Stock prices retreated last week as global central banks joined the Federal Reserve in taking steps to tighten monetary policy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.68%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 1.94%. The Nasdaq Composite index tumbled 2.95% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, managed a gain of 0.47%.1,2,3 |
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From Uncertain to UnsettledStocks weakened ahead of Wednesday’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting as investors weighed how aggressive the Fed might be in reversing its easy-money policies. Investor sentiment was further dented by disappointing economic data. Retail sales fell short of expectations and a year-over-year jump of 9.6% in producer prices reflected price pressures that may translate into higher future consumer prices. It was the highest percentage increase since records started in 2010.4 The market initially responded well to the FOMC announcement on Wednesday afternoon, but became unsettled into Thursday and Friday over a tighter monetary policy and Omicron concerns. A New Fed NarrativeAfter the FOMC meeting, the Fed announced a plan to quicken the tapering of its monthly bond purchases. It plans to double the rate from $15 billion a month (announced in November) to $30 billion a month, effectively putting an end to asset purchases by March 2022. The Fed also signaled that as many as three rate hikes may be coming in 2022.5 The Fed cited elevated inflation and an improved labor market as justification for the pivot from its pandemic-related, easy-money policies. Reflecting the persistence of higher-than-anticipated inflation, the Fed raised its previous inflation estimates for this year and 2022.6 Final NoteOur weekly market commentary will not be published next week. We want to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a very happy and prosperous new year! This Week: Key Economic DataMonday: Index of Leading Economic Indicators. FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) Announcement. Wednesday: GDP (Gross Domestic Product). Consumer Confidence. Existing Home Sales. Thursday: Durable Goods Orders. Jobless Claims. New Home Sales. Consumer Sentiment. Source: Econoday, December 17, 2021 This Week: Companies Reporting EarningsMonday: Micron Technology, Inc. (MU), Nike, Inc. (NKE). Tuesday: General Mills, Inc. (GIS). Wednesday: Cintas Corporation (CTAS), Paychex, Inc. (PAYX). Source: Zacks, December 17, 2021 |
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“Keep your thoughts free from hate, and you need have no fear from those who hate you.” – George Washington Carver |
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Is Your Office in a Historic Building? You May Be Eligible for a Tax CreditIn an effort to protect heritage sites and other history, the IRS implemented its rehabilitation tax credit, which offers an incentive to renovate and restore old or historic buildings. Here are some of the highlights to help you determine whether your building is eligible:
Although this credit might not move the needle a significant amount in a lot of situations, it’s still a step in the right direction in trying to preserve our country’s history. * 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 |
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Neck and Shoulder Stretches for Desk PotatoesMany of us sit at a desk for hours a day and stare at a screen. These easy desk stretches can help:
Tip adapted from Healthline8 |
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Tim hands a friend $63 using six bills, none of which are dollar bills. How is he able to do this? Last week’s riddle: I never ask you questions, yet you answer me all the time. What am I? Answer: A phone. |
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Dawn meets the Aurora Borealis in Arctic village, Lofoten archipelago, Norway. |
Footnotes and Sources
2. The Wall Street Journal, December 17, 2021 3. The Wall Street Journal, December 17, 2021 4. The Wall Street Journal, December 14, 2021 5. The Wall Street Journal, December 15, 2021 6. The Wall Street Journal, December 15, 2021 7. IRS.gov, January 22, 2021 8. Healthline, June 24, 2021 |
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Weekly Market Insights: Fed Tightens Money Policy
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