Returns were positive across most asset classes in July, a welcome development after a tough June. Interest rates declined broadly on fears of a downturn, despite job growth remaining strong and an acceleration in some inflation components. Commodity prices have declined significantly since Jun, however, a potential sign that inflation [...]
If you’re like many U.S. employers, you may have recently made, or are considering making, changes to your 401(k) plans in an effort to boost your employees’ retirement security, as well as their overall financial well-being. In 2022: The Next Evolution of DC Plans , a survey of 363 employers [...]
Trending Up Research shows Americans tend to take less time off than workers in some other countries. In comparison to Europe, US workers take 10 fewer vacation days each year, on average. That said, with COVID-19 lockdowns lifted and traveling rebounding in general, vacation time is increasing. Allianz Partners USA [...]
Lyft’s Ads Two years ago, Lyft (LYFT) acquired Halo Cars Inc., which manufactures monitors that run digital ads on top of cars. Now, the ride-hailing company is launching a new unit called Lyft Media. The aim is to both consolidate and expand its digital advertising capabilities, which is a growing [...]
Emissions and Energy Incentives Over the weekend, the Senate passed a 755-page $430 billion spending bill along party lines. It includes funding for efforts aimed at combating climate change and expanding health care coverage. The bill’s supporters say it will be paid for by reducing the amount Medicare spends on [...]
The Robots Come Home During the pandemic, technology was leaned on to carry out work duties remotely. For some Americans, it also played a role in keeping the house clean. Enter the housekeeping robot. Back in 1990, MIT scientists developed a vacuum that could clean floors independent of human involvement. [...]
Economic Data Today the New York Federal Reserve will release its three-year inflation expectations for July. In June, the survey showed respondents expected inflation to rise 3.6% three years from now, which was down from the 3.9% predicted in May. Analysts consider this data point important because even the perception [...]
Garçon? A Boisson New York City-based non-alcoholic beverage retailer Boisson has raised $12 million in seed funding, bringing its total valuation to $47 million. The round was led by Connect Ventures and Blue Scorpion Investments. Co-founders Barrie Arnold and Nick Bodkins launched Boisson in 2021. The retailer now offers more [...]
Casinos Rebound Las Vegas was hit hard during the pandemic. Casinos, previously open for 24 hours a day, were shuttered and unemployment soared over 30% in April 2020. In June of that year, the average hotel price dropped to about $118 a night. The Strip’s fortunes have begun to change. [...]
Best Rate in Months In response to the Fed’s monetary tightening that began in March of this year, mortgage rates have trended upward. A reversal of that trajectory was evident this week as the average interest charge on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit 4.99%, the lowest since April. For prospective [...]
