GM spokesman becomes 'Chevy Guy' thanks to 'technology and stuff'

"Chevy Guy" Rikk Wilde became a viral sensation bumbling his way through a World Series presentation Wednesday night.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

Wilde, or as the Internet has dubbed him "Chevy Guy" was given the duty of presenting Bumgarner with the keys to a new Chevy Colorado at the end of Wednesday night's World Series game 7.

Chevrolet is an official sponsor of Major League Baseball and traditionally the World Series MVP is presented with a car by a spokesman from the company.

It's usually a cut and dry presentation, but Wilde, a Chevy regional manager, was visually nervous which caused him to bumble the lines that he was obviously reading from prepared notecards.

"It combines class winning, um, leading... 'ya know, technology and stuff," Wilde said about the Chevy Colorado during Fox's post game show.

The phrase "technology and stuff" has since taken on a life on its own instantly becoming a hash-tag. Not to mention, Wilde getting bestowed with the moniker "Chevy Guy."

You would think it an embarrassing situation for Chevy's parent company, GM (GM), but the company is having fun with it.

Chevy even sent out tweets early Thursday morning with the viral catch phrase attached.

"A lifelong Kansas City Royal fan, Rikk was still a little emotional over the outcome of a tremendous seven game series," GM said in a statement. "We believe baseball fans in Kansas City and elsewhere can relate with Rikk's authentic emotions."

Regardless of the awkward presentation, Chevy has gained some pretty good social publicity from Wilde, which for the car company is pretty good stuff indeed.

First Published: October 30, 2014: 6:53 PM ET

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Baby Boomers say they aren't moving out of their homes

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

In a survey of 4,000 Baby Boomer households conducted by the non-profit Demand Institute, 63% of Boomers plan to stay in their current home once they retire.

Much of that has to do with the recession. The financial crisis put an end to years of rapid wealth accumulation, causing the typical Boomer household's net worth to fall to $143,000 in 2013 from just over $200,000 in 2007, according to Federal Reserve data.

Related: Why everyone is moving to Texas

Not only that, but this generation is also carrying a lot more mortgage debt. The survey found that the median outstanding mortgage balance for 50- to 69-year-olds was $118,000 in 2013, up from $48,743 in 1992.

"Boomers' nest eggs have shrunk dramatically in recent years," said Jeremy Burbank, vice president at The Demand Institute, the non-profit think tank run by the Conference Board and Nielsen. "Financially, this generation is not necessarily ready for retirement, and half of their assets are tied up in their homes."

Related: How to avoid homebuyer remorse

Not everyone is planning on staying put, however; 37% of the Boomers surveyed said they were planning to make a move.

Nearly half of the movers said they wanted to get a bigger place -- and that they intended to spend more money on it. But with a median net worth of just $40,000, this group was among some of the least wealthy surveyed. In fact, the report found that many of those who were looking to "upsize" were also looking to switch from renting to owning.

Those who said they plan to move into a smaller home were much more affluent, with a median net worth of $322,000, the Demand Institute found.

Related: Asset allocation; fix your mix

Whatever the size of the home, Boomers seemed generally unconcerned about whether or not it would be "aging-friendly" -- even though a whopping three-quarters of them reported having significant health issues, such as cardiovascular conditions, arthritis, obesity and high blood pressure.

And only one-in-five of the movers said they intend to live in senior housing.

Instead, many of those surveyed said they plan to use their money to remodel things like kitchens and bathrooms in order to increase the value of their existing homes.

More than 17% of the 76 million Boomers are already retired and about 10,000 will reach the traditional retirement age of 65 every day for the next 15 years. And even though many Boomers plan to stay in their current homes, the Demand Institute estimates that this generation will purchase about $1.9 trillion in homes over the next five years.

"Their choices will have a real impact on the housing sector in the next several years," said Burbank.

First Published: October 30, 2014: 7:29 PM ET

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Can anything save Sony?

TOKYO (CNNMoney)

Major rating agencies Fitch and Moody's have downgraded the company to "junk" status. Standard & Poor's has warned it could soon do the same.

The latest indignity came in September, when Sony said it expects to lose a staggering $2.1 billion this fiscal year and announced plans to scale back its smartphone business.

Since assuming Sony's top job in 2012, CEO Kazuo Hirai has spun off the company's television business, sold its Vaio PC operation and slashed thousands of jobs in a bid to rapidly restructure the company.

These are the kind of changes that investors have been calling for. But so far, the CEO has little to show for his efforts.

That stands in stark contrast to Sony's glory days. The Sony Walkman revolutionized the way people listen to music, and Sony's Chromatron and Trinitron lines brought color television to the masses.

But engineers across the company say they are not dwelling on the past. Instead, they are hard at work developing products that might revive the firm.

At one Tokyo campus, a deputy manager demonstrated a credit-card sized electronic device that is designed to replace a wallet full of cash cards used by millions of Japanese consumers. The device connects to a smartphone, and allows users to easily buy train tickets or snacks at the convenience store.

Sony (SNE) is also developing "SmartEyeglass," a wearable pair of glasses that the company says will act as a second screen for a user's smart phone and eventually incorporate facial recognition technology.

Related: Movie theaters ban Google Glass and other wearables

The criticisms of these products are familiar -- Alibaba and Apple already have payment apps, and Google Glass already exists. Where is Sony's next revolutionary offering?

While Sony waits, the company will rely on proven strengths, including its PlayStation console and high-res audio division. The company's Hollywood studio is in good shape, as are its imaging and finance units.

Related: The world is running out of plasma TVs

But can Hirai accelerate change, and answer critics including activist hedge fund managers like Dan Loeb of Third Point? Loeb has pressed the CEO for a more far-reaching restructuring of the company, including a spin off the film and music division.

Analysts say something must be done.

"In high grade products, they still have relatively strong brand recognition in the Japanese market. But globally, unfortunately, no," said Makiko Yoshimura, an electronics analyst with Standard and Poor's. "It's very tough to maintain competitiveness of technology. It's a very tough challenge."

A walk through Toyko's world famous Akihabara electronics district reveals the difficulty of the task facing Sony.

Hirroki Ueno, a young salaryman, holds an iPad as he speaks to CNN.

"Sony doesn't seem to be making new products like they used to," Ueno says. "It seems like they haven't done much in the last 10 years."

First Published: October 30, 2014: 10:33 PM ET

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Elon Musk warns against unleashing artificial intelligence 'demon'

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

Musk, who promises to take humans to new heights with space and battery technologies, was especially grounded in his latest caution on artificial intelligence.

He told an audience at MIT on Friday that "we should be very careful about artificial intelligence," warning it may be "our biggest existential threat."

"With artificial intelligence, we are summoning the demon," he said.

"In all those stories where there's the guy with the pentagram and the holy water, it's like yeah he's sure he can control the demon," he continued, to some laughs from the audience.

Musk then cracked a smile: "Didn't work out."

His Tesla (TSLA) electric vehicles and SpaceX rockets, which recently won a multi-billion dollar contract with NASA, have pushed the limits of their respective technologies.

Musk hasn't embraced artificial intelligence, a field of study at MIT and other schools with significant ethical considerations and business potential. He has previously cautioned it is "potentially more dangerous than nukes."

But he has invested in artificial intelligence companies -- because, he told CNN's Rachel Crane recently, he wanted "to keep an eye on them."

"I wanted to see how artificial intelligence was developing," Musk said in the CNN interview. Among his questions: "Are companies taking the right safety precautions?"

Related: Google snaps up artificial intelligence firm

On Friday, Musk was responding to a question about whether artificial intelligence was "even close to being ready for prime time?"

"I'm increasingly inclined to think there should be some regulatory oversight maybe at the national and international level, just to make sure that we don't do something very foolish," Musk said.

Tech entrepreneur Marc Andreessen -- of Netscape fame -- is on the same page. Don't be "freaked out" by Musk's comments, he seemed to say on Twitter.

"Famous last words. Actually, they would be famous ... if there were any humans left alive to hear them," Musk posted in response.

Andreessen replied: "Sadly, that also means you'll get no credit for being right."

First Published: October 26, 2014: 1:45 PM ET

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'Collabition.' 'Decisioning': The worst corporate jargon around

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

For instance, when you're asked to "strategerize a greenfielded, collaborative solution that considers the equities of all stakeholders" you may think you should do something eco-friendly.

But you'd be wrong.

According to one CNNMoney reader from Alexandria, Va., who was asked to do this very thing, what you're really supposed to do is just work with everyone on your project to come up with a solution.

Or consider the role of peanut butter. Unless you work for Skippy, you may wonder what it has to do with anyone's job. But if you ask the numbers guys in your division, they may talk about how "we peanut bread spread the dollars across all segments."

The real meaning? We allocated money to every department (or region or category of expense), according to another reader, who works in the insurance industry.

Linguist Geoffrey Nunberg, who teaches at University of California, Berkeley's School of Information, equates corporate jargon with high school slang -- the kind teenagers use to sound like they belong.

"Using it marks you as an insider," Nunberg said.

Plain English seems to be in particularly short supply when there's potential to scare the pants off the rank-and-file.

Quiz: Are you a corporate jargon junkie?

One reader got word that management planned "to leverage internal efficiencies by enlisting external resources, thus driving a reduction in operating costs, thereby enhancing shareholder value."

Translation: Layoffs are coming. That way we can promise to reduce our operating costs, which Wall Street loves! But don't worry -- we'll outsource the old jobs to an outside firm, which may even hire the very same folks who get pink-slipped!

"Good thing no one ever asked how much money we saved, because the answer was none. Our operating costs actually went up," said a CNNMoney reader in Sarasota, Fla., who worked at a company that promised to "leverage" and "enhance"

That may help explain why outsourcing is such big business. An invitation to an industry conference about the practice promised to "have one foot planted in the reality of present day, and the other in the future, so we can develop a realistic roadmap for crossing this chasm from today's tactical efficiency to our utopia of achieving genuine business value and alignment between business operations and corporate objectives."

Plain-English translation: No idea. But utopia sounds nice.

Related: Workaholism: Regain balance before you burn out

Judging from the slew of submissions from CNNMoney readers, there's a long list of words and definitions that you need to know to be an insider these days. Here are 10 of our favorites:

Ideation session: Sure, you could just say you're having a meeting to come up with good ideas for a new project. But why not hold an ideation session to action plan a strategy?

Collabition: Word mash-ups can be fun. Or they can make you cringe. Exhibit A: collabition, an ill-conceived merger of "collaboration" and "competition." It's a close cousin, of course, to coopetition (cooperation + competition).

Onboard: Training new employees is essential. So is persuading colleagues why your proposal is a good one. But "onboarding" them makes it seem so much more ... sporty?

Rightsize: Getting rid of workers sounds like a such a downer. Why not keep things upbeat and say you're "rightsizing" the company.

Decisioning: Making a decision. Really, why is that so hard to say?

Parking lot: When you don't want to talk about something -- say when you're running a meeting and get caught short by a question -- you might say "let's put that in the parking lot."

Level set: When someone says, "let's level set" or "we need to level set with the group" it's akin to saying "we should get together to figure it out."

Unsuck-it.com, which deciphers business jargon, offers another definition: to agree on expectations.

Or you can use it to postpone dealing with something unpleasant, such as when someone questions the wisdom of what someone else says. "Once that phrase gets pulled [in a] meeting, the glaring disagreement is kicked along to be dealt with later," said one reader.

Cadence: Who says marching band has to end when you leave school?

When you're in sales, you might call clients once a month to make sure they're happy. But apparently it sounds much better to tell your team to "establish a regular cadence of outreach with our clients to ensure we are delivering value," a reader wrote.

Updation: Merely an awkward way to say "update." A reader from North Carolina said it began as a joking term when his company was developing its current operating system. Now it actually appears in the operating system as an "action description."

Open/ing the kimono: To reveal or be transparent about something. Several readers nominated this as a contender for all-time worst corporate jargon. Agreed.

Said one reader: "I end up visualizing whoever said it and I really don't want to .... Plus, in my experience, the person then proceeds to lie, which makes the phrase even more abhorrent."

First Published: October 26, 2014: 3:38 PM ET

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Howard Lutnick donates $25 million to college

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

Howard Lutnick's philanthropic efforts -- especially since the September 11 attack that claimed hundreds of his New York employees -- got $25 million deeper this weekend.

The gift is his largest to Haverford College. Lutnick's mother died when he was in high school, and his father passed in his freshman year. The school covered his tuition, and Lutnick graduated in 1983.

The donation is the cornerstone of a $225 million capital improvement project and brings his total contributions to the Philadelphia-area liberal arts college to $65 million, the school said.

Lutnick has become known for his donations, and those of the brokerage Cantor Fitzgerald.

Each year on 9/11, the company donates that day's profits to charity. The firm says it has so far made contributions totaling $101 million.

First Published: October 26, 2014: 4:47 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 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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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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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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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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NBC's Dr. Nancy Snyderman to resume work in November

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

In an internal memorandum on Wednesday, NBC News president Deborah Turness said the crew would be taking some more time off work, adding, "We very much look forward to their return next month."

The timing is noteworthy because Dr. Snyderman's apparent violation of a voluntary quarantine scared some members of her New Jersey community and stoked a major controversy earlier this month. Questions about her credibility have lingered, and she has not addressed those questions publicly.

The additional time off-air seems to be an effort to "put some space between her and this story," as one television blogger described it.

Snyderman was covering Ebola in Liberia with a crew that included a freelance photojournalist, Ashoka Mukpo, who was infected with Ebola. Mukpo was brought to the U.S. for treatment, and Snyderman and the other crew members said that upon return to the United States, they would voluntarily stay home for three weeks.

"We'll approach this very cautiously and probably more judiciously than other people because we want to send the right message," she said on NBC's "Today" show.

But Snyderman was subsequently spotted outside her New Jersey home, resulting in local news coverage that went national within a matter of days. The state of New Jersey decided to make the quarantine mandatory, which Snyderman eventually acknowledged in a statement read on "NBC Nightly News."

"Members of our group" violated the quarantine guidelines, she said, calling herself "deeply sorry for the concerns this episode caused."

Snyderman has had no further comment. The three-week quarantine period ended on Wednesday evening, according to Turness, and the members of her team "remain healthy and symptom-free, which is a great relief to all."

While in Liberia Dr. Nancy and her team delivered first class, first-hand reporting from the front lines of this tragic and monumental story," Turness said in the memo. "Their subsequent departure from Monrovia, their return to the U.S. and period of quarantine has been a challenging time. We have encouraged them — and they have agreed — to take some time off with their families and friends to help restore some normalcy to their lives."

Turness added, "We very much look forward to their return next month."

The memo also expressed joy about Mukpo's condition. Earlier this week he was said by his doctors to be "Ebola-free" following treatment at a medical center in Nebraska.

In an interview on Wednesday's "Nightly News," Mukpo did not express regret about his work in Liberia.

"As a journalist, and as somebody who had a relationship to that country, it's not something that I will look back on and say, you know, it was the wrong decision to do," Mukpo said.

"I think it's important in life to take risks for things that you believe in," he added. "But it's also important to keep yourself safe. So, I mean, it's hard to call Ebola a learning experience. But I think that I'm gonna walk away from this with some important lessons for the future."

Related: Dallas hospital hit by Ebola losing patients and money

Related: Rush limbaugh thinks 'they' think we all deserve Ebola

First Published: October 22, 2014: 6:33 PM ET

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World Series strikes out with lowest Game 1 ratings in history

The ratings for Game 1 of the World Series weren't a home run.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

Tuesday night's opening game of the Major League Baseball World Series brought in 12.1 million viewers for Fox, making it the lowest rated game 1 and the fifth lowest rated World Series game of all time.

The game, which saw the San Francisco Giants stomp the Kansas City Royals 7-1, rated a 3.4 among viewers aged 18 to 49, down 15% from last year's Series, a match-up of the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals.

Alternatively, this year's Series includes the small market Royals. They haven't been in the World Series since "Back to the Future" was in theaters.

Kansas City tuned in. Game 1 scored a huge 48.2 overnight in Kansas City. In San Francisco, however, it rated a 29.3 overnight.

Related: Fall TV: the good, the bad, and the incomplete

These ratings weren't a home run for Fox, but they didn't go down swinging either. The 12.1 million viewers meant Fox still beat most other programming on Tuesday, and the network actually won the night in 18-49 demo.

The network has been struggling so far this season with some of its highly marketed shows like "Red Band Society" and "Utopia" failing to find an audience, so it's safe to say Fox hopes the numbers grow over the potential seven game series.

The World Series opener ranked behind last June's NBA Finals Game 1, which brought in 14.9 million viewers, and last week's Thursday night regular season NBA game, which brought in 16.1 million viewers alone.

Related: NFL scores huge ratings despite scandal

First Published: October 22, 2014: 8:02 PM ET

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Macau trumps Vegas with $270 minimum bet

The former Portuguese colony of 600,000 people is almost entirely dependent on gambling.

HONG KONG (CNNMoney)

The city's $45 billion casino industry is now roughly seven times bigger than Vegas, and eye-popping growth has attracted the biggest players, including Las Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts.

Gambling in the former Portuguese outpost has been fueled by a relaxation of regulations and a Chinese populace eager to try their luck.

Here are three things to know about Macau:

1) Mountains of cash

Gamblers in Macau are not messing around. Stakes at top casinos have been rising for years and it's nearly impossible to find a table with a minimum bet of less than $65.

The average minimum bet at a non-VIP table is now at least $270, according to Aaron Fischer, the regional head of consumer and gaming research at CLSA. At Galaxy Macau, it's even higher: $320.

The mind-boggling stakes leave Macau's international competitors in the dust.

But the runaway bets could become a problem, Fischer says. Some gamblers are burning through their stacks of cash too quickly.

"It might be fun to lose $1,000 in two to three hours, but it is definitely not enjoyable to lose your entire gaming budget in one hand of Baccarat," he said.

2) Gambling with Chinese characteristics

Macau is the only place in China where gambling is legal, making it a dream destination for millions of Chinese tourists.

The city of 600,000 is almost entirely dependent on gambling. When the industry thrives, tax revenue jumps and residents -- most of whom are employed in the business -- receive payouts from the government.

The boom started in earnest in 2002, when restrictions on foreign operators were lifted. But foreign casinos owners must cater to Chinese preferences. And that means baccarat instead of poker or blackjack.

3) Macau has problems, too

Casino stocks have taken a beating in recent months following a rare slide in casino revenue.

Analysts say the poor performance is due to Beijing's campaign against corruption and lavish spending, a reduction in tourist visas and a crackdown on junket operators who recruit gamblers.

There is still huge potential in the territory, however. Hotels are planning to increase capacity by 70% over the next few years.

With the VIP market saturated, much of the growth is likely to come from more modest players.

"Macau is merely scratching the surface now, with ample pent-up demand to be captured by new casinos opening from 2015 onwards," Fischer said.

First Published: October 22, 2014: 9:47 PM ET

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One property insurance claim can hike your premiums by hundreds

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

On average, filing a single claim -- for anything ranging from a stolen bicycle to tornado damage -- will result in your monthly premium being raised by 9%, according to a report released by InsuranceQuotes.com. File a second claim and premiums climb by an average of 20%.

"Winning a small claim could actually cost you money in the long run," said Laura Adams, InsuranceQuotes.com's senior analyst. "Homeowners need to be really careful. Even a denied claim can cause your premium to go up."

Related: Which natural disaster will likely destroy your home?

And the size of the claim has little impact. Filing a small claim increases your rates by just about as much as filing a catastrophic one. "The insurers have found that people who make a claim are more likely to make another," said Adams. "You've become a riskier customer."

Yet, the type of claim does matter. Liability claims, such as from personal injuries, are the most expensive type of claim, with insurers raising premiums by an average of 14%, InsuranceQuotes.com found.

Other claims that lead to big premium increases are theft and vandalism, which often indicate that the home is in a neighborhood that is unstable or falling prey to blight. In bad neighborhoods, these crimes can recur, and the high premiums reflect that.

The premium increases also vary greatly by state. Homeowners in Wyoming saw the biggest increase in their premiums -- an average of 32% -- after a claim was filed. While the hikes are high, the state tends to charge fairly low premiums of about $770 a year, considerably lower than the $978 national average.

Policyholders in Connecticut, Arizona, New Mexico and California also saw large hikes of 18% or more.

Meanwhile, homeowners in Texas, where insurers are not allowed to raise premiums on the basis of a single claim, saw no increase. And homeowners in New York and Massachusetts paid very little more after filing claims.

Average premiums range from a low of $513 a year in Idaho to $1,933 in Florida, where frequent hurricanes drive insurance costs up.

Once your premiums are raised, it can be difficult to get them reduced.

Insurers keep a database called the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, or CLUE, which tracks seven years' worth of your auto and property insurance claims, as well as any inquiries you may have made about a claim. The database then compiles a report based on your claims history that is then used to determine whether to cover you and how much to charge.

The information is available to all insurers so even if you switch providers, your rate with the new carrier may be just as high.

Related: Damaged home? How to get an insurer to pay up

"You can't escape your claim history," said Adams.

But you are not completely without hope. Here are some ways to try and keep your homeowner's insurance costs down:

Raise your deductible. But not so high that you can't afford to pay out-of-pocket costs if damage occurs.

Don't make small claims. Getting a few hundred dollars back if a tree limb falls on your shed may feel good but you could be paying that back to your insurer over the next few years -- and then some.

Don't use homeowners insurance as a maintenance tool. Don't file a claim to pay for small repairs, such as when wind blows some old shingles off your roof. Use it for catastrophic repairs only.

Shop around often. Look for quotes once a year. There's lots of competition in the industry and you may be able to buy equal coverage and service for a lower price.

First Published: October 19, 2014: 10:12 AM ET

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Nightmare on Wall Street: Is it over?

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

Frightening plot twists like plunging oil prices and the Ebola outbreak teamed up with ghosts from the past (Greece, deflation jitters in Europe) to create a toxic mix of market scares.

Last week even featured a few quasi-heroes like strong quarterly report cards from corporate giants like General Electric (GE) and Morgan Stanley (MS) and the Federal Reserve official who calmed the panic by suggesting additional stimulus could be possible if the economy deteriorates.

When the dust finally settled, the Dow was left in a 1% hole for the year. The S&P 500 is up about 2% in 2014, but well off its all-time high.

So what's going to determine whether this week is another scary ride or something far more tame?

Sure, investors will continue paying attention to what's kept them awake at night like Ebola and Europe. But they'll also get the chance to hear from a massive parade of companies expected to reveal decent quarterly numbers, including Amazon.com (AMZN, Tech30), Apple (AAPL, Tech30), Coca-Cola (KO), General Motors (GM) and McDonald's (MCD).

Related: Time to shop 'til you drop for cheap stocks

"Focusing on fundamentals is the best way for investors to avoid fear and to stay positioned for long-run growth," James Liu and David Lebovitz, global market strategists at JPMorgan Funds, wrote in a recent note to clients.

iPhone to the rescue? Apple could give Wall Street 21 million reasons to feel better this week. That's roughly the number of iPhones analysts expect Apple to say it sold last quarter (thanks in part to the iPhone 6), helping to drive a whopping $40 billion in total sales.

As the world's largest company, Apple always plays an outsize role in impacting stock prices and market sentiment. Positive numbers from the tech behemoth on Monday evening could reinforce cautious optimism about the U.S. economy and ease jitters about growth overseas.

Related: Apple unveils new iPads

A big earnings beat could also help breathe new life into Apple's shares, which have retreated 5% from all-time highs amid the recent market slump. It could also boost shares of AT&T (T, Tech30) and Verizon (VZ, Tech30), two wireless companies that carry the iPhone and are also due to report results this week.

Are consumers still spending? But it's not just about Apple. A number of other consumer-facing tech companies are also on the earnings docket this week like Amazon.com, Microsoft (MSFT, Tech30) and Pandora (P). Don't forget about Yahoo (YHOO, Tech30) and its efforts to lure more eyeballs to its growing family of sites.

There are also a long line of non-tech consumer companies slated to release results this week like Chipotle (CMG), Coca-Cola, Hasbro (HAS), McDonald's and Six Flags (SIX). An update on the pivotal auto market is also on tap in the form of earnings reports from both Ford (F) and General Motors.

If the recent economic data are any sign, these companies will have positive things to say about the health of spending. Consumer sentiment in October has ticked up to the highest level since 2007, according to the University of Michigan sentiment survey.

Concerns about the spread of Ebola added to the negative market sentiment last week, helping drive down travel stocks amid fears consumers would stop traveling. But they bounced off their recent lows as Delta Air Lines (DAL) said concerns about the outbreak haven't impacted travel.

Investors are hoping to hear more soothing words about the Ebola fallout from American Airlines (AAL), JetBlue (JBLU), Royal Caribbean (RCL) and Southwest Airlines (LUV).

Related: Can you protect yourself from a market crash?

Ebola, global growth: Wall Street will be searching for clues about how Corporate America is grappling with slowing overseas growth and the stronger U.S. dollar, which hurts exports.

General Electric (GE) and Honeywell (HON) offered positive news on this front last week, and this week it's 3M (MMM), Boeing (BA) and Dow Chemical's (DOW) turn to hit the earnings stage.

A gut check on the economy will also be available from a number of economic gauges, highlighted by a pair of housing reports on existing and new home sales.

First Published: October 19, 2014: 9:19 AM ET

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Debt-laden 'zombie' firms threaten China's economy

HONG KONG (CNNMoney)

After expanding at a lightning-fast rate, China's corporate debt market recently became the largest in the world at $14.2 trillion, according to Standard and Poor's.

Experts worry that too many of the loans have gone to underperforming firms that will never be able to repay -- especially in a slowing economy.

Economists surveyed by CNNMoney often cite concerns over runaway credit growth, but many now single out corporate debt as a major threat to China's economy.

"The risk is that the high debt burden will eventually result in unproductive zombie banks and zombie firms, which are a drag on the economy," said Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics.

Related: The Chinese like capitalism more than Americans

As China's economy slows, companies are seeing a lower rate of return on their investments, according to analysts at JPMorgan. Firms also face higher interest rates -- making it harder to pay what they owe.

Already, the system is showing stress. China suffered its first corporate default earlier this year, when a solar firm failed to make a payment to bondholders. A few other small companies have followed suit.

So far, central government initiatives to restrain credit growth have largely flopped, especially since many firms have in the past been encouraged to spend their way out of a hole.

Chinese companies are even turning to unconventional financing options -- increasing their debt in the process.

Some firms, for example, have been using copper as collateral to secure loans. Experts are concerned that some companies are using the same copper stockpiles to take out multiple loans, borrowing far more than they can afford.

Related: $547,000 for a parking space in Hong Kong

For Beijing, the question is how to contain debt growth, without hurting the economy.

Analysts say it is a positive sign that the government is allowing some firms to default. The defaults show the government's commitment to reforms that will encourage consumption-driven growth, instead of expansion fueled by easy credit.

At the same time, the central government still wields enormous power over the economy -- a fact that will help Beijing limit damage to the financial system.

"China is somewhat of a unique case given the degree of state control over the system, and so we don't think a financial crisis is likely," Evans-Pritchard said.

First Published: October 19, 2014: 10:07 PM ET

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For $65 million, you can buy Miami's most expensive home

Miami's most expensive home for sale has a graceful, Mediterranean style.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

Called La Brisa (The Breeze), the Coconut Grove compound sits on 6.9 acres, with more than 200 feet of waterfront property along Biscayne Bay.

The nine-bedroom Mediterranean-style home, which was first built in the 1920s, has undergone a major facelift. It last sold in an estate sale six years ago for $11.5 million.

Related: Mansions for under $1 million

"The [current] seller, an architect, did everything he could to restore it to its original state," said Coldwell Banker agent William Pierce.

The result? Nearly 17,000 square feet of completely renovated and restored living and outdoor space that includes original woodwork, restored windows and natural woods like Brazilian, teak and pine.

The seller tried to keep as much original detail as possible.

There's also Spanish tile roofs, balconies, walkways and patios galore, with almost every interior space opening up to the outside or providing views of the water.

A 500-foot canal borders the north end of the property and includes a docking slip that can accommodate a 70 foot yacht. The manicured grounds are filled with 100-year-old trees, tropical vines and a large lawn. There's also a shaded, spring fed pond.

The Munroe spring is named for an early owner.

A large, coral stone patio with a fire pit and sitting areas shaded by tall palm trees surrounds a large pool. There's enough room to entertain a couple hundred guests for outdoor parties.

The cool pool catches Bay breezes.

Where the seller didn't attempt to return the house to an earlier time were the kitchen and baths, both of which are modern and sleek.

Walk through the arched kitchen doorways right onto the patio.

As for the rest of the property?

"It's like traveling back in time," said Pierce.

First Published: October 17, 2014: 5:21 PM ET

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Moody's downgrades Russia's debt

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

Moody's downgraded the country's debt by one notch Friday, citing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, capital flight and falling oil prices. The debt rating is now Baa2, just two notches above "junk" status.

Ongoing tensions with Ukraine led to international sanctions against Russia earlier this year. That has reduced foreign investment and further slowed economic growth, spurring inflation and higher interest rates.

Related: Ruble's headlong plunge shows Russia hurting

"The longer the conflict in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia last, the more significant will be the damage to investors' confidence in Russia as a source of profitable investment opportunities," the agency said in a statement.

A recent slide in oil prices isn't helping things, either. The commodity is down nearly 12.5% in the last month.

The country relies heavily on oil to bankroll its budget -- over half of the government's 2012 revenues came from oil and gas, according to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Related: Crashing oil prices could crush Vladimir Putin

The ratings agency said the debt's outlook would remain negative, and it is also considering a separate downgrade of Russia's sovereign credit rating if its economy continues to slow.

Standard & Poor's issued its own sovereign downgrade in April, to just a single step above junk.

The World Bank forecasts anemic Russian economic growth of just 0.5% in 2014 and 0.3% in 2015. A more pessimistic scenario foresees the Russian economy slipping into recession this year and contracting further in 2015 and 2016.

First Published: October 17, 2014: 6:47 PM ET

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Audi driverless car to hit 150 mph

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

The RS7 Piloted Driving Concept will attempt to lap the Hockenheimring racetrack in Germany at high speeds on Sunday using only computers and sensors to guide it.

Audi and other automakers have previously shown off automated driving technologies, but those systems have operated at normal road speeds. Operating at high speeds presents a different set of challenges.

There will be no other cars on the track at the time, but the car will be operating close to the limits of its own performance capabilities. It will have to round corners as quickly as possible without skidding or driving off the track, and it will have to find the best possible path through each curve.

To do that, the car will use an ultra-precise positioning system that will allow it to know its own exact location on the track moment by moment.

Photos - Best cars for billionaires

The ability to turn in the best possible lap time on a track is more than just a fun trick, according to Audi. It has important implications for safety.

"We have to be able to manage extreme situations and that's what we are demonstrating here," said Ulrich Hackenberg, board member for technical development at Audi.

When operating without a driver on real roads, a car may have to respond to emergencies in ways that require high-speed maneuvering. That will require precise sensors, fast computers and complex, flexible programming.

Audi was the first automaker to receive a license for autonomous driving from the state of California. The Audi RS7 has a 560-horsepower engine and a top speed of nearly 190 miles per hour.

First Published: October 17, 2014: 8:27 PM ET

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Baby Boomers are overexposed to stocks in this rocky market

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

Among 60-to-65 year olds, 30% have invested almost all of their savings in stocks, while 52% have more than 70% of their nest egg in stocks, according to an analysis of 10,000 users (split among three different age groups) of FeeX, which helps users find lower investment fees.

That's a risky move.

For a well-balanced portfolio, financial planners say that savers in this age group should have no more than 60% of their assets in stocks. The rest should be split among more conservative assets like bonds and money market funds that can cushion the blow of sell-offs like the one we're currently in.

Related: Asset allocation: Fix your mix

Amid fears surrounding Ebola and slowing global growth, both the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Index are down more than 5% from a month ago, and some experts say it could signal the start of a market correction, when the market drops by at least 10%.

While there's no way to know which direction stocks will go, older investors simply don't have the time to ride out such big market fluctuations.

"If you're a couple of years away from retirement, you're really rolling the dice at the Roulette table," said Erik Laurence, vice president of marketing and business development at FeeX.

Related: What the heck should the Fed do now?

When stocks are plunging, age-appropriate allocations can help shield older investors from such steep losses, said Scott Tiras, a Houston-based Ameriprise financial adviser who works mainly with older clients.

"Diversification is so important...especially for someone who is going to be dependent on that portfolio sooner rather than later," he said.

So what's an overexposed Boomer to do?

Now is the time to check those 401(k) statements closely and make sure you have the appropriate asset mix. To help you figure out what that mix should be, try taking this risk tolerance quiz or using our asset allocation calculator.

If you find that you're too heavily weighted in stocks, let the current market volatility serve as a friendly reminder to put a more conservative strategy in place.

Related: Get your assets in gear! Find the right investment mix

Yes, that may mean selling at a loss compared to a few months ago. But stocks are still relatively flat for the year. And they're leaps and bounds higher than they were in 2008.

Of course, you could also hold tight and see what happens in coming weeks and months. But in that case, "the market might do the re-balancing for you," said Judith Ward, a senior financial planner at T. Rowe Price.

First Published: October 16, 2014: 6:30 PM ET

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Starbucks workers get raises, new dress code and a snack

Barista Kirstie Ponce showing off her tattoos.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

The changes include pay raises and an updated dress code for its U.S. employees.

The dress code, especially the coffee chain's ban on visible tattoos, had rankled baristas who wanted to show ink.

The news follows a summer that's seen worker grievances directed at Starbucks (SBUX) over the tattoo policy and scheduling.

Related: Starbucks workers get clearer shift scheduling after outcry

Starting in the January, Starbucks will give a pay increase to all baristas and shift managers. It did not specify the amount of the increase. The company also expanded its annual review and merit raise program to workers who had hit the top of their pay ranges.

Starbucks will also allow workers one free pastry or other pre-made food item per shift.

Related: Starbucks to pay for 1,000 workers to go to college

Starting Oct. 20, the dress code, previously one of the more conservative ones in the coffee industry, will now permit untucked shirts, nose studs, shorts, skirts, black jeans, tan khakis and colorful scarves and ties.

Before the announcement, baristas had to keep their black-and-white uniforms tucked in and cover up any tattoos.

At the same time, the company dialed back some dress code freedoms. Baristas and supervisors will no longer be allowed to wear watches, bracelets or rings with stones (such as wedding rings).

While many workers praised the eased restrictions around clothes and body art, a vocal contingent decried the new watch and ring restrictions on a company-run Facebook (FB, Tech30) page for employees.

First Published: October 16, 2014: 5:55 PM ET

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China is poised to report its slowest growth since the financial crisis

HONG KONG (CNNMoney)

Gross domestic product is forecast to have expanded by 7.2% in the third quarter, compared to the same period last year, according to a median estimate of 15 economists. That puts economic growth at its slowest pace since the first quarter of 2009, and well short of 7.5% expansion in the second quarter.

Economists surveyed expect full-year growth to come in at 7.3%, below the government's 7.5% target. Economic growth is forecast to dip further to 7% in 2015.

The National Bureau of Statistics will announce official third quarter GDP figures on Oct. 21.

China averaged growth of around 10% a year over the past three decades, pushing it up the list of biggest economies and boosting household wealth. But now, the pace of economic expansion is languishing -- China recorded GDP growth of 7.7% in the last two years, versus 9.3% in 2011 and 10.5% in 2010.

Related: The Chinese like capitalism more than Americans

China's GDP growth remains the most comprehensive gauge of the country's economic health -- an important number to watch as the government works to reform the world's second-largest economy and shift to consumption-driven growth after years of exponential expansion.

Recent poor key economic data has added to concerns that China will fail to meet its growth target. While the government has previously said its willing to accept growth around 7.5%, it has continued to adopt incremental measures to boost the economy.

Related: The Shanghai Free Trade Zone is a dud

Six out of 10 economists surveyed identified the real estate sector as the biggest risk to the Chinese economy. After years of breakneck development, the sector now suffers from excess supply, slack investment and falling home prices.

"Given the challenging outlook of the housing sector, we expect Beijing to put forth more selective easing in order to avoid the worst," said Societe Generale's Wei Yao.

Experts are also sounding the alarm over ballooning corporate debt, according to the CNNMoney survey.

A few Chinese companies have defaulted on their debt in recent months-- a previously unheard of phenomenon -- and no government bailouts are in sight.

Worries have also escalated over the use of unconventional financing. Some firms, for example, have been using copper as collateral to secure loans. Experts are concerned that some companies are even using the same copper stockpiles to take out multiple loans, borrowing far more than they can repay.

Related: Half of China's wealthy plan to leave

Although rumors have persisted that Beijing may replace central bank governor Zhou Xiaochuan, most economists say that any move to replace Zhou would be made because he is already past retirement age, and not because of policy disagreements.

Such a personnel change is unlikely to happen this year, and isn't expected to bring a policy shift -- the priorities of presumed successor Guo Shuqing align with those of Zhou, said Mizuho analysts.

Six out of eight economists say that the Chinese economy will see no or limited short-term impact from pro-democracy protests that have shaken Hong Kong over the last three weeks.

In the long run, if Hong Kong "loses its reputation as a trusted gateway for foreign capital to enter China, then it could hurt Chinese firms' access to cheap foreign capital, and potentially hold back ... other financial reforms," said Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics.

First Published: October 16, 2014: 9:29 PM ET

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These stocks actually went up today

Natural gas driller Cabot Oil and Gas was a bright spot in any otherwise gloomy market Wednesday.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

A handful of energy companies perked up, the winner among them Southwestern Energy Company (SWN), which jumped 8%. Cabot Oil and Gas Corporation (COG), EOG Resources (EOG), and Consol Energy (CNX) were all up between 4% to 6%.

What these companies have in common is a lot of U.S. natural gas exposure.

The major energy giants like Exxon Mobil (XOM) and Chevron (CVX) continued to get creamed Wednesday amid tumbling oil prices. They have a lot of exposure around the world. But natural gas is often used for heating by utility companies, so there's a perception among investors that they will be insulated from the global tumult since the U.S. is economy is still chugging along.

Plus, natural gas stocks have taken their own beating this year, so its possible that energy investors are flocking to them in the hopes of snapping up a bargain.

Related: Gas prices go below $3

Another bright spot was the "traditional" retail sector, even though a report Wednesday from the Commerce Department said retail sales declined in September.

GameStop (GME) and Best Buy (BBY) moved higher by 3%, but they're both down over 25% this year.

Speaking of video games, Electronic Arts (EA, Tech30) also got a nice boost.

And investors seemed to like what they heard from Time Warner (TWC), which said at its annual investor conference that it expects earnings per share to double to $8 per share by 2018.

The media conglomerate, which owns CNNMoney parent Turner Broadcasting as well as Warner Bros. and HBO, is in the midst of a reorganization after it rejected an acquisition offer from Rupert Murdoch's Twenty-First Century Fox (FOXA) over the summer. The reshuffling has included layoffs across Time Warner's divisions.

Related: HBO to sell subscriptions via the Internet

All that glitters: Beyond stocks, gold experienced a slight bounce. Investors traditionally flock to the yellow stuff in times of uncertainty. Silver also ticked up.

The dollar also continued to strengthen Wednesday. The greenback's recent run up has to do with the fact that traders still view the U.S. economy as strongest relative to the rest of the world.

And bonds extended heir rally cry as investors rush to their perceived safety. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note plunged Wednesday morning to 1.86%, its lowest level since mid-2013 (yields fall when investors are buying bonds). The yield later rebounded as stocks trimmed some of their losses.

But overall, it was a wild day on Wall Street, with the market swinging back and forth between deep red and shallower losses.

Those who stuck to their guns and picked up stock may have played it right, since many strategists still think the economy is on solid footing despite the market turmoil.

"The growing sense of market panic evident in the sharp declines in equity prices and the strong rally in US Treasury bonds over the past week is hard to square with the solid outlook for US economic growth," said a note from Capital Economics Wednesday.

First Published: October 15, 2014: 4:38 PM ET

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This is not another financial crisis

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

But now it's time to take a deep breath and relax. (And not look at your 401(k) balance.)

We've been through this before. It's not the end of the world. It may not even be the end of the bull market that's been going on for more than five-and-a-half years.

2008 was ten times scarier than this. A lot of people are going to be quick to say that the market turmoil of this September and October is similar to what happened in those two months of 2008.

That's BS. Really. What's going on now is not even close! It's really funny how short people's memories are. I'm not talking about ancient history.

Related: CNNMoney's Fear & Greed Index can't fall much lower

In the fall of 2008, stocks were already well below their all-time highs. The financial market was collapsing. That's not hyperbole. Lehman Brothers went under. Washington Mutual failed. AIG (AIG) almost didn't survive. The credit market stopped working.

A 460 point drop in the Dow has you running for the hills? Please.

In the autumn of 2008, the Dow plunged more than 500 points numerous times. And because the market was much lower, those moves meant a lot more on a percentage basis.

Literally six years ago today (October 15, 2008) the Dow fell 773 points. That was a nearly 8% plunge. In one day!

This is just like three years ago. So far, this sell-off is nothing more than a healthy pullback from record highs that was sorely needed. This is more like 2011 than 2008.

Remember 2011? Stocks got off to a hot start to the year following a strong 2010. Sound familiar?

The market plunged in August of 2011 after Standard & Poor's downgraded the credit rating of the United States. Stocks remained volatile for the rest of the year and the sell-off wiped out all the market's gains.

"In 2008, we had a global financial crisis that would have led to more bank failures if we didn't get the TARP bailout. In 2011, we had a real correction. We brushed it off and moved on," said John Norris, managing director of Oakworth Capital Bank. "Stocks may go down a little more. If we can finish the year slightly positive we should consider ourselves lucky."

The recent market choppiness we are experiencing is on par with 2011 as well. The VIX (VIX), one of Wall Street's favorite gauges of volatility, topped the 30 level Wednesday for the first time since ... December 2011. And to put that in context, the VIX hit a peak of just under 90 in October 2008.

The 2011 correction obviously didn't kill the bull either. Stocks bounced back in 2012 and went on to enjoy ludicrous gains last year. Just look at the chart below. It hasn't always been a Paula Abdul-esque straight up move.

Still, investors got lulled into a false sense of security last year. The market's huge gains with very little volatility duped everyone into thinking that markets would never be tumultuous again. Wrong!

So what do you now? Norris said he is not advising his clients to make any major changes to their investment strategy as a result of the market volatility. He is still favoring shares of larger companies, which have strong balance sheets and should be able to bounce back from the recent volatility.

It's really important to note that the market slide of the past month and a half has little to do with any tangible events.

Will Ebola really become a global pandemic? That's just fear talking. Is ISIS really going to change things? Investors have lived through numerous conflicts in the Middle East.

Related: Stocks should fall more. You shouldn't worry

Yes, the economic situation in Europe is troubling. But this isn't the continent's first trip to the recession rodeo.

The corrections of 2010 and 2011 were partly due to fears about Europe. So it's only natural that another (long overdue) correction has some of its roots in Germany and France as well.

Fears of a China real estate bubble and slowdown are hardly new either. Until China actually implodes or a slowdown in Europe threatens the health of the U.S. economy and corporate earnings, any comparisons to 2008 are nothing more than reckless scaremongering.

If anything, long-term investors should be happy that stocks finally have pulled back.

"This isn't the time to sell. This is when you make your shopping list and start nibbling. The stock market is the only business where people don't want to buy when things go on sale," said Jeffrey Saut, chief investment strategist for Raymond James.

First Published: October 15, 2014: 4:22 PM ET

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Netflix shares tank 20% on weaker subscriber growth

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

Shares plunged more than 20% in after-hours trading Wednesday after the streaming video service reported subscriber growth that came up short of its forecasts. Netflix (NFLX, Tech30) attributed the weak growth to the $1 increase in price for new subscriptions it announced in May.

"This quarter we over-forecasted membership growth," Netflix said in a letter to shareholders. "As best we can tell, the primary cause is the slightly higher prices we now have compared to a year ago."

The company added that it has no plans to roll back the price hike, saying it "remain[s] happy with the price changes and growth in revenue."

Related: Netflix's strategy: Shows for every age

Netflix also said its costs will increase in the months to come as it expands in Europe.

Overall, Netflix earned $59 million in the third quarter and added just over three million members. It now boasts a total of 53 million subscribers worldwide, and estimates that it will add four million more in the fourth quarter.

The news comes on the same day CNN parent Time Warner (TWX) announced it will sell online streaming subscriptions to HBO starting next year. Netflix addressed this development in its letter to shareholders Wednesday, saying it was "inevitable and sensible that [HBO] would eventually offer its service as a standalone application."

Related: 'Transparent' could transform Amazon Prime

"Many people will subscribe to both Netflix and HBO since we have different shows, so we think it is likely we both prosper as consumers move to Internet TV," Netflix said.

But in fact, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said recently that the company wants to "become HBO faster than HBO can become Netflix."

Netflix also announced Wednesday that every episode of "Friends" will be available through the service as of January 1.

And it's still aggressively ramping up its original programming. It announced a deal earlier this month to produce four original films starring Adam Sandler, and next year, it will premiere a feature film in theaters for the first time: a sequel to the 2000 hit "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

First Published: October 15, 2014: 4:52 PM ET

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4 questions to ask before retiring overseas

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

What's your motivation? Countries across the world court retirees with lower living costs and even discounts and tax breaks.

But if you're considering leaving the United States for somewhere more exotic, make sure money isn't your only motivation, said Dan Prescher, a senior editor at International Living magazine who is currently living in Ecuador.

Moving to a foreign country will undoubtedly mean adjusting to a different way of life, so you should really be following "your heart, not your wallet," he said. Patience and a good sense of humor are key.

"It's not just like your hometown at half the cost," Prescher said. "And if you're not ready for that, you're going to be disappointed."

Do you have a solid savings cushion? Make sure you check your bank statements before booking any plane tickets.

Countries typically require retirees to have a decent savings balance or some sort of guaranteed monthly income for life in order to secure a retiree visa.

Related: America's oldest workers: Why we refuse to retire!

Regardless, you shouldn't make such a big move without some savings to pay for incidental or unexpected costs, said Rick Levinson, the Money team editor at AARP.

Plane tickets home to visit friends and family will also cost you, for example, while you will also want enough cushion in case you decide to return to the U.S. someday.

"If you don't have a... safety net, it's really kind of problematic to run off to another country and think it's going to work for you," Levinson said.

Will there be good, affordable health care? All that money you've paid into the Medicare system over the years won't help you out as an expat.

Medicare doesn't cover health care outside the U.S. so make sure you research insurance and care options in your country of choice.

Related: What I gave up to save $1 million

Some countries allow foreigners to pay into their public health care system. In Costa Rica, for example, Stewart Hayes and his wife pay only $90 a month for public health care coverage. While he's been pleased with the quality of care, there are times when he has opted to pay out-of-pocket for private care in order to avoid long waits.

Meanwhile, the cost of care is so low in some countries that you can forgo insurance entirely, said Kathleen Peddicord, founder of the Live and Invest Overseas publishing group.

Still, Peddicord recommends paying the extra annual premiums to maintain full Medicare coverage in case you decide to return to the U.S. for major medical care.

How much will you owe in taxes? Moving abroad doesn't mean you can escape Uncle Sam.

You'll still have to pay any U.S. taxes you would typically owe on your retirement income and investments. Depending on where you move, you could also owe local taxes.

Even if you don't owe anything, you'll still have to submit your annual returns with the IRS.

These returns can be "incredibly complicated," forcing many expats to spend thousands of dollars on accounting services each year, said John Flint, a Paris resident and the former president for the Association of Americans Resident Overseas.

First Published: October 14, 2014: 5:45 PM ET

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Foreign countries offer U.S. retirees discounts, tax breaks and more

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

A growing number of developing countries certainly think so. They're wooing seniors with perks ranging from travel and health care discounts to tax breaks.

Panama offers the silver-haired set discounts on utility and doctor's bills and even gives them cheaper mortgages. In nearby Ecuador, seniors 65 and older get sales tax refunds, half-price bus and plane tickets and front-of-the-line privileges everywhere from the bank to airport customs.

"They really treat senior citizens with a lot of respect," said Susan Schenck, a retired teacher who moved from California to Ecuador four years ago. "I'm 58, and I can't wait until I'm 65."

Some countries, like the Philippines, have government agencies devoted to attracting foreign retirees. Meanwhile, others have streamlined their visa process and introduced low monthly income requirements to make it easier to move to their country.

Related: 4 questions to ask before retiring overseas

In Nicaragua, for example, people as young as 45 can qualify for the retiree residency program as long as they have a monthly pension or Social Security income of just $600 a month.

But perhaps no country is more generous to seniors than Panama. On top of its laundry list of perks, the country offers a "Friendly Nations" visa which gives permanent residency to foreigners from other countries.

The courting of retirees started with Costa Rica's "pensionado" program, which offered special tax breaks for retirees and became popular in the 1980s.

"They saw American retirees as an opportunity, and other countries in this region have watched how much money, how much income that has meant for Costa Rica's economy," said Katherine Peddicord, founder of the Live and Invest Overseas publishing group who is also an expat living in Panama.

Related: America's oldest workers

While Costa Rica has since eliminated most of its tax incentives, it's still a popular retirement destination. Other South and Central American countries followed suit and started offering a variety of perks. And now some Asian countries have started rolling out their own programs.

Some countries advertise these perks on their official tourism websites. Or prospective expats can research them at the websites run by groups like Live and Invest Overseas and International Living.

It's a symbiotic relationship: seniors can stretch their nest eggs with lower living and health care costs, while the developing countries enjoy an economic boost from the retirees' spending.

The programs appear to be working. In 2013, nearly 50,000 retired workers and their spouses were receiving Social Security benefits in South and Central America and the Caribbean — up roughly 50% from 10 years earlier, according to the Social Security Administration.

Related: My life as an expat retiree

Meanwhile, more than 100,000 retirees and their spouses were receiving Social Security in Asian countries, an increase of more than 200% since 2003.

Of course, the expat lifestyle isn't for everyone. Language can be a barrier, especially in Asian countries. Crime and political and economic instability can also be issues. Same goes for possible banking and tax headaches. (Retiring overseas doesn't mean you can escape a U.S. tax bill and depending on the country, you could owe local taxes, too).

Plus, not all countries offer permanent residency, meaning that if the government changes its visa rules, retirees could be forced to pack their bags.

Related: Why expats are ditching their U.S. passports

And then there are the more routine frustrations.

Peddicord says she once called four different Panamanian plumbers before finally finding someone able to to fix her dishwasher ("They'd never encountered one," she says). Meanwhile, Schenck said she can no longer buy her favorite U.S. products from Amazon as Ecuador has cracked down on imports.

In Panama, retirees Dusty and Carolyn Tubbs waited months longer than expected for their new home to be completed. Still, they said the adventure and cost benefits of living abroad far outweigh the negatives.

"When you move overseas...life will be different," said Dusty Tubbs. "If you want to be happy, you learn to embrace the changes."

First Published: October 14, 2014: 6:09 PM ET

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Gulfstream's new $54 million jet: Here's what you get

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

High-end travelers looking for more room on shorter trips can get their fix with the new G500, which will cost $43 million, and the $54 million G600.

Both have bigger cabins, fly faster and are more fuel efficient than most older models.

The G500 can fly from New York to Moscow nonstop, while the G600 can get fliers from New York to Dubai in one leg. Both can operate at a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.925, which cuts an hour off a standard private jet's fly time.

That extra speed will save the average Gulfstream flier up to a week in travel time, according to a spokesman.

The jets offer wider cabin cross-sections

Both jets can carry up to 19 passengers and will have 100% fresh air, as opposed to air that's recirculated.

Gulfstream is generally very secretive about its new jets, and these were built under the code name P42. The project was kept quiet for five years, despite the fact that they required about 34 football fields of production space.

The new jets will be powered by a Pratt & Whitney PW800 engine, a historic break from the Rolls Royce engines in every other Gulfstream jets.

Gulfstream already has orders for the G500 and G600 from Qatar Airways and Flexjet, with delivery set for 2018 and 2019, respectively.

The cockpit of both jets looks sleek.

Experts expect the jets to replace Gulfstream's 16-passenger G450, which is currently in use. That probably accounts for much of the secrecy surrounding the planes, said Richard Aboulafia, vice president of aerospace market research firm Teal Group. "You don't want to cannibalize your existing product line."

Business travelers looking for even more speed can rest assured: it's coming.

"The next stop after this is supersonic business jet," said Michel Merluzeau from G2 Solutions. "We are less than 10 years away from that."

Private jet travel for the not-so-rich

What makes a superyacht 'super'?

First Published: October 14, 2014: 7:24 PM ET

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Extreme Fear in stock market

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

U.S. stocks got creamed again. The Dow slid another 223 points.

CNNMoney's Fear & Greed Index is a good indicator of market momentum. Today it hit zero. That's a huge red flag and showcases extreme fear in the stock market.

The only other time the index ever touched that low point is in August 2011 -- shortly after Standard & Poor's downgraded the U.S. debt.

Volatility -- or what some are calling "market whiplash" -- is clearly back in the market. The VIX, an index that measures volatility and is one of the factors that goes into the Fear & Greed Index -- spiked again today. It's up a whopping 60% in the past week alone.

For most investors, what really matters is the bottom line. A month ago, the S&P 500 was up around 8% for the year. After a wave of sell-offs, including on Monday, the S&P 500 is only up 1.4%.

It's worse for the Dow, which is now down 1.5% for the year.

Related: Is it time to exit stocks?

What's driving the latest market slide? Many thought today would be light trading and little action because of the holiday.

Ebola was the most obvious fear factor and the worst bout of selling came in the final hour of the market.

The airlines were hit hard -- Delta (DAL) dropped over 6% and Southwest (LUV)fell 5.5% -- on worries that vacationers and businesses will curtail travel until the virus is contained.

On the flip side, Lakeland Industries (LAKE), a maker of hazmat suits -- soared nearly 50%.

But the tension is the market seems deeper than just Ebola or even ISIS. There's ongoing worry about how unhealthy Europe's economy is. There was little data out Monday, but more members of the Federal Reserve are starting to voice concern about what's going on around the globe.

The market also crossed an important barrier. The S&P 500 dipped below its 200-day moving average. That's akin to an A student suddenly scoring a B or C grade on an assignment.

Related: Stocks should fall more. Here's why you shouldn't worry

"The 200-day has not been breached since 11/08/12," said Randy Frederick, Managing Director of Trading and Derivatives at the Schwab Center for Financial Research.

The S&P 500 ended the day at 1,875.

Tech stocks get hit: Energy and tech stocks also got shaved. Oil continues to trade around $85, a low point not seen for over two years. While cheap gas could help consumers, it translates to lower profits for shareholders of energy companies. Halliburton (HAL) and Chesapeake Energy (CHK) were among the worst performers in the S&P 500 Monday.

Smaller tech companies were the first to slip in the sell-off that started in September. Now larger companies are joining the plunge. Today Twitter (TWTR, Tech30) shed 3.8%, Yahoo (YHOO, Tech30) fell 3.1%, and Netflix (NFLX, Tech30) was off 3%.

Related: It's market check time for stocks as earnings begin

What's next? No one has a crystal ball on the market. Some are calling this a buying opportunity as the market dips.

"thank all for selling i am a strong buyer here Bullish," wrote bbar on StockTwits, a social media platform for traders.

Others see a rough end to the year.

"If market doesn't catch a bid from earnings, I wager we have our first negative year since 2009," commented PharoahNC on StockTwits.

Despite being down sharply in recent days, The S&P 500 isn't even in a true "correction" yet. It's down just shy of 7% from its highs. A correction would constitute a 10% drop.

A number of prominent companies will report earnings Tuesday including JPMorgan (JPM), Citigroup (C) and Wells Fargo (WFC) in the morning and Intel (INTC, Tech30) after the bell. Their results will likely set the tone for trading.

First Published: October 13, 2014: 5:06 PM ET

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"Walking Dead" rises again with record-high ratings

Sunday night's premiere of "The Walking Dead" brought in a monstrous 17.3 million to give the series its best ratings ever.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney)

That's a reference to the season five premiere of "The Walking Dead," which attracted a monstrous 17.3 million viewers to AMC, the show's best performance to date. 11 million of the viewers were in the key 18- to 49-year-old demographic.

The ratings record was all the more notable because the episode was up against NBC's "Sunday Night Football."

Football is perceived to be must-see TV, the kind of event programming that should be seen live -- but for a lot of people, that description fits "The Walking Dead," too. AMC president Charlie Collier made that point in a celebratory statement when the ratings came in on Monday afternoon.

"'The Walking Dead' is one of those increasingly rare shows today that can command a live audience not significantly cannibalized by time-shifted viewing," Collier said, giving a wink to those who watched the prior night's bloody premiere.

Still, time-shifting is a factor, as it is for all scripted series; the cable channel projects that once digital video recorder viewership is counted in the ratings, Sunday's episode will exceed 22 million viewers.

When the series was introduced on Halloween four years ago, it garnered about 5.3 million viewers. At the time, that was a record for AMC; "it's a good day to be dead," Collier said when the ratings came in.

Since then, the show has just kept growing and growing. Sunday's season five premiere brought in almost two million more viewers than last year's finale.

Ratings expert Joe Adalian of New York magazine said the episode ranked as cable television's most popular telecast ever, excluding sports telecasts. (Cable's prior record-holder was the Disney Channel's "High School Musical 2.")

It's no wonder why AMC ordered a sixth season of "The Walking Dead" before the fifth season even debuted. Or why AMC is expanding the franchise by creating a spin-off series that will follow different characters in the same zombie-filled world.

The channel already has "Talking Dead," a talk show that follows each new episode of the series. On Sunday "Talking Dead" delivered an impressive 4.5 million 18- to 49-year-olds and 6.9 million total viewers.

That means the 10 p.m. talk show out-rated several of the scripted dramas and comedies on network television on Sunday night.

First Published: October 13, 2014: 5:23 PM ET

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