Investing News

Labor unions have a long history in the United States. While membership has been on the decline in recent decades, unions continue to play a major role in workers’ rights. Are labor unions effective? Proponents maintain that unions result in better wages, benefits and working conditions for workers. Critics argue, among other things, that unions

Labor unions are associations of workers formed to protect workers’ rights and advance their interests. Unions negotiate with employers through a process known as collective bargaining. The resulting union contract specifies workers’ pay, hours, benefits, and job health and safety policies. Thanks to the efforts of labor unions, workers have achieved higher wages, more reasonable

Amazon (AMZN) is one of the most valuable companies in the world, with a market capitalization exceeding one trillion dollars. One-way AMZN has continued to grow is by introducing new products and acquiring complementary businesses. One such product is Amazon Prime. This membership service gives subscribers certain perks like free two-day shipping of products, access

We all know health insurance is something you shouldn’t live without, but what about vision insurance? You can purchase vision insurance as a group benefit through your employer or as an individual policy. But how does the cost compare to the coverage you’ll receive? Key Takeaway Most vision care plans provide discounts on laser eye-correction surgery. Vision

When real estate agents talk about staging your home, they’re referring to a method of preparing a property for sale on the real estate marketplace. Staging is designed to showcase a home’s best assets, impress buyers, and sell it quickly for the highest possible price. Because not all sellers stage their homes–especially homes in lower

Student loan debt may be the biggest financial issue facing young adults today. Research shows that 55% of the class of 2020 who earned a bachelor’s degree also have student debt, owing an average of $28,400. As tuition and other costs continue to rise, having to borrow money to earn a degree is often unavoidable.

In a speech on Aug. 26, 2022, Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell stated: “The Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) overarching focus right now is to bring inflation back down to our 2% goal.” He added: “Price stability … serves as the bedrock of our economy. Without price stability, the economy does not work for

Last week, President Biden announced that he will be forgiving up to $20,000 in federal student loans, no doubt providing some much needed relief for millions of eligible borrowers. Adding to the good news, the White House confirmed in a press release that this relief won’t be subject to the federal income tax. That said,

Honda Motor Company announced it is partnering with South Korea-based LG Energy Solution to construct a new battery plant in the U.S., establishing a joint venture (JV) with the battery manufacturer. The new plant would enable Honda to produce lithium-ion batteries to power electric models of its Honda and Acura vehicle brands. Together, LG Energy and Honda will invest

Developing clean energy sources is critical for the future of the United States and the rest of the world. However, creating the technology needed to make clean energy is expensive. The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) is a program that helps facilitate the development of new technology by offering loans and loan

Penny stocks have a well-deserved reputation for low quality, high risk, and intense volatility. However, by practicing due diligence, you can discover some hidden treasures in the most unexpected places. Below, you’ll find updates on previously discussed penny stocks from this column, followed by a few new intriguing and inexpensive trade ideas that are still

At the height of the COVID-19 crisis, the U.S. labor market’s employment losses topped 14% below pre-recession totals—more than eight points higher than the worst month of the Great Recession. Yet despite the unprecedented spike in unemployment, it would only take 29 months to recover the jobs lost, beating the recoveries of both the dot-com

A stock buyback occurs when the issuing company pays shareholders the market value per share and re-absorbs that portion of its ownership that was previously distributed among public and private investors. When a company repurchases its shares, it can purchase the stock on the open market or from its shareholders directly. In recent decades, share buybacks have overtaken

I’m seeing a lot of artificial influences on the economy right now, including low interest rates and the statements made by Fed officials and various politicians. It can be hard to keep track of all that noise, not to mention the company-specific specific news that may affect the investments in your portfolio. It’s for that

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is the most well-known stock market barometer in the world. Since its inception in May 1896, the index has changed its components dozens of times. The first change occurred a mere three months after the index was founded. One of the most recent changes took place in June 2018, when

Rates on 30-year home loans took a big step down Tuesday, but only after taking a much bigger step up on Monday, which had raised the 30-year mortgage average to its highest level in two and half months. Even with Tuesday’s retreat, the average still sits above the 6% mark. Today’s National Mortgage Rate Averages

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) encourages the transition to renewable energy sources in rural and agricultural areas. Created by the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, REAP offers grants and guaranteed loans for developing clean energy systems and installing energy-efficient infrastructures such as lighting, insulation, cooling, and more. Key Takeways The Rural Energy for

A vasectomy, a surgical sterilization for those with testes, is up to six times cheaper than a tubal ligation, the surgical procedure designed to permanently prevent pregnancy by interrupting the movement of eggs from the ovaries. The reason for the cost difference is simple, says Peter Weiss, M.D., assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology

What Is Student Loan Deferment? A student loan deferment lets you stop making payments on your loan or reduce the amount you pay for up to three years, in most cases. During the deferment period, no interest accrues on federally subsidized loans because the government picks up the interest payments. But interest on unsubsidized loans

Rising energy prices—fueled at least in part by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—have made life uncomfortable for many Americans. Though prices for crude oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, and heating oil are forecast to drop a bit in 2023, the costs of of natural gas and electricity are expected to rise slightly next year. And all these