Mortgage rates have jumped, slowing down home sales. Consider various mortgage types to find the best rates, including fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, FHA loans, and VA loans. To save for a home, park money wisely, automate savings, and maximize savings by cutting expenses. By understanding mortgage options and saving strategies, you can navigate the current real estate market.
Bond yields are rising again, signaling that inflation isn't going away anytime soon. Investors are worried that the Federal Reserve's target of 2% inflation is unrealistic, leading to falling bond values.
Experts advise caution in the bond market, especially with long-term and risky investments. The front part of the curve, like 2-year Treasuries, is considered safer.
Geopolitical tensions are also playing a role, as rising commodity prices add to inflation concerns.
A major tech company is investing billions of dollars in a computer chip factory in New York, thanks to a government program. This will bring advanced manufacturing jobs and training opportunities to the area, helping to boost the state's economy. The investment is part of a broader effort to strengthen the semiconductor industry in the United States and bring manufacturing jobs back to the country.
The US economy is thriving despite slowing pandemic recovery, with low unemployment and high spending. However, this strength poses a challenge in addressing rising inflation. The IMF projects continued growth, higher than Europe's, but warns that overheating is a risk. To tackle inflation, the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates high, despite concerns, as the economy remains resilient and robust.
Microsoft and Google's parent company, Alphabet, had impressive quarterly results. Their cloud businesses drove growth, and they beat financial expectations. Alphabet announced a dividend payout, aligning with Meta. While AI will be discussed in their earnings calls, major announcements are expected at upcoming conferences, showcasing AI's potential in their ecosystems and platforms.
A lyric from Taylor Swift's new song "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart" has become popular on TikTok. The lyric, "I cry a lot but I am so productive, it's an art," resonates with many working women who feel pressured to "have it all" and are often overworked and stressed, juggling household chores and caregiving responsibilities while also trying to excel in their careers.
Borrowers awaiting student loan forgiveness have until April 30th to request loan consolidation, which merges federal loans into one. This could accelerate forgiveness, as you'll receive credit for all payments since your first loan, regardless of its disbursement date. However, remember that consolidation may reset the forgiveness timeline, so consult an expert before proceeding.
Restricted stock units (RSUs) are now widely offered as employee compensation. They allow employees to acquire company stock over time. It's important to plan for RSUs as they can have tax implications and require decisions on whether to sell or hold stock. Employees should consider financial goals, stock concentration risk, and tax consequences when managing RSUs. It's advisable to work with a financial advisor for a comprehensive strategy.
Wage growth outpacing inflation has boosted optimism for long-term goals like retirement. However, concerns remain about factors that could derail retirement plans, such as rising living costs and potential changes to the U.S. retirement system. While Social Security benefits are expected to decline in the future, recent legislation has made some improvements for retirement savings.
Inflation remains high despite some cooling in March, with prices rising at an annual rate of 2.8% excluding food and energy. While spending remains strong, the personal saving rate has fallen as households dip into savings to cope with rising costs. The Federal Reserve will likely continue to raise interest rates to combat inflation, which is still well above its target of 2%.
The stock market dropped sharply due to a disappointing economic report. GDP growth was slower than expected, and inflation remained high. This suggests a challenging economic environment of slow growth and rising prices, raising concerns about the Federal Reserve's ability to lower interest rates anytime soon. The news also added to concerns about earnings from tech companies like Meta, which fell sharply after releasing weaker-than-expected revenue guidance.
ARK Invest, known for its focus on innovative companies, has created the ARK Venture Fund. This fund allows everyday investors to invest in private tech companies like SpaceX and Epic Games, which were previously only accessible to accredited investors. The fund has performed well since its inception in September 2022, but is currently down slightly for the year.