The Money Section | Inflation is down... but why?

͏Also, meet the “Magnificent Seven”. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ [Fort Worth Star-Telegram]( June 22, 2023 • Issue #38 [The Money Section] This week, we’re looking at some of the variables that play into the sudden decline in inflation, how a new “super group” of seven tech stocks managed to rally the markets, and why student loan borrowers shouldn’t hold their breath for a miracle (and should prepare for the resumption of payments instead). Interest rates hold steady. [Fed]( Money; Getty Images The Federal Reserve has decided to pause its series of interest rate hikes after implementing 10 consecutive increases. This break follows the latest report on consumer prices, which showed a lower annual inflation rate. However, the Fed's median rate forecast suggests there may still be [more rate hikes by the end of 2023.]( 😏 Inflation is down… as expected? Annual inflation in the United States has significantly decreased from its high levels last summer, suggesting a shift in the tide of rapid inflation. Jeanna Smialek from The Times explores whether this decline results from deliberate policy decisions or simply a fortunate occurrence. [Listen to the podcast here.]( 💸 Average Americans are still struggling. The recent decline in the Consumer Price Index brings some relief for American families dealing with rising living costs. However, many households still struggle due to the highest inflationary period since the 1980s. [Here are some strategies that could help boost income.]( Meet the “Magnificent Seven”. [Stocks]( Money, Getty Images The rise of artificial intelligence has led to a new group of tech stocks known as the "Magnificent Seven," which includes companies like Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, Meta, Tesla, and Alphabet. These stocks have seen incredible growth in 2023, but there are concerns about the sustainability of this tech-driven rally. [Read more.]( 📈 Bitcoin is once again on the rise. BlackRock –the world's largest asset manager– has filed an application for a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), causing the cryptocurrency's price to rise over 2% to around $25,665. [Here’s what you need to know.]( 🏡 Americans are struggling to repay loans. According to Vanguard Group, the average balance in employer-sponsored retirement plans fell by over 20% in 2022, with the average account balance for 401(k)s and 403(b)s dropping to $112,572. [See why more households are struggling to make loan payments.]( Your guide to student loan interest rates. [Rates]( Money; Getty Images If left unchecked, student loan interest can harm your budget by significantly increasing your loan balance over time. While Federal student loan interest rates are fixed, private loan rates vary by lender. Understanding how interest accrues on your loans can help you prepare for repayment and [explore options for getting a lower interest rate.]( 🎓 Americans face grim student loan reality. The US government's suspension of federal student loan payments allowed Leslie Estrada and her husband to save money for IVF treatment, leading to the birth of their son. Her story is one of many who were able to pursue their dreams during the loan payment pause, which is now ending. [Read more.]( 🚂 Student loan payments are on track to resume. Student loan borrowers should prepare for the resumption of payments, as relief measures like the loan payment pause are ending. The Supreme Court is likely to rule against the Biden administration's student loan forgiveness plan, and the debt ceiling bill prevents further pauses without congressional approval. [Here’s how you can prepare.]( Smart Money Move A Home Warranty may save you thousands in repairs [Home] [Home]According to a recent report, surveyed U.S. homeowners spent an average of $6,000 on maintenance and repairs last year. Considering the average annual cost of a home warranty can usually range from $300 to $600, you could break even with just one repair or replacement. This is especially true for those big-ticket items typically not covered under home insurance – such as refrigerators, A/C units, or washing machines. Many companies also offer multi-year or veteran discounts, making home warranties a smart financial tool for many homeowners. [View our Best Home Warranty Companies list and start protecting your appliances and budget today.]( Stories we're reading this week - [When Will Student Loan Payments Start Again?]( - [Could This New Credit Card Bill in Washington Hurt Your Miles and Points?]( - [Inside the Missing Submarine that Explores the Titanic — Each Ticket Worth $250K]( - [JPMorgan Settles With Jeffrey Epstein Victims for $290 Million]( - [Tools That Give the Best Estimates for How Much College Will Really Cost Your Family]( - [These Car Colors Have the Highest (and Lowest) Resale Value]( - [John Oliver Is the New Face of the Reddit API Protest]( The Money Section is written in partnership with Money Research Collective This email was sent to {EMAIL} because you are signed up to receive marketing emails or newsletters from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. If you no longer wish to receive emails of this type, you may [unsubscribe]( or [update your email preferences](. 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