Growing concerns about further interest rate hikes, prompted by fresh economic data, reversed early-week gains and left stocks mixed for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.13%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 0.28%. The Nasdaq Composite index advanced 0.59% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, gained 0.52%.1,2,3 |
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Rate Concerns Weigh on StocksStocks opened last week higher on investor hopes that a continued cooling in inflation might support a more dovish Fed. A higher-than-expected rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and strong retail sales in January initially did little to dent that enthusiasm, as stocks posted solid gains through Wednesday’s close. But that optimism faded on Thursday as a surprising rise in producer prices and another decline in initial jobless claims triggered worries the Fed would stay the course for longer. Comments from two Fed officials supporting a more aggressive rate hike stance added to the unease, erasing much of the week’s gains. Stocks ended mixed on Friday, capping a choppy week. Inflation Moderation PausesConsumer prices climbed 0.5% in January, fueled by rising shelter costs and energy prices. The increase in the CPI was higher than the 0.1% rise in December and slightly above the consensus estimates of 0.4%. The year-over-year inflation number (6.4%) came in lower than December’s 12-month rise of 6.5%, making it the seventh consecutive month of declining year-over-year inflation.4 January’s product price report showed a surprise 0.7% increase, higher than the 0.4% rise expected by economists and the biggest jump since June. Year-over year, producer prices rose 6.0%, a slight improvement from December’s number.5 This Week: Key Economic DataTuesday: Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) Flash. Existing Home Sales. Wednesday: FOMC Minutes. Thursday: Jobless Claims. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Friday: New Home Sales. Consumer Sentiment. Source: Econoday, February 17, 2023 This Week: Companies Reporting EarningsTuesday: Walmart, Inc. (WMT), The Home Depot, Inc. (HD), Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW). Wednesday: eBay, Inc. (EBAY), The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX), Nvidia Corporation (NVDA), Diamondback Energy, Inc. (FANG). Thursday: Block, Inc. (SQ), Pioneer Natural Resources Company (PXD). Friday: EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG). Source: Zacks, February 17, 2023 |
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"Women, we naturally want to be the best…And I can’t be mad at the next girl for wanting to be the best! Why would I get mad at you for saying you the baddest? Why can’t we both agree that we bad, and that just be that?" – Megan Thee Stallion (Megan Jovon Ruth Pete) |
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How Qualified Charitable Distributions Can Help Reduce Your Tax BurdenGenerally, distributions from a traditional Individual Retirement Account are taxable in the year the account owner receives them. But, a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) is one exception to this rule. A QCD is a nontaxable distribution made directly by the trustee of an IRA to organizations that are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. Of course, the main benefit of giving to a charitable organization is making a difference. Yet some tax benefits reward the philanthropic. Making a QCD can help you reduce your taxable income while supporting qualifying charitable organizations. *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.gov6 |
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What are Polyphenols?If you’ve researched whole foods much, you’ve likely come across the term “polyphenols.” But what are polyphenols, and why are they important? Polyphenols are a category of plant compounds that act as antioxidants, which can neutralize harmful free radicals. Because of this, polyphenols may offer various health benefits, from boosting brain health and digestion to protecting against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers. There are many sources of polyphenols, such as:
Tip adapted from WebMD7 |
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Four grown men decided to play on the sidewalk for three hours. No one chided them for childish or immature behavior; many appreciated the noise they made. They even went home a bit richer. What were these men doing? Last week’s riddle: They have no bodies, but you could say they have tails and heads. What are they? Answer: Coins. |
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Breaching Humpback whales, Monterey, California |
Footnotes and Sources
2. The Wall Street Journal, February 17, 2023 3. The Wall Street Journal, February 17, 2023 4. The Wall Street Journal, February 14, 2023 5. CNBC, February 16, 2023 6. IRS.gov, 2023 7. WebMD.com, November 23, 2022 |
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Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Results As Interest Rate Concerns Grow
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February 20, 2023