Market Beats | Trump Orders Release of JFK Assassination Files; ADHD Linked to Shorter Life Expectancy by Seven Years; U.S. Jobless Claims Hit Three-Year High; Hoboken PATH Station to Close at Month-End; Amazon Lays Off All Quebec Employees

1. U.S. Jobless Claims Hit Three-Year High

2. ADHD Linked to a Shorter Life Expectancy by Seven Years

3. U.S. Mortgage Rates Decline for the First Time in Over a Month

4. Tom Brady Selling $150 Million Mansion

5. Hoboken PATH Station to Close at Month-End for Repairs

6. Trump Orders Release of JFK Assassination Files

7. Amazon to Close Quebec Warehouses, Laying Off All Employees

1. U.S. Jobless Claims Hit Three-Year High

According to data released by the U.S. Department of Labor today, the number of continuing jobless claims rose to 1.9 million for the week ending January 11, reaching the highest level since November 2021. Initial jobless claims increased by 6,000 to 223,000.

Currently, initial jobless claims remain around pre-pandemic levels, indicating a relatively healthy labor market. However, the increase in continuing claims suggests that finding a job has become more challenging.

Employment data may fluctuate significantly in the coming weeks due to frequent natural disasters and weather-related disruptions.

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2. ADHD Linked to a Shorter Life Expectancy by Seven Years

A study published today in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have an average life expectancy that is 6.8 years shorter than those without the condition. This difficult-to-treat neurological disorder requires greater attention.

Scientists express concern over these findings, noting that individuals with ADHD are more likely to develop unhealthy habits such as binge eating and smoking. They are also at a higher risk for immune system disorders and other health complications.

Experts advocate for increased investment in ADHD treatment to ensure better care for patients. Individuals with ADHD often struggle with focus in school and work environments and face poorer overall physical and mental health.

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3. U.S. Mortgage Rates Decline for the First Time in Over a Month

Freddie Mac announced that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in the U.S. has finally dropped from 7.04% last week to 6.96%, marking the first decline in a month.

Mortgage rates had been rising for the past five weeks, raising concerns among homebuyers that rates might continue climbing indefinitely. However, this week’s data suggest that rates may be stabilizing within a range.

Over the past few weeks, the yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds has surged due to market concerns over former President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies. However, market fears have eased this week, leading to more stability in bond yields and mortgage rates.

Despite the slight decline, mortgage rates remain at historically high levels around 7%, while home prices continue to rise, making home purchases increasingly difficult.

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4. Tom Brady Selling $150 Million Mansion

Sources revealed that retired football star Tom Brady is considering selling his luxury mansion on Indian Creek Island, Florida, as property values have skyrocketed following Jeff Bezos’ move to the area.

Several potential buyers have already toured Brady’s mansion. Although the property is not officially listed for sale, it has reportedly received an offer of $150 million.

According to property records, Brady purchased the two-acre plot for $17 million in 2020 and built a custom-designed two-story estate with a private gym.

In 2023, Bezos purchased three homes on Indian Creek Island for a total of $230 million.

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5. Hoboken PATH Station to Close at Month-End for Repairs

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced that the PATH station in Hoboken, New Jersey, will be closed for maintenance from January 30 to February 25 as part of a $430 million renovation project.

The Port Authority stated that it is compressing a year’s worth of work into three weeks to complete the project as quickly as possible. During the station closure, additional bus services will be provided to the Jersey City PATH station and Manhattan.

Frequent train delays and cancellations have plagued New Jersey’s PATH stations, and this renovation aims to address those issues.

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6. Trump Orders Release of JFK Assassination Files

Today, former President Donald Trump signed a new executive order demanding the declassification of classified files related to the assassinations of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

Trump stated that the public interest in transparency outweighs any potential harm to U.S. national security, intelligence agencies, or law enforcement.

Under the order, top national security officials must ensure the full disclosure of these assassination records within the next 15 days.

Trump’s executive order emphasizes that “the American people deserve to know the truth.”

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7. Amazon to Close Quebec Warehouses, Laying Off All Employees

An Amazon spokesperson confirmed via email that the company will shut down all seven of its warehouses in Quebec, Canada, resulting in 1,900 job losses. The company will instead rely on third-party contractors to handle local package deliveries.

Less than a year ago, one of Amazon’s facilities in Quebec had successfully unionized.

The spokesperson stated that Amazon reevaluated its business in Quebec and concluded that outsourcing last-mile delivery to local small businesses would improve service quality.

Amazon denied that the decision was related to the unionization of Quebec employees.

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This content is sourced from Financial Times, Bloomberg, and The Real Deal, among other financial news outlets.