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When The Devil Wears Prada debuted in 2006, it introduced the world to cerulean blue and the not-so-glam life of fashion and editorial. This spring, as the world readies not for florals but for the film’s sequel, questions around toxic work cultures—and how to handle them—are resurfacing. Fresh discourse on the topic was sparked during the upcoming movie’s press tour, when Emily Blunt—who plays the English, overworked but fashionable first assistant to the editor-in-chief of a magazine—revisited one of her character’s most iconic scenes. In the scene, Blunt’s character (also named Emily), who is wearing Valentino and an early-aughts smoky eye, dashes into her office teary-eyed from a cold. Seemingly flustered by feeling under the weather and a crushing workload ahead, the character whispers a mantra while settling into her desk. “I love my job, I love my job, I love my job,” she says in the movie. The scene has since become a meme for overworked millennial and Gen Z fans navigating corporate life. “Find something that you deeply want to do” During an interview with Betches, Blunt revealed that the scene was improvised, but upon being asked if she had any tips for young women hating their jobs, her response sparked a larger conversation about the state of the job market. “Quit,” she replied. “Just find something that you deeply want to do. Even if you’re earning no money, as long as you love it, you’ll be happy.” Not everyone found the advice especially helpful, arguing that, amid inflation, the rising cost of living, and a shrinking job market riddled with layoffs, opting to earn no money is not realistic “Girl the rent doesn’t care what you’re passionate about,” one user said on X reacting to the video interview. Another added, “she’s not wrong but passion without stability is a luxury most people don’t have.” Still, some saw value in Blunt’s comments. “There’s still truth in what Emily Blunt said. Not the ‘quit everything and follow your dreams’ part—but the quiet reminder not to abandon yourself completely,” a user said on X. But regardless of where users fall in the conversation, the discourse reveals just how complicated the conversation around work-life balance has gotten. “Can you imagine if she said you have to suck it up cause you need the money? Or the flipside, leave your job and follow your passion? I can’t think of a single nice answer that would fit the context of the interview,” a user said on Reddit. Another user on Reddit also shared their personal experiences in overly demanding jobs. “I have had a boss making us work 18-hour days, screaming at us and not letting us literally sleep, causing long-term damage to our physical and mental health)…please do quit,” the user said. However, that same user couldn’t let go of the hardships in today’s job landscape. They added: “If you think the current job market is so awful that all you will end up with are rejections because no company is actually truly hiring and there are historic layoffs happening every few days…then don’t quit.” View the full article

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We recently talked about people applying for — in working in — jobs that were clearly at odds with what they wanted to do, and here are 12 of my favorite stories you shared. 1. The lack of turtles I worked with a lot of field biologists who were unsuited, mostly because they went into the field since they loved being outdoors and then were shocked to find that the job consisted of very boring and monotonous walking off trail and meticulous record keeping. But my favorite not-suited coworker was fine with all that! Except what she really wanted to be doing was surveying for turtles. Sadly, not a lot of our projects involved turtles. She still did a great job, but all her field reports would include lines like, “There were no turtles,” “One turtle seen on my lunch break when I hiked a mile to a waterway,” “Absolutely no habitat for turtles in this area, but I found some likely areas along the drive to this site,” and my favorite, “Thought I saw a turtle, but it was rock.” Loved her, stopped by her house once to meet her 20something turtles and had a blast. She eventually found a better paying job, sadly not turtle centered though. 2. The honesty HR and I were interviewing my replacement. It was an admin position supporting a sales team and a few managers. It was going well until the interviewee said, “I hate being constantly interrupted by people needing things.” 3. The wrong choice There was the internal applicant from a different department who stated in the cover letter that they were trying to move away from a supervisor they weren’t meshing with well. The supervisor who was central to my department’s work. Who was on the search committee. And who would be working more closely with my new hire than most of their own direct reports. Also, the cover letter was emailed to me separately instead of included with the rest of the application materials. I immediately touched base with HR to make sure we got that cover letter on file in case there was any pushback from the candidate (who we’d already scheduled for a panel interview). 4. The computers I once was in an interview where an applicant spent a lot of time talking about how much he hated computers and working on computers. We literally work entirely on computers and were part of a public paperless initiative so… 5. The veterinary assistant Applicant to a veterinarian’s office who was a) afraid of cats and b) squeamish about both blood and poop. This was for a kennel-to-veterinary assistant position, not receptionist. I’m not sure what she thought she’d be doing, exactly. 6. The junior reporter One of the reasons I was a hit as a junior reporter at a rural newspaper was because of the contrast between me and my predecessor. Instead of having an interest in court stories, local events, and making contacts, she was working at the paper because she thought it would be a springboard towards becoming an actress in a local soap. The newspaper didn’t even have a showbiz or entertainment section, we had no connections with the soap opera, and we weren’t even based in the same town as them. I asked my new colleagues how she had planned to pull this transition off and the response was, “Well, obviously it was just pretty misguided and maybe she gave up after realiing that; most of the time she was either making very noisy smoothies while we were busy talking on the phone, or she was napping in her car.” 7. The would-be librarian A couple of years ago, a retiring teacher called the library reference desk to ask about jobs in the youth section. She went on and on about how, after so many years of teaching, she really needed a job with peace and quiet. I don’t know if any of you have been in a library in recent years, but the youth department is NOT quiet – it is a hub of activity and lovely children and teens making lots of joyful noise! It is not for the faint of heart! Or for anyone looking for peace and quiet! I did not tell the retiring teacher any of that; I figured it was better she say that if she made it to an interview. No retired teacher showed up in the job. 8. The honey bees I research honey bees. Every year my group hires one or two field assistants, usually undergraduate students who don’t typically have a lot of research experience. The number of people who make it clear in the interviews that they do not want to work around honey bees is always surprising, given that we are very clear on the job ad that responsibilities largely involve working with honey bees. Special props to the guy who very earnestly tried to convince us to hire him to do his own research on stingrays (???) — my best guess is that he somehow thought it was a grant and not a job. 9. The teacher My brother’s Leaving Cert Irish teacher had 16-18-year-olds making badges and learning songs, which she then had them sing for the principal when he came in. This was a higher level class and the higher level Leaving Cert Irish exam includes things like writing a short essay in Irish on topics like climate change or unemployment or drug addiction and questions on Irish novels and drama and poetry and back then had a section on the history of the Irish language, which included questions like explaining, in Irish, how the placenames of the country came to be. But yeah, making badges and singing for the principal! She would have made a brilliant primary school teacher. 10. The anime fan I work for a large financial institution and a couple of years ago interviewed a candidate for a compliance internship who had apparently confused my company with a cable TV channel and spent the entire interview talking about how much he loved anime. Very sweet kid, but apparently he was like that in all five of his super day interviews. I still don’t fully understand how you get to the interview stage of a highly competitive finance internship without realizing you’ve applied to the wrong company for the wrong job entirely, but it sure made things easy when we rejected him for a lack of attention to detail. 11. The surprising choice I was hiring positions for the student package center at a small college. One of the people I interviewed told me she didn’t like “packages, answering the phone, or dealing with people.” Which was literally the core functions of the job, and stated very clearly in the job description. She was so matter of fact about it, I almost thought she had to be pranking me because why on earth would you apply to a job where the job duties were entirely the things you claimed to dislike. She was not. I often wonder if she was surprised when she didn’t get hired. 12. The whales I had to drop an undergrad class I’d been really excited about because of this. Week one of Intro to Creative Memoir, every single minute was spent by my professor talking about whales, showing us videos of whales, telling us what products we needed to boycott to save the whales. Every supposed memoir on our reading list was actually a book about … you guessed it. On day two I started a tally. She used the word “whale” nearly 100 times in an 80-minute class, “write” or “writing” less than a dozen, and “memoir” not at all. I am firmly pro-whale but geez. The post the lack of turtles, the would-be librarian, and other people who didn’t realize they don’t want THIS job appeared first on Ask a Manager. 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Use of costly missiles and air defence interceptors raises alarm about US readiness for other conflicts View the full article

Many commentators have called March’s California jury verdict, finding Meta and Google liable for designing addictive platforms that harm children, social media’s “big tobacco moment.” The comparison is apt, but not quite in the way most people mean it. The tobacco litigation story is usually told triumphantly, with a malicious industry that was held accountable, victims that were vindicated, and a dangerous product that is now regulated. What that story leaves out is directly relevant to what happens next with social media. The tobacco litigation succeeded not because cigarettes were addictive, but because the industry had committed fraud. For decades, tobacco companies knew about nicotine’s addictive properties and the link between smoking and cancer and they actively concealed that knowledge. The lawsuits that worked were the ones that went after the concealment directly. But once that concealment was exposed and disclosure became mandatory, the personal responsibility narrative reasserted itself: adults who smoke know the risks, and they choose to smoke regardless. The processed food industry traced an almost identical arc. In the 1970s, consumer advocates petitioned the Federal Trade Commission to restrict advertising of junk foods to children. The industry fought back hard. A Washington Post editorial called the proposal a measure to “shield children from their parents’ weaknesses.” Decades later, a bill formally protecting fast food companies from obesity lawsuits passed the House. It stalled in the Senate, but the industry managed to pass similar laws in states across the country. The message was that obesity was a matter of willpower. Despite well-documented socio-environmental determinants of diet, the personal responsibility narrative stuck. Last month’s verdict is being hailed as a break in that pattern, but I am not convinced it is. The pattern across tobacco and processed food suggests a predictable trajectory for social media. Meta’s internal research documenting harms to teenage girls, which were suppressed then exposed, was its big tobacco moment. The litigation that followed reflects that reckoning. But as the story of tobacco and processed food demonstrated, after exposure come disclosure and warnings, and, above all, a reassertion of personal responsibility. The underlying product remains as it was. The fixes already being floated around the social media’s verdict follow that pattern exactly. Age verification, parental controls, push notification settings, and various disclosures all place the burden of protection on individual users (or their parents), while leaving the design choices a jury just found unreasonably dangerous exactly where they are. It all goes back to the notice-and-consent model, the idea that informed individuals can and should manage their own exposure to harm. This framework, which has dominated American consumer protection law for decades, works well for industries that want to avoid liability without changing their business models. It works less well for the people it’s supposed to protect, who are being asked to fend for themselves against platforms that were engineered—by very smart people with very large budgets—to be hard to put down. The obvious counterargument is that redesigning these platforms would hurt everyone to help a subset of users who are harmed. But this objection conflates the product with its most harmful features. Nobody needs an algorithmically optimized push notification to stay in touch with their friends, and the engagement systems calibrated to keep people scrolling past the point they want to stop are not what makes social media valuable. Stripping out such features does not equal destroying the product. It’s more like what happened when manufacturers took lead out of paint. The paint still worked well. It just stopped poisoning people. The distinction between a product and its harmful features is the same distinction on which product liability law is built. Product liability has long distinguished between two kinds of defects. A warning defect means the product is dangerous, but a good label could make it safe enough. A design defect means the product itself is unreasonably dangerous, and no label will cure that. A jury just decided these platforms fall into the second category. The legally honest response to that finding should not be a better warning, but a safer product. Last week’s verdict cracked that door open. The question now is whether courts, regulators, and legislators have the appetite to walk through it, or whether, as happened with tobacco and processed food, we will settle for warning labels and call it reform. View the full article

Sculpture presides over Cadillac Championship’s return to president’s Miami resort after decade-long absenceView the full article

Nashville is set to become a pivotal hub for autonomous vehicle (AV) technology as Lyft, in partnership with Waymo, embarks on a groundbreaking initiative. This fall, Flexdrive by Lyft will launch its largest autonomous vehicle facility, covering an expansive 80,000 square feet specifically designed to maintain and charge Waymo’s AVs at scale. This moves raises intriguing possibilities for small business owners who might seek to leverage this cutting-edge technology. Lyft has spent over a decade cultivating its expertise in fleet management, starting with its first facility in Atlanta back in 2016. Today, the company manages approximately 15,000 vehicles across 24 locations in North America. “Nashville isn’t where we’re learning how to do this. Nashville is where we’re proving what we already know how to do,” emphasized Lyft, showcasing its commitment to deploying sophisticated AV technology in a city ready for transformation. Small business owners may find multiple benefits arising from this initiative. With a dedicated depot for AVs crafted from the ground up, Lyft aims to optimize operational efficiency—ensuring quick service with minimized downtime for vehicles. A robust EV charging infrastructure will accommodate hundreds of autonomous vehicles, translating into faster response times for rideshare services, ultimately improving accessibility for customers. For businesses that rely on timely transportation—like restaurants and retail stores—this could mean enhanced delivery options, potentially expanding their customer base by offering quicker services. The growth spurred by this facility doesn’t stop at technological advancements. “This year alone, we’re standing up more than 70 new full-time positions in the Nashville area—technicians, operations managers, fleet coordinators, maintenance specialists—stable, skilled roles at the frontier of transportation technology,” noted Lyft. An influx of job opportunities means that local businesses could also benefit from a more skilled workforce that understands both technology and customer service, improving overall service across the sector. The hybrid model of having both Lyft drivers and AVs coexist offers another layer of innovation. This dual approach allows for maximized utilization and availability of rides, making it easier for local businesses to meet customer demands. Lyft drivers, many of whom were previously part of the workforce, continue to earn while adapting to the emerging AV landscape. This adjustment may resonate positively with small business owners who are invested in ensuring quality service while keeping operational costs down. However, the rollout of autonomous vehicles comes with its own set of challenges. Managing such a complex fleet requires specialized maintenance and technical know-how, factors small business owners should consider. As Jonathan, the facility’s first operations lead and a former Lyft driver, points out, “Operating autonomous vehicles isn’t like managing a traditional fleet.” For small businesses hoping to integrate AVs into their operational models, understanding the technicalities and maintaining the vehicles becomes crucial. There is also the question of new regulatory measures and public acceptance that could impact the adoption of AV technology. Businesses may also need to consider the initial investment in tech infrastructure to fully utilize AV services, which can be a considerable hurdle. Some industry experts have flagged potential liability concerns surrounding AVs and the nuances of insurance coverage. Small businesses that choose to partner with AV companies may need to revisit their insurance policies to address these new complexities. By doing so, they can mitigate any unforeseen costs while capitalizing on the efficacy of the new transportation model. As Lyft and Waymo prepare for the grand opening of their facility in Nashville, the implications for the local economy and small business landscape are significant. From enhanced logistical capabilities to increased job opportunities, there exists a compelling case for small business owners to explore partnerships and leverage technological advancements in their own operations. The road ahead is exciting, raised to new heights by the confluence of human and automated services, promising to redefine how cities—and businesses—move. For more information about this initiative, you can read the original announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Lyft Breaks Ground on Major Autonomous Vehicle Hub in Nashville" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Nashville is set to become a pivotal hub for autonomous vehicle (AV) technology as Lyft, in partnership with Waymo, embarks on a groundbreaking initiative. This fall, Flexdrive by Lyft will launch its largest autonomous vehicle facility, covering an expansive 80,000 square feet specifically designed to maintain and charge Waymo’s AVs at scale. This moves raises intriguing possibilities for small business owners who might seek to leverage this cutting-edge technology. Lyft has spent over a decade cultivating its expertise in fleet management, starting with its first facility in Atlanta back in 2016. Today, the company manages approximately 15,000 vehicles across 24 locations in North America. “Nashville isn’t where we’re learning how to do this. Nashville is where we’re proving what we already know how to do,” emphasized Lyft, showcasing its commitment to deploying sophisticated AV technology in a city ready for transformation. Small business owners may find multiple benefits arising from this initiative. With a dedicated depot for AVs crafted from the ground up, Lyft aims to optimize operational efficiency—ensuring quick service with minimized downtime for vehicles. A robust EV charging infrastructure will accommodate hundreds of autonomous vehicles, translating into faster response times for rideshare services, ultimately improving accessibility for customers. For businesses that rely on timely transportation—like restaurants and retail stores—this could mean enhanced delivery options, potentially expanding their customer base by offering quicker services. The growth spurred by this facility doesn’t stop at technological advancements. “This year alone, we’re standing up more than 70 new full-time positions in the Nashville area—technicians, operations managers, fleet coordinators, maintenance specialists—stable, skilled roles at the frontier of transportation technology,” noted Lyft. An influx of job opportunities means that local businesses could also benefit from a more skilled workforce that understands both technology and customer service, improving overall service across the sector. The hybrid model of having both Lyft drivers and AVs coexist offers another layer of innovation. This dual approach allows for maximized utilization and availability of rides, making it easier for local businesses to meet customer demands. Lyft drivers, many of whom were previously part of the workforce, continue to earn while adapting to the emerging AV landscape. This adjustment may resonate positively with small business owners who are invested in ensuring quality service while keeping operational costs down. However, the rollout of autonomous vehicles comes with its own set of challenges. Managing such a complex fleet requires specialized maintenance and technical know-how, factors small business owners should consider. As Jonathan, the facility’s first operations lead and a former Lyft driver, points out, “Operating autonomous vehicles isn’t like managing a traditional fleet.” For small businesses hoping to integrate AVs into their operational models, understanding the technicalities and maintaining the vehicles becomes crucial. There is also the question of new regulatory measures and public acceptance that could impact the adoption of AV technology. Businesses may also need to consider the initial investment in tech infrastructure to fully utilize AV services, which can be a considerable hurdle. Some industry experts have flagged potential liability concerns surrounding AVs and the nuances of insurance coverage. Small businesses that choose to partner with AV companies may need to revisit their insurance policies to address these new complexities. By doing so, they can mitigate any unforeseen costs while capitalizing on the efficacy of the new transportation model. As Lyft and Waymo prepare for the grand opening of their facility in Nashville, the implications for the local economy and small business landscape are significant. From enhanced logistical capabilities to increased job opportunities, there exists a compelling case for small business owners to explore partnerships and leverage technological advancements in their own operations. The road ahead is exciting, raised to new heights by the confluence of human and automated services, promising to redefine how cities—and businesses—move. For more information about this initiative, you can read the original announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Lyft Breaks Ground on Major Autonomous Vehicle Hub in Nashville" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Taylor Swift recently filed a series of trademark applications designed to protect the star from AI-enabled impersonations. Swift already holds a wide array of trademarks, but these latest filings, at least one intellectual property firm suggests, serve a new purpose: protecting the timbre and character of her voice itself through what is known as a “sound mark.” In two recent filings, posted April 24 by Swift’s company, the celebrity applied to trademark two recordings. In one, she says, “Hey, it’s Taylor,” and in the other, “Hey, it’s Taylor Swift.” The recordings themselves are not particularly novel, but that is likely beside the point. “The concept of protecting sound as a trademark is not new, though it remains relatively rare,” wrote Josh Gerben, the Gerben IP attorney who spotted the trademarks on the law firm’s website. “Historically, singers relied on copyright law to protect their recorded music. But AI technologies now allow users to generate entirely new content that mimics an artist’s voice without copying an existing recording, creating a gap that trademarks may help fill.” Gerben added that, in theory, if an AI-generated imitation of Swift’s voice became the subject of litigation, she could argue that uses resembling her registered vocal trademarks infringe on her intellectual property rights. Gerben surmises that the goal is to protect the sound of Taylor Swift’s voice much like NBC protects its signature chimes. The strategy, which Matthew McConaughey has also pursued, reflects a novel approach for the AI age, though it remains untested in court. Celebrities are among those most vulnerable to AI-enabled impersonations and broader unauthorized uses of their likenesses. While top artists and actors already face an enduring, whack-a-mole-style battle against fakes, the latest generation of AI models has made producing these imitations unnervingly easy and scalable. For similar reasons, celebrities, particularly women, are frequently targeted by deepfake operations that use their faces and bodies in nonconsensual pornographic imagery. Swift herself has been subjected to such campaigns, including in early 2024, when illicit AI-generated images of her spread widely on platforms like 4chan. In response, and for better or for worse, celebrities are racing to install guardrails of the AI age—or at least, trying to figure out how to build them. Swift’s attempt to protect herself from AI via sound marks is only the latest example. In 2024, OpenAI paused the rollout of a ChatGPT voice that closely resembled Scarlett Johansson’s—and, in an especially recursive twist, her performance as the chatbot in Her—after Johansson publicly criticized the company for allegedly imitating her voice. (OpenAI has said it used a different actor for the feature.) In another example, the family of Martin Luther King Jr. pressured OpenAI to remove likenesses of the civil rights leader from its video generation platform, Sora, before it was shut down. And, no doubt under pressure from talent agencies, YouTube recently said that it would expand its deepfake detection service to Hollywood, and celebrities will now have the option to request that certain videos featuring AI generations of them be. “With support from leading talent agencies and management companies, including CAA, UTA, WME, and Untitled Management, we’ve worked to refine how likeness detection can best serve talent,” the platform said in a statement. “We’re excited that celebrities and entertainers are now eligible to access this tool, regardless of whether they have a YouTube channel.” In a market where appearance and likeness are everything, AI presents, at minimum, a new annoyance for artists seeking control, including financial control, over how their face and voice are used. That tension will likely continue to frustrate celebrities. Last year, more than 400 Hollywood leaders wrote to OpenAI and Google opposing the use of copyrighted work to train models without permission. It’s notable that celebrities are pushing for protections against some of AI’s most noxious abuses. What remains unclear is whether those protections will extend to the rest of us, who also face the growing risk of digital impersonation, or simply allow the Hollywood elite to opt out of a new internet increasingly stuffed with endless uncanny mimicry. View the full article

Decision draws biggest dissent since 1992 as Jay Powell’s term as chair draws to a close View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. While softness—and even outright weakness—remains in parts of Florida’s housing market, the intensity of the downturn in Florida has eased somewhat in recent months. While the ResiClub team is huge fans of looking at year-over-year shifts in home prices—especially when using an index that helps account for mix shift—the truth is that year-over-year changes are also slightly lagging. One way to get ahead of year-over-year home price shifts is by looking at seasonally adjusted month-over-month home price shifts as measured by the Zillow Home Value Index. When looking at seasonally adjusted month-over-month home price shifts across Florida metro and micro areas, you’ll see that over the past seven months the intensity of Florida’s home price correction has eased. Some Florida metros—in particular in the Florida Panhandle and parts of Northern Florida—are even back to seeing mildly positive seasonally adjusted month-over-month home price gains. And the places that are still seeing seasonally adjusted month-over-month home price declines, such as Punta Gorda and Cape Coral, are experiencing much smaller seasonally adjusted month-over-month declines than they were seven months ago. Pulling from the ResiClub Terminal, the chart below shows the seasonally adjusted month-over-month home price change between February 2026 and March 2026. A year ago, there was much more red. The chart below shows the seasonally adjusted month-over-month home price change between February 2025 and March 2025. While Florida housing markets are far from “strong” right now, you can see in the table below that the intensity of the correction in Florida has been easing over the past seven months. The ResiClub team will continue to keep an eye on it. Why is the intensity of the recalibration/correction easing in many Florida housing markets? As Florida home prices have softened—and, in some pockets of the Sunshine State, experienced material corrections—overvaluation has come down and fundamentals have been healing across many markets in the state. As that has occurred, coupled with some builders slowing spec construction, the correction in Florida has lost some momentum over the past year. Additionally, some sellers who aren’t in financial distress have seen enough declines and are attempting to wait out the weakness. Many markets in the state—including Punta Gorda, where home prices spiked +70.1% between March 2020 and August 2022—need a period of some mean reversion. Fast-forward to the end of March 2026, and home prices in the Punta Gorda, FL metro area are down -23.9% since June 2022—and now home prices in that market are up just +29.4% above March 2020 levels. Why did Florida have more downside risk this cycle? Florida’s particularly intense overheating during the Pandemic Housing Boom is the key reason for its post-boom downside pricing vulnerability. While U.S. home prices rose +41% between March 2020 and June 2022, Florida home prices surged +51% over the same period—leaving some parts of the state significantly overvalued. Only, it takes a large enough shift in the supply-demand equilibrium for that vulnerability to manifest into falling prices. Of course, over the past three years, 5 factors have come together to create a supply-demand equilibrium shift large enough to reveal some of that downside risk and push certain pockets of Florida into post-Pandemic Housing Boom corrections. The Pandemic Housing Boom’s migration surge to Florida has fizzled out: Indeed, Florida saw net domestic migration of +23K in 2025, compared to +314K in 2022. Without that larger influx of deep-pocketed buyers from up North, Florida home prices have had to rely more on local incomes. Surfside condo fallout: Following the Surfside condo collapse in June 2021, which killed 98 people, Florida passed new structural safety rules, requiring more inspections and additional funds for repairs to be set aside by the end of 2024. That has led to Florida HOAs issuing sky-high special assessments and monthly HOA fee increases to cover these costs. This has had a greater impact on older coastal Florida condo buildings. Hurricane Ian spurred a greater SWFL softening: Markets like Cape Coral and Punta Gorda, which were hard-hit by Hurricane Ian in September 2022, saw thousands of damaged homes, and the subsequent need for renovations. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Hurricane Ian caused an estimated $112.9 billion worth of total damage, making Ian the third-costliest U.S. hurricane on record. That event helped create additional softening in SWFL. Supply elasticity: Unlike many housing markets in the Northeast and Midwest, Florida has a higher level of homebuilding, build-to-rent, multifamily construction. As that new supply entered the market in the post-Pandemic Housing Boom affordability-strained environment, builders used bigger affordability adjustments—such as mortgage rate buydowns and rental incentives—where needed to move it. That helped cool the Florida resale market further by drawing buyers who might have otherwise purchased existing homes toward new construction. As a result, this put additional upward pressure on Florida’s resale inventory after the Pandemic Housing Boom ended. Home insurance shocks: Over the past three years, the median annual U.S. home insurance premium has jumped around 30%, but Florida homeowners have been hit even harder. The surge in Florida home insurance rates is partly driven by rising replacement costs—home prices and construction costs soared during the boom—and partly by increased hurricane risks and insurance payouts. Florida’s sharp rise in insurance costs, combined with one of the biggest home price increases during the Pandemic Housing Boom, has led to one of the biggest housing affordability deteriorations. Where in Florida can homebuyers find the biggest home price declines from peak? Southwest Florida still has the most ZIP Codes where home prices are at least -15% below their 2022 peak. Some homes across Southwest Florida—particularly condos or homes built near new-home developments—have seen $100,000 declines in value since the Pandemic Housing Boom fizzled out. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. No matter how new or how well-built, every house needs work or maintenance on a regular basis. You can pay professionals to do it all, of course, but if you’re looking to save a little money (or just want to learn and be in control of your home maintenance fate), there are plenty of home repair jobs that can be DIY’d. If you’re a beginner who’s just getting started on DIY maintenance and repair, however, you should watch out for some easy and common mistakes inexperienced DIYers make. While some of these mistakes will be obvious the moment you make them, it’s also easy to get through an entire project and experience superficial success, only to see that success slowly fade into failure because you’ve made a simple error. If you go into your next project with these easy DIY mistakes in mind, however, you can avoid a lot of problems. Over-tightening is never a good idea One of the most common mistakes beginner DIYers make is to assume that if tight is good, extra tight is better. This is especially true for plumbing jobs. We all fear water leaks and how easily they can destroy whole sections of your house, so it seems to make sense that when you’ve replaced the trap under your sink or swapped in a new drain or faucet, you should tighten those connections as much as you can. But over-tightening any connection, bolt, or screw can lead to disaster because it can cause small, subtle cracks that lead to failures and leaks that may not become evident until days or weeks later. Additionally, tightening things until your eyes pop out of your head usually means that trying to remove that fitting or bolt later will be almost impossible. If you want to be kind to Future You (or the next person to own your home), avoid over-tightening. A good rule of thumb is to tighten plumbing until it’s watertight, then stop, and to tighten screws and bolts only as much as necessary to get the job done. Caulking an empty tub will cause your job to fail fasterRe-caulking a bathroom every few years is a very good idea. Caulk isn’t forever, and even a tiny failure can allow damaging moisture to invade your walls and floors. And caulking is a DIY job almost everyone can do to an acceptable standard. But if you’re recaulking a tub, the easiest mistake to make is to do it dry. That’s because water has mass. A gallon of water weighs about 8.34 pounds, and standard bathtubs hold anywhere from 80 to 100 gallons or more. When full, a tub will sink slightly, so if you caulked when it was empty, it will immediately strain and stretch the caulk, and your caulking job will fail pretty fast. Always caulk with a full tub. Forgetting to shut off the power or water can lead to costly (or deadly) accidentsIf your goal is to destroy your house and possibly yourself, then you should definitely dive into a DIY project without bothering to locate and turn off the water and electrical supply to the areas you’ll be working on. Not only can one wrong turn of the wrench on a pipe send a torrent of water coursing into your house, but working with any exposed wiring that hasn’t been confirmed to be cold is just foolhardy. Turning off the water and power to the areas you’ll be messing with might seem like an unnecessary complication for a small, quick job, but if your hand slips or a component fails, you’ll be very glad you took the time. Not testing your equipment first can lead to problems laterWhen we buy tools, we assume they're going to work. And they usually do! But when that tool is crucial to the success of your DIY project, you should verify that it works as expected before you rely on it to be both accurate and safe to use. Stud finders, voltage testers, digital tape measures—any tool that measures or detects should be tested for accuracy by using it somewhere you know what the result should be (e.g., a working power outlet for a voltage tester) and/or comparing it to another tool or source (e.g., a physical tape measure or an object with a verified length). Otherwise, you could be working with inaccurate or incomplete information without realizing it. Forgetting your saw's kerf is the fastest way to mess up a precise cutIf you’ve never heard the term "kerf," you’re not alone—few DIYers likely have. The kerf is the width of the cut your saw blade makes, in addition to whatever cut you've measured. This can be crucial, because that material is deleted from the wood you’re working with (transformed into sawdust)—and that means your cuts can end up wider or narrower than intended. For example, let’s say you have a board that’s a little more than 3 inches long (76.2 millimeters), and you’re using a standard circular saw blade that’s about 3mm thick. If you cut that board in half and push the two sides together, your board is now only about 73mm wide. The blade ate up and spat out 3mm of wood when you cut. If you score a straight line on that board to cut, say, one inch off, where you position the blade will make a small but potentially impactful difference—you want to position it on the other side from the piece you’ll be using, so the kerf isn’t part of the measurement. Otherwise, your cut will be just slightly too small. This doesn’t matter in some projects—but if accuracy is a concern, keep the kerf in mind. Skipping checking to make sure you aren't drilling into pipes or wiring can cost youYou’re about to hang some shelving on the wall. You’ve measured twice, you have your screws and anchors. You double-check the bit size in the drill, and start drilling away. Moments later, water starts pouring out of your drill hole, or there’s a spark, and your lights go off. Congrats! You just drilled into a pipe or electrical wiring inside the wall. Assuming you’re still alive, you have a mess to clean up. A wall scanner is an indispensable tool whenever you’re going to drill into a wall. It can detect live wires and plumbing, giving you a warning before you drill into disaster. If the wiring and plumbing were done correctly, there should be metal stud guards in place, so if you encounter unexpected resistance when drilling into the wall, it’s best to assume you’re aimed right at something vital and hitting the guard that's in place to prevent disaster. In other words, don’t consider it a challenge to drill through whatever’s slowing you down. Back out, take a breath, and investigate. Skipping the "cleaning" step before you paint can ruin everythingYou’re in a groove—sanding, cutting, demo-ing, and making progress. Everything looks good, so you start to paint. And your paint job looks awful. It’s bumpy and it might even start peeling immediately. Why? Because you didn’t clean first. All that sawdust and drywall dust and tile dust has settled like a film on every surface, including the vertical surfaces of your walls, where it can be impossible to see. When you paint over dust like that, it will look terrible (at best) and fail to adhere properly (at worst). Always vacuum and wipe down every surface before you move to the finishing stages of your project. Relying too much on painter's tape can lead to sloppy resultsThe most common mistake first-time painters make is believing that painter’s tape is a magical material that results in crisp, perfect lines every time. Painter’s tape is useful stuff, and it can certainly help you get a clean line and protect areas from accidental paint. (One trick for cleaner lines is to place your tape, then paint over the edge of the tape with the color beneath it, creating a seal. Let that edge coat dry, then paint using the new color. Remove the tape before the paint cures, and you’ll have a crisp border.) But painter’s tape is not magic, and you still need to use proper painting technique if you want truly clean lines. That means learning how to use a cut brush properly, taking your time even if you’ve taped everything off, and not overloading your brush with paint. Even the best painter’s tape can let paint bleed through if you’re smearing too much on. Inaccurate plate cutouts will make installing outlets and switches doubly difficultWhen hanging drywall or tile DIY, making cuts for light switches and power receptacles can be a challenge. Aside from positioning them correctly, which can be a frustrating experience if you’re inexperienced (you will waste so, so many tiles, trust me), the big mistake people make is not cutting them to the correct size. Too small, and you won’t be able to fit the outlet or receptacle into the box or attach the wall plate properly. Too big, and you’ll either have to cut a new tile or piece of drywall or buy a jumbo plate to cover your shame. (Full disclosure: There might be two of these in my bathroom right now). Forcing and stripping screws will stop any job in its tracksAn easy mistake newbies make when using power drills for the first time is stripping screws. The bit in your drill is harder than the head of your screw, so if things go wrong, your drill can 100% wear down your screw until there’s nothing left to grip, leaving you with a frustrating mini-project called "Using Pliers to Remove Screws." This usually happens because inexperienced DIYers just pull the trigger on their drill and go full-speed ahead. By the time they realize the bit has jumped and they’re stripping the screw, it’s too late. There are a few basic things you should do to avoid this fate: Use the right bit. Screwdriver bits come in different sizes and formats. Make sure the bit you’re using fits snugly into the screw and doesn’t float around or hover on top. Even if there’s some purchase when you turn the bit at a slow speed, an imperfect fit will pop out at high RPMs. Start slow. Don’t just jam the drill’s trigger and launch it into hyperspeed. Ease into it and increase the speed steadily. Push in as you drill to ensure the bit stays seated. Stay perpendicular. Don’t let the drill droop at an angle. You want to come at the screw perfectly straight. If you need a ladder or other tools to accomplish this, get them. If you follow those simple steps, your chances of stripping a screw go down dramatically, and your chances of a happy ending to your DIY project go up. If you have the discretion to choose your fasteners, consider using screws with different drive types, like hex or torx. These are less prone to stripping than your standard slotted or Phillips screw. "Making do" with the tools you have can go terribly wrongA common mistake newcomers to DIY home maintenance and repair make is relying on the basic tools they have on hand instead of buying, renting, or borrowing the correct tools for the job. A lot of folks have a hodgepodge of tools they picked up along the way—a hammer, some screwdrivers, and a pair of pliers, for example—and these are sufficient for taking care of minor projects when you’re renting an apartment or relying on someone else to make repairs. But it’s a huge mistake to try to make those tools work for every project. If all you have is a cheap hand saw, for example, trying to make intricate or shaped cuts will be a nightmare, when you could just acquire a decent jigsaw. Making do with what you have is a recipe for disaster. Using close-but-wrong materials really can make a huge differenceA common misconception among newbies to the joys of DIYing through a home repair or maintenance project is that materials within a given category are broadly similar and can be used interchangeably. But using, say, exterior paint on an interior job, or acrylic caulk (which isn’t waterproof) in a wet area like a shower, can ensure disastrous results, with the added fun of doing the job a second time. These materials are formulated for specific environments—exterior paint, for example, is designed to withstand exterior forces like wind and rain, and will actually degrade pretty fast on an interior application—so make sure you're using the right ones. Not documenting when you disassemble something will cause trouble down the roadIt’s a hard lesson every aspiring DIYer learns at some point: Taking stuff apart is easy. Putting it back together is hard. But the biggest mistake you can make when disassembling something for a repair job is failing to document the process. Taking photos of what it looks like before you start ripping it apart (and taking more photos as you progress) will be invaluable when you try to put it all back together, as will making notes about and labeling every fastener and piece of metal or plastic you pull out. Don’t imagine you’ll magically remember how it all goes together, or that it’ll be instinctive—often the most efficient way to engineer something is also the least obvious. The time saved by eyeballing your measurements is never worth the riskMost homes are not level. Settling and the natural cycle of expansion and contraction mean it takes just a few years for everything in even a new home to be maddeningly out of plumb. Yet every day, someone thinks they can just eyeball stuff—getting things level and measuring materials accurately—without using the proper tools. Getting level is a particularly seductive trap, because your eyes lie to you. When putting up shelves, for example, the lines of the room—where the wall meets the ceiling, for example—may look level to you, and you can maybe eyeball your way to making the shelves level with those lines. But if your walls are slightly out of plumb, then your shelves will be on a subtle slant, and everything you put on them will slide right off. Invest in a tape measure and a simple bubble level instead of trusting your foolish senses. Overworking paint can mean redoing everything Painting is one of the cheapest and easiest DIY projects you can undertake, and paint can be a surprisingly powerful renovation that makes a space feel fresh and new. Just about anyone can learn to paint walls pretty decently—all it takes is proper prep, the right tools, and a patient approach. But a common DIY mistake when painting is to overwork the paint. This can happen when you apply more fresh paint over a section that hasn’t completely dried, which results in a splotchy, uneven look, or when you use too much pressure when using a paintbrush, which results in visible stroke lines. Modern paint contains leveling agents that will coax it into a uniform sheen if left to do its work. If you think your first coat was spotty, wait for it to fully dry before applying a second coat. View the full article

Kevin Warsh's nomination to be the next chair of the Federal Reserve passed through the Senate Banking committee in a party-line vote. View the full article

In March 2026, Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey told CNBC that AI had significantly influenced his decision to step down from his post. The company needed, in his words, “someone with the energy to pursue a completely new transformation of the enterprise.” A few months earlier, Walmart’s Doug McMillon stepped aside for essentially the same reasons: he could, he said, start the next big set of AI transformations, but he couldn’t finish the job. According to McMillon, Walmart needed someone faster to lead them into the AI era and so he was passing the baton on to a new CEO. These were not failed CEOs being pushed out. Quincey had added more than ten new billion-dollar brands to the Coke stable during his tenure. McMillon had led Walmart for over a decade of sustained growth. These were successful leaders who had both concluded, independently of one another, that the AI era demanded a kind of leadership they could not provide. What Quincey and McMillon recognized is something most leadership teams have not yet begun to confront: the AI era does not just demand new technology or new strategy. It demands new approaches to leadership. To reap the benefits and avoid the potential pitfalls of AI, leaders require specific skillsets and mindsets that differ from those needed in previous eras. But there is a critical distinction between what Quincey and McMillon faced and what most organizations need to do. Both CEOs framed the challenge as a personal one — could they, as individuals, transform fast enough? An organization cannot think this way. It cannot step aside and replace itself. It has to develop the leadership it needs, systematically and at scale, or it will fail with the leadership it has. The 90-day plan that follows is designed to start that work. The 90-Day Plan Days 1–30: Assess The goal of this phase is to acquire an honest picture of where your leadership team stands. Not where they think they stand, and not where they told the board they stand — where they actually stand. 1. Understand your leadership team’s AI fluency. Run a structured assessment of every member of the senior leadership team against a defined fluency rubric. The rubric should cover foundational understanding of how AI systems work, awareness of their failure modes, command of the cost and risk implications, and ability to connect AI capability to business strategy. 2. Diagnose mindset gaps. Assess each leader against the behavioral markers of AI-ready leadership: tolerance for ambiguity, willingness to kill their own initiatives, comfort delegating to non-human systems, and bias toward experimentation. The goal is not to grade leaders—it is to surface specific behavioral patterns that will either accelerate or block transformation. 3. Map decision-making patterns. Examine the last ten significant decisions your leadership team has made. How long did each take? How much information was gathered before committing? How often were decisions revisited? How many were reversed? The pattern that emerges from your answers to these questions will tell you whether your leadership team is wired for the demands of the AI age. 4. Stress-test the CEO. The tone is set at the top. If the CEO is not personally fluent in AI, not personally using AI tools, and not personally comfortable with ambiguity and failure, the rest of the organization will not take the transformation seriously. The CEO’s own development plan must be the most rigorous of any member of the leadership team. By the end of this phase, you should have a clear and evidence-based picture of your leadership team’s AI fluency, their behavioral readiness for the demands of AI-era leadership, and the specific gaps—individual and collective—that the next phase needs to close. For a detailed analysis of the competencies that AI-era leadership requires, see AI is rewriting the CEO job description: Are you ready?. Days 31–60: Develop This phase is about building the capabilities and behaviors that the assessment revealed are missing—not through generic leadership training, but through deliberate, role-specific development tied directly to the decisions each leader is responsible for making. 1. Build individual development plans. Every member of the senior leadership team needs a written development plan tied to the gaps identified in the assessment phase. The plan should specify target capabilities, the activities that will build them, and the measurable outcomes that will demonstrate progress. Generic leadership curricula will not work. The plan must be specific to the leader and specific to the decisions their role requires them to make. 2. Put AI to work. Fluency does not come from reading about AI. It comes from using it. Every senior leader should be actively using AI tools in their daily work by Day 45—drafting texts with them, analyzing data with them, stress-testing their own strategies against them. 3. Run decision simulations. Design AI-era decision scenarios specific to your industry and your strategic priorities, then run your leadership team through them. The scenarios should force the team to confront the decisions they are currently avoiding, such as when to let an AI system make a consequential call autonomously, how to handle workforce transitions, and how to respond when a competitor deploys AI faster than you can. The point of this step is to develop judgment by exercising it under conditions that approximate the real thing. 4. Build peer learning structures. The fastest leadership learning happens in small groups of peers confronting similar challenges. Pair each senior leader with one or two others, inside or outside the organization, who are working through comparable AI decisions. These groups should meet on a defined schedule and work through real-world case examples. 5. Expose leaders to the frontier. Your leadership team must have regular, structured exposure to the state of the art—not to the state of the market, which always lags behind. That means direct engagement with AI labs, leading researchers, and organizations further along in deployment than you are. Leaders who only see what their vendors are selling them will always underestimate what is possible. 6. Realign how leaders are evaluated. If the leadership evaluation framework is unchanged from five years ago, your behavioral expectations have not actually changed. Tie a meaningful portion of leadership evaluation to AI-readiness indicators: experiments personally sponsored, fluency demonstrated in board-level discussions, talent developed in the direction the organization needs to move. By the end of this phase, every senior leader has a development plan in motion, is using AI tools directly, has been stress-tested through decision simulations, and is being evaluated against criteria that reflect what the organization actually needs from its leadership going forward. For a deeper look at the leadership capabilities that AI-augmented work demands, see 7 ways leaders must evolve to lead AI-augmented teams. Days 61–90: Embed This phase locks the changes into the operating fabric of the organization so that AI-ready leadership becomes a permanent feature rather than a one-off initiative the effects of whic fade away over time. 1. Embed AI fluency into the leadership operating cadence. Every senior leadership meeting should now include an AI component, such as discussion of a decision being tested, a capability being reviewed, or a risk being assessed. This is not a standing agenda item to be skipped when time is running tight. It should be a permanent feature of how the leadership team runs. 2. Rewire succession planning. The leaders your organization needs in three years are not the same as the ones it needed three years ago. Revisit your succession bench against AI-era criteria. Who on the bench is building AI fluency? Who is stuck? The answers will reshape how you invest in talent for the next decade. 3. Build the board’s fluency. A leadership team that is moving faster than its board will eventually slow to the board’s pace. Build a structured AI education program for the board itself. At minimum, the board should have one director with deep AI expertise, a recurring agenda item for AI strategy and risk, and a shared vocabulary that enables substantive oversight rather than surface-level review. 4. Institutionalize the feedback loop. By Day 90, you have evidence. Which development interventions changed behavior? Which leaders moved? Which did not? Use the data. Double down on what is working, and redesign what is not. 5. Confront the hard personnel calls. By this point, you are beginning to learn which members of your leadership team will make the journey and which will not. The longer you avoid the hard calls, the more expensive they become—in strategy, in culture, and in talent retention. By day 90, your leadership team will be in motion. The gaps will be diagnosed, development will be underway, and the structural changes needed to sustain both will be embedded in how the organization operates. Your leadership will be on its way to being fit for purpose for the disruptive times we live in. For strategies on sustaining transformational change without exhausting the organization, see How to beat change fatigue. Conclusion Quincey and McMillon made the right call. They recognized what the moment demanded, measured themselves against it honestly, and acted. The harder version of that challenge belongs to the organizations left behind. Organizations need to look across their entire leadership teams and make the same honest assessment, not about one person, but about everyone in the room. By Day 90, you will have the evidence needed to begin making assessments like these in an informed way. Some of what that evidence reveals will be encouraging. Some of it will require difficult decisions. The organizations that act on both will be the ones that are still leading when the next transformation arrives. View the full article

When organizations adopt AI, they often uncover something unexpected: their knowledge systems are fragmented, undocumented, and broken. Project delivery expert Mark Burnett explains what that means for project leaders — and how to design adaptive systems where AI and human leadership thrive together. The post Project delivery expert says AI is exposing broken knowledge systems inside companies appeared first on The Digital Project Manager. View the full article

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When considering business acquisition loans, it’s essential to understand the current rates, which can vary widely from 10% to 28% APR. Factors like your credit profile, the stability of your revenue, and how long your business has been operating can greatly impact these rates. With the rise in competition among lenders, you might find more favorable terms. Knowing how these elements interplay can help you navigate your options effectively. What should you focus on next? Key Takeaways Business acquisition loan rates currently range from 10% to 28% APR, depending on various factors like credit profiles and loan specifics. SBA loans offer lower rates, with variable rates between 10.00% to 13.50% and fixed rates from 12.00% to 15.00%. Equipment financing rates typically vary from 9.9% to 24% APR, while accounts receivable financing can range from 24% to 36% APR. Loan rates can fluctuate based on a borrower’s credit score, business longevity, and economic conditions, impacting overall loan accessibility. Understanding market trends and lender competition can lead to more favorable loan terms and rates for business acquisitions. Current Business Acquisition Loan Rates Overview When you’re contemplating a business acquisition, awareness of the current loan rates is vital for making informed financial decisions. Business acquisition loan rates typically range from 10% to 28% APR, influenced by the lender and the type of loan. For instance, if you opt for an SBA loan, you’ll find variable rates between 10.00% and 13.50%, whereas fixed rates can be between 12.00% and 15.00%. Equipment financing presents another option, with rates varying from 9.9% to 24% APR. Nevertheless, keep in mind that Accounts Receivable financing, often used during acquisitions, tends to carry higher rates, typically ranging from 24% to 36% APR. It’s vital to reflect that these business acquisition loan rates can fluctuate based on your credit profile, how long your business has been operating, and the overall economic environment. Grasping these rates can help you make a more strategic acquisition decision. Factors Influencing Loan Rates Comprehending the factors that influence business acquisition loan rates is essential to securing the best financing options. Several elements play a vital role in determining the rates you may encounter: Credit Profile: Higher credit scores typically lead to lower interest rates, as lenders see you as less of a risk. Business Longevity: Newer businesses often face higher interest rates because of perceived risk compared to established ones. Revenue Stability: Consistent revenue and cash flow can result in more favorable rates, signaling reliability to lenders. Collateral: Securing loans with collateral can lower your interest rates, as it reduces the lender’s risk compared to unsecured loans. Understanding these factors will empower you to negotiate better loan terms and improve your chances of securing favorable rates for your business acquisition. SBA Loan Rate Comparisons When you’re considering SBA loans, it’s important to understand the current rates and how they stack up against other options. Typically, these rates range from prime + 2.75% to prime + 6%, which can be quite competitive. Furthermore, factors like loan size and repayment terms can influence these rates, so it’s wise to analyze your situation before making a decision. Current SBA Loan Rates Comprehending current SBA loan rates is vital for anyone considering financing a business acquisition. As of November 2025, the rates vary greatly, which can impact your borrowing decision. Here’s what you need to know: Variable rates range from 10.00% to 13.50%. Fixed rates fall between 12.00% and 15.00%. The average SBA loan rate usually sits in the 11%–13% range. Rates are influenced by factors like loan size, repayment term, and the specific SBA program. SBA loans typically offer lower interest rates compared to traditional commercial loans, making them an attractive choice for small business acquisitions. Rate Comparison Analysis Grasping how SBA loan rates compare to other financing options is crucial for anyone looking to make a business acquisition. SBA loan rates typically range from prime + 2.75% to prime + 6%, amounting to roughly 11%–13% in early 2025. These rates are typically more competitive than traditional bank loans, making SBA loans attractive for financing. Furthermore, you can choose between fixed or variable interest rates; fixed rates provide stability in monthly payments. Nonetheless, keep in mind that the overall cost includes fees like the guarantee fee, which varies with loan size. As economic conditions and the prime rate fluctuate, bear in mind that SBA loan rates may change, impacting your financing affordability over time. Fixed vs. Variable Interest Rates Comprehending the differences between fixed and variable interest rates is essential for business owners seeking loans, as each option has distinct implications for budgeting and financial planning. Here’s a breakdown of both types: Fixed Interest Rates: These rates remain constant throughout the loan term, offering predictable monthly payments that simplify budgeting. Variable Interest Rates: These fluctuate based on market conditions, possibly leading to lower initial payments but may increase over time, affecting overall loan costs. Market Trends: Fixed rates are more common in small business loans, whereas variable rates can be beneficial in stable or declining markets. Risk Factor: With variable rates, you might enjoy lower costs initially, but you also face the risk of rising rates in uncertain economic times. Understanding these factors will help you assess the overall affordability and make informed financial decisions regarding your loans. Understanding Loan Fees When evaluating a business acquisition loan, comprehending the various fees involved is important to accurately assessing the total cost of borrowing. Business loan fees can greatly increase your overall expenses, including origination fees, underwriting fees, and closing costs, which typically range from 1% to 5% of the loan amount. If you’re looking at SBA loans, be aware that they include a guarantee fee based on the loan size, along with annual service fees that affect the total financing cost. Furthermore, it’s key to examine other costs, such as monthly maintenance fees for business lines of credit, which can further impact your borrowing expenses. Each loan type, whether equipment financing or accounts receivable financing, comes with its own fee structure. Consequently, it’s imperative to clarify all applicable fees before finalizing your loan agreement to avoid unexpected expenses that could strain your cash flow and repayment capacity. Strategies for Securing the Best Rates To secure the best business acquisition loan rates, it’s essential to start by strengthening your credit profile, as lenders often reward higher credit scores with lower interest rates and more favorable terms. Here are some strategies to take into account: Maintain a strong credit score: Aim for a score above 700 to access better loan options. Explore SBA loans: These often provide competitive rates, typically ranging from 10.00% to 13.50%, making them a viable choice for acquisition financing. Offer collateral: Secured loans tend to have lower interest rates, so providing collateral can greatly reduce your borrowing costs. Shop around: Compare offers from various lenders, including banks and online options, to make sure you’re getting the most favorable rates customized to your acquisition needs. Economic Impact on Loan Availability Economic conditions play a vital role in determining the availability of business acquisition loans, impacting everything from interest rates to lender confidence. When the economy is strong, you’ll likely see lower rates and easier access to financing, but during uncertain times, lending standards often tighten, making it harder to secure loans. Staying informed about economic indicators and market trends can help you align your financing strategies with current conditions, increasing your chances of obtaining favorable loan terms. Economic Indicators Influence Rates Interest rates for business acquisition loans are closely tied to various economic indicators that reflect the overall health of the economy. Comprehending these factors can help you navigate loan options effectively. Here are key indicators that influence rates: Federal Reserve Adjustments: Lower federal rates typically lead to decreased loan rates. Economic Uncertainty: Higher uncertainty can raise interest rates as lenders perceive greater risk. Market Conditions: Inflation and growth forecasts considerably affect loan availability and competitiveness. Borrower Profiles: Your credit score and business revenue not just impact your loan rates but also the overall accessibility of financing. Prime Rate Fluctuations When the prime rate changes, it can considerably affect your ability to secure a business acquisition loan. Currently at 7%, the prime rate serves as a benchmark for various loan products, influencing interest rates on business loans. When the Federal Reserve adjusts the federal rate, fluctuations in the prime rate often lead to changes in business loan rates, impacting your overall borrowing costs. Typically, a decrease in the prime rate results in lower interest rates, making it easier for you to access funds for acquisitions. On the other hand, economic conditions like inflation and market stability likewise play an important role in determining the prime rate, directly influencing the availability of loans. Monitoring these trends is vital for comprehending loan affordability and terms. Market Trends and Demand As demand for business acquisition loans rises, the environment of lending is shifting considerably. Favorable SBA loan rates between 10.00-15.00% encourage small businesses to pursue growth, but economic uncertainty does tighten lending criteria. Here’s what you need to know: Average interest rates for business term loans range from 10-28% APR, affecting your access to capital. Increased competition among lenders is resulting in more flexible terms and competitive rates. Businesses with strong revenue and cash flow profiles are likelier to secure better financing options. Economic fluctuations in the prime rate are influencing lenders’ willingness to extend credit. Staying informed about these trends helps you navigate the current lending environment effectively. Resources for Business Acquisition Financing Finding the right resources for business acquisition financing can greatly impact your success in purchasing a business. One reliable option is LendingClub, which specializes in customized solutions for business acquisition financing. Their experienced relationship managers assist you throughout the financing process, ensuring a smooth shift. When considering loans, keep in mind that competitive interest rates depend on your credit profile and the loan amount. Additionally, explore resources like SBA loans, which often offer lower down payments and flexible terms, making them attractive for many buyers. It’s essential to evaluate customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the credibility and service quality of potential lenders. This research can help you make an informed decision, ensuring you choose a financing option that aligns with your needs. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Business Loan Interest Rate Today? You’ll find that business loan interest rates today vary considerably based on multiple factors. Typically, they range from around 10% to 28% APR, depending on the lender and the specific type of loan. For example, SBA loans often have fixed rates between 12% and 15%. Moreover, your credit profile, the revenue of your business, and current economic conditions can all influence the rates you might receive. Always compare options carefully. What Is the 20% Rule for SBA? The 20% Rule for SBA loans mandates that any owner with at least 20% ownership must personally guarantee the loan. This requirement holds significant stakeholders accountable for repayment, thereby reducing the lender’s risk. If you’re a business owner, understand that this personal guarantee can impact your credit score, linking your personal finances to the business loan. This rule applies to all SBA loan programs, including 7(a) and 504 loans, so consider it carefully when seeking financing. What Are SBA Loan Rates Right Now? Right now, SBA loan rates vary, typically ranging from a variable 10.00% to 13.50% and a fixed 12.00% to 15.00%, depending on the specific program and loan amount. These rates are influenced by the prime rate, which can change based on economic conditions. If you’re considering an SBA loan, it’s essential to stay updated on these trends, as they directly affect your borrowing costs and overall financial planning. What Is the Current Interest Rate for a Small Business Loan of $25,000? The current interest rate for a small business loan of $25,000 typically ranges from 10% to 28% APR. Factors like your credit score, business duration, and revenue play significant roles in determining the exact rate you’ll receive. For example, at a 10% interest rate over five years, your monthly payment would be around $532. Exploring options like SBA loans can provide more competitive rates, often between 10.00% and 13.50%. Conclusion In summary, comprehending current business acquisition loan rates is crucial for making informed financial decisions. With rates ranging from 10% to 28% APR and various influences like credit profiles and competition among lenders, it’s important to explore your options. By comparing SBA loans and considering fixed versus variable rates, you can find the best fit for your business needs. Staying informed about fees and market conditions will further improve your chances of securing favorable financing. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "Current Business Acquisition Loan Rates" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When considering business acquisition loans, it’s essential to understand the current rates, which can vary widely from 10% to 28% APR. Factors like your credit profile, the stability of your revenue, and how long your business has been operating can greatly impact these rates. With the rise in competition among lenders, you might find more favorable terms. Knowing how these elements interplay can help you navigate your options effectively. What should you focus on next? Key Takeaways Business acquisition loan rates currently range from 10% to 28% APR, depending on various factors like credit profiles and loan specifics. SBA loans offer lower rates, with variable rates between 10.00% to 13.50% and fixed rates from 12.00% to 15.00%. Equipment financing rates typically vary from 9.9% to 24% APR, while accounts receivable financing can range from 24% to 36% APR. Loan rates can fluctuate based on a borrower’s credit score, business longevity, and economic conditions, impacting overall loan accessibility. Understanding market trends and lender competition can lead to more favorable loan terms and rates for business acquisitions. Current Business Acquisition Loan Rates Overview When you’re contemplating a business acquisition, awareness of the current loan rates is vital for making informed financial decisions. Business acquisition loan rates typically range from 10% to 28% APR, influenced by the lender and the type of loan. For instance, if you opt for an SBA loan, you’ll find variable rates between 10.00% and 13.50%, whereas fixed rates can be between 12.00% and 15.00%. Equipment financing presents another option, with rates varying from 9.9% to 24% APR. Nevertheless, keep in mind that Accounts Receivable financing, often used during acquisitions, tends to carry higher rates, typically ranging from 24% to 36% APR. It’s vital to reflect that these business acquisition loan rates can fluctuate based on your credit profile, how long your business has been operating, and the overall economic environment. Grasping these rates can help you make a more strategic acquisition decision. Factors Influencing Loan Rates Comprehending the factors that influence business acquisition loan rates is essential to securing the best financing options. Several elements play a vital role in determining the rates you may encounter: Credit Profile: Higher credit scores typically lead to lower interest rates, as lenders see you as less of a risk. Business Longevity: Newer businesses often face higher interest rates because of perceived risk compared to established ones. Revenue Stability: Consistent revenue and cash flow can result in more favorable rates, signaling reliability to lenders. Collateral: Securing loans with collateral can lower your interest rates, as it reduces the lender’s risk compared to unsecured loans. Understanding these factors will empower you to negotiate better loan terms and improve your chances of securing favorable rates for your business acquisition. SBA Loan Rate Comparisons When you’re considering SBA loans, it’s important to understand the current rates and how they stack up against other options. Typically, these rates range from prime + 2.75% to prime + 6%, which can be quite competitive. Furthermore, factors like loan size and repayment terms can influence these rates, so it’s wise to analyze your situation before making a decision. Current SBA Loan Rates Comprehending current SBA loan rates is vital for anyone considering financing a business acquisition. As of November 2025, the rates vary greatly, which can impact your borrowing decision. Here’s what you need to know: Variable rates range from 10.00% to 13.50%. Fixed rates fall between 12.00% and 15.00%. The average SBA loan rate usually sits in the 11%–13% range. Rates are influenced by factors like loan size, repayment term, and the specific SBA program. SBA loans typically offer lower interest rates compared to traditional commercial loans, making them an attractive choice for small business acquisitions. Rate Comparison Analysis Grasping how SBA loan rates compare to other financing options is crucial for anyone looking to make a business acquisition. SBA loan rates typically range from prime + 2.75% to prime + 6%, amounting to roughly 11%–13% in early 2025. These rates are typically more competitive than traditional bank loans, making SBA loans attractive for financing. Furthermore, you can choose between fixed or variable interest rates; fixed rates provide stability in monthly payments. Nonetheless, keep in mind that the overall cost includes fees like the guarantee fee, which varies with loan size. As economic conditions and the prime rate fluctuate, bear in mind that SBA loan rates may change, impacting your financing affordability over time. Fixed vs. Variable Interest Rates Comprehending the differences between fixed and variable interest rates is essential for business owners seeking loans, as each option has distinct implications for budgeting and financial planning. Here’s a breakdown of both types: Fixed Interest Rates: These rates remain constant throughout the loan term, offering predictable monthly payments that simplify budgeting. Variable Interest Rates: These fluctuate based on market conditions, possibly leading to lower initial payments but may increase over time, affecting overall loan costs. Market Trends: Fixed rates are more common in small business loans, whereas variable rates can be beneficial in stable or declining markets. Risk Factor: With variable rates, you might enjoy lower costs initially, but you also face the risk of rising rates in uncertain economic times. Understanding these factors will help you assess the overall affordability and make informed financial decisions regarding your loans. Understanding Loan Fees When evaluating a business acquisition loan, comprehending the various fees involved is important to accurately assessing the total cost of borrowing. Business loan fees can greatly increase your overall expenses, including origination fees, underwriting fees, and closing costs, which typically range from 1% to 5% of the loan amount. If you’re looking at SBA loans, be aware that they include a guarantee fee based on the loan size, along with annual service fees that affect the total financing cost. Furthermore, it’s key to examine other costs, such as monthly maintenance fees for business lines of credit, which can further impact your borrowing expenses. Each loan type, whether equipment financing or accounts receivable financing, comes with its own fee structure. Consequently, it’s imperative to clarify all applicable fees before finalizing your loan agreement to avoid unexpected expenses that could strain your cash flow and repayment capacity. Strategies for Securing the Best Rates To secure the best business acquisition loan rates, it’s essential to start by strengthening your credit profile, as lenders often reward higher credit scores with lower interest rates and more favorable terms. Here are some strategies to take into account: Maintain a strong credit score: Aim for a score above 700 to access better loan options. Explore SBA loans: These often provide competitive rates, typically ranging from 10.00% to 13.50%, making them a viable choice for acquisition financing. Offer collateral: Secured loans tend to have lower interest rates, so providing collateral can greatly reduce your borrowing costs. Shop around: Compare offers from various lenders, including banks and online options, to make sure you’re getting the most favorable rates customized to your acquisition needs. Economic Impact on Loan Availability Economic conditions play a vital role in determining the availability of business acquisition loans, impacting everything from interest rates to lender confidence. When the economy is strong, you’ll likely see lower rates and easier access to financing, but during uncertain times, lending standards often tighten, making it harder to secure loans. Staying informed about economic indicators and market trends can help you align your financing strategies with current conditions, increasing your chances of obtaining favorable loan terms. Economic Indicators Influence Rates Interest rates for business acquisition loans are closely tied to various economic indicators that reflect the overall health of the economy. Comprehending these factors can help you navigate loan options effectively. Here are key indicators that influence rates: Federal Reserve Adjustments: Lower federal rates typically lead to decreased loan rates. Economic Uncertainty: Higher uncertainty can raise interest rates as lenders perceive greater risk. Market Conditions: Inflation and growth forecasts considerably affect loan availability and competitiveness. Borrower Profiles: Your credit score and business revenue not just impact your loan rates but also the overall accessibility of financing. Prime Rate Fluctuations When the prime rate changes, it can considerably affect your ability to secure a business acquisition loan. Currently at 7%, the prime rate serves as a benchmark for various loan products, influencing interest rates on business loans. When the Federal Reserve adjusts the federal rate, fluctuations in the prime rate often lead to changes in business loan rates, impacting your overall borrowing costs. Typically, a decrease in the prime rate results in lower interest rates, making it easier for you to access funds for acquisitions. On the other hand, economic conditions like inflation and market stability likewise play an important role in determining the prime rate, directly influencing the availability of loans. Monitoring these trends is vital for comprehending loan affordability and terms. Market Trends and Demand As demand for business acquisition loans rises, the environment of lending is shifting considerably. Favorable SBA loan rates between 10.00-15.00% encourage small businesses to pursue growth, but economic uncertainty does tighten lending criteria. Here’s what you need to know: Average interest rates for business term loans range from 10-28% APR, affecting your access to capital. Increased competition among lenders is resulting in more flexible terms and competitive rates. Businesses with strong revenue and cash flow profiles are likelier to secure better financing options. Economic fluctuations in the prime rate are influencing lenders’ willingness to extend credit. Staying informed about these trends helps you navigate the current lending environment effectively. Resources for Business Acquisition Financing Finding the right resources for business acquisition financing can greatly impact your success in purchasing a business. One reliable option is LendingClub, which specializes in customized solutions for business acquisition financing. Their experienced relationship managers assist you throughout the financing process, ensuring a smooth shift. When considering loans, keep in mind that competitive interest rates depend on your credit profile and the loan amount. Additionally, explore resources like SBA loans, which often offer lower down payments and flexible terms, making them attractive for many buyers. It’s essential to evaluate customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the credibility and service quality of potential lenders. This research can help you make an informed decision, ensuring you choose a financing option that aligns with your needs. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Business Loan Interest Rate Today? You’ll find that business loan interest rates today vary considerably based on multiple factors. Typically, they range from around 10% to 28% APR, depending on the lender and the specific type of loan. For example, SBA loans often have fixed rates between 12% and 15%. Moreover, your credit profile, the revenue of your business, and current economic conditions can all influence the rates you might receive. Always compare options carefully. What Is the 20% Rule for SBA? The 20% Rule for SBA loans mandates that any owner with at least 20% ownership must personally guarantee the loan. This requirement holds significant stakeholders accountable for repayment, thereby reducing the lender’s risk. If you’re a business owner, understand that this personal guarantee can impact your credit score, linking your personal finances to the business loan. This rule applies to all SBA loan programs, including 7(a) and 504 loans, so consider it carefully when seeking financing. What Are SBA Loan Rates Right Now? Right now, SBA loan rates vary, typically ranging from a variable 10.00% to 13.50% and a fixed 12.00% to 15.00%, depending on the specific program and loan amount. These rates are influenced by the prime rate, which can change based on economic conditions. If you’re considering an SBA loan, it’s essential to stay updated on these trends, as they directly affect your borrowing costs and overall financial planning. What Is the Current Interest Rate for a Small Business Loan of $25,000? The current interest rate for a small business loan of $25,000 typically ranges from 10% to 28% APR. Factors like your credit score, business duration, and revenue play significant roles in determining the exact rate you’ll receive. For example, at a 10% interest rate over five years, your monthly payment would be around $532. Exploring options like SBA loans can provide more competitive rates, often between 10.00% and 13.50%. Conclusion In summary, comprehending current business acquisition loan rates is crucial for making informed financial decisions. With rates ranging from 10% to 28% APR and various influences like credit profiles and competition among lenders, it’s important to explore your options. By comparing SBA loans and considering fixed versus variable rates, you can find the best fit for your business needs. Staying informed about fees and market conditions will further improve your chances of securing favorable financing. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "Current Business Acquisition Loan Rates" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Using a non-GAAP measurement, the real estate investment trust, preparing to be bought by CrossCountry, reported a $25 million loss for the first quarter. View the full article

A reader writes: I own a small takeout restaurant. We have four employees, plus me and my business partner. It’s hard to hire and when we find employees who show up every day and meet our expectations, we try to keep them happy. We’ve had one employee for about 2.5 years now. Slowly over time, she has started taking more and more liberties in regards to food and ignoring our requests for her to do a task. I’ve had conversations with her three times, and things always get better for a period and then she starts to slip again. Recently, she’s started taking more than the $10 meal we provide per day (covers a sandwich, side, and drink). She’ll take an extra drink once or twice a month, or today she’d taken her free meal on her break and then I returned from an errand to find her eating a bag of chips while she was supposed to be working. This all feels so petty. How do I have a conversation about $1.50? But, it makes me batty that I’ve had to talk to her about it more than once, and that it just keeps happening. When she’s taking more, it’s a couple dollars here or there. But over time it adds up. Our margins are tight, and our costs have skyrocketed this past year. A part of me thinks if we’re too strict on these things, we’ll lose employees and hiring is one of the biggest challenges we face. But I also feel like she’s stealing from us and my ego just wants to scream. Should I address it again, or just find a way to let it go and accept that it is what it is? I answer this question — and two others — over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. Other questions I’m answering there today include: My client changed my email before forwarding it, to make himself look better Should I tell my team I’m trying to get them raises? The post our employee takes too many free snacks and sodas appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

California-based Ghirardelli Chocolate Company has voluntarily recalled 13 of its powdered beverage mixes over concerns of potential Salmonella contamination. The storied confectionery says it issued the recall after dairy producer California Dairies recalled its milk powder, which is used in the affected powdered beverage mixes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a recall notice on Tuesday, April 28. To date, no illnesses have been reported. What products are included in the recall? The recall covers a limited selection of powdered beverage mixes packaged for food service and institutional customers. However, Ghirardelli cautions that some of the recalled products may have been available for purchase by consumers through e-commerce platforms. Here’s what you need to know. The recall is limited to the following products only: 30-pound Chocolate Flavored Frappe 30-pound Classic White Frappe 4/2-pound Premium Hot Cocoa Pouch Bulk 6/3-pound Chocolate & Cocoa Sweet Ground Powder 6/3.12-pound White Chocolate Flavored Sweet Ground Powder 6/3-pound Vanilla Frappe Mix 6/3.12-pound Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix 6/3.12-pound Classic White Frappe Mix 10-pound Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix 10-pound Classic White Frappe Mix 6/3.12-pound White Mocha Frappe Mix 6/3.12-pound Mocha Frappe Mix 6/3.12-pound Frozen Hot Cocoa Frappe Mix Ghirardelli’s recall notice includes a full list of lot numbers and best-if-used-by dates for the affected products. In the notice, Ghirardelli explains that internal testing‌ revealed no contamination. The chocolate company says it has issued the recall out of “an abundance of caution.” Ghirardelli has put a significant portion of the affected powdered drink mixes on hold at its warehouses and is working with its partners to retrieve or dispose of potentially affected beverage mixes that were distributed to customers. Fast Company has reached out to California Dairies, the dairy producer that Ghirardelli identified, for more information. We’ll update the story if we receive a reply. Here’s what to do next Retailers that received an affected powdered beverage mix should call Ghirardelli’s dedicated hotline at 1-855-744-1426 for instructions on returns and receiving a replacement or refund. Consumers who purchased or consumed an impacted product can contact Ghirardelli directly by calling 1-844-776-0419. Alternatively, customers can fill out the contact form on Ghirardelli’s website, and the customer service team will follow up. What are the symptoms of a Salmonella infection? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella bacteria can cause a foodborne infection. While anyone can contract a Salmonella infection, some are more at risk. This includes: Children younger than 5 Adults 65 and older People with weakened immune systems According to the Mayo Clinic, most people develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within 8 to 72 hours after exposure. However, some people experience no symptoms. Most healthy people recover within a few days to one week with no need for treatment. View the full article

Having used workflow management software firsthand, I’ve seen how it transforms chaos into clarity to boost teamwork, cut errors, and make every project run smoother from start to finish. The post 16 Workflow Management Software Benefits for Teams & Projects appeared first on The Digital Project Manager. View the full article

Why do CEOs of big AI labs like OpenAI and Anthropic often publicly acknowledge that AI is likely to result in significant job loss? Most AI company CEOs now concede that widespread job loss from AI is coming, while differing somewhat on the timeline. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has long acknowledged that AI will displace workers. “The real impact of AI doing jobs in the next few years will begin to be palpable,” he said recently. But he often adds that AI will also create new jobs, such as for humans who manage teams of AI agents. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has been the most frank and pessimistic when it comes to AI-driven job loss: “I would not be surprised if somewhere between one and five years we start to see big effects [including the potential to] wipe out half of all entry-level white-collar jobs,” he said in a recent interview. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis believes the transition of work to AI will happen quickly. “I believe the AI transition will deliver 10 times the impact of the Industrial Revolution, happening at 10 times the speed,” he told Bloomberg at Davos in January. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has spoken mainly through actions at his own company. Meta recently confirmed it will cut 10% of its workforce, or 8,000 jobs, and use the savings to fund a planned $135 billion investment in AI infrastructure. “We’re starting to see projects that used to require big teams now be accomplished by a single very talented person,” Zuckerberg said during a January earnings call. Such statements might seem likely to alienate people from the technology, as well as from the executives and companies bringing it into the world. In fact, a recent Quinnipiac University poll found that a majority of Americans (55%) now believe AI will cause more harm than good. So when people like Altman and Amodei sit before large audiences and discuss how quickly AI could displace human workers, who are they really talking to? “It would be investors, because if all jobs are going to be taken over by AI, you better own a piece of that AI, right?” says Ben Goertzel, the scientist who coined the term “AGI” (that’s artificial general intelligence) and coauthored the 2005 book Artificial General Intelligence with DeepMind cofounder Shane Legg. Goertzel believes Amodei and Altman genuinely believe what they are saying about job losses. But investors hear the same words as opportunity, not warning. When AI leaders talk about the large-scale impact of their products, they are also reinforcing a crucial narrative: that generative AI models will soon take over many corporate work tasks, delivering unprecedented productivity and efficiency. That narrative does more than keep investment dollars flowing into model training and data center construction. Companies representing roughly a third of U.S. stock market value are making major bets on it, so any erosion of confidence could have sweeping economic consequences. But this is largely a narrative shared within boardrooms and among the AI community on X. The public hears it secondhand, and often hears something very different. Many worry about when waves of job losses will arrive, and how AI could be used for harmful purposes such as mass surveillance, disinformation, and cybercrime. AI companies are not speaking directly to the public about these concerns. There is no nationally televised town hall where executives explain how they plan to keep increasingly powerful AI systems aligned with human needs and values, or how they intend to prevent those systems from being weaponized by bad actors. Instead, AI industry leaders spend far more time engaging with business executives, politicians, lobbyists, and tech influencers like Marc Andreessen. That may help explain why much of the country increasingly views AI company leaders as affluent elites, largely insulated from mainstream American life. An April YouGov survey of 5,500 U.S. adults found that only 17% rated leaders of major AI companies as “very trustworthy” or “somewhat trustworthy.” Meanwhile, voters across the country are increasingly using grassroots political pressure to block construction of the data centers that major AI labs urgently need. Populism is in the air in 2026, and the AI data center issue could easily become a central political flashpoint as the midterms approach. That concrete issue could evolve into a much broader national debate encompassing AI safety, labor protections, and compensation for displaced workers. For now, the AI industry is moving aggressively to embed its models into corporate business operations. Goertzel believes the broad handoff of work tasks to AI is being slowed less by the technology itself than by organizational friction. “There’s just a lot of friction and inertia in how people do things,” he says. “So even when a job function, in theory, 90% of it could be done by AI, organizations are just slow at reshuffling how things work.” View the full article

The government-sponsored enterprise recorded $98.7 billion in single-family loan acquisitions to begin the year, including over $43 billion in refinances. View the full article

In November 2024, with SE Ranking’s research team, we began a 16-month experiment to test how AI-generated content performs in organic search. We launched 20 websites across different niches and tracked their performance over time. But we didn’t stop there. We wanted to look beyond rankings and understand how AI systems discover, interpret, and cite information. So we expanded the project into a more ambitious set of experiments on AI search and LLM visibility. For the next phase, we created a new fictional brand in a real niche with real competition to see how quickly AI systems would pick it up and whether it could be cited alongside or above trusted industry leaders and government sources. After the first month, several patterns became clear. Methodology behind the experiment We created a fictional brand and published content about it across: Brand new website representing the brand, registered specifically for the experiment. 11 additional domains, all over a year old, with prior history and existing rankings. Across these sites, we tested seven content formats: Deep guides. “Alternatives” listicles. “Best of” listicles. Review articles. Comparison (“vs”) pages. How-to/tutorial content. Clickbait-style articles. We started publishing in March 2026 and tracked how five AI systems responded: ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, Google’s AI Mode, Perplexity, and Gemini. In total, we tracked 825 prompts across different query types and scenarios, which generated 15,835 AI answers during the first month. For each prompt, we looked at three things: Whether our brand (or one of our sites) appeared in the AI answer Whether it was cited as a source How often it appeared as the main cited source (position 1) This experiment is still ongoing, and the first month was designed to see how AI systems respond to newly created, fully available information tied to a fictional brand. Key experiment insights 96% of all AI visibility for our fake brand came from branded searches. Even in a real niche with relatively low competition, a completely new domain had little chance of competing with established brands for broader, non-branded topics. On queries that only our fake brand could realistically answer, we outperformed established competitors (DT 40+) by as much as 32x and achieved near-exclusive visibility in less than 30 days. Even without strong authority, the pages that clearly explained who we were, what we offered, and how we were different (e.g., “[Brand Name] Compete Guide” and “About Us”) became the most cited sources from the main domain. This shows that brand positioning can be shaped early in AI search. Perplexity was the fastest engine to surface new content. Newly published pages usually reached position #1 within 1–3 days of indexation. However, Perplexity often cited additional domains instead of the main brand site. Google’s AI Mode was the most stable for branded queries tied to unique claims (showing our brand at #1 for an average of 90% of prompts). Gemini, by contrast, often misidentified the brand. And even for uniquely branded queries, this AI platform provided 60% of AI answers with no citations to our brand. Deep guides, review articles, and comparison pages generated the highest number of AI citations, while more generic formats like how-to articles and listicles showed minimal impact. A topical silo made up of one hub page and 10 supporting articles generated no AI citations. Meanwhile, a set of 30 short, repetitive pages (500-750 words each) generated more than 1,800 citations. So, in this test, high-volume content publishing mattered more than internal linking. Insight 1: New domains may not beat market leaders right away, but they can define their brand narrative in AI search One of the clearest takeaways from the first month is that a brand-new site has limited chances of competing for broader, non-branded topics, even in a niche with relatively low competition. AI systems did pick up our fictional brand quickly, but most of that visibility came when the query was already connected to the brand itself, whether through: the brand name product-specific claims or other brand-related angles Specifically, out of all AI answers, 96% (15,553 out of 15,835) came from branded searches. Non-branded informational queries produced just 4% of AI answers in total, and even those mostly came through our supporting test domains. The pattern was even stronger on the main fictional brand site itself. There, we recorded: 10,253 AI answers for branded queries and just 6 for non-branded ones That is a 1,700x difference. This feels familiar because it mirrors classic SEO. New brands still need time to earn trust, build recognition, and compete for broader topics. When AI systems answer general industry questions, they tend to rely on established and authoritative sources. This is why the strongest results in our experiment came from prompts tied to information only our brand could answer, such as how the product works, how often it updates, and so on. These queries alone generated 11,430 AI answers with citations to our brand, accounting for 72% of allvisibility in the experiment. The reason is simple: there is no competition. If a query is something like “Was [Brand Name] originally built as an internal tool?”, only one source can realistically answer it. AI systems don’t need to compare sources, evaluate authority, or resolve conflicts. That gave our fictional brand a major advantage. Even with no domain authority, it outperformed established competitors (DT 40+) by up to 32x on these queries. What all this means for marketers and business owners is that when users ask about your brand, AI systems are likely to rely on your website as one of the main sources of information. So, the content they cite should be fully aligned with how you want your brand to be positioned. Our experiment supports this. The “Complete Guide” page on the main site appeared in 1,799 AI answers (the highest result in the dataset) largely because it consolidated key brand information in one place. The “About Us” page followed with 1,500 AI answers. Together, these were the most cited URLs from our main domain, with LLMs relying on them 3–5 times more often than the additional domains. In practice, AI systems may learn about your brand quickly, but what they learn depends on what you publish. Your core pages should clearly answer all the questions that are important for your brand: who you are, what you offer, and how you’re different. This way, you can start shaping your narrative in LLMs even as a new or small brand, before you have the authority to compete for broader industry topics. Insight 2: AI engines behave very differently Another strong pattern in the experiment is that the five AI systems do not behave alike. They vary not just in how often they mention the fictional brand, but in how quickly they pick it up, how consistently they cite it, and which domains they prefer as sources. Google’s AI Mode: The most stable for branded visibility Google AI Mode was the most reliable engine in the dataset. Throughout the experiment, it placed our domain in position 1 for branded queries in about 90% of cases. Unlike other engines, it did not show major fluctuations or dependency on other test domains. If there was one place where direct brand visibility was predictable, this was it. Google’s AI Overviews: High visibility, lower consistency Google’s AI Overviews also surfaced our tested domain for branded queries, but the pattern was less consistent. We saw our brand appear in position 1 for 14 days for some prompts, followed by a drop mid-month that didn’t recover. More broadly, mentions and links for branded queries fluctuated heavily, appearing and disappearing multiple times each week. Yet when links were included, it accurately described the brand. When no links were shown, it often claimed there was no public information available. The takeaway here is not that AI Overviews failed to recognize the brand. It did. But that visibility was harder to sustain over time. Perplexity: The fastest to pick up new content, but not always brand-first Perplexity was the breakout engine for fresh content. It picked up newly indexed pages within 1–3 days, which clearly made it the primary driver of early visibility within our experiment. But this speed comes with a tradeoff. Instead of consistently citing pages from our main domain, Perplexity often used our supporting test domains as sources. In early March, our main brand held position 1. But as we published more content on supporting domains, those domains gradually replaced it in AI citations. By the end of the month,six different domains were being cited: our main brand site and five supporting test domains where we had published additional content about the fake brand. So while Perplexity increases overall visibility, it doesn’t always send that visibility directly to the main brand site. ChatGPT: Slower to react, stronger over time ChatGPT showed the most noticeable progression over time. At the beginning of March, there were no links or mentions of our brand at all. But as the month progressed, visibility steadily increased. This growth was especially clear across specific content types: Unique claims drove the strongest performance, accounting for the majority of visibility, with around 70% of citations appearing in position 1. Review articles started with zero presence but quickly gained traction, reaching consistent position 1 rankings by March 17. Comparison (“vs”) articles achieved the highest consistency overall, with mentions on 29 out of 31 days by the end of the month. Overall, ChatGPT didn’t immediately recognize the brand. Once it recognized the brand, ChatGPT began surfacing it frequently, especially for branded prompts. Gemini: weakest performance and most inconsistent behavior Gemini was the weakest engine in the dataset and the least consistent. Initially, it struggled to identify our niche correctly. However, the results improved when we changed how we asked the questions. When prompts were framed as comparisons (“X vs Y”) or reviews, Gemini was much more likely to recognize the brand correctly. Even then, the results were still limited. In the best-performing scenario (queries based on unique claims about the brand), Gemini failed to include any citations to our brand in about 60% of responses. Insight 3: Content format matters, but so does the volume Next, for this experiment, we tested seven different content types across both our main site and supporting test sites. And what we found is that comprehensive, in-depth content earns far more AI citations than shorter articles. The strongest-performing formats were: Deep guides (5,000–6,000 words): ~900 AI answers per page Review articles: ~257 AI answers per page Comparison (“vs”) articles: ~145 AI answers per page This does not mean there is one ideal content length or that longer pages automatically perform better. The stronger results likely came from the depth, structure, and completeness of the information these formats provided. This finding also aligns with our broader research, where we’ve seen that detailed, well-structured content performs better across platforms like AI Mode and ChatGPT. Pages with narrower or less comprehensive coverage generated fewer citations overall. For example: How-to articles/tutorials: 22 AI answers per page Clickbait/skeptical articles: 19 “Best of” listicles: 11 “Alternatives” listicles: 4 As part of the experiment, we also tested a “spam” approach: publishing 30 thin pages (500–750 words each) on one of our test domains. Individually, these pages were weak (averaging just 63 AI answers per page). But together, they generated 1,897 total AI answers, which makes it the highest-performing content setup at the domain level. However, thin content is not inherently “better” because of this result. It just shows that volume can sometimes compensate for quality by increasing the likelihood of retrieval and citation (especially in AI engines like Perplexity that prioritize freshness). In simple terms, a few strong pages win on quality, but a large number of weaker pages can still win on overall exposure. Insight 4: Topical clustering alone doesn’t produce AI visibility One of the most useful negative findings came from the content structure test. For this part of the experiment, we created a hub page on one of our test domains and linked it to 10 supporting articles. In theory, this setup should have built strong topical depth and semantic reinforcement. All 11 pages were indexed, properly structured, and internally linked. Yet, they generated zero AI citations. This is significant because it challenges a common assumption carried over from traditional SEO: that topical clustering automatically improves authority or increases the likelihood of being retrieved. At least in this experiment, it did not. That does not mean topic clusters are useless. It means they are not sufficient alone. Internal linking and semantic breadth may help a search engine understand a site, but AI systems still need a reason to retrieve and cite a specific page for a specific answer. So, do AI engines reward entity coherence more than truth verification? Even within just one month, the results point to a clear conclusion: AI systems appear to respond more strongly to consistency, repetition, and availability than to strict verification. That should not be overstated. It is not that LLMs “believe anything.” But if a claim is: Structured clearly Repeated across relevant pages Phrased like a fact Available in retrievable source environments Then AI systems may surface it surprisingly easily. We also saw this in manual checks of LLM responses in AI Results Tracker. For prompts such as “is [brand] worth it,” some systems responded positively and recommended using our completely unknown fictional brand. It may not be because LLMs automatically favor every new brand. In some cases, when little or no negative information exists, a system may fill the gap with a neutral or positive-sounding response based on the limited signals available. But the result is the same: if a completely fictional brand can generate consistent citations and favorable recommendations under certain conditions, then brand narratives in AI search may be more flexible than they seem. Final thoughts The most important outcome of this experiment isn’t that a fictional brand achieved visibility. It’s that visibility followed a repeatable pattern once specific inputs were introduced: branded context, unique claims, diverse content formats, and sufficient presence across different sources. That leads to two important conclusions. AI search is not random. It follows identifiable signals, and those signals can be studied, tested, and influenced. AI is still highly sensitive to manipulation. AIs don’t have their own sense of truth, verification processes, or critical thinking. The same factors that help legitimate brands become visible can also be used to simulate credibility. If there’s one lesson here, it’s that you can’t assume AI systems will accurately represent your company, product, or category by default. You have to actively shape the information environment they rely on. And this is only the first month of results. We’re continuing to collect data, expand the experiment, and monitor how these patterns change over time. View the full article