Goldilocks Returns; Market Ends Week "Just Right."

Join Us for a Medicare Educational Event!

📅Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
🕠Time: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM CST
📍Location: Murfreesboro Medical Clinic Westlawn

Are you ready to gain clarity about Medicare? JoinMedicare Solutions Specialist Hillary Broomefor an informative session designed to demystify Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Whether you're nearing eligibility, already enrolled, or supporting a loved one, this event will provide:

• Expert insightsinto Medicare coverage and options
• Enrollment guidancetailored to your needs
• Apersonalized Q&Asession to address your specific questions

Refreshments will be served, and seating is limited—secure your spot today!

👉Click here to register now.

Take control of your Medicare journey with confidence—don’t miss this opportunity!

Stocks roared back last week, fueled by upbeat Q4 corporate reports and economic news that stalled inflationary fears.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 2.91 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index advanced 2.45 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led, picking up 3.69 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, added 2.00 percent.^1,2

Goldilocks is Back

The “Goldilocks” narrative—an economy that’s neither too hot nor too cold—made a comeback last week.

Tuesday's Producer Price Index report showed that wholesale prices rose less than expected in December—one piece of evidence suggesting a cooling economy.³

Stocks jumped out of the gate Wednesday after the December Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed core inflation (minus volatile energy and food prices) rose less than expected. Investors also cheered Q4 reports from a handful of money center banks and positive news out of the Middle East.⁴

Stocks took a breather Thursday before pushing higher again on Friday.⁵

The S&P and Dow Industrials had their best week since early November, and the Nasdaq saw its best weekly performance since early December. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell roughly 20 basis points over the week.^6,7

^{Article from gsam.com: Expensive Taste}

Slowing Inflation

Investors welcomed the inflation reports, believing wholesale and consumer prices might trend lower in 2025. 

First, producer prices came in at 0.2 percent, which was less than the 0.4 percent increase anticipated. Then consumer prices came in at 2.9 percent, slightly elevated, but the real story was core inflation. When you subtract out food and gas prices, CPI saw its smallest monthly increase since July.⁸

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday:Markets closed - MLK Jr holiday

Wednesday:Treasury Buyback Announcement. 20-Year Treasury Bond Auction.

Thursday:EIA Petroleum Status Report. Weekly Jobless Claims. Fed Balance Sheet.

Friday:Existing Home Sales. Consumer Sentiment.

^{Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; January 17, 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:Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), The Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW), Prologis, Inc. (PLD), Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR), 3M Company (MMM), Capital One Financial Corporation (COF)

Wednesday:The Proctor & Gamble Company (PG), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Abbott Laboratories (ABT), The Progressive Corporation (PGR), GE Vernova Inc. (GEV)

Thursday:Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG), GE Aerospace (GE), Texas Instruments Incorporated (TXN), Union Pacific Corporation (UNP), Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV)

Friday:American Express Company (AXP), Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE), HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA)

^{Source: Zacks,January 17, 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.}

“Silence is like starvation.”

– Cherrie L. Moraga

Resolutions Through the Ages

The tradition of New Year’s resolutions dates back over 4,000 years to the Babylonians, who made promises to their gods during the Akitu festival to earn divine favor. Later embraced by the Romans, inspired by Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings, resolutions symbolized reflection and forward planning. Over time, this practice evolved into a global custom, shifting from religious vows to personal goals for self-improvement. Today, resolutions represent a universal act of renewal, encouraging introspection, goal-setting, and hope, reminding us of our capacity for growth and the promise of a brighter future.

Beware of Phishing Scams

A phishing scam occurs when someone pretends to be a trusted source, such as a bank, tax preparer, or credit card company, to access your personal information.

If you believe you may be part of a phishing scam, here are some recommendations from the IRS:

• Never open an email from a sender that you don’t recognize.
• Never disclose personal information to anyone online, including your passwords, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, or Social Security number. The IRS will never ask for this information via email. 
• When possible, use two-factor authentication to protect your accounts. Two-factor authentication requires a secondary form of identification (such as a phone number) to access your account.

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

Tip adapted fromIRS⁹

What’s the Deal With Downward Dog?

Even if you’ve never set foot on a yoga mat, you’ve probably heard of one of the most popular poses called Downward Dog. 

The pose is popular because it has many benefits, such as increased flexibility and spinal strength. In yoga, it’s a resting posture to let your muscles lengthen and straighten. It can help stretch your back, neck, hamstrings, and calves. You can sit in the pose without moving (a static hold) or “walk the dog,” which includes pushing your heels toward the ground to stretch out your calves. 

If you’re new to downward dog, practice proper form by bending your knees and focusing on lengthening your back and arms. Ideally, your body should be in an inverted “V” shape. Eventually, you may straighten your legs and have your heels touch the floor!

Tip adapted fromEkhart Yoga¹⁰

Heart-Healthy "Fried" Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup low-fat buttermilk (or unsweetened almond milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for flavor)
• 1 cup whole-grain breadcrumbs or panko
• 1/4 cup almond flour or whole-wheat flour
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (optional for extra omega-3s)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt (or salt substitute)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce (if using).
   • Add the chicken and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 12 hours for more flavor).

2. Prepare the Coating:

   • In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs, almond flour, ground flaxseed, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Coat the Chicken:

   • Remove chicken pieces from the marinade, letting excess buttermilk drip off.
   • Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure even coating.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   • Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flip, and cook for another 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
   • Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray. Arrange chicken pieces on the rack, spray the tops lightly, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.

5. Serve:

   • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or whole-grain sides for a complete heart-healthy meal.

You can make it and read about it today; many classes are taught in it, but it is not part of the future. What is it?

Dave is at the hardware store to buy something for his house. Yesterday, he bought 1 for $1. The week before, he purchased 10 for $2, and his friend bought 100 for $3. Today, he bought 907 for $3. If the prices haven’t changed, how is this possible? Answer: Dave and his friend have been buying house numbers. 907 is $3 because it costs $1 per numeral.

Dolomite Mountains at Sunset

Dolomitic Alps, northeastern Italy

Footnotes and Sources

^{1.The Wall Street Journal, January 17, 2025}

^{2.Investing.com, January 17, 2025}

^{3. CNBC.com, January 14, 2025}

^{4.The Wall Street Journal, January 15, 2025}

^{5.CNBC.com, January 17, 2025}

^{6.MarketWatch.com, January 17, 2025}

^{7.CNBC.com, January 17, 2025}

^{8.The Wall Street Journal, January 15, 2025}

^{9.IRS.gov, July 29, 2024}

^{10. Ekhart Yoga, October 3, 2024}