Top Story
Are consumers tapped out? This data point says maybe
U.S. retail sales fell for the first time since the Spring in October. Could this be the start of a downturn?
US stocks advanced Wednesday, adding onto the prior day’s rally sparked by a cooler-than-expected inflation report
• October wholesale inflation fell 0.5%, the largest drop since April 2020, further bolstering the idea that the Fed may be done raising interest rates.
• Target shares jumped nearly 18%, following strong earnings.
• Washington continues to try to avoid a government shutdown. A stopgap bill to extend funding through mid-January passed in the House, and advanced to the Senate.
What to be on the lookout for today
• Weekly jobless claims data, and the NAHB housing market index, which will provide insight into the homebuilder market
• Earnings reports from Alibaba, Bath & Body Works, Macy’s, Gap, and Walmart
Liz Looks at: Falling Inflation
Inflation is cooling and the stock market is rallying. There certainly are things to celebrate, including a drop in Treasury yields, which weighed on stocks a lot this fall. The market is increasingly convinced that the Federal Reserve is done raising interest rates, or at least doesn’t expect any incremental rate hikes any time soon.
SoFi Head of Investment Strategy Liz Young takes all this good news and explains — with a pinch of salt — why some caution might still be warranted down the line.
Today’s top stories
Is this “safe haven” losing its status? Moody’s cut the U.S. credit outlook to “negative”. Here’s what this might mean for your portfolio. Read more >> The new FAFSA form is almost here! This key federal student aid form has been revamped, and the process simplified for applicants. Here’s all you need to know. Read more >> How much of your income should go to student loans? Navigating loan repayments may require more diligent planning and budgeting, but with the right foundation, you can find a repayment plan that works for your personal needs. Read more >>Other news that caught our eye
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The Toyota Camry will only be sold as a hybrid starting 2025 as the Japanese automaker attempts to meet stricter U.S. fuel economy rules.
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The UAW’s vote on the union’s tentative contract with General Motors is too close to call.
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Sephora is locking up all its fragrances due to shoplifting.
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TransUnion plans to cut costs by shifting more jobs overseas, which could save up to $140 million in annual operating expenses by 2026.
Financial planner tip of the day
"For money you’ll use in three to seven years, you may be prepared to take slightly more risk than a savings account but still want to take less risk than your retirement money. You might choose to use a brokerage account where you can invest that money in stocks, bonds, cash, or other asset classes. Just be sure to keep your comfort with risk in mind."
Brian Walsh, CFP® at SoFi