Your Money

After a period of elevated interest rates, inflation is slowing, the unemployment rate is still low, and economic growth remains solid. The Federal Reserve has substantially improved the odds of achieving a "soft landing." A soft landing refers to lowering inflation without tipping the economy into a recession, and with the Fed's move to cut interest rates by 0.50%, this optimistic scenario has gained traction.

The Fed's recent moves aim to bring monetary policy closer to a "neutral" rate, which neither overheats the economy nor slows it too much. By lowering rates gradually, Fed officials hope to find that sweet spot where inflation stabilizes, and the labor market remains robust. The Fed's current rate is still restrictive, but officials are hopeful that by 2025, it will align closer to the long-term neutral rate, estimated to be between 3.25% and 3.5%.

While this outlook is optimistic, challenges remain. Analysts caution that external factors like government spending and global economic conditions could disrupt the balance. However, the current trajectory suggests that the Fed has managed to navigate some of the most challenging post-pandemic economic conditions.

For now, the focus is on maintaining this balance—keeping inflation in check while supporting economic growth without sparking a recession. If the Fed succeeds, the soft landing will mark a significant triumph in economic management.

The Fed Has Significantly Improved the Odds of a Soft Landing
by Greg Ip

Your Life

A data breach happens when hackers access a company’s database and expose sensitive personal information. As large companies have become better prepared to repel cyberattacks, hackers have shifted their attention to vendors, often smaller companies with limited cyber defense resources and expertise. According to Identity Theft Resource Center, the number of reported data breaches in the US rose to a record 3,205 in 2023, up 78% from 2022 and 72% from the previous high-water mark in 2021. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the global annual cost of cybercrime is predicted to reach $9.5 trillion USD in 2024 and $10.5 trillion by 2025.

You can and need to protect yourself. Review these easy tips:

• Create strong passwords and change them periodically.
• Use a password manager app so you don’t have to remember or come up with new passwords.
• Enroll in account alerts so your bank and credit card companies can inform you about any unusual activity.
• Be cautious about saving your credit card or personal information online.
• Use a third-party online payment system, like PayPal, Apple Pay, Shop Pay, etc.

What you need to know about data breaches
source: Chase Bank

Complexity Simplified

Should you sign the back of your credit card or not? Social media postings encourage people NOT to sign them so that the vendor would be required to see another form of identification to verify correct ownership. However, did you know that there are some credit card companies that will deny use if the card is not signed? Putting “see ID” or “check ID” may invalidate your card. Perhaps the best alternative is a combination of both. Sign your card and add Check ID, if you have the space.

Should You Sign the Back of Your Credit Card?
by Lucy Lazarony

Trivia