First Brands files for bankruptcy, revealing billions of dollars in liabilities

First Brands files for bankruptcy, revealing billions of dollars in liabilities

First Brands, a U.S. auto-parts maker, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with at least $10 billion in liabilities and up to $10 billion in assets. The company secured $1.1 billion in financing to keep operating while restructuring. A $2 billion revenue-linked factoring deal is under scrutiny for contributing to its financial troubles, though the reorganization is not expected to disrupt global operations or supply chains.

Port Charlotte resort gets new name as $200M sale closes

Port Charlotte resort gets new name as $200M sale closes

Blackstone Real Estate Group has purchased the Sunseeker Resort in Port Charlotte from Allegiant Travel Co. for $200 million, far below its $600M+ construction cost. The resort has been renamed Sunseeker Resort Florida Gulf Coast, Curio Collection by Hilton, aligning with Hilton’s global brand. The rebrand drops “Charlotte Harbor” to broaden its market reach and position the property as a premier Gulf Coast destination.

US apartment rent growth flattens in July

US apartment rent growth flattens in July

U.S. apartment rent growth stalled in July, with more than half of the 50 largest multifamily markets seeing month-to-month declines. The national average rent held steady at $1,717, marking the sixth straight month of flat or negative growth, while annual growth slowed to 1.1% from 1.5% in January.The slowdown is driven by higher supply and softening seasonal demand, which typically peaks in summer. Regionally, the Midwest and Northeast led with modest gains, while the South and West posted declines, especially in markets facing heavy new construction.San Francisco, Chicago, and San Jose topped annual growth, while Austin, Denver, and Phoenix led in annual declines. This reflects a growing divide between Midwest/coastal markets that remain resilient and Sun Belt markets where supply is outpacing demand.

The Fed is starting to worry about the housing market now

The Fed is starting to worry about the housing market now

The Federal Reserve’s latest meeting minutes revealed new concerns about the housing market, which has been dragging down economic momentum. Policymakers noted weakening demand, falling prices, and declining building permits—raising worries that housing could become a broader risk to jobs and growth. While the Fed also flagged risks from tariffs, the labor market, and AI’s impact on employment, the housing slowdown stood out as a new focus. Fresh data confirmed the slump, with flat home sales, subdued prices, and low builder confidence, suggesting housing activity will likely soften further. This shift could influence upcoming rate decisions, with Chair Jerome Powell hinting at a possible September rate cut.