Michael Lucia & Associates

The United States has re-opened its embassy in Havana, as many Cubans look to immigrate to the U.S. AP News has the details @ https://bit.ly/3GJxnmi

Facing migration flood, US resumes services at Cuba embassy HAVANA (AP) — Grappling with the biggest flood of Cuban migrants in decades, the United States reopened their long-closed legal pathway on Wednesday by resuming all visa services at its embassy in Havana.

The U.S. trade deficit grew in October, as a strong dollar and declining exports hit a 7-month low. Reuters has the details @ https://bit.ly/3BjOqrQ

U.S. trade deficit widens as goods exports hit seven-month low The U.S. trade deficit widened sharply in October as slowing global demand and a strong dollar pushed goods exports to a seven-month low, suggesting that trade could be a drag on economic growth this quarter if the trend persists.

The dollar is still growing strong, maintaining its value as recession worries continue to grow. Reuters has the story @ https://bit.ly/3Yq8CCw

U.S. dollar likely to remain strong in 2023 amid recession fears A breathtaking surge in the U.S. dollar trampled foreign currencies, gouged corporate profits and gave investors one of the year’s few winning trades. Though the greenback has stumbled in recent weeks, recession worries may keep it elevated in 2023.

The last Boeing 747 has exited the factory, ending the plane's 50-year production run. CNBC has the story @ https://bit.ly/3Fx8LLZ #747

Boeing's last 747 has rolled out of the factory after a more than 50-year production run Boeing has produced 1,574 of the planes at its factory north of Seattle.

The deadline is approaching for everyone to have a Real ID, and it's a must-have if you plan on flying domestically. CNBC has the details @ http://bit.ly/3WTJIKT

Yes, you need a Real ID to fly domestically. Here's what to know as the 2023 deadline approaches As of March 2023, U.S. travelers will need a Real ID to fly domestically.

The ghosts of Christmases past are showing up on retailer shelves, which could mean big savings for consumers. Reuters has the story @ https://reut.rs/3VKW5Z6

U.S. retailers fill store shelves with leftover holiday inventory The Ghost of Christmas Past haunts U.S. store shelves, sales floors and stockrooms this year.

The IRS has released the 2023 tax brackets, with adjustments for inflation and increased standard deductions. CNBC has the story @ https://cnb.cx/3TEwhvE #2023

IRS: Here are the new income tax brackets for 2023 The IRS has released higher federal tax brackets and standard deductions for 2023 to adjust for inflation. Here's what filers need to know.

The application for student loan forgiveness has officially launched, allowing tens of millions of Americans to apply for student loan cancellation. CNBC has all the details @ https://cnb.cx/3eQQ5NB

Student loan forgiveness application officially launches, putting relief in sight for 40 million Americans Tens of millions of Americans can now apply for student loan cancellation.

Social Security will see an 8.7% COLA in 2023, the largest increase seen in 40 years. CNBC has the details @

Social Security cost-of-living adjustment will be 8.7% in 2023, highest increase in 40 years High inflation will prompt a record Social Security cost-of-living increase in 2023. Here's what that means for benefits.

Wholesale prices increased in September, and rose higher than expected as inflation continues to dog the economy. CNBC has the story @ https://cnb.cx/3RZjX8j

Wholesale prices rose 0.4% in September, more than expected as inflation persists The producer price index was expected to rise 0.2% in September, according to Dow Jones estimates.

Medicare Part B will see a 3% drop in monthly premiums next year, the first decrease in over a decade. AP News has the details @ https://bit.ly/3CrWmbT #2023

Millions of Americans will save on Medicare fees next year WASHINGTON (AP) — For the first time in a decade, Americans will pay less next year on monthly premiums for Medicare’s Part B plan, which covers routine doctors’ visits and other outpatient care. The rare 3% decrease in monthly premiums is likely to be coupled with a historically high cost-of-...

Gas prices are set to rise as OPEC+ cuts production. ABC News has the story @ https://abcn.ws/3ryKYEx

OPEC+ makes big oil cut to boost prices; pump costs may rise The OPEC+ alliance of oil-exporting countries has decided to sharply cut production to support sagging oil prices

U.S. wholesale inflation dropped in August, but is still holding at a high 8.7%. AP News has the story @ https://bit.ly/3dijTlt

US wholesale inflation declines in August to still-high 8.7% WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation at the wholesale level jumped 8.7% in August from a year earlier, a slowdown from July yet still a painfully high level that suggests prices will keep spiking for months to come.