And, are you gold-curious?
| |  | | February 18, 2026 | | | | | | | | What Wall Street Means By the 'Sell America Trade' | | | By Al Lewis
According to traditional financial theory, markets are a game of balance: When U.S. stocks fall, assets like U.S. Treasury bonds and the dollar — considered safe havens — typically rise.
But over the past 10 months, the global financial compass has kind of lost its North Star, and investors have periodically moved away from all three major U.S. asset classes — equities, government bonds, and the dollar — at the same time. Here's why. | | | | | | | | | | Why Everyone Is Talking About Gold—and How to Invest in It | | | By Al Lewis
You've probably seen the headlines about gold. The price of an ounce has torn through the $3,000, $4,000 and even $5,000 milestones, and some Wall Street analysts have their sights set on $6,000 or higher.
But for all of gold's recent visibility, many people don't know a whole lot about it. It doesn't behave like a stock, and there are several different ways to invest in it, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. | | | | | | | | | | Peanut Butter Pay Increases | | | | | When an employer gives a standard raise to everyone, regardless of performance. They're called "peanut butter" increases because they're spread evenly (among the workforce) like peanut butter.
According to new research from Payscale, a company that sells salary management tools, more companies are standardizing raises in order to avoid a backlash about the subjectivity of performance-based raises. This is especially true with employers that have a lot of low-wage or frontline workers who are strained by inflation.
Specifically, its survey showed:
| • | 48% of organizations plan to continue performance-based pay increases | | • | 18% are considering peanut butter pay increases | | • | 16% are planning to implement peanut butter increases | | • | 9% are already using peanut butter increases | | • | 8% are unsure | | | | | | | | | | Informed investment decisions start with informed investors. Here's what's making headlines:
| | | | | |  | | For burned-out white-collar workers, learning a trade has become a popular midcareer fantasy. (The Wall Street Journal) | | | | | | | | | | | Intel, insights, and inspo for your money. | | On the Money cuts through the noise of day‑to‑day financial news to bring you a more thoughtful point of view on what's important in this moment — and how it impacts your bottom line. We value your trust above all. | | | | | | | | | | Did you find today's newsletter valuable? | | | | |
| | | | INVESTMENTS AND DIGITAL ASSETS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED ‑ ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED ‑ MAY LOSE VALUE | | SoFi Checking and Savings accounts are offered by SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.
SoFi Credit Cards are issued by SoFi Bank, N.A. pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated.
Sofi Crypto products and services are offered by SoFi Bank, N.A.
Loans originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Equal Housing Lender.
Brokerage products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.
Advisory services are offered through SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information as of February 2026 and is subject to change. Screen images simulated. [3594504]
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
In our efforts to bring you the latest updates on things that might impact your financial life, we may occasionally enter the political fray, covering candidates, bills, laws and more.
Please note: SoFi does not endorse or take official positions on any candidates and the bills they may be sponsoring or proposing. We may occasionally support legislation that we believe would be beneficial to our members, and will make sure to call it out when we do. Our reporting otherwise is for informational purposes only, and shouldn't be construed as an endorsement.
The information provided is general in nature and shouldn't be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi's affiliates and subsidiaries. Additionally, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset.
SoFi Technologies, Inc. values your privacy and the security of your personal information so please do not include sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security number, in any email or letter that you send to us.
SoFi Technologies, Inc. 234 1st St., San Francisco, CA 94105
Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy | Licenses
© 2026 SoFi Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. [3594504]
w: 20260218 | | | |
No comments: