Some rising market risks to watch out for in the second half

The rapid growth of leveraged ETFs has introduced a relatively new source of market risk that can mechanically amplify both rallies and selloffs.

Sandisk’s stock could follow record-breaking quarter with another big jump, analysts say June 30, 2026
As investors get more discerning in separating potential artificial-intelligence winners from losers, memory stocks have become a standout trade.
Hannah Pedone
‘I claimed Social Security at 62’: At 76, I’m working at Walmart. Why do I still owe payroll taxes? June 30, 2026
“It seems like half of the workforce at our local Walmart is over 65.”
Quentin Fottrell
‘She is retired’: Do I dip into my 401(k) to pay my mother’s $30,000 credit-card debt? June 30, 2026
“I want her to live on her Social Security instead of using it to pay off her credit-card debt.”
Quentin Fottrell
Job openings rise to 2-year high, but good luck actually getting one June 30, 2026
A prolonged decline in job openings in the U.S. appears to be over, but it doesn’t mean businesses are ready to do lots of hiring or make it easier for people to find work.
Jeffry Bartash
Even Wall Street bulls are worried about a stock-market pullback after dazzling second quarter June 30, 2026
The first half of 2026 is coming to a close on Tuesday, and with it, another rollicking stretch for the U.S. equity market.
Joseph Adinolfi
Alphabet’s stock slump is a ‘tactical buying opportunity,’ according to one analyst June 30, 2026
Investors are overlooking the potential of Alphabet’s custom-chip business as the company plans to expand its data-center capacity going into 2028, according to Morgan Stanley.
Christine Ji
Insurers shifted roof-replacement costs onto homeowners thanks to a new federal rule — just in time for hail and hurricane season June 30, 2026
Those who find extensive damage to their roofs might be stuck between two options: File an insurance claim, which could trigger a premium increase, or cough up the cash for the necessary repairs or replacement.
Genna Contino
What’s a ‘soft’ off day? How to take one without getting in trouble at work. June 30, 2026
Plus: Why you should consider taking a “life admin” day.
Aditi Shrikant
Your Fourth of July hamburger meat was likely imported — and you’re right to have a beef with that June 30, 2026
The real reason your backyard BBQ is expensive has nothing to do with the supermarket.
Andrew Rechenberg
Retiring abroad sounds amazing. What could possibly go wrong? June 30, 2026
We hear about the older Americans who bask in apparent paradise far from home — but that’s not the whole story.
Morey Stettner