The holiday season is fast approaching, and along with the glittering lights and festive tunes, there's something special in the air – the spirit of giving. In a world that sometimes feels like it's spinning a little too fast, the holidays invite us to hit pause, embrace generosity, and spread joy in the most wonderful ways.

Acts of Kindness
Giving doesn't have to be grand; even the smallest acts of kindness can light up someone's day. Hold the door for a stranger, share a smile, or surprise a neighbor with a thoughtful gesture. These simple acts create a chain of warmth that defines the true spirit of the holidays.

Volunteering
Consider giving the gift of time. Volunteering during the holiday season is a heartwarming way to connect with your community. Whether it's serving at a local soup kitchen, helping with festive events, or participating in a food drive, the bonds you create while donating your time are gifts that keep on giving.

Charitable Donations
Charitable donations become even more meaningful during the holidays. Many organizations run special campaigns to ensure everyone can experience the magic of the season. From contributing to a toy drive (see below for one we’re supporting again this year), helping a family in need, or donating to a cause close to your heart, giving financially can make a big difference in someone's holiday experience.

Gratitude
Sharing gratitude is the perfect way to round off the spirit of giving. Take time to reflect on the positive moments and relationships in your life. When you express gratitude, it not only lifts your spirits, but also creates an atmosphere of warmth and appreciation that resonates with those around you.

So let's make this holiday season one to remember by embracing the joy of giving, spreading cheer, and making the world a little brighter, one act of kindness at a time.

Warmly,
 
Your Eagle Wealth Team

Toys for Tots Box at Our Office   Eagle Wealth is participating in the Marine Toys for Tots program again and we need your help!  This national organization distributes toys to less fortunate children during the holiday season, spreading hope and joy to others.      The donation box is set up in our lobby and our team can’t wait to help fill it up. We’ll make a financial gift for every toy donated, so please join us in the fun!  Drop by our office with a new and unwrapped toy.  We’ll collect gifts through December 19th.   Click here for more information about the program.   P.S.  If you live outside of Central Oregon you can still participate.  Let us know if you make a donation locally and we'll put another toy in the box.

 

The Week on Wall Street

A powerful Friday rally left stocks higher last week, extending the market’s early November gains.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.65%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.31%. The Nasdaq Composite index jumped 2.37% higher for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, edged 0.25% higher.^1,2,3

 

Stocks Extend Gains

In a news-light week, stocks added to the gains of the previous week’s rally, helped by stable bond yields. Last week’s advance did not go smoothly, however, as the week’s accumulated gains were erased on Thursday by the combination of a 30-year Treasury bond auction that saw lower-than-expected investor demand, which sent bond yields sharply higher, and disconcerting remarks by Powell that disappointed investors harboring hopes for the conclusion of the Fed’s rate-hike cycle.

Stocks rebounded strongly on Friday as investors reconsidered Powell’s comments, and bond yields retreated, leaving the rally from October lows intact.

 

Powell Speaks

In last week's presentation to a gathering sponsored by the International Monetary Fund, Fed Chair Powell said that while he and other Fed officials were encouraged by the progress in bringing down inflation, he was “not confident” that the Fed’s current restrictive monetary policy stance was sufficient to achieve the Fed’s target inflation rate of two percent.⁴

His comments, which followed the Fed’s two successive decisions to pause on fresh interest rate increases, emphasized that there remained a long way to go to achieve their goal, and the Fed is committed to doing what’s necessary to reach that target, whether that’s through additional rate hikes or by keeping rates high for longer.

 

Any companies mentioned are for informational purposes only, and this should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of their securities. Any investment should be consistent with your objectives, time frame, and risk tolerance.

 

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, November 10, 2023.}

^{2. The Wall Street Journal, November 10, 2023.}

^{3. The Wall Street Journal, November 10, 2023.}

^{4. CNBC, November 9, 2023.}

^{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.}

^{The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice.}

^{The market indexes discussed are unmanaged, and generally, considered representative of their respective markets. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Indexes do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results.}

^{The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of large-capitalization companies on the U.S. stock market. 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 technology and growth companies. The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and serves as a benchmark of the performance of major international equity markets, as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities that are considered to be representative of the stock market in general.}

^{U.S. Treasury Notes are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. However, if you sell a Treasury Note prior to maturity, it may be worth more or less than the original price paid. 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.}

^{International investments carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risks unique to a specific country, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. These factors may result in greater share price volatility.}

^{Please consult your financial professional for additional information.}

^{This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG is not affiliated with the named representative, financial professional, Registered Investment Advisor, Broker-Dealer, nor state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and they should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.  Copyright 2023 FMG Suite.}