The Means AND the Ends

This Week’s Market

The stock market demonstrated steady progress this week, with major indices posting solid gains from Monday’s open through Friday morning at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. The S&P 500 rose about 1%, reflecting resilience amid mixed economic data and stable job reports. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced roughly 2.1%, supported by strength in non-tech sectors, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed around 1.1%. These movements highlight ongoing investor confidence, even as rate expectations remain measured, pointing to potential opportunities ahead.

Trending Topics This Week

A key discussion in financial planning circles centers on updates to tax laws for 2026, including higher state and local tax (SALT) deduction caps, a new deduction for seniors, and increased retirement plan contribution limits. These changes, driven by recent legislation, are prompting advisors and individuals to reassess strategies for deductions, Roth conversions, and savings vehicles to optimize tax efficiency in retirement.

This Week’s Ideas

• Tax-Gain Harvesting: If your income places you in the 0% long-term capital gains bracket, consider selling appreciated assets to realize gains tax-free, then repurchasing to reset your cost basis. This can reduce future taxes without triggering current liabilities.
• Donor-Advised Funds for Bunching: Contribute multiple years’ worth of charitable gifts to a donor-advised fund in one year to exceed the new 0.5% AGI floor for deductions, allowing itemization while spreading distributions over time for steady support to causes.

Readers are encouraged to reply to this newsletter directly with any questions or comments, as I receive and read all responses. You can also reach out by calling or texting our office at 480-575-7688.

If you are not a client and have in-depth questions or want to explore how we might assist you, book a Discovery Call.

The information on our website and this blog is for information purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but JR Snell Capital Management does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The information on our website and in this newsletter or blog is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase of stock or any financial instrument.

This Week’s Market

The stock market experienced a mix of movements this shortened holiday week, with trading volumes lighter due to New Year’s Day closure. Major indices dipped modestly on Wednesday, December 31, as year-end profit-taking prevailed, with the S&P 500 down 0.7%, Nasdaq Composite off 0.8%, and Dow Jones Industrial Average declining 0.6%. However, the new year opened on a firmer note Friday morning, with tech and semiconductor stocks leading a rebound by 11 a.m. ET—the S&P 500 up 0.3%, Nasdaq gaining 0.6%, and Dow edging higher 0.1%. Overall, the tone remains constructive, supported by ongoing AI momentum and broader economic resilience, setting a steady path forward.¹

Trending Topics This Week

As 2026 begins, discussions in financial news and on social media are centering on preparing for upcoming tax changes. With parts of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act set to expire at year-end, higher brackets and reduced exemptions loom, prompting talks on strategies like accelerated Roth conversions and enhanced charitable giving. Additionally, new rules from recent legislation, such as increased gift tax exclusions to $15 million per individual, are sparking interest in estate planning updates.

Around the interwebs, folks are highlighting the need for proactive budgeting amid rising costs, viewing financial planning as essential for stability.

This Week’s Ideas

• Implement a bucket strategy for your retirement portfolio: Allocate funds into three segments—short-term (cash and bonds for immediate needs), medium-term (balanced investments for growth with moderate risk), and long-term (equities for higher potential returns)—to provide income stability during market fluctuations.
• Take advantage of SECURE 2.0’s 529-to-Roth IRA rollover provision: If you have a 529 plan open for at least 15 years with unused funds, roll up to $35,000 lifetime (subject to annual IRA limits) into the beneficiary’s Roth IRA, offering tax-free growth without penalties.

We welcome your questions or comments—reply directly to this email, or call or text our office at 480-575-7688.

If you are not a client and have in-depth questions or want to explore how we might assist you, book a Discovery Call.

The information on our website and this blog is for information purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but JR Snell Capital Management does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The information on our website and in this newsletter or blog is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase of stock or any financial instrument.

1. I get my market data from my trading and tracking software, Tradingview. ↩︎

This Week’s Market

The stock market opened the week on a solid note, with major indices posting gains amid continued strength in technology shares. On Monday, the S&P 500 rose 0.6% to close at 6,878.49, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.5% to 48,362.68, and the Nasdaq advanced 0.5%. Gold and silver reached new records, reflecting investor confidence in precious metals. By Friday morning, trading remained steady but lackluster, with indices fluctuating slightly around unchanged levels. Overall, the week highlighted resilience in equities and commodities, offering opportunities for long-term growth despite minor volatility.

Trending Topics This Week

With 2025 drawing to a close, year-end financial planning strategies are gaining attention across news outlets and social media. Discussions focus on optimizing tax positions through charitable giving, reviewing asset allocations, and preparing for potential policy shifts in 2026, such as changes to tax refunds and fiscal stimulus. Investors are also exploring stablecoins and digital assets as tools for faster, more transparent transactions amid evolving regulations.

This Week’s Ideas

• Tax-loss harvesting in taxable accounts: Sell underperforming investments to realize losses that offset capital gains, reducing your tax bill. This is particularly useful for pre-retirees managing portfolios outside retirement plans, allowing reinvestment in similar assets after the 30-day wash-sale period to maintain market exposure.
• Exploring long-term care insurance options: Secure policies that cover in-home care or assisted living, potentially with hybrid life insurance features for added death benefits. This protects retirement savings from healthcare costs, providing peace of mind for retirees without depleting nest eggs.

If you have questions or comments, reply directly to this newsletter—I read and respond to all. You can also call or text our office at 480-575-7688.

If you are not a client and have in-depth questions or want to learn if we can assist you, book a Discovery Call.

The information on our website and this blog is for information purposes only. It is believed to be reliable, but JR Snell Capital Management does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The information on our website and in this newsletter or blog is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase of stock or any financial instrument.