Rising bond yields and government shutdown fears left stocks in mostly negative territory for the week.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.34%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.74%. The Nasdaq Composite index was flat (+0.06%) for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, fell 1.95%.1,2,3
Stocks Follow the Bond Market
The bond market drove stock prices for much of last week as investors fretted about rising bond yields. After beginning the week with small gains, stocks resumed their September decline amid weak housing data and a decline in consumer confidence. However, it was the jump in bond yields, which sent the 10-year Treasury yield to near a 15-year high, that may have most undermined investor sentiment.4
After a failed attempt at a rebound mid-week, stocks staged a Thursday rally on a pause in bond yield increases–a rally that extended into Friday morning on an encouraging core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index report. (PCE is the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge.) But the rally faded as traders fixated on a potential government shutdown.
Mixed Economic Signals
Amid recent signs of a labor market cooling (a hopeful sign for ending rate hikes), last Thursday’s initial jobless claims report showed only a slight increase of 204,000. That was the second-lowest reading since January and below economists’ expectations of 215,000. Continuing claims declined by 12,000.5
That same morning, the final estimate of second-quarter GDP was released, indicating a 2.1 annualized growth rate–unchanged from the previous estimate. However, beneath the headline number, consumer spending was cut to a 0.8 percent rise from its earlier estimate of 1.7 percent–a worrisome revision since consumer spending is the engine of the U.S. economy.6
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Index.
Tuesday: Job Openings and Turnover Survey (JOLTS).
Wednesday: Automated Data Processing (ADP) Employment Report. Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Services Index.
Thursday: Jobless Claims.
Friday: Employment Situation.
Source: Econoday, September 29, 2023
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
Thursday: Constellation Brands, Inc. (STZ)
Source: Zacks, September 29, 2023
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.
HCM-BuyLine® Unwavering Despite Headline-Induced Volatility
Last week was a central bank-intensive week, with policy decisions coming from major central banks including the Fed, Bank of England, and Bank of Japan. Volatility was primarily centralized around Wednesday’s FOMC decision, with the S&P 500 falling 2.8% and US 10-Year surging since then, as markets digested a...[READ MORE]7
This communication is issued by Howard Capital Management, Inc. It is for informational purposes and is not an official confirmation of terms. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, nor is it a complete statement of the financial products or markets referred to. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice.
Who Can Deduct Car Expenses on Their Tax Returns?
Can you deduct expenses such as gas, depreciation, and lease payments on your tax returns? If you are a business owner or self-employed individual, you may be able to. If you use your car for business and personal purposes, you will want to base any deductions on the mileage used for business.
There are two ways to calculate the car expenses you can deduct. The first method calculates and deducts expenses, including depreciation, lease payments, gas and oil, tires, repairs and tune-ups, insurance, and registration fees.
The second is to use the standard mileage rate, which is a rate calculated to represent gas and some of the above factors. In 2023, the standard mileage rate is 65.5 cents per mile. Taxpayers who want to use the standard mileage rate for a car they own must use this method in the first year the vehicle is available for use in their business.8
*This information is not intended to substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.
What Are Essential Oils?
You've likely heard about the many potential benefits of essential oils, but what exactly are essential oils?
Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants, obtained through distillation or cold pressing. The best essential oils are pure, with no other chemicals added. In addition to using essential oils in a diffuser as aromatherapy, you can apply them topically. Inhaling the aromas from essential oils may stimulate areas of your limbic system, a part of your brain that plays a role in emotions, behaviors, sense of smell, and long-term memory.9
Chai-Spiced Sweet Potato Pancakes
Servings: 8
PREP TIME: 10 mins | COOK TIME: 10 mins | TOTAL TIME: 20 mins
These easy, healthy sweet potato pancakes are the perfect way to use up leftover sweet potato and make the best fall breakfast!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- pinch of cloves
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, plus more if necessary
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or sub melted butter)
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup mashed, cooked sweet potato (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and spices. In a medium bowl, combine almond milk, egg, oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and mashed sweet potato until smooth. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Batter will be thick, however if it is way too thick add in a tablespoon or two of milk.
- Lightly coat a large nonstick skillet or griddle with olive oil and heat over medium. After a minute or two, drop batter by 1/4 cup onto skillet. Cook until bubbles appear on top, about 2 minutes. Flip cakes and cook until golden brown on underside, 2 minutes. Wipe skillet clean and repeat with more oil and remaining batter. You may need to reduce heat to medium low on the pan to prevent burning. I usually do this after my first batch. Makes 8 pancakes, 2 pancakes each.
Footnotes and Sources
1. The Wall Street Journal, September 29, 2023
2. The Wall Street Journal, September 29, 2023
3. The Wall Street Journal, September 29, 2023
4. CNBC, September 26, 2023
5. FX Street, September 28, 2023
6. MarketWatch, September 28, 2023
7. howardcm.com, September 26, 2023
8. IRS.gov, April 6, 2023
9. Healthline April 24, 2023
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.
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 the named representative, financial professional, Registered Investment Advisor, Broker-Dealer, 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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