Author: Money Mechanics

Thank you for inviting me to speak to you today.1 It is wonderful to join you again this year, now as the Fed’s Vice Chair for Supervision. Since assuming this important financial regulatory role, we have hit the ground running—addressing some of the most critical matters in the bank regulatory space, all of which fall under the broad categories of improving efficiency, transparency, and fairness. Often, the “headline” issues coming out of the Federal Reserve and the other banking regulators are ones that affect the largest firms. And many are critical for both economic growth and financial stability. But banks…

Renowned trader Peter Brandt has backed a Bitcoin BTC/USD price prediction chart that suggests the cryptocurrency could reach a staggering $280,000 by the end of 2025.What Happened: Brandt endorsed a Bitcoin cycle chart that aligns the four major Bitcoin cycles since 2011. The chart predicts that Bitcoin could hit its peak somewhere between September and December 2025.The chart also hints at a price range of $150,000-$180,000 during a mid-channel run. However, if the pattern mirrors previous cycles and reaches the upper red line, the price could skyrocket to around $250,000-$280,000.Brandt’s support of the chart adds weight to the prediction, considering his vast experience in…

Image by GrokArtificial intelligence is being heralded as one of the most transformative technologies of all time, with the potential to radically improve productivity, reduce costs, and drive economic growth. But as the AI revolution unfolds, a paradox is emerging: AI has deep deflationary potential, yet its explosive demand for electricity and infrastructure introduces inflationary pressures. Understanding these contradictory forces is essential to understanding how Artificial Intelligence could shape macroeconomic trends in the coming decade.The Deflationary Power of AIAI’s primary deflationary force lies in its ability to automate tasks across every sector of the economy — from legal document review…

The day we meet, Daniel Daggers has just returned from Greece and admits he was feeling a “bit glum” on the way back from the airport. “That was until I passed through London,” says Daggers, founder and chief executive of prime estate agency DDRE Global and one of the stars of Netflix reality show Buying London.“Looking out of the window, I was immediately reminded of how great the city is,” he adds. “It’s steeped in history and has amazing architecture and design. All the nuances of the buildings and the history behind them are remarkable.”In his 27 years as an…

A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction blocking the Federal Trade Commission’s investigation into left-leaning advocacy group Media Matters. Back in 2023, Media Matters published research showing ads from major companies had appeared alongside antisemitic and other offensive content on Elon Musk-owned X. When major advertisers subsequently pulled back from the platform, X sued Media Matters. It also sued advertisers and advertiser groups over what it claimed was a “systematic illegal boycott.” After Musk’s then-ally Donald Trump took office again in January, the FTC also began an investigation into whether Media Matters had illegally colluded with advertisers. On Friday,…

Key takeaways Side hustles can help you test business ideas and potentially build real wealth—Apple, Twitter, and Instagram all started that way.A side hustle can build skills, confidence, and connections that pay dividends far beyond earning extra cash.Start with clear goals, align your skills with market demand, and use cost-effective tools to set up and promote your business. Track progress, measure your return on time and money, and adapt when needed. Side hustles—secondary jobs or businesses outside your primary occupation—can be a great way to earn extra income or pursue something you truly love. They can also help you test…

If you’re worried about being able to afford retirement, remote work might be your lifeline. Not only can it extend your career, it can also redefine what retirement looks like altogether. Roughly 40% of Americans say they plan to work during their retirement years, according to a study by Northwestern Mutual. That figure climbs to 45% for millennials and 48% for Gen Xers, many of whom aren’t just trying to stay active—they’re trying to stay afloat. For older workers in particular, the rise of remote work could offer the flexibility and freedom to ease into retirement instead of falling off…

Xiongan, China’s “city of the future” and a pet project of Xi Jinping, the country’s supreme leader, has become a byword for costly vanity projects. Central-government and provincial planners have spent at least 835bn yuan ($116bn) on the city since 2017, when they broke ground in what had been marshy farmland 125km south of Beijing. It has been touted as a solution to China’s urban maladies, with residents promised short commutes through leafy parks instead of cough-inducing traffic jams. The city is part, officials say, of a “one-thousand-year plan” in civilisation-building. A book about Xiongan from a state publisher lists…

Key Takeaways By 60, aim to have saved at least six to eight times your salary—but if you want a real cushion, try to aim for as close to 20 times your income as possible by retirement. The 4% rule offers a solid rule of thumb for your overall retirement goal, but no matter your benchmark, don’t forget to take into account factors like retirement income, potential healthcare needs, and the tax status of your investments. If you’re behind, don’t panic—just focus on what you can control: Save more, spend less, and make the math work for your life. Turning…

The alarm doesn’t go off.Your sleep-monitoring bed has already adjusted your wake-up time based on your biometrics and calendar.It’s 2035, and you’ve tapped your matured retirement target date fund. You officially made it. Subscribe to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. Save up to 74% Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more – straight to your e-mail. Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice – straight to your e-mail. You and other Gen Xers now fill the ranks of…