Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways The Fed’s latest Beige Book shows a slightly weaker job market as employers slow hiring, cut hours, or rely on attrition instead of layoffs.Consumer spending softened and price pressures persisted, giving policymakers mixed signals ahead of a potential year-end interest-rate decision. The job market weakened a bit this month as some employers cut back on hiring plans or reduced employees’ hours and others shed jobs, according to the Federal Reserve’s latest anecdotal Beige Book. The report is a data-light snapshot of the U.S. economy, giving the Fed visibility into what businesses are experiencing as Fed officials prepare to…

Key Takeaways Fed data shows retirees average almost $288,000 in net worth, boosted in recent years by significant gains in home values and investments.Retirees’ finances vary widely, with balances on mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards influencing outcomes as much as assets do.Protecting wealth in retirement often means earning strong yields, managing spending and debts, and perhaps earning a modest income to make your savings last longer. What Retirees’ Net Worth Looks Like Today The latest data from the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances shows that retirees hold an average net worth of $287,900 as of 2022. That figure…

Key Takeaways Oscar Health shares popped again Wednesday, and have gained 35% over the past three days. Piper Sandler analysts upgraded their rating on the health insurer, and said it should be able to gain market share and improve profitability even if ACA subsidies expire at the end of the year. Shares of Oscar Health (OSCR) jumped Wednesday, the latest big gain for the health insurer after Piper Sandler analysts upgraded their rating of the stock in a recent note to clients. The analysts upgraded their rating to “overweight,” and lifted their price target to $25 from $13 previously. Piper…

(Image credit: Getty Images)The three main U.S. equity indexes gapped up at the opening bell Wednesday, rallied all day, and will carry four straight days of gains into the Thanksgiving holiday. Markets reflect resurgent bullishness about AI and tech as well as refreshed hope for a December rate cut.Incoming economic data continue to support the idea of another rate cut at the next Fed meeting. The Department of Labor said weekly jobless claims declined by 6,000 to 216,000 for the week ending November 22, below a consensus forecast of 225,000. The four-week moving average declined by 1,000 to 224,000.Continuing claims…

Key Takeaways The monthly U.S. budget statement for October showed that tariffs generated $31 billion in revenue for the government, continuing the steady rate of collection since President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs were implemented.Some economists have estimated that Trump’s proposal for a $2,000 tariff rebate check in 2026 could cost around $300 billion, less than what tariffs could bring in at their current rate.The October budget statement also showed that the government ran a $284 billion deficit that month. Members of Congress have suggested that tariff revenues should be used to reduce the government’s debt. Tariff revenues continue to roll…

Key Takeaways The retail brokerage is launching a new derivatives exchange in a bid to expand its prediction markets offerings.Robinhood’s stock has more than tripled year-to-date, making it one of the top gainers in the S&P 500. Robinhood’s latest venture raises the prediction-markets stakes. The U.S. brokerage made popular by offering slices of stocks to retail investors is launching a futures and derivatives exchange in a bid to expand its prediction markets business. Robinhood (HOOD) announced Tuesday that the exchange will be managed by a joint venture with market maker Susquehanna International Group. Its shares were up 10% as of…

Key Takeaways A job change can jolt your finances, but pausing decisions and avoiding withdrawals can help protect your retirement plan.Stabilizing cash flow, building a small cushion and avoiding 401(k) cash-outs are key steps to keeping retirement savings on track.Once income steadies, restart contributions, review your new plan’s fees and match, and check risk levels to keep your strategy strong. How a Job Change Can Shape Your Retirement Path If you’re one of the millions of Americans who has lost a job in 2025, you’ve likely felt both the emotional strain and the financial shock that come with a layoff.…

Ohio-based Procter & Gamble Company (PG), also known as P&G, is the powerhouse behind many of the world’s most trusted everyday brands, reaching billions of consumers across roughly 70 countries with products that make life cleaner, healthier, and simpler. Some of its trusted brands include Pampers, Gillette, Tide, Olay, Crest, Ariel, Febreze, Pantene, Vicks, Head & Shoulders, Bounty, Charmin, and Oral-B. This lineup touches nearly every part of daily life. With a market capitalization of roughly $352.6 billion, P&G is firmly classified as a “mega-cap” stock, a category defined by companies valued above $200 billion. Its large market presence reflects the role…

In-brief analysis November 26, 2025 Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)Note: Weekly data reflect U.S. average regular gasoline retail price for all formulations; real price is calculated using Consumer Price Index from BLS. On the Monday before Thanksgiving, the U.S. retail price for regular-grade gasoline averaged $3.06 per gallon (gal), just 2 cents/gal higher than the same time last year. After adjusting for inflation, however, this year marks the lowest average gasoline price for the Monday before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend…

U.S. home prices are increasing and mortgage rates ticked up last week after dipping to their lowest level in a year. Rising costs and widespread financial uncertainty are causing house hunters to retreat.  We’re taking a break from analysis this week, but please see the tables and charts below for this week’s housing-market data. We’ll be back with full commentary in next week’s report. Happy Thanksgiving! For Redfin economists’ takes on the housing market, please visit Redfin’s “From Our Economists” page.  Leading indicators   Indicators of homebuying demand and activity Value (if applicable) Recent change Year-over-year change Source Daily average…