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As part of the government effort to mitigate the economic pain of the coronavirus pandemic, those getting unemployment checks now receive an extra $600 a week. Researchers at the University of Chicago have estimated two-thirds of jobless workers now would receive more money in unemployment benefits than they would have earned if they hadn’t lost their jobs. Of course, though, that extra $600 kick-in from the federal government is temporary, expiring in July.
COVID-19 and creative accounting
Most S&P 500 SPX, +0.48% companies direct attention to adjusted figures in their quarterly reports. This can help investors to understand how core operations are performing by netting out noncash charges. But this can also confuse investors by hiding items that can affect them. (An example is large stock-based compensation packages for executives.)
Emily Barry explains how the coronavirus crisis has led to even more creative accounting.
MarketWatch photo illustration/iStockphoto, eipcard.com
Check your mailbox carefully — spread the word
Most people in the U.S. who are receiving stimulus payments from the federal government are receiving the money through direct deposit. But there are still millions of checks going out. The twist is that some payments being sent in the mail are debit cards, and some have been thrown out by people who thought they were junk mail, as Nicole Lyn Pesce reports.
The hidden strength of this bull market
Mark Hulbert explains the depth of the current bull market for stocks, beyond the giant tech companies that dominate investors’ attention.
Warren Buffett may have goofed again
Michael Brush believes Berkshire Hathaway Inc. BRK.B, +0.23% BRK.A, +0.34% CEO Warren Buffett made a big mistake selling the company’s airline stock investments, after they had been crushed by the coronavirus shutdown.
Also:Sorry, Bill Ackman, but the truth is you’re not Warren Buffett’s ideal investor, either
How people are using their stimulus money
A cynic might expect people receiving coronavirus crisis stimulus payments from the federal government to go on spending sprees. Here’s what people are really doing with the money.
More people are jumping into the stock market — avoid these day-trading mistakes
Large brokerage firms have said new account activity is surging, which might mean that you are among the investors stuck at home, tempted to try to make a quick killing. Here are seven day-trading mistakes to avoid, from Michael Sincere.
Life in Spain now: lines
Barbara Kollmeyer explains what life is like right now in Spain, as that hard-hit country slowly reopens its economy.
A client gets a temperature check before an appointment at Twig, a hair salon in Boulder, Colo.
Daisy McGuire
Need a haircut?
Here’s what to expect when you return to the barber or hair salon.
How early retirees are faring financially during the COVID-19 crisis
Alessandra Malito interviews a couple who decided to retire early, nearly 30 years ago, about how they have lived and managed their finances before and during the coronavirus crisis.
Gravitas Ventures /courtesy Everett Collection
A tough time to untie the knot
Getting divorced is particularly difficult during a pandemic and financial crisis. Here are seven tips on how to end your marriage responsibly.
This hot stock may not sizzle this summer
Shares of Beyond Meat Inc. BYND, +6.18% have shot up 60% this year, but here are three reasons the company’s sales growth may decelerate.
A deep dive into election numbers
President Trump faces a tough re-election battle. While he appeared to be gaining popularity among Hispanic voters, the COVID-19 crisis may have lowered his support from this crucial voting bloc.
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