Week of 11/9/2022

The late-season emergence of Tropical Storm Nicole is a great example of the kind of unexpected challenges that we often face in life. We hope that you and your families will avoid harm from this storm. We don’t anticipate interruptions to service, but in the event the storm requires office closure, we will be working remotely and will be able to review phone messages and email and respond to your needs. If we lose power or internet access locally, urgent requests can be directed to Commonwealth by calling their Service Center at 800-251-0080 and selecting option 2. Even if working remotely, we will have access to all necessary information and documents so that we can continue to provide a high level of service.

The midterm elections are over. Review last weeks “Ask the Joes® (& Cale)” for thoughts on their probable effect on the market and this post from Brad McMillan. Are you watching Andor on Disney+ yet? It’s one of our favorites this year, a really good tv show that just happens to take place in the Star Wars universe. $3 billion of stolen bitcoin was found hidden in a popcorn tin in the alleged thief’s home. He is said to have stolen it in 2012, when it was a much less valuable commodity.* Do you remember when Congress was poised to eliminate the seasonal time change? That initiative has stalled, showing how even simple-seeming issues can find major roadblocks.

*This article is intended strictly for educational/informational purposes and is not a recommendation for or against cryptocurrency.

Q: The market has improved, and I don’t hear as much recession talk- what’s going on? A: A strong job market continues to defy expectations of a major economic slowdown. Employment data signals strong labor demand, implying continued economic activity and support for corporate earnings. Wage growth is still high, but lower than it has been. There is a down trend in hiring, with fewer job openings, but there also remains a shortage of workers for the jobs available. All of this means that a recession is not a foregone conclusion, notwithstanding contractions in gross domestic product in the first 2 quarters of 2022. No longer a hot jobs market, it is warm enough to support economic activity but not so hot that it will give the Federal Reserve great concern.

‌ ‌ ‌ Advisory Services offered through Lowry Financial Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Securities and additional advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Advisory services offered through Lowry Financial Advisors, Inc, are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth. Lowry Financial Advisors, Inc. is located at 12921 SW 1st Rd, Suite 215, Tioga, FL 32669. 352-333-7990 Lowry Financial Advisors is the only advisory firm that helps its clients reach their goals through The Achieving Simplicity® Experience™, providing clarity and confidence in their personal and financial lives.