Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways The Fed will likely cut rates this week, which will push savings and CD yields gradually lower—but it’s not too late to lock in a strong APY. Opening a top nationwide CD can secure one of today’s 4%-plus rates, guaranteeing your return for months or years despite Fed cuts. For cash you want to keep flexible, top high-yield savings accounts still pay in the 4% to 5% range, but those rates are expected to slip. The full article continues below these offers from our partners. A Fed Rate Cut Is Likely This Week—What It Means for CD and…

Key Takeaways Inflation is one of the biggest drivers of mortgage rates, and it just inched up to 3%. That stubborn trend could keep mortgage costs high. Most forecasts see 30-year mortgage rates holding near the mid-6% range this year, then dipping closer to 6% by late 2026—but there are no guarantees. Since timing rates is almost impossible, it’s best to buy when you find a home that fits your needs and budget, then refinance later if rates fall. The full article continues below these offers from our partners. What the Inflation Report Reveals—and Why It Matters for Mortgage Rates…

Key Takeaways President Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping are set to meet in South Korea Thursday and hammer out a trade deal.The two countries have tentatively agreed on a framework that would defuse threats of higher tariffs and export restrictions that both countries have made in recent months.The deal is likely to represent a de-escalation of the trade war, but not settle it completely. Upcoming talks between President Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping could defuse several major economic flashpoints in the trade war between the two countries.The leaders of the world’s two largest economies are expected…

Key Takeaways Meta is scheduled to report its quarterly results after the closing bell Wednesday, with Wall Street analysts expecting growing revenues on strong gains in its ad business.Options pricing suggests traders expect Meta’s stock could move about 6% in either direction in the days after its results. Meta is scheduled to report its third-quarter results after the bell Wednesday, with traders betting on a big move in the social media giant’s stock that could bring it to record highs. Options pricing suggests traders expect Meta Platforms (META) stock could move close to 6% in either direction by the end of…

Family members help themselves and fill their plates for their Christmas Day lunch, on 25th December 2024, in Nailsea, North Somerset, England. (Photo by Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images)In Pictures via Getty ImagesWith increased life expectancies and people delaying retirement, there are five generations working together in the workplace. But once we leave the workforce, the people we tend to interact is usually not as diverse. Think of the friends with whom you tend to socialize with the most. My guess is that they are all about the same in age. It is natural for us to…

Stocks notched new record closing highs to start Fed week as market participants cheered encouraging U.S.-China trade headlines. A big rally in tech stocks ahead of this week’s onslaught of mega-cap earnings also helped start the week on a high note.At the close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.7% at 47,544, the S&P 500 was 1.2% higher at 6,875, and the Nasdaq Composite had gained 1.9% to 23,637 – new record highs for all three indexes.Over the weekend, reports emerged that the U.S. and China have hashed out a framework for a trade deal. On Thursday, President Donald…

Key Takeaways The average retirement account balance for Americans in their 70s is $250,000, but the median falls below $100,000. Once required minimum distributions (RMDs) start at 73, have a plan for your taxes. You’ve spent decades building your retirement savings. Now comes the part where you make it last. In your 70s, the questions change. It’s no longer about how much you can save—it’s about how much you can safely spend without running out of money. The average American in their 70s has $250,000 saved, but half have less than $107,000. Whether you’re above or below that line, the…

Key Takeaways From breathtaking mountain vistas to shimmering lakes and vibrant festivals, each town featured here offers more than just low taxes—they present a unique local flavor and abundant opportunities for active, engaged living.Across these destinations, taxes are low or nonexistent across all the main categories— income, property, and sales—empowering retirees to extend their savings.None of the cities highlighted in this article tax Social Security or other forms of retirement income, so retirees who primarily depend on these benefits may owe significantly less than the estimates provided. When it comes to the best places to retire in the U.S., headlines…

Lexeo Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:LXEO) is one of the hot stocks to buy with huge upside potential. On October 21, H.C. Wainwright lowered the firm’s price target on Lexeo Therapeutics to $13 from $15 and kept a Buy rating on the shares. The price cut was made as the firm pointed out the share dilution from the most recent equity raise. Earlier on October 17, Leerink analyst Mani Foroohar also lowered the firm’s price target on Lexeo Therapeutics to $18 from $20 with an Outperform rating on the shares. Leerink noted the company’s announcement of a secondary offering and a concurrent…

In-brief analysis October 27, 2025 The pace of capacity additions for U.S. biofuel production slowed in 2024, with production capacity increasing by a modest 3% from the start of 2024 to the start of 2025, according to our latest biofuels production capacity reports. A deceleration in production capacity in our category renewable diesel and other biofuels accounted for most of the slowdown in growth. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), renewable naphtha, and renewable propane make up virtually all of the other biofuels. Renewable diesel and other biofuels Renewable diesel and other biofuels production capacity increased just…