Author: Money Mechanics

Shares of U.S.-listed companies related to the rare earth supply chain climbed on Monday as investors continued to weigh the impact of Chinese export restrictions on domestic producers.  Rare earths are minerals that are essential to many aspects of modern life, particularly for the technology sector and the energy transition, as they are used in everything from semiconductors, fighter jets to the motors of electric vehicles.Prime Minister Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed an agreement on Monday to invest in joint ventures to stand up a critical mineral and rare earth supply chain that is not dependent…

For most enterprise companies, AI is either a promise that has yet to deliver or a security risk. The effort of Lithuania’s most famous entrepreneur duo to solve that conundrum has garnered attention — and funding. Just months after Nexos.ai came out of stealth with an $8 million funding round led by Index Ventures, Nord Security co-founders Tomas Okmanas and Eimantas Sabaliauskas have closed a €30 million Series A (approximately $35 million) for this new startup — a a platform that helps companies adopt AI tools securely by acting as a middleman between employees and AI systems. In Okmanas’ view,…

Key Takeaways Tesla’s earnings, due Wednesday, kick off the Magnificent Seven earnings season.Many investors have moved on to the company’s next-generation opportunities as drivers for its stock. But the shares have underperformed the Big Tech group so far this year. Halfway though 2025, Tesla stock looked like a big-time laggard. The EV maker’s shares were down more than 20% through the first six months of the year—a stretch that was rough for just about everyone, though by the end of it the S&P 500 and Magnificent Seven group of tech shares had moved back into the green even as Tesla…

Key Takeaways While President Trump has already laid out some tariffs on Canada and Mexico, upcoming negotiations on a major trade deal could lead to additional tariffs.The process of renewing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement recently started, coming ahead of the July 2026 deadline to review the comprehensive trade agreement.Negotiations could center on a range of issues, including automobile manufacturing, as well as non-trade issues like intellectual property rights and agricultural supply management. President Donald Trump is about to get another chance to massively shape the U.S.’s trade policies. It’s been six months since Trump upended years of U.S. trade policy with…

Key Takeaways Options pricing suggests traders expect Tesla’s stock could move about 7% in either direction in the days after its third-quarter earnings report on Wednesday’s afternoon.Wall Street analysts are split on the outlook for Tesla’s stock, but most believe the stock is currently overvalued.Investors will be looking for updates on lower-cost models, the rollout of robotaxi services, and progress on Optimus, Tesla’s humanoid robot. Tesla (TSLA) is scheduled to report third-quarter results after the bell on Wednesday, and some traders are betting the electric vehicle maker’s stock will jump to its highest level since last December on the results. …

Key Takeaways Americans’ financial confidence has fallen 13% since 2020, driven by inflation, economic instability, and rising living costs. Many Americans also aren’t prepared with a written financial plan, but advisors note that mapping out your goals can turn uncertainty into focus. Even in uncertain times, behavioral shifts like values-based planning and focusing on what you can control can restore optimism and clarity. What You Can Do Despite years of declining confidence, financial advisors say there are meaningful ways to regain your footing, no matter your age or income. It starts with a mindset shift, but it doesn’t stop there.…

Key Takeaways New data shows that credit scores for home purchases hit their highest levels in six years, while credit scores for refinancing also hit mutli-year high levels. The increase comes as mortgage rates were near their lowest levels in a year after remaining elevated for more than three years.Potential homebuyers and homeowners with lower credit scores could face more limited opportunities, experts said. Credit scores for homebuyers in September reached their highest levels in at least six years as better-financed borrowers pounced on a drop in mortgage rates and lenders tightened their credit standards, new data showed. The average credit…

A government shutdown doesn’t stop the housing market—but it can definitely slow things down. From delaying closings to shaking buyer confidence, even a short shutdown causes ripple effects that can reach your front door.When Washington gridlocks, it doesn’t just stay in DC—it filters down to everyday buyers, sellers, and homeowners across the country.A shutdown begins when Congress fails to pass a funding bill, forcing many federal agencies to partially close. Some essential services continue—air traffic keeps moving—but critical housing programs slow way down or stop completely.Paperwork piles up. Closings get delayed and buyer confidence takes a hit.During the 2018–2019 shutdown,…

Key Takeaways These six towns show that retirees can enjoy comfort and quality of life without breaking the bank. In fact, in four of the six counties featured, median home values are under $130,000—offering significant value for those seeking a peaceful retirement. From Gregory’s hunting traditions and Tryon’s equestrian scene to Parker’s lively senior center, each town offers distinct avenues for retirees to stay engaged, active, and connected to the community. Research shows that many Americans dream of spending their golden years in a small town, favoring the tranquillity of a slower pace over the relentless energy of big cities…

Key Takeaways Bitcoin climbed back above the closely watched $110,000 level Monday as investors looked past the recent massive liquidation event in the crypto market and ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions. The cryptocurrency has found buying interest near a confluence of support from the lower trendline of a three-month trading range and the rising 200-day moving average.Investors should watch major support levels on bitcoin’s chart around $100,000 and $93,000, while also monitoring important resistance levels near $117,000 and $123,000. Bitcoin (BTCUSD) climbed back above the closely watched $110,000 level Monday as investors looked past the recent massive liquidation event in the crypto market and…