated trials [IITs], national) was also not significantly associated with appointment duration (overall model = .4475). Each type of study showed no significant impact on the duration compared with the intercept. The phase of the study showed some indication trending toward association with the duration of the appointment (overall model = .0555), with phase 3 studies being associated with a significant increase in appointment duration by 98.4 minutes ( = .0433) ( ). Whether requiring PK at chair time was performed (Yes [Y]/No [N]) was not significantly associated with the duration of the appointment ( = .5344), and whether requiring IP IRT kit was assigned (Y/N) also did not significantly affect the duration of the appointment ( = .254). Age was significantly associated with the duration of the appointment ( = .0443), with each year increase in age reducing the appointment duration by 2.79 minutes. The number of IPs administered showed some indication of association with appointment duration (overall model = .085), particularly for category 3, which significantly increased the duration by 151.21 minutes ( = .0127) ( ). For the secondary objective, the time of the scheduled appointment (am/pm) showed no significant association with arrival-to-chair time ( = .2961). The pm appointments were associated with increased arrival-to-chair time by 5.41 minutes, which was not statistically significant. The type of study (ie, industry, IIT, national) did not significantly affect arrival-to-chair time (overall model = .2747), with no significant differences observed across the types of study mentioned. The phase of the study had a suggestive, yet not universally significant, association with arrival-to-chair time (overall model = .0851). Specifically, phase 2 and phase 3 studies showed a significant increase in arrival-to-chair time by 20.15 minutes ( = .0322), indicating some variability based on the study phase. Whether requiring PK at chair time did not significantly influence arrival-to-chair time ( = .267), indicating no significant impact of this variable. Requiring IP IRT kit assignment also showed no significant effect on arrival-to-chair time ( = .6808). Age was not significantly associated with arrival-to-chair time ( = .8127), with a coefficient indicating a negligible change in arrival-to-chair time per year of age. The number of IPs administered did not show a significant association with arrival-to-chair time (overall model = .9305), indicating no significant impact on arrival-to-chair time delay ( ). IP, investigational product; IRT, interactive response technology; PK, pharmacokinetics. IP, investigational product; IRT, interactive response technology; PK, pharmacokinetic. The findings from our comprehensive analysis underscore the complexity of optimizing infusion chair time for patients with cancer enrolled in clinical trials. Despite initial assumptions about the potential impact of various intrinsic and extrinsic variables, our results suggest that few factors significantly influence the duration of patient appointments and arrival to chair time. One noteworthy result involved the phase of the clinical trial. Phase 3 studies were associated with significantly longer appointment durations, with an increase of approximately 98.4 minutes. This finding was unexpected because phase 1 studies usually have many more checks and more extensive data collection with PKs, etc. Furthermore, phase 2 and phase 3 studies showed a significant increase in arrival-to-chair time, particularly reflecting the complexity and resource allocation necessary at these stages. These results highlight the need for targeted strategies to manage the higher demands of advanced trial phases effectively. Age also emerged as a significant factor, albeit in a somewhat unexpected direction. With each incremental year in age, appointment durations decreased slightly by approximately 2.79 minutes. This counterintuitive finding might be explained by more streamlined or less intensive treatment regimens often prescribed for older patients or perhaps more experienced patient handling by clinical staff. Moreover, this reduction could be reflective of an adjustment in clinical trial protocols or the health care team’s more efficiently adapting to older adults. Interestingly, most other intrinsic variables—including the type of study, requiring PK blood draw at chair time, and requiring IP IRT kit assignment—showed no significant association with either the duration of the appointments or the arrival-to-chair time; this was a surprise. Time is added to the appointment for IRT kit assignment because it requires the pharmacy to wait on the assignment. These findings suggest that such intrinsic factors might be well managed within current clinical workflows or that their impact is minimal compared with other elements. As for extrinsic variables, the timing of appointments (am/pm) was anticipated to influence efficiency potentially, but the data did not support this hypothesis. Although pm appointments were, on average, shorter by 41 minutes, this difference was not statistically significant. It is unclear whether am appointments happened to be generally longer, or because of the complexity of treatment (eg, the patient had multiple study medications administered at the same visit, multiple PK blood draws, etc), these patients were scheduled in the am to ensure treatment could be completed during operating infusion hours. Therefore, scheduling adjustments alone might not yield substantial improvements in chair-time efficiency. The discovery that the number of IPs administered during a visit also significantly extended appointment times by approximately 151.21 minutes when a patient receives 3 IPs underscores the logistical and procedural burdens associated with multi-drug protocols. This insight points to the need for specialized processes or additional support for handling multi-IP sessions to reduce inefficiencies. Although the current study results provide valuable insights into the factors influencing infusion chair time for oncology clinical trial patients, several limitations must be acknowledged. First, the study duration of approximately 3 years might not be sufficient to capture longer-term trends and variations in clinical trial workflows and infusion times. Seasonal variations, periodic protocol changes, and other temporal factors could play a role in influencing appointment durations, which might not be fully encapsulated within this relatively short time frame. Second, as a single-center study conducted within the UC Davis Health System, the findings may have limited generalizability to other institutions. The workflows, resources, and patient demographics at our center may differ from those at other comprehensive cancer centers or community treatment facilities. Consequently, the results might not be entirely applicable to different clinical settings with varying operational protocols or patient populations. Last, the study involved nurses manually inputting time from the patient’s arrival to the end of the appointment, which introduced a potential for human error and variability in data accuracy. Relying on manual recording can lead to inconsistencies in time documentation, which may have affected the precision of our findings. Automated data collection systems could yield more reliable and consistent data, minimizing the risk of inaccuracies in manual entry. Considering these limitations, future research should aim for longer study durations to better capture temporal variability, multicenter collaborations to enhance generalizability, and the implementation of automated time-tracking systems to improve data accuracy. Addressing these areas will help refine our understanding of infusion chair time optimization and lead to more robust and widely applicable conclusions. into the factors influencing infusion chair time among patients with cancer participating in clinical trials. Although the patient’s age and the phase of the study were significantly associated with changes in appointment duration, most other intrinsic variables examined, including the type of study, PK at chair time, and IRT kit assignment, did not have a statistically significant impact. Moreover, extrinsic variables such as the time of the appointment (am/pm) also showed no significant effect on either the overall appointment duration or arrival-to-chair time. The significant increases in duration for phase 3 studies and appointments involving multiple IPs suggest specific areas where targeted interventions could be effective. For example, additional staffing or dedicated resources during phase 3 trials might help to manage the increased complexity and requirements associated with treatments for these types of trials. Likewise, optimizing processes for multi-drug administrations could reduce procedural delays. is a clinical oncology pharmacist in the Department of Pharmacy and Investigational Drugs Services at Samuel Oschin Cancer Center at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, California, and a former PGY-2 investigational drugs and research pharmacy resident at UC Davis Health in Sacramento, California. is a senior pharmacist in the Oncology & Investigational Drug Service at UC Davis Health in Sacramento, California. The findings emphasize that although certain intrinsic factors are inherent to treatments associated with clinical trial protocols and may require tailored management strategies, many current workflow components are already optimized to a degree that limits further improvements through changes in those areas alone. Future efforts might focus on refining a standardization for clinical trials to ensure consistent care and remove the risk of error caused by different workflows specific to more complex trial phases, and administration of multi-agent regimens to achieve more noticeable enhancements in efficiency and reduction in appointment duration. This study serves as a foundation for further research and quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the experience and care of oncology trial patients. Continuous assessment and incremental adjustments, particularly focused on the identified significant factors, will be essential in moving toward more efficient and patient-friendly clinical trial processes.
georgeclerk/iStock Unreleased via Getty Images Global hotel stocks have been on a strong run recently, with InterContinental Hotels Group PLC ( NYSE: IHG ) leading the pack. I last covered this company around 13 months ago. Despite being generally bullish Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.Kelowna, Vernon teams crowned B.C. U18 curling champs in Kimberley
President-elect Donald Trump vowed to make immediate and sweeping changes after he takes office on Jan. 20, such as pardons for those convicted in the attack on the U.S. Capitol, and said he wants to find a legislative solution to keep Dreamers in the country legally. In an interview with Kristen Welker , moderator of NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Trump also said he’ll work to extend the tax cuts passed in his first term. He said he will not seek to impose restrictions on abortion pills. He plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and try to end birthright citizenship. And he said the pardons for Jan. 6 rioters will happen on day one, arguing many have endured overly harsh treatment in prison. “These people are living in hell,” he said. Trump’s first postelection network television interview took place Friday at Trump Tower in Manhattan, where he spoke for more than an hour about policy plans Americans can expect in his next term. Trump said he would fulfill a campaign promise to levy tariffs on imports from America’s biggest trading partners. In a noteworthy moment, he conceded uncertainty when Welker asked if he could “guarantee American families won’t pay more” as a result of his plan. “I can’t guarantee anything,” Trump said. “I can’t guarantee tomorrow.” Trump also said he will not raise the age for government programs like Social Security and Medicare and will not make cuts to them as part of spending reduction efforts led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Asked if “raising ages or any of that stuff” was “off the table,” Trump agreed, saying, “I won’t do it.” Trump spoke in a calm, measured tone and at times sparred with Welker when she fact-checked him. He seemed heartened by the scope of his victory on Nov. 5. After winning the popular vote and capturing all seven of the key battleground states, he said with pride, “I’m getting called by everybody.” He’s heard from Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and owner of The Washington Post: “We’re having dinner,” he said. “People like me now, you know?” he said, adding: “It’s different than the first — you know, when I won the first time, I wasn’t nearly as popular as this. And one thing that’s very important, in terms of the election, I love that I won the popular vote, and by a lot.” ‘Maybe he should’ Trump did segue into familiar grievances. He would not concede that he lost the 2020 election. Asked how, in his view, Democrats stole that election but not this one even though they control the White House, Trump said, “Because I think it was too big to rig.” He blamed President Joe Biden for the nation’s political divide and heaped insults on perceived foes. Adam Schiff, the incoming Democratic senator from California, is “a real lowlife,” he said. But he delivered something of a mixed message when it comes to political retribution. Trump made clear he believes he’s been wronged, but he also sounded a conciliatory note, saying he will not appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Biden. “I’m not looking to go back into the past,” he said. “Retribution will be through success.” A fear among Trump’s political opponents is that he’ll use the government’s fearsome investigative machinery to exact vengeance. He has chosen two allies for top law enforcement positions: Pam Bondi for attorney general and Kash Patel for FBI director. If confirmed, Trump suggested, they’d have autonomy in how they go about enforcing the law. Yet he also singled out people he believes crossed the line in investigating his actions, calling special counsel Jack Smith “very corrupt.” Members of the House committee that examined the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol were “political thugs and, you know, creeps,” committing offenses in going about their work, he said. “For what they did, honestly, they should go to jail,” Trump said. Asked if he would direct the Justice Department and FBI to punish them, Trump said, “No, not at all. I think that they’ll have to look at that, but I’m not going to — I’m going to focus on drill, baby, drill” — a reference to tapping more oil supplies. If Biden wants to do it, he could pardon the committee members, Trump said, “and maybe he should.” Minimum wage, immigration and Obamacare The interview covered a range of topics — during which he continued to keep some space between himself and the conservative “Project 2025” that was intended to be a blueprint for his administration to implement new policies. But while he once disavowed the policy guidebook, he embraced it more closely and agreed some of the drafters are now part of his incoming administration. “Many of those things I happen to agree with,” Trump said. He said he would consider raising the federal minimum wage, which has been $7.25 an hour since 2009, but would like to consult with the nation’s governors. “I will agree, it’s a very low number,” he said. He said he’ll release his full medical records. Trump will be 82 by the time his term ends in 2029 — the same age Biden is now. He said he doesn’t plan to divest from Truth Social, the billion-dollar platform he launched after leaving office. “I don’t know what’s to divest,” he said. “All I do is I put out messages.” And he said he will not try to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, whom he has criticized in the past. He said his children won’t join him as White House aides, a departure from his last term, when daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner both served as senior advisers with West Wing offices. “I’ll miss them,” he said. He didn’t address a question about what role his wife, Melania Trump, will play in the new term, though he described the future first lady as both “very elegant” and “very popular.” Immigration was the centerpiece of Trump’s campaign, and he didn’t flinch in saying he will carry out mass deportation of those who are living in the country illegally. First will be convicted criminals, he said. Pressed on whether the targets would go beyond that group, Trump added: “Well, I think you have to do it, and it’s a hard — it’s a very tough thing to do. It’s — but you have to have, you know, you have rules, regulations, laws. They came in illegally.” It’s also possible that American citizens will be caught up in the sweep and deported with family members who are here illegally, or could choose to go. Asked about families with mixed immigration status, where some are in the U.S. legally and some illegally, Trump said, “I don’t want to be breaking up families, so the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back.” The expense and logistical complexities of deporting millions of people haven’t deterred him, he said. “You have no choice,” he said. “First of all, they’re costing us a fortune. But we’re starting with the criminals, and we’ve got to do it. And then we’re starting with the others, and we’re going to see how it goes.” An exception might be the “Dreamers” — people who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children and have lived here for years. He voiced openness toward a legislative solution that would allow them to remain in the country. “I will work with the Democrats on a plan,” he said, praising “Dreamers” who’ve gotten good jobs, started businesses and become successful residents. “We’re going to have to do something with them,” he said. He also said he intends to eliminate birthright citizenship, the protection enshrined in the 14th Amendment that guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil regardless of their parents. Asked about the likelihood that doing so unilaterally would face legal opposition, Trump said he would consider amending the Constitution. “We’ll maybe have to go back to the people,” Trump said. “But we have to end it.” During Trump’s one debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, he was criticized for saying he had “concepts of a plan” to replace the Affordable Care Act, the health care law signed by President Barack Obama. It’s not clear Trump’s ideas have evolved further. “Obamacare stinks,” he said. “If we come up with a better answer, I would present that answer to Democrats and to everybody else and I’d do something about it.” When will he have a developed plan? “Well, I don’t know that you’ll see it at all,” Trump said, adding that health care experts are studying possible alternatives. Foreign policy Later Friday after the interview, Trump flew to Paris for a ceremony marking the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, which had been devastated by a fire. After arriving, he met privately with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who posted on social media that the trio talked about reaching “a just peace” in his country’s war with Russia. Zelenskyy joined for roughly the last 10 minutes of the meeting, a Trump transition official said. In the interview with “Meet the Press,” Trump said he is actively trying to end the war, “if I can,” adding that Ukraine can “possibly” expect it won’t get as much military aid from the U.S. when he’s back in office. He would not commit to keeping the U.S. in NATO, the European military alliance that has been a bulwark against Russia since World War II. “If they pay their bills, absolutely,” he would preserve America’s role in the alliance, he said. On another foreign policy front, Trump expressed doubt that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will be able to remain in power. “It’s amazing, because he stayed for years under you would think much more adverse conditions, and all of the sudden, just rebels are going and they’re taking over large pieces of territory,” Trump said. “People have bet against him for a long time, and so far that hasn’t worked. But this seems to be different.” ‘No American carnage’ One phrase that leapt out of Trump’s first inaugural address in 2017: “American carnage.” It evoked a nation ravaged by crime and saddled with rusting factories. This time, Trump said the takeaway from his inaugural speech will be different. “We’re going to have a message,” he said. “It will make you happy: unity. It’s going to be a message of unity.” “And no American carnage?” Welker asked. “No American carnage, no,” the 45th and soon-to-be 47th president said. Asked for his message to the Americans who didn’t vote for him, Trump compared them to his most strident supporters — a shift from his campaign rhetoric. “I’m going to treat you,” he said, “every bit as well as I have treated the greatest MAGA supporters.” This article first appeared on NBCNews.com . Read more from NBC News here: Trump says RFK Jr. will investigate the discredited link between vaccines and autism: ‘Somebody has to find out’ Donald Trump says he won't try to remove Fed chief Jerome Powell Fact-checking Trump's interview with 'Meet the Press'
President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peakBy Abby Badach Doyle, NerdWallet It won’t be impossible to buy a house in 2025 — just be prepared to play on hard mode. According to a November 2024 report from ICE Mortgage Technology, the monthly principal and interest payment on an average-priced home is $2,385. While that’s not the highest it’s ever been, it’s still a sharp increase — nearly 80% — from just three years ago. In November 2021, when mortgage rates averaged 3%, the monthly principal and interest on an average-priced home was $1,327 per month. So here’s the key to buying in 2025: Look ahead, not back. Regret won’t help you budget for today’s new normal. And with this year’s election also in the rearview mirror, so is some uncertainty among buyers and sellers that historically slows the market during every presidential election cycle. “People have just been kind of sitting waiting to see what’s going to happen,” says Courtney Johnson Rose, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, an industry group for Black real estate agents. “I’m hopeful that the new year will bring more attention to real estate, more excitement to real estate, and more opportunities for first-time home owners to get in the game.” Check the forecast Preparing to buy a house is a lot like dressing for the weather. It’s easier when the outlook is sunny — but with some planning, you can gear up to face any condition. Here’s what housing market experts are forecasting for the upcoming year. First, home prices: We’ll likely see more modest growth in 2025, a change from skyrocketing prices in recent years. After 16 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases, the median existing-home sales price hit $407,200 in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. In 2025, with more supply trickling in to temper price increases, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun forecasts a median existing-home sales price of $410,700, up just 2% over this year. Next, housing inventory: Demand still outpaces supply. While we don’t expect a return to a buyer’s market, competition should be less cutthroat. Realtor.com forecasts a balanced market in 2025 with an average 4.1-month supply of homes for sale, up from an average 3.7-month supply so far in 2024. That would make 2025 the friendliest market for buyers since 2016, which had an average 4.4-month supply. Finally, mortgage rates: After topping 8% in October 2023, the 30-year mortgage rate has slowly eased into the 6.5%-7% range this year. Rate cuts from the Federal Reserve have helped nudge that downward. Despite earlier optimism, forecasters’ latest consensus is for rates to effectively plateau above 6% throughout 2025. That said, every year has its wild cards. In 2025, it’s still uncertain how President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-led Congress might shake up regulations and tax policies that affect the U.S. housing market. Set a budget National forecasts don’t analyze what matters most: Your personal cash flow. To get ready to buy, first meet with a financial advisor or use an online calculator to determine how much house you can afford . You can also get free or low-cost advice from a housing counselor sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Next, look into down payment and closing cost assistance from state housing finance agencies, local governments, nonprofits and mortgage lenders. Your employer or labor union might offer assistance, too. First-time buyers with income below their area median have the most options, but repeat or higher-income borrowers can qualify for some programs as well. “I think that there’s a lot of free money being left out there,” Rose says. Find a buyer’s agent Your not-so-secret weapon for buying in 2025 just might be an experienced buyer’s agent. “Anybody can write a contract,” says Sharon Parker, associate broker with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye, New Hampshire. “But you need somebody who’s seen the market, the ups and downs, who knows how to get creative because every transaction is different.” Following a settlement with the NAR , buyers can now negotiate their agent’s compensation up front. (Previously, home sellers took on that task.) While new norms are still shaking out, Rose says she hasn’t seen too much drama since the change took effect in August. “So as long as buyers remember that we have to talk about this in the beginning of our relationship, everything typically works out fine,” she says. Shop and negotiate Finally, it’s time to shop for a mortgage. To get the best interest rate, get a quote with at least three different lenders. You could also delegate the shopping to a mortgage broker, who can compare quotes and even negotiate a lower rate on your behalf. Though brokers charge a fee, their access to more mortgage options and lower rates can often mean net savings overall. With a mortgage preapproval in hand, it’s go time. And you don’t have to wait until spring: If you’re ready to buy now, buyers have less competition and more negotiating power from December through February, so you could snag a deal. “The people who are selling and the people who are buying in the off season are very serious,” Parker says. “They’re not just lookie-loos.” However, lower inventory means fewer choices for buyers. So start your search prepared to compromise — a “good enough” house will still help you build equity. Should you buy a house in 2025? If a down payment or monthly mortgage payment is financially out of reach, there’s no shame in postponing your search to pad your savings. And owning a home isn’t the right lifestyle choice for everyone, with the ongoing commitment of money and time. But once you’re ready to buy — whether for the first time, or to upgrade or downsize — avoid the trap of waiting for a dip in mortgage rates. “Nobody can predict what the market, or the world, is going to do,” Parker says. “There is no better time than right now.” Mortgage rates will always fluctuate, and if they drop significantly, you can refinance. For first-time buyers, homeownership is a major financial glow-up — and the sooner you jump in, the longer you’ll have to build home equity. “Time value of money is really, really critical when it comes to real estate,” Rose says. “So I would always encourage somebody to buy as soon as you can and get the clock ticking.” More From NerdWallet How Much House Can I Afford? Is It a Good Time to Buy a House? Should I Buy a House? How to Tell If You’re Ready Abby Badach Doyle writes for NerdWallet. Email: abadachdoyle@nerdwallet.com. The article Buying a House in 2025: Your How-To Guide originally appeared on NerdWallet .
By Abby Badach Doyle, NerdWallet It won’t be impossible to buy a house in 2025 — just be prepared to play on hard mode. According to a November 2024 report from ICE Mortgage Technology, the monthly principal and interest payment on an average-priced home is $2,385. While that’s not the highest it’s ever been, it’s still a sharp increase — nearly 80% — from just three years ago. In November 2021, when mortgage rates averaged 3%, the monthly principal and interest on an average-priced home was $1,327 per month. So here’s the key to buying in 2025: Look ahead, not back. Regret won’t help you budget for today’s new normal. And with this year’s election also in the rearview mirror, so is some uncertainty among buyers and sellers that historically slows the market during every presidential election cycle. “People have just been kind of sitting waiting to see what’s going to happen,” says Courtney Johnson Rose, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, an industry group for Black real estate agents. “I’m hopeful that the new year will bring more attention to real estate, more excitement to real estate, and more opportunities for first-time home owners to get in the game.” Preparing to buy a house is a lot like dressing for the weather. It’s easier when the outlook is sunny — but with some planning, you can gear up to face any condition. Here’s what housing market experts are forecasting for the upcoming year. First, home prices: We’ll likely see more modest growth in 2025, a change from skyrocketing prices in recent years. After 16 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases, the median existing-home sales price hit $407,200 in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. In 2025, with more supply trickling in to temper price increases, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun forecasts a median existing-home sales price of $410,700, up just 2% over this year. Next, housing inventory: Demand still outpaces supply. While we don’t expect a return to a buyer’s market, competition should be less cutthroat. Realtor.com forecasts a balanced market in 2025 with an average 4.1-month supply of homes for sale, up from an average 3.7-month supply so far in 2024. That would make 2025 the friendliest market for buyers since 2016, which had an average 4.4-month supply. Finally, mortgage rates: After topping 8% in October 2023, the 30-year mortgage rate has slowly eased into the 6.5%-7% range this year. Rate cuts from the Federal Reserve have helped nudge that downward. Despite earlier optimism, forecasters’ latest consensus is for rates to effectively plateau above 6% throughout 2025. That said, every year has its wild cards. In 2025, it’s still uncertain how President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-led Congress might shake up regulations and tax policies that affect the U.S. housing market. National forecasts don’t analyze what matters most: Your personal cash flow. To get ready to buy, first meet with a financial advisor or use an online calculator to determine how much house you can afford . You can also get free or low-cost advice from a housing counselor sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Next, look into down payment and closing cost assistance from state housing finance agencies, local governments, nonprofits and mortgage lenders. Your employer or labor union might offer assistance, too. First-time buyers with income below their area median have the most options, but repeat or higher-income borrowers can qualify for some programs as well. “I think that there’s a lot of free money being left out there,” Rose says. Your not-so-secret weapon for buying in 2025 just might be an experienced buyer’s agent. “Anybody can write a contract,” says Sharon Parker, associate broker with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye, New Hampshire. “But you need somebody who’s seen the market, the ups and downs, who knows how to get creative because every transaction is different.” Following a settlement with the NAR , buyers can now negotiate their agent’s compensation up front. (Previously, home sellers took on that task.) While new norms are still shaking out, Rose says she hasn’t seen too much drama since the change took effect in August. “So as long as buyers remember that we have to talk about this in the beginning of our relationship, everything typically works out fine,” she says. Finally, it’s time to shop for a mortgage. To get the best interest rate, get a quote with at least three different lenders. You could also delegate the shopping to a mortgage broker, who can compare quotes and even negotiate a lower rate on your behalf. Though brokers charge a fee, their access to more mortgage options and lower rates can often mean net savings overall. With a mortgage preapproval in hand, it’s go time. And you don’t have to wait until spring: If you’re ready to buy now, buyers have less competition and more negotiating power from December through February, so you could snag a deal. “The people who are selling and the people who are buying in the off season are very serious,” Parker says. “They’re not just lookie-loos.” However, lower inventory means fewer choices for buyers. So start your search prepared to compromise — a “good enough” house will still help you build equity. If a down payment or monthly mortgage payment is financially out of reach, there’s no shame in postponing your search to pad your savings. And owning a home isn’t the right lifestyle choice for everyone, with the ongoing commitment of money and time. But once you’re ready to buy — whether for the first time, or to upgrade or downsize — avoid the trap of waiting for a dip in mortgage rates. “Nobody can predict what the market, or the world, is going to do,” Parker says. “There is no better time than right now.” Mortgage rates will always fluctuate, and if they drop significantly, you can refinance. For first-time buyers, homeownership is a major financial glow-up — and the sooner you jump in, the longer you’ll have to build home equity. “Time value of money is really, really critical when it comes to real estate,” Rose says. “So I would always encourage somebody to buy as soon as you can and get the clock ticking.” More From NerdWallet Abby Badach Doyle writes for NerdWallet. Email: abadachdoyle@nerdwallet.com. The article Buying a House in 2025: Your How-To Guide originally appeared on NerdWallet .None
DOGE is generating major GOP buzz on Capitol Hill — but details remain scarce
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