Smart Moves for the Future and Beyond

 

Hello Eagle Wealth Community,

This new year is a fresh start and an even better time to examine financial goals.  We’re halfway through January and ready to get back to basics.  Last year around this time, you were probably elbow deep in plans for a brand-new year.  This was your year to get organized, take the big trip, watch your kids get married, or even retire.  For a lot of us, those plans fell through.  We didn’t have a playbook and the uncertainty challenged us to find a new way of living. 

The impact of COVID-19 on the financial landscape left new questions like how will the CARES Act impact my financial plan?  What changes will the SECURE Act have on IRA rules?  Will I still need to take my Required Minimum Distribution?  Those questions don’t have to be overwhelming.  We’re here for you and ready to help you get off to a strong start. 

That’s why we're sharing a handy whitepaper to get organized.  In “Smart Moves for the New Year and Beyond” we review some of the 2020 financial and tax changes, including some things to consider in the year ahead. 

Click here to read it. 

Just like you, we’re a little weary to set expectations for a normal year (will we travel?  Attend a concert?) but we know that a great plan brings confidence – and that financial confidence is our 2021 wish for you.   This year will be a little different.   No one knows what the future holds but you can be sure we’ll be there right along with you.

 

Until next week,

Your Eagle Wealth Team

 

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The Week on Wall Street

Shrugging off COVID-19 infections and the disruption at the Capitol on January 6, stocks powered higher to kick off a new year of trading. 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.61%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 increased by 1.83%. The Nasdaq Composite index, which led throughout 2020, picked up 2.43%. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 1.45%.[i]^,[ii],[iii]

 

Fireworks to Start the New Year

Stocks got off to an inauspicious start amid the stuttering pace of vaccine distribution and concern that the economic recovery might take longer than anticipated. Uncertainty over the looming Senate runoff election in Georgia added to the broad retreat that marked the first day of 2021 trading.

From there markets turned higher, aided by firming oil prices with subsequent support provided by the Georgia Senate election results, which lifted hopes of additional fiscal stimulus. Stocks managed through political unrest mid-week, with banks, economically sensitive stocks, and technology shares leading the way.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose above 1% for the first time since March as investors fled bonds in anticipation of new federal borrowing.[iv]

Stocks touched all-time highs on the final trading day, capping a strong week of performance.[v]

 

Employment Picture 

The U.S. economy lost 140,000 jobs in December, confirming fears of economic slowdown brought on by a resurgence of COVID-19 infections. 

 

Not surprisingly, it was restaurants and bars that saw the greatest job losses, with the larger hospitality sector accounting for nearly all the job losses last month. Meanwhile, November job creation was revised upward, from 245,000 to 336,000.[vi]

 

To help put the pandemic in perspective, December’s job report capped the worst year for job losses since the tracking began in 1939. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.7%.[vii]

 

THIS WEEK: KEY ECONOMIC DATA

Tuesday: Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS).

Wednesday:  Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Thursday: Initial Jobless Claims.

Friday: Retail Sales, Consumer Sentiment, Industrial Production.

 

Source: Econoday, January 8, 2021

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

Tuesday: KB Home (KBH)

Thursday: Blackrock (BLK)

Friday: JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Citigroup (C), PNC Financial (PNC)

 

Source: Zacks, January 8, 2021

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.