The Ebola stocks: Effect of an outbreak

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

Some people have considered canceling visits to big theme parks and have aired worries about whether airports and public areas are safe zones.

It's no wonder that investors are assessing Ebola's impact on the economy. Stocks of companies that make drugs that treat the virus have had a wild ride.

It's no small issue. Ebola has killed nearly 5,000 people, mostly in West Africa. The deadly virus has killed one person in the United States and on Friday, a doctor in New York City became the fourth person to have tested positive for Ebola in the country.

One trader, Dave Lutz of Jones Trading, has compiled a list of stocks that are either directly impacted or could be affected by the spread of Ebola.

Canadian biotech firm Tekmira Pharmaceuticals (TKMR)' stock surged in September after the FDA authorized the company's drug for patients with Ebola in the United States. Shares have since pulled back. The company has started limited production of its drug, TKM-Ebola, which will be available in early December.

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals (BCRX) is another small biotech company working on a drug that could be used to treat Ebola. Its stock has been on a roller coaster ride lately.

NewLink Genetics (NLNK) is working with the World Health Organization and other agencies on an Ebola vaccine. Its shares have surged 57% in the past month.

Companies that make protective equipment for healthcare workers or provide services to governments have also seen gains. Lakeland Industries (LAKE) said in September that it was boosting production of the protective suits in response to growing demand. It's stock has surged 76% in the last four weeks.

Alpha Pro Tech (APT) also makes protective equipment for healthcare workers. Its stock jumped 5% on Friday alone.

Some investors believe the airline industry is also vulnerable to the outbreak. Concerns about air travel rose this month after a Dallas nurse, who treated an Ebola patient, flew round trip between Dallas and Cleveland before being diagnosed with the virus.

Though airline stocks were hurt earlier in the month, they are now near all-time highs after reporting record setting profits.

Cruise ship operators have also been in focus after a healthcare worker who handled Ebola test samples was quarantined on a cruise ship earlier this month. Shares of both Carnival (CCL) and Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) have been under pressure recently.

Hotel chains could also be at risk if worries about Ebola cause people to curtail their vacation plans.

Hilton Worldwide (HLT) and Starwood Hotels (HOT) are on Lutz's list...

...as are amusement park operator Six Flags (SIX) and movie theater company Regal Entertainment (RGC).

First Published: October 24, 2014: 4:39 PM ET

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NYC tabloids keep a straight face on Ebola

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

In the hours before Spencer was diagnosed he had gone bowling, rode the A train and stopped by a meatball shop. But there was not a single pun to be found on New York City newsstands Friday morning. No hysteria and no sensationalism.

Instead newspapers like AM New York went with just the facts. The free daily's front page simply said "Ebola in NYC" and showed a picture of Spencer in a hazmat suit while caring for victims in West Africa:

"We didn't want to be alarmists," said Pete Catapano, executive editor of AM New York. "Obviously it's a scary subject... We wanted to be very direct, very straight-forward."

Related: Syracuse University disinvites journalist over Ebola fears

The Daily News also took a tempered approach with its front page:

The New York Post (which is infamous for its outrageous covers) was a little more brash with its "Ebola Here!" headline, but did stick to just the facts:

"A subject like this... people make jokes about it. That's not our place to do that," Catapano said. "We just wanted to be very respectful, and let the story speak for itself."

Related: EU pledges 1 billion euros to fight Ebola

First Published: October 24, 2014: 5:39 PM ET

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The best time to book your holiday flight is...

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

A new survey shows the lowest prices for domestic airfares are found eight weeks before the departure date, around 19% below the average fare of $496, according to the Airlines Reporting Corporation, a travel industry research group owned by the airlines.

The report, which was based on ticket sales between January 2013 through July 2014, also found Sunday is the cheapest day to buy plane tickets. This Sunday marks nine weeks until Christmas week, so the clock is ticking.

"It's about time we stop believing in the airfare voodoo that Tuesday is the best day to get good ticket prices," said George Hobica, president of Airfarewatchdog.com. The average domestic fare paid on a Sunday is $71 cheaper than on a Monday, the most expensive day, the report showed.

Getting a deal on holiday travel is always hard, but maybe even more so this year, according to Keith Nowak from Travelocity. He said supply and demand is in full effect, giving airlines the pricing power.

Passengers are flying more this year than in the recent past, but airlines aren't adding more seats, he said. "You've got passenger loads growing faster than seats being added. It's clear given the current load factors, holiday planes are going to be full."

Related: Hottest places to travel this winter

The most recent data from the Department of Transportation showed the number of domestic fliers in July was the highest since the end of the recession. U.S. airlines carried 385 million passengers, up 2.1% from 2013.

Here are four expert tips to snag the best deals this holiday season:

Book early. Booking early doesn't always mean better prices, but you're more likely to get the flight and seat you want, especially given the expected high demand.

It's all about value, said Hobica. "You can get a good deal on an ugly, ill-fitting cashmere sweater, or you can pay a little more and get what you want. Flying out at the crack of dawn, jammed in a middle seat is the ugly sweater."

Related: How much should you really tip housekeeping? A travel tipping guide

Be flexible with dates, airports. Put in multiple nearby airports and try different arrival and departure dates when searching for flights.

"You want to open up as many fare options as possible to increase your chances of finding the best deal," said Nowak.

And it's not just about the ticket price. "Smaller airports might have significantly lower parking prices. If you're gone for a week, that can be a lot of savings," he said.

Be persistent. Travelers can hold seats for up to 24 hours without purchasing them with most airlines now, said Hobica, which can make a plane appear fuller than it is and discourage potential fliers.

"People hold seats and then release them. Keep checking the flight, you never know when something might open up."

Travel on the holiday. Flying on the actual holiday tends to bring lower prices. "If you fly late Christmas Eve, on Christmas Day or on January 1, those are always the cheapest days and times to fly," said Hobica.

Related: $134,700 one-of-a-kind trip for fashionistas

Consider Europe. If visiting grandma in the states isn't a requirement, travelers can find cheap affair to Europe right now, said Hobica.

"And if you are in the mood to splurge, business class seats are 50-60% cheaper to Europe during the holidays."

First Published: October 24, 2014: 3:01 PM ET

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Wall Street delivers bad news to Amazon

Investors aren't thrilled with CEO Jeff Bezos' quarterly losses.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

The e-commerce giant's stock fell nearly 11% in after-hours trading Thursday. The company reported a $437 million loss in the last quarter, even though its revenue was up 20% from the same time last year.

Losing money isn't new territory for Amazon (AMZN, Tech30). Its reports frequently show losses or small profits because of big spending to develop new revenue streams.

For the last few quarters, shareholders have responded by sending the stock down. The 11% dip could mean the company lost $14 billion in value, depending on where it opens in Friday trading.

It's been a busy quarter for Amazon: its earnings release noted a host of new ventures, including updates to its tablets Kindle e-reader tablets, new streaming shows, an expanded grocery delivery service, a 3D printed products store and other investments.

Revenue from Amazon's sprawling empire was $20.6 billion in the quarter, but the loss it reported had grown more than ten times bigger than last year.

Related: Amazon is hiring 80,000 workers for the holiday season

Things aren't looking pretty next quarter, either. Amazon warned it could report a $570 million loss, which would be a billion-dollar swing from profitability last year. And that's assuming no new new investments, legal settlements or acquisitions get announced in the meantime.

The company's stock is down by 20% for the year so far.

First Published: October 23, 2014: 8:06 PM ET

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China one of top 3 destinations for expats

China is third on HSBC's ranking of best expat destinations.

HONG KONG (CNNMoney)

China is the third most desirable expat destination, just behind Singapore in second place and Switzerland in the lead, according to a study by HSBC.

Lower living costs and bumper salaries play heavily in China's favor.

"China is the best place for expats looking to make their money go further, with 76% of expats in the country experiencing growth in their spending power once they've moved," the global bank said.

Most expats move to China for better job prospects, attracted by souped up pay packages. About a quarter of expats make more than $300,000 in annual salary, the highest proportion of any country.

Related: Half of China's wealthy plan to leave

China's popularity with international executives contrasts with the desire of many wealthy Chinese to move overseas for a better quality of life.

A Barclays survey last month found that 47% of Chinese respondents planned to move abroad in the next five years.

A flood of applications from China has overwhelmed investor immigrant visa programs in the U.S. and Canada. Interest was so high that Canada shut its program earlier this year. And the U.S. said in August that it had run out of such visas for the Chinese.

Experts say the emigrants are looking for a brighter future for their children, to escape heavy pollution, and to find some protection against political and economic uncertainty.

Switzerland tops HSBC's list of expat destinations, thanks to its combination of high income and beautiful mountain scenery. The quality of education is also very high.

Singapore rates highly for its multicultural environment, including the vast range of cuisines on offer, despite having higher living costs than most expats would face back home.

HSBC and third party research firm YouGov surveyed almost 9,300 expats in over 100 countries.

Related: Why the rich are ditching their home country

First Published: October 23, 2014: 9:39 PM ET

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Stocks: 4 things to know before the open

Click chart for in-depth premarket data.

LONDON (CNNMoney)

Shares in Amazon are set to take a dive, and the overall market looks set to drift lower.

Here are the four things you need to know before the opening bell rings in New York:

1. Amazon disappoints: Investors are getting fed up with the constant stream of losses at Amazon (AMZN, Tech30). Shares in the online retailer fell by about 10% premarket after the company reported a loss of $437 million in the last quarter, even though revenue was up 20%.

2. Market moves: U.S. stock futures were edging lower ahead of the start of trading after stock markets rallied the previous session. On Thursday, the Dow Jones industrial average jumped by 1.3%, the Nasdaq rose by 1.6% and the S&P 500 added 1.2%.

European markets were all dipping lower in early trading. Asian markets ended mixed. The standout performer was the Nikkei in Japan, which rose by 1% after a volatile week.

Related: Fear & Greed Index

3. Earnings: The flow of quarterly results continues into Friday. Ford (F), Bristol-Myers (BMY), Shire (SHPG), Colgate-Palmolive (CL) and Procter & Gamble (PG) are all set to report ahead of the open.

Meanwhile, investors are pushing Microsoft (MSFT, Tech30) shares up by 3% premarket in reaction to the company's latest earnings.

4. Economics: The U.S. Census Bureau will release monthly data on new home sales for September.

In the U.K., preliminary data show the British economy slowed a bit in the third quarter compared to the second. GDP grew by 0.7%, which was roughly in line with expectations, and by 3% over the same period last year.

First Published: October 24, 2014: 5:09 AM ET

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Wall Street delivers bad news to Amazon

Investors aren't thrilled with CEO Jeff Bezos' quarterly losses.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

The e-commerce giant's stock fell nearly 11% in after-hours trading Thursday. The company reported a $437 million loss in the last quarter, even though its revenue was up 20% from the same time last year.

Losing money isn't new territory for Amazon (AMZN, Tech30). Its reports frequently show losses or small profits because of big spending to develop new revenue streams.

For the last few quarters, shareholders have responded by sending the stock down. The 11% dip could mean the company lost $14 billion in value, depending on where it opens in Friday trading.

It's been a busy quarter for Amazon: its earnings release noted a host of new ventures, including updates to its tablets Kindle e-reader tablets, new streaming shows, an expanded grocery delivery service, a 3D printed products store and other investments.

Revenue from Amazon's sprawling empire was $20.6 billion in the quarter, but the loss it reported had grown more than ten times bigger than last year.

Related: Amazon is hiring 80,000 workers for the holiday season

Things aren't looking pretty next quarter, either. Amazon warned it could report a $570 million loss, which would be a billion-dollar swing from profitability last year. And that's assuming no new new investments, legal settlements or acquisitions get announced in the meantime.

The company's stock is down by 20% for the year so far.

First Published: October 23, 2014: 8:06 PM ET

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How to avoid homebuyer's remorse

The most common homeowner complaint is that the house is too small.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

So it's no wonder that in a recent survey of 2,000 homebuyers, a whopping 80% said they regretted at least one thing about their home.

The number one complaint: The home just isn't big enough, mortgage information site HSH.com found. Others complained about a lack of closet space or that the place didn't have enough bathrooms. Bad neighbors were also a problem, as was a substandard school system.

A lot of those issues could have been avoided.

Related: Mansions for under $1 million

Take Kenny Kline, who thought he got a bargain on a fifth floor walk-up apartment in Brooklyn, N.Y., last year. At $720,000, the two-bedroom seemed like a good deal in Brooklyn's competitive real estate market.

But walking up and down the five flights of stairs grew tiresome quickly.

"I'm only 29 so I thought I could handle it, but trudging up those stairs multiple times a day with groceries, packages, furniture, whatever, has really taken its toll," he said. "Then, I hurt my back. That made the epic journey up and down even more insufferable."

He plans to "tough it out for at least another year," he said, not wanting to repeat the moving process -- and all of the costs involved -- so soon.

Related: 5 things to consider before tapping your home for cash

Of course, some factors, like bad neighbors, can't be anticipated. And some conditions change over time. Nearby property may be developed into a shopping mall or freeway, for instance.

For Amanda Haddaway and her husband, privacy became a big issue when they lived in their Frederick, Md., townhouse. They could look out their windows right into the units of neighbors, who could look into the Haddaway's home just as easily.

The two also needed more space. When they had moved in together, the townhouse just couldn't accommodate their combined stuff.

So they sold the home and built a big, new one on a six-acre lot in Woodsboro, Md.

"It's definitely much more peaceful where we live now; our closest neighbors are a half mile away," said Haddaway. "And we've been able to get rid of our storage unit."

Freelance writer Lauren Bowling bought a house in Atlanta in July 2013 when she was still with her fiancé. But three months later, they broke up.

"I don't hate my house but, as a single woman, it is way more space, upkeep and energy than I need right now," she said.

Related: Crowdfunding your home renovation. Should you do it?

She intends to keep it for a while since she'd like to try to recoup some of the money she spent on the purchase and renovations.

To keep you from buying a home you'll regret, Brendon DiSimone, a New York-based real estate broker and author of Next Generation Real Estate, offers up these tips.

Don't give in on your core requirements. If you know that having three bathrooms is important for your happiness but the house only has two, keep shopping.

Don't let yourself fall in love with a home that doesn't match your needs. Regret may not set in immediately but when it does, the fix, like adding a bathroom, might cost you plenty.

Don't cave in to a partner or spouse. If you believe you will be unhappy in the new house, don't let your wife of husband talk you into buying it. It will only cause resentment.

Know your give-in points. Everyone house hunts with a wish list, but there are some items that can be compromised. Tiny kitchens might be a deal breaker if you are an avid cook but maybe you can live without a den.

Calculator: Was my home a good investment?

Don't get caught up in the heat of the moment. Overpaying is one of the biggest sources of remorse, especially if buyers get involved in a bidding war. Bidding against other buyers can be exciting and entice homebuyers to throw their budgets out the window. But sometimes, it becomes more about winning than how much the house is worth to you.

"Ask yourself, 'Do I really want the house or do I want to beat somebody else out?'" he said.

Don't lose your edge. Once a shopper makes the decision to purchase a home, they sometimes overlook major issues. If the inspector finds dry rot in the joists or the appraisal comes in much lower than the sale price, stand your ground: either pull out of the deal or get the seller to lower the price to reflect the cost of the repairs.

Do your research. These days, there's a ton of information available on the web that can help you in your search for a new home. Sites like Trulia and Zillow offer all sorts of stats on the quality of school systems, walkability and access to restaurants, as well as crime, that will help you assess whether a neighborhood or area is right for you.

First Published: October 23, 2014: 7:45 PM ET

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China one of top 3 destinations for expats

China is third on HSBC's ranking of best expat destinations.

HONG KONG (CNNMoney)

China is the third most desirable expat destination, just behind Singapore in second place and Switzerland in the lead, according to a study by HSBC.

Lower living costs and bumper salaries play heavily in China's favor.

"China is the best place for expats looking to make their money go further, with 76% of expats in the country experiencing growth in their spending power once they've moved," the global bank said.

Most expats move to China for better job prospects, attracted by souped up pay packages. About a quarter of expats make more than $300,000 in annual salary, the highest proportion of any country.

Related: Half of China's wealthy plan to leave

China's popularity with international executives contrasts with the desire of many wealthy Chinese to move overseas for a better quality of life.

A Barclays survey last month found that 47% of Chinese respondents planned to move abroad in the next five years.

A flood of applications from China has overwhelmed investor immigrant visa programs in the U.S. and Canada. Interest was so high that Canada shut its program earlier this year. And the U.S. said in August that it had run out of such visas for the Chinese.

Experts say the emigrants are looking for a brighter future for their children, to escape heavy pollution, and to find some protection against political and economic uncertainty.

Switzerland tops HSBC's list of expat destinations, thanks to its combination of high income and beautiful mountain scenery. The quality of education is also very high.

Singapore rates highly for its multicultural environment, including the vast range of cuisines on offer, despite having higher living costs than most expats would face back home.

HSBC and third party research firm YouGov surveyed almost 9,300 expats in over 100 countries.

Related: Why the rich are ditching their home country

First Published: October 23, 2014: 9:39 PM ET

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China spends $1.5 billion pampering pets

Rising disposable incomes in China are fueling an explosion in the pet care industry.

HONG KONG (CNNMoney)

China has one of the world's lowest birth rates, and a growing number of middle class couples are choosing to lavish their time and money on pets rather than kids.

Take Phoebe Yu and her husband.

Their busy Shanghai household of four cats and two dogs costs about $600 a month in pet food, litter and baths. And then there are annual health checks at $245 per pet, soaks in Japanese hot springs and sweaters for winter.

"I take my dogs and cats to the salon for beauty maintenance; in the summer, they relax in cooling baths, and sometimes get spa mud masks," Yu said.

She's not alone. About 7% of households in China now have a dog, and 2% have a cat.

Ownership rates are expected to rise rapidly, boosting the value of the pet care industry by 43% to 13.5 billion yuan ($2.2 billion) over the next five years, according to research firm Euromonitor.

Related: Big dogs suffer as Hong Kong status symbols

The growth is not just about quantity. Demand for gourmet products and luxury services is on the rise.

Pet owners are trading up from table scraps and home-cooked food in favor of premium recipes. Companies such as Nestle (NSRGF), which owns the Purina brand, are introducing new offerings or moving production to China.

There's also a growing array of specialty services: acupuncture, Chinese herbal remedies, fur dyes and perms to make puppies look like pandas, pretty manicures and dog yoga -- also known as doga.

One Hong Kong salon even offers Chinese-style massage and bone-setting techniques to prevent arthritis and relieve hip joint pain at $20 for 15 minutes.

Financial services firms are cashing in, too. Just last month, state insurer PICC started offering pet insurance policies that cost as much as $550 a year, state media reported.

Yu, who works part time, says she and her husband decided against having kids because they were worried about pollution, food safety, public order and academic pressure. She's happy to spend on her furballs, and says having pets is much less work than raising children.

"It's easy to get in the habit of having pets," she said. "I only have to worry that they eat enough, dress warmly and don't have any major accidents."

Yu, 36, even asks friends traveling abroad to bring back the latest in pet haute couture -- her favorites are Korean animal fashions.

Related: China swaps pandas for uranium in trade deals

"The return pets give you is really quite a lot -- if you're upset, just call them over and they'll be by your side," Yu said. "I'll raise this lot until they get older, and then we'll probably get some more pets."

--CNN's Yuli Yang contributed to this report

First Published: October 23, 2014: 4:38 AM ET

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