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Share Market Holiday on February 19? Will Stock Market Remain Open or Closed for Shiv Jayanti 2025? Know if Trading Will Happen on NSE, BSE on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti Holiday

While the banks in India will remain open on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, in observance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti, the stock market will be open as usual. According to the share market holiday list by NSE, both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) are functioning as usual. This means, trading will take place on February 19, on the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti on both stock exchanges. Bank Holiday on February 19: BankS To Remain Closed in Maharashtra on Wednesday on Occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Birth Anniversary.

Share Market Holiday on February 19?

Here’s the list of trading holidays for @NSEIndia in 2025.#NSE #NSEIndia #TradingHoliday #2025 #StockMarket @ashishchauhan pic.twitter.com/TGyx6zABds

— NSE India (@NSEIndia) December 20, 2024

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February 18, 2025
Washington DC gets ‘Trump Bump’ in luxury home market

The Connor Group founder and managing partner discusses what needs to happen to unleash the housing market and the impact of regulations on rebuilding California following the wildfires.

The Washington, D.C.-area has been enjoying a “Trump Bump” in its luxury home market.

That so-called “Trump Bump” started around November, when the nation’s capital saw a major increase in demand for luxury homes worth at least $5 million, and has continued into the new year, according to The Agency DC managing partner Nurit Coombe.

“Usually, houses above $5 million in November, for example, a year ago, there were eight sales or so,” she told FOX Business in an interview this week. “Between November, December, we had 20 sales above $5 million, a huge jump, and a lot of cash buyers.”

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 19: The U.S. Capitol is shown at sunrise the day before President-elect Donald Trump’s 2nd term inauguration January 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) (Joe Raedle/Getty Images / Getty Images)

“That’s a lot of sales,” Coombe noted, because the D.C. luxury market “doesn’t have that much inventory.”

BOZEMAN, MONTANA HOME TO A BOOMING REAL ESTATE MARKET

There are less than 30 single-family homes above $5 million – and even less in the ultra-luxury category – on the market in the D.C. area, according to The Agency DC managing partner. She said several luxury homes that had been up for sale for a long time quickly went under contract in November.

More than 60 luxury homes, generally considered those above the $5 million-mark, have sold in the D.C. market since the November election, according to The Agency DC.

“The market right now in DC is very, very strong, very hot, especially in the luxury market, for sure, because as you go up to the top of the price, you don’t have as many buyers, but we actually have more than usual, much more than usual,” Coombe told FOX Business.

Trump’s administration has been a big contributor to the D.C.-area luxury market’s recent surge.

“The administration is a very wealthy administration, and they’re all going to be moving to the area to work from here. You’ve seen in the prior administration, it was not as wealthy, much less wealthy administration people who moved in, and some did not move in really full-time … So here you see a complete shift where we move in the whole family, we’re going to be here full-time, and very wealthy people are moving into the area, so there’s a lot of demand,” she said.

However, they aren’t the only ones providing fuel.

“It’s also the big companies, the attorneys, they’re moving as well. There are people that are more aligned with the new administration, so a lot of that is happening,” Coombe added. “CEOs of companies, their support staff, the attorneys, a lot of consultants for big companies.”

The skyline of Washington, DC, including the US Capitol building, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and National Mall, is seen from the air, January 29, 2010. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Kalorama, Foxhall, Georgetown and Kent are among some of the neighborhoods in the nation’s capital benefiting from the “Trump Bump.”

Some recent sales include a $25 million transaction in Foxhall and a $10.5 million deal in Georgetown, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Demand in the D.C. luxury market has gone up 18% year-over year, according to Coombe.

She also said parts of the broader D.C., Maryland and Virginia area, known as the DMV, have “definitely” seen more luxury demand in recent months as well, such as neighborhoods in Bethesda, North Bethesda and McLean.

Aside from luxury homes, townhouses and condos have been in high-demand.

THESE WERE THE MOST EXPENSIVE HOMES SOLD IN 2024, ACCORDING TO REDFIN

The “government employee situation” is also making the D.C.-area real estate market more dynamic, according to Coombe.

Trump issued an order to bring federal workers back into the office full-time in late January. His administration has offered buyouts to many federal workers to leave their jobs or start doing in-person work, Fox News Digital reported.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 26: Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump during the National Guard Association of the United States’ 146th General Conference & Exhibition at Huntington Place Convention Center on Augu (Emily Elconin/Getty Images / Getty Images)

“This is an interesting shift to watch, because when you’re looking at government employees, it’s not necessarily the upper echelon, it’s not necessarily the high luxury, it’s the more mid,” Coombe said. “There’s a lot of people who took the incentive the government offered to leave the government and when you see that, a lot of them are not staying in the area.”

Meanwhile, others are moving back to the area because they have to work in the office full-time again, she said.

It “depends on the policies” whether the D.C. market’s “Trump Bump” will continue, according to Coombe.

“Everybody’s watching what’s going to happen with the government employees, what’s going to happen with the international tax that we have, what’s going to happen in the stock market and obviously the mortgage,” she posited. “I think the lenders are sitting tight and watching.”

The nationwide 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.87% on average the week of Feb. 13, according to Freddie Mac. That marked a 0.02 percentage-point decline from the prior week.

BENTONVILLE, AR IS GROWING RAPIDLY, WHICH HAS FUELED A HOT REAL ESTATE MARKET

She said that homebuyers in the D.C. area have become accustomed to the current level of rates and that the rates have not really affected D.C.’s luxury market in particular, noting more than 60% of buyers in that category since November have paid “all cash” or “heavy cash.”

D.C. had 5 sales of ultra-luxury homes worth at least $10 million in 2024, according to a recent Compass report. Those sales amounted to $67.85 million combined.

In January, homes in the D.C. and Montgomery County real estate market sold for a median of $552,500, according to the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors.

February 16, 2025
How federal layoffs are affecting DC housing market: report

The Mike Aubrey Group EVP and principal Mike Aubrey explains why housing prices are still high as mortgage rates come down on ‘Cavuto: Coast to Coast.’

Housing markets in Washington, D.C. and other areas with high concentrations of government workers have already been impacted by the Trump administration’s new policies, according to Redfin agents.

Return-to-office mandates for federal workers have led to an increase in home buyers, but “uncertainty” about federal job cuts has discouraged others from buying or selling their homes, according to the report.

President Donald Trump announced on Jan. 29 that federal employees would be fired if they did not return to in-person work by early February.

President Donald Trump signs a series of executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House on Feb. 10. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images / Getty Images)

DOGE SAYS IT DUG UP ANOTHER $1.9 BILLION IN TAXPAYER MONEY ‘MISPLACED’ BY BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

“I recently worked with a couple who bought their dream home with me a few years ago, but now they’re considering listing because they want to be closer to public transportation,” said Stuart Naranch, a Redfin Premier agent in Washington, D.C. “They both work for the government, and want a more convenient commute because they’ll need to return to in-person work soon.”

Home prices in the nation’s capital were down 8.6% in January, compared to last year, selling for a median price of $560,000, according to Redfin data.

While homes spent about a week longer on the market in January of this year, overall sales for the month were up from last year.

Demonstrators hold signs during a protest against Elon Musk outside the U.S. Treasury building in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Feb. 4. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

However, instability in the federal job market may translate over into the housing market.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is tasked with eliminating wasteful government spending and increasing efficiency, aims to cut $2 trillion from the federal government budget by eliminating programs and trimming the federal workforce.

A buyout offer, which has been extended, has already been accepted by about 65,000 employees, Fox News Digital previously reported.

DOGE SAYS IT DUG UP ANOTHER $1.9 BILLION IN TAXPAYER MONEY ‘MISPLACED’ BY BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

“The number of deferred resignations is rapidly growing, and we’re expecting the largest spike 24 to 48 hours before the deadline,” a White House official told Fox News Digital on Feb. 4.

The Trump administration on Thursday ordered agencies to lay off most probationary employees without civil service protection, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of federal workers.

“Since the inauguration, I’ve met with a few people, including one federal government employee, who are selling specifically because of anticipated return-to-office orders,” said Jo Chavez, a Redfin Premier agent in Kansas City, Missouri. “I also spoke to a client who was looking to sell and upgrade to a larger home, but he canceled those plans because he’s worried about losing his job due to restructuring of government jobs.”

Demonstrators rally outside the U.S. Treasury Department after it was reported billionaire Elon Musk, who is heading U.S. President Donald Trump’s drive to shrink the federal government, has gained access to Treasury’s federal payments system that se (REUTERS/Kent Nishimura / Reuters)

Most recently, DOGE on Friday fired 3,600 probationary Health and Human Services employees.

Federal workers on Friday gathered outside the Department of Health and Human Services in D.C. to protest the cuts, affiliate FOX 5 D.C. reported.

Demonstrators carried signs saying, “No One Voted For Elon Musk,” and “Federal Workers Defy DOGE,” according to the report.

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Fox 5 D.C.’s Sam Kosmas contributed to this report.

February 16, 2025
These places led the US ultra-luxury market last year, according to Compass

BH Group CEO and founder Isaac Toledano speaks to Fox News Digital about how Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory will fuel positive activity in real estate.

2024 was a good year for the ultra-luxury real estate market, with a handful of areas standing out as the leading markets in that category, according to a report from Compass.

Compass found America’s ultra-luxury market notched over 1,700 sales of homes of at least $10 million over the course of last year, marking a 350% jump from 2023. Those sales, the real estate firm said, were worth a combined $31.39 billion.

Of that staggering figure, nearly $23.2 billion came from ten places in four states that dominated the ultra-luxury market by sales volume, according to the report.

HOMEOWNERSHIP REMAINS A BIG PART OF THE AMERICAN DREAM

New York, California, Florida and Colorado all had representation among 2024’s top ultra-luxury markets in the U.S, the Compass report showed.

TOP US VACATION HOME MARKETS

Here are the five markets that topped Compass’ rankings for ultra-luxury properties by sales volume and how many homes of at least $10 million changed hands in each last year. FOX Business also calculated the average ultra-luxury sale price for each by dividing the sales volume by the number of homes sold, based on the firm’s report.

Manhattan

The Midtown Manhattan skyline is seen from the ‘Edge at Hudson Yards’ observation deck ahead of a total solar eclipse across North America, in New York City on April 8, 2024. This year’s path of totality is 115 miles (185 kilometers) wide and home to (CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Total ultra-luxury sales volume: $7.5 billion

Homes sold: 307

Average price: $24.6 million

Greater Los Angeles

A layer of smog lingers above the downtown Los Angeles skyline on December 6, 2024. The National Weather Service on December 4 issued an air quality alert for the greater Los Angeles area until midnight on December 6. (Photo by ETIENNE LAURENT / AFP) (ETIENNE LAURENT/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Total ultra-luxury sales volume: $3.3 billion

Homes sold: 190

Average price:$17.5 million

Miami-Dade

Miami Beach, Florida, Biscayne Bay, Miami downtown city skyline. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) (Jeffrey Greenberg/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Total ultra-luxury sales volume: $2.7 billion

Homes sold: 152

Average price: $18 million

Palm Beach County

Boats docked next to single-family houses in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., on Wednesday, April 7, 2021. Purchase contracts for single-family houses priced at $10 million or more surged 306% in March from a year earlier, the biggest gain since the pandem (Marco Bello/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Total ultra-luxury sales volume: $2.5 billion

Homes sold: 132

Average price: $18.8 million

Orange County

Luxurious South Orange County, California on a beautiful day (adamkaz / iStock)

Total ultra-luxury sales volume: $1.6 billion

Homes sold: 107

Average price: $14.8 million

By sales volume of ultra-luxury homes, Compass found that Aspen placed No. 6 with $1.4 billion, the Hamptons placed No. 7 with $1.2 billion, Silicon Valley placed No. 8 with $1.06 billion, Southwest Florida placed No. 9 with $1.03 billion and San Diego placed No. 10 with $835. 8 million.

THESE WERE THE MOST EXPENSIVE HOMES SOLD IN 2024, ACCORDING TO REDFIN

“The premium market continues to defy expectations with a wave of momentum from coast-to-coast,” Compass Luxury Head Felipe Hernandez Smith said in a press release.

February 15, 2025
Kardashian family’s LA home on the market for $13.5 million

Fox News contributor Caitlyn Jenner joined ‘Varney & Co.’ to discuss transgender policies and the impact it has had on women’s sports, along with the rise in residents leaving California.

Kris Jenner is ready to part with her famous home.

The Kardashian family matriarch has placed her six-bedroom, eight-bathroom Hidden Hills mansion on the market for $13.5 million in partnership with Tomer Fridman, a longtime real estate agent and a broker with Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California, as well as a close friend of Jenner’s.

Fans of the family will recognize the iconic house from the many episodes of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” that were filmed inside the home throughout its 20-season run on the E! Network.

“This home was an integral part of the show. But it isn’t just a house that was on TV. It’s a home where a family lived their lives, with good times, bad times, kids growing up, and all kinds of evolution,” Fridman told the New York Times.

Jenner has put her home, featured on the show “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” on the market for $13.5 million. (Wayne Ford Photography | Steve Granitz/FilmMagic | Fox News)

KRIS JENNER EXPLAINS HER FEELINGS ON THE KARDASHIAN-JENNERS HAVING KIDS OUTSIDE OF MARRIAGE

The 8,860-square-foot home sits on more than 1.5 acres and is surrounded by tall trees and other greenery.

According to the New York Times, Jenner bought the home in 2010 with her then-husband, Caitlyn Jenner, when their daughters, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, were teenagers.

While many members of the Kardashian-Jenner family have gone back to live in the home at different times, the house has reportedly been empty for years. Now, after a complete redesign with the help of celebrity designer Ryan Saghian, Saghian says the home is “ready for its next chapter.”

“I’ve shared so many unforgettable memories in this incredible home with my family, and I’m excited to see it start a new chapter with its next owners,” Jenner told the New York Times.

The foyer features a double staircase leading to the upper level and iconic black and white tile floors. (Wayne Ford Photography / Fox News)

Following a circular stone driveway lined with tall palm trees and other tropical plants, is a small fountain and the walkway leading to the front door. A circular portico covered in vines encompasses the black French doors leading into the house.

Once inside, guests are greeted by the grand double-level foyer, which features black and white tiled flooring, with a massive double staircase leading to the upper level, in the center of the room. The room also boasts a large light fixture and black iron railings on the staircase.

Through the foyer and past the double staircase is the formal dining room. The room features high ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows on two out of the three surrounding walls, as well as two sets of French doors, which lead to the backyard.

The dining room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and enough space for a table fit for 10 guests. (Wayne Ford Photography / Fox News)

A gold chandelier hangs in the center of the room, directly above a large black dining room table large enough for 10 diners.

On the left side of the double staircase is a formal living room, which once again features multiple arched floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as double doors leading to the palm tree-lined backyard. The room features a tray ceiling, with a raised center section, creating a three-dimensional effect.

In addition to the unique ceiling, the room also boasts dark hardwood floors and a stone marble wood-burning fireplace with a mirror hanging above the mantle, as well as a uniquely shaped gray sofa and armchair.

The living room features a stone marble fireplace and arched windows. (Wayne Ford Photography / Fox News)

To the right of the staircase is the home’s large kitchen, which boasts many enviable amenities, including two large center islands, one of them being an eat-in island acting as a less formal dining area. It also features multiple ovens and an extra large stovetop, as well as a butler’s pantry that houses a personal frozen yogurt machine.

The kitchen boasts plenty of storage and counter space and a rather sizable see-through refrigerator, which fans will remember from the show.

The all-white kitchen features two center islands and a see-through refrigerator. (Wayne Ford Photography / Fox News)

Accessed through the kitchen is a less formal seating area, which features hardwood flooring and dark blue walls, with large pieces of artwork hanging on the walls. The room also boasts a large flat-screen TV, which the family was often shown using for karaoke at home on the show, and built-in shelving.

Along with multiple sofas offering a variety of places to sit and relax, the room also features a second wood-burning fireplace as well as clear glass doors leading to the backyard and bringing in plenty of natural light.

The home also features a less formal sitting area with a large flat-screen TV and a fireplace. (Wayne Ford Photography / Fox News)

The family room also features a bar area. (Wayne Ford Photography / Fox News)

Just steps away from the sofas is a bar area, fitted with built-in shelving to house bottles of all kinds of beverages, a small drink fridge, a window looking out to the backyard and barstools to sit on.

Once upstairs, guests will find the home’s six bedrooms, two of which belonged to Kendall and Kylie when they lived in the home as teenagers. Each of the six bedrooms has its own en suite bathrooms.

Similar to the bedrooms, the en suite bathrooms also differ in both size and color scheme, with one featuring dark walls, black tiled flooring and a bathtub, and the other featuring lighter white marble walls and a stand-up shower.

Each of the six bedrooms is unique from each other. (Wayne Ford Photography / Fox News)

Each bedroom has its own en suite bathroom. (Wayne Ford Photography / Fox News)

Elsewhere, on the upper level is the dedicated office space, which features hardwood floors, blue walls on one side and gray carpet-style wallpaper on the other side, as well as a tray ceiling. A black desk sits in front of a blue wall, which boasts multiple built-in bookshelves, with the opposite wall housing a third wood-burning fireplace.

In addition to recess lighting, the office also features a large silver chandelier in the center of the room, as well as a window looking out onto the backyard.

The office features blue walls and built-in shelving as well as a view of the estate. (Wayne Ford Photography / Fox News)

One of the main highlights of the home is the luxurious primary bedroom. The spacious room boasts hardwood floors, which are almost completely covered by a black and white carpet, as well as a fourth wood-burning fireplace, a flat-screen TV and a seating area just steps away from the bed.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS

Aside from the main living area in the bedroom, the primary suite also features its own en suite bathroom with spa-like features, a private gym, private balcony overlooking the entire estate and a custom-built walk-in closet.

The primary bedroom features a wood-burning fireplace as well as a private terrace. (Wayne Ford Photography / Fox News)

The custom-built walk-in closet is found in the luxurious primary suite. (Wayne Ford Photography / Fox News)

The home’s backyard is lined with lush green trees, as well as a large swimming pool complete with a waterfall and a hot tub.

Just steps away from the swimming pool is an ivy-covered semi-enclosed canopy, featuring white couches and a large flat screen TV that is mounted above a wood-burning fireplace.

The backyard features a large pool with a waterfall. (Wayne Ford Photography / Fox News)

Just steps from the swimming pool is a cabana, which features a television and sofas. (Wayne Ford Photography / Fox News)

Also found in the backyard is a fire pit with wooden chairs, with an outdoor bar just steps away.

Additionally, a pergola with a large dining room table can be found in the backyard.

The backyard also features an outdoor seating area surrounding a fire pit. (Wayne Ford Photography / Fox News)

The backyard also features an outdoor dining area big enough for the entire family. (Wayne Ford Photography / Fox News)

As part of the exclusive Hidden Hills gated community, owners of the home will have access to tennis courts, a barbecue center and a pool/jacuzzi.

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February 15, 2025
5-figure ad buy urges states to crack down as China floods market with illicit vapes: ‘Trump was right’

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FIRST ON FOX: The Protecting America Initiative (PAI), a Trump-aligned anti-CCP group, has launched a five-figure ad encouraging states to crack down against what they call illicit Chinese vapes in order to counter the communist country’s growing influence in the United States.

“It’s hip, it’s cool, but look closely on the box,” the new ad from PAI, which describes itself as a coalition of concerned public policy experts dedicated to combating China’s influence, starts out.

“It says, right there, made in China. New data shows the market is being flooded with unregulated e-cigarettes. Most vape products are made in China, and they’re not always regulated. They’re getting these products from China, where they can be tainted with God knows what. It’s been a struggle to keep illegal e-cigarettes from reaching young people.”

PAI says the ad is meant to remind viewers that “Trump in 2019 was right about the dangers of illicit Chinese vapes and of Biden’s failure to protect Americans from these unregulated illicit products.”

VAPING ADVOCATE WARNS DEM CRACKDOWN ON ‘COMMON SENSE’ TOBACCO ALTERNATIVES COULD BACKFIRE IN SWING STATES

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left and President Donald Trump. (Pedro Pardo – Pool/Getty Images | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

“You watch prohibition, you look at, you know, with the alcohol, if you don’t give it to them, it’s going to come here illegally. But instead of legitimate companies, good companies, making something that’s safe, they’re going to be selling stuff on a street corner that could be horrible,” Trump is quoted as saying in the ad.

The ad will run on digital platforms in targeted markets across the country.

TRUMP ADMIN’S FDA WITHDRAWS PROPOSED FEDERAL RULE TO BAN MENTHOL CIGARETTES

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok on Nov. 19, 2022. (Ju Peng/Xinhua via Getty Images)

“Despite the warnings, Biden failed and China won,” the ad states. “Trump predicted this.”

“States are taking action against illicit Chinese vapes. More state leaders can act now to fight with Trump against illicit Chinese vapes.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Then-former President Donald Trump arrives at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Although the rate of youth smoking cigarettes is now at an all-time low, according to the CDC, youth usage of Chinese vapes has increased dramatically since 2020.

February 10, 2025
Popular real estate entrepreneur insists US is still suffering through a ‘difficult’ market

The Corcoran Group founder Barbara Corcoran discusses losing her Los Angeles home to wildfires, Gov. Gavin Newsom meeting with President Donald Trump, home insurance companies canceling policies and U.S. mortgage rates.

Sunny skies aren’t shining across America’s real estate market just yet, according to one of the nation’s top experts and “Shark Tank” entrepreneurs.

“No one wants to move and [there are] fewer houses to choose from at higher rates. So it’s difficult for homebuyers,” Corcoran Group founder Barbara Corcoran said on “Mornings with Maria,” Thursday.

Mortgage rates are moving down “by a fraction of a point,” Corcoran pointed out while reacting to 30-year fixed rates falling to 6.96% – the lowest level in six weeks. As of Thursday, the 15-year fixed loan rate was at 6.21%.

However, in Corcoran’s view, rates aren’t low enough for sellers to list their homes. Redfin reported in December that more than half (54.5%) of homes on the market had been listed for more than 60 days, with many deemed too expensive by would-be buyers.

TRUMP WANTS TO FIX THE HOUSING AFFORDABILITY CRISIS: WHAT IT WILL TAKE

“Mentally, it affects the housing market because people are waiting for very good news and coming down a tenth of a point is not really good news. It went from 7 [percent] to 6.9,” she explained. “Psychologically, that makes a difference, but with interest rates remaining high, what it really causes is fewer houses on the market.”

Corcoran Group founder Barbara Corcoran shares good and bad news on U.S. housing, on “Mornings with Maria” Thursday. (Getty Images)

What’s more, the real estate expert doesn’t believe home prices will come down anytime soon.

“I don’t think it’s in the nature of sellers to be realistic, honestly. Their house is always worth more,” Corcoran argued.

The Corcoran Group founder Barbara Corcoran argues that a massive mortgage rate drop would be ‘tremendous’ for the markets during an appearance on ‘Cavuto: Coast to Coast.’

“I don’t think prices will shake out at all. I think they’ll hold out hoping interest rates will go down again. And what is it to them?” she continued. “It’s another six months. And a lot of the sellers have very low interest rates they don’t want to give up.”

This current stagnant market was preceded by a flurry of activity driven by high demand during the pandemic, but has significantly slowed as soaring home prices and mortgage rates have led to an ongoing affordability crisis that has pushed homeownership out of reach for many Americans.

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SERHANT. founder and ‘Owning Manhattan’ lead Ryan Serhant breaks down latest data around U.S. real estate, stating that fixing affordability begins with opening loan doors and freeing up federal land for home builds.

Some pockets of optimism can be found in the luxury housing market, as Corcoran noted those deals are getting done at double the rate of the national average.

“I really like the luxury market. I hate to say, I’m very bullish on that, particularly in warm climates. All the rates… are going up almost double the national average. And that’s a pretty good report card.”

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FOX Business’ Breck Dumas contributed to this report.

February 9, 2025
Americans bullish on economy and stock market with Trump in office: poll

Americans have renewed optimism in the country’s economic outlook now that President Donald Trump is back in office.

A majority of Americans, 53%, believe that the economy will grow in the next six months, while 61% believe that the stock market will also rise, according to the results of a Gallup poll released Monday.

The poll’s release comes shortly after Trump returned to the White House, with the survey conducted between Jan. 2 and 15, shortly before he took office.

RUBIO SAYS ‘NO CHOICE’ BUT TO BRING USAID ‘UNDER CONTROL’ AFTER AGENCY TAKEOVER: ‘RANK INSUBORDINATION’

President Donald Trump holds up his executive order on “Continuing the President’s National Council for the American Worker and the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board” in the East Room of the White House on June 26, 2020. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

While Americans are optimistic about economic growth, the survey found they were divided on unemployment, with 38% indicating they believe it will increase and 38% saying it will decrease. Meanwhile, 21% believe that unemployment will hold steady over the next six months.

Americans are also less bullish on inflation, with 52% indicating they expect it to rise in the next six months, though that figure is down significantly from close to 80% in previous versions of the Gallup poll.

Breaking the numbers down by partisan affiliation, Gallup found Republican respondents largely responsible for fueling the increase in economic optimism, with 78% of GOP respondents believing there will be economic growth over the next six months and 75% saying the stock market will rise.

President Donald Trump (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

USAID CLOSES HQ TO STAFFERS MONDAY AS MUSK SAYS TRUMP SUPPORTS SHUTTING AGENCY DOWN

Solid majorities of Independents felt the same, with 61% indicating they believe there will be economic growth over the next six months and 60% saying they believe the stock market will rise.

Democrats are less bullish, with only 21% indicating they believe there will be growth over the next six months. But a slim majority of Democrats, 51%, do anticipate a bump to the stock market over the same time period.

President Donald Trump headlines a Republican National Committee spring donor retreat, in Palm Beach, Florida on May 4, 2024. (Donald Trump 2024 campaign)

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“Americans are generally hopeful about the economy in the next six months. Part of this optimism stems from Republicans expecting things to improve under a Republican rather than Democratic president,” Gallup said in a news release. “But the broader improvements in Americans’ outlook may also reflect their confidence in Trump’s ability to handle the economy. During his first term, he received some of his strongest issue approval ratings on the economy, which were typically higher than those Biden received on the issue during his term.”

The poll, conducted Jan. 2-15, 2025, surveyed a random 1,005 adults living in the U.S. and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus four percentage points.

Michael Lee is a writer for Fox News. Prior to joining Fox News, Michael worked for the Washington Examiner, Bongino.com, and Unbiased America. He has covered politics for more than eight years.

February 4, 2025
Ross Ulbricht, founder of darknet drug market Silk Road, thanks Trump for pardon

Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the now-defunct darknet drug market previously known as Silk Road, thanked President Donald Trump for setting him free and hinted at what he has planned for his future in a video posted on social media.

Ulbricht, who was known online by his darknet moniker, “Dread Pirate Roberts,” was arrested in 2013 for his part in developing an online marketplace that connected people selling drugs and committing other illegal acts like money laundering.

It is considered the first modern version of darknet illegal marketplaces, which, over the years, have become more prevalent. Ulbricht was sentenced to life without parole.

Ulbricht’s laptop, from which he did much of the site’s maintenance and creation, is held as an artifact by the FBI alongside other items such as Ted Kaczynski’s cabin, D.B. Cooper’s plane ticket and pieces of the World Trade Center.

PRO-LIFE PROTESTERS PARDONED BY TRUMP, FOX CONFIRMS

Supporters of Ross Ulbricht, the alleged creator and operator of the Silk Road underground market, stand in front of a Manhattan federal courthouse on the first day of jury selection for his trial Jan. 13, 2015, in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Ulbricht said in a video on X thanking Trump for his pardon that he was looking forward to “re-engaging with the free world” in the near future. Ulbricht added that the action was a “victory” for everyone “who loves freedom and who cares about second chances.”

“It feels amazing to be free, to say the least. It’s overwhelming,” Ulbricht posted on his X account, which he has regularly posted on from jail during the 11 years he was incarcerated. “For the next however long we need, I’m going to be with my family so that we can reunite, and be whole again, and heal. But there’s a lot to talk about, and I look forward to re-engaging the free world. So, once I’m feeling up to it, we’ll talk again.

Lyn Ulbricht, mother of Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht, speaks to the media outside federal court in New York in 2015 after the sentencing of her son. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“Let it be known that Donald Trump is a man of his word,” Ulbricht added during the roughly two-minute video. “Thank you so much President Trump for giving me this amazing blessing.”

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP EXPLAINS PARDONING JANUARY 6 DEFENDANTS

Ulbricht’s family campaigned for years to get him some form of release and also shared a statement following the pardon from Trump on the website FreeRoss.org.

“Our immense gratitude to President Trump for giving Ross a second chance and to all those who have supported us throughout the years. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!!!” it said.

Members of the Libertarian Party stand on chairs while chanting and demanding the release of Ross Ulbricht during the party’s national convention at the Washington Hilton May 25, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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Trump said he called Ulbricht’s mother shortly after being sworn in to fulfill his campaign promise of releasing Ulbricht, who many believe was given an unfairly harsh sentence for setting up Silk Road.

“I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbricht to let her know that in honor of her and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross,” Trump said on Truth Social earlier this week after his inauguration.

“The scum that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who were involved in the modern day weaponization of government against me. He was given two life sentences, plus 40 years. Ridiculous!”

January 24, 2025
Sony’s surprising entry into electric vehicle market
Sony has officially entered the electric vehicle (EV) market with its new model, the Afeela 1. This innovative vehicle, developed in partnership with Honda, aims to redefine the driving experience by integrating advanced technology and entertainment features. Unveiled at CES 2025, the Afeela 1 is now available for preorder, marking a significant milestone in Sony’s expansion beyond consumer electronics into the automotive industry.

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Exterior of the Afeela 1 (Sony) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Performance and range

Equipped with a powerful 482 hp all-wheel-drive powertrain, the Afeela 1 features a 91 kWh battery that offers an EPA-estimated range of 300 miles. It supports fast charging at 150 kW and is compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network, providing convenience for long-distance travel.

Exterior of the Afeela 1 at a Tesla charging station (Sony) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)

The Afeela 1 boasts an impressive array of 40 sensors and cameras, enabling Level 2+ ADAS features. These systems include lidar assistance for tasks like automated parking and real-time environmental monitoring. The vehicle’s AI processing capabilities allow it to perform up to 800 trillion operations per second, paving the way for future updates that may enhance its autonomous driving capabilities.

Exterior of the Afeela 1 (Sony) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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In-car technology and entertainment

Sony emphasizes creating an interactive experience within the Afeela 1. The car features:
- An AI-powered personal assistant for voice interactions
- A dashboard-length screen for navigation and entertainment
- Surround sound systems utilizing Sony’s 360 Reality Audio technology
Moreover, certain functionalities will be available through a subscription model after an initial three-year complimentary period.

Interior of the Afeela 1 (Sony) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Design and comfort

The design of the Afeela 1 focuses on comfort and aesthetics. Its interior is crafted from high-quality materials, including plant-derived and recycled components. The cabin is optimized for entertainment, featuring strategically placed displays and noise-canceling technology to enhance the passenger experience.

Interior of the Afeela 1 (Sony) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Pricing and availability

The Afeela 1 is available in two trims: the Origin, which starts at $89,900, and the Signature, priced at $102,900. Currently, preorders are open exclusively for California residents, requiring a refundable reservation fee of $200. The Signature variant is expected to ship in mid-2026, while the Origin will follow in 2027.

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Exterior of the Afeela 1 (Sony) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Sony’s entry into the electric vehicle market with the Afeela 1 represents a significant shift towards integrating technology and mobility. With its high-performance specs, advanced driver assistance systems and focus on entertainment, it aims to appeal to tech-savvy consumers looking for more than just transportation.

What features are most important in an electric vehicle, and how will that affect your decision to purchase one? Let us know what you think by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
January 23, 2025