Author: Money Mechanics

(World Oil)– bp has agreed to sell a majority controlling interest in its global lubricants subsidiary Castrol to Stonepeak in a transaction valuing the business at approximately $10.1 billion, marking one of the supermajor’s most significant portfolio shifts in recent years. bp will retain a 35% share in Castrol following closing, maintaining strategic linkage to the lubricants business while freeing capital for its energy transition and upstream priorities. The agreement transfers control of Castrol—one of the world’s largest lubricants brands—to infrastructure and real-assets investor Stonepeak. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board will participate through an indirect investment of up to $1.05…

Key Takeaways Nineteen states will raise their minimum wage on Jan. 1, 2026, including Hawaii ($16), Michigan ($13.73), and Nebraska ($15). Florida’s increase to $15 takes effect Sept. 30, 2026.The federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 an hour for more than a decade and a half, though states can boost the floor for their own workers above that. In the U.S., the federal minimum wage was established in 1938 as part of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). It was intended to guarantee that workers would earn at least a basic living wage. Today, the federal minimum wage is…

Key Takeaways America’s Southwest offers retirees a blend of natural beauty, endless opportunities for adventure, and a rich cultural history.  Each city on our list doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, and several are in counties boasting median monthly property taxes below $100.  Beyond favorable taxes and affordable housing, each city offers strong value through affordable amenities, abundant free outdoor activities, and access to quality healthcare. Filled with red-rock canyons, arid desert landscapes, and deep cultural roots, the Southwest’s beauty draws retirees craving wide-open spaces, adventure, and a slower pace of life. While certain cities in the region command a steep…

Key Takeaways The S&P 500’s average dividend yield is below 2%.That’s a problem for retirees relying on dividend income who may want to withdraw from retirement funds at the recommended 4% to 4.70% annually.Specialized investments like BDCs, midstream energy companies, and closed-end funds can yield 9% or higher, though none are risk-free.The highest-yielding investments typically require understanding specific market niches and tax implications. Many dividend-focused investors are getting modest yields when they could be considering higher-income investments. While the S&P 500 Index’s average dividend yield languishes below 2%—”much lower than historical dividend yields,” Sahil Vakil, a financial advisor and founder…

Key Takeaways Palantir Technologies Inc.’s new fellowship offers high school graduates a paid pathway toward working at the company, along with training and courses on topics like Western Civilization. CEO Alex Karp said the initiative is meant to challenge traditional higher education. The fellowship comes amid a tough job market for recent college grads. Palantir Technologies (PLTR), whose share price climbed about 150% in 2025, paid 22 high school graduates about $5,400 a month this fall to forgo college, with several turning down Ivy League offers to do it. The data analytics giant’s “Meritocracy Fellowship” promises teenagers a shortcut past…

Key Takeaways Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, and Florida top the list of states with the most foreclosure activity. (This includes default notices, scheduled auctions, and bank repossessions, according to a report from real estate data firm ATTOM.) Foreclosure activity in November rose by over 20% year-over-year.  In many states across the U.S., homeowners are struggling to keep up with their housing costs. As of November, foreclosure activity had risen by 21% when compared with the same month last year. It was 3% lower than October’s levels. That said, “overall volumes remain well below historical highs,” according to a report by real…

Key Takeaways In 2025, Berkshire added healthcare and cyclicals (including a new stake in UnitedHealth, while paring its megacap tech exposure, including Apple and a major bank. Scale matters: Berkshire invests with massive liquidity and insurance float advantages most individuals don’t have. Warren Buffett’s recent regulatory filings are catnip for copycat investors. They reveal any quiet trims, fresh positions, and exits made by Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A and BRK.B), of which Buffett is chair and chief executive. (Buffett has said he will relinquish his CEO role late this year.) Those market moves hint at how Berkshire Hathaway is navigating today’s market.…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Stocks opened lower Monday as investors took profits following another red-hot year. Today’s decline puts the Santa Claus Rally at risk – which could signal a tougher start to the new year.At the close, the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.5% at 48,461 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite was 0.5% lower at 23,474. The broader S&P 500 shed 0.4% to finish at 6,905.With today’s loss, the S&P 500 is now down 0.06% since the December 23 close – the official start of this year’s Santa Claus Rally. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance…

Sanofi (NASDAQ:SNY) is one of the Best Affordable Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On December 24, Sanofi (NASDAQ:SNY) announced entering into a definitive agreement to acquire Dynavax Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:DVAX), a company that has a marketed hepatitis B vaccine and a differentiated shingles vaccine candidate. Management noted that the acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy by expanding its presence in adult immunization through Dynavax’s candidates. Moreover, HEPLISAV-B is the only two-dose adult hepatitis B vaccine approved in the US. The drug is administered in two monthly doses for faster protection compared to three-dose competitors over six months. The deal…

Gold delivered a striking rally of more than 70% in 2025, far exceeding the 27% gain recorded in 2024. This move was driven by a combination of reinforcing macro uncertainties rather than a single trigger. Key drivers included geopolitical risks, shifting growth and inflation dynamics, expectations around the Federal Reserve’s interest rate path, a weaker , and a broader push for global portfolio diversification. As 2026 begins, the central question for is no longer whether safe-haven demand will persist, but which macro conditions will intensify that demand and which price levels will confirm it from a technical perspective. Geopolitical and…