Author: Money Mechanics

Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 0.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025 (October, November, and December), according to the second estimate released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the third quarter, real GDP increased 4.4 percent.The second report for the fourth quarter of 2025, originally scheduled for February 26, 2026, was rescheduled due to the October–November 2025 government shutdown.The contributors to the increase in real GDP in the fourth quarter were increases in consumer spending and investment. These movements were partly offset by decreases in government spending and exports. Imports,…

The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE:WMB) is one of the Goldman Sachs Energy Stocks: 10 Stocks to Buy. On March 4, 2026, Bank of America boosted its price objective on The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE:WMB) from $79 to $87 while maintaining a Buy rating. The firm identified significant development prospects for natural-gas-levered companies and predicted further opportunities for the company beyond 2030. On February 10, 2026, Reuters reported that The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE:WMB) forecast 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.20 to $2.38 per share, topping the analyst average estimate of $2.28. The corporation boosted its annual dividend by 5% to $2.10…

Personal income increased $113.8 billion (0.4 percent at a monthly rate) in January, according to estimates released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Disposable personal income (DPI)—personal income less personal current taxes—increased $219.9 billion (0.9 percent), and personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $81.1 billion (0.4 percent).This report for January 2026, originally scheduled for February 26, 2026, was rescheduled due to the October–November 2025 government shutdown.Personal outlays—the sum of PCE, personal interest payments, and personal current transfer payments—increased $85.8 billion in January. Personal saving was $1.05 trillion in January, and the personal saving rate—personal saving as a percentage of…

Oil prices are soaring amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. WTI crude recently settled around $95 per barrel, while Brent approached $100. Below, we highlight three undervalued mid-cap energy stocks positioned to capitalize on oil’s rally. Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East due to the conflict involving Iran, which has led to a near shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz and disruptions in regional oil production, crude prices have spiked dramatically. (WTI) crude recently settled around $95 per barrel, while approached $100, with intraday highs pushing towards $105.     This surge, driven by supply constraints…

Tyler Suksawat and Scott Ferguson recently published “Reclaiming the Public Interest: Cities Should Sell Municipal Bonds to Their Own Public Banks.” The lengthy title sums up the argument well. In this article, I want to offer my comments on this topic. My feeling is that the scope for such purchases are necessarily limited, and so one cannot expect an immediate revolutionary change. To the extent that sub-nationals can boost their finances, I think the model of la Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (“la Caisse,” disclaimer: my old employer) is more viable (at the state level in American terms).The…

Please enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser or access the information through the links provided below. March 13, 2026 Federal Reserve Board issues enforcement actions with former employee of Equity Bank and former employee of First State Bank of Dongola For release at 11:00 a.m. EDT The Federal Reserve Board on Friday announced the execution of the enforcement actions listed below: Consent prohibition order against Cassandra Grayson Former employee of Equity Bank, Andover, Kansas Embezzlement of bank funds Consent prohibition order against Sandra Adams Former employee of First State…

Key Takeaways Roth IRA earnings vary based on chosen investments, such as CDs and bonds with predictable returns or stocks with potential higher returns and risks. You can contribute up to $7,000 annually to a Roth IRA, with an additional $1,000 catch-up for those aged 50 and older, subject to income limits. A diverse Roth IRA portfolio can be achieved through stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and target-date funds. Common Roth IRA investments include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs, but collectibles like coins and antiques are prohibited. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. Roth…

(Oil Price) – Oil producers in the Arab Gulf have already lost at least $15.1 billion in oil and gas revenues since the start of the Middle East war, per estimates by commodities analytics firm Kpler cited by the Financial Times. The de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz has choked off since March 1, millions of barrels per day of crude oil and refined petroleum products, and 20% of the global LNG supply. Since the war began, Gulf producers have already lost $15.1 billion in revenues, based on estimates that the choked supplies that cannot pass the Strait of Hormuz…

Key Takeaways The national average gas price rose another 3 cents to $3.63 Friday, as oil prices continue edging higher amid the Iran war.Pump prices have jumped 65 cents per gallon since the end of February.Even the cheapest states now average above $3 per gallon, while drivers in six states are paying more than $4. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. Gas Prices Have Jumped 65 Cents in Under Two Weeks Oil prices are extending their surge that began at the start of March, triggered by the Iran conflict. That escalating price for crude is…

Key Takeaways The Willie Sutton Rule advises pursuing the most obvious path in decision-making.Investors should seek low-hanging fruits before trying complex strategies.In medicine, common diagnoses should be checked first before rare conditions. What Is the Willie Sutton Rule? The Willie Sutton Rule is based on a statement by notorious American bank robber Willie Sutton. When asked by a reporter why he stole from banks, Sutton answered, “Because that’s where the money is.” His end goal was money so why waste time looking for it in obscure or questionable places? He instead took the path of least resistance and most success…