Mixed Feelings and Mixed Earnings

Stocks drifted lower as a week of mixed earnings reports and resurgent worries over Fed monetary policy dragged on investor sentiment. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.17%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 1.11%. The Nasdaq Composite index lost 2.41%. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, dipped 0.30%.^1,2,3

Rally Stalls

Stocks struggled last week, weighed down by rising bond yields, a firming U.S. dollar, geopolitical tensions, and generally unimpressive corporate earnings reports. Perhaps the most consequential overhang was the potential direction of monetary policy.

Initially, traders were relieved by comments made by Fed Chair Jerome Powell earlier in the week that he had not struck a more aggressive tone following the strong employment report released after the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. The relief was short-lived, however, as anxieties over future monetary policy resurfaced, exacerbated by comments by one Fed governor who suggested restrictive monetary policy would be necessary for a few years to tamp down inflation.

Powell Repeats Himself

Investors were particularly eager on Tuesday to hear Powell’s first comments following the strong employment report the previous Friday. The concern was that the surprise job number would change Powell’s outlook coming out of the last FOMC meeting.

Powell instead repeated his post-FOMC meeting remarks, which were that a disinflationary trend was underway, and there remained a distance to travel before the measures taken tamed inflation. The Fed would be data-dependent in making future rate decisions. Powell also pointed out that the robust job growth showed why it might take so long to reduce inflation to the Fed’s target level.⁴ 

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Wednesday: Retail Sales.

Thursday: Jobless Claims. Producer Price Index (PPI). Housing Starts.

Friday: Index of Leading Economic Indicators.  

_{^{Source: Econoday, February 10, 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

Tuesday:  The CocaCola Company (KO), Zoetis, Inc. (ZTS), Marriott International, Inc. (MAR).

Wednesday: Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO), Shopify, Inc. (SHOP), Albemarle Corporation (ALB).

Thursday: Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT), The Southern Company (SO).

Friday: Deere & Company (DE).

_{^{Source: Zacks, February 10, 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.}}

The Two Types of IRS Volunteer Programs

Every year, IRS-certified volunteers help people file their tax returns accurately. This volunteer opportunity is perfect for people who want to learn more about tax preparation, need to earn continuing education credits, or want to give back to their community. 

The IRS offers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program (TCE). VITA offers free help to people who generally earn $60,000 or less, people with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. TCE is mainly for people aged 60 or older. Although the program focuses on tax issues unique to seniors, most taxpayers can get free assistance.⁵

_{*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.} 

4 Potential Benefits of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is quite a robust plant! Not only is it safe to eat and used in many cosmetic products, but it also has many benefits that stem (pun intended) outside its typical uses. 

Here are four potential benefits of Aloe vera:

• One study found that Aloe vera is just as effective as mouthwash at reducing plaque.
• Aloe vera flower and leaf extracts may have antioxidant properties.
• Aloe vera may help lower blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes.
• Aloe may help with burn wounds. Patients with burn wounds treated with Aloe vera healed significantly quicker compared to a group not treated with Aloe vera.

In addition to the above benefits, many people use Aloe vera to soothe sunburns, dry skin, and cuts.⁶

Orange PistachioCookies

Orange butter cookies topped with a sweet orange glaze and chopped pistachios. A great holiday or any day cookie!

Servings: 27

Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:  

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 cup chopped pistachios

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, add granulated sugar and orange zest. Rub the sugar and orange zest together with your fingers, until fragrant.
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar mixture together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
5. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
6. Slowly beat in flour mixture on low speed until blended. Drop dough by tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Gently flatten dough with the palm of your hand. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until cookies are just set and slightly golden brown. 
7. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 2 minutes and transfer to cooking racks. Cool completely. 
8. While the cookies are cooling, make the orange glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest. Dip each cookie top into the orange glaze. 
9. Sprinkle pistachios on top of each cookie. Let cookies sit until glaze has set.

Notes: cookies will keep in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days.