Weekly Market Insights | Markets Cringe At Returned Tariff Talk

Stocks moved lower last week as fiscal fears and fresh tariff threats loomed over market sentiment.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 2.61 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 2.47 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 2.47 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, advanced 1.14 percent.1,2

Stocks Slip

On Monday, stocks were under a bit of pressure after credit rating agency Moody’s downgraded the U.S. as an issuer of government bonds.3,4

Stocks remained under pressure midweek as Treasury yields moved higher with the 30-year bond hit a 19-month high. Investors fretted about the budget deficit; some feared the deficit would be made worse by the spending bill winding its way through Congress. After the House of Representatives approved the bill, bond yields backed off their highs and stocks went sideways.5,6

On Friday, stocks dropped after President Trump warned of a 50 percent tariff on European Union goods following an apparent stall in trade negotiations. At the same time, the administration also threatened a 25 percent tariff on any iPhones manufactured outside of the U.S.7

Unexpected Tariff News

The president’s fresh tariff talk ended a week or so of relative tranquility on the trade front. While the EU tariff threat may end with a deal similar to deals with other countries and regions, the iPhone issue may prove stickier.

Some analysts estimate that making iPhones in the U.S. would increase manufacturing costs by as much as 50 percent, which might increase the price of an iPhone.8

This Week: Key Economic Data

MondayMarket Holiday

Tuesday: Durable Goods. New York Fed President John Williams and Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari speak. Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Consumer Confidence.

Wednesday: Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Meeting Minutes. Neel Kashkari speaks.

Thursday: Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Jobless Claims (weekly). San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly and Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee speak. Fed Balance Sheet. Pending Home Sales.

Friday: Personal Consumption & Expenditures (PCE) Index. International Trade Balance in Goods. Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic and Austan Goolsbee speak. Retail and Wholesale Inventories. Consumer Sentiment.

Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; May 23, 2025
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

Wednesday: NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA), Salesforce Inc. (CRM)

Thursday: Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST), Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL)

Source: Zacks, May 23, 2025. 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.

“You can’t destroy knowledge. You can stamp it under and burn it up and forbid it to be, but somewhere it will survive.”

– Leigh Brackett

Help Get Your Federal Withholding Correct With This Tool From the IRS

The IRS has a handy tool called the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to 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:

  • Going through a marriage or divorce

 

  • Having or adopting a child

 

  • Purchasing a new home

 

  • Working two or more jobs at the same time

 

  • Only working part of the year

 

  • Claiming credits such as the child tax credit

 

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

What is Sleep Hygiene?

We all want a better night’s sleep, and your sleep hygiene routine might impact the amount and quality of shut-eye you get. Sleep hygiene refers to your habits to get a good night’s sleep. The better your habits, the better your chances are of improving your sleep. 

Here are some good sleep hygiene tips:

  • Be consistent with your sleeping and waking times, even on weekends!

 

  • Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and of a comfortable temperature

 

  • Invest in blackout curtains or a white noise machine to drown out light and sound

 

  • Avoid electronic devices, including phones and TV, at least an hour before bed

 

  • If your appliances have a “night” mode, switch this on a few hours before bed to reduce blue light

 

  • Make sure to get enough exercise during the day, which may help you fall asleep faster

Tip adapted from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention10

It has dozens of fine teeth, but you can hold it in your hand, and it will never bite you. What is it?

 

Last week’s riddle: What can go down a chimney when it is down but can’t go up through a chimney when it is up?
Answer: An umbrella.

View of Guatapé
Piedra del Peñol, Colombia

Footnotes and Sources

1. WSJ.com, May 23, 2025

2. Investing.com, May 23, 2025

3. CNBC.com, May 19, 2025

4. CNBC.com, May 20, 2025

5. CNBC.com, May 21, 2025

6. CNBC.com, May 22, 2025

7. WSJ.com, May 23, 2025

8. MarketWatch.com, May 23, 2025

9. IRS.gov, August 20, 2024

10. CDC.gov, December 12, 2024

Weekly Market Insights | U.S./China Tariff Truce Tames Markets

Stocks roared higher last week, powered by upbeat trade news and tame inflation reports.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 5.27 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index spiked 7.15 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 3.41 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, increased 0.80 percent.1,2

S&P, Dow Erase YTD Losses

Stocks pushed higher on Monday as investors cheered weekend news that the U.S. and China temporarily agreed to back off steep reciprocal tariffs.3

Then, a mild inflation report for April—the slowest annualized Consumer Price Index (CPI) reading in four years—boosted markets on Tuesday. Tech stocks powered the rally as the S&P 500 closed trading in the green for the year.4,5

Markets closed the week with modest gains, largely looking past weak consumer sentiment data released on Friday.

Friday was the Dow’s turn to erase year-to-date losses and get back in the green while the Nasdaq and S&P notched a five-day winning streak.6

All Eyes on Economic Data

The retail (CPI) and wholesale inflation reports (Producer Price Index) were mild, although most economists didn’t expect tariffs to impact prices in the first month of implementation.

Retail sales ticked up slightly (as expected), while industrial production and housing starts showed signs of tariff impact.7,8

Expect traders to continue to closely watch economic reports to better understand whether tariffs are showing up in the data.

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: New York Fed President John Williams, Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan, and Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic speak. Leading Economic Indicators. E-Commerce Retail Sales.

Tuesday: Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin, Raphael Bostic, and Fed Governor Adriana Kugler speak. Financial Markets Conference.

Wednesday: Thomas Barkin speaks. 20-Year Treasury Bond Auction.

Thursday: Existing Home Sales. Jobless Claims (weekly). PMI Composite—Services and Manufacturing. John Williams speaks. Fed Balance Sheet.

Friday: New Home Sales. Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid and Fed Governor Lisa Cook speak.

Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; May 16, 2025
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), Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW)

Wednesday: The TJX Companies Inc. (TJX), Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (LOW)

Thursday: Intuit Inc. (INTU), Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), The Toronto Dominion Bank (TD), Workday, Inc. (WDAY)

Source: Zacks, May 16, 2025. 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.

“People always call it luck when you’ve acted more sensibly than they have.”

– Anne Tyler

The IRS May Send You One of Two Notices If Your Filed Returns Don’t Match Their Records

Have you wondered what happens if the information on your tax return doesn’t match the IRS records? The IRS mails out two notices, CP2100 and CP2100A, to banks, credit unions, businesses, and payers who may have made a mistake on their return. 

The IRS mails these notices out twice yearly, in September/October and April of the following year. Payers may receive a notice if their return lacks a Taxpayer Identification Number, has an incorrect name, or both. The notices also tell payers that they are responsible for backup withholding.

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

This Cognitive Behavioral Exercise Can Help Quiet Your Negative Self-Talk

We all have that little negative voice in our heads, and one way to combat it is to change how we think about situations. Stressful things will always happen, but the goal is to change your feelings about those stressful situations. 

To practice this exercise, separate a piece of paper into three columns. One is for your negative thoughts, one is for the cognitive distortion at play, and one is for your rational response (thinking logically about your feelings). Here’s an example:

Negative thought: I did horribly on my presentation today and am getting fired. 
Cognitive distortion: All-or-nothing thinking, jumping to conclusions.
Rational response: Maybe it wasn’t my best presentation, but overall, the quality of my work is good.

These cognitive exercises take a lot of practice but can help silence your inner critic.

Tip adapted from Healthline10

What can go down a chimney when it is down but can’t go up through a chimney when it is up?

 

Last week’s riddle: What always shows up in the middle of March and the middle of April?
Answer: The letter “R.”

Ring-neck Pheasant
Utah, United States

Footnotes and Sources

1. WSJ.com, May 16, 2025

2. Investing.com, May 16, 2025

3. CNBC.com, May 12, 2025

4. WSJ.com,  May 13, 2025

5. CNBC.com, May 15, 2025

6. MarketWatch.com, May 16, 2025

7. WSJ.com, May 13, 2025

8. MarketWatch.com, May 16, 2025

9. IRS.gov, September 11, 2024

10. Healthline, December 12, 2024

Weekly Market Insights | Fed Talk Calms Volatility for the Week

Footnotes and Sources

1. The Wall Street Journal, May 9, 2025

2. Investing.com, May 9, 2025

3. CNBC.com, May 5, 2025

4. CNBC.com, May 6, 2025

5. The Wall Street Journal, May 7, 2025

6. CNBC.com, May 8, 2025

7. The Wall Street Journal, May 9, 2025

8. IRS.gov, November 11, 2024

9. NDPA.org, December 12, 2024

Weekly Market Insights | Positive Indicators Lift Stocks into May

Stocks pushed higher last week as investors cheered the White House’s constructive comments on trade, upbeat Q1 corporate reports, and an encouraging jobs report. 

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 2.92 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 3.42 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 3.00 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, advanced 2.56 percent.1,2

Longest Winning Streak in 20 Years

During the first two trading days, stocks increased as investors responded favorably to White House comments on tariff deals.3

Then midweek—on the last day of the month—fresh data showed the economy contracted by 0.3 percent in Q1—the first decline in gross domestic product (GDP) in three years. Stocks initially fell on the news, but staged a stunning recovery to add a seventh day to the S&P 500’s and Dow Industrial’s winning streaks.4

Q1 corporate reports from a couple of mega-cap tech companies boosted all three major averages over the next session, with Nasdaq leading the rise. By Thursday’s close, Nasdaq had returned to its pre-April 2 levels.5

The rally accelerated on Friday as a better-than-expected April jobs report eased some concerns about the economy’s strength. Signs of a potential thaw in Washington-Beijing trade relations also boosted enthusiasm. The Dow Industrials rose for a ninth straight session, as did the S&P 500—its longest winning streak in 20 years.6

 

Solid Jobs Report

The April jobs report showed employers added 177,000 jobs last month—34,000 more than economists expected. 

The report quieted talk about a recession, which was welcomed news. The April figure also showed the economy was still adding jobs despite a sluggish Q1 GDP report. However, the strong report did prompt some traders to push out expectations for an interest rate adjustment until the Fed’s July meeting.7,8

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: ISM Services Index. PMI Composite (final).

Tuesday: Trade Deficit. FOMC meeting – Day 1.

Wednesday: FOMC meeting – Day 2. Fed Decision / Fed Chair Powell Press Conference. Consumer Credit.

Thursday: Jobless Claims. Productivity & Costs. Wholesale Inventories. Fed Balance Sheet.

Friday: Fed Officials speak: Austan Goolsbee (Chicago Fed President), John Williams (New York Fed President) and Beth Hammack (Cleveland Fed President).

Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; May 2, 2025
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: Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR), Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX)

Tuesday: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET), Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)

Wednesday: Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER), The Walt Disney Company (DIS), AppLovin Corporation (APP)

Thursday: Shopify Inc. (SHOP), ConocoPhillips (COP), McKesson Corporation (MCK)

Source: Zacks, May 2, 2025. 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.

“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”

– Oprah Winfrey

Not All Third-Party Payroll Service Providers Are Equal

Be sure to ask your payroll company how it handles payroll tax. A business needs to pick this service wisely because failing to do so could contravene IRS guidelines. 

To avoid missed deposits for employment taxes and other important bills, here are some choices to help ensure business owners have a trusted payroll service:

  • Use a certified professional employer organization.
  • Use a reporting agent.
  • Enroll in the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) to ensure your payroll service providers use EFTPS to max tax deposits. This free platform gives employers quick access to their payment history for deposits under their EIN. 

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

Celebrate Summer With This Fresh Salad

The weather is heating up, so cool down with this tasty, healthy, fresh watermelon salad!

Ingredients

  • 5 cups of cubed watermelon
  • 1 cup of diced cucumber
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onions
  • ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 avocado, cubed
  • ⅓ cup torn mint or basil leaves
  • Sea salt

For the dressing

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • ½ garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. Arrange the watermelon, cucumber, and red onions and drizzle with half the dressing. Then, add the feta, avocado, and mint. Drizzle with the rest of the dressing. Salt to taste and serve.

Tip adapted from Love and Lemons10

A word appears, and six letters it contains. Subtract only one, then twelve remains. What is this word?

Last week’s riddle: It has dozens of fine teeth, but you can hold it in your hand, and it will never bite you. What is it?
Answer: A comb.

Motukorea Island
Hauraki Gulf, Auckland, New Zealand

 

Footnotes and Sources

1. The Wall Street Journal, May 2, 2025
2. Investing.com, May 2, 2025
3. CNBC.com, April 29, 2025
4. The Wall Street Journal, April 30, 2025
5. CNBC.com, May 1, 2025
6. CNBC.com, May 2, 2025
7. MarketWatch.com, May 2, 2025
8. CNBC.com, May 2, 2025
9. IRS.gov, November 18, 2024
10. Love and Lemons, December 12, 2024

Weekly Market Insights | Markets React to Positive Trade Talk

Stocks pushed higher last week, spurred by the White House’s reassuring comments that progress was being made with trade talks.

Markets Rally

Markets opened the week lower as investors continued to fret about China trade tensions. But sentiment quickly shifted.3

Stocks rebounded Tuesday following news that the administration intended to de-escalate tensions with China over tariffs. The rally extended through two more consecutive sessions as investors responded favorably to reassuring comments from the administration.

Markets also were encouraged after the president said he had “no intention” of firing the Fed Chair Powell. They also liked hearing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s comments that the U.S. had an “opportunity for a big deal” with a key trading partner.4,5

Megacap tech stocks, which had been under pressure for several weeks, regained momentum during the week, leading the market’s advance.6,7

 

Housing Market Update

Fresh housing data released last week showed the median price for a newly constructed home ($403,600) and an existing home ($403,700) were virtually identical in March.

This is unusual.

Typically, the average new home costs more than the average existing home. But last month, the median new-home price while the median existing-home price rose and hit a new all-time high.8

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday: Trade Balance in Goods. Retail & Wholesale Inventories. Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Consumer Confidence. Job Openings.

Wednesday: Gross Domestic Product (GDP). ADP Employment Report. Pending Home Sales. Personal Consumption & Expenditures (PCE) Index.

Thursday: ISM Manufacturing. Construction Spending. Auto Sales.

Friday: Employment Report. Factory Orders.

Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; April 24, 2025
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: Welltower Inc. (WELL), Waste Management, Inc. (WM)

Tuesday: Visa Inc. (V), The CocaCola Company (KO), Booking Holdings Inc. (BKNG), S&P Global Inc. (SPGI), Pfizer Inc. (PFE), Honeywell International Inc. (HON), Spotify Technology (SPOT), American Tower Corporation (AMT), Altria Group, Inc. (MO), Starbucks Corporation (SBUX)

Wednesday: Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Meta Platforms, Inc. (META), QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM), Caterpillar Inc. (CAT), Automatic Data Processing, inc. (ADP)

Thursday: Apple Inc. (AAPL), Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN), Eli Lilly and Company (LLY), Mastercard Incorporated (MA), McDonald’s Corporation (MCD), Amgen Inc. (AMGN), Stryker Corporation (SYK), The Southern Company (SO), Intercontinental Exchange Inc. (ICE), KKR & Co. Inc. (KKR)

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

Source: Zacks, April 24, 2025. 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.

“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”

– Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Recovering Documents Following a Natural Disaster

Suppose you live in an area that’s prone to natural disasters. In that case, it’s essential to prepare to manage your important documents and paperwork and know what to do if those materials are lost. Here are some tips from the IRS:

  • Contact the IRS or search their database online for help reconstructing records after a natural disaster or casualty loss.
  • Download  Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts, and Publication 584, Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook, to figure out your loss on business and income-producing properties in the event of a natural disaster.
  • Read Publication 3067, IRS Disaster Assistance – Federally Declared Disaster, for information about how federally declared disasters affect individuals and business owners. This document also covers the assistance available to victims.

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

Everything You Need to Know About Walking Meditation

You’ve likely heard about sitting meditation, where you’re encouraged to find a comfortable place to sit or recline, but have you ever heard of walking meditation?

Walking meditation follows similar principles to sitting or lying meditation, but instead of staying in the same place, you focus on your footsteps and walking. The goal is to be mindful of every step and experience something we usually do automatically. You can focus on each step’s mechanics, breathing, or the sights and smells on your walk. And you don’t have to walk far to enjoy the benefits! A 10-minute walk will leave you more focused, mindful, and centered.

Tip adapted from Greater Good in Action at Berkeley10

It has dozens of fine teeth, but you can hold it in your hand, and it will never bite you. What is it?

Last week’s riddle: What 10-letter word (in English) can you type using only the topmost row of letters on a computer keyboard (the Q-P row)? Hint: the first two letters of the word are next to each other in the Q-P row.
Answer: Typewriter.

African Cheetah
 Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa 

 

Footnotes and Sources

1. The Wall Street Journal, April 25, 2025
2. Investing.com, April 25, 2025
3. MarketWatch.com, April 21, 2025
4. CNBC.com, April 22, 2025
5. The Wall Street Journal, April 23, 2025
6. CNBC.com, April 24, 2025
7. The Wall Street Journal, April 25, 2025
8. MarketWatch.com, April 24, 2025
9. IRS.gov, October 17, 202410. Berkeley.edu, December 12, 2024

Weekly Market Insights | Rally Caps Volatile Week

Stocks ended the week with a strong gain as traders continued to focus on tariff talks while appearing to overlook upbeat news on inflation.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 5.70 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index gained 7.29 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 4.95 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, increased by 0.72 percent.1,2

Stocks Rebound

Stocks rallied on Monday after a report surfaced that the administration was considering a 90-day pause on tariffs. But when the White House clarified its position, sellers stepped in.

On Tuesday, prices jumped at the next opening bell after the Treasury Secretary said the U.S. was open to tariff negotiations with trading partners. The rally stalled and reversed on news the administration was adjusting tariffs on Chinese imports.3

After the White House announced a 90-day pause on specific tariffs on Wednesday, markets pushed higher. The S&P 500 gained 9.5 percent, its largest one-day increase in 17 years.4

Stocks fell again Thursday morning, appearing to overlook an upbeat Consumer Price Index report showing that core inflation (excluding food and energy) rose at a 2.8 percent annual rate–the best number in more than four years. Stocks finished the week with a powerful rally, capping a volatile trading week.5,6

Watching the Bond Market

The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose more than 50 basis points for the week, marking one of the most significant moves on record. (When bond yields increase, bond prices tend to move lower.)

The week’s action was unexpected. In the past, investors have turned to U.S. bonds during market turbulence. However, the ongoing tariff talks have, at least temporarily, influenced how some overseas investors view U.S. bonds.7,8

The bond market activity influenced the mortgage market, where the average rate on the popular 30-year fixed mortgage closed Friday at 7.1 percent, its highest level in two months.9

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker and Atlanta Fed President Bostic speak.

Tuesday: Import Price Index.

Wednesday: Retail Sales. Industrial Production. Business Inventories. Home Builder Confidence Index. Cleveland Fed President Hammack speaks.

Thursday: Housing Starts. Building Permits.

Friday: San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly speaks.

Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; April 11, 2025
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: The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS)

Tuesday:  Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Bank of America Corporation (BAC), Citigroup Inc. (C)

Wednesday: Abbott Laboratories (ABT), Prologis, Inc. (PLD)

Thursday: UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH), Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), American Express Company (AXP), Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (MMC), The Blackstone Group (BX), Infosys (INFY)

Source: Zacks, April 11, 2025. 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 think that we communicate only too well, in our silence, in what is unsaid, and that what takes place is a continual evasion, desperate rear-guard attempts to keep ourselves to ourselves. Communication is too alarming.”

– Harold Pinter

Tax Tips for Farmers

If you own a farm, ranch, range, or orchard, here are some tax tips to consider:

  • Insurance payments from crop damage may count as income. Check with your tax professional.
  • If you sold livestock or items you bought for resale, you may have a taxable event.
  • You may be able to deduct ordinary and necessary expenses that you paid for your business.
  • Consider the tax treatment of your farm’s full and part-time workers.
  • If your expenses are more than your income for the year, you may have a net operating loss. You may be able to carry that loss over to other years.

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

How to Measure Your Heart Rate (Without a Smart Device)

There are so many smart gadgets to help us monitor our health, but knowing how to measure your heart rate without any tech is important to monitor your overall health.

  • To measure your heart rate, gently place your index and middle finger on a pulse point, such as your wrist right below the base of your thumb or your neck right under your jawbone.
  • Lightly press until you can feel your heartbeat, then count the number of beats in 15 seconds. You’ll need a watch or clock to time yourself.
  • Multiply this number by 4 to get your heart rate per minute.
  • Feel free to repeat this exercise a few times to confirm your reading’s accuracy.

Tip adapted from Harvard Medical School11

I have a horn and am almost as large as a car, but I will never honk my horn or outrun a car or truck. What might I be?

 

Last week’s riddle: I can certainly run, but I will never be able to walk by myself. Wherever I go, thoughts are close behind me. What am I?
Answer: A nose.

Scenic Highway 93
Alberta, Canada
 

Footnotes and Sources

1. The Wall Street Journal, April 11, 2025

2. Investing.com, April 11, 2025

3. CNBC.com, April 8, 2025

4. The Wall Street Journal, April 9, 2025

5. The Wall Street Journal, April 10, 2025

6. MarketWatch.com, April 11, 2025

7. WSJ.com, April 9, 2025

8. MarketWatch.com, April 9, 2025

9. CNBC.com, April 11, 2025

10. IRS.gov, June 4, 2024

11. Harvard Medical School, December 12, 2024

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