Energy

Gasoline Prices Are Still Dropping

Gasoline prices have moved back almost to where they were a year ago. That means the drag of fuel prices on the economy becomes increasingly less likely.

Only a few months ago, the nationwide price for a gallon of regular on average approached $4. The AAA Fuel Gauge puts that price at $3.379 now, down from $3.409 a week ago and $3.463 a month ago.

Even more important is the drop in the price of gas in the most populated states. With the exception of Hawaii, which has to ship in gas from hundreds of miles away, not a single state has regular gas prices that on average are above $4. In California, where prices were above $4 for some time, it has fallen to $3.678. And in New York the price has dropped to $3.846.

In some places, the price has moved close to $3, perhaps because they are near to or house refineries. Gas prices are down to $3.148 in South Carolina, $3.139 in Texas and $3.158 in Oklahoma. Oil has fallen below $88 a barrel, and the trend continues downward, which means the drop in gas prices is not over.

Douglas A. McIntyre

Credit Card Companies Are Doing Something Nuts

Credit card companies are at war. The biggest issuers are handing out free rewards and benefits to win the best customers.

It’s possible to find cards paying unlimited 1.5%, 2%, and even more today. That’s free money for qualified borrowers, and the type of thing that would be crazy to pass up. Those rewards can add up to thousands of dollars every year in free money, and include other benefits as well.

We’ve assembled some of the best credit cards for users today.  Don’t miss these offers because they won’t be this good forever.

 

Flywheel Publishing has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Flywheel Publishing and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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