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What will Barclays and NatWest earnings show about the booming banking sector?

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What will Barclays and NatWest earnings show about the booming banking sector?

Barclays and NatWest are set to unveil bigger profits for 2025 as the banking sector gets in its “best shape since the financial crisis”, experts think.

The lenders will publish their annual results on Tuesday and Friday respectively, reflecting a year that saw UK interest rates cut four times.

Barclays is expected to report a pre-tax profit of £9 billion for the year, which would be a jump from the £8.1 billion it made in 2024.

A group of analysts for AJ Bell said they think the bank’s UK mortgage business and investment banking division will have strengthened.

Mortgage rates fell over the last year and lenders have competed to offer a range of deals to borrowers, although wider economic and political uncertainty has helped slow the housing market’s recovery. 

Barclays also has a major investment business, which experts think may have been boosted by increased activity in the financial markets and deal-making between firms.

AJ Bell’s analysts said earnings for its investment bank will be “under scrutiny” due to its volatile nature, “but for the moment financial markets remain buoyant, merger and acquisition activity robust” and it could benefit from a “new rush of flotations” on the stock markets.

Meanwhile, NatWest is also expected to report bigger earnings, with forecasts showing an operating pre-tax profit of £7.5 billion for the year, up from £6.2 billion in 2024.

In May, NatWest fully offloaded the Government’s stake in the group, returning it to private ownership for the first time since being bailed out during the 2008 financial crisis.

It has also reported growing mortgage balances during the year, and gained new customers after buying Metro Bank’s mortgage book and acquiring Sainsbury’s Bank.

Richard Hunter, head of markets for Interactive Investor, said: “As far as investors are concerned, NatWest is in a sweet spot.

“The government shackles have gone, the group has prodigious amounts of cash and acquisitions to boost growth further seem likely.”

He added: “Indeed, it remains to be seen whether this new-found freedom will enable a more aggressive acquisition policy.”

Michael Hewson, an analyst for MCH Market Insights, pointed out that both Barclays and NatWest’s shares have risen to their highest levels since 2008 in recent months.

“All in all, the UK banking sector appears to be in the best shape it has been since the financial crisis, with the only risk now is that it may well draw the attention of politicians who think the sector is perhaps making too much money,” he said.

Skip these Super Bowl party foods, health experts warn

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Skip these Super Bowl party foods, health experts warn

The Seattle Seahawks will square off against the New England Patriots on Sunday for Super Bowl LX, with hundreds of millions of Americans expected to tune in.

As people watch, they’ll chow down on saucy wings, cheesy pizza slices, salty fries and other fried favorites.

But while they may be delicious and satisfying in the moment – especially to soothe the souls of a losing fanbase – health experts say you may want to forgo several fan favorites or, at least, be wary of overindulging.

That’s largely because many are highly caloric and packed with bad fats that could negatively impact your heart health.

“Fatty favorites like pizza, nachos and chips might be tempting, but they increase your risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and unwanted weight gain – all of which strain the heart,” Dr. April Wilson, chair of the Preventive Medicine Department at Loma Linda University Health, said in a statement.

It’s nearly time for the Super Bowl. But game day favorite foods might be quietly harming your health, experts warn

It’s nearly time for the Super Bowl. But game day favorite foods might be quietly harming your health, experts warn (Getty Images)

Buffalo wings

For a sports fan, eating chicken wings on game day may seem as natural as breathing.

Some 1.25 billion wings are consumed on Super Bowl Sunday every year, according to the National Chicken Council. But eating too many wings comes with its own risks.

Buffalo Wild Wings says a six-piece serving contains 990 milligrams of sodium: a big chunk of the 1,500 milligrams recommended daily by the American Heart Association.

Too much salt can cause complications such as high blood pressure and clogged arteries.

Instead, experts say to sub traditional buffalo wings for buffalo cauliflower bites.

“Pairs well with bleu cheese or ranch dips. This would also make a fun addition to any vegetable crudité tray,” Kristen Chang, a registered dietitian with the Virginia Tech Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, said.

Pizza

Pizza’s alluring presence is often undeniable at a party. It’s quick, it’s usually hot and it’s darn tasty.

But did you know a slice of take-out pizza typically has around four-to-five grams of unhealthy saturated fat? That’s a quarter of the recommended daily limit.

Saturated fats can raise your cholesterol level, increasing your risk of heart disease.

And, that’s on top of the hundreds of milligrams of sodium, with more than 600 in a pepperoni slice.

For a healthier slice, NKC Health suggests people make pizza with whole grain crust, as well as reduced fat cheese and vegetable toppings.

Pizza is a fan favorite on Super Bowl weekend — but experts have warned you can have too much of a good thing

Pizza is a fan favorite on Super Bowl weekend — but experts have warned you can have too much of a good thing (Getty Images)

Chips and dip

Depending on what you purchase, chips and dip can also rack up the calories.

“Those salty potato chips and dips like sour cream or queso are the fatty culprits here,” University of Utah Health explains.

Some 11.2 million pounds of potato chips are consumed during the game each year, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Each bag of classic Lay’s contains around 12 grams of saturated fat and 1,120 milligrams of sodium.

Add some sodium and fat-heavy dip, and your snack could be even more unhealthy than you first thought.

Brownies

Brownies are delicious in moderation — but experts have warned not to make them a habit.

Brownies are delicious in moderation — but experts have warned not to make them a habit. (Getty)

Sodium-rich foods aren’t the only culprits.

Brownies are easy to make and widely beloved – but you might want to punt the chocolatey, caky goodness.

While a box of Ghirardelli’s chocolate triple fudge brownies has 18 grams of sugar per serving, some fast food brownies have more than 30 grams.

That can spike blood sugar levels, leading to harmful inflammation and exacerbating conditions such as arthritis.

Moderation is crucial, Alison Gustafson, a University of Kentucky associate professor of dietetics and human nutrition, told USA Today.

“The key is to not make it a habit the next day,” she said.

Should you overpay your mortgage or save?

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Should you overpay your mortgage or save?

Martin Lewis explains.

Duchess of Edinburgh hits slopes in Méribel for military snow fest

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Duchess of Edinburgh hits slopes in Méribel for military snow fest

Duchess of Edinburgh hits slopes in Méribel for military snow fest

The Duchess of Edinburgh jetted off from Heathrow to the snowy peaks of Méribel, France on 5 February as Patron of the UK Armed Forces Winter Sports Association in spectacular Alpine style.

Once on the ground in the Three Valleys resort, a favoured stage for elite snow sport competitions her day kicked off with a front‑row view of the Inter‑Services Snow Sports Championships. 

The annual tournament pits Army, Royal Navy and RAF athletes against each other across skiing, snowboarding, telemark events, and plenty of military camaraderie on the piste.

Later, the Duchess joined forces with athletes, coaches and volunteers at a celebratory reception to mark the association’s 75th anniversary. 

Sohpie mingled with competitors across all three services and even delivered a speech to more than 300 guests honouring their dedication.

The evening wrapped up at the Hôtel l’Éterlou, where HRH clinked glasses with service members and supporters alike.

Sophie and her husband Prince Edward will reunite for XIV Paralympic Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo starting 7 March.

US stocks today: Wall Street rebounds as tech equities recover, bitcoin steadies – The Times of India

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US stocks today: Wall Street rebounds as tech equities recover, bitcoin steadies - The Times of India

File photo: Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (Picture credit: AP)

US stock markets moved higher on Friday, clawing back part of the heavy losses seen earlier in the week, as technology shares recovered and bitcoin halted its recent slide. The rebound came after several volatile sessions driven by worries over massive spending on artificial intelligence and its impact on corporate profits.The S&P 500 rose 0.9 per cent, marking only its second gain in the past eight sessions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 776 points, or 1.6 per cent, while the Nasdaq Composite was up 0.5 per cent by mid-morning trading in New York.Chipmakers led the recovery. Nvidia climbed 4.9 per cent, trimming a weekly decline of more than 10 per cent, while Broadcom gained 3.8 per cent after falling sharply earlier in the week. According to news agency AP, hopes of strong long-term demand for chips linked to artificial intelligence continued to support the sector.

AI spending worries hit Amazon

Despite the broader rebound, concerns over soaring AI investment remained. Amazon shares slumped 8.5 per cent after the company said it expects to spend around $200 billion this year on areas such as AI, chips, robotics and low-earth-orbit satellites. Similar spending plans announced earlier by Alphabet have raised questions about whether such large investments will deliver enough future profits.As per news agency AFP, investors have grown cautious after a period when enthusiasm around AI lifted much of the technology sector. Chris Low of FHN Financial said markets were now reassessing whether the sell-off had gone too far, noting that traders felt some of the recent declines may have been “overdone”.Even with Friday’s gains, the S&P 500 was still on course for its third weekly fall in four weeks.

Bitcoin stabilises, crypto stocks jump

Bitcoin showed signs of stabilising after weeks of losses that wiped out more than half its value since its October peak. The cryptocurrency recovered to around $68,000 after briefly slipping near $60,000 late on Thursday.The move helped lift shares linked to the crypto sector. Robinhood Markets surged 11.7 per cent, Coinbase Global rose 7.3 per cent, and Strategy, a company known for holding large amounts of bitcoin, jumped 15.9 per cent.

Consumers, airlines and smaller stocks gain

US consumer sentiment also provided some support. A preliminary survey from the University of Michigan showed sentiment improving slightly, defying expectations of a fall. The improvement was strongest among households that own shares.Airline stocks gained on hopes that stronger confidence would translate into more travel spending. United Airlines rose 5.4 per cent, American Airlines gained 4.6 per cent, and Delta Air Lines added 4.4 per cent.Smaller companies outperformed larger peers, with the Russell 2000 index climbing 2.3 per cent. These firms tend to be more sensitive to the strength of the US economy.In the bond market, US Treasury yields were largely steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury held at around 4.21 per cent, unchanged from late Thursday.

How much does a Super Bowl ad cost in 2026?

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How much does a Super Bowl ad cost in 2026?

The Super Bowl might be one of the most-watched sporting events of the year — but some just tune in for the commercials.

Big-budget advertisements shown during breaks in the game are often one of the biggest draws of the evening, and this year appears to be no exception.

Several ad spots have already dropped, including Oscar-winner Adrien Brody starring in an ad for TurboTax, Sabrina Carpenter appearing in an ad for Pringles, and Andy Samberg and Elle Fanning leading a Hellman’s commercial.

The excitement of the game combined with the anticipation of the halftime show — being headlined this year by Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny — reveal just a few reasons why companies choose to spend money on a Super Bowl commercial.

Why do companies want to advertise at the Super Bowl?

Adrien Brody will star in a TurboTax ad during the 2026 Super Bowl
Adrien Brody will star in a TurboTax ad during the 2026 Super Bowl (Courtesy of TurboTax)

Because of how many people watch the event every year — last year’s game had an estimated audience of 127.7 million — the Super Bowl has become the holy grail for advertisers.

“Even though a Super Bowl advertising campaign might not pay immediately in hard dollars and cents, if a business can afford to produce one of these stellar spots, they stand to earn new customers and build awareness on a scale unmatched by other outlets,” Peter Koeppel, founder and president of marketing agency Koeppel Direct, said in 2019.

“Good or bad, though, impactful Super Bowl ads are the ones that are getting talked about. What a marketer can’t afford is an ad that completely fails to deliver. Because the Super Bowl is also sort of a Super Bowl of marketing, the competition is fierce – the commercials have to be memorable for them to pay off in the long run.

“An ad that doesn’t give viewers something, for better or worse, won’t be a profitable one,” he continued.

What kind of brands get Super Bowl commercials and what are the rules?

Brands were ready for the massive turnout, as NBC revealed that it sold out its ad inventory in September.

This year, Super Bowl LX will be on NBC and streaming on Peacock, Hulu + Live TV, Tubi, YouTube TV, NFL +. According to Mike Marshall, head of global advertising for NBCUniversal, 10 percent of this year’s commercials went to advertisers. Those spots were sold at a discount rate to air on Peacock compared to broadcast ads. The average slot is typically limited to 30 seconds

However, the 30-second limit hasn’t stopped brands from bending the rules before. Back in 2021, Reddit spent its entire ad budget on the shortest-ever Super Bowl commercial.

The social media and news platform’s commercial lasted for just five seconds and urged viewers to pause their TVs to read it.

How much do Super Bowl ads cost this year?

The price of ad spots in this year’s Super Bowl went for $8 million, and a “handful” of brands paid up to $10 million, according to Marshall.

Marshall said this year’s ads will largely come from the technology, pharmaceutical and wellness industries.

Super Bowl LX will be played February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Billie Eilish criticized by ‘other’ Epstein over ‘stolen land’ remarks

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Billie Eilish criticized by 'other' Epstein over 'stolen land' remarks

After being called out by the likes of Megyn Kelly over her remarks at Grammys 2026, Billie Eilish has now been criticized in an opinion piece published in The Washington Post.

The widely read opinion titled “No, Billie Eilish, Americans are not thieves on stolen land,” called out the singer for not practicing what she preaches.

She made the remarks while accepting the Grammy for Song of the Year as she took aim at border enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over their recent crackdown that killed at least two people.

“No one is illegal on stolen land,” she said sparking backlash from not only President Donald Trump’s supporters but also from the Native American tribe whose ancestral territory includes Billie Eilish’s Los Angeles home.

The Tongva tribe offered measured support for the singer’s message but emphasized the importance of direct and specific acknowledgment of their land.

Meanwhile, in the The Washington Post opinion, writers Richard Epstein, a professor at  New York University School of Law and Max Raskin, a fellow at New York University School of Law, said: “It is easy to call land stolen, but what about the innocent purchasers who acquired in good faith in the interim? Are they thieves? Is Eilish a thief because, as the Tongva tribe recently asserted, her $3 million mansion in Los Angeles sits on its ancestral homeland?”

They concluded their piece writing, “Fortunately, Eilish does not actually practice what she preaches, for otherwise anyone would be free to squat in her mansion, by asserting the property belongs to the Tongva, not her. But the same legal doctrines that protect her also protect Americans against sweeping claims that they live on stolen land. Performative politics usually ends when celebrities get off stage and become, however briefly, ordinary people.”

One of the writers, Professor Richard Epstein, is a legal scholar, who’s written extensively on various legal topics, including commentary on high-profile cases like Jeffrey Epstein’s. 

He’s not related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

iPhone in space? NASA approves latest smartphones for astronauts to capture special moments in orbit | – The Times of India

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iPhone in space? NASA approves latest smartphones for astronauts to capture special moments in orbit | - The Times of India

Space selfies with smartphones? Imagine the shots they could get with a smartphone in hand. NASA has reportedly announced that astronauts on the upcoming Crew-12 and Artemis II missions will be allowed to carry their own smartphones. This is a bit of a departure from the usual strict rules about what gadgets can fly in space. Usually, every device has to pass of tests before it’s cleared for orbit. But now, astronauts might have the freedom to snap whatever they want, whenever they want. The announcement came from NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman on X on February 5. Space photography is about to get personal, and maybe a little more human.

NASA astronauts will soon fly with the latest smartphones for Crew-12 and Artemis II

Astronauts taking selfies in space might sound funny, but it could help make space feel closer to home. NASA has always been careful about gadgets. Radiation can fry electronics, and even minor glitches can be a headache when you’re 250 miles above Earth. As reported by AppleInsider, experts say the newest camera officially approved for Artemis II was a 2016 Nikon DSLR, alongside GoPros that are over ten years old. Not exactly cutting-edge tech. Even after all that, there’s no guarantee it’ll fly. But now, it seems NASA is softening. The Crew-12 mission is going to the International Space Station to bring four astronauts onboard. The ISS has been short-staffed after a medical evacuation earlier this year. Having astronauts document daily life on their smartphones could make the station feel a bit more relatable. Then there’s Artemis II, NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years. Four astronauts will do a 10-day flyby around the Moon.

NASA makes cosmic selfies possible but with few limitations

As reported by AppleInsider, iPhones in space aren’t completely unheard of, back in 2011, two iPhone 4s flew on the final space shuttle mission. Apple Watches, AirPods, iPads, and iPods have also made appearances in orbit. Long before that, the Macintosh Portable sent the first email from space in 1991. Private missions have had it easier. Now, it seems the big government missions are catching up. Maybe NASA figured it’s time to let astronauts be a little more.

Find your perfect match in M&S’s spring denim collection

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Find your perfect match in M&S’s spring denim collection

From stylish straight leg cuts and flattering flared styles to barrel silhouettes or wide leg designs, denim is the cornerstone of any wardrobe. The best pairs see you through every season and occasion – that’s the power of a good pair of jeans.

Ask any denim devotee and they’ll tell you that some of the most covetable pairs hail from the high street. With designer styles often having a significant price tag, you can achieve the same excellent quality and long-lasting design for no more than £50.

M&S has long been a go-to on the high street for essentials like underwear and workwear, but its fashion offering has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Thanks to womenswear direction from Maddy Evans, the stalwart is a defining figure in British fashion. Recent collaborations with the likes of Bella Freud and 16Arlington have only cemented its sartorial influence.

When it comes to denim, M&S rivals designer labels for on-trend silhouettes and top-quality fabrics – all at affordable prices. The retailer helped bring runway-inspired barrel leg cuts into the mainstream thanks to its sellout collaboration with Sienna Miller. Meanwhile, its high waisted straight leg jeans remain a bestseller because of their cross-generational appeal.

The retailer recognises the transitional power of a good pair of jeans. Going into spring, its denimwear is a key component of any wardrobe – be it a wide leg cut with a cropped cardigan, a barrel silhouette with a cinched-in blazer or a straight leg style paired with ballet flats and a white T-shirt.

While fashion trends can be fleeting, denim is undoubtedly timeless – this season, find your perfect wardrobe staple across M&S’s collections for men, women and children.

Denim that keeps up

(Marks & Spencer)

When it comes to kids’ wear, M&S’s denim keeps up with their active lifestyle. Think baggy cuts that combine comfort with cool, matching waistcoats and trousers for young fashion lovers and denim shirts for a smart but laidback look. M&S has long been a favourite for well-crafted children’s clothing, with its new denim collection cementing it as a stylish choice for little ones.

Shop now

Denim you can rely on

(Marks & Spencer)

Beloved by fashion editors and modish men alike, M&S’s menswear collection is going from strength to strength – particularly when it comes to denim. This season, the timeless material comes in jacket, jean and shirt form – and all are easy-to-wear staples. Baggy cuts are dominating this spring (particularly when paired with a similarly oversized shirt), but straight leg and indigo-shade silhouettes offer a smarter alternative for work days. Blending contemporary fits with everyday wearability, lightweight fabrics and softer shades make M&S’s denim ideal for spring days. Thoughtful details – subtle fading, exposed stitching and stretchy material – assure the denim feels as good as it looks.

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Denim to build your wardrobe around

(Marks & Spencer)

M&S’s womenswear denim collection is all about those transitional staples that help you ease out of chilly winter weather and into warmer spring days. From flattering wide leg to barrel-cut jeans and classic straight leg styles, the collection is designed in a lighter colour palette with comfortable fabrics that make layering easy during our unpredictable British summertime. The hero denim pieces are the perfect match for knits, but equally stylish when paired with T-shirts throughout the summer months. Key items like denim midi dresses and jackets take the guesswork out of dressing each morning.

Demonstrating M&S’s commitment to easy-to-wear staples and timeless designs, its denim collection will carry you smoothly through the season’s changing conditions.

Shop now

Find your perfect denim match now

Neighbor spotted mysterious white van before Savannah Guthrie’s mother vanished from home: report

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Harvey Levin gives explosive update on purported Nancy Levin ransom note on ‘Hannity’ 

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A neighbor of missing Nancy Guthrie said he saw a suspicious white van on their street in the days before NBC host Savannah Guthrie‘s mother was taken from her home.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her Tucson home at around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

While officials didn’t initially elaborate on the circumstances of her disappearance, Sheriff Chris Nanos said on Monday that “we do, in fact, have a crime.” A law enforcement source told Fox News Digital that there were “blood drops” leading from the entryway outside down the house’s pathway towards the driveway. 

“Sheriff [Chris] Nanos has stated that he believes that a crime has been committed,” a spokesperson for Pima County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital. “At this point, investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will and that includes possible kidnapping or abduction.”

EVERYTHING WE KNOW ABOUT NANCY GUTHRIE’S RANSOM NOTE AS SHERIFF SAYS SHE WAS ABDUCTED

Savannah Guthrie and her mother, Nancy Guthrie, are pictured on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)

Brett McIntire, who lives across the street from Nancy Guthrie, told the New York Post he reported the unmarked van to police. He couldn’t recall exactly when he saw the van, but said it was recent.

“It was somewhere on that street. It was a white van, full-sized, with no printing on the sides. It was parked on the street,” he said. “Normally people that are coming to work on your home will have a company vehicle or, if they’re independent, something written on it.”

TIMELINE: NBC HOST SAVANNAH GUTHRIE’S MOTHER DISAPPEARS AS SHERIFF SAYS SHE MAY HAVE BEEN ‘ABDUCTED’

Savannah Guthrie posing with mom in Sydney.

Australian-born presenter, Savannah Guthrie poses alongside her mother Nancy Guthrie during a production break while hosting NBC’s “Today Show” live from Australia at Sydney Opera House on May 4, 2015, in Sydney, Australia.  (Don Arnold/WireImage)

“From now on, when I’m going out and about, I’ll have a paper and pen and record anything unusual,” he added.

After Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, Brett’s wife, Lisa, said they’re considering buying security cameras.

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Aerial shot outside Nancy Guthrie's home

Members of the press work outside the home of Nancy Guthrie, the missing mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in Tucson, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Caitlin O’Hara)

“Brett and I were talking. And we thought, well, we should probably get one,” Lisa said. “We have a pretty secure residence. Metal doors. I’m kind of a deep sleeper, so it’s unlikely someone could get past one of the metal doors. But we’re a little concerned.”