Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways The U.S. trade deficit fell by nearly 40% in October, hitting its lowest level since 2009.But a big increase in non-monetary gold exports, along with a steep decline in pharmaceutical chemical imports, are responsible for much of the shift. The declines follow the introduction of a sweeping new set of tariffs in August, though economists said tariffs may not have had much of an impact on the trade balance as expected. The U.S. trade deficit dropped sharply in October, but the narrowing appears to be tied to a large spike in the export of gold and silver. The trade…

Key Takeaways Experts often recommend waiting at least 30 days after an inheritance before making major financial decisions.Advisors generally suggest paying off high-interest debt, building an emergency fund, and then investing for long-term goals.With a clear plan, inherited money can be saved in ways that outearn inflation and move you closer to goals like a home or retirement. An inheritance of $50,000 can be a powerful stepping stone toward long-term financial security. With thoughtful planning and expert guidance, this money can be worth much more in the future and help you close in on one or more financial goals. If…

If you’re planning to visit a U.S. national park this year, be prepared to wait in longer lines and bring documentation proving you’re a U.S. citizen. And if you’re a non-U.S. citizen visiting, bring your patience and $100.The Trump administration announced that, starting January 1, international visitors and other non-U.S. residents ages 16 and older must pay a $100 surcharge in addition to regular entrance fees at 11 of the country’s most popular national parks.As a result, the policy has created a logjam for national park staff, who must use their limited resources to verify each visitor’s residency status and…

Key Takeaways Costco’s stock was rising Thursday, lifted as investors cheered the warehouse chain’s December sales and comps. That had the shares around levels last seen in about a month. Wall Street is bullish, though its average price target remains below record highs seen early last year. Shares of Costco Wholesale have been getting cheaper for nearly a year, dropping from early 2025 highs. They got a little less cheap today. The warehouse retailer’s shares were up some 5% Thursday afternoon to levels last seen in about a month. The driver: a measure of optimism about the direction of Costco’s…

Key Takeaways Though Rehoboth Beach, Delaware has only about 1,390 residents, its plentiful amenities make it feel much larger.About 44% of Rehoboth Beach’s residents are age 65 or older.Home prices can be expensive, but tax rates are quite competitive relative to the rest of the country. When you’re strolling down the lively boardwalk or enjoying one of local beaches, it’s easy to think that Rehoboth Beach, Delaware has a bigger population than its roughly 1,390 residents. Despite its small-town feel, this coastal town has outsized offerings for both vacationers and retirees. The median age of Rehoboth Beach is about 63…

When the US Census conducts the monthly Current Population Survey on behalf of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it asks households more than 200 questions about their employment status. One of those questions is “Do you currently want a job, either full or part time?” As the BLS explains it: “People who want a job now are a subset of those not in the labor force.” The labor force is made up of (1) persons who are employed and (2) persons who are not employed but who had actively looked for employment in the four weeks prior to being…

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $29.4 billion in October, down $18.8 billion from $48.1 billion in September, revised.U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services DeficitDeficit:$29.4 Billion–39.0%°Exports:$302.0 Billion+2.6%°Imports:$331.4 Billion–3.2%°Next release: Thursday, January 29, 2026(°) Statistical significance is not applicable or not measurable. Data adjusted for seasonality but not price changesSource: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, January 8, 2026Exports, Imports, and Balance (exhibit 1)October exports were $302.0 billion, $7.8 billion more than September exports. October imports were $331.4…

Oil prices are rebounding from their sell-off only to get a bid because of President Trump’s approval of bipartisan legislation going through the House to impose a 500% tariff on any country that dares to buy Russian sanctioned oil. In the past, Europe has had a hard time not buying Russian sanctioned oil because they needed it and, we also had India and China that love those Russian barrels, but they didn’t have an alternative. Now, with the potential of selling more Venezuelan oil from storage, there will be more heavy oil available. President Trump’s ironclad approach aims to squeeze…

Broker Guy Carpenter has announced the launch of a global Sidecar Center of Excellence (COE), which will be led by Ed Hochberg, Global Risk Solutions Leader.According to the broker, the new sidecar COE will offer dedicated resources to help clients manage capital, volatility, and growth through comprehensive solutions. As mentioned, Hochberg will oversee the COE, while continuing to fulfill his existing duties at the company We recently reported that third-party capital deployed in reinsurance through insurance-linked securities (ILS) and other alternative structures is now forecast to have grown over 12% during the course of 2025 to a record $120 billion.…

Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI will go to trial after a U.S. judge said there is evidence to support the billionaire’s case.  Musk sued OpenAI and its co-founders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman in 2024, alleging they betrayed their original contractual agreements by pursuing profits instead of the nonprofit’s founding mission to develop AI that benefits humanity.  Musk, who has launched his own for-profit company xAI, was an early financial backer and co-founder of OpenAI. He resigned from the board in 2018 after his bid to take over as CEO was rejected by the other co-founders, who put Altman up…