Author: Money Mechanics

Stock futures pointed slightly higher after major indexes rose in volatile trading last week, although a widescale Amazon Web Services outage affected websites worldwide.  Futures associated with the tech-heavy Nasdaq, benchmark S&P 500, and blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average were up a respective 0.3%, 0.2%, and 0.1%. Last week, the three indexes all closed up roughly 2%. Gold futures, which remain a safe haven amid market volatility and a U.S. government shutdown at 20 days and counting, rose 1.6% to $4,270. They set their latest record high at $4,392 early Friday. The 10-year Treasury yield, which influences borrowing costs of products like mortgages, was…

Unlock the Editor’s Digest for freeRoula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.This article is an on-site version of our Unhedged newsletter. Premium subscribers can sign up here to get the newsletter delivered every weekday. Standard subscribers can upgrade to Premium here, or explore all FT newslettersGood morning. Marc Rowan of Apollo says that Europe is “at war with itself” over financial regulation. He’s quite right: the EU countries need to overcome their differences and embrace the sort of reforms Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta have suggested, and fast. Any chance? Email us your…

Gold edges higher near 4,257 Momentum indicators caution for overbought conditions Gold is attempting to find its footing above 4,250, building an intraday uptick following a pullback from its record peak of 4,380 set on Friday, triggered by easing US-China trade tensions. That said, persistent geopolitical risks, Fed rate cut expectations, and the ongoing US government shutdown continue to act as tailwinds for the precious metal. A subsequent move higher is likely to face strong resistance at the October 16 peak of 4,330, followed by the all-time high of 4,380. Beyond that, momentum could extend into uncharted territory, targeting the 4,450 psychological level. The technical indicators reflect strong bullish sentiment, with the…

Key Takeaways The average 401(k) balance for people in their 60s was $568,040 in June 2025. The median amount saved was much lower, at $188,792. How much you need to have saved for retirement will depend on your lifestyle and annual spending expectations. One rule of thumb is to save eight times your annual preretirement income by age 60. You can boost your savings by downsizing now instead of in retirement, taking advantage of higher catch-up contributions in your 60s, and reallocating assets to prioritize growth. When you hit your 60s and retirement is right around the corner, you might…

​Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGTI) is one of the Hot Growth Stocks to Invest in Now. Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGTI) has surged by more than 20% since October 13, when JP Morgan announced to invest $1.5 trillion in the United States over the next decade. The list of critical industries mentioned by the bank also included quantum computing, thereby taking the stock to an all-time high. ​The company is making strides in the quantum computing space, as earlier on September 30, Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ:RGTI) announced securing purchase orders for two quantum computing systems worth around $5.7 million. As per the…

Integral ILS Ltd., an independent alternative investment manager focused on natural catastrophe insurance and reinsurance investments, has appointed Kenny Walsh in Bermuda, who joins the organisation as a Financial Controller.Walsh was most recently working at Artex Risk Solutions, a Bermuda-based firm that specialises in risk management and alternative risk solutions, where he served as Vice President, Fund Accounting for over two years. In that role and given Artex’s position as a key service provider and facilitator to the insurance-linked securities (ILS) market, Walsh will have worked with numerous ILS fund managers as an outsourced fund accounting and administration specialist. Now,…

Shoppers in Walnut Creek, California, US, on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesPresident Donald Trump’s tariffs are pushing inflation generally higher as companies are caught between absorbing the costs or passing them onto customers, according to a Federal Reserve report Wednesday.The central bank’s periodic Beige Book report, published eight times a year generally at about six-week intervals, categorized overall economic growth as having “changed little” since the last report on Sept. 3. Labor markets “were largely stable” as demand was “muted” for most of the Fed’s 12 districts.When it came to prices, though, Trump’s…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Acer Aspire Go 15 is available for around $299 across major retailers. For an affordable price, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is a capable laptop for everyday use with a decent battery. As with most devices in this price range, the laptop’s limitations become apparent with heavy workloads. Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.Not everyone needs a decked-out laptop with expensive hardware. For users seeking an affordable laptop that’s good enough for everyday use, the Acer Aspire Go 15 — a more recent addition to Acer’s budget laptop line — fills that niche well.…

(BOE Report)– Cenovus Energy bought more shares in MEG Energy, raising its stakes to 9.8% in the Canadian oil sand company.     This follows Cenovus’s Tuesday purchase of 21.7 million shares, strengthening its position to acquire one of Canada’s last large pure-play oil sands companies ahead of the October 22 shareholder vote. Earlier this month, Cenovus increased its bid by C$2.35 to C$29.80 per share to acquire MEG, stating it as their “best and final” offer. Strathcona Resources abandoned its takeover bid for MEG following Cenovus’ latest offer, ending a month-long battle for Canada’s oil sands company. While the MEG board has…

Unlock the White House Watch newsletter for freeYour guide to what Trump’s second term means for Washington, business and the worldIt’s hard to see the US-China conflict over rare earth minerals as anything other than shadow boxing. The implications of the fight are very real. China’s export controls on the sector and ringfencing of critical minerals — which are needed for everything from semiconductors and electric vehicles to smartphones and fighter jets — is a big hit to the US. But the shock both sides profess to have about the situation is pure theatre.US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent said last…