Author: admin

Visa and Mastercard face regulatory action in the United Kingdom following a payments watchdog’s investigation. The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) is considering “remedies” for the two companies after uncovering a lack of competition in the card payment market, according to a Thursday (March 6) press release. “Cards are a popular and convenient way to make payments in the U.K., so any issues in the card market can have a negative impact on … businesses and ultimately consumers,” PSR Managing Director David Geale said in the release. “We have found that there is a lack of competition in the market and…

Check on Youtube

Fiverr International (FVRR 0.97%) held its fourth-quarter 2024 earnings call on February 19, 2025. The freelancing platform delivered 13% revenue growth and achieved a 20% adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) margin, demonstrating solid execution amid continued pressure on small business spending. Services Revenue Growth Accelerates While Marketplace Stabilizes Fiverr’s new revenue breakdown shows impressive growth in its services segment, providing a clearer picture of the company’s evolution beyond its traditional marketplace model. Services revenue was $88.4 million, representing year-over-year growth of 62%, driven by continued strength in Fiverr Ads, Seller Plus, and AutoDS. Services revenue represents…

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has today cleared American Express Global Business Travel’s $570 million acquisition of CWT, however the merger stills faces a regulatory hurdle in the US following an antitrust lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ). A statement issued by the CMA said: “The group has concluded that CWT is a significantly weaker competitor than in the past and is likely to continue to weaken in the future and that there are other suppliers who will offer customers an alternative to the merged business.”It continued: “The group is therefore satisfied that the merger is not…

Check on Youtube

Innovative tax and benefits policies could dramatically improve financial security for TV freelancers in the UK and reverse a mass exodus of talent from the sector, research from the University of Glasgow shows. Professor Doris Ruth Eikhof (Photo: University of Glasgow) The study, entitled Make Freelancing Pay (MFP), shows how governments could use targeted tax and aid reforms to improve disposable household income for hard-up screen freelancers who are struggling to make ends meet during a severe contraction in the industry. The research, by Professor Doris Ruth Eikhof of the University of Glasgow and Dr Hannah Randolph at the University…

The Pound Sterling trades firmly near 1.2900 against the US Dollar as investors see US President Trump tariffs less fearful. Trump is poised to provide a one-month exemption for tariffs on automobiles from Canada and Mexico. BoE officials have guided a gradual policy-easing approach. The Pound Sterling (GBP)  trades cautiously against its peers on Thursday despite Bank of England (BoE) officials reiterating a “gradual and cautious” policy easing approach while testifying before Parliament’s treasury department on Wednesday. BoE Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) member Megan Greene advocated for a “gradual path” for “removing monetary policy restrictiveness” as the inflation persistence is…

Check on Youtube

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during morning trading on March 4, 2025.Michael M. Santiago | Getty ImagesS&P 500 futures were flat early Thursday after the major averages rebounded on hopes for concessions on President Donald Trump’s tariffs.Futures tied to the broad market index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average were little changed. Nasdaq 100 futures dipped 0.1%.Stocks have had a volatile week so far. The three major U.S. indexes staged a comeback on Wednesday after posting back-to-back losses. The White House said that it would grant a one-month delay for tariffs on automakers whose…

Enrollment for Social Security’s Supplemental Security Income declined by nearly 30,000 people from December 2024 to January 2025While nearly 7.29 million people received the benefits in December, only 7.26 million still earned the monthly payments a month later.Why It MattersMillions rely on monthly SSI payments to meet their everyday living expenses.The government-run safety net program available through the Social Security Administration benefits Americans with limited incomes, disabilities, or those aged 65 and older. What To KnowFrom December 2024 to January 2025, the Social Security Administration saw a drop of around 30,000 people receiving SSI benefits. That brought the total from…