U.S. car loan market is facing a challenge with rising interest rates & falling vehicle values. Borrowers are in a precarious position as their debt value is higher than car's market value. Auto loan debt is the third-largest consumer debt, & delinquency rate is at a record high.
Wall Street continues to be optimistic in lead-up to Christmas, with all major indices up. Energy & Communications had biggest gains, Real Estate & Utilities fell most.
Bank of America's Winter Spending survey reveals the resilience of younger generations in holiday spending despite tight budgets and adoption of 'Buy Now, Pay Later' services. Millennials and Gen Z least inclined to reduce spending, but deposit balances decreasing.
U.S. stocks are poised to close their seventh consecutive week of gains, marking their longest winning streak since October 2017.
In Friday’s session, the S&P 500 index hovered around the flatline at 1 p.m. in New York, while the Nasdaq 100 rose by 0.4%, getting closer to retesting their all-time highs.