Slowdown or recession? Lack of clarity is what’s got the market on edge

The S & P 500 is now within roughly a half-percent of a 10% decline from its recent high. That would be a garden-variety correction, and it would be based on: 1) very rich valuations (the S & P 500 was trading at a multiple of 22 times 2025 estimates, historically high), and 2) a modest … Read more

Top Wall Street analysts are upbeat about these dividend-paying stocks

Optimism about the strong growth opportunities presented by the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) boom has been tempered by tariff-related distractions and macroeconomic challenges. Against this uncertain backdrop, investors looking for consistent income can add attractive dividend-paying stocks to their portfolios, and studying top Wall Street analysts can offer useful insights into picking the right dividend … Read more

Tesla supplier CATL has potential beyond just batteries, analysts say

For Tesla supplier Contemporary Amperex Technology , selling battery packs to major electric companies is just the start of its ambitions. “We believe the company is not just a hardware manufacturer, but it will also be a software ecosystem provider,” Morgan Stanley analysts led by Jack Lu said in a report Wednesday. They pointed to … Read more

How beauty expenses affect your finances

Katie Gatti Tassin Courtesy: Katie Gatti Tassin There are many unique hurdles that women face when it comes to money, such as the wage gap and caregiving responsibilities. Yet, there’s another challenge in women’s financial lives that is less-discussed — beauty costs, which can be an “insidious force in women’s financial lives,” said Katie Gatti … Read more

Trump tariff surprise delivery fees

As President Donald Trump continues to set aggressive new tariff rates on imports, U.S. consumers are feeling the effects on their wallets. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods paid by the entity importing those products. Businesses often pass the cost of tariffs along to consumers through higher prices. Sometimes, it’s not so subtle. In June, … Read more

The second-quarter estimated tax deadline for 2025 is June 16

Pra-chid | Istock | Getty Images The second-quarter estimated tax deadline is June 16 — and on-time payments can help you avoid “falling behind” on your balance, according to the IRS. Typically, quarterly payments apply to income without tax withholdings, such as earnings from self-employment, freelancing or gig economy work. You may also owe payments … Read more

Most women wish they started investing sooner, Schwab finds

D3sign | Moment | Getty Images Women who invest began at an average age of 31, but most wish they had started putting money in the market earlier, a recent survey said. Nearly all — 90% — of the women investors surveyed said they’re “on the right track” to achieve their financial goals, according to … Read more

The Fed held interest rates steady, but credit card APRs keep going up

Emirmemedovski | E+ | Getty Images Even with the Federal Reserve on the sidelines, credit card rates are edging higher. In June, credit card interest rates rose for the third straight month, hitting the highest level since December, according to a recent report by LendingTree. Now, the average annual percentage rate is just over 20%, according to Bankrate. For … Read more

ETF conference draws 2,000 managers and advisors to air latest trends

About 2,000 asset managers and investment advisors are here at the Exchange ETF conference in Las Vegas.   A small ETF crowd arrived Saturday night to see Dead & Co. at the Sphere, who put on an amazing light show on top of an amazing music show. (What did you expect from the Dead?) Musical entertainment … Read more

Starboard takes a stake in Tripadvisor. How the activist may bolster value

The Tripadvisor logo is displayed on a tablet. Mateusz Slodkowski | Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images Company: Tripadvisor (TRIP) Business: Tripadvisor is an online travel company. It leverages its brands, technology, and capabilities to connect its global audience with partners through content, travel guidance and two-sided marketplaces for experiences, accommodations, restaurants and other … Read more