Market Overview - AI turbulence has significantly impacted various sectors, including software, real estate, financial services, and logistics, leading to selling pressure on stocks due to concerns over AI-related disruptions [1] - The Nasdaq Composite fell by 0.2% on Friday, concluding the week with a total loss of 2.1%, while the S&P 500 saw a minor gain of less than 0.1% but ended the week down 1.4%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.1% on Friday but recorded a weekly decline of 1.2% [2] Sector-Specific Insights - The market experienced sharp movements beneath the surface, with investors closely monitoring whether the disruptions caused by AI will persist in the upcoming week [3] - A notable sell-off began in early February, affecting software companies like Salesforce and ServiceNow, and has since spread to financial services and logistics sectors, with stocks declining on any indication that AI tools may disrupt their core operations [7] Upcoming Economic Data - The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report, scheduled for release on Friday, will provide insights into consumer spending during December and inflation trends, following last week's Consumer Price Index (CPI) data that indicated a greater-than-expected slowdown in inflation [4] - The University of Michigan's market sentiment reading, also due on Friday, will gauge consumer attitudes against actual spending data, with the measure recently reaching its highest level since August but still lower than the previous year [5] Corporate Earnings Focus - Attention will be on Walmart's fourth-quarter earnings release on Thursday, which is expected to be a strong indicator of consumer spending and will mark the first report under new CEO John Furner [5] - Other significant earnings reports include those from DoorDash and Molson Coors, as well as energy companies like Constellation Energy, Energy Transfer, and Southern Company, which will provide insights into how AI is influencing power demand in the energy sector [6] AI Impact on Logistics - A recent press release from a karaoke machine maker about an AI-powered logistics platform that claims to increase freight volumes by 300% to 400% without a proportional rise in operational headcount led to significant stock declines for CH Robinson Worldwide and Universal Logistics, which fell by 12% and 10% respectively for the week [8]

Robert Kiyosaki has been posting more frequently as of late than in days prior, and whether his posts hinge around the persistent themes of investment — usually in precious metals, Bitcoin or real estate — they’re always razor-focused on bringing potential wealth to his wider audience. In a recent Facebook post, however, the “Rich Dad Poor Dad” author pivoted to a less-discussed topic: How to get rich without any significant starting capital whatsoever. Kiyosaki kicked off his post with a reminder of th ...

Although Donald Trump appointed Jerome Powell to serve as Fed chair during his first, non-consecutive term in the White House, the president and Powell have publicly feuded over the velocity of interest rate reductions since Trump's second term began. Powell's time as Fed chair will come to a close exactly three months from today, on May 15, 2026.The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is a 12-person body, including Fed Chair Jerome Powell, that's responsible for setting our nation's monetary policy. It do ...

Core Insights - Volatility is an inherent aspect of investing that cannot be completely avoided, but investors can control their reactions to it [1] Group 1: Common Investment Mistakes - Obsessing over intraday price movements is a frequent mistake, especially among retirees who may have more time to monitor their investments [3] - Not investing in ETFs can limit diversification; ETFs allow investors to spread their money and reduce risk associated with individual stocks [4][5] - Overallocating funds to cash accounts can lead to losses in purchasing power due to inflation; it is advised to consider alternatives like Treasuries or high-quality fixed income [5][6] - Failing to have an exit plan is a critical oversight; knowing when to exit an investment is as important as knowing when to enter [7]

Group 1 - Walmart is set to release its quarterly earnings report, the first under new CEO John Furner, after recently achieving a market capitalization of $1 trillion, making it the first big box store to reach that size [1] - In its last report, Walmart posted a 4.2% increase in comparable sales and raised its full-year sales forecast, indicating strong performance [1] - Other companies expected to report earnings this week include John Deere, Analog Devices, Palo Alto Networks, Carvana, and DoorDash, with John Deere facing lower-than-expected annual net income due to difficult market conditions [1][1] Group 2 - The PCE inflation report for December is scheduled for release, which is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and could influence interest rate decisions [1] - The GDP report for Q4 will provide insights into economic growth, following a strong Q3 growth revision of 4.4% [1] - New home sales and housing starts data for November and December, along with pending home sales for January, will be released, offering indicators for the housing market [1]

I'm not retired yet. However, planning for retirement should begin well before retirement, so I'm already getting ready for the day it comes. Like many Americans, I intend for Social Security to provide part of my retirement income. But can Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) keep up with inflation? Probably not. Here's why I'm not relying on Social Security alone in retirement. Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, c ...

Core Viewpoint - Inflation is easing, job markets are stable, and economic growth remains solid, but declaring victory over these issues may be premature due to the emergence of new risks [1] Group 1 - Inflation rates are showing signs of easing, indicating a potential stabilization in the economy [1] - Job markets are holding up well, suggesting resilience in employment despite previous economic challenges [1] - Economic growth is described as solid, reflecting a positive outlook for the overall economic environment [1] Group 2 - The article highlights that after years of high prices, the current situation may still pose risks that could affect future economic stability [1] - New risks are emerging that could impact the economic landscape, warranting caution in interpreting current economic indicators as a sign of complete recovery [1]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of prioritizing a comfortable retirement over maintaining appearances among peers, particularly for individuals in their 60s and 70s [1] Group 1: Social Pressure and Financial Risks - Approximately 8% of baby boomers aged 60 to 78 feel social pressure to spend beyond their means to match their peers' financial status, which can jeopardize their personal finances [2] - Adults over 60 are more susceptible to financial fraud, with losses exceeding $100,000 reported by this age group, totaling $81.5 billion lost to fraud in 2024 [4] Group 2: Benefits of Financial Modesty - Maintaining a modest lifestyle can provide a safety margin in financial portfolios, allowing individuals to spend only 70% to 80% of their capacity, which offers flexibility during economic downturns [5] - Living below one's means can alleviate anxiety related to financial concerns, with one-third of adults over 50 expressing money-related anxiety, which can disrupt sleep [6]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes that the current healthy labor market and cooling inflation reduce the immediate need for interest-rate cuts [1] Labor Market - The labor market remains robust, indicating strong employment figures and job growth, which supports consumer spending and economic stability [1] - Unemployment rates are low, contributing to a positive economic outlook [1] Inflation Trends - Inflation is showing signs of cooling, which alleviates pressure on the Federal Reserve to implement aggressive interest-rate cuts [1] - The moderation in inflation rates suggests that the economy may be stabilizing, allowing for a more measured approach to monetary policy [1]

Core Insights - The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for this year is 2.8%, resulting in an average increase of $56 per month for beneficiaries [2] - Predictions indicate that the COLA for 2027 may decrease to 2.5% due to slowing inflation, which could impact retirees' financial planning [2][3] Summary by Category Social Security Benefits - The COLA is calculated based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, which may not accurately reflect the inflation experienced by retirees [3] - Housing and healthcare costs, which retirees spend a larger portion of their income on, typically rise faster than the overall inflation rate [4] Financial Planning for Retirees - To mitigate the impact of a potentially smaller COLA in 2027, retirees are advised to increase their income, eliminate unnecessary expenses, and make small adjustments in spending [5] - Comparison shopping for mandatory expenses and taking advantage of senior discounts can lead to significant savings [5] - Building an emergency fund and setting aside savings specifically for Medicare premiums can help offset the effects of rising costs [5]