The stock market edged lower last week as it digested a crosscurrent of conflicting economic data and contrasting comments from Fed officials.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (-0.01%), while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined by 0.69%. The Nasdaq Composite index lost 1.57% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, fell 0.88%.1,2,3
Stocks Slip
Stocks took a spill after Fed officials' comments cast uncertainty about future rate hikes. The more hawkish comments soured investor hopes of an imminent easing in Fed rate hikes, a prospect that had helped fuel the market rally the previous week.
Concerns over the hawkish comments raised investor worries over recession risks, anxiety exacerbated by weak housing data and layoff announcements from major technology companies. The economic picture, however, included some encouraging news as retail sales rose and producer price increases moderated.
Producer Prices Ease
The Producer Price Index (PPI), which reflects the costs paid by domestic producers, seen as an indicator of future consumer prices, is not typically a market-moving event. That was not the case last week.
October's PPI rose a modest 0.2%, well below the 0.4% consensus estimate. The year-over-year increase moderated to 8.0%, compared to 8.4% in September and the peak of 11.7% in March. The eye-catching element may have been the 0.1% service decline, representing the first decline since November 2020. Excluding food and energy, the PPI was flat for the month and up 6.7% from a year ago.4
A Final Word
We wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving and express our gratitude for the privilege of working with you. Happy Thanksgiving!
This Week: Key Economic Data
Wednesday: Durable Goods Orders. Jobless Claims. Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) Composite. New Home Sales. Consumer Sentiment. FOMC Minutes.
Source: Econoday, November 18, 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: Dell Technologies, Inc. (DELL), Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (ZM).
Tuesday: Best Buy Co., Inc. (BBY), Dollar Tree, Inc. (DLTR), Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK), Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI).
Wednesday: Deere & Company (DE).
Source: Zacks, November 18, 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.
Intermediate-Term Optimism, Have We Turned The Corner?
The HCM-BuyLine® turned positive on a short-and-intermediate-term basis this week, which has prompted us to start taking some smaller positions and adding exposure to stocks. The long-term trend of the HCM-BuyLine® is still in a downtrend, but optimism has at least...[READ MORE]5
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.
What to Know About Nonemployee Compensation
If you hire an independent contractor for your business, you are generally not responsible for withholding income taxes, Social Security, or Medicare taxes from their compensation. However, by law, business taxpayers who pay nonemployee compensation of $600 or more must report these payments to the IRS.
You can report these payments using Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation. Generally, Form 1099-NEC is due by January 31. The compensation you report is subject to backup withholding if your business has not provided a Taxpayer Identification Number to the payer or the TIN doesn’t match. It’s important to be aware of this rule regarding nonemployee compensation because employees and contractors are taxed differently, but you need to note if your payments exceed the $600 limit.6
* 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.
How to Use Coffee Grounds in Your Garden
Not only does coffee give us the caffeine we need to power through the day, but it can also give your garden the boost it needs to grow and thrive! Coffee grounds can improve your soil, deter pests, and give your plants the necessary nutrients.
To add coffee grounds to your garden, you can add them to your existing compost material or directly to the soil itself. Coffee grounds are “green” composting materials that are rich in nitrogen. Because of this, ensure you balance your compost with brown materials such as newspaper, cardboard, or dead plant material.
If you add the grounds directly to the soil, sprinkle them evenly rather than dump them in piles so they can expel nitrogen into the soil.7
Spiced Persimmon Bourbon Old Fashioned
Servings: 1 drink
Time: 15 mins
Ingredients:
Spice Maple Persimmon Puree
- 2 ripe fuyu persimmons, chopped
- 1/2 cup real maple syrup
- 1 cinnamon stick, plus more for serving
Old Fashioned
2 ounces bourbon
1 ounce lemon juice
1 juice from clementine
1 dash orange bitters
1-2 tabelespoons persimmon puree
sparkling water, for topping
star anise, for serving (optional)
Directions:
- PERSIMMON PUREE: In a small pot, combine the persimmons, maple, 1/2 cup water, and 1 cinnamon stick. Set over medium heat and bring to a boil. Cook 5-8 minutes or until the persimmons are mushy and have released their juices. Remove from the heat. Remove the cinnamon stick and puree the mix. Let cool. The puree will keep for 1 week in the fridge.
- OLD FASHIONED: In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, clementine juice, orange bitters, and 1-2 tablespoons of the persimmon puree. Shake to combine.
- Strain into a glass. If desired top with sparkling water. Garnish with cinnamon and star anise.
Footnotes and Sources
1. The Wall Street Journal, November 18, 2022
2. The Wall Street Journal, November 18, 2022
3. The Wall Street Journal, November 18, 2022
4. CNBC, November 15, 2022
5. howardcm.com, November 17, 2022
6. IRS.gov, August 8, 20225. IRS.gov, August 8, 2022
7. The Spruce, February 22, 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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