2026 - Page 27 of 224 - Bean watcher

Sep

21

2026

Housing market shifts to favor buyers but affordability limits offers

The US housing market is giving buyers more options than they have had in years, with listings rising and competition easing. Yet high home prices and mortgage rates are keeping many prospective homeowners from making an offer.Housing inventory grows as buyer interest stays lowFor much of the period following the pandemic, the US housing market was defined by intense competition. Limited inventory, historically low mortgage rates and a rush by households to find homes pushed prices higher and gave sellers considerable leverage.That dynamic has changed.By August 2026, the count of vendors within the US marketplace surpassed that of purchasers by…

Sep

20

2026

By Lily Chang

Survey finds AI ethics largely absent in most corporate conduct guidelines

Social Responsibility

As reports of misconduct increase and artificial intelligence brings forth new ethical dilemmas, workplace conduct codes are gaining significance. Even so, numerous personnel remain hesitant about reporting violations, or they miss precise direction regarding corporate responses.Worker trust in reporting channels is decliningCodes of conduct are intended to give employees a clear framework for understanding acceptable behavior, recognizing potential violations and knowing where to turn when concerns arise. However, their effectiveness depends not only on whether organizations have such documents in place, but also on whether employees understand them, use them and trust the systems connected to them.That issue has grown…

Sep

20

2026

By Lily Chang

Ed Sheeran shares personal thoughts on political expression in music

Culture and Entertainment

Ed Sheeran used his Philadelphia concert to address the controversy surrounding his US tour, apologizing for decisions he said he had struggled with while also speaking about the devastation in Gaza and the debate over political expression in music.Sheeran addresses the controversy on stageEd Sheeran opened his Saturday night performance in Philadelphia with an unusually personal explanation to the audience.Rather than beginning immediately with his usual set, the British singer-songwriter spoke about the events that had surrounded his tour during the previous week. The controversy intensified after rapper Macklemore was removed from the US dates and several other performers, including…

Sep

18

2026

By Lily Chang

The importance of sovereign wealth funds in managing fiscal surpluses

Investments and Business

Comprehending Sovereign Wealth FundsState-owned investment vehicles known as sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) oversee national savings to fulfill long-term goals. Generally, these funds stem from commodity exports, foreign exchange reserves, fiscal surpluses, or balance-of-payment surpluses. Governments utilize them to diversify revenue streams, stabilize economies, safeguard wealth for upcoming generations, and advance strategic national interests.Over the past two decades, sovereign wealth funds have become influential global investors, allocating capital across equities, bonds, real estate, infrastructure, private equity, venture capital, and alternative assets. Their long-term investment horizons and substantial capital bases enable them to shape markets and support economic transformation.Below are the ten…