Section · page 7
Economy archive — page 7 of 22, newest and highest-significance first.
More people are having their first child in their 40s. Raising a baby at this age can be very expensive. Experts suggest saving money early and making a budget. Planning ahead helps families manage the costs.
OPEC+ may decide to increase its oil production quotas for a sixth month in a row. This decision comes as the conflict involving Iran widens. However, getting the extra oil to market could be difficult. Because of export problems, the extra supply may not lower oil prices.
{"Some people ask if the government is telling the truth about inflation.","They point to the Consumer Price Index, which the government uses to measure inflation.","The CPI decides how much Social Security payments go up each year.","It also sets the interest rate on Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities."}
The equal-weighted S&P 500 rose more than the Nasdaq-100 in July. Tech stocks, especially chip companies, fell sharply during the month. This drop in chip stocks helped the broader equal-weighted index beat the tech‑heavy Nasdaq. Investors saw volatility around AI‑related trades continue.
Investors are being told to look at the short‑term part of the yield curve. This advice comes as traders wait for the next Federal Reserve meetings. Noah Wise of Allspring Global Investments says focusing on the front of the curve may be wise.
{"The S&P 500 is set to finish July lower, the first drop in that month since 2014.","Chip stocks suffered their worst month in 24 years, pulling the index down.","The market ended the month with big swings, a whipsaw movement.","Investors are watching these moves closely."}
Electronic Arts (EA) agreed to be taken private by a group of investors. This will remove EA from the S&P 500 stock index. As a result, a spot will open in the index for another company. Analysts say several stocks could fill that spot.
Jim Cramer shared his top 10 things to watch in the stock market for Friday. He mentioned earnings, interest rates, oil prices, and tech stocks as key items. Nasdaq futures rose after Amazon reported a very strong quarter. Many traders used his list to decide what to buy or sell.
In the three months of the second quarter, ExxonMobil and Chevron together made more than $26 billion in profit. That is more than three times what they earned in the same period a year earlier. The jump happened while fighting between Iran and other countries raised oil prices worldwide. Higher oil prices let the two companies sell fuel and crude for more money.
The Big Mac Index, created by The Economist, turned 40 years old. It compares the price of a Big Mac burger in different countries to show if currencies are overvalued or undervalued. The index shows that burgers tend to be cheaper in many Asian countries. Some analysts say this suggests those currencies may be weaker than the U.S. dollar.
A person received a request from Fidelity, a large financial services firm, for the death certificate of their former sister-in-law. The request came after the woman’s death, and the person wondered if they might inherit money. They said it feels like buying a lottery ticket, hoping for a windfall. Fidelity has not explained why they need the certificate.
Some Federal Reserve officials who supported raising interest rates say more action is needed now to fight inflation. They argue that waiting could let prices keep rising too fast. The officials point to recent data showing inflation still above the Fed's target. They urge the Fed to keep tightening monetary policy until inflation falls.
Experts say that if you wait until age 70 to start Social Security, your monthly payment will be higher. The higher payment also means larger yearly cost‑of‑living adjustments. Many retirees claim benefits earlier, missing this extra money. The article warns that this simple step is often overlooked despite the funding concerns.
A poll by Brunswick Group and Echelon Insights shows that many Americans care most about affordability and fairness. The poll was shared first with Axios and looks at what issues voters think are biggest. About 41% of respondents said a topic linked to the cost of living, the economy, or jobs is their top concern. With the U.S. midterm elections less than 100 days away, CEOs are urged to build trust by staying consistent and neutral rather than following political trends.
Jersey Mike's started trading on the NYSE under the ticker JMKE. The shares were priced at $23 but opened at $21 and fell about 2% in early trading. The IPO sold 43.5 million shares, raising about $1 billion and valuing the company at $7.3 billion. Investor demand was reported at about 15 times the number of shares offered.
The count of U.S. stocks trading above a certain technical level reached its highest point in two years. A large portion of those stocks are not tied to the artificial intelligence trade. This indicates investors are putting money into stocks outside the AI sector.
Joy Behar is a TV host. She owns a house in the Hamptons. She sold it to someone after 2 years.
Oil giant Shell smashes expectations as profits more than double in second quarter
There have been attacks near important waterways. These attacks are making shipowners change their plans. They are now thinking about the risks of global trade.
China AI supplier Zhongji Innolight slips in Hong Kong debut after $6.8 billion IPO
South Korea's stock market, called KOSPI, fell a lot. This happened because people are not interested in chipmakers as much as before. The stock market fell because of this.
Caterpillar is downgraded on growing data center buildout backlash. The shares are falling
Jim Cramer said Seagate Technology's earnings were very good. He thinks this is a sign of the AI infrastructure trade's potential. This trade has been weak lately.
Two rival AI super PACs are backing the same congressman. What gives?
BMW to cut several thousand jobs in latest blow to German auto sector
Automation Led to Economic Misery. AI Doesn’t Have To.
{"Last week, stocks tied to artificial intelligence rose sharply.","Chip companies saw big swings but ended the week higher.","Meta’s shares helped push the portfolio up.","At the same time, rising oil prices made investors nervous on Wall Street."}
Some homeowners spent tens of thousands of dollars to remodel their homes. They hired contractors and bought new materials. After the work was finished, many felt unhappy with the results. They said they wished they had spent less or chosen different changes.
Many workers received small pay raises this year. At the same time, the cost of health benefits for employers rose quickly. Health‑benefit costs have not risen this fast in about 20 years. Because companies spend more on health insurance, they have less money to give as higher wages.
{"Starting August 3, new rules will apply to mortgages for condominiums.","These rules could make it harder for buyers to get a loan for a condo.","Experts warn that some buyers may face delays or even be denied a mortgage.","The changes are meant to reduce risk for lenders."}
{"Several companies will release their earnings reports next week.","In the past, these companies have often reported profits higher than what analysts expected.","When they beat expectations, their stock prices tend to rise after the announcement.","Investors pay attention to these stocks because they may offer short‑term gains."}
Bank of America told investors to buy certain stocks before their earnings reports. It said the stocks have a lot of upside potential. The advice came as many companies prepare to release quarterly results.
Last week the Federal Reserve made a decision about interest rates. At the same time, several big technology companies reported their earnings. These events caused the stock market to move up and down a lot. By the end of the week, Wall Street had recovered and was gaining again.
{"Southwest Airlines is changing its operations to be more modern.","Some longtime fans of the airline say they will miss the old ways.","Investors on Wall Street approve of the changes and think they will improve profits.","A fund manager said the airline is 'getting on with the times'."}
Wall Street just went through its roughest stretch in months. Investors are worried and asking if the worst is over or if the selloff will continue. Three Wall Street strategists shared their views on the question.
Many baby boomers want to move to a smaller home or a different area. However, they cannot afford the costs of buying or renting a new place. Some own large houses that are bigger than they need.
Investors moved money into fertilizer stocks after news of the Iran war raised worries about shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. They expect that conflict could disrupt fertilizer supplies and push prices up. However, analysts say a risk linked to China is being overlooked by many investors.
{"In July, stock markets ended the month with a hopeful feeling.","This came after a big drop in momentum trading, the largest since the year 2000.","Momentum trading is when investors buy stocks that have been rising fast.","Many investors now think the market low point may be near or already passed."}
Investors listened to Kevin Warsh's press conference and thought his tone was dovish, meaning he seemed against raising rates. However, a close look at his prepared remarks shows he may be near deciding to raise interest rates. The markets reacted to his words, but analysts say the hidden message points to a possible rate increase. This creates uncertainty about the Federal Reserve's next move.
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh said he wants to keep prices stable. However, the Fed has not changed interest rates recently. Bond investors are confused because they do not see how the pledge matches the lack of action.
