Good morning!

As we gather to celebrate this season of gratitude, I'd like to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful Thanksgiving filled with warmth, happiness, and cherished moments.

It's a slow week in the markets due to the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday and an early close Friday on Wall Street, but that still leaves room for some important economic data and earnings. Here's what's happening...

• Earnings are few this week, but there are a handful of important ones, all of which report this morning. They include Analog Devices, Dell, HP, CrowdStrike, Autodesk, Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Burlington Stores. The rest of the week is a drought for any important Q3 earnings reports. *

• On Wednesday, the Bureau of Economic Analysis will release the PCE (Personal Consumption Expenditures) price index for October. Economists predict a 2.3% year-over-year increase, which is 0.2 percentage points higher than September’s figure. Core PCE, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, is anticipated to rise by 2.8%, up from the previous 2.7% increase. **

• U.S. consumer spending and the retail sector will be in focus this week, as Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season. The S&P 500 has risen 1.7% recently, nearing record highs, with earnings up about 9% from last year. Walmart has raised its annual sales and profit forecast, while Target’s shares fell due to a weak holiday forecast. Despite moderated inflation, consumers still feel financial pressure. A Morgan Stanley survey shows a more optimistic outlook for holiday spending compared to the past two years. Retail stocks have varied performances, with Walmart and Costco seeing significant gains, while Dollar General and Dollar Tree have struggled. Upcoming retail earnings and Wednesday's PCE numbers will provide further insights into consumer spending and inflation. *** 

The financial advisors at Miramontes Capital diligently keep up with anything that can impact our clients' finances and tap into more than 175 years of combined investment experience. We do our all to keep your money protected and growing. If you think you might benefit from our financial experience and oversight, contact us today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation. Just call (800) 460-1595. Until next week...

Investment Advisory Services offered through Miramontes Capital, LLC. Securities offered through Balanced Security Planning, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Miramontes Capital, LLC and Balanced Security Planning, Inc. are separate companies affiliated through common control. This newsletter is solely for informational purposes. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Miramontes Capital, LLC and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Miramontes Capital, LLC unless a client service agreement is in place.