Natural-gas prices hold onto gains as U.S. supplies rise less than expected

Natural-gas futures held onto earlier gains Thursday after the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that supplies of natural gas rose 81 billion cubic feet for the week ended Oct. 16. Analysts polled by Platts forecast a climb of between 86 billion cubic feet and 90 billion cubic feet. Total stocks now stand at 3.814 trillion cubic feet, up 434 billion cubic feet from a year ago and 163 billion cubic feet above the five-year average, the government said. November natural gas was at $2.419 per million British thermal units, up 1.5 cents, or 0.6%. It traded at $2.41 before the supply data.

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From:: Stock Market News

30-year fixed-rate mortgage falls to 3.79%, Freddie Mac says

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — Fixed mortgage rates continue to trend lower, Freddie Mac said Thursday, while adjustable-rate mortgages rose. The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.79% in the week ending Oct. 22, down from 3.82% last week and 3.92% in the same week last year. The 15-year fixed rate mortgage fell to 2.98% from 3.03%. The 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable rate mortgage rose to 2.89% from 2.88%, while the 1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 2.62%, up from 2.54%.

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From:: Stock Market News

Existing-home sales rise to second-highest level since 2007

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — Existing home sales rose 4.7% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.55 million, the second-highest monthly level since Feb. 2007 and an 8.8% rise from the same month of 2014. Economists polled by MarketWatch expected a 5.34 million sales rate. The National Association of Realtors attributed the improvement in the housing market to low mortgage rates, an improving jobs environment and a slight thawing in credit availability. There were 2.21 million available homes for sale, down 3% from August. At the current sales pace, it would take 4.8 months to exhaust the current inventory, lower than the 5.4 months during September of 2014. The median price for a home was $221,900, up 6.1% from the same month of 2014.

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From:: Stock Market News

Michael Kors stock unchanged in early trading despite new Greenlight stake

Shares of fashion brand Michael Kors Holdings rose about 1% in early trading despite news that David Einhorn’s Greenlight Capital has taken a position in the company. In a letter to investors published on Wednesday, Greenlight said it had also taken a long position in UIL Holding Corp. , an electric and natural gas delivery company. and a short position in Keurig Green Mountain Inc. , among other fresh stakes. Michael Kors is down 46.8% for the year so far. Greenlight Capital is down 25% for the same period. The S&P is down 1% for the year-to-date.

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From:: Stock Market News

U.S. stocks open higher as ECB points to more economic stimulus

U.S. stocks scored a boost from Europe on Thursday, advancing as the European Central Bank suggested that it might expand its economic stimulus plan. Upbeat quarterly results from Dow industrials component McDonald’s Corp. , also helped lift the market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened up 129, or 0.8%, to 17,295, the S&P 500 index gained 13 points, or 0.7%, to 2,032. The Nasdaq Composite picked up 37 points, or 0.8%, at 4,877. The main indexes are aiming to snap a two session losing streak.

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From:: Stock Market News

EM slowdown puts eurozone recovery at risk, ECB’s Draghi says

The slowdown in emerging market economies could hurt the eurozone’s economic recovery, European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said Thursday. “The risks to the euro area growth outlook remain on the downside, reflecting in particular the heightened uncertainties regarding developments in emerging market economies, which have the potential to further weigh on global growth and foreign demand for euro area exports,” Draghi said at a news conference. The ECB boss said concerns over growth in emerging markets are weighing on prospects for eurozone inflation, so a thorough analysis of the medium-term impact of those issues is needed.”Increased uncertainty has recently manifested itself in financial market developments, which may have negative repercussions for euro area domestic demand,” Draghi said. Given this, he hinted the central bank may lower the deposit rate further or expand its quantitative easing at its December meeting.

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From:: Stock Market News

Euro breaks below $1.12, falls to 2-week low

The euro fell to its lowest level in two weeks Thursday after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said the bank would reexamine its monetary easing program at its policy meeting in December. The euro was on track to record its largest daily drop against the dollar since Aug. 26. The shared currency recently traded at $1.1194. It had traded at $1.1315 shortly before Draghi started speaking.

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From:: Stock Market News

Denver continues to lead nation in foreclosure of homes with positive equity

By Ben Miller

Denver continues to lead the nation in a real estate category: the highest percentage foreclosed homes that have positive equity.

According to the latest data from RealtyTrac, 85.9 percent of Denver homes in foreclosure had positive equity, which was the highest percentage in the country, leading cities like Austin, Texas (83.3 percent) and Honolulu (79.5 percent).

“Many property owners underwater today have viable options that were unheard of during the last downturn,” said Al Detmer, broker associate… …read more

From:: biz journal foreclosures

6 Tips for a Warm, Cozy and Inviting Living Room

By Liz Gray

Cooler weather is on the way. When you pull your hats and gloves out of storage and pick out a bold new coat, don’t forget to bundle your living room up for the season, too. Here are 6 ways to cozy up your space this season.

Navy Blue Living Room With Taupe Velvet Sofa

Design by SuzAnn Kletzien

TRY PLUSH FABRICS

There’s nothing cozier than curling up with a book on a soft, plush sofa. Think of upholstery fabrics like velvet and chenille as a throw blanket permanently adding chunky texture, softness and shine to your sofa or chair. Not ready to refresh your big-ticket items? Spring for a velvet-upholstered ottoman or chenille throw blanket for the same effect.

Winter Living Room With Wire Pendant Light

Design by LABLstudio

ADD DRAMATIC LIGHTING

Shorter days mean light fixtures will get more of a workout. Make your living room lighting functional and stylish by adding an oversized pendant, like this modern perforated metal model. It looks (almost) just as stunning when the lights are off!

Living Room With Dark Blue Bookcases

Design by Danielle Colding

EMBRACE JEWEL TONES

Jewel tones like navy blue, emerald green and the color of the year, marsala, are perfect for cooler seasons. Embrace the color full-force with a coat of paint on the walls and the built-ins — it’ll provide a dramatic backdrop to your art and accessories, and can even make small rooms appear more spacious. Go ahead, give it a try!

Winter Throws

ADD PLUSH THROWS

‘Tis the season to wrap up! Make your throws stylish and comfy by opting for colorful, textural pieces that add dimension to your sofa. Add a large woven basket near to the sofa to keep extra options guest-ready.

Metallic Living Room With Mirror Wall Art

Design by Brian Patrick Flynn

GO METALLIC

Who doesn’t love a good shiny accessory? But they’re more than just decorative: Metallic pieces reflect available light around the space, creating a subtle glow. Shop your favorite vintage stores for quirky brushed gold or brass pieces to be especially on-trend this season.

Metallic Drapery on Patterned Gold Wallpaper

Design by Brian Patrick Flynn

COVER UP THE WINDOWS

Don’t forget to bundle up the windows, too! Swap the sheers from summer and fall for thicker window treatments that add style and also help insulate your home from the elements. (Bonus points if you add a fun curtain rod with a metallic finish or a decorative finial.)

To keep blankets and throws in the living room fresh, shake UNSTOPABLES In-Wash Scent Booster into the wash for a luxurious fragrance that lasts up to 12 weeks!* The little beads dissolve in the rinse (even in the cold water) and infuse your blankets and throws with a luxurious freshness that keeps going until the next wash! Because you know that details matter when it comes to having a fresher, cleaner living room. And now, you know how to smell like the lifestyle you deserve. Learn more by visiting …read more

From:: HGTV

ECB’s Draghi opens door for more QE in December

The European Central Bank could announce more easing measures at its December meeting, the bank’s president, Mario Draghi, hinted on Thursday. Speaking after the ECB kept interest rates steady, as expected, Draghi said economic recovery and inflation in the eurozone were likely to be hit by slowing growth in emerging markets. “In this context, the degree of monetary policy accommodation will need to be re-examined at our December monetary policy meeting, when the new eurosystem staff macroeconomic projections will be available,” Draghi said at the meeting. He added that the Governing Council is “willing and able to act by using all the instruments available within its mandate,” including lowering the deposit rate further into negative. The euro dropped more than a percent to $1.1188 as Draghi spoke.

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From:: Stock Market News