BREAKING NEWS: Personal Finance

‘Heartless’ multinationals exploiting pensions loophole for UK workers

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 08:00:44 +0000

Hewlett Packard, American Express and Pfizer among firms to have frozen increases in payouts despite inflation

Some of the world’s richest companies are accused of exploiting a loophole in pension law to freeze increases in payouts for many former UK employees, despite the cost of living crisis.

The companies, which include Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), American Express and Pfizer, are being urged to “do the right thing” and increase these frozen pension payouts in line with inflation. MPs have condemned the failure of companies to increase the payments in the face of high inflation in recent years as “heartless” and “unethical”.

Cladding, mould, £75,000 charges – welcome to life in a British leasehold flat

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 08:00:41 +0000

Residents of a blighted London block have been trapped in their homes by a swirl of events, as government attempts to reform the law drag on

For many of the residents of Mar House, the past year has been spent in perpetual twilight.

The seven-storey block in Colindale, north London, is cloaked in blue netting and scaffolding that shroud its rooms in shadow in the middle of the day. The netting is for work to replace the building’s flammable Grenfell-style cladding and wooden balconies.

DWP to pay out up to £434 per month to those with back pain

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Millions of people suffer from debilitating back pain which can leave them struggling to perform daily tasks

I got £3,860 in five minutes after getting six-digit code from government

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

EXCLUSIVE: Express.co.uk's Alex Evans reveals how he instantly boosted his earnings with this handy hack.

Is DocuSign an Undervalued Growth Stock to Buy?

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 00:29:01 +0000

DocuSign (NASDAQ: DOCU) will not grow explosively, but slow and steady can still win the race.

*Stock prices used were the afternoon prices of Dec. 19, 2024. The video was published on Dec. 21, 2024.

1 Spectacular AI Stock to Buy Hand Over Fist Before 2025

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 00:25:20 +0000

This business has demonstrated an ability to innovate across several categories.

*Stock prices used were the afternoon prices of Dec. 19, 2024. The video was published on Dec. 21, 2024.

Why Archer Aviation Stock Soared This Week

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 00:23:01 +0000

Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) stock posted big gains over the last week of trading. The flying electric vehicle (EV) specialist's share price closed out the week's trading up 10%, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 index ended the week down 2%, and the Nasdaq Composite index closed out the period down 2.3%.

Even though the broader market saw big sell-offs after the Federal Reserve gave a more hawkish forecast for interest rates in 2025, Archer Aviation managed to close out last week's trading up big. The flying electric vehicle (EV) specialist saw big gains thanks to an announcement about its manufacturing outlook.

Like most of the stock market, Archer Aviation stock saw big sell-offs in conjunction with the Fed's policy meeting on Wednesday. While the central banking authority announced the 25-basis-point rate cut that the market expected, Chair Jerome Powell issued new guidance for next year that roiled the market. Rather than reiterating its previous forecast for four cuts of 25 basis points next year, the Fed now expects that there will be only two cuts of that size. But Archer subsequently delivered some bullish news and was able to close out the week's trading up double digits.

Why Shiba Inu Is Sinking This Week

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 00:11:41 +0000

The Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: SHIB) cryptocurrency has seen big sell-offs in this week's trading. The popular meme coin was down 22.7% over the last seven days of trading as of 4 p.m. ET Friday, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. The token price then rose 0.5% over the next 24 hours of trading.

The cryptocurrency market saw a wave of sell-offs this week due to news from the Federal Reserve, and Shiba Inu was a part of the pullback. But even with a big valuation contraction this week, the token is still up 108% year to date as of this writing.

The Fed held its latest policy meeting on Wednesday and announced that it was moving forward with the widely anticipated 25-basis-point cut for the benchmark interest rate. Unfortunately, the central banking authority gave a rate outlook for 2025 that was more hawkish than many investors had expected.

Why BigBear.ai Stock Skyrocketed This Week

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 00:06:23 +0000

BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI) stock posted big gains over the last week of trading. The company's share price ended Friday's daily trading session up 23.4% from the previous week's market close, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 index closed out the week down 2%, and the Nasdaq Composite index ended the stretch down 2.3%.

Despite bearish news on interest rates from the Federal Reserve this week, BigBear.ai stock managed to record explosive gains. The company's share price closed out the period with a dramatic increase thanks to new contract and partnership wins.

On Monday, BigBear.ai published a press release announcing a new partnership with Proof Labs. Through the partnership, BigBear will be working on a cyber resilient on-orbit (CROO) cybersecurity solution intended for use by the U.S. Air Force. The news powered a day of big gains for the company's stock.

Why Dogecoin Is Sinking This Week

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 00:02:26 +0000

Dogecoin (CRYPTO: DOGE) is seeing a big pullback in this week's trading. The popular meme coin was down 20.6% over the last seven days of trading as of 4 p.m. ET Friday, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence.

The Dogecoin token is facing significant selling pressures this week in conjunction with the Federal Reserve's comments on the interest rate outlook for next year. Investors may be getting fewer interest rate cuts than previously anticipated, and the shift in outlook has prompted a wave of selling across the cryptocurrency market.

The Federal Reserve held its latest meeting on Wednesday and delivered the 25-basis-point cut for the benchmark interest rate that investors had anticipated. Unfortunately, comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell arrived with some unwelcome news that triggered a surge in selling pressures for both stocks and cryptocurrencies.

10 ways you can save money this winter as UK inflation hits 2.6%

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 00:01:00 +0000

The latest official figures showed that Consumer Prices Index inflation climbed to 2.6 per cent in November, up from 2.3 per cent in October

Why Super Micro Computer Stock Plummeted This Week

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 23:53:33 +0000

Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ: SMCI) stock lost ground over the last week of trading. The company's share price closed out Friday's session down 13.3% from the previous week's close, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Supermicro's share price fell over the last week of trading as interest rate news from the Federal Reserve caused investors to shift their approach to stocks. While the Fed delivered the 25-basis-point interest rate cut that the market had anticipated, Chair Jerome Powell gave commentary that spooked investors.

The Fed held its latest meeting on Wednesday and delivered its third rate cut since September. The move lowered the benchmark interest rate to 4.25%, which is down from the recent high of 5.25% first established in July 2023. While higher interest rates are a way to combat inflation, they tend to produce weaker performance for the stock market.

Here Is My Bold Prediction for Disney Going Into 2025

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 23:30:00 +0000

The entertainment industry has always been tough to navigate. Whether you're a Hollywood star or a famous athlete, the entertainment world is predicated on a "what have you done for me lately?" mentality.

But one company that seems to defy expectations time and again is The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS). For a century, Disney has captivated audiences around the world like no other company in history. From an unparalleled roster of iconic characters, a never-ending string of magical universes, and storylines that enchant people of all ages, Disney may just be the greatest source of entertainment ever brought to life.

With that said, Disney's state of affairs has been a little turbulent as of late. Over the last couple of years, Disney has faced a wicked battle with activist investor Nelson Peltz. Plus, there's been intensifying competition in the streaming landscape (mainly from Netflix) and a tough landscape surrounding the movie industry and theme parks thanks in part to a writers strike and a tough macroeconomic environment.

PayPal Is Up 42% in 6 Months: Is It a Smart Stock to Buy for 2025 and Beyond?

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 23:24:03 +0000

After a difficult start to the year that saw shares drop 6% in the first half of 2024, PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL) is on its way up, winning over investors in remarkable fashion. The fintech stock has soared 42% in the last six months, which puts its year-to-date gain at 39% (as of Dec. 18), well ahead of the broader S&P 500.

However, shares are still trading a worrying 72% off their peak price. Long-term investors might still consider initiating a position in PayPal. Is it a smart stock to buy for 2025 and beyond?

The positive momentum for PayPal shares started when the business reported financial results for the second quarter of 2024 (ended June 30). During that three-month period, the company posted double-digit growth in total payment volume (TPV), with an expanding operating margin driven by expense controls. What's more, management raised full-year guidance for adjusted profit.

Is Ford a Millionaire-Maker?

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 23:24:00 +0000

The S&P 500 might be having another fantastic year. However, that bullish fever taking over the market hasn't extended to all businesses out there.

Ford (NYSE: F) is one of the unfortunate ones. As of this writing, the Detroit automaker's shares are down 21% in 2024, which is no doubt a disappointing performance that would worry any investor.

But perhaps you're feeling optimistic about the long-term picture. Is Ford a millionaire-maker?

Will Tesla Stock Pop or Drop in 2025?

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 23:18:00 +0000

Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) has been one of the biggest surprises of 2024.

The stock lagged the market for much of the year as the company reported disappointing quarterly results, including sluggish growth and falling profits. Additionally, electric vehicle sales growth has slowed as momentum in the sector seems to be plateauing now that early adopters have already purchased an EV, and EV stocks have struggled in general this year.

Through Oct. 23, the stock was down 14% year to date, underperforming the S&P 500, which had gained 21%, by a wide margin, as the chart below shows.

Better Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stock: Broadcom vs. Marvell Technology

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 23:15:00 +0000

Semiconductor stocks Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO) and Marvell Technology (NASDAQ: MRVL) have delivered outstanding gains in 2024, with shares of both companies more than doubling as of this writing thanks to the rapidly growing demand for their application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and networking chips that are being deployed in data centers for tackling artificial intelligence (AI) workloads.

Broadcom stock is up 124% this year, and Marvell stock has logged gains of 93% as of this writing. But if you had to choose one of these two AI stocks for your portfolio right now following the gains that they have delivered in 2024, which one should you buy? Let's find out.

The demand for AI-specific ASICs is growing as cloud service providers are looking to develop chips in-house to reduce their reliance on expensive semiconductors from the likes of Nvidia. This is where Broadcom steps in; it is reportedly manufacturing custom chips for major names such as Alphabet's Google, TikTok parent ByteDance, and Meta Platforms.

Costco Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 23:12:00 +0000

When it comes to solid retail businesses, investors may struggle to outdo Costco (NASDAQ: COST). The warehouse retailing giant's stock seemingly continues to defy gravity. Despite increasingly strong arguments for the stock's overvaluation, it is up 50% over the last year.

That situation understandably leaves investors wondering how to move forward with Costco stock. Do the continued increases mean investors should buy because its valuation no longer matters? Also, even if one holds it, can a shareholder make a case for staying in the stock, or is its price so stratospheric that all investors should stay away? Given these possibilities, investors should take a closer look at the retail stock before making such decisions.

Despite the intense competition in retailing, Costco holds some distinct advantages. Indeed, it has to compete with Amazon, which does not have the overhead costs of maintaining warehouse stores and has other businesses that could theoretically absorb the losses of retail operations.

Is Lucid Taking a Page out of Rivian's Playbook?

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 23:06:00 +0000

The automotive industry can be a bit of a copycat industry. When one automaker finds success with a certain strategy, you can bet the competitors across the street take notice. We might be seeing some of that with recent hints that Lucid (NASDAQ: LCID) is in talks with automakers on a potential partnership – perhaps similar to Rivian's (NASDAQ: RIVN) joint venture deal with Volkswagen.

Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson made a comment that the electric vehicle (EV) maker is currently in active talks with "a couple" of automakers about supplying its technology. Lucid's EV technology is highly regarded in the industry, and it's looking to share its tech in exchange for a partner with a more established supply chain and manufacturing operation.

It actually wouldn't be the first deal for Lucid, as the company previously agreed to a partnership with luxury British automaker Aston Martin. The partnership calls for Lucid to provide its EV powertrain technology for Aston Martin to develop a new EV platform.

Meet the Supercharged Growth Stock That's One of This Year's Biggest Winners. The Company Could Hit $50 Trillion by 2034, According to 1 World-Renowned Analyst

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 23:02:00 +0000

James Anderson may not be a household name, but there's no denying the legendary investor has made his mark. He spent more than two decades with the Scottish investment management firm Baillie Gifford, directing its premiere Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust and raking up gains of 1,700% in the process. He's now a managing partner at Lingotto Investment Management.

He made his name by spotting early and betting heavily on some of the tech sector's most iconic companies, including Amazon, Tesla, and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), among others. So when Anderson talks, investors would do well to listen.

Earlier this year, Anderson made a bold prognostication, saying that if the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) continues at its current pace, Nvidia could be worth as much as $50 trillion 10 years from now. While that might seem a fantastical assertion at first glance, he makes a compelling case.

Better Semiconductor Stock: Wolfspeed vs. Nvidia

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 23:00:00 +0000

Sales in the semiconductor industry are surging thanks to the secular trends of artificial intelligence (AI) and electric vehicles (EVs). The semiconductor market is forecast to reach more than $600 billion in 2024, and rise to $1 trillion by 2030, making investments in chip companies a good way to capitalize on this growth.

Two semiconductor industry leaders to consider are Wolfspeed (NYSE: WOLF) and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA). The former commands over 50% market share in the silicon carbide (SiC) wafer sector, while the latter captured headlines as its stock soared over 170% in 2024, through the week ending Dec. 13, thanks to its leadership in AI semiconductors.

Both offer innovative technologies that make them attractive investments. Let's examine Wolfspeed and Nvidia to help you assess which is the better semiconductor stock for the long haul.

SoFi Technologies: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 23:00:00 +0000

The S&P 500 has been on fire, consistently reaching record highs and showcasing strong performance over the last two years. But when it comes to standout stocks, SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ: SOFI) has rocketed up by 261% since the beginning of 2023.

SoFi's ability to expand its customer base and grow revenue has set it apart. After achieving its first quarterly net income a year ago, the fintech has maintained a streak of profitability, delivering several consecutive quarters of solid earnings.

SoFi is reaping the rewards of higher interest rates, which have played a pivotal role in accelerating its customer growth. With multiple avenues for further expansion, the company is well positioned for continued success.

3 Little-Known Social Security Rules All Married Retirees Should Know

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 23:00:00 +0000

Couples have a key advantage over single adults when it comes to retirement planning. As long as one person worked long enough to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, both will receive checks. This can significantly increase the cash available to these households, especially for those who weren't able to save a lot of money in their retirement accounts.

But planning for two Social Security checks also requires a bit more strategy if you want to maximize your household benefits. To do this effectively, all married couples need to know three important rules.

Image source: Getty Images.

Brits warned how 'small £2k pay rise' can leave you £12k worse off

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 22:48:00 +0000

Brits have been warned that a pay rise of just £2,000 could actually result in being £12,570 worse off - something that mainly affects people with children.

Down 15%, Is Nvidia Stock a Buy Now?

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 21:30:00 +0000

There's no question that Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) has been the leader of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution thus far. The stock jumped by nearly 10 times since the start of 2023, shortly after the launch of ChatGPT.

It rose to become the most valuable company in the world this year, though it has since ceded that position to Apple. Nvidia's strength was on display in its latest earnings report as the company delivered another round of blowout results. Revenue jumped 94% to $35.1 billion, and adjusted net income doubled to $20 billion, or $0.81 a share.

Nvidia shares peaked after that third-quarter earnings report on Nov. 21 at a share price of $152.89. However, something surprising happened shortly after that. Nvidia stock started to slide even as the broad market continued to gain as investors seemed to believe that the valuation had again become too inflated. As of Dec. 17, less than a month later, the stock is now down 15% from that peak after falling for four straight sessions in a row.

Christmas, and tax time, are here

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 21:23:46 +0000

Our Christmas traditions include hanging on our tree all the U.S. Capitol ornaments we collected during our years in the Washington,D.C., area. (Photo by Kay Bell)

Christmas is just days away. As long-time readers of the ol' blog know, I love this holiday. And like millions of others worldwide, the hubby and I enjoy our holiday traditions.

One of them is watching Christmas movies. A particular favorite is “A Christmas Carol.” It even has a passing reference to taxes.

A classic's tax reference: In the classic Charles Dickens' novella and subsequent cinematic representations, the infamous penny pincher Ebenezer Scrooge rebuffs a request to donate to charities that provide for the needy. Instead, Scrooge says the poor should go to the workhouses paid for by his tax dollars.

It’s no spoiler to say that after some supernatural Christmas Eve encounters, Scrooge becomes a changed man.

But the tax remark got me searching for other holiday-related references and levies. An internet search turned up several, but today’s Saturday Shout Out goes, fittingly given the Dickens’ inspiration, to a United Kingdom-based global tax technology firm, Innovate Tax.

Christmas' long-standing tax connections: In a post for Innovate Tax’s blog, Peter Nicholson writes, “The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, interestingly enough, taxes. Throughout history, various taxes and laws have been associated with Christmas, reflecting the unique ways governments have interacted with this festive period.”

He provides details on some intriguing Christmas-related taxes and regulations in 5 Christmas taxes you never knew existed. Actually, he also examines four other notable tax mentions with Christmas connections.

Here's a quick preview. They include a tree tax, a couple of debt laws affected by the holiday's date, and seasonal travel taxes.

Check them out. And if you know of other Christmas/holiday taxes that should be added to the list, please let us know by leaving specifics as a comment.

Now, I’m off to watch some football, and later today, my favorite film version of “A Christmas Carol,” the one with George C. Scott as a booming, intimidating, and ultimately more compassionate Ebenezer Scrooge.

And like the eventually reformed Scrooge, I also will endeavor to keep his promise to “honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.”

You also might find these items of interest:

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This Warren Buffett Index Fund Has a 100% Success Rate in the Stock Market -- and It Just Might Make You a Millionaire

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 21:00:00 +0000

Whether you're saving for retirement or simply looking to increase your net worth, investing in the stock market is one of the easiest and safest ways to build long-term wealth.
If you're looking for a relatively safe and low-maintenance way to get involved in the stock market, you can't go wrong with an index fund. An index fund is a group of securities bundled together into a single investment, so by investing in just one fund, you can instantly gain a stake in hundreds of stocks at once.
While there are countless index funds to choose from, there's one fund with a long track record of surviving even the worst market crashes and experiencing positive total returns. It's approved by billionaire investing legend Warren Buffett himself.
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Here's the Maximum Possible Social Security Benefit at 62, 66, 67, and 70

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 21:00:00 +0000

One of the biggest factors determining your Social Security retirement benefit is how much you earn during your career. A long, high-paying career puts you one step closer to receiving the maximum possible monthly check once you claim benefits.
But retirees shouldn't discount the impact of claiming age in their decision. When you decide to start Social Security can have a massive impact on the size of your check too.
That discrepancy is magnified when comparing the maximum possible Social Security benefit at ages 62 and 70. Some retirees decide to split the difference and claim benefits at their full retirement age, which will fall between age 66 and 67 for readers.
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I’m one of millions working in retail. This Christmas, don’t ask how we are – or we may tell you | Andrew Herrick

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 19:00:27 +0000

So far today I have dealt with 200 customers. I have smiled 200 times, but that’s getting harder. Consider me a checkout robot
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You decided to do it differently this year. You usually buy online, with high-minded principle, from a company owned by the least-loathsome billionaire you can find. Instead, this Christmas you gritted your teeth and drove in a hot car to a local business where you (finally) found a park. Then you steadfastly hunted down the gifts that your family members simply must have, worked your way up the cattle race to the counter, upon which you triumphantly spread your purchases. With luck you’ll be out of here and home before the roads get too busy. That man behind the counter doesn’t look happy; who cares: as long as he’s efficient.
That’d be me. I’ve been standing in one spot for the last six hours (OK, one toilet break) and have another three to go. I’ve worked in retail for 14 years, and so far today I’ve dealt with 200 customers. I’ve smiled 200 times, but that’s getting harder. I’m so tired it probably looks more like a grimace. Sorry, but consider me a checkout robot, carefully rationing my battery charge by using muscle memory to hit the right keys and move the mouse cursor to make sure each of today’s 500 or so products (so far) is correctly entered and paid for.
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Belief in a lottery curse is comforting, but winning lots of money does make you happy | Martha Gill

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 17:30:22 +0000

The notion that vast windfalls inevitably bring misery is based on a handful of sad cases
Does winning the lottery wreck your life? When it was revealed earlier this week that an anonymous Briton had won £177m in the November EuroMillions draw – making them the third biggest national lottery winner ever – the Mail Online announced it with all the impartiality of a bad fairy at a christening: “Other big winners”, the second half of the headline ran, “have faced ‘lottery curse’ with divorce, disease, family splits and death”.
Follow the progress of lottery winners through the newspapers, and you’d be forgiven for thinking they all live out the same morality tale. Headlines such as “The bad luck of winning” and “A treasury of terribly sad stories of Lotto winners” drive home the point.
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Should You Forget Bitcoin and Buy Solana Instead?

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 16:37:00 +0000

The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) market index has seen a total return of 25% in 2024. That's a fantastic year for the stock market, but it can't hold a candle to the crypto market.
According to CoinMarketCap, the market value of every cryptocurrency added up to $1.65 trillion at the end of 2023. The combined market cap is up to $3.30 trillion on Dec. 19, which works out to a doubling in less than 12 months.
Crypto pioneer Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) gained 138% over the same period. Smart contracts innovator Solana (CRYPTO: SOL) showed a 101% gain, just ahead of the crypto sector as a whole.
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4 Tech Titans Will Spend a Combined $300 Billion on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2025, According to 1 Wall Street Firm. This Stock Could Be the Biggest Winner.

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 16:09:00 +0000

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the most revolutionary technology in a generation. Its ability to instantly generate text, images, videos, and even computer code could drive a productivity boom for businesses all over the world.
The industry is still in its infancy, but Wall Street's forecasts suggest AI could add anywhere between $7 trillion and $200 trillion to the global economy during the next decade. That's why technology giants are battling one another for AI supremacy and spending astronomical amounts of money on data center infrastructure and chips.
According to an estimate from investment bank Morgan Stanley, four technology giants alone could invest a combined $300 billion in capital expenditures (capex) in 2025. Driving that spending will be AI, and with Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) supplying the most advanced chips in the industry for AI development, its stock could also be the biggest winner from the spending boom.
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4 Things Palantir Investors May Have Missed This Week

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 16:01:00 +0000

Developments in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector have generated a lot of headlines over the past couple of years. The abilities of AI systems to create original content, automate processes, and increase productivity have businesses of all stripes eager to secure a part of the resulting windfall.
One company that's well positioned to benefit from this trend is Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR). It has decades of experience creating novel AI solutions, which came in handy when the generative AI trend went mainstream early in 2023. That secular tailwind has been extremely profitable for the company and its shareholders. The stock is up 333% so far this year and up 1,060% since the start of 2023, with its gains driven by robust results and an expanding opportunity.
Positive developments for Palantir were so plentiful over the past week, it's likely that some investors didn't catch all the announcements. So here are four things you may have missed this week.
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Why Is Micron Stock Crashing, and Is It a Buying Opportunity?

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000

In today's video, I discuss recent updates affecting Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU). To learn more, check out the short video, consider subscribing, and click the special offer link below.
*Stock prices used were the pre-market prices of Dec. 19, 2024. The video was published on Dec. 19, 2024.
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This Powerhouse Vanguard ETF Could Turn $300 Per Month Into $1.2 Million. Here's How.

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Building an investment portfolio worth $1 million or more is a dream many people share, yet relatively few will achieve. In fact, when asked what a "high net worth" looks like in a 2023 survey by Empower, the median response was $400,000 -- and 74% of survey participants believed they'd never reach that threshold.
Investing in the stock market is one of the most attainable ways to generate serious wealth, and you don't need to be an expert at choosing stocks or timing the market. Sometimes, all it takes is one investment that can transform your finances.
Image source: Getty Images.
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Here Are Billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller's 5 Biggest Stock Holdings

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Billionaire Stanley Druckenmiller might not be a household name like Warren Buffett, but he's one of the best investors of all time.
The George Soros protégé ran the Duquesne Capital Management hedge fund for nearly 30 years with an average annual return of 30% and no losing years. That's a phenomenal track record.
These days, Druckenmiller is retired as a hedge fund manager since he closed his fund in 2010, but he still invests through the Duquesne Family Office, where he's made some smart buys in recent years, including Nvidia just after ChatGPT launched.
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1 Social Security Change in 2025 Every Worker Needs to Know

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0000

For many older adults, Social Security makes the difference between enjoying a comfortable retirement and struggling to make ends meet.
However, 55% of U.S. adults admit that their benefits are not enough to cover their basic needs in retirement, according to a 2024 survey from the Nationwide Retirement Institute. A separate study from investment management firm T. Rowe Price also found that 20% of retirees are working either full- or part-time, with nearly half doing so for financial reasons.
Working in retirement can be a smart way to create financial stability, but in some cases, your income could shrink your Social Security benefits. Here's what to expect heading into 2025.
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Senate passes Social Security benefits increase for some public workers

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 15:02:27 +0000
The Social Security Fairness Act passed by a vote of 76-20 in the early hours of Saturday.

What tariffs mean for car prices: 'There's no such thing as a 100% American vehicle,' auto expert says

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 15:00:01 +0000
Tariffs might increase car production costs and that could mean higher sticker prices for shoppers in the long run.

This Is Costco's Secret Weapon Against Inflation

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 15:00:00 +0000

In the current economic environment, many retailers are struggling. While unemployment remains low and growth in gross domestic product (GDP) has been solid, the past few years of high inflation have eaten into consumers' budgets.
This has resulted in headwinds for many stocks, from restaurants to retailers.
However, in this adverse spending climate, big-box discount retailer Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST) just posted impressive growth and even margin expansion. Investors can thank the company's major competitive advantage, which allows Costco to capitalize when the going gets tough.
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Rivian: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 14:42:00 +0000

One of the more volatile stocks of 2024 has been Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ: RIVN). The electric vehicle (EV) maker has had a number of ups and downs this year, and while the stock has performed well the past couple of months, the stock is still down about 35% year to date, as of this writing.
The question now, though, is whether the stock is a buy, sell, or hold going into 2025. Let's look at each argument to help decide.
The sell case for Rivian largely comes down to two main issues: slowing EV industry sales and its weak gross margin.
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Want Decades of Passive Income? Buy This ETF and Hold It Forever.

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Are you at a point in your investing life where you just want to tuck some money away and collect dividends from it? Well, good news! You've got plenty of simple options. A single exchange-traded fund (ETF) could do the trick, in fact, even if you consider yourself a sophisticated investor capable of handling more complicated positions.
That fund? The Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (NYSEMKT: VIG). Here's the deal.
An ETF is simply a basket of stocks that makes it easy for you to diversify your holdings. Most of these funds -- which are bought and sold just like ordinary stocks -- hold anywhere from a few dozen to a few hundred individual equities. These baskets, of course, reflect the ever-changing collective value of all the holdings in them.
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Plug Power: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 14:15:00 +0000

Plug Power (NASDAQ: PLUG) is on a mission to deliver sustainable energy with its innovative fuel cells. The company looks to capitalize on the renewable energy market with its hydrogen technology. According to an estimate by Deloitte Consulting, the green hydrogen market could reach $1.4 trillion by 2050, giving Plug Power massive upside potential.
Even so, the company has faced significant hurdles in recent years. After reaching as high as $75 per share in 2021, the stock has come crashing down to Earth, plummeting 97%, and has failed to recover since then. Here's what you should consider if you are thinking of buying Plug Power (or if you already have).
Plug Power aims to position itself in the evolving renewable energy sector with its hydrogen fuel cells. As an alternative to conventional batteries, Plug Power provides clean and efficient energy with minimal carbon emissions.
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Is Recursion Pharmaceuticals Stock a Millionaire Maker?

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Successfully navigating the stock market requires patience and a long-term perspective. The key is sticking to a consistent plan and making regular contributions to a retirement account, allowing the power of compounding to work its magic over time.
Nevertheless, there's an undeniable allure in searching for potential multibagger stocks. Something is captivating about companies with disruptive innovations, whose stocks could be on the cusp of rapid growth and capable of delivering life-changing returns to shareholders.
Recursion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: RXRX) is a clinical-stage biotech that may have that level of potential. The company harnesses artificial intelligence (AI) for drug discovery, promising to revolutionize medicine. Let's explore whether buying the stock could eventually help you become a millionaire.
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2 Dividend-Growth Stocks That Billionaire Izzy Englander Loves

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 13:43:00 +0000

Investing in dividend stocks is a great strategy for many reasons, including the potential they offer you to significantly boost your long-term returns by automatically reinvesting their payouts. Furthermore, the pursuit of dividends need not come at the expense of other investment styles. Some income stocks look like excellent growth stocks, too.
Here are two examples: Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY). These two market leaders are popular on Wall Street. Take Israel "Izzy" Englander, the founder and CEO of Millennium Management. Both Microsoft and Eli Lilly feature in Millennium Management's top 10 holdings, with the former accounting for 1.71% of the portfolio as of Q3 and the latter making up 0.76%. In the third quarter, Englander and his team increased their stakes in Microsoft and Eli Lilly by 51% and 86%, respectively.
Here is why investors should seriously consider following Englander's lead and purchasing shares of these two top corporations.
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If You Bought 1 Share of Walmart at Its IPO, Here's How Many Shares You Would Own Now

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 13:31:00 +0000

It's hard to fathom a world without Walmart (NYSE: WMT). The company opened its first discount store in the early 1960s and conducted its initial public offering (IPO) in October 1970.
If you were lucky and astute enough to buy just one share during its early days as a public company, you'd have many more due to subsequent stock splits.
Exactly how many shares would you own? Tracking the stock split history and doing some multiplication will provide the answer.
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1 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stock That Could Soar in 2025

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 13:25:00 +0000

The artificial intelligence (AI) field has been grabbing many headlines on Wall Street in the past two years. Will this trend continue in 2025? It's hard to say, but whether or not it does, specific AI-focused companies could make significant progress and see their shares soar as a result.
Recursion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: RXRX) could be one of them. The AI-focused biotech has several potential catalysts next year. Let's figure out whether investing in Recursion Pharmaceuticals ahead of 2025 is worth it.
Recursion Pharmaceuticals uses AI to speed up the drug discovery and development process. The company's virtual lab runs experiments to identify promising clinical compounds to send to human clinical trials. For a typical drugmaker, most brand-new compounds will never enter the clinic to be tested on humans. Most of those that do will never go on to earn approval.
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Here's My Favorite Retirement Account Heading Into 2025 and Beyond

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 13:10:00 +0000

One rule I always follow when it comes to retirement is "It's always better to be overprepared than underprepared." Of course, this applies to many areas of life, but it's especially critical when it comes to retirement finances.
One of the surest ways to make sure you're as financially prepared as possible for retirement is to take advantage of retirement accounts. It's a two-for-one benefit: You set money aside from retirement while simultaneously receiving a tax break.
You can choose from handfuls of retirement accounts, but the Roth IRA is by far my favorite heading into 2025 and beyond.
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Google Is Funding a Space Startup -- But I Wouldn't Even Think About Investing In It

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 13:08:00 +0000

It was a story good enough for a Hallmark movie, and it came just in time for Christmas.
Last week, space news site Payload Space told the heartwarming tale of a small Ukrainian company, "Promin," and its quixotic quest to build a new rocket by joining some of the best Soviet-era rocket scientists with American corporate know-how.
Based in Dnipro, not far from the front lines in war-ravaged southeastern Ukraine, Promin was working toward its first rocket launch when Russia invaded in 2022. Putting those plans on hold, the company decided to try to set up shop in the United States instead, and finally opened its doors in Brunswick, Maine in December.
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These 3 Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stocks Could Supply You With a Lucrative Monthly Passive Income Stream in 2025

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 13:02:00 +0000

Most companies pay dividends on a quarterly schedule because that aligns with their financial reporting. The problem with that cadence is that it doesn't align with expenses, many of which tend to be monthly. Because of that, retirees and others who live off their passive income often need to be more creative to match their income with their expenses.
However, some companies have chosen to pay dividends each month. Further, a few of them offer higher-yielding dividends. Those features make them ideal passive income investments.
Three high-yielding monthly dividend stocks are AGNC Investment (NASDAQ: AGNC), EPR Properties (NYSE: EPR), and Realty Income (NYSE: O). Here's a closer look at these lucrative passive income investments.
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