Weekly Market Insights: Debt Deal Relieves Market Worries

Stocks surged higher in the closing days of a holiday-shortened trading week, ignited by a political resolution on raising the debt ceiling and a strong employment report.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.02%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.83%. The Nasdaq Composite index gained 2.04% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, slipped 0.52%.^1,2,3

A Sigh of Relief

The weight of uncertainty over negotiations to raise the federal debt ceiling was lifted last week by the news of an agreement between President Biden and House Speaker McCarthy and its subsequent passage in Congress.

After a modest gain on Thursday following the House vote, stocks rallied on Friday, responding to the Senate passage of the debt ceiling bill, which eliminated a significant overhang to the market. A robust federal employment report also contributed to the Friday rally. The report exceeded market expectations in the growth of new jobs while reflecting a deceleration in wage growth.

The Irrepressible Labor Market

Last week’s employment data showed that the labor market remains stout after over a year of sharp interest rate hikes.

Job openings in April increased to more than 10 million, reversing three straight months of declines, while private sector employment increased by 278,000 jobs in May, according to a survey by Automated Data Processing (ADP), a significant payroll processor.^4,5

In line with these strong numbers, the Department of Labor reported 339,000 new jobs were added in May. That came above the consensus estimate of 190,000 and marked the 29th consecutive month of positive growth.⁶

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: Factory Orders. Institute of Supply Management (ISM) Services Index.

Tuesday: Jobless Claims. 

^{Source: Econoday, June 2, 2023
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 J. M. Smucker Company (SJM)

Wednesday: Campbell Soup Company (CPB)

Thursday: DocuSign (DOCU)

^{Source: Zacks, June 2, 2023
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’m not embarrassed anymore about anything that people, that human beings are going through.”

– Mary J. Blige

Owe the IRS Money? Here’s How to Pay

If you owe federal taxes, you may be required to pay by the April deadline. Remember, if you get an extension to file your taxes, payment is still due by the April deadline. You can set up a payment plan if you can’t pay the full amount you owe now.

Here are some choices for making your payment:

• Use Direct Pay: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Direct Pay is a free and secure way to pay directly from your checking or savings account.
• Pay by Debit or Credit Card: If you don’t want to link a bank account, you can use your credit or debit card. Remember that you’ll have to pay a processing fee and may incur interest charges.
• Pay When You E-File: If you file your federal tax return electronically, you can pay directly from your bank account using Electronic Funds Withdrawal.

*This information is not intended to substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.

Tip adapted from IRS.gov⁷

Eating To Your Heart’s Content

Deciding to change your diet can feel daunting. It can be challenging to figure out which one is “best” for you. Many fad diets come and go, but a few have stuck around, the most popular being the Mediterranean diet.

The Mediterranean diet is more of a lifestyle shift toward healthier eating patterns. Modeled after principles of Italian and Greek cuisine, which have remained relatively unchanged since the 1960s, this diet may lead to lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. The diet emphasizes eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, whole grains, olive oil, and fewer meats and dairy products. The diet is flexible. Elimination isn’t the intention, but rather favoring more nutrient-rich foods over energy-dense ones.

Food is life, and healthy choices can help support a healthier life. While the Mediterranean diet could be a good option, no single diet will ideally fit everyone’s lifestyle, preferences, and health needs. So, discuss your dietary choices with your physician or registered dietitian first.

Tip adapted from Mayo Clinic⁸

A friend wants change for a dollar. All you have in your pocket are over a dollar in coins, but you still can’t make the change correctly. What is the largest amount of money you could have in this situation? What coins do you have that prevent you from making the change correctly?

Last week’s riddle: An eccentric farmer requests that you build four pens for his nine sheep but only allow an odd number of sheep in each pen. How do you accomplish this? Answer: Build three pens, each holding three sheep. Build a fourth pen surrounding the other pens, containing all nine sheep.

Wave Rock Formation, Coyote Butte, Vermillion Cliffs, Arizona.

Footnotes and Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, June 2, 2023.} 

^{2. The Wall Street Journal, June 2, 2023.}

^{3. The Wall Street Journal, June 2, 2023.}

^{4. The Wall Street Journal, May 31, 2023.}

^{5. CNBC, June 1, 2023.}

^{6. CNBC, June 2, 2023.} 

^{7. IRS.gov, February 15, 2023}

^{8. Mayo Clinic, February 15, 2023}