Betterment

Anthropic has agreed to a $12 billion deal with Akamai for AI computing capacity, according to Bloomberg. The arrangement would give the AI company access to significant infrastructure resources to support its model development, with Akamai, better known for its content delivery network, expanding into AI compute services.

The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates again, and financial commentators, including Forbes, are breaking down what the increase means for women's personal finances. Analysts point to higher borrowing costs on credit cards, student loans and mortgages, alongside better returns on savings, and note that women, who on average carry more student debt and hold less in savings, may feel the effects differently from men.

European governments are racing to rearm amid security concerns, but their lack of coordination in defence procurement is costing billions. An investigation argues that each country buying separately, rather than jointly, drives up prices, duplicates effort and delays delivery of weapons and equipment. The report adds to ongoing debate about whether the EU and NATO members should pool orders and standardise military capabilities to get better value from rising defence budgets.

The 140th Canton Fair Phase 3 will run from October 31 to November 4, 2026, at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou. Officially themed 'Better Life', this phase focuses on fashion, textiles, footwear, bags, food and related consumer goods. Business observers are noting the dates as traders and buyers plan attendance at one of the world's largest trade exhibitions.

The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates, and analysts are walking through what that means for everyday finances. Higher rates typically translate into pricier mortgages, credit cards, auto loans and other borrowing, while savings accounts may finally earn more. Commentators are urging households to review variable-rate debts and shop around for better savings rates as borrowing costs keep climbing.

Nvidia has unveiled a $150 billion share buyback program, one of the largest in corporate history. Analysts are weighing what the move signals for current shareholders and potential investors, with debate over whether it reflects confidence in future cash flow or a lack of better uses for capital. The announcement comes as the chipmaker remains central to the AI boom.

Market analysts are projecting that the 10-year US Treasury yield could climb to 6%, a level that would mark a significant rise in borrowing costs and pressure risk assets. Writing in CoinDesk, commentators argue bitcoin holders should not panic despite the potential headwind, suggesting the cryptocurrency can weather higher yields better than feared.

New figures circulating in Italy show that 13.4% of the food produced worldwide is lost after harvest and before it reaches consumers, renewing debate about food waste. Discussions have centred on where in the supply chain the losses occur and on recipes and habits that could help households use food more fully and throw less away.

A Harvard study has concluded that an AI tutor outperformed traditional in-class physics teaching. The findings suggest students using the AI tutor achieved better learning outcomes than those in conventional classroom settings. The result is drawing attention as educators debate the role of artificial intelligence in higher education and whether such tools should be adopted more widely in science courses.

A Harvard study reports that students using an AI tutor to learn physics achieved better results than peers in standard active-learning classes. The findings suggest personalized, conversational AI instruction can outperform established classroom methods, sparking debate among educators about how such tools should fit into teaching and whether AI could reshape how universities deliver science education.

Luis Arraez will not be included on his team's roster for the National League Wild Card Series after an ankle injury hampered the slugger. The news, reported by MLB.com, comes just as the postseason begins, meaning his club must set its playoff lineup without one of its better hitters while Arraez recovers.

Students in France have blocked schools across the country in protests demanding more teachers, smaller class sizes and better-equipped schools. Some demonstrations escalated into clashes with police. They were joined by teachers, firefighters and other public sector workers, who marched over funding cuts and a lack of resources in public services.

Volunteers known as 'Rat Rangers' in Washington, DC are leading evening walks through alleys to teach residents that better sanitation is the key to rodent control. Around two dozen neighbors learn about rat biology and the damage caused by poison. The group formed after a 2024 study found rodenticides in local wildlife, prompting a push for non-chemical solutions.

A debate has emerged over hoarding radiopotassium, arguing that the technical challenges involved are essentially the same for everyone. While wealthier people would still be better positioned to overcome those challenges, some argue the situation would be more equitable than existing arrangements. Little verifiable detail about radiopotassium or the practical stakes of the argument is available.

AAA is encouraging travelers to plan and book their holiday trips early, citing new survey findings that waiting to book can result in significantly higher costs. The auto club's advisory highlights rising demand and prices for flights and lodging during the peak holiday season, and recommends booking sooner rather than later to secure better rates and availability.

Filipino tennis star Alex Eala was knocked out of the Singapore Open in the Round of 16, losing to world No. 180 Tatiana Prozorova. After the match, Eala admitted her opponent may simply have performed better on the day. She said she will reconvene with her team to assess the defeat and move forward from the upset result.

A doctor speaking to French media has highlighted that around 12 million people are affected by high cholesterol, describing the symptoms to watch for and the steps people can take to prevent it. The advice focuses on better diet, regular check-ups and recognising that the condition often shows no warning signs.

FTI Consulting has published an analysis examining how companies' growing investments in technology are challenging traditional financial reporting. The piece argues that reporting practices need to better reflect the underlying value created by digital transformation spending, as intangible technology assets become central to corporate performance and investor decision-making.

Australia face Brazil in a second football friendly in Brisbane, with Socceroos coach Tony Popovic keeping the same starting eleven from the first meeting. The match has drawn international attention, trending in the United States, France, Singapore, Italy, Germany, Brazil, Australia and Canada. Fans are watching to see whether an unchanged Australia side can better test the five-time world champions at home.

Japanese golf instructor Tetsuhito Masuda shared a lesson explaining why many golfers fail to improve, arguing that repeatedly striking the ball with incorrect movements only entrenches bad habits. He highlights a blind spot in conventional practice and links poor mechanics to lower back pain, promoting his 'ten swing' approach as a route to both better scores and relief from discomfort.

Valley Bank has announced a deal with Bluevine aimed at expanding access to financial technology for small businesses. The partnership is expected to give smaller firms better digital banking tools, and coverage so far focuses on the announcement itself, with few further details or reactions available.

NASA says weather conditions are 60% favorable for the upcoming launch of the SpaceX Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station. The figure means forecasters see a better-than-even chance conditions will allow liftoff on schedule, but the margin is thin enough that a delay remains possible. Updates are expected as the launch window approaches.

American truck drivers are organizing a strike for October 1, raising questions over freight disruptions and whether the Trump administration will respond. Reports say organizers are pressing for better pay and working conditions across the industry, and observers are watching whether the White House takes notice as the date approaches.