Solid Gains
Stocks rallied on renewed confidence in the economic recovery, lower inflation worries, and rising comfort with Fed officials talking about the potential for easing of its monthly bond purchases. Technology, communication services, and reopening stocks were among the market leaders.
Investor sentiment was buoyed late in the week by an encouraging jobless claims number and the unveiling of a Republican infrastructure proposal. A somewhat hotter-than-expected inflation indicator on Friday did nothing to dampen optimism as stocks added to their gains ahead of the three-day Memorial Day weekend.4,5
Jobless Claims Reach Pandemic Lows
In a sign of further recovery in the labor market, the number of initial jobless claims fell to a pandemic low, continuing the downward trend in worker layoffs. New jobless claims totaled 406,000 for the week, well below the pandemic high of nearly 1.5 million, though still above the 2019 weekly average of 218,000.5
Final Thoughts
The history of Memorial Day extends back to the Civil War when it was referred to as Decoration Day. We join all Americans in honoring those who died in the performance of their military service to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. These were remarkably brave men and women whose sacrifice will never be forgotten.
This Week: Key Economic Data
Tuesday: Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Index.
Wednesday: Automated Data Processing (ADP) Employment Report.
Thursday: Jobless Claims. Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Services Index.
Friday: Employment Situation. Factory Orders.
Source: Econoday, May 28, 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: Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (ZM).
Wednesday: Splunk (SPLK).
Thursday: Lululemon Athletica (LULU), Broadcom (AVGO), Docusign, Inc. (DOCU), CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD).
Source: Zacks, May 28, 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.
Food for Thought
“Part of being a champ is acting like a champ.
You have to learn how to win and not run away when you lose.”
– Nancy Kerrigan
Tax Tip
Plan Ahead for Vacation Home Rentals
With summer just around the corner, many homeowners who own vacation rentals are preparing for the busy season. There's a lot to consider when looking at the tax situation of vacation home rentals.
If you receive money for the use of your primary residence, you may have to report this rental income on your tax return. This means that the "vacation home rental" classification can apply to you, even if you don't own multiple short-term rental properties. If the property is used as a home, the rental expense deduction is limited. In the case of a property used as a home, the rental expenses can't be more than the rent received on the property itself. If the home is rented out for less than 15 days during the year, the rental income may not need to be reported.
A vacation home is a house, apartment, condominium or other dwelling that you use to generate income, but you can also use as a residence during the year. For tax purposes, it's critical to divide the expenses of a property into personal and business purposes.
To report rental income and rental expenses, use Schedule E. In addition, rental income may also be subject to Net Investment Income Tax.
* 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
Healthy Living Tip
Taking Care of Your Mental Health
Taking care of your mental health is just as, if not more, important than taking care of your physical health. Your mental health influences how you communicate with others, perform at work, and feel about yourself.
Here are some tips to help you focus on your mental health and understand what you need to be the best version of yourself:
- Start your day with a cup of coffee or tea and just enjoy the warm drink without thinking of what's ahead.
- Set up a getaway, even if you don't go anywhere. It could even just be camping in your backyard.
- Think of something in your life you want to improve and figure out what you can do to take a step in the right direction.
- Learn something new, whether that's a recipe, a song, a poem, or a new skill.
- Show some love to someone in your life. Write a letter, send a text, give a loved one a phone call.
- Go off the grid and leave your smartphone home for a day (or a few hours).
Tip adapted from Mental Health America7
Weekly Riddle
What is placed on a table and cut, but never eaten?
Last week’s riddle: I am a word that signifies a wide natural area –
but remove my first letter, and you are left with a word
signifying a narrow urban corridor.
What word am I? Answer:
The word "valley." It becomes "alley" after "v" is removed.
Photo of the Week
Ban Ja Boh District, Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand.
