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Decision coming soon: Energy Transfer says it now has enough LNG sales agreements to move its Lake Charles export project to a final investment decision in early 2026. The 16.5-million-ton Louisiana facility has finished its marketing phase, and executives say demand growth should offset concerns about a long-term LNG glut. Read more from Reuters.
Renegotiating: Refinancing activity jumped as homeowners chased savings unavailable in conventional loans. Total refi applications rose 14% last week and are up 88% year over year, driven largely by FHA loans. FHA refi demand surged 24% as rates fell to 6.08%, while conventional 30-year rates inched higher to 6.33%, limiting relief. Read more from CNBC.
Disney enters AI: Walt Disney Co. agreed to invest $1 billion in OpenAI and license iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and Cinderella for use on the startup’s short-form, artificial intelligence video platform. As part of the new three-year pact, OpenAI’s Sora will be able to draw from a library of more than 200 animated and creature characters—from Lilo and Stitch to Ariel and Simba when generating AI videos in response to user prompts. The deal, announced Thursday, doesn’t cover any talent likenesses or voices, however. So a video could feature Woody from Toy Story but without Tom Hanks’ voice. Read more from Bloomberg. A subscription may be required.
