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Certificate of deposit (CD) accounts currently offer higher interest rates than many other savings options. The highest rates this September are found in longer-term CDs, ranging from about 4.35% to 4.50%, but shorter-term CDs and alternatives like high-yield savings accounts also provide competitive options.
Key Facts
CD accounts offer fixed interest rates, usually higher than regular savings accounts.
CD terms vary from 3 months to 10 years.
Longer-term CDs (18 months to 5 years) have the highest rates currently, between 4.35% and 4.50%.
Shorter-term CDs have slightly lower rates, ranging from around 3.90% to 4.30%.
Withdrawing money before a CD matures often results in penalties that reduce earned interest.
High-yield savings and money market accounts offer variable rates that are a bit lower than top CD rates but allow easier access to funds.
Savers should choose CD terms that match when they can leave their money untouched.
Expected interest rate changes from the Federal Reserve may affect future rates on CDs and savings accounts.
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged G20 countries to use tariffs like the Trump administration did to protect their industries from cheap imports. He emphasized the need to safeguard jobs and manufacturing, while also discussing U.S.-China trade tensions and global economic challenges.
Key Facts
Bessent encouraged G20 nations to adopt tariff measures to guard against cheap imports harming local industries.
He warned early in President Trump’s second term that U.S. tariffs would cause Chinese goods to flood other markets.
Trump administration tariffs raised retail prices on imported goods by about 7% in 2025, according to the Tax Foundation.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in February that Trump’s global tariffs under an emergency law were unconstitutional.
The U.S. is considering an additional 7.5% tariff on Chinese imports due to concerns about excess capacity and forced labor.
Bessent spoke with Chinese officials but gave no details, emphasizing a need to “de-risk” trade without breaking ties.
China’s trade surplus hit $1.2 trillion in 2025, which Bessent says hampers global growth.
Global debt reached $353 trillion, and U.S. debt hit $40 trillion in August, though Bessent said bond markets are stable.
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Opening a $100,000 certificate of deposit (CD) for 18 months now can earn savers about $6,300 to $6,600 in interest by the time the CD matures. These fixed returns are higher than typical savings accounts, but early withdrawal penalties mean savers should choose carefully.
Key Facts
A CD is a bank account where money is locked in for a set time in exchange for fixed interest.
Current top interest rates for an 18-month $100,000 CD range from 4.20% to 4.35%.
At these rates, interest earned after 18 months would be about $6,366 to $6,595.
CDs offer guaranteed returns unlike some other savings options with variable rates.
Early withdrawal from CDs often results in penalties that can reduce earnings.
Traditional savings accounts offer much lower returns, around 0.38% interest now.
Alternatives like high-yield savings or money market accounts may offer similar returns without CD restrictions.
Savers should compare options and consider dividing money among different accounts for best results.
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A $75,000 home equity loan currently has monthly payments between $723 and $916, depending on repayment length. Interest rates are around 8.14%, which is lower than personal loans or credit cards, but rates could rise soon if the Federal Reserve increases its rates again.
Key Facts
The average home equity loan interest rate is 8.14% as of September 1, 2026.
A 10-year loan at this rate costs about $915.51 per month.
A 15-year loan costs about $722.81 per month.
Home equity loans are typically cheaper than personal loans (over 12% interest) and credit cards (over 22% interest).
Home equity loans use the house as collateral, so missing payments may lead to foreclosure.
Interest rates for home equity loans have been slightly lower in 2025 but may rise soon due to possible Federal Reserve rate hikes.
Borrowers can find and compare loan rates online to get the best deal and do not have to use their existing mortgage company.
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U.S. Treasury bond yields rose on Tuesday, continuing a global trend of rising bond yields that could increase borrowing costs for Americans. This rise is caused by inflation, concerns over government debt, and tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have increased energy prices.
Key Facts
The 10-year Treasury yield increased to 4.78%, the highest since January 2025, affecting mortgage rates.
The 2-year Treasury yield rose to 4.37%, reflecting expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate decisions.
The 30-year Treasury yield stayed near 5.25%.
Rising inflation and government debt worries are causing investors to sell bonds, pushing yields higher.
U.S.-Iran military tensions have increased oil prices, adding to inflation concerns.
The Federal Reserve may raise interest rates again in September to fight inflation.
Higher bond yields can increase loan costs, like for mortgages and car loans, but can raise earnings for savers.
Analysts expect yields to stay volatile but possibly stabilize near the end of the year.
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Mortgage interest rates are currently higher than they were six months ago, with an average rate of 6.87% for a 30-year mortgage. Buyers may want to lock in their mortgage rate this September to protect themselves from possible increases, especially since the Federal Reserve might raise interest rates again soon.
Key Facts
The average mortgage rate on a 30-year loan is 6.87% as of September 1.
Mortgage rates had been expected to fall but have instead risen over the past six months.
The Federal Reserve is likely to increase interest rates on September 16.
Lenders might raise mortgage rates even before the official Fed announcement.
A Fed rate hike this month could start a series of rate increases in coming months.
Locking a mortgage rate now can protect buyers from higher future rates.
Buyers can sometimes lower their locked rate before closing if rates drop.
It is important to know if your mortgage lender offers a “rate float down” option.
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Employers in the U.S. are expected to give modest pay raises averaging 3.5% in 2027. These increases may not fully keep up with inflation, which rose 3.4% yearly as of July, potentially reducing workers' purchasing power.
Key Facts
The average salary increase in 2027 is predicted to be 3.5%, including all types of raises.
Inflation was rising at about 3.4% per year in July, close to the projected pay increase.
Companies are focusing raises on top performers rather than giving small increases to everyone.
High-tech and banking industries expect slightly higher raises, around 3.7% to 3.8%.
Retail and industries with fewer job opportunities may offer lower raises that do not keep up with inflation.
Employers face budgeting challenges due to economic uncertainty and aim to use pay hikes to keep key workers.
Most companies have not finished deciding their official salary budgets for 2027.
2023 had the highest salary hikes recently, but salary increases are expected to slow down next year.
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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 22 states have sued Amazon, saying the company overcharged advertisers for seven years by secretly raising prices in its ad auctions. The FTC claims Amazon replaced true auction results with higher prices to make more money, affecting about 1.2 million advertisers and likely costing them over $20 billion.
Key Facts
The FTC and 22 states filed the lawsuit against Amazon in a U.S. court in Washington state.
Amazon runs auctions for ads shown on its site, where advertisers bid to display their ads.
Since 2019, Amazon allegedly added hidden fees by setting higher prices than the auction results.
These fees were called a “soft reserve price” internally and were not disclosed to advertisers.
Amazon earned $200.6 billion in sales and $62.6 billion in profit in the second quarter of 2026.
Amazon says the FTC chose only certain details and that its ad system does not harm advertisers or consumers.
The FTC wants a permanent order to change Amazon’s ad pricing, plus fines and refunds.
The case involves over 1.2 million advertisers whose ads include Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Display ads.
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Stocks fell on Wall Street as oil prices rose and U.S. government bond yields increased. Rising oil prices and higher bond yields add to concerns about inflation and borrowing costs, which can slow down economic growth.
Key Facts
The S&P 500 fell 0.4%, the Dow Jones dropped 190 points (0.4%), and the Nasdaq declined 0.5%.
Oil prices increased, with Brent crude rising 2.3% to $92.61 per barrel.
U.S. government bond yields rose, with the 10-year Treasury yield reaching 4.77% and the 2-year Treasury yield rising to 4.37%.
Bond yields go up when bond prices go down, indicating investors want higher returns due to higher risks like growing government debt.
U.S. government debt recently surpassed $40 trillion, increasing concerns about federal spending and borrowing costs.
Higher bond yields usually lead to higher borrowing costs for mortgages and business loans, which can slow investment and growth.
Inflation remains above 3%, and the Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates to try to reduce it.
The ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Iran has disrupted oil shipping routes, contributing to higher energy costs and inflation.
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A $50,000 annuity can provide steady monthly payments to supplement retirement income, but the exact amount depends on factors like age and annuity type. Older individuals generally receive higher monthly payments because the payout period is expected to be shorter.
Key Facts
A $50,000 annuity can pay a few hundred dollars per month, varying by age and gender.
At age 60, men might get about $265 per month and women $252 from a single-life immediate annuity.
At age 80, payments rise to about $575 for men and $540 for women due to shorter expected payout periods.
Single-life annuities pay more monthly but stop payments at the annuitant’s death.
Options like guaranteed payment periods or joint-life coverage reduce monthly payouts but offer added protections.
Choosing the right annuity depends on balancing monthly income against benefits for a spouse or heirs.
Annuities provide reliable income that does not depend on stock market performance.
They are often used to supplement other retirement income sources like Social Security or pensions.
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Chevron is expected to announce it will expand its oil operations in Venezuela. This comes as part of a U.S. government partnership with a private company, North American Blue Energy Partners, to increase oil production in Venezuela.
Key Facts
Chevron, the second-largest U.S. oil company, is the only major U.S. company with a big presence in Venezuela.
Chevron officials and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright plan to visit Venezuela to unveil the new investment.
The U.S. government is partnering with North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP), owned by Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt.
The partnership will create a new company with the Pentagon owning 35% and the U.S. State Department having the right to buy 20% of the produced oil at cost.
Some experts doubt Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez has the authority to grant 100-year rights over oil fields with 65 billion barrels.
There are concerns whether future governments in Venezuela or the U.S. could cancel the agreement.
Betancourt has been investigated in the past for alleged money laundering, but no charges were filed, and the U.S. says no laws were broken.
The U.S. government is not putting money into the new company but will support it to help attract investors to increase oil production.
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Several major U.S. retailers, including Target, Walmart, and Amazon, have faced criticism for selling Halloween costumes that some shoppers found offensive. Target removed a children's clown costume for evoking racist imagery, and all three retailers pulled military costumes resembling World War II German uniforms after backlash. The article suggests that using political figures, especially President Donald Trump’s opponents, might be a less controversial source of costume ideas.
Key Facts
Target removed a clown costume after customers said it looked like racist blackface and minstrel shows.
Target’s stock price fell up to 5% after the costume controversy.
Target, Walmart, and Amazon faced complaints over military costumes resembling Nazi German uniforms.
Target removed the controversial military costume following the criticism.
The article proposes political figures from President Trump’s list of opponents as alternatives for Halloween costume ideas.
Examples mentioned include Canadian economist Mark Carney, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
These figures reflect ongoing political disputes and relationships during President Trump’s current term.
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Chevron, a large U.S. oil company, will soon announce it is expanding its work in Venezuela. Chevron officials and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright will visit Venezuela to reveal the new investment.
Key Facts
Chevron is the second-largest U.S. oil company.
Chevron is the only major U.S. oil company currently operating significantly in Venezuela.
The expansion announcement will happen shortly, according to a U.S. official.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Chevron officials will travel to Venezuela for the announcement.
The White House is working with North American Blue Energy Partners to increase U.S. involvement in Venezuela’s oil industry.
This effort is part of President Donald Trump’s plan to boost U.S. access to Venezuelan oil.
The U.S. official who shared this information spoke anonymously due to White House rules.
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The US private equity firm Veritas has agreed to buy the UK industrial company Bodycote for about £1.65 billion. Bodycote, which provides heat treatment and metal technology services, has been successful in its strategy, but the sale marks another example of UK firms moving out of London’s stock market.
Key Facts
Bodycote is a UK-based firm specializing in heat treatment and metallurgical technologies.
The company is being bought by the American private equity firm Veritas for £1.65 billion, or £1.85 billion including debt.
A competing bid from the European firm CVC is still possible, as the market expects a higher offer.
Bodycote’s share price offer is about 25% above its value before the bid, which is considered modest by analysts.
Bodycote has been following a successful business plan since late 2024, focusing on aerospace and defense sectors.
The company has maintained steady dividends for 38 years and spent £120 million on share buybacks.
Recent bids and buyouts show a trend of UK-listed companies being bought by foreign private equity groups.
Other UK companies like Gamma Communications and Capricorn have also recently left the London market after buyouts.
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Bus fares in parts of western Scotland, including Glasgow and surrounding areas, will be limited to £2 per trip starting Monday. The Scottish government also announced plans to reduce the number of health boards from 14 to 2 to try to improve treatment waiting times by 2031.
Key Facts
The £2 fare cap applies to journeys in Glasgow, Renfrewshire, Ayrshire, Dunbartonshire, Lanarkshire, and Inverclyde.
This is part of the SNP's plan to make all bus journeys in Scotland cost no more than £2 per single fare by the end of this parliamentary term.
The cap is already in place for the Highlands and islands.
The number of health boards in Scotland will be cut from 14 to 2, divided into east and west regions.
The goal is to ensure no patient waits more than 26 weeks for treatment by 2031.
Some critics worry the health board cuts could lead to job losses and reduced services.
Other government plans include a new campaign against misogyny and measures to address cost-of-living challenges.
Opposition parties have expressed concerns about whether the new health board arrangement will work effectively.
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The Restore Britain party has received its first big donation of £500,000 from British businessman Simon Galbraith. This money strengthens Restore Britain’s ability to compete with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party in upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Restore Britain is a hard-right political party in the UK.
Simon Galbraith gave two donations of £250,000 each this year through his company, Cade Hill Investments.
Galbraith believes the UK is in decline and the government is inefficient and undemocratic.
Rupert Lowe, the leader of Restore Britain, hopes this funding will help the party challenge Reform UK.
Reform UK has received larger donations from wealthy backers like crypto billionaires Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo.
Restore Britain may run candidates against Nigel Farage’s party in future elections, including a planned by-election in Clacton.
Rupert Lowe has suggested working with Farage on strict immigration and cultural policies, but Farage rejected the offer.
The donation signals growing support for Restore Britain as a political force on the right.
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Ford is recalling nearly 149,000 Mustang vehicles made between 2024 and 2026 due to an electrical wiring problem. This defect can cause the cars to lose power or affect important functions like headlights, which could increase the chance of an accident.
Key Facts
Ford is recalling 148,663 Mustang vehicles.
The recall covers model years 2024 to 2026 made from September 7, 2022, to June 9, 2026.
The problem affects electrical wiring in the engine compartment.
The wiring issue can cause the car to lose drive power or affect systems like headlights, windshield washers, air conditioning, or the engine cooling fan.
About 1% of these vehicles are expected to have this defect.
Owners will be notified between August 31 and September 4, with a fix expected around March 2027.
Repairs will be done for free at Ford or Lincoln dealerships by replacing the wiring harness ground terminals.
The recall identification numbers are 26V547 for NHTSA and 26C40 for Ford.
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Gold’s price has dropped by about 21.8% since reaching a record high in January 2024. Its future price in September is uncertain because it is influenced by factors like interest rates, inflation, the strength of the U.S. dollar, and global events.
Key Facts
Gold hit a record price of $5,589.38 per ounce on January 28, 2024.
As of September 1, 2024, gold’s price is $4,369.19 per ounce, down about 21.8% from its peak.
The price of gold has fluctuated with periods of gains and losses throughout the year.
Expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate hikes can lower gold prices because gold does not earn interest.
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh said more rate hikes might be needed if inflation does not fall toward the 2% target.
Economic reports on inflation and jobs will influence the Fed’s decision and gold prices.
A stronger U.S. dollar can reduce demand for gold since it makes gold more expensive for buyers using other currencies.
Rising global tensions, such as those involving the U.S. and Iran, could increase demand for gold as a safe investment.
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Higher interest rates and the bond market sell-off are mainly due to better growth prospects in the United States, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Global factors also play a role, and countries are balancing growth with efforts to reduce budget deficits.
Key Facts
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says inflation expectations are steady or falling, so higher interest rates reflect stronger economic growth.
The bond sell-off is happening worldwide and has been noticeable during the G20 finance ministers meeting in Asheville, North Carolina.
Japan’s 10-year government bond yield reached 3% for the first time in 30 years, signaling market changes there.
Japanese officials are seen as making progress to move past long-term low inflation and weak growth.
Higher growth helps stabilize the ratio of a country’s debt compared to its economy’s size, but many nations still need to cut budget deficits.
EU official Valdis Dombrovskis said government deficits must be controlled, and any support related to the Middle East conflict should be limited and focused.
Former Treasury official Joe Lavorgna noted that while faster growth helps improve government budgets, it may not be enough on its own.
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The United States taxes its citizens on their income no matter where they live, unlike most countries that tax people based on where they live. Many Americans living abroad want changes to this tax rule but have not seen major reforms yet.
Key Facts
The U.S. taxes its citizens on worldwide income, even if they live in another country.
Most other countries tax people based only on where they live.
Many Americans living abroad find this tax system complicated and costly.
Expats have pushed for tax reform to ease the tax burden.
So far, no major changes have been made to end taxing citizenship rather than residence.
This tax approach is unusual compared to global tax rules.
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