Rising concerns about further rate hikes sent stocks lower to kick off the second half of trading.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.96%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 1.16%. The Nasdaq Composite index surrendered 0.92% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, tumbled 2.57%.^1,2,3

Stocks Slide

Stocks were dragged lower last week by news reigniting fears of additional interest rate increases. It started with the minutes from June’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting, which revealed a majority of voting members supported at least two more rate hikes. But a strong employment report from Automated Data Processing (ADP), a payroll processor, unnerved investors, sending stocks lower and bond yields higher.

Markets stabilized after Friday morning’s federal government’s monthly employment release showed a less-than-expected increase in nonfarm payrolls. But stock prices turned down in the afternoon, adding to the week’s losses.

Mixed Labor Market Signals

Wall Street was rattled by an unexpected surge in new private-sector jobs last Thursday. ADP reported private sector employers had added 497,000 jobs in June, blowing away the consensus estimate of 220,000. Leisure and hospitality led the gains with 232,000 new hires, followed by construction (97,000).⁴

Friday’s release of monthly employment data painted a more moderate picture, with 209,000 new jobs added in June, well below the estimate of 240,000 and May’s downwardly revised total of 306,000. Friday’s report added to data released earlier in the week (a decline in job openings and a rise in jobless claims) that suggested that the labor market may be cooling.⁵

This Week: Key Economic Data

Wednesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Thursday: Producer Price Index (PPI). Jobless Claims.

Friday: Consumer Sentiment.

^{Source: Econoday, July 7, 2023
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.}

This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings

Thursday: Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL), Pepsico, Inc. (PEP), Cintas Corporation (CTAS).

Friday: JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM), UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH), Citigroup, Inc. (C), Wells Fargo & Company (WFC), BlackRock, Inc. (BLK).

^{Source: Zacks, July 7, 2023
Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.}

“Self-pity in its early stages is as snug as a feather mattress. Only when it hardens does it become uncomfortable.”

– Maya Angelou

IRS Program Helps Seniors Prepare Taxes

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a tool called Free File, which offers online tax preparation, direct deposit of refunds, and electronic filing choices. This tool can be helpful for taxpayers on a fixed budget, including seniors and retirees. Here are some things to know about the tool:

• IRS Free File can be found at IRS.gov and features some big names in the tax software provider world.
• To use the tool, taxpayers can browse multiple offers.
• The eligibility standards for using Free File depend on the tax partner, but they are usually based on income, age, and state residency.
• Free File has a majority of the most common forms needed when filing your taxes. Even if you have a unique tax situation, you may still be able to use Free File.
• Some Free File products are available in Spanish.
• You can also search for credits and deductions in Free File.
• Some providers in Free File also offer state return preparation. You can use the lookup tool in Free File to find the tax partner that might be appropriate for your state requirements.
• Taxpayers can access Free File through their computers, smartphones, or tablets. The site is designed for mobile usage.

*This information is not intended to substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.

Tip adapted from IRS.gov⁶

Aloe Vera: One Powerful Plant

Aloe vera is one of those medicinal plants that can be used for almost everything. It is a cactus-type plant that grows well in many climates and has thick, juicy leaves that store water. Because of this, aloe vera is loved for its hydrating properties. Let’s look at some of the many benefits of aloe and how you can include it in your daily routine.

The thick, sticky gel that is in aloe leaves has some powerful bioactive compounds, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.

Aloe vera is also known for its healing properties. It may help heal wounds and treat skin problems with its antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. Also, it can be used as a topical treatment for first and second-degree burns.

Lastly, aloe vera might also help lower blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity and improving blood sugar management. There has been some preliminary evidence that aloe vera may have benefits for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Tip adapted from Medical News Today⁷

What lives above a star but never burns, has 11 neighbors, and can replace the letters P, Q, R, or S in some cases?

Last week’s riddle: What 9-letter word remains an English word each time you remove a letter from it until it becomes a 1-letter word? (Hint: You can remove letters from any part of the word.)  Answer: Startling (Starting, Staring, String, Sting, Sing, Sin, In, I).

Antarctic Peninsula, Antartica

Footnotes and Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, July 7, 2023.}

^{2. The Wall Street Journal, July 7, 2023.}

^{3. The Wall Street Journal, July 7, 2023.}

^{4. CNBC, July 6, 2023.}

^{5. CNBC, July 7, 2023.}

^{6. IRS.gov, January 23, 2023}

^{7. Medical News Today, February 15, 2023}

Stocks posted gains for the week to close out a stellar month, aided by positive economic data and reports that all major banks had passed the Federal Reserve’s annual stress test.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.02%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 2.35%. The Nasdaq Composite index added 2.19%. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, increased by 0.76%.^1,2,3

Stocks Climb As Recession Fears Ease

Investors shrugged off weekend news of a short-lived insurrection in Russia and calls later in the week for more restrictive monetary policies from global central bankers.

What powered early-week gains? New home sales, durable goods orders, and a rise in consumer confidence proved influential. More so were Thursday’s reports of a drop in initial jobless claims and an upward revision in first quarter Gross Domestic Product growth, which helped allay recession fears. The results of the Fed’s annual bank stress tests, which all major banks passed–further emboldened investors.

Stock prices rallied Friday following an encouraging inflation report, capping the end to a solid week, month, and first half.

Global Central Bankers Meet

At last week’s European Central Bank Forum, central-bank governors from around the world gathered to discuss their monetary outlook and the policies needed to manage inflation amid unexpected economic strength.

Fed Chair Powell reiterated that more rate hikes were coming owing to a robust labor market. He added that he wouldn’t dismiss the idea of hiking rates at consecutive Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings. While saying there is a possibility of an economic downturn, Powell didn’t believe it was the most likely case.

Meanwhile, bankers from the European Central Bank and the U.K. echoed Powell’s comments, declaring that further rate hikes are needed to tame their still-elevated inflation rates.⁴

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) Manufacturing. Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Index.

Wednesday: Factory Orders. FOMC Minutes.

Thursday: Automated Data Processing (ADP) Employment Report. Jobless Claims. Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Services Index. Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) Composite. Job Openings and Turnover Survey (JOLTS). 

Friday: Employment Situation.

^{Source: Econoday, June 30, 2023
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.}

This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings

Thursday: Seven and I Holdings Co., Inc. (SVNDY), Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI)

^{Source: Zacks, June 30, 2023
Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.}

“Only with a burning patience can we conquer the splendid city which will give light, justice and dignity to all mankind.”

– Pablo Neruda

Can You Claim The Child Tax Credit For Other Dependents?

Even though you may not be able to claim the child tax credit, you may be able to claim the credit for other dependents under your care. The Internal Revenue Service issues a max of $500 for each dependent who meets specific conditions.

These conditions include:

• Dependents who are age 17 or older on December 31 of the tax year.
• Dependents who have individual taxpayer identification numbers.
• Dependents living with the taxpayer for more than six months of the year (remember the special rules for divorced or separated parents or parents who live apart).

The credit begins to phase out when the taxpayer’s income exceeds $200,000. This phaseout begins for married couples filing a joint tax return at $400,000.

*This information is not intended to substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.

Tip adapted from IRS.gov⁵

Yoga For Stability

You don’t have to pull out the yoga mat and get your designer leggings on to enjoy this relaxing practice’s many benefits. Even if you’ve never done yoga before, these poses may help you improve your balance and stability:

• Knee to Chest – Start by standing with your feet hip-width apart with your hands on your hips; this is called mountain pose. Now, lift your left knee to hip height so your upper leg (thigh) is parallel with the floor. Flex your left foot and hold this pose for three deep breaths. Repeat on the other side.
• Tree Pose – Start with the same mountain pose as the first movement. Now, shift your weight into your left foot, and allow your right knee to turn out to the side as you bring your right foot in to rest at your left ankle, shin, or thigh, depending on what’s comfortable. Make sure you’re not putting your foot on the joint itself.
• Dancer Pose – Start in mountain pose. Bend your right knee and slowly lift your right foot off the ground. As you do that, lift your left arm to balance yourself. Hold for three breaths and repeat on the other side.

Tip adapted from SilverSneakers.com⁶

What 9-letter word remains an English word each time you remove a letter from it until it becomes a 1-letter word? (Hint: You can remove letters from any part of the word.)

Last week’s riddle: You hold 3 U.S. coins in your hand. None of them are dimes, pennies, or quarters. They total 60¢. What 3 coins do you have in hand?  Answer: Two nickels and a 50-cent piece.

Al Khazneh (The Treasury), Petra, Jordan.

Footnotes And Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, June 30, 2023.}

^{2. The Wall Street Journal, June 30, 2023.}

^{3. The Wall Street Journal, June 30, 2023.}

^{4. CNBC, June 28, 2023.}

^{5. IRS.gov, October 18, 2022.}

^{6. SilverSneakers.com, February 15, 2023.}

Stocks took a breather last week as investors digested the previous week’s surge and the month-to-date solid gains.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.67%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 1.39%. The Nasdaq Composite index dropped 1.44% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, tumbled 2.00%.^1,2,3

Rally Stalls

The stock market drifted lower last week as the tug-of-war between bulls and bears played out in a week that was light on market-moving news.

After falling in the first days of a holiday-shortened trading week, stocks rebounded on Thursday to recover some of the week’s losses. Stocks looked past Congressional testimony by Fed Chair Powell, who said two more rate hikes are likely in the wake of interest rate hikes by central bankers in the U.K., Switzerland, Norway, and Turkey.

The retreat continued into Friday, fueled by global growth fears from new economic data indicating more robust economic slowdowns in the eurozone, Japan, and Australia.

Housing Sentiment Improves

Home builders’ confidence edged into positive territory for the first time in 11 months, aided by strong demand, low inventory, and a recovering supply chain. May’s new home sales, which rose 21.7%–the most significant percentage gain since October 2016, validated this confidence. The number of new home starts in May (1.63 million) hit a 13-month high, with both single- and multi-family homes up substantially.^4,5

Sales of existing homes in May rose 0.2% month-over-month while declining 20.4% from a year ago. The existing home market continues to suffer from low inventory and still-high prices. The median price of a home sold in May declined 3.1% year-over-year to $396,100.⁶

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: Durable Goods Orders. New Home Sales.

Thursday: Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Jobless Claims. 

Friday: Personal Income and Outlays. Consumer Sentiment.

^{Source: Econoday, June 23, 2023
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.}

This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings

Tuesday: Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (WBA).

Wednesday: Micron Technology, Inc. (MU), General Mills, Inc. (GIS).

Thursday: Nike, Inc. (NKE), McCormick & Company, Inc. (MKC)

^{Source: Zacks, June 23, 2023
Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.}

“There is no better compass than compassion.”

– Amanda Gorman

Couples Who Work Together, Tax Together

When a household starts a business, couples find themselves learning about the tax responsibilities related to that business. There are some things to consider when working together.

Here are a few items to consider:

• You should first establish if you have a partnership business (where both spouses have an equal say in the affairs, services, and capital of the business) or an employee/employer relationship (one spouse substantially controls management decisions). These relationships face different tax situations.
• If there is an employee/employer relationship, the second spouse (employee) may be subject to income, Social Security, and Medicare
• You may need to file the U.S. Return of Partnership Income form if there is a partnership relationship.

*This information is not intended to substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.

Tip adapted from IRS.gov⁷

Eat This, Not That: Easy Food Swaps Anyone Can Do

Eating healthier doesn’t have to be hard! You might not have to make any significant changes to your current diet! You can cut the bad stuff by swapping out unhealthy options for healthier picks and still enjoy your meal. Here are some of our favorite food swaps:

• Mustard instead of mayonnaise (0 calories vs. 90 calories)
• Scrambled eggs with green onions instead of cheese (170 calories vs. 275 calories)
• Sparkling water instead of soda (0 calories vs. 140 calories)
• Fresh fruit instead of dried fruit (69 calories vs. 325 calories)
• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream (28 calories vs. 60 calories)
• Olive oil spray instead of a tablespoon of olive oil (5 calories vs. 120 calories)
• Corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas (100 calories vs. 280 calories)
• All-bran cereal instead of granola (80 calories vs. 200 calories)
• Goat cheese instead of Brie cheese (70 calories vs. 100 calories)

Many healthy swaps like these can help you reduce your caloric intake, consume less sugar, and make it easy to create a more balanced meal.

Tip adapted from EatThis.com⁸

You hold 3 U.S. coins in your hand. None of them are dimes, pennies, or quarters. They total 60¢. What 3 coins do you have in hand?

Last week’s riddle: A major league pitcher faces just 27 hitters in a baseball game. He retires all of them, allowing no runs and no hits. Still, his team loses the game 4-0. How is this possible?  Answer: He was a relief pitcher.

Lake Tekapo & Lupin Field, New Zealand

Footnotes and Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, June 23, 2023.} 

^{2. The Wall Street Journal, June 23, 2023.}

^{3. The Wall Street Journal, June 23, 2023.}

^{4. National Association of Home Builders, June 19, 2023}

^{5. Reuters, June 20, 2023.}

^{6. CNBC, June 22, 2023.}

^{7.  IRS.gov, February 22, 2023}

^{8. EatThis.com, February 15, 2023}

A late-week rally sent stocks into positive territory, with the S&P 500 index closing just shy of the 4,300 mark.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.34%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 0.39%. The Nasdaq Composite index improved 0.14% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 0.44%.^1,2,3

Stocks Edge Higher

Stocks bumped along the flatline for much of the week ahead of this week’s two inflation reports and the June meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee.

Amid little news, stocks drifted lower to start the week until Wednesday, when a solid early-day rally evaporated on news of the Bank of Canada’s surprise interest rate hike. Stocks rose again the following day, holding onto their gains, with the S&P 500 hitting a new closing high for 2023.⁴

Stocks added small gains on Friday after weathering some midday weakness, leaving major indices marginally higher for the week.

Better Breadth

One investor concern has been that a handful of mega-cap stocks have driven recent market returns. Last week’s market bucked that trend, with outperformance in small-cap stocks and equally-weighted stock market indices.

For instance, the Russell 2000 index (which measures the performance of 2,000 smaller-cap companies) rose 1.90% this week, outpacing the S&P 500 and the technology-heavy Nasdaq.⁵

Another example of broadening performance was the outperformance of the equally-weighted S&P 500 index, where each stock has equal weighting regardless of size, versus the market-cap S&P 500 index, where mega-cap companies disproportionately impact index performance. Last week’s return of the equally-weighted S&P 500 index exceeded the cap-weighted S&P 500’s return by 0.65%.⁶

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Wednesday: Producer Price Index (PPI). FOMC Announcement.

Thursday: Retail Sales. Industrial Production. Jobless Claims.

Friday: Consumer Sentiment.

^{Source: Econoday, June 9, 2023
The Econoday economic calendar lists upcoming U.S. economic data releases (including key economic indicators), Federal Reserve policy meetings, and speaking engagements of Federal Reserve officials. The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and may not materialize. The forecasts also are subject to revision.}

This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings

Monday: Oracle Corporation (ORCL).

Thursday: Adobe, Inc. (ADBE).

^{Source: Zacks, June 9, 2023
Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost. Companies may reschedule when they report earnings without notice.}

“I don’t believe in being serious about anything. I think life is too serious to be taken seriously.”

– Ray Bradbury

Do You Know The Difference Between Taxable And Nontaxable Income?

All income you receive is taxable unless the rules explicitly state it isn’t. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), taxable income includes earned income like wages and any income earned by providing a service or the exchange of property or services. Rental income, interest, dividends, and social security benefits are all examples of taxable unearned income.

Some income is only taxable if certain conditions are met. For example, life insurance proceeds are usually not taxable to the beneficiary unless you redeem a life insurance policy for cash. Any amount you receive above the cost of the policy is taxable. State and local income tax refunds may be taxable and should be reported on your federal taxes.

Some forms of income are usually not taxable, like:

• Gifts and inheritances. (State taxes may apply to inheritances.)
• Welfare benefits.
• Damage awards for physical injury or sickness.
• Cash rebates from a dealer or manufacturer for an item you buy.
• Reimbursements for qualified adoption expenses.

Several factors will affect the cost and availability of life insurance, including age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Life insurance policies have expenses, including mortality and other charges. If a policy is surrendered prematurely, the policyholder also may pay surrender charges and have income tax implications. You should consider determining whether you are insurable before implementing a strategy involving life insurance. Any guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance company to continue making claim payments.

*This information is not intended to substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.

Tip adapted from IRS.gov⁷

Choose To Make Your Plate “MyPlate”

The so-called Food Pyramid had many flaws. Its significant weaknesses were that it generalized recommended daily servings and poorly defined portion sizes. So, in 2008, the U.S. Department of Agriculture implemented a user-friendly redesign: the pyramid was transformed into a plate.

The concept behind the MyPlate design was both revolutionary and seemingly obvious. After all, we eat off a plate, not a pyramid. Portions are easier to see. Make half the plate fruits and vegetables; the other half, grains and protein—a serving of dairy (or non-dairy alternative) on the side.

Take advantage of this method the next time you sit down for a meal and see what adjustments you can make to make your plate even healthier.

Tip adapted from MyPlate.gov⁸

A common English word refers to a person or thing not being in a place. But just by inserting a space within it, you can get two words meaning that a person or thing is present. What is this word?

Last week’s riddle: A friend wants change for a dollar. All you have in your pocket are over a dollar in coins, but you still can’t make the change correctly. What is the largest amount of money you could have in this situation? What coins do you have that prevent you from making the change correctly? Answer: $1.19. Four pennies, four dimes, and three quarters.

Hallstatter Lake, Hallstatt, Austria

Footnotes And Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, June 9, 2023.} 

^{2. The Wall Street Journal, June 9, 2023.}

^{3. The Wall Street Journal, June 9, 2023.}

^{4. CNBC, June 8, 2023.}

^{5. The Wall Street Journal, June 8, 2023.}

^{6. Google Finance, June 9, 2023.}

^{7. IRS.gov, November 10, 2022.}

^{8. MyPlate.gov, February 15, 2023.}