

Northern Star Newsletter 2/13/2017

Northern Star Newsletter 2/13/2017
Message from Jon

The merits of the rally

Our mid and long-term indicators both are confirming that his recent rally in the markets, while overdue for a correction, still has merit and continued strength for the near-term.

According to Lowry, "Thus, the probabilities based on our 91-year history of Supply and Demand favor months of further gains in this old but still viable bull market."

We are seeing demand increasing in the financial, utilities, and basic materials sectors, but interestingly enough, renewed interest in Oil & Gas, along with Gold, should also demonstrate a growing unease developing in this rally as well. Until we see evidence to the contrary, we stay the course and keep a steady hand at the wheel.

Till we speak again, Happy Valentines Day!


Taxes, Trade, and Record Highs






Why should you care?



What can we learn from this week's findings?





Tuesday: Producer Price Index
Thursday: Housing Starts
Friday: E-Commerce Retail Sales


Know the Rules for Child Tax Credit


1. Qualifications


  • Relationship: The child's relationship with the taxpayer must be through family, such as a son, daughter, foster child, grandchild, niece, or nephew. See a full list here.
  • Residence: Generally, the child should live the majority of their time with the taxpayer-which means more than half the year in 2016.

2. Limitations


3. IRS E-file


If you claim a Child Tax Credit, you may need to complete Schedule 8812. You may also qualify for a refund through the Additional Child Tax Credit, even if you don't owe taxes. For more information, visit IRS.gov or speak to your tax professional.

Tip courtesy of IRS.gov[13]

Perfect Your Drive in the Backyard

Unless your property is huge - or you don't mind smashing your neighbors' windows - chances are you haven't spent much time practicing your drive at home. But with this exercise, you can effectively (and safely!) practice your swing.

Step 1: Grab a driver and go outside.

Look for a spot in your lawn where the grass length is similar to the rough - around the height of a tee.

Step 2: Skim the grass.

You aren't actually hitting balls here; you're practicing your swing. Set up like you're at the tee box and swing so your driver's bottom just touches the top of the grass. Don't attack the imaginary ball like you would with an iron or you could end up digging into your yard - and you certainly won't improve your drives.

Step 3: Repeat.


Tip courtesy of Jason Guss | Golf Digest[14]

Encourage Longevity With Lifestyle Changes


1. Spend Time With Friends

Gathering with good friends is not just enjoyable-studies show it may also help you live longer. Just make sure you connect with friends who make healthy choices, as their habits can rub off on you.

2. Take Naps


3. Eat a Mediterranean Diet


4. Stay Active


5. Practice Forgiveness


Tip courtesy of WebMD[15]

Make Every Day a Bit Greener

Living a greener lifestyle doesn't have to mean major changes. In fact, just a few adjustments to your daily routine could have a big effect on your environmental impact and might even save you some "green" in the process!


In the Morning

  • Switch to organic coffee to support sustainable growing standards
  • Choose reusable travel cups to reduce landfill waste

At Work

  • Use double-sided printing to save paper
  • Put your computer in sleep mode when you're away for more than 20 minutes to decrease electricity use

Out and About

  • Drive more slowly to lower your fuel costs

Before Bed

  • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth to decrease waste

Tip courtesy of Good Housekeeping[16]













Past performance does not guarantee future results.

You cannot invest directly in an index.

Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.




  1. http://www.cnbc.com/2017/02/10/us-markets.html
  2. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-stocks-idUSKBN15P1GJ
  3. http://finance.yahoo.com/quote/^DJI/history?period1=1486098000&period2=1486702800&interval=1d&filter=history&frequency=1d 
  4. https://www.msci.com/end-of-day-data-search
  5. https://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/international/trade/tradnewsrelease.htm
  6. http://www.ftportfolios.com/Commentary/EconomicResearch/2017/2/7/the-trade-deficit-in-goods-and-services-came-in-at-44.3-billion-in-december
  8. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-27/u-s-economic-momentum-faces-wild-card-in-trump-s-trade-policy
  10. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-trade-deficit-hits-highest-level-in-four-years-2017-02-07
  12. http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/goldencrusted-brussels-sprouts-recipe.html
  13. https://www.irs.gov/uac/five-things-to-know-about-the-child-tax-credit
  14. http://www.golfdigest.com/story/this-is-the-easiest-backyard-driver-drill-weve-ever-seen
  15. http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/aging-body-care-16/slideshow-longer-life-secrets
  16. http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/a18573/ways-to-go-green/
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