Stocks posted solid gains over a short and busy holiday week as investors parsed fresh economic data, comments on potential future trade policy, and a few Q3 reports from technology companies.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 1.06 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 1.13 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.39 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 2.02 percent.1,2

Rally Extends

Stocks staged a broad-based rally to start the week as investors reacted to the nominee for Secretary of the Treasury. Small-cap stocks continued their month-to-date surge as the Russell 2000 Index rose to an all-time high. News that consumer confidence rose in November appeared to contribute to gains.3,4

Then stocks took a pre-Thanksgiving pause as investors digested economic data. Also, disappointing Q3 updates from two computer hardware manufacturers weighed on the tech sector in pre-Thanksgiving trading.5

Semiconductor stocks rallied on Friday, pushing all three averages higher for a second straight week. The Dow cracked 45,000 for the first time, and the S&P 500 hit a new record high—with each index closing out its best month of 2024.6

Tariff Talk

Some of the post-election rally has been driven by investor expectations for less regulation and lower corporate taxes proposed by the incoming administration. One area of concern has been the economic impact of proposed tariffs.

Some market observers believe that the markets have already priced in the impact of these tariffs. In contrast, others see a new Treasury Secretary as a potential buffer in the tariff talks.7

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: ISM Manufacturing Index. Construction Spending. Fed Official John Williams speaks.

Tuesday: Motor Vehicle Sales. Fed Official Austan Goolsbee speaks.

Wednesday: ADP Employment Report. Fed Official Alberto Musalem speaks. Factory Orders. EIA Petroleum Status Report.

Thursday: Jobless Claims. International Trade in Goods and Services. Fed Official Thomas Barkin speaks. Fed Balance Sheet.

Friday: Employment Situation. Consumer Sentiment. Fed Officials Mary Daly, Beth Hammack and Austan Goolsbee speak.

Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; November 29, 2024
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: Salesforce Inc. (CRM), Marvell Technology, Inc. (MRVL)

Wednesday: Synopsys, Inc. (SNPS)

Thursday: The Kroger Co. (KR)

Source: Zacks, November 29, 2024.
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.

“I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.”

– James Baldwin

How to Verify Your Identity When Calling the IRS

When calling the IRS, you can expect them to verify your identity before delving into personal information. Here’s what you’ll need to verify your identity:

• Social Security number
• Birthdate
• An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you have one instead of your SSN
• Your filing status
• Your prior tax return. You may need information from your prior year’s return to answer certain questions.
• A copy of the tax return you’re calling about
• Any letters or notices you’ve received from the IRS

Important note: the IRS will only ask for this in documents or online. Never offer this info to someone who calls you and says they are from the IRS.

Having all this information handy before you call the IRS will make the process faster because IRS phone operators will only speak with the taxpayer or a legally designated representative.

This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.

Tip adapted from IRS8

How to Get the Recommended 10,000 Steps a Day

Getting 10,000 steps in throughout the day (or moving at all!) might sound impossible, but you can make minor tweaks to get those feet moving. Here are a few ideas:

• When running errands, park your car further away and walk from there.
• Create a “loop” in your hours that you can walk in between meetings or when you need to get up from your desk. Your loop could even be around the kitchen island!
• Walk in place while watching TV.
• Listen to a great podcast or audiobook while you walk. It will make the time go by faster!

Tip adapted from Organizing Moms9

What has one eye and yet can’t see?

Last week’s riddle: A palindrome is any word, phrase, or number that reads the same, either forward or backward. Can you think of a palindrome word spelled in all capitals that looks the same backward, forwards, or upside down? Answer: NOON.

Indonesian Turtle Hatchling

Ujung Genteng, West Java, Indonesia

Footnotes and Sources

1. The Wall Street Journal, November 29, 2024

2. Investing.com, November 29, 2024

3. The Wall Street Journal, November 25, 2024

4. CNBC.com, November 26, 2024

5. The Wall Street Journal, November 27, 2024

6. The Wall Street Journal, November 29, 2024

7. CNBC.com, November 26, 2024

8. IRS.gov, October 23, 2023

9. Organizing Moms, July 24, 2024

Stocks advanced last week, powering ahead with pre-holiday optimism despite geopolitical tensions and two disappointing Q3 corporate updates. 

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 1.68 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 1.73 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led, picking up 1.96 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, was flat (-0.05 percent).^1,2

Stock Push Ahead

Stocks showed mixed results during the first half of the week due to geopolitical tensions that boosted precious metals and put pressure on Treasury yields.³

The Dow Industrials jumped out in front midweek and never looked back. Disappointing earnings on Tuesday from a large box retailer held back some gains in the broader S&P 500. A mixed Q3 update report from the nation’s leading AI chipmaking company also tempered gains a bit.⁴

Year-end optimism, especially around consumers driving a healthy holiday shopping season, supported the rally for much of the week. Fresh data that weekly jobless claims dropped to a seven-month low also lifted spirits.^5,6

Small-Cap Focus

For several weeks, investors have favored small-cap names over larger-cap issues. This trend was again on display last week.

The Russell 2000, an index of 2,000 small-cap companies widely used as a benchmark for U.S. small-cap stocks, rose 4.50 percent for the five days of trading. In the month-to-date through November 22, the Russell is up nearly 9 percent.⁷

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: Consumer Confidence. New Home Sales. FOMC Minutes.

Wednesday: Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Durable Goods. Pending Home Sales. Personal Income and Outlays.

Thursday: Markets Closed—Thanksgiving Holiday.

^{Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; November 21, 2024
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: Agilent Technologies, Inc. (A)

Tuesday: Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL), CrowdStrike (CRWD)

^{Source: Zacks, November 21, 2024.
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 some room in your heart for the unimaginable.”

– Mary Oliver

Did You Know That You Have the Right to Challenge the IRS?

As a taxpayer, you can challenge the IRS’ position; this is part of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which outlines your fundamental rights when working with the IRS. 

With this right, you can:

• Raise objections to an IRS decision
• Provide additional documentation in response to proposed or formal IRS actions
• Expect the IRS to deliver a timely objection
• Have the IRS consider any supporting documentation promptly and fairly
• Receive a response from the IRS if they disagree with your position

In some circumstances, you may have a hearing before an independent Office of Appeals.

This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.

Tip adapted from IRS⁸

Zero-Waste Grocery Shopping Tips

There are many ways to have an eco-friendly shopping trip at the grocery store. Here are a few tips to reduce plastic usage and aim for a zero-waste trip to the store:

• When possible, buy your dry goods from the bulk bin; this saves on plastic packaging compared to the ready-made items in the aisles. 
• You can bring your bags, bulk containers, jars, or bulk bags from home. 
• If you can’t shop in bulk bins, look for dry goods or produce in aluminum cans, which are easier to recycle. 
• Paper or glass are both better for the environment than plastic. Choose eggs and milk in cardboard containers. 
• If you have to buy a plastic container of something, buy the biggest size available. It will last longer and use less packaging.

Tip adapted from Green Matters⁹

A palindrome is any word, phrase, or number that reads the same, either forward or backward. Can you think of a palindrome word spelled in all capitals that looks the same backward, forwards, or upside down?

Last week’s riddle: I’m not alive, yet I grow. I need air, yet I have no lungs. I lack a mouth, yet water will calm me down. What am I? Answer: Fire.

Clown Anemonefish 

Maldives, South Asia

Footnotes and Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, November 22, 2024}

^{2. Investing.com, November 22, 2024}

^{3. MarketWatch.com, November 19, 2024}

^{4. CNBC.com, November 20, 2024}

^{5. CNBC.com, November 21, 2024}

^{6. MarketWatch.com, November 21, 2024}

^{7. The Wall Street Journal, November 22, 2024}

^{8. IRS.gov, July 5, 2024}

^{9. Green Matters, July 24, 2024}

Stocks surged higher last week, fueled by the Fed’s rate cut decision and post-election enthusiasm as investors looked to future policy impacts of a Republican-controlled Senate and executive branch. (The House of Representatives remains undecided.)

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index spiked 4.65 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 5.74 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 4.61 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, was flat (-0.02 percent).1,2

Stocks Extend Rally on Election News

It was a shaky start to the week for stocks as investors anxiously awaited election results and the Fed’s interest-rate decision.3

On Election Day, stocks rallied broadly before polling places closed. After the election was called early the next morning, stocks opened higher and climbed throughout the trading session. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.307 percent.4,5

Stocks opened higher Thursday, and the rally picked up momentum after the Federal Reserve approved its second consecutive interest rate cut. Economic news that showed a 2.2 percent rise in third-quarter productivity helped support the move.6,7

Stocks finished the week with a number of records: the S&P 500 crossed the 6,000 mark, and the Dow breached 44,000 for the first time on Friday. While the S&P and Dow closed slightly below those record levels, each had their best week in a year.8

Fed Cuts Rates 

As expected, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point at its November meeting.

However, Fed Chair Jerome Powell signaled some uncertainty about the pace of future rate cuts, which slightly unsettled the markets.

Citing a desire to “steer between the risk of moving too quickly and perhaps undermining our progress on inflation, or moving too slowly and allowing the labor market to weaken too much,” Powell said the Fed will continue to monitor the economy’s progress.9

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: Fed Officials Neel Kashkari and Patrick Harker speak.

Wednesday: Consumer Price Index. Fed Officials Lorie Logan, Alberto Musalem, and Jeffrey Schmid speak. Treasury Buyback Announcement.

Thursday: Producer Price Index. Fed Chair Jerome Powell speaks. Weekly Jobless Claims.

Friday: Retail Sales. Industrial Production. Import and Export Prices. Business Inventories.

Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; November 8, 2024
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: The Home Depot, Inc. (HD), Shopify Inc. (SHOP), Spotify Technology (SPOT)

Wednesday: Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO)

Thursday: The Walt Disney Company (DIS), Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT), Brookfield Corporation (BN)

Source: Zacks, November 8, 2024.
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.

“Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.”

– Henry David Thoreau

Be On the Lookout for Tax Carryovers

Deductions or credits not used fully one tax year that may be eligible to be carried over into future years include:

• When you have a net operating loss
• When your total expenses for a permitted deduction exceed the amount you’re allowed to deduct in a given year
• When a credit you qualify for exceeds the amount of tax you owe in a year
• Adoption tax credits
• Foreign tax credits
• Credits for energy efficiency

Track these (or have your software do it) so you don't forget them from one year to the next.

This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.

Tip adapted from IRS10

Know Your Key Health Numbers

According to the American Heart Association, adults should know their key health numbers, including total cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index. If you’re unsure what your “numbers” are, schedule a visit with your doctor to monitor them and understand why each is important. Here’s a quick definition of each metric:

• Cholesterol – Cholesterol is a lipoprotein in our body’s tissues that forms and maintains cell membranes.
• Body mass index (BMI) – Your BMI is calculated using your height and weight and can help determine whether you’re underweight, at a healthy weight, or overweight.
• Blood pressure – Blood pressure refers to the amount of force the heart must use to pump blood throughout the body.
• Blood sugar – Blood sugar measures the concentration of glucose in the blood.

Tip adapted from American Heart Association11

What common English-language word becomes shorter when you make it longer?

Last week’s riddle: I am only one syllable long and too heavy for one person to lift, but if you reverse me, I am not. What am I? Answer: A ton.

Gateway Arch

Saint Louis, Missouri

Footnotes and Sources

1. The Wall Street Journal, November 8, 2024

2. Investing.com, November 8, 2024

3. CNBC.com, November 4, 2024

4. CNBC.com, November 5, 2024

5. The Wall Street Journal, November 6, 2024

6. The Wall Street Journal, November 7, 2024

7. MarketWatch.com, November 7, 2024

8. The Wall Street Journal, November 8, 2024

9. The Wall Street Journal, November 7, 2024

10. IRS.gov, January 30, 2024

11. American Heart Association, July 24, 2024

Stocks slid last week as mixed economic data and strong-but-not-spectacular Q3 corporate reports failed to inspire investors.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.36 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 1.50 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged down 0.15 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, slid 0.96 percent.1,2

Q3 Reports Uninspired

Stocks rallied early Wednesday after the gross domestic product report showed a strong economy that appeared on the path to a soft landing. However, stocks moved lower throughout the day as investors digested mixed Q3 reports from a few mega-cap tech names.3,4

Stocks were under more pressure Thursday as disappointing outlooks for some key tech companies pulled the market down. A softer-than-expected jobs report on Friday unsettled investors, but stocks picked up as the day progressed, and attention shifted to how the Fed may interpret the jobs data.5

By Friday, the Nasdaq’s eight-week winning streak had ended, and the S&P fell for the second week.

Fed Back in Focus After Jobs Report

At its most recent meetings, the Fed has made it clear that it needed to balance the risks of both inflation and employment.

So Friday's jobs report that showed 12,000 jobs created in October caught some by surprise. Economists expected the Labor Department to report 100,000, down from September’s 223,000 jobs.6

Investors parsed the data and determined the strike at a major aircraft manufacturer and two hurricanes caused the jobs report to fall short of estimates. Investors also appeared to believe the jobs report would prompt the Fed to move on rates at its two-day policy meeting, which ends on November 7.

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: Motor Vehicle Sales. Factory Orders.

Tuesday: Election Day.

Wednesday: FOMC Meeting – Day 1. EIA Petroleum Status Report.

Thursday: FOMC Meeting – Day 2. FOMC Announcement. Fed Chair Press Conference. Productivity and Costs.

Friday: Consumer Sentiment. Fed Official Michelle Bowman speaks.

Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; November 1, 2024
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: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX)

Tuesday: Apollo Global Management Inc. (APO)

Wednesday: Qualcomm Incorporated (QCOM), Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD)

Thursday: Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET), Duke Energy Corporation (DUK), Airbnb, Inc. (ABNB)

Source: Zacks, November 1, 2024.
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 is not the position, but the disposition.”

– Susan Sontag

Military Members and Their Families Can Receive Free Tax Advice

The IRS started the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to provide free tax advice, preparation, return filing help, and other assistance to military members and their families. This also includes specific tax advice for military members on combat zone tax benefits, special extensions, and other special rules. VITA has convenient locations on and off base and even has offices overseas.

These offerings are just one way the IRS strives to make tax information available to all. It also offers other free assistance programs to taxpayers who qualify, including the elderly, through its Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program.

This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.

Tip adapted from IRS7

Indoor Exercises to Stay Active

It might be hard to get outside often for walks and exercise in the winter, but you can do plenty of indoor exercises, even when the weather outside is not cooperating. Here are some simple moves to get you exercising indoors:

• Start with your core. Do 30 crunches followed by a minute-long plank. Repeat for three sets.
• Do two sets of mountain climbers: 60 seconds on, 30 seconds rest.
• Do push-ups (either on your knees or your toes), and hold a plank for a minute on your last rep. Rest for 20 seconds, then repeat three more times.
• Do a standing, reverse lunge, 20 reps on each side. Complete three sets.
• Do regular squats, but hold at the lowest point for three seconds. Complete 20 reps three times.

Tip adapted from Active8

I am only one syllable long and too heavy for one person to lift, but if you reverse me, I am not. What am I?

Last week’s riddle: How many times can you subtract the number 75 from 7,500? Answer: Once, because after the first subtraction, you will subtract 75 from 7,425.

Yosemite National Park

Sierra Nevada, California

Footnotes and Sources

1. The Wall Street Journal, November 1, 2024

2. Investing.com, November 1, 2024

3. CNBC.com, October 30, 2024

4. The Wall Street Journal, October 30, 2024

5. The Wall Street Journal, November 1, 2024

6. The Wall Street Journal, November 1, 2024

7. IRS.gov, March 29, 2024

8. Active, July 24, 2024

Stocks were mixed last week as fresh economic data points and election-related uncertainty slowed market momentum.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 0.96 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.16 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2.68 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, slid 2.30 percent.^1,2

Nasdaq Leads

Stocks were mixed for the first half of the week as investors geared up for a steady stream of Q3 reports. The 10-year Treasury yield continued to trend higher, which caught the attention of some traders. 

Markets fell Wednesday morning with news that existing home sales fell to a 14-year low in October; still slowed by higher interest rates, sales are on track for their worst year since 1995. Also, pre-election jitters remained an undertow with traders.^3,4,5

News that durable goods orders rose in September buoyed sentiment a bit. At Friday’s close, the Nasdaq, fueled by technology names, marked its seventh consecutive week of gains but the S&P 500 broke its 6-week winning streak.^6,7

Election Focus

With the election cycle in full swing, some traders appear to be preparing for an uptick in volatility in the coming weeks.

In late August, nearly 90 percent of stock traded above their 20-day moving average. However, that momentum has slowed. On Tuesday, Standard & Poor’s reported that the number of stocks above their 20-day moving average fell to nearly 50 percent. Traders may be moving to more of a “risk off” position ahead of November 5.⁸

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: International Trade in Goods. Consumer Confidence. Case-Shiller Home Price Index.

Wednesday: Gross Domestic Product. Treasury Refunding Announcement. Pending Home Sales. ADP Employment Report.

Thursday: Personal Income and Outlays.

Friday: Employment Situation. ISM Manufacturing Index.

^{Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; October 25, 2024
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: Waste Management, Inc. (WM)

Tuesday: Alphabet Inc. (GOOG, GOOGL), Visa Inc. (V), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), McDonald’s Corporation (MCD), Pfizer Inc. (PFE)

Wednesday: Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Meta Platforms, Inc. (META), Eli Lilly and Company (LLY), AbbVie Inc. (ABBV), Caterpillar Inc. (CAT), Amgen Inc. (AMGN), Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG), Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP), Starbucks Corporation (SBUX)

Thursday: Apple Inc. (APPL), Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN), Mastercard Incorporated (MA), Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK), Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER)

Friday: Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BRK.B), Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM), Chevron Corporation (CVX)

^{Source: Zacks, October 25, 2024 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

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 20 percent of the qualifying costs of rehabilitating a historic building.
• This 20 percent 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 significantly improve many situations, it’s still a step toward preserving our country's history.

This information is not a substitute for individualized tax advice. Please discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.

Tip adapted from IRS⁹

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: Put your arms over your head and lean in one direction while sitting up straight. 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 your head 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 Healthline¹⁰

How many times can you subtract the number 75 from 7,500?

Last week’s riddle: How could Gail drive her car from Cleveland to Miami with a flat tire?
Answer: Her spare tire was flat, not any of the four tires she was driving on.

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) breaching among of icebergs at Ilulissat Icefjord

Unesco World Heritage Site, Greenland

Footnotes and Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, October 25, 2024}

^{2. Investing.com, October 25, 2024}

^{3. MarketWatch.com, October 23, 2024}

^{4. The Wall Street Journal, October 23, 2024}

^{5. The Wall Street Journal, October 23, 2024}

^{6. ABA Banking Journal, October 25, 2024}

^{7. CNBC.com, October 25, 2024}

^{8. The Wall Street Journal, October 25, 2024}

^{9. IRS.gov, April 30, 2024}

^{10. Healthline, July 24, 2024}