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☆ Euro zone inflation unexpectedly slows to 2.4% in March, with core print also below forecast
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Jenni Reid | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Inflation in the 20-nation euro zone eased to 2.4% in March, according to flash figures published on Wednesday, boosting expectations for interest rate cuts to begin in the summer. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the rate would hold steady against the previous month at 2.6%. The core rate of inflation, excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, cooled from 3.1% to 2.9%, also coming in below expectations. Markets expect the euro zone's central bank will begin lowering borrowing costs in June — a position reflected in the recent messaging of ECB decision-makers. "Inflation has declined despite a jump in energy inflation, and a boost from an early Easter.

Persons: European Central Bank —, Price, Robert Holzmann, Carsten Brzeski, Kamil Kovar, Kovar Organizations: Reuters, European Central Bank, ECB, ING, Moody's Locations: Rome, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Austrian

☆ Euro zone inflation eases as expected, but core figures disappoint
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-01 | by ( Jenni Reid | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Euro zone headline inflation eased slightly in January, flash figures published by the European Union's statistics agency showed on Thursday, while core figures declined less than expected. Inflation stood at 2.9% in December, up from 2.4% in November, largely due to the wind-down of energy price support measures. By sector, services inflation — an important gauge for policymakers due to its link to domestic wage pressures — held steady at 4%. Preliminary figures out earlier this week showed inflation in Germany easing slightly more than had been forecast, reaching 3.1%. "However, core inflation only inched lower, with services especially coming in quite hot.

Persons: Janis, Price, Christine Lagarde, Kamil Kovar, Kovar Organizations: Reuters, Inflation, European Central Bank, ECB, Moody's Locations: Cais, Lisbon, Portugal, Germany

☆ Euro zone inflation tumble pits ECB against markets
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Balazs Koranyi | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Inflation has dropped quickly towards the ECB's 2% target from levels above 10% just a year ago but policymakers have cautioned against excessive optimism. The rapid inflation slowdown puts the euro zone central bank and investors on a collision course as the two appear to see greatly different paths ahead, both for consumer prices and ECB interest rates. "And if the recent trends in inflation and growth continue then 2024 will be the year when the ECB implements a pirouette in monetary policy." "The market is therefore right to start looking at rate cuts for 2024. Some economists argue that modelling current inflation is exceptionally difficult because corporate profits are the main driver, not wages as in normal bouts of rapid inflation.

Persons: Sarah Meyssonnier, Kamil Kovar, Yannis Stournaras, Fabio Panetta, Panetta, Christine Lagarde's, Bert Colijn, Balazs Koranyi, Catherine Evans Organizations: REUTERS, ECB, Moody's, Bank of Italy, ING, Thomson Locations: Paris, France, FRANKFURT

A financial planner told me I need to understand how my retirement account is invested. I don't feel like I have the knowledge or time to be able to manage my retirement accounts on my own. However, Kovar said it's still important to keep a pulse on what's happening inside of those retirement accounts. Kovar recommended that people look at their retirement accounts every 6-12 months to determine how much risk they want to take on. Kovar recommended those with a 401(k) consider having a second retirement fund as well, so their investment options aren't limited.

Persons: —, it's, Taylor Kovar, Kovar Organizations: Service

With just $100 and a little bit of research, you can start your own passive income stream. With a little bit of time and research, anyone can start investing in a passive income stream with as little as $100. We asked three financial experts how they'd invest $100 to start making money in their sleep, and here's what they said. Real estate investment trustsFormer Wall Streeter and TikTok financial literacy educator Vivian Tu suggests putting your money in a real estate investment trust. Yieldstreet is one of the best real estate investing apps for those interested in real estate and alternative investments.

Persons: —, John Stoj, Wall Streeter, Vivian Tu, Taylor Kovar, you'll Organizations: Service, CFP

You're a lot more likely to be able to buy a house in a competitive market if you can pay with cash. Reduce your risk when you buy before you sell with a guaranteed backup offer from Calque. If you're eager to buy a new house and want to make a cash offer but haven't sold your current house yet to have the cash on hand, there are ways to do it. Certified financial planner Taylor Kovar shared three pieces of advice for anyone who wants to make this happen in 2023. Also, it's important to note that you typically cannot make 401(k) contributions while you have an outstanding 401(k) loan.

Persons: there's, haven't, Taylor Kovar, Kovar, you've Organizations: Calque, Service Locations: Wall, Silicon, Calque

Checking your credit score and your credit report will not impact your credit score. Understanding credit score checksChecking your own credit score does not hurt it. This may be when you make monthly credit card payments, as many credit card companies show you your credit score. Using too much credit: Your credit utilization ratio is the amount of credit you're currently using on your revolving credit accounts compared to your total available credit. "Your credit card balance should not exceed 30% of the available limit on a credit card," Haywood explains.

☆ Here's how those looking to 'age in place' can fund home health-care services
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Deborah Nason | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Halfpoint Images | Moment | Getty ImagesSome 70% of people want to age at home, yet only 10% have long-term care insurance, a recent HCG Secure/Arctos Foundation study found. Furthermore, about half of respondents had no idea how much in-home care would cost. "Basically, I try to segment the risk into a short-term need and a long-term need, and to fund them separately," he said. "And most of them can't afford long-term care insurance." Digging into any corporate retiree benefits beyond just a pension, as there's often additional services for in-home care, he said.

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