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When markets get shaken, it can pay for investors to be patient

NEW YORK (AP) — When stock markets are as manic as they’ve been recently, it’s natural to want to do something to protect your retirement savings. Historically, though, staying calm has usually been best. The U.S. stock market has a track record of recovering from every steep drop it’s taken. Whether it’s a global financial crisis, a trade war or a military war, the S&P 500 has so far always recouped its losses to push toward more records. Of course, that can take years, but anyone who moved their 401(k) investments out of stocks risked missing out on the recovery and further ...

Tax scams are on the rise — here’s what to know

NEW YORK (AP) — Robocalls, texts, and phishing emails from scammers are up this tax season compared to previous years, with artificial intelligence likely increasing fraud attempts, according to the consumer protection bureau of the Federal Trade Commission. Consumer advocates and government officials urge the public to stay wary, to stop and think before engaging with phone or text messages, and to remember the IRS will not contact you directly by text or phone. Here’s what to know. ’TIS THE SEASON Each year, the IRS releases its “Dirty Dozen” of tax scams that target ...

The best budget hatchbacks you can get in 2026

Compared to a typical sedan, a hatchback offers greater versatility thanks to its larger, easier-to-load trunk. Some hatchbacks are also fun to drive with nimble handling and peppy engines. Yet, with the surge in popularity of SUVs and crossovers, even the best hatchbacks often get overlooked. The experts at Edmunds have compiled a list of their favorite budget-friendly four-door hatchbacks on sale in 2026. Among this group, you’ll find options that provide frugal mpg, sporty performance, and excellent everyday driving versatility. All of the following prices include destination ...

Jury finds Musk misled investors during Twitter purchase, absolves him of some fraud claims

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A jury has found Elon Musk liable for misleading investors by deliberately driving down Twitter’s stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company for $44 billion. But it absolved him of some fraud allegations, finding that he did not “scheme” to mislead investors. The civil trial in San Francisco centered on a class-action lawsuit filed just before Musk took control of Twitter, which he later renamed X. Jurors were asked to decide if two tweets and comments Musk made on a podcast in May 2022 amounted to ...

Brent crude briefly tops $119 per barrel, before receding, and shakes stock markets worldwide

NEW YORK (AP) — A roller-coaster day for oil prices showed how they’re dictating where financial markets and maybe even the global economy are heading. Stocks tumbled in Europe and Asia when oil prices shot higher early on Thursday, but U.S. stocks pared their sharp losses as the day progressed and oil prices fell back. The morning began with the shock of Brent crude, the international standard, briefly rising above $119 per barrel, up from roughly $70 before the war with Iran began. The jump followed intensified attacks by Iran on oil and gas facilities around the Persian Gulf ...

Sparkle closes seventh store since 2020

BOARDMAN — The long-term widening project on Western Reserve Road has erected economic barricades one merchant says it couldn’t breach. Western Reserve Sparkle Market plans to close next week, according to ownership. “The decision is not a reflection of the store’s employees, as our team at this location has been outstanding,” Sparkle management said in a news release sent earlier this week. “Their dedication to our customers and the community has meant everything to us, and we are deeply grateful for the work they’ve done every day.” Located at 1135 W. Western ...