News Corp - NWSA STOCK NEWS

Realtor.com's March Rent Report reveals that despite 20 consecutive months of declines, rental prices remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels in most U.S. metros. The current median asking rent of $1,694 is $65 lower than the 2022 peak, representing over $700 in annual savings.

The median rent has increased 20.2% from March 2019 ($1,409) to March 2025. Notable regional growth leaders include Pittsburgh (47.9%), Tampa (45.7%), Indianapolis (34%), and Sacramento (30.6%). San Francisco remains the only market with below pre-pandemic rates.

New 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum threaten to impact multifamily construction, particularly affecting markets with rapid permitting growth. Milwaukee (101.3%), Oklahoma City (90.4%), and Memphis (39.5%) face the highest risk, as increased construction costs could lead to project delays or cancellations, potentially pushing rental prices higher.

Realtor.com's latest survey reveals strong seller optimism in the housing market, with 81% of potential sellers expecting to receive their asking price or more in 2025. 70% of sellers believe it's a good time to sell, despite challenging market conditions.

The survey highlights that 79% of potential sellers are motivated by necessity, with 46% seeking a different community. Key findings show that 75% expect average or shorter selling times, and 63% anticipate minimal concessions. However, 55% of those considering selling for over a year feel 'locked in' due to high mortgage rates.

Regional differences show the Northeast leading in seller confidence at 80%, compared to the West (72%), South (69%), and Midwest (65%). The study found that 96% of potential sellers have taken preparatory steps, with 71% checking home values and 38% making home improvements.

Realtor.com's latest report reveals significant regional disparities in U.S. home down payments during 2024. The Northeast and Midwest regions experienced substantial increases, with Delaware leading at 38.6% growth ($49,000), followed by Rhode Island (32.8%) and Maine (32.0%). In contrast, Southern and Western states saw declines, particularly in pandemic boom areas like Texas (-16.5%) and Florida (-14.1%).

At the metro level, San Diego topped the growth chart with a 33.7% increase in median down payments, reaching $150,407. Other notable increases occurred in Cincinnati, New Orleans, and Philadelphia. Conversely, Cape Coral, Florida, experienced the largest decline (-31.2%). Only 21 of the 100 largest U.S. metros saw falling down payments, indicating persistent competitive conditions nationwide.

The trend reflects a market reshaped by high interest rates, where financially prepared buyers are putting down more money, especially in competitive regions with inventory.

A new Realtor.com® survey reveals that movers spend an average of $17,000 setting up their new homes, with Realtor.com® users spending nearly $20,000. The study highlights that 36% of movers feel excited on moving day, challenging traditional views of moving as purely stressful.

Key findings show that cleaning is important in making a house feel like home, with over 60% preferring DIY cleaning. 61% of movers tried new cleaning products, and 51% opted for organic options. Connectivity is also vital, with 60% installing internet before moving day, and 35% adopting 5G in their new homes.

The survey also revealed that movers are open to brand experimentation, with one-third purchasing vehicles within 12 months of moving. Notable life events among movers included promotions (39%), new jobs (21%), and having children (16%). Most moves (68%) occur within 50 miles of previous residences, with single-family homes being the most common purchase (55%).

The U.S. housing market shows mixed signals in March 2025, with new listings rising 10.2% annually to their highest March level in three years. However, buyer caution persists amid economic uncertainty, evidenced by a 5.2% YoY drop in pending home sales across major metro areas.

The national median listing price remained stable at $424,900, though 17.5% of active listings saw price reductions - the highest share for any March since 2016. Total inventory increased 28.5% YoY, with all 50 largest metro areas showing gains. Notable increases were seen in San Jose (+67.9%), Las Vegas (+67.8%), and Denver (+67.3%).

Despite improvements, total U.S. housing inventory remains 20.2% below pre-pandemic levels. Markets showing significant declines in pending sales include Jacksonville (-15.1%), Miami (-13.7%), and Virginia Beach (-14.2%), while San Jose (+6.4%), Grand Rapids (+6.1%), and Sacramento (+4.6%) demonstrated growth in pending listings.

Realtor.com reveals that Americans need to work an average of 10 days per month to afford a mortgage payment on the median U.S. home price of $412,000. The study, released on April 2, 2025, shows significant regional variations.

Hawaii tops the list requiring 17 working days to cover mortgage payments, followed by California, Massachusetts, and Montana at 15 days each. In contrast, Midwest and Southeast regions show greater affordability, with Ohio requiring only 6 working days and states like Kansas, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, West Virginia, and Michigan requiring 7 days.

The analysis assumes a 30-year fixed mortgage at 6.65% interest rate, 20% down payment, and includes property taxes and insurance costs at 1.7% annual rate, based on February 2025 median home prices and January 2025 BLS wage data.

News Corp (NWS) has completed the sale of Foxtel Group to DAZN Group , following regulatory approvals from Australian authorities. The transaction resulted in:

- A$592 million repayment of shareholder loans to News Corp
- News Corp receiving approximately 6% minority equity stake in DAZN
- News Corp's Senior VP and Deputy CFO Andrew Cramer joining DAZN's board

The sale aligns with News Corp's strategy to focus on core growth pillars, which generated over 95% of Total Segment EBITDA in Q2. The company expects the transaction to strengthen its balance sheet, reduce capital intensity, improve return on invested capital, and be accretive to earnings per share.

Dow Jones has launched Dow Jones Risk Journal, a premium news solution designed for risk and compliance professionals. The platform delivers personalized news, insights, and analysis from specialized journalists covering risk and compliance issues, along with regulatory analysis from legal contributors.

The service integrates reporting from The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, MarketWatch, WorldECR, and Export Compliance Manager. Subscribers receive real-time alerts customized to their specific risk topics and compliance needs. The platform includes access to Dow Jones's suite of risk and compliance tools, search capabilities, data, events, and insights from the WSJ CCO Council.

Launch partners including Amgen Inc., IBM, and IHH Healthcare Berhad are already utilizing the service, with select partners serving on an advisory panel to enhance the offering.

Dow Jones has completed the acquisition of Dragonfly Intelligence and Oxford Analytica from FiscalNote Holdings for $40 million, with News Corp expecting a $4 million tax benefit. Both companies will operate under Dow Jones Risk & Compliance division.

Dragonfly Intelligence provides geopolitical and security intelligence services from London and Singapore, offering real-time intelligence on security risks. Oxford Analytica, founded in 1975, delivers macroeconomic and geopolitical risk analysis through its global expert network.

The acquisition strengthens Dow Jones's specialized business information portfolio. The Risk & Compliance division reported 16% year-over-year revenue growth to nearly $300 million in fiscal year 2024. This follows recent acquisitions of WorldECR and increased stake in Ripjar, highlighting Dow Jones's expansion in the risk and compliance sector.