The Ups and Downs of the Interest Rate

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According to the Washington Post, the Federal Reserve announced Wednesday that it would not raise interest rates this month. Questions: Source: Siegel, R. and A. Bhattarai. (2023). Fed leaves rates unchanged for first time since March 2022. The Washington Post, June 14 (Retrievable online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/06/14/fed-expected-leave-rates-unchanged-first-time-since-march-2022/)

Now Your Free Perks Are Going to Cost More!

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According to the New York Times, recent changes to restaurant rewards programs at places like Dunkin’ and Starbucks mean that customers must pay more before their perks kick in. Questions: Source: Creswell, J. (2023) Restaurant Chains Make It Cost More to Be Loyal. The New York Times, Feb. 28 (Retrievable online at https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/28/business/restaurant-reward-programs.html)

Retail apocalypse?

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It seems as if each day brings a new list of closing retailers. According to Shimkus (2023), Macy’s, Nordstrom, Kohl’s, Bed Bath and Beyond, and JoAnn’s are only a few of the iconic brick-and-mortar stores to close numerous stores this year. Questions: Source: Shimkus, B. (2023). SHUTTING UP SHOP: Full list of stores hit by… Read more »

401(k) Contribution Limits are Jumping

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According to the New York Times, the I.R.S. announced one of its largest increases in decades to caps on retirement contributions, allowing workers with access to the plans to save more. Questions: How much will employees be able to contribute in 2023 to 401 (k) plans? How much are the catch-up contributions for 2023 and… Read more »

Exploiting Inflation to Pad Bottom Lines

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According to The Washington Post, some companies are exploiting inflation to pad their bottom lines. Questions: What evidence indicates that companies are raising prices to exploit rather than in relation to underlying cost increases? If companies are passing on their own higher costs to consumers, their _______________ should stay roughly the same. How do analysts… Read more »

High Rents

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According to the Washington Post, rising rents are expected to be a driving force in inflation this year and have been an ongoing policy challenge for the Biden administration. Questions: By what percentage have rents increased in a number of cities? What is the average rent in cities like Austin, New York and Miami? What… Read more »

Have you considered Inflation Bonds?

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According to the New York Times, rising prices have affected both consumer goods and some government savings bonds. However, they could also benefit investors looking for safe spaces for their money. Questions: What type of return will the new series I savings bonds, known as inflation bonds to be issued in the next six months,… Read more »

Stagnant Wages

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, wages fell over the last year for ordinary, non-management workers. This is further evidence that companies are managing to avoid paying amid one of the tightest labor markets in decades. Questions: 1. What was the fall in wages from June 2017 to June 2018? 2. In two sentences,… Read more »

Lack Luster Gold

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According to Ms. Pattanaik, GOLD is not the safe haven that it once was. In fact, she concludes that gold may only come back as a safe haven if the markets face even grimmer news than that of recent times. Questions: 1. According to the author, what are the reasons why investor panic is not… Read more »

An expensive proposition

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Currently, it is estimated that an average middle-income family in the United States can expect to spend about $245,000 over 18 years to raise a child. This is from the Department of Agriculture’s annual “Cost of Raising a Child” report. Questions: 1. If you adjust for inflation, how much more will an average middle-income family… Read more »