A Directionless Week
Despite continued better-than-expected corporate earnings, stocks retreated as concerns over rising global COVID-19 infections weighed on investor sentiment. A mid-week rally erased much of these losses, with reopening stocks and small cap companies leading the market.
The stock market resumed its decline in reaction to reports that President Biden supported a capital gains tax increase on wealthy Americans. The Biden news prompted worries that stocks could come under pressure this year if such an increase were to go into effect next year.
Solid economic reports, along with a reassessment of the capital gains news, helped stocks to bounce back and close out the week on a positive note.
Housing Shows Strength
Two housing market reports last week reflected strong consumer demand for homes.
Sales of new homes in March jumped by 20.7% from February and by more than 66% from last March, reaching levels not seen since 2006. All regions recorded double-digit gains, except for the West, which experienced a decline of 30%.4
Though existing home sales fell 3.7%, it wasn’t for lack of consumer interest, as evidenced by the 18-day average to sell a home. The decline was largely an issue of tight inventories. This demand/supply imbalance drove median home prices higher by 17.2% from March 2020 to $329,100.5
This Week: Key Economic Data
Monday: Durable Goods Orders.
Tuesday: Consumer Confidence.
Wednesday: Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Announcement.
Thursday: Jobless Claims. Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Source: Econoday, April 23, 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
Monday: Tesla, Inc. (TSLA).
Tuesday: Microsoft (MSFT), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), Visa (V), Alphabet, Inc. (GOOGL), Starbucks (SBUX), Amgen, Inc. (AMGN), Eli Lilly and Company (LLY), 3M Company (MMM), Texas Instruments (TXN), United Parcel Service (UPS), Mondelez International (MDLZ).
Wednesday: Apple, Inc. (AAPL), Facebook (FB), Boeing (BA), Ford Motor Company (F), Qualcomm (QCOM), Shopify, Inc. (SHOP), Servicenow, Inc. (NOW), Teladoc Health, Inc. (TDOC), Ebay (EBAY).
Thursday: Amazon.com (AMZN), Twitter, Inc. (TWTR), Mastercard (MA), Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY), Caterpillar, Inc. (CAT), Merck & Company (MRK), McDonald's Corporation (MCD), Comcast Corporation (CMCSA), American Tower Corporation (AMT).
Friday: Abbvie, Inc (ABBV), Chevron (CVX), Charter Communications (CHTR).
Source: Zacks, April 23, 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
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.”
– Helen Keller
Tax Tip
Do You Need to Report Cash Payments?
If you receive a cash payment that is more than $10,000, you may be required to report it to the IRS. In this case, a cash payment includes US or foreign currency and can also include cashier's checks, bank drafts, traveler's checks, or money orders.
In addition, cash payments to an individual can also include payments from companies, corporations, partnerships, associations, trusts, or estates. For example, this could include:
- Dealers of jewelry, furniture, boats, aircraft, automobiles, art, rugs, and antiques
- Pawnbrokers
- Attorneys
- Real estate brokers
- Insurance companies
- Travel agencies
This requirement refers to cash payments that are received as one lump sum, in two or more payments within 24 hours, as a single transaction within 12 months, or as part of two or more transactions within 12 months.
* 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
What Are Polyphenols?
You may have heard of polyphenols before as they're getting a lot of buzz in the health and wellness community. But what are they, and what are their benefits?
Polyphenols are a category of plant compounds that 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, including dark chocolate, tea, and dark berries. Even red wine may contain polyphenols. There are four main types of polyphenols:
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Flavonoids: Flavonoids account for around 60% of all polyphenols and can be found in foods like apples, onions, dark chocolate, and red cabbage.
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Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids account for about 30% of polyphenols and can be found in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and seeds.
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Polyphenolic amides: Polyphenolic amides can be found in chili peppers and oats.
Other polyphenols can be found in red wine, berries, turmeric, flax seeds, sesame seeds, and whole grains.
Tip adapted from Healthline7
Weekly Riddle
A certain month can begin on a Friday and end on a Friday as well. What month is it?
Last week’s riddle: What number is 4 more than the number that is double one-fifth of one-tenth of 900? Answer: 40 (900 / 10 = 90 / 5 = 18 x 2 = 36 + 4 = 40).
Photo of the Week
Sunset behind a line of palm trees in Wailea, Hawaii.
