Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways The end of the year boost associated with Saint Nick tends to boost stocks by around 1%.Jeff Hirsch, author of the Stock Trader’s Almanac, is looking out for a rally that will help boost the S&P 500 to a new record next year. If Santa delivers this Christmas, investors could be cheering through 2026. The so-called Santa Claus rally describes the historical tendency for stocks to rise over the final five trading days of December and the first two trading days of the new year—in this season’s case meaning the period from Christmas Eve through Monday, Jan. 5.…

(Image credit: Getty Images)All three main U.S. equity indexes traded above and below the breakeven line early on Tuesday as markets weighed better-than-expected growth data against another survey showing consumer sentiment is sagging. Though the probability of hoped-for relief from lower policy-based interest rates is sinking as well, risk-on sectors, including technology and communication services stocks as well as energy and utility stocks, led the way higher.The Bureau of Economic Analysis said before the opening bell Tuesday morning that gross domestic product (GDP) expanded at an annualized rate of 4.3% during the third quarter, following 3.8% growth in the second…

Key Takeaways Big tech stocks are likely to “take a little bit of a pause” next year, tempering the S&P 500’s full-year returns, according to Jay Woods, chief strategist at Freedom Capital Markets.Woods expects relatively staid sectors like industrials, transports and financials to assume market leadership next year.Midterm elections, new Federal Reserve leadership, and the Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs could amplify market volatility. After three consecutive years of double-digit gains, the S&P 500 is headed for “a boring, normal year,” according to one Wall Street strategist.  “We think the bull run continues, but it’s not going to be the…

KEY TAKEAWAYS Millions of federal student loan borrowers are in default, and in February, thousands will begin to see their wages garnished by the Department of Education to offset any outstanding payments.Borrowers can consolidate their student loans or apply for loan rehabilitation, which will help them exit default and restore their loans to good standing. The Department of Education will soon resume garnishing the wages of defaulted borrowers, and experts say these borrowers should take action now to get back into good standing. More than 5 million borrowers who are currently in default, which occurs after 270 days of missed…

Please enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser or access the information through the links provided below. December 23, 2025 Federal Reserve Board announces approval of the application by National Bank Holdings Corporation For release at 1:30 p.m. EST The Federal Reserve Board on Tuesday announced its approval of the application by National Bank Holdings Corporation, of Greenwood Village, Colorado, to merge with Vista Bancshares, Inc., and thereby indirectly acquire Vista Bank, both of Dallas, Texas. The Board also gave its approval for NBH Bank, of Greenwood Village, Colorado, to…

If you’re planning to borrow or refinance a loan soon, you may be wondering what’s in store for 2026. While nothing is set in stone, experts expect loan rates to decrease slightly in 2026 — but not dramatically. Interest rates are unlikely to return to the rock-bottom numbers of a few years ago, but even a modest decline could lower your borrowing costs. A rate decrease could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest charges on a personal loan, car loan, or student loan. Understanding what drives interest rates — and where they might be going in…

Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased at an annual rate of 4.3 percent in the third quarter of 2025 (July, August, and September), according to the initial estimate released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the second quarter, real GDP increased 3.8 percent.Due to the recent government shutdown, this initial report for the third quarter of 2025 replaces the release of the advance estimate originally scheduled for October 30 and the second estimate originally scheduled for November 26.The increase in real GDP in the third quarter reflected increases in consumer spending, exports, and government spending that were partly…

hit another record on Monday, just two months after its last peak. Prices have now crossed $4,500 an ounce, up more than 71.61% since December 23, 2024. has also surged, briefly crossing $70 an ounce for the first time ever. Silver has risen far faster than gold this year, with gains of around 131.2% since December 23, 2024. The rally in gold and other precious metals came as investors looked for safe places to park money. Demand rose after tensions increased between the US and Venezuela. The situation escalated after the US Navy tried to seize a third oil tanker linked…

Construction company Alquist 3D worked with Walmart last year to build a nearly 8,000-square-foot 3D printed addition to its store in Athens, Tennessee.AlquistA version of this article first appeared in the CNBC Property Play newsletter with Diana Olick. Property Play covers new and evolving opportunities for the real estate investor, from individuals to venture capitalists, private equity funds, family offices, institutional investors and large public companies. Sign up to receive future editions, straight to your inbox.Walmart partnered with construction company Alquist 3D last year to build an almost 8,000-square-foot addition to its store in Athens, Tennessee, for online order pickup and delivery…

Key Takeaways Shares of bitcoin-linked company Strategy has fallen over 45% in the past year, underperforming the world’s biggest cryptocurrency.Michael Saylor, Strategy’s cofounder and executive chairman, said “what we’re building goes beyond bitcoin exposure.” Bitcoin crusader and Strategy front-man Michael Saylor has a new story to tell about his company. Some experts think it could help revive the company’s beleaguered stock. For years, the company and its shares attracted a loyal following as a bitcoin proxy. Lately, though, they have lost some luster: As spot bitcoin funds got bigger and crypto businesses proliferated on major exchanges, giving traders more ways…