Core Insights - Many workers mistakenly believe that consistently contributing to their 401(k) plans is sufficient for retirement security, but financial advisors highlight that failing to increase contributions annually undermines long-term growth potential [2][3] Group 1: Contribution Strategies - The primary mistake is not increasing contributions each year, which leads to missed opportunities for exponential growth in retirement savings [2] - Consistent savers often operate on autopilot, thinking they are secure, but they are actually losing ground to inflation and lifestyle changes [3] Group 2: Inflation and Lifestyle Impact - Flat contributions can be viewed as a "hidden tax" due to inflation, effectively decreasing the future value of 401(k) accounts relative to living costs [5] - Maintaining the same savings ratio while experiencing salary growth of 3% to 4% annually results in reduced future buying power [5] Group 3: Behavioral Biases - Lifestyle creep occurs as incomes rise, leading to increased expenses that absorb any additional income, which can hinder savings growth [6] - Many pre-retirees fall into the trap of believing they are on track simply because they have been saving, a phenomenon referred to as the "'I'm doing enough' bias" [6]

Core Viewpoint - NLC India (NLCIL) and the National Aluminium Company (NALCO) have entered into a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on thermal and renewable energy projects totaling 1.2GW, aiming to meet NALCO's long-term power needs through structured supply arrangements [1][3]. Group 1: Agreement Details - The agreement includes plans for a thermal captive power plant and renewable energy initiatives [1]. - Both companies will explore various power procurement models, including captive and group captive tie-ups, and long-term coal supply agreements to support energy needs for identified projects [3]. - The framework allows for joint project execution and the potential establishment of a joint venture (JV) company for these initiatives [3]. Group 2: Strategic Context - This collaboration is part of a broader strategy among Central Public Sector Enterprises to manage national resources, ensuring stable energy supply and supporting ongoing industrial operations [4]. - In December 2025, NLC India Renewables, a subsidiary of NLCIL, signed a JV agreement with PTC India to collaborate on renewable energy projects, which aligns with the current agreement [4][5]. Group 3: Key Executives Involved - The signing ceremony was attended by key executives from both organizations, including NLCIL chairman Prasanna Kumar Motupalli and NALCO director Jagdish Arora, among others [2].

You have until Wednesday, April 15, 2026 to file your 2025 tax return or request an extension. Oscar Wong / Getty Images KEY TAKEAWAYS The IRS began processing tax returns on January 26. The deadline for employers to send out all W-2 and 1099 forms reporting income was February 2. Taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15, 2026 to file their 2025 taxes or request an extension. The 2026 tax filing season has begun. Here are the key dates you need to know. During this filing season, taxpayers will n ...

For more than 85 years, Tennessee-based Tractor Supply Company (TSCO) has focused on serving rural and suburban customers, including recreational farmers, ranchers, homeowners, gardeners, and pet owners. As the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S. and a Fortune 500 company, it employs more than 52,000 people. The company offers a wide range of products both in-store and online, catering to customers who prioritize hands-on, land-focused lifestyles. Its business model centers on accessible pricing ...

Dutch potato-products supplier Aviko has acquired full control of Spanish frozen-food manufacturer Eurofrits. Aviko, which held 25% of the business, has bought the remaining 75% shareholding. Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal was announced by Aviko in a LinkedIn post, with the company saying the move “strengthens its position in snackables”. Aviko CEO Maarten van Delst said: “Eurofrits has been a reliable and valued partner for many years. Its strong regional presence in Spain, combined with ...

Core Insights - Bitcoin is experiencing a shift from a tailwind to a headwind due to significant capital outflows from Bitcoin ETFs, which have totaled over $1.3 billion since January 27 [3][5] - The price of Bitcoin has decreased by more than 20% since January 27, indicating reduced investor exposure and a risk-off sentiment in the market [5] - The current outflows from ETFs may lead to fewer marginal buyers, which could amplify volatility in the market [6] Investment Dynamics - Bitcoin ETFs allow investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin through brokerage and retirement accounts, with fund flows reflecting net money entering or leaving these investment vehicles [3][4] - The trading activity in ETFs typically occurs between investors, without necessitating changes in the fund's underlying Bitcoin holdings, which are managed by large financial intermediaries [4] - The recent poor performance of Bitcoin is attributed to negative market sentiment and forced liquidations of highly leveraged trades, rather than a fundamental compromise of its investment thesis [7] Market Sentiment - Despite the current headwind from ETF outflows, there is an expectation that inflows will return when market sentiment improves, suggesting that this is not a time to sell Bitcoin [8]

Core Insights - Crypto funds have experienced a fourth consecutive week of net outflows, totaling $173 million, indicating ongoing investor caution in the digital asset market [1] - Cumulative outflows over the past four weeks have reached $3.74 billion, reflecting sustained weak sentiment following earlier market volatility [2] - Despite the overall negative flows, there was a slight improvement in sentiment towards the end of the week, driven by softer-than-expected US inflation data, which led to $105 million in inflows on Friday [4] Market Activity - Earlier in the cycle, digital asset funds faced steeper withdrawals, with approximately $1.7 billion withdrawn in the last weeks of January [3] - ETF trading volumes have significantly decreased to $27 billion, down from a record $63 billion the previous week, suggesting a retreat from aggressive repositioning by investors [3] Regional Trends - The US accounted for $403 million in outflows, making it the primary driver of the global decline, while institutions in other markets may see recent price weakness as an opportunity [5] - Notable outflows were observed in Bitcoin investment products, which saw $133 million in withdrawals, indicating negative sentiment towards major assets [6] Asset-Specific Insights - Short Bitcoin products recorded outflows totaling $15.4 million over the past two weeks, which may signal nearing exhaustion of selling pressure [7][8]

Core Insights - Carl Zeiss Meditec reported a weaker-than-expected start to fiscal 2025/26, with management citing currency headwinds, an unfavorable product mix, and challenges in China and the U.S. as key drivers of lower revenue and sharply reduced profitability in the first quarter [4] Order Intake and Backlog - Order intake was EUR 471 million, down 9.7% year over year (down 6.9% currency-adjusted), with management linking this decline to a strong year-end close in September 2025. The order backlog increased to EUR 405 million, slightly above the level at the end of the prior fiscal year [1] Revenue Performance - Revenue totaled EUR 467 million for the quarter, down 4.8% year over year. On a constant currency basis, revenue fell 2.1%, with management attributing the largest currency impact to the U.S. dollar and Chinese yuan, quantifying total FX headwinds at about EUR 20 million for the period [3][7] Segment Analysis - In the Ophthalmology segment, revenue was EUR 357 million, down 5.1% year over year (down 2.4% currency-adjusted). The segment faced challenges due to lost bifocal intraocular lens (IOL) sales in China and timing effects [9] - Microsurgery revenue was just under EUR 110 million, down 3.7% year over year (down 0.9% currency-adjusted), attributed to a pull-forward from strong deliveries into the prior fiscal year-end and slower deliveries of neurosurgical microscopes [12] Profitability Metrics - EBITDA plunged to EUR 68.8 million, with an EBITDA margin collapsing to 1.7% from 7.2% a year earlier, attributed to adverse product mix, FX impacts, and negative operating leverage [7][8] Regional Performance - Revenue in the Americas fell approximately 13% year over year, attributed to a softer investment climate and tariff-related price increases. EMEA revenue was described as largely stable, while APAC revenue was down 3% year over year, with mixed performance across the region [5][14] Guidance and Future Outlook - Management suspended full-year guidance due to uncertainties related to the China bifocal IOL VBP impact, inventory uncertainty, and weaker U.S. equipment demand. A successor IOL registration is expected around March, with a tender due in April/May [6][15] - New guidance will be provided no later than the half-year results, with management acknowledging elevated near-term volatility but expecting continued momentum for certain product rollouts [17]

Core Insights - The US has relaxed sanctions on Venezuela's energy sector, allowing global energy companies to resume operations and negotiate new contracts following the removal of President Nicolas Maduro [1] Group 1: Sanctions and Licenses - The US Treasury Department's OFAC issued general licenses to companies like Chevron, bp, Eni, Shell, and Repsol, enabling them to operate oil and gas projects in Venezuela [2] - A separate license allows international companies to engage with PDVSA for new investments, requiring additional permits from OFAC and excluding transactions with entities in Russia, Iran, or China [3] Group 2: Company Responses and Developments - Chevron stated that the new General Licenses and changes in Venezuela's Hydrocarbons Law are crucial for developing Venezuela's resources and enhancing regional energy security [4] - India's Reliance Industries has secured a general license from the US to purchase Venezuelan oil directly, facilitating a shift from Russian crude to discounted Venezuelan oil [5] Group 3: Economic Strategy and Future Prospects - The relaxation of sanctions is part of a broader strategy to support Venezuela's economic recovery and responsible investment, with a $100 billion reconstruction plan aimed at revitalizing the oil industry [6] - ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips are evaluating potential re-entry into Venezuela after their assets were expropriated in 2007 [7]

Core Insights - The Federal Reserve has reduced its target interest rate three times in 2025, impacting deposit account rates and presenting a potential opportunity to secure high certificate of deposit (CD) rates before they decrease further [1] Group 1: Current CD Rates - The highest CD rate available today is 4% APY, offered by Marcus by Goldman Sachs for a 1-year CD [2] - Today's average CD rates are among the highest seen in nearly two decades, largely due to the Federal Reserve's actions to combat inflation [3] Group 2: National Average CD Rates - The national average interest rate for a 1-year CD stands at 1.61%, significantly lower than the best available rates [3] - Online banks and credit unions typically provide more competitive rates compared to traditional banks [3] Group 3: Finding the Best CD Rates - It is advisable to shop around and compare CD rates from various financial institutions before making a decision [4] - Online banks often have lower overhead costs, allowing them to offer higher interest rates on CDs [4] - Higher CD rates may come with higher minimum deposit requirements, necessitating alignment with personal financial plans [4] - Reviewing account terms, including early withdrawal penalties and auto-renewal policies, is crucial for selecting the right CD [4]