Client resources & news
February 16, 2021
Client
Blattel & Associates are pleased to announce enhancements to our virtual meeting experience. We’ve been listening to your feedback and incorporating changes so that we can build more than portfolios—client relationships. 

Effective immediately, we are adopting Webex Meetings to video conference with you during your scheduled appointments. In addition to state-of-the-art security and privacy features, Webex has expanded capabilities that ensure each appointment feels more personable—full screen visibility for clients and our team, real-time screen sharing (of reports and presentations), and a virtual whiteboard.

Nothing will change when you schedule a meeting, but a few days prior to your appointment, you will receive an email from us. This email will include your customized reports and a unique Webex link just for you. We will also include step-by-step instructions for how to join the meeting. If you’re unfamiliar with Webex, it usually only takes four clicks from start to finish.

We hope you’re as excited about our efforts to create a better client experience, while still respecting the health and safety of our clients and employees. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call us at (636) 397-8303.

Warm regards,
Resources
Market Update
Stock prices inched higher last week amid declining COVID-19 cases, a pick-up in vaccinations, and progress on a fiscal relief bill. Read more market and economic insights.

Reflation
In their latest article, SEI explore what reflation is and why it may have piqued the interests of some investors. Learn more in SEI's "The Return of Reflation: Time to Move?"

Security Tips
Prevent scammers from impersonating you and activating a new SIM card on their behalf.

Taxes
For the 2020 tax year, the dates for printing and mailing recipient copies are as follows:
  • 1099-Rs (IRAs)
  • SEI mail date: February 1 (Available online January 22)
  • FCC mail date: February 1
  • 1099-Bs (non-Qualified)
  • SEI mail date: February 19, February 26 and/or March 11
(produced & mailed in three batches; date depends on when SEI receives the information on the holdings within your account)
  • FCC mail date: February 19

If you or your tax preparer need us to help gather any information, please give us sufficient notice to fulfill your request. Do not hesitate to call our office at (636) 397-8303 with any questions.

Blattel & Associates does not provide tax advice. Please consult with your tax advisor with regard to your personal situation.
Bob's Movie Corner

"To survive in a world at war, he must find a strength greater than all the events that surround him."

An adolescent Christian Bale, overlooked historical setting, bittersweet story-line, and inspiring soundtrack make Empire of the Sun (1987) an excellent film. Learn why Bob thinks its Oscar nominations fall short.
Reminders

Please share your QCD amount with your tax preparer and, in return, share your annual tax return with us. This helps us have a more holistic financial scope as we plan your strategies.
• • •
Please call our office at (636) 397-8303 before
you drop off or pick up any documents. Masks are required.
Recipe

Bob isn't much of a cook, but he is the king of breakfast—pancakes, waffles, and French toast are his specialties. He strongly suggests treating yourself to breakfast for dinner this winter! Bob loves (but hasn't mastered) liège waffles. These dough-based waffles taste best topped with powdered sugar and Nutella.
Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Cutter & Company Brokerage, Inc., 15415 Clayton Road, Ballwin, Missouri 63011 * (636) 537-8770. Member FINRASIPC.
Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.
Diversification does not guarantee profit nor is it guaranteed to protect assets.
International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors.
The Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 significant stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ. The DJIA was invented by Charles Dow back in 1896.
The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology companies and growth companies. 
The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) that serves as a benchmark of the performance in major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indices from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
The 10-year Treasury Note represents debt owed by the United States Treasury to the public. Since the U.S. Government is seen as a risk-free borrower, investors use the 10-year Treasury Note as a benchmark for the long-term bond market.
Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
You cannot invest directly in an index.
Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.
Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.
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The market indexes discussed are unmanaged and generally considered representative of their respective markets. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results. 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.