The Week on Wall Street
A positive jobs report sent stocks soaring last Friday, capping a solid week as evidence of a global economic recovery outweighed concerns over civil unrest and tensions with China.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 6.81%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 4.91%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index lagged, climbing 3.42%. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed stock markets overseas, gained 5.52%.[1][2][3]
Stocks March Higher
Despite multiple headwinds, stocks rode a wave of optimism over economic recovery and were encouraged by signs that a feared spike in COVID-19 had not occurred.
Firming oil prices and positive global manufacturing data helped boost stocks during the week. The market continued to be led by industry sectors that were most battered in the March decline, as price advances slowed in growth-oriented stocks, primarily technology names.
After a pause on Thursday, stocks surged on Friday when a jobs report surprisingly showed 2.5 million new jobs in May, with the unemployment rate falling to 13.3%. Wall Street expected a jobs decline of over 8 million and an unemployment rate of 19.5%.[4][5]
A Wall of Worry
While the markets continued to move higher last week, many investors are concerned that the recovery may be hindered by simmering tensions with China and the civil unrest that erupted last week.
China has been a longstanding source of market worry, but the civil unrest introduces a new challenge. For now, the market appears to have shrugged off these concerns.
Final Thought
This past Wednesday marked the best 50-day gain for the S&P 500 in the index’s history. During a period that approximates the lifespan of a mosquito, stock market sentiment has swung from near-absolute despair in late March to positively bullish.[6]
Often, the most impactful lessons in life tend to be those most recently learned. If the last three months have offered investors any lesson, it may be that trying to time the market is a challenging proposition.
THIS WEEK: KEY ECONOMIC DATA
Wednesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI). Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Meeting Announcement. Federal Reserve Chair Press Conference.
Thursday: Jobless Claims.
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: Coupa Software (COUP).
Tuesday: Chewy (CHWY).
Thursday: Lululemon (LULU).
Companies mentioned are for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of the securities. Any investment should be consistent with your objectives, time frame and risk tolerance. 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
“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
Recipe Of The Week
Spinach Pomegranate Salad with Chicken
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tsp. olive oil (if you opt to cook in a skillet)
- 4 cups spinach
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil (for dressing)
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper and grilling and cook in skillet with olive oil, as preferred, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
- Once cooled, cut the chicken into strips.
- Toss together the spinach, pomegranate seeds, and chicken strips.
- Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Toss lightly and serve.
Recipe adapted from WideOpenEats.com[7]
Tax Tips
Deductions for Educators
Are you a teacher? Are you looking to put money directly back in your pocket after the semester? You’re in luck! Educators may be able to deduct unreimbursed expenses on their tax returns. Here are some things to know about this deduction:
Educators can deduct up to $250 of trade or business expenses that were not reimbursed. As teachers prepare for the next school year, they should remember to keep receipts after making any purchase to support claiming this deduction.
Qualified expenses should be in the amounts the taxpayer paid for the expenses in the same tax year.
Professional development course fees, books, supplies, or computer equipment are all valid deductions.
To be considered eligible, you must be a teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide.
*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.gov[8]
Golf Tip
Cutting Down on 3-Putts
When you think about it, three-putting a green largely has to do with distance. Your first putt is either way too short or long. Your second putt is just inches short or long. Here are some tips to help you unite feel and mechanics when you putt, for fewer three-putts in the future.
As you take your practice putts, engage the hole with your eyes. This is a huge help in getting the distance right; many poor putters don’t do it. After that, address the ball, putt just like your practice strokes, and feel the distance as the ball leaves the clubface, which will improve the muscle memory in your hands.
Tip adapted from YourTahoePlace[9]
Healthy Lifestyle
Staying Hydrated This Summer
Amid the ongoing pandemic, many have taken to outdoor activities. As summer approaches, it may be wise to consider your fluid intake. But just a reminder: some health conditions may require carefully regulated fluid intake, so make sure you consult your health provider first if you have any concerns.
The American Heart Association recommends the following for adequate fluid management:
If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Thirst might not be the best indicator of hydration status.
Weigh yourself before and after exercising. Drinking 1 pint of water is recommended for every pound you lose.
Choose water over other fluids. Water is typically the preferred means of rehydration.
Remember to hydrate often. Exercising or not, the heat can deplete your body of much-needed fluids.
Be mindful of your water intake and enjoy your summer to the fullest.
Tip adapted from American Heart Association[10]
Green Living
Eco-Friendly Popsicles
Summer is heating up, which means cooling down with a favorite summer treat: popsicles! Here are a few ways that you can enjoy your favorite summer treats while also making decisions to benefit the earth.
Have some fun with the kids in the kitchen and reduce the amount of single-use plastic by making your own popsicles. Silicone molds make them easy to freeze with less mess. You don’t even need to buy popsicle sticks. Just fill the molds with a homemade smoothie mixture or juice and wait for them to freeze. The best part? You can make healthy and tasty alternatives that your children or grandchildren will love.
Tip adapted from Green Living Ideas[11]
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[1] The Wall Street Journal, June 5, 2020[2] The Wall Street Journal, June 5, 2020
[3] The Wall Street Journal, June 5, 2020
[4] CNBC, June 5, 2020
[5] CNBC, June 5, 2020
[6] The Wall Street Journal, June 4, 2020
[7] Wide Open Eats, June 5, 2020
[8] IRS.gov, June 5, 2020
[9] Your Tahoe Place, June 5, 2020
[10] Heart.org, June 5, 2020
[11] Green Living Ideas, June 5, 2020