Author: Jordan

United Trust Bank (UTB) Mortgages has enhanced its buy-to-let (BTL) criteria to provide greater flexibility for landlords and make it even easier for brokers to place and progress business. To give property investors more flexibility, the lender has increased its maximum mortgage term to 30 years and removed its period of minimum ownership to allow day one remortgages. Previous landlord experience is no longer required for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) up to six beds or multi-unit blocks (MUBs) up to four units, making specialist BTL finance accessible to more landlords. In support of experienced portfolio investors, the lender…

AGNC Investment Corp. AGNC reported second-quarter 2026 net spread and dollar roll income per common share of 40 cents, topping the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.3%. The metric increased 5.3% from the year-ago quarter’s 38 cents. Results benefited from higher net interest income (NII), an increase in tangible net book value per share (BVPS) and growth in the investment portfolio. However, a lower net interest spread, a rise in the weighted average cost of funds and elevated prepayment rates were concerning. Given the concern, AGNC shares plunged nearly 2.7% in yesterday’s trading session. Adjusted net interest and dollar roll income…

B Ramesh Babu, Managing Director & CEO of Karur Vysya Bank, said the bank remains comfortable with its asset quality despite concerns over global uncertainties, including the impact of tensions in West Asia. He said there has been no visible stress in the bank’s loan portfolio so far and expects credit costs to remain under control.Looking ahead, this Tamil Nadu-based private sector bank expects margins to stay above 4% in the near term and may revisit its full-year net interest margin guidance after the September quarter if current trends continue. It also plans to gradually reduce its reliance on gold…

A $500 million issuance of the world’s first digital inclusion social bond is creating a new model in which private capital can be used to expand digital financial access in emerging markets.While access to digital services supports jobs, financial inclusion and economic growth, funding has historically come through development programmes and broader initiatives.By supporting digital financial services, particularly in emerging markets, capital can help underserved communities and small businesses access working capital more quickly.For a small-business owner in Mumbai, the difference between restocking ahead of a busy season and missing it can come down to a single question: whether short-term…

United Trust Bank Mortgages has announced a new package of buy-to-let criteria enhancements. The latest changes remove unnecessary barriers, broaden eligibility and simplify a number of key lending requirements. The maximum mortgage term has increased to 30 years and the minimum ownership period requirement has been removed, allowing day one remortgages. Previous landlord experience is no longer required for HMOs up to six beds or MUBs up to four units, making specialist buy-to-let finance accessible to more landlords. The maximum exposure limit has increased to 10 buy-to-let loans or £3 million per applicant, supporting experienced portfolio investors. In…

Stacks says the Genesis Bond of its self-custodial Bitcoin staking is happening in August, according to the Stacks announcement shared on X.The update gives the Bitcoin-staking rollout a defined bond program rather than a general roadmap item. That can matter for STX expectations because a bond introduces a concrete economic use case tied to the staking design, which makes the rollout easier to evaluate in practical terms.Its longer-term weight still depends on details that have not been disclosed, including how the bond works and how large the program is. The announcement confirms availability on the schedule stated by the source,…

Besides rates, how to choose between a HELOC or HEL If you’re not able to move to a new home or refinance to take advantage of the equity you have built up in your home, you’re likely considering a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit. But, besides interest rates, how do you choose between a HELOC or a home equity loan? HELOC and home equity loan rates: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 The average HELOC adjustable rate is 7.23%, according to real estate data analytics company Curinos. The 2026 HELOC low was 7.19%, last observed in mid-May.…

Top economy and finance speakers for keynote, breakout and training workshops talks point out that related forces influence nearly every organization, industry, and individual. Interest rates, inflation, market cycles, investment trends, technological innovation, government policy, consumer behavior, and global events all the best economy and finance speakers argue impact the decisions businesses and leaders must make.To better understand such forces, organizations bring in SMEs, KOLs and thought leaders who analyze economic trends, explain financial concepts, share market insights, and help audiences make more informed decisions.Celebrity economy and finance speakers include economists, investment professionals, financial analysts, executives, academics, advisors, authors, and industry…

Two in five Americans believe the stock market isn’t for them and only benefits the top 1%, according to a new Harris Poll poll exclusive to the Guardian that surveyed investing habits and knowledge about the economy.The poll found a similar share of Americans had incorrect assumptions about the relationship between the economy and the stock market. Nearly 40% did not know that the economy and the stock market were not the same thing. And two-thirds of Americans incorrectly believed that a growing stock market means the overall economy is growing.Though the economy has been rattled by events such as…

The receivers of Equitable Mortgages say it’s too soon to say how much of the property lender’s $188.4 million worth of loans they are likely to recover. Receivers Grant Graham and Brendon Gibson of KordaMentha say in their first report that Equitable had $188.4 million worth of loans outstanding when it was placed in receivership on November 26 last year. The provider of first ranking loans for commercial, industrial and residential property owes about 6,000 secured debenture holders $192.3 million. See Treasury’s repayment information for Equitable investors’ here. On the loans, Graham and Gibson say it’s not possible at this…