Market Insights
Stocks rallied last week as investors received better-than-expected consumer and producer inflation data.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.60 percent, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 4.02 percent. The Nasdaq Composite led, picking up 5.95 percent as tech stocks rebounded. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 1.01 percent.1,2
Source: YCharts.com, September 14, 2024. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, September 9, to Friday, September 13. 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.
A Wednesday to Remember
Stocks bounced out of the gate at the start of the week as “risk on” investors made moves before the pending release of the twin inflation reports–the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI). The three major averages added slightly more than 1 percent in Monday trading.3
On Wednesday, stocks initially dipped following the release of the CPI as traders appeared disappointed by the report. By midday, sentiment changed. The S&P 500, down as much as 1.6 percent in early trading, gained 1.1 percent by the closing bell. More inflation data out Thursday showed wholesale price increases were tempered, which helped stocks move higher through the balance of the week.4,5
Small Caps Shine
Small-cap stocks, as measured by the Russell 2000 Index, have pushed higher in recent weeks, which is a telling move for some Wall Street observers. The Russell 2000 has outperformed the S&P 500 by more than 4 percent during Q3 so far.6
One reason is that smaller stocks tend to respond when they anticipate interest rates will trend lower. Investors appear to be positioning themselves in small cap issues, expecting the Fed may adjust rates at its September meeting as it looks to guide the economy to a soft landing.7
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Empire State Manufacturing Index.
Tuesday: FOMC meeting – Day 1. Retail Sales. Industrial Production. Fed Official Lorie Logan speaks.
Wednesday: FOMC meeting – Day 2. Housing Starts and Permits. FOMC Announcement. Fed Chair Press Conference.
Thursday: Existing Home Sales. Weekly Jobless Claims.
Friday: Fed Official Patrick Harker speaks.
Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; September 13, 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
Wednesday: General Mills, Inc. (GIS)
Thursday: FedEx Corporation (FDX)
Source: Zacks, September 13, 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
Yesterday marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month!
From September 15th through October 15th the United States celebrates and
recognizes the contributions and influence of
Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United
States.
Food for Thought
“A career is born in public, talent in privacy.”
– Marilyn Monroe
Tax Tip
Check Your Withholding Status Online
The Withholding Calculator can help you determine whether you should submit a new W-4 to your employer, and you also can use the results to adjust your income tax withholding. If you have a more complex tax situation, you may need to use Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax form. This form can help you determine your self-employment tax, alternative minimum tax, or tax on unearned income by dependents. Publication 505 also can help if you receive non-wage income, including capital gains, royalties, dividends, and more.
Checking your withholding is essential to deducting the right amount of taxes; these handy tools can help.
This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.
Tip adapted from IRS.gov8
Healthy Living Tip
Low-Impact Exercises for Healthy Joints
Here are some of our favorite low-impact exercises:
- Swimming – Not only is swimming a low-impact exercise, but it’s also a full-body workout. Hop in the pool, do some laps, or splash around for fun. Either way, it’s great for exercising and staying cool.
- Kickboxing – It sounds intense, but kickboxing is a low-impact exercise for your joints. If possible, modify your workout to focus more on the sport’s cardio movements and not the combat aspect.
- TRX Exercises – The TRX strap is often seen hanging from a bar at the gym. This simple accessory makes it easy to do lunges, pullups, and squats without putting pressure on your joints.
- Cycling – Indoors or outdoors, cycling is a great exercise and easy on your knees.
Tip adapted from Healthline9
Weekly Riddle
In the morning, I lie at your feet. I almost vanish in the midday sun. But I’ll be with you all day as you stand, walk, leap, and run. What am I?
Last week’s riddle: A 10k cross-country run through the woods attracts 36 entrants. The day is unseasonably hot, and the course is confusing. Three runners get lost, five quit, and 28 finish the run. What happens to the other entrants? Answer: The whereabouts of all entrants are known as 3 + 5 + 28 = 36.
Photo of the Week
Malmö, Skåne län, Sweden
Footnotes and Sources
1. The Wall Street Journal, September 13, 2024
2. Investing.com, September 13, 2024
3. The Wall Street Journal, September 10, 2024
4. The Wall Street Journal, September 11, 2024
5. CNBC.com, September 12, 2024
6. The Wall Street Journal, September 13, 2024
7. MarketWatch.com, September 12, 2024
8. IRS.gov, May 8. 2024
9. Healthline, 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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