Author: Money Mechanics

Inflation continues to be a worry for many investors. A variety of inflationary measures continue to run hot and above the Fed’s 2% target. Meanwhile, tariff worries and supply chain changes have the potential to keep the invisible hand of rising prices growing in the quarters ahead. For many investors, fighting inflation has become a full-time job. But it doesn’t have to be. There is one boring asset class that actually holds its own when it come to inflationary environments. It turns out that staid municipal bonds have managed to outperform in periods of high and steady inflation. Thanks to…

Customers look over clothing items displayed on April 18, 2025 at a Costco branch in Niantic, Connecticut. Robert Nickelsberg | Getty ImagesThe producer price index, a gauge of costs at the wholesale level in the U.S. economy, posted an unexpected 0.1% decline in August. Here’s what to know:For the third time this year, the PPI showed outright deflation in what is generally considered a measure of pipeline price pressures. Wall Street economists had been looking for a 0.3% increase. The core PPI, which strips out food and energy, also fell 0.1% though core minus trade services actually rose 0.3%The tame…

Jason Hiner/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.Apple pulled back the curtain on its latest product lineup during its “Awe Dropping” keynote in Cupertino this week. The hour-long event revealed a host of new products, including the iPhone 17 series, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and AirPods Pro 3. ZDNET was on-site to cover the announcements, and we’ve compiled a summary of the biggest news from the event. We’ll continue to provide updates as we get them.What major products were announced?iPhone 17 series: Apple kicked things off with the standard iPhone 17 for $799, which now features a 120Hz ProMotion…

KEY TAKEAWAYS A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump from removing Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, allowing her to continue serving at the central bank while her lawsuit contesting her firing proceeds.The move means that Cook, who Trump had fired for allegedly falsifying her mortgage documents, will likely remain on the board for the Fed’s Sept. 16-17 meeting.The White House said the judge’s “ruling will not be the last say on the matter,” indicating the Trump Administration may appeal the Judge’s blocking of Cook’s firing. A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump…

Key Takeaways Klarna shares ended their first trading session at $45.82—above the $40 price included in its initial public offering.Shares hit the market Wednesday afternoon at $52, rising above $57 and slipping below $46 during the day.Klarna has a market capitalization of $17.5 billion based on closing prices. Shares of Klarna, a leading buy now, pay later firm, finished their first trading session Wednesday above their IPO price. The fintech company late Tuesday announced the sale of 34.4 million shares at $40 apiece in the closely-watched initial public offering. The stock, which trades using the ticker “KLAR,” opened at $52,…

Key Takeaways After five rate holds this year, the Fed finally appears ready to make a cut—with a move widely expected next week. The announcement will also reveal where Fed officials see rates heading for the rest of 2025. A Fed cut means savings, money market, and CD rates will also drop. You can’t stop falling savings rates, but two smart habits can make sure you earn as much as possible. If you can set money aside, a CD lets you secure today’s high rates before they disappear. The full article continues below these offers from our partners. What Next…

Key TakeawaysAdvanced technology is transforming options trading by enhancing market resiliency, supporting record-breaking trading volumes and enabling innovative investment solutions tailored for both retail and institutional participants.Cboe Titanium℠ (Cboe Ti℠) powers Cboe’s markets and enables the seamless processing of trading volumes, ensuring market resiliency amid rising volatility.Cboe is supporting retail traders with services and products, such as a retail-focused trading service in Europe, FLEX® Options and 24X5 trading.In recent years, the derivatives market seems to be evolving almost constantly while also welcoming new participants gaining interest in trading options. Trading platforms are increasingly adopting new cutting-edge technologies, not only catering…

Key Takeaways A new report by Northwestern Mutual found that most Gen Xers don’t feel they will be financially prepared to retire.This generation has its fair share of unique financial challenges, including being “sandwiched” between caring for aging parents and children at an increasing rate.Gen X was also most severely impacted by the Great Recession starting in 2007, which made it difficult for many to build a solid financial foundation. Gen X is quickly approaching retirement, and the majority don’t feel prepared. The oldest members of Gen X (born between 1965 and 1980) turn 60 this year, which means many…

Key Takeaways The S&P 500 gained 0.3% on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, as a report showed an unexpected downtick in wholesale inflation ahead of Thursday’s Consumer Price Index release.Oracle guided for impressive growth from its cloud infrastructure business, citing strong AI demand, and shares of the enterprise software giant ripped higher.Synopsys shares plunged after the maker of chip design software missed quarterly estimates and lowered its forecasts. Major U.S. equities indexes turned in a mixed performance in the midweek trading session as the August Producer Price Index report revealed an unanticipated decline in wholesale inflation. The signal of moderating price…

Most folks would tell you they want to be at home and not go to “one of those places” to receive care when it’s needed. It sounds like a reasonable request. But when the care gets really complicated and a licensed nurse is needed to maintain the aging parent at home, the cost of care is extremely high. A Real Life Example Sadness in caring for his wifePhotothek via Getty Images Older gentleman, (OG) has been married for many years. His wife developed a breathing problem, for which there is no good solution with medication or surgery. The adult children…