Each year—while we are busy celebrating holidays and buying gifts—Investopedia (a financial media website founded in 1999) releases a list of the most searched financial words and phrases for the year. It’s an interesting (and sometimes surprising) look back on the top financial stories of the year. It also offers insight into the American economic psyche.
In 2023, for example, the list included terms like “bank failures” (as we watched the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank in New York, and First Republic Bank in San Francisco) and “artificial intelligence” as AI technology became increasingly mainstream. For many, the 2023 Investopedia Terms of the Year list, painted a picture of fear and uncertainty. In fact, their top search term of 2023 was “American Dream,” which many economists took as a bitter reminder that the quintessential American Dream of buying a home and comfortably retiring was unachievable for most Americans.
The 2024 list, however, highlights our collective concern over inflation and national debt, but also our curiosity about investments and our drive to maximize buying power. While the overall economic climate in 2023 prompted many of us to reevaluate our investment principles, 2024 had us investigating stock splits and sports gambling. It also, apparently, showed some of us warming to artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and other technological advancements—even amid shifting economic and political landscapes.
#1. Inflation
Inflation was more than a buzzword in 2024—it was a lens through which Americans viewed the economy. Throughout the year, rising costs for housing, groceries, and energy fueled frustration and shaped political campaigns. The Federal Reserve’s delicate balancing act between raising interest rates and avoiding a recession kept inflation at the center of public and policy discussions.
So, inflation dominated headlines in 2024 as people sought clarity on its impact on wages and savings. So did inflation-inspired terms like “Shrinkflation.” Even Cookie Monster took to X, expressing frustration over the downsizing of his favorite snack. “Me hate shrinkflation! Me cookies are getting smaller,” the beloved blue Sesame Street character wrote.
#2. Tariffs
Tariffs made a comeback in 2024 economic conversations primarily due to Donald Trump, who (while campaigning for his second term as President) declared “tariff” to be his “favorite word” and “the most beautiful word in the dictionary.” However, the word also underscores America’s complicated relationship with global trade, particularly with China. Trump has promised to enact sweeping levies on foreign goods upon his return to office, and these proposed policies have become a political flashpoint.
As such, the term “tariff” is now at the center of debates over whether such levies protect American jobs or harm consumers through higher prices. This has, in turn, caused individuals and businesses to research how new tariffs might impact their industries or daily costs. This heightened curiosity around tariffs is just one example of the ongoing tensions between globalization and economic nationalism.
#3. Nvidia
In 2023, Artificial Intelligence (AI) was #3 on Investopedia’s list of most searched economic terms. For 2024, “Nvidia” took the #3 spot as the California-based chip designer (whose market capitalization hit $3 trillion in February of 2024) became known as a driving force behind the AI revolution. Nvidia (the second-largest publicly traded U.S. company behind Apple) became a key driver of economic growth and geopolitical competition thanks to its cutting-edge technology, including GPUs for gaming, cryptocurrency mining, and professional applications. The company also sells chip systems for use in vehicles (most notably Teslas), robotics, and more.
So, it’s no surprise that with AI reshaping every industry from healthcare to finance, people want to learn more about Nvidia—including its stock performance, innovations, and role in the tech boom. The company’s success has reignited conversations about the role of tech giants in shaping America’s economic future.
#4. Stock Split
Stock splits are not new, but in 2024, some high-profile companies—including Nvidia, Walmart, Broadcom, Williams-Sonoma, and Chipotle—split their stocks. Those were “forward splits,” which tend to excite investors because the move makes shares more affordable for individual investors. Reverse splits, on the other hand, reduce the number of shares and replace them with higher-value shares. There were also several notable reverse splits in 2024, including Buzzfeed, The Container Store, and New York Community Bank. Reverse splits are not always a bad sign, but struggling companies often employ reverse splits to improve the company’s market image by raising the per-share price without changing the company’s overall market value.
Why did those stock splits matter so much in 2024? Stock splits can signal optimism in an otherwise uncertain market and reflect confidence in corporate growth. Conversely, too many reverse splits can indicate financial distress. In 2024, the forward/reverse movement inspired curiosity about how stock splits work and what they mean for portfolio growth. The trend also highlighted America’s increasing embrace of the stock market as a tool for wealth-building despite broader concerns about market volatility and economic inequality.
#5. National Debt
In 2024, the national debt reached unprecedented levels (a whopping $36 trillion) and sparked debates about America’s fiscal responsibility and economic stability. As Americans navigated a heated presidential election and the government grappled with funding priorities from military spending to social programs, the nation’s debt became a symbol of political gridlock.
For many, it raised questions about the potential burden on future generations and America’s ability to respond to future crises like wars, natural disasters, and pandemics. The phrase “national debt” popped up repeatedly in searches as people looked for explanations and explored the potential consequences of the national debt.
#6. Homeowners Insurance
Speaking of natural disasters, the rising cost of homeowners insurance in 2024 reflected America’s growing vulnerability to climate change. Severe storms, wildfires, and flooding drove premiums higher, particularly in disaster-prone states. According to S&P Global Market Intelligence, homeowners saw an 11.3 percent jump in premiums in 2023, and then an additional 9.7 percent increase in the first nine months of 2024.
So, as climate change continues to impact property risks, people have turned to the internet to educate themselves on what their policies cover (and how to protect their assets more affordably). These trends then fueled debates over balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. It also raised questions about how government policies could support at-risk homeowners.
Related: 11 Home Insurance Myths Busted
#7. Student Loan Forgiveness
It’s not surprising to see “student loan forgiveness” on Investopedia’s 2024 list as the term became a lightning rod in 2024’s political landscape. Repayments famously resumed in October 2023 (after a pandemic pause), but new forgiveness programs reignited debates about the fairness of debt relief versus fiscal discipline. Then, in June of 2024, about 3 million borrowers saw their student loans put (once again) in forbearance, and monthly payments paused as the Biden administration recalculated payments to comply with a federal court order.
For many, the promise of student loan forgiveness looked like a potential lifeline amid rising living costs. Critics, however, question the long-term impact of forgiveness programs on the federal budget. Throughout 2024, with each change in loan status and new forgiveness programs up for debate, borrowers searched for clarity. Understandably, questions about eligibility, application processes, and potential financial relief drove this term’s popularity in the past year.
#8. High-Yield Savings Account
As the Fed tinkered with interest rates in 2024, high-yield savings accounts gained attention from consumers hoping to find better returns on their savings. This is, perhaps, good news because when high-yield savings accounts trend, that means that rather than living paycheck-to-paycheck, Americans have money to save. Increased interest in high-yield accounts also tends to inspire increased competition among banks and credit unions, hoping to attract new members with excellent rates. Those trends in tandem could spell a brighter financial future for Americans grappling with inflation.
However, for some economists, the reverse is more likely. In uncertain economic times, people tend to prioritize saving over spending. So, the popularity of high-yield savings options could underscore a shift toward caution.
Related: What Are Central Banks?
#9. Bitcoin
“Bitcoin” hit the top 10 list as cryptocurrency markets experienced a year of volatility and regulatory changes. While economists looked for insights into Bitcoin’s future and questioned its role as a digital asset, Bitcoin’s volatility and regulatory scrutiny reflected America’s evolving stance on cryptocurrency.
Throughout 2024, debates intensified over Bitcoin’s role in the financial system—and that’s not likely to slow down in 2025. In fact, Bitcoin is predicted to continue its bullish trend, fueled in part by yet-to-be-named crypto-friendly regulations. During his campaign, incoming President Donald Trump vowed to make the U.S. a “Bitcoin superpower,” and after he was elected, bitcoin hit the $100,000 milestone—an all-time per-unit high. In the coming years, Bitcoin will likely become a microcosm of larger questions about innovation versus regulation.
#10. Moneyline Bet
The popularity of sports betting surged in 2024, and the term “moneyline bet” was central to many searches. Since the U.S. Supreme Court opened the door in 2018 for states to allow sports betting, most states have opted to do so. In fact, in November 2024, Missouri became the 39th state (as well as Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico) to offer legal sports betting in some format. As it becomes more socially acceptable and widely available, new players have turned to the internet to learn the basics.
The rise of moneyline betting captured America’s growing fascination with legalized sports gambling—but it isn’t just about sports. According to Investopedia, in the fall of 2024, betters either actively bet on the outcome of the election or learned how to bet moneylines and parlays as they watched the election odds shift on a daily basis. As more states embraced sports betting to boost tax revenue, this straightforward betting method became a symbol of a cultural and economic shift. It also sparked discussions about gambling’s societal impact and the balance between economic opportunity and personal responsibility.
So, what does it all mean? Like any snapshot of an era, this retrospective is far from all-encompassing, but it paints a curious picture. The 2024 American economy was seemingly defined by uncertainty but also resilience. In an ever-changing market, we grappled with concerns about financial stability, weighing the benefits of saving against the allure of spending and investments. Against a backdrop of broader anxieties, we sought a balance between short-term financial pressures and long-term goals. Through rate hikes, election chaos, and ongoing inflationary pressures, households and businesses alike adapted to the shifting economic and political landscapes. Collectively, we embodied a pragmatic optimism in navigating the complexities of modern life. In the end (particularly when compared to 2023’s list), the top-searched terms of 2024 remind us that resilience and adaptability are possible even in a world of uncertainty and rapid change.