Personal finance
U.S. judge temporarily blocks mass firings at consumer bureau
The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) headquarters in Washington, DC, US, on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images A federal judge on Friday halted the mass firings carried out Thursday afternoon at the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, saying she was deeply concerned that the Trump administration had violatedcourt orders […]
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Should investors dump U.S. stocks for international equities? Here’s what experts are saying
Key Points U.S. stocks had been outperforming the world for years heading into 2025. Now, some investors are changing their investment strategy to boost their international exposure. Although global diversification may be a good move as U.S. markets come under pressure, CNBC Financial Advisor Council members caution against chasing returns. Source
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Here’s why retirees shouldn’t fully ditch stocks
Key Points Retirees may feel they’re protecting their nest eggs by getting out of stocks entirely. However, by doing so they’d increase their risk of outliving their savings during retirement, which may last decades, experts said. Source
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This homeowner cut her heating bill in half — and got a $1,200 tax credit
Key Points The energy efficient home improvement tax credit offers taxpayers up to $3,200 per year to offset the cost of projects like installing a heat pump or insulation. The Inflation Reduction Act extended the tax break through 2032 and made it more generous. Republicans may kill the tax credit as part of a multitrillion-dollar […]
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Cash may feel safe when stocks slide, but it has risks
Key Points Investors have fled stocks in favor of perceived safe havens like cash amid tariff-fueled market volatility. Cash may feel safer, but it also comes with risks for long-term savers, experts said. Cash interest rates generally lag stock returns by wide margins over time and are often negative after accounting for inflation. Source
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Tariffs, trade war inflation impact to be ‘pretty ugly’ by summer, economists say
Key Points Economists expect that tariffs will lead to higher prices for consumers. The price impact will be noticeable by summer, economists said. Food prices will be among the early indicators, then physical goods, they said. President Donald Trump may change course regarding policy, however. Source
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Here’s the inflation breakdown for March 2025 — in one chart
Key Points The annual consumer price index fell to 2.4% in March, down from 2.8% in February, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. President Donald Trump’s tariff agenda and the prospect of a global trade war threaten to reverse progress in coming months. Source
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Why the stock market hates tariffs and trade wars
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Spencer Platt | Getty Images The stock market has been throwing a temper tantrum, fueled by fear of President Donald Trump’s tariff policy and the specter of an escalating global trade war. Americans may wonder why trade policy has made stock investors so skittish. […]
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Here’s why ‘dead’ investors outperform the living
Key Points The average investor would have better investment results by doing nothing. Investors often have bad habits that cause them to buy high and sell low. Buying and holding investments like all-in-one funds that automate tasks like rebalancing is a good bet for investors, experts said. Source
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Tariffs will likely raise much less money than White House projects, economists say
Key Points White House trade adviser Peter Navarro estimated the U.S. would raise about $600 billion to $700 billion a year from tariffs. Economists say the true number will probably be less than half of that sum. Much depends on the actual policies, though. President Donald Trump is preparing to unveil more tariffs against trade […]
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