Uncategorized

Some companies are introducing a new approach to help employees tackle their student loans: exchanging unused paid time off (PTO) for cash. This shift reflects changing workplace benefits and the increasing financial pressure felt by millions of American workers who are juggling student debt. Why It Matters? Over 40 million Americans currently have federal student loans, with more than 10% believed to be in default. The recent end of the pandemic-era pause on federal student loan payments has already triggered an increase in loan delinquencies, defaults, and credit score drops. The Department of Education (ED) has warned that millions of borrowers could face wage garnishment unless Congress or regulatory bodies intervene further. As loan payments resume, many borrowers are fee...

Xi Jinping has warned that “no one wins” in a trade war, as he begins a diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia aimed at portraying China as a responsible global power, in contrast to the United States under Donald Trump. The warning appeared in an editorial co-published by Chinese and Vietnamese media, ahead of Xi’s visit to Vietnam. Analysts believe the trip is part of China’s broader effort to present itself as a stabilizing force amid rising global tensions triggered by Trump’s aggressive trade policies. While Trump recently paused most of the tariffs following a sharp stock market drop, significant duties remain in place on Chinese goods, with some exports facing tariffs as high as 145 percent. In response, Beijing has imposed its own 125 percent tariffs on U.S. imports and pledge...