Finance

Stocks Struggle: S&P 500 and Nasdaq Fluctuate Amid Trump Tariff Talks

US stocks saw little movement on Friday, with the S&P 500 just shy of a new record, wrapping up a week marked by tariff increases, inflation updates, and retail sales data that missed expectations.

The S&P 500 (^GSPC) remained close to the flatline, while the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) showed minimal change. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) dipped 0.3% following sharp gains on Thursday.

Retail sales experienced their largest monthly decline in a year, dropping 0.9% in January, well below the anticipated 0.9% rise. The report concluded a week of significant data, with inflation still a key concern as two strong reports dampened hopes for interest rate cuts.

Markets are taking a moment to digest a busy week of policy changes from President Donald Trump, including 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, peace talks with Russia over Ukraine, and a review of the CHIPS Act’s provisions for projects.

TECH

PS5 Just Silicon Valley Faces a New Reality as Defense Tech Rises

At the rear of an unmarked office building near Los Angeles' LAX airport, a rack of unarmed hypersonic missiles, about the size of small drainpipes, stands ready. On February 6th, a camouflaged truck transported one of these missiles to New Mexico for a test launch with the US Air Force. Such activities were once commonplace in El Segundo, the LA neighborhood that was a hub for military spaceflight. However, when the Cold War ended, much of the West Coast's weapons industry faded. Now, it's making a comeback. Castelion, the company behind these projectiles, was founded in 2022 by three former SpaceX employees, the rocket and satellite firm also created in El Segundo by Elon Musk.

Here’s why workplace life insurance might not be enough

Unexpected events shouldn't leave your loved ones financially exposed. And while employer coverage is a nice perk, it usually only offers 2x your salary – far below the recommended 10-15x for real security (especially with dependents). Term life insurance can bridge the gap with customizable, affordable plans. Money’s Best Life Insurance list can help you find coverage starting at just $7/month, providing the peace of mind your family deserves.

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CRYPTO

Wall Street's Big Players, from BNY to Citi, Jump Into Crypto

Major Wall Street institutions, including BNY Mellon and Citi, are increasingly venturing into the world of cryptocurrency as the financial sector adapts to the growing digital asset market. These established firms are exploring crypto in various ways, from offering services for trading and custody to developing blockchain-based financial products. As interest in cryptocurrencies continues to rise, traditional financial powerhouses are seeking to position themselves as key players in the evolving landscape, blending their expertise in traditional finance with the opportunities presented by blockchain and digital currencies. This shift marks a significant moment in the integration of crypto into mainstream finance.