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In the modern workplace, constant communication is the norm. But does it come at the expense of productivity?
A recent Microsoft (MSFT) report suggests it might. Here’s what it means for workers — and how some companies are helping employees to reclaim focus time and drive innovation.
US stocks were mixed Wednesday after digesting the latest inflation data.
• Headline CPI fell from 5% the previous month to 4.9% in April. Core CPI saw a similar decline from 5.6% to 5.5%. Increases in shelter, gasoline, and used vehicles were the most significant drivers, while price decreases for fuel oil, new vehicles, and food at home helped offset those pressures.
• Roblox (RBLX) announced a larger-than-expected loss of $0.44 per share. However, revenue came in above expectations at $774 million. The company’s average daily active users reached 66 million, a 22% year-over-year increase, while its engagement hours totaled 14.5 billion, a 23% year-over-year increase.
• Microsoft (MSFT) signed a power purchase agreement with the nuclear fusion startup Helion. This marks the first time a fusion company has inked a deal to sell electricity, though any such sale isn’t expected until 2028 at the earliest.
What to be on the lookout for today
• Producer prices will be released. This inflation metric dropped 0.5% in March, the biggest decline since April 2020. About two-thirds of this decline can be attributed to a drop in the price of gasoline. Investors will also get an update on jobless claims, which were higher than expected, rising 13,000 to 242,000, the week ending April 29.
• Consumer-facing companies Yeti (YETI) and Krispy Kreme (DNUT) will round out the week by updating investors on their respective businesses. The latter is expected to reveal quarterly earnings of $0.08 per share, showing no change compared to the same quarter last year.
How financially healthy are you? Do a financial checkup to find out.
Being financially healthy means having enough money to pay your current expenses and bills while also being able to fund your future goals. A financial checkup can help you see how well you’re doing.
Start your checkup by looking at:
• Your monthly income and expenses
• Your emergency fund
• Your debt-to-income ratio
• Your credit score — you can monitor your credit score for free
• What percentage of your income you’re saving monthly
Next, factor in any life changes — such as getting married, having a child, changing jobs, or buying a home — and consider what they mean for your budgeting, saving, and expenses. Also, look over your tax situation and insurance policies to make sure everything is up to date.
Finally, review your investment and retirement goals. As part of your financial health check, it’s helpful to know:
• The type of accounts your money is invested in
• How your portfolio is diversified and its performance
• If your risk tolerance has changed
• Whether you’re on track with retirement saving
Recommended reading: How to Calculate Your Net Worth and Wealth: The Ultimate Guide
Today’s top stories
Right now, the “American Dream” of owning a home feels more like a pipe dream for many. Housing unaffordability sits at levels not seen since the Great Recession. As a prospective homebuyer, there are many factors to consider when navigating these historically challenging times. Read more >> April data shows inflation may be slowing down — but is it slowing fast enough? The dip in Supercore CPI, or services inflation, is encouraging. Now we need the trend to stick. Read more >> To tip, or not to tip? When it comes to travel, especially abroad, tipping customs vary greatly by location. This guide can help you budget wisely, based on your destination and the local etiquette. Read more >>Not-so-breaking news
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JetBlue (JBLU) will add more perks for travelers who haven’t yet reached its highest loyalty status. The new benefits include early boarding, priority security screening, and an alcoholic drink on board.
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OpenAI, Google (GOOGL), and Microsoft (MSFT) are making their AI tools available to hackers in order to test the safeguards of the technology. The main goal of this hackathon is to discover how AI could potentially be manipulated to cause harm.
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Paramount Media Networks (PARA) is shutting down MTV News and cutting its workforce by 25%. When speaking on the layoffs, the media conglomerate stated it’s starting to “feel pressure from broader economic headwinds.”
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Airbnb (ABNB) reported strong revenue growth and record bookings during its Q1 earnings report. This suggests that travel demand remains strong despite an uncertain economy.
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Etsy (ETSY) announced it’s launching its own wedding registry service. The online marketplace is looking to fill a market void created by Bed Bath and Beyond’s bankruptcy.
Financial planner tip of the day
“When applying for new credit cards or loans, lenders will look at your credit utilization. If it’s too high — most look for a rate of under 30% — you may not be approved for the card or loan. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of how much of your total credit you’re using and pay down your debt so you don’t have a high credit utilization rate in addition to costly interest.”
Brian Walsh, CFP® at SoFi