Author: Money Mechanics

“When people see it, they say, ‘that’s it?… It’s so simple.” That’s how OpenAI CEO Sam Altman describes how he thinks people will respond to seeing the company’s forthcoming AI hardware device for the first time. The device is the result of the collaboration between OpenAI and Apple’s former chief designer Jony Ive. Not much is known yet about the product except that it’s rumored to be “screenless” and pocket-sized. Earlier this year, OpenAI acquired Ive’s design startup, io, to bring AI to the masses through some sort of tech gadgetry. This weekend, Altman and Ive talked more about their…

President Trump on Monday touted “big progress” on talks to end the Ukraine war, and Kyiv is doubtless willing to make painful concessions to avoid surrender or U.S. abandonment. No one wants the war to end more than the Ukrainians who are fighting and dying.But the crucial issue continues to be what kind of peace? So it’s worth describing the conditions that would create a peace with honor in Ukraine and deter a new war whenever Vladimir Putin chooses to invade again.Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday described the U.S. peace offer as a “living, breathing document,” and we…

Tony LoSasso and Kosali Simon argue that to save money Washington should replace the Affordable Care Act insurance premium subsidy system with that of the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (“The Real Fix for ObamaCare,” op-ed, Nov. 18). Yet they neglect to mention that premiums for FEHB-based coverage are significantly higher than those for ObamaCare-based plans. In 2025 the average FEHB monthly premium was $897 for a self-only plan compared to $497 for the median benchmark ObamaCare Silver plan.Why? Federal employees are incentivized to purchase the priciest plan available. The government directly subsidizes 72% of the FEHB premium, irrespective of…

Key Takeaways A search giant built on its positive momentum on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, following the release of its latest AI model, while another Big Tech name got a boost from its AI chip ambitions.Shares of Google parent Alphabet extended their recent gains in the wake of last week’s Gemini 3 launch, and shares of chip suppliers such as Broadcom surged.Tesla shares drove higher after CEO Elon Musk highlighted the company’s AI chip plans on social media over the weekend. After worries about an AI bubble weighed on companies in the space last week, the AI trade came roaring…

Equities Buffeted by Year’s 2nd Highest Bout of Intraday Volatility Cboe Japan Corporate Webpage to be permanently terminated effected from November 2025 Ed Tom ▬ November 24, 2025 Link to Report: Macro Volatility DigestWHAT STANDS OUT:Implied volatilities were mixed across the major asset classes last week as traders jostled to reprice risk assets amidst the nebulous outlook regarding both the timing and depth of Fed rate cuts. Despite the whipsaw for Dec rate cut expectations over the course of the week, rate vols ended materially lower w/w with the VIXTLT falling from 94 (30th percentile) to 84 (8th percentile lows).…

Key Takeaways President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to unveil a healthcare proposal that would extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, sending shares of major health insurers higher Monday. The plan is expected to include income limits on those who can qualify and provide funding to keep enrollees’ costs down, Politico reported. Shares of several major health insurers surged Monday following reports President Donald Trump could be set to unveil a healthcare proposal that would extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. Molina Healthcare (MOH) shares were up over 3% in recent trading, while Centene (CNC) jumped 5%, and Oscar Health (OSCR) soared 18%.…

Key Takeaways Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Monday that President Donald Trump’s proposal for a $2,000 tariff rebate would go to “people who need the money.”Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested earlier this month that the proposed tariff “dividend” could be paid to families making $100,000 or less a year. The Trump administration is continuing to push for tariff rebate checks, but it’s still unclear exactly who will receive the $2,000 payments. Although the check proposal is not yet finalized and would likely require congressional approval, the administration is still pushing for the payments. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Monday in…

Close-up view of man and woman signing documents, she wears a vintage wedding dress and he wears a formal suit. Beginning of life as a couple, with a promise to be together forever.gettyMany people getting married who have assets in trust believe they do not need a prenuptial agreement. That is most likely not true. If you have a trust, you may have some protection for the trust assets if you marry and later divorce, but then again, you may not. Each situation is unique. There are several factors to consider. Those factors will need to be analyzed in light…

Key Takeaways While you could save for the holidays by funding a high-yield savings account, many financial institutions also offer Christmas Club savings accounts. To open a Christmas Club account, find a bank or credit union that offers one, submit an application, set an end date, and make monthly deposits. You can withdraw funds at the end of the term. Most large banks don’t offer Christmas Club accounts, but credit unions and community banks usually do. You might have the best intentions about sticking to a budget, but when the holidays roll around, all bets are off. If you’re determined…

Key Takeaways Google parent Alphabet shares are rising Monday as the tech giant extends a recent rally to new record highs.Solid third-quarter results in its last earnings report, Berkshire Hathaway recently revealing a bet on the company, and last week’s launch of its Gemini 3 model helping to boost Alphabet stock. Alphabet (GOOGL) stock has been on a tear. That run continued Monday. Drivers in recent session have included a strong earnings report, a new bet on the tech giant from Warren Buffett, and the release of the Google parent’s newest artificial intelligence model. The shares’ runup kept rolling today,…