Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve may consider further interest rate cuts if inflation decreases, but such reductions are not expected to happen immediately [1] Group 1 - Philadelphia Fed President Anna Paulson indicated the possibility of additional interest rate cuts contingent on inflation trends [1]

Group 1 - Social Security is a crucial source of retirement income for millions, and understanding its rules and changes is essential for retirees [1] - In 2026, Social Security benefits will receive a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which is slightly higher than the 2.5% increase in 2025, but may not significantly help due to rising costs [2][3] - Medicare Part B costs are increasing, which will reduce the impact of the COLA on retirees' monthly benefits [3] Group 2 - Tariff policies may contribute to rising prices, potentially causing the 2.8% COLA to lag behind inflation, although they could also lead to lower inflation if they slow down spending [4] - Retirees relying heavily on Social Security should consider backup plans, such as reducing expenses or seeking part-time work, in case the COLA does not provide sufficient support [5] Group 3 - Seniors can now earn more income without risking withheld benefits once they reach full retirement age, allowing for greater financial flexibility [6] - The earnings-test limit for those under full retirement age has increased to $24,480 in 2026, up from $23,400 in 2025, meaning that earnings above this threshold will result in $1 in benefits being withheld for every $2 earned [8]

Group 1 - A significant portion of Americans are setting financial goals for the New Year, with 75% of those making resolutions focusing on increasing their income, driven by concerns over inflation and the labor market [1] - The average monthly earnings for Americans with side hustles decreased to $442.76 in 2025 from $688 in 2022, indicating a shift in side gig income trends [2] - The most common income range for side hustlers is between $51-$250, with 32.1% of respondents falling within this bracket, while about 10% earn over $1,000 per month, which skews the average higher [3] Group 2 - A Bankrate survey reported a higher average monthly income for side hustlers at $885 in 2025, slightly down from $891 in 2024 but up from $810 in 2023, suggesting variability in income across different surveys [4] - Earning between $500-$1,000 per month is considered close to or above average for side gigs, while lower earnings of $51-$250 are common among many side hustlers [5][6] - Individuals with aggressive financial goals, such as paying off debt or saving for a house, may need to aim for higher income ranges, acknowledging that averages can be skewed by top earners [7]

Core Insights - U.S. credit card debt has reached a record high of $1.13 trillion and is projected to exceed $1.5 trillion in the coming years, indicating that consumers are increasingly relying on credit cards to cover budget deficits exacerbated by inflation [3][5][6]. Demographics of Credit Card Debt - Younger generations are expected to have credit card debt due to lower earnings, but surprisingly, older individuals are accumulating higher debt levels, often entering retirement with significant debt [7][8]. - One in three Americans have maxed out their credit cards, highlighting a growing trend of reliance on credit for survival [6]. Economic Context - Inflation has led to rising costs in essential goods, such as food and gas, while wages have not kept pace, forcing consumers to turn to credit cards [2][3]. - During the pandemic, credit card debt decreased significantly from about $1 trillion to $500 billion due to reduced spending, but it has since rebounded to record levels as spending resumed [4]. Debt Management Strategies - Individuals are encouraged to assess their financial situation by understanding their income and expenses, identifying areas where they can cut costs, and prioritizing paying off high-interest debt first [25][28][29]. - Debt.com offers tools and resources, such as the Instant Debt Advisor, to help individuals manage and reduce their debt effectively [26][30]. Cultural Attitudes Towards Debt - There is a generational shift in attitudes towards debt, with younger individuals more accepting of carrying debt as a norm, contrasting with older generations who view debt negatively [35][36]. - The lack of formal education on debt management in schools contributes to this issue, as many young people do not receive adequate guidance from their parents, who may also be in debt [38].

Group 1 - WELL Health Technologies is a serial acquirer in the digital health market, experiencing rapid growth with a strong acquisition pipeline and macro tailwinds that position it for continued success in 2026 [1] Group 2 - The company has a beneficial long position in its shares, indicating confidence in its future performance [2] - The article expresses the author's own opinions and is not influenced by any business relationships with companies mentioned [2]

You might not notice it at first glance, but something’s changing in how the upper middle class spends. The once-free-flowing brunches, impulse travel plans, and home renovation projects are slowing down. It’s not a crisis, more like a quiet recalibration. As 2026 unfolds, many well-off Americans are tightening their belts, and not just because of inflation. A recent CBS News poll, two-thirds of Americans said they expect the rise in costs to continue. According to Kevin Marshall, CPA and the lead con ...

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Friday closed up +0.19%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +0.66%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -0.17%.  March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) rose +0.17%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) fell -0.19%. Stock indexes settled mixed on Friday.  The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average recovered from 2-week lows and finished higher, driven by strength in chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks.  However, stock gains were limi ...

Economic Outlook - The global economy is polarized, with contrasting views on its future, ranging from a potential golden age driven by AI to a looming crisis due to debt and geopolitical issues [1] - The reality is expected to land somewhere in between these extremes [1] Investment Strategy - Investors can profit by understanding a range of economic possibilities rather than predicting a single outcome [2] - A positive scenario includes inflation stabilizing, which would allow central banks to shift from restrictive to neutral policies, benefiting both stocks and bonds [3][5] Corporate Health - Corporate America has improved its financial health by cutting costs and stabilizing earnings, which means equity markets do not require unrealistic growth assumptions to rise [6] - Credit markets are currently stable, with contained default rates and manageable refinancing, reducing the likelihood of sudden market disruptions [9] Trade and Energy Markets - Trade tensions may ease, with businesses adapting to a fragmented global trade environment [7] - The U.S. energy market remains strong, with manageable inventories and slowing demand growth, reducing the risk of inflation shocks [8] Geopolitical and Economic Risks - Geopolitical risks remain, particularly concerning Taiwan, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, which could impact energy and trade markets [12] - High government debt levels combined with prolonged high-interest rates could lead to difficult economic choices [12] Investment Framework - The Benzinga Ranking system is highlighted as an effective tool for navigating uncertain macro environments by focusing on value, growth, quality, momentum, and sentiment [14] - A combination of value, momentum, trend, and credit factors improves investment decision-making and helps avoid potential losses [18][20] Conclusion - The focus should be on preparing for various economic scenarios rather than adopting a strictly bullish or bearish stance [22] - Emphasis on balance sheets, credit conditions, and objective rankings is crucial for adapting to changing market conditions [22]

Core Viewpoint - The article examines the historical trends of the 10-year Treasury yield since 1962, highlighting its relationship with key economic indicators such as the Fed Funds Rate, inflation, and the S&P 500. Group 1: Historical Trends - The 10-year Treasury yield peaked at 15.68% in October 1981 during the Volcker era and reached a historic low of 0.55% in August 2020 amid pandemic-related economic uncertainty [2][3] - The Federal Funds Rate (FFR) was raised to a historic high of 20.06% in January 1981 to combat inflation, leading to the peak in the 10-year yield [3] - Following the 2008 financial crisis, the FFR was lowered to approximately 0.04% in May 2020, resulting in the 10-year yield dropping to 0.55% [4] Group 2: Recent Developments - From May 2022 to August 2023, the Fed raised the FFR to its highest level in over 20 years, causing the 10-year yield to rise in tandem [5] - In September 2024, the Fed implemented three consecutive rate cuts, while the 10-year yield moved in the opposite direction, indicating persistent inflation [6] - By the end of December 2025, the 10-year yield averaged 4.16%, with inflation at 2.74%, and the Fed cut the FFR by 25 basis points to a range of 3.50-3.75% [8] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The S&P 500 and the 10-year yield generally move in opposite directions, but during inflationary periods, both can rise simultaneously due to the impact of higher interest rates on corporate profits and bond prices [9]

Markets are positioned for a soft landing, but strategists warn pent-up demand and renewed fiscal spending could push growth—and inflation—higher than expected. ...