Mastercard has launched a crypto-to-fiat card with Web3/blockchain platform MetaMask and cryptocurrency payments firm Baanx. The MetaMask Card, announced Wednesday (Aug. 14), lets MetaMask wallet customers use crypto for everyday purchases in fiat currency wherever Mastercard is accepted.

Market complacency can be dangerous, especially with inflation expectations low. Unforeseen events could disrupt the "everything is fine" narrative. Consumer weakness and labor market concerns are rising, signaling potential economic risks. Defensive stocks are already outperforming discretionary ones. Despite risks, high-quality companies are focused on shareholder value. Strategic buy-and-hold investments can withstand market volatility and deliver growth.

Mastercard is upgrading its open banking for lending program, powered by employment/income verifier Argyle. The new features, announced Tuesday (Aug. 13), lets Mastercard offer income and employment coverage to the estimated 95% of the U.S. workforce who are paid through direct deposit.

Mastercard's stock (NYSE: MA) is up approximately 8% YTD as compared to the 12% rise in the S&P500 index over the same period. In sharp contrast, Mastercard's peer Visa (NYSE: V) has given near zero return YTD.

Mastercard has a below-average 0.6% dividend yield. Despite the low yield, Mastercard has an excellent track record of annual dividend increases.

Now that stock investors are beginning to realize that a recession isn't on the way, the U.S. market will get back to doing what is up to before the August swoon: showing strength beyond the Magnificent Seven.

Investing wisely requires understanding a company's fundamentals, ensuring a sound foundation for potential growth. This August, three stocks stand out in the consumer discretionary, technology and financial services sectors, each poised for significant gains.

For many investors, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) might have become the top name for WarrenBuffett stocks to sell.  It's been about a week since Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B ) revealed that it sold approximately 390 million shares of Apple stock during the second quarter.

Mastercard (MA), being a highly profitable company, keeps boosting its shareholder value, reflecting operating strength.

Betting on dividend stocks, especially in the long run, can strengthen your portfolio. To begin, dividend-paying companies offer stable returns, ensuring sustainable cash flow even in volatile markets.

MasterCard (MA) has been one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com users lately. So, it is worth exploring what lies ahead for the stock.

Today, we are looking at screening for new potential watchlist names that have provided elevated levels of dividend growth over time. High dividend growth companies like Microsoft and Mastercard can provide substantial growth in dividends, thanks to their consistent earnings growth. We are looking at a quick overview of three different companies that screen the highest to see if they may be worthwhile names for our watchlist.