Wsj Your Money Briefing

Even as the S&P 500 nears a new high, shares of consumer-staples stocks which are considered defensive plays have been climbing. The Wall Street Journal's Akane Otani says that suggests that investors are hedging their bets through a safe corner of the market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Wall Street Journal's Amrith Ramkumar explains why lithium, used in batteries that help power electric vehicles, has gone from one of last year's hottest trades to one of this year's most-shorted investments. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Financial technology startups have begun issuing credit cards to people with poor credit histories. The Wall Street Journal's AnnaMaria Andriotis says fintechs are filling the growing void left by credit card-issuing banks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For a decade, savers have earned next to nothing on their bank deposit rates. But banks are starting to pay out higher rates partly because of Fed rate hikes, according to the Wall Street Journal's Aaron Back. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Smartphone makers have reaped the benefits of being able to raise prices. But smartphone buyers may have grown tired of price hikes. The Wall Street Journal's Dan Gallagher explains. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Markets reporter Michael Wursthorn explains what forces are holding valuations in check while the broader market is approaching its January high. He also points out bargain opportunities for investors. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Despite several months of volatility and wild swings on Wall Street, many investors are placing their bets that stocks' rally will continue. Wall Street Journal reporter Gunjan Banerji explains. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bankruptcy filings among Americans age 65 and older has more than tripled since 1991. Wall Street Journal reporter Anne Tergesen explains why. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Facebook has asked large banks for access to users' bank account balances and bank card transactions. Wall Street Journal reporter Deepa Seetharaman explains why. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wall Street Journal tax reporter Laura Saunders explains tax rules surrounding joint tax return filers when one person is convicted of embezzlement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This year's series of weather disasters has exposed shortcomings in homeowners' insurance policies, resulting in the inability to fully repair damaged homes. Wall Street Journal reporter Nicole Friedman outlines steps homeowners should take to be sure they're covered when the next disaster hits. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Wall Street Journal analysis of more than 1,100 public companies shows that size is an important factor, but not the only significant factor, in determining employee pay. Reporter Theo Francis explains. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Extended lifespans, unrealistic investment expectations and excessive promising by politicians are among factors that have led to a hole in U.S. state and local pensions rivaling the GDP of Japan. Wall Street Journal reporter Sarah Krouse explains. (Update: Moody's now estimates the pension hole is around $4 trillion, not $5 trillion as originally reported.) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The leaders of Delta and American have defended the tightest sections of their planes -- while sitting in them. The Wall Street Journal's Middle Seat columnist Scott McCartney has more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GuideStone Capital Management president David Spika discusses likely obstacles to sustained economic growth that investors should be mindful of, and ways to invest to be insulated from common headwinds. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The threat of a global trade war is causing investors to pull money from U.S. stocks and find safer ground in bonds. Wall Street Journal markets reporter Michael Wursthorn explains. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wall Street Journal reporter Vipal Monga explains trade finance, a short-term financing business that bridges the gap between corporations delaying payments and their suppliers that need funds in a timely fashion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Internet CEOs topped the Wall Street Journal survey of retail chief executives' pay. WSJ's Patrick Thomas discusses the top salaries, and why internet company leaders top the list. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wall Street Journal reporter Jean Eaglesham discusses how investors lost more than $100 million at the hands of Scott Kohn, a felon who operated out of a Nevada strip mall. Kohn promised returns far more attractive than investors were receiving in stock and bond markets. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wall Street Journal tax reporter Laura Saunders outlines key changes to the so-called 'kiddie tax' and how it changes tax liabilities when parents and grandparents give stocks and other assets to children. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.