Business

‘Remember to shop around’: Owning a car gets more expensive as interest rates soar on August 8, 2023 at 8:47 pm Business News | The Hill

Published

2 years ago

August 8, 2023

High interest rates and inflation that balloon car payments, maintenance and insurance are keeping the cost of car ownership high, experts said this week.

That means that while the price of used cars is down 11.6 percent from a year ago, according to the new Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index released Monday, the cost of financing a car and keeping it fit for use is rising.

“Used car prices seem to be decreasing at the wholesale level, but not necessarily translating into savings for consumers due to high interest rates and other costs associated with purchasing a vehicle,” Mike Trudeau, executive vice president of business development at Montway Auto Transport, told The Hill.

FILE – A salesman talks with customers in an Acura dealership lot in Wexford, Pa., on Sept. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Car prices are steadily dropping

Wholesale used car prices dropped 1.6 percent from June to July, far slower than a 4.2 percent dip the previous month, which marked the largest monthly decrease in used car prices since the start of the pandemic.

Used cars now have the same index value they did in April 2021, just over one year into the pandemic, said Chris Frey, senior manager of economic and industry insights for Cox Automotive, in a statement included in the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index release.

“While the year-over-year price drop was again double-digit, let’s put some perspective on that. From July 2020, there were 22 straight monthly double-digit increases through April 2022; we’ve had just six double-digit declines since October last year, with only four of them consecutive,” Frey explained.

Frey said he did not foresee wholesale used car price reductions “of serious import” through the end of the year.

New car prices also remain high, but they’ve stabilized from their meteoric price rise after the pandemic restricted vehicle production, lowering supply amid increased demand.

The average buyer paid $48,808 for a new car in June, according to an analysis by Kelley Blue Book. That’s a 1.6 percent increase year-over-year, the smallest since the pandemic began.

Trudeau also anticipated the price of new cars may fall later this year or next.

More Americans looking to buy despite costs rising

With sticker shock slowing, some American car buyers are looking to buy again.

Used car sales were up 6 percent from June to July, Manheim found, and more Americans said they planned to purchase a car within the next six months than at any point over the past nine months.

But an auto loan payment may be significantly higher now, when the Federal Reserve has set interest rates at a 22-year high, than when rates were near zero at the beginning of 2022.

“If you were to finance a $20,000 used car with a loan term of 60 months, even a small increase in the interest rate could result in paying hundreds or even thousands more over the life of the loan,” Trudeau explained.

The Fed is weighing additional interest rate hikes at the September meeting as it works to bring inflation down to its 2 percent target. From credit card debt to mortgages, high interest could make it more expensive to borrow money.

Americans have weathered historic inflation for more than two years, and consumers’ car costs were not spared. While inflation cooled to 3 percent annually in June, down from its 9.1 percent peak the previous summer, motor vehicle maintenance prices remained elevated.

Car repair costs rose 19.8 percent year-over-year in June, according to federal consumer price data released last month. Maintenance and servicing was also up 8.6 percent annually, and insurance was up 16.9 percent.

‘We find alternatives’

Given the cost of car buying — and owning – these days, some consumers are getting creative.

“We find alternatives,” Brandon Chambers, who was visiting D.C. from Houston, told The Hill. When his son needed a car, Chambers said he would prefer to take out a 401(k) loan or a similar alternative than a traditional car loan.

While 401(k) retirement loan interest rates are typically a point or two higher than the prime interest rates, most employer-provided 401(k) plans allow participants to borrow up to $50,000 or 50 percent of their assets, whichever is less, tax-free.

The money, plus interest, must be paid back into the retirement account over a set period of time, typically quarterly over five years.

Trudeau encouraged car shoppers to explore their options and do their research.

“Always remember to shop around for the best loan rates and consider getting pre-approved for a loan before heading to the dealership,” Trudeau suggested. “That way, you’ll have a better idea of what you can afford and avoid any surprises down the line.”

Beyond the car’s sticker value, a myriad of factors including the resale value, fuel efficiency, maintenance costs and reliability can contribute to the total price of the car.

Trudeau said dealers that his company works with are seeing potential buyers walk in with a monthly budget rather than a target sticker price.

Check for tax credits when buying a car

There’s also a clean vehicle tax credit available for buyers considering a new electric vehicle — up to $7,500 for qualifying vehicles.

The average price of an electric vehicle dropped to $53,438 in June, according to Kelley Blue Book, a 20 percent year-over-year decline from the peak of $66,390 last June.

The Federal Trade Commission proposed a rule that would protect car shoppers from bait-and-switch advertising tactics, crack down on junk charges and make it easier to compare the actual costs and conditions.

A preliminary analysis found the new rules would save consumers more than $29 billion over 10 years.

“Our proposed rule would save consumers time and money and help ensure a level playing field for honest dealers,” said Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, when the rule was announced last June.

Business, federal reserve, FTC High interest rates and inflation that balloon car payments, maintenance and insurance are keeping the cost of car ownership high, experts said this week. That means that while the price of used cars is down 11.6 percent from a year ago, according to the new Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index released Monday, the cost of…

Business

When TikTok and CapCut Vanished from America

Published

3 weeks ago

January 19, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

In a shocking turn of events, TikTok and CapCut, two of America’s most popular social media and video editing apps, vanished from U.S. app stores and became inaccessible to users on Saturday evening, January 18, 2025. This unprecedented digital blackout affected approximately 170 million American users, leaving them stunned and searching for alternatives.

The Sudden Shutdown

As the clock struck 10:50 PM Eastern Time on Saturday, both TikTok and CapCut disappeared from Apple and Google app stores. Users attempting to access the apps were greeted with a stark message: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now”.

The ban wasn’t limited to just TikTok and CapCut. Other ByteDance-owned apps, including Lemon8, Hypic, and Gauth, also became unavailable to U.S. users. This sweeping action effectively cut off access to a suite of popular digital tools that millions had come to rely on for entertainment, content creation, and even business purposes.

The Legal Battle

The shutdown came after a tumultuous legal battle that culminated in a Supreme Court decision upholding a federal law requiring ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok and CapCut, to either sell its U.S. operations or face a ban. The legislation, passed in April 2024, cited national security concerns related to data privacy and potential foreign influence.

Impact on Users and Creators

The sudden disappearance of TikTok and CapCut has left content creators and everyday users in a state of digital limbo. Many relied on these platforms not just for entertainment, but as essential tools for their livelihoods and creative expression. The ban has disrupted a thriving ecosystem of digital content creation, leaving millions to scramble for alternative platforms and editing tools.

Political Implications and Future Uncertainties

As the dust settles, all eyes are on the incoming administration. President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office on January 20, has hinted at a potential 90-day extension for ByteDance to sell TikTok. This development has injected a new layer of uncertainty into an already complex situation.

What’s Next?

While the apps remain inaccessible, ByteDance and TikTok officials continue to work towards a resolution. TikTok’s message to users ends on a hopeful note, stating, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned”.

As America grapples with this digital void, questions about data privacy, national security, and the future of social media regulation loom large. The TikTok and CapCut ban marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over the influence of foreign-owned technology companies in the United States, with far-reaching implications for users, creators, and the tech industry as a whole.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life.

Business

TikTok Ban Drives 216% Rise in U.S. Users Learning Chinese on Duolingo

Published

3 weeks ago

January 16, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Duolingo has reported a remarkable 216% increase in U.S. users learning Mandarin Chinese, coinciding with the impending ban on TikTok, set to take effect on January 19, 2025. This surge is attributed to many TikTok users migrating to a new Chinese social media platform called RedNote (also known as Xiaohongshu), which defaults to Mandarin as its primary language. As TikTok users seek alternatives amidst concerns over data privacy and app availability, they are turning to RedNote, prompting a cultural exchange that has driven interest in learning Chinese.

The spike in Mandarin learners began around mid-January, aligning with the growing popularity of RedNote among former TikTok users. Duolingo’s marketing team has actively engaged with this trend on social media, humorously acknowledging the phenomenon with posts like “Learning Mandarin out of spite? You’re not alone”.

Additionally, Duolingo has seen a 36% increase in downloads in the U.S., reflecting heightened consumer demand for language learning resources as users adapt to the new social media landscape.

The transition from TikTok to RedNote has not been without challenges, as some users have encountered technical issues during registration and account suspensions.

Nevertheless, this shift underscores a significant demand for social networking experiences that resonate with American users while navigating the complexities of Chinese platforms.

Business

TikTok’s Final Countdown: The Sunday Shutdown

Published

3 weeks ago

January 16, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

As the clock ticks down to January 19, 2025, TikTok users in the United States are bracing for a significant disruption. The app, which boasts approximately 170 million users in the country, faces a potential ban that could render it non-functional by this Sunday. Here’s what you need to know about the impending ban and its implications.

Key Details of the Ban

The anticipated ban comes amid ongoing national security concerns regarding TikTok’s Chinese ownership. Government officials have raised alarms about the possibility of sensitive user data being accessed by Chinese authorities. As a result, the app is expected to be removed from digital app stores, effectively cutting off new downloads and updates.

What Will Happen?

Removal from App Stores: On January 19, TikTok will likely be taken down from platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Existing Users Affected: Current users may find that their app becomes non-functional, losing access to new content creation and updates.
Data Preservation Challenges: Users may face difficulties in preserving their data and content as the deadline approaches.

Recommendations for Users

In light of the impending ban, TikTok users should take proactive steps to safeguard their content and data:

Download Personal Data: Users can access their TikTok settings to download their data before it’s too late.
Export Saved Videos: Save any cherished videos or content that you wish to keep.
Backup Content: Consider backing up your videos on alternative platforms.
Explore Alternatives: As TikTok faces its potential shutdown, consider migrating to other platforms such as:

Instagram Reels
YouTube Shorts
Lemon8
Triller

Potential Scenarios

While the ban is set for this Sunday, there are several scenarios that could unfold in the coming days:

Last-Minute Legal Intervention: There remains a possibility of a legal challenge that could delay or halt the ban.
Temporary Injunction: Courts may issue a temporary injunction allowing TikTok to operate while legal proceedings continue.
Complete Shutdown: If no intervention occurs, users will face a complete shutdown of the platform in the U.S. market.

Emotional Impact on Users

The potential ban is not just a technical disruption; it carries significant emotional weight for many users. Content creators who have built their brands on TikTok may experience economic repercussions as they lose a primary platform for engagement. Additionally, the shift could lead to broader changes in the social media landscape as users seek new avenues for expression and connection.

Conclusion

As we approach this critical deadline, TikTok users should remain vigilant and prepared for possible changes. Whether through legal maneuvers or a complete shutdown, the future of TikTok in the United States hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for real-time updates as we navigate this evolving situation together.