Market Performance: May 1, 2024.

US stocks were a mixed bag on Wednesday as investors digested commentary from the Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell after the central bank held interest rates steady at its latest policy meeting. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) and the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) fell more than 0.3%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) rose 0.2%. All three indexes flipped from significant gains late in the volatile session.

Fed officials said in a policy statement Wednesday, “In recent months, there has been a lack of further progress towards the committee’s 2% inflation objective.” But stocks took a noticeable leg higher after Powell said "it is unlikely the next policy move will be a hike." Those gains teetered off in the final hour of trading. Corporate earnings were in focus for investors, as well. Disappointing results from chipmaker AMD (AMD) and server maker Super Micro Computer (SMCI) took the shine off hopes for an AI-fueled boost to the sector.

AMD shares sank nearly 10% while Super Micro fell 14%. The news weighed more broadly on chipmakers like Nvidia (NVDA), which closed down about 4%.

How To Make Money Podcasting: Winning Monetization Ideas

You’re the host of a podcast that’s built a small audience, but you haven’t yet monetized your show. Perhaps you don’t want to go down the “This podcast is brought to you by …” route and, instead, your goal is finding ways to make money podcasting that don’t feel like you’re being sleazy with your audience.

By setting up a few automated revenue streams, new podcasters can accrue passive income that grows alongside their audience, giving them time back to focus on podcasting. This guide shares how to do it.

Get clear on your subject matter. 

The most successful podcasts know exactly who they’re talking to. Research your target audience and get crystal clear on what they want to know, then record podcast episodes that addresses their goals, presents solutions to their challenges, or covers and piques their interests.

Follow a consistent posting schedule.

The best way to build a connection with supportive listeners is to make it easy for them to tune in. Aim for at least one new podcast episode each week. This will help your show become a regular part of a listener’s weekly routine.

Grow your podcast audience.

Traditional sponsorships tend to be out of reach for new podcasters because businesses are less willing to risk investing in a podcast without an established audience. The more people you have tuning into your show, the better chance you have at selling big ticket sponsorship packages.

Improve listener engagement.

Monthly downloads isn’t always the highest priority metric when brands decide which podcasts to sponsor. Engagement rate, listener retention, and review ratings are all positive signs people listen to what you have to say. Only then can you sell branded ads and promote products.

Improve listener engagement.

Monthly downloads isn’t always the highest priority metric when brands decide which podcasts to sponsor. Engagement rate, listener retention, and review ratings are all positive signs people listen to what you have to say. Only then can you sell branded ads and promote products.

High Mortgage Rates: Tips to Help Buyers Facing 7% Mortgages

Higher interest rates are increasing pressure on homebuyers who are already facing a challenging housing market. Many would-be buyers are understandably putting purchasing plans on hold, but there are no signs mortgage rates will drop significantly in the near future, and there are some sensible steps to take if you want to become a homeowner soon.

Mortgage rates surged past 7% for the first time this year on April 18 and continued to climb last week. According to Freddie Mac’s benchmark survey, the rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate loan is averaging 7.17% — more than half a percentage point higher than at the start of the year. And the upward trend may not be over.

How much higher could mortgage rates go?

Most early-year forecasts predicted that mortgage rates would start moving in a slow downward trend throughout the year. While those outlooks seemed to be on the money during the first two months of the year, the opposite has been true in recent months.

Impact on homebuyers, sellers and the housing market

High mortgage rates are hitting buyers right in the middle of the spring buying season. According to Freddie Mac, about 36% of all home sales take place between March and June, making these months the busiest time in the housing market.

Take care of your credit score.

Check your credit score and try to improve it while you're shopping for a home. Buyers with better credit generally have access to lower mortgage rates. On the other hand, taking on extra debt during this time will reduce your score as well as your debt-to-income ratio, which will cause lenders to offer a higher interest rate on a mortgage. “When rates are higher, every bit of debt counts,” says Bridges.

Be prepared to negotiate.

Higher mortgage rates could move some buyers out of the market, which means more opportunities and less competition for those who can afford to buy. Don’t be afraid to lowball a little bit. With fewer buyers, you may be able to negotiate a lower price or concessions with a motivated seller.

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