Is Aptiv PLC (APTV) Among the Best Car Stocks To Buy In 2025?
We recently compiled a list of the 13 Best Car Stocks To Buy In 2025. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Aptiv PLC (NYSE:APTV) stands against the other car stocks.
Car stocks are the stock holdings of businesses engaged in the automotive market, such as those that produce automobiles, auto parts, or industry-related services.
According to Reuters, U.S. new car sales in 2024 grew significantly from their pandemic lows due to increased production, restocked inventory, and growing demand for hybrid cars. As per Wards Intelligence, new car sales in the United States hit 15.9 million in 2024, up 2.2% from 2023 and the highest since 2019.
In 2025, S&P Global forecasts that global sales of new light vehicles, or passenger cars and trucks, are projected to rise 1.7% to 89.6 million units. The overall reduction of 2025 automotive estimates reflects anticipated changes in US policy following the election. There will be significant impacts on the demand for vehicles as a result, particularly on interest rates, trade flows, sourcing, and the rates of BEV adoption.
Colin Couchman, executive director of global light vehicle forecasting for S&P Global Mobility, commented:
'2025 is shaping up to be ultra-challenging for the auto industry, as key regional demand factors limit demand potential and the new US administration adds fresh uncertainty from day one,' 'A key concern is how 'natural' EV demand fares as governments rethink policy support, especially incentives and subsidies, industrial policy, tariffs, and fast evolving OEM target setting.'
Chris Hopson, principal analyst at S&P Global Mobility, recently stated that consumers who are considering buying a new car are hurrying to dealers before possible price implications become apparent. The sales spikes in March and April might open the way for future volatility. In the next three months, automakers will face new, tariffed inventory and production levels in addition to unstable economic conditions.
In response to industry criticism, President Trump recently introduced a two-year relief provision linked to domestic sales and manufacturing volume, which loosened the recently imposed 25% tariffs on cars and parts. Now, automakers with U.S. factories can deduct import taxes on parts, starting at 3.75% of the suggested retail price of a car in the first year, and then 2.5% in the second year. Vehicles with 85% U.S., Canadian, or Mexican parts are exempt from tariffs, which will rise to 90% by next year. Furthermore, the administration exempted these companies from overlapping taxes on Canadian and Mexican commodities, steel, and aluminum. After industry groups warned that the duties, which went into effect in March for automobiles and on May 3 for parts, would increase auto prices, lower sales, and negatively impact service costs, the move was made.
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Time Business News
38 minutes ago
- Time Business News
Navigating Homeownership in Texas: A Canadian Expat's Comprehensive Guide to Tax Complexities in The Woodlands
Introduction: When Opportunity Crosses the Border Your employer in Ottawa calls you into a Monday‐morning meeting and announces a career-altering transfer to The Woodlands, Texas. The upside is clear: world-class master-planned communities, towering pines, and proximity to Houston's booming business ecosystem. Yet with that same offer letter comes the practical question: should you buy a home in Texas, and what does that mean for your tax life on both sides of the border? Canadian citizens relocating for work quickly discover that cross-border real estate is less about granite countertops and more about treaty articles, withholding rules, and competing definitions of 'principal residence.' In this deep-dive, we unpack the layered tax rules triggered when a Canadian purchases—then eventually sells—a Texas property. We also show how partnering with a cross-border financial advisor skilled in cross-border tax planning and holistic Canada U.S. Financial Planning can turn potential minefields into manageable stepping-stones. 1. Profile of Our Relocated Canadian Meet Daniel, a 38-year-old software architect from Ottawa who will spend the next three to five years heading his company's U.S. product division. He moves with a spousal work permit, two school-aged children, and an eye toward laying down roots in The Woodlands. His goals: Purchase a family home within six months. Keep ties to his Canadian RRSP and corporate pension. Minimize cross-border tax friction during ownership and upon eventual sale. Avoid shocking surprises if he returns to Canada or remains in the U.S. long-term. Daniel's situation is typical of thousands of Canadian professionals sent south every year. The decisions he makes in the first twelve months will shape his tax exposure for a decade. 2. Why The Woodlands Appeals to Canadian Expats Before diving into taxes, it helps to grasp why The Woodlands is a magnet: No state income tax. Texas's lack of state tax is attractive, but the savings can blind newcomers to other levies—especially robust property taxes and potential federal implications. Texas's lack of state tax is attractive, but the savings can blind newcomers to other levies—especially robust property taxes and potential federal implications. Corporate campuses and energy corridor access. Many Canadian energy and tech companies maintain Houston-area offices. Many Canadian energy and tech companies maintain Houston-area offices. Lifestyle parity. Top-ranked schools, extensive green spaces, and family-friendly suburbs echo the comforts of Canadian metropolitan life. Yet each perk comes bundled with unique tax nuances that differ sharply from Ontario, Alberta, or British Columbia norms. 3. The Cross-Border Tax Landscape—Setting the Table 3.1 Dual-Tax Residency Tension Upon arrival, Daniel could be considered a resident of both Canada and the United States. Canada taxes worldwide income based on residency, while the U.S. taxes based on citizenship or substantial presence. Because Daniel is neither a USC nor a green-card holder, his U.S. residency hinges on the Substantial Presence Test (SPT). If he spends 183 weighted days or more during a calendar year—or elects residency under IRC §7701(b)(4)—he becomes a U.S. resident for federal tax purposes. Implication: Owning a Texas home can strengthen U.S. residency ties, but the Canada-U.S. Tax Treaty's tiebreaker rules may still assign him to one country. Understanding that interplay is critical before signing a purchase contract. 3.2 Capital vs. Ordinary Income Canada and the U.S. both treat real-property gains as capital in nature, but depreciation rules, currency fluctuation reporting, and the principal-residence exemption differ dramatically. 3.3 Withholding Regimes (FIRPTA) When foreign persons sell U.S. real estate, the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) generally requires buyers to withhold 15 percent of the gross selling price. Daniel might recoup a portion upon filing his U.S. return, but cash-flow pain is real unless planning steps are taken before listing. 4. Buying a Home in Texas—Step-by-Step Tax Concerns 4.1 Financing: U.S. Mortgage vs. Canadian HELOC U.S. Mortgage: Generally easier for local underwriters to evaluate, but Daniel must build two‐year U.S. credit history or rely on cross-border lender programs that accept Canadian credit reports. Generally easier for local underwriters to evaluate, but Daniel must build two‐year U.S. credit history or rely on cross-border lender programs that accept Canadian credit reports. Canadian HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit): Tapping equity in an Ottawa property introduces exchange-rate exposure and potential thin-capitalization issues if the HELOC is later converted to U.S. denominated debt. Pro Tip: Some Canadians structure purchases through cross-border lenders who report mortgage interest to the IRS on Form 1098, simplifying deductibility claims on a U.S. Schedule A. 4.2 Down-Payment Sourcing Large CAD-to-USD transfers trigger FINTRAC and U.S. anti-money-laundering forms. Banks may request Form 3520/3520-A filings if funds flow through Canadian trusts or corporate entities. Missteps can incur $10,000+ penalties, making early consultation with a cross-border financial advisor essential. 4.3 Texas Property Taxes & Homestead Exemption Texas eschews state income tax and instead funds schools and counties via property taxation. New arrivals often gasp at effective rates of 2–3 percent of appraised value. Claiming a homestead exemption can lower this burden, but Daniel must establish Texas residency (driver's license, voter registration) while ensuring he does not inadvertently sever Canadian ties too soon. 5. Canadian Tax Treatment During Ownership 5.1 Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) Limitation If Daniel keeps his Ottawa condo and designates it his Canadian principal residence, the Texas property accumulates non-resident capital-gain tax in Canada. Conversely, electing the Texas house as his PRE may jeopardize Ottawa gains. The formula is: Exempt years=years designated as principal residence+1years owned\text{Exempt years} = \frac{\text{years designated as principal residence} + 1}{\text{years owned}}Exempt years=years ownedyears designated as principal residence+1 5.2 Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) and Double Tax Relief When Daniel files his T1 return, gains from U.S. real estate remain taxable in Canada absent PRE coverage. However, he may claim a foreign tax credit for U.S. taxes paid, limited to the lesser of actual U.S. tax or Canadian tax on the same income. Coordinating the timing of sale to maximize FTCs—while avoiding Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) intricacies—is a classic value-add from cross-border tax planning . 5.3 Foreign Reporting (T1135) The Texas home, as foreign real property, must be reported annually if cost exceeds CAD $100,000. Failure to file T1135 triggers penalties averaging CAD $2,500 per year, plus potential gross-negligence fines. 6. U.S. Federal Tax Treatment During Ownership 6.1 Mortgage Interest & SALT Deduction Limits Post-Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, SALT (state and local tax) deductions are capped at USD $10,000. Property taxes alone in The Woodlands can hit that ceiling. Mortgage interest on up to USD $750,000 of acquisition debt is deductible if Daniel itemizes. Strategic loan sizing and thoughtful prepayments can maximize after-tax benefits. 6.2 Depreciation vs. Canadian Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) U.S. rules allow 27.5-year straight-line residential depreciation, generating annual losses that may offset rental income if Daniel converts the home to a rental later. In Canada, claiming CCA on foreign rental property forfeits PRE for that year and complicates recapture. Proper ledger separation is crucial. 6.3 Passive Activity Loss (PAL) Limitations If Daniel's adjusted gross income exceeds USD $150,000, passive losses may be suspended. A future sale can unlock those suspended losses, reducing taxable gain—a nuance often missed without sophisticated Canada U.S. Financial Planning . 7. Currency Considerations—The Hidden Tax 7.1 Foreign Exchange on Purchase Buying at CAD $1 = USD $0.72 and selling at parity can inflate capital gains when measured in Canadian dollars. Both CRA and IRS require reporting in domestic currency. Daniel should maintain contemporaneous FX records, ideally automated through multi-currency software recommended by his cross-border financial advisor . 7.2 Mortgage Currency Mismatch If Daniel borrows in USD but earns in CAD, each mortgage payment involves a deemed FX disposition. Over years, small unrealized currency gains can snowball into taxable events in Canada. 8. Selling the Texas Home—Major Minefields 8.1 FIRPTA Withholding Mechanics Unless Daniel becomes a U.S. green-card holder, the buyer must withhold 15 percent of gross proceeds (not net gain). Exceptions: Sale price under USD $300,000 and buyer intends to occupy. IRS withholding certificate obtained pre-closing by projecting actual tax liability. Applying for a certificate demands credible cost-basis documentation—closing statements, renovation invoices, depreciation schedules—meticulously curated during ownership. 8.2 Section 121 Exclusion (U.S. Principal Residence) If Daniel (and spouse) live in the home for at least two of the five years preceding sale, they may exclude up to USD $500,000 of gain. But watch: Nonresident aliens cannot claim §121; Daniel must be a U.S. tax resident in year of sale. Depreciation recapture from rental years is taxable at 25 percent. 8.3 Canadian Capital-Gain Inclusion Canada taxes 50 percent of the capital gain, converted to CAD at settlement date FX. If Daniel already used his PRE on the Ottawa condo, the Texas gain is fully taxable in Canada. However, U.S. federal (and potential FIRPTA) tax becomes a foreign tax credit, mitigating double taxation. 9. Estate Tax, Probate, and Gifting 9.1 U.S. Estate Tax Exposure Non-U.S. persons owning U.S. situs assets above USD $60,000 face U.S. estate tax. Treaty formulas prorate Daniel's exposure based on his worldwide estate relative to the U.S. unified credit. Titling the home in a Canadian corporation or cross-border trust can shield estate tax but may sacrifice preferential rates on capital gains. 9.2 Texas Probate Texas probate is relatively streamlined, yet any foreign executor will need an in-state attorney ad litem. A revocable living trust or enhanced transfer on death (TOD) deed can avoid probate delays. 9.3 Gifting the Property to Children A well-intentioned gift could trigger FIRPTA, U.S. gift tax (if donor or donee is U.S. resident), and Canadian deemed disposition. A coordinated gift-splitting strategy under treaty Article XXIX B may alleviate double levies. 10. How a Cross-Border Financial Advisor Adds Value 10.1 Pre-Arrival Blueprint Residency Modeling: Simulate days in U.S. vs. Canada under multiple scenarios to determine treaty residency and tax domicile. Simulate days in U.S. vs. Canada under multiple scenarios to determine treaty residency and tax domicile. Financing Structure: Compare cross-border mortgage programs, evaluate CAD-indexed lines of credit, and optimize deductible interest alignment with personal cash flows. 10.2 Ownership Phase Management Recordkeeping Automation: Tools for dual-currency ledgers, T1135 reminders, U.S. FBAR reporting, and depreciation tracking. Tools for dual-currency ledgers, T1135 reminders, U.S. FBAR reporting, and depreciation tracking. Proactive SALT Optimization: Balancing property-tax prepayments with SALT cap, charitable bunching, and Roth vs. TFSA contribution timing. 10.3 Exit and Re-entry Strategy FIRPTA Certificate Applications: Coordinate appraisals, gather cost basis evidence, and file Form 8288-B to reduce withholding at closing. Coordinate appraisals, gather cost basis evidence, and file Form 8288-B to reduce withholding at closing. Gain Harvesting vs. Deferral: Weigh selling during low-income sabbaticals or before anticipated CAD appreciation. Weigh selling during low-income sabbaticals or before anticipated CAD appreciation. Repatriation Planning: If returning to Canada, merge proceeds into RRSP top-ups, RESP funding, or principal-protected notes to hedge FX risk. 10.4 Integrated Canada U.S. Financial Planning Across these stages, advisors combine treaty literacy with investment management, insurance structuring, and estate design—creating a unified roadmap. Without such guidance, homeowners may overpay taxes, misfile forms, or miss filing windows that close after 15 June (CRA) or 15 April (IRS). 11. Case Study: Daniel's Tailored Outcome With his cross-border financial advisor , Daniel: Secured a USD $600,000 mortgage through a lender accepting Canadian credit, ensuring Form 1098 issuance. Claimed Texas homestead exemption while preserving Ottawa condo as Canadian PRE under treaty tie-breaker year one; year two he cut Canadian ties and became U.S. resident, unlocking §121 eligibility. Automated FX logs via multi-currency bookkeeping to track CAD cost basis. Initiated a revocable trust holding title, minimizing probate and segmenting estate-tax exposure. Filed Form 8288-B at listing; buyer withheld only estimated tax, freeing cash for a down payment on a new Houston suburb upgrade. Leveraged foreign tax credits to eliminate Canadian tax after Ottawa condo sale, resulting in combined capital-gain tax below 10 percent. Net savings over a five-year horizon: USD $140,000 compared with do-it-yourself compliance, plus immeasurable peace of mind. 12. Practical Checklist for Would-Be Buyers Phase Action Item Advisor Touchpoint Pre-Purchase Model residency days; apply CRA Form NR73 if needed Residency calibration Obtain pre-approval from cross-border lender Mortgage structuring Closing Draft statement of adjustments capturing currency rates Cost-basis tracking Ensure title insurance recognizes foreign status Legal coordination Ownership File T1135 annually; claim U.S. deductions Ongoing compliance Review property-tax assessments; protest if inflated SALT optimization Disposition Request FIRPTA certificate 90+ days pre-close Withholding mitigation Allocate suspended passive losses; time sale for low-bracket year Exit strategy 13. Beyond Taxes: Lifestyle & Risk Considerations Healthcare Coverage: Provincial health coverage may lapse after 182–212 days abroad; supplemental U.S. plans must coordinate with travel back to Canada. Provincial health coverage may lapse after 182–212 days abroad; supplemental U.S. plans must coordinate with travel back to Canada. Insurance Gaps: Texas homeowner policies exclude windstorm and flood; cross-border advisors coordinate umbrella liability with excess personal‐liability riders valid in both countries. Texas homeowner policies exclude windstorm and flood; cross-border advisors coordinate umbrella liability with excess personal‐liability riders valid in both countries. Education Savings: RESP contributions may be penalized under U.S. PFIC rules—alternatives include 529 plans or brokerage accounts, harmonized via global asset-allocation overlays. 14. Frequently Overlooked Pitfalls Treaty Elections Filed Late: Missing the Article IV tiebreaker statement or §216 election for rental income can double-tax first-year rent. Ignored Departure Tax: If cutting Canadian residency, deemed disposition on worldwide assets—including pensions—may trump property concerns. State-Level Surprises Outside Texas: Future job moves to states with income tax (e.g., California) alter deductibility and estate planning frameworks. Canadian 'Foreign Buyer' Taxes: Provinces like British Columbia impose speculation taxes on homes left vacant; returning expatriates may unwittingly owe if they keep Canadian real estate. Conclusion: Transform Minefields into Milestones Real estate has long stood as a symbol of stability and personal success. For Canadians dispatched to The Woodlands, however, the purchase of a dream home doubles as an intricate cross-border tax project. Navigating dual-residency rules, withholding regimes, depreciation traps, and currency swings requires more than guesswork—it demands specialized expertise. A seasoned cross-border financial advisor integrates legal, tax, and cash-flow insights into one cohesive playbook. Through proactive cross-border tax planning and comprehensive Canada U.S. Financial Planning , homeowners like Daniel not only avoid pitfalls but also leverage treaty advantages, maximize cash retention, and secure generational wealth across two nations. In the end, the key lesson is simple: treat your relocation home not just as a roof over your head, but as an asset that spans two tax jurisdictions. With the right guidance, you can enjoy Texan sunshine, Houston career growth, and Canadian financial peace of mind—without getting scorched by unexpected tax rays along the way. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Not easy to become a 401(k) millionaire as balances dip in first quarter, Fidelity says
Not easy to become a 401(k) millionaire as balances dip in first quarter, Fidelity says Show Caption Hide Caption Understanding a 401k: How it works and why it's important What is a 401k plan? Key benefits and how to maximize your savings. Fidelity reported that 512,000 savers were 401(k)-created millionaires in the first quarter, down about 4.6% from 537,000 in the fourth quarter of 2025. Most individuals continued to contribute to their retirement savings and continued to invest in stocks. Only 0.9% of 401(k) participants stopped contributing at all to a 401(k) plan in the first quarter, according to Fidelity. Retirement savers have faced plenty of white knuckle days in 2025 where stock market conditions — and on-again, pause-again tariffs — put everyone's nerves on edge. Amazingly, no matter how awful things felt some days, many have not seen a double-digit fallout in their 401(k) savings in the first quarter, according to the latest data from Fidelity Investments. Average 401(k) retirement account balances fell 3% from late last year through the first three months this year to $127,100. Savers still saw a 1% gain in balances from the first quarter a year ago, according to Fidelity Investment data. Not as many 401(k) millionaires It wasn't as easy to become a millionaire during the first quarter's rough ride. Fidelity reported that 512,000 savers were 401(k)-created millionaires in the first quarter, down about 4.6% from 537,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024. These savers had at least $1 million in their retirement account. Fidelity saw a record number of 401k-created millionaires in the third quarter last year at 544,000 savers. Fidelity Investment's 401(k) data is based on 25,300 defined contribution plans at various companies across the country. The plans covered 24.4 million participants as of March 31. The on-again, off-again market panic What a difference a few months of economic uncertainty makes. We had a good, set-it-and-forget-it kind of a year in 2024. At the end of last year, retirement savers saw average 401(k) balances go up 11% from the start of the year, according to Fidelity's data. Even seeing a 3% decline in the first quarter this year could be unsettling for some savers, considering that 401(k) savers only saw a slight 0.5% dip on average from the third quarter through the fourth quarter last year. You would have to go back about two years to the third quarter of 2023 to see a drop of 4% in average retirement savings from the second quarter that year. So far, it has been one incredibly weird kind of a year with some miserable declines and some miraculous rebounds. Fortunately, many investors are no longer dealing with the 15% year-to-date decline that we saw as of April 8 for the Standard & Poor's 500 index. "If one 'took a nap' on Jan. 19 and didn't wake up until May 31, they would have conjectured that the markets had been relatively calm," said Robert Bilkie, CEO of Sigma Investment Counselors in Northville. The S&P 500 index was up 0.92% year to date through June 2 when the S&P 500 closed at 5,935.94 points. The total year-to-date return — including dividends — was 1.49% through the market close June 2. The total return was 25.02% in 2023 and up 26.29% in 2025. Most diversified common stock accounts held by savers are up modestly for the year, Bilkie noted. In case you missed it: Stocks have taken a beating. What should you do about your 401(k)? Pain worse for those investing in auto stocks, other companies The key word here is diversified. Some investors continue to face deep losses in 2025, particularly if they invested a large chunk of their money in one stock or industry. General Motors stock, for example, was down 10.47% year to date from its close of $53.27 a share on Dec. 31, 2024, through the June 2 close of $47.69 a share. Stellantis was down 25% from its close of $13.05 a share on Dec. 31 through its close on June 2 of $9.78 a share. Ford stock is up 0.8% from year-end 2024 when the stock price closed at $9.90 a share through June 2 when the stock closed at $9.98 a share. "The worst losses were centered around companies that were impacted by the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and trade war," said Sam Huszczo, a chartered financial analyst in Lathrup Village. "Think Tesla or Nike, who are very dependent on a confident consumer and relying extensively on international markets, manufacturing, and supply chains." Tesla stock was down 15% year-to-date through June 2; Nike was down 18.6% during that same time before dividends. This year, many investors also sold stock in some companies as they took profits from the high-flying stocks of 2024, like technology stocks, Huszczo said. "What goes up fast, also comes down fast. As the market darlings of last year turned into this year's cautionary tales." We continue to witness unpredictability, and a sense that things are different from economic shifts in the past. Wild swings made it hard to know what to do Unlike the 2008-09 meltdown, we've not seen stock prices just keep continuously falling so far this year. Instead, we've seen some ungodly volatility. We've had days where the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2,231.07 points or 5.5% on April 4 and suddenly gained 2,963 points or 7.87% on April 9. Huszczo said many individual investors who are saving for retirement or other reasons tended not to panic sell, and often bought into the dip. Some "charged into the dip like it was Black Friday." Lost retirement funds: $1.7 trillion sits in lost and forgotten 401(k) accounts. Is one of them yours? On 'Liberation Day' on April 2, Donald Trump put tariffs on every nation. On April 9, though, Trump paused his "Liberation Day" tariffs for 90 days until July 8 after Wall Street revolted over the widespread tariffs, which were expected to drive up prices and drive down economic growth in the United States. Now, the Trump administration wants countries to provide their best offer on trade negotiations by June 4, according to a Reuters report June 2. Michael Shamrell, Fidelity's vice president of thought leadership for workplace investing, said Fidelity recommends that maintaining a long-term plan is often the most appropriate strategy when investors face an uptick of volatility in the market, as has been the situation in 2025. "Factors like rapid policy changes, political uncertainty, and the impact of tariffs, along with the speed and magnitude of changes, contribute to a sense of heightened instability," the Fidelity report stated. Savers still want to continue to contribute at least enough in savings to 401(k) plans, Shamrell said, to receive their company's matching contributions. "It will not only put you in a good spot when markets recover but also allow you to continue to take advantage of any matching contributions your employer might offer," Shamrell said. Shamrell told me in a phone interview that it's encouraging that many people continued to stay on course in early 2025 and not make changes with their 401(k) savings — even with all the dramatic swings on Wall Street. The total 401(k) savings rate — adding both employee savings and employer contributions — increased to a record 14.3% in the first quarter, according to Fidelity data. The record-high 401(k) total savings rate, according to Fidelity, was driven by an unprecedented employee contribution rate of 9.5%, plus an employer match of 4.8% — the highest employer contribution rate recorded to date. At a 14.3% total retirement savings rate, Shamrell said, more people are moving closer to a recommended 401(k) savings rate of 15%. Fidelity recommends that employees aim to save at least 15% of their pretax income each year, including matching money from your employer, to help ensure that they have enough money in retirement to maintain their current lifestyle. Shamrell said the first quarter results likely benefited as some companies increased their 401(k) contributions into the plans based on profit-sharing arrangements. Beginning in 2025, the federal law called the Secure 2.0 Act also required companies with new 401(k) plans and 403(b) plans to automatically enroll eligible employees at a minimum contribution rate of 3%, but no more than 10%. The employee may opt out. Also under Secure 2.0, those enrolled in new 401(k) plans would automatically see their contributions out of their paychecks go up by 1% or so every year until they reached 10%. The employee could opt out or change the contribution rate. Both auto enrollment and auto escalation rules that began in 2025 apply to new plans established on or after Dec. 29, 2022. Employers are not required to offer 401(k) plans under Secure 2.0. Other retirement trends, according to Fidelity data: Most individuals continued to contribute to their retirement savings accounts and continued to invest in the stock market. Of the 6% individuals that made a change to their allocation, 28.2% of those participants moved some of their savings into more conservative investments. Only 0.9% of 401(k) participants stopped contributing at all to a 401(k) plan in the first quarter. More than 66% of 401(k) participants used a target date fund or managed account, which offers a mix of assets. Target date funds provide an asset mix that reflects an individual's age and their expected or targeted year of retirement. Managed accounts are more personalized and also consider an individual's goals and risk tolerance. Overall, 401(k) savers and investors have been resilient, according to Melissa Joy, president of Pearl Planning, a wealth adviser in Dexter. Many investors who maintained their overall allocation saw their portfolios start to return to positive territory by early May, she said. "We were seeing accounts just north of positive — up 2% to 4% at the end of the first quarter. Then, liberation day made everything topsy turvy in early April with deep but in many cases temporary drawdowns," she said. She acknowledged, though, that it is becoming difficult for some investors to separate their political outlook from their investment perspective. "But, all-in-all, our clients maintained their allocations and investment strategy through the volatility we've seen so far this year," Joy said. Uncertainty, of course, remains among the most popular words used by CEOs and other business leaders in 2025. We don't know what's next for Wall Street, trade talks, or the overall economy — and that isn't making it easy to save for retirement in 2025. Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor: stompor@ Follow her on X @tompor.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Jim Cramer Says He 'Personally Would Not Own Altria (MO)'
We recently published a list of . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) stands against other stocks that Jim Cramer discusses. Answering a caller's query about Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO), Cramer commented: 'Alright, but here's, okay, so I'm going to give you two answers to this because I've been trying to change my mind about some things…. I personally would not own Altria. Why? Because I don't like what they do. Is it a superior stock better than most? The answer is, as I was writing How to Make Money in Any Market, the answer is yes. So you've got two answers. It's up to you. I couldn't own it for my trust. I couldn't live with myself.' A close-up of an assembly line with a blend of tobacco products. Altria (NYSE:MO) produces and markets a range of tobacco and nicotine products, including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, nicotine pouches, and e-vapor devices, sold under brands like Marlboro, Black & Mild, Copenhagen, and NJOY ACE. Andvari Associates stated the following regarding Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO) in its Q1 2025 investor letter: 'Last year, Andvari made its first investments in tobacco companies with the purchase of Philip Morris International and Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO). At the time of our purchase, Philip Morris and Altria had underperformed the S&P 500 over the prior 5- and 10-year periods. Both traded at low valuations and with high dividend yields. But thanks to following the industry o and on for 10+ years, and thanks to many discussions with long-time shareholders of the companies, Andvari felt the time was right to make the plunge. The timing could not have been much better for us as both companies have so far contributed positively to Andvari's recent overall performance. Overall, MO ranks 8th on our list of stocks that Jim Cramer discusses. While we acknowledge the potential of MO as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
