The Economic Times News

Mortgage rates in 2026: Mortgage rates are easing, but relief remains limited heading into 2026. The 30-year mortgage sits near 6.4 percent nationwide. The 15-year mortgage averages about 5.9 percent. Experts see limited declines ahead.Fed rate cuts may help slowly. Inflation trends matter most now. Housing demand stays firm. Buyers are watching every dip closely.

Ted Cruz 2028 presidential run: Senator Ted Cruz is reportedly weighing a 2028 presidential bid. This move could set up a contest with Vice President JD Vance. Cruz has been urged by supporters to run. He has also voiced concerns about foreign policy. Vance currently leads early polls for the Republican nomination. Cruz's potential candidacy adds intrigue to the upcoming election cycle.

A special NIA court in Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the attachment of over 1.5 kanals of land belonging to US-based Kashmiri separatist lobbyist Ghulam Nabi Fai. Fai, declared a proclaimed absconder, faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The court directed the Budgam district collector to take immediate possession of the seized property.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alleges the BJP is manipulating voter lists and weakening election safeguards. He states this follows the BJP's failure to achieve results through money power in the last Lok Sabha election. The Chief Minister highlights a significant increase in donations to the BJP after electoral bonds were scrapped.

India and New Zealand have signed a free trade agreement. This pact will boost financial services cooperation. It includes new rules for digital payments, fintech, data transfer, and back-office services. The agreement aims to make India a global fintech hub. It will also encourage more investment and business presence between the two nations.

Thirteen people received life sentences in Murshidabad, West Bengal. They were convicted for the murder of Haragobindo Das and his son Chandan Das. The killings occurred during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. This marks a significant conviction under the new mob lynching law. The West Bengal Police affirmed their commitment to preventing communal unrest.

A special revision of voter lists across eleven states and union territories has removed over 3.7 crore names. This exercise is part of an ongoing process to update electoral rolls. Voters can still make claims and objections until January 22, 2026. The final updated voter lists will be published on February 21.

Nitin Nabin, the new BJP national working president, has had a busy first week. He met senior leaders including LK Advani and PM Narendra Modi. Nabin also attended meetings with MPs and NDA leaders. A roadshow was organized for him in Patna. He is returning to Delhi soon. BJP general secretary Dushyant Gautam is assisting him.

As Christmas Day approaches, many shoppers wonder about store hours. Costco, Kroger, Giant Eagle, Meijer, Walmart, and Aldi will all be closed on Christmas Day. Most of these retailers will have adjusted hours on Christmas Eve, so check local listings for specific times.

Ten central trade unions and federations have announced a nationwide strike on February 12. This action is a protest against the four Labour Codes introduced last month. Workers are demanding the repeal of these codes. The strike date will be confirmed at a convention on January 9, 2026. Unions are prepared for further actions if their demands are not met.

Social Security remains the backbone of guaranteed retirement income, but it is not the only option. Claiming age sharply changes lifetime benefits and monthly cash flow. Claiming at 62 cuts checks by about 30 percent. Delaying to 70 boosts payments by 24 percent. Annuities add lifetime income but raise taxes, Medicare premiums, and fees. Smart timing protects savings and longevity.

India may soon waive customs duty on medicines produced in special economic zones for local sale. This move aims to reduce costs and increase the availability of essential drugs and vaccines within the country. The proposal could be part of the upcoming Union budget.

India's strong economic growth and low inflation are expected to continue. The government plans fiscal consolidation and debt reduction. New reforms aim to boost private sector investment in infrastructure and manufacturing. This focus on domestic production and competitiveness will drive employment and growth. India is preparing for future economic challenges.

More than 1.5 million taxpayers have revised their income tax returns for the current assessment year. This voluntary compliance initiative has led to over 2.1 million updated returns for previous years. Additional tax collections have exceeded 2,500 crore. The income tax department used data analytics to identify ineligible claims for deductions and exemptions.

Delhi is taking significant strides in sustainability by introducing financial incentives for those purchasing electric cars and two-wheelers. Expected to commence in the next financial year, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance air quality.

A new Gallup poll shows warning signs for Donald Trump as his approval stays very low. The survey highlights a big drop in support from Independent voters. Many Americans are worried about the economy and rising costs. The results suggest growing trouble for Trump as public confidence remains weak.

England cricket chief Rob Key will investigate reports of excessive drinking by players during an Ashes beach break. The team visited Noosa after losing early matches. Unverified footage of player Ben Duckett has also emerged. Key stated that excessive alcohol consumption is not expected. He previously addressed player drinking before a New Zealand match.

Trumps $3,000 self-deportation bonus explained: The Trump administration now offers undocumented migrants $3,000 and paid travel to self-deport. The CBP Home app arranges departures. Voluntary departures save taxpayers up to $1 million per person. ICE has deported 335,000 since January 2025. Travel bans expand to over 30 countries. Refugee green cards face freezes. The policy mixes incentives with strict enforcement.

Adani Group is the front-runner for Bengaluru's tunnel road project. The bid is higher than government estimates, requiring cabinet approval. This puts the Congress government in a difficult position due to Rahul Gandhi's public opposition to the Adani Group. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar denies knowledge of bid details. The project faces political hurdles.

President Donald Trump will invite Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to the 2026 G20 summit. The meeting is scheduled for his golf club in Doral, Florida. This move signals a deepening relationship with Central Asian nations. These countries are important for minerals and uranium.

A similar plea filed by Choksi, citing his arrest in Belgium and extradition proceedings initiated by Indian authorities, had been rejected by the special court for Prevention of Money Laundering Act in November.

Simple math shows the best age to take Social Security may be later than most people think. While many Americans claim benefits at 62, experts say waiting can lead to bigger lifetime payments. The right choice depends on how long you live and how your monthly checks grow with age.

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said that despite challenges in the US, Indian exporters have maintained their exports in that market. The secretary was addressing exporters in a programme organised by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).

Several barricades lay in disarray as police struggled to contain the surge. At least 40 protesters were detained during the agitation, police said.

Silver price today: Silver prices are soaring faster than gold, hitting a record $70 per ounce. The gold-silver ratio has narrowed from 104-to-1 to 64-to-1. Inflation fears and rate cuts are boosting investor demand. Industrial use in electronics and solar panels adds extra pressure. Silver futures are trading at $70.29 per ounce as of December 23, 2025.

Spotify 86 million files looted and do hackers look to leak 300TB data online? A piracy group claims it scraped most Spotify listens. The group says the data is for preservation. Spotify denies any user impact and says no full leak has happened.

China has initiated dispute consultations with India at the WTO over measures concerning solar cells, solar modules, and IT goods. Beijing alleges that India's tariffs and the Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess are inconsistent with WTO obligations and discriminate against Chinese products.

Copper price today: Copper prices have reached an all-time high, surpassing $12,000 a ton. This surge is driven by supply issues and trade concerns. Despite slower demand in China, copper's role in electrification and green energy is boosting prices. Disruptions at major mines are tightening supply, with forecasts predicting a significant market deficit next year.

Christian Michel James' bail conditions have been modified by a Delhi court. He can now be released from custody without immediately depositing his passport. This development is in connection with the AgustaWestland VIP chopper deal case. James has been in custody since December 2018. The court has adjusted bond and passport deposit requirements. Other bail conditions remain unchanged.

Ben Sasse, a former GOP Senator, announced he has Stage 4 pancreatic cancer and a limited time to live. The 53-year-old, who left the University of Florida presidency earlier this year, stated he is not giving up and will fight the disease. Sasse expressed his commitment to living through the dying process with his family.

Gold price today eased from record highs near $4,530, trading around $4,486 after mixed U.S. economic data. Dollar strength briefly pressured bullion. Safe-haven demand remains strong. Geopolitical risks persist. Fed rate-cut bets for 2026 support prices. Technical trends stay bullish. Investors now watch data, geopolitics, and the dollar for golds next decisive move.

Assam is set to become a key growth center for India's Act East Policy. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted Assam's strategic location, connecting it to a vast market from Nepal to Myanmar. Entrepreneurs are urged to capitalize on this opportunity. Recent years have seen significant reforms and improved connectivity, fostering inclusive development.

Lalit Modi posted a video with Vijay Mallya calling them India's biggest fugitives. The clip from Mallya's birthday party in London sparked outrage online. Many users condemned the act as mockery of the Indian state. Mallya fled India in 2016 over loan defaults. Modi left in 2010 amid financial misconduct probes. The video highlights concerns about powerful individuals evading justice.

The U.S. plans to add tariffs on Chinese semiconductor imports starting in 2027. The move follows a long trade review and comes during ongoing U.S.-China trade talks. Officials say the decision is linked to concerns about fair competition in the chip industry and could be used as a future trade pressure tool.

A significant number of voters in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, and Andaman and Nicobar are missing from draft electoral rolls. Over 94 lakh electors across these regions did not find their names. Those affected can still apply for inclusion. Final rolls will be published next year. Elector registration officers will make the final decisions.

Greta Thunberg arrested: Environmental activist Greta Thunberg was arrested in London on Tuesday. She was showing support for pro-Palestinian activists on a hunger strike. These activists protest their imprisonment ahead of trial. The hunger strike has reached a critical stage. Organizers warn of a real possibility of death. British authorities have declined to intervene.

Jerry O'Connell became emotional during a CBS special honoring Rob Reiner, the director who launched his career in Stand by Me. O'Connell broke down recalling Reiner's kindness in taking him to lunch years after the film, stating the gesture meant so much to him. He credited Reiner with his entire career and described him as a father figure.

In 2026, Social Security rules for working retirees are changing. People under full retirement age can earn more before benefits are reduced. This means some retirees can keep working and still get higher lifetime Social Security payments. Knowing the new limits can help you plan work and income, avoid losing checks, and possibly boost your total retirement money.

American factory output held steady in November. This follows a dip in October, largely due to fewer electric vehicle sales after tax credits expired. Overall industrial production saw a slight increase. Mining output also rose. This data reflects recent economic activity in the manufacturing sector.

Pakistan has sold its national airline, PIA. The privatization process concluded with a sale price of Rs 135 billion. A consortium led by Arif Habib emerged as the highest bidder. This marks a significant transaction for Pakistan. The government aimed for a transparent sale. PIA's past mismanagement led to this decision. The sale proceeds will be reinvested in the airline.