Jim Sergent

6 days ago | usatoday.com | Jim Sergent |George Petras |Janet Loehrke

Ever since Pope Francis died on April 21, Cardinal Pietro Parolin has been bettors' favorite as his successor. But, not surprisingly, what gamblers think and what 133 cardinals decide can be completely different. Parolin's probability of becoming the next pope based on online bets has risen as high as 40% in recent days, but the most probable cardinal wasn't the one selected a dozen years ago. On Wednesday, the cardinals began the papal conclave at the Vatican's Sistine Chapel.

6 days ago | flipboard.com | Jim Sergent |George Petras |Janet Loehrke

NowTrump confirms major trade deal with key American ally and more top headlinesGood morning and welcome to Fox News’ morning newsletter, Fox News First. And here's what you need to know to start your day ... TOP 3 1. Trump confirms major trade deal with key American ally 2. Black smoke rises on day 2 of conclave 3.

1 week ago | usatoday.com | Jim Sergent

If you're wondering when interest rates on credit cards and car loans will start falling again, don't hold you breath this week when the Federal Reserve's policy committee meets. Interest-rate traders see little chance that the Fed will lower interest rates at the end of Wednesday's meeting or the following one. That means Americans won't see short-term interest rates – which are heavily influenced by the Fed's decisions – decline for at least another two months.

1 week ago | usatoday.com | Jim Sergent |George Petras |Janet Loehrke

Betting markets around the world suggest two cardinals, Pietro Parolin or Luis Antonio Tangle, have best chances of becoming the next pope. A betting expert, though, questions how much we can read into those wagers. On Wednesday, 132 cardinals will convene for a papal conclave at the Vatican's Sistine Chapel and begin the process of selecting a successor to Pope Francis, who died April 21.

1 week ago | pal-item.com | Jim Sergent |George Petras |Janet Loehrke

Jim Sergent George Petras Janet LoehrkeUSA TODAYBetting markets around the world suggest two cardinals, Pietro Parolin or Luis Antonio Tangle, have best chances of becoming the next pope. A betting expert, though, questions how much we can read into those wagers. On Wednesday, 132 cardinals will convene for a papal conclave at the Vatican's Sistine Chapel and begin the process of selecting a successor to Pope Francis, who died April 21.