The Daily Editor

It’s certainly one of the more interesting times to be an investor right now. After a pandemic-led recession, the economy has roared back (thanks in part to rock-bottom interest rates following that calamity). However, following a surge in inflation in 2022, Federal Reserve interest rate hikes have thrown a monkey wrench into the investing calculus for many long-term investors. 

 » Read more about: Interest Rates Are Heading Down — These 3 Stocks Win Big When They Do  »

One of the most successful investors is Warren Buffett.

At the age of 95, he’s now worth about $142.1 billion after investing in companies that have a wide economic moat, dividends, proven earnings, and companies that are easy to understand.

While many of us may never see $142.1 billion,

 » Read more about: Invest Like Warren Buffett with These ETFs  »

 » Read more about: House committee chair wants testimony from Fed's Powell soon  »

 » Read more about: Is It Too Late to Buy Bloom Energy Stock?  »

US stock futures tumbled on Friday as oil prices jumped amid fresh fears about a hit to supply from the expanding Middle East conflict, in the wait for the release of the latest key monthly jobs report.

Dow Jones Industrial Average futures (YM=F) sank 0.7% after another volatile and losing session on Thursday.

 » Read more about: Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures sink, oil jumps with key jobs report set to cap volatile week  »

As the exchange-traded funds universe continues to expand, a fundamental shift is underway, with investors moving beyond simple market access toward outcome-driven construction.

Different index-based ETF strategies are being used to design portfolios aligned with specific goals, rather than just reacting to market noise.

From market access to portfolio intent

The start of a new year often sharpens investor priorities.

 » Read more about: The shift to outcome-driven ETFs  »

The decision to whether to start or delay claiming Social Security is a big one. It can mean the difference between a smaller monthly check now or a larger one later.

Be Aware: What Will the Average Social Security Check Be for Retirees in 2026?

 » Read more about: Delay Social Security or Claim Now? How High Interest Rates Now Affect Choice  »

If you collect Social Security, your monthly payments and tax obligations may look different in 2026. The Social Security Administration updates key program rules each year to keep pace with the economy, and those adjustments can affect how much retirees receive,

 » Read more about: 3 Key Social Security Changes Retirees Must Know for 2026, According to AARP  »

Beyond oil, the Middle East crisis has other implications for the Indian economy,

 » Read more about: Beyond oil: How US-Iran war & Middle East crisis may hit India’s economy – sector-wise impact explained  »

Key Points

• Claiming Social Security early means applying under your full retirement age (FRA).

• Early claimers who are still working could lose some of their checks if their income is too high.

• These lost dollars come back to you as a benefit increase at your FRA.

 » Read more about: Working and Claiming Social Security Early at the Same Time? A Benefit Cut Could Be in Your Future.  »