An improving inflation outlook buoyed investors’ spirits last week, helping lift stocks to solid gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 2.92%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 3.26%. The Nasdaq Composite index added 3.08% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, gained 2.39%.1,2,3 |
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Lower Inflation Spurs BuyingStock prices surged mid-week when the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released a better-than-expected Consumer Price Index (CPI) number, with buying momentum building throughout the trading session. Gains were significant across the board, with technology and small-cap companies leading the market higher. The mid-week rally sent the S&P 500 to its highest level since May and the Nasdaq to its highest level since April. Bond yields fell on expectations that the Fed's pressure to hike rates further might ease. After pausing on Thursday, stocks again ripped higher on Friday, aided, in part, by a report indicating improving consumer sentiment.4 Inflation CoolsThe Consumer Price Index in July was softer than expected, with prices unchanged from the previous month thanks to a 4.6% decline in energy prices and a 7.7% drop in gasoline.4 Despite the encouraging results, the CPI report still evidenced upward price pressure. The year-over-year inflation rate remained at 8.5%, while the core CPI (excluding food and energy) came in at 5.9%. Among the index components seeing substantial price increases were food (+10.9% from 12 months ago) and shelter (+5.7%). Producer prices fell 0.5% in July, suggesting that future consumer price increases may continue to moderate.5,6 This Week: Key Economic DataTuesday: Industrial Production. Housing Starts. Wednesday: Retail Sales. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Minutes. Thursday: Jobless Claims. Existing Home Sales. Index of Leading Economic Indicators. Source: Econoday, August 12, 2022 This Week: Companies Reporting EarningsTuesday: Walmart, Inc. (WMT), The Home Depot, Inc. (HD). Wednesday: Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO), Target Corporation (TGT), Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (LOW), The TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX). Thursday: Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT), NetEase, Inc. (NTES). Friday: Deere & Company (DE). Source: Zacks, August 12, 2022 |
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Help Get Your Federal Withholding Correct With This Tool From the IRSThe IRS has a handy tool called the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator that can help taxpayers better understand their withholding. It’s essential to examine your federal withholding periodically to ensure you are comfortable with the amount of tax withheld. Checking your withholding status may be a good idea to consider if you have experienced a change that may affect your tax status, such as:
* 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 |
Footnotes and Sources
2. The Wall Street Journal, August 12, 2022 3. The Wall Street Journal, August 12, 2022 4. CNBC, August 10, 2022 5. CNBC, August 10, 2022 6. CNBC, August 11, 2022 7. IRS.gov, April 28, 2022 8. CDC.gov, May 26, 2022 |

Weekly Market Insights: Stocks Have Warmer Week as Inflation Cools
August 16, 2022