Our Scans · (FS.6.06) Personal Finance · Weekly Summary

• [New] Current systems could already take over tasks tied to roughly 11.7% of total wage value, or $1.2 trillion in pay, with especially high exposure across finance, health care and professional services. Insurance Business
• [New] California's State Disability Insurance (SDI) program remains a crucial safety net for workers in 2026, providing partial wage replacement to employees who are unable to work due to a non work related illness, injury, or pregnancy. Day Off
• [New] Major forecasters such as Fannie Mae, NAR, and the Mortgage Bankers Association generally expect 30-year mortgage rates to hover around the low-6% area through late 2025 and into 2026, with only gradual slippage below 6% if the Fed continues cutting and inflation stays contained. Credit and Collection News
• [New] Traders are ramping up bets on two BOJ hikes by October in 2026 as inflation and wage signals strengthen. investing.com
• [New] Most economists predict steady wage growth through 2026, especially in states with rising living costs. A One Fire Safety
• [New] In New Jersey, the wage floor for long-term care workers will rise to $18.92 an hour from $18.49. Yahoo Finance UK
• [New] The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans anticipates a 10% increase in health care costs. Webber Advisors
• [New] Transamerica plans to drive growth in life and annuity sales through World Financial Group and its Protection Solutions business, while building its pooled retirement plans offering and reducing exposure to legacy financial assets. Insurance Business
• [New] The Mortgage Bankers Association expects the 30-year mortgage rate to be near 6.4% through 2026. Yahoo Finance
• [New] In a notable contrast, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) is anticipated to hike rates by 25 bps to 0.75%, moving away from its long-standing zero-rate policies amid signs of wage growth and domestic inflationary pressures. FinancialContent
• [New] Minimum wage levels across the U.S. will continue to evolve and that businesses and workers should stay alert to future changes. California Partnership For Safe Communities
• [New] Mortgage rates are not expected to drop significantly before the end of the year, as economists continue to monitor inflation, tariffs, and the Federal Reserve's actions. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Mexico's consumer confidence slipped, suggesting 2026 consumption may rely more on real wage gains and remittances. The Rio Times
• [New] Private equity is expected to remain a significant driver in 2026, backed by more than US$ 2 trillion in undeployed capital, better exit options and more flexible debt markets. Insurance Business
• Employee contributions are capped based on the New York Average Weekly Wage ($1,833.63 in 2026), with a maximum annual contribution of $411.91. Precision Benefits Group
• In 2026, retail sales will likely contend with residents being more prudent with their household spending in a challenging economic landscape, especially with businesses becoming more cautious about wage increments. ST
• Tucson's rate remains higher than Arizona's 2026 statewide minimum wage of $15.15, and it will adjust upward if state or federal law ever sets a higher floor. be the change HR
• New York has adopted a regional model for wage increases, with some locations going up to $17 per hour and others continuing to increase at their current level through indexing. ridaaitelmanssour.com
• Florida's wage increase was determined by voter decision and is set to reach a floor of $15 per hour by 2026. ridaaitelmanssour.com
• Texas will align its wage threshold with the federal level by the end of 2025, implementing a new base limit of $9.50. ridaaitelmanssour.com
• With the release of a range of backlogged economic data and uncertainty over the Fed's position on cutting rates next month, we will likely see volatility in mortgage rates through the end of the year. Yahoo Finance

Last updated: 15 December 2025