Investments and Business

On a crucial Friday, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell laid out the groundwork for upcoming interest rate cuts, but gave no details on the expected timing or scope of those cuts. In his highly anticipated speech at the Federal Reserve’s annual meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Powell announced, “It’s time to change our approach.” He explained that while the future course is set, the specifics of the timing and size of rate cuts will depend on new data, future economic projections and risk assessments. Live Update: Chairman Jerome Powell Speaks at Jackson Hole Conference As financial markets anticipate future monetary…

As we head into the afternoon trading session, the stock market is showing some significant moves among noteworthy companies. Among those catching the spotlight today are Cava, Intuit, Ross Stores, and Workday. Each of these stocks has shown notable price movements that warrant closer analysis to understand the underlying factors and potential implications for investors. Cava takes a dive Cava, a fast-casual restaurant chain, has seen a dramatic rally in its stock price today. This move could be attributed to the recent earnings report that beat expectations, driven by a surge in consumer dining and a rise in menu prices.…

Peloton has announced that it will charge a one-time fee of $95 for new subscribers who activate used hardware, responding to the growing trend of purchasing second-hand devices at significantly reduced costs. The introduction of this fee for U.S. and Canadian members coincides with a significant increase in customers purchasing used bikes and treadmills from platforms like Facebook Marketplace. In its most recent fiscal quarter ended June 30, Peloton saw a strong increase in new connected fitness subscribers opting for hardware from secondary markets, marking a 16 percent increase over the prior year. “This trend not only expands our user…

Jackson Hole, Wyoming — As the financial community eagerly awaits Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s speech on Friday, clarity is expected on the anticipated shift in interest rate policy following the Federal Open Market Committee’s landmark two-day meeting in Washington, DC, last July. Market sentiments and forecasts The consensus among market analysts is that the Federal Reserve is poised to begin cutting interest rates as early as September, with continued adjustments likely through the end of the year and into 2025. While the size and timing of these cuts remain points of debate, Powell’s next speech is expected to shed…

In Milford, Michigan, General Motors’ flagship brand GMC is positioning itself as a leader in the all-electric truck segment in the United States. That effort begins with the introduction of the Sierra electric pickup truck, which joins GMC’s growing lineup of electric vehicles, including several Hummer models. With the Sierra EV, the company expects it to not only complement its existing offerings but also become a best-seller within its electric lineup. That expectation is backed by plans to launch more affordable versions next year, starting with the high-end “Edition 1” model that has already begun customer deliveries priced around $100,000.…

The rapid growth of online sports betting, following its legalization in several states, has significantly affected the dynamics of personal finances, especially among economically vulnerable groups. Study insights A recent analysis titled “Gambling Away Stability: The Financial Repercussions of Sports Betting on At-Risk Families” highlights the dramatic increase in sports betting following the 2018 Supreme Court decision overturning a nationwide ban. With 38 states now allowing the activity, the industry has boasted more than $120 billion in wagers and generated revenues of more than $11 billion in 2023. This influx of funds has benefited government budgets but has placed significant…

A recent survey by the New York Federal Reserve paints a bleak picture of the U.S. labor market, highlighting rising anxiety among workers. The study, conducted in July, revealed falling employment rates, a surge in job seekers, and widespread dissatisfaction with wages and benefits. These results add to growing concerns about the health of the U.S. economy. The unemployment rate, though historically low at 4.3%, has been steadily rising, fueling fears of a broader recession. Additionally, July’s nonfarm payrolls increase of just 114,000 was weaker than expected, further fueling anxiety. The Fed survey results go even deeper, highlighting a significant…

The debate over whether electric vehicles (EVs) or traditional gasoline-powered cars offer better long-term value has intensified as EV prices have fallen and charging infrastructure has expanded. While EVs often come with a higher upfront cost, the potential savings on fuel and maintenance can make them an attractive option. However, the financial equation is far from simple, with factors such as location, driving habits and vehicle model playing crucial roles. A growing body of research indicates that the total cost of ownership (TCO) for electric vehicles can vary significantly depending on where you live. Studies have found that drivers in…

Byron Allen, a media industry figure and head of Entertainment Studios and Allen Media Group, has come under scrutiny for late payments to major network broadcasters like ABC, CBS and NBC. According to sources familiar with the matter, payments are up to 90 days late, causing frustration among network executives and potentially jeopardizing future partnerships. Allen Media Group, which owns a diverse portfolio of radio and television stations across the United States, including affiliates of the above networks, has seen its payment arrears grow over time. The total amount arrears, accumulated over the year, reaches tens of millions, highlighting significant…

Goldman Sachs has lowered its forecast for a potential US recession to 20%, following a reassessment prompted by the latest employment and retail trade data. The change comes after it raised its recession probability earlier this month, initially pegged at 25% due to disappointing job growth figures in early August. Earlier, Goldman Sachs economic analysts had raised their recession risk estimates when the July jobs report showed nonfarm payrolls rose by just 114,000, significantly below expectations and down from the revised June figures. The disappointing report contributed to a temporary stock market downturn and raised alarms about the potential weakening…