Did anyone miss me last week?
I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Mandy and I took a needed week off. Considering how well the market did, I am looking into taking a week off every month.
Stocks pushed higher last week, setting new records as the market chewed through employment and inflation data.
The S&P finished up 0.31%, the Nasdaq added 0.91%, and the DOW's stocks gained 0.50%. Overseas markets (MSCI EAFE index) also gained, adding 0.72% for the week.
The week kicked off in the red, snapping a five-day win streak—then megacap tech flipped the script. ADP’s softer payroll report hinted the Fed might have some wiggle room on rates, and the market liked what it saw. Momentum carried through midweek with steady gains across the board.
After that, things mostly idled: slight moves in the S&P, Nasdaq, and Dow, while the Russell 2000 quietly broke a new record.
Then Friday hit. A delayed inflation report showed prices cooling a bit, sparking a rally and extending the S&P’s winning streak to four straight days.
Source: YCharts.com, December 6, 2025. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, December 1, to Friday, December 5. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points.
5 Things You Can Find on IRS.gov
The IRS website is more than a place to file your taxes — it’s loaded with tools and resources most people never even notice. A few worth highlighting:
• Taxpayer Bill of Rights: A simple rundown of what you’re entitled to when interacting with the IRS. Everyone should skim this at least once.
• 501(c)(3) guidance: Webinars, checklists, and how-to’s for anyone starting or maintaining a nonprofit.
• Volunteer tax programs: If you’ve ever wanted to help others navigate tax season, the IRS shows you how to get involved.
• Current tax scams: A must-check section to help you spot the latest fraud attempts and keep your information safe.
• Interactive Tax Assistant: A surprisingly handy tool that gives customized answers to common tax questions.
As always, this isn’t a substitute for personalized advice. Talk with a qualified tax professional about your specific situation.
Kangaamiut, Greenland — formerly known as Gammel Sukkertoppen, which sounds less like a town and more like a pastry you regret ordering after the gym.
Perched on dramatic cliffs and wrapped in North Atlantic wind, it’s one of those places where the houses are colorful because the weather refuses to be. Fishing village, big views, tiny population, zero chance you’ll “accidentally” spend too much at Target because… there isn’t one.
If you ever need an escape from noise, stress, or people in general, Kangaamiut has you covered. Bring a jacket. Or three.
(Stock photo...definitely NOT where we had our vacation!)
In this section, we want to address common or not-so-common questions that we find worthy to share:
"What kind of returns do you have?"
Well, this one is always interesting. No two clients have the same money, goals, income needs, investment horizons, risk tolerance, and investor psychology. Therefore, NOBODY gets the same return. And really, past performance truly is yesterday's news.
A portfolio should correlate to YOUR goals, risk, and timeline, not the S&P 500 or your neighbor's alleged crypto returns.
I understand the question though. Really, the client just wants to know if we are competent. I have 30 years under my belt, so maybe I am doing something right?
"Investors have to ask themselves two questions. How much can we grow our investments? And, can we afford our mistakes?"
-Mohammed El-Erian, Chief Economic Chair at Allianz, and Chair of Grammercy Funds Management
I have learned a great deal over the years, and it really does come down to these questions. Are your investments in line with your goals and risk? If not, let's talk.
Please forward this on to any of your friends or family that could use a laugh or a nugget of investment wisdom.
We appreciate any referrals!
Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. 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. The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice. The market indexes discussed are unmanaged, and generally, considered representative of their respective markets. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Indexes do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of large-capitalization companies on the U.S. stock market. The Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the Nasdaq stock market and considered a broad indicator of the performance of stocks of technology and growth companies. The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and serves as a benchmark of the performance of major international equity markets, as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities that are considered to be representative of the stock market in general. U.S. Treasury Notes are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. However, if you sell a Treasury Note prior to maturity, it may be worth more or less than the original price paid. Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.
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