Investing and Global Finance News

Amazon Revamps Prime Sharing

Amazon has announced it will discontinue its Prime “Invitee” program starting October 1, 2025. Under the old program, a Prime member could share free two-day shipping with another adult who lived at a different address.

The Invitee program will be replaced by a new plan called Amazon Family. All shared benefits will be limited to people who live together at the same primary residential address. Under Amazon Family one adult member may be added, as well as up to four teenagers and four child profiles. 

Amazon is offering a transitional deal to those affected by the change. Invitees can get their own Prime subscription for a first year at a discounted price of $14.99. That offer lasts until December 31, 2025. After that, regular Prime fees will apply.

From an economic perspective, the shift could encourage more people to subscribe rather than share. It may boost Amazon’s average revenue per customer and the policy aligns with wider industry trends. Streaming platforms and subscription services are also placing limits on account sharing in an effort to expand paid memberships.

Amazon appears to be moving toward a model that connects membership benefits more closely to household use. This could ultimately reshape how customers perceive the value of Prime, tying it more to daily convenience and shared living arrangements.

Fantasy Life Secures Major Funding to Transform the Fantasy Sports Experience

Fantasy Life, founded by prominent fantasy sports analyst Matthew Berry, recently raised $7 million in a seed funding round led by LRMR Ventures (the investment firm linked to LeBron James and Maverick Carter) and SC Holdings. The financing includes a range of high-profile backers such as Roger Ehrenberg, John Legend, David Blitzer, Gerry Cardinale, and… Continue Reading

Diverse Brands Gain Ground in Resale Market

Resale platform StockX has released its midyear report on brand performance, offering a snapshot of where consumer demand is accelerating in 2025. The data compares global sales from the first half of the year to the same period in 2024, providing insight into shifting tastes in sneakers, apparel, accessories, collectibles, and shoes. In footwear, performance-oriented… Continue Reading

ChatGPT Moves Closer to Becoming a Digital Assistant

OpenAI’s latest development for ChatGPT introduces an impressive new capability: acting as a helpful digital agent that can carry out tasks for users. This move underlines the growing momentum behind transforming how people interact with the internet. Instead of the constant switching between browser tabs and apps, users might soon depend on AI-powered assistants that… Continue Reading

China’s Electric Car Surge: Innovation, Scale, and Global Impact

Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly gaining popularity for their sleek design and competitive pricing. One standout model is the BYD Dolphin Surf, a small city car launching in the UK at just £18,000. While not the cheapest EV on the market, it represents a strong new contender to established brands, especially as BYD recently… Continue Reading

GIA’s New Lab-Grown Diamond Labels Signal a Major Shift

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is transitioning to a new grading system for lab-grown diamonds (LGDs), moving away from the traditional 4C’s — color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Under the new system, LGDs will be categorized as “premium” or “standard” based on quality characteristics. This change aims to provide consumers with clearer and… Continue Reading

Planning for a More Flexible Retirement

As retirees reach age 73, the IRS requires them to begin taking annual withdrawals from most tax-deferred retirement accounts, known as required minimum distributions, or RMDs. These withdrawals are intended to ensure that retirement savings are eventually taxed, but they can also create unexpected financial challenges if not managed carefully. From higher tax bills to… Continue Reading

GENIUS Act: A Turning Point for Stablecoin Regulation

The U.S. Senate has taken a significant step toward regulating the stablecoin market by advancing the GENIUS Act with strong bipartisan support. The bill, which passed 66–22, establishes clear rules for stablecoin issuers, requiring them to maintain equivalent reserves, provide consumer protections in the event of insolvency, and adhere to established anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism… Continue Reading

Disney’s ESPN Streaming Expands Viewer Options

Disney is set to introduce a new era in sports streaming by launching a direct-to-consumer ESPN service this fall. For the first time, fans will be able to access the complete lineup of ESPN channels and live events without a cable subscription, reflecting the steady decline of traditional TV viewership and the growing demand for… Continue Reading