MarketWatch rounds up 10 of its most interesting topics over the past week.
1. Should you really pay 6% to sell your home?
Technology has reduced many transaction costs for consumers, but real-estate agents continue splitting 6% commissions for the majority of home sales. The average price for a home sold in the U.S. during the fourth quarter was $317,400, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. At 6%, that is a whopper of a commission: $19,044. Here’s what may bring down the 6% commission.
2. You need a plan
It is very painful to imagine the death of a loved one, but if you don’t have a plan it may take you years to get your financial life organized after it happens. Here are clear, easy steps you can take right now to make life easier for you and your loved ones when tragedy strikes.
3. How to be noticed at work and promote your career
4. The Fed’s big moves
Investors weren’t surprised on Wednesday that the Federal Open Market Committee decided not to raise interest rates. But the Federal Reserve actually made two significant stimulative policy moves.
More Federal Reserve and related coverage:
• Fed jettisons 2019 rate-hike plans as economy slows and inflation softens
• The Fed is gun-shy about lifting interest rates because of a quarter-century of low inflation
• John Mauldin: When the U.S. falls into a recession, a credit bubble will explode
• Sven Henrich: The Fed’s total capitulation is a bad omen for the stock market
• Federal Reserve policy makes this dividend-stock strategy even more important
5. How the Fed has stimulated the economy while clamping down on inflation
It is easy to argue for or against central-bank policy, but it is also easy to overlook how those policies actually affect businesses and consumers. Here’s a detailed explanation about the actual effect of Federal Reserve policy on the U.S. economy.
6. You too can commit residential mortgage fraud
Paul Manafort‘s latest legal problem is being charged with mortgage fraud by New York prosecutors. Here’s an explanation of the various types of mortgage fraud and how easily just about anyone can get into big trouble.
7. Google, Nvidia and videogame streaming
Google (the main unit of Alphabet GOOG, -2.11% GOOGL, -2.30% ) announced its new Stadia streaming platform on Tuesday. Nvidia NVDA, -3.50% is also rolling out a game streaming service, and its approach to delivering game content will be completely different from Google’s.
Related: AMD’s stock moves into risky territory on Google gaming hype
8. Sullenberger explains where Boeing and the FAA went wrong
Before he landed a crippled Airbus A320 in the Hudson River in 2009, Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger ran his own business as an air travel and organizational safety consultant. Now Sully explains how Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration failed in their risk management efforts when the 737 MAX was being developed.
9. The ultimate investment portfolio
Paul Merriman spells out how discipline and diversification can help you build wealth, while also answering reader’s questions in the comments section.
10. Another contrarian play form Michael Brush
This time, tobacco stocks.
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