Investing News

What Is the S&P 500 Index? Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500) is a market-capitalization-weighted index of 500 leading publicly traded companies in the U.S. While it assumed its present size (and name) in 1957, the S&P actually dates back to the 1920s, becoming a composite index tracking 90 stocks in 1926. The average annualized return since

The U.S. Federal Reserve has announced its final guideline that might allow crypto banks to enter the banking system. The central bank will set up a three-tiered system for determining whether financial institutions have access. As part of the final guideline, institutions with novel financial products will have access to the fed’s “master accounts” and

Homeowners who want to add energy-efficient features to their home can save substantial money in utilities bills, but they have other costs to consider. Along with the potential for savings on energy costs, energy-efficient features can provide a number of benefits for the environment and for the occupants’ health. However, the technology that helps a

When planning a wedding, choosing the right venue matters. A destination wedding is something you may consider if you’d like to tie the knot someplace memorable. Destination weddings are ceremonies that are hosted away from the couple’s hometown and usually require travel for the wedding party and guests. Key Takeaways A destination wedding takes place

House and Senate Democrats and staff celebrated the signing into law of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 by President Joe Biden on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022. “For a while, people doubted whether (this) was going to happen, but we are in a season of substance,” said the president. “Today offers further proof that the

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed in March 2021 that lowered premium costs for million of people. The legislation allowed people to claim higher tax credits if they have a health insurance plan purchased through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. The net effect was that

The electric auto industry is comprised of companies focused on the manufacture of electric cars, trucks, vans, and commercial vehicles, as well as companies that offer electric automobile parts and services. While some traditional automakers also produce electric vehicles (EV), this article focuses on companies considered to be largely pure-play electric vehicle manufacturers. The electric

Mortgage rates had a quiet day Monday, with most averages dipping just slightly lower or remaining flat. It follows a week-and-a-half period of dramatic up and down swings for the 30-year average. Today’s National Mortgage Rate Averages The 30-year average took a relative breather Monday, with only its second day in 12 registering a minimal

Every bank-related financial transaction requires two critical pieces of information to identify customers: the routing number and the account number, both of which are assigned when you open an account. You can find both of these on the bottom of paper checks, and these numbers are also needed when you do electronic bank transfers or wires

Jobs in the financial sector can be highly lucrative, which helps explain why they’re in such great demand. Of course, breaking into the world of finance isn’t easy, as entry qualifications can be as lofty as the salaries. At a minimum, most jobs require a four-year degree, and many professionals have advanced degrees in business,

Macy’s Inc. (M) is one of the most recognizable retail chains in the United States, operating Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s department stores as well as Macy’s Backstage, Bloomingdale’s, Bloomingdale’s Outlet, and Bluemercury franchises. In total, the company has 725 stores in operation, according to its annual report. Macy’s, the largest retail brand, accounts for approximately 510

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is designed to provide round-the-clock healthcare for babies who are born prematurely or with life-threatening health conditions. A NICU stay can be emotional and stressful for parents and there may be financial aftershocks once medical bills begin arriving. Newborn intensive care costs can be significantly higher than standard newborn

People who are affected by infertility do have options to try, but in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the diagnostics, medication, surgery, and other treatments can be expensive. In some cases, medical insurance will cover many of the costs, but in other cases it won’t. On a global scale, 15% of reproductive-aged couples are impacted by

Warren Buffett has built Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (BRK.A, BRK.B) into one of the most recognizable companies in the world. Despite Berkshire’s phenomenal success, the company has risks for investors. These risks include the choice of a successor who will run the company after Warren Buffett is no longer serving as chair and chief executive. There’s also

Is Social Security taxable? For most Americans, it is. That is, a majority of those who receive Social Security benefits pay income tax on up to half or even 85% of that money because their combined income from Social Security and other sources pushes them above the very low thresholds for taxes to kick in.

Barclays is a major bank providing a variety of financial products and services throughout the United Kingdom as well as Europe, North and South America, Africa, the Asia Pacific region, and the Middle East. In addition to retail banking, the company offers investment banking and wealth management including investment services. It is based in London.

The United States Department of the Treasury is a Cabinet-level agency of the federal government. It is responsible for crucial functions that help keep the government running, including paying all U.S. bills, collecting taxes, and managing federal finances. Another important role that the Department of the Treasury performs is overseeing national banks, which includes the

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are publicly traded companies that allow individual investors to buy shares in real estate portfolios that receive income from a variety of properties. They allow investors to invest easily in the real estate sector, which includes companies that own, develop, and manage residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Among other requirements, REITs are required

The energy sector provides unique opportunities for individuals interested in investing, especially with companies that operate under the oil and gas drilling category. The oil and gas drilling sector focuses on the companies that explore the world for reservoirs of raw materials that can be refined into usable oil and then drill to extract that

Stochastic Oscillator vs. Stochastic Momentum Index: An Overview The Stochastic Oscillator and the Stochastic Momentum Index (SMI) are both tools used to indicate momentum and are often used by financial traders to understand psychological undercurrents and their relation to price movements. Although the two tools are not surefire ways to determine price direction, they can