When you turn 73, you must start taking money out of your retirement accounts, called required minimum distributions (RMDs). For a $100,000 account, the amount you must withdraw increases with age and you have to pay taxes on the money you take out.
Key Facts
RMDs generally begin at age 73 for retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs.
The amount to withdraw is based on dividing your account balance by a life expectancy number from IRS tables.
For example, at age 73, the RMD from $100,000 is about $3,774; by age 83, it grows to about $5,650 annually.
The life expectancy factor used in the calculation gets smaller each year, causing RMD amounts to rise.
Money withdrawn via RMDs is taxed because it was saved in tax-deferred accounts.
Many Americans are far from the retirement savings they consider comfortable; the average worker has less than $1,000 saved.
Precious metals like gold and silver can help protect retirement savings but should make up only a small part of a portfolio.
Gold and silver do not provide income but may hold or increase value when other investments drop.
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New research by the National Theatre shows that watching theatre performances online or in cinemas does not reduce people going to live shows. Instead, streaming theatre helps audiences try new plays, watch more shows, and reach people who might not attend in person.
Key Facts
The National Theatre asked a research agency called Indigo to study how people feel about watching filmed theatre.
Most people like watching theatre live, with 89% saying it is their top choice.
Watching theatre at home is popular because it is convenient, can be paused, and lets viewers discover new shows.
93% of people who watch filmed theatre also go to live performances.
Streaming theatre attracts younger viewers, especially under 35.
More disabled people watch theatre at home (20%) than attend live shows (15%).
Filmed theatre helps shows last longer by reaching more people beyond the short live run.
Directors say filming theatre creatively adds new ways to experience the performance.
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Australian researchers studied over 27,000 packaged supermarket foods and found that many use terms like “natural” or “sustainable” mainly as marketing without proof. The study showed that these claims are often not checked, which can confuse shoppers trying to buy environmentally friendly products.
Key Facts
Researchers from the George Institute for Global Health examined foods from major Sydney supermarkets.
Nearly 40% of products had some environmental claim on their packaging.
Most claims were made by manufacturers themselves without outside verification.
Terms like “natural” and “vegan” appeared most often, but “natural” has no legal definition.
Some products labeled as “carbon friendly” actually had higher carbon emissions than similar, unlabeled products.
Experts say unclear and unregulated claims can mislead consumers and reduce trust.
Other countries use clear rating systems, like France’s Eco-Score, to help shoppers quickly understand environmental impact.
Researchers recommend stronger rules to regulate environmental claims on food labels for better consumer guidance.
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This article presents a list of new consumer products recently released in various categories such as snacks, beverages, health supplements, and personal care items. It highlights key features and prices of these products to help shoppers discover fresh options.
Key Facts
Doritos Protein chips offer 10 grams of protein per ounce and cost $4.89.
Bloom Peach Pineapple Pop is a low-sugar sparkling soda with prebiotics and apple cider vinegar, priced at $2.39.
BelliWelli Watermelon 4-in-1 Fiber Gummies combine fiber, probiotics, electrolytes, and collagen for gut health, costing $19.97.
Tillamook Ice Cream Bars come in four flavors, coated in chocolate, and sell for $4.99.
Vital Proteins Sparkling Collagen Water contains collagen peptides and vitamin C, has no sugar, and is $2.50 per can.
Tylenol Extra Strength Liquid Gels provide fast pain relief and contain 500 mg acetaminophen, priced at $10.70.
I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! NutriRich products are reformulated to include vitamins A, D, E, and B12.
The article is part of a monthly feature helping consumers find innovative new products in various categories.
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The Australian government plans changes to tax rules on property investors, aiming to make housing more about living than making money. Experts say these changes will not reduce housing supply or raise rents much, based on experiences in Victoria where similar reforms did not cause major problems.
Key Facts
The government will change negative gearing and capital gains tax (CGT) to make property investment less attractive for future purchases.
Current investors will be protected by "grandfather provisions," which means existing investments won’t face new rules immediately.
Since 2020, investors’ share of new home loans in Australia rose from under 30% to over 40%, while owner-occupier loans dropped.
Tax incentives, including a 50% CGT discount, have encouraged investors to buy multiple properties, competing with first-time home buyers.
Predictions that these tax changes will cause major rent increases or housing shortages assume many investors will sell, but homes will likely be bought by others, not disappear.
New properties bought after the budget changes will be exempt from these tax changes, possibly making investors more interested in new builds.
Victoria raised land tax on investors in 2023 and saw only a small (3%) drop in rental properties and no big rent hikes.
The reforms aim to create a fairer property market, even though more housing supply is still needed.
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The United States has not built the world's tallest skyscraper since 1974, when Chicago’s Willis Tower held the record. Changes in building rules, city development, and global competition have influenced where and why very tall buildings are made, with many current tallest towers located outside the U.S.
Key Facts
The Willis Tower in Chicago was the tallest building in the world until 1998.
American architects still design famous tall buildings worldwide, such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
U.S. aviation safety rules require buildings over 200 feet to be reviewed, often limiting skyscraper height near airports.
Many U.S. cities have airports close to downtown areas, restricting how tall buildings can be.
Building height limits abroad are usually set by local governments, while in the U.S., national rules apply.
Earlier tall buildings in the U.S. helped cities grow and attract investment, but most American cities are now fully developed.
In other countries, skyscrapers symbolize national pride, economic goals, or international competition.
Examples include Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Tower, which reflect these countries’ ambitions.
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The cost for the UK government to borrow money has increased after Labour leader Keir Starmer’s recent speech did not ease investor concerns. Rising inflation fears linked to the conflict in Iran and UK political uncertainty are pushing up interest rates on government bonds, making borrowing more expensive.
Key Facts
The interest rate on 10-year UK government bonds rose to 5%, and 30-year bond yields neared a 28-year high.
Starmer said he will fight any leadership challenge following local election losses.
Bond yields rise when investors demand higher returns due to perceived risks, increasing government borrowing costs.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has limited borrowing but may lose some margin due to rising yields and weaker economic growth.
Investors worry that political instability could lead to more government spending and fewer fiscal controls.
Rising energy prices linked to the Iran conflict are a major factor behind higher bond yields.
President Trump criticized Iran’s rejection of US peace proposals, contributing to increased oil prices.
Experts say resolution of the Iran conflict could lower borrowing costs regardless of UK politics.
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Gold prices have dropped from their early-year peak but remain relatively high due to global uncertainties and Federal Reserve policies. Experts suggest seniors should consider adjusting their gold investments now, using gold to diversify their portfolios but keeping their gold holdings moderate.
Key Facts
Gold prices are around $4,700 per ounce, lower than earlier this year but still high.
Geopolitical issues and Federal Reserve interest rate decisions influence gold prices.
Gold can protect seniors from risks in stock markets by adding diversity to investments.
Gold is called a "safe-haven asset" because it often moves differently than stocks.
Gold ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and gold mining stocks are easier to sell than physical gold.
Seniors are advised to keep gold investments to about 3% to 10% of their total assets.
Gold does not provide regular income, so too much gold can be less helpful for retirees.
Selling excess gold can free money to invest in other assets that provide steady income.
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Energy company E.On plans to buy Ovo Energy, which would create the largest energy supplier in the UK. Customers of Ovo have been told not to worry because their current prices and services will stay the same while the deal is reviewed by regulators.
Key Facts
E.On has 5.6 million customers, and Ovo Energy has 4 million customers in the UK.
If the deal goes through, E.On and Ovo would together serve more customers than the current top supplier, Octopus.
Both companies will keep operating separately until regulators approve the takeover, which could happen later this year.
Existing Ovo customer plans and prices will remain unchanged during the review process.
Customers do not need to take any action and can still switch suppliers if they want.
Credit balances for Ovo customers would be protected and transferred automatically after the deal.
The takeover deal value is not officially confirmed but may be around £600 million.
Both companies emphasize their commitment to energy reliability, affordability, and the move toward zero-carbon energy.
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Mortgage interest rates on May 11, 2026, are around 6.25% for 30-year loans and 5.75% for 15-year loans, slightly lower than in recent weeks but still higher than rates in April. Refinancing rates are 6.57% for 30-year loans and 5.59% for 15-year loans, with experts advising borrowers to compare options and consider associated costs before deciding.
Key Facts
The average 30-year mortgage interest rate is 6.25% as of May 11, 2026.
The average 15-year mortgage interest rate is 5.75%.
Refinancing rates average 6.57% for 30-year loans and 5.59% for 15-year loans.
Mortgage rates have decreased slightly from rates seen earlier in May 2026 but are still higher than in April 2026.
Borrowers can sometimes get rates about 0.5% lower by paying mortgage points, which are fees paid upfront to reduce the interest rate.
Experts suggest refinancing is usually worthwhile if the new rate is at least 1% lower than the current one, but 0.5% lower can also be beneficial depending on savings.
Closing costs for refinancing can reduce the financial benefits, so it is important to factor them in.
Rates are influenced by factors like inflation reports and can change even without Federal Reserve meetings.
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Banks across the United States will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026, following the federal holiday schedule. Most in-branch services will pause, but ATMs, card payments, and online banking will remain available, while some financial transactions may be delayed.
Key Facts
Memorial Day is an official Federal Reserve holiday, so the central bank and key financial systems will be closed.
Nearly all U.S. banks, including big names like Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and regional and community banks, will close for the day.
Basic banking services like ATM withdrawals, debit/credit card payments, and online/mobile banking will stay open.
Transactions depending on Federal Reserve operations, such as ACH transfers (used for payroll and bills), wire transfers, check clearing, and some internal transfers, will be delayed.
The holiday commemorates U.S. military members who died in service and was made an official federal holiday in 1971.
Bank closures highlight the connection between federal infrastructure and financial systems in the U.S.
Customers are advised to plan ahead to avoid delays in payments or deposits around Memorial Day.
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Actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are being sued by real police officers over their Netflix movie "The Rip." The film tells the story of two Miami-Dade officers who find over $20 million in cartel money and uncover corruption. The officers claim the movie uses their real-life story without permission.
Key Facts
The movie "The Rip" stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
It is based on a true story about two Miami-Dade police officers.
The officers discovered over $20 million of cartel cash during a drug raid.
The film also shows corruption within the police department.
The real officers involved in the raid are suing Damon and Affleck.
The lawsuit is filed against Damon and Affleck's production company.
The officers argue the movie uses their story without approval.
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The German energy company E.ON has agreed to buy the UK energy supplier Ovo, creating the biggest gas and electricity provider in Britain with about 9.6 million customers. The deal aims to improve services and reduce energy bills while waiting for approval from regulators later this year.
Key Facts
E.ON will buy Ovo, combining their customers to serve around 9.6 million households in the UK.
The deal’s value was not officially announced but is reported to be about £600 million.
The new company will be larger than Octopus, the current biggest UK energy supplier with nearly 8 million customers.
Both E.ON and Ovo will keep their current services and prices until the deal is approved, expected in the second half of the year.
Ovo will sell its home services business (boiler insurance and servicing) to Hometree as part of the deal.
Ovo has faced financial problems recently, including failed stress tests and job cuts.
E.ON believes a larger customer base will allow more investment in technology and help the UK’s shift to cleaner energy.
Both companies use smart meters and digital tools to help customers manage energy use and reduce costs.
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Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier shared his reasons for leaving Stellantis, where he led Jeep, due to disagreements with their pricing strategy. He emphasized Nissan’s focus on making affordable, well-designed cars with good technology and plans to follow a platform-sharing approach like other automakers while aiming to improve the premium experience, inspired by Lexus.
Key Facts
Christian Meunier left Stellantis in 2023 because he disagreed with its plan to increase prices too much.
He worked 17 years at Nissan before moving to Jeep in 2019, reporting to top Stellantis leaders.
Jeep raised prices under Stellantis but faced a drop in sales and dealer problems.
Meunier wants Nissan to offer cars that are affordable, durable, and well-priced for families.
Nissan aims to combine good design, easy driving, and advanced technology in its vehicles.
Nissan will keep using shared platforms for its INFINITI brand, similar to how GM shares platforms between Chevrolet and GMC.
Meunier wants INFINITI to focus on real improvements in technology and driving instead of just cosmetic changes.
Meunier looks to Lexus (Toyota’s luxury brand) as a model for success in making premium cars while still using the parent company’s strengths.
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China’s exports of passenger cars rose nearly 85% in April compared to last year, while sales inside China dropped about 25%. Chinese carmakers, especially those making electric and hybrid vehicles, are increasing their presence in global markets as domestic demand falls.
Key Facts
China exported about 796,000 passenger cars in April, up nearly 85% from the previous year.
Exports of new energy vehicles (electric and plug-in hybrids) increased by more than 120% to around 420,000 units.
Domestic sales of passenger cars in China dropped 25.5% in April, marking the sixth month of decline.
Lower government support and economic uncertainty have reduced car buying within China.
Chinese car companies displayed over 1,450 new models and technologies at a recent Beijing auto show.
Major Chinese car brands like BYD and Geely are expanding production abroad, including in Europe and Latin America.
Rising global fuel prices and concerns about energy have boosted demand for electric vehicles worldwide.
Trade talks between President Trump and China’s leader may affect Chinese EV imports to the U.S., where tariffs currently limit access.
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The article discusses how the U.S. economy might be affected if the population stops growing because fewer immigrants come to the country. To keep the economy growing, it suggests that advances in technology or investment (capital) will need to make up for the smaller workforce.
Key Facts
U.S. population growth could slow down or stop if immigration decreases.
A smaller or no growth in population means fewer workers in the future.
The economy needs growth, which comes from workers and how productive they are.
Productivity can be increased by new technology or more capital, like machines or buildings.
The article explores ways to simulate or model these economic changes.
Without immigration, technology or capital must improve to maintain economic growth.
This topic is important for planning the country's future economic health.
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A thinktank linked to the Labour government suggests putting limits on private rent increases in England to help with rising living costs. The plan would allow rent to rise only as much as wages or inflation, whichever is lower, and aims to make rents more affordable soon.
Key Facts
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) recommends a “double lock” rent cap tied to wages or inflation.
2.4 million people in the UK currently pay more than 30% of their income on rent, which is considered unaffordable.
A rent freeze idea was considered but rejected by the government.
New buildings would be exempt from rent caps for 10 years to encourage construction.
Landlords who improve their properties significantly could raise rents above the cap.
The IPPR suggests increasing housing benefits by £600 million annually to help cover low rents.
To prevent landlords from switching to short-term rentals like Airbnbs, the plan includes new rules and limits on rented nights.
The IPPR has shared these proposals with government departments including the Treasury and housing ministry.
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Illegal mining is growing quickly and causing serious environmental harm like deforestation and water pollution. It also generates billions of dollars in illegal profits, which sometimes fund terrorist groups. Many financial institutions handle money tied to illegal mining but often do not have strong rules or tools to spot these risks.
Key Facts
Illegal mining is the fourth-biggest cause of deforestation worldwide.
Over 35% of mining-related deforestation happened in the last five years.
Toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide from mining pollute rivers and harm health.
Illegal gold mining profits in Peru rose from $4.8 billion in 2024 to $12 billion in 2025.
Illegal mining money often enters formal financial systems through fake permits and shell companies.
Almost 84% of mining-related deforestation is concentrated in 10 countries.
More than 80% of financial institutions are exposed to illegal mining risks, but 40% are not taking action.
The U.S. financial system faces illegal gold risks but has limited government guidance to address them.
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The British government plans to take full control of British Steel, a move announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This decision follows the government seizing the company’s Scunthorpe steelworks from its Chinese owners last year to stop the closure of key steelmaking facilities.
Key Facts
The government will introduce laws to gain full ownership of British Steel, pending a public interest test.
British Steel’s Scunthorpe steelworks was taken from Chinese owners Jingye in April last year.
Attempts to sell the company commercially have not succeeded.
Prime Minister Starmer said public ownership serves the public interest.
UK Steel’s director said nationalisation gives job security for 2,700 employees and supports customers.
Maintaining steel production in the UK is important for economic growth, national security, and resilience.
Industry leaders stress that nationalisation must be followed by a clear long-term plan and investment.
The government previously took over British Steel in 2019 after its collapse, costing taxpayers £500 million.
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