Experts caution U.S. shoppers as deferred interest financing emerges as major holiday risk
Experts caution U.S. shoppers as deferred interest financing emerges as major holiday risk

A new WalletHub study reveals that many Americans misunderstand how deferred interest financing works, putting them at risk of hefty retroactive charges during peak holiday spending. Though promotions often advertise “no interest for 12 months,” interest quietly accrues in the background and becomes fully due if the balance isn’t paid off in time — even by a penny. Experts warn that retailers like Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe’s heavily rely on these offers, while stores such as Costco and Target avoid them entirely. With interest rates often exceeding 25%, analysts say these programs disproportionately affect shoppers with lower credit scores and can turn routine purchases into costly debt traps. Financial advisors recommend zero-APR credit cards as a safer alternative, offering interest-free periods without retroactive penalties.

A new WalletHub study reveals that many Americans misunderstand how deferred interest financing works, putting them at risk of hefty retroactive charges during peak holiday spending. Though promotions often advertise “no interest for 12 months,” interest quietly accrues in the background and becomes fully due if the balance isn’t paid off in time — even by a penny. Experts warn that retailers like Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe’s heavily rely on these offers, while stores such as Costco and Target avoid them entirely. With interest rates often exceeding 25%, analysts say these programs disproportionately affect shoppers with lower credit scores and can turn routine purchases into costly debt traps. Financial advisors recommend zero-APR credit cards as a safer alternative, offering interest-free periods without retroactive penalties.

Bitcoin faces triple threat in November 2025: ETF outflows, stablecoins drop; market confidence falls
Bitcoin faces triple threat in November 2025: ETF outflows, stablecoins drop; market confidence falls

By TOI GLOBAL DESK

Bitcoin is under pressure in November 2025, trading around $88,000, nearly 30% below October highs. ETF outflows, slower stablecoin growth, and sales by long-term holders are driving the decline. The broader cryptocurrency market has also been hit, with Ethereum and Solana dropping sharply, while analysts say institutional buying may be needed to stabilize prices.

Bitcoin is under pressure in November 2025, trading around $88,000, nearly 30% below October highs. ETF outflows, slower stablecoin growth, and sales by long-term holders are driving the decline. The broader cryptocurrency market has also been hit, with Ethereum and Solana dropping sharply, while analysts say institutional buying may be needed to stabilize prices.

Meta in talks to buy Google chips for AI data centers; deal could challenge Nvidia
Meta in talks to buy Google chips for AI data centers; deal could challenge Nvidia

By TOI GLOBAL DESK

Meta Platforms is negotiating a major deal to buy Google’s AI chips for its data centers starting in 2027 and may rent Google Cloud chips next year. The move could expand Google’s share in the AI hardware market and challenge Nvidia’s dominance. Market reactions were positive for Alphabet and Broadcom, while Nvidia shares declined.

Meta Platforms is negotiating a major deal to buy Google’s AI chips for its data centers starting in 2027 and may rent Google Cloud chips next year. The move could expand Google’s share in the AI hardware market and challenge Nvidia’s dominance. Market reactions were positive for Alphabet and Broadcom, while Nvidia shares declined.

Google-Alphabet rises on Gemini 3: AI race heats up; OpenAI feels pressure this week
Google-Alphabet rises on Gemini 3: AI race heats up; OpenAI feels pressure this week

By TOI GLOBAL DESK

Google’s Gemini 3 model has earned strong early praise and boosted the company’s stock performance, putting pressure on OpenAI and shifting expectations in the AI sector. Analysts say Google’s momentum could change investment flows across major chip and cloud firms. Tech stocks reacted positively as the wider market regained confidence in the ongoing AI race.

Google’s Gemini 3 model has earned strong early praise and boosted the company’s stock performance, putting pressure on OpenAI and shifting expectations in the AI sector. Analysts say Google’s momentum could change investment flows across major chip and cloud firms. Tech stocks reacted positively as the wider market regained confidence in the ongoing AI race.

Google warns global text scam: Unveils Gemini 3 AI; tech leaders react quickly
Google warns global text scam: Unveils Gemini 3 AI; tech leaders react quickly

By TOI GLOBAL DESK

Google has issued a global warning about the “Do You Remember Me?” text scam, which tricks users into revealing bank details. At the same time, the company launched its AI model, Gemini 3.0, praised by Salesforce CEO Mark Benioff for speed and accuracy. Tech leaders including Elon Musk and Sam Altman reacted, highlighting intense competition in AI development.

Google has issued a global warning about the “Do You Remember Me?” text scam, which tricks users into revealing bank details. At the same time, the company launched its AI model, Gemini 3.0, praised by Salesforce CEO Mark Benioff for speed and accuracy. Tech leaders including Elon Musk and Sam Altman reacted, highlighting intense competition in AI development.

Nvidia’s value triples in two years: AI spending rises sharply; experts warn of bubble risks
Nvidia’s value triples in two years: AI spending rises sharply; experts warn of bubble risks

By TOI GLOBAL DESK

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang rejects fears of an AI bubble, saying demand for AI remains strong. But several economists and investors warn that progress is slowing and that heavy spending, high debt, and circular deals may inflate the market. Tech giants plan huge data-center investments, while major investors like Peter Thiel and Michael Burry signal caution.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang rejects fears of an AI bubble, saying demand for AI remains strong. But several economists and investors warn that progress is slowing and that heavy spending, high debt, and circular deals may inflate the market. Tech giants plan huge data-center investments, while major investors like Peter Thiel and Michael Burry signal caution.

Zymeworks Inc. to join Miami conferences: Showcases pipeline; seeks partnerships
Zymeworks Inc. to join Miami conferences: Showcases pipeline; seeks partnerships

By TOI GLOBAL DESK

Zymeworks Inc. will meet investors at two healthcare conferences in Miami on December 2 and 3, 2025. The company will discuss progress on its drug pipeline, including its lead HER2-targeted therapy Ziihera, and outline its strategy built on licensed products and global partnerships. Zymeworks aims to show how these efforts support long-term growth and new drug development.

Zymeworks Inc. will meet investors at two healthcare conferences in Miami on December 2 and 3, 2025. The company will discuss progress on its drug pipeline, including its lead HER2-targeted therapy Ziihera, and outline its strategy built on licensed products and global partnerships. Zymeworks aims to show how these efforts support long-term growth and new drug development.

Nvidia earnings lift Wall Street: Dow jumps 621 points; Nasdaq and S&P 500 rally
Nvidia earnings lift Wall Street: Dow jumps 621 points; Nasdaq and S&P 500 rally

By TOI GLOBAL DESK

Wall Street surged as Nvidia reported strong earnings and high demand for its Blackwell AI chips, lifting the Nasdaq, S&P 500, and Dow. Gains in AI-linked technology stocks, better-than-expected September jobs data, and Walmart’s robust third-quarter results fueled investor optimism. The market is now closely watching AI trends and Federal Reserve policy for future direction.

Wall Street surged as Nvidia reported strong earnings and high demand for its Blackwell AI chips, lifting the Nasdaq, S&P 500, and Dow. Gains in AI-linked technology stocks, better-than-expected September jobs data, and Walmart’s robust third-quarter results fueled investor optimism. The market is now closely watching AI trends and Federal Reserve policy for future direction.

Verizon plans major layoffs: Over 13,000 jobs to go; restructuring moves forward
Verizon plans major layoffs: Over 13,000 jobs to go; restructuring moves forward

By TOI GLOBAL DESK

Verizon Communications will cut more than 13,000 jobs as part of a major restructuring plan to reduce costs and simplify operations. Most layoffs will affect US employees. The company will also shift many stores to franchise mode and create a $20 million support fund. Slowing subscriber growth, strong competition, and heavy past investments have increased pressure on Verizon to act.

Verizon Communications will cut more than 13,000 jobs as part of a major restructuring plan to reduce costs and simplify operations. Most layoffs will affect US employees. The company will also shift many stores to franchise mode and create a $20 million support fund. Slowing subscriber growth, strong competition, and heavy past investments have increased pressure on Verizon to act.

Apple starts Black Friday $250 gift card event: All newest devices excluded
Apple starts Black Friday $250 gift card event: All newest devices excluded

By TOI GLOBAL DESK

Apple has begun its 2025 Black Friday sale, offering gift cards worth $25 to $250 with select products, including MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPhones, iPads, and accessories. The newest devices like the iPhone 17 and M5 Macs are not included. Gift cards cannot reduce upfront prices, making third-party retailers more competitive for direct discounts.

Apple has begun its 2025 Black Friday sale, offering gift cards worth $25 to $250 with select products, including MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPhones, iPads, and accessories. The newest devices like the iPhone 17 and M5 Macs are not included. Gift cards cannot reduce upfront prices, making third-party retailers more competitive for direct discounts.

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