Stocks turned lower last week amid the increasing probability of a Fed tapering, mixed economic data, and growing concerns about the economic impact of the Delta variant. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 1.11%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 0.59%. The Nasdaq Composite index slipped 0.73%. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, surrendered 2.94%.1,2,3 |
Unsettling NewsAfter the Dow Industrials and S&P 500 index climbed to new record highs to begin the week, stocks pulled back amid weaker-than-expected retail sales, festering concerns about the Delta variant, and slowing growth in China. The stock market retreat accelerated mid-week with the release of the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) meeting minutes, which signaled that Fed officials may be ready to begin reducing its monthly bond purchases before the end of the year. Stocks managed to stabilize on Friday, paring some of the week’s losses. Consumer staples, health care, real estate, and utilities were the top-performing groups.4 Taper by Year End?Two weeks ago, multiple regional Federal Reserve Bank presidents suggested that the economy was strong enough to justify tapering the Fed’s monthly bond purchases. Last week, that chorus grew a bit louder with the release of minutes from July’s FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) meeting. The precise timing was left undecided, with some officials believing it should begin before year-end, while others thought waiting until the start of the new year was the better choice.5 This Week: Key Economic DataMonday: Existing Home Sales. PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) Composite Flash. Tuesday: New Home Sales. Wednesday: Durable Goods Orders. Thursday: Jobless Claims. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Friday: Consumer Sentiment. Source: Econoday, August 20, 2021 This Week: Companies Reporting EarningsMonday: JD.com, Inc. (JD), Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW). Tuesday: Best Buy Co. (BBY), Intuit, Inc. (INTU). Wednesday: Salesforce.com (CRM), Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA), Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK). Thursday: Marvell Technology, Inc. (MRVL), Workday, Inc. (WDAY), Dollar Tree (DLTR), Dell Technologies (DELL), VMware, Inc. (VMW), Peloton Interactive, Inc. (PTON). Source: Zacks, August 20, 2021 |
“Every man is working out his destiny in his own way and nobody can be of any help except by being kind, generous, and patient.” – Henry Miller |
Start a New Business Off on the Right FootStarting a new business? There are some important tax tips to know to set yourself up for success. Here are some tips that the IRS shares for new business owners: Choose the right business structure: The form of business determines which income tax return a business taxpayer needs to file. The most common business structures are a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a corporation, an S corporation, and an LLC. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN): An EIN is used to identify a business. Most businesses need an EIN. * This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional. Tip adapted from IRS.gov6 |
Summer Skincare TipsThe first, and most important, tip is to always wear sunscreen, even if you're not spending a lot of time out in the sun. Some skincare products, including makeup, have sunscreen built-in, but you should consider using a moisturizer with at least SPF 30 for an extra level of protection. Another good summer skincare tip is to lighten up your skincare routine. In the summer, you're likely going to be sweating, swimming, and spending time outside so you might not need as much makeup or products as you do in the winter. Tip adapted from Allure7 |
Aaron is the brother of Bob. Bob is the brother of Cody. Cody is the father of Dan. So how is Dan related to Aaron? Last week’s riddle: What three positive numbers give the same answer when multiplied or added together? Answer: 1,2, and 3. |
Two Atlantic Puffins interacting in Newfoundland, Canada. |
Footnotes and Sources
2. The Wall Street Journal, August 20, 2021 3. The Wall Street Journal, August 20, 2021 4. ALPS Portfolio Solutions, August 20, 2021 5. Reuters.com, August 19, 2021 6. IRS.gov, September 19, 2020 7. Allure.com, July 22, 2019 |
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Weekly Market Insights: Will the Fed Taper in 2021?
August 23, 2021
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