Author: Money Mechanics

Find out which banks are offering the best MMA rates right now. As interest rates continue to fall following the Fed’s recent rate cuts, it’s more important than ever to ensure you’re earning a competitive rate on your savings. One option you may want to consider is a money market account (MMA). Wondering where the top money market account rates can be found today? Here’s what you need to know. From a historical perspective, money market account interest rates have been quite high. The national average interest rate for money market accounts is just 0.59%, according to the FDIC, but…

futures have completed a textbook VC PMI mean-reversion cycle and are now entering the December acceleration window marked by the synchronization of the 30-, 60-, and 90-day cycles. After the hyperbolic blow-off to 4,250 in mid-November, the market rotated sharply down into the Buy 1 and Buy 2 weekly levels, printing a capitulation low near 3,997. This flush represents a structural reset rather than a trend failure, and the chart’s multi-layered geometry confirms that the long-term uptrend remains intact. The VC PMI Daily and Weekly levels are now tightly aligned: the Daily Mean at 4,082 and Weekly Mean at 4,116…

The U.S. economy added substantially more jobs than expected in September, according to a long-awaited report Thursday from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Nonfarm payrolls increased by 119,000 in the month, up from the 4,000 jobs lost in August following a downward revision. The Dow Jones consensus estimate for September was 50,000. The July total also was revised down to 72,000, a decrease of 7,000 from the prior release.In addition to the headline jobs number, the BLS said the unemployment rate edged higher to 4.4%, the highest it’s been since October 2021. A broader measure that includes those not looking for…

All-in-one (AIO) computers combine performance and speed in a space-saving design, integrating components into a single monitor. These machines are ideal for households wanting a clean setup without sacrificing basic functionality. The best laptop can offer a similar experience, but I still recommend AIOs for their larger screens and often powerful audio systems.However, AIO computers typically offer more modest hardware than traditional computers. These devices have limited upgrade options, reduced repairability, and can be quite expensive. Even the cheapest option will still cost several hundred dollars, so choosing the right one up front is key. Should you get the HP…

Key Takeaways Thursday’s long-awaited report on job creation did little to settle the Federal Reserve’s dilemma about whether to cut its key interest rate in December.The report showed job creation bounced back in September, but that was before the government shutdown.An uptick in the unemployment rate could be used to justify a rate cut, while rising wages could push the Fed to keep rates higher for longer to fight inflation. Thursday’s report on job growth and unemployment in September shed light on the health of the job market but didn’t make clear whether the Federal Reserve needs to save it…

(Oil Price) – Alaska’s production outlook is shifting for the first time in nearly a decade, with the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Wednesday projecting that North Slope crude output will rise by some 13% next year as two large fields move into high-volume phases. This would mark the strongest annual increase since the 1980s and a rare break from the long decline that has steadily reduced throughput on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline (TAPS). The agency ties the anticipated jump to new wells and extended-reach drilling tied to major North Slope projects, which are expected to push daily output to around 540,000 barrels…

Key Takeaways After you die, your bank will freeze your savings account to protect your assets and prevent fraud.If you have a will, an executor will administer and distribute your assets.If you don’t have a will, your account will be processed through a probate court, and a court-appointed executor will manage your assets.You can avoid probate by setting up joint accounts, payable on death (POD) accounts, or living trusts.To close an account, your bank may require your survivors to provide your death certificate and other documents. It may be difficult to think about, but it’s important to plan for what…

Key Takeaways Foreclosure activity rose in the third quarter, led primarily by government-backed Federal Housing Administration loans that are generally used by first-time homebuyers.FHA loans are designed for low- and moderate-income homebuyers, who often are purchasing less expensive properties.Analysts said the data is another indication of a divergence between upper- and lower-income earners. Foreclosure activity is rising across the country, but not necessarily for everyone. Recent data shows that rising delinquencies and foreclosures in government-backed Federal Housing Administration loans are driving the increase. Analysts said this indicates a growing disparity between wealthy and lower-income homebuyers. Why This Matters to Homebuyers…

Key Takeaways The U.S. economy added 119,000 jobs in September, more than forecasters expected, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.4% from 4.3%.The report, which was delayed by last month’s government shutdown, presented a mixed picture of the job market’s health. More people got hired in September than forecasters expected, and more were unemployed too, according to a highly anticipated and long-delayed report on the labor market.The U.S. economy added 119,000 jobs in September, rebounding from a loss of 4,000 jobs in August, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Thursday. That was more than double the 50,000 forecasters had expected,…

As holiday giving season kicks into high gear, donors face a charitable landscape that is significantly different from the one they navigated a year ago, following passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB).What’s new? Making charitable contributions just got a little easier — but also a little harder. It’s a mixed bag, and donor education is critical, with some changes already in effect for the 2025 tax year, and others set to begin January 1.Generally, those who itemize and make charitable contributions might want to accelerate some donations to make them before the end of this year to maximize…