Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways AI is rapidly automating roles in customer service, data entry, programming, content creation, and analysis-heavy jobs across finance, law, and medicine.The most at-risk jobs are those with repetitive, rules-based, or entry-level tasks. Human-centric skills like judgment, empathy, and creativity remain in demand. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the workplace faster than most people realize. What started with automating back-office tasks and customer service roles has now expanded into programming, legal research, financial analysis, and even creative fields such as writing and design. Experts predict that by 2030, up to 30% of U.S. jobs could…

Key Takeaways A chipmaker got a boost from strong guidance on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, while the ongoing saga around the takeover of a rival weighed on a pair of entertainment giants.Microchip Technology raised its quarterly sales and profit forecasts, and shares of the semiconductor company soared.Shares of Paramount Skydance and Netflix dropped as Warner Bros. Discovery reportedly neared a decision on their respective buyout offers. A semiconductor maker increased its quarterly forecast, with strong bookings suggesting a recovery in several key end markets, and its shares led the S&P 500 higher. Meanwhile, two major media players came under pressure…

On November 25, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced significant price reductions for 15 high-cost prescription drugs used by millions of Medicare beneficiaries. That’s a major win for older Americans.The negotiated “maximum fair prices,” made possible by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, promise to save the program $12 billion annually compared with last year’s Medicare spending on 15 widely used drugs to treat cancer and other serious chronic conditions that hit older adults hardest.Previously, the Biden administration reached deals to lower the costs of 10 prescription drugs, including several for heart disease and diabetes, which are…

Retirement planning means balancing financial security with health and longevity.gettyMany retirees report that good health is one of the most important factors for their happiness in retirement. In addition, avoiding or mitigating expensive medical conditions can help you save precious time and money. For example, a recent survey by the Nationwide Retirement Institute reports that 71% of respondents are terrified about what healthcare costs can do to their retirement savings. As a result, it’s important to have a robust plan in place to maintain and even improve your health and manage your medical issues.My wife and I are in our…

Key Takeaways Dollar Tree posted quarterly earnings that exceeded analysts’ estimates and lifted its outlook.Shares of the dollar store chain climbed Wednesday following the results. Dollar Tree just became the latest discount retailer to report a boost from bargain-hunting shoppers. Shares of the dollar store chain climbed close to 4% Wednesday after the retailer posted earnings that topped estimates and raised its outlook. Dollar Tree (DLTR) reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.21 on revenue that surged 9.4% year-over-year to $4.75 billion in the third quarter. Both figures exceeded analysts’ estimates compiled by Visible Alpha. CEO Michael Creedon Jr. pointed…

(Image credit: Getty Images)The main U.S. stock indexes closed higher Wednesday after investors, traders and speculators sorted another set of employment data. Market participants seem encouraged by the prospect of at least one more rate cut by the Federal Reserve as another record-setting earnings season winds down.The ADP National Employment Report has all but sealed a rate cut at the next Fed meeting. Private-sector payrolls were down 32,000 in November vs a FactSet-compiled consensus forecast for 40,000 new jobs. The probability the central bank trims the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points next week is…

Key Takeaways Kalshi’s latest deal follows other partnerships including with Google Finance, the National Hockey League, and Robinhood.Other prediction markets, and those interested in developing them have inked deals to make their data more ubiquitous. Prediction markets are getting more more visible to the masses by the day. Kalshi recently announced a partnership with CNN that would include integrating its prediction markets data across the national media network’s programming. Certain segments are already showing a scrolling banner detailing the odds of events contracts on the exchange, and the announcement indicates the possibility of many more uses. Prediction markets have become…

Key Takeaways Global smartphone shipments are expected to be 1.5% higher in 2025, up from the previous prediction of a 1% gain, thanks to demand for Apple’s iPhone 17, according to tech information provider International Data Corporation.IDC said Apple will post a record number of shipments this year because of the success of the iPhone 17, led by demand in China.Apple shares hit a new all-time high Wednesday morning. A new report predicts worldwide smartphone shipments for 2025 will be up 1.5% from 2024, driven by a record-setting performance by Apple (AAPL). The Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker from tech…

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…