NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks churned between gains and losses on Wednesday but ultimately remained near their record levels. The S&P 500 slipped 0.1% and hung near its all-time high set at the start of the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 260 points, or 0.6%, while the Nasdaq composite fell 0.3%. The swings came after the Federal Reserve cut its main interest rate for the first time this year. That move was no surprise for Wall Street, which was widely expecting it. More important was the set o ...

Core Viewpoint - Gold is experiencing its best performance since 1979, with prices rising over 39% year-to-date, significantly outpacing the S&P 500's 12% increase, driven by economic uncertainty and inflation concerns [1][2][6]. Economic Uncertainty - Investors are increasingly drawn to gold due to various uncertainties, including the potential economic impact of tariffs and ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine [3][4]. - Signs of economic weakening in the US, such as a struggling job market, have heightened fears of a possible recession, making gold an attractive hedge [4]. Inflation Concerns - The possibility of stagflation, characterized by stagnant growth and high inflation, is a significant concern for investors, as it complicates the Federal Reserve's ability to cut interest rates [5][7]. - Historical data indicates that gold tends to perform well in environments where inflation is above 2% and the Fed is easing monetary policy [7]. Interest Rate Cuts - Expectations of interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve are contributing to increased demand for gold, as lower rates typically enhance the appeal of non-yielding assets like bullion [8].

Well, joining me now is Bridge Corano, Wellington fixed income portfolio manager. Bridge, what do you expect to really move the bond market tomorrow. I mean, we assuming we get the quarter point everybody expects there's going to be a lot of contention among uh the Fed voters, possibly more than we've ever had.>> Yeah, no doubt. I mean, I think we are definitely going to get that 25 basis point cut. Um I think there will probably be three descents to your point asking for 50 basis points.What the market's r ...

Consumer Spending Trends - August retail sales exceeded estimates for the third consecutive month, with July's figures revised upward, indicating strong consumer spending despite concerns about the labor market and inflation [1][4] - The consumer market shows resilience, particularly among luxury consumers, while low and middle-income consumers are feeling pressure and are more value-conscious [2][3] Retail Inventory and Pricing - Retail inventories are well-managed, running close to sales rates, which is favorable for margins [6] - Price increases in apparel and other items by 5% or more may lead to a corresponding decrease in unit sales, which is a critical factor to monitor [8] Sector Performance and Stock Recommendations - Companies like Walmart, Costco, and BJ's are favored for their understanding of value, while Cartier and Richemont are noted for their strong pricing power [9] - Caution is advised for certain mall sectors and department stores, particularly those with middle and low-income exposure, such as Macy's and Target [10] Beauty Sector Insights - E.L.F. Beauty is highlighted as a favorite investment due to its innovative approach, while Ulta Beauty is on hold despite having a strong management team [11][12] - The beauty sector remains vibrant, but there are mixed trends as consumers are becoming more selective in their spending [12]

Market Expectations - A quarter-point rate cut is widely anticipated, with 25 basis points being almost certain, while any other decision could lead to significant market volatility [2][3] - Historical data shows that after rate cuts, particularly when the market is near all-time highs, stocks tend to move higher, with 20 out of 20 instances indicating a positive trend [5] Economic Indicators - The labor market is a key factor influencing the expected rate cut, with inflation metrics also playing a crucial role in determining future cuts [3][4] - Consumer discretionary stocks are outperforming staples, indicating a bullish market sentiment, while high beta stocks are also hitting new highs [6] Tariff Concerns - Tariff uncertainties have diminished for the remainder of the year, although there is potential for these concerns to resurface in the future [7][8] - The impact of tariffs has been absorbed by companies with higher margins, allowing them to maintain profitability despite potential cost increases [9] Investment Strategies - There is a positive outlook for international stocks, particularly in Europe, due to attractive valuations and earnings growth, while small caps are viewed as underweight compared to large caps [10][11] - The market anticipates six rate cuts over the next 15 months, but the economy may perform better than expected, potentially leading to fewer cuts [11] Consumer Sentiment - Retail and consumer data are showing resilience, suggesting that the economy may continue to grow, supported by increased capital expenditures as companies resume delayed investments [12][13]

Core Insights - The Federal Reserve's adjustments to the federal funds rate significantly influence borrowing costs across various loan types, including personal, auto, and private student loans [1][3][4] Impact on Loan Rates - The federal funds rate serves as a benchmark for lenders, affecting how much they charge for overnight lending, which in turn impacts consumer loan interest rates [3][4] - Between February 2022 and August 2023, the Fed raised the federal funds rate from 0.08% to 5.33% to combat inflation, leading to higher loan rates that remain elevated despite some rate cuts in 2024 [4][5] - The prime rate, which is typically set about three percentage points above the federal funds rate, also influences consumer loan rates, particularly for creditworthy borrowers [4] Personal Loan Rates - Average personal loan rates have remained high, decreasing slightly from 12.49% in February 2024 to 11.57% currently for two-year loans [5][6] - Most personal loans have fixed rates, meaning existing borrowers will not see changes in their rates, while new borrowers may face higher rates compared to previous years [6] Student Loan Rates - Federal student loan rates are set by Congress and are not directly influenced by the Fed, while private student loan rates are affected by the federal funds rate [7][9] - Federal student loan rates were particularly low at 2.75% for the 2020-21 academic year but have increased to 6.39% for the 2025-26 academic year [8] Auto Loan Rates - Auto loan rates are also influenced by the federal funds rate, with average rates for new car loans at 7% and used car loans at 10.7% as of August 2025 [11] - Various factors, including credit score and vehicle type, also play a role in determining auto loan rates [11] Strategies for Securing Competitive Rates - Improving credit scores and financial profiles can enhance the chances of securing better loan rates [13][15] - Shopping around with multiple lenders and comparing repayment terms can help borrowers find the best offers [17][19] - Timing borrowing decisions based on the Fed's rate changes can also be beneficial, particularly if rates are expected to decrease [20]

When it comes to buying a house, you have a lot of choices for which type of mortgage to get. The FHA loan is one of the most common. These government-backed loans offer an easy, often more affordable road to homeownership than other mortgage options. Right now, they account for nearly 20% of all mortgage applications, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. So, should you also consider an FHA loan to buy a house right now? What’s an FHA loan? An FHA loan is a type of mortgage insured by the Fede ...

Core Insights - Retail sales in the U.S. increased significantly in August, marking the third consecutive month of growth, indicating robust consumer spending despite concerns over inflation and a weakening labor market [1] Group 1 - The rise in retail sales suggests that U.S. households are maintaining healthy spending levels [1] - The growth in retail sales occurs amidst ongoing worries about inflation and a softening labor market [1]

Group 1 - The UK labor market is experiencing a downturn, with a decrease of 8,000 employees in August, marking the seventh consecutive decline, which is slightly better than the economists' forecast of a 12,000 drop [1] - The wage growth rate, excluding bonuses, has slowed to 4.8%, the lowest in three years, down from 5% in the previous period [1] - The unemployment rate remains at a four-year high of 4.7%, while the number of job vacancies continues to decline [1] Group 2 - Inflation has reached an 18-month high, driven by rising food and energy costs, with the expected inflation rate at 3.8%, nearly double the Bank of England's target of 2% [2] - Traders have reduced bets on interest rate cuts by the Bank of England, with expectations that the Monetary Policy Committee will maintain the base rate at 4% [2]

Core Viewpoint - The gold market is at a critical juncture as of September 2025, influenced by global economic dynamics, monetary policy, geopolitical risks, and inflation levels, with significant attention on upcoming Federal Reserve data [1] Group 1: Factors Driving Gold Prices - Safe-haven attribute: Geopolitical tensions continue to drive demand for gold during crises or uncertain times [3] - Stability: Gold remains relatively stable over the long term, not easily devalued by external factors or other currencies [3] - Weakening dollar: The depreciation of the dollar makes gold more attractive for non-US investors, as purchasing gold with other currencies becomes cheaper [3] - Federal Reserve rate cuts: Market expectations for rate cuts have made gold more appealing to investors [3] - Media coverage: Increased discussions and reports on rising gold prices enhance investor interest, leading analysts to predict further price increases [3] Group 2: Recent Trading Activity - Gold trading data shows various positions taken, with notable trades on September 1 to September 15, indicating fluctuations in opening and closing prices, as well as profit and loss outcomes [4] - Specific trading strategies suggest a bullish outlook, with recommendations to buy near support levels and target higher price points [5][6]