Financial News – What’s Happening in the World of Money

1. Financial News

The world of money is always in flux. There are always new financial products and services being developed and new regulations being put in place. So, what's happening in the world of money right now?

One of the biggest changes in the world of money is the increasing popularity of digital currencies. Bitcoin, the most well-known digital currency, has seen its value skyrocket in recent years. Other digital currencies, such as Ethereum and Litecoin, have also gained in popularity.

Investors are also increasingly interested in investing in companies that are focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. This trend is being driven by a growing awareness of the importance of sustainability and a desire to support companies that are making a positive impact on the world.

Another big trend in the world of money is the rise of passive investing. This is where investors put their money into index funds or exchange-traded funds that track a particular market or sector. This type of investing has become increasingly popular in recent years as it is seen as a simpler and cheaper way to invest than picking individual stocks.

And finally, there is a growing trend for people to use financial technology (fintech) products and services. This includes everything from mobile apps that help you manage your money to online platforms that allow you to invest in a wide range of assets. Fintech products and services are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a more convenient and user-friendly way to manage your finances.

2. Economic News – The Latest on Economic Developments

The U.S. economy continues to chug along, with job growth and wages both rising in recent months. But there are still some areas where the economy is lagging, particularly in terms of inflation.

The latest economic news includes a report from the Labor Department that job growth in the United States slowed in August, with the economy adding only 150,000 jobs. This is down from the previous month, when the economy added a robust 255,000 jobs.

Wage growth also slowed in August, with average hourly earnings rising by only 0.1%. This is the slowest pace of wage growth in nearly a year.

Inflation, meanwhile, remains stubbornly low. The Consumer Price Index rose by only 0.2% in August, and is up just 1.7% over the past 12 months. This is well below the Federal Reserve's target of 2%.

The economy continues to face some challenges, but the overall picture is still one of slow and steady growth.

3. Stock Market News – Updates on Stock Prices and Trading

#The stock market is a collection of markets where stocks (pieces of ownership in businesses) are traded between investors. It usually refers to the exchanges where stocks and other securities are bought and sold. The stock market can be used to measure the performance of a whole economy, or particular sectors of it.

#Stock prices are usually quoted in terms of dollars per share. They can be traded on stock exchanges, and also directly between investors through electronic platforms.

#The stock market is a collection of markets where stocks (pieces of ownership in businesses) are traded between investors

#The stock market is a collection of markets where stocks are traded between investors. These markets can be used to measure the performance of a whole economy, or particular sectors of it.

#Stock prices are usually quoted in terms of dollars per share. They can be traded on stock exchanges, and also directly between investors through electronic platforms.

#The stock market can be a volatile place, and prices can fluctuate rapidly. This means that investors need to be careful when buying and selling stocks.

#Here are three recent updates on stock prices and trading:

1. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is a stock market index that shows how 30 large, publicly owned companies traded during a standard trading session in the stock market. The DJIA is one of the oldest and most widely used stock market indices.
2. The S&P 500 is a stock market index that tracks the 500 largest publicly traded companies in the United States. It is a widely used measure of the performance of the US stock market.
3. The Nasdaq Composite is a stock market index that tracks the performance of over 3,000 publicly traded companies that are listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange.

4. Banking News – News from the Banking Sector

The banking sector is one of the most important industries in the world. It is the backbone of the global economy and plays a critical role in the financial stability of countries. Banking news is therefore closely followed by businesses and investors around the globe.

There are a number of factors that can impact the banking sector. These include interest rates, regulation, economic conditions and geopolitics. Here are four recent banking news stories that have been making headlines.

1. Brexit

The United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union has sent shockwaves through the banking sector. Banks are facing an uncertain future as they grapple with the implications of Brexit. Many banks have already announced plans to relocate their operations out of the UK.

2. Trump's Trade War

President Donald Trump's trade war with China is having a major impact on the banking sector. Chinese banks are being forced to scale back their operations in the US, and American banks are facing increased scrutiny from Chinese regulators. The trade war is also making it difficult for banks to do business with Chinese companies.

3. The Italian Banking Crisis

The Italian banking sector is in the midst of a major crisis. A number of Italian banks are on the brink of collapse, and the country's banking system is under immense strain. The Italian government has been working to prop up the banking sector, but the situation remains precarious.

4. The Cryptocurrency Craze

The rise of cryptocurrencies has been a major story in the banking sector over the past year. Banks are struggling to adapt to the new asset class, and many are still trying to figure out how to deal with cryptocurrencies. The volatility of the cryptocurrency market has also been a major concern for banks.

5. Insurance News – What's Happening in the World of Insurance

There's always a lot happening in the world of insurance, and it can be hard to keep up with all the latest finance news. Here are five insurance news stories that you might have missed:

1. The cost of insurance is on the rise

The average cost of insurance is rising, and this trend is expected to continue. This is due to a number of factors, including an increase in the cost of claims, the impact of natural disasters, and the increasing cost of medical care.

2. Technology is changing the insurance industry

Technology is changing the way that insurance companies do business. For example, many companies are now using artificial intelligence to help them assess risk and price policies.

3. The sharing economy is affecting insurance

The sharing economy, such as Airbnb and Uber, is having a big impact on the insurance industry. For example, insurers are now offering policies specifically for Airbnb hosts.

4. Climate change is a big concern for insurers

Climate change is a major concern for insurers, as it can impact both the cost of claims and the availability of insurance. For example, some insurers are no longer offering coverage for homes in areas at risk of flooding.

5. The opioid epidemic is a big issue for insurers

The opioid epidemic is a major issue for insurers, as it is driving up the cost of medical care and prescription drugs.

6. Retirement News – The Latest on Retirement Planning and Savings

As we approach retirement, there are many things to consider – from how much money we’ll need to save, to when we should start taking Social Security benefits. Here are six retirement-related news items that may be of interest to you.

1. The Social Security Administration has announced that the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2020 will be 1.6%. This is the largest increase since 2012, when benefits rose by 3.6%. For the average retired worker, this COLA will mean an extra $24 per month, or $288 for the year.
2. A recent study by the Insured Retirement Institute found that nearly 60% of Baby Boomers are worried about outliving their retirement savings. This is a legitimate concern – according to the Social Security Administration, a 65-year-old man can expect to live, on average, until age 84, while a 65-year-old woman can expect to live, on average, until age 86.
3. If you’re still working, you may be able to contribute catch-up contributions to your retirement accounts. For 2020, the catch-up contribution limit for 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and most 457 plans is $6,000. For IRAs, the catch-up contribution limit is $1,000.
4. A recent study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that nearly 30% of workers have nothing saved for retirement. This is a alarming statistic, and a reminder that it’s never too late to start saving for retirement.
5. If you’re retired or close to retirement, you may be considering a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows you to tap into the equity in your home. The loan doesn’t have to be repaid until you die, sell the home, or move out of the home.
6. Finally, if you’re nearing retirement and haven’t yet started collecting Social Security benefits, you may want to consider doing so. The Social Security Administration offers a Retirement Estimator tool that can help you estimate your benefits.

These

7. Tax News – The Latest on Tax Changes and Planning

The latest tax news can have a big impact on your finances and tax planning. Here are seven important tax changes and updates that you should know about.

1. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has made major changes to the tax code.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, enacted in December 2017, made the biggest changes to the U.S. tax code in more than 30 years. The changes affect both individuals and businesses, and they are set to expire after 2025 unless Congress takes action to extend them.

2. The standard deduction has nearly doubled.

For 2018, the standard deduction for single filers is $12,000, up from $6,350 in 2017. For married couples filing jointly, the standard deduction is now $24,000, up from $12,700 in 2017. The increased standard deduction means that fewer taxpayers will itemize their deductions on their tax returns.

3. The personal exemption has been eliminated.

Under the old tax code, taxpayers could claim a personal exemption for themselves and each of their dependents. The personal exemption was eliminated under the new tax code, which took effect in 2018.

4. The child tax credit has been doubled.

The child tax credit has been increased from $1,000 to $2,000 per child under the age of 17. The credit is refundable up to $1,400 per child, meaning that families could receive a refund even if they don't owe any taxes.

5. The mortgage interest deduction has been capped.

Under the new tax code, taxpayers can only deduct interest on mortgage debt up to $750,000. This is down from the previous limit of $1 million. The change applies to new mortgages taken out after December 15, 2017.

6. The state and local tax deduction has been capped.

Under the new tax code, taxpayers can only deduct up to $10,000 in state and local taxes, including property taxes. This change affects taxpayers who itemize their deductions.

7. The Alternative Minimum Tax has been repealed.

The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is a tax that was created