Cases Rise, Stocks Retreat

The Week on Wall Street

Stocks retreated last week on rising COVID-19 infections and slow progress on an economic relief bill.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.57%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 0.96%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 0.69% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, declined 0.05%.[1][2][3]

Stimulus Stalls, Stocks Stumble

The market grappled all week with worries over rising COVID-19 cases and the economic restrictions that followed. Nevertheless, there were moments of optimism- such as the starting of vaccinations in the U.K.- that drove markets to record highs.[4]

But gains could not be sustained as an agreement on a fiscal stimulus bill remained elusive and daily news regarding COVID-19 cases undermined investor sentiment.

Markets were also challenged by having to absorb a number of new and secondary stock offerings last week, including two high-profile technology IPOs. The Energy sector continued its strong run, while small and mid-cap stocks posted another week of positive performance.[5]

A “No-Deal” Brexit More Likely

The prospects of an agreement to manage Britain’s exit from the European Union by year end dimmed as the two parties failed to narrow their differences in a meeting held last week.[6]

Though primarily a European issue, a no-deal Brexit may hold consequences for U.S. businesses and investors. The failure to reach an agreement has the potential to disrupt an already fragile supply chain and cause issues in the financial markets. A supply chain disruption may weaken European economies (e.g., Germany) that are important to American companies. Another consequence may be a stronger U.S. dollar, which would make American exports more expensive and less competitive.

Little time remains in striking an agreement since the prevailing framework ends December 31, 2020.

THIS WEEK: KEY ECONOMIC DATA

Tuesday: Industrial Production.
Wednesday: Retail Sales, Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Announcement.
Thursday: Housing Starts, Jobless Claims.
Friday: Index of Leading Economic Indicators.

Source: Econoday, December 11, 2020
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

Thursday: General Mills (GIS)
Friday: Darden Restaurants (DRI)

Source: Zacks, December 11, 2020
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.

Quote Of The Week

You’re born an original. Don’t die a copy.”
– John Mason

Recipe Of The Week

Breakfast Quesadillas

1 quesadilla

Ingredients:

2 eggs
Hot sauce (optional)
Salt
⅓ cup pinto or black beans, rinsed and drained
2 teaspoons butter or olive oil
1 tablespoon chives, chopped
1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
1 medium tortilla
½ cup cheddar cheese
Salsa or hot sauce for serving

Directions:

Whisk together the eggs, hot sauce (depending on preference) and salt. Add the beans and set aside.
Melt the butter or add oil in a pan over medium heat. Add in the egg mixture and cook until just set.
Transfer the eggs to a bowl and add in the chives and cilantro.
In a separate skillet, warm the tortilla over medium heat, flipping occasionally.
Once the tortilla is warm, sprinkle half the cheese over one half of the tortilla. Top the tortilla with the eggs and top the eggs with the rest of the cheese.
Press the top half of the tortilla over the toppings and cook until golden and crispy on both sides.

Recipe adapted from Cookie and Kate[7]

Tax Tips

Year-End Tax Tips

2020 is almost over, which means it’s time to start wrapping up those taxes for the year! There are lots of things to do to prepare for 2021. Here are some year-end tax tips to consider:

If you think you will be in the same or a lower tax bracket next year, it may be beneficial to defer income until 2021. This could include self-employment income or year-end bonuses.

You may be able to take some last-minute tax deductions, such as controlling when you contribute to charity.

The end of the year is the perfect time to talk with your tax professional on how to position yourself for 2021.

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 Turbo Tax[8]

Golf Tip

Try This Drill When Cold Weather Hits

When the weather outside is frightful, golfing isn’t as delightful! But that doesn’t mean that you have to lose your muscle memory just because you can’t get out to the course. This drill can help.

Find a place in your home where you can do a full swing without hitting anything. Or, you can go outside if the weather permits. Then, do 25 or more full swings with your heaviest club or add weight to your club. This will help loosen the muscles you use when you swing and retain positive muscle memory. Golf pros have seen their students gain 15-20 extra yards off the tee after doing this every day in the winter.

Tip adapted from PGA[9]

Healthy Lifestyle

Ways to Give Back This Season

The holiday season is a time to give back to our community. There are many service opportunities available, whether you seek out ones in your community or give back on your own. Here are some ideas:

Bake cookies or casseroles and pass them out at the local fire departments, police stations, hospitals, or to elderly neighbors or those in need.
Pack stockings for homeless people in your community. Include helpful goodies like water bottles, granola bars, hand sanitizer, toothpaste and a toothbrush, or warm gloves.
Clean out the toy box with your child or grandchildren and donate some toys or games that they don’t play with anymore. This is a great learning lesson for little ones!
“Adopt a family” during the holiday season and help them out with gifts or necessities. Churches and other local organizations often have a program where you can find families in need and help them out.
Donate to a food bank. You can either shop for nonperishables or donate your time!
Tip adapted from US News and World Report[10]

Green Living

Eco-Friendly Gift Guide

Still looking for the perfect gift for those on your list? There are plenty of ways to be green this holiday season, including shopping for gifts that are either sustainable or help give back to organizations that are helping take care of our planet. Here are some ideas:

Reusable water bottles make the perfect gift for that person who always has a plastic bottle with them. Help them drink more water and save plastic!
Reusable straws are a fun gift and are becoming easier to carry around. Look for reusable straws that are compact and go with you anywhere, from restaurants to coffee shops.
Amour Vert is a company that’s focused on creating sustainable fashion pieces. Plus, they plant a tree for every t-shirt bought!
Avocado produces healthy, non-toxic organic mattresses, pillows, and sleep accessories.
Getting a good night’s sleep has never been greener!

Tip adapted from Scary Mommy[11]

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Disclosures

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.
These are the views of Platinum Advisor Strategies, LLC, and not necessarily those of the named representative,
Broker dealer or Investment Advisor and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named representative nor the named Broker dealer or Investment Advisor gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your financial professional for further information.

Resources

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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.
[1] The Wall Street Journal, January 8, 2021
[2] The Wall Street Journal, January 8, 2021
[3] The Wall Street Journal, January 8, 2021
[4] The Wall Street Journal, January 6, 2021
[5] CNBC, January 8, 2021
[6] The Wall Street Journal, January 8, 2021
[7] The Wall Street Journal, January 8, 2021
[8] KitchenConfidante.com, January 8, 2021
[9] IRS.gov, January 8, 2021
[10] YourTahoePlace.com, January 8, 2021
[11] CDC.gov, September 25, 2020
[12] TheSpruce.com, October 12, 2019