Debt Ceiling Concerns Evaporate, for Now
After suffering losses on concerns over delays with raising the federal debt ceiling, stocks rebounded as the Senate moved toward finalizing a debt ceiling agreement. While the agreement is only a short-term solution, it was enough to embolden investors to buy stocks.
The week’s rally ran out of gas on Friday, however, on a surprisingly weak employment report. Though the debt ceiling was the dominant concern in the markets last week, the market grappled all week with the headwinds of higher energy prices, rising bond yields, inflation, and less robust economic growth.
Fuzzy Employment Picture
Employment remains a confusing and unpredictable element of this post-pandemic economic recovery. Automated Data Processing’s employment report showed private sector jobs rose by a robust 568,000. This hiring surge may have been aided by the end of extended unemployment benefits and the return of children to school.4
This improving labor outlook was reinforced the following day as weekly initial jobless claims fell below their four-week moving average, while continuing claims fell by nearly 100,000. The employment report on Friday was a different story. The economy added a disappointing 194,000 jobs, making September the slowest month for job growth this year. The unemployment rate declined to 4.8%, while an increase in wages generated inflation worries.5,6
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: JOLTS (Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey).
Wednesday: Consumer Price Index. FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) Minutes.
Thursday: Jobless Claims.
Friday: Retail Sales. Consumer Sentiment.
Source: Econoday, October 8, 2021 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: JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Goldman Sachs (GS), Delta Airlines (DAL), BlackRock, Inc. (BLK).
Thursday: Wells Fargo & Company (WFC), UnitedHealth Group (UNH), Citigroup, Inc. (C), Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (WBA), Morgan Stanley (MS).
Friday: J.B. Hunt Transportation, Inc. (JBHY), The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (PNC).
Source: Zacks, October 8, 2021 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.
Food For Thought
“Nothing will ever be attempted,
if all possible objections must be first overcome.”
– Samuel Johnson
Tax Tips
Reporting Cash Payments
Individuals, companies, corporations, partnerships, associations, trusts, and estates all are required to report cash transactions of more than $10,000. These cash payments can include jewelry sales, a gift from a family member, an overseas purchase, or any other cash transaction. You also need to report cash payments that were received in one lump sum, in two or more related payments within 24 hours, or as part of a single transaction or two or more transactions in the previous year.
Luckily, reporting cash payments is simple. All you need to do is file Form 8300, Report of Cash Payments Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business. The form requires information about both the giver and receiver of the cash, a description of the transaction, and information about any other parties involved.
* 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.gov7
Healthy Living Tip
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Even though there are many uncontrollable circumstances associated with an increased risk of breast cancer – including age, gender, family history, and genetic predisposition, among others – certain lifestyle-related factors are within your control, and they could decrease your risk, including:
- Limiting alcohol consumption to fewer than one drink daily
- Abstaining from smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products
- Eating a well-balanced diet with a variety of nutritious foods
- Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
- Engaging in frequent aerobic and weight-bearing physical activity
- Limiting dose and duration of hormone-replacement therapy
- Avoiding exposure to excessive radiation and environmental contamination
- Breastfeeding, if possible and desired
Above all else, regular screenings and exams, upon your medical provider’s recommendations, may help detect, diagnose, and treat breast cancer in its early stages, as research indicates that taking proactive and preventive measures is associated with better outcomes.
Tip adapted from breastcancer.org8
Weekly Riddle
What do these words have in common:
pig, pony, bob, dove, and cotton?
Last week’s riddle: How is seven different from
the rest of the numbers between one and ten?
Answer: Seven has two syllables
and the other numbers only have one syllable.
Photo of the Week
Rural farm at the peak of autumn in Pomfret, Connecticut.
