Economic News Archives - Page 12 of 18

Category: Economic News

The macro economy has a large impact on your personal finances. To help you manage your money better we track the import economic trends. Stay up to date so you can be prepared to adjust your personal finance strategies.

Morgan Stanley and E*Trade logos

Morgan Stanley to Acquire E*Trade

When Charles Schwab announced it was lowering its trade fees to $0 — following the lead of FinTech startups like Robinhood — it was clear that a shake up to the brokerage industry was underway. Sure enough, within days, several other firms including TD Ameritrade, E*Trade, and others revealed that they too would be putting an end to their trade fees. This was then followed by the news that Schwab...
IRA jar

Fidelity Finds Average Retirement Balances Hit Record High in 2019

During his State of the Union address a couple of weeks back, President Donald Trump continued to tout the strength of the United States economy. Indeed the stock markets did have a strong (albeit bumpy at times) year in 2019 — but how does that impact the average American? Well, according to a new report from Fidelity, between new contributions and market gains, those saving for retirement saw their account...
US Household Debt

Total U.S. Household Debt Tops $14 Trillion

Over the past several years, as the economy has continued to grow, so has the total amount of debt that Americans have taken on. While housing may make up the bulk of this debt, car loans, credit cards, and student loan debts are also on the rise. In fact, as Bloomberg reports, total household debt in the United States has now topped $14 trillion for the first time. The fourth...
US employment graphs

United States Economy Gains 225,000 Jobs in January

This morning the first jobs report for 2020 was released — and it looks like the year is off to a running start. As CNN Business reports, the United States economy added an impressive 225,000 jobs during the month of January. That easily tops the 160,000 jobs expected by economists surveyed by the site. It also well outpaces the monthly average of 175,000 jobs seen throughout 2019. For the past...
jet flying overhead

Delta Announces Major Profit-Sharing Bonuses for Employees

As the United States economy has continued to expand and executive compensation has expanded with it, income inequality has become a more high-profile topic. While that's partially because of the latest election cycle and the controversial 2017 tax bill, grassroots minimum wage hike efforts and the like have also played a role. Given the current climate then, it may be surprising to hear about a major corporation surprising its employees...
Chart of FICO scores

Average Experian FICO Score Reaches Another New High

This just in: Americans are continuing to improve their credit. According to Experian's 2019 Consumer Credit Review, the average FICO credit score now sits at 703. In addition to that being up two points from last year, it also marks a new record. More impressively, since 2010, the average has climbed 14 points. Not only has the average FICO score notched above 700 but the majority (59%) of Americans now...
pumping gas

GasBuddy Predicts Average Cost Per Gallon to Remain Under $3 in 2020

Whether you're a frequent road tripper or a long commuter, there may be good news for the year ahead. According to the gas station-finding app GasBuddy, the national year average for gasoline is expected to stay below $3 a gallon once again in 2020. For transparency GasBuddy heads off their report with a look at some of their past predictions compared to the actual national average. For example their 2018...
cash register

Minimum Wages Set to Increase in 24 States Next Year

With the new year just ahead, it looks as though several Americans will be seeing a raise in the coming weeks. As CNN reports, minimum wage hikes are set to take effect in 24 states throughout 2020. Moreover increases will also take place in 48 cities and counties across the country. While the majority of these changes will be effective as of January 1st — with 20 states and 25...
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A Guide to Building Credit and Increasing Your Credit Scores

When it comes to credit, there’s some good news. The average credit score in the United States has been steadily rising in recent years, coming in at 715 in 2023. That may be because, today, consumers not only have more ways to access their credit reports and scores than ever before but also because there are an increasing number of options that Americans have for building credit in the first...

2024 SoFi Checking and Savings Review

Ever since I started taking an interest in the FinTech sector, one company whose name I’ve seen pop up over and over again is SoFi. Lately it seems as though that theme has been sent into overdrive as the company has not only become a household name thanks to its stadium naming rights deal but also because of the company’s continued product expansions. The most interesting development in my mind...
Brim logo

Brim Financial Raises $85 Million as It Eyes Global Expansion

Toronto-based FinTech infrastructure startup Brim Financial has announced a new funding round. About the round: Brim has revealed an $85 million round. The Series C was led by EDC Investments while new investor Vistara Growth and returning investors White Owl Group, Epic Ventures, and Zions Bank also participated. To date, the company has now raised $110 million including a Series B in 2021. According to Brim, the latest funding will...
Chase Freedom Flex card

Chase Reveals Q2 2024 Freedom 5%(+) Bonus Categories

Chase has announced its bonus category picks for the second quarter of 2024 — including some interesting twists. About the categories: As April approaches, Chase has revealed what categories Freedom and Freedom Flex cardholders can earn bonuses on. From April 1st through June 30th, customers can earn 5% (or more) in three categories: Amazon.com, Hotels, and Restaurants. Similar to how Chase embraced a "New Year, New Me" theme last quarter,...

FedEx Announces Winners of 11th Annual 2023 Small Business Grant Contest

Nearly three months after the entry period ended, FedEx has announced the winners of its 11th annual Small Business Grant Content. This year's event saw more than $300,000 in funds going to a variety of small businesses across the nation. Last month, the company revealed 100 finalists, with that list now being narrowed down to just 10 winners. This year's grand prize winners included KindVR, The Cupcake Collection, Up In...