The so-called K-shaped economy is becoming more pronounced, new data shows. In the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, the K has been used to illustrate Americans’ diverging economic experiences: Higher-income households are increasingly better off, while lower-income households are falling further behind. A new report by credit reporting bureau TransUnion found that while credit conditions have improved…
A shopper carries a Hollister bag at a shopping mall in Dayton, Ohio, Oct. 21, 2025. Kyle Grillot | Bloomberg | Getty Images The Federal Reserve is on the cusp of a “regime change” after the Department of Justice dropped its criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, eliminating a potential obstacle to confirming President Donald Trump’s nominee, Kevin Warsh,…
For many young Americans, dating is becoming as much about finances as it is romance. Half of single Americans surveyed said they are going on fewer dates or choosing less expensive activities because of rising costs, according to BMO Financial Group’s 2026 BMO Real Financial Progress Index. The bank polled 2,501 adults in late December through…
Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images Many Americans are turning to artificial intelligence for financial advice. But getting good or bad advice depends a lot on how well users write their instructions — or prompts — to AI platforms. “I think that there’s a real art and science to prompt engineering,” Andrew Lo, director of…
Milan Markovic | E+ | Getty Images The average tax refund is 11.2% higher this season, compared with about the same period in 2025, according to the latest IRS filing data. As of April 10, the average refund amount for individual filers was $3,397, up from $3,055 about one year ago, the IRS reported on Friday. The IRS data…
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks during a press briefing in the Brady Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 15, 2026. Brendan Smialowski | Afp | Getty Images After filing your 2025 tax return, there’s plenty of time for 2026 changes that could improve your situation for next season, experts say….
Traders work at the New York Stock Exchange on April 16, 2026. NYSE U.S. stocks climbed to record highs on Thursday against a backdrop of war, an oil supply shock and economic forecasts warning of stunted growth amid a protracted conflict. Many investors may be thinking: Why? Largely, it’s because the stock market is a…
Trump accounts have signed up 5 million children, and 1.2 million are eligible for a $1,000 pilot program contribution, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said during CNBC’s Invest in America Forum on Wednesday. Enacted via President Donald Trump‘s “big beautiful bill,” the new tax-deferred investing accounts for children will officially launch on July 4. While all…
Specker/vedfelt | Digitalvision | Getty Images Amid the U.S. war with Iran, some young investors have gotten their first taste of market volatility. “An early decline can make the market feel unusually dangerous when volatility is a normal part of long-term investing,” said certified financial planner Douglas Boneparth, president and founder of Bone Fide Wealth, a…
Anchiy | E+ | Getty Images Relying on your parents for money can help you to become independent. But it can also create problems in your relationship if not handled well, experts say. About two-thirds, or 64%, of parents with Gen Z children — those between the ages of 18 and 28 — say their…
