Economics

• Biggest economic news this week hit today: The December jobs report shows a 140,000 decline, the first decline since April, and the news for long-term unemployed and labor force participation aren’t great. (NYTimes)
• This followed yesterday’s news on initial jobless claims, still stubbornly high. (Yahoo Finance)
• The US Trade deficit hit a 14-year high in November. (Reuters)
• January 1 brought increases in the minimum wage across the country. (NYTimes)

(Economist-graph below)

Pandemic

• Wondering where your stimulus check is? For people using Turbo Tax and H&R Block, it may have gone to the wrong account. This article helps you navigate through a variety of potential stimulus check issues. (USA Today)
• Details of next round of PPP loans now available. (Forbes)

Investing

• During a chaotic week, the stock market rise is unabated. Here is an explanation. (USA Today) 
• Here is a second article describing the record-breaking week for markets. (MarketWatch*)
• A record $500 billion flowed into ETFs in 2020. (Barrons*)
• 10-year Treasuries over 1% for first time since the pandemic began. (MarketWatch*)
• Mortgage interest rates drop again. (Housing Wire)

Cryptocurrency

• Bitcoin is going bonkers (over $40k!) Why? Will it last? (Coindesk)

Paying for College

• The FAFSA expected family contribution (EFC) is changing. Here are the details. (NYTimes)

Insurance

• Driving and accident claims are down. Will insurance companies give drivers a break? (NYTimes)

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