Author: Money Mechanics

As per a new report from Morningstar DBRS, climate change is expected to be a meaningful primary long-term driver of reinsurance volumes. However, while the reinsurance market is currently at overcapacity, this is setting the stage for softer conditions in the medium term, the analysis states.Analysts also suggest that as demand for reinsurance continues to rise, fueled by both climate change and growing annual catastrophe losses, the need for more reinsurance capital, including alternative sources such as catastrophe bonds and insurance-linked securities (ILS) will persist. “As temperatures continue to rise worldwide because of climate change and global emissions, the reinsurance…

A view of the U.S. Capitol on September 29, 2025 in Washington, DC. Anna Moneymaker | Getty ImagesFor all the political firestorms they generate, government shutdowns historically have been nonevents for both markets and the economy.This time, though, could be different.That’s because President Donald Trump’s threat to make some federal government furloughs resulting from the shutdown permanent could have longer-lasting impacts on an employment picture that already has been looking precarious.Should Trump follow through on the threat — and successfully weather what almost certainly would be yet another court challenge to his executive authority — it throws a wrench into…

Nina Raemont/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysOura Ring 4 users report shorter battery life.The claims come a year after its debut. Oura seems to be quickly responding to this issue. When Oura unveiled its fourth-generation smart ring last October, its eight-day battery life was a major draw for those upgrading from the Oura Ring 3. But a year after its release, it seems like that eight-day battery claim is weakening. Reddit users on the r/ouraring forum report that their smart rings aren’t holding a charge, only lasting a few days before dying. Others say that the battery is completely shot and unrevivable. “I went from probably a…

Key Takeaways Keeping savings at Chase means earning just 0.01%—far less than the 4%–5% available at dozens of smaller banks. By moving funds to a top high-yield account, you can earn hundreds—even thousands—each year, while also keeping your savings ahead of inflation. And you don’t have to give up your Chase accounts to do it. Every FDIC bank insures deposits up to $250,000 per depositor—meaning smaller banks are just as safe as Chase. The full article continues below these offers from our partners. Think Chase Is the Safer Choice? All FDIC Banks Are Equally Protected—and Many Pay 4%–5% The Federal…

(Oil Price) – Crude futures slumped on Monday, extending their biggest single-day slide in weeks as OPEC+ signaled it may press ahead with another round of output increases despite production shortfalls across the group. By 12:48 p.m. ET, benchmark contracts were down more than 3%, reflecting both cartel politics and shifting supply expectations. Brent crude was at $67.88 per barrel, a drop of $2.25 or 3.21%, while West Texas Intermediate fell $2.37 to $63.35, down 3.61%. The sell-off came as reports circulated that OPEC+ ministers are preparing to add fresh barrels in November, even as actual output remains hundreds of thousands of…

Key Takeaways Shares of an online brokerage platform took off on Monday, Sept. 19, 2025, while a utility company’s stock lost ground after a major contract announcement.Robinhood shares popped after CEO Vlad Tenev touted the growth of the platform’s event contract trading business.Vistra shares slumped after a deal for its Comanche Peak nuclear plant raised some concerns about its pricing. The operator of an electronic brokerage platform got a boost after highlighting some signs of growth, while shares of a power generator moved lower following the announcement of a nuclear energy deal. Major U.S. equities indexes notched modest gains Monday…

Mandy Xu ▬ September 29, 2025 Link to Report: Macro Volatility DigestWHAT STANDS OUT:Implied volatilities were mixed across asset classes last week as risk of looming government shutdown weighed on sentiment despite better-than-expected economic data. Gold skew inverted further as demand for upside calls picked up, with 1M skew (25-delta ratio) falling to near a 1-year low. As focus shifts to this week’s NFP number, what stands out is how little is priced into the event, with SPX® weekly options implying just 0.9% move for Friday (vs. average realized move of 1.6% this year for NFP).As we approach earnings, single…

KEY TAKEAWAYS The federal government will likely shut down, pausing many non-essential government functions, if Democrats and Republicans fail to agree on a plan to extend funding before Wednesday.Essential functions, like Social Security and Medicare benefits, will continue, but you will likely see delays in some government functions.The White House has threatened mass layoffs if the government shuts down, raising the stakes for federal workers. The federal government is approaching a shutdown that would suspend many federal agencies and workers, and delay some government functions. President Donald Trump met with Congressional leaders on Monday in a bid to negotiate a…

Key Takeaways Homeowners often build tiny houses, or accessory dwelling units (ADUs), as income-generating rentals or spaces where relatives, such as aging parents, can live. It’s harder to finance an ADU than a traditional house. Options include personal loans, RV loans, or builder financing. The SUPPLY Act aims to solve the U.S. housing shortage by making it easier for homeowners to finance and build ADUs on their property. Tiny homes aren’t just for minimalists who want to live off the grid anymore. Many homeowners are building tiny houses, also known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), in their backyards. These little…

Senior adult receives injection from his home health care nurse. gettyThe latest vaccine recommendations by a federal Centers for Disease Control advisory panel could put older adults at risk for severe illness. Not directly, perhaps, but due to growing uncertainty over the risks and benefits of vaccines. In addition, the changes may end up costing the government, through Medicare and Medicaid, as well as private insurance, billions of dollars—costs that likely will be passed on to consumers through higher premiums. The recently updated recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) were both highly controversial…