Markets Mixed; Jobs Back on Track

 We are living in a technological wonderland.  Each day, I see new and exciting technologies that help us provide a high level of service to our Insurance, Benefits and Wealth Management clients. 

Technology also has its challenges.  According towww.statista.com*, 62% of Americans use their phone or tablet for banking.  While this is a great time saver, digital access to your bank account can also expose you to potential theft. 

Another report** (citing multiple sources) points out thatphishing, which often targets mobile devices, was identified as the primary infection vector in 41% of cybersecurity incidents. Additionally, the number of thread hijacking attempts doubled in 2022 compared to 2021.

The followingFraud Prevention Newsarticle from Schwab, gives guidance as to what we can do to protect ourselves.  Please give this your attention and use it as a checklist to give yourself a greater opportunity to safeguard you and your family.

Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

^{*U.S: mobile banking usage 2024 | Statista}

^{**Top Cybersecurity Statistics for 2024 | Cobalt}

Stocks were mixed during the first trading week of December. Technology stocks led, while the widely followed Dow Jones Industrial Average struggled.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index picked up 3.34 percent while the Dow Industrials lost 0.60 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index added 0.96 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, gained 1.46 percent.^1,2

Tech Takes Charge

The S&P and Nasdaq rallied to start the week, closing at record highs Monday and Tuesday. The Dow fell on both days. During a conference speech, Fed governor Christopher Waller said he supports a rate adjustment in December for now, which seemed to add momentum to the S&P’s and Nasdaq’s gains.^3,4

Tech shares continued to propel stock gains midweek on the strength of a few better-than-expected Q3 reports.⁵

On Friday, the S&P and Nasdaq hit new record highs following the November jobs report. Both notched their third consecutive winning week. By contrast, the Dow was down four of the five trading days, ending the week in the red after two back-to-back weekly gains.^6,7,8

^{Article from gsam.com: Solid Backing}

Jobs Rebound

After two hurricanes and an aircraft maker strike weighed on the labor market in October, the November jobs report released Friday gave investors what they were looking for: confirmation that the October update was an anomaly.

While November payrolls topped expectations, investors believed the hotter-than-expected report would not influence the Fed’s upcoming decision regarding short-term interest rates. The Fed’s scheduled two-day meeting ends on December 18.⁹

This Week: Key Economic Data

Tuesday:Productivity and Costs.

Wednesday:Consumer Price Index (CPI). 10-Year Treasury Note Auction. Treasury Statement.

Thursday:Weekly Jobless Claims. Producer Price Index (PPI). Fed Balance Sheet.

Friday:Import and Export Prices.

^{Source: Investors Business Daily - Econoday economic calendar; December 6, 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

Monday:Oracle Corporation (ORCL)

Tuesday: AutoZone, Inc. (AZO)

Wednesday:Adobe, Inc. (ADBE)

Thursday:Broadcom Inc. (AVGO), Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)

^{Source: Zacks,December 6, 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.}

“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.”

– Helen Keller

Gingerbread-Spiced Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

• 3 cups milk (whole milk or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (or adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

• Whipped cream or marshmallows
• Crushed gingerbread cookies
• Grated nutmeg or chocolate shavings

Instructions

1. Heat the Milk and Cream:

   • In a medium saucepan, combine milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat until steaming, but do not boil.

2. Add the Cocoa and Spices:

   • Whisk in the cocoa powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the cocoa is fully dissolved.

3. Melt the Chocolate:

   • Add the chocolate chips and whisk until fully melted and smooth. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Finish with Vanilla:

   • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Serve and Garnish:

   • Pour the hot chocolate into mugs. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or your favorite garnish. Sprinkle crushed gingerbread cookies or grated chocolate on top for an extra festive touch.

Andrew Jackson’s Winter of Generosity

While Andrew Jackson's national legacy sparks controversy, stories from his life in Middle Tennessee reveal a different side of the man. One winter, as frigid temperatures gripped the region and crops failed, Jackson opened the Hermitage's stores to his struggling neighbors.

Rather than hoard his farm’s harvest, Jackson shared grain and other essentials, ensuring no one in the community went hungry. This act of generosity earned him deep respect among locals, who saw him not just as a leader but as a compassionate neighbor.

Amid the complexities of his legacy, tales like this highlight a human connection often overshadowed by his political life.

Beware of the Fake Charity Scam

There are so many scams out there. One of the most heartless is taking advantage of people who want to give money to a legitimate charity, especially after a tragedy or disaster. Scammers can set up fake organizations to take advantage of people’s generosity. 

These scams are usually over the phone, and while the organization may sound legitimate, the person on the other end might demand a donation immediately. Remember, a charity will happily receive a donation anytime, so you shouldn’t feel pressured. 

You can research charity organizations using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool—this will help you narrow down a list of legitimate charities. You may even be able to claim a deduction on your tax return.

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

Tip adapted fromIRS¹⁰

How to Understand Your Blood Pressure Readings

Understanding your blood pressure readings is important, especially if you are at a greater risk for high blood pressure. Here are the ranges you should know, according to the American Heart Association:

• Normal ranges are less than 120 for systolic mmHg (the top number in the reading) and less than 80 for diastolic mmHg (the lower number)
• Elevated ranges are 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic
• High blood pressure (hypertension) stage 1 ranges are 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic
• High blood pressure (hypertension) stage 2 ranges are 140  or higher systolic or 90 or higher diastolic
• Hypertensive crisis (a medical emergency) ranges are higher than 180 for systolic and higher than 120 for diastolic

Tip adapted fromAmerican Heart Association¹¹

I have a bank, yet no cash. I can run, but can’t walk. I have a bed but never sleep. I have a mouth, but ingest no meals. What am I?

Last week’s riddle: What has one eye and yet can’t see?

Answer: A sewing needle.

The Shard

Bermondsey, London, United Kingdom

Footnotes and Sources

^{1.The Wall Street Journal, December 6, 2024}

^{2.Investing.com, December 6, 2024}

^{3.CNBC.com, December 2, 2024}

^{4.MarketWatch.com, December 3, 2024}

^{5.CNBC.com, December 4, 2024}

^{6.MarketWatch.com, December 5, 2024}

^{7.MarketWatch.com, December 6, 2024}

^{8. The Wall Street Journal, December 6, 2024}

^{9. The Wall Street Journal, December 6, 2024}

^{10.IRS.gov, April 4, 2024}

^{11. American Heart Association, August 1, 2024}