Author: Money Mechanics

In-brief analysis December 15, 2025 Our estimates for residential energy expenditures this winter (November 2025 through March 2026) have increased since the publication of our initial Winter Fuels Outlook forecasts in mid-October. We now expect a colder winter, and our retail energy price forecasts have risen, especially for natural gas and propane. Each October, we publish a Winter Fuels Outlook with forecasts for energy consumption, prices, and expenditures for U.S. households. We categorize homes based on their main heating fuel: natural gas, electricity, propane, or heating oil. Almost all U.S. homes use one of these…

In-brief analysis December 17, 2025 We forecast that global crude oil production will increase by 0.8 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2026, with supply from Brazil, Guyana, and Argentina accounting for 0.4 million b/d of the expected global growth forecast in our December Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO). Global crude oil production growth since 2023 has been driven by countries outside of OPEC+. In 2024, non-OPEC+ production increased by 1.1 million barrels per day (b/d); however, coordinated production cuts by OPEC+ producers offset production increases by countries outside the group, and global crude oil production…

The Midwest and South are home to a majority of the country’s most affordable cities.  A typical household in Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO, a St. Louis suburb, would need to spend just 16% of their income on housing every month—the lowest share in the nation and less than half the national average. Ferguson, MO (17.6%), Detroit, MI (17.9%), Broussard, LA (18.4%) and Bayou Cane, LA (18.6%) round out the top five.  Nationwide, the typical homeowner has to spend 39% of their income on housing, which is well above the recommended 30% threshold.   This is according to a Redfin analysis of…

Like pretty much every other tech company in existence, Adobe has leaned heavily into AI over the past several years. The software firm has launched a number of different AI services since 2023, including Firefly — its AI-powered media-generation suite. Now, however, the company’s full-throated embrace of the technology may have led to trouble, as a new lawsuit claims it used pirated books to train one of its AI models. A proposed class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of Elizabeth Lyon, an author from Oregon, claims that Adobe used pirated versions of numerous books — including her own — to train…

Key Takeaways The chief strategist at Interactive Brokers expects 2026 to be the first negative year for the S&P 500 since 2022.Steve Sosnick said his forecast for a modest decline from Tuesday’s close was “cautious,” not outright bearish. The stock market is headed for a third consecutive year of gains. One analyst warns that you shouldn’t expect a fourth. Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers, expects the S&P 500 to finish next year around 6,500, more than 3% below the benchmark index’s close on Wednesday.  Sosnick’s is one of the most bearish forecasts on Wall Street. In an interview…

Key Takeaways Quantum computing stocks have taken a hit recently as worries about an AI bubble pressure the tech sector.Downbeat sentiment around the sector could continue in the near term, but may change as the technology becomes more widely adopted, according to one Wall Street bull.  Could quantum computing stocks be due for a rebound? Shares of quantum computing favorites Rigetti Computing (RGTI) lost about 6% Wednesday, while D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) slid 7%, IonQ (IONQ) fell 8%, and Quantum Computing (QUBT) dropped 9%, extending a pullback in recent weeks amid worries about an AI bubble. But one Wall Street bull…

Key Takeaways Micron Technology posted earnings that topped analysts’ estimates, sending shares higher in extended trading Wednesday. CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said growing AI demand drove record results for the memory chipmaker and Nvidia supplier. Worries about an AI bubble have weighed on the tech sector lately. Micron is still riding the AI boom higher. Shares of the memory chip maker were up over 5% in extended trading Wednesday after the company posted earnings that blew past analysts’ estimates, driven by growing demand for AI hardware. Micron Technology (MU) posted adjusted earnings per share of $4.78 for the fiscal first quarter, well…

Key Takeaways Fed officials took opposite views over how the Fed should respond to rising unemployment and inflation.One prominent Fed official said the central bank should cut interest rates to boost the job market, and another said they should keep rates higher for longer to fight inflation.Fed officials have been divided about strategy as the government shutdown delayed key economic reports, and the release of belated jobs data Tuesday didn’t resolve the issue. Fed officials have been divided about whether to boost the job market by further lowering interest rates, and a surprise uptick in the unemployment rate Tuesday wasn’t…

Key Takeaways Benchmarking your contribution rate against others your age can help you see whether your current savings habits are on track.A new report shows Gen Z workers contribute about 3.7% of their salary to workplace plans on average, while Millennials contribute 5.0%, Gen X 6.0%, and Boomers just over 7%. All are below the recommended contribution rate of 10% or more.A 1% annual bump to your contribution rate can substantially improve long-term outcomes, especially when done early in your career. Why Retirement Contribution Rates Matter More Than Most People Realize Most workers have only a rough sense of whether…

Key Takeaways Teens with low earnings can make Roth IRA contributions taxed 0% up front that then grow tax-free, giving early savings a long-term boost.Because anyone can fund a child’s Roth IRA, parents or relatives can give a holiday gift of boosting contributions up to the 2025 limit.Creating a family “match” and saving a set share of each paycheck can help teens build lifelong habits that lead to decades of tax-free growth. Why Your Child’s Paycheck Opens the Door to a Surprisingly Powerful Holiday Gift A child’s first paychecks can feel small, but they unlock one of the most valuable…