Stocks ended the week roughly where they began as investors digested a mixed set of new economic data.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.12%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.16%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 0.39% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 1.23%.1,2,3
Stocks Struggle for Direction
Stocks traded around the flatline without any catalyst in either direction. On Thursday, investors welcomed the European Central Bank, signaling its rate-hiking campaign may be nearing its conclusion and a successful IPO that revived optimism in the capital markets. Investors also cheered a stronger-than-forecast retail sales report and a modest increase in core producer prices, overlooking a higher-than-expected headline number.
But sentiment quickly reversed on Friday as a drop in consumer confidence, troubling news in the semiconductor space, and a labor strike at the nation’s major automakers dented Thursday’s optimism, sending major averages to a mixed close for the week.
Inflation Progress Stalls
Surging gasoline prices drove August’s inflation rate to its highest monthly rate this year, rising 0.6%, while the year-over-year Consumer Price Index posted a 3.7% increase, up from July’s 3.2% annual rate. Core inflation (excludes energy and food) was more encouraging, rising 4.3%-- down from July’s reading of 4.7%.4
Producer prices also came in higher than expected, rising 0.7% in August, above the estimate of a 0.4% increase and the biggest monthly gain since June 2022. The year-over-year increase was a more modest 1.6%. Gasoline prices significantly contributed to the month’s jump; excluding food and energy, prices aligned with forecasts, ticking up 0.2% in August.5
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Housing Starts.
Wednesday: FOMC Announcement.
Thursday: Jobless Claims. Existing Home Sales. Index of Leading Economic Indicators.
Friday: Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) Composite Flash.
Source: Econoday, September 15, 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: AutoZone, Inc. (AZO)
Wednesday: FedEx Corporation (FDX), General Mills, Inc. (GIS)
Thursday: Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI)
Source: Zacks, September 15, 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.
Vance Howard on CNBC Worldwide Exchange
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.
How to Apply for Tax-Exempt Status for Organizations
If an organization wants to apply for tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3), it starts by filling out a Form 1023-series application. They must submit a complete application as well as the user fee. To complete the application, the organization also needs its employer identification number. Generally, an organization that is required to apply for the recognition of exemption must notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) within 27 months of the date of formation.
Some organizations (including churches or public charities whose annual gross receipts are less than $5,000) may not need to apply for 501(c)(3) status to be tax-exempt. When the IRS determines an organization qualifies for exemption under Section 501(c)(3), it will also be classified as a foundation unless it meets the requirements to be a public charity.7
*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.
Health Supplements: Are They Worth the Hype?
Over-the-counter brain health supplements claim to improve memory and promise enhanced memory and sharper attention and focus. Unfortunately, the FDA doesn't oversee product testing or ingredient accuracy but instead looks for supplements that make health claims related to treating specific diseases. Because of this, a brain health supplement could claim that it helps with mental alertness or memory loss.
Most brain health supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil. Rather than choosing a supplement, some health professionals recommend eating a healthy diet full of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals instead. Also, exercising your brain like any other muscle may help with memory. Learning something new is a great way to keep your brain moving.8
Pear, Walnut & Cheddar Puff Pastry Tart
Servings: 9
PREP TIME: 15 mins | COOK TIME: 25 mins | TOTAL TIME: 40 mins
Gorgeous pear puff pastry tart with spicy cheddar cheese, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of honey.
Ingredients:
- 1 (9x13) sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 8 ounces shredded spicy cheddar
- 2-3 ripe Bartlett pears (make sure they aren’t too ripe!), sliced
- 1 egg
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the sheet of puff pastry on the prepared baking sheet and poke with a fork a few times all over.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the puff pastry, leaving a 1 inch layer on the sides. Add on the sliced pears.
- In a small bowl, mix together the egg with a fork and use a pastry brush to brush on the edges of the puff pastry crust. This will help to create a nice golden brown crust when baked.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is deeply golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and drizzle with honey, sprinkle with walnuts and a little flaky sea salt. Use the parchment paper to transfer the tart to a cutting board. Cut into 9 large squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes: Store any leftover tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven until heated through.
Footnotes and Sources
1. The Wall Street Journal, September 15, 2023.
2. The Wall Street Journal, September 15, 2023.
3. The Wall Street Journal, September 15, 2023.
4. The Wall Street Journal, September 13, 2023.
5. CNBC, September 14, 2023.
6. howardcm.com, September 11, 2023.
7. IRS.gov, January 31, 2023.
8. Harvard Medical School, August 8, 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.
Copyright 2023 FMG Suite.
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. Howard Capital Management, Inc. may maintain long or short positions in the financial instruments referred to and may transact in them as principal or agent. Unless stated specifically otherwise, this is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell and any prices or quotations contained herein are indicative only. To the extent permitted by law, Howard Capital Management, Inc. does not accept any liability arising from the use of this communication. Howard Capital Management is an SEC-registered investment advisor which only does business where it is properly registered or is otherwise exempt from registration. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission nor does it indicate that the advisor has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.HCM-022223-WW05 (02/2023)