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May 16, 2020

Streaming: Digital Summer Movie Preview

Black Widow is webbed up. Wonder Woman has been lassoed until August (at least). And James Bond’s license to kill is suspended until November. So what is a filmgoer to do? Basically, spend summer at home. With movie theaters shut down due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Hollywood has all but mothballed its blockbuster line-up. And the films that haven’t been postponed are instead headed straight to on-demand platforms, joining the original productions already planned to debut digitally on various streaming services. So while it may be the strangest summer movie season in memory, there will still be plenty to watch. Here are nine of the ones to look for while we wait for big screens everywhere to reopen.

Scoob!

Debuts: May 15, VOD

Zoinks! Originally planned for a theatrical release, this computer-animated comedy is now beaming directly to on-demand platforms. Along with those meddling kids from the Mystery Machine — Scooby-Doo (Frank Welker), Shaggy (Will Forte), Velma (Gina Rodriguez), Daphne (Amanda Seyfried) and Fred (Zac Efron) — longtime fans can look for cameos from such other Hanna-Barbera characters as Dynomutt (Ken Jeong) and Blue Falcon (Mark Wahlberg).

The Lovebirds

Debuts: May 22, Netflix

A newly-shredded Kumail Nanjiani stars with Issa Rae in this action-comedy about a couple on the verge of splitting up who becomes ensnared in a murder mystery when they witness a crime. Can they save their relationship — and their own lives? Promisingly, The Lovebirds is helmed by Michael Showalter, who previously directed Nanjiani in the 2017 indie hit The Big Sick.

The Vast of Night

Debuts: May 29, Amazon Prime

Actually, Amazon is opening this 1950s-set science-fiction mystery in theaters before its Prime Video launch — drive-in theaters, across the country May 15 and 16. (Moreover, tickets for each car will be priced at 50 cents.) Drive-ins have been surging in popularity as they allow people to gather while also maintaining a social distance. Plus, the 1950s marked the pinnacle of the drive-in’s popularity. In the movie, a small-town switchboard operator Fay (Sierra McCormick) and a radio DJ Everett (Jake Horowitz) attempt to trace a frequency that may be alien in origin.

Artemis Fowl

Debuts: June 12, Disney Plus

When his villainous father (Colin Farrell) goes missing, 12-year-old genius and budding criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl (Ferdia Shaw) sets out to confront the mysterious, supernatural forces who may be responsible for his father’s disappearance. Kenneth Branagh directs this first installment of what presumably could be a franchise, considering that Eoin Colfer’s bestselling fantasy series spans eight novels.

Da 5 Bloods

Debuts: June 12, Netflix

Lured by the promise of buried gold and still haunted by the Vietnam war, four African American veterans — Delroy Lindo, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis and Isiah Whitlock, Jr. — return to the country to search for the remains of their squad leader (Black Panther’s Chadwick Boseman). Filmmaker Spike Lee directs what many expect to emerge as a serious Oscar contender.

The King of Staten Island

Debuts: June 12, VOD

Following everyone from Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy to Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader, Pete Davidson is the latest Saturday Night Live star to leap to the big screen. Or at least he was supposed to be before movie theaters shut down around the world. Now this semi-autobiographical comedy is bound for on-demand platforms. Judd Apatow (who previously launched the film careers of Seth Rogen, Steve Carrell and Amy Schumer) directs.

7500

Debuts: June 19, Amazon Prime

Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Looper, The Dark Knight Rises) stars in this confined nail-biter about the co-pilot of a packed international flight who finds himself locked in the cockpit during a terrorist attack. Unable to make an emergency landing, he must save himself, the passengers and what’s left of his crew without letting the hostage-takers seize control of the plane.

Hamilton

Debuts: July 3, Disney Plus

Disney — which reportedly paid $75 million for the rights to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s smash musical — will debut Hamilton on its streaming service almost a year ahead of its previously-announced theatrical bow. Unlike such other musical adaptations as Mamma Mia, the Hamilton movie is an actual recording of a staged performance with the original Broadway cast. Nevertheless, it is expected to be event viewing — especially since tickets to a live production of the Broadway phenomenon can cost hundreds of dollars.

The Old Guard

Debuts: July 10, Netflix

Once again cracking skulls and thumping bad guys after roles in Mad Max: Fury Road and Atomic Blonde, Charlize Theron — who is also the producer of this action-heavy graphic novel adaptation — stars as an immortal mercenary whose team of fellow immortal warriors has been protecting us mere mortals throughout the centuries.

May 16, 2020

Out and About – Virtual Culinary Escapes

The quarantine banana bread? Baked. The frothy lockdown coffee drink? Brewed. So what now? If you’re looking for your next culinary diversion, you may want to seek out any of the famed chefs who have been offering lessons, recipes and even entertainment from their home kitchens during the coronavirus pandemic. Even if you aren’t in the mood for a high-end dish or cozy comfort food, it may simply help you whip up inspiration in your own kitchen.

Silvia Grossi

It’s not quite like digging into carpaccio while nestled in the hills of Fiesole, but with your international summer travel plans most likely scuttled, at least it’s a taste. On her Instagram from her kitchen in Florence, Grossi — who is the executive chef at the luxury villa Il Salviatino — has spent a portion of the pandemic teaching how to cook Tuscan dishes. Best of all, she does so while utilizing ingredients most people would probably already have on hand.

Massimo Bottura

Bottura’s three-Michelin-star restaurant, Osteria Francescana, has been considered one of the top dining establishments in the world for the past decade. But during the pandemic he has been broadcasting an Instagram series called Kitchen Quarantine from his home in Modena, Italy. While you might expect to find him preparing a detailed, fine-dining dish, it is just as likely you will learn how he approaches such everyday plates as macaroni and cheese.

David Chang

Given his credentials as creator, star and producer of Netflix’s Ugly Delicious, it should come as no surprise that Chang’s In the Time of COVID-19 is as entertaining as educational. The founder of the Momofuku restaurant group — which includes New York City’s two-Michelin-star restaurant, Momofuku Ko — Chang has tackled topics including how to cook an egg in a microwave and how to make the perfect Quarantine Mother’s Day dinner.

Jose Andres

Andres — who founded the non-profit organization World Central Kitchen, which provides meals for people impacted by natural disasters — has been sharing videos of himself and his family in their home kitchen. From cooking challenges to tutorials in making everything from brisket and eggs to his mother’s lentil stew, Andres is never less than entertaining, particularly when cranking out songs from the musical Hamilton.

Christina Tosi

If you’re in the mood for something lighter— and less involved — than a full meal, how about baking dessert? Tosi, the chef and owner of Milk Bar, hosts her #bakeclub from her kitchen in New York City every day at 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Tosi provides the recipe and a shopping list in advance, so you can put your skills to the test as soon as you arrive online. Her club creations have ranged from cakes and cookies to flaky bread and “payday pie.”

Seamus Mullen

If you’re looking to stay closer to home, drop by Mullen’s Quarantine Kitchen. The Los Angeles-based Food Hero chef is live on Instagram at 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Yes, he conjures such dishes as pasta-free lasagna, but he also chats about a variety of health and lifestyle topics. Check ahead as he posts his ingredients in advance of each day’s video.

May 13, 2020

Home Tips: Spring Ahead

If you’re tired of staring at the same four walls after several weeks spent mostly indoors, now may be the ideal time for a change. After all, with spring’s arrival — alongside new decor trends to revamp your surroundings — this is the season to experiment with new colors and designs to brighten your mood and revitalize your space. It’s also a great way to take your mind off current events outside your home. Here then are five trends to watch for as we spring toward summer.

Bright colors

It’s only natural to covet bright, cheerful colors after the relative darkness of winter — never mind two months of quarantine. But be wary of splashing too much color around. Instead, consider introducing bolts of color with accessories such as rugs or drapes. If you’re feeling more courageous, try an accent wall. Another alternative if you’d rather use colors sparingly? Throw pillows, which can elevate the mood of a room without overwhelming it.

Mother Nature

Embracing Mother Nature by leaning on botanical patterns and earthy tones never goes out of style, but it is especially appealing during the renewing season of spring. (The calming attributes of nature — and nature-inspired decor — should not be underestimated either, considering our COVID-19-related times.) If you’re wondering how to approach incorporating such designs into your home, start by choosing items that will supplement the landscape outside your window.

Wallpaper for your ceiling

Wallpaper is one of the hottest trends of the year. That said, it is still a decorative choice a lot of people hesitate to embrace. After all, while it can add much-needed personality to a space, it can also overload the senses. Or worse, feel tacky. But if you do feel like being adventurous, why not try adding a pattern to the ceiling? It can revitalize a room without overdoing it. Just seek out a pattern that looks great regardless of the angle you are looking up from.

The end of the neutral kitchen

Look for natural wood cabinets, shelving and islands to pop up in the kitchen alongside splashes of color on the walls and among appliances. This shift is part of a larger move away from neutrality throughout the home as contrast takes the place of the near-monochromatic tones we have seen during the past decade.

Vintage furniture

Along with wallpaper, the resurgence of vintage fare includes German-and-Italian-influenced curved furniture, with spooled feet and wood spindles, as well as antique art. Look for spaces that combine such items with modern furniture to be at the fore of home design this year.

May 11, 2020

Valley Eats: Ice Cream

Whether you like it heaped on a cone, stuffed messily between two slices of cookie or smothered in fudge, we can all agree on ice cream — especially as soaring temperatures spell a sweltering summer ahead. Fortunately for the Valley, there is no shortage of ice cream shops happily serving scoops for takeout and delivery. Just make sure to call ahead as hours and items are always subject to change.

Conejo Valley

Coaches Old Fashion Ice Cream Parlor

3345 Kimber Drive, Unit D, Newbury Park 805-375-6555

Takeout and delivery: Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Delivery available through DoorDash and GrubHub.

Along with the shakes, malts, cookies and sundaes at this all-American, sports-themed shop, they offer various family to-go packs. The Out of the Park Home Run, for example, features three pints of your choice of ice cream, six waffle cones and oversized Oreos to make ice cream sandwiches. It also comes with your choice of three sauces and three toppings. If you prefer, you can mix and match. Call ahead so they can have it ready for pickup.

Little Calf Creamery and Cafe

652 E Janss Road, Thousand Oaks 805-497-2000
Takeout: Daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Order ahead online for curbside pickup.

This eatery serves burgers, fries and sandwiches, but it’s the ice cream that everyone comes for. Right now their most popular seasonal flavor is back: the “Cal Moo.” A nod to California Lutheran University (CLU), it is taro ice cream infiltrated by pockets of honeycomb candy. Also this weekend you can order the Mother’s Day Bouquet, which is ylang-ylang ice cream embedded with edible flower petals. For something classic, try the Moorpark Road, their take on Rocky Road, which arrives with almonds and marshmallows immersed in chocolate ice cream.

San Fernando Valley

Magpies Softserve

18971 Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana 747-254-4235

Takeout and delivery: Daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pre-order online. Delivery available through Postmates and Uber Eats.

Magpies Softserve bills itself as a scratch recipe soft serve dessert shop, meaning chefs Rose and Warren Schwartz create their soft serve and toppings entirely in house. Broadening both the form and flavors of soft serve, they offer everything from a sweetened Cuban espresso to a traditional Korean tea to their vegan Thai Tea which, when topped with caramel, is ideal for blazing-hot summers. If you want more than a single serving, try a pint or even a pie.

Sonny’s Handcrafted Ice Cream and Italian Ice

15030 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 17, Sherman Oaks 818-855-1587
Pickup and delivery: Sunday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Delivery is available through Postmates, DoorDash, GrubHub and UberEats.

Former veterinarians Sindy and Kelly named their establishment after Sindy’s dog, Sonny. After being rescued as a puppy, Sonny wasn’t expected to survive very long, but went on to live more than 13 years. Now Sindy and Kelly are pursuing their creative passion for creating frozen desserts. All of their flavors can be ordered in a bowl, waffle cone or waffle bowl. Flavors include Birthday Cake Cake Batter Creme Ice and Caramelized Banana.

Santa Clarita Valley

Paradis Ice Cream

24201 West, Valencia Boulevard No. 3428, Valencia 661-888-1370

Takeout and delivery: Sunday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Delivery is available through DoorDash, Postmates or UberEats.

Having first opened a Paradis cafe in Denmark in 2000, the chain moved to Los Angeles nine years later, eventually establishing itself in Valencia in 2016. Continuing with the initial vision of replicating the ice cream found in Rome, Paradis utilizes organic cocoa, bourbon vanilla from Madagascar and almonds from Spain for its ingredients. Ice creams and sorbets are whipped up fresh every day, including dairy-free, vegan options.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

26865 Sierra Highway, Newhall 661-250-0500
Take out and delivery: Daily from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Delivery is available through Uber Eats and GrubHub.

This frozen yogurt chain, with more than 540 locations around the world, serves dozens of flavors and toppings — from Caramel Frappe and Chocolate Cream Pie to Blue Raspberry Tart and Dark Chocolate Mousse. Know someone who is celebrating a birthday? Consider one of their custom froyo birthday cakes, including non-fat options that are sugar-and-gluten free.

May 11, 2020

LA Eats: Ice Cream

Whether you like it heaped on a cone, stuffed messily between two slices of cookie or smothered in fudge, we can all agree on ice cream — especially as soaring temperatures spell a sweltering summer ahead. Fortunately for Los Angeles and the Westside, there is no shortage of ice cream shops happily serving scoops for takeout and delivery. Just make sure to call ahead as hours and items are always subject to change.

Mashti Malone’s Ice Cream

1525 N La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles 323-874-0144
Takeout and delivery: Daily from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. for takeout with delivery available through Postmates, DoorDash and Uber Eats.

This 40-year-old Middle Eastern shop is a Los Angeles institution, thanks to the flavorful, fragrant scoops they dish out — from ginger and rosewater to pistachio and saffron. Their vegan Herbal Snow, for example, blends herbs, spices and citrus. They will even top your scoop of rosewater with a Baklava consisting of honey, cardamom and nuts tucked into a filo dough shell. For chocolate fans, their Fudge Brownie and Rocky Road ice cream should prove rapturous.

The Coolhaus Shop

8588 Washington Boulevard, Culver City 310-838-5559
Delivery: Available through Postmates and Uber Eats. Hours are Sundays through Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Featuring artisan flavors like dairy-free Dirty Mint Chip and Whisky Lucky Charms, this parlor combines cookies and ice cream to create piled-high sandwiches inspired by architecture. They also offer DIY kits in case you would rather make your own sandwiches — or “sammies” — at home. For all the fresh flavors at Coolhaus, however, don’t miss out on the classics either: both the Cookies and Sweet Cream and the Molten Chocolate Cake are scoop-worthy.

Scoops

5105 York Boulevard, Los Angeles 323-285-1096
Takeout: Sundays through Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reserve your pints by texting 323-285-1096.

Having opened in 2005 off Melrose Avenue in East Hollywood (at a location shuttered last year), this boutique shop has kept its doors open for takeout at both this Highland Park location and the one in Torrance. If you have never tried it, order a pint of their famed brown bread (with candied grape nuts and caramel drizzle). If you have tried it, order more anyway.

Sweet Rose Creamery

225 26th Street, No. 51, Santa Monica 310-260-2663
Curbside, takeout and delivery: Daily from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

If you’re having a birthday during the lockdown (or if you just feel like throwing a party), this Santa Monica shop is offering an Ice Cream Sundae Party Pack with your choice of six flavors, hot fudge and your pick of two toppings. They will also include cups, spoons, napkins and a freezer bag. Or if you prefer, order one of their Cookies and Cream Ice Cream cakes, which feeds six to eight people. Otherwise, sample a scoop or two of some of their latest flavors — from the Thai Tea to the Strawberry Coconut, just in time for the hot summer months ahead.

May 9, 2020

Out & About: Bringing the Spa Day Home

Whether you’re sore after spending weeks at your new home office — otherwise known as the sofa and coffee table — or simply stressed about the state of the world, we could probably all use a spa day right about now. So while the businesses themselves remain temporarily shut down — along with most vacation plans involving oceanside massage tables — why not bring the spa experience home to you? For one thing, it’s not complicated (because it’s not like you need another thing to stress about). And for another, a little wellness can do wonders — even if it’s from the normalcy of your own bathtub.

EMBRACE THE ESSENTIAL OILS

Known for their revitalizing properties, these flower and plant extracts can boost skin health as well as restore its vitality. At the spa, you will find them in everything from moisturizers to body scrubs. If you don’t have any essential oils at home, turn to your kitchen cupboards for such alternatives as salt (preferably sea salt, but even table salt will do) and sugar (which moisturizes while removing toxins), as well as olive oil and coconut oil. From there, choose from any number of recipes for making home-made bath salts or scrubs.

TREAT YOUR SCALP

By now we could all probably use a massage therapist to help unknot our tense, tired muscles. But how about a simple scalp massage instead? Studies have shown that scalp massage can boost serotonin levels as well as relieve chronic migraines. If you’ve been hunkered down at your desk or on your laptop while working remotely, it can ease the strain suffered by both your neck and eyes. And if you’re self-isolating alone, with no one to lend their helpful hands, there are video tutorials to teach you how to give one to yourself.

MAKE YOUR OWN FACIAL MASK

For a homemade facial mask, look no further than your fridge. Whether it’s honey (with its antibacterial properties) or avocado, matcha or green tea, olive oil or egg yolk, oatmeal or orange juice, your kitchen is packed with possibilities. Got powdered milk? Mix well with water. And if you don’t know what to do with those bananas you have? Mash them into a paste with orange juice and honey. And those are just some of the facial mask possibilities.

SET THE MOOD

Scented wellness candles containing essential oils will not only provide the appropriately-dim, stress-freeing illumination but also produce a pleasing aroma. From lavender to peppermint to rose, there’s probably a scent suited for you, so confirm you will enjoy it before you light it. Now that you’ve arranged the stage, fill the room with soft, ubiquitous music. A soothing soundtrack will lower your heart rate and blood pressure as well as set your mind adrift.

SOAK IT UP

Once you’ve introduced the bath salts or essential oils (possibly in the form of a bath bomb, which will also add fragrances and color to the water), lit the candles and cued up your spa-like sounds, you’re ready to slip into the tub for a long, hot steep. Although many of the benefits of taking a bath are obvious — such as improving your mood or reducing aching muscles — others are less so. For example, because heat can boost blood flow, you are actually burning calories while you soak — roughly the same amount as if you had gone for a walk instead.

May 8, 2020

Home Tips: Spring Cleaning

Nobody has to be told about wiping down doorknobs and washing their hands. But while saying it’s time to spring clean may sound redundant in the age of COVID-19, disinfected clutter is still disinfected clutter. And no amount of hand sanitizer will organize your garage or closets for you. So assuming you have some free time or possibly could simply use the distraction, why not tackle what is one of any year’s most intimidating, oft-delayed around-the-home endeavors? Here are a few tips to help you draw up your painstaking plan of action, room by room.

CLEAN FROM THE TOP DOWN

If you want to save time and energy, clean from the top to bottom — meaning dust the ceilings and ceiling fans first, so gravity does the work for you. Then you only need to vacuum your floors once. (One easy way to dust your ceiling fan while avoiding covering yourself with debris: slip an old pillowcase over each blade, then draw it forward to gather the dust inside. Once most of the dirt has been removed, then you can quickly wipe the blades down with a cloth.)

BATHROOM

Start cleaning by throwing almost everything out: the toilet brush, the toothbrushes, the shower curtain, even the trash can. Replacing them is both sanitary and inexpensive. Once that’s done, move onto the medicine cabinet to similarly dispose of anything that’s expired: from cosmetics to medications. You may also want to put in a new fan, since they are key to ventilating moisture, therefore protecting against mold and mildew.

KITCHEN

As with the bathroom, toss out everything that has collected over the winter months, such as expired condiments. Then clear out your cabinets to wipe down the shelves. If you have stainless steel appliances, don’t use harsh chemicals or steel wool, which can cause damage. Although you should consult the owner’s manual to see which cleaners to avoid, a simple cloth, warm water and dish detergent should be fine. Then dry them carefully to avoid water spots.

CLOSETS

Your first question should be: when was the last time I wore this and will I wear it again in the foreseeable future? Once you’ve answered that question, donate or dispose of the garments and items that are only gathering dust. From there, it’s all about utilizing available space. That might mean a closet system, whether one that is professionally installed or one that you can install yourself. Or it might be something as relatively simple as switching to velvet, space-saving, non-slip hangers.

THE GARAGE

The same rule that applies to the closet is true of the garage (or anywhere else where you might have skis stored away even though you haven’t hit the slopes in years). Think about what you want to keep and what you are only hanging on to for sentimental value. After that, clean and organize the garage. If square footage is limited, consider vertical wall hanging or ceiling track storage, which secures storage bins onto the ceiling. And remember that some things should never be stored here, including paint or other chemicals that require a constant temperature; leather, which can be damaged by moisture; or food that will lure insects or other pests.

May 8, 2020

Streaming: Movies for Mom

Call your mother already. And then what? With stay-at-home orders in place and everyone’s health at risk due to COVID-19, the annual afternoon brunches and family gatherings are out of the question. Besides, how is she supposed to see your smiling face behind a mask? But that doesn’t mean you still can’t take Mom to the movies (sort of). Consider this playlist for the perfect Mother’s Day movie marathon. Maybe you (and other family members) can even Zoom in to watch it with her. Bonus points for having her favorite snacks delivered to her door.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Streaming on: Disney Plus

One of the most popular and enduring movies of all time (literally — in adjusted dollars, its box office gross is more than $2 billion), this 1965 Best Picture Oscar winner has everything you could want in a movie for Mom: rapturous music, breathtaking mountain scenery, an aloof but charismatic aristocrat, looming peril in the form of Nazis and a family that needs a woman to pull them all together. Julia Andrews stars as the young nanny who takes charge of seven motherless children and ends up being much more to them — and their father. Odds are you have already seen this classic with your mom. But really, why not again? FOR AGES: 6 and up

MAMMA MIA! and MAMMA MIA!: HERE WE GO AGAIN

Streaming on: Hulu

ABBA songs, Greece and Meryl Streep — how can Mom possibly resist? Amanda Seyfried stars as Sophie, a young woman who invites three strangers (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard) to her wedding after learning one of them is her father. Music (including the title track) and romance ensue along with the predictable emotional fireworks between Sophie and her mother (Streep). As a bonus, the sequel introduces Cher. FOR AGES: 12 and up

STEPMOM

Streaming on: Amazon Prime

Julia Roberts stars as a woman planning to marry an older man (Ed Harris) while struggling to be accepted by the two children he shares with his less-than-warm ex-wife (Susan Sarandon). But what begins as a family dramedy emerges as a five-star salute to motherhood when the unexpected happens. Prepare tissues and your ugly crying face. FOR AGES: 12 and up

CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN

Streaming on: Disney Plus

There is nothing a mom loves more than confirmation everything would fall apart without her. Which is more or less the plot of this family farce about a couple (Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt) with 12 children who move to the big city after he gets a job coaching his alma mater’s football team. But life is truly thrown into disarray when she goes on a tour to promote her new book, leaving her husband and the kids to fend for themselves. FOR AGES: 10 and up

LADYBIRD

Streaming on: Amazon Prime

This tender, affecting coming-of-age drama follows the volatile, bittersweet relationship between a creatively-inclined high school senior (Saoirse Ronan), who dreams of leaving her hometown of Sacramento for somewhere more cultured, and her strong-willed mother (Laurie Metcalf). The film was nominated for multiple Oscars, including for Best Picture, Best Actress (Ronan), Best Supporting Actress (Metcalf) and Best Director (Greta Gerwig). FOR AGES: 16 and up

May 4, 2020

Month End Economic Update for April 2020

Stock Market Update

The Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the month of April at 24,345.72, up 11% from 21,917.16 on March 30, 2020. The S&P 500 closed the month at 2,912.44, up 12.6% from 2,585.59 at the end of March. The NASDAQ closed the month at 8,889.55, up 15.5% from 7,700.10 on March 30, 2020.

U.S. Treasury Bond Yields dropped to record lows in April

The 10-year U.S. treasury bond yield closed the month of April at 0.64%, down from 0.70% on March 30. The 30-year Treasury yield ended the month at 1.28%, down from 1.35% at the end of March.

Mortgage Rates dropped to record lows in April

The April 30, 2020 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 3.23%, down from 3.33% on April 2, 2020. The 15-year fixed was 2.77%, down from 2.82% April 2. The 5-year ARM was 3.14%, down from 3.49% on April 2, 2020.

Home sales reports are released on the third week of the month for the previous month. These are the March results.

March 2020 U.S. Home sales report

The National Association of Realtors reported the total existing-home sales in March fell just 0.8% from the number of sales in March 2019. Considering that 80% of the country was under a stay-at-home order in March, this was quite a positive result. These homes went under contract before the crisis, as most closings take 30-60 days, but the buyers did close during the crisis. Prices were also up significantly in March. The median price was 8.0% higher than last March. That marked the 97th straight month of year over year increases in the median price. Inventory levels were tight. There was a 3.4 month supply of housing on the market.

California March Home Sales Report

Impact of the pandemic has begun to be felt as the number of sales dropped while prices continued to rise – The California Association of Realtors announced that existing single-family home sales totaled 373,070 on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate in March, down 6.1% from the number of sales in March 2019. The statewide median price paid for a home in March was $612,440, up 5.6% from February and up 8.3% from one year ago. The median price is the point at which 1/2 the homes sell for more 1/2 the homes sell for less. Escrows periods are commonly between 30 and 60 days, so these sales represent homes placed in escrow before the crises. Homes sold during the crises are just beginning to close. There was a record low 2.7 month supply of homes for sale in March compared to a 3.6 month supply in February and a 3.6 month supply of homes for sale last March. That is due to so many people removing their homes from the market. On a regional level: In Los Angeles County the median price increases 8.1% from last March. In Orange Country the median price increased 9% from one year ago. In Ventura County the median price increased 10.2% from last March.

May 4, 2020

Economic Update for the Week Ending May 2, 2020

Stock Markets Posted Their Largest Monthly Gains in 30 Years in April

Stocks recovered in April after a devastating March. Despite a disappointing 4.8% decline in first quarter GDP, the worst quality decline since 2008, stocks ended the month much higher. Approximately $3 Trillion in government stimulus to businesses and individuals, unprecedented action by the Federal Reserve adding Trillions in liquidity, and states beginning to allow businesses to reopen fueled the rebound. The Dow had dropped from 29,000 in February to 18,000 by the third week of March before stead recovering. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 23,723.69, down 0.2%, from 23,775.27 last week. It’s down 16.9% year to date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,830.71, down 0.2% from 2,836.74 last week. It’s down 12.4% year to date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 8,604.95, down 0.3% from 8,634.52 last week. It’s down 4.1% year to date.

U.S. Treasury Bond Yields

The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 0.64%, up slightly from 0.60 last wee. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 1.27%, up from 1.17% last week.

Mortgage Rates are at Record Lows

The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey released on April 30, 2020, reported mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as follows: The 30-year fixed Mortgage rate average was 3.23% down from 3.33% last week. The 15-year fixed was 2.77%, down from 2.86% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.14%, down from 3.28% last week.

Unemployment Claims Jump for the Fifth Straight Week

Another 3.85 million American workers filed first-time unemployment claims last week. That brings a total of over 30 million workers laid off in the last six weeks. The unemployment rate has gone from a 50 year low of 3.6% in February to over 20%, the highest rate since the Great Depression, in just 6 weeks. Fortunately, these job losses are mostly temporary as employers will gradually rehire their workers once they are permitted to re-open.