Money

Small businesses grapple with persistent staff shortage

Published

2 years ago

November 3, 2023

Small businesses in the United States continue to grapple with the challenges posed by a tight labor market.

Despite various efforts to rebound from the pandemic, these enterprises are finding it increasingly difficult to attract and retain employees. This labor shortage has led to higher wages, increased competition for talent, and operational hurdles that many small businesses are struggling to overcome.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses across the nation faced unprecedented challenges. Many had to close temporarily, leading to layoffs and furloughs.

As the economy reopens, these businesses are eager to rebuild, but they are encountering a significant roadblock: a shortage of available workers. The demand for labor has surged, but the supply has not kept pace, leaving small business owners in a tough spot.

With labor in short supply, small businesses are being forced to raise wages and offer more generous benefits packages to attract and retain workers.

While this may be good news for employees, it’s a challenge for business owners who are already dealing with rising costs.

Additionally, increased competition for talent has made it harder for small businesses to find the skilled workers they need, especially in sectors like hospitality and manufacturing.

Money

How to position investments for 2026: Expert advice on market cycles

As 2026 begins, strategic investment positioning and understanding market cycles are crucial for navigating today’s evolving financial landscape.

Published

8 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Harvey Vargas

As 2026 begins, strategic investment positioning and understanding market cycles are crucial for navigating today’s evolving financial landscape.

As 2026 begins, investors are navigating an evolving market landscape. Experts stress that positioning your investments strategically is far more important than trying to predict market movements.

Key factors include focusing on quality companies, maintaining strong cash flow, and diversifying intelligently.

Dale Gillham from Wealth Within Group joins us to break down what defines a major market cycle and why understanding it can shape your investment approach. From identifying inflation-resilient businesses to selectively tapping into growth themes like AI, this discussion covers essential strategies for the year ahead.

We also explore the role of risk management, the importance of an exit strategy, and how emotional decision-making can impact your portfolio. For anyone looking to strengthen their investing education and skills, this episode offers actionable insights to gain an edge in 2026.

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#Investing2026 #MarketCycles #WealthManagement #AIInvesting #FinancialStrategy #RiskManagement #InvestmentTips #TickerNews

Money

Markets in 2026: Fed rates, gold surge, oil tensions & AUD strength

As 2026 begins, markets face economic shifts; gold and silver soar, while energy and currencies impact global investors.

Published

1 day ago

January 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

As 2026 begins, markets face economic shifts; gold and silver soar, while energy and currencies impact global investors.

As 2026 begins, global markets face a mix of economic shifts and geopolitical tensions shaping currencies, commodities, and interest rates. The Federal Reserve’s next moves are under the microscope, and Zoran Kresovic from Blueberry Markets says understanding these changes is key for investors navigating the year ahead.

Gold and silver are hitting all-time highs, driven by market volatility and economic uncertainty. Kresovic notes that both metals are likely to continue climbing, remaining essential safe-haven assets amid inflation concerns.

Energy markets are also volatile, with crude oil prices rising amid geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar is showing strength against the U.S. dollar. Kresovic highlights that these trends in energy and currency markets can ripple across the global economy, making them critical for investors to watch.

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#MarketUpdate #FedRates2026 #GoldPrices #SilverSurge #CrudeOil #AUDUSD #InvestingInsights #TickerNews

Money

Stocks hit record high as Powell faces investigation and Trump proposes credit cap

S&P 500 hits all-time high amid Fed scrutiny; Trump’s credit card cap proposal raises investor concerns over bank profits.

Published

1 day ago

January 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

S&P 500 hits all-time high amid Fed scrutiny; Trump’s credit card cap proposal raises investor concerns over bank profits.

The S&P 500 reached a new all-time high, with the Nasdaq climbing 0.5% while the Dow Jones held steady. This comes amid news of a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Despite the scrutiny, analysts believe short-term interest rates and inflation are unlikely to be impacted.

Meanwhile, Trump’s proposal to cap credit card rates at 10% for a year sparked concern among investors about potential effects on lending and bank profitability. Major bank stocks reacted sharply, with Citigroup down 3% and Capital One falling 6%.

In commodities, gold futures rose 2%, reflecting fears that political pressure on the Fed could challenge its ability to manage inflation effectively.

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#StockMarket #SP500 #Nasdaq #FederalReserve #JeromePowell #TrumpNews #BankStocks #GoldFutures