Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Lackluster Despite Positive Outlook

Stocks weakened ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting and amid persistent concerns about the Delta variant’s impact on the economy. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (-0.07%), while the Standard &...

Market Insights

Stocks weakened ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting and amid persistent concerns about the Delta variant’s impact on the economy.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (-0.07%), while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 0.57%. The Nasdaq Composite index lost 0.47% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, dropped 0.65%.^1,2,3

Stocks Struggle

Despite a string of economic reports painting a healthy picture of the U.S. economy, investor sentiment remained cautious. While tamer inflation and higher-than-expected retail sales may typically be constructive for the market, any investor enthusiasm it generated was fleeting.

The market appeared all week to be encumbered by a tentative, apprehensive mood. The Delta variant remained an overhang, but it was more than that. Investors appeared concerned about September, which historically has been a weak month for stock prices. The market also was concerned about fiscal and tax policy proposals emanating from Washington D.C., news of an economic slowdown in China, and by what the Fed may announce following its September 21-22 Federal Open Market Committee meeting.

Taking the Economic Pulse

A series of economic reports released last week provided investors with a broad snapshot of the state of the economic recovery.

Inflation showed signs of moderating, rising 0.3%—an elevated rate, but well below June and July’s increases of 0.9% and 0.5%, respectively. The consumer remained strong as retail sales rose 0.7%, an unexpected jump. Manufacturing reached pre-pandemic, while the labor market continued its recovery, with initial jobless claims coming in near pandemic lows and continuing claims hitting a new pandemic low.^4,5,6,7

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: Housing Starts.

Wednesday: Existing Home Sales. FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) Announcement.

Thursday: Jobless Claims. Index of Leading Economic Indicators. PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) Composite Flash.

Friday: New Home Sales.

^{Source: Econoday, September 17, 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

Tuesday: Adobe, Inc. (ADBE), Fedex Corporation (FDX), Autozone, Inc. (AZO).

Wednesday: General Mills (GIS).

Thursday: Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST), Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI), Trip.com Group (TCOM).

^{Source: Zacks, September 17, 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.}

“A person is a person because he recognizes others as persons.”

– Desmond Tutu

Add Social Security Numbers of Your Dependents on Your Return

Make certain to add the Social Security Numbers for your children and other dependents on your return. Otherwise, the IRS might deny any dependent credits that you might be due, including the Child Tax Credit. If you don’t have the number you need by the tax filing deadline, the IRS suggests filing for an extension rather than sending in a return without a Social Security number.

* 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.gov⁸

4 Potential Health Benefits of Coffee

Coffee may help you live longer: Recent studies found that coffee drinkers are less likely to die from some of the leading causes of death, including coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease.
Your liver may thank you: Research shows that coffee drinkers are more likely to have liver enzyme levels within a healthy range than people who don't drink coffee.
You may decrease your risk of getting Alzheimer's disease: The caffeine in two cups of coffee may protect against developing the condition. Researchers found that women aged 65 and older who drank two to three cups of coffee a day were less likely to develop dementia in general.
Your body may process glucose better: Studies found that people who drink more coffee are less likely to get type 2 diabetes.

Tip adapted from John Hopkins Medicine⁹