Weekly data-driven insights on the markets and economy Fourth Week of September 2026 Golden Arches Upgrade Wednesday, McDonald’s announced plans to invest $8.5 billion through 2036 to modernize restaurants globally, adding AI-powered technology, delivery lockers, redesigned kitchens, larger play areas, and enhanced coffee-preparation stations. The company also plans to expand protein-focused menu offerings, including grilled […]

Weekly data-driven insights on the markets and economy Third week of September 2026 Fed hikes rates The Federal Reserve approved a quarter-point interest rate increase on Wednesday, lifting its benchmark rate to 3.75%-4%. The move reflects ongoing concerns about elevated inflation, driven in part by higher energy prices and other economic pressures. Most Fed officials […]

Weekly data-driven insights on the markets and economy Second Week of September 2026 Rate Hike Back on the Table Today, market expectations for a Federal Reserve rate increase next week surged after August wholesale inflation came in firm and oil prices climbed above $100 per barrel, reinforcing concerns that inflation pressures remain persistent. Traders are […]

Weekly data-driven insights on the markets and economy First Week of September 2026 Layoff Fears Fade U.S. job cuts fell to a four-year low through the first eight months of 2026, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas data released Thursday, despite persistent concerns that artificial intelligence would trigger widespread workforce reductions. More than 500,000 layoffs […]

If you have investments in tax-deferred retirement accounts, such as traditional IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans, you may be required to take annual required minimum distributions (RMDs) once you reach age 73 (or age 75 if born after 1960). These RMDs begin as a relatively small percentage of your retirement assets but increase over time […]

Weekly data-driven insights on the markets and economy Fourth Week of August 2026 Child Safety Reckoning Published today, Meta Platforms agreed to a $16.7 billion settlement with a coalition of states over allegations that it misrepresented the mental health risks its platforms posed to children. The agreement includes significant youth safety measures, such as daily […]