These numbers don’t always represent the full picture.

Provided by Marc Aarons

 The holiday season is often a quiet, positive time for the financial markets. The phrase “Santa Claus Rally” was coined in the early 1970s to reflect the stock market’s upward bias during the November-January stretch.¹

But this year, the markets might face some crosswinds as we travel through the holidays.

The stock market initially reacted well to news that President Biden will nominate Jerome Powell to lead the Federal Reserve for a second term. But trading became choppy as the session continued.²

Next up, the markets may react to an active December legislative calendar. Between today and New Year, Congress is preparing to work on the federal budget, the debt ceiling, and the Build Back Better plan.

Economic news also may influence trading in the weeks ahead. For example, the next reading on inflation (Consumer Price Index) releases on Friday, December 10.³

Last, COVID-19 continues to be unpredictable. Many states have seen an uptick in infections in recent weeks, and a few nations have adopted more aggressive lockdowns to help manage the most recent wave.⁴

Markets tend to be comfortable with some uncertainty, believing that time will resolve the issues. But this year, it might be best to prepare for Santa’s sleigh to hit a few speed bumps along the way.

Marc Aarons may be reached at (714) 887-8000 or marc@ocmoneymanagers.com

^{Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost.}

 ^{MMI Disclosure This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note – investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment}

^{This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note – investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.} 

^Citations

1. ^{CNBC.com, November 22, 2021}
2. ^{CMEGroup.com, 2021}
3. ^{BLS.gov, November 10, 2021}
4. ^{APNews.com, November 20, 2021}