- Pandemics Depress the Economy, Public Health Interventions Do Not
MIT Sloan study shows public health interventions in COVID-19 Pandemic could lead to faster economic recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised critical questions about the impact of public health responses on the economy. An important issue for policymakers is whether current interventions like social distancing have economic costs.
read more - Are HSA Investors Born Or Made?
Both...And familiarity with the mechanics of the account often propel owners toward investing
A new EBRI study has found only about 6 percent of accountholders invest their health savings accounts (HSAs), despite unique tax benefits extended to them. Those investors, the research finds, appear to be inherently prone to invest but can also be educated to invest.
read more - Client Social-Distancing
Advisors adjust their practices in light of coronavirus
A LIMRA survey of 550 advisors revealed how they are adapting to meet the needs of their clients as the country faces the safety and economic challenges as a result of coronavirus.
read more - How To Prevent ‘Zoom-Bombing’ In Your Next Videoconference
Don't let hackers hi-jack your online meetings
As the U.S. COVID-19 health crisis continues, many businesses, organizations, and schools adapt to utilizing temporary telework arrangements. Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns video conference app users of recent 'Zoom-Bombing' where hijackers infiltrate the Zoom session. BBB offers the following information and tips to prevent video hijacking.
read more - What are the Odds of a Depression, Given the Current Circumstances?
Look to the technology sector to lead a recovery
Dr. Tenpao Lee, economist and economics professor at Niagara University (quoted recently in MSN Money and other publications), says if a depression hasn't occurred by now, we're probably looking at a recession that will last at least through the rest of this year.
read more - COVID-19 Fuels North American Employers to Pursue Cost-Containment Strategies
Hiring freeze is the most prevalent strategy; relatively few employers are freezing salaries or delaying pay raises
As concern over the effect that COVID-19 will have on their businesses escalates, North American employers are eyeing a series of cost-containment strategies that include hiring freezes and, to a lesser extent, wage freezes or delayed raises, according to a survey by Willis Towers Watson, a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company.
read more - Engage and Educate Your Children with Activities that Inspire Giving
How the act of giving 'increases social contact'
With schools closed around the country, millions of parents find themselves juggling full-time jobs with full-time parenting and… it’s not easy!
read more - Recession Length Depends on COVID-19 Path
U.S. growth, spending expected to slow dramatically in Q2
In this episode of AMBestTV, Ann Modica, economist, AM Best Rating Services, said U.S. growth is expected to slow dramatically in second-quarter 2020, as is consumer spending, exports and other macroeconomic factors...
read more - With Covid-19 Outbreak, Life/Health Insurers Get Real World Test of Enterprise Risk Management Programs
Will 'pandemic scenario' preparations, installed after 2007 crisis, work?
AM Best believes insurers have done well in implementing improved enterprise risk management (ERM) controls since the financial crisis a decade ago, but until the COVID-19 virus outbreak, these changes have not faced a significant test.
read more - Economic Impact Payments
Distributions will begin soon and sent 'automatically'
The United States Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced that distribution of economic impact payments will begin soon and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people.
read more - Congress Approves Stimulus
$2 Trillion Sparks A Rally
An open-ended commitment by the Federal Reserve to support American businesses and capital markets along with the passage of a $2 trillion aid package improved investor sentiment and drove a strong rally in stock prices.
read more - State Economies Most Exposed to CoronaVirus
Some states are better positioned to weather this storm than others
Coronavirus isn’t just a danger to Americans’ health. It’s also a menace to our wallets. It’s led to the closing of scores of non-essential events and businesses, hurting the livelihood of many people.
read more - Beware: “Mandatory” COVID-19 Test Texts are a Scam
Panic, confusion presents a big opportunity for scammers
The coronavirus outbreak has been big business for scammers. First it was fake masks, then fake government grants, and now it’s a fake COVID-19 tests. In the past few days, BBB Scam Tracker (BBB.org/ScamTracker) has gotten numerous reports of phony text messages claiming to be from a government agency.
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