Author: Money Mechanics

Meridian Funds, managed by ArrowMark Partners, released its “Meridian Contrarian Fund” third-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Equities hit a record high in the third quarter, fueled by continued gains in technology and falling bond yields. Easing tariff rhetoric and renewed AI infrastructure investments boosted large tech stocks. In mid-September U.S. Federal Reserve lowered rates by 25 basis points. In this environment, the fund returned 6.72% (net) during the quarter, underperforming the 9.00% returns of the Russell 2500 Index and 8.18% returns of the secondary benchmark, the Russell 2500 Value Index. In addition, please…

Global oil markets appear to be in an impressive state of balance, thanks in part to policies from the Trump administration of balancing geopolitical risks and drill baby drill that have driven gasoline prices below $3 per gallon and helped keep oil prices low. This harmonious market environment comes as global demand for oil approaches record highs, fueled by robust demand growth around the world—particularly in the United States AND record-breaking US oil production. And now According to AAA, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline has dipped below $3 for the first time since 2021. And there…

Please enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser or access the information through the links provided below. December 03, 2025 Federal Reserve Board issues enforcement action with former employee of First Financial Bank For release at 11:00 a.m. EST The Federal Reserve Board on Wednesday announced the execution of the following enforcement action listed below: Consent prohibition order against Tahjanae Richardson Former employee of First Financial Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio Misappropriation of customer funds Additional enforcement actions can be searched for here. For media inquiries, please email [email protected] or call 202-452-2955.…

According to the form, less than $9 million of that revenue came from member dues, with the rest of it coming from investment income, which was up roughly $20 million annually.  The association’s net income was $10.7 million in 2024, down from $39 million a year prior, despite its total liabilities falling $5 million annually to $690 million, with $440 million of that being attributed to the settlement litigation.  NAR’s net assets at the end of 2024 came in at $387 million, up from $363 million a year ago. This total includes $199 million in “savings and temporary cash investments.”…

Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.ZDNET’s key takeawaysAndroid is moving to more frequent updates instead of yearly.The first update introduces several new features for Android.Users are getting urgent call indicators and pinned tabs.Google has announced that it’s moving away from a single, yearly update of its Android mobile operating system to more frequent releases throughout the year. To kick things off, the company revealed a roundup of updates that includes a second Android 16 release coming to eligible Pixel devices, plus new features coming to Android as a whole. Also: I found the 10+ best Cyber Monday phone…

(Investing) – Oil prices rose Wednesday, bouncing after the previous session’s losses, as high-level U.S.-Russia talks failed to reach a breakthrough in ending the war in Ukraine. At 08:05 ET (13:05 GMT),  expiring in February rose 1.1% to $63.15 per barrel and  gained 1.3% to $59.38 per barrel. Both contracts slipped more than 1% on Tuesday. U.S.-Russia talks fail to achieve breakthrough A five-hour meeting at the Kremlin between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner ended past midnight, but according to the Kremlin, no compromise was reached on a possible peace deal for Ukraine. Kremlin adviser Yuri…

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul S. Atkins joined Nasdaq Chair and CEO Adena Friedman on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, to celebrate 250 years of the United States and to chart a course for the future of American economic growth, innovation, and capital formation.Speaking at the Nasdaq MarketSite, Atkins and Friedman discussed their shared goals of reducing regulatory complexity, improving the public company experience, and how to make IPOs great again.“Today we have approximately half the number of public companies as we had 30 years ago,” Atkins said. “As you have mergers and acquisitions and bankruptcies, the number decreases, but…

Major U.S. equities indexes were mixed Wednesday afternoon as the tech sector pulled back. The Dow climbed 0.4%, and the S&P 500 edged 0.1% higher, but the tech-heavy Nasdaq slid 0.2%. Microchip Technology (MCHP) was the best-performing stock in the S&P 500 as shares climbed nearly 10% after the chipmaker boosted its guidance on strong bookings and an improved backlog. Shares of American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) popped 15% after the clothing retailer posted better-than-expected earnings, citing a boost from its ad campaigns with actress Sydney Sweeney and NFL star and Taylor Swift fiance Travis Kelce. Dollar Tree (DLTR) shares climbed…

Key Takeaways Median bank account balances in the U.S. range from $5,400 for those under 35 to $13,400 for ages 65–74, according to Federal Reserve data. Couples—with and without kids—report higher median savings than single households. College-educated households have the highest bank balances. The data reflects median—not average—savings, offering a more accurate snapshot of what typical Americans hold in their bank accounts. To boost your savings faster, consider a top high-yield savings account, money market account, or CD. How Much Cash Americans Keep in the Bank—And Where You Stand Ever wonder how your bank balance compares to others? Federal Reserve…

Editor’s note: This is the final article in a three-part series about the three stages of divorce. Part one is I’m a Financial Adviser Who’s Been Through Divorce: This is How I Break It Down for Clients. Part two is A Financial Adviser’s Guide to Divorce Negotiations: Civil – or Not. As we enter the final stage of your divorce journey, you can take a deep breath — the hardest part is now in the rearview.You’ve gathered all the paperwork, chosen the proper legal path and come to an agreement with your former spouse on custody/support and how to divide…