Higher interest rates to delay U.S. residential market recovery, CRH CEO says
DUBLIN, May 8 (Reuters) - A recovery in the currently subdued U.S. residential construction market will inevitably take longer due to interest rates and inflation potentially staying higher for longer, the head of the largest building materials producer in the United States, CRH (CRH.N), opens new tab, said on Thursday.
"The much needed recovery in U.S. residential is going to I think inevitably get pushed out," Jim Mintern told reporters after the company's annual general meeting, saying a fall in U.S. mortgage interest rates was required to spur activity.
"We did not factor in a recovery in '25, we always thought it would be into '26 before it would come but I think now potentially with inflation and interest rates higher for longer on the dollar side, that's going to push that out."
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Geeky Gadgets
an hour ago
- Geeky Gadgets
WWDC 2025: The 5 Game-Changing Announcements You Won't Believe
Apple's WWDC 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal event, showcasing innovations that could redefine your interaction with technology. With five highly anticipated product announcements, Apple is expected to make significant strides in performance, gaming, smart home integration, and display technology. These advancements highlight Apple's ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in consumer technology. Here's a detailed look at what's on the horizon and why it matters. The video below from Matt Talks Tech gives us more details on what to expect from WWDC 2025. Watch this video on YouTube. Apple TV: A17 Pro Chip Brings Console-Level Gaming Apple TV is set to undergo a fantastic upgrade at WWDC 2025 with the introduction of the A17 Pro chip, elevating it from a streaming device to a gaming powerhouse. This advanced processor, designed for high-performance tasks, promises to deliver a gaming experience that rivals traditional consoles, all from the comfort of your living room. Here's what you can look forward to: Faster load times and smoother graphics for even the most demanding games. and smoother graphics for even the most demanding games. Enhanced compatibility with the latest titles, powered by the updated tvOS . . A strategic shift positioning Apple TV as a central hub for both entertainment and gaming. This evolution could make Apple TV an essential device for gamers and entertainment enthusiasts alike, offering a seamless blend of streaming and interactive gameplay. Mac Pro: M4 Ultra Chip for Unmatched Performance The Mac Pro is expected to debut at WWDC 2025 with the M4 Ultra chip, a next-generation processor designed to meet the demands of professionals who require top-tier computing power. From video editing to 3D rendering, this upgrade is engineered to handle the most intensive workflows with ease and efficiency. Key features include: Unparalleled speed and efficiency for resource-heavy tasks, allowing faster project completion. for resource-heavy tasks, allowing faster project completion. PCIe slots for expandability , catering to specialized professional needs such as additional storage or graphics capabilities. , catering to specialized professional needs such as additional storage or graphics capabilities. A continuation of Apple's silicon roadmap, emphasizing performance and customization for professional users. For those whose work depends on high-performance computing, the Mac Pro's enhancements could redefine productivity and creativity, offering tools that keep pace with the most demanding projects. Studio Display: Mini-LED and ProMotion for Stunning Visuals Apple's Studio Display is rumored to receive a significant upgrade, incorporating mini-LED technology and ProMotion's 120Hz refresh rate. These advancements are designed to enhance both creative workflows and everyday viewing experiences, setting a new standard for display technology. What this means for you: Brighter displays with deeper contrast, delivering more vivid and lifelike visuals. with deeper contrast, delivering more vivid and lifelike visuals. Smoother motion and responsiveness , ideal for video editing, gaming, or simply enjoying high-quality content. , ideal for video editing, gaming, or simply enjoying high-quality content. A display experience that aligns with the capabilities of Apple's latest MacBook Pro screens. Whether you're a creative professional or a casual user, this display upgrade could elevate your visual experience, making it an indispensable tool for work and entertainment. HomeKit Device with Display: Smarter Smart Home Control Apple is reportedly developing a HomeKit device with a built-in display, potentially a 'HomePod with a screen.' This product could serve as a central hub for managing your smart home, offering seamless integration with Siri and Face ID for enhanced convenience and security. Here's how it could simplify your life: Control lights, thermostats, and security cameras from a single device, streamlining your smart home management. from a single device, streamlining your smart home management. Personalized automation features for a tailored smart home experience , adapting to your daily routines. , adapting to your daily routines. Enhanced security and convenience through Apple's ecosystem integration, making sure a seamless user experience. This device could redefine smart home management, combining functionality and ease of use to create a more intuitive and connected living environment. AirTags 2nd Generation: Better Tracking, Longer Battery Life The second generation of AirTags is expected to introduce the U2 Ultra Wideband chip, offering improved tracking accuracy and reliability. Whether you're keeping tabs on your keys, luggage, or other valuables, this update promises to make finding lost items even easier. What's new: More precise location tracking , giving you greater peace of mind when locating misplaced items. , giving you greater peace of mind when locating misplaced items. Improved battery life , reducing the need for frequent replacements and enhancing overall convenience. , reducing the need for frequent replacements and enhancing overall convenience. A familiar design with upgraded functionality, setting a new standard for tracking devices. For those who rely on AirTags for everyday convenience, these enhancements could make them even more indispensable, making sure that your belongings are always within reach. Apple's Vision for the Future WWDC 2025 is poised to highlight Apple's relentless drive to innovate across multiple product categories. From the gaming-focused A17 Pro chip in Apple TV to the professional-grade M4 Ultra chip in the Mac Pro, each announcement underscores Apple's commitment to advancing technology in meaningful ways. The introduction of mini-LED and ProMotion in the Studio Display, a smart home device with a display, and the next generation of AirTags further solidify Apple's position as a leader in technology and design. These products are not just incremental updates—they represent a glimpse into the future of how you'll interact with technology in your daily life, offering tools and experiences that are more powerful, intuitive, and seamlessly integrated than ever before. Here are more guides from our previous articles and guides related to WWDC 2025 that you may find helpful. Source & Image Credit: Matt Talks Tech Filed Under: Apple, Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
The Black hair industry imports products from China. Here's what tariffs mean for braids and wigs
Before the oppressive summer heat descends on Atlanta, therapist Brittanee Sims usually gets her thick, curly hair braided at a salon to preserve her healthy mane. But it's more expensive this year. So she'll only pay for her teenage daughter and son to get their summer hairdos. Not having braided hair 'creates more of a hassle for everything,' said Sims, who counts herself among the tens of millions of women that regularly spend on the Black hair care industry. Now, she said, she has to 'go home and figure out what I'm gonna do to my hair in the morning, after I went to the gym and it's messed up with sweating and frizz.' President Donald Trump's tariffs are driving up prices for products many Black women consider essential, squeezing shoppers and stylists even more as they grapple with inflation and higher rents. Much of the synthetic braiding hair, human hair for extensions, wigs and weaves, styling tools, braiding gel and other products is imported from or has packaging from China, which was subject to a combined 145% tariff in April. Many Black women have hair types and workplace-favored styles that require careful attention, and they can spend hundreds of dollars at salons each month on extensions, weaves, wigs and braids. The Associated Press spoke with several Black hair industry experts, beauty supply store owners, and wholesale companies, as well as nearly two dozen Black stylists and braiders, some of whom may have to raise prices even as business has slowed. On Thursday, a federal appeals court reinstated most of Trump's tariffs on imported goods after they were blocked the day before by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade. Earlier this month, the United States agreed to drop the 145% tax on goods imported from China to 30% while the two economic superpowers negotiate new trade agreements. Imports from most other countries face baseline tariff rates at 10%. Regardless, the next few months 'are already shot' for many items, said Marty Parker, a University of Georgia business professor and supply chain expert who worked in the hair care industry. The costs companies have been facing at ports are making their way down to consumers, supply shortages are getting worse, and it's unclear what will happen if negotiations break down. 'Prices go up very fast and come down very slow,' Parker said. Costs go up for Atlanta stylists Some stylists said they're seeing fewer clients because prices are going up for virtually everything. Atlanta stylists are paying more for hair from China. Atlanta stylist Yana Ellis, who also sells products like wigs, paid an extra $245 in shipping for 52 bundles of hair in March compared to 40 bundles in December. AaNiyah Butler said her shipping costs for human hair more than doubled from February to May. And Dajiah Blackshear found in early May that a beauty supply store raised the cost of the kind of hair she's used for years by $100. The store owner said he may have to stop selling that brand of hair because it went up so much. Similarly, some wholesale hair stores have seen higher costs or are expecting them in the coming weeks. Even the typical $6 to $10 cost of a pack of synthetic hair has crept up. Blackshear doesn't want clients to bring hair because she likes to vet the quality. But if expenses continue to mount, she may have to raise her prices. 'It's going to be extremely difficult,' she said, especially for clients who are "having to make those hard decisions, between 'do I get my hair done or do I pay my bills?'' Janice Lowe, who runs 5 Starr Salon in a lower-income neighborhood southeast of Atlanta, has started asking clients to bring hair and is unable to purchase certain products. 'I'm falling behind on my obligations,' she said. The industry braces for uncertainty Consultants vary on how much prices will rise, when they'll go up and for how long — and the full harm to stylists and consumers could be months away. The global Black hair care industry was worth about $3.2 billion in 2023, according to and Black women spend six times more on hair care than other ethnicities. Stylists often purchase some harder-to-get professional products from door-to-door distributors that buy from wholesale companies or larger distributors that purchase directly from other countries. Lowe has seen some of her distributors vanish altogether, making it harder to get professional lines such as Black-owned leading professional hair care brand Design Essentials, manufactured in Atlanta at McBride Research Laboratories. Design Essentials is trying to delay big price increases until 2026 or 2027, and may turn to layoffs or pause promotions to save money, said president Cornell McBride Jr. Most packaging plastics come from China, but ingredients can come from many places. 'Nobody wants to put it to the consumer but the person who pays is the consumer in the end,' McBride Jr. said. Hawa Keita and her mother usually charge customers between $160 and $250 for braiding at their shop, Eve's African Hair Braiding in College Park southwest of Atlanta. Keita is determined to take losses because their customers 'can't afford the Atlanta prices,' Keita said. The cost of a box of 100 packs of braiding hair from China went up for the first time in two years, from $250 to $300, Keita said. They order weekly, often multiple boxes. Some companies say they'll soon raise prices or run out of stock. Making customers happy is ultimately what will keep the business afloat, Keita said. She smiled as she recounted braiding a young woman's hair for her birthday with a style she suggested. 'When we finished, she gave me the biggest hug, and she was in here screaming and just yelling because she just really loved her hair,' Keita said. Priced-out consumers face unfair beauty standards For many Black Americans, especially women, affording their hair care also means confronting unfavorable beauty standards. Georgia State University law professor Tanya Washington said recent discoveries about dangerous chemicals in synthetic hair and hair straightening products have sparked conversations among Black women looking for hairstyles that don't require as much imported products. But embracing natural hairdos can be daunting for women like the soon-to-be lawyers and clerks Washington advises who face pressure to straighten their hair. 'That puts everyone who does not have organically, naturally derived straight hair at a disadvantage in these spaces,' she said. 'I think that a definition of professionalism that favors one phenotype — European phenotype — over all others, is inappropriate." Longstanding income disparities between Black and white American women can also make higher hair care prices untenable. According to the U.S. Census, as of 2023, the median household income in Atlanta is $131,319 for white households and $47,937 for Black households. It's an inequality issue that professional hairstylists are aware of nationwide. Stylist Mitzi Mitchell, owner of PIC ONE Beauty Services in Pennsylvania, said she has stocked up on certain products and tools for another year in anticipation of price increases. She wants to avoid 'bootleg' products, which are made illegally and often aren't as safe, but became much more prevalent in the marketplace during economic downturns. 'I'm really conscientious about my Black minority clients because we make a heck of a lot less than other nationalities,' said Mitchell, who is Black. 'I try to keep prices low so we can continue to have the same services, but I know I will have to raise it.' ___
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
In-N-Out dethrones bitter rival to claim America's best burger chain... as McDonald's is also humiliated
The billboard trash talk didn't age well. Just a year ago Habit Burger & Grill used a roadside sign to boast about beating In-N-Out's iconic Double-Double in a fast food burger showdown. Now, a new ranking puts the California cult favorite the top spot in its annual list of the nation's best burger chains. The list, released by Yelp for International Burger Day, ranked chains with more than 100 locations across multiple states based on user reviews and brand performance. Struggling brands like Wahlburgers and Jack in the Box made the list, and BurgerFi was in the 13th slot despite its bankruptcy filing last year. McDonald's and Burger King, two of the largest fast food chains in the world, were down at 17 and 19 on the list, while smaller chains like Cook Out and Fatburger were 12th and 21st respectively. Scroll down for the full list. 'Today's consumers prioritize quality ingredients and customization in addition to convenience,' Yelp's Kadecia Ber told 'What's evident from our rankings is that burger chains resonating most with customers today are those finding the right balance between consistency, quality, and a distinctive brand identity.' In-N-Out Burger Founded in 1948, In-N-Out Burger is known for serving simple and inventive burgers and fries. More than 119,000 Yelp reviewers have praised the California based restaurant chain for its service and drive-thru experience. Some of the chain's popular menu items include its Double-Double burgers and Animal Style french fries topped with onions, cheese, and a secret sauce. 'You can never go wrong with Double Doubles, animal style,' a Yelp user wrote, adding it always has 'great service.' With more than 400 locations, In-N-Out Burger was named the top burger chain in the Western region and is planning to open seven new restaurants while phasing out artificial ingredients from its menu. Habit Burger & Grill The Habit Burger & Grill cracked the top 5 burger chains in the West and Northeast regions and is the second-best burger chain in the US overall. The first restaurant opened in 1969, and it now has nearly 400 restaurants worldwide. Yelp reviewers have praised the chain's Charburger, which comes with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayo. 'The menu is precisely thought out, the specialty burgers are just an example of the creativity the kitchen is capable of,' a New Jersey-based customer wrote on Yelp. The chain recently opened new restaurants in Washington and Idaho. Shake Shack What began as a New York hot dog cart in 2001 is now the nation's third-best burger chain that cracked the top 3 burger chain listings in each US region. It's also the top-ranked burger chain in 21 states and Washington DC, and its original New York restaurant has over 5,800 Yelp reviews. 'They have a delicious gluten-free bun and the bacon avocado burger is my go-to.' With over 320 restaurants across the US, the chain plans to open 80 to 85 company-operated restaurants this year and rolled out its first loyalty program this week. Culver's Culver's has served burgers to customers since opening its first restaurant in 1984. It rests at number 4 on the national ranking, but Yelp named it the top burger chain in the South and Midwest regions. Several fans have given positive reviews over its ButterBurgers and frozen custard. 'Great burgers. Very nifty custard ice cream. Good prices. Friendly service. What's not to love!,' a reviewer wrote. There are currently over 1,000 Culver's across 26 states and is adding 55 new locations this year. Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks Founded in 1982, the nation's fifth-best burger chain has less than 50 locations and only operates in Arizona and California. Each restaurant provides a beachy atmosphere while serving unique items like the spicy Kilauea and the veggie-friendly Shorebird. 'This is my go to for a burger, never flat soda, cool Cali vibes with plenty of televisions with sports and surf scenes,' a customer stated. Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is famous for its retro décor and fan favorite Steakburgers. However, reviewers have also praised its Original Double and its signature fry sauce. 'I love the old school vibe-a frozen custard and a burger is classic combo,' a customer admitted on Yelp. The brand operates over 500 restaurants in the US and Canada, and has been working on its plan add 130 new locations between 2024 and 2025. Five Guys Five Guys has become a burger chain empire with over 1,800 locations worldwide. Opening its first location in 1986, fans enjoy the variety of options offered when customizing their burgers and food that's 'cooked to perfection.' The restaurant chain is one of the top brands in three US regions, and has already opened more US locations this year. Wayback Burgers Wayback Burgers operates over 170 restaurants worldwide and has experienced consistent franchise system growth. Its also famous for its rotating specials and unique flavor combinations in the eyes of Yelp users. 'Wayback burgers are great to any food places is great these burgers are great to perfection,' a customer wrote. The chain has opened new restaurants in Georgia and North Carolina and plans to open more in Texas, Ohio, and Iowa later this year. MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Founded in California, In-N-Out Burger also beat out Habit Burger & Grill for the top burger chain in the Western region Top 25 burger chains in the US In-N-Out Burger The Habit Burger Grill Shake Shack Culver's Islands Restaurants Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Five Guys Burgers & Fries Wayback Burgers MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Red Robin Jack in the Box Cook Out BurgerFi Whataburger Wahlburgers Smashburger McDonald's Sonic Drive-In Burger King White Castle Fatburger Wendy's Carl's Jr. Checkers and Rally's Steak 'n Shake SOURCE: Yelp The youngest restaurant chain on the list, MOOYAH brings a high level of burger customization to over 100 restaurants nationwide. Customers can also choose between Angus beef, turkey, or veggie patties when ordering food. 'Amazing lettuce wrapped burger, great spicy kick,' a customer wrote. While it is smaller than several chains, MOOYAH is planning to add 54 locations in Texas by 2030. Red Robin Red Robin has not let their potential 70 restaurant closures stop them from receiving positive Yelp reviews. The family-friendly chain is known for its massive menu and offers multiple fan favorite foods like Whiskey River BBQ Burger and teriyaki-glazed Banzai Burger. 'Red Robin: where the burgers are bold, the broccoli is shockingly tasty, and the fries... well, they play hard to get,' a customer joked. The 56-year-old chain operates over 490 restaurants in the US and Canada, and is one of the top-ranked burger chains in the Northeast.
