Skip to main content

Featured

Tech Surge Lifts Nasdaq as Inflation and Bank Earnings Weigh on Dow

  U.S. stocks traded mixed on Tuesday as investors digested fresh inflation data and the kickoff of bank earnings season. The Nasdaq Composite jumped 0.8% , powered by a rally in semiconductor stocks, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.3% amid concerns over rising prices and uneven financial sector results. Key Drivers: Nvidia (NVDA) soared nearly 5% after announcing plans to resume AI chip sales to China, following a green light from the U.S. government. The move sparked a broader rally in chipmakers, with AMD and Micron also posting strong gains. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.3% month-over-month and 2.7% year-over-year in June, signaling a slight acceleration in inflation. Core CPI, excluding food and energy, climbed 2.9% annually. Bank earnings painted a mixed picture: JPMorgan and Citigroup beat expectations, while Wells Fargo fell short, cutting its net interest income forecast. BlackRock also reported record assets under management but saw its ...

article

Navigating Personal Finance in 2025: Key Changes to Capital Gains and Tax Brackets


As we step into 2025, several significant changes are set to impact personal finance, particularly in the areas of capital gains and tax brackets. These adjustments are designed to adapt to economic conditions and provide better financial planning opportunities for individuals.

Capital Gains Tax Adjustments

One of the most notable changes is the adjustment to capital gains tax. Starting in 2025, a higher tax rate will be applied to capital gains exceeding $250,000. This means that individuals selling assets with substantial gains may need to reconsider their timing and strategy to minimize tax liabilities. For example, spreading the sale of assets over multiple years could be a more tax-efficient approach.

Changes to Tax Brackets

Inflation adjustments are also on the horizon for tax brackets. To prevent inflation from pushing taxpayers into higher brackets, the income thresholds for each tax bracket will increase by 2.7%. For instance, the federal tax rate for earnings up to $57,375 will remain at 15%, but the brackets above this will see slight adjustments. This change aims to ensure that taxpayers are not unfairly penalized by inflation.

Basic Personal Amount

The basic personal amount, which is the portion of income not subject to federal tax, will also see an increase. For 2025, this amount ranges from $14,538 to $16,129, depending on overall income. This adjustment provides some relief, especially for those with lower incomes.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Contributions

For Canadian workers, there will be an increase in CPP contributions. This is part of a multi-year pension revamp aimed at enhancing benefits for retirees. The earnings ceilings for CPP contributions will also rise, with the first-tier ceiling increasing to $71,300 and the second-tier ceiling to $81,200.

These changes underscore the importance of staying informed and possibly consulting with a financial advisor to navigate the evolving financial landscape. By understanding and planning for these adjustments, individuals can better manage their finances and make informed decisions.




Comments