Money is flowing into stock funds this year. Skeptics abound but others believe that the Fed’s determination to rekindle an appetite for risk will produce a shift from bonds into stocks over the next few years and drive prices higher.
Personal Finance
How the Payroll-Tax Hike Can Destroy Your Savings Plan
Saving is hard enough. The payroll tax hike will cost the average worker $700, tempting you to cut saving instead of spending. Look out.
Cash Leaking Out of 401(k) Plans at Alarming Rate
A quarter of money socked away for retirement comes out early, much of it subject to penalties and income taxes. For many, the venerable 401(k) is just too darned inefficient
Four Keys to Decoding the World Economic Forum
As we speak, business leaders and heads of state are gathering in Davos, Switzerland, for their annual dose of brainstorming and cocktail partying. Bloggers have been placing bets on whether the U.S. or hobbled Europe will get …
Celebrity Prepaid Cards: Will Justin Bieber Fare Better than the Kardashians?
Teen sensation Justin Bieber’s prepaid debit card goes live in coming days. He can only hope he gets a better response than the Kardashians, who had to withdraw their predatory card from the market and wound up in court.
6 Reasons the Stock Market Could Do Surprisingly Well in 2013
A slow-growing economy with little inflation can actually be the best environment for blue-chip stocks.
It’s Peak Season for Shopping Because You’re Depressed
The most depressing day of the year supposedly takes place right around now. It’s also prime time to be tempted into shopping as a cure for the blues.
Flashpoint: Young Workers with a 401(k) Finally Get Diversified
Young workers don’t save enough. But those that participate in a 401(k) plan are doing a pretty good job of managing their assets, thanks in big part to one-decision target-date mutual funds.
Policing the Web: How Google’s ‘Cops’ Track Down Bad Ads
The search engine employs hundreds of ‘ad cops’ to keep as many dubious advertisements as possible off their site
At Under $19K for a Nissan Leaf, Does the Math on Electric Cars Finally Add Up?
Nissan’s Leaf has a long way to go to expand beyond its status as a niche commuter car. Sales have been underwhelming, even with cheap lease offers, leading some to declare the Leaf an overpriced, impractical flop. Will this …
Virginia Is Worried Cars Are Becoming Too Fuel-Efficient
The average fuel economy of new vehicles rose 6% in 2012, and cars are expected to use less and less gas going forward. Isn’t that a good thing?
What the Current Economic Outlook Means for American Families
The economy is likely to keep improving, but slow growth could develop into chronic stagnation.