If you aren't familiar with the 'January Barometer', today's Peek of the Week describes it like this: as goes January, so goes the year. . . As we know, people do not make perfect financial decisions and the predictive values associated with the January Barometer aren't perfect, either. So what's going on? Last week we saw U.S. stock indices move lower because of inflation, the pandemic and Federal Reserve policy. One thing is very clear: the global economy stays resilient, requiring new and innovative adaptations around the world.
Is the economy doing well, or not? The answer doesn't come easy these days. Today we posted a brand new Peek of the Week that attempts to answer this question. Last week, the focus was on retail sales for the month of December 2021 being down 1.9 percent compared to November 2021. There are more factors and timeframes to consider than the month-to-month data, and Barron's reported the "the slowdown is expected to be short-lived."
The Fed's minutes from their December meeting were released last week and investors found themselves surprised by "the change in tone" for future outlooks. Our Peek of the Week tells the story of the Federal Reserve and how 2020 forced our country to make adjustments to avoid a deep recession or depression, and how we continue to pivot going forward.
Since we've officially entered the new year, it felt like the perfect opportunity to look back on some challenges and delights from 2021 in our first Peek of the Week of 2022. We saw surges in: the stock markets, global growth, COVID-19 cases and vaccinations. Something that did NOT seem to increase in 2021 was optimism. According to a CBS News poll, about 40 percent of Americans felt like 2021 was a year of sadness, but three out of four people felt hopeful about 2022. We know that hope goes a long way. Today's blog lists our top financial and stock market highlights from 2021!
While circumstances beyond our control took the wheel over the nearly past two years, 2022 might be the year where we can be more in control of what we write into the chapters of our year. We hope 2022 is a wonderful year full of good luck and prosperity. If you need help developing a plan for financial prosperity, please get in touch.
Last week, the Standard & Poor's 500 Index saw it's 68th record high for the year... That’s the second-highest number of record closes in a single year! The highest number actually occurred back in 1995. Currently, investors are focusing on consumer sentiment, economic growth and corporate earnings after future outlooks improved significantly during the month of December.
“The holidays are often seen as a time of joy: ruddy cheeks, festive parties, and twinkling laughter, all wrapped in a warm, tinsel-framed glow. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! It may be the ‘season to be jolly,’ but not everyone finds joy in the holidays,” writes Annie Parsons for On Being. The holidays can become overwhelming, so we’re sharing strategies for restoring your equilibrium.
