Tarun Gupta/iStock via Getty Images On April 3, 2026, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will report non-farm payrolls for March. The data might show the impact of the oil crisis on the labor market. The chances are very low that employment will rise like it did in February. In February, employment trended higher in five main areas: healthcare, financial activities, transportation/warehousing, and soc...
Tarun Gupta/iStock via Getty Images On April 3, 2026, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will report non-farm payrolls for March. The data might show the impact of the oil crisis on the labor market. The chances are very low that employment will rise like it did in February. In February, employment trended higher in five main areas: healthcare, financial activities, transportation/warehousing, and social assistance. Jobs in the Federal government fell. Job Loss Shocker in February The BLS reported that total nonfarm payroll employment edged down by 92,000 in February. Despite the large figure, the unemployment rate of 4.4% did not change by much. Compared to the year before (in February 2025 ), the unemployment rate held a range of between 4.0% and 4.2%. Unfortunately, the upcoming March job data might come in weaker for several reasons. In chart 1 (below, left), the unemployment rate headed toward, but stayed below, 4.5%. Last November, the rate peaked after the BLS did not collect data in October. The downtrend ended in February, when job losses increased. BLS In chart 2, the BLS posted a dramatic swing of over 100,000 jobs created in January and a drop the month after. Even though the Supreme Court ruled against various Liberation Day 2025 tariffs, a hangover might persist. Higher oil prices compound that problem, affecting trade. Reuters reported that US import prices posted the biggest increase in four years amid a broad rise in goods . After Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz in response to the U.S. and Israel's actions, an oil crisis ensued. WTI crude rose from around $65 to around $100. It settled below $91 at the time of writing this article. OilPrice The oil prices most affected are those that depend on ships unable to pass the Strait. OilPrice The longer the conflict lasts, the greater the impact that higher energy prices will have on the economy beyond a few weeks. Consumers will cut spending as prices rise. Companies will cut jobs to lower their expenses. Te...
McIninch/iStock via Getty Images Introduction For many years, I have included higher-yielding stocks in my coverage. Even though I am more than 30 years away from the legal retirement age in any Western nation, it was obviously an important topic for many readers. And, besides that, I think many investors may benefit from adding some income-focused stocks to their portfolios. I also own a few stoc...
McIninch/iStock via Getty Images Introduction For many years, I have included higher-yielding stocks in my coverage. Even though I am more than 30 years away from the legal retirement age in any Western nation, it was obviously an important topic for many readers. And, besides that, I think many investors may benefit from adding some income-focused stocks to their portfolios. I also own a few stocks where a bigger part of the (expected) total return comes from their dividend payments. However, on March 20, I wrote an article titled “The Retirement System Is Breaking—8 Risks Most Investors Still Ignore.” In that article, I promised to put even more emphasis on this type of investment, as we are dealing with structural risks that I expect to lead to an even bigger need to invest, especially in light of taxation and inflation risks. Interestingly enough, after that article launched, I also participated in an “SA Asks” article, where experts are asked to share their views on certain topics. In this case, it was about retirement risks. One of these questions was “What happens if the Social Security fund runs dry?” Allow me to quote myself: Technically speaking, this fund cannot run dry, as it's just a transfer mechanism from paying people to receivers. While the surplus is at risk, cash flows will keep the fund from being useless, so to speak. That said, it's still a serious situation. Depending on whom you ask, the surplus could turn into a deficit in the early to mid-2030s. That means current payroll taxes will not be enough to cover expenses. Such a situation would result in an immediate pay cut. As CBO expectations see coverage of just 77% to 81%, it would imply a pay cut of roughly 20%. They also asked , “What can Congress do to protect Social Security benefits?” Here's what I wrote: [...] I think there are two likely paths here. The first one is taxation. Currently, the Social Security payroll tax is capped at $170,000 per year (6.2% rate). I think we'll see a scen...
Schroptschop/iStock via Getty Images Originally published on March 25, 2026 We've been talking about the "boom loop" in the American economy. Compute generates revenue, revenue funds more compute, compute generates more revenue. Here's the result of that in a chart. This black line (going straight up) is this self-reinforcing loop at work, fueled by $650 billion of AI capex this year, $1 trillion ...
Schroptschop/iStock via Getty Images Originally published on March 25, 2026 We've been talking about the "boom loop" in the American economy. Compute generates revenue, revenue funds more compute, compute generates more revenue. Here's the result of that in a chart. This black line (going straight up) is this self-reinforcing loop at work, fueled by $650 billion of AI capex this year, $1 trillion next year, massive commitments to expand domestic energy capacity, and simultaneously, a defense industrial mobilization. This is why the Fed is raising its growth forecast and sees high productivity growth continuing, leading to higher incomes and higher potential growth for the economy. Notice in that chart above, the planned capacity for the "rest of the world" (led by China) is following the U.S. trajectory. This is the "AI race" we've been documenting. And then there's the blue line. Europe. It's barely visible, at the bottom. This is a key ingredient in the "doom loop" we've been talking about for the European economy. Europe has spent a year planning a big spend on defense, AI and energy capacity. The question has been, how will they pay for it? The plan: They tried to knit together support last month for fiscal union: "One Europe, One Market." That plan may have blown up on February 28th, when the U.S. started dropping bombs on Iran. Twenty-six days later, Europe's deficits in defense, AI and energy have been exposed, and now its solvency and liquidity vulnerabilities may be exposed. With that, European policymakers and economists were in Frankfurt recently at "The ECB and Its Watchers" conference. And the ECB's own chief economist presented a "severe scenario" where eurozone inflation rises to almost six percent this year - and does not return to target over the next two years. Growth goes negative for 2026. Important detail: This "severe scenario" (which includes destruction of energy infrastructure) is particularly interesting, because it's already happened. The ...
South Africa’s central bank is likely to go on the offensive against inflation and raise interest rates as soon as its next meeting in May, according to Morgan Stanley. The South African Reserve Bank held rates at 6.75% on Thursday, but stressed the Iran war is clouding its inflation outlook and opening the door to hikes if the conflict drags on. Listen to the Next Africa podcast on Apple , Spotif...
South Africa’s central bank is likely to go on the offensive against inflation and raise interest rates as soon as its next meeting in May, according to Morgan Stanley. The South African Reserve Bank held rates at 6.75% on Thursday, but stressed the Iran war is clouding its inflation outlook and opening the door to hikes if the conflict drags on. Listen to the Next Africa podcast on Apple , Spotify or anywhere you listen “We now see a pre-emptive tightening cycle unfolding in the months ahead,” Morgan Stanley economist Andrea Masia said in a note seen by Bloomberg. He penciled in 25 basis-point rate hikes in May and July, before the SARB pauses and resumes easing in 2027. Oil prices have surged 50% since the US and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, forcing central banks around the world who had been easing policy to pivot. The SARB adopted a 3% inflation target last year and Governor Lesetja Kganyago emphasized it would defend that goal. “All our forecasts show inflation reverting to 3% during the next two years,” he told reporters during a press conference in Pretoria after the rate decision. “We are committed to delivering that outcome, and stand ready to act as needed to fulfill our mandate.” Read More: South Africa Holds Rates, Warns of Hikes If Iran War Drags Morgan Stanley sees headline inflation overshooting the 4.3% April peak forecast by the SARB and expects it to be closer to 4.6% as price pressures broaden and energy costs filter more persistently through the economy. The tone of the statement also suggested to Barclays analyst Michael Kafe that a rate hike may be on the cards in May if oil prices remain above $100, though he wrote in a client note that his view for now was the SARB staying on hold through 2026. The central bank’s baseline outlook assumes crude prices will ease relatively quickly, averaging about $78 a barrel this year before declining further. That would allow policymakers to keep rates on hold through much of 2026 and begin cutting in 20...
With a market cap of about $1.4 trillion, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) is responsible for 58% of the crypto sector's market cap. Assets don't reach that size unless they're capable of growing for years on end, and most other cryptocurrencies simply can't compete. In that vein, here are four reasons Bitcoin remains the smartest long-term bet in the entire crypto sector. Image source: Getty Images. Continu...
With a market cap of about $1.4 trillion, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) is responsible for 58% of the crypto sector's market cap. Assets don't reach that size unless they're capable of growing for years on end, and most other cryptocurrencies simply can't compete. In that vein, here are four reasons Bitcoin remains the smartest long-term bet in the entire crypto sector. Image source: Getty Images. Continue reading
The growing telemedicine sector is an unusual sector for high yield investors to find yield. LFMDP offers 2 good choices. Tim Kitchen/DigitalVision via Getty Images LifeMD Inc. ( LFMD ) seems like an unlikely place for high yield investors to find attractive yields. This telemedicine growth stock doesn't pay a dividend. LFMD has a debt free balance sheet, so there are no bonds available for invest...
The growing telemedicine sector is an unusual sector for high yield investors to find yield. LFMDP offers 2 good choices. Tim Kitchen/DigitalVision via Getty Images LifeMD Inc. ( LFMD ) seems like an unlikely place for high yield investors to find attractive yields. This telemedicine growth stock doesn't pay a dividend. LFMD has a debt free balance sheet, so there are no bonds available for investment. Surprisingly, LFMD offers two attractive choices for high yield investors to consider. This article covers the high yielding LifeMD, Inc. 8.875% CUM PFD A ( LFMDP ) as well as an LFMD options income strategy. The major risks are also discussed. Debt-free balance sheet with excellent liquidity A strong balance sheet with adequate liquidity is always a consideration for high yield investors. As of Q4 2025 LFMD had a debt free balance sheet with $36.8 million in cash. Cash exceeds debt even if the $35 million par value of LFMDP is treated as debt. Additional liquidity is provided by an undrawn $50 million credit line . Catalysts for growth There are several catalysts for continued growth at LFMD. Their in-house 50 state pharmacy is now operational. They have received 503-A compounding licenses for 35 states and expect nationwide licenses by the end of the year. This helps to increase margins as compared to routing orders to an outside pharmacy service. Insurance coverage is critical for growth, and LFMD is making rapid progress in this area. The pool of potential patients with insurance coverage accepted by LFMD is expected to more than double from 112 million people currently to over 230 million people in Q2 2026 (see page 9 of the March Investor Presentation ). GLP-1 weight loss drugs are becoming increasingly popular and are still only being used by a small percentage of eligible patients. LFMD has collaborated with both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. LFMD is expanding into new sectors such as Women's Health, Cardiology, Psychiatry, and Primary Care. Strong revenue growt...
By Niket Nishant and Shashwat Chauhan March 27 (Reuters) - From rocket launches drawing millions of YouTube views to social media frenzy over its potential listing, SpaceX's debut is shaping up to be
By Niket Nishant and Shashwat Chauhan March 27 (Reuters) - From rocket launches drawing millions of YouTube views to social media frenzy over its potential listing, SpaceX's debut is shaping up to be
Alphabet has room to run due to Google being well positioned to emerge as a frontrunner in the artificial intelligence race, according to Wells Fargo. The bank raised its price target on Alphabet to $397 from $387, implying 41% upside from Thursday's close. It maintained an overweight rating on the tech giant. "GOOGL has all the pieces necessary to be an AI winner, with an industry-leading capacit...
Alphabet has room to run due to Google being well positioned to emerge as a frontrunner in the artificial intelligence race, according to Wells Fargo. The bank raised its price target on Alphabet to $397 from $387, implying 41% upside from Thursday's close. It maintained an overweight rating on the tech giant. "GOOGL has all the pieces necessary to be an AI winner, with an industry-leading capacity position to support internal efforts (Search, Gemini) and monetize externally through GCP, broad distribution network, and vast consumer data," analyst Ken Gawrelski said Thursday in a note to clients. "We're more comfortable with Google's competitive position in search, given progress with AI mode and Gemini adoption, and overall see AI as TAM expanding." GOOGL YTD mountain GOOGL year to date Google has made several moves to become a bigger player in the AI industry, competing with other Silicon Valley heavyweights such as Meta and Amazon.com . Last fall, Google struck a deal with Anthropic to grant the AI company access to up to one million of its custom-designed Tensor Processing Units, or TPUs. The agreement is expected to bring more than a gigawatt of AI compute capacity online this year. The company also completed earlier this month its $32 billion acquisition of cloud security firm Wiz. The deal aims to bolster the security of Google Cloud Platform, including its multicloud and AI features. "Google [is] leveraging its compute capacity advantage to develop new profit pools," Gawrelski wrote, adding that he expects GCP and operational intelligence revenue to increase 4% and 6%, respectively, in 2026. Wells Fargo also expects revenues from those businesses to jump 7% and 14%, respectively, in 2027. The analyst added that Google's Broadcom TPU sales to Anthropic are expected to result in $2.5 billion and $7.5 billion "incremental, high-margin (85%) Google Cloud revenue" in 2026 and 2027, respectively, given the firm's IP licensing fee of $2,500 per TPU. Wells Fargo's c...
PM Images/DigitalVision via Getty Images Introduction Since its launch in late 2021 Global X High Interest Savings ETF ( CASH:CA ) has grown into one of Canada's favorite spots to park their cash. It currently has $6.8B in assets, growing from $4.8B two years ago. Its popularity was aided by rising interest rates and yield curve inversion (lower short-term interest rates higher than longer-term ra...
PM Images/DigitalVision via Getty Images Introduction Since its launch in late 2021 Global X High Interest Savings ETF ( CASH:CA ) has grown into one of Canada's favorite spots to park their cash. It currently has $6.8B in assets, growing from $4.8B two years ago. Its popularity was aided by rising interest rates and yield curve inversion (lower short-term interest rates higher than longer-term rates). Now that Canada has reduced policy interest rates and the yield curve has normalized, I'll compare CASH:CA to other low-risk, fixed income options. What CASH Holds Unlike money market funds such as ZMMK:CA which hold short-term treasury bills and commercial paper, CASH:CA holds its assets in high-interest deposit accounts at Canadian chartered banks. Currently, assets are held at the National Bank of Canada ( NA:CA ), Scotiabank ( BNS:CA ) and CIBC ( CM:CA ). According to CASH's prospectus , it may also invest in "high-quality, short-term (one year or less) debt securities, including treasury bills and promissory notes issued or guaranteed by Canadian governments or their agencies, and banker's acceptances" but its most recent holdings show it does not currently hold any of these investments. CASH Holdings (Global X Website) Fees CASH has a Management Expense Ratio (MER) of 0.11%. This compares favorably to other high-interest savings ETFs such as Purpose High Interest Savings ( PSA:CA ) and CI High Interest Savings ( CSAV:CA ) which have MERs of 0.17% and 0.15%, respectively. It's also comparable to money market funds such as ZMMK:CA, which has an MER of 0.13%. Liquidity Liquidity is not an issue for CASH. Average daily trading volume over the last 12 months is 1,576,231, with large volumes on the bid and ask and a bid/ask spread of $0.01. Risk Unlike when you open a high-interest savings account yourself or invest in Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GIC) your investment in CASH is not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CIDC) or any other governm...