Author: Money Mechanics

Solid-state battery maker QuantumScape (NASDAQ: QS) updated investors on its path to commercialization with its fourth-quarter report last night. While it made significant progress in 2025, the volatile stock is still selling off today. Investors expect another year of losses in 2026, but one item of note may have spooked the market. QuantumScape stock plunged more than 10% after the report and remained down 8.8% as of 11:41 a.m. ET. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks…

In-brief analysis February 12, 2026 State taxes and fees on motor gasoline as of January 1, 2026, ranged from a high of 70.9 cents per gallon (c/gal) in California to a low of 9.0 c/gal in Alaska. State gasoline taxes averaged 33.5 c/gal across states, a slight increase from their average last year. We compile this information twice a year by collecting tax and fee information as of January 1 and July 1, as those dates align with the timing of many states’ changes in taxes. Twenty-six states have changed their gasoline taxes between the…

A cargo ship is loading and unloading foreign trade containers at Qingdao Port in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China, Jan. 13, 2026.Cfoto | Future Publishing | Getty ImagesThe U.S. government in January ran up a smaller deficit than a year ago, while tariff collections surged and provided a reminder of how pivotal a long-awaited Supreme Court decision could be to federal fiscal health.Customs duties collected through tariffs totaled $30 billion for the month, putting the fiscal year-to-date tally at $124 billion, or 304% more than the same period in 2025. President Donald Trump first levied the duties in April 2025 with…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Chipolo Loop is available now for $39.It’s rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about battery disposal, and the speaker is much louder than the Apple AirTag.It’s significantly more expensive than the AirTag, so could be a hard sell to iPhone user. Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.I love AirTags, and my life would be a whole lot more chaotic without them. But they have their limitations. The design is not conducive to attaching to keys, they aren’t that loud, and they eat disposable batteries.  What if there was a super-loud finder tag that…

Key Takeaways Start with no-cost mortgage quotes to compare lenders on equal footing without fee confusion.The lowest no-cost rates help you build a shortlist of the most competitive lenders.You can then use that shortlist to explore different rate options and choose the structure that best fits your plans. Why Comparing Mortgage Rates Is Harder Than It Looks Mortgage rate shopping seems straightforward: Collect a few quotes, compare rates, and pick the lowest one. But in reality, it’s not that easy because rates don’t tell the entire story. You’ll want to consider how costs like loan origination and underwriting fees affect…

Key Takeaways According to the efficient market hypothesis (EMH), stock prices reflect all available information, suggesting that it’s impossible for investors to find undervalued stocks.Warren Buffett argues against the EMH by pointing to examples of value investors, including himself, who have outperformed the market.Still, Buffett recommends that non-professional investors choose low-cost index funds because successful value investing takes time and expertise. ​The legendary investor Warren Buffett has repeatedly denounced the efficient market hypothesis (EMH), which claims that stock prices reflect all relevant information and always trade at their fair value. Beyond simple luck, this should make it impossible to consistently…

Key Takeaways With couples who depend on Social Security, the higher earner’s claiming age heavily influences how much income their surviving spouse will receive for the rest of their life.Each year an earner delays claiming can cut their surviving spouse’s poverty risk by about 12%.Couples can protect the surviving spouse by coordinating claims, stress‑testing budgets, and planning for life on one check. The biggest Social Security mistake isn’t a paperwork error—it’s claiming too early, without your spouse in mind.​ This is because when the higher earner files early (say, at age 62), they receive a smaller benefit than if they…

(Image credit: Getty Images)If you’re looking for a financial adviser today, you’ve probably seen the word “fiduciary” everywhere.Banks use it. Brokerage firms use it. Insurance companies use it. Independent advisers use it, too.On the surface, that might sound like good news for investors, until you realize that the word is now being applied to vastly different business models, compensation structures and client relationships. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues CLICK FOR FREE ISSUE Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters Profit…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Not being on the same page about money is a major relationship stressor. However, it doesn’t have to be.When starting a new life together and having money talks, establishing common ground is essential to keep you both aligned. Additionally, learning to budget as a couple can prevent financial disagreements and strengthen your bond, as you work together to achieve your goals, such as saving for a home or paying off debt.If you’re ready to work together to reach your goals, here is your guide to a collaborative and drama-free budget. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal…

(Image credit: Getty Images)For decades, bonds have played a familiar role in retirement portfolios. They are meant to reduce volatility, provide income and act as a counterbalance to stocks, especially as investors approach and enter retirement.But with the Federal Reserve signaling more potential rate cuts ahead, many investors are facing a key decision: How best to allocate the portion of a portfolio traditionally reserved for bonds.One option worth understanding is the fixed indexed annuity. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues…