Weekly Market Insights: Fed Tightens Money Policy

Stock prices retreated last week as global central banks joined the Federal Reserve in taking steps to tighten monetary policy.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.68%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 1.94%. The Nasdaq Composite index tumbled 2.95% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, managed a gain of 0.47%.^1,2,3

From Uncertain to Unsettled

Stocks weakened ahead of Wednesday’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting as investors weighed how aggressive the Fed might be in reversing its easy-money policies. Investor sentiment was further dented by disappointing economic data. Retail sales fell short of expectations and a year-over-year jump of 9.6% in producer prices reflected price pressures that may translate into higher future consumer prices. It was the highest percentage increase since records started in 2010.⁴

The market initially responded well to the FOMC announcement on Wednesday afternoon, but became unsettled into Thursday and Friday over a tighter monetary policy and Omicron concerns.

A New Fed Narrative

After the FOMC meeting, the Fed announced a plan to quicken the tapering of its monthly bond purchases. It plans to double the rate from $15 billion a month (announced in November) to $30 billion a month, effectively putting an end to asset purchases by March 2022. The Fed also signaled that as many as three rate hikes may be coming in 2022.⁵

The Fed cited elevated inflation and an improved labor market as justification for the pivot from its pandemic-related, easy-money policies. Reflecting the persistence of higher-than-anticipated inflation, the Fed raised its previous inflation estimates for this year and 2022.⁶

Final Note

Our weekly market commentary will not be published next week. We want to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a very happy and prosperous new year!

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: Index of Leading Economic Indicators. FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) Announcement.

Wednesday: GDP (Gross Domestic Product). Consumer Confidence. Existing Home Sales.

Thursday: Durable Goods Orders. Jobless Claims. New Home Sales. Consumer Sentiment.

^{Source: Econoday, December 17, 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

Monday: Micron Technology, Inc. (MU), Nike, Inc. (NKE).

Tuesday: General Mills, Inc. (GIS).

Wednesday: Cintas Corporation (CTAS), Paychex, Inc. (PAYX).

^{Source: Zacks, December 17, 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.}

“Keep your thoughts free from hate, and you need have no fear from those who hate you.”

– George Washington Carver

Is Your Office in a Historic Building? You May Be Eligible for a Tax Credit

In an effort to protect heritage sites and other history, the IRS implemented its rehabilitation tax credit, which offers an incentive to renovate and restore old or historic buildings. Here are some of the highlights to help you determine whether your building is eligible:

• The credit may pay for 20% of the qualifying costs of rehabilitating a historic building.
  
  
• This 20% needs to be spread out over five years.
  
  
• The credit doesn’t apply to the purchase of the building.
  
  
• Taxpayers use Form 3468, Investment Credit, to claim the rehabilitation tax credit.

Although this credit might not move the needle a significant amount in a lot of situations, it’s still a step in the right direction in trying to preserve our country’s history.

* 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.gov⁷

Neck and Shoulder Stretches for Desk Potatoes

Many of us sit at a desk for hours a day and stare at a screen. These easy desk stretches can help:

• Overhead side stretch: While sitting up straight, put your arms over your head and lean to one direction. Repeat on the other side.
  
  
• Side-neck stretch: Gently put your hand on the back of your head and guide it to your chest. Then, instead of putting your head straight down, turn it slightly by looking at your thigh.
  
  
• Neck-roll stretch: Relax and lean your head forward, slowly roll it to one side and hold for about 10 to 20 seconds, then slowly roll it to the other side.
  
  
• Upper-trap stretch: Gently pull your head toward each shoulder. Hold on each side for 10 to 20 seconds.

Tip adapted from Healthline⁸

Tim hands a friend $63 using six bills, none of which are dollar bills. How is he able to do this?

Last week’s riddle: I never ask you questions, yet you answer me all the time. What am I?  Answer: A phone.

Dawn meets the Aurora Borealis in Arctic village, Lofoten archipelago, Norway.

Footnotes and Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, December 17, 2021}

^{2. The Wall Street Journal, December 17, 2021}

^{3. The Wall Street Journal, December 17, 2021}

^{4. The Wall Street Journal, December 14, 2021}

^{5. The Wall Street Journal, December 15, 2021}

^{6. The Wall Street Journal, December 15, 2021}

^{7. IRS.gov, January 22, 2021}

^{8. Healthline, June 24, 2021}

^{Copyright 2021 FMG Suite.}