Delta Variant Concerns Markets

September 13, 2021

In a quiet week of news, stocks moved lower amid simmering concerns over the Delta variant’s effect on the progress of economic reopening.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.15%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 1.69%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 1.61% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, slipped 0.63%. ¹

Stocks Weaken

In a holiday-shortened week of trading, markets were choppy as investors grew cautious in the face of a potential Fed tapering decision later this month and the impact of Delta on the economic recovery.

What little news there was, it was decidedly mixed. Job growth showed real strength coming off a shaky employment report the previous Friday, while the Producer Price Index surged by 8.3% year-over-year, representing the largest annual increase since November 2010. The release reminded investors that inflation remained a market risk. Stocks tried to stage a rebound on Friday before sagging to close out the week.

Jobs Improvement

After a disappointing employment report, two labor market reports last week appeared to show that the labor market recovery appeared intact. The JOLTS report (Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey) showed 10.9 million open jobs, a number that exceeded the number of unemployed by more than two million. The rate of hiring, however, decelerated, perhaps explaining why the August employment report fell short of expectations. ²

A day later the weekly initial jobless claims fell to a new pandemic low of 310,000, coming in below its four-week moving average of 339,500. Continuing claims fell to their lowest level since March 14, 2020. ³

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: Consumer Price Index.

Wednesday: Industrial Production.

Thursday: Jobless Claims. Retail Sales.

Friday: Consumer Sentiment.

^{Source: Econoday, September 10, 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

Monday: Lennar Corporation (LEN).

^{Source: Zacks, September 10, 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

Vance Howard Featured in MarketWatch

Vance Howard was recently featured in a MarketWatch article by columnist, Michael Brush, to discuss his non-emotional, computer-based system and give his top picks for stocks and ETFs. Click below to read the full article*. ⁴

MARKETWATCH

^{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.} 

^{*Subscription may be required.}

Tax Resources for Military Members, Veterans, and Their Families

Tax Information for Members of the Military is on the main page on IRS.gov where people can go to find links to helpful info, resources, and services. The page includes resources and forms that both current and former military members, combat service, and disabled veterans might need.

Military members should check their eligibility for military tax benefits because their military status can affect whether they are eligible for certain benefits. 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.}

Being SMART About Fitness Goals

Instead of simply saying you’re going to “exercise more,” state a SMART exercise goal. SMART stands for:

Specific: State the objective you wish to meet as specifically as possible: “I am going to commit to doing a full-body video workout several times a week.”

Measurable: Identify quantifiable criteria to allow you to measure your progress: “I am going to do this workout three times a week for at least 30 minutes each time. I will track my progress in my workout journal.”

Attainable: Your goal should be ambitious, but not impossible: “I am committing to three times a week, not seven times a week, because it is realistic and achievable for me with my current schedule.”

Relevant: The goals you set need to align with your current circumstances and priorities: “I will do it to stay healthy and strong during these times and to feel less stressed.”

Time-bound: Allocate a specific time period for completing your goal: “I will commit to this plan for a month. In 30 days, I will have had 12 workouts and will reassess my goal after that.” ⁶

Pumpkin Baked Ziti with Sage Sausage

8 Servings

Total Time: 1 hr

INGREDIENTS

• 12 ounces ziti or rigatoni noodles, cooked to al dente
• 1 pound sage sausage (can substitute for sweet Italian)
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 sage leaves, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• pinch of cinnamon
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (like chardonnay)
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 15 oz can pumpkin puree
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350
2. Brown the sausage in a skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium high heat until the fat is rendered and the sausage is no longer pink. Transfer to a bowl and reserve.
3. In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and bay leaf. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the sage leaves, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt / pepper to taste. Cook one more minute.
4. Add the wine and cook until reduced by half. The heat should remain to medium high. Add the stock and stir in the pumpkin puree. Mix until everything is incorporated. The pumpkin will thicken the sauce.
5. Stir in the sausage and transfer to a large bowl with the pasta. Mix until combined.
6. Transfer back to your cast iron skillet (or a baking dish) and top with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-35 minutes until bubbly.
7. Garnish with sage and parsley. ⁷

Footnotes and Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, September 10, 2021}

^{2. CNBC, September 8, 2021}

^{3. CNBC, September 9, 2021}

^{4. Howardcm.com, September 9, 2021}

^{5.  IRS.gov, October 19, 2020}

^{6. Sharp.com, September 9, 2020}

^{7. vodkaandbiscuits.com, October 5, 2015}

^{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.}