Top Story
US productivity is higher, but workers arenāt feeling it
Even though the economy is strong and workers more productive, many feel worried about layoffs, and disapprove of their company leaders.
All three major US stocks indexes notched fresh record highs on Thursday
• Shares of Apple fell 4.1% after the Justice Department filed an antitrust case against the tech company, alleging it has a monopoly over the phone market.
• Gold prices hit an all-time high of more than $2,200 per ounce.
• Home sales in February jumped 9.5%, the largest monthly gain in a year. Inventory also increased 5.9% from January, while the median sale price was $384,500.
• Manufacturing activity hit a 21-month high in February while the services sector hit a three-month low, though both still showed an expansion of overall activity.
Is your kid headed to college soon? Hereās what you need to know
College acceptance letters are beginning to roll in, and high school seniors ā and their parents ā are facing some big decisions.
Thereās no hiding it: College can be expensive. The average tuition and fees at a public four-year in-state college was $11,260 for the 2023-24 academic year, according to the College Board. The sticker price at a private four-year college was $41,540.
Parents: Itās time for some homework
FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help students get financial aid, including loan, scholarships, grants and work-study programs, to help cover the cost. Youāll likely need your Social Security number and federal income tax returns to complete the application.
Loan options. There are federal and private loans that can help pay for college.
Keep track of deadlines. Many schools have a decision deadline for accepted students, along with a deadline for on-campus housing requests.
Todayās top stories
Student loan trend watch: refunds and more forgivenessWe round up the latest news in the student loan space, including refunds for people who were scammed by companies pretending to offer debt relief, and nearly $6 billion in new loan forgiveness.
Read more >> Hereās why Americans are breaking up with ice creamIce cream has been a staple dessert in America for decades. But tastes may be changing.
Read more >> Learn about student loans for military dependentsMilitary members, veterans, and their families have special opportunities when it comes to paying for college.
Read more >>Other news that caught our eye
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The U.S. Justice Department filed an antitrust case against Apple, alleging it has a monopoly over the phone market.
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In other antitrust news, two California customers are suing HermĆØs, alleging the luxury brand is a monopoly and that the way it sells Birkin bags violates antitrust laws.
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More than 400,000 Starbucks cups are being recalled after several reports of burns and cuts.
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Chevron agreed to pay two fines totaling more than $13 million for California oil spills in 2019.
Financial planner tip of the day
"Sure, thereās something undeniably exciting about an untouched laptop, and a textbook with an uncracked spine, but buying used can lead to significant savings. On average, students spend $415 on required books and materials each school year, and an additional $527 on technology and other supplies."
Brian Walsh, CFPĀ® at SoFi