Catie Kouric returns to CNN as a co-anchor of "CNN Tonight," where she provides accurate factual news for the public.
Finance
On the Money: Finance News in Review
Finance Year Review:
The year 2023 has been a rollercoaster ride in terms of financial news, with everything from economic growth and inflation, to political policy shifts and monetary policy decisions all impacting the industry and how consumers live their lives. Here's a recap of some of the key events that took place during the past year:
Firstly, on January 4th, 2023, President Joe Biden signed the Jobs and Growth Act into law, which aimed to boost overall economic growth by increasing spending on infrastructure projects, investing in new energy technologies, promoting the use of American-made goods, and providing tax incentives to small businesses and individuals. These measures were intended to help fuel economic growth while also addressing some of the challenges faced by the sector in recent years.
In addition to this, the Federal Reserve announced several moves to regain consumer confidence, including the expansion of its discount rate – which controls the cost of borrowing for banks – and the launch of a new program called the "New normal," under which it would provide additional liquidity directly to commercial banks to reduce stress and support lending.
However, despite these efforts, as we saw in 2023, inflation was still a problem for economists, with many noticing that core personal consumption expenditure had grown by 16% over the previous year period, compared to an annualized 4.1% rise for the prior quarter. This suggests that the economy may need to rebalance and find ways to increase productivity further if it is to grow sustainably.
Furthermore, political tensions between the US and China escalated throughout the year, culminating in retaliatory tariffs being imposed on Chinese products. While these developments could impact trading in the long run, they could also contribute to macroeconomic policy decisions around exchange rates and interest rates. In short, this environment was one of significant political uncertainty.
In conclusion, while there were certainly bright moments during 2023, such as steady employment gains and rising wages, there were also areas where concern persisted. Nevertheless, 2024 promises to be an important year forward for the US economy and financial markets alike.
And now, are you ready for some Christmas gift card ideas? Here are some practical suggestions:
1. Eating out: There's no doubt about it; food is life, so give someone who enjoys eating a gourmet meal or a spa treatment to help them unwind. Some of my favorite restaurants have implemented online ordering systems and mobile apps, making it easy to pick up your favorite dishes with the press of a button.
2. Tech accessories: Since technology has taken over our daily lives, we often forget how useful certain items can be. A smartwatch, headphones, or a portable charger could come in handy during the holiday season when people want to stay connected. And if they are tech enthusiasts, they will appreciate a more advanced device, even if it means sacrificing the old.
3. Fitness and exercise: A new pair of running shoes or a set of weights could become a coveted accessory for fitness enthusiasts. Exercise can boost mood, but sometimes it needs fuel. If they love to jog or cycle, consider sending a new kit complete with training guides, maps, and motivational quotes. Alternatively, if they prefer weightlifting or other forms of resistance training, consider investing in new equipment such as a set of free weights, dumbbells, or a barbell.
4. Spa treatments: The best way to relax is to have someone else do it for us! Gift cards from a spa offer a solution here. It's hard not to become stressed during the holiday rush, so treat yourself or loved ones to some well-deserved pampering. As always, think about what they enjoy and pick an experience that will leave them feeling refreshed and ready for whatever the new year brings.
