Kaizen Capsules

COULD A SECOND SECURE ACT TWEAK RETIREMENT RULES?

This Month’s Recap

• Stocks traded in a narrow range as technology and other high-valuation companies were under selling pressure
• Emerging inflation dampened investor optimism and weighed on the stock market
• A pick-up in vaccination efforts in Europe led to broad global gains

Q1 QUARTER’S RECAP

• U.S. economic growth gains traction as vaccination rollout picks up speed
• $1.9 trillion fiscal relief bill passes
• Stocks higher, but questions about where they go from here linger

Less than one month ahead of the traditional date, the I.R.S. has delayed the deadline for filing and paying taxes. The new deadline is May 17, 2021.^1,2,3

This Month’s Recap

• Decreasing COVID-19 infections and evidence of economic recovery lifted stocks
• Rising Yields fuels sector rotation
• U.S. Dollar appreciated over 2% year-to-date

U.S. Markets

This Month’s Recap

• Stocks were mixed in January
• Slow vaccine distribution prolonging economic recovery
• The short squeeze had investor’s attention
• Housing starts increased by 5.8%

U.S. Markets

2020 RECAP

• The pandemic sends the economy and financial markets reeling
• Congress passes $2 trillion economic stimulus bill
• The global economy stumbles, but adopt several important trade agreements
• Vaccines emerge as the stock market ends the year at record levels

After a bit of political posturing in December, the $900 billion Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (2021 CAA) was signed into law by President Trump as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact employers and employees.

Here's a quick recap of five key highlights: