Here's exactly what it takes to max out your Social Security benefit. The average retired worker collects just over $2,000 per month in Social Security benefits, according to the most recent data from the Social Security Administration. But it's possible to earn up to $5,251 per month in 2026. Achieving the maximum benefit isn't easy, and it involves three requirements: work for at least 35 years,...
Here's exactly what it takes to max out your Social Security benefit. The average retired worker collects just over $2,000 per month in Social Security benefits, according to the most recent data from the Social Security Administration. But it's possible to earn up to $5,251 per month in 2026. Achieving the maximum benefit isn't easy, and it involves three requirements: work for at least 35 years, delay claiming benefits, and reach the income limit. Here's the salary you'll need to max out your monthly payment. What is the maximum taxable earnings limit? One of the requirements for earning the highest possible benefit is to consistently reach the maximum taxable earnings limit throughout your career. This limit is the highest income subject to Social Security taxes, and the closer you can get to it, the more you'll earn in benefits. It changes each year to account for cost-of-living adjustments, but in 2026, it's $184,500. Keep in mind that to achieve the maximum benefit, you'll need to consistently reach these limits over decades. For context, 35 years ago in 1991, the earnings limit was $53,400 per year. What if you can't consistently meet the salary requirement? Unfortunately, that will put you out of the running for the max benefit. The good news, though, is that you can still boost your monthly payments in other ways. Simple ways to increase your Social Security benefit Again, the three requirements for achieving the max benefit are: Work for at least 35 years. Delay claiming benefits until age 70. Consistently reach the maximum taxable earnings limit. You'll need to meet all of these requirements to earn the maximum benefit, but simply getting as close as you can to any of these benchmarks will still boost your monthly payment. For example, delaying benefits to any extent will still result in higher checks. In fact, the average retiree collects around $269 more per month at age 65 than at 62, according to December 2025 data from the Social Security Administrat...
Germany's Decline Is A Warning Canada Should Heed Now Authored by Gwyn Morgan via The Epoch Times, Germany was postwar Europe’s greatest economic success story. Today it is a cautionary tale. Once the continent’s industrial engine, Germany has spent the past decade dismantling the foundations of its prosperity through energy and immigration policies driven more by ideology than evidence or good se...
Germany's Decline Is A Warning Canada Should Heed Now Authored by Gwyn Morgan via The Epoch Times, Germany was postwar Europe’s greatest economic success story. Today it is a cautionary tale. Once the continent’s industrial engine, Germany has spent the past decade dismantling the foundations of its prosperity through energy and immigration policies driven more by ideology than evidence or good sense. The results have been rising costs, falling competitiveness, social disorder, and political backlash. Canada should study this record closely—because we are pursuing many of the same policies. Energy has played a leading role in Germany’s decline. Reliable, affordable power is the lifeblood of any advanced economy. In 2002, Germany’s 11 nuclear power plants supplied more than one-quarter of its electricity, with coal providing most of the remainder and natural gas filling in when needed. “Renewable” energy played only a minor role. The country had a stable, economically efficient grid that supported one of the world’s most productive industrial bases. That balance was abandoned. Driven by an ideological campaign against nuclear power, successive governments committed to replacing reliable baseload electricity with intermittent wind and solar. The goal shifted from reducing emissions to shutting down all nuclear plants, at any cost. After Japan’s Fukushima disaster in 2011—caused by a tsunami, not reactor failures—Germany accelerated these closures. Within six months, eight nuclear plants were taken offline. The rest would eventually follow. Not even Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine would throw Germany’s anti-nuclear zealots off-track. The consequences were predictable . Electricity demand rose as Germany pushed consumers and industry to electrify, but wind and solar output could not keep pace. Germany turned instead to imported natural gas, much of it from Russia, replacing energy independence with geopolitical vulnerability. Had Germany kept its nuclear plants ope...
Caterpillar was founded in 1925. But it is having a moment in the AI age. Shares of the company have climbed to record levels in recent weeks, pushing its market capitalization sharply higher—from $270 billion at the end of 2025 to about $347 billion as of Feb. 10. The stock, which has roughly doubled over the past 12 months to an all-time high of $742, has vastly outperformed such tech behemoths ...
Caterpillar was founded in 1925. But it is having a moment in the AI age. Shares of the company have climbed to record levels in recent weeks, pushing its market capitalization sharply higher—from $270 billion at the end of 2025 to about $347 billion as of Feb. 10. The stock, which has roughly doubled over the past 12 months to an all-time high of $742, has vastly outperformed such tech behemoths as Apple (up 20%) and Microsoft (up about 1%). And investors are betting that Caterpillar’s growing exposure to data centers, energy infrastructure, and AI-related demand hasn’t peaked yet. In fact, over the past 12 months, Caterpillar has ranked as the number-one best performer in the Dow. While Caterpillar is well known for its bright yellow construction site vehicles, it has greatly broadened its business mix to include energy and power systems, and resource and mining equipment. Caterpillar CEO Joseph Creed first joined the company in 1997 and has served in various roles, including CFO for the energy and transportation segment and interim CFO. Creed was named Caterpillar’s chief operating officer in 2023 and became CEO on May 1, 2025. The company’s strategy is “centered on three pillars for profitable growth: commercial excellence, being the advanced technology leader, and transforming how we work—all built upon a foundation of continued operational excellence,” Creed said on the Jan. 29 earnings call. Caterpillar (No. 64 on the Fortune 500) reported fourth-quarter and full-year results that exceeded Wall Street expectations. Full-year sales and revenues reached a record $67.6 billion, the highest in the company’s history, driven by solid demand across its construction, resource, and energy businesses. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the year totaled $19.06, while fourth-quarter adjusted EPS came in at approximately $5.16, above analysts’ forecasts in the mid-$4 range. The company also reported a record order backlog of $51 billion, up about 70% from a year earlie...
French AI startup Mistral said on Wednesday it will invest 1.2 billion euros ($1.43 billion) into digital infrastructure in Sweden, including AI data centers. The announcement comes as Europe scrambles to build out the infrastructure needed to power rapidly developing AI tools, as it seeks to build tech sovereignty amid rising geopolitical tensions. The funds will facilitate the development of AI ...
French AI startup Mistral said on Wednesday it will invest 1.2 billion euros ($1.43 billion) into digital infrastructure in Sweden, including AI data centers. The announcement comes as Europe scrambles to build out the infrastructure needed to power rapidly developing AI tools, as it seeks to build tech sovereignty amid rising geopolitical tensions. The funds will facilitate the development of AI data centers, advanced compute capacity and localized AI capabilities, Mistral said. Founded in 2023, Mistral has emerged as one of Europe's leading AI companies and raised a 1.7 billion euro funding round in September, hitting an 11.7 billion euro valuation. Dutch chip equipment maker ASML contributed 1.3 billion euros to the round. The company also counts big tech giants Nvidia and Microsoft as investors, alongside DST Global, Andreessen Horowitz, Bpifrance, General Catalyst, and Index Ventures. "This investment is a concrete step toward building independent capabilities in Europe, dedicated to AI", said Arthur Mensch, Mistral CEO, in a statement. "By delivering a fully vertical offer with locally processed and stored data, we are reinforcing Europe's strategic autonomy and competitiveness," he added. "This lays the foundation for a European AI cloud that can serve industries, public institutions, and researchers at scale." watch now VIDEO 5:54 05:54 Mistral AI CEO: New funding round allows us to bring value into the semiconductor industry Squawk Box Initially focused on building large language models (LLMs), the company has since expanded its offering to the infrastructure needed to power AI. In June, it launched Mistral Compute, which the company says can provide an integrated stack, including graphics processing units (GPUs), application programming interfaces (APIs) and services like fully managed platform-as-a-service. The Nordic countries are considered prime locations for compute facilities in Europe, boasting cooler temperatures and some of the lowest energy costs...
(RTTNews) - Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (HLT) said, for 2026, the company expects EPS to be between $8.49 and $8.61. EPS, adjusted for special items, is projected to be between $8.65 and $8.77. Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $4.00 billion and $4.04 billion. System-wide comparable RevPAR, on a currency neutral basis, is projected to increase between 1.0 percent and 2.0 percent. For t...
(RTTNews) - Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (HLT) said, for 2026, the company expects EPS to be between $8.49 and $8.61. EPS, adjusted for special items, is projected to be between $8.65 and $8.77. Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $4.00 billion and $4.04 billion. System-wide comparable RevPAR, on a currency neutral basis, is projected to increase between 1.0 percent and 2.0 percent. For the first quarter, the comnpany expects EPS to be between $1.87 and $1.93. EPS, adjusted for special items, is projected to be between $1.91 and $1.97. Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $875 million and $895 million. System-wide comparable RevPAR, on a currency neutral basis, is projected to increase between 1.0 percent and 2.0 percent. Fourth quarter net income was $297 million compared to $505 million in the same period last year. EPS was $1.27 compared to $2.06. EPS, adjusted for special items, was $2.08 compared to $1.76. Revenue increased to $3.087 billion from $2.783 billion. For the three months ended December 31, 2025, system-wide comparable RevPAR increased 0.5 percent compared to the same period in 2024. In pre-market trading on NYSE, Hilton shares are down 0.01 percent to $323.75. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com. The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Goldman Sachs' Q4 'selective investment' in the technology sector: Favoring Apple (AAPL.US) and Google (GOOGL.US) while reducing holdings in two major digital token ETFs. 富途牛牛
Goldman Sachs' Q4 'selective investment' in the technology sector: Favoring Apple (AAPL.US) and Google (GOOGL.US) while reducing holdings in two major digital token ETFs. 富途牛牛
Olemedia OpenAI ( OPENAI ) fired one of its safety executives named Ryan Beiermeister in January on grounds of sexual discrimination after she opposed the planned rollout of an AI erotica feature in ChatGPT, the Wall Street Journal reported. Beiermeister, who served as a vice president of Product Policy, was let go in early January, following a leave of absence, the report added , citing people wi...
Olemedia OpenAI ( OPENAI ) fired one of its safety executives named Ryan Beiermeister in January on grounds of sexual discrimination after she opposed the planned rollout of an AI erotica feature in ChatGPT, the Wall Street Journal reported. Beiermeister, who served as a vice president of Product Policy, was let go in early January, following a leave of absence, the report added , citing people with knowledge of the matter. OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Seeking Alpha. OpenAI informed her that the termination was related to her sexual discrimination against a male colleague, the report noted. "The allegation that I discriminated against anyone is absolutely false," said Beiermeister to the WSJ. Microsoft ( MSFT )-backed OpenAI told the news outlet that Beiermeister "made valuable contributions during her time at OpenAI, and her departure was not related to any issue she raised while working at the company," according to the report. Her expulsion comes ahead of OpenAI’s planned launch of a mode that will allow users to create AI erotica in ChatGPT. The potential feature, which would permit adult-themed conversation including sexual topics for adult users, has seen criticism from researchers at the company who have studied the ways some people inculcate unhealthy attachments to AI chatbots, the report noted. They have raised the concern that sexual content could intensify the feelings some people have for the AI personas they view as companions. Members of an advisory council on "well-being and AI" that OpenAI convenes regularly have also shown opposition to adult mode and requested the AI startup to reconsider plans to launch it, the report added, citing people familiar with the discussions. OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman has defended the plan to expand the permissible content on his platform as a part of an effort to "treat adult users like adults," the report noted. Before her expulsion, Beiermeister told colleagues that she opposed adult...
(RTTNews) - While reporting financial results for the fourth quarter on Wednesday, health insurer Humana, Inc. (HUM) initiated its earnings and adjusted earnings guidance for the full-year 2026. For fiscal 2026, the company now projects earnings of at least $9.89 per share and adjusted earnings of at least $9.00 per share. On average, 26 analysts polled expect the company to report earnings of $12...
(RTTNews) - While reporting financial results for the fourth quarter on Wednesday, health insurer Humana, Inc. (HUM) initiated its earnings and adjusted earnings guidance for the full-year 2026. For fiscal 2026, the company now projects earnings of at least $9.89 per share and adjusted earnings of at least $9.00 per share. On average, 26 analysts polled expect the company to report earnings of $12.00 per share for the year. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. The company also anticipates its 2026 individual Medicare Advantage annual membership growth of approximately 25 percent over 2025, driven by new sales and improved retention from the company's customer-led benefit strategy and changes to its customer service approach. In Wednesday's pre-market trading, HUM is trading on the NYSE at $179.00, down $2.21 or 1.22 percent. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
hapabapa/iStock Editorial via Getty Images Listen below or on the go via Apple Podcasts and Spotify Amazon ( AMZN ) takes 5.3% stake in BETA Technologies, driving shares higher. (00:14) Moderna ( MRNA ) shares drop after FDA refuses to file for mRNA-1010 influenza vaccine. (00:45) Estée Lauder ( EL ) sues Walmart ( WMT ) for selling counterfeits . (01:52) BETA Technologies ( BETA ) is up nearly 19...
hapabapa/iStock Editorial via Getty Images Listen below or on the go via Apple Podcasts and Spotify Amazon ( AMZN ) takes 5.3% stake in BETA Technologies, driving shares higher. (00:14) Moderna ( MRNA ) shares drop after FDA refuses to file for mRNA-1010 influenza vaccine. (00:45) Estée Lauder ( EL ) sues Walmart ( WMT ) for selling counterfeits . (01:52) BETA Technologies ( BETA ) is up nearly 19% premarket following a regulatory filing showing that Amazon.com ( AMZN ) has taken a 5.3% stake in the electric aviation firm . According to a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Amazon ( AMZN ) beneficially owns 11,753,896 shares of BETA Technologies’ Class A common stock and has sole voting and investment power regarding the shares held by NV Holdings. Moderna ( MRNA ) Tuesday said that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will not initiate a review of the biologics license application for its investigational influenza vaccine, mRNA-1010, and has issued a refusal-to-file letter, sending shares lower in extended trading. Moderna, down 9% premarket, had exercised a priority review voucher to facilitate a timely review of the application. The agency told Moderna ( MRNA ) that its application didn’t contain an “adequate and well-controlled” trial because the control arm didn’t reflect the “best-available standard of care in the United States at the time of the study,” according to a letter dated February 3 that Moderna posted online. The letter did not identify any specific safety or efficacy concerns regarding mRNA-1010, the company said. Moderna said that the refusal was inconsistent with previous written communications from the agency and that it had requested a meeting with FDA officials to understand how to proceed. The company does not expect an impact on its 2026 financial guidance based on the RTF from CBER. Estée Lauder ( EL ) is suing Walmart ( WMT ) for selling counterfeit versions of its licensed products . The cosmetics company clai...
jetcityimage/iStock Editorial via Getty Images Costco Wholesale ( COST ) has effectively become a de facto startup accelerator for emerging consumer packaged goods brands, with short-term tests, aggressive volume expectations, and very specific operational demands. While the retail giant does not have a formal startup program, for young brands, a successful regional test launch of their products a...
jetcityimage/iStock Editorial via Getty Images Costco Wholesale ( COST ) has effectively become a de facto startup accelerator for emerging consumer packaged goods brands, with short-term tests, aggressive volume expectations, and very specific operational demands. While the retail giant does not have a formal startup program, for young brands, a successful regional test launch of their products at Costco ( COST ) can boost brand awareness and credibility across the broader retail landscape. For startups, the Costco ( COST ) opportunity typically begins with a regional or time-bound test rather than an open-ended listing, which allows buyers to validate demand velocity quickly while limiting Costco's ( COST ) risk. Brands such as non-alcoholic beverage player Hiyo have gone from a Southern California test to a six-week sprint preparing inventory for 400 warehouses across 47 states, signaling how fast Costco ( COST ) can scale a concept once early reads are positive. This limited-duration, high-stakes test structure is especially attractive to founders because it offers access to a massive member base without committing to the slower annual reset cycles seen at retailers like Target ( TGT ) and Walmart ( WMT ). A limited product run at Costco ( COST ) also can function as a stress test of a startup's ability to handle club-level volumes, quality requirements, and on-time delivery. From a merchandising and brand-building standpoint, Costco ( COST ) forces startups to rethink pack architecture and visual identity for a pallet-driven, warehouse environment. Instead of simply scaling up a conventional SKU, brands often build club-exclusive formats. Since Costco’s ( COST ) sales floor is sparse in general for in-aisle signage and conventional endcaps, the outer case and pallet become the primary billboards, prompting startups to run mock pallet tests and pallet architecture exercises to ensure stacked boxes win attention in the Costco ( COST ) store layout environment. Co...
(RTTNews) - Solstice Advanced Materials, Inc. (SOLS) announced a profit for fourth quarter that Dropped, from the same period last year The company's earnings totaled $41 million, or $0.26 per share. This compares with $133 million, or $0.84 per share, last year. The company's revenue for the period rose 8.1% to $987 million from $913 million last year. Solstice Advanced Materials, Inc. earnings a...
(RTTNews) - Solstice Advanced Materials, Inc. (SOLS) announced a profit for fourth quarter that Dropped, from the same period last year The company's earnings totaled $41 million, or $0.26 per share. This compares with $133 million, or $0.84 per share, last year. The company's revenue for the period rose 8.1% to $987 million from $913 million last year. Solstice Advanced Materials, Inc. earnings at a glance (GAAP) : -Earnings: $41 Mln. vs. $133 Mln. last year. -EPS: $0.26 vs. $0.84 last year. -Revenue: $987 Mln vs. $913 Mln last year. -Guidance: Next quarter EPS guidance: $ 935 M To $ 985 M The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.