Powering the AI boom: As electric vehicle demand slows, South Korean and Japanese battery makers are shifting toward energy storage to meet rising electricity demand from AI data centers and a U.S. ban on new Chinese grid components. Companies including LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and Panasonic are redirecting production to supply utilities and data centers. The shift is creating new growth opportunities as U.S. battery storage capacity is projected to quadruple by 2032. The Wall Street Journal has the full story.
Emissions at a cost: The Trump administration’s proposed rollback of methane emissions rules is projected by the EPA to lower U.S. crude oil prices by 11 cents per barrel in 2027 while increasing domestic production by 0.09%. The changes could save the economy an estimated $45 billion through 2050, largely through reduced compliance costs, but the EPA projects they would also result in an additional 60 million short tons of methane emissions. Energy analysts say the proposal’s impact on overall supply will likely be limited, though it could help marginal well operators keep some wells productive. The changes must undergo public comment and further review before they can be finalized. CNBC has the full story.
A buyer’s paradox: U.S. mortgage rates fell for a second consecutive week to 7.24%, down from 7.32%, but remain near their highest levels since November 2023 and are weighing on housing demand. High borrowing costs and home prices are squeezing buyers, slowing sales and discouraging homeowners with lower-rate mortgages from listing their properties, while builder confidence has fallen to a 14-year low. Although sellers now outnumber buyers by nearly 63% and home prices are beginning to decline, affordability challenges are preventing many prospective buyers from taking advantage of improved market conditions. Bloomberg has the full story.
Should the city of Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish deconsolidate?
