Author: Money Mechanics

reached another record in the early Thursday trading session amid surging bets over a Federal Reserve and rising trade tensions between the US and China Metals – Gold Touches Another Record Gold rose to another record high with spot prices reaching intraday highs of $4,242/oz this morning, driven by rising US-China tensions and expectations of two more Fed rate cuts this year. also rose by more than 3% to close above $53/oz yesterday, amid tight supply in London. US Treasury yields fell to a multi-month low after Fed Chair Powell signalled a likely quarter-point rate cut this month. As for…

Let’s talk seller impersonation fraud. While this scam has been nationwide for a few years now, it is likely to become more prevalent as we head into 2026. So, how does it work, and what should everyone in real estate know about it?  It starts with a phone call or an email. A “seller” wants to unload a vacant lot quickly, and the price looks like a bargain. But behind the scenes, it’s a criminal posing as the property owner, and by the time anyone realizes, the money is gone. Also known as vacant lot fraud, this scheme has become…

Key Takeaways The U.S. economy is expected to grow 2% in 2025, slightly better than previously expected, according to an International Monetary Fund report, which found that tariffs haven’t been as damaging as economists feared.Growth projections for both the U.S. and the global economy are still lower than they were in January, before President Donald Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs.Tariff risks remain, while a potential AI spending bubble could also upend economic growth, the report found. Tariffs aren’t hurting the U.S. economy as much as expected, according to a new report from the International Monetary Fund. But they are still weighing…

Key Takeaways Sebring and surrounding Highlands County offer a lower cost of living than Florida’s larger cities and many other Sunbelt retirement destinations.Famous for its auto racing track, Sebring has numerous other attractions, including museums, art galleries, and a historic downtown.Outdoorsy types will enjoy its parks, lakes, and golf courses.Sebring’s county offers over 200 healthcare establishments and is within driving distance of several larger cities, including Orlando and Tampa. Sebring, Florida, a small city in the center of the state about 90 miles south of Orlando, stands out as an affordable and attractive retirement destination. With a population of under…

(Oil Price) – The world needs more investment in oil and gas as they will continue to account for a large part of the global energy mix in 2050, OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais said on Wednesday, reiterating the cartel’s view that investment in new supply will be needed in the foreseeable future. Primary energy demand will jump by 23% by 2050, Al Ghais said in remarks to the Russian Energy Week conference in Moscow, as carried by Reuters. And oil will still represent 30% of total global energy consumption in 2050, OPEC’s Secretary General said. Growing economies, urbanization, and rising…

Key Takeaways ASML said its China sales are expected to “decline significantly” as it faces trade policy headwinds, though it sees “positive momentum” from demand for artificial intelligence.Shares of ASML and other stocks in the semiconductor sector climbed Wednesday after a down day for the sector amid worries about U.S.-China trade tensions. Chipmaking equipment supplier ASML says it’s upbeat on AI demand, even in the face trade policy headwinds. The Netherlands-based firm said it doesn’t see its 2026 sales falling from 2025 levels even though it expects sales in China to “decline significantly,” thanks in part to strong demand for…

Key Takeaways A consortium including BlackRock, Nvidia, and Microsoft said it agreed to buy Aligned Data Centers in deal valued at $40 billion.Aligned Data Centers is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing data center firms. AI darling Nvidia just struck another big data center deal—this time as part of a group with Microsoft, BlackRock, and others. A consortium including BlackRock (BLK), Nvidia (NVDA), and Microsoft (MSFT) said Wednesday it would buy AI data center infrastructure company Aligned Data Centers in an agreement valued at $40 billion. Aligned Data Centers is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing data center…

Regardless of whether you can imagine ever retiring, it’s good to have a plan in place. But how can you know if your plan will get you where you want to be when the day comes? And even if you do have what looks like a sensible plan today, how can you make sure it doesn’t go off track in the years ahead? Many people worry—and rightly so—that they won’t have enough money to retire if and when they want to. Here’s advice on determining whether you’re on track to a comfortable retirement and how to course-correct if you need…

Key Takeaways Pig butchering scams are fraudulent investments where scammers use fake online personas to trick their victims. Scammers use social engineering techniques, artificial intelligence, and technology to gain trust, manipulate emotions, and exploit financial vulnerabilities to steal money. Real-life examples show the devastating financial and emotional impact on victims. Ignoring unsolicited messages and financial advice and verifying information can help you avoid scams. If you’re the victim of a scam, you should immediately report the crime to your bank and law enforcement. A pig butchering scam is a type of investment fraud that involves scammers creating fake online personas…

KEY TAKEAWAYS Many Generation Z and millennial workers are on track to save enough for retirement to maintain or exceed their current spending when they stop working.Younger generations have had more access to defined contribution plans, which allow workers to set aside a portion of their income for retirement.Although younger generations are better prepared for retirement, their high debt levels compared to older generations are holding them back from saving more. With access to better retirement savings plans, younger generations are generally more prepared for a comfortable retirement than older generations. More than four in 10 Americans are on track…