Stableford Capital Insights

The S&P 500 declined 1.9% during January, though it hit an all-time high on January 22 and has bounced to similar levels as of February 5. The run-up to all-time highs is largely explained by the Fed’s stealth Quantitative Easing (QE) program, as well as anticipation of better economic conditions following the détente in the US-Sino trade war.

The S&P 500 increased 6.4% during December, driven by the US – China preliminary trade deal and continued Fed stealth Quantitative Easing. While some of the details still need to be worked out with China, there seems to be a détente for now. This break allows markets to view the world order through rose colored glasses.

The S&P 500 increased 3.4% during November on the hope that a trade deal with China would be signed and belief that the economy had bottomed. Investors were getting nearly euphoric, and measures of value were beginning to look stretched (though a slight correction at the beginning of December rectified some of this).

The S&P 500 increased 2% during October as investors began to believe that the economy is beginning to re-accelerate. This move off the recent October lows was propelled by diminishing fears of recession and trade wars. Recent high frequency economic survey data has recently begun to turn upward, and the US – China trade war has moved toward (at least a temporary) détente.

The S&P 500 fell 1.8 % during a volatile August as the Federal Reserve’s -25 basis point move on July 31 proved too hawkish versus expectations. Yields on the 10 Yr US Treasury fell 50 basis points to 1.5% in August as well.

The S&P 500 increased 2.5% in July, but the real fireworks occurred after the Fed meeting July 31 through August 5. During that 4 day period the market was down 5.6%. Fixed Income had similar gyrations, with yields on the US 10 Yr Treasury falling 30 basis points from July 31 to 1.71% on August 5, after holding relatively stable for July

The S&P 500 fell 6.6% May, after topping out at an all-time high on April 30. It was up ~25% off the December 2018 lows, and 17% year to date at the high. In particular, the US economy and corporate earnings were beginning to slow. This became apparent during May as several economic indicators and economists’ models began to show the deceleration. As usual, the bond market was the first to sniff out the problem.

Will you be able to deduct moving expenses in 2018, and how will tax changes to mileage and reimbursements affect your tax preparation? For the best strategies in your 2018 tax preparation documenting and deducting, reach out to Stableford Capital tax specialists today.

Wondering if your small business will be affected by the tax law changes and need to modify your business entertainment expense policy? There are a few key strategies small businesses can employ to spend and document wisely in this arena, leading to strategically paying fewer taxes.

If you file a tax return, you will be affected by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. This major tax reform makes changes across the board, from shaking up the seven individual tax brackets to classifying businesses. Those who will likely be affected most are business owners, since many of the 2018 tax updates change business tax preparation. Small business owners, including S corps and LLCs will be breathing a sigh of relief, while pass through organizations like consultants may be a less happy.