Older Workers Feeling Spooked By Stock Swoon
As the economy struggled to take off in the years after the financial crisis, Americans had at least one shining source of optimism: a booming stock market that not only helped rebuild shattered 401(k) plans but suggested better times to come. But now, with the economy still mired in a sluggish recovery, that silver lining is being threatened. The stock market is lurching downward after a flat 2015 and large banks are casting...
Twitter Shares Tumble
San Francisco — The recent negativity shown toward many Internet companies hit Twitter hard Monday, as the social-media leader’s stock price fell to its lowest level ever ahead of its upcoming quarterly earnings report. Shortly after trading began, Twitter shares fell more than 5 percent, to $14.87, hitting their lowest point since the company went public in November 2013. The losses added to Twitter’s stock-price downfall, which has...
Alphabet Tops Apple in Total Value
San Francisco — Alphabet, Google’s new parent company, topped Apple as the world’s most valuable business in after-hours trading Monday after reporting surging earnings. Alphabet Inc. earned $4.9 billion in net income on revenue of $21.3 billion in the fourth quarter. If not for employee stock expenses and certain other items, Google said it would have earned $8.67 per share. That figure easily topped the average estimate of $8.10 per...
Some Funds Offer Stability, But at a Price
New York — Freaked out by the stock market’s big swings? Then the investment industry has something it built just for you: funds that hope to offer a steadier ride. That sounds especially comforting after this year’s jarring start for markets, in which drops of more than 1 percent have become typical. But be careful, the funds carry their own risks. These mutual funds and exchange-traded funds own stocks that could charitably be...
Retailers Want You to Shop
Have you thought of buying a new outfit, adding a little spark to your home, or treating yourself in some way? If so, store managers are hoping you don’t chicken out on that purchase. The stock market plunge this year is keeping them awake at night. They are afraid it will spook you and keep you out of stores just when they need you the most. After a demoralizing holiday shopping season, with even giants like Macy’s, Nordstrom and...
