Confirming Recovery Is Under Way

Published Friday, August 7, 2020; 9:00 p.m. EST

(Friday, August 7, 2020; 9:00 p.m. EST) Confirming a recovery is under way and the recession is ending, the U.S. Labor Department reports 1.76 million net new jobs were created in July and the rate of unemployment dropped to 10.2%.

In addition, strong increases in the service and manufacturing sectors were reported by corporate purchasing managers, according to the Institute of Supply Management, and ISM's forward-looking sub-index measuring new-order activity surged in July.

Improvement in the job situation and corporate purchasing numbers had been expected but the gains were materially stronger than had been expected by economists.

08/07/2020 closing number: 3,351.28

The Covid-crisis recession and recovery are unprecedented in modern U.S. history, making precise predictions tenuous. But the job situation and corporate purchasing manager data have been better than expected for two months.

The Standard & Poor's 500 stock index closed Friday at 3,351.28, up six-tenths of 1% for the day, +2.42% from a week ago, and +39.86% than its March 23rd bear market low.

Stock prices have swung wildly since the crisis started in March. Drops of as much as7% in one day have occurred in this period and volatility is to be expected in the months ahead.

For tax purposes, this is good time to consider certain strategies, including conversion to a Roth IRA from a traditional IRA, or gifting assets to children and grandchildren.

The Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500) is an unmanaged group of securities considered to be representative of the stock market in general. It is a market-value weighted index with each stock's weight proportionate to its market value. Index returns do not include fees or expenses. Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted.

Nothing contained herein is to be considered a solicitation, research material, an investment recommendation, or advice of any kind, and it is subject to change without notice. It does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs. Product suitability must be independently determined for each individual investor.

This material represents an assessment of the market and economic environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Information is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, does not purport to be complete, and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions.

This article was written by a veteran financial journalist based on data compiled and analyzed by independent economist, Fritz Meyer. While these are sources we believe to be reliable, the information is not intended to be used as financial advice without consulting a professional about your personal situation.

Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Investments with higher return potential carry greater risk for loss. Past performance is not an indicator of your future results.

Confirming Recovery Is Under Way

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