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Wall Street Stays Resilient as Nasdaq Hits Record Amid Tariff Turbulence

  Markets defy trade jitters with mixed performance Wall Street wrapped up the week with a show of resilience, as the Nasdaq Composite edged to a fresh record close , buoyed by strong tech earnings and steady economic data. The S&P 500 posted a modest weekly gain , while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.3% , reflecting investor caution amid escalating tariff tensions. Despite President Trump’s push for 15% to 20% blanket tariffs on European Union imports , markets largely shrugged off the geopolitical noise. Economic indicators, including a sharp drop in inflation expectations from the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment survey, helped soothe investor nerves. Netflix’s earnings beat failed to impress, dragging its stock lower, while American Express posted strong results , signaling continued spending strength among affluent consumers. Meanwhile, CRISPR Therapeutics surged 17% after a major insider stock purchase, and Bitcoin briefly topped $118,000 befor...

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New home buyers in trouble as mortgage rates soar

Some buyers who purchased preconstruction homes are finding themselves unable to close on their properties due to rising mortgage rates and stricter lending rules. As a result, they are resorting to selling their contracts to other buyers at a discount, or even giving up their deposits and facing legal risks.

According to Robert McLister, an interest rate analyst and mortgage strategist, this trend is creating opportunities for bargain hunters who are looking for assignment deals. These are transactions where the original buyer transfers their rights and obligations to a new buyer before the home is completed.

However, assignment deals are not without challenges and costs. Both assignors and assignees need to get approval from the builder, pay fees and taxes, and secure financing. Moreover, they need to be aware of the market conditions and the potential risks of flipping or renting out the property.

McLister advises buyers to start evaluating their options early and seek professional help from a tax-savvy accountant, a mortgage broker, and a real estate lawyer. He also suggests that buyers should monitor the bond yields and the Bank of Canada’s rate decisions, as they may affect the future demand and prices of new homes.

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