Month: October 2025

Economy

Homebuilder Confidence Jumps as Fed Rate Cuts Improve Housing Outlook

Builder confidence posted its largest monthly gain since January as Federal Reserve rate cuts began lowering mortgage costs. The improvement comes as private sector data becomes crucial with government housing reports delayed during the shutdown.

Homebuilder Sentiment Rebounds Sharply in October

The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index reportedly surged five points to 37 in October, marking its highest level since April and the largest monthly improvement since January 2024, according to the latest survey data. The index, which measures builder confidence in current and expected sales conditions, remains below the 50 threshold that separates positive from negative sentiment, indicating that while pessimism is abating, challenging conditions persist across the housing sector.

by Sarah Collins
BusinessTechnology

AI Stocks Drive Market Gains as TSMC Reports Strong Earnings

Technology stocks led market gains Thursday after TSMC reported stronger-than-expected quarterly profits. The chipmaker’s positive outlook signals continued robust demand for AI-related semiconductors according to analysts.

Market Advances on AI Optimism

U.S. stock indexes edged higher Thursday as positive signals from the artificial intelligence sector boosted technology shares, according to market reports. The S&P 500 rose 0.4%, though trading remained volatile with repeated swings between gains and losses throughout the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 85 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite advanced 0.7% by late morning trading, sources indicate.

by Darren Holt
Business

Howard Schultz Urges CEOs to Stay Connected With Customers Post-Retirement

Howard Schultz, despite retiring from Starbucks’ board two years ago, continues to visit stores and interact with customers. The founder stresses that curiosity and firsthand experience are crucial for effective leadership. His insights come as Starbucks undergoes significant strategic changes under current CEO Brian Niccol.

Former Starbucks Leader Maintains Customer Connection

Howard Schultz, who stepped down from the Starbucks board of directors two years ago, continues to demonstrate his commitment to firsthand customer engagement, according to reports from his recent LinkedIn interview. The company founder reportedly visits Starbucks locations worldwide to observe customer experiences directly, stating “that’s where the action is” for business leaders.

by Natalie Brooks
SemiconductorsSustainability

TSMC Reports Record $15 Billion Quarterly Profit as AI Demand Surges

TSMC has announced a record $15 billion net profit for the third quarter, representing a nearly 40% surge year-over-year. The world’s largest semiconductor manufacturer is benefiting from unprecedented artificial intelligence demand and strategic global expansion efforts.

Record Quarterly Performance Exceeds Expectations

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturer, has reported a nearly 40% surge in net profit for the July-September quarter, according to reports released Thursday. The company reportedly achieved a record 452.3 billion New Taiwan dollars ($15 billion) in net profit, significantly exceeding analysts’ forecasts.

by Natalie Brooks
EnergySustainability

South Africa’s $5.8B Coega Green Ammonia Project Advances With European Backing

The Coega green ammonia project in South Africa’s Eastern Cape has received significant European Union endorsement as it progresses through development phases. The $5.8 billion facility aims to produce over one-million tonnes annually of green ammonia for export markets while creating more than 20,000 jobs.

Major Green Ammonia Project Advances in South Africa

A massive $5.8 billion green ammonia project in South Africa has received high-level international endorsement and is progressing toward a 2027 construction start, according to project developers. The Coega green ammonia project, located in the Coega Special Economic Zone alongside the Port of Ngqura in Gqeberha, represents one of Africa’s most ambitious renewable energy initiatives.

by Darren Holt
SoftwareTechnology

Meta Discontinues Desktop Messenger Apps for Windows and macOS, Shifts Focus to Web and Mobile

Meta is discontinuing its standalone Messenger applications for desktop operating systems, with complete shutdown scheduled for December 15. The company is directing users to web-based alternatives and mobile apps for continued messaging access, according to official communications.

Meta Confirms Desktop Messenger App Discontinuation

Meta Platforms is officially shutting down its dedicated Messenger applications for Windows and macOS desktop operating systems, according to reports confirmed to Engadget. The company indicated the apps will cease functioning completely after December 15, after which users will need to transition to web-based or mobile alternatives for accessing their messages outside of phone usage.

by Sarah Collins
CybersecurityPolicy

UK Government Reportedly Considered Destroying Chinese-Linked Data Center Over Security Concerns

The UK government reportedly considered destroying a London data center with Chinese ownership links over security concerns. According to Bloomberg, ministers proposed the extreme measure after the facility storing sensitive government information was acquired by a China-aligned entity.

UK Security Officials Reportedly Proposed Drastic Measures

The UK government under the former Conservative administration reportedly considered destroying a data center in London after it was acquired by an entity with links to China, according to a Bloomberg investigation. Sources indicate that ministers “briefly proposed a plan to destroy the data center before it was made secure in a different way,” though what exactly “destroy” meant in this context remains unspecified.

by Sarah Collins