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Medicare Open Enrollment Ends Dec. 7—Should You Switch to a Medigap Plan?
Investopedia· 2025-12-02 01:00
Core Insights - The Medicare open enrollment period is ongoing until December 7, 2025, allowing beneficiaries to choose between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare with Medigap for 2026 [2][6] - Recent changes in the Medicare Advantage market, including fewer plans and reduced benefits, may prompt beneficiaries to consider switching to Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement [2][6] Group 1: Medicare Options - Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) offers flexibility by allowing access to nearly all U.S. hospitals and doctors without a specific provider network [3] - Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cover out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and copays not included in Original Medicare, providing a predictable monthly premium structure [6][8] - Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage, necessitating a separate Part D policy if switching from an MA plan that includes medication coverage [10][13] Group 2: Trade-Offs and Considerations - Medigap premiums are generally higher than those of Medicare Advantage plans, and switching may require medical underwriting, which could affect coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions [10][11] - Beneficiaries who frequently travel or prefer not to be restricted by network regulations may find Medigap more suitable for their needs [9][10] - The average Medigap premiums range from $32 to $550 per month, with various discounts available based on factors like gender and marital status [13] Group 3: Enrollment and Eligibility - The guaranteed-issue period for Medigap allows individuals who are not typically healthy enough to qualify for a plan to obtain coverage during this enrollment period [12] - Eligibility for guaranteed-issue Medigap is available under specific conditions, such as being new to Medicare Advantage or having an MA plan canceled [11][12] - It is crucial for beneficiaries to review their Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) to understand any significant changes to their current plan before making a switch [15]
3 Tax Moves to Make Before Year-End for Bigger Deductions
Investopedia· 2025-12-02 01:00
Core Insights - The "One Big Beautiful Bill" introduces significant changes to tax credits and deductions for the 2025 tax year and beyond, prompting taxpayers to act now to maximize benefits [3][4]. Tax Changes and Strategies - The SALT deduction cap has increased from $10,000 to $40,000 for the 2025 tax year, benefiting higher-income earners and residents in high-tax states [5]. - Taxpayers can pre-pay estate taxes and quarterly state and local taxes to take advantage of the new SALT cap [7][10]. - Individuals earning less than $633,333 may consider "double-paying" real estate taxes to fully benefit from the increased SALT deduction cap [8]. Charitable Contributions - The new legislation allows non-itemizers to deduct up to $1,000 in charitable contributions starting in 2026, suggesting a delay in end-of-year donations for these taxpayers [11][12]. - Itemizers may want to expedite charitable donations planned for 2026 due to new restrictions on deductions starting in 2026 [13][14]. Clean Energy Tax Credits - Taxpayers must act quickly to utilize clean energy home tax credits, which allow for a deduction of up to 30% of qualified expenses, including solar panels and energy-efficient home improvements [15][19].
A Fed Rate Cut Looks Likely Next Week—3 Smart Moves To Protect Your Savings
Investopedia· 2025-12-02 01:00
Core Insights - The Federal Reserve is anticipated to implement its third rate cut of the year next week, with markets pricing in over 85% probability of a quarter-point reduction [1][2] Impact on Savings - Interest rates on savings accounts and CDs are closely tied to the Fed's benchmark rate, leading to expected declines in deposit yields in the coming weeks [2][9] - Despite the anticipated cuts, current savings and CD yields remain historically attractive, with some accounts offering returns above 6% earlier this year, and many still providing mid-4% returns [3][4] Recommendations for Savers - To mitigate the impact of falling yields, savers are encouraged to regularly check their savings account APY and explore higher-yield options in the market [7][15] - Locking in a top CD before the Fed's cut can secure today's high rates into 2026, providing a safeguard against future rate declines [8][12] Strategies for Maximizing Earnings - Two key habits are recommended: regularly monitoring APY and shopping around for better rates if a bank significantly lowers its yield [15][10] - CDs are highlighted as effective tools for securing high yields for longer periods, as the locked-in rate remains unchanged regardless of Fed rate cuts [12][13]
Eli Lilly Trims Price of Popular Weight-Loss Drug on Its Site a Month After Trump Deal
Investopedia· 2025-12-01 22:05
Core Insights - Eli Lilly has increased its share value by over a third in 2025, largely due to strong sales of its weight-loss drugs [1][5] - The company announced a price reduction for its weight-loss drug Zepbound, following a deal with the Trump administration aimed at lowering drug costs [3][8] Pricing Details - The price for Zepbound will decrease by $50 for doses of 2.5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, and 15 milligrams, and by $100 for the 5-milligram dose, with prices ranging from $299 to $449 [2][8] - Starting next April, Zepbound and the obesity pill Orforglipron will be available for no more than $50 a month for Medicare recipients, pending FDA approval [4] Political Context - The decision to lower prices comes amid increasing political pressure for more affordable weight-loss drugs [3] - This pricing strategy follows a White House meeting where plans were discussed to enhance the accessibility of Lilly's weight-loss medications [3][4]
S&P 500 Gains and Losses Today: Moderna Falls; Synopsys Stock Climbs on Nvidia Partnership
Investopedia· 2025-12-01 21:50
Core Insights - Synopsys was the best-performing stock in the S&P 500 after announcing an expanded partnership with Nvidia, with shares jumping around 5% [6][8] - Moderna's shares fell 7% due to a report about stricter vaccine approval processes by the FDA, impacting other vaccine producers as well [3][8] - Sandisk's shares dropped nearly 6% after reversing gains from its S&P 500 debut, despite overall significant gains since its spinoff from Western Digital [4][8] - Bitcoin and major cryptocurrencies saw a decline, with Coinbase Global and Robinhood Markets shares also falling [5] - Deckers Outdoor shares rose 4.5% following an upgrade from analysts, driven by positive growth outlooks for its Hoka and Ugg brands [9] - Transport and logistics companies Old Dominion Freight Line and J.B. Hunt Transport Services saw their shares increase over 3% after positive analyst ratings [10] Company-Specific Developments - Synopsys announced a $2 billion investment from Nvidia to collaborate on AI applications, boosting its stock performance [6][8] - Moderna's revenue, primarily from its COVID-19 vaccine, is under pressure due to regulatory changes, affecting its stock negatively [3][8] - Sandisk's stock performance reflects volatility post-spinoff, despite a strong demand for AI-driven memory products [4][8] - Deckers Outdoor's stock performance is supported by strong brand demand and recent analyst upgrades [9] - Old Dominion Freight Line and J.B. Hunt Transport Services received positive analyst ratings, contributing to their stock price increases [10]
Wall Street Continues to Underestimate the Growth of Magnificent Seven Companies. Here's Why.
Investopedia· 2025-12-01 21:00
Core Insights - The Magnificent Seven, comprising Nvidia, Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Tesla, reported third quarter earnings growth of 18.4%, the slowest since Q1 2023, but excluding Meta's $16 billion one-time charge, profits actually grew by 30% [2][3][4] Group 1: Earnings Performance - The third quarter earnings growth of the Magnificent Seven suggests that Wall Street may be underestimating the potential of these tech giants, with analysts indicating that future estimates could be too low [3][7] - Despite a predicted slowdown in growth, the Magnificent Seven has consistently exceeded expectations, largely driven by investments in artificial intelligence [4][5] Group 2: AI Investments - Major players like Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet are expected to continue significant investments in AI infrastructure, which is anticipated to support corporate profits [5][6] - Nvidia, as a dominant player in the AI chip market, is expected to benefit significantly from these investments, having recently surpassed sales and profit estimates [6][7] Group 3: Market Expectations - Analysts have raised their earnings growth expectations for the Magnificent Seven to an average of 21% over the next four quarters, up from 15% just a few months prior [9] - Concerns about overspending on AI and the potential for an AI bubble are present, with Wall Street demanding more proof of return on investment as companies spend around 25% of revenue on capital expenditures [8][7]
FDA Plans to Tighten Vaccine Approvals Weigh on These Stocks
Investopedia· 2025-12-01 20:50
Core Insights - Major vaccine manufacturers, including Moderna, Novavax, BioNTech, and Pfizer, experienced stock declines due to reports of potential stricter vaccine approval regulations from the FDA [1][7]. Regulatory Environment - An internal FDA memo indicated that new regulatory measures could be proposed, which may complicate the approval process for vaccines [1][4]. - The memo highlighted concerns regarding child deaths linked to COVID-19 vaccinations, suggesting a need for increased oversight and review processes [2][3]. Market Impact - Following the news, Moderna's shares fell nearly 7%, BioNTech's shares dropped close to 5%, and Pfizer's shares decreased by about 2% [5]. - Analysts from William Blair noted that the anticipated regulatory restrictions would create additional challenges for vaccine manufacturers, particularly for Moderna, Pfizer, and BioNTech [4].
Silver Hits Record High with 100% Price Increase This Year, Far Outpacing Gold
Investopedia· 2025-12-01 19:55
Core Insights - The price of silver has reached an all-time high, driven by tight supply and expectations for future interest rate cuts [1][2][6] - Silver prices have doubled since the beginning of the year, significantly outpacing gold's 60% increase [1][3] - Limited supply and rising investor demand are key factors in silver's price surge, with leasing costs for silver at their highest since 2002 [1][3] Supply and Demand Dynamics - The current supply of silver available for industrial use is reported to be the tightest on record, contributing to the price increase [1][3] - Deutsche Bank forecasts that demand from investors will continue to grow, further straining industrial supply [3][6] - Expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts are anticipated to boost demand for silver and gold as non-yielding assets [3][6] Future Projections - Deutsche Bank predicts that exchange-traded funds will hold approximately 1.1 billion troy ounces of silver by the end of 2026, surpassing previous records [3][6] - The average price of silver is expected to rise to about $55 per ounce next year, up from around $38 this year [7] - Anticipated demand for silver in green energy technologies, such as solar energy and electric vehicle batteries, is expected to further support price increases [7]
Airbus May Face a New A320 Problem as It Nears Resolution of Software Issue
Investopedia· 2025-12-01 19:55
Core Points - Airbus announced that the majority of its A320 passenger jets have been repaired following a software issue that resulted in the grounding of 6,000 aircraft [1] - The company may face further challenges as it works to resolve the remaining issues and restore full operational capacity [1] Summary by Category Company - Airbus has successfully fixed the vast majority of its A320 jets after addressing a significant software problem [1] - The grounding of 6,000 planes indicates a substantial impact on the company's operations and potential revenue [1] Industry - The incident highlights the vulnerabilities within the aviation industry related to software reliability and aircraft maintenance [1] - The resolution of this issue is critical for the overall recovery and performance of the airline sector, especially as demand for air travel continues to grow [1]
Top Stock Movers Now: Coinbase, Robinhood, Moderna, Synopsys, and More
Investopedia· 2025-12-01 17:50
Market Overview - Major U.S. equities indexes experienced declines, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq down approximately 0.2%, and the Dow dropping 0.4% [1][2]. Cryptocurrency Sector - Coinbase Global (COIN) was one of the largest decliners in the S&P 500, with shares falling about 6% due to a drop in Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies [2]. - Robinhood Markets (HOOD) shares also decreased by nearly 5% amid the same market conditions [2]. Other Notable Stocks - Moderna (MRNA) shares fell 6% following calls for a stricter vaccine approval process from a Food and Drug Administration official [2]. - Sandisk (SNDK) shares dropped close to 7%, reversing previous gains after its addition to the S&P 500 [3]. - Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL) and J.B. Hunt Transport Services (JBHT) saw increases of about 6% and 4%, respectively, following positive comments from BMO Capital [3]. - Wynn Resorts (WYNN) shares rose around 4% after being placed on Goldman Sachs' conviction buy list, citing its strong business in Las Vegas and potential benefits from improvements in Macao [4]. - Synopsys (SNPS) shares increased by 4% after Nvidia (NVDA) announced a $2 billion investment in the semiconductor design software company [4]. Commodities and Treasury - Oil and gold futures experienced an uptick, while the yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 4.09% [5].