Stocks retreated last week as bond yields increased following the Treasury\’s announcement indicating “a larger-than-expected funding need” and a downgrade in the federal government’s debt rating. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.11%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 shed 2.27%. The Nasdaq Composite index lost 2.85% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, tumbled 3.27%.1,2,3 
Stocks Struggle
Stocks struggled as investor sentiment turned cautious amid rising bond yields. Markets were rattled initially by news that the Treasury raised its borrowing requirement for the third quarter by more than a quarter of a trillion dollars and on news that the Bank of Japan announced it would allow bond yields to rise after years of capping them. Rising yields continued to pressure stocks in the wake of a surprise rating downgrade of U.S. government debt by a major credit rating agency due to its belief in expected fiscal deterioration over the next three years. Stocks rebounded Friday morning, rising on modest employment data only to reverse and add to the week’s losses.
Mixed Signals from the Labor Market
Fresh employment data last week gave some conflicting signals about the labor market. A new JOLTS (Job Openings and Turnover Survey) report showed a small decline in job openings and layoffs in June, leaving 1.6 job openings for each available worker.4 Automated Data Processing’s (ADP) employment report reflected strong private sector hiring with a 324,000 increase in jobs, exceeding the consensus forecast of a 175,000 gain.5 The government’s monthly employment report saw a cooling in hiring as employers added 187,000 jobs in July. This was slower than seen in the first six months but enough to shave the unemployment rate from 3.6% to 3.5%.6
This Week: Key Economic Data
Thursday: Consumer Price Index (CPI). Jobless Claims Friday: Producer Price Index (PPI). Consumer Sentiment Source: Econoday, August 4, 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: Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (SWKS) Tuesday: Eli Lilly and Company (LLY), Duke Energy Corporation (DUK), United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS), ONEOK, Inc. (OKE) Wednesday: The Walt Disney Company (DIS) Source: Zacks, August 4, 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.
SFG News & Events
We all have a secret meal we keep up our sleeve for the days when we need something in a pinch. We would love to share your favorite quick and easy meal with the SFG family! So submit your favorite 6 ingredient and 6 step meal to us for a chance to be featured in our Newsletter. We look forward to receiving your submissions!
Food For Thought
“A person is a person because he recognizes others as persons.” –Desmond Tutu
Tax Tip
Add Social Security Numbers of Your Dependents on Your Return
On your tax return, add the Social Security Numbers for your children and other dependents. Otherwise, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) might deny any dependent credits you might be due, including the Child Tax Credit. If you don’t have the number you need by the tax filing deadline, the IRS suggests filing for an extension rather than sending in a return without a Social Security number. *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
Healthy Living Tip
4 Potential Health Benefits of Coffee
Coffee may help you live longer: Recent studies found that coffee drinkers are less likely to die from certain causes of death, including coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease. Your liver may thank you: Research shows that coffee drinkers are more likely to have liver enzyme levels within a healthy range than people who don\’t drink coffee. You may decrease your risk of getting Alzheimer\’s disease: The caffeine in two cups of coffee may protect against developing the condition. Researchers found that women aged 65 and older who drank two to three cups of coffee a day were less likely to develop dementia in general. Your body may process glucose better: Studies have found that people who drink more coffee are less likely to have type 2 diabetes. Tip adapted from John Hopkins Medicine8
Weekly Riddle
What has three feet yet cannot run or walk? Last week’s riddle: This word signifies a gap between hills or mountain ranges. Yet remove just one letter, and it signifies a gap between buildings. What is this six-letter word? Answer: The word valley, which becomes alley with a letter subtracted.
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Footnotes and Sources
1. The Wall Street Journal, August 4, 2023. 2. The Wall Street Journal, August 4, 2023. 3. The Wall Street Journal, August 4 2023. 4. CNBC, August 1, 2023. 5. CNBC, August 2, 2023. 6. The Wall Street Journal, August 4, 2023. 7. IRS.gov, October 7, 2022. 8. John Hopkins Medicine, April 24, 2023. 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. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice. The market indexes discussed are unmanaged, and generally, considered representative of their respective markets. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Indexes do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of large-capitalization companies on the U.S. stock market. Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of technology and growth companies. The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and serves as a benchmark of the performance of major international equity markets, as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities that are considered to be representative of the stock market in general. U.S. Treasury Notes are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. However, if you sell a Treasury Note prior to maturity, it may be worth more or less than the original price paid. Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors. International investments carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risks unique to a specific country, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. These factors may result in greater share price volatility. Please consult your financial professional for additional information. This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG is not affiliated with Stuart Financial Group, J.W. Cole Advisors, Inc., nor state or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and they should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2023 FMG Suite.