Happy Monday.

Change can be good, right? Here at McKnight Advisory Group, we strive to improve ourselves everyday. So here is a different format for our newsletter that will show you more about what's going on in the finance world.

Today's newsletter entails an important health-related awareness day, the biggest highlight of the S&P 500 of the year, a glimpse of the labor market, and the best "The More You Know" section there is!

- Javier Hernandez, Marketing Associate

National Chronic Disease Day

Today is National Chronic Disease Day. This is an important observance that aims to raise awareness about the impact of chronic diseases on individuals, families, and communities. This special day serves as a platform to educate the public about various chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory illnesses, among others. It encourages individuals to take proactive steps towards prevention, early detection, and effective management of chronic diseases.

If you or someone you know are going through a chronic disease, we would be more than happy to assist through Medicare solutions. To learn more, check out our Medicare solutions.

How The S&P 500 Peaked The 2000's Boom

In a remarkable turn of events, the S&P 500 showcased an extraordinary performance in the first half of 2023, delivering its strongest showing since the dot-com boom of 2000. Once again, the driving force behind this outstanding performance was the top technology companies that dominate the index. Taking center stage this year, Apple proved its mettle by closing last week with a staggering market cap of $3 trillion, surpassing the combined market cap of the entire Russell 2000. This valuation surge within the tech sector has propelled the index to new heights, but there is still room for growth. We firmly believe that revolutionary technologies like generative AI hold immense potential to fuel an earnings catch-up, further augmenting the already impressive trajectory of US equities. The outlook remains promising, and the market continues to captivate investors with its resolute determination. To learn more, check out the most recent Market Monitor.

Inflation Back At It Again?

Rising concerns about further rate hikes sent stocks lower to kick off the second half of trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.96%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 1.16%. The Nasdaq Composite index surrendered 0.92% for the week. The MSCI EAFE index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, tumbled 2.57%.^1,2,3

A Very Sticky Stock Situation

Stocks were dragged lower last week by news reigniting fears of additional rate interest rate increases. It started with the minutes from June’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting, which revealed a majority of voting members supported at least two more rate hikes. But a strong employment report from Automated Data Processing (ADP), a payroll processor, unnerved investors, sending stocks lower and bond yields higher.

Markets stabilized after Friday morning’s federal government’s monthly employment release showed a less-than-expected increase in nonfarm payrolls. But stock prices turned down in the afternoon, adding to the week’s losses.

Q2 Labor Market on a Roller Coaster Ride

Wall Street was rattled by an unexpected surge in new private-sector jobs last Thursday. ADP reported private sector employers had added 497,000 jobs in June, blowing away the consensus estimate of 220,000. Leisure and hospitality led the gains with 232,000 new hires, followed by construction (97,000).⁴

Friday’s release of monthly employment data painted a more moderate picture, with 209,000 new jobs added in June, well below the estimate of 240,000 and May’s downwardly revised total of 306,000. Friday’s report added to data released earlier in the week (a decline in job openings and a rise in jobless claims) that suggested that the labor market may be cooling.⁵

"Half of wisdom is learning what to unlearn."

– Larry Niven

Do You Need to Report Cash Payments?

If you receive a cash payment over $10,000, you may be required to report it to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In this case, a cash payment includes US or foreign currency and can also include cashier's checks, bank drafts, traveler's checks, or money orders. 

In addition, cash payments to an individual can also include payments from companies, corporations, partnerships, associations, trusts, or estates. For example, this could include:

• Dealers of jewelry, furniture, boats, aircraft, automobiles, art, rugs, and antiques
• Pawnbrokers
• Attorneys
• Real estate brokers
• Insurance companies
• Travel agencies

This requirement can apply to cash payments received in one lump sum or two or more payments over time. Check the IRS website for more specifics regarding what constitutes a reportable transaction.

So how do you report cash payments? Taxpayers should complete Form 8300, Report of Cash Payments Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business. You can file this form electronically or mail a copy to the IRS. You must submit Form 8300 within 15 days of receiving the cash payment.

*This information is not intended to substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.

Tip adapted from IRS.gov⁷

What Are Polyphenols?

You may have heard of polyphenols, as they're getting a lot of buzz in the health and wellness community. But what are they, and what are their benefits?

Polyphenols are a category of plant compounds that may offer various health benefits, from boosting brain health and digestion to protecting against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers.

There are many sources of polyphenols, including dark chocolate, tea, and dark berries. Even red wine may contain polyphenols. There are four main types of polyphenols:

• Flavonoids: Flavonoids account for around 60% of all polyphenols, found in foods like apples, onions, dark chocolate, and red cabbage.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids account for about 30% of polyphenols, found in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and seeds.
• Polyphenolic amides: Polyphenolic amides are in chili peppers and oats.
• Other polyphenol foods include red wine, berries, turmeric, flax seeds, sesame seeds, and whole grains.

Tip adapted from Healthline⁸

What is the longest word in English to have only one vowel repeated? (Hint: It has 18 total letters, and the vowel repeats four times.)

Last week’s riddle: What lives above a star but never burns, has 11 neighbors, and can replace the letters P, Q, R, or S in some cases?  Answer: The number 7 on most telephone keypads.

African Bush Elephants, Botswana Elephant Preserve, Africa

Footnotes and Sources

^{1. The Wall Street Journal, July 14, 2023}

^{2. The Wall Street Journal, July 14, 2023}

^{3. The Wall Street Journal, July 14, 2023}

^{4. The Wall Street Journal, July 13, 2023}

^{5. The Wall Street Journal, July 12, 2023}

^{6. The Wall Street Journal, July 13, 2023}

^{7. IRS.gov, February 15, 2023}

^{8. Healthline, February 15, 2023}

^{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.}

^{The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of large-capitalization companies on the U.S. stock market. Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of technology and growth companies. The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and serves as a benchmark of the performance of major international equity markets, as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities that are considered to be representative of the stock market in general.}

^{U.S. Treasury Notes are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. However, if you sell a Treasury Note prior to maturity, it may be worth more or less than the original price paid. Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.}

^{International investments carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risks unique to a specific country, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. These factors may result in greater share price volatility.}

^{Please consult your financial professional for additional information.}

^{This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG is not affiliated with the named representative, financial professional, Registered Investment Advisor, Broker-Dealer, nor state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and they should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.}

^{Copyright 2023 FMG Suite.}