Saturday,
May 11, 2024

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The week in review

•   The U.S. economy added only 175,000 jobs in April, well below estimates.

•   Used car prices fell 2.3% in April and 14% annually, according to the Manheim Index.

•   Activity in the services sector contracted for the first time in more than a year in April.

For more economic news, visit On the Money — SoFi’s one-stop-shop for news, trends, and tips!

The debate about rates: Higher rates aren’t all bad news

With inflation still hovering at about 2.7%, the Federal Reserve has indicated that interest rates are likely to remain as is — which is higher than some would like. But higher rates can be a mixed bag, and some suggest it’s actually good news for the economy.

After all, higher rates on Treasuries and other savings instruments can boost consumer income, even though higher rates on loans increase expenditures. ā€œIt’s possible that the ability to generate attractive interest on relatively risk-free assets has consumers feeling more positive about their cash flow and ability to spend,ā€ writes SoFi Head of Investment Strategy Liz Young in this week’s column.

Learn more about both sides of this debate.


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This week’s top stories

Why are working-age men leaving the workforce?

Since the 1950s, the share of working-age men with jobs has steadily declined, creating unfortunate economic and societal consequences.

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In the housing market, the balance of power is shifting back toward buyers

Home sellers appear poised to lose some of the negotiating power they’ve had in recent years, thanks to these factors.

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Americans saved trillions during the pandemic — but now it’s gone

In recent years, Americans’ collective $2 trillion in savings has transitioned into $72 billion in debt. What does this mean for consumers, corporations, and the economy?

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Deep dives from SoFi Learn

Should you work from home or go into the office?

Maybe your employer lets you decide, or maybe you’re looking for a new job in both the remote and in-person realm. There are pros and cons to both models, here are some factors to consider.

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Show me the money: A look at average pay rates nationwide

Annual pay rates have changed significantly over the years. See how your state’s average earnings stack up to the rest of the nation.

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Let’s talk 401(k) contributions. How much should you really be putting aside for your future?

The answer is different for everyone. Here are some basic ways to calculate what may be right for you

Read more >>

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