On Friday, a sharp sell-off sent major stock market indices into negative territory for the week, capping a volatile close to April.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.47%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tumbled 3.27%. The Nasdaq Composite index dropped 3.93% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, fell 3.33%.^1,2,3

Stocks Slide

Trading was volatile in the final week of April as investors struggled with the crosscurrents of global economic growth anxieties stemming from widening COVID-related lockdowns in China and a fresh batch of corporate earnings reports.

Monday set the tone for the week. Stocks staged an intraday reversal, wiping out a deep morning decline to end the day higher. After broad losses on Tuesday and a choppy session on Wednesday, stocks mounted a powerful rally Thursday thanks to positive corporate earnings reports, overcoming a disappointing first-quarter Gross Domestic Product report. Stocks could not sustain Thursday’s momentum, as Friday witnessed a broad-based retreat to cement another week of losses.

Economy Contracts

Following the torrid 6.9% annualized GDP growth rate in the fourth quarter, economists had expected economic growth to moderate to about a one-percent gain in the first quarter. Instead, the economy shrank at an annualized rate of 1.4%, dented by a slowdown in inventory investment by businesses, a jump in the trade deficit, and a decline in defense spending.

Consumer spending held up, rising 2.7%, though the gain was amid higher prices. Some economists expect the economy to resume its expansion for the remainder of the year, which may be one reason investors shrugged off the negative surprise.⁴

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Index.

Tuesday: Factory Orders. Job Openings and Turnover Survey (JOLTS).

Wednesday: Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Announcement. Automated Data Processing (ADP) Employment Report. Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Services Index.

Thursday: Jobless Claims. 

Friday: Employment Situation.

^{Source: Econoday, April 29, 2022
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: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), Pfizer, Inc. (PFE), Starbucks Corporation (SBUX), Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC), Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (SWKS), Prudential Financial, Inc. (PRU).

Wednesday: CVS Health Corporation (CVS), Twilio, Inc. (TWLO), Fortinet, Inc. (FTNT), eBay, Inc. (EBAY), Booking Holdings, Inc. (BKNG), Match Group, Inc. (MTCH).

Thursday: Block, Inc. (SQ), Illumina, Inc. (ILMN), Shopify, Inc. (SHOP), Pioneer Natural Resources Company (PXD), ConocoPhillips (COP), AnheuserBusch InBev (BUD), Albemarle Corporation (ALB), Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (VRTX), Kellogg Company (K), Air Products and Chemicals (APD).

^{Source: Zacks, April 29, 2022
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.}

“For life: It is rather a determination not to be overwhelmed. For work: The truth can only be recalled, never invented.” 

– Marilyn Monroe

Beware of Ghost Preparers

No, this isn’t an idea for your next Halloween costume. Ghost preparers are people who don’t sign the tax returns that they prepare, which is both unethical and illegal. All paid preparers must sign and include their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) on the return, and if they don’t, this is a big red flag. These preparers might also promise unrealistic refunds or charge fees based on the size of the refund.

If you use a tax preparer, always vet them wisely. The IRS also has a page dedicated to helping taxpayers choose a reputable tax professional on IRS.gov and a Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications.

* 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.gov⁵

Two Leg Stretches to Try at Your Desk

We spend so much time sitting at our desks, so it’s good to get some stretches here and there, especially if you have a long day. The good news is that you don’t even have to leave your desk to get these two stretches in!

Hip and Knee Flexion Stretch
For this stretch, hug one knee at a time and gently pull it toward your chest. Hold the pose for 10-30 seconds and repeat on both sides. This post will stretch your quads, hamstrings, and hips.

Hamstring Stretch
For this stretch, remain seated and extend one leg straight out in front of you. Reach toward your toes without hyperextending and hold the stretch for 10-30 seconds. Repeat on the other side. You’ll feel this stretch in your hamstrings and lower back.

Tip adapted from Healthline⁶

What is the number missing within this sequence? 4, 7, 11, 18, 29, 47, __, 123, 199, 322.

Last week’s riddle:  Wilson, Xavier, Yolanda, and Zach are standing in line at the market. See if you can figure out their order from these clues: Yolanda is between Wilson and Xavier, Zach is next to Wilson, and Xavier is not first. Answer:  Zach is first, Wilson is second, Yolanda is third, and Xavier is fourth.

Grand Prismatic Spring, Midway Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 

Footnotes and Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, April 29, 2022}

^{2. The Wall Street Journal, April 29, 2022}

^{3. The Wall Street Journal, April 29, 2022}

^{4. CNBC, April 28, 2022}

^{5. IRS.gov, February 17, 2021}

^{6. Healthline.com, February 22, 2022}

^{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 2022 FMG Suite.}

The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 2.13%. The Nasdaq Composite index dropped 2.63% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, lost 1.20%.^1,2,3

Watching Bonds

Stocks began the week moving lower as bond yields climbed higher, with growth stocks suffering some of the steepest declines. Investors considered China’s ongoing lockdown warily, worried it might worsen supply-chain issues.

Historically high consumer and producer price inflation reports were shrugged off by the stock and bond markets in the main, with bond yields slipping despite the hot inflation numbers. Despite an encouraging start to the first-quarter earnings season, stocks pulled back on Friday as bond yields resumed their move higher ahead of a three-day holiday weekend.

An Eye on Inflation

On Tuesday, March’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report offered little indication that inflation may be moderating, as prices increased 8.5% year-over-year, the fastest pace in 40 years. Core inflation, excluding food and energy prices, recorded a 6.5% jump, the steepest rise since August 1982. One encouraging note was that core inflation showed potential signs of ebbing, posting a monthly increase of 0.3% versus expectations of a 0.5% increase.⁴

The following day, March’s Producer Price Index, a potential insight into future inflation, rose 11.2% year-over-year. A March survey by the National Federation of Independent Business released earlier in the week, indicated that half of the respondents were likely to raise prices in the next three months.⁵

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: Housing Starts.

Wednesday: Existing Home Sales.

Thursday: Jobless Claims. Index of Leading Economic Indicators. 

Friday: Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) Composite Flash.

^{Source: Econoday, April 14, 2022
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: Bank of America Corporation (BAC), J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT).

Tuesday: Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT), Prologis, Inc. (PLD).

Wednesday: Tesla, Inc. (TSLA), The Procter & Gamble Company (PG), Lam Research Corporation (LRCX), CSX Corporation (CSX).

Thursday: AT&T, Inc. (T), United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL), Snap, Inc. (SNAP), Blackstone, Inc. (BX), Union Pacific Corporation (UNP), Dow, Inc. (DOW).

Friday: Verizon Communications, Inc. (VZ), American Express Company (AXP), KimberlyClark Corporation (KMB). 

^{Source: Zacks, April 14, 2022
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.}

– Maya Angelou

Electronic Filing Options for Military Families

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers a number of online resources for military members and their families. Some of these resources include:

• IRS Free File. This program offers online tax preparation, electronic filing and direct deposit of refunds, at no cost.
• Members of military and their families who have income below $72,000 can choose from any of the Free File tax software companies that the IRS has compiled.
• Free File Fillable Forms is available for those who have income above $72,000.
• Using Free File can help taxpayers figuring things like their earned income tax credit, child and dependent care credit and Recovery Rebate Credit.
• Miltax is another free tax resource available for the military community, offered through the Department of Defense.

* 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.gov⁶

Easy Herbs to Grow Inside

Spring is in the air! Even if you don’t have a green thumb, these herbs are super easy to grow inside. Herbs add a little greenery to your home and are healthy and delicious. A win-win!

Here are some of the easiest herbs to grow inside:

• Basil
• Bay leaves
• Chives
• Mint
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Thyme

When planning out your indoor herb garden, you may need to separate the herbs into their own containers because they each have different watering schedules and sunlight requirements. Thyme, rosemary, and oregano enjoy much less water than basil, for example. Once you know a little bit about the care of each herb, your garden will thank you.

Tip adapted from Gardeners.com⁷

How much dirt is in a 2-foot diameter hole that is 4 feet deep? 

Last week’s riddle:  When you take away the whole from this, you still have some leftover. What is it?  Answer:  Wholesome. 

Footnotes and Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, April 14, 2022}

^{2. The Wall Street Journal, April 14, 2022}

^{3. The Wall Street Journal, April 8, 2022}

^{4. CNBC, April 12, 2022}

^{5. The Wall Street Journal, April 13, 2022}

^{6. IRS.gov, February 25, 2021}

^{7. Gardeners.com, April 9, 2021}

^{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 2022 FMG Suite.}

The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.28%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 1.27%. The Nasdaq Composite index dropped 3.86% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, slid 2.05%.^1,2,3

Fed Roils Markets

After a positive start to the week, stock prices turned lower on a more hawkish tone from Fed officials. On Tuesday, investors were surprised by comments from Fed governor Lael Brainard, one of the Fed’s more dovish members, who suggested the Fed could take a more aggressive approach with interest rates.

The unease extended into Wednesday when minutes of the last Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting were released, signaling a potentially faster pace in both interest rate hikes and the wind-down of the Fed’s balance sheet. Yields climbed steadily throughout the week as the bond market digested this new information. Particularly hard hit were high valuation stocks, as reflected in the 4% drop in the Nasdaq.

Fed Minutes

After raising the federal funds rate by 0.25% last month, the minutes from the March FOMC meeting made it clear the Fed is serious about fighting inflation with higher interest rates.

Fed officials indicated they might have hiked rates by a half percentage point in March had it not been for the uncertainty created by the invasion of Ukraine. Multiple Fed officials suggested that future rate hikes may reach 0.5%. Fed officials also discussed allowing up to a $95 billion monthly run off the Fed’s balance sheet, a faster pace than the market expected.4

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Wednesday: Producer Price Index (PPI). 

Thursday: Jobless Claims. Retail Sales. Consumer Sentiment.

Friday: Industrial Production.

^{Source: Econoday, April 8, 2022
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: CarMax, Inc. (KMX), Albertsons Companies, Inc. (ACI).

Wednesday: JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM), Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL), BlackRock, Inc. (BLK).

Thursday: UnitedHealth Group (UNH), The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS), Wells Fargo & Co. (WFC), Morgan Stanley (MS), The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (PNC).

^{Source: Zacks, April 8, 2022
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.}

“It has always seemed strange to me that in our endless discussions about education so little stress is laid on the pleasure of becoming an educated person, the enormous interest it adds to life.” 

– Edith Hamilton

Beware of Phishing Scams

A phishing scam is when someone pretends to be a trusted source, such as a bank, tax preparer, or credit card company, to access your personal information.

To avoid falling victim to a phishing scam, here are some recommendations from the IRS:

• Never open an email from a sender that you don’t recognize.
• Never disclose personal information, including your passwords, bank account number, credit card number, or Social Security number, to anyone online. The IRS will never ask for this information via email.
• When possible, use two-factor authentication to protect your accounts. Two-factor authentication requires a secondary form of identification (such as a phone number) to access your account.

* 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.gov⁵

What’s the Deal With Downward Dog?

Even if you’ve never set foot on a yoga mat, you’ve probably heard of one of the most popular poses called Downward Dog.

The pose is so popular because it has many benefits, such as increased flexibility and spinal strength. In yoga, it’s a resting posture to let your muscles lengthen and straighten. It can help stretch your back, neck, hamstrings, and calves. You can sit in the pose without moving (a static hold) or “walk the dog,” which includes pushing your heels toward the ground to stretch out your calves.

If you’re new to downward dog, practice proper form by bending your knees and focusing on lengthening your back and arms. Ideally, your body should be in an inverted “V” shape. Eventually, you may be able to straighten your legs and have your heels touch the floor!

Tip adapted from Do You⁶

When you take away the whole from this, you still have some leftover. What is it?

Last week’s riddle:  What do a shark, a zipper, and a comb all have in common? Answer: They all have teeth.

Footnotes and Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, April 8, 2022}

^{2. The Wall Street Journal, April 8, 2022}

^{3. The Wall Street Journal, April 8, 2022}

^{4. CNBC, April 6, 2022}

^{5. IRS.gov, August 26, 2021}

^{6. DoYou.com, September 30, 2021}

^{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 2022 FMG Suite.}