Kaizen Capsules

Q1 Quarter’s Recap

• COVID-19 hits the United States and the markets tumble
• Many businesses close their doors in effort to “flatten the curve”
• The Fed lowers rates and takes other actions to help support the economy
• Congress passes the CARES Act in response

If somebody had told you 15 years ago when oil prices were rising above $150 a barrel that oil producers would be paying storage companies to take oil off their hands, what would you have said?  For that matter, what would you have said if somebody had told you these things a month ago?

We witnessed an extraordinary move in the financial markets on Monday, March 9.

Back in 1987, right after the markets had experienced the famous “Black Monday” decline which took the Dow Jones Industrial Average down by 22.6%, the weekly Barron’s financial publication featured, on its cover, a suitcase with the frightened eyes of a Wall Street broker peeking out of its dark recesses, and an arm reaching out to wave a white flag.

Tax season is underway, and we have some tips for recordkeeping. You should keep track of and store your tax and other financial records to avoid delays as the filing deadline approaches. Records may include W-2 forms, canceled checks, certain receipts, and previous year returns.

Common documents

IN THIS MONTH’S RECAP:

• The emerging coronavirus reins in Wall Street’s bulls
• USMCA and China Phase I trade deals make headlines
• Strong consumer confidence continues to support the U.S. economy
• The United Kingdom left the European Union

If you are not already receiving 2019 tax forms, you may receive some soon. 1099 forms are sent out by banks and brokerages in January. Sometimes 1099s are restated, and you may receive an updated version in February.

2019 RECAP

• Federal Reserve shifts into expansionary monetary policy
• U.S. stocks have a banner year with the S&P up 31.5%
• Modest improvement in the U.S-China trade dispute
• Economic data improving, reducing the probability of near-term recession

The I.R.S. increased the annual contribution limits on IRAs, 401(k)s, and other widely used retirement plan accounts for 2020. Here’s a quick look at the changes.

IN THIS MONTH’S RECAP