by Mark Chandik | Jun 30, 2025
As we get set to mark the 249th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some fascinating details behind this iconic American document. Here are nine interesting facts to explore and enjoy! Thomas Jefferson is...
by Mark Chandik | Jun 23, 2025
It came as no surprise that the Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark rate—the fed funds rate—at 4.25% to 4.50% during last Wednesday’s meeting. Despite the moderation in the rate of inflation, central bankers didn’t hint at any near-term cut in interest rates. The...
by Mark Chandik | Jun 16, 2025
Inflation remained mild in May, showing little upward pressure. According to last week’s report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose just 0.1% for the month, while the annual rate settled at 2.4%. The core CPI, which excludes...
by Mark Chandik | Jun 9, 2025
The US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported that the US trade deficit fell a whopping 55% in April to $61.6 billion. In March, the grade gap stood at a record $138.3 billion. April exports rose $8.3 billion to a record $289.4 billion. April imports fell $68.4...
by Mark Chandik | Jun 2, 2025
Why is inflation widely unpopular among the public? Inflation erodes the value of money. Inflation introduces uncertainty about future prices, making it harder for households to plan budgets, save for long-term goals, or make major purchases. Those on fixed...
by Mark Chandik | May 27, 2025
Discussions of U.S. exceptionalism in the stock market stem from the consistent outperformance of major U.S. indexes compared to global markets. For example, over the past decade, the Global Dow is up about 103%, while the S&P 500 Index has risen by 180%,...
