Skip to main content

Featured

Snowball Cookies

Buttery, nutty, and blanketed with powdered sugar, these nostalgic snowball cookies make a festive addition to any cookie tray. Here’s a clear, calm, truly step‑by‑step guide so you can just follow along and bake. Recipe overview Snowball Cookies  Yield: About 36 cookies Oven temperature: 350°F Pan: Unlined baking sheet (you can use parchment if you like, but not necessary) Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks) ½ cup confectioners’ (powdered) sugar, plus more for coating 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2¼ cups all‑purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt ¾ cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts) Instructions: 1. Get ready Soften the butter Take the butter out of the fridge about 1 hour before baking. It should be soft enough to press a finger in easily, but not melted or greasy. Preheat the oven Set oven to 350°F . Make sure the rack is in the center position. Prepare your pans Use unlined baking sheets (or line with parchment if you prefer). No need to...

article

Nasdaq Lags as Markets Take a Breather


In today’s trading session, US stocks reversed gains late in the day, signaling a pause in the record-setting run that has characterized Wall Street during the first quarter of 2024. Here are the key highlights:

  1. Nasdaq Composite: The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite, which had been on track for a record close, dipped approximately 0.4% as the session concluded. Tech stocks faced headwinds, contributing to the overall decline.

  2. S&P 500: The broader S&P 500 index also retreated, falling nearly 0.3%. Investors closely monitored economic data releases, including durable goods orders and the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index.

  3. Durable Goods Orders: In February, durable goods orders rebounded by 1.4%, driven by increases in transportation equipment and machinery orders. This positive data reflects economic resilience.

  4. Home Price Index: The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index rose 6% in January compared to the previous year, marking the highest annual increase since 2022.

  5. Consumer Confidence: The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index remained relatively stable at 104.7 for March. However, the “Expectations Index,” which gauges consumers’ short-term outlook, dipped to 73.8, potentially signaling a future economic downturn.

  6. Upcoming Event: All eyes are on Friday’s release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCE), a crucial indicator of inflation. Investors eagerly await insights into “core” PCE growth, which the Federal Reserve closely monitors.

  7. Trump Media & Technology Group Corp.: Former President Donald Trump’s social media company made its Wall Street debut after merging with Digital World Acquisition Corp. Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (DJT) surged, finishing the day up 16%.

As the week progresses, keep an eye on economic indicators and corporate developments. The stock market remains dynamic, and investors should stay informed to navigate these fluctuations effectively. 

Comments