No Result
View All Result
SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLES
  • Login
Sunday, October 26, 2025
TheAdviserMagazine.com
  • Home
  • Financial Planning
    • Financial Planning
    • Personal Finance
  • Market Research
    • Business
    • Investing
    • Money
    • Economy
    • Markets
    • Stocks
    • Trading
  • 401k Plans
  • College
  • IRS & Taxes
  • Estate Plans
  • Social Security
  • Medicare
  • Legal
  • Home
  • Financial Planning
    • Financial Planning
    • Personal Finance
  • Market Research
    • Business
    • Investing
    • Money
    • Economy
    • Markets
    • Stocks
    • Trading
  • 401k Plans
  • College
  • IRS & Taxes
  • Estate Plans
  • Social Security
  • Medicare
  • Legal
No Result
View All Result
TheAdviserMagazine.com
No Result
View All Result
Home Financial Planning Personal Finance

Roundup: Fed Countdown, AI Stock Bubble, Job-Hugging and More

by TheAdviserMagazine
1 month ago
in Personal Finance
Reading Time: 7 mins read
A A
Roundup: Fed Countdown, AI Stock Bubble, Job-Hugging and More
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LInkedIn


What comes after a rate cut?

A cut in the Fed Rate next week looks all but locked in.

A modest trim of 25 basis points is likeliest, according to consensus by the futures markets CME Group’s FedWatch Tool.

The Fed hasn’t touched rates since 2024, when it made three cuts late in the year to end a 14-month streak without action. Since then the federal funds rate has been parked at 4.25% to 4.5%. If policymakers make an expected quarter-point cut next week, the rate would drop to a range of 4.0% to 4.25%.
So why now? NerdWallet’s senior economist Elizabeth Renter says the decision reflects a difficult balancing act for the central bank. “The labor market is weakening but inflation is still elevated, so the committee is tasked with judging which of the two priorities are most pressing, and this isn’t an easy call to make. They’re not just looking at the headline figures, but what’s driving the data and where it may be headed next. This is a lot to sort out under the current environment, when the near- to mid-term economic future is far from predictable.”

Renter’s call: A 25 basis point cut seems likely. “Underlying inflation seems to be on stable footing, if a bit elevated, whereas the labor market trajectory seems more decidedly in-motion: cool and getting cooler.”

What it means for you

If the Federal Open Markets Committee (FOMC) opts for a rate cut next week, the effects wouldn’t happen overnight.

The Fed’s future path — how many cuts and how quickly — is unclear and, as Fed Chair Jerome Powell has often said, will be guided by data reports including inflation, jobs and economic growth. For now, the Fed Watch tool shows high chances for additional 0.25 basis point rate cuts at the remaining two meetings of the year: Oct. 28-29 and Dec. 9-10.

It’s a tough time to be a carnivore

Beef prices have hit new record highs.

We’ve been typing that sentence a lot lately. Sirloin steak has reached a new record every month since May, while ground beef is on an unbroken run that dates back to January.

Records were broken again with this week’s release of the August consumer price index (CPI). Steak prices jumped 4.1% from July, a giant month-over-month increase, and are up 16.6% year over year. That’s against an annual inflation rate of 3.2% across all foods.

Ground beef, meanwhile, was up 2.3% from the previous month and 12.8% for the full year. Beef prices have essentially doubled since 2014.

Why are beef prices rising?

There are numerous reasons for high beef prices, but at base it’s a simple economic equation: Demand remains high while supplies have been constrained. Some of the underlying issues are long-term challenges.

Herd sizes are at historic lows: Beef cattle herd sizes hit their lowest point since 1951 last year, and have continued to decline this year. Reasons given are many: Farmer populations are aging. Cattle country has been hit by persistent droughts in recent years, while the changing climate has also increased feed costs. The pandemic also rattled the supply chain as meatpacking plants were sometimes closed for extended periods.

It takes time to rebuild herd sizes. Ironically, high prices make that process harder. For ranchers now, it often makes more sense to sell calves for immediate cash flow rather than hold onto them as breeding stock — a self-perpetuating cycle.

There are newer challenges as well.

Tariffs: In 2024, imports accounted for about 16% of U.S. beef consumption. Leading countries importing beef to the U.S. include Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil. Tariffs that went into effect over the last six months have hit all our trade partners, with Brazil being an extreme outlier: On Aug. 6, it was hit with a 50% blanket tariff on top of an existing 26% beef tariff.

The result for Brazilian imports in 2025? A surge in the first three months of the year, as importers built inventory ahead of the first wave of tariffs, then a collapse, from 47,800 tons in April to less than 10,000 in July — before the steeper tariff even went into effect.

Because of a pre-existing trade agreement, beef imports from Canada and Mexico are currently tariff-free. But the cattle industry in Mexico has been hit by an outbreak of screwworm earlier this year, and cattle imports from that country are currently blocked.

Bottom line: There’s no immediate relief in sight for spiraling beef prices.

What’s a meat-lover to do?

So far, U.S. demand for beef has been resilient even as prices have risen. But grocery shoppers might consider varying their diet with these protein alternatives:

Pork remains relatively affordable. Overall, pork prices are up just 1.2% higher since last August, and ham prices actually dropped 4.9% in August and are down 1.9% over the full year.

Egg prices are well off their recent highs, with prices dropping 7.4% in June and 3.9% in July (while staying flat in August). 

Is the AI stock boom really a bubble?

Investment in AI companies is running so hot right now it has some experts speculating that the spike in interest may be a bubble. If that bubble burst — as the dotcom bubble of the late ‘90s did — it could spell trouble for AI companies and their investors.

Last month, in an interview with The Verge, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said, “Are we in a phase where investors as a whole are overexcited about AI? My opinion is yes. Is AI the most important thing to happen in a very long time? My opinion is also yes.”

In the latest episode of NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, investing writer Sam Taube breaks down what it means to be in a bubble, how you may be exposed to the market dynamics of AI stocks (even if you’re not a direct investor) and how to protect your portfolio.

We’re holding onto our jobs, thank you

Remember the Great Resignation, when the rebound in the job market after the initial shock of pandemic lockdowns meant workers were quitting en masse? Now, with a tighter labor market and general economic uncertainty, we’re generally staying put in a trend called job hugging.
The latest Survey of Consumer Expectations from the New York Fed, released Monday, underlines the trend. The survey found respondents were more pessimistic about job-hunting, with the “mean perceived probability of finding a job if one’s current job was lost” dropping 5.8% from the previous month — to the lowest level since they started asking the question in 2013.

Thinking of switching jobs? Look before you leap.

ICYMI: Is the iPhone 17 worth the splurge?

NerdWallet personal finance writer Thomas Tindall watched the Apple Event this week so you don’t have to, and he’s wary of dropping cash on the new hot thing.

Tindall writes, “My iPhone 13 Pro Max, which I bought new in 2022, is still as snappy as it was the day I peeled off the plastic film. So how can I justify the cost of a new one? Well, I personally can’t right now, but things might be different for you.”

Here’s what else you may have missed

Survey: Most think they’d never fall for a money scam

Nearly 7 in 10 Americans (69%) say they would never fall for a financial scam, according to a new NerdWallet survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll. But scams are getting more sophisticated, and even the savviest people can be susceptible.

About three-quarters of Americans (74%) say they’re more concerned about a friend or family member falling for a financial scam than they are about themselves, according to the survey. Keep your loved ones abreast of current scams and signs to look for, and if they (or you) are a victim of a financial scam, report it.

More stories like this? Yes, please!

Find exclusive content, rich storytelling, first-person accounts, trending news and original reporting in the NerdWallet app.

DOWNLOAD THE APP



Source link

Tags: BubblecountdownFedJobHuggingRoundupstock
ShareTweetShare
Previous Post

Ring Battery Doorbell and Outdoor Camera with Ring Assist Plus only $74.99! ($220 Value!) {Today Only}

Next Post

BlackRock Dumps Ethereum, Buys $366M in Bitcoin

Related Posts

edit post
Meet Heidi Hallmark: A Bookkeeper Helping Women Find Peace of Mind in Their Finances

Meet Heidi Hallmark: A Bookkeeper Helping Women Find Peace of Mind in Their Finances

by TheAdviserMagazine
October 25, 2025
0

One of my favorite things to do is highlight women who have taken their gifts and used them to build...

edit post
*HOT* Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum only .99 shipped! (Reg. ) {Today Only}

*HOT* Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum only $24.99 shipped! (Reg. $70) {Today Only}

by TheAdviserMagazine
October 25, 2025
0

Here’s a great deal on this Shark Handheld Vacuum! HSN has this Shark Cyclone PET Handheld Vacuum with XL Dust...

edit post
Your Top October Money Questions Answered

Your Top October Money Questions Answered

by TheAdviserMagazine
October 24, 2025
0

The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage...

edit post
Mortgage Rates Inch Toward 6% as Fed Weighs October Cut

Mortgage Rates Inch Toward 6% as Fed Weighs October Cut

by TheAdviserMagazine
October 24, 2025
0

Mortgage rates fell for the fourth consecutive week, finally nearing 6% for the first time since September 2024. Lenders and...

edit post
*HOT* FREE LEGO Harry Potter Flying Car Set after cash back!

*HOT* FREE LEGO Harry Potter Flying Car Set after cash back!

by TheAdviserMagazine
October 24, 2025
0

This LEGO Harry Potter Flying Car Set is so cute! Looking for a fun new LEGO set to build? Top Cash Back is...

edit post
*HOT* 12 Chatbooks for just  shipped!

*HOT* 12 Chatbooks for just $12 shipped!

by TheAdviserMagazine
October 24, 2025
0

Get twelve Chatbooks for 2025 – one for every month! For a limited time, you can get 12 book credits for just...

Next Post
edit post
BlackRock Dumps Ethereum, Buys 6M in Bitcoin

BlackRock Dumps Ethereum, Buys $366M in Bitcoin

edit post
Energy Department withdraws controversial Title IX athletics rule

Energy Department withdraws controversial Title IX athletics rule

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
edit post
77-year-old popular furniture retailer closes store locations

77-year-old popular furniture retailer closes store locations

October 18, 2025
edit post
Pennsylvania House of Representatives Rejects Update to Child Custody Laws

Pennsylvania House of Representatives Rejects Update to Child Custody Laws

October 7, 2025
edit post
What to Do When a Loved One Dies in North Carolina

What to Do When a Loved One Dies in North Carolina

October 8, 2025
edit post
Another Violent Outburst – Democrats Inciting Civil Unrest

Another Violent Outburst – Democrats Inciting Civil Unrest

October 24, 2025
edit post
Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets: What’s the Difference?

Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets: What’s the Difference?

October 17, 2025
edit post
California Attorney Pleads Guilty For Role In 2M Ponzi Scheme

California Attorney Pleads Guilty For Role In $912M Ponzi Scheme

October 15, 2025
edit post
Applying for Disability: A Letter From Your Future Self

Applying for Disability: A Letter From Your Future Self

0
edit post
Applied Materials to lay off 100 in Israel

Applied Materials to lay off 100 in Israel

0
edit post
You May Be Eligible for a Tax Credit/Health Insurance Subsidy

You May Be Eligible for a Tax Credit/Health Insurance Subsidy

0
edit post
ABA 2025 Celebration of Pro Bono to focus on supporting communities

ABA 2025 Celebration of Pro Bono to focus on supporting communities

0
edit post
Defending Dixie: A Defender of the South

Defending Dixie: A Defender of the South

0
edit post
Intel Q3 2025 Earnings: Stay tuned for the live earnings call and real-time transcript

Intel Q3 2025 Earnings: Stay tuned for the live earnings call and real-time transcript

0
edit post
49-year-old favorite pizza chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

49-year-old favorite pizza chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

October 26, 2025
edit post
SharpLink Gaming Withdraws M Ethereum, Boosts Supercycle

SharpLink Gaming Withdraws $78M Ethereum, Boosts Supercycle

October 26, 2025
edit post
Skill financing scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Mudra Yojana, likely to be unveiled in Budget

Skill financing scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Mudra Yojana, likely to be unveiled in Budget

October 26, 2025
edit post
Kamala Harris expects a woman to be president, and says it could ‘possibly’ be her — ‘I’m not done’

Kamala Harris expects a woman to be president, and says it could ‘possibly’ be her — ‘I’m not done’

October 26, 2025
edit post
‘Protect Yourself From Me Entirely’ — Pregnant Fiancée Says 0K-A-Year Partner’s Prenup Makes Her ‘Legally And Financially Easy To Discard’

‘Protect Yourself From Me Entirely’ — Pregnant Fiancée Says $800K-A-Year Partner’s Prenup Makes Her ‘Legally And Financially Easy To Discard’

October 26, 2025
edit post
Decentralized exchanges surpass  trillion monthly volume as volatility spikes

Decentralized exchanges surpass $1 trillion monthly volume as volatility spikes

October 26, 2025
The Adviser Magazine

The first and only national digital and print magazine that connects individuals, families, and businesses to Fee-Only financial advisers, accountants, attorneys and college guidance counselors.

CATEGORIES

  • 401k Plans
  • Business
  • College
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Economy
  • Estate Plans
  • Financial Planning
  • Investing
  • IRS & Taxes
  • Legal
  • Market Analysis
  • Markets
  • Medicare
  • Money
  • Personal Finance
  • Social Security
  • Startups
  • Stock Market
  • Trading

LATEST UPDATES

  • 49-year-old favorite pizza chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
  • SharpLink Gaming Withdraws $78M Ethereum, Boosts Supercycle
  • Skill financing scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Mudra Yojana, likely to be unveiled in Budget
  • Our Great Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use, Legal Notices & Disclosures
  • Contact us
  • About Us

© Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved
See articles for original source and related links to external sites.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Financial Planning
    • Financial Planning
    • Personal Finance
  • Market Research
    • Business
    • Investing
    • Money
    • Economy
    • Markets
    • Stocks
    • Trading
  • 401k Plans
  • College
  • IRS & Taxes
  • Estate Plans
  • Social Security
  • Medicare
  • Legal

© Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved
See articles for original source and related links to external sites.