Stocks Power Higher
Stocks marched higher throughout the week, lifted by a succession of positive corporate earnings surprises, optimistic forward guidance by some companies, and healthy economic data. Continued strong third-quarter profits reinforced the narrative that businesses were able to meet strong consumer demand and maintain robust profit margins, despite the headwinds of inflation and supply-chain knots.
Investors were unfazed by the Fed’s mid-week announcement that it would begin its bond purchase tapering plans, in part, because it had long been telegraphed and Fed Chair Powell’s optimistic analysis of the current state of the economy. Also cheered was the announcement of a new COVID-19 antiviral pill and a powerful rebound in job creation, driving stocks to new heights to close out the week.
The Fed Speaks
In an eagerly awaited November meeting of the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee), the Fed pulled the trigger on its plan to taper monthly bond purchases. Fed tapering will begin this month with reductions of $15 billion per month ($10 billion in Treasuries and $5 billion in mortgage-backed securities) that will end this pandemic-era policy response by July 2022.4
The Fed reiterated its belief that inflation remained transitory, though conceding it had underestimated its acceleration and persistence; it did not expect interest rates to be raised until after the completion of the tapering program. Powell expects inflation to stay elevated until mid-2022 when he anticipates supply-chain bottlenecks to clear.5,6
This Week: Key Economic Data
Wednesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI). Jobless Claims.
Friday: Consumer Sentiment. Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS).
Source: Econoday, November 5, 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
Monday: PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL).
Tuesday: D.R. Horton, Inc. (DHI), Sysco Corporation (SYY), Palantir Technologies, Inc. (PLTR), DoorDash, Inc. (DASH), Coinbase Global, Inc. (COIN), Roblox Corporation (RBLX).
Wednesday: The Walt Disney Company (DIS), Affirm Holdings, Inc. (AFRM).
Friday: AstraZeneca PLC (AZN).
Source: Zacks, November 5, 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
“A career is born in public, talent in privacy.”
-Marilyn Monroe
Tax Tips
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.
It’s important to check your withholding to ensure that you’re deducting the right amount of taxes, and these handy tools can help.
* 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
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 and do some laps or just splash around for fun. Either way, it’s great for exercising and staying cool.
- Kickboxing – It sounds intense, but kickboxing is actually a low-impact exercise that’s easy on 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 what you often see hanging from a bar at the gym. This simple accessory makes it easy to do lunges, pullups, pushups, and squats without putting pressure on your joints.
- Cycling – Cycling, either indoors or outdoors, is a great exercise and easy on your knees.
Tip adapted from Healthline8
Weekly Riddle
Complete these words by putting the same three letters
into each one: F---RISH, C---DY, S---GH.
Last week’s riddle: By rearranging the letters in the phrase
VIEWING A STIR, you can make the name of a U.S. state.
What state is it?
Answer: West Virginia.
Photo of the Week
Taughannock Falls State Park, Trumansburg, New York.
