Author: Money Mechanics

D-Day is approaching for the markets, as a two-day FOMC meeting begins this Tuesday, with a key rate announcement tomorrow. The market is a rate cut with a high degree of certainty, with some even speculating on a “double” rate cut, not of 25, but of 50 basis points.In response to these expectations, the S&P 500 has been setting record highs in recent days, with a new all-time high closing on Monday at 6,615.28 points. Investors are likely already factoring in the rate cut.However, the Fed still has room to boost the markets. Investors expect more rate cuts before the…

With increasingly stronger earnings projected through 2027, Bermuda headquartered re/insurer Vantage Risk has been assigned an ‘A-‘ (stable) financial strength rating from S&P Global Ratings and its AdVantage third-party collateralized reinsurance platform has been heavily cited as a key lever for the business.S&P has assigned its ‘A-‘ long-term issuer credit and financial strength ratings to Vantage Group’s core operating insurance subsidiaries, Vantage Risk Ltd., Vantage Risk Specialty Insurance Co., and Vantage Risk Assurance Co., while also giving a ‘BBB-‘ long-term issuer credit rating to Vantage Group Holdings Ltd. S&P cites projections that gross premiums written will continue to increase to…

Subscribe Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / PlayerFM  The future of the Federal Reserve’s independence will come into clearer focus this week as the central bank will likely lower interest rates for the first time since December 2024, potentially paving the way for more cuts this year as the labor market weakens and prices keep rising. But all eyes will be on who votes for a rate cut after the President fired Fed Governor Lisa Cook and appointed Stephan Miran, his former Chair of Economic Advisers. Claudia Sahm, a former Fed economist, helps us understand the importance of this week’s meeting, the future of the…

(Investing) – The oil market is anticipated to a see a “big surplus” from the fourth quarter onwards, driven in large part by the return of OPEC+ producer group barrels over the next 12 months, according to analysts at HSBC. In a note to clients, the strategists led by Kim Fustier forecast a surplus growing from 600,000 barrels per day in the second quarter to 1.7 million barrels per day in the final three months of 2025 and 2.4 million barrels per day in 2026. These comments come after a monthly report from the International Energy Agency last week said world…

Key Takeaways Today’s best CDs still offer guaranteed rates of 4.50% to 4.60% on terms up to 12 months. You can also lock in returns in the lower-4% range for as long as 5 years. That’s especially valuable now, with the Fed expected to cut rates this week—which will push savings and CD yields lower. Attractive CD offers can evaporate overnight, so if one fits your goals, the smart move is to act today. The full article continues below these offers from our partners. CDs Paying 4.5% and More Are Still on the Table Some banks and credit unions are…

For Gen Xers entering their 50s, downsizing isn’t just a matter of square footage; it’s about freeing up cash flow, reducing stress, and preparing for a confident retirement. But the right timing depends on more than just age. Many Gen Xers still carry mortgages and are managing rising costs. The average monthly mortgage payment exceeds $2,300, squeezing budgets as retirement nears. As adult children move out and lifestyle needs change, downsizing to a smaller home can be a practical way for Gen Xers to better align their retirement living arrangements with their financial goals. Key Takeaways Downsizing can reduce financial…

Two tech companies—a database software company and a cybersecurity firm—are now on a stock-picking “best ideas” list. Analysts at Wedbush on Monday added MongoDB (MDB) and Palo Alto Networks (PANW), the software and cybersecurity outfits, respectively, to their 14-company list, citing their potential to benefit from booming artificial intelligence demand. The analysts raised their target for MongoDB’s stock to $400 from $300, setting one of the highest targets among analysts surveyed by Visible Alpha and well above Monday’s close near $334. “We believe MDB has barely scratched the surface of its growth potential given the benefits from AI are still…

Key Takeaways Elon Musk purchased some 2.57 million Tesla shares last week, sending the stock higher—and into positive territory for the year—in Monday trading.The CEO’s investment was worth approximately $1 billion, according to regulatory filings.The move is seen as a sign Musk is more focused on Tesla and its move into artificial intelligence. Shares of Tesla climbed Monday, lifted by the news that CEO Elon Musk purchased some $1 billion worth of the electric vehicle maker’s stock. Tesla’s (TSLA) shares finished the day up 3.6% to around $410, pulling back a bit from earlier prices above $425. The move pulled…

Key Takeaways The Federal Reserve is likely to cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter-point to a range of 4% to 4.25%, but that is far short of the massive rate cuts President Donald Trump has demanded.In a social media post on Monday, Trump said Fed Chair Jerome Powell should make a rate cut “bigger than he had in mind.”Trump has said the Fed should cut rates by at least three percentage points, six times as large a cut as the Fed is expected to make. The Federal Reserve is expected to cut its key interest rate Wednesday, but…

Key Takeaways President Trump has repeatedly attacked Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell this year, even suggesting he could fire him. A new study links prediction markets and stock prices to estimate the potential market fallout if Powell were fired. Researchers focused on a two-hour window on July 16, between the initial reports suggesting Powell might be fired and Trump’s eventual denial of those reports. Firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell could wipe as much as $1.5 trillion from the stock market, according to new research linking President Donald Trump’s threats to fire Powell to real-time market losses. Babson College researchers…