Strong Employment Reports

July 6, 2021

Strong employment reports and rising consumer confidence sent the stock market broadly higher last week.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.02%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 picked up 1.67%. The Nasdaq Composite index gained 1.94%. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, lost 1.42%.^1,2,3

Stocks Rally

Rising conviction in the economic recovery and waning inflation worries drove stock prices higher, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite racing to record closes to begin the week.

Amid the week-long march higher, market leadership changed hands throughout the five-trading days. The leadership baton alternated between the technology and high-growth companies, which responded to lower bond yields, and cyclical stocks, which rallied on higher oil prices and successful bank stress tests.

Economic news buoyed investor sentiment as consumer confidence rose and an improving labor market—weekly initial jobless claims came in at a pandemic-era low (364,000), while employers added 850,000 new jobs in June—sent the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite to new record highs to close out the week.^4,5

A Confident Consumer

Market sentiment was lifted by a rise in The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index, which reached its highest level since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. This was the fourth-straight month of increases in consumer-confidence levels.⁶

The consumer outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions over the short-term improved markedly. Interestingly, consumer confidence and buying intentions appear largely unaffected by the possibility of rising inflation. In fact, the survey showed a rise in the number of consumers expecting to purchase homes, automobiles, or home appliances. Vacation intentions also rose.⁶

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: ISM (Institute of Supply Management) Services Index.

Wednesday: JOLTS (Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey) Report. FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) minutes.

Thursday: Jobless Claims.

^{Source: Econoday, July 2, 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

Thursday: Helen of Troy Limited (HELE), Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI).

^{Source: Zacks, July 2, 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

"The HCM-BuyLine® is positive, but we are a bit overbought and a pullback is warranted. If we do get some selling, this could be another buying opportunity." ⁹

-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.} 

When Was the Last Time You Checked Your Withholding Status?

Most people check their withholding status at the end of the year or as filing season arrives, but the middle of the year is just as good of a time as any to double-check your withholding status and make sure it's accurate. The IRS has a handy tool called the Tax Withholding Estimator, which can help you avoid having too much or too little tax withheld from your wages.

The tool can also help you determine if you need to fill out a new W-4 to submit to your employer, complete a new W-4P, or make additional payments to the IRS. It does this by estimating your annual income, how many children you are claiming for the child tax credit and earned income tax credit, and other items that may affect your taxes for the year.

Before using the Tax Withholding Estimator, gather all necessary documents. This includes your W-2 from your employer, any 1099 forms you have from banks and other payers, and any other forms you need. Gathering as much information as possible will help because the estimator will only be as accurate as the information you enter.

* 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.

Tip adapted from IRS.gov⁷

Strength Training Strategies for Every Level

If you want to build muscle mass, sometimes the best strategies are the simplest ones. For example, getting great at the "big four" exercises can help you build a strong (literally) foundation. These four moves are the squat, deadlift, bench press, and shoulder press. With these simple movements, you can work some of your body's major muscle groups.

Another strategy is to mainly stick with dumbbells and barbells. Sure, all the fancy machines in the gym look fun and enticing, but to master the foundational movements with free weights is a skill in itself. Free weight and bodyweight training are some of the most effective exercises and they're also the simplest.

Lastly, maintain a log and track your progress. Even doing one more rep or lifting 5 more pounds counts as progress. These achievements will keep you motivated and will make it easier to track your progress as you get stronger.

Tip adapted from Men's Journal⁸

Stuffed Zucchini

4 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 3 zucchini
• 1 pound pork sausage
• 1 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 (32 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Trim stems from zucchini and slice lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and put in a bowl. Mix seeds with sausage, garlic, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Stuff squash with sausage mixture and place in a 9x13 inch baking pan. Pour spaghetti sauce over the top and cover the pan with foil.
3. Bake in preheated oven until sausage is browned and cooked through, about 45 minutes. Remove foil and cover with mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven and cook until cheese is melted, about 15 minutes more. ¹⁰

Footnotes and Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, July 2, 2021}

^{2. The Wall Street Journal, July 2, 2021}

^{3. The Wall Street Journal, July 2, 2021}

^{4. The Wall Street Journal, July 2, 2021}

^{5. CNBC, July 2, 2021}

^{6. The Conference Board, June 29, 2021}

^{7. IRS.gov, February 1, 2021}

^{8. Mensjournal.com, 2021}

^{9. Howardcm.com , July 1, 2021}

^{10. 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.}