Nancy Pelosi sold 31,000 Apple and 10,000 Nvidia shares in a major portfolio reshuffle, shifting her focus to AI and utility firms—should we follow suit? Meanwhile, Gen Xers feel the pressure to accumulate at least £7.5 million to achieve financial security. All this and more in today's Money Making Moves:

> US Representative Nancy Pelosi's stock market success continues to intrigue investors, with her portfolio achieving over 700% returns since 2014 and 54% in 2024 alone, outperforming top hedge funds and AI trading systems. Her husband, Paul Pelosi, an investment banker, executes these trades, leading to criticism over potential insider trading—allegations Nancy Pelosi denies. Recent disclosures reveal significant trades, including selling Apple and Nvidia shares, purchasing call options in companies like Amazon, Alphabet, Tempus AI, and Vistra Corp., and influencing stock prices with her activity. While mimicking Congressional trades gains popularity, challenges like reporting delays and high-risk investments make this strategy less practical for regular investors.

> President Donald Trump's mass deportation plans could significantly impact Social Security by reducing its funding, which relies heavily on payroll taxes, including contributions from undocumented immigrants. The Social Security Administration estimates deportations could decrease annual cash flow by $20 billion, worsening an already strained fund expected to deplete by the mid-2030s. Immigrants living in the US illegally, who pay billions in Social Security and Medicare taxes annually without eligibility to claim benefits, have helped sustain the system amidst an aging population and declining birth rates. Economists warn that deportations may further strain elder care, healthcare, and labor markets, potentially leaving retirees with fewer benefits and limited support.

> Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan stated that the U.S. banking industry would adopt cryptocurrencies for payments if regulatory frameworks allow it. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Moynihan emphasized that clear rules could prompt banks to embrace crypto for transactions, comparing it to existing payment methods like Visa and Apple Pay. While U.S. banks have largely avoided retail crypto transactions, they have participated in institutional markets for bitcoin ETFs, despite criticism from some industry leaders. Moynihan also highlighted the bank's readiness to enter the space with numerous blockchain patents but refrained from commenting on cryptocurrencies as an investment or store of value.

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> Ripple's XRP surged to £2.56 ($3.14) after President Trump named pro-crypto Mark Uyeda as acting SEC chair, replacing crypto skeptic Gary Gensler. Uyeda is expected to reform crypto regulations, halt non-fraud litigation, and clarify token classifications, boosting optimism for Ripple's legal battle with the SEC. Additional drivers for XRP's rise include lower-than-expected US inflation data, speculation about a strategic crypto reserve, and reports that the SEC may approve a Ripple ETF. Trump's recent meeting with Ripple's CEO and JPMorgan's prediction of significant ETF inflows further underline the growing support for Ripple and its cryptocurrency.

> Gen Zers believe they need nearly £7.5 million ($9.5 million) to feel financially secure, driven by rising costs, economic challenges, and observing their parents' struggles with retirement. This target is nearly double the net worth Gen Xers deem sufficient, reflecting heightened financial anxiety among younger workers facing a precarious economic landscape. Ideal salary expectations have also risen dramatically, with Gen Z aiming for over £479,000 ($587,000) annually, compared to significantly lower figures for Millennials and Boomers. Despite these challenges, 71% of Gen Zers remain optimistic about achieving financial success, surpassing the confidence levels of previous generations.