People often ask me how and when I foresee the U.S. corporate debt bubble bursting and the answer is quite simple: the U.S. corporate debt bubble will likely burst due to tightening monetary conditions, including rising interest rates. Words: 302

The U.S. government pays the interest by issuing new debt but that new debt increases total debt and (eventually) drives up interest rates, which requires more borrowing to pay the annual interest payments. Another year older and deeper in debt! A reset will occur when the debt load becomes too heavy.

Investors are gradually becoming more anxious about trends and various political decisions. Tariffs are part of this anxiety. Interest rates are part of this anxiety. A possible market correction is also part of this anxiety. This current emotion of anxiety could turn into concern which could, in time, turn into fear.

There is a strong correlation – both historically and logically – between interest rates and credit card debt delinquencies. As rates rise, outstanding debt burdens become difficult to service so, until the Fed reverses their tightening, things will only worsen for credit-card users from here. That’s why a serious question needs to be asked: with auto loans, student loans, and credit card delinquencies all on the rise – and we’re not even in a recession – what can we expect from here?

Although, on one hand, geopolitical risks have increased the appeal of Gold ETFs as safe-haven investments, a rising greenback and fears of rising interest rates are weighing on their performance. This article discusses some ETFs focused on providing exposure to the space...

According to the just-released latest quarterly household debt and credit report by the NY Fed, Americans' debt rose to a new record high in the fourth quarter on the back of an increase in virtually every form of debt: from mortgage, to auto, student and credit card debt (although HELOCs posted a tiny decline). With interest rates on household credit rapidly rising, and with no savings to fall back on, this is a recipe for disaster.

Here are four steps we believe you should consider to potentially increase your income in today's low yield environment ... while still helping to protect yourself against higher interest rates down the road.

America’s national philosophy has become relying on debt to pay today’s expenses. Nothing’s easier than borrowing money, especially at super-low interest rates but believing that debt has no consequence, that the status quo is permanent, that all the promises based on soaring debt can be paid—it’s all an appealing fantasy. Believe at your own risk.

Getting from point A to point B in the real world can be quite simple. In the investment world, the roadways are constantly shifting. Changes in interest rates, tax policies, unemployment, fiscal initiatives can represent obstacles and navigating these winding paths can require your very own GPS advice. Words: 494

Balloon mortgages have some tempting qualities. They come with lower interest rates and, because of this, smaller monthly payments. This can help borrowers get into a pricier home that they might not have been able to afford otherwise but balloon mortgages come with one huge risk: At the end of a set period, borrowers must pay off the remaining balance on these loans in full (the "balloon") and these balances can be quite large. So, how exactly do these mortgages work, and who do they work best for? Let's break it down.