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Three Smart Levers to Cut Your 2025 Tax Bill

Taxes are inevitable, but overpaying them isn’t. With new rules and opportunities in 2025, smart planning can help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Here are three effective levers to reduce your tax liability this year: 1. Maximize Retirement Contributions Contributing to retirement accounts such as RRSPs (Canada) or 401(k)/IRAs (U.S.) remains one of the most effective ways to lower taxable income. Contributions qualify for tax relief at your highest marginal rate, meaning every dollar you save reduces your tax bill significantly. Employer-matching programs make this even more attractive, and withdrawals in retirement can be structured for lower tax exposure. 2. Leverage Tax Credits and Deductions Common deductions include childcare expenses, education costs, and home office claims. Tax credits, unlike deductions, directly reduce the amount you owe, making them especially valuable. Temporary tax breaks introduced in 2025 can be maximized before they expire. 3. Use...

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U.S. Stocks Reach New Heights as Fed Signals Rate Cuts

 

U.S. stock markets soared to fresh record highs following the Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain its key interest rates and its projection of three rate cuts in 2024. The central bank’s commitment to a dovish monetary policy buoyed investor confidence, propelling major indices to unprecedented levels.

Market Highlights:

  1. Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA):

    • Closed up 512.30 points, or 1.4%, at a record 37,090.24 – the first record close since January 2022.
  2. S&P 500 (SPX):

    • Ended 63.39 points higher, or 1.37%, at 4,707.09.
  3. Nasdaq Composite (COMP):

    • Finished 200.57 points higher, or 1.38%, at 14,733.96, rebounding after briefly turning negative.

Key Factors:

  • The Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates steady after nearly two years of aggressive rate hikes.
  • Anticipation of three rate cuts in 2024, signaling a more accommodative stance.
  • Optimism around artificial intelligence (AI) and robust economic growth.

Stock Movements:

  • Tesla gained 0.7% after confirming a price increase for China-produced Model Y vehicles.
  • Nvidia, a chipmaker central to Wall Street’s AI euphoria, dipped slightly after revealing pricing and shipment plans for its Blackwell B200 chip.
  • Intel received nearly $20 billion in grants and loans from the Biden administration, boosting its shares by 2.9%.
  • Nasdaq shares fell 3.9% as Borse Dubai reduced its stake in the company.

The Fed’s commitment to supporting economic recovery and managing inflation remains in focus as investors navigate an evolving landscape. Stay tuned for further market developments.


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