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Good morning! Homebuyers struggle with high interest rates and low inventory, Overstock relaunches its website to compete, and Google decides to keep third-party cookies in Chrome.

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ECONOMY

A Turnaround for Homebuyers

Homebuyers face increasing difficulties due to high interest rates and limited inventory. This market environment has led to affordability issues and competitive bidding wars.

Here's the breakdown:

• Rising interest rates are making mortgages more expensive, reducing affordability for many potential homebuyers.

• Limited housing inventory exacerbates competition, driving up home prices and intensifying bidding wars.

• Homebuyers are often forced to make quick decisions and offer above asking prices to secure properties.

• The current market conditions are particularly challenging for first-time buyers, who struggle to compete with seasoned investors.

• Experts suggest that the market may not stabilize until interest rates decrease or new housing developments increase the supply.

BUSINESS

Overstock is Back

Overstock has relaunched its website to enhance user experience and better compete in the e-commerce market. The new site includes updated features aimed at improving navigation and personalization.

Here's the breakdown:

• Overstock's website relaunch aims to offer an improved user experience with enhanced navigation and personalization features.

• The updated site includes advanced search capabilities and a more intuitive interface to help customers find products more easily.

• Overstock is also introducing personalized recommendations and curated collections to better meet customer preferences.

• The company hopes the relaunch will attract new customers and retain existing ones in the highly competitive e-commerce landscape.

• Overstock's strategic focus on technology and user experience reflects broader industry trends toward digital transformation.

TECH

Cookies Here to Stay

Google has decided to keep third-party cookies in its Chrome browser, reversing its previous plan to remove them. This decision impacts advertisers and user privacy practices on the web.

Here's the breakdown:

• Google announced it will no longer proceed with plans to remove third-party cookies from its Chrome browser.

• The decision follows feedback from advertisers and industry stakeholders concerned about the impact on digital advertising.

• Third-party cookies are crucial for targeted advertising, allowing companies to track user behavior across websites.

• Google's reversal has significant implications for user privacy, as third-party cookies have been criticized for invasive tracking practices.

• The company plans to work on developing alternative privacy-preserving technologies while maintaining the current system.

APPENDIX

• Preparing for the next global tech outage involves enhancing cybersecurity measures and building resilient infrastructure to minimize disruptions and ensure continuity. WSJ

• NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory celebrates its anniversary, highlighting its contributions to space exploration and astrophysics with powerful imaging capabilities. NPR

• A nationwide listeria outbreak linked to deli meat has resulted in several deaths, prompting health officials to issue warnings and investigate the source of contamination. News12 New Jersey

• A significant leak about the iPhone 17 reveals potential features that might make consumers consider skipping the iPhone 16, highlighting advancements in technology and design. TechRadar

• Miami's diverse culinary scene offers a wide range of unique dining experiences, drawing both locals and tourists to explore its vibrant food culture. Miami Herald

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