A record-high inflation report, the prospects of a more aggressive Fed, and growing recession fears sent stocks lower– though losses were pared by a Friday rally.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 0.93%. The Nasdaq Composite index dropped 1.57% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, lost 3.49%.1,2,3
Stocks Slide
As the week opened, recession fears intensified with reports of renewed Covid-related lockdowns in China. Also, the U.S. dollar continued to climb, reflecting global economic weakness.
June's consumer price index report showed price increases accelerating. Year-over-year prices jumped 9.1%, the fastest pace in over 40 years. Speculation grew that the Federal Reserve might contemplate a 100 basis point increase in short-term rates later this month, rather than the 75 basis point hike it earlier signaled. The market rebounded on Friday following comments by an Federal Open Market Committee member who said he favoring a 75 basis point hike. Also helping the Friday rally was a strong retail sales report and additional second-quarter company reports.4
Dollar Strength
The increasing strength of the U.S. dollar moved to center stage last week as the dollar index (a measure of the U.S. dollar to six other major currencies) reached a fresh high, while the euro fell to parity with the dollar and to its lowest level since 2002.5
A rising U.S dollar hurts overseas profits when converted into dollars and it also makes U.S. products and services more expensive. It’s a challenge for large, multinational companies that derive a portion of their earnings from overseas markets. Greater insight into the extent of that impact may be gained as companies provide forward guidance with their upcoming reports.
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Housing Starts.
Wednesday: Existing Home Sales.
Thursday: Jobless Claims. Index of Leading Economic Indicators.
Friday: Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) Composite Flash.
Source: Econoday, July 15, 2022
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: Bank of America (BAC), International Business Machines (IBM), The Goldman Sachs Group (GS), The Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW)
Tuesday: Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT)
Wednesday: Tesla, Inc. (TSLA), Abbott Laboratories (ABT), CSX Corporation (CSX), United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL)
Thursday: AT&T, Inc. (T), Snap, Inc. (SNAP), Blackstone, Inc. (BX), American Airlines Group, Inc. (AAL), Union Pacific Corporation (UNP), D.R. Horton, Inc. (DHI)
Friday: Verizon Communications, Inc. (VZ), Schlumberger Limited (SLB), American Express Company (AXP), NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE), PPG Industries, Inc. (PPG)
Source: Zacks, July 15, 2022
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.
Wealth Watch: 3-Step Plan for Peace of Mind While Inflation and Recession Fears Grow
The inflation number yesterday was very hot up to 9.1, which is disturbing to say the least. Is inflation priced into the price of stocks and bonds? My answer is probably yes. BUT, what is not factored...[READ MORE] 6
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.
Recovering Documents Following a Natural Disaster
If you live in an area that’s prone to natural disasters, it’s important to be prepared by knowing how to manage your important documents and paperwork, and by knowing what to do if those materials are lost. Here are some tips from the IRS:
- Contact the IRS or go online and search their database for help in reconstructing records after a natural disaster or casualty loss.
- Download Publication 584, Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook to figure out your loss on business and income-producing properties in the event of a natural disaster.
- Read Publication 3067, IRS Disaster Assistance - Federally Declared Disaster for information about how federally declared disasters affect individuals and business owners. This document also covers the assistance available to victims.7
* 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.
Everything You Need to Know About Walking Meditation
You’ve likely heard about sitting meditation, where you’re encouraged to find a comfortable place to sit or lay down, but have you ever heard of walking meditation?
Walking meditation follows similar principles to sitting or lying meditation, but instead of staying in the same place, you direct your focus to your footsteps and the experience of walking. The goal is to be mindful of every step and experience something that we usually do automatically. You can focus on the mechanics of each step, your breathing, or the sights and smells on your walk. And you don’t have to walk far to enjoy the benefits! A quick, 10-minute walk will leave you more focused, mindful, and centered.8
Cheesy Baked Egg Crepes with Spring Herbs and Avocado
Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 crepes
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, thinly sliced into 4 pats
- kosher salt and pepper
- 4 eggs
- 4 slices thin prosciutto
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, roughly chopped
- 1/4 fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Grease a baking sheet with olive oil or butter.
- Place the crepes on the prepared baking sheet. Evenly sprinkle each crepe with cheese and spinach. Add a slice of butter and season with salt and pepper. Add the prosciutto and then crack an egg into the center of each crepe. Fold the edges of the crepe up towards the center to enclose the fillings.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the eggs are set. Remove from the oven and top with dill, basil, and chives. Drizzle each lightly with olive oil and season with pepper flakes and salt. Add avocado to each. Enjoy!
Footnotes and Sources
1. The Wall Street Journal, July 15, 2022
2. The Wall Street Journal, July 15, 2022
3. The Wall Street Journal, July 15, 2022
4. The Wall Street Journal, July 13, 2022
5. CNBC, July 11, 2022
6. howardcm.com, June 15, 2022
7. IRS.gov, May 16, 2022
8. Berkeley.edu, May 26, 2022
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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