Key Takeaways President Donald Trump has long complained that interest rates are too high. Experts say his pressure campaign against the Federal Reserve isn't helping him. While Trump and Powell have have a bumpy public relationship, this weekend's affairs—Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the Justice Department had opened a criminal investigation into whether he lied to Congress while testifying last year on the costs of renovating Federal Reserve headquarters—marked an escalation. Powell called the investigati ...

Core Insights - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) reported record quarterly profit of 505 billion new Taiwan dollars ($16 billion) and revenue exceeding NT$1 trillion ($33.1 billion), surpassing Wall Street estimates, which led to a more than 5% increase in TSMC's U.S.-listed shares [1][2] - TSMC's forecast to increase spending on equipment and infrastructure by at least 25% this year positively impacted shares of chipmaking equipment providers like Applied Materials and KLA Corp., which rose by 7% and 8% respectively [2][4] - The strong earnings from TSMC indicate robust demand for AI chips, benefiting companies like Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices, and Broadcom, while also highlighting a shift in Wall Street's focus towards companies demonstrating tangible financial benefits from AI investments [4][6] Industry Implications - The AI trade faced skepticism in late 2025, but TSMC's results have renewed confidence in companies involved in AI data center buildouts, including chip designers and data storage device makers [3][4] - The semiconductor sector has seen a significant divide, with the PHLX Semiconductor Index (SOX) up 12% year-to-date, driven by companies like Micron and Lam Research, while data storage maker Sandisk's shares have surged approximately 70% due to high demand for AI-related storage solutions [6][7] - Concerns regarding AI monetization have negatively impacted shares of software giants like Intuit, ServiceNow, and Adobe, as investors worry about their ability to compete with AI-native companies and adapt pricing models [7]

Key Takeaways Can the S&P 500 post another year of double-digit returns? If it does, one market expert says, it'll earn it. Some have warned that U.S. stocks can't post outsize gains forever. After a decade of posting exceptional performance, helped by a strong dollar and valuation expansion, the S&P 500's winning streak seems likely to stop or, at least, come under pressure—especially if big rate cuts aren't in the offing. But some analysts think the index has at least another good year in it. The reason? ...

Lower borrowing costs in 2026 may have seemed like a foregone conclusion last month, but a few experts have begun casting doubt on that assumption. ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes practical strategies to avoid financial regrets, focusing on impulse spending, social pressure to spend, and the importance of saving for retirement [1] Group 1: Impulse Spending - Companies and individuals are encouraged to develop strategies to mitigate impulse spending, which can lead to financial regrets [1] Group 2: Social Pressure - The article highlights the impact of social pressure on spending habits, suggesting that individuals should be aware of external influences that may lead to unnecessary expenditures [1] Group 3: Retirement Savings - It stresses the necessity of saving for retirement, indicating that failing to do so can result in significant financial regrets later in life [1]

Key Takeaways Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. reported quarterly results that topped analysts' estimates, with revenue setting another record high.The chipmaker's stock and others in the semiconductor industry surged Thursday following the results. Semiconductor stocks rallied Thursday morning, after stronger-than-expected results from an industry giant pointed to growing demand for AI hardware. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSM), the largest contract chipmaker in the world, said Thur ...

With inflation running at 2.7%, money sitting in low-paying savings accounts can quietly lose purchasing power over time. Earning a competitive APY—plus a bonus—can instead help your cash keep pace with rising prices. Live Oak's Offer Live Oak Bank's Personal Savings Account currently pays 3.80% APY. Through Jan. 30, it's also offering a $200 cash bonus for customers who deposit $20,000 and keep that balance in the account for at least 60 days. E*TRADE's Offer Key Takeaways 2 High-Yield Savings Accounts Tha ...

Economic Overview - The Federal Reserve's Beige Book indicates a "K-shaped" economy where high-income Americans are faring better while low- and middle-income Americans are struggling [3][9] - Overall economic activity showed improvement in December compared to November, despite slow hiring and persistent inflation [4] Consumer Behavior - Low- and middle-income consumers are increasingly switching to generic products, reducing protein intake, cutting back on travel, and facing difficulties in paying bills [2][9] - Higher-income consumers are spending more on luxury goods, travel, and experiences, contrasting with the spending pullback among lower-income households [6][10] Regional Insights - In the Philadelphia region, concerns were raised about household incomes not being sufficient for maintaining spending or managing debt, with affordability issues growing for low- and middle-income households [8] - Reports from various districts indicate that lower-income families are budgeting more tightly and seeking bargains, particularly during the holiday season [10] Spending Trends - Retailers catering to middle- and lower-income consumers are experiencing significant challenges, while those targeting higher-income customers report increased sales [7][6] - Demand for quick service restaurants remains solid overall, but low-income households are shifting towards eating at home and purchasing fewer protein-rich options due to tight budgets [10]

Core Viewpoint - Major banks oppose President Trump's proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10%, arguing it could limit consumer access to credit and negatively impact economic growth [1][4]. Group 1: Financial Impact on Banks - Profits in the credit card segment are four times the banking industry average, with lenders earning interest on $1.23 trillion in outstanding U.S. credit card debt at an average annual interest rate of 21% [2]. - Executives from major banks, including JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup, expressed concerns that a cap on interest rates would severely restrict access to credit for consumers, particularly those who need it most, potentially leading to negative consequences for the economy [5]. Group 2: Market Reactions - Shares of major financial service firms declined following the announcement of the proposed interest rate cap, indicating investor concern over the potential impact on profitability [4]. - Some analysts view the drop in share prices as a potential buying opportunity for investors [4]. Group 3: Shift in Consumer Behavior - Experts suggest that if an interest rate cap is enacted, consumers may shift their focus to other financial products, such as personal loans, which could benefit companies like LendingTree [3][5]. - The proposed cap could disrupt the credit card rewards and points system, leading to broader changes in consumer behavior and spending patterns [3].

Key Takeaways Bank stocks fell Wednesday as the nation's biggest banks reported more mixed fourth-quarter results.Financial stocks have had a rough week, with President Trump's recent calls to cap credit card interest rates and worries about an investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell adding to concerns. A number of big bank stocks slid Wednesday as the latest slate of earnings reports failed to reverse their recent slide. Shares of Bank of America (BAC), Wells Fargo (WFC), and Citigroup ...