Insights

What's Inside: How Does Your Income Compare?; The U.S. Penny Is History; No More Groundhog Day for Your Finances: Time for a Financial Wellness Check; A Roadmap for Your Family; Taxing Social Security Benefits: Clearing the Confusion; and Wealthy Colleges Face Expanded Endowment Tax

U.S. equities spent most of last week trending lower, ultimately rebounding in a major way last Friday to close the week higher.

Several industries, led by software, have sold off significantly year to date, as investors assess the impact of artificial intelligence on established business models. While some companies will face genuine pressure, the initial market response is often indiscriminate—pricing in disruption broadly before fully understanding the scope and timing of new innovations. Over time, the market will distinguish between structural losers and firms that successfully adapt and continue

Investors experienced another turbulent week for U.S. stocks last week, although a fairly mild inflation report brought the market some relief on Friday.

Last week was defined by volatility as stocks whipsawed between deep, tech-led losses and a late-week rally.

Equities ended the week mostly lower as investors parsed through a heavy slate of fourth-quarter earnings data, economic reports, high valuations, and the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates at their current levels.

What's Inside: How Will AI Transform the Workplace? Employers Weigh In; Social Media Takes a Toll on Teens' Mental Health; A Pension Freeze Can Reduce Retirement Income; Don't Take the Bait: Top Tax Scams in 2025; Key Retirement and Tax Numbers for 2026; and Q & A on RMDs

Last week was marked by volatility as investors moved cautiously ahead of this week's Federal Reserve meeting.