The U.K.'s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) unveiled a timeline detailing key dates and milestones it's working toward on its regulatory roadmap for crypto.

Want more housing market stories from Lance LambertsResiClubin your inbox?Subscribeto the ResiClubnewsletter.Back in late summer, the U.S. unemployment rate jumped to 4.3% in the July reading published in Augustup from the cycle low of 3.4% in April 2023. That labor market softening, which was enough to trigger recession indicators like the Sahm Rule, unsettled financial markets. In response, markets lowered their economic outlooks, briefly putting downward pressure on long-term yields and mortgage rates. As a result, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate, as tracked by Mortgage News Daily, hit a 16-month low of 6.11% on September 11, 2024.However, those economic jitters soon faded as the unemployment rate for September and October slipped back down to 4.1%. With fears of a potential break in the labor market subsiding, long-term yields and rates climbed again, pushing the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate to 6.93% as of November 25.That raises the question: What if anything can get mortgage rates to come back down?Based on recent data, the key factor to watch moving forward appears to be the labor market. As we observed this summer, a scenario in which the unemployment rate rises more than expected is also the scenario where mortgage rates are likely to decline the most.Long-term yields, such as the 10-year Treasury yield, and mortgage rates are not directly set by the Feds short-term rate policy. Instead, long-term rates are heavily influenced by investor expectations about future economic conditions, including the labor market, economic growth, inflation, and Fed policy.To get a sense of where long-term rates might be headed, keep an eye on the components of the Feds Dual Mandate Bullseye and how they are shifting.As it stands today, the U.S. unemployment rate (4.1%) is within the Feds Dual Mandate Bullseye, while the inflation rate (2.6%) is just slightly outside the Feds Dual Mandate Bullseye.Regionally, the unemployment rate remains below 5.0%the traditional rule of thumb for full employmentin 46 states, with the exceptions being Nevada (5.7%), California (5.4%), Illinois (5.3%), and Kentucky (5.0%).How does the Fed view the current economic picture?I view the economy as being in a good position, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook said while speaking at the University of Virginia last week, noting that, while core inflation remains somewhat elevated, inflation is down from its 2022 peak and unemployment remains low. Economic growth has been robust this year, and I forecast the expansion will continue, Cook added. Looking ahead, I remain confident that inflation is moving sustainably toward our 2.0% [inflation] objective, even if the path is occasionally bumpy. Meanwhile, I see employment risks as weighted to the downside, but those risks appear to have diminished somewhat in recent months.Still, Cook noted that unemployment was an area to watch. The broader trend I see is that national job growth is solid but perhaps not quite strong enough to keep unemployment at the current low rate, Cook said. Net hiring so far this year is running somewhat below estimates for what economists call the breakeven pace, or the rate of hiring needed to keep the unemployment rate constant, when accounting for changes to the size of the labor force.If the labor market were to weaken further and unemployment were to rise, it could exert downward pressure on mortgage rates. Regardless of additional weakening in the labor market, another way mortgage rates could decline is if volatility in financial markets eased and the spread between the 10-year Treasury yield and the 30-year fixed mortgage ratecurrently at 263 basis points (bps) narrowed toward the historic average of 175 bps. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate, currently at 6.93%, would be 6.05% today if the spread fully compressed back to its historic average.

The Pacific Crest Trail, or PCT, runs all the way from the U.S. border with Mexico to the border with Canada, crossing more than 2,600 miles of desert, mountains, and forest. And for many people, hiking the trail end to end is a lifelong goal.But this year, wildfires interrupted hikers journeys.This year, in July, it just hit everywhere along the trail, north to south. It seemed like there was just no region that was exempt from fire this year, said Chris Rylee, who is with thePacific Crest Trail Association.He says wildfires closed more than 600 miles of the trail, forcing hikers off the path.Some fires burned parts of the trail directly. Other fires burned nearby or covered the landscape in thick smoke, which is unhealthy to breathe.And therisks to hikerscan remain long after a fire has passed. Dead trees can fall on hikers, and burned areas are at an increased risk of landslides and floods.Climate change is making extreme wildfires more common in the Western U.S.And Rylee says these dangers can upend the PCT dream for hikers.It destroys many an adventure, and this perhaps once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.Reporting credit: Ethan Freedman / ChavoBart Digital Media

Pink tiles and lilac upholstery enliven the interiors of this eyewear store in Phoenix by Los Angeles designer Adi Goodrich.Goodrich was tasked with designing the Framed Ewe flagship in the Arizona city after overhauling the facade of the brand's Los Feliz store, for which she looked to art deco for references.The customer waiting area at Framed Ewe in Phoenix features pink wall tiles and a purple upholstered seatThe designer took a similar approach at the Phoenix location a full interior refresh that incorporates rounded forms and geometric patterns."My goal was to infuse the space with a sense of history while keeping it slightly unexpected," said Goodrich.More pink tiles wrap a cylindrical column that anchors the terrazzo sales counterInside, the store is imbued with orange, pink and purple materials that complement the warm tones of cherry wood panelling and shelves.A waiting area is wrapped in pink tiles and features a large seat topped with an "acidic violet" upholstered cushion.A long built-in seat for consultations and fittings continues the purple upholsteryThe same fabric covers a 16-foot-long (five-metre) seat built into a wall niche, facing a pair of pill-shaped tables used for one-on-one consultations.Terrazzo surfaces used throughout the store are from Concrete Collaborative's Night Palm x Lolita collaboration.The store includes a range of mirrors in different sizes, shapes and orientationsA variety of spherical light fixtures are hung from ceiling mounts individually or in clusters or installed on the walls in lines of three sconces.More pink tiles clad cylindrical columns, including one that anchors the terrazzo sales counter, and a dark pink carpet is laid over portions of the polished concrete floor.Eyewear is displayed on minimalist white shelves below a cherry wood relief muralFramed Ewe's products are presented on minimal white shelves and on podiums with filleted corners that are covered with glass.Above the wall of shelves is a 25-foot (7.6-metre) wooden relief mural, which Goodrich designed herself.Read: Adi Goodrich designs surrealist Los Angeles store Dreams with blue rock at its centreThe store includes several mirrors in a range of shapes, sizes and orientations for customers trying on the designs.In the window, two large circular shelving displays mimic the shape of eyewear frames, while beige and black tiles form a stretched checkerboard pattern across the exterior.Circular forms throughout the space nod to art deco referencesDuring the Los Feliz refresh, Goodrich enlisted the help of illustrator Clay Hickson to create a hand-drawn logo and wordmark for Framed Ewe that's "reminiscent of 1920s design and eyewear".The branding is used again across the front of the Phoenix location, as well as for graphics inside.In the store window, a pair of circular shelving displays resemble eyewear framesKnown for her colourful and surrealist approach to interiors, Goodrich has previously completed an LA grocery store and a boutique that was longlisted in the retail interior (small) category of Dezeen Awards 2023.Other eyewear stores that infuse bold hues include a kid-friendly optician in Munich, a green-toned boutique in Barcelona and a shop in London that integrates biomaterials.The photography is by Erik Benjamins.The post Adi Goodrich opts for warm and whimsical hues inside Phoenix eyewear store appeared first on Dezeen.

Czech architecture studio tystn Architekti has completed House for Julia, a children's hospice in Brno designed as a "modern sanctuary" tucked within a large park.The facility, which is the first children's hospice in the Czech Republic, provides ten bedrooms alongside palliative care spaces and therapy and support areas for families.tystn Architekti embedded the larch-clad complex into the park and organised it around a large courtyard at its centre, which is intended to create a feeling of peace and privacy despite its proximity to the city.tystn Architekti has completed a children's hospice in Brno"It is a protected space, a modern sanctuary, that is also open and full of light," the studio told Dezeen."The children's rooms and hallways are partly hidden in the slopes of the park, with the soil overflowing onto the roof, and the courtyard benefits from the grown trees that we managed to protect during construction," it added."While it was more challenging to build on the slope and around the trees, it now feels like the house has been there for decades."House of Julia is designed as a "modern sanctuary"Each of House of Julia's ten rooms has been organised around its central courtyard, where they overlook mature trees and a fish pond through large windows and semi-private areas of wooden decking.The entrance to the hospice is flanked by a large communal and dining area to the east and the daily facilities block to the west, where therapy spaces and a small cinema are organised around a smaller glazed courtyard.The building is tucked within a large parkAlongside the accommodation on the ground floor is a dedicated "apartment for last farewells", a private space for families positioned alongside a memorial atrium."The House should provide a sense of community and offer help when needed, but also give you the opportunity to have time for yourself to recharge," said tystn Architekti."Everything is designed for families to enjoy ordinary, happy moments together while the challenging care is provided by the staff," it added.A large courtyard sits at its centreBoth inside and out, a pale timber panelling has been used to create light, neutral spaces within the concrete structure, with windows set back to create overhangs that prevent overheating.Circulation is provided by a corridor that wraps around the building and incorporates large glazed areas to capture views of the courtyard with semi-private areas to stop and rest. A veranda provides the communal area with views of the surrounding park.Read: Herzog & de Meuron unveils Swiss children's hospital that "functions like a town""The circular layout of the corridors with living niches and many views to the outside is one of the most important elements of the design," said tystn Architekti."The building allows for movement on foot, with a stroller, or in a wheelchair. Alternating environments and spending time alone or with others," it added.House for Julia's concrete structure is wrapped in timberAbove, a dedicated floor for parents has been purposefully separated from the rest of House for Julia's operations.Taking advantage of the sloping landscape, this upper level has direct access to the park, with a walkway leading to a meditation spot on a nearby hill and a roof terrace atop the hospice with panoramic views across Brno.House for Julia's rooms have large windows"This generous outside space will also serve for social events and fundraisers, for exercising, stargazing, or simply for relaxation," explained the studio.Administrative areas are contained within House for Julia's basement level. It has a dedicated entrance and service access to the offices, meeting rooms and technical facilities.Therapy spaces are arranged around a smaller glazed courtyardBased in Brno, tystn Architekti was founded in 2015 and is led by Milan Joja, Karel Kubza and Tom Pgo.Other healthcare facilities for children on Dezeen includeHerzog & de Meuron's University Children's Hospital in Zurich, which was informed by a belief that "architecture can contribute to healing", and the colourful wards at Sheffield Children's Hospital by Morag Myerscough.The photography is by Alex Shoots Buildings.The post tystn Architekti nestles Czech Republic's first children's hospice into park appeared first on Dezeen.

American amp company Fender has teamed up with German audio manufacturer Teufel on the Rockster Cross, a large, loud, wearable Bluetooth speaker. Like boomboxes of yore, this is meant to be toted aroundbut slung from one's shoulder, rather than hoisted on it. There's an included Fender guitar strap, and the rear side of the speaker has a curve in it to correspond with the human body.Image: TechTesters Image: HiFi The 30-watt speaker features two tweeters, a woofer and two passive radiators. Audio reviewers say the thing can be cranked without suffering the distortion common with other Bluetooth speakers. It's got an IPX5 water resistance rating. The massive battery provides 16 hours of runtime, with the trade-off being that the speaker weighs nearly 9 pounds.These run $200.

It wasn't all that long ago that light bulbs looked like this: Now, this is the state-of-the-art: That's the Star Bulb, by Chinese lighting technology company Moonside Design. The linear, illuminated elements you see are the chip-on-board (CoB) LEDs, whereas the square thingies, of which there are 96, are adjustable full-color LEDs. The idea being that this bulb can put out multiple colors at the same time. The lights can even be animated. For my tastes, it's a bit extreme for a domestic environment, but would probably be desirable for event spaces and bars. Here's how you adjust the thing:The pricing is also more in line with a commercial environment: These start out at $37 a pop, with slight discounts available if you purchase in bulk.

Tucked away in Yangpo Village on top of the Gaoligong Mountains is a lovely bookstore called the Nujiang Grand Canyon Bookstore. The store beautifully merges contemporary architecture with the surrounding landscape both natural and cultural. The bookstore is blessed with stunning views of the Nujiang River and the nearby peaks. This brilliant structure combines modern design with local heritage gracefully and respectfully.Designer: TAO (Trace Architecture Office)The bookstore is constructed on a mountainous site, and it extends outwards like a sharp arrow. This represents the Lisu peoples connection to crossbows. The structure seamlessly adapts to the slope, it beautifully integrates with the landscape, while forming a subtle sense of elevation. Reinforced concrete and locally sourced materials were used to build the bookstore, improving its durability, and reducing any adverse effects on the environment. The walls include openings that provide framed views of the canyon, allowing the interior and exterior to co-exist harmoniously.The inside of the bookstore contains three levels. Each floor has a purpose and goal. The top story includes a caf with a sloped roof, creating a free-flowing and open ambiance. The middle floor serves as the bookstore, equipped with concrete walls, while the lower level accommodates an amphitheater featuring skylights. The theater is equipped with camphor-wood doors which are opened once the day, allowing the surrounding landscape to connect with the theater.The impressive bookstore functions as a communal space, where residents and visitors are welcomed warmly. It is a cultural hub where visitors can visit the terraces and different communal areas. Various elements of traditional Lisu architecture were incorporated into the bookstore, such as the sloped roofline, which pays respect to the Lisu culture. The terraces form open and panoramic spaces that allow the building to merge with the natural landscape. This marks a seamless transition from constructed spaces to the natural landscape of the Nujiang Canyon.The main terrace is aligned with Yangpo Villages road, which further instates the building as a communal extension. It allows the bookstore to serve as an architectural landmark and an important cultural hub. This thoughtful design allows public spaces to beautifully incorporate the local cultural heritage of a region.The post Visually Unique Bookstore Is Perched On A Mountaintop, Merging Old Architecture With New first appeared on Yanko Design.

One of the things that most people probably hate is being hospitalized. Aside from of course all the health reasons why this is a hassle, theres also the added inconvenience of having your vitals regularly monitored. Although of course we know that its needed, it still is annoying to be woken up at different times and to be poked and prodded.Designer: Adaption for SkylabsApollon is an award-winning wearable device that will hopefully lessen some of that inconvenience for hospitalized patients. It has both a wrist-worn module and also a ring-type sensor that is able to measure some of the more important health indicators. It is able to take automatic and periodic measurements of your oxygen level, irregular pulse, pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, and skin temperature. It is also able to take body temperature measurements when you need it.The design of the device makes it not so intrusive and uncomfortable for the patient even as it is taking their vitals. It looks just like a regular wearable device although it is of course larger than a smartwatch. The wristband is made from silicone so that its hygienic and can easily be attached and removed to the control module. The single-sized silicone ring is placed around the sensor module and can be used by people of various finger sizes.Apollon was actually an honoree in the Artificial Intelligence category at the CES 2025 Innovation Awards. It seems to be a comfortable and non-invasive device for patients in the hospital who are already pretty stressed already because of their health condition.The post Apollon health device measures vitals in comfortable and non-invasive manner first appeared on Yanko Design.