Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways The wage gap between men and women has existed for decades, and persists in the U.S. economy, widening last year.More recent data suggests that women make about 82% of what men make, below the peak of about 84.6% reached in mid-2023.Certain jobs still tend to be dominated by men and women, and experts recommend steps like seeking out more education and certifications for women looking to boost their pay. Women still make less than men, and the pay gap between those two genders widened again last year, according to data released last week by the Census Bureau. The…

(Oil Price)– Energy security and affordability have trumped fears of stranded assets in recent years, prompting the world’s biggest international oil and gas firms to shift focus back to exploration after years of trying to develop clean energy solutions.   Big Oil has scaled back investments in renewables, at least those majors that tried to become key green energy providers, as poor returns from clean energy and demand, cost, and regulatory challenges further diminished the appeal of returns on investments in solar and wind. Back to the Basics European majors BP and Shell reversed their pledges from the early 2020s to…

Key Takeaways Recent analyses show that President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration is reshaping the economy in the short and long term.The population could be millions lower in 2034 than it would have been under previous policies.Because of the crackdown, lower-skilled workers could earn higher wages. Meanwhile, higher-skilled workers, who make up 63% of the population, could have lower earnings. President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration will have a seismic impact on the economy in the short term and far into the future, according to recent analyses.For decades, the U.S. economy has depended on the labor of immigrants, both authorized…

Key Takeaways The Fed’s rate cut on Wednesday will put downward pressure on savings and CD yields. For now, the best CD offers are still on the table—letting you lock in mid-4% returns well into 2026. Longer-term CDs may also be smart if Fed projections for additional cuts this year and beyond play out. Banks can change or withdraw CD offers without warning, so acting quickly may be a wise move right now. The full article continues below these offers from our partners. The Fed Cut Rates, but Savers Still Have Strong CD Options After nine months on hold, the…

Key Takeaways PayPal and Google said they’re partnering to create new shopping experiences online with artificial intelligence.As part of a multiyear tie-up, Google will embed PayPal across its platforms, and PayPal will use Google’s AI to enhance its e-commerce services and security, the companies said.Google is working to expand its role in agentic commerce, with AI agents that can help shoppers find and compare products, as well as make purchases online. PayPal and Google are teaming up to help you shop online with artificial intelligence. As part of a multiyear deal, Google will embed PayPal (PYPL) across its platforms for…

A high percentage of Medicare Advantage plan members make a critical mistake, according to a study from Mass General Brigham, a major hospital system.Medicare beneficiaries can choose between original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan. Advantage plans are required to cover everything that original Medicare covers. Advantage plans also may offer additional benefits, which many do. Most Advantage plans offer some level of dental, vision and hearing benefits, which aren’t covered at all by original Medicare. Advantage plans also often pay for additional services, such as transportation to medical appointments, fitness club memberships and more.The Advantage plans receive more money…

Key Takeaways The average FICO score dropped to 715 in April 2025, down from 717 in 2024, because of rising credit utilization and increased delinquencies. Student loan delinquencies surged after COVID-19 protections ended, appearing on borrowers’ credit reports in early 2025. Gen Z has been hit the hardest, with their average scores falling more than other groups due to student loan burdens. The last time scores fell this much or more was in 2009, when the average dropped three points. In the past year, credit scores have declined at their fastest rate since the Great Recession as borrowers deal with…

Key Takeaways If your college major has a high unemployment rate, it may be more difficult to land a full-time job in your field after graduation.Be flexible, stay open to all job opportunities, and don’t get tied to a ‘dream job’.If you don’t have any full-time experience to promote on your resume, highlight your volunteer work, internships, and part-time employment. When it comes to success in the job market, your college major can have a big impact, determining how much you’re paid and your likelihood of getting a job. For recent college students, the current job market may be especially…

Key Takeaways The Federal Reserve’s latest set of projections foresees inflation as measured by core PCE prices falling to a 2% annual rate by the end of 2028.If the Fed’s assessment is accurate, inflation will have run above the Fed’s target for more than seven years.The projections highlighted the central bank’s struggles to wrestle inflation down to its target as tariffs push up consumer prices. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell once called the pandemic-era burst of high inflation “transitory.” Fed officials now expect it to last more than seven years from when it started. That’s according to the latest set of…

Key Takeaways The SEC has approved general listing standards for crypto ETFs.The new framework is expected to lead to an explosion in crypto ETF listings in the coming weeks and months.Under the new framework, crypto ETFs can be fast-tracked if the underlying crypto asset has had a futures market on a regulated exchange for at least six months and meets other standards. The Securities and Exchange Commission has paved the way for a flurry of new crypto-related exchange-traded funds. The SEC late Wednesday announced that it approved generic listing standards for commodity-based exchange-traded products, fast-tracking the approval for crypto funds.…