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☆ Dow falls by more than 600 points as September turns ugly
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-03 | by ( Lucy Bayly | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Wall Street kicked off the month of September with a bust, after a disappointing economic report dragged down the Dow by 626 points, or 1.5%, Tuesday afternoon. Traders were already jittery ahead of a big month of economic news, from Friday’s key jobs report to next week’s inflation readings and then the long-awaited rate cut from the Fed mid-month. Investors were reacting to a weaker-than-expected jobs report that underscored fears that the Fed had mishandled inflation and pushed the economy right into a recession. Friday’s jobs report is arguably the most important piece of economic data that central bank officials will have to parse before their monetary policy meeting on September 17-18. International benchmark Brent fell to $73.70 a barrel and US benchmark West Texas Intermediate closed at just above $70 a barrel.

Persons: ”, Mark Hamrick, Brent Organizations: New, New York CNN, Wall, Dow, Institute for Supply Management, Federal Reserve, Traders, Nasdaq, Investors, Fed, Oil, OPEC, West Texas Locations: New York, stoke, payrolls, Libya

Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell said Friday he expects the central bank will cut its key interest rate in the near future in response to slower economic growth and cooling inflation. "The labor market is no longer overheated, and conditions are now less tight than those that prevailed before the pandemic. Starting in the spring of 2022, the Fed raised interest rates to a level not seen in nearly two decades as it worked to combat soaring inflation. "Make no mistake, if the labor market shows signs of further cooling, the Fed will cut with conviction," Shah wrote. Lower interest rates will provide some relief to consumer borrowers, but it will not be immediate, according to Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate.com.

Persons: Jay Powell, Powell, ” Powell, “, Seema Shah, —, Shah, Greg McBride, McBride Organizations: ”, Dow Jones, Nasdaq, midmorning, Market Committee, Management Locations: Jackson Hole , Wyoming, U.S

Economists like to say the cure for high prices is high prices. In other words, consumers eventually start to hold back on spending when they are faced with increasing costs. On Monday, the New York Federal Reserve reported that consumers' three-year inflation outlook hit a record low. Many economists credit the Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates starting in the spring of 2022 with helping to curb the upswing. It is that last factor that the Federal Reserve is keenly focused on.

Persons: “, Andrew Jassy, Wells Fargo, Mark Hamrick, ” Organizations: of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve's, New York Federal Reserve, Federal, Fed, BLS, Gallup, Federal Reserve Locations: U.S, York

☆ The 10 most affordable U.S. states for retirement in 2024: Half are in the South
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-13 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

For the second year in a row, West Virginia is the most affordable state for retirement in the U.S., according to financial services company Bankrate's best and worst states for retirement report, which published last month. The state's affordability ranking comes from "a low cost of living, low property taxes and affordable homeowners insurance," the report said. West Virginia is followed by Mississippi and Indiana, rounding out the top three. Here are the 10 most affordable states in the U.S. for retirement, according to Bankrate:The report's data came from a variety of sources, including the Tax Foundation and the Council for Community and Economic Research. 1 most affordable stateOn average, West Virginia's cost of living is 9% lower than the rest of the country, according to RentCafe.

Persons: MoneyGeek Organizations: Tax Foundation, Council for Community, Economic Research, Social Security, West Locations: lounging, West Virginia, U.S, Mississippi, Indiana

☆ Home equity is 'not like bread,' expert says — 'It won't go stale.' Here's when it makes sense to tap it
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-13 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Using home equity is "certainly a less expensive borrowing option than resorting to personal loans or credit cards," McBride said. As of August 7, the current average home equity loan interest rate is 8.59%, according to Bankrate. The average HELOC interest rate is 9.37%. To compare, the average personal loan interest rate is 12.38% , Bankrate found. The average credit card interest rate stands at 24.92%, according to LendingTree.

Persons: Iuliia, McBride, Bankrate, Houzz, Jessica Lautz, We've Organizations: Houzz, National Association of Realtors, NAR Locations: U.S

☆ Trump, Vance double down on call for presidential influence on Fed policy
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-12 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Joe Raedle | Getty ImagesThe president has no direct control over interest ratesAs it stands, the president exerts no direct control over interest rates. The Federal Reserve sets interest rates, and it operates independently of the White House. Last month, Trump said that if elected he would "bring interest rates way down." Now, however, Trump has cautioned against the Fed lowering rates shortly before the presidential election in November. "I think he's going to do something to probably help the Democrats, I think, if he lowers interest rates."

Persons: Donald Trump, Joe Raedle, Brett House, Trump, Fed Trump, Jerome Powell, Trump's, reappoint Powell, Powell, Greg McBride, Wells Fargo Organizations: Federal Reserve, White, Fed, Columbia Business School, Reserve Act, Republican, National Association of Black Journalists, Markets, U.S, Bloomberg Businessweek, Fox Business, Barclays Locations: Lago, Palm Beach , Florida, Chicago

☆ The best and worst states to retire in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-10 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Delaware tops Bankrate's best states to retire in 2024, followed by West Virginia and Georgia. The ranking considers affordability, well-being, healthcare, weather, and crime. High costs hurt Alaska, New York, and Washington, while Midwest and South states dominate the top 10. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . A Bankrate analysis of each state's affordability, well-being, cost and quality of healthcare, weather, and crime determined that Delaware was the best state to retire in 2024, followed by West Virginia and Georgia.

Persons: —, Joe Biden Organizations: Service, Washington, Business Locations: Delaware, West Virginia, Georgia, Alaska , New York, Washington, Midwest, South

☆ 41% say the American Dream is impossible to reach now, survey finds—how they define success instead
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-09 | by ( Ashton Jackson | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

For some Americans, the American Dream has become more like a vision. That's according to a recent Pew Research Center survey, in which more than 8,700 U.S. adults were asked to describe their views of the American Dream. "The American Dream is changing, according to small-business owners," Fara Howard, GoDaddy's chief marketing officer, told CNBC Make It at the time. Thirty-one percent said they'd already achieved the American Dream, and 36% said they were on the right path toward it. "These views are nearly identical to when the Center last asked this question in 2022," the Pew report noted.

Persons: —, it's, Raj Chetty, Chetty, Michael Sandel, GoDaddy, Fara Howard, Gen Z, Ted Rossman, they'd Organizations: Pew Research Center, CNBC, Harvard University, Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, Harvard Locations: U.S, homeownership

☆ Average consumer now carries $6,329 in credit card debt. 'People are stretched,' expert says.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-08 | by ( Jessica Dickler | Jessica Dickler Is A Personal Finance Writer For Cnbc. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Credit card debt is on the rise. Over the last year, roughly 9.1% of credit card balances transitioned into delinquency, the New York Fed reported. The average credit card charges more than 20% — near an all-time high. “With credit card balances at an all-time high and the average credit card rate hovering near record territory, it’s more important than ever to pay down this debt as soon as possible,” Rossman said. If you’re carrying a balance, try consolidating and paying off high-interest credit cards with a lower interest personal loan or switch to an interest-free balance transfer credit card, he advised.

Persons: TransUnion, ”, Michele Raneri, “, Ted Rossman, Bankrate, ” Raneri, ” Rossman Organizations: Federal Reserve Bank of New, New York Fed, Consumers Locations: Federal Reserve Bank of New York, TransUnion

The Federal Reserve is gearing up to cut interest rates as soon as next month, which could bring relief to people with mortgages, credit cards and car loans. Certificates of deposit — fixed-rate bank accounts with term limits — are a go-to when interest rates are high. With interest rates coming down, the idea is just pay and save as much as you can right now. There’s no bad time to do that, but when the central bank lowers interest rates, it can be even more valuable. “It’s tempting to say, ‘Well, when interest rates go down, stocks are going to do well, because people are switching from low-return to higher-return assets,’” she said.

Persons: Mark Hamrick, “, ”, Hamrick, Rodney Lake, Laura Veldkamp, Veldkamp, Jude Boudreaux, now’s, ” Jude Boudreaux, you’re, ” Boudreaux, ” DON’T, Jonathan Smoke, Cox, Edmunds, Ivan Drury Organizations: Federal, GW Investment, George Washington University School of Business, Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business, Chipping, Columbia Business, Philadelphia Fed, Federal Reserve, Mortgage, Association, Fed Locations: U.S, Orleans, New Orleans, Edmunds

☆ Voters blamed Biden for high inflation. Kamala Harris could get a pass.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-08 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Where voters place their blame — and specifically whether it falls on Vice President Kamala Harris — could be one of the defining factors of the presidential election. Early polling suggests that Harris won't be able to entirely shed the blame that President Joe Biden has received for inflation. If Harris can avoid some of the blame Biden received for rising prices, it could improve her chances of winning over crucial swing state voters, Traugott said. However, Sarah Foster, a Bankrate analyst, thinks some voters could shift much of their frustrations about rising prices from Biden to Harris. To be sure, it's up for debate how much Biden, Harris, or even Trump are deserving of blame for the rising prices of the past few years.

Persons: —, Kamala Harris —, Harris, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Biden, she'd, Michael Traugott, Kamala Harris, Trump, Traugott, Evan Roth Smith, Blueprint's, Semafor, Elizabeth Pancotti, Sarah Foster, It's, Joseph Stiglitz, University of Michigan's Traugott Organizations: Service, Business, Trump, Democratic, University of Michigan, Republicans, Biden —, Roosevelt Institute, New York Times, Biden, FOX Business, University of Michigan's

☆ You can pull $1,000 from your retirement savings penalty-free—but don't make it a habit, says retirement expert
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The majority of Americans wouldn't be able to cover an unforeseen $1,000 expense with money from their own savings, according to Bankrate's 2024 emergency savings report. Generally, you'll face a 10% penalty for withdrawing money from retirement savings before you reach the age of 59½. For one, you can only make one $1,000 withdrawal per year. But if you don't replace that amount in your retirement account in full or through regular deposits within three years, you won't be able to make another $1,000 withdrawal during that repayment period. And you'll need to self-certify in writing with your retirement plan administrator that you need the money for an emergency.

Persons: wouldn't, Anne Lester, FOMO, Lester

☆ Credit card debt hits record $1.14 trillion, New York Fed research shows
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

watch nowWho is falling behind on credit card billsThese borrowers "may have overextended during the pandemic," the New York Fed researchers said on a press call Tuesday. Delinquent borrowers are often renters, with shorter credit histories and lower credit limits, making them more likely to be financially vulnerable and miss a payment, the researchers said. Over the last year, roughly 9.1% of credit card balances transitioned into delinquency, the New York Fed found. Among the millennials transitioning into delinquency, many also entered the labor market during the Great Recession and may be experiencing the prolonged negative effects of graduating into an economic downturn, the New York Fed researchers said. Credit card rates top 20%

Persons: homeownership, Brett House, Ted Rossman Organizations: New York Fed, Columbia Business School

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Persons: Chase, Chase Travel ℠, you'll, Sapphire, John F, Chase Sapphire, You'll, Uber Cash, we've, you'd, you've, they'll, David E, David, —, Read, Katherine Fan, Katherine, Guy, Fortune, Katherine moonlights, she's, She's, Angela Fung Organizations: Business, American, Chase, Chase Travel, Sapphire, Chase Sapphire, TSA, FDIC, Chase Dining, American Express, Hong Kong International Airport, New, Kennedy, LaGuardia, Rental Insurance, Avis, Avis , National, Emergency, Transportation, Sapphire Reserve, Reserve, Capital, Venture, Centurion, overpaying, Yorker, Muhlenberg College, University of Edinburgh, Twitter, Finance, Cards, CNN, Forbes, Wall, Dallas Morning News, Newsweek, Nasdaq, MSN, Yahoo, SXSW, Austin American, Statesman, University of Texas, National Taiwan University Locations: DoorDash, airfare, Boston, Austin, Canada, Avis ,, Seattle, Redbird, Los Angeles, Healdsburg , California, New York City, Chicago, Reddit, Dallas , Denver, Dulles, Las Vegas, New York, Hong Kong, Chevron, There's, Slotnick, Scotland, orcas, Antarctica, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Taiwan

☆ The Fed's long-awaited rate cuts will open up the job market — but it could take a while
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-03 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewThe US job market has certainly seen better days. AdvertisementThose rate cuts will help pull the job market out of its slowdown — but likely not before the unemployment rate climbs higher, says Oliver Allen, a senior US economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics. And even then, it could take time for the effects of rate cuts to fully work their way across the job market, said Mark Hamrick, a senior economic analyst at Bankrate. AdvertisementSlowdown in the pipelineUntil rate cuts kick in, Allen thinks the joblessness rate has even more room to climb. AdvertisementForward-looking indicators of job market strength have also been flashing signs of incoming weakness.

Persons: —, Oliver Allen, Allen, …, Mark Hamrick, Hamrick, David Rosenberg Organizations: Service, Business, Pantheon, Challenger, Gray &, Federal, National Federation of Independent Business

☆ Home valuations are rising faster than incomes. Here's why that could hurt homeowners' wallets
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Charlotte Morabito | In Charlottemorabito | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Home prices have been rising faster than incomes, which can be a problem for homeowners because as the value of a home rises, so does the cost to maintain it. 'Paper' wealth and rising expensesTips for homebuyersViehman of the NAR recommends people shopping for a home "lean on their realtor first." Viehman also recommends leaving room in your monthly budget to address the possibility of surprise expenses. "Just because you qualify for $3,000 a month in a mortgage payment doesn't mean you should max it out right now," she said. Tips for current homeownersCurrent homeowners who are struggling to meet their monthly payments also have some options to consider.

Persons: homeownership, Devon Viehman, Mark Hamrick, homebuyers, Viehman Organizations: Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Realtors, NAR, Consumer Financial, Department of Housing, Urban Locations: Devon

☆ The Fed keeps interest rates high for now—here's how much money it could be costing you each month
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-01 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

30-year fixed-rate mortgagesIn 2022, the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate was 4.3%, while the current rate is 6.9%, per Mortgage News Daily. Total monthly difference: $42New vehicle financingIn 2022, new auto loans had an average interest rate of 5.2% while the current average is 7.3%, per Edmunds data. For a 60-month financing of around $40,000, monthly payments have increased from $759 to $798. Total monthly difference: $39Credit cardsIn 2022, the average credit card interest rate was 16.3%, while the current rate is 20.7%, per Bankrate data. Total monthly difference: $19

Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, Mortgage Locations: Edmunds

☆ 11 US housing markets most at risk from climate change — with annual homeowners insurance premiums up to $10,473
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-01 | by ( Christine Ji | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Here's what you need to know about home insurance in the age of climate change, as well as the top most at-risk US housing markets. While State Farm recently reversed this decision and agreed to renew the policies, California homeowners must secure fire coverage separately through a state-backed insurance program. Still, climate change-related risks play an undeniable and increasing role in home insurance premium pricing as more insurance providers design their policies to consider extreme weather. AdvertisementThe 11 most at-risk US housing marketsCalifornia is hardly the only state being impacted by climate change. For ease of comparison, the annual insurance premiums shown represent how much a homeowner would pay for $300,000 of dwelling coverage.

Persons: —, Bankrate, It's, We've Organizations: Service, Business, Insurance, National Centers for Environmental, Farm, Golden State Locations: California, East, Golden

☆ The Federal Reserve sets the stage for a rate cut — here's what that means for your money
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

In the wake of the rate hike cycle, the average credit card rate rose from 16.34% in March 2022 to more than 20% today — nearing an all-time high. A recent report from the Philadelphia Federal Reserve showed credit card delinquencies at an all-time high, according to data going back to 2012. The best move for those with credit card debt is to take matters into their own hands, advised Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. Home loan rates have already started to fall, largely due to the prospect of a Fed-induced economic slowdown. Student loansFederal student loan rates are also fixed, so most borrowers aren't immediately affected by the Fed's moves.

Persons: Greg McBride, McBride, Matt Schulz, Jacob Channel Organizations: Philadelphia Federal, Treasury, Auto, Consumers

It’s been a year since interest rates reached a two-decade high, but they may soon begin to reverse course. The Federal Reserve is expected to hold its benchmark interest rate steady on Wednesday, while signaling that a cut is possible when policy-setting officials meet again in September. If interest rates are elevated for too long, they risk weakening the employment picture. The central bank uses interest rates to influence the broader economy. Home-equity lines of credit and adjustable-rate mortgages — which each carry variable interest rates — generally rise within two billing cycles after a change in the Fed’s rates.

Persons: It’s, ” Jonathan Smoke, that’s, Freddie Mac, ”, Sam Khater, —, “ Banks, Ken Tumin Organizations: Federal, “ Manufacturers, Cox Automotive, Treasury, Savings Vehicles Locations: Edmunds

☆ What to do now that the Fed is signaling lower interest rates
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Given the many ways lower rates can affect your finances, here are some things to consider when deciding what steps to take in response. Here’s how lower rates may affect key areas of your financial life, along with tips on what to do about it. If that proves difficult to get, see if you can transfer your balance to a credit card from a credit union or local bank that offers lower rates than the biggest banks. And because many variables determine what that factor will be, it will be hard to figure out the impact of lower interest rates. His advice: Don’t keep more than six months’ to a year’s worth of living expenses in cash or cash equivalents.

Persons: ”, Greg McBride, ” McBride, “, Chris Diodato, Diodato, you’ll, McBride, ” Dodiato, Collin Martin, don’t Organizations: New, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, Bankrate, Schwab Center, Financial Research, AAA Locations: New York, Schwab.com

☆ Interest rate cuts probably aren't here just yet, but they could finally reach Americans in under 2 months
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-30 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | Madison Hoff | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

It's safe to say that Americans can count on an interest rate cut pretty soon, but probably not this week. On Wednesday, the Federal Open Market Committee will announce its next interest rate decision, and it's once again expected to hold rates steady. However, the FOMC's September meeting could finally bring Americans the relief they've been waiting for — CME FedWatch showed markets think it's all but certain the Fed will cut rates that month. Lower interest rates would make borrowing more affordable for consumers and businesses alike. "You have kept interest rates too high for too long: it is time to cut rates," they wrote.

Persons: it's, Claudia Sahm, Greg McBride, There's, Jerome Powell, Powell, Sahm, Matt Colyar, September's, Elizabeth Warren, Jacky Rosen, John Hickenlooper Organizations: Service, Federal, CME FedWatch, Business, New Century Advisors, Fed, Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs, Democratic, Moody's

☆ The 10 worst states to retire in the U.S.—No. 1 isn’t California or New York
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-30 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

While the best state to retire in the U.S. is also one of the smallest in the country, the worst state to retire is the largest. Alaska ranks as the worst state in the U.S. to retire for the third year in a row, according to Bankrate's study of the best states to retire in 2024. If you're looking for space to spread out during retirement, Alaska is the largest U.S. state by land area. However, it state ranked poorly across a number of Bankrate's measurements. Here are the 10 worst states to retire, according to Bankrate.

Persons: Bankrate Organizations: Council for Community, Economic Research, U.S . Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration Locations: U.S, Alaska

☆ This is the best state to retire in 2024—it's not Florida or California
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-28 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The best state to retire in 2024 is also one of the smallest in the U.S.At around 96 miles long and 35 miles wide, Delaware ranks as the No. 1 state to retire this year, according to Bankrate's list of the best states to retire for 2024. Last year, it placed second behind Iowa on Bankrate's list. To compile the ranking, Bankrate analyzed data from several sources, including the Tax Foundation, the Council for Community and Economic Research, the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Bankrate evaluated all 50 states across five weighted categories:Affordability (40%): Includes factors such as cost of living and state and local sales tax ratesIncludes factors such as cost of living and state and local sales tax rates Overall well-being (25%) : Looks at factors such as the number of arts and entertainment centers and the number of adults over 62: Looks at factors such as the number of arts and entertainment centers and the number of adults over 62 Quality and cost of health care (20%): Considers factors such as the number of health-care establishments and the cost of health careConsiders factors such as the number of health-care establishments and the cost of health care Weather (10%): Evaluates the average annual temperature and average number of tornado strikes, earthquakes and hurricane landfallsEvaluates the average annual temperature and average number of tornado strikes, earthquakes and hurricane landfalls Crime (5%): Includes factors such as the number of violent crimes and property crimesHere are the 10 best states to retire in 2024, according to Bankrate.

Persons: Bankrate Organizations: Iowa, Tax Foundation, for Community, Economic Research, U.S . Census, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration Locations: U.S, Delaware

☆ What to do when the Fed starts cutting interest rates
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-27 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

New York CNN —Over the past couple of years, the Federal Reserve aggressively raised its key interest rate to a 23-year high to beat down inflation. But, realistically, how much you’ll save when the Fed lowers rates will depend on how quickly it cuts and by how much each time. Since loan amounts are substantial, this is one area where even small cuts in interest rates could make a meaningful difference in what a homebuyer will pay. A couple of quarter-point rate cuts from the Fed won’t make it meaningfully cheaper, McBride said. A few rate cuts won’t make much of a dent in today’s record-high average rate of 20.7%.

Persons: ”, Greg McBride, ” McBride, “, Chris Diodato, McBride, Diodato, you’re, ” Dodiato Organizations: New, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, Bankrate, Fed Locations: New York

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