Market Performance: April 19, 2024.

The Nasdaq Composite fell for a sixth straight session on Friday, notching its longest losing streak in more than a year. The downtrend comes as Nvidia dived, adding to recent market woes tied to geopolitical conflicts and sticky inflation.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq pulled back 2.05% to 15,282.01, while the broad S&P 500 slipped 0.88% to 4,967.23, below the 5,000 level. Both clinched their sixth straight negative days, streaks not seen for either since October 2022.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 211.02 points, or 0.56%, to finish at 37,986.40. The 30-stock index was lifted by a rally of more than 6% in American Express following earnings. Netflix retreated more than 9% even after quarterly earnings beat on the top and bottom lines.

The streamer’s subscribers jumped 16% from the previous year, but it said it would no longer report paid memberships starting in 2025.

Ways to make money online from home in 2024

The weekly shop is also costing more, and many people are having to sacrifice the things they enjoy just to pay for essential living costs. However, it is possible to bank some extra cash through a side hustle. Here are ways you could add to your bank balance and get back to being able to afford to treat yourself.

Surf the web for cash

If you enjoy being online you can earn money by surfing the internet. All you need to do is download and register with the Qmee app or use a browser add-on to surf the web and get paid. It works by helping advertisers reach specific users - so the adverts will be more tailored for you. If you click on one of the ads you like, you'll be paid.

Install an app

Some apps will pay you to install other apps on your phone. Just by installing an app on your phone, you could earn £20 in online vouchers. By downloading Ipsos Media Cell, a consumer data tracking software, you will receive a £20 voucher by installing an app on your phone. You also have to fill in a quick survey.

Share deals and get paid

If you find a good deal you could get paid for sharing it with others. Some sites give people vouchers for sharing the deals they find in stores and online. LatestDeals is a money-saving community in the UK and they hand out vouchers for people who share deals on its website. Members of LatestDeals earn points and Amazon vouchers, for sharing deals, vouchers, competitions and commenting and voting on deals.

Earn cashback

Cashback sites are becoming more and more popular as shoppers become more savvy. A cashback site will give you cash back when you spend money online. TopCashback and Quidco are two of the most popular and sometimes you can earn hundreds.

Get paid to watch TV

If you enjoy watching TV then it could be another great way for you to fill your pockets. Theviewers.co.uk puts together research panels for broadcasters and programme makers so that they can get feedback on TV programmes before they hit the screens. You can attend face-to-face research groups, fill in surveys online or do both.

Money-Making Ideas For Your Tax Refund

April 15th has passed, so you’ve hopefully already filed your tax return. If you’re expecting a tax refund, you have a decision to make: what are you going to do with the extra cash once it arrives?

For some people, it means paying off debt, but if you’re debt-free, you might be looking for ways to use your refund to make money. Keep reading as we explore money-making ideas for this year’s tax refund.

Invest For Retirement

With the stock market just off its record high, it’s difficult to bet against this momentum continuing through the November elections. Start by looking at your IRA and 401(k) accounts. Are you on pace to max each of those out this year? If not, that could be a great place to invest your refund. If your employer matches 401(k) contributions, you want to make sure you’re at least investing enough each month to receive the matching contribution.

Invest in the Stock Market

If your retirement accounts are in good shape, consider investing your refund in the stock market. You can invest in individual stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs through a taxable brokerage account. Unless you’re an experienced investor, investing the money into an ETF that tracks the S&P 500 or another index will be the safest idea. This will provide you with some diversification if the stock market loses some of its steam.

Grow Your Side Hustle

If you’ve been working on a side hustle, your tax refund might be an excellent opportunity to try and grow it into a full-time business. For example, maybe you’ve been designing and selling jewelry at markets. If you can’t make enough products to keep up with the demand, you could use the refund to hire someone part-time to help. Or maybe your side hustle includes baking. There might be a piece of equipment you’ve had your eye on that might now be affordable.

Start a Home Renovation Project

Do you have a home renovation project you’ve been putting off because of the cost? You can use your tax refund to get started. However, ensuring the project will pay back a return is essential. Simple things like painting your home or boosting the curb appeal with landscaping can be inexpensive but are a great use of cash.

Alternative Investing