Latest news with #budgetsurplus
CNA
3 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Japan to promote domestic ownership of JGBs, policy draft shows
TOKYO :Japan should promote the domestic ownership of government bonds to avoid further rises in long-term interest rates caused by supply-demand imbalances, according to a draft of the government's economic policy guidelines reviewed by Reuters. The draft also said Japan should keep its goal of delivering a primary budget surplus, aiming to achieve the target "as early as possible during fiscal years 2025 to 2026." But it also pointed out that the target year "should be reassessed as needed, given that the impact of U.S. tariff policies remains uncertain and their effects on Japan's economy and finances need to be examined." The draft of the annual economic and fiscal policy guidelines, to be finalised later this month after discussions with ruling party lawmakers, reflects the government's pledge to maintain fiscal discipline after a recent bond market rout. While yields on shorter-term bonds have remained stable on diminishing prospects of a near-term rate hike, those on super-long Japanese government bonds (JGBs) soared to all-time highs last month amid calls from politicians for big fiscal spending. Reuters reported that Japan will consider trimming issuance of super-long bonds in the wake of recent sharp rises in yields for the notes, as policymakers seek to soothe market concerns about worsening government finances. The draft called for efforts to ensure an environment where government bonds are issued in a stable manner. The government's long-term policy blueprint sets a goal of fiscal year 2025 to achieve a primary budget surplus, or fund spending without resorting to debt, a pledge it has maintained since 2018. The primary budget balance, which excludes new bond sales and debt-servicing costs, is a key gauge of the extent to which policy measures can be funded without resorting to debt. A government estimate earlier this year showed the target could be pushed back again as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's minority government faces various demands from opposition parties that could potentially inflate the budget.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The US Treasury just shocked Americans with a $258B surplus — its 2nd biggest monthly surplus in history
Budget deficits are something we've come to expect from Uncle Sam. After all, without years of overspending, the federal government wouldn't be sitting on trillions of dollars in debt. But, the latest monthly Treasury statement delivered a rare — and welcome — surprise. In April 2025, the U.S. government collected $850.2 billion in receipts while spending $591.8 billion, resulting in a monthly budget surplus of $258.4 billion. That's not just any surplus — it's the first monthly surplus of fiscal year 2025 (which began in October 2024), and the second-largest monthly surplus in U.S. history, behind only April 2022's $308.2 billion surplus. Does that mean President Trump's plan is working? Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the surplus was driven by 'large individual tax deposits,' with April being the due date for final payments on prior-year taxes and the first installment of quarterly estimated taxes for many individuals and businesses. Individual income taxes alone brought in $537 billion — by far the biggest contributor to government revenue for April. Social insurance and retirement receipts followed at $184 billion, while corporate income taxes added $94 billion. Customs duties — a reflection of Trump's tariffs — generated $15.6 billion in April, more than double the $6.3 billion collected during the same month last year. Still, tariff revenue remains modest compared to other major contributors. On the spending side, the biggest outlay for the month was Social Security at $132 billion, followed by $89 billion in net interest, $82 billion for Medicare, $76 billion for health and $70 billion for national defense. Despite the hefty surplus, one strong month isn't enough to reverse the broader fiscal trend. From October 1 through April 30, the U.S. government brought in $3.110 trillion in revenue but spent $4.159 trillion — resulting in a $1.049 trillion deficit for the fiscal year so far. So it's no surprise the national debt continues to soar. As of this writing, the total outstanding debt of the U.S. government sits at a staggering $36.212 trillion. The takeaway? To run a surplus, you have to earn more than you spend. That might be a tall order for a government juggling countless programs — but for individuals, it's a surprisingly simple (and achievable) strategy. Here are a few ways to boost your own fiscal health in 2025 — and beyond. If you want to improve your finances, the first step is understanding where your money goes each month. Track all your expenses for 30 days, then sort them into two categories: necessities — like rent, groceries, utilities and health care — and discretionary spending, such as dining out, entertainment, shopping and hobbies. This breakdown gives you a clear picture of your spending habits and helps identify areas where you can cut back. But trimming waste isn't just about skipping lattes or takeout. Even in essential categories — like car insurance or banking — you may be spending more than you need to. The good news? With a bit of research, those costs can often be significantly reduced. Read more: You're probably already overpaying for this 1 'must-have' expense — and thanks to Trump's tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here's how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now Car insurance is a major recurring expense, and many people overpay without realizing it. According to Forbes, the national average cost for car insurance in 2024 was $2,150 per year (or $179 per month). However, rates can vary widely depending on your state, driving history and vehicle type, and you could be paying more than necessary. More Americans are also facing higher car payments, so it's important to control vehicle-related expenses where you can. Instead of sticking with the same provider, you can try taking a few minutes to compare quotes from multiple insurers to ensure you're getting the best deal. Bank fees can quietly drain your finances over time. Even comedian Bill Burr once complained to Joe Rogan about his bank taking $28 out of his account every month 'for no reason.' In reality, many traditional banks charge anywhere from $5 to $35 per month in maintenance fees, overdraft fees and other hidden charges. Online banks, on the other hand, typically offer lower fees (or none at all) since they don't have the same overhead costs as brick-and-mortar institutions. Many online banks also offer high-interest checking and savings accounts, allowing you to earn more on your idle cash while avoiding costly fees. Cutting expenses is one way to create a surplus — but boosting income can be just as powerful. And while asking for a raise doesn't always lead to results, there are ways to earn money without clocking in extra hours. That's where passive income comes in: money that keeps flowing with minimal day-to-day effort. One of the most popular passive income strategies? Real estate. When you own a rental property, tenants pay you rent each month — providing a steady stream of cash flow. It's also a time-tested hedge against inflation, since both property values and rental income tend to rise along with the cost of living. That said, being a landlord isn't always easy. You'll be responsible for finding and screening tenants, collecting rent, and handling maintenance and repair requests (out of your own pocket) — and that's assuming you can save enough for a down payment and get a mortgage to buy the property in the first place. The good news? These days, you don't need to buy a property outright to reap the benefits of real estate investing. Crowdfunding platforms, for example, allow everyday investors to own shares in rental properties without the large down payments or management headaches traditionally associated with real estate ownership. Alternatively, real estate investment trusts (REITs) provide another avenue for those looking to gain exposure to this asset class. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The US Treasury just shocked Americans with a $258B surplus — its 2nd biggest monthly surplus in history
Budget deficits are something we've come to expect from Uncle Sam. After all, without years of overspending, the federal government wouldn't be sitting on trillions of dollars in debt. But, the latest monthly Treasury statement delivered a rare — and welcome — surprise. In April 2025, the U.S. government collected $850.2 billion in receipts while spending $591.8 billion, resulting in a monthly budget surplus of $258.4 billion. That's not just any surplus — it's the first monthly surplus of fiscal year 2025 (which began in October 2024), and the second-largest monthly surplus in U.S. history, behind only April 2022's $308.2 billion surplus. Does that mean President Trump's plan is working? Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the surplus was driven by 'large individual tax deposits,' with April being the due date for final payments on prior-year taxes and the first installment of quarterly estimated taxes for many individuals and businesses. Individual income taxes alone brought in $537 billion — by far the biggest contributor to government revenue for April. Social insurance and retirement receipts followed at $184 billion, while corporate income taxes added $94 billion. Customs duties — a reflection of Trump's tariffs — generated $15.6 billion in April, more than double the $6.3 billion collected during the same month last year. Still, tariff revenue remains modest compared to other major contributors. On the spending side, the biggest outlay for the month was Social Security at $132 billion, followed by $89 billion in net interest, $82 billion for Medicare, $76 billion for health and $70 billion for national defense. Despite the hefty surplus, one strong month isn't enough to reverse the broader fiscal trend. From October 1 through April 30, the U.S. government brought in $3.110 trillion in revenue but spent $4.159 trillion — resulting in a $1.049 trillion deficit for the fiscal year so far. So it's no surprise the national debt continues to soar. As of this writing, the total outstanding debt of the U.S. government sits at a staggering $36.212 trillion. The takeaway? To run a surplus, you have to earn more than you spend. That might be a tall order for a government juggling countless programs — but for individuals, it's a surprisingly simple (and achievable) strategy. Here are a few ways to boost your own fiscal health in 2025 — and beyond. If you want to improve your finances, the first step is understanding where your money goes each month. Track all your expenses for 30 days, then sort them into two categories: necessities — like rent, groceries, utilities and health care — and discretionary spending, such as dining out, entertainment, shopping and hobbies. This breakdown gives you a clear picture of your spending habits and helps identify areas where you can cut back. But trimming waste isn't just about skipping lattes or takeout. Even in essential categories — like car insurance or banking — you may be spending more than you need to. The good news? With a bit of research, those costs can often be significantly reduced. Read more: You're probably already overpaying for this 1 'must-have' expense — and thanks to Trump's tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here's how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now Car insurance is a major recurring expense, and many people overpay without realizing it. According to Forbes, the national average cost for car insurance in 2024 was $2,150 per year (or $179 per month). However, rates can vary widely depending on your state, driving history and vehicle type, and you could be paying more than necessary. More Americans are also facing higher car payments, so it's important to control vehicle-related expenses where you can. Instead of sticking with the same provider, you can try taking a few minutes to compare quotes from multiple insurers to ensure you're getting the best deal. Bank fees can quietly drain your finances over time. Even comedian Bill Burr once complained to Joe Rogan about his bank taking $28 out of his account every month 'for no reason.' In reality, many traditional banks charge anywhere from $5 to $35 per month in maintenance fees, overdraft fees and other hidden charges. Online banks, on the other hand, typically offer lower fees (or none at all) since they don't have the same overhead costs as brick-and-mortar institutions. Many online banks also offer high-interest checking and savings accounts, allowing you to earn more on your idle cash while avoiding costly fees. Cutting expenses is one way to create a surplus — but boosting income can be just as powerful. And while asking for a raise doesn't always lead to results, there are ways to earn money without clocking in extra hours. That's where passive income comes in: money that keeps flowing with minimal day-to-day effort. One of the most popular passive income strategies? Real estate. When you own a rental property, tenants pay you rent each month — providing a steady stream of cash flow. It's also a time-tested hedge against inflation, since both property values and rental income tend to rise along with the cost of living. That said, being a landlord isn't always easy. You'll be responsible for finding and screening tenants, collecting rent, and handling maintenance and repair requests (out of your own pocket) — and that's assuming you can save enough for a down payment and get a mortgage to buy the property in the first place. The good news? These days, you don't need to buy a property outright to reap the benefits of real estate investing. Crowdfunding platforms, for example, allow everyday investors to own shares in rental properties without the large down payments or management headaches traditionally associated with real estate ownership. Alternatively, real estate investment trusts (REITs) provide another avenue for those looking to gain exposure to this asset class. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The US Treasury just shocked Americans with a $258B surplus — its 2nd biggest monthly surplus in history
Budget deficits are something we've come to expect from Uncle Sam. After all, without years of overspending, the federal government wouldn't be sitting on trillions of dollars in debt. But, the latest monthly Treasury statement delivered a rare — and welcome — surprise. In April 2025, the U.S. government collected $850.2 billion in receipts while spending $591.8 billion, resulting in a monthly budget surplus of $258.4 billion. That's not just any surplus — it's the first monthly surplus of fiscal year 2025 (which began in October 2024), and the second-largest monthly surplus in U.S. history, behind only April 2022's $308.2 billion surplus. Does that mean President Trump's plan is working? Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the surplus was driven by 'large individual tax deposits,' with April being the due date for final payments on prior-year taxes and the first installment of quarterly estimated taxes for many individuals and businesses. Individual income taxes alone brought in $537 billion — by far the biggest contributor to government revenue for April. Social insurance and retirement receipts followed at $184 billion, while corporate income taxes added $94 billion. Customs duties — a reflection of Trump's tariffs — generated $15.6 billion in April, more than double the $6.3 billion collected during the same month last year. Still, tariff revenue remains modest compared to other major contributors. On the spending side, the biggest outlay for the month was Social Security at $132 billion, followed by $89 billion in net interest, $82 billion for Medicare, $76 billion for health and $70 billion for national defense. Despite the hefty surplus, one strong month isn't enough to reverse the broader fiscal trend. From October 1 through April 30, the U.S. government brought in $3.110 trillion in revenue but spent $4.159 trillion — resulting in a $1.049 trillion deficit for the fiscal year so far. So it's no surprise the national debt continues to soar. As of this writing, the total outstanding debt of the U.S. government sits at a staggering $36.212 trillion. The takeaway? To run a surplus, you have to earn more than you spend. That might be a tall order for a government juggling countless programs — but for individuals, it's a surprisingly simple (and achievable) strategy. Here are a few ways to boost your own fiscal health in 2025 — and beyond. If you want to improve your finances, the first step is understanding where your money goes each month. Track all your expenses for 30 days, then sort them into two categories: necessities — like rent, groceries, utilities and health care — and discretionary spending, such as dining out, entertainment, shopping and hobbies. This breakdown gives you a clear picture of your spending habits and helps identify areas where you can cut back. But trimming waste isn't just about skipping lattes or takeout. Even in essential categories — like car insurance or banking — you may be spending more than you need to. The good news? With a bit of research, those costs can often be significantly reduced. Read more: You're probably already overpaying for this 1 'must-have' expense — and thanks to Trump's tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here's how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now Car insurance is a major recurring expense, and many people overpay without realizing it. According to Forbes, the national average cost for car insurance in 2024 was $2,150 per year (or $179 per month). However, rates can vary widely depending on your state, driving history and vehicle type, and you could be paying more than necessary. More Americans are also facing higher car payments, so it's important to control vehicle-related expenses where you can. Instead of sticking with the same provider, you can try taking a few minutes to compare quotes from multiple insurers to ensure you're getting the best deal. Bank fees can quietly drain your finances over time. Even comedian Bill Burr once complained to Joe Rogan about his bank taking $28 out of his account every month 'for no reason.' In reality, many traditional banks charge anywhere from $5 to $35 per month in maintenance fees, overdraft fees and other hidden charges. Online banks, on the other hand, typically offer lower fees (or none at all) since they don't have the same overhead costs as brick-and-mortar institutions. Many online banks also offer high-interest checking and savings accounts, allowing you to earn more on your idle cash while avoiding costly fees. Cutting expenses is one way to create a surplus — but boosting income can be just as powerful. And while asking for a raise doesn't always lead to results, there are ways to earn money without clocking in extra hours. That's where passive income comes in: money that keeps flowing with minimal day-to-day effort. One of the most popular passive income strategies? Real estate. When you own a rental property, tenants pay you rent each month — providing a steady stream of cash flow. It's also a time-tested hedge against inflation, since both property values and rental income tend to rise along with the cost of living. That said, being a landlord isn't always easy. You'll be responsible for finding and screening tenants, collecting rent, and handling maintenance and repair requests (out of your own pocket) — and that's assuming you can save enough for a down payment and get a mortgage to buy the property in the first place. The good news? These days, you don't need to buy a property outright to reap the benefits of real estate investing. Crowdfunding platforms, for example, allow everyday investors to own shares in rental properties without the large down payments or management headaches traditionally associated with real estate ownership. Alternatively, real estate investment trusts (REITs) provide another avenue for those looking to gain exposure to this asset class. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Reuters
12-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
US budget surplus surges to $258 billion in April, year-to-date deficit tops $1 trillion
May 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. government posted a $258 billion budget surplus for April, up 23%, or about $49 billion, from a year earlier, reflecting strong tax receipts in the final month of the tax season and surging collections of import duties, the Treasury Department said on Monday. Treasury reported that net customs duties in April totaled $16 billion, about a $9 billion increase from the year-earlier period. The increase occurred during a month in which President Donald Trump boosted tariffs on Chinese goods to as much as 145% while slapping at least 10% levies on imports of goods from other countries. The budget results indicate the U.S. collected just over $500 million a day from tariffs in April. Trump last month said the collections were about $2 billion a day. For the first seven months of the fiscal year, net customs duties totaled $63 billion, compared with $48 billion in the same period a year earlier. That new revenue, however, is likely to drop off. The U.S. and China over the weekend reached a deal to temporarily ease their steep tariffs on each other, with the U.S. cutting its 145% duties to 30% for the next 90 days, while Chinese levies on U.S. imports will fall to 10% from 125%. Receipts last month were driven by a 16% increase in individual non-withheld tax payments, which totaled $460 billion. Individual refunds also rose 16% to $86 billion, detracting from net total budget receipts of $850 billion for the month. Treasury reported a $1.049 trillion budget deficit for the first seven months of fiscal 2025, which started Oct. 1, up 23%, or $194 billion, from a year earlier. Fiscal year-to-date receipts of $3.110 trillion and outlays of $4.159 trillion were both records for the year through April, though the deficit itself was not, a Treasury official said. After accounting for calendar differences that exaggerated outlays recorded in 2024 and $85 billion in deferred tax receipts from California that had boosted fiscal-year 2024 receipts, the deficit would have been 4% higher, according to the official. The 5% increase in unadjusted fiscal year-to-date receipts was driven by a 6% increase in individual paycheck tax withholdings to $2.145 trillion, accounting for the lion's share of the total budget receipts. The 9% increase in unadjusted fiscal-year-to-date outlays was driven by higher spending on the Medicare health program for seniors and the disabled, which was up 16% to $658 billion, and on the Medicaid program for lower-income Americans, which was up 6% to $378 billion. Both programs saw enrollment climb and service costs rise. Spending on the Social Security retirement program rose 9% to $945 billion on a fiscal-year basis, while payments to cover Treasury debt interest climbed 10% from a year earlier to $684 billion. The Treasury official said the weighted average interest rate for the month was 3.29%, up 6 basis points from a year earlier, but close to where it has been for the past five months.
