Last week, corporate earnings, and China’s announcement of a 50% tariff reduction on some U.S. products, provided momentum amidst coronavirus uncertainties. The Nasdaq (4.04%) led the major indices for the week followed by the S&P 500® Index (3.17%), the Dow Jones Industrial Average (3.00%) and the Russell 2000® Index (2.65%). The January employment report, 225,000 jobs added, far exceeded expectations of 161,500. Wage growth remains modest: 0.2% for the month for a 3.1% (+0.1%) annual i… View More
This week, uncertainties related to the global economic impact of the coronavirus overwhelmed the markets; the virus, first discovered in Wuhan China, has spread to at least 18 countries with almost 10,000 confirmed cases including 213 deaths. On Thursday, the World Health Organization declared an international health emergency; on Friday, the U.S. declared the virus a public health emergency. Friday’s 603 point selloff in the Dow Jones Industrial Average marked the largest one-day decline in … View More
The potential global impact of the coronavirus upstaged the markets’ focus on earnings and economic data. The deadly virus has spread far beyond its origination in Wuhan China; as of Friday, over 900 cases (including 26 deaths) have been confirmed in 11 countries. On Friday, the unknown reach of the virus triggered a market selloff which was the largest decline since October 8, 2019. For the week, the Russell 2000® Index (‑2.20%) posted the biggest decline followed by the Dow Jones Industri… View More
The indices rose last week on the strength of the signing of Phase One trade agreement with China, the Senate’s passage of the USMCA agreement, positive economic reports and a good start to earnings season. The Russell 2000® Index (2.53%) led the major indices, followed by the Nasdaq (2.29%), the S&P 500® Index (1.97%) and Dow Jones Industrial Average (1.82%). On Wednesday, the U.S. and China signed the Phase One agreement; details of the deal address several long-standing concerns by th… View More
Congress, at almost the last minute, passed a large number of tax changes, including a number that affect retirement plans and will become effective in 2020, as well as extensions through 2020 for a number of tax provisions that had expired or were about to. The list of changes is quite large, so we have only included those that are most likely to affect our clients. We recommend following up with your accountant for a full list of tax changes and how they may affect your personal or business si… View More