FINANCIAL EVENTS THAT SHAPE LIFE IN 2016

So far, these are the top three financial changes which have made a huge impact on how we live our everyday life this 2016. Experts cautioned the following events won’t come to an end anytime soon – and to expect the unexpected.

Escalating Healthcare Costs

The cost of an average health plan will climb by 7.5% this year under the Affordable Care Act, based on the projection by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Of the 37 states on the Healthcare.gov website, analysts anticipate the average premiums of some states to surge by over 30%, while the median premiums of other states to drop more than 10%.

Premium costs are increasing this year. Experts await the average premium for a standard employer-sponsored health plan to rise by over 4%. All participants and non-participants of the Obamacare will experience escalating healthcare costs in the near future.

Low Short-Term Crude Prices

Oil prices slumped to about $38 a barrel last December, hitting its lowest in more than a decade. Analysts said we should expect crude prices to slide. Conversely, the US Energy Information Administration estimates prices to reach $40 a barrel this year. Experts, however, warned prices will stay below $40 until after this month. Why? OPEC producers are keen on bolstering their production despite supply glut. Plus Iran entered the arena following world leaders lifted sanctions against the country. Experts hinted at volatile oil prices this 2016 as well.

More Interest Rates Predicted

For the first time since 2006, the Federal Reserve shocked the markets when it raised interest rates to 0.5%. Analysts and investors are waiting for more rate hikes in June, referring to stable economic data.

Central banks account various factors such as inflation, jobs data, and market volatility when determining whether to increase rates or not. When an economy is performing well, policymakers will escalate rates. On the other hand, when a recession hits the economy, central bankers will lower rates.