Client resources & news
January 18, 2022
Client
By any measure, 2021 was a strong year for investors. But what’s in store for 2022? We expect that many of the same forces that influenced markets last year will play a role again this year.

  • The pandemic was one of the primary drivers of financial market activity in 2021. And although COVID-19 remains tragic and unpredictable, we hope that the worst is behind us. Yet we would not be surprised to see COVID-related events influence markets once again this year.

  • From Powell’s nomination hearings to potential changes in interest rates, we expect that the Fed will continue to garner its share of headlines. This has already proved true as the recently released FOMC meeting minutes revealed that the first hike in interest rates could occur as early as March, and other surprising news.2

  • Finally, even though tax law changes are always possible, many of the anticipated federal tax law changes in 2021 were linked to President Biden’s Build Back Better plan, which ended the year in debate with Congress and remains stalled.

Below, we've also included additional resources on what the experts predict for 2022. Please don't hesitate to contact us by phone (636) 397-8303 or email info@blattels.com. Thank you for your support!

Kind regards,
Welcome
We are thrilled to introduce our new paraplanner, Cole Curtis. He has over three years of industry experience and holds the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC®) and Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist (CRPS®) designations, as well as his series 7 and 66 licenses.

Primarily, Cole will be supporting Scott with the financial planning process and ensuring a seamless client experience. At the moment, Cole is living with his wife overseas and will be working with us remotely. You can reach Cole via email at cole@blattels.com.
Resources
Market Update
A jump in yields sparked by a more aggressive sounding Federal Reserve sent the market lower to start the new year. Read more market & economic insights.

2021 Markets
The fourth quarter began in the shadow of September’s selloff. Equities vaulted higher through mid-November before managing a choppy climb to finish the year. Read more in SEI's "Markets Finish on a High Note Despite Central Bank Pivot."

2022 Outlook
It is impossible to look at the global economy through any lens but one tinted by COVID-19. Read more in SEI's "2022 Outlook: Moderate Growth, Rising Volatility."

Rates & Bonds
We believe the global economic recovery from COVID-19 will be one of the strongest in living memory. Read more in SEI's "Rising rates and bond markets: Keep calm and clip on."
Important Documents
Cutter & Company
At the end of December, you received a mailing from Cutter & Company, our broker-dealer. They are required to obtain current account information directly from you every three years. The request for information is legitimate and we encourage you to respond.

Please note that, while we do believe we have all of the data on the verification form, this is a way for Cutter to verify that our records are up-to-date. We also highly encourage you to fill out the Trusted Contact form if you haven’t already. Please contact us with any additional questions.
Tax Information
For the 2021 tax year, the dates for printing and mailing recipient copies are as follows:
  • 1099-Rs (IRAs)
  • SEI mail date: January 31 (Available online January 21)
  • FCC mail date: January 31
  • 1099-Bs (non-Qualified)
  • SEI mail date: February 18, February 25 and/or March 11 (Available online one week prior)
(These are produced & mailed in three batches; date depends on when SEI receives the information on the holdings within your account)
  • FCC mail date: February 15 (May be amended if additional income or distribution information was provided after the original mailing deadline.)

Please note: the USPS lengthened its service standards to five days for delivery of first-class mail. To receive your tax documents quicker, consider signing up for online access. If you or your tax preparer need us to help gather any information, please provide sufficient notice and 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.
Kincaid's Corner

*Update* Kincaid received his bone marrow transplant & is recovering at the hospital. He's doing well & is in good spirits!

Earlier this year, our colleague Scott Kincaid was diagnosed with leukemia. Because of the overwhelming out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatments, his friends created a fundraising campaign on his behalf. 
Reminders

Please share your QCD amount with your tax preparer, and share your year-end benefits statements, outside investment statements & tax returns with us annually to help us have a more complete financial picture.

Our offices will be closed Monday, February 21st in observance of Presidents' Day.

For a cozy comfort food, try these gluten-free pumpkin muffins. They're sweet & warm with the perfect blend of spices & are easy to adapt for gluten-free and/or vegan eaters.

We recommend adding dark chocolate chips to make them more decadent. Enjoy!
Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Cutter & Company Brokerage, Inc., 15415 Clayton Road, Ballwin, Missouri 63011 * (636) 537-8770. Member FINRA, SIPC.
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