Blue Ridge Financial Partners

05/11/2026

Stocks surged in April, delivering their strongest monthly gains in five years as solid economic data, easing geopolitical tensions, and upbeat first-quarter earnings lifted investor sentiment. The Nasdaq climbed 15.29%, the S&P 500 rose 10.42%, and the Dow gained 7.14%, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 3.65%. With no Fed meeting in May, attention turns to remarks from Fed officials and how evolving economic data may shape expectations moving forward. From \$34.1 billion in U.S. spending to the popularity of Mother’s Day dining and gifts, this month’s By the Numbers highlights how families celebrate the occasion.

Stocks surged in April, notching their best month in five years as investors cheered upbeat economic news, efforts to lower tensions in the Middle East, and first-quarter results.

04/13/2026

U.S. stocks slipped in Q1 as AI disruption fears and Middle East tensions rattled investors. The S&P 500 fell 4.63%, the Nasdaq dropped 7.11%, and the Dow lost 3.58% — though six of eleven S&P 500 sectors still finished in the green, led by Energy's standout 37.91% gain. As the weather warms up and spring gets us outside, it turns out Americans are right there with you — over 181 million U.S. residents participated in outdoor recreation in 2024. Check out this month's by-the-numbers for more on the outdoor recreation economy.

U.S. stocks struggled in February amid fears that artificial intelligence would disrupt a wide swath of industries, unsettling investors. Late in the month, geopolitical concerns weighed on the market amid tensions in the Middle East.

03/05/2026

Stocks were mixed in February as AI disruption concerns and escalating geopolitical tensions weighed on investor sentiment. The S&P 500 slipped 0.87% and the Nasdaq fell 3.38%, while the Dow edged up 0.17%. Canada’s S&P/TSX advanced 7.57%. As attention turns to the Fed’s March meeting and its updated Summary of Economic Projections, markets will be watching closely for signals on the path ahead. From 73% of the world’s maple syrup produced in Canada to a \$1.64 billion global market, this month’s by-the-numbers highlights the industry behind one of North America’s most iconic products.

U.S. stocks struggled in February amid fears that artificial intelligence would disrupt a wide swath of industries, unsettling investors. Late in the month, geopolitical concerns weighed on the market amid tensions in the Middle East.

02/09/2026

Stocks climbed in January as solid economic data offset geopolitical tensions. The S&P 500 rose 1.37%, the Dow gained 1.73%, and Canada's TSX picked up 0.66%, setting multiple record highs early in the month. The Fed held rates steady as expected, with all eyes now on the March meeting. From \$27.5 billion spent in the U.S. to \$97.80 per person in Canada, Valentine's Day spending spans the globe. Check out this month's by-the-numbers.

Stocks climbed in January as the tailwinds of solid economic data offset the headwinds of geopolitical tensions that rattled investors during the month.

01/15/2026

Thinking about solar, EVs, or energy-efficient upgrades?

Several energy tax credits expire under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act including:
🚗 Clean vehicle credit
🏠 Residential clean energy credit
🔋 Energy-efficient home improvement credit

The IRS has published FAQs to help with eligibility and phase-out timelines.

Call for more information, but don’t make any changes until you speak with your tax, legal, or accounting professional.



Source: IRS.gov, September 16, 2025

01/12/2026

Starting in 2026, eligible taxpayers may deduct:
🔹Up to $25,000 in reported tips
🔹Up to $12,500 in overtime compensation ($25,000 if married filing jointly)

These deductions phase out for higher-income taxpayers.

Call for more information, but don’t make any changes until you speak with your tax, legal, or accounting professional.



Source: IRS.gov, September 10, 2025

01/10/2026

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act increases the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 per eligible child.

Other updates to the Child Tax Credit include:
➡️ The credit will be adjusted for inflation in future years
➡️ A valid Social Security number is required for the child
➡️ For joint filers, at least one spouse must have a valid SSN

These updates aim to clarify eligibility and streamline administration.

Call for more information, but don’t make any changes until you speak with your tax, legal, or accounting professional.



Source: IRS.gov, September 10, 2025

01/09/2026

Markets ended 2025 on a quiet note, but Q4 closed with gains across all major U.S. indexes as investors weighed lower interest rates, mixed labor data, and ongoing economic delays from the October shutdown. The S&P 500 rose 2.35% for the quarter, while the Dow led with a 3.59% gain. As we kick off the new year with resolutions and fresh starts, many of us reach for our favorite morning brew. But have you ever wondered about the global love affair with coffee and tea? Check out this month's by-the-numbers.

U.S. stocks notched a solid gain in the fourth quarter as investors cheered lower interest rates and solid corporate profits while navigating limited economic updates due to the U.S. government shutdown.

01/08/2026

Don’t itemize? In 2026, you can deduct cash donations to charity.

You can deduct up to:
🔹$1,000 if filing single
🔹$2,000 if married filing jointly

Donations must be made in cash and sent to qualified organizations. This is a new option for giving back while managing taxable income without requiring itemization.

Call for more information, but don’t make any changes until you speak with your tax, legal, or accounting professional.



Source: IRS.gov, May 30, 2025

01/06/2026

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the standard deduction might impact your upcoming tax filing.

The updated standard deduction amounts for 2026 will be:
▪️$32,200 for married filing jointly
▪️$24,150 for head of household
▪️$16,100 for single or married filing separately

Call for more information, but don’t make any changes until you speak with your tax, legal, or accounting professional.



Source: IRS.gov, September 10, 2025