SmartReads

The number of high income households in a community can have a large impact on local economics. High income households – defined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as those earning $200,000 or more per year – generally contribute more dollars to the local and state tax bases, and to surrounding businesses. At the same… read more…

Emerging market funds are investment funds that allocate capital to stocks, bonds or other securities issued by companies and governments in developing economies. These markets are typically characterized by faster economic growth, expanding consumer bases and evolving financial systems, alongside higher political, currency and regulatory uncertainty. Investors often use emerging market funds to gain diversified… read more…

The bid-ask spread describes the gap between the price buyers are offering for a security and the price that sellers are willing to accept. This difference develops from supply and demand, trading activity and the presence of market makers who provide liquidity by standing ready to buy and sell. When these participants purchase at the… read more…

This week, a massive winter storm swept across much of the United States, blanketing regions from Texas to the Northeast with heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and ice, often exceeding 12 inches of precipitation. High snowfall can cause a variety of productivity disruptions, from the closing of schools and workplaces to costly interventions to clear… read more…