More Americans are using smartphone apps that automatically copy the buying and selling actions of well-known investors. This trend, called "copycat investing," lets people follow expert investors instead of choosing stocks on their own.
Key Facts
The stock market can be unpredictable, causing some people to seek new ways to invest.
Apps that copy trades let users automatically replicate what top investors do.
This lets inexperienced investors follow experts without needing to research stocks themselves.
CBS News reporter Evyn Moon discussed both the benefits and risks of this investing method.
Copycat investing is becoming more popular among everyday Americans.
The trend changes how people make investment decisions in the current market.
Users should be aware of potential downsides, such as less control over their investments.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
U.S. gas prices have risen to their highest point since the beginning of the conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. This increase affects the cost of fuel for consumers across the country.
Key Facts
Gas prices in the U.S. have reached their highest level since the start of the war involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
The news report comes from CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady.
Rising gas prices impact many drivers by increasing the cost to fill up their vehicles.
Conflicts in the Middle East can influence global oil supply and prices.
The increase in gas prices reflects concerns about fuel availability during times of international tension.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A conflict in the Middle East is causing problems for glass factories in Firozabad, India, which produces most of the country’s glass. Natural gas shortages and rising costs are forcing many factories to cut production, putting jobs and incomes at risk.
Key Facts
Firozabad produces 70% of India’s glass and employs about 150,000 people.
Glassmaking requires natural gas to keep furnaces very hot.
Tensions in the Middle East have disrupted gas supplies and increased prices in India.
India imports almost half of its natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route affected by the conflict.
The Indian government cut commercial gas supplies by 20% to manage shortages.
Factories are running furnaces at lower temperatures and stopping production for days to save gas.
Costs for raw materials and shipping have gone up due to supply disruptions and higher expenses.
Many small glass factories face losses of 25-45% and worry about closing if the situation continues.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
There are signs that a new financial crisis might be starting, with some financial funds losing money or limiting withdrawals. Experts warn that private credit, a type of lending outside traditional banks, has grown a lot and has risks similar to those seen before the 2008 global financial crisis.
Key Facts
In 2008, Lehman Brothers, a big American bank, went bankrupt, triggering a major global financial crisis.
Before the 2008 crisis, risky mortgage investments failed, causing some funds to freeze or liquidate.
Today, several private credit funds have losses or have blocked some investors from taking out money.
Private credit funds have grown to about $2.5 trillion in the past 15-20 years.
Private credit involves lending money but is less regulated and less understood than traditional bank loans.
There is concern about layers of borrowed money (leverage) within private credit, which can increase risks.
Bank of England officials warn that these factors echo the conditions that led to the 2008 crisis.
The current geopolitical situation is more tense than in 2008, which may affect how policymakers handle a crisis.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An advert for a £49 face serum claiming it could make users look up to five years younger has been banned for being misleading. The UK advertising watchdog found problems with the study used to back the claim and said the advert cannot be shown in the same way again.
Key Facts
The serum is called Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Epigenetic Serum and cost £49.
The advert claimed the product was "clinically proven" to make users look up to five years younger after four weeks of use.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) received one complaint about the advert shown at Balham tube station in London.
The ASA criticized the study for lacking a control group, unclear participant recruitment, and reliance on self-reported results.
The serum was tested in a climate different from the UK, which may affect the results.
Other evidence provided by the company, Beiersdorf, was unpublished research or did not include the actual serum used in the advert.
The advert has been removed in the UK and cannot be used again in its current form.
Experts say that good skin results usually come from multiple good habits, not just one product.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A UK thinktank warns that the Iran war could cost Britain £35 billion and raise the risk of a recession this year. The rising energy prices linked to the conflict are expected to slow economic growth and increase inflation, forcing the government to consider financial support and the Bank of England to possibly raise interest rates.
Key Facts
The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (Niesr) predicts a £35 billion economic hit for the UK due to the Iran war.
Even in the best case, UK economic growth will slow this year and next because of the conflict.
Rising energy costs from the war are making households poorer and businesses face higher expenses.
Under a severe scenario, oil prices could reach $140 a barrel, risking inflation above 5% and a UK recession in late 2024.
The Bank of England may raise interest rates by up to 1.5% if inflation worsens, the biggest hike since 1992.
The government is looking at targeted, temporary financial support to help people affected by higher energy bills.
UK government borrowing is expected to increase by almost £24 billion by 2030 due to the economic impact.
Borrowing costs on UK government bonds have risen sharply, with 10-year bond yields passing 5%.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is starting an early review of broadcast licenses held by several local TV stations owned by Disney. This review follows an investigation into Disney's practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Key Facts
The FCC is reviewing broadcast licenses of Disney-owned local television stations.
Disney owns ABC and other media outlets.
This license review is happening earlier than usual.
The FCC has been investigating Disney’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
The investigation aims to see how Disney meets regulations or standards in these areas.
The FCC made an official filing about this review on a Tuesday.
Broadcast licenses allow TV stations to operate and reach audiences legally.
The outcome of the review could affect Disney's ability to continue broadcasting on these channels.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
China's electric vehicle (EV) industry is gaining an advantage amid the global fuel shortages caused by the conflict between the US and Iran. At Beijing's Auto Show, Chinese companies displayed new EV technologies, including self-driving cars and flying cars, to meet rising demand for cleaner transport.
Key Facts
The US-Iran war has caused fuel shortages around the world.
China is rapidly developing its electric vehicle industry to reduce reliance on fuel.
Beijing's Auto Show featured Chinese advancements in electric and autonomous vehicles.
Chinese companies showcased innovative EV ideas, such as flying cars and fast charging.
The growth in EV technology provides China with new business opportunities amid energy instability.
The article highlights the connection between geopolitical conflicts and shifts in energy markets.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration stopped two approved wind energy projects and agreed to pay millions of dollars to the companies involved if the money is reinvested in oil and gas projects. Officials said this move supports U.S. energy security and lowers costs by focusing on traditional energy sources instead of wind power.
Key Facts
Two U.S. wind energy projects were blocked by the Trump administration this week.
Companies will be refunded millions of dollars if they invest the money in oil and gas projects.
The Department of the Interior says this strategy promotes energy security and affordable power.
A $1 billion deal was made last month to cancel another permitted wind project owned by a French company.
Some offshore wind projects were allowed to continue after a federal judge ruled against the Trump administration.
One U.S. investment fund will put up to $765 million into liquefied natural gas facilities.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the move also addresses national security concerns, but did not provide details.
President Trump expressed negative views of wind energy, calling it expensive, unreliable, and "worthless."
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced it will leave the oil group OPEC and its extended alliance OPEC+ starting May 1. The UAE said it is leaving to focus on its own national interests, after disagreements over production limits and tensions with Saudi Arabia, the group's leading member.
Key Facts
UAE will exit OPEC and OPEC+ on May 1, 2026.
The decision is to prioritize the UAE’s national interests.
UAE has been unhappy with production quotas set by OPEC.
Relations between UAE and Saudi Arabia, OPEC’s main leader, have become tense.
OPEC is an oil cartel that sets production levels to influence oil prices.
OPEC+ includes OPEC members plus other oil-producing countries cooperating on production.
This departure weakens the unity and influence of the OPEC cartel.
The announcement was made publicly by the UAE government.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
BP reported a profit of $3.2 billion in the first quarter, marking its highest earnings in three years. The increased profit was partly driven by higher oil prices linked to the conflict involving Iran.
Key Facts
BP earned $3.2 billion in profits in the first quarter.
This profit level is the highest BP has seen in three years.
The rise in oil prices was influenced by a war involving Iran.
BP’s profit exceeded expectations set by the market.
Meg O’Neill is the current CEO of BP.
This is the first sign of profit growth under CEO Meg O’Neill.
The global situation in Iran has impacted energy prices.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
First Brands Group, an auto-parts maker, stopped planned layoffs for hundreds of workers just days before they were to lose their jobs. The company is trying to sell parts of its business to save more jobs amid bankruptcy and federal fraud charges faced by former executives.
Key Facts
First Brands Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September.
The company faced federal fraud charges against former top executives.
It planned to lay off 819 workers in Ohio but decided to keep 669 employees through the end of May.
First Brands is trying to sell some facilities to find a buyer and save about 1,600 jobs.
The company already sold several assets, including its Walbro business for $50 million, preserving around 600 jobs.
Bankruptcy has caused thousands of layoffs across multiple U.S. states since late 2025.
First Brands Group had about 6,000 employees in the U.S. when it filed for bankruptcy.
The bankruptcy revealed severe money problems, including billions in debts and only $12 million in cash available.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A group of low-cost airlines has asked President Donald Trump's administration for $2.5 billion in financial help to deal with rising jet fuel costs. They also want a temporary suspension of certain airline taxes to keep ticket prices affordable for travelers.
Key Facts
The Association of Value Airlines (AVA) represents Allegiant, Avelo, Frontier, Spirit, and Sun Country Airlines.
Jet fuel prices have nearly doubled recently due to the conflict in Iran.
AVA wants the government to create a fund airlines can use to manage fuel costs.
The group also asked Congress to temporarily suspend the 7.5% federal excise tax on airline tickets and a $5.30 domestic per passenger fee.
The airlines say these measures are temporary and will help keep air travel affordable and competitive.
AVA referenced past COVID-19 relief efforts as a precedent for government support.
The White House said it is aware of the request but has made no decisions yet.
The Department of Transportation has not publicly commented on the relief request.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Putting $3,000 into a certificate of deposit (CD), a high-yield savings account, or a money market account can earn different amounts of interest. CDs generally offer the highest fixed rates, while high-yield savings and money market accounts have rates that can change over time.
Key Facts
Traditional savings accounts currently offer very low interest rates around 0.38%, which do not keep up with inflation over 3%.
CDs have fixed interest rates, making interest earnings predictable.
High-yield savings and money market accounts have variable rates that may rise or fall.
For a $3,000 deposit over three months, CDs and money market accounts earn about $28.83, while high-yield savings earn slightly more at $29.78.
Over six and nine months, CDs earn slightly more interest than the other two options.
Online banks often offer higher rates than traditional branch banks because they have lower costs.
Switching from a traditional savings account to one of these higher-rate accounts can increase interest earnings significantly.
Savers should consider the interest rate, account terms, and whether they want their rate fixed or variable before choosing an account.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tele-veterinary care lets pet owners connect with vets using video, chat, or phone and can be helpful for minor issues or follow-ups. However, it is not a full replacement for in-person visits, especially in emergencies or when a physical exam is necessary.
Key Facts
Pet care costs, including routine vet expenses, average over $4,000 a year per cat or dog and are rising.
Tele-vet care offers convenience for busy pet owners facing challenges like work schedules and travel to clinics.
Good uses for tele-vet visits include minor behavioral problems, mild skin and coat issues, prescription refills, post-surgery checks, and general questions.
Tele-vet care can help quickly decide if a pet needs urgent in-person care.
Serious conditions like breathing problems, poisoning, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, collapse, or sudden changes require urgent physical vet visits.
Tele-vet care can be more affordable and less stressful for pets in certain cases but cannot replace all veterinary services.
Understanding when tele-veterinary care is appropriate helps pet owners make better health and cost decisions.
The article references a survey by Healthy Paws Pet Insurance highlighting the rising pet care costs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Elon Musk is testifying in a federal court lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the company’s leaders of betraying its original nonprofit mission. The case focuses on whether OpenAI transformed improperly into a profitable company, with Musk seeking major changes in its structure and financial compensation.
Key Facts
Elon Musk filed a $1 billion lawsuit against OpenAI and its leaders, including CEO Sam Altman.
Musk helped start OpenAI in 2015 and donated $38 million before leaving its board in 2018.
Musk claims OpenAI’s leaders betrayed the nonprofit mission by turning it into a profitable company.
He wants changes like removing OpenAI’s CEO and others, changing the company’s structure, and returning money to the nonprofit side.
OpenAI denies wrongdoing, saying Musk’s donations were used properly and claims he is motivated by jealousy.
Microsoft is also involved, with lawyers saying Musk only changed his position after ChatGPT became successful.
The judge warned both sides to avoid using social media to escalate the conflict.
Separately, OpenAI is under a criminal investigation by Florida authorities related to chats from a suspect in a 2025 shooting.
The trial is expected to last about four weeks; OpenAI plans an initial public offering (IPO) aiming for a valuation of $852 billion.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Homeowners looking to borrow $25,000 against their home's equity have two main loan options: home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). As of May, both have similar monthly payments, but HELOC interest rates can change over time, while home equity loans have fixed rates.
Key Facts
The average home equity loan interest rate is about 6.95% in May.
The average HELOC interest rate is about 7.11% in May.
A $25,000 home equity loan payment is roughly $289.63 per month for 10 years.
A $25,000 HELOC payment is about $291.69 per month for 10 years, assuming full repayment starts immediately.
Interest rates for both home equity loans and HELOCs have decreased compared to late 2025.
HELOCs have variable rates, meaning monthly payments can rise or fall in the future.
Home equity loans have fixed rates, so payments remain steady over time.
Shopping around can help borrowers find better rates and terms.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
American Airlines will limit passengers to carrying two portable chargers each with a maximum power capacity of 100 watt-hours. These chargers must be kept visible or within reach during the flight and cannot be stored in overhead bins or charged on the plane.
Key Facts
Starting Friday, passengers can bring only two portable chargers on American Airlines flights.
Each charger cannot exceed 100 watt-hours in capacity.
Chargers must be visible to airline staff when in use and kept within reach when not in use.
Chargers are not allowed to be stored in overhead bins during the flight.
Charging portable devices onboard the aircraft is prohibited.
The new rules apply to external power banks and suitcases with built-in lithium-ion batteries.
The policy follows nearly two dozen battery-related incidents on commercial flights this year.
Southwest Airlines has also limited battery packs to one per passenger recently.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A recent WalletHub survey found that 28 percent of college students believe their tuition is not a good financial investment. This shows increasing concern about high college costs and student debt as tuition prices remain high despite slower inflation-adjusted increases.
Key Facts
The survey polled over 200 college students across the U.S. about tuition, borrowing, and money readiness.
28 percent of students said their tuition is not worth the cost, up from 23 percent in a similar 2024 survey.
College costs rose about 3 percent from 2024 to 2025, with private schools charging more.
Many students worry about paying back student loans, with 30 percent saying it is their biggest fear after graduation.
Over half of students feel their schools do not teach enough about managing money.
One third of students believe the federal government should stop giving loans to expensive colleges.
Experts say while college is costly, graduates typically earn much more money over their lifetimes compared to people with only a high school diploma.
Concerns rise as some students see fewer entry-level jobs available even as loan payments start.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Disney worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant a 5-year-old girl named Lilo her wish. She received special treatment during a visit to Disneyland.
Key Facts
Lilo is a 5-year-old girl whose wish was granted by Disney and Make-A-Wish.
The visit took place at Disneyland.
Lilo received royal treatment as part of her experience.
Make-A-Wish is an organization that helps children with critical illnesses by fulfilling their wishes.
Disney often partners with Make-A-Wish to create memorable experiences for kids.
The article was published on April 28, 2026.
The story focuses on a positive event involving a well-known company and a charity.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
