Since then, the war in Iran has caused oil prices to jump, adding to inflation fears. Meanwhile, AI-related job losses are increasing, casting doubts on the overall health of the job market.
With all of that as the backdrop, the Federal Open Market Committee meets this week and will announce a rate decision on Wednesday. It is largely expected that they will hold once again, according to one veteran economist.
Sam Williamson (pictured top), senior economist at First American, said despite geopolitical turmoil and job market softening, the FOMC will likely stand pat.
“Policymakers appear poised to leave rates unchanged again this month,” Williamson told Mortgage Professional America. “Underlying conditions look little changed since the FOMC last met in January, with inflation still above the Fed’s target and the labor market softer, but not weak enough to force immediate action.
“Recent geopolitical events add another layer of uncertainty, particularly through energy prices, but not yet enough to alter the policy picture. That combination is likely to keep the Fed in wait-and-see mode until there is clearer evidence that inflation is moving sustainably lower.”
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Republic Europe, part of the broader Republic private markets ecosystem, has published an “Investors Playbook” stating that it is entering 2026 from a position of strength as private markets evolve. James Newman, Republic Europe CEO, says their strategy remains clear as they seek to deliver sustainable value to their investors, issuers, and other partners.
Newman shares that Republic is shifting from “innovation to scale” as a private securities marketplace.
Republic revealed some high-level numbers for 2025 pertaining to the platform’s operations, including:
£209 million in capital committed to investments
A securities campaign success rate of 84%
Average investment committed per offering of £2.2 million
Secondary trading volume on the platform during 2025 was £6.6 million
Republic Europe did not share revenue generated and any net earnings or losses.
The company said that its rSPAX or SpaceX investment offering, which was recently completed, foreshadows an area of focus that can provide investors with exposure to promising private firms. As SpaceX is working towards an initial public offering (IPO) this year, rSPAX creates an opportunity for smaller investors to benefit from any gain that may or may not take place after the public offering.
Investment platform Kraken is next in the queue for the tokenized access to participate in the company’s growth.
Other notes of interest:
Most investors are interested in Venture stage opportunities, with Seed Stage following. This means investors lean toward more established firms than riskier startups.
Investors also choose Republic Europe because of the quality of deals and the ability to invest smaller amounts, among other characteristics.
Investors care most about a path to profitability, the team, traction, addressable market, and valuation. The platform says investors are becoming more sophisticated in their choices.
Artificial Intelligence is now the top area of interest as the sector experiences rapid growth.
Regarding secondary markets, providing a liquidity path prior to an M&A/Acquisition or IPO, Republic Europe has this to say:
There is now a growing trend for companies to stay private for longer. In jurisdictions like the US, there has been an influx of capital into private companies, providing them with an incentive to stay private for longer. The UK IPO market has also been challenging, deal volume is at a 30 year all time low, with this year only 3 listings on LSE and 7 on AIM. The focus is on private markets, but to date, there is very little liquidity available. Republic Europe’s mission to innovate the private investment space applies here as well. We offer various liquidity solutions for investors.
Republic Europe reports that more than 20,000 investors have traded shares in over 1,000 companies, providing opportunities for investors in more than 85% of their funded firms.
Group co-CEO Kendrick Nguyen says he sees three themes shaping the coming year.
The IPO window is opening; capital will continue to support local champions, with Europe and the UK well-positioned; and tokenization is moving from buzzword to reality, with tokenized assets expected to top $16 trillion by 2030.
“The winners will be the platforms that pair credible compliance rails with products people actually want to hold and can actually understand,” says Nguyen.
Republic Europe reportedly lost around £10.64 million for the fiscal year 2023. If it were profitable, it would probably be more forthcoming, but like most early-stage firms, it continues to invest in growth, and as the largest online capital formation entrant, it is better positioned to become profitable than many of its peers.
Just three years ago, Joanna Caldera was working as a nurse, raising four children while her husband was gone most of the month in the oil fields. She wanted time […]
Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
Whether you’re struggling with burnout and stress in your current role or simply craving more flexibility, easy remote, work-from-home jobs probably sound like the ideal solution to your work-life balance needs.
To help you find easy work-from-home jobs hiring now, we’ve outlined job titles and categories to consider in your search.
Each of the following jobs features median salary data from Payscale.
1. Administrative Assistant
carballo / Shutterstock.com
Median salary: $46,994
Administrative assistants handle scheduling, email management, and document preparation. Strong organizational and communication skills are key for success in this role.
While some positions may require experience with specific software, like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, a high school diploma is often enough to get started.
2. Bookkeeper
Ground Picture / Shutterstock.com
Median salary: $50,290
Bookkeepers manage financial records, track transactions, and ensure accuracy in a company’s finances. If you have an eye for detail and a knack for numbers, a bookkeeping job might be a great fit.
While a degree in accounting or finance can be helpful, many bookkeepers start with just a high school diploma and relevant experience.
3. Content Moderator
polkadot_photo / Shutterstock.com
Median salary: $59,559
Content moderators block improper or harmful user-generated content from websites and online forums to protect a brand’s reputation.
The skills needed to excel in these positions include analytical reasoning, attention to detail, and resilience.
You don’t need a degree, but having one in communication, psychology, or information technology can be a boost both to land the position and excel once hired.
4. Data Entry Clerk
baranq / Shutterstock.com
Median salary: $41,156
Data entry clerks need to be proficient in data-tracking software and have speedy typing skills. Data entry is all about putting information into databases or spreadsheets while keeping everything accurate, so attention to detail is your best friend as a data entry clerk.
There are no degree requirements to get started, but career growth will generally require advanced degrees, such as in data science or data analysis.
5. ESL Teacher
Prostock-studio / Shutterstock.com
Median salary: $56,382
If you have a passion for the English language, you can become an ESL teacher and help non-native speakers.
Additionally, ESL teachers need to have a strong understanding of English vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, as well as empathy for language learners. Some ESL teaching roles may also require a degree in English.
6. Game Tester
anon_tae / Shutterstock.com
Median salary: $52,226
Game testers assess the overall gameplay and features of games, as well as identify glitches or bugs to ensure games are ready for release.
As a game tester, you must have strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication skills in order to convey findings.
While you won’t need a degree, you generally need to have some gaming experience.
7. Photo Editor
Kite_rin / Shutterstock.com
Median salary: $65,522
Photo editors enhance and manipulate digital images for various media outlets, including magazines, websites, and social media. They must have a keen eye for detail, proficiency in editing software (like Adobe Photoshop), and a strong artistic sense.
While a degree in graphic design or photography can be beneficial, many roles prioritize a strong portfolio over formal education.
8. Proofreader
fast-stock / Shutterstock.com
Median salary: $51,295
If you’re a language whiz with a sharp eye for errors, proofreading could be your perfect fit.
As a professional proofreader, you’ll collaborate with writers and editors to ensure every piece has spotless grammar, punctuation, and formatting.
Many companies hiring proofreaders lean toward candidates with a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or related fields.
9. Receptionist
SofikoS / Shutterstock.com
Median salary: $38,805
Remote receptionists handle incoming calls, schedule appointments, and assist customers via phone or email. Excellent communication skills and multitasking abilities are essential for receptionists.
A high school diploma is generally enough to qualify, but experience in customer service or administrative support is often preferred.
10. Sales Representative
Alejandro Camacho B / Shutterstock.com
Median salary: $52,371
Sales representatives keep open communication with existing customers and generate leads for a company. Sales roles require problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills to position your company as the right service or product for the customer’s needs.
While you don’t need a degree to get in the door, having a bachelor’s degree in business or marketing is a plus, especially if you’re interested in advancing within this field.
11. Social Media Specialist
Prostock-studio / Shutterstock.com
Median salary: $54,642
Looking to dive into a social media role? Bring your creativity, communication skills, and a pulse on the latest platform trends. As a social media specialist, you’ll promote a brand’s image and message on various digital platforms.
While a degree isn’t required, you’ll stand out from the competition with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, journalism, or communications.
12. Translator
DenisProduction.com / Shutterstock.com
Median salary: $54,612
If you’re fluent in multiple languages, working as a translator can be a rewarding and flexible job. Translators convert written or spoken content from one language to another while maintaining accuracy and tone.
Most roles require proficiency in at least two languages and may prefer a degree in linguistics or a related field, though not always.
13. Travel Consultant
Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com
Median salary: $51,723
Travel consultants do more than just buy plane tickets and book accommodations. In this role, you’ll need organization skills to create itineraries and secure tickets for popular attractions while also employing problem-solving skills when things don’t go as planned.
Having a degree in hospitality or a related field will help you embark on this career, but it’s not a requirement.
14. Tutor
Dragana Gordic / Shutterstock.com
Median salary: $39,537
Tutoring is all about working with students and guiding them through various subjects. Communication skills are vital, and what you need to know varies by topic and platform.
Tutors generally have the flexibility to set their hours, and degree requirements are usually determined by the subject and education level you’re interested in tutoring.
15. Writer
metamorworks / Shutterstock.com
Median salary: $63,753
If you’ve got a flair for words, a writing career might be your ideal fit. Whether you want to become a content strategist, copywriter, or freelance writer, get started with a top-tier command of language and the ability to tweak your tone to match an audience and brand.
Many writing roles need only a high school diploma, while others look for stronger academics, such as technical writing certifications or degrees.
5 Easy Work-From-Home Jobs for Beginners With No Experience
Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock.com
The good news is that many simple remote jobs, like those in customer service, telemarketing, and virtual admin, don’t require years of experience to get started. If you have strong communication skills or a knack for organization, for example, there are plenty of easy work-from-home jobs, no experience required, to consider.
Check out the following five career fields with beginner remote jobs to see if any appeal to you:
1. Call center
Average salary: $42,860
With solid communication skills, call center jobs might be right up your alley and can be fairly easy remote jobs to get. Call center roles are all about assisting customers over the phone, so soft skills like hands-on customer service and multitasking will help you stand out. While a degree is a bonus as you grow into leadership roles, it’s not essential when you’re just getting started.
2. Customer service
Average salary: $45,864
Remote customer service jobs involve supporting customers and resolving their concerns via chat, email, or phone, just like you would in person. You need patience, a calm demeanor, and solid problem-solving skills. Most customer service roles require no more than a high school diploma, but if you’re looking to specialize in fields such as tech support, you’ll likely need a specialized certificate or degree.
3. Telemarketing
Average salary: $37,092
Telemarketing relies on strong communication and persuasion skills to expand a customer base and guide potential customers toward making a purchase. To excel as a telemarketer, building trust and having top-tier interpersonal skills are key. You’ll find there aren’t any degree requirements for these roles, making a telemarketing job a solid example of easy remote jobs anyone can do.
4. Transcription
Average salary: $48,711
In the world of transcription, having a keen ear is a must. Transcriptionists and transcribers listen closely to audio recordings and turn them into accurate written text. Speedy typing and a sharp eye for detail? Essential. While many of these roles are easy-to-get remote jobs that only require a high school diploma, specialized areas like medical transcription might require more learning.
5. Virtual admin
Average salary: $50,502
Virtual admins are the backbone of an organization or project, juggling tasks from scheduling to email management. When companies hire for virtual assistant jobs, a background as an admin might give you an edge over your competition. As a virtual admin, clear communication and multitasking are your best assets, and a high school diploma will generally get you started.
5 Easy Remote, Part-Time Jobs
Antonio Guillem / Shutterstock.com
The following five fields, including administration and transcription, offer plenty of opportunities for easy part-time jobs from home. While you’ll recognize a few of these roles from the previous lists, they’ve earned a spot here because they adapt so well to part-time hours.
1. Part-time administrative roles
Average pay: $14.97–$26.03 per hour
Like administrative assistant or other virtual admin roles mentioned before, administrative jobs focus on scheduling, email management, and record-keeping. These roles are part-time friendly because many small businesses only need a few hours of organizational support each week, making these easy, remote, part-time jobs pretty common.
2. Part-time customer service
Average pay: $13.18–$23.59 per hour
In part-time settings, customer service jobs focus on covering peak demand periods through chat, email, or phone. Customer service roles are among the most accessible, easy part-time remote jobs since many employers hire for evening or weekend shifts, which you can fit around school, caregiving, or another job.
3. Part-time data entry
Average pay: $13.12–$21.63 per hour
Part-time data entry jobs center on inputting or updating information in spreadsheets or databases. Data entry work is easy to divide into smaller projects, which makes it a natural fit for easy, part-time work-from-home jobs.
4. Part-time transcription
Average pay: $12.90–$35.23 per hour
Like the transcription roles listed previously, part-time jobs in this field involve converting audio into accurate text. These roles work well as easy, online part-time jobs because projects can be assigned by recording, letting you complete one file at a time whenever it fits into your schedule.
5. Part-time translation
Average pay: $15.24–$44.87 per hour
Translation work requires accuracy and fluency across multiple languages. It stands out among easy part-time jobs that pay well since rates are typically higher than general admin work. Plus, projects such as translating product descriptions or marketing copy can often be completed on a flexible schedule.
The antitrust trial against Live Nation Entertainment resumed today (16 March) in a New York federal court, with more than 30 states pressing ahead after rejecting the US Department of Justice’s tentative settlement.
According to the Associated Press, jurors were told that Arkansas, Nebraska and South Dakota had settled claims and were no longer part of the case.
Proceedings then continued with an attorney for the remaining plaintiffs questioning Jay Marciano, CEO of AEG Presents, Live Nation’s primary competitor.
CNN reports the states have also brought in prominent antitrust attorney Jeffrey Kessler of Winston & Strawn to co-lead the case following the DOJ’s withdrawal.
The DOJ sued Live Nation and Ticketmaster in May 2024, joined by attorneys general from dozens of states and the District of Columbia. They accused the company of “monopolization and other unlawful conduct that thwarts competition in markets across the live entertainment industry.”
But last Monday (March 9), around a week into the trial, Live Nation confirmed that a settlement had been reached that “resolves all remaining matters with the DOJ, without any admission of wrongdoing.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Live Nation will retain ownership of Ticketmaster but will divest its 13 exclusive booking agreements with amphitheaters nationwide. The company’s owned and operated amphitheaters will become “open venues,” with promoters able to distribute up to 50% of tickets and service fees capped at 15%.
In ticketing, Ticketmaster will offer both exclusive and non-exclusive proposals to all major concert venues. Live Nation has also set aside $280 million to address damages claims from the states, and agreed to an eight-year extension of its existing consent decree with the DOJ.
Live Nation has denied the allegations, and its lawyers have told jurors that the live entertainment industry is more competitive than the states suggest.
“The settlement recently announced does not adequately remedy the harms to the marketplace for live music and to concertgoers caused by Live Nation.”
Jennifer Davenport, New Jersey Attorney General
The deal, however, was swiftly rejected by the vast majority of states.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement last week that the settlement “fails to address the monopoly at the center of this case, and would benefit Live Nation at the expense of consumers.”
James added: “My attorney general colleagues and I have a strong case against Live Nation, and we will continue our lawsuit to protect consumers and restore fair competition to the live entertainment industry.”
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport echoed the sentiment, saying: “The settlement recently announced does not adequately remedy the harms to the marketplace for live music and to concertgoers caused by Live Nation. We are willing and able to stand with other partner states to continue litigating this case without the federal government.”
The trial’s continuation had been in doubt after the states requested a mistrial in response to the DOJ’s tentative settlement. However, following several days of negotiations urged by Judge Arun Subramanian, the states withdrew their mistrial request and the judge confirmed the trial would resume.
On Friday (March 13), attorneys for the states said seven states were close to joining the federal government’s planned settlement. However, Judge Subramanian ruled that any state without a finalised agreement by Monday would remain part of the case until one was reached.
Michael Rapino, Live Nation’s CEO, and musician Kid Rock, an outspoken critic of the ticketing industry, are among those on the states’ witness list.
Separately, the judge dismissed Live Nation’s objection to the inclusion of trial exhibits containing internal Slack communications in which company employees allegedly described the VIP access prices at a Tampa, Florida, amphitheater as “outrageous,” called customers paying those fees “so stupid,” and wrote “I almost feel bad taking advantage of them,” followed by “BAHAHAHAHAHA.”
“The Slack exchange from one junior staffer to a friend absolutely does not reflect our values or how we operate,” Live Nation said in a statement to Newsweek. “Because this was a private Slack message, leadership learned of this when the public did, and will be looking into the matter promptly.”Music Business Worldwide
The AI capital expenditure boom has created a gusher of corporate debt, forcing the Treasury Department to make its bonds more attractive to investors as the U.S. war on Iran adds to the deficit.
Last Tuesday saw the single busiest day on record for U.S. corporate bond sales as President Donald Trump’s hint that the war may end soon briefly calmed markets and sparked a mad dash for companies to issue fresh debt.
By the end of the day, total investment-grade issuance topped $65 billion, exceeding the prior one-day record of $52 billion in 2013. The flood of debt was led by e-commerce giant and AI hyperscaler Amazon, which raised $37 billion, sources told the Financial Times.
That beat the company’s guidance for $25 billion-$30 billion as investor demand far outpaced the available supply, attracting about $123 billion in orders.
The corporate debt surge was enough to move the needle in the Treasury market, where daily trading volume exceeds $1 trillion. Analysts at Deutsche Bank said in a note last week that the bond sales added some upward pressure on the 10-year yield, which climbed 6 basis points to 4.16% at session highs.
Apollo Chief Economist Torsten Slok previously warned the flood of corporate debt could make borrowing more expensive for the federal government. In a note from January, he pointed out that Wall Street estimates for the volume of investment grade debt that’s on the way in 2026 reach as high as $2.25 trillion.
That’s as the AI boom increasingly sends companies, including hyperscalers and adjacent firms, to the bond market to fund massive investments in data centers and other infrastructure.
“The significant increase in hyperscaler issuance raises questions about who will be the marginal buyer of IG paper,” Slok said. “Will it come from Treasury purchases and hence put upward pressure on the level of rates? Or might it come from mortgage purchases, putting upward pressure on mortgage spreads?”
Much has changed since January. The Iran war is shaping up to be a prolonged conflict that’s sent oil prices spiking. In turn, bond yields are up on exceptions of higher inflation—further adding to borrowing costs.
Bombarding Iran everyday also adds stress to the deficit, which hit $1 trillion in just the first five months of the fiscal year. Pentagon officials told lawmakers last week that the cost for the first six days of the war topped $11.3 billion, according to the New York Times.
Meanwhile, Trump has vowed to boost defense spending to $1.5 trillion a year from $1 trillion, threatening to further blow up the deficit.
The unsustainable trajectory of U.S. debt has raised growing alarms on Wall Street. But for now, investors appear to have a strong appetite for both corporate and government debt.
Days after Amazon’s mega-offering, an auction Thursday for $22 billion in 30-year Treasury bonds drew solid demand, though it was helped by the jump in yields since the war began.
And a Treasury offering last month saw the highest demand ever in the history of 30-year auctions, led by overseas buyers.
“The bottom line is that Treasury auction metrics show that there continues to be very solid demand for the long end in US Treasuries,” Slok said in a note Feb. 20.
Rakuten is offering 10X Amex or Bilt points today for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases. This is usually a good opportunity to use credits from your Amex Platinum Card, which gives you $50 for Saks purchases every 6 months (based on calendar year). But finding something worth buying maybe not be easy, especially if you don’t want to spend more than $50-$55.
If you don’t have a Rakuten account, you can get a $50 bonus or 5,000 Amex/Bilt Points when you sign up.
As you probably know, Saks Global Enterprises filed for bankruptcy earlier this year but it’s still in business. But the company is closing many locations and the majority of Saks OFF 5TH stores.
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Want to talk about a double whammy, just in time for the spring home buying season?
Well, it occurred to me that thanks to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, both gas prices and mortgage rates have spiked higher.
And the irony is they both have a 6-handle again, assuming you live in a pricey state like California.
That one-two punch means it’s even less attractive to move forward with a home purchase today.
For the prospective home buyer out there, their cost of living just went up, whether it’s qualifying for a mortgage or simply driving across town.
6-Handle Mortgage Rates and Gas Prices Thanks to Surging Oil Prices
The economy works in mysterious ways sometimes, the latest example being 6-handle mortgage rates AND gas prices.
The cost of a gallon of gas and a 30-year fixed mortgage rate have essentially intersected thanks to this unexpected development.
I was checking out gas prices on the GasBuddy website the other day and saw that a gallon of premium in Los Angeles now exceeded $6!
I immediately thought the prices looked a lot like 30-year fixed mortgage rates, which are also hovering around the low-to-mid 6s again.
As you can see in my screenshot, $6.19, $6.29, and $6.49 for a gallon looks strangely similar to a lender’s daily mortgage rates at the moment.
This is something that wasn’t an issue just over two weeks ago, when the 30-year fixed had finally fallen below 6% for the first time in several years.
Same with gas prices. I can’t remember the last time it set you back more than $6 per gallon to fill up.
It’s About More Than Just Mortgage Rates
This illustrates something I’ve been trying to articulate since mortgage rates spiked higher in early March.
A lot of this is psychological, as the difference in monthly payment between a rate of 5.99% and 6.25% is pretty minimal.
But now that the cost of living is going up, it’s going to become very real for prospective home buyers attempting to make a home purchase pencil.
If it costs another $20 (or more) to fill up at the pump, their stock portfolio is in the dumps, and inflation rears its ugly head again due to higher input costs on everyday goods, it becomes a collective problem.
All of a sudden, they’re being hit from all angles. They’re feeling the sticker shock at the pump, they’re too afraid to even look at the stock market…
And when they go check daily mortgage rates, the 5-handle rates have been replaced with 6-handle rates.
To make matters worse, it all seems to be getting worse.
First it was rates back above 6%. Then it was 6.125%, then 6.25%, and nearly back to 6.50% to end last week.
We got a little bit of a breather today, but who’s to say we don’t go to 6.50% next?
You get the feeling it’s going to get worse before it gets better, though if we can find some sort of resolution, that can change.
The one silver lining is that much (if not all) of this spike in mortgage rates and gas prices is related to the Iranian conflict.
If that can somehow get resolved, you begin to envision a path back to where we were before this got going.
It’s a very acute issue that hypothetically could be reversed if it proves to be short-lived.
That’s the larger question though. Will it turn out to be a blip or is it the start of something bigger?
Before creating this site, I worked as an account executive for a wholesale mortgage lender in Los Angeles. My hands-on experience in the early 2000s inspired me to begin writing about mortgages 19 years ago to help prospective (and existing) home buyers better navigate the home loan process. Follow me on X for hot takes.
