Health Tips, Market Trends, & Winter Tales

3 Tips for Better Sleep

Sleep is essential for overall health, especially heart health. Poor sleep can increase risks for high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. Here are three simple tips to improve your sleep:

1. Set an Alarm to Wind Down

Set a daily alarm an hour before bedtime to remind yourself to relax and prepare for sleep.

2. Create a Bedtime Routine

Signal your brain it’s time for bed by doing consistent activities like brushing your teeth, washing your face, or reading a book.

3. Relax and Unwind

Ease into sleep by engaging in calming activities such as journaling, taking a warm bath, or practicing mindfulness.

Prioritize 7–9 hours of sleep nightly to protect your health. For more tips, visitheart.org/sleep.

Stocks notched a slight gain over the holiday week. A tech-driven rally in the first half of the week was clawed back in the second half as investors took profits following the market holiday.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 0.67 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.76 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.35 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 1.54 percent.^1,2

Ho-Ho, Then No-Go

Stocks rallied during the first half of a shortened holiday trading week. Holiday cheer won out despite news of declining consumer confidence in December, a drop in durable goods, and new home sales reporting below expectations.^3,4

The “Santa rally” lost its ho-ho-go after the midweek holiday. Megacap technology stocks led markets down on Friday, giving back most of the gains from the first half of the week.^4,5

^{Article from gsam.com : Valuation Vulnerability}

^{Source: YCharts.com, December 28, 2024. Weekly performance is measured from Friday, December 20, to Friday, December 27. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points.}

The Real Santa

While Santa got the headlines, the consumer drove the holiday shopping sleigh this year.

Holiday spending—defined by the period from November 1 through December 24—rose 3.8 percent in 2024, compared with 3.1 percent in 2023. Economists closely follow consumer activity since consumer spending makes up roughly two-thirds of total gross domestic product. Market watchers attributed the strong job market and growth in household wealth as the primary drivers of consumer strength.⁶

This Week: Key Economic Data

Monday: Pending Home Sales. 3-Month Treasury Bill Auction.

Tuesday: Case-Shiller Home Price Index.

Wednesday: Stock market closed.

Thursday: Jobless Claims. EIA Petroleum Status Report. Fed Balance Sheet. 30-Year Treasury Bond Announcement.

Friday: Motor Vehicle Sales. ISM Manufacturing Index. Federal Reserve Officials Thomas Barkin and Mary Daly speak.

^{Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar;December 27, 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.}

This Week: Companies Reporting Earnings

Friday: The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. (GBX)

^{Source: Zacks,December 27, 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.}

“The strongest of all warriors are these two — Time and Patience.”

– Leo Tolstoy

"The Winter Watcher’s Gaze"

They say on the coldest nights, when the frost bites deep and the wind whispers secrets, the Winter Watcher roams the land. Neither man nor beast, this cloaked figure of snow and shadow watches over the world, seeking balance in the season’s icy grip.

Long ago, a kind forest spirit named Aelwyn sacrificed themselves to tame a cruel frost king's endless winter. Bound by magic, Aelwyn became the Winter Watcher, protector of the season. Villagers leave offerings—sugared pinecones, holly sprigs—hoping for the Watcher’s favor. Those they bless awaken to a charm of frost that never melts, a token of protection and fortune.

But beware: the Watcher’s gaze is stern. Hoard wealth while others freeze, and your hearth may grow cold, your stores spoiled by unseen hands. And on the longest night, Watcher’s Eve, they walk closest. Stray into the woods with a selfish heart, and you may find yourself lost in endless snowdrifts until you’ve learned humility.

Will you leave a gift for the Watcher this year? Or risk their frozen stare?

Do You Have To Pay Taxes On Your Hobby?

Whether you picked up embroidering, dog grooming, or making jewelry, a side hobby may or may not require paying taxes.

Does your kids' lemonade stand need to pay taxes? Probably not but if you're doing something like selling cookies out of your kitchen, you might need to check out the rules.

Here are some things to consider when determining whether your activity is a hobby or business:

• Is your hobby carried out in a businesslike manner?
• Do you maintain complete and accurate books and records for your hobby?
• Is the effort you put into your hobby intended to make a profit?
• Do you depend on the income from your hobby for your livelihood?
• Do you know how to carry out your hobby as a successful business?
• Have you made a profit from your hobby?

If you receive income from your hobby with no intention of making a profit, you may have to report the income to the IRS.

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

Tip adapted from IRS⁷

How Well Do You Know Your Sunburn Protection Factor?

We all know that protecting your skin from the sun is important, but did you know that not all sunscreens are made equal? Dermatologists have some specific recommendations when it comes to your Sunburn Protection Factor (SPF). Here are some tips:

• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects you from both UVB and UVA rays.
• Always use at least SPF 30
• Choose a water-resistant sunscreen.
• Don’t forget your lips! Apply sunscreen to your lips or use a chapstick with SPF 30 or higher.
• Reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours if you’re sweating a lot in the water.
• Apply enough sunscreen to cover all skin that clothing will not cover. Most adults need about 1 ounce—or enough to fill a shot glass—to cover their bodies completely.
• Apply your sunscreen 15 minutes before going outdoors.

These tips will help you choose the best sunscreen to protect your skin for years.

Tip adapted from American Academy of Dermatology⁸

Throughout Friday, Hanna asks her mother the same four-word question. On each occasion, her mother gives her a different answer. What is the question?

Last week’s riddle: It softly goes up and down the stairs in many homes and office buildings, yet it never moves. What could it be?
Answer: Carpet.

Delicate Arch 

Arches National Park, Utah, USA

Footnotes And Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, December 27, 2024}

^{2. Investing.com, December 27, 2024}

^{3. MarketWatch.com, December 23, 2024}

^{4. CNBC.com, December 26, 2024}

^{5. The Wall Street Journal, December 27, 2024}

^{6. MarketWatch.com, December 26, 2024}

^{7. IRS.gov, March 18, 2024}

^{8. American Academy of Dermatology, August 1, 2024}