Latest news with #APR
The Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Scout movement fosters regional diplomacy and leadership in Asia-Pacific
KUALA LUMPUR: The scout movement serves as a vital platform for regional diplomacy and leadership development, said Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Region (APR) Social Impact and Advocacy Workshop 2025, Johari emphasised that scouting goes beyond traditional outdoor activities. It nurtures leadership skills and cultural awareness among young people, fostering mutual respect and cooperation. 'If our future leaders cannot understand their neighbours or recognise that no nation lives in isolation, then we are failing them. 'We must stand together to create a better, more connected world,' he told reporters. Johari, a member of the National Scouts Council, stressed the importance of early leadership development in schools through 'scouting diplomacy'. He described it as a long-term investment in shaping inclusive and empathetic global leaders. The four-day workshop, co-organised by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (Asia-Pacific Region) and the Malaysian Scouts Association, saw participation from over 50 scouts representing 15 national organisations. The event focused on leadership enhancement, social awareness, and sustainable solutions. National Chief Scout Maj Gen (Rtd) Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Zin Bidin also attended the ceremony, reinforcing the role of scouting in youth empowerment and regional unity.
Barnama
3 days ago
- General
- Barnama
Scout Movement A Platform For Regional Diplomacy, Leadership Development
KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 (Bernama) -- The scout movement offers more than just badges and campfires, it is a quiet but powerful engine of diplomacy and leadership across the region, according to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul. He said that through scouting, young people are not only exposed to leadership skills but also to the cultural diversity, which helps shape a more cooperative and compassionate generation of future leaders. Far from being merely about knots and survival, he said scouting brings together young people from across the region to learn about each other's cultures and, in doing so, foster mutual respect and the ability to coexist. 'If our future leaders cannot understand their neighbours or recognise that no nation lives in isolation, then we are failing them. We must stand together to create a better, more connected world,' he told reporters here today. Johari was speaking after officiating the closing ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Region (APR) Social Impact and Advocacy Workshop 2025, which was also attended by National Chief Scout Maj Gen (Rtd) Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Zin Bidin. A member of the National Scouts Council, Johari believes youth leadership must begin early in schools, through what he described as 'scouting diplomacy', a concept that should extend into community life and beyond. 'Regional cooperation through scouting is not a ceremonial exercise. It should be seen as a long-term investment in building global leadership that is inclusive, empathetic and prepared,' he said. The four-day programme, which began Thursday, was co-organised by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (Asia-Pacific Region) and the Malaysian Scouts Association. More than 50 participants from 15 national scout organisations across the Asia-Pacific region took part in the workshop, which focused on strengthening leadership, expanding social awareness and designing inclusive, sustainable solutions.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Mortgage Rates Today: June 27, 2025
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Today, the mortgage interest rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.59%, according to the Mortgage Research Center. On a 15-year fixed mortgage, the average rate is 5.60%, and the average rate on a 30-year jumbo mortgage is 6.92%. Today's 30-year mortgage—the most popular mortgage product—is 6.59%, down 2.51% from a week earlier. The interest rate is just one fee included in your mortgage. You'll also pay lender fees, which differ from lender to lender. Both interest rate and lender fees are captured in the APR . This week the APR on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 6.62%. Last week, the APR was 6.79%. Let's say your home loan is $100,000 and you have a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage with the current rate of 6.59%, your monthly payment will be about $638, including principal and interest (taxes and fees not included), the Forbes Advisor mortgage calculator shows. That's around $130,393 in total interest over the life of the loan. Today's 15-year mortgage (fixed-rate) is 5.6%, down 2.78% from the previous week. The same time last week, the 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage was at 5.76%. The APR on a 15-year fixed is 5.64%. It was 5.81% a week earlier. A 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage with today's interest rate of 5.6% will cost $822 per month in principal and interest on a $100,000 mortgage (not including taxes and insurance). In this scenario, borrowers would pay approximately $48,454 in total interest. Today's average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate jumbo mortgage (a mortgage above 2025's conforming loan limit of $806,500 in most areas) fell 1.84% from last week to 6.92%. Borrowers with a 30-year, fixed-rate jumbo mortgage with today's interest rate of 6.92% will pay approximately $660 per month in principal and interest per $100,000 borrowed. That would be $138,060. Mortgage rates initially trended downward post-spring 2024. However, they surged again in October 2024—despite cuts by the Federal Reserve to the federal funds rate (its benchmark interest rate) in September, November and December 2024. Rates began to drop again in mid-January 2025, but experts don't forecast them falling by a significant amount in the near future. Various economic factors influence mortgage rates, making it challenging to forecast when rates will drop . The Federal Reserve's decisions significantly impact mortgage rates. In response to inflation or an economic downturn, the Fed may lower its federal funds rate, prompting lenders to reduce mortgage rates. Mortgage rates also track U.S. Treasury bond yields. If bond yields drop, mortgage rates typically follow suit. Finally, global events that cause financial disruptions can affect mortgage rates. For example, the Covid-19 pandemic led to record-low interest rates when the Fed cut rates. While a significant decrease in mortgage rates is unlikely in the near future, they may start to decline if inflation eases or the economy weakens. Before you look for a house, you should get to know your budget. This will give you an idea of the type of house you can afford. Start by using a mortgage calculator to get a rough estimate. Simply input the following information: Home price Down payment amount Interest rate Loan term Taxes, insurance and any HOA fees Home loan borrowers can qualify for better mortgage rates by having good or excellent credit, maintaining a low debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and pursuing loan programs that don't charge mortgage insurance premiums or similar ongoing charges that increase the loan's APR . Comparing rates from different mortgage lenders is an excellent starting point. You may also compare conventional, first-time homebuyer and government-backed programs like FHA and VA loans, which have different rates and fees. Several economic factors influence the trajectory of rates for new home loans. For example, Federal Reserve rate hikes indirectly cause the interest rates for many long-term loans to increase. Rates are more likely to decrease when the Fed pauses or decreases its benchmark Federal Funds Rate. The inflation rate and the general state of the economy also impact interest rates. High inflation and a strong economy typically signal higher rates. Cooling consumer demand or inflation may lead to rate decreases. Conventional home loans are issued by private lenders and typically require good or excellent credit and a minimum 20% down payment to get the best rates. Some lenders offer first-time home buyer loans and grants with relaxed down payment requirements as low as 3%. For buyers with limited credit or finances, a government-backed loan is usually the better option as the minimum loan requirements are easier to satisfy. For example, FHA loans can require 3.5% down with a minimum credit score of 580 or at least 10% down with a credit score between 500 and 579. However, upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums can apply for the life of the loan. Buyers in eligible rural areas with a moderate income or lower may also consider USDA loans. This program doesn't require a down payment, but you pay an upfront and annual guarantee fee for the life of the loan. If you come from a qualifying military background, VA loans can be your best option. First, you don't need to make a down payment in most situations. Second, borrowers pay a one-time funding fee but don't pay an annual fee as the FHA and USDA loan programs require. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) A competitive mortgage rate currently ranges from 6% to 8% for a 30-year fixed loan. Several factors impact mortgage rates, including the repayment term, loan type and borrower's credit score. Lenders adjust mortgage rates daily based on economic conditions, inflation, bond market movements and Federal Reserve actions. If you're shopping around for a mortgage, remember that you might be able to lock in a rate for 30 up to 120 days, depending on the lender. Note that some lenders charge a fee to lock your rate while others offer the service for free. National average interest rates depend on economic and market conditions, including the bond market, inflation, the economy and Federal Reserve decisions. Lenders set rates based on the loan type and term. In general, shorter terms tend to come with lower rates. Additionally, making a larger down payment signals less risk to the lender, which could get you a better rate. Other factors that can impact your rate include your credit score, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, income and property location.
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
K-beauty's new glow-up isn't in stores. It's on stock market
APR, which went public in February last year, has overtaken LG H&H to become Korea's No. 2 cosmetics stock South Korea's beauty scene is making headlines again this month, but this time among stock investors and not beauty bloggers. In a rare burst of momentum for a market long stuck in a boxed-in trading range, Korea's main bourse Kospi finally broke past the long-awaited 3,000 mark, closing at 3,021.84 on June 20. The first such finish since December 2021 came as the cosmetics sector, one of the market's top performers, helped propel the index higher. While sharp gainers included K-beauty names like Aekyung Industrial and TonyMoly, it was a new crop of next-generation brands that stood out, some of which notched new 52-week highs during intraday trading. Cosmax, a leading Korean original design manufacturer, hit a new high of 287,000 won ($212) on Wednesday, while Silicon2, a global K-beauty wholesaler, reached its peak at 63,350 won on June 11. Another standout was d'Alba Global, a recent entrant that debuted on May 22 at 66,300 won and surged to an all-time high of 190,200 won on Tuesday. Beauty-tech firm APR has also seen a meteoric rise, growing from a 1.9 trillion won market cap at its initial public offering just 16 months ago to nearly 5.37 trillion won as of Monday. It edged past LG Household & Health Care, at 5.33 trillion won, to claim the second spot in Korea's cosmetics sector. Amorepacific still holds reigns with a market cap of 8.3 trillion won. While LG H&H still leads in earnings, investors are betting on APR's breakneck growth. In the first quarter, it posted 266 billion won in revenue and 54.6 billion won in operating profit, up 79 and 97 percent from a year earlier. Much of the momentum is spurred by upbeat consumer sentiment both at home and abroad from a renewed K-beauty craze overseas to flickers of optimism among Chinese shoppers. 'Expectations are building on signs of recovery in China's cosmetics market, fueled by strong shopping festival sales and the anticipated boost from nationwide consumption vouchers,' said a financial analyst at Shinhan Securities. According to a researcher surnamed Bae at Mirae Asset Securities, global consumers are gravitating toward value-driven, trend-sensitive brands, with smaller K-beauty firms excelling in agile, social media-driven marketing strategies. Macro winds are also blowing in favor of rising business sentiment, propped up by a planned 30-trillion-won government stimulus package. Among them is 13.2 trillion won in direct cash handouts to households, expected to lift domestic consumption stocks across sectors, from food and fashion to skincare. Not all that glitters is gold, however, as some analysts warn that certain small-cap stocks are riding speculative waves. One industry insider noted that it remains to be seen whether they can sustain their performance, with 'overseas growth and long-term channel expansion' serving as key barometers. Meanwhile, legacy giants like Amorepacific and LG Household & Health Care have lagged behind newer market players, likely weighed down by persistent concerns over China's economic slowdown. This month, as of Tuesday, Amorepacific rose 6.28 percent and LG H&H 4.75 percent, both underperforming the Kospi's average gain of 11.74 percent. Still, recent earnings point to some recovery in China and beyond. In the January–March period, Amorepacific Holdings's overseas sales surged 40.5 percent on-year to 473 billion won, while operating profit more than doubled to 69.6 billion won. LG H&H reported domestic sales of 1.16 trillion won, down 4.3 percent, while overseas sales rose 4.2 percent to 536 billion won.
BBC News
7 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Claiming Flight Compensation
Credit card borrowing costs have reached a 19-year high, with the Annual Percentage Rate hitting 35.7%. The Annual Percentage Rate (APR), refers to the interest you are charged on the total debt or principal amount borrowed, not just the remaining of APR like a price tag on a loan - it tells you how much extra you need to pay for borrowing, just like a price tells you what something costs in a cards can be beneficial in how they offer simple and convenient ways to build a strong credit score, enjoy added consumer protection on larger purchases, and allow access to interest-free there are risks of relying on credit cards too much. Over-reliance could put you at risk of increased interest charges, have a negative impact on your credit score, and ultimately result in debt troubles. Recent research from the Financial Conduct Authority confirmed that 40% of adults with credit or loans said they have anxiety or stress because of your relationship with debt is causing a strain on your mental health, click here , externalto find where you can get information on the government-backed debt respite scheme, Breathing Space, watch Laura Pomfret's item on iPlayer below.
