Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways Caterpillar is expected to report third-quarter earnings before the market opens on Wednesday.As investors have come to see the shares as an AI play, the stock has been a top performer in 2025—leaving them “priced for perfection,” according to Morgan Stanley. A company known for its distinctive yellow construction equipment and its iconic logo has become an AI darling. Yes, we mean Caterpillar (CAT)—which through Monday’s close has the best-performing stock in the Dow, ahead of companies like Nvidia (NVDA) and Microsoft (MSFT), thanks to an AI-driven metamorphosis. Caterpillar has lately seen stalling earnings growth in 2025, with…

Key Takeaways Qualcomm announced new chips for AI data centers on Monday.The move could mean more competition for leading AI chipmakers such as Nvidia and AMD.  Qualcomm is joining the competition to supply chips for AI data centers.  Qualcomm (QCOM), which has largely focused on chips for mobile phones, laptops and other consumer devices to date, on Monday unveiled two AI accelerator chips for data centers: the AI200, which is set for release in 2026, and the AI250, which is planned for 2027. Shares of Qualcomm were up more than 13% in recent trading, pacing gainers in the S&P 500…

Key Takeaways Major U.S. equities indexes climbed to fresh records in intraday trading Monday amid growing optimism the U.S. and China could strike a trade deal. Qualcomm shares jumped after the chipmaker unveiled two new AI chips for data centers.Shares of Newmont and rival gold miners slid along with the price of the precious metal. Major U.S. equities indexes climbed to all-time highs in intraday trading Monday amid growing optimism the U.S. and China could strike a trade deal. The Dow, Nasdaq, and S&P 500 all set fresh records. Qualcomm (QCOM) was the best-performing stock in the S&P 500 after the chipmaker…

Mortgage rates are mixed today. According to Zillow, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped four basis points to 6.09%, while the 15-year fixed rate is up seven basis points to 5.44%. With rates at their lowest in more than a year, now could be a good time to buy a house. Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year fixed: 6.09% 20-year fixed: 5.75% 15-year fixed: 5.44% 5/1 ARM: 6.22% 7/1 ARM: 6.53% 30-year VA: 5.58% 15-year VA: 5.01% 5/1 VA: 5.48% Remember, these are the national averages and rounded to the nearest hundredth.…

’s recent washout to $46.66 dropped the price straight into the Daily Buy-2 ($46.86) and Weekly Buy-zone demand alignment — a classic mean-reversion territory. This level now serves as Day 0 for our cycle count. As we launch from this pivot, the Daily VC PMI mean ($48.25) becomes the first battleground: acceptance above here confirms reversion is in progress and transitions the tape from bearish to neutral-bullish. That triggers upside magnets at $49.11 (Daily S1) and $49.64 (Daily S2). The 30-day cycle projects the first bullish momentum window into late November, where swing-traders will seek confirmation that dips are being…

Stone Ridge, the New York based alternative risk premia focused investment management group, has executed on a $1.2 billion adverse development reinsurance cover for global re/insurer Everest Group.The adverse development reinsurance agreement came into force from October 1st 2025 and was supported by reinsurer Longtail Re, which is an affiliate of Stone Ridge Holdings Group. Longtail Re, as a reinsurer with a growing stature in the market operates differentiated strategies, on the capital inwards side being backed at least in part via private investor funds, as well as in its asset management approach for the ongoing management of assets related…

The report shows that in metros such as Atlanta, Denver and Houston, luxury homes priced between $1 million and $2 million often offer more than 4,000 square feet — roughly 50% larger than the national average of 2,994 square feet. Coastal markets, including Honolulu, San Jose and San Francisco, remain constrained, with typical listings in that price range offering 1,651, 1,688, and 1,855 square feet, respectively. “Luxury buyers are increasingly seeking value — and that doesn’t always mean a lower price tag, but rather more home for the money,” said Realtor.com senior economist Anthony Smith. “In markets like Honolulu or…

Key Takeaways Huntington Bancshares will pay $7.4 billion in an all-stock purchase of Cadence Bank.The acquisition will expand Huntington’s reach in Texas, and make it the largest bank in Mississippi. The deal is the latest in a series of multibillion-dollar bank mergers. Another bank is getting gobbled up. Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) has become the latest financial firm to snap up a smaller bank with its planned $7.4 billion all-stock purchase of Cadence Bank (CADE). Shares of Cadence advanced about 3% Monday, while Huntington’s fell 4%. The KBW Nasdaq Regional Banking Index was recently edging lower on an upbeat day for…

Age Median 401(k) Savings Goal Gap 40s $162,143 $1,428,571 $1,266,428 50s $251,758 $1,428,571 $1,176,813 For early retirees, these aren’t finish lines, they’re starting points. Planning conservatively and saving above the benchmarks can mean the difference between running out of money and retiring with peace of mind. Accessing Your 401(k) Before 59½ It’s important to know that you can’t access your 401(k) funds without a 10% penalty until 59½, aside from limited exceptions. That means anyone retiring before 59½ will need a plan to cover expenses until those funds are accessible. Taxable brokerage accounts, Roth IRA contributions (which can be withdrawn…

(Oil Price) – The U.S. is increasing pressure on Hungary to cut off its reliance on Russian oil imports and vows to work with Hungarian authorities and neighboring countries to help Budapest wean off Russian supply, a senior U.S. diplomat says. Matthew Whitaker, the U.S. Ambassador to NATO, rejected in a Fox News interview suggestions from Hungarian politicians that the U.S. is giving Hungary a pass to continue importing Russian oil. “Hungary, unlike many of their neighbors, has not made any plans or made any active steps,” Whitaker told Fox News in an interview. “So we’re going to continue to work with them…