Steak ’n Shake announced Wednesday that it will contribute $1,000 to "Trump Accounts" for the children of its employees. The Indianapolis-based fast-food chain is the latest company to support the Trump administration’s new investment initiative for newborns. In a post on X, Steak ’n Shake described the program as a way to ensure "the next generation of Americans participate from birth in our free-market, wealth-building economy.""Steak 'n Shake pledges to support our employees' children with a $1,000 match ...

The largest crypto exchange in the United States has found a new way to show up in Washington’s evolving financial agenda. Not through lobbying, lawsuits or health drinks, but this time through employee benefits. Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN) CEO Brian Armstrong revealed on Jan. 28 that Coinbase will match government contributions to Trump Accounts for eligible children of its employees, aligning the company with a fast-growing initiative backed by Donald Trump. Related: Analyst revamps MicroStrategy, Coinbas ...

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is drawing a sharp line between young Americans’ skepticism of capitalism and their lack of market participation, arguing that attitudes toward socialism are inseparable from whether people actually own stocks.​ In a wide-ranging interview with CNBC’s Squawk on the Street anchor Sara Eisen on the sidelines of the Treasury Department’s Trump Accounts Summit in Washington, Bessent was asked about a Gallup poll finding that 39% of Americans have a favorable view of socia ...

America's closest allies suddenly cozying up with Beijing. First it was Canada, then it was France, now Britain. >> Prime Minister Kier Starmer heading to China this week for trade talks just days after President Trump warned Canada that any deal with the Chinese will trigger a 100% tariff.Here's what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant had to say about our neighbor to the north. >> I'm not sure what the prime minister was thinking. Of course, Canada depends on the US.There's much more north south trade than t ...

The Intel logo is displayed on a sign in front of Intel headquarters on Jan. 22, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.Intel, which now counts the U.S. government as its largest shareholder, said on Tuesday that it will match the Trump administration's $1,000 payout for children of eligible U.S. employees.The matching funds, which is a benefit for Intel staff, mark the latest sign of a close working relationship between the Trump administration and Intel after the government took a 10% stake in the chipmaker last ...

Core Insights - The upcoming tax season will serve as the first evaluation of the benefits from the Trump administration's tax law, referred to as the "One Big Beautiful Bill" [2][4] - Significant changes in tax deductions and credits are expected to lead to higher income-tax refunds for households, with projections suggesting an increase of up to $1,000 in refunds for 2026 [5][14] - The new tax law introduces various deductions, including those for overtime pay, tips, and a senior bonus, which create new planning opportunities for taxpayers [4][18] Tax Breaks and Deductions - Specific income limits apply for various tax breaks, such as $75,000 for individuals aged 65 and older seeking a $6,000 senior bonus deduction, and $500,000 for households wanting the full $40,000 state and local tax deduction [1][7] - The SALT deduction has quadrupled to at least $40,000 through 2029, which will lead to an increase in itemized deductions for 5 to 7 million additional households [10][14] - Taxpayers may need to "bunch" charitable contributions to maximize itemized deductions before the eligibility for such deductions decreases in 2026 [12][13] Refunds and Withholdings - The average tax refund for the current year was $3,052, and the upcoming tax season is projected to be the largest refund season ever [5][14] - Critics argue that larger refunds indicate overpayment of taxes throughout the year, suggesting that individuals should adjust their withholdings to avoid this situation [15][16] - Changes in withholding tables in 2026 may allow taxpayers to see the benefits of tax cuts reflected in higher take-home pay [17] State Tax Implications - States may not uniformly adopt the new federal tax changes, leading to a patchwork of state tax laws that could affect the application of new federal deductions [20][21] - Some states, like Michigan, have already aligned their tax laws with the new federal tax breaks, while others are still determining their approach [22] New Tax-Advantaged Accounts - The introduction of "Trump Accounts" allows parents to open tax-deferred accounts for children under 18, with a $1,000 seed contribution for U.S. citizen babies born between 2025 and 2028 [24][25] - While parents cannot claim a tax deduction for their contributions, there may be potential tax benefits depending on employer contributions and IRS regulations [25][26]

Core Insights - President Trump suggested that the U.S. could learn from Australia's superannuation retirement system as a potential solution to economic and aging population challenges [1] Group 1: Australia's Superannuation System - Australia's superannuation program requires employers to contribute 12% of a worker's ordinary earnings into a retirement fund, which is automatically deducted [3] - The system has been in place since 1992 and captures nearly the entire workforce, resulting in a pension asset pool of approximately $4.1 trillion [4] - Workers can contribute additional funds up to a cap, but the mandatory 12% contribution is automatic and funds are locked until retirement age [3][4] Group 2: Implications for U.S. Retirement Savings - Trump's comments raise questions about the potential for automatic retirement savings in the U.S. [3] - The discussion includes the introduction of "Trump Accounts," which are investment accounts for children born between 2025 and 2028, aimed at helping them build early wealth [2] - While the Australian system is comprehensive, it is not without flaws, including market risk exposure and potential difficulties for older Australians who cannot access their savings until a set age [5]

Core Idea - Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick proposed a program to invest $1,000 in the stock market for every baby born in Texas, inspired by a federal initiative from President Trump [1][5]. Group 1: Program Details - The proposed program, named the "New Little Texan Savings Fund," aims to create investment accounts for newborns, with a total cost of approximately $400 million per year, which is less than 1% of Texas' current two-year budget [2][5]. - Each Texas newborn would receive a total of $2,000 when combined with the federal initiative and additional contributions from families, with parents allowed to contribute up to $2,500 annually in pretax income [9][10]. Group 2: Political Support and Criticism - Sen. Ted Cruz praised Patrick's proposal, emphasizing that it would foster a new generation of capitalists and allow various contributors to invest in children's accounts [10][11]. - Critics, including the Texas Policy Research nonprofit, opposed the plan, arguing it expands government spending and undermines personal responsibility and free enterprise [14][15].

Core Viewpoint - The discussion revolves around the potential benefits of new financial initiatives aimed at supporting younger generations in America, particularly in the context of rising costs of living and the need for affordability solutions [2][6][8]. Group 1: Financial Initiatives - The Trump administration's introduction of savings accounts for babies is seen as a positive investment in America's future, aimed at ensuring younger generations have a better financial outlook [2][3]. - There is a concern that financial stress, particularly related to raising children, is influencing family planning decisions among younger Americans [3][4]. - The administration's efforts to provide financial relief, such as $2,000 tariff dividend checks and new savings accounts, are viewed as necessary responses to the affordability crisis faced by many Americans [5][6]. Group 2: Economic Context - The rising costs of basic goods, including groceries, electricity, and gas, are attributed to policies from the current administration, leading to a demand for relief among the populace [6][8]. - A recent poll indicates that 49% of Americans believe President Trump has contributed to increasing prices, which poses a challenge for his administration as midterm elections approach [8]. - The contrast between Republican and Democratic approaches to economic policy is highlighted, with Republicans being portrayed as taking longer but more sustainable steps towards affordability, while Democrats are accused of offering quick fixes that do not yield long-term results [9].

Group 1: Stablecoin Initiatives by Walmart and Amazon - Walmart and Amazon are exploring the launch of their own stablecoins to reduce transaction fees and improve settlement times [1][2][3] - The two companies currently spend approximately $14 billion annually on card-processing fees, and a 1% reduction could yield around $1 billion in profit before interest and taxes [4] - If successful, these stablecoins could transform Walmart and Amazon into quasi-financial hubs, enhancing customer loyalty and profit margins while undermining traditional payment ecosystems [5][6] Group 2: Regulatory Environment and Implications - The GENIUS Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at establishing clear regulations for U.S. dollar stablecoins, has passed a key Senate procedural vote [8] - If enacted, the GENIUS Act would require full reserves and transparency, potentially paving the way for mainstream institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies [9] Group 3: Silver Market Dynamics - Silver has recently begun to outperform gold, with a significant shift in the gold-to-silver price ratio, which is currently at 91, indicating a bullish trend for silver [11][12] - Supply constraints are contributing to silver's momentum, with a reported deficit of approximately 117 million ounces in 2024, and increasing demand from industries such as solar panel production [13][14] Group 4: Economic Impact of "Trump Accounts" - The proposed "Trump Accounts" could lead to significant new equity demand, with an estimated $3.6 billion in fresh equity demand annually based on current U.S. birth rates [22][23] - Over 20 years, the Milken Institute estimates that $1,000 invested in a broad equity index could grow to $8,300, potentially adding around $30 billion in future equity market value annually from this program [24][25]