Annuities have long been seen as one of the financial world’s most perplexing instruments, puzzling both retirees and economists alike. While economic models suggest that annuities should be a cornerstone of retirement planning due to their ability to provide lifelong income and protect against outliving savings, actual adoption rates have historically been low. 

Recently, however, there has been a notable rise in annuity sales, particularly for fixed products, which offer guaranteed returns and shield investors from market volatility. This shift may stem from concerns over Social Security’s future, the allure of secure income in uncertain times, and a growing desire among retirees to balance spending confidence with preserving wealth. 

Over time, the annuity landscape has expanded into a spectrum of offerings, including fixed, variable, and hybrid products, tailored to meet varying financial goals and preferences. 

Finsum: As these products gain prominence, they demand a deeper understanding from advisors guiding clients through estate and retirement planning.

Over the past year, the U.S. stock market has risen by an impressive 30%, despite a recent 2.1% drop. This robust growth highlights opportunities in high-growth tech stocks that excel in innovation and scalability. 

Companies like PowerFleet stand out, forecasting a 29.7% annual revenue growth and significant earnings improvement due to strategic expansions such as its Fleet Complete acquisition. Live Nation Entertainment also shines, with substantial revenue driven by concerts, ticketing, and sponsorships, leveraging its global presence to dominate the live entertainment industry. 

Meanwhile, Triumph Group has gained investor attention with a 66.9% one-year stock increase, supported by upward earnings revisions and strong fundamentals. 

Finsum: These examples underscore the dynamic potential of select tech and entertainment stocks in the current market.

The healthcare sector faced significant turbulence following President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy’s longstanding skepticism about vaccines has sparked concerns about its impact on public health and industry stability, leading to sharp declines in shares of vaccine producers like Moderna and Pfizer. 

Analysts suggest his leadership could reshape regulatory frameworks, adding uncertainty for pharmaceutical companies and possibly affecting vaccine uptake. Biotech firms also saw notable losses, while psychedelic therapy companies experienced gains, bolstered by Kennedy’s apparent openness to advancing their approval process. 

Meanwhile, the medical technology sector showed relative resilience, though experts caution that indirect impacts could still emerge. As Kennedy prepares to oversee critical agencies like the FDA and CDC, the industry braces for policy changes that could redefine its landscape.

Finsum: Don’t undersell the impact of inertia in regulatory process and now one might capitalize on a dip in health stocks. 

Dining out should be more than just sustenance—it should spark joy, feel meaningful, and remain accessible. Yet in recent years, the restaurant experience has often felt heavy, shaped by societal shifts, economic pressures, and global crises. 

This year’s standout restaurants embody creativity, community, and a sense of fun. In New Orleans, Acamaya highlights pre-Hispanic Mexican cooking with dishes like smoky huitlacoche arroz negro, served in an elegant, Mexico City-inspired setting. Seattle’s Atoma redefines modern American cuisine with a global twist, offering sourdough crumpets and XO beef tartare in a cozy Craftsman house. Budonoki in Los Angeles blends Thai and Japanese flavors with LA flair, serving playful dishes like pandan-coconut soft serve in a lively neighborhood hub.

In Asheville, Good Hot Fish fries up exceptional fish sandwiches, becoming a community cornerstone. Vermont’s Frankie’s channels farm-to-table charm with family-style meals in a historic venue. Each restaurant offers a unique escape, where exceptional food and hospitality take center stage.

Finsum: The restaurant also bring an atmosphere that can elevate the dining experience 

Small-cap stocks in the U.S. have seen significant gains following Donald Trump’s presidential election victory, fueled by optimism over his economic policies. The Russell 2000 index surged about 6% since the election, outperforming major benchmarks, as investors anticipate benefits from tax cuts, deregulation, and increased tariffs that favor domestic businesses. 

However, concerns are growing that these same policies could stoke inflation, potentially leading to higher borrowing costs for small-cap companies heavily reliant on debt. Analysts note that the Federal Reserve may adjust its pace of rate cuts, further challenging the sector’s growth prospects. 

Despite the Russell 2000’s near 19% gain this year, its valuation—trading at 28.3 times forward earnings—remains high compared to the S&P 500. Experts suggest waiting for market pullbacks before adding small-cap stocks to portfolios.

Finsum: We think when adding small caps to consider the value play in addition to size, lower P/E might have a more long lasting performance.