Latest news with #ChrisDodson
Perth Now
21-07-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Warning over new Bitcoin home loans
Australians have a new way of getting into the mortgage market via their Bitcoin holdings, but potential homeowners are being urged to take a deep breath before jumping into one of these products. In an Australian first launched last week, Bitcoin holders can use the asset like they would traditional money for a home loan. Mortgages Plus director and principal Chris Dodson told NewsWire that cryptocurrencies were maturing as an asset class, but he urged caution when using them for a home loan. Australians are being urged to weigh up the pros and cons of new Bitcoin-backed loans. Close-up generic Credit: istock 'I like the idea of people thinking of innovation and reassessing digital currencies as an asset class,' he said. 'But the volatility is a concern, as it wasn't too long ago Bitcoin fell below $US100 and two weeks later it's up to $US120,000, so that was a pretty wild swing.' Mr Dodson said the new launch was 'not a bad thing' but wanted to make sure everything was signed off prior to considering it for clients. 'I welcome the innovation and recognise the asset class is maturing but also we need to make sure our clients are looked after,' he said. Block Earner said it would become Australia's first Bitcoin-backed home loan provider after winning a lengthy court case with ASIC, successfully arguing it did not require a financial services licence to offer its products. In a statement, Block Earner said it would continue to work collaboratively with the regulators to bring clear benefit to Australian consumers. 'Block Earner continues to operate business-as-usual and remains fully committed to compliance, innovation, and building products that benefit Australian consumers,' it said. With the court proceedings out of the way, Block Earner is set to launch Australia's first Bitcoin-backed loan, which it says will help with Australia's housing affordability woes. They are the first in Australia. NewsWire /Joel Carrett Credit: News Corp Australia Interest rates will start at 9.50 per cent per annum with a 40 per cent loan-to-value ratio (LVR) and comparison rates of 11.93 per cent per annum with an 80 per cent LVR. The fixed rate is 11.50 per cent per annum for 12 months with 50 per cent LVR, while the comparison fixed rate is 12.17 per cent with 80 per cent LVR. But mortgage holders will still be able to hold onto their Bitcoin. This could mean they benefit from any potential upswing or owe more if the value of Bitcoin falls. 'Traditional affordability metrics, based on wage growth and Australian dollar figures, suggest a worsening housing crisis,' Block Earner said. 'But when homes are priced in inflation-resistant assets such as Bitcoin and gold, the picture shifts, and long-term holders of these assets may find their relative purchasing power has increased. 'In 2016, the average Australian home cost 627 BTC (bitcoin) or approximately 350 ounces of gold. By 2024, that had dropped to just 4.3 BTC or approximately 170 ounces of gold.' Block Earner chief executive and co-founder Charlie Karaboga said last week the launch of crypto-backed home loans was a turning point for property finance and digital assets. 'Crypto holders shouldn't have to choose between holding Bitcoin and buying a home,' he said. 'We're giving them a smarter option, a way to put their crypto to work without giving it up. 'This product isn't just innovative, it's inevitable.'
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pelicans Asking Price For Trey Murphy III Revealed: Massive Haul For Young Star
Pelicans Asking Price For Trey Murphy III Revealed: Massive Haul For Young Star originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The New Orleans Pelicans are not playing around when it comes to Trey Murphy III. According to NBA insider Chris Dodson, the team's asking price for the 24-year-old wing is steep: Advertisement - One veteran who can contribute in the playoffs - One young prospect with potential - Multiple first-round picks Some in league circles have called the price 'ridiculous,' but it appears the Pelicans are fully aware of Murphy's rising value. Given the number of calls they've fielded, the price tag might just be justified. Murphy is coming off the best season of his career. With Zion Williamson injured for most of the year, Brandon Ingram traded midseason, and Dejounte Murray also missing time, Murphy was thrust into a lead role and delivered. He averaged 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 45.4% from the field and 36.1% from beyond the arc. His true shooting percentage of 59.8% is further evidence of his offensive efficiency, despite increased usage and defensive attention. Advertisement Murphy's four-year, $112 million contract kicks in next season, a deal that several executives reportedly believe could become one of the best-value contracts in the NBA. For a 6-foot-9 wing who can shoot, defend multiple positions, and create offense off the bounce, that kind of player archetype is in extremely high demand, especially among contenders. According to sources, some rebuilding teams view him as a cornerstone piece. Others in playoff contention see him as a missing puzzle piece who could tilt a series. Given this, the Pelicans' aggressive asking price begins to make more sense. This is especially important for a franchise that just endured a brutal 21-61 season, finishing 14th in the Western Conference. The injury-riddled campaign derailed their playoff ambitions from the start, forcing a midseason reshuffling that culminated in the departure of long-time executive David Griffin. Joe Dumars has now taken over as President of Basketball Operations, and changes are already underway. Advertisement According to multiple reports, the Pelicans have placed the entire roster on the trade market, including Zion Williamson. Some insiders believe Dumars was brought in with a clear mandate: reset the franchise, even if it means parting with stars like Zion. While Zion's talent remains undeniable, his value around the league has plummeted due to persistent injuries. Still, teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat are reportedly monitoring his situation. Brooklyn has the assets and future picks to take a swing, while Miami is searching for its next superstar after dealing Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline. As for Murphy, the Pelicans aren't desperate to move him, which makes their demands more about leverage than liquidation. He's young, under contract, improving, and increasingly viewed as a top-tier wing in the making. The word 'untouchable' hasn't been used publicly, but the reported trade price sends that exact message: if you want him, be prepared to pay up—big. Related: Top Three New Teams For Zion Williamson If He's Traded By The Pelicans This Summer This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Daily Mirror
21-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
'Trapped' pensioner who worked all his life faces terrifying question
Chris Dodson says he is living in 'endless fear' that his rent will be increased again after more than £2,000 in hikes in the past three years - as peers call for more action Chris Dodson says he is living in 'endless fear' that his rent will be increased again after more than £2,000 in hikes in the past three years. The 68-year-old, who lives alone in South East of England, receives around £1,600 per month from state and work pensions but £995 of it is 'swallowed up' in rent. 'My rent has increased relentlessly over the past three years by over £2000,' he told The Mirror. 'The effect is dramatic, half my income is swallowed up. The rest just isn't enough to cover everything else and most months I end up broke.' Chris previously lost his home due to mortgage struggles in 2008 and now rents the property after a fund bought it during the crash. He has faced issues such as high energy bills and repairs that have not been done, including a broken gate that makes him feel unprotected. He said: 'There is no way out, I am trapped. I can't save as there is nothing left to put by. Even if I was offered another property, I have no money to move or pay for those extras you need when moving. 'Unexpected expenses are a major worry. I can't plan for the future just scraping by each over the horizon the endless fear of yet another rent rise. It is pitiless. I think of the 46 years I worked, paying all my dues and wonder what it was for.' The Government is under pressure to amend its renters' rights laws to stop tenants being forced out by huge rent hikes. Peers across political parties have joined forces to demand rent increases be limited to the lowest of either inflation or wage growth, or alternatively the Bank of England Base Rate. Private renting increased by 8.1% in the 12 months to February, more than triple the current level of general inflation. The government's Renters' Rights Bill, which is now passing through the House of Lords, will be scrutinised at committee stage from Tuesday. Ahead of this, peers have supported amendments to introduce limits on how much landlords can hike rents on their tenants. Baroness Janke, a Liberal Democrat Peer, has tabled an amendment which would limit rent rises to the Bank of England Base Rate, with support from Baroness Jones of the Greens. Lord Best, a crossbench peer and former chief executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, has tabled an amendment to limit rent rises to Consumer Price Inflation or wage growth, whatever is lower. This amendment would allow landlords to reset the rent to the market rate every four years and is supported by Tory peer Lord Young of Cookham and Lib Dem peers Baroness Thornhill and Baroness Grender. A maximum of four Peers can support any one amendment. A similar amendment was tabled, and rejected, when the renters' rights legislation passed through the Commons. Generation Rent, who surveyed nearly a 1,000 of its supporters in the Autumn, found that more than three in five (61%) renters said their landlord had asked them to pay a higher rent in the previous 12 months. Almost a quarter (24%) of respondents said they received a rent hike of over £100, compared to just 9% in a similar survey in July 2022. Meanwhile, respondents reported spending an average of 39% of their income on rent. Labour 's renters' rights legislation will finally bring an end to section 21 no-fault evictions - a promise first made by the Tories in 2019 which they failed to deliver on. The notices, which are considered a major driver of homelessness, allow landlords to evict renters either after a fixed term tenancy ends or during a tenancy with no fixed end date. Campaigners have hailed the ban but warn that large rent hikes could effectively still lead to no-fault evictions. Ben Twomey, Chief Executive at Generation Rent, said: 'Everyone needs a safe, secure and affordable home, it's the foundation of our lives. While price caps rightly exist for our energy and water bills, there is nothing to stop a landlord suddenly hiking the cost of someone's home. Unchecked rent hikes are forcing people into poverty and homelessness." He added: 'The ending of Section 21 'no fault' evictions is a milestone to be celebrated after a decade of Generation Rent campaigning. But some landlords will inevitably start using unaffordable rent hikes as 'no fault' evictions in all but name, dampening the impact of this major reform.' An MHCLG spokesman said: 'Our Renters' Rights Bill will deliver a long overdue transformation of private renting by strengthening tenants' rights and banning section 21 'no fault' evictions. We do not support rent controls. We are taking action to cap advance payments to one month's rent, end unfair bidding wars, and give tenants stronger powers to challenge excessive rent hikes. 'Boosting supply is the most effective way of improving affordability for renters, and we will deliver this by building 1.5 million homes as part of our Plan for Change.'
USA Today
31-01-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Colts take Senior Bowl standout at DT in recent 2025 NFL mock draft
In a recent mock draft from Chris Dodson of Pro Football Network, the Indianapolis Colts bypassed cornerback, safety, and tight end in the first round to take Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen. Nolen was listed as one of Daniel Jeremiah's 12 standouts at this year's Senior Bowl. Listed at 6-3 – 305, the 2024 season was Nolen's first at Ole Miss after playing two seasons at Texas A&M. He finished the season with 35 pressures, including six sacks, and was one of the best run defenders in college football by PFF's metrics–ranking second in run defense grade and third in run-stop rate. 'His power and quickness off the snap are his main attributes, and the Colts could use an injection of aggression,' wrote Dodson. 'Nolen was a disruptive force against both the run and pass in the SEC.' This is an interesting selection. With DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, Laiatu Latu, and Kwity Paye up front, there are certainly more pressing needs that the Colts could address with their first round selection. But having said that, as I detailed recently, improved defensive tackle depth is a must this offseason. For one, the Colts pass rush as a whole ranked 22nd in pressure rate and 26th in sacks, but when Buckner and Stewart weren't on the field, opposing offenses often feasted in the run game. Taven Bryan is set to be a free agent once again this offseason and Raekwon Davis is a potential cut candidate for the Colts as well. For what it's worth, GM Chris Ballard did say during his season-ending press conference that he thought the play of the defensive front was 'pretty good' last season–so perhaps that tells us that this position group isn't on his radar early on, which again, doesn't come as a huge surprise.
