Stocks Rally Ahead of Fed Meeting

Stocks bounced out of the gate at the start of the week as “risk on” investors made moves before the pending release of the twin inflation reports–the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI). The three major averages added slightly more than 1 percent in Monday trading.³

On Wednesday, stocks initially dipped following the release of the CPI as traders appeared disappointed by the report. By midday, sentiment changed. The S&P 500, down as much as 1.6 percent in early trading, gained 1.1 percent by the closing bell. More inflation data out Thursday showed wholesale price increases were tempered, which helped stocks move higher through the balance of the week.^4,5

Small-cap stocks, as measured by the Russell 2000 Index, have pushed higher in recent weeks, which is a telling move for some Wall Street observers. The Russell 2000 has outperformed the S&P 500 by more than 4 percent during Q3 so far.⁶

One reason is that smaller stocks tend to respond when they anticipate interest rates will trend lower. Investors appear to be positioning themselves in small cap issues, expecting the Fed may adjust rates at its September meeting as it looks to guide the economy to a soft landing.⁷

Monday: Empire State Manufacturing Index.

Tuesday: FOMC meeting – Day 1. Retail Sales. Industrial Production. Fed Official Lorie Logan speaks.

Wednesday: FOMC meeting – Day 2. Housing Starts and Permits. FOMC Announcement. Fed Chair Press Conference.

Thursday: Existing Home Sales. Weekly Jobless Claims.

Friday: Fed Official Patrick Harker speaks.

^{Source: Investors Business Daily – Econoday economic calendar; September 13, 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.}

Wednesday: General Mills, Inc. (GIS)

Thursday: FedEx Corporation (FDX)

^{Source: Zacks, September 13, 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.}

Check Your Withholding Status Online

The Withholding Calculator can help you determine whether you should submit a new W-4 to your employer, and you also can use the results to adjust your income tax withholding. If you have a more complex tax situation, you may need to use Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax form. This form can help you determine your self-employment tax, alternative minimum tax, or tax on unearned income by dependents. Publication 505 also can help if you receive non-wage income, including capital gains, royalties, dividends, and more.

Checking your withholding is essential to deducting the right amount of taxes; these handy tools can help.

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

Tip adapted from IRS.gov⁸

Low-Impact Exercises for Healthy Joints

Here are some of our favorite low-impact exercises:

• Swimming – Not only is swimming a low-impact exercise, but it’s also a full-body workout. Hop in the pool, do some laps, or splash around for fun. Either way, it’s great for exercising and staying cool.
• Kickboxing – It sounds intense, but kickboxing is a low-impact exercise for your joints. If possible, modify your workout to focus more on the sport’s cardio movements and not the combat aspect.  
• TRX Exercises – The TRX strap is often seen hanging from a bar at the gym. This simple accessory makes it easy to do lunges, pullups, and squats without putting pressure on your joints.
• Cycling – Indoors or outdoors, cycling is a great exercise and easy on your knees.

Tip adapted from Healthline⁹

Skyline of Malmo Sweden with Famous Turning Torso Building

Malmö, Skåne län, Sweden

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Footnotes And Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, September 13, 2024}

^{2. Investing.com, September 13, 2024}

^{3. The Wall Street Journal, September 10, 2024}

^{4. The Wall Street Journal, September 11, 2024}

^{5. CNBC.com, September 12, 2024}

^{6. The Wall Street Journal, September 13, 2024}

^{7. MarketWatch.com, September 12, 2024}

^{8. IRS.gov, May 8. 2024}

^{9. Healthline, May 8. 2024}

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.

The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice.

The market indexes discussed are unmanaged, and generally, considered representative of their respective markets. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Indexes do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

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Please consult your financial professional for additional information.

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