Author: Money Mechanics

Fed Reserve Bank of SF President Mary Daly indicated further rate cuts are likely needed, but the US central bank should approach those cuts with caution. She told reporters that she thought “likely policy adjustments will be added, as the FED works to restore price stability while providing needed support to the labor market.” As we have reported, the labor market is taking center stage and has outshone the tariffs currently in effect. We can expect to see a lot of news surrounding this leading up to the October 29th Fed meeting. As we know, the Federal Reserve has a…

AI-generated image. Source: Perchance.org By David Enna, Tipswatch.com The U.S. government is highly likely to shut down on Wednesday, with the beginning of a new fiscal year. This is political theater, and the real danger is that the leading actors are both Republicans and Democrats, perfectly willing to go to the brink. Escalating the threat, the Trump administration this week told federal agencies to prepare for mass firings (not furloughs) if the government shuts down. The Office of Management and Budget said the firings should target any federal program that is “not consistent with the President’s priorities.” From the Politico…

With nominations for HousingWire’s 2025 Tech Trendsetters closing on Sept. 30, we’re continuing to spotlight previous honorees and industry leaders for their insights on tech in 2025. We asked one simple question: What project are you most excited about right now? Their responses highlight how artificial intelligence (AI), data, modernized infrastructure and tools for mortgage originators are reshaping the industry. Read on for a snapshot of the initiatives driving innovation across housing tech — and if you know someone leading similar work, nominate them before nominations close. “We’re developing AI-driven surveys that make building surveys faster and more intuitive, delivering…

For years, “know your customer” checks have become commonplace on the internet, often by way of sharing a copy of your government-issued ID and a selfie to confirm that it’s really you, to access a website or app, or to purchase certain goods.   Nowadays, age-verification laws taking effect across the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia, and beyond are also giving rise to an entire industry of ID-checking companies charged with granting you access to the “adult” web.  But uploading your identity details and selfie to a company’s servers has long had privacy advocates spooked and fearful that this sensitive…

Key Takeaways President Trump unveiled a slew of new tariffs, including 100% levies on pharmaceuticals imports, though he exempted drug firms already building plants in the U.S.He also announced levies on heavy trucks, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and upholstered furniture, widely expanding industry-focused levies he has put in place since taking office this year. President Donald Trump unveiled a slew of new tariffs that include 100% levies on imported pharmaceuticals imports, though he exempted drug firms that are building plants in the U.S.  Trump also announced levies on heavy trucks, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and upholstered furniture, expanding industry-focused levies…

Key Takeaways Forecasters expect inflation to accelerate in the last part of the year as more companies pass the costs of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on to customers.A survey of professional forecasters called for a the Consumer Price Index to rise 3% over the year in the fourth quarter, an acceleration from 2.9% in August.Some economists expect inflation to peak in December and then fade in 2026 as tariff-related price hikes cease. Economists expect inflation to keep climbing in the fourth quarter, as President Donald Trump’s tariffs continue to push up prices for everyday goods.Most mainstream forecasts call for inflation…

Key Takeaways Big-picture optimism regarding Elon Musk’s commitment, AI and robotaxis has helped pull shares of Tesla higher this month. That also has several Wall Street analysts playing catch-up with their price targets. Some investors, however, may return their attention to the company’s EV business next week, when third-quarter deliveries figures are expected to land. Wall Street analysts have largely been behind as Tesla’s stock has raced higher. They’re starting to catch up. The EV maker’s shares have been hot lately, rising some 27% this month alone through Thursday’s close around $423. (They’re up about 2% in Friday trading; read…

Paccar Stock Surges as Trump Announces Tariff on Heavy Truck Imports 47 minutes ago Shares of Paccar, the parent of Peterbilt, remain negative on the year. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images Paccar (PCAR) led the Nasdaq and was one of the top-performing stocks in the S&P 500 around midday after President Trump announced a tariff on imports of heavy trucks. Shares of the Bellevue, Wash.-based trucking firm, which owns the Peterbilt and Kenworth Brands, surged 5% in recent trading. Despite today’s advance, Paccar shares remain down about 3.5% this year. Caffeine in Sprays and Smoothies? You Can Thank…

Key Takeaways AI data center developer Fermi America filed earlier this week to go public as a real estate investment trust, a form of equity that differs in important ways from other stock investments.Data center REITs, despite being key facilitators of the AI boom, have not delivered the kind of eye-watering stock market returns of other AI infrastructure investments. Long contract durations, dividend requirements, and interest rate sensitivity are some of the reasons AI-exposed REITs haven’t taken off. Wall Street is getting a buzzy new AI data center stock soon, but investors looking for Nvidia-like returns may want to look…

For many retirees, the home they’ve lived in for decades isn’t just a place to live. It’s the single largest asset in their financial portfolio.In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, households that own their homes have a median wealth of about 44 times that of renter households, largely because of home equity. If your retirement savings feel a little tight, your house may hold untapped potential.But how and when you use that equity matters. Should you sell and downsize? Take out a loan? Rent part of it? Or simply hold it for your heirs? Here’s how to turn…