Market Insights
Stocks moved higher last week, continuing to build on the momentum generated after the Federal Reserve decided to cut short-term rates by 0.50 percent.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 0.59 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.95 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.62 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, gained an eye-catching 3.53 percent.1,2
Source: YCharts.com, September 28, 2024. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, September 23, to Friday, September 27. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points.
Congress Passes Spending Bill
Stocks started the week tepidly but in the green, as investors mostly shrugged off Tuesday’s weak consumer confidence report. Then, at midweek, markets put on the brakes as investors appeared to take profits after a four-day winning streak.3,4
On Thursday, markets rallied on news that the final Q2 gross domestic product estimate showed the economy increased at an annual rate of 3.0 percent. Then Friday, the PCE, or Personal Consumption and Expenditures Index, showed inflation had cooled slightly more than expected in August, which some believe may influence the Fed’s decisions on short-term rates at its November meeting.5
Finally, a continuing resolution was passed by both houses of Congress last week and signed by President Biden Friday morning, assuaging concerns over a government shutdown. The resolution funds the government until December 20.6
China’s Stimulus Package
This week, the head-turning performance came from outside the U.S.
As measured by the MSCI EAFE (Europe, Australia, and Far East) Index, international stocks rose more than 3 percent following news of China’s stimulus package, which could be as much as 2 trillion yuan, or $284 billion. China’s program also cut banks’ reserve requirements and lowered a key short-term interest rate.
While the EAFE Index doesn’t track stocks from Mainland China, the stimulus package had far-reaching implications for other countries.7,8
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks. Fed Official Michelle Bowman speaks.
Tuesday: ISM Manufacturing Index. Construction Spending. Fed Official Raphael Bostic speaks.
Wednesday: ADP Employment Report. Motor Vehicle Sales. Fed Officials Beth Hammack, Alberto Musalem, Michelle Bowman, and Thomas Barkin speak.
Thursday: Jobless Claims. Factory Orders. ISM Services Index. 10-Year Treasury Note announcement. Fed Officials Raphael Bostic and Neel Kashkari speak.
Friday: Employment Situation. Fed Official John Williams speaks.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; September 27, 2024
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: NIKE, Inc. (NKE), Paychex, Inc. (PAYX)
Thursday: Constellation Brands Inc (STZ)
Source: Zacks, September 27, 2024
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
It is a time to celebrate new beginnings. This Rosh Hashanah, we wish you health, happiness, time with loved ones, and a wonderful year ahead.
Food for Thought
“The emblem of a philosophy is not that it contains a set of specific thoughts, but that it generates a way of thinking.”
– Samuel R. Delany
Tax Tip
Selling Your Car or Buying From a Private Seller?
Here Are the Tax Tips You Should Know
If you’re selling your car for less than what you paid, you likely won’t need to pay any sales tax because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers selling a used car for less than what you paid a capital loss. However, if you’re selling your car for more than what you paid (like if it’s a classic car you’ve restored and it’s increased in value), you may need to pay sales tax.
If you’re buying a car from a private seller, you may need to pay sales tax, but this sales tax doesn’t go to the seller – it goes to the Department of Motor Vehicles and is part of your car’s registration.
This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.
Tip adapted from CarGurus9
Healthy Living Tip
Stretches to Complement Your Workout
Here are some great stretches that will open up your hips, stretch out your hamstrings, and give your quads some love after a long run or lifting session:
- Hamstring Stretch – Lay on the ground with your legs straight up. Gently pull one leg toward you until you feel pressure. Repeat with the other leg.
- Figure Four – Sit on the ground with your legs bent and knees up. Gently rest one ankle on the quad of the opposite leg. If this is too much, straighten one leg on the floor and rest your ankle on your thigh while it’s on the ground.
- Child’s Pose – This everyday yoga movement can also be a great stretch. Hold the regular child’s pose with your knees about hip-width apart, or intensify the stretch by bringing your knees out wider.
Tip adapted from Runner’s World10
Weekly Riddle
What invention permits you to peer through any wall?
Last week’s riddle: 8549176320 is a large number and unique for two reasons. First, it presents all numerical digits from 0 to 9 without repeating; what is the other reason?
Answer: When the ten numerals are spelled out and expressed as words, the words are in alphabetical order from start to finish (eight, five, four, nine, one, etc.)
Photo of the Week
Chaoyang, Beijing, China
Footnotes and Sources
1. The Wall Street Journal, September 27, 2024
2. Investing.com, September 27, 2024
3. CNBC.com, September 24, 2024
4. CNBC.com, September 25, 2024
5. BEA.gov, September 26, 2024
6. The Wall Street Journal, September 22, 2024 OR
The Hill, September 25, 2024
7. The Wall Street Journal, September 27, 2024
8. The Wall Street Journal, September 27, 2023
9. cargurus.com, May 8. 2024
10. Runnersworld.com, May 8. 2024
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.
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