The Bill That Gives Merchants the Power to Process Cards on Different Networks
U.S. lawmakers plan to reintroduce a bill empowering merchants to process Visa and Mastercard cards across networks. Mercedes-Benz strikes a green deal, Microsoft settles privacy charges, and BNPL options skyrocket.
Hold onto your credit cards, folks, because U.S. lawmakers are gearing up for another round of legislative excitement! That's right, buckle up for the reintroduction of a bill that will empower merchants to process Visa and Mastercard credit cards across various networks. It's like having a magician's wand, but for merchants. Expect this bill to hit the stage as early as this week, with Senators Peter Welch and J.D. Vance joining the sponsorship party.
Now, don't go thinking this is all déjà vu. Sure, a similar bill made its grand entrance last summer, waltzing into the Senate Banking Committee. But alas, it never got the chance to shine in the spotlight of a vote. Will the tides turn this time? Only time will tell, my friends. Stay tuned for more gripping updates on this legislative rollercoaster.
Mercedes-Benz Goes Green with H2 Green Steel
In a stunning move towards a greener future, Mercedes-Benz has struck a deal with Sweden's very own H2 Green Steel. What's all the fuss about, you ask? Well, this deal is all about securing a long-term supply of low-emission steel. As we all know, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is all the rage these days, and Mercedes-Benz is determined to lead the way in cleaning up supply chains.
But wait, there's more! This partnership isn't limited to just European mills. Oh no, folks, they're aiming for the stars (or perhaps the North American skies) as they explore potential steel production across the pond. It's an exciting time for the industry, and we can't help but wonder what other clever collaborations are on the horizon.
Imports Rise, Exports Fall
Hold onto your trade agreements, because the numbers are in! April saw a rise in imports as Americans couldn't resist snatching up goods and services from foreign lands. With a 1.5% increase, totaling a seasonally adjusted $323.6 billion, it seems businesses and consumers are holding strong despite those pesky rising interest rates. Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines led the way, adding a whopping $2.0 billion, closely followed by industrial supplies with an impressive $1.9 billion gain.
Alas, on the flip side, exports took a little tumble, declining by 3.6% to a total of $249 billion. It seems our friends overseas weren't as keen on our offerings. But hey, let's not dwell on the negative. Keep your spirits high as we navigate the unpredictable international trade.
BNPL: The Savior of Sales in the Pandemic Era
In a world filled with uncertainty and face masks, one shining star emerged during the pandemic—buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) options! Klarna, Affirm Holdings, Afterpay, and more took center stage, offering customers a way to break up their payments and soothe their financial woes. And boy, did it work!
According to Adobe Analytics, the portion of online purchases using BNPL soared a staggering 14% in 2022, compared to the previous year. It's like a breath of fresh air for struggling retailers and consumers alike. So next time you're hesitant to hit that "Buy Now" button, remember the power of BNPL and let it guide you towards a brighter, financially flexible future!
Microsoft's $20 Million Oopsie: Settling Charges of Privacy Violations
Oh dear, it seems Microsoft has landed itself in a bit of a pickle with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The tech giant has agreed to part ways with a hefty $20 million to settle charges that it violated the privacy rights of children who signed up for its beloved Xbox video game system. Oh, the drama!
The FTC accused Microsoft of breaking the rules laid out in the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (Coppa). It seems the company collected personal information from children under the age of 13 during Xbox sign-ups, all without giving their dear parents a heads-up. Naughty, naughty!
Well, let this be a lesson to all tech companies out there: tread carefully when it comes to kids' privacy. The FTC has its watchful eye on you, and a financial slap on the wrist is never a good look. So let's all take a moment to appreciate the importance of transparency, especially when our little ones are involved.
