The Week on Wall Street
Groundhog Week
The announcement of another potential COVID-19 vaccine ignited strong gains to begin the week. But, like the week that preceded it, the gains sparked by the vaccine news were eroded in the following days as worries over the economic impact of new infections moved to the fore.
The market has been grappling with conflicting narratives. One is the optimistic view that, with COVID-19 vaccines apparently near at-hand, the return to economic normalcy grows ever closer. That hopeful outlook has been offset by anxiety over new infections, rising hospitalizations, and some local and state lockdowns.
These crosscurrents kept stocks range bound for the week, with the technology sector and small and mid-size stocks lending support to the overall market.
Powell Sounds A Warning
In a speech last week, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warned that the nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases could hamper economic activity in the upcoming months. He expressed concern that consumer spending may trend lower despite efforts to control the spread of infections.[4]
Powell once again voiced his support for additional fiscal stimulus to assist small businesses, state and local governments, and the unemployed. He also said that even after full economic recovery, some businesses and workers may wrestle with an economic landscape altered by the coronavirus..
THIS WEEK: KEY ECONOMIC DATA
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Tuesday: Consumer Confidence.
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Wednesday: Durable Goods Orders, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Jobless Claims, Consumer Sentiment, New Home Sales.
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
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Tuesday: Best Buy (BBY), Medtronic (MDT), Dollar Tree (DLTR), Dell Technologies (DELL), VMware (VMW), Analog Devices (ADI)
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Friday: Deere & Company (DE)
“”Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie.”
-Jim Davis
Recipe of the Week
Sweet Potato Casserole
- ½ stick of unsalted butter, melted
- 3-4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ stick unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- Boil the sweet potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until very tender. Drain, let cool, and mash.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 2-quart baking dish.
- Whisk together the butter, sweet potatoes, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and eggs and transfer to the baking dish.
- For the topping, combine all the topping ingredients in a medium bowl until the mixture is moist and clumps together. Spread the topping over the sweet potatoes in an even layer.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes.
Tax Tips
Tips to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft
- Always use security software on your computer, including anti-virus protection.
- Use a strong and unique password for each of your online accounts.
- Look out for spam calls, emails, and texts and report them to the IRS.
- Protect your information and any of your dependents’ info, as well.
Today’s identity criminals are getting more creative, but you can protect yourself by taking these important steps. Always be careful of who you give your information to.
Golf Tip
How to Get Out of an Uphill Bunker Shot
Healthy Lifestyle
Wake Up With This Morning Breathing Exercise
Green Living
Eco-Friendly Thanksgiving Tips
- Use the good cloth napkins and dishes instead of disposable plastic ones.
- Decorate with nature instead of plastic or synthetic decorations. Fall leaves, acorns, pinecones, and flowers make beautiful fall decorations.
- Reduce your energy usage by cooking things at the same time to limit how much you have to use your appliances.
- Prepare less food to reduce food waste. Or, properly store and freeze leftovers so you can enjoy them later!
- Buy local and organic produce. Local and organic produce requires less energy to produce and transport.
[4] CNN.com, November 17, 2020
[5] Foodnetwork.com, November 20, 2020