Economy & Politics

Inflation. Interest rates. Housing prices. Investors spend their time closely watching various economic data points and seeing how the Federal Reserve and other policy and lawmakers react. InvestorPlace is breaking down the basics so you can make the smartest moves possible with your money.

A Potential Stock Market Crash Trigger Looms on July 25

Stock market crash fears are swirling ahead of the release of second-quarter GDP data due this Thursday, July 25.

The June CPI Report Shows That Inflation Fell for the First Time in 4 Years. What Comes Next?

The June CPI report showed that prices fell last month, the first deflationary reading in years. Will the Fed finally cut rates?

Stock Market Crash Alert: Mark Your Calendars for July 5

Fears of a stock market crash are flying ahead of the June jobs report due this Friday, July 5. What will the report mean for Wall Street?

Stock Market Crash Warning? Why Consumer Sentiment Just Hit a 7-Month Low.

Stock market crash worries are eating up Wall Street today after a disappointing consumer sentiment survey, released Friday.

Stocks Pop Higher as May CPI Shows Cooling Inflation

The May CPI came in cooler than expected this morning, raising hopes of rate cuts to come later this year. Stocks are up big on the news.

May CPI, June FOMC Meeting Loom as Stock Market Crash Triggers on June 12

Both the May CPI report and the June Fed policy meeting are set for this Wednesday, June 12. Will the stock market crash?

American Deficit Crisis: Why the IMF Is Urging U.S. to Cut its Debts

The IMF's first Deputy Managing Director, Gita Gopinath, has issued a notice that American deficit spending has spiraled out of control.

Stock Market Odds Favor a Trump Victory in November Despite Guilty Verdict

The stock market has been hinting at a victory for Trump come November, even after the former President's shocking guilty verdict last week.

April CPI Report Shows Cooling Inflation But Does Little to Solve Rate Cut Worries

The April CPI report released this morning showing a slight deceleration in inflation from March. What does this mean for Fed rate cuts?

What Is the Federal Funds Rate and Why Is It So Important?

The federal funds rate, or benchmark rate, guides interest rates and lending conditions across industries nationwide.

Is the Stock Market on a Crash Course in 2024?

With stocks tumbling in April, alongside largely disappointing economic data, fears of a stock market crash are reaching a fever pitch.

Understanding Unemployment: What Is Unemployment? What Are the Different Kinds? How Is Unemployment Calculated?

While the unemployment rate remains a persistent hot topic among traders and economists alike, it is often woefully misunderstood.

3 EV Stocks to Buy That Are Likely to Get Some Love From Democratic Governors

Democratic governors could start investing more heavily in EV production in their state. Here are three EV stocks that could benefit.

What Is Stagflation? What Causes It and What We’ve Learned from the 1970s.

Stagflation remains a chief concern among economists as one of the most devastating economic conditions. What is stagflation?

Stock Market Crash Alert: Q1 GDP Sounds Stagflation Alarm Bells

Wall Street is abuzz with stagflation concerns after the brutally underwhelming Q1 GDP report. Will the stock market crash?

PCE vs CPI: Why Does the Fed Prefer the PCE? How Are the Two Inflation Metrics Different?

Since the pandemic, Wall Street has been discussing inflation. So, PCE vs. CPI: What's the difference between the two inflation measures?

Stock Market Crash: S&P 500 Falls Below 5,000

While it may be too early to call for a stock market crash, both technical and fundamental dynamics are moving discouragingly.

Stock Market Crash Alert: Mark Your Calendars for April 25

Investors are keeping a close eye on the crucial Q1 GDP report, due on Thursday, April 25. Will the stock market crash?

What is GDP and How Exactly Is GDP Calculated?

GDP remains one of the single-most important barometers of a country's economic health. So, what is GDP? And why does it matter so much?