Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways Rocket Lab stock surged Monday, extending its recent rally after another successful launch this weekend.The launch helped Rocket Lab reach a new company record for the year. Rocket Lab (RKLB) shares surged Monday after another successful launch this weekend, adding to Friday’s gains following a U.S. Space Force deal. The shares were up nearly 9% in recent trading, after jumping close to 18% Friday. (Read our daily markets coverage here.)  Rocket Lab said Sunday that its Electron rocket took off successfully from a New Zealand spaceport this weekend. “The Wisdom Gods Guide” mission involved deploying satellites for Japan-based Earth…

Oil futures opened the holiday shortened week firmer as traders reacted to stepped up U.S. enforcement of a blockade on oil tankers moving in and out of Venezuela, an action that reinforced geopolitical risk without materially tightening global supply. The immediate price response reflected sensitivity to enforcement headlines rather than a reassessment of underlying balances, with rising 2.2 percent to $57.75 a barrel as February became the front month and climbing the same amount to $61.77. The market focus was on evidence that enforcement is having a tangible impact at the source. Venezuelan crude loadings last week appear to have…

A recent report from KBW analysts, following their semi-annual trip to Bermuda in anticipation of the January 1st renewals, indicates that the retrocession market continues to be more vulnerable to instability, with this instability contributing an additional layer of fragility to the broader reinsurance ecosystem.As the January renewals approach, KBW analysts noted that a number of insurance executives opined on what sort of losses could drive catastrophe reinsurance rates up. This included a $60-70 billion single-event loss, which could shift trends in property cat reinsurance pricing; a $35 billion loss event in which lower reinsurance layers are impacted; and/or a…

High home prices, stubbornly high mortgage rates and now less supply are all weighing on potential homebuyers. Sales of previously owned homes rose just 0.5% in November from October and were 1% lower than November 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors. Sales came in at an annualized rate of 4.13 million units.This count is based on closings, so it reflects contracts likely signed in September and October, when mortgage rates initially came down slightly but then stayed in a tight range. Supply, which had been gaining for much of this year, fell in November. There were 1.43 million…

TikTok Shop has rolled out a new feature that allows users to purchase digital gift cards, making it easier to help friends and family buy from the millions of products on the app. ​The feature was strategically launched during the holiday season — a high-stakes period for the company’s shopping division as it aims to prove its value in the market. ​This move into digital gifting positions TikTok Shop to compete more directly with e-commerce giants like Amazon and eBay, both of which offer gift card options. TikTok Shop has also recently expanded into luxury retail, another move to solidify…

Key Takeaways If you’re looking to find a good place to retire, you may want to consider avoiding the few states that tax Social Security benefits. Most of the country doesn’t tax Social Security, but only select cities in select states made our list of the 50 best places to retire in the U.S. this year. Ohio, New Jersey, Florida, Tennessee, Arizona, and Colorado are just a few states that made our list. Retirement requires years of planning and careful financial projections, including how far your money will take you. Part of that planning involves understanding how much you stand to receive…

Key Takeaways Home prices in Florida are projected to dip around 2% in 2026, with some Gulf Coast communities potentially seeing declines near 10%.Higher homeowners insurance costs and rising HOA fees may offset savings from lower home prices.Florida remains a top retirement destination, but retirees must weigh lifestyle benefits against increasing housing-related expenses. If you’ve dreamed of retiring in Florida, you’re not alone—after all, it offers sunshine, beaches, warm winters, and no state income tax. What’s more, home prices in Florida are expected to decline slightly in 2026, offering a window of opportunity for buyers who have been waiting out…

Key Takeaways Retirees looking for health-conscious, budget-friendly living might look to affordable destinations in Arkansas, North Carolina, Idaho, and Utah.Their proximity to nature, access to recreational activities, and affordability are key factors in their allure for retirees. Among all the factors that contribute to choosing a place to settle down in retirement, the opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle is among the most important. Not all retirement destinations are equally wellness-focused, and savvy retirees may look to maximize health benefits while also considering budget constraints and lifestyle appeal. The cities below may help retirees focus on fitness, access to fresh…

Key Takeaways The U.S. economy is forecast to have grown at an annual rate of 3.2% in the third quarter after adjusting for inflation, a fast pace by historical standards.Healthy consumer spending continued to drive the economy’s growth, but a downturn in the labor market could dampen growth in the months ahead.The GDP data was originally expected in October but was delayed by the government shutdown. Forecasters believe the economy grew at a fast pace in the third quarter, though the report was delayed by the government shutdown and the data is getting stale. A long-delayed report on Gross Domestic Product…

Key Takeaways If you want to land a high-paying job in artificial intelligence, aim to grow your math and computer science skills—they matter more than your specific major or degree.Still, learning about AI and studying subjects like design, neuroscience, or philosophy can help you gain useful insights and make you more adaptable in a field that values flexibility.When deciding where to go to school, don’t focus on college and university rankings as much as on courses, research access, and internship prospects. The college major you choose today could determine whether you thrive in—or get left behind by—the AI economy. Since…