The housing market has seen a significant increase in home prices, leading to homeowners accumulating over $32 trillion in home equity as of the first quarter of 2024. This record-high level of equity has provided homeowners with an average of $214,000 in potential equity that can be tapped into, with 60% of homeowners having at
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Discount home goods retailer Big Lots has recently filed for bankruptcy, citing high interest rates and a sluggish housing market as factors contributing to its financial downfall. The company, which operates over 1,300 stores across 48 states, has seen a decline in sales following a drop in demand for home furnishings post-pandemic. Despite generating $4.7
In 2024, exchange-traded fund inflows have surpassed monthly records, setting the stage for potential growth in the investment landscape. According to Nate Geraci, president of The ETF Store, the massive amount of $6 trillion parked in money market funds could serve as a significant catalyst for the industry moving forward. This observation underscores the importance
Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway made history by becoming the first non-technology company in the U.S. to hit a market cap of $1 trillion. The Omaha-based conglomerate’s shares have surged more than 28% in 2024, outperforming the S&P 500’s 18% gain. This achievement comes just two days before Buffett’s 94th birthday, adding to the significance of
The news of Rupert Murdoch-owned REA Group considering a takeover offer for the U.K. property portal Rightmove has sparked significant interest in the global real estate market. This potential merger could create a massive digital real estate business, consolidating two major players in the industry. The Australian property listings company, controlled by News Corp, has
With the Federal Reserve contemplating the reduction of interest rates, the future of the U.S. economy hangs in the balance. The opinions among experts are split between the likelihood of a widespread economic decline, or even a recession, and the hopes that the central bank can prevent such a downturn and achieve a “soft landing”.
The trend of employers enrolling workers in 401(k) plans automatically has been on the rise. However, new research indicates that the outcomes of this strategy may not be as positive as once believed. Factors such as cashing out 401(k) balances when employees leave their jobs can significantly diminish the long-term benefits of policies like automatic
Airlines around the world are facing a challenging economic environment due to a variety of factors, including the impact of engine repairs and decreased demand for air travel. As a result, many cash-strapped, low-cost, and deep discounter airlines have made the decision to defer billions of dollars in spending on new aircraft. This shift in
Warren Buffett, the legendary investor, turned 94 and saw his conglomerate, Berkshire Hathaway, reach its peak in terms of valuation. Howard Marks, another accomplished investor, attributes Buffett’s success to a carefully crafted strategy that he has been following diligently for over seven decades. It is not just discipline and consistency that have propelled Buffett to
Portillo’s, a renowned fast-casual restaurant chain, has been facing scrutiny by activist investor Engaged Capital regarding potential steps to enhance the company’s performance. Despite being an iconic Midwest establishment with a diverse menu, Portillo’s has struggled to maintain its stock value and operational efficiency. The company’s stock chart shows fluctuations, with its stock price hovering