Author: Money Mechanics

December HighlightsIn December 2025, Cboe FX recorded a monthly Spot Average Daily Volume (ADV) of $48.6 billion, up from $41.0 billion, or 18.5%, from December 2024.Cboe SEF ADV1 topped $3.0 billion in December, a 39.3% increase from December 2024’s ADV of $2.1 billion.At $19.2 billion, Cboe FX ECN Firm ADV2 accounted for 54.6% of the Spot ECN total, highest share of Firm ADV recorded on Spot ECN, and a 31.9% increase from December 2024’s ADV of $14.5 billion.At $3.5 billion, Cboe FX ECN Metals ADV accounted for 9.9% of the Spot ECN total, a 195.9% increase from December 2024’s ADV…

Key Takeaways The average down payment for 2024–25 buyers hit 19%, the highest in more than three decades.First-time buyers typically put down about 10%, while repeat buyers averaged 23%, according to the National Association of Realtors.If you can manage to put 20% down, it will allow you to skip PMI, potentially saving hundreds each month and thousands over time. Where Down Payments Stand Now Buying a home today takes more cash up front than at any point in decades. Down payments have kept climbing while borrowing costs have remained high. For homebuyers between July 2024 and June 2025, the average…

President Donald Trump speaks during a bill signing ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington, Dec. 12, 2025.Francis Chung | Politico | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesPresident Donald Trump on Thursday said he is “instructing my Representatives” to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds, claiming that doing so will drive rates and monthly payments down.Trump, in a Truth Social post, said he was issuing that directive because Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two government-sponsored mortgage-issuing entities, are flush with cash.It was unclear who Trump is referring to as his representatives. The White House and the Federal…

Key Takeaways Used hybrid and EV prices fell more than other vehicles did in December, signaling a broader reset rather than a routine year-end dip.With clean-vehicle tax incentives ending in late 2025, demand cooled quickly, leaving dealers with less pricing power at year-end.As incentive-driven demand has dried up and inventory is hitting lots, used hybrids and EVs could stay more competitively priced in 2026. As we start out 2026, used car pricing is showing anticipated seasonal movement, with one important twist. According to the December 2025 release of the Used Car Price Trends report from Carfax, year-end shifts are once…

Key Takeaways Omak, Washington offers retirees a cost of living that’s lower than the national average, including its housing and food costs.There are dozens of health care establishments in the county, including multiple hospitals, helping retirees get quality medical care without too much travel.Omak’s proximity to rivers, lakes, and national forests makes it an ideal retirement destination for those who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.Despite its size, Omak offers plenty of entertainment and community events, helping to foster an active and engaged retirement. The small town of Omak, Washington made our 2025 list of the best places for retirees. It’s made…

KEY TAKEAWAYS A new deduction created under the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ will allow senior taxpayers to subtract between $6,000 and $12,000 from their 2025 taxable income, lowering their overall tax burden.Taxpayers must be 65 years or older, and single taxpayers must have an income of less than $175,000, while married couples must have an income of less than $250,000, to be eligible for the deduction. A new tax deduction could lower your tax bill this year. Here’s what you need to know about it. The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ passed in July 2025, created a new deduction for taxpayers…

Key Takeaways The federal government shutdown froze economic data releases, and agencies are still working to catch up. While a handful of reports have been rescheduled, some have also been consolidated or canceled. The government shutdown ended in November, but statistical agencies are working to catch up on economic releases they missed. After being closed for 43 days, the federal bureaus that track inflation, employment, and economic growth are behind schedule on several reports, but they are beginning to catch up. Why This Matters Delayed economic reports can blur the outlook for inflation, jobs, and growth, complicating decisions for investors, businesses,…

Key Takeaways Alphabet overtook Apple as America’s second most-valuable company on Wednesday, and shares continued to rise Thursday, putting the Google-parent’s market capitalization just shy of $4 trillion.Alphabet stock soared 65% in 2025 as it won over skeptics with its Gemini 3 AI model, showed the value of its custom AI chips, and strengthened its core advertising business. Google-parent Alphabet’s stock is showing no signs of slowing down after a strong finish to 2025. Alphabet (GOOG)(GOOGL) stock was up about 1% in afternoon trading Thursday, bringing it within a hair of becoming just the fourth company to ever boast a…

Key Takeaways Apple Card and Apple Savings balances, rewards, and account history will carry over when JPMorgan takes over as the credit card issuer.Apple Savings customers will be able to choose between a new JPMorgan savings account or their existing Goldman Sachs savings account. If you have an Apple Card—or the Apple Savings account tied to it—your account will be moving to a new bank. Here’s what you need to know. Apple (AAPL) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM) on Wednesday announced a deal that will make Chase the issuer of the Apple Card, replacing Goldman Sachs. The transition is expected to…

KEY TAKEAWAYS More than 7 million borrowers currently in forbearance under the Saving for a Valuable Education program will soon have to transition to another repayment plan and resume payments for the first time in years.Because these borrowers’ monthly payments will increase, and several major changes have been made to student loan policies, many SAVE borrowers will struggle to resume payments.That could add to the millions of people already in default or delinquency. Millions of federal student loan borrowers are currently in default or are delinquent on their debt, and this number is likely to increase as millions will have…