Economic Indicators and Employment Data - The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will release November job openings, quitting, and layoffs data, alongside the December jobs report [2] - Economists project that approximately 60,000 jobs were added in December, resulting in a total of about 670,000 jobs added for 2025, significantly lower than the 2 million jobs added in 2024 [5] - The jobless rate is expected to decrease to 4.5% in December from a four-year high, indicating a modest employment growth trend [5] Inflation Trends - In the euro zone, inflation reports for Germany and France are due, with expectations that the headline inflation will stabilize at 2% and core inflation at 2.4% [6][7] - Switzerland's inflation is predicted to slightly increase to 0.1% after an unexpected drop to zero in November, which aligns with the central bank's forecast [11] - Australia's CPI figures are expected to show a modest easing of inflation, remaining above the central bank's target, which will influence the Reserve Bank of Australia's policy stance [14] Central Bank Policies - The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to maintain a cautious approach to monetary policy, with upcoming data likely supporting the stabilization of inflation at target levels [7][8] - In Latin America, central banks in Chile, Peru, and Mexico may consider mild adjustments to monetary policy, while Brazil is positioned for aggressive unwinding of rates [17][18] - Peru's central bank may hold rates at 4.25% due to inflation running below the target range, reflecting a cautious approach amid upcoming elections [19] Sector-Specific Insights - The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence is seen as a limiting factor for payroll growth, as companies focus on enhancing productivity [3] - Employers have slowed hiring in 2025, indicating a stabilization in job openings and a cautious approach to additional hiring due to government trade-policy announcements [4]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia President Anna Paulson indicated that further rate cuts by the central bank may be delayed as officials assess the economy's performance following last year's easing measures [1][2]. Economic Outlook - Paulson forecasts inflation to moderate, the labor market to stabilize, and growth to be around 2% for the year [2]. - She expressed cautious optimism regarding inflation, suggesting a potential end-of-year inflation rate close to 2% as tariff-related price adjustments conclude [5]. Interest Rate Policy - The current funds rate is viewed as somewhat restrictive, still working to alleviate inflation pressures [3]. - The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) reduced the interest rate target by 0.75 percentage points last year, now set between 3.5% and 3.75% [3][4]. Labor Market Insights - The labor market is showing signs of deceleration but is not breaking, with both supply and demand factors contributing to the hiring situation [6]. - Close attention is warranted on the hiring front as the year progresses [6].

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]