Money

New Zealand will phase out smoking to citizens born after 2008

Published

3 years ago

December 14, 2022

Costa Haritos

New Zealand has become the first country to legislate a tobacco ban for young people

Wellington lawmakers have passed legislation, which will see a near-complete ban of tobacco products.

It means citizens born after 2008 will not be able to purchase cigarettes or tobacco products.

New Zealand’s Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said the legislation is a step towards a smoke-free future.

“Thousands of people will live longer, healthier lives, and the health system will be NZ$5 billion better off from not needing to treat the illnesses caused by smoking.”

Around 8 per cent of New Zealanders currently smoke—the lowest figure in the nation’s history.

“It means nicotine will be reduced to non-addictive levels and communities will be free from the proliferation and clustering of retailers who target and sell tobacco products in certain areas,” Dr Verrall said.

The legislation seeks to decrease the number of younger people purchasing tobacco products.

It means 40-year-olds will not be able to buy cigarettes by 2040.

Money

Stocks slide and Trump cancels talks: What’s next for markets and Greenland?

U.S. stocks dip; S&P 500 down 0.9%, as investors react to weak bank earnings and market volatility.

Published

20 hours ago

January 15, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. stocks dip; S&P 500 down 0.9%, as investors react to weak bank earnings and market volatility.

U.S. stocks fell for a second day on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 dropping 0.9% and the Dow Jones losing 164 points. Investors are reassessing record-high levels as major banks report weaker-than-expected earnings.

Wells Fargo shares tumbled more than 5% after disappointing revenue results, while Bank of America is down roughly 7% week to date. Citigroup and Wells Fargo have both seen declines of about 8%, highlighting volatility in the banking sector.

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#StockMarket #SP500 #DowJones #BankEarnings #TrumpNews #Iran #Greenland #Geopolitics

Money

U.S. budget deficit falls to $1.67 trillion

US budget deficit falls to $1.67 trillion amid tariffs; implications of corporate taxes and Supreme Court rulings discussed.

Published

21 hours ago

January 15, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US budget deficit falls to $1.67 trillion amid tariffs; implications of corporate taxes and Supreme Court rulings discussed.

The US budget deficit has dropped to $1.67 trillion in 2025, the lowest in three years, driven by record customs revenue from President Donald Trump’s tariffs. While this marks a positive shift for the economy, challenges loom with potential Supreme Court rulings on tariffs and falling corporate tax receipts.

David Scutt from StoneX explains the key factors behind the decline in the deficit and what December’s figures reveal about the overall fiscal health of the US.

We also explore the potential implications of upcoming Supreme Court decisions and how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could impact future deficits. Stay informed on what these changes mean for the economy and markets.

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#USBudget #DeficitUpdate #TrumpTariffs #FiscalPolicy #Economy2025 #SupremeCourtImpact #CorporateTaxes #FinancialNews

Money

How to position investments for 2026: Expert advice on market cycles

As 2026 begins, strategic investment positioning and understanding market cycles are crucial for navigating today’s evolving financial landscape.

Published

2 days ago

January 14, 2026

Harvey Vargas

As 2026 begins, strategic investment positioning and understanding market cycles are crucial for navigating today’s evolving financial landscape.

As 2026 begins, investors are navigating an evolving market landscape. Experts stress that positioning your investments strategically is far more important than trying to predict market movements.

Key factors include focusing on quality companies, maintaining strong cash flow, and diversifying intelligently.

Dale Gillham from Wealth Within Group joins us to break down what defines a major market cycle and why understanding it can shape your investment approach. From identifying inflation-resilient businesses to selectively tapping into growth themes like AI, this discussion covers essential strategies for the year ahead.

We also explore the role of risk management, the importance of an exit strategy, and how emotional decision-making can impact your portfolio. For anyone looking to strengthen their investing education and skills, this episode offers actionable insights to gain an edge in 2026.

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#Investing2026 #MarketCycles #WealthManagement #AIInvesting #FinancialStrategy #RiskManagement #InvestmentTips #TickerNews