Tuesday's Daily Pulse
State finances face uncertain future
States are mounting an uneven fiscal recovery from the Great Recession, with energy-rich states leading and Northeastern states with big pension obligations lagging, a new study shows. Alaska, the Dakotas, Nebraska and Florida are on the most solid financial footing. [Source: USA Today]
Raymond James, Wells Fargo, others ordered to pay millions in restitution to retirement accounts and charities
FINRA (the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) has ordered Wells Fargo, Raymond James, and LPL Financial to pay more than $30 million in restitution to retirement accounts and charities overcharged for mutual funds. Raymond James will pay affected customers an estimated $8.7 million. Full statement from FINRA is here. Also see the Tampa Bay Times.
We all make mistakes, and through them, we learn. But when it comes to finances, it is best not to take the trial-and-error approach. Avoiding some common financial mistakes might save you a great deal of money and heartache. [Source: Tribune News Service]
Warmer ocean temps may hurt Florida coral reefs
South Florida's coral reefs face an increased risk of bleaching in the next few months, a life-threatening condition in which they expel the algae that provides them with color and nutrition, according to federal marine scientists. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Four out of five U.S. banks now have earned the "recommended" rating from analyst BauerFinancial Inc. Banks in Florida, one of the state's hardest hit by the economic downturn, have recovered more slowly. Just 65 percent of them earned a spot on Bauer's recommended list. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]
› Uber: We're leaving Broward on July 31 [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
The popular ride-hailing service Uber announced Monday that it will withdraw completely from Broward County at month's end.
› Gov. Scott signs West Palm Beach spring training deal [WPBF]
Governor Rick Scott took part in a ceremonial bill signing in West Palm Beach Monday to put the finishing touches on a deal to bring spring training baseball back to the city.
› Gasoline prices falling slowly [South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Gasoline prices have been inching downward and should remain flat or lower in July, travel club AAA says. Gasoline prices for the July 4th holiday were the lowest since 2009 and may have peaked for this year, AAA said.
› Brutal summer spells doom for Miami restaurants [Miami Herald]
More than 20 high-profile restaurants have closed in Miami-Dade in recent weeks, outpacing the clip of new openings and putting operators on edge as they head into the year’s slowest months.
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› The mind of the condo construction lender [Multihousing News]
Today’s lending environment for condo construction financing is quite different compared to 18 months ago. The evolution of the condo market is constantly presenting new challenges and demanding development teams to be creative and resourceful.
ICYMI: Florida Trend's annual look at the biggest companies in the state. Lists include:
› 380 jobs headed to Palm Beach Gardens [WPTV]
Gov. Rick Scott announced Monday that a building products company will expand to Palm Beach Gardens, creating 380 jobs. The company, United Technologies, will create a customer experience center and bring an investment of $115 million to the region.
› Tourism centers across Florida consider certification [Fort Myers News-Press]
Local experts sharing information, face-to-face with visitors, make tourist information centers such sturdy survivors in the digital age.
› How to keep your vacation scam free [USA Today]
Now that we've marched through the July 4th holiday, the summertime travel and recreation spending are in full swing. But sadly, con artists aren't taking any vacation breaks.