Oil prices steady as traders monitor demand outlook, await Fed decision

The S&P 500 fell 19% after President Trump announced significant tariffs on April 2 but has since recovered slightly due to a 90-day pause on the most aggressive duties. Experts anticipate short-term volatility and uncertainty, with a 45% chance of recession within a year, while long-term consequences may include reduced economic growth and living standards. Analysts warn that these tariffs could represent a major policy mistake, leading to economic fragmentation and lasting harm, especially to...

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD -7.42%) experienced a significant stock price decline of 7.4% amid broader market downturns, hitting a low of 10.5% during the session. The drop was influenced by AMD's announcement of an effective ban on sales of its MI308X processor to China, leading to an anticipated $800 million write-down, alongside rising costs due to TSMC's planned 30% price increase on 4nm chips. Additionally, escalating U.S.-China trade tensions and cautious remarks from Federal Reserve...

Cancer-focused biotech NovoCure (NVCR -4.07%) saw its stock price target cut by Wedbush analyst David Nierengarten from $29 to $27, leading to a nearly 5% drop in stock value amidst bearish sentiment. Despite a 21% year-over-year revenue growth in Q4 2024, the company reported a net loss of $0.61 per share, worse than analysts expected. While investors are impatient for positive news, the company remains well-positioned in cancer treatment, suggesting it may be a discount...

Recent stock market volatility has highlighted the telecom sector's stability, with AT&T and Verizon emerging as strong investment options. AT&T is at a pivotal point, focusing on expanding its 5G and fiber-optic networks following a divestment of entertainment assets, projecting $16 billion in free cash flow (FCF) for 2024, while Verizon is also growing its mobile and fiber businesses, pursuing an acquisition to boost broadband connections. Both companies show promise, but AT&T has outperformed in...

As cryptocurrencies face declining values, stablecoins may emerge as the best investment opportunity for 2025, despite their inherent stability. Pegged to the U.S. dollar, stablecoins like USDC are increasingly being utilized in decentralized finance, with significant growth leading to a $200 billion industry. The potential IPO of Circle Internet Group, issuer of USDC, could create lucrative investment avenues in the stablecoin sector, making it a key player alongside companies like Coinbase and the third-largest stablecoin,...

Waiting until full retirement age to sign up for Social Security helps avoid reduced monthly benefits, which is crucial for those relying on this income. However, circumstances like job loss or health issues may force early claims, which can lead to regrets; fortunately, there's a do-over option that allows individuals to withdraw their application and reapply later, provided they repay all benefits received within a year. To make informed decisions, it's essential to understand Social...