Stocks Reach All-Time Highs

June 28, 2021

Stocks reached new all-time highs last week as markets staged a strong rebound from the previous week’s declines.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.44%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 2.74%. The Nasdaq Composite index increased 2.35%. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, gained 0.97%. ¹

Stocks Climb

Stocks rallied on the first day of trading last week and gained further momentum on Thursday and Friday. Despite some discouraging data on housing and initial jobless claims, stocks managed to set new highs, as investors cheered an agreement between President Biden and a group of senators that appeared to pave the way for the passage of a $1 trillion infrastructure bill. ²

Positive results from the Federal Reserve’s stress tests of banks, which raised the prospect of banks raising their dividend payouts and share buybacks, and a key inflation measure coming in at market expectations provided impetus for further gains. The S&P 500 had its best week since February and ended the five-trading days at a record high. ²

Housing Headwinds

Historically low mortgage rates, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a flush consumer have contributed to a very strong housing market in recent months. Last week’s housing data for May, however, showed that housing may be running into headwinds. The rising cost of materials and labor led to a 5.9% decline in new single home sales in May even as the median price hit an all-time high. ³

Meanwhile, sales of existing homes fell 0.9%, the fourth-straight month of declines, owing to a very low inventory. High demand, coupled with a depressed supply, led to a 23.6% increase in the median price of an existing home. ⁴

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: Consumer Confidence.

Wednesday: ADP (Automated Data Processing) Employment Report.

Thursday: Jobless Claims. ISM (Institute of Supply Management) Manufacturing Index.

Friday: Employment Situation Report. Factory Orders.

^{Source: Econoday, June 25, 2021
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

Wednesday: Micron Technology, Inc. (MU), Constellation Brands, Inc. (STZ), General Mills, Inc. (GIS).

Thursday: Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (WBA), McCormick & Company, Inc. (MKC).

^{Source: Zacks, June 25, 2021
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.}

FREE CHAIR YOGA!!!  Yes, that’s right…Free Chair Yoga offered weekly online.

Chair Yoga is a fantastic way for adults, especially older adults, to loosen and stretch painful muscles, lower stress and improve circulation. Just like a traditional yoga practice, chair yoga poses gives you all the health benefits to build strength and balance while reducing anxiety without having to worry about balancing on your head.   

We invite you (and friends) to join us Thursdays at 10:00 am (EST) as we go LIVE each week online through Zoom.

To register, click the link below. 

Breathe, Let go, Recharge.

PASSCODE: yoga

"One of the riskiest things anyone can do is not take risk...You have to take a risk in every aspect of your life if you are to have any success at all." ⁵

-Vance Howard

READ MORE HERE

^{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.} 

Tax Season May be Over, but the Taxpayer Bill of Rights Applies Year-Round

Even though filing season might be over for the majority of taxpayers, the IRS is available year-round for any questions you might have. They also have a Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which promises the level of service and information you will receive when working with the IRS.

Here are the 10 fundamental rights you have as a taxpayer when interacting with the IRS:

• The right to be informed: As a taxpayer, you have the right to know what is required to comply with tax laws.
  
• The right to quality service: You will receive prompt, courteous, and professional assistance.
  
• The right to pay no more than the correct amount of tax: You only pay what is legally due, including interest and penalties.
  
• The right to challenge the IRS' position and be heard: You have the right to object to IRS actions and provide further justification with documentation.
  
• The right to appeal an IRS decision in an independent forum: Taxpayers are entitled to a fair and impartial administrative appeal of most IRS decisions, including certain penalties.
  
• The right to finality: You have the right to know how much time you have to challenge an IRS position and how soon the IRS must audit your taxes.
  
• The right to privacy: All IRS inquiries, examinations, and enforcement won't be more intrusive than necessary.
  
• The right to confidentiality: Taxpayers have the right to expect that their tax information will remain confidential.
  
• The right to retain representation: Taxpayers have the right to retain an authorized representative of their choice to represent them in their interactions with the IRS.
  
• The right to a fair and just tax system: Taxpayers have the right to expect fairness from the tax system. This includes considering all facts and circumstances that might affect their liabilities, ability to pay or provide information in a timely fashion. 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.}

Tax Season May be Over, but the Taxpayer Bill of Rights Applies Year-Round

Even though filing season might be over for the majority of taxpayers, the IRS is available year-round for any questions you might have. They also have a Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which promises the level of service and information you will receive when working with the IRS.

Here are the 10 fundamental rights you have as a taxpayer when interacting with the IRS:

• The right to be informed: As a taxpayer, you have the right to know what is required to comply with tax laws.
  
• The right to quality service: You will receive prompt, courteous, and professional assistance.
  
• The right to pay no more than the correct amount of tax: You only pay what is legally due, including interest and penalties.
  
• The right to challenge the IRS' position and be heard: You have the right to object to IRS actions and provide further justification with documentation.
  
• The right to appeal an IRS decision in an independent forum: Taxpayers are entitled to a fair and impartial administrative appeal of most IRS decisions, including certain penalties.
  
• The right to finality: You have the right to know how much time you have to challenge an IRS position and how soon the IRS must audit your taxes.
  
• The right to privacy: All IRS inquiries, examinations, and enforcement won't be more intrusive than necessary.
  
• The right to confidentiality: Taxpayers have the right to expect that their tax information will remain confidential.
  
• The right to retain representation: Taxpayers have the right to retain an authorized representative of their choice to represent them in their interactions with the IRS.
  
• The right to a fair and just tax system: Taxpayers have the right to expect fairness from the tax system. This includes considering all facts and circumstances that might affect their liabilities, ability to pay or provide information in a timely fashion. 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.}

All American Trifle

15 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 3 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced 
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 quart heavy cream
• 1 (3.3 ounce) package instant white chocolate pudding mix
• 1 (6 ounce) container lemon yogurt
• 2 tablespoons coconut-flavored rum, or to taste, divided (Optional)
• 2 (16 ounce) prepared pound cakes, cubed
• 2 pints fresh blueberries, or as needed

DIRECTIONS

1. In a bowl, sprinkle the strawberries with sugar; stir to distribute the sugar, and set aside. Chill a large metal mixing bowl and beaters from an electric mixer.
2. Pour the cream into the chilled mixing bowl, and add white chocolate pudding mix, lemon yogurt, and about 1 tablespoon of coconut rum, if desired; beat until fluffy with an electric mixer set on Medium speed.
3. Spread a layer of pound cake cubes into the bottom of a glass 10x15-inch baking dish, and sprinkle the cubes with another tablespoon of coconut rum. Cover the pound cake with a layer of strawberries; sprinkle blueberries over the strawberries. Spread a thick layer of whipped cream over the berries. Repeat the layers several times, ending with a layer of strawberries sprinkled with blueberries and reserving about 1 cup of whipped cream; top the trifle with dollops of whipped cream to serve. Refrigerate leftovers. ⁸

Stay safe!

Footnotes and Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, June 25, 2021}

^{2. CNBC, June 23, 2021}

^{3. Fox Business, June 23, 2021}

^{4.  CNBC, June 22, 2021}

^{5.  Howardcm.com , June 9, 2021}

^{6.  IRS.gov, January 21, 2021}

^{7.  Healthline.com, June 28, 2019}

^{8.  Allrecipes.com} 

^{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 2021 FMG Suite.}