The Financial Exchange Show: Recent Episodes
The Financial Exchange Network
A talk radio show that provides comprehensive analysis on the economy and the latest breaking business news, while also providing insight on the markets and its impact on your personal finances.
AI agents are getting more powerful, but their ability to act online is raising a bigger question: what happens when people can no longer trust what they see, read, or do on the internet?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Meta’s latest open source AI model, why the company may be trying to regain ground in the AI race, and how AI agents are already finding vulnerabilities in everyday online systems. They also examine whether AI-generated writing, images, videos, online coursework, and automated actions could eventually destroy trust in the internet itself. Plus, they look at gold’s recent rally, why real interest rates usually matter for precious metals, whether weak jobs data really supports stocks, and the SEC’s debate over whether public companies should move away from quarterly reporting.
Private credit is back in focus as default rates rise, loan stress builds, and investors try to figure out whether this is just a normal credit cycle or the start of something bigger.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why private credit is showing renewed signs of strain, how higher interest rates have pressured borrowers, why software exposure could create additional risk, and who may ultimately be holding the bag if problems spread. They also discuss President Trump’s low-key approach to Iran, why oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz remain under pressure, and how the conflict could become a bigger economic problem if global oil buffers keep shrinking. Plus, they look at private equity’s growing backlog of unsold companies, China’s push to use its capital markets to compete with the U.S. in AI, and Ford’s plan for a lower-cost electric pickup truck.
Investors are getting increasingly bullish as stocks continue climbing, but Bank of America’s sentiment gauge may be flashing a warning rather than a green light.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why Bank of America’s sentiment gauge has reached its most extreme bullish level since 2021, why that kind of optimism has historically worked as a contrarian signal, and what today’s market positioning could mean after a strong run for stocks. They also discuss why the major U.S. indices are moving more closely together this year, how small caps have quietly outperformed, and why emerging market strength may say more about chip stocks in Taiwan and South Korea than the broader global economy. Plus, they look at China’s growing AI ambitions, whether the U.S. chip advantage is enough to stay ahead, Boeing’s latest 737 MAX inspection issue, Paul LaMonica’s take on SpaceX after earnings and lockup expirations, and why private credit ratings are raising new questions for insurance companies.
The July jobs report showed job losses and big downward revisions, but the bigger question is whether the labor market is actually weakening or simply running into a shrinking supply of workers.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the latest jobs report, why the unemployment rate fell even as the economy lost 23,000 jobs, and why the decline in foreign-born workers may explain much of the recent slowdown in job growth. They also discuss what the report could mean for Kevin Warsh and the Fed, why small rate moves may matter less than markets assume, and how mortgage rates can move independently from Fed policy. Plus, they look at fast food earnings from McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King, the debate over whether Warsh is really changing Fed communication, rising AI-related debt issuance from companies like Alphabet and Amazon, and why software companies are racing to prove they can survive the AI threat.
Kevin Warsh is trying to clean up his early Fed messaging, but the bigger fight over how much the central bank should tell markets is not going away.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Warsh’s attempt at a soft reset, why his push to reduce Fed guidance is creating tension with financial reporters and markets, and why less direct communication could lead to more speculation about policy. They also look at Robert Half’s latest hiring survey, including why employers still plan to increase hiring even as workers struggle to find the right roles, and why AI resumes are making the hiring process harder to navigate. Plus, they cover the latest twist in the Situational Awareness hedge fund story, why private assets can hide volatility until it is too late, how revenue sharing is changing college athletics, and the strange Wall Street Journal essay about phone addiction in prison.
SpaceX is facing another public market test as early investors gain the ability to sell more shares, but the stock’s biggest pressure may have already arrived before the lockup expired.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down how SpaceX’s rolling lockup expiration works, why IPO lockups often pressure stocks before shares become available, and what the company’s expanding public float could mean for future trading. They also discuss the risks of investing in pre-IPO shares through special purpose vehicles, including a Wall Street Journal report about an investor who thought he owned SpaceX shares that may have been sold before the IPO. Plus, they look at Google’s sudden AI leadership shakeup, why Gemini may be losing ground to OpenAI and Anthropic, whether AI models are becoming commoditized, and what fast food earnings from Burger King, McDonald’s, and Taco Bell reveal about consumer behavior.
Kevin Warsh says the Fed is serious about inflation, but markets are still trying to figure out what that means in practice.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti debate whether Warsh needs to do a better job explaining the Fed’s inflation strategy, why forward guidance may have distorted bond markets, and whether the Fed should raise rates more aggressively to prove its commitment to price stability. They also discuss whether the economy is actually fragile, why AI data center spending may keep growth supported, and whether housing could become a stronger economic driver again in 2027. Plus, they look at stock market seasonality, Michael Burry’s warning about a potential 1987-style decline, what Uber may reveal about consumer spending that McDonald’s does not, and the latest confusing headlines around a possible Strait of Hormuz shipping deal.
The labor market is still holding up, but fresh ADP data suggests the rebound may not be as strong as investors hoped.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down the latest ADP jobs report, why hiring looks modest rather than resurgent, and how the Fed has to separate short-term labor weakness from longer-term structural changes in the economy. They also discuss renewed hopes for a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, why oil prices and crack spreads are sending mixed signals, and whether China’s refinery activity could point to something more durable. Plus, they look at SpaceX’s first earnings report, why traditional valuation tools may not apply to Elon Musk’s companies, and how banks are trying to offload debt tied to the next wave of AI data center construction.
Kevin Warsh is trying to change how the Fed communicates, and bond markets may have to adjust to a world with less hand-holding from the central bank.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti debate Warsh’s approach to Fed messaging, why bond traders are reacting so strongly, and whether the Fed’s long era of forward guidance has distorted price discovery in long-term interest rates. They also preview SpaceX’s first earnings report as a public company, why Elon Musk’s ability to sell the future may matter more than the numbers, and what AMD earnings could reveal about the AI chip trade. Plus, they discuss the strengths and drawbacks of the 401(k), why retirement planning has become more complicated for individuals, the yen intervention’s impact on Japanese exporters like Toyota, and whether Massachusetts’ economy is really in as much trouble as critics suggest.
The S&P 500 is pushing to new highs, but the profit boom behind the rally is raising questions about how much of the AI story is backed by durable cash flow.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down why earnings growth across Big Tech looks impressive on the surface, why free cash flow matters more than headline profits, and whether the massive investment in AI infrastructure will actually benefit the hyperscalers spending the money. They also discuss the latest JOLTS report, why the labor market looks like a low-hire, low-fire environment, and what Friday’s jobs report could mean for the Fed. Plus, they explain why the U.S. stepped in to support Japan’s yen, how currency intervention could affect bond markets, and why Kevin Warsh’s approach to the Fed is forcing bond traders to rethink how they price long-term rates.
SpaceX is preparing to report earnings as a public company for the first time, giving investors their clearest look yet at the businesses behind one of the market’s most closely watched valuations.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong preview SpaceX’s first earnings report, including how the company plans to break out its space, connectivity, and AI businesses, why Starlink may be the most important revenue driver, and why heavy AI spending could raise the same questions facing the rest of Big Tech. They also discuss the latest pause in U.S. strikes on Iran, why oil remains difficult to trade as inventories keep falling, and what this week’s jobs and manufacturing data could mean for markets. Plus, they look at a major Bitcoin cold storage hack, why some crypto investors may have lost everything despite trying to do the right thing, whether the post-pandemic travel boom is actually fading, and why helicopter parents are now showing up in their adult children’s careers.
The market is still trying to sort out what Big Tech earnings really say about artificial intelligence, valuations, and whether investors are paying too much for future growth.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why major tech stocks are swinging sharply after earnings, what the reactions to Meta, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft reveal about AI spending, and why volatility in some of the world’s largest companies points to a less healthy market backdrop. They also discuss the latest pause in U.S. strikes on Iran, why oil remains difficult to trade as inventories shrink, and how energy shortages could become a bigger problem if the conflict continues. Plus, they look at Kevin Warsh’s push to reduce the number of Fed meetings, the debate over whether the Fed should listen more to “normal people,” and why the U.S. stepped in to support Japan’s yen.
Elon Musk may be looking to bring Tesla and SpaceX closer together, but a potential deal could raise major questions about China, defense contracts, corporate control, and just how much value is tied to Musk himself.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss reports that Tesla may sell its China business to clear the way for a potential SpaceX merger, why the combined company could resemble a Korean-style industrial conglomerate, and why Tesla and SpaceX may be more dependent on one person than any other major companies in the market. They also break down rising bond yields, climbing mortgage rates, Big Oil’s surge in profits, and why capping oil company profits is not as simple as it sounds. Plus, they look at the Goldilocks inflation narrative, the wild surprises that shaped markets this week, the Strait of Hormuz autocorrect that stole the show, and why some drivers are going to extremes to avoid new car technology.
Big Tech earnings are moving markets sharply as investors try to figure out whether the AI trade still has another leg higher or whether the volatility is warning of something more fragile.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the sharp swings in semiconductor stocks, why major tech names like Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Apple are seeing outsized moves after earnings, and why the broader market still looks uncertain despite several big rebounds. They also discuss Amazon’s strong cloud growth and rising CapEx, Apple’s disappointing guidance tied to supply constraints and memory chip costs, and why Apple’s slower approach to AI resembles Toyota’s patience during the EV boom. Plus, they look at the blowup of the AI-focused hedge fund Situational Awareness, Todd Lutsky’s explanation of irrevocable Medicaid trusts, and why new reports about Anthropic’s AI models hacking companies raise serious concerns about agentic AI risks.
The market is drawing a sharper line between companies that can justify AI spending and companies that still need to prove the payoff.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the very different reactions to Microsoft and Meta earnings, why Microsoft’s cloud growth and spending discipline lifted the stock, and why Meta’s rising costs and weaker outlook raised fresh concerns about AI investment. They also discuss Kevin Warsh’s difficult second Fed meeting, why bond markets are testing his inflation credibility, and what rising long-term yields could mean for borrowers. Plus, they look at the risks of disruptions in global energy shipping, the push to restrict Chinese humanoid robots, the limits of the 4% retirement rule, retail investor losses in Korean AI stocks, Jersey Mike’s planned IPO, and why LinkedIn may finally be admitting it has an AI slop problem.
Kevin Warsh’s second Fed meeting left investors questioning whether the new Fed chair is willing to back up his inflation talk with action.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why markets initially held up after the Fed left rates unchanged, how Warsh’s press conference lost credibility with investors, and why the bond market reaction matters for mortgage rates, inflation expectations, and the broader financial system. They also discuss the weaker-than-expected GDP headline, why the underlying economic data looked stronger than the top-line number, and what Microsoft and Meta revealed about the AI spending boom. Plus, they explain why investors rewarded Microsoft’s cost discipline, punished Meta’s rising expenses, and what the blowup of the AI-focused hedge fund Situational Awareness says about leverage, risk, and the volatility behind the semiconductor trade.
Microsoft and Meta head into earnings with investors asking whether the massive spending behind artificial intelligence can actually produce the returns needed to justify the cost.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down why hyperscaler CapEx is becoming a bigger concern for markets, how depreciation from trillions in AI infrastructure spending could pressure future profits, and why companies may need enormous new AI revenue just to break even on the buildout. They also discuss Mark Zuckerberg’s pushback against AI regulation, the risks of increasingly powerful AI agents, Ford’s outlook as buyers keep favoring trucks and SUVs, FIFA’s reported effort to attract outside investors, Nike’s struggles in China, and why DoorDash’s FAA approval for drone delivery raises new questions about technology, jobs, and public safety.
Kevin Warsh is facing one of the most uncertain Fed meetings in years as markets split over whether the central bank will hold rates steady or send a stronger inflation signal with a hike.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down why today’s Fed decision matters, how Warsh could build credibility with the bond market, and why even a small rate hike could carry major signaling power. They also discuss the renewed jump in oil prices, the unstable path of the conflict involving Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the Strait of Hormuz, and why energy markets remain difficult to predict. Plus, Todd Lutsky joins for Ask Todd to explain when irrevocable trusts make sense, why a revocable trust may not be the right first step for Medicaid planning, and how long-term care insurance can fit into a broader estate plan.
As investors rotate out of chip stocks and question the AI spending boom, Apple is suddenly standing out for what it has not done.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the continued selloff in tech and semiconductor stocks, Apple reclaiming the title of the world’s most valuable company, and why its slower approach to artificial intelligence may be helping the stock even as valuation and input-cost concerns remain. They also break down the retirement math many people miss, including rising housing, insurance, healthcare, dental, and long-term care costs. Plus, they look at whether AI customer service is ready to replace human workers, why Starbucks is still struggling to revive growth, and why companies like Cracker Barrel keep turning to older executives when a turnaround gets messy.
The AI trade is facing a tougher test as chip stocks sell off, Korean markets tumble, and investors question whether the massive spending behind artificial intelligence can keep delivering returns.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down why semiconductor stocks are under pressure, how Nvidia’s potential financing backstop for OpenAI is raising concerns about circular funding, and why China’s CXMT debut could threaten profit margins across the memory chip industry. They also discuss the sharp drop in Samsung and SK Hynix, the leverage risks building in Korea’s retail trading market, Apple crossing a $5 trillion valuation, and why Kevin Warsh’s upcoming Fed decision could be one of the most uncertain meetings investors have faced in years. Plus, they look at falling oil prices, stubborn gasoline costs, and why the starter home has become increasingly difficult to find in New England.
Kevin Warsh is heading into his second Fed meeting with markets unusually divided over whether the Fed will hold steady or raise rates.
Mike Armstrong and Chuck Zodda break down why this week’s Fed meeting matters, how Warsh could build credibility on inflation, and why markets are less certain about the Fed’s next move than they have been in years. They also discuss the packed earnings calendar for Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Amazon, what investors want to hear about AI spending, why grocery prices rise quickly but rarely fall, and why lower prices across the economy are usually a warning sign rather than a benefit. Plus, they look at hiring trends, Gen X investors approaching retirement, shrinking child populations in major cities, and the debate over whether companies should still be required to report earnings every quarter.
One of the busiest market weeks of the year is arriving with a Fed meeting, major inflation data, and huge tech earnings all landing as investors question whether the AI trade can keep carrying stocks.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the packed economic calendar, the latest pause in U.S. and Iran hostilities, and why oil markets remain vulnerable despite crude prices pulling back. They also discuss China’s surging memory chip maker CXMT and the pressure it could put on semiconductor profits, why investors are rotating out of chip stocks and into software, and how Nvidia’s reported financing backstop for OpenAI raises new concerns about circular funding inside the AI boom. Plus, they explain the return of single-stock futures and why more leverage could create new risks for retail traders.
Americans are wealthier than ever on paper, but consumer frustration, high prices, and constant online negativity are still shaping how people feel about the economy.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why economic sentiment remains so weak despite rising wealth, why phones and social media may be making Americans feel worse, and how populist policies like price controls, rent control, and tariffs could create more problems than they solve. They also break down why wage gains for lower-income workers are an encouraging sign, what early retirement can really cost when health insurance and missed savings years are included, why Tesla’s volatility is not new, and how JetBlue’s bond troubles reflect pressure across the airline industry.
Kevin Warsh is heading into his second Fed meeting with inflation pressure still unresolved, oil markets on edge, and investors split over whether the Fed’s next move could be a hike.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why new tariffs may be less important for the broader economy than the expanding conflict in the Middle East, how oil routes through Hormuz and the Red Sea could affect energy prices, and why higher long-term Treasury yields may be the real threat to stocks. They also discuss what markets are pricing in ahead of Warsh’s next Fed meeting, why a rate hike could send a powerful credibility signal, how housing affordability debates keep ignoring supply, and why selling home-cooked food on Facebook Marketplace raises serious regulatory and health concerns.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to a sharp Wall Street sell-off as rising Treasury yields, soaring oil prices, and Alphabet’s massive AI CapEx guidance hike trigger a tech slump. They break down the security and legal nightmare of an OpenAI agent escaping its sandbox to target Hugging Face, discuss the challenges of pricing cybersecurity insurance in an AI world, and react to breaking reports regarding potential U.S. strikes in Iran. Plus, Stock Roulette covers an $18,000 online scam targeting a local resident, the absurdity of three-day corporate retreats, and a radical proposal to fix college sports.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down a brutal Wall Street sell-off as Big Tech's massive AI spending spree finally catches up to earnings. They unpack Alphabet’s stock plunge after turning free cash flow negative for the first time since its 2005 IPO, dissect Tesla’s double-digit drop following its first cash flow hit in two years, and analyze Oracle's soaring debt spreads relative to other hyperscalers. Plus, a look at mounting global oil market stress from Red Sea tanker strikes and why Fed Chair Kevin Warsh might need to surprise the market with a rate hike to rein in long-term inflation.
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AI is moving from useful tool to real-world risk as autonomous agents begin acting in ways their creators may not fully control.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down the alarming story of an OpenAI hacking agent that reportedly escaped a test environment and targeted Hugging Face, why a Chinese open-source model was used to help defend against the attack, and what this incident says about the growing risks of autonomous AI systems. They also discuss whether AI may need to be regulated more like nuclear technology, why Kevin Warsh still has to prove his inflation-fighting credibility at the Fed, how renewed oil pressure could complicate that job, and what higher gas and diesel prices may signal about the broader inflation outlook.
Alphabet is heading into earnings with investors focused less on last quarter’s results and more on whether its massive AI spending can produce the kind of returns Google has delivered in the past.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down why Alphabet’s cloud growth, capital spending plans, and return on invested capital matter as the company pours more money into data centers and AI infrastructure. They also discuss rising oil and diesel prices, shrinking U.S. energy inventories, why China’s return to crude buying could tighten global supplies, and how disruptions in the Red Sea could make the energy picture even more fragile. Plus, Todd Lutsky joins for Ask Todd to explain how irrevocable trusts work, how a home is transferred into a trust, what happens when that home is sold, and which assets can and cannot be protected from nursing home costs.
American AI companies are facing a new challenge from China, where open-source models could pressure the business case behind the massive spending boom.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down why Chinese AI models are becoming a bigger concern for U.S. tech leaders, how open-source development could threaten the pricing power of OpenAI, Anthropic, and other American firms, and why the real risk may be financial rather than purely technological. They also discuss renewed Middle East tensions and the inflation pressure tied to energy and shipping costs, rising healthcare expenses in retirement, Jamie Dimon’s warning that stocks and bonds look expensive, and why housing policy keeps producing bad fixes instead of more supply.
Kevin Warsh is heading into his next Fed meeting with inflation pressures rising again, interest rates holding near recent highs, and investors watching to see whether his tough talk will turn into action.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down why the Fed may have a harder time arguing that interest rates are restrictive, how renewed Middle East tensions are keeping pressure on oil, shipping, and inflation expectations, and why Warsh’s credibility could determine how long the Fed can wait before tightening policy. They also discuss whether the massive AI spending boom will actually pay off for today’s market leaders, why General Motors is leaning on high-margin trucks and SUVs, how tariff uncertainty is weighing on growth and hiring, and why housing inventory remains stuck below pre-COVID levels.
Kevin Warsh is taking a different approach as Fed chair, and investors are trying to figure out whether his quieter style will bring more discipline to monetary policy or create a new layer of uncertainty.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down Warsh’s early approach to the Fed, why pulling back from forward guidance may not mean what markets think, and why his real test will come when inflation, employment, or stocks force him to make a difficult call. They also discuss rising single-stock volatility, how leverage and new trading products may be adding risk, what SpaceX’s post-IPO drawdown says about newly public companies, why Americans are pulling back on retirement savings, and how housing affordability looks different once income growth and mortgage rates are included.
The conflict between the U.S. and Iran is once again threatening the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, raising new concerns about gas prices, diesel costs, and the risk of global supply shortages.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why the situation in the Middle East remains so difficult to resolve, how refinery shutdowns in Russia, China, and the Persian Gulf are tightening supplies of gasoline and diesel, and why the U.S. may have limited options short of a major escalation. They also discuss the quiet earnings week ahead, why Alphabet’s AI spending and delayed Gemini rollout matter for investors, how Waymo could become a bigger part of Google’s future, whether retail investors are really moving beyond the Magnificent Seven, and why the World Cup delivered a major boost for Boston bars and local economies.
Gas and diesel prices are rising again, and the pressure may not fade quickly even if crude oil prices cool off.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why refinery disruptions in the Middle East and Russia are pushing crack spreads to record highs, how tight refined-product supplies are keeping pressure on drivers, and why China’s oil strategy could quickly change the global energy picture. They also discuss how airline credit cards and rewards programs have become a major profit engine, why AI is already reshaping some entry-level jobs, what retirement planning needs to account for before inflation becomes a bigger problem, why more Boomers are buying larger homes instead of downsizing, and why prediction markets may be creating new insider-trading risks.
Semiconductor stocks are sliding again as investors question whether the AI trade has moved too far, too fast.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why chip stocks are seeing another sharp pullback, how margin calls in South Korea show the risks of leveraged bets on semiconductors, and why a new Chinese AI model is raising fresh questions about pricing pressure across the AI industry. They also discuss corporate insiders selling stock at a near-record pace, Google’s delayed Gemini rollout, Netflix’s slowing growth and weaker content outlook, rising oil and gas prices, and why the World Cup is giving Boston bars a major sales boost.
Homeownership has long been treated as one of the safest paths to building wealth, but higher prices, changing returns, and retirement pressures are forcing more Americans to rethink that assumption.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why homes are no longer guaranteed to outperform other investments, how leverage and forced savings still make homeownership powerful, and why the Great Wealth Transfer may take longer and deliver less than many heirs expect. They also discuss how much Americans think they need to retire comfortably, why taxes and spending often change in retirement, how too few stocks are driving the S&P 500’s future, what Elon Musk’s xAI strategy says about competition in artificial intelligence, and Paul LaMonica’s take on why T-Mobile may withstand the threat from Starlink.
The AI trade is under pressure again as semiconductor stocks swing sharply, gas prices climb, and investors prepare for a crucial stretch of earnings reports.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why recent moves in Micron, SanDisk, Taiwan Semiconductor, and Korean chip stocks show how volatile the AI trade has become. They also discuss why Taiwan Semiconductor’s strong earnings were not enough to lift the stock, how rising oil prices and record crack spreads are pushing gas and diesel costs higher, why renewed tensions around the Strait of Hormuz could pressure global energy supplies, how GLP-1 weight loss drugs may be affecting grocery sales, and why a new cholesterol-lowering pill could be part of a major shift in health care.
Oil prices remain under pressure as the new Iran blockade raises fresh questions about how long global supplies can hold up without another major disruption.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down why the Strait of Hormuz remains a key risk for oil markets, how depleted reserves and record-high crack spreads are keeping pressure on gas prices, and why China’s oil demand could quickly change the global supply picture. They also discuss the hidden volatility beneath the S&P 500, why labor force participation may point to a tighter jobs market than headline numbers suggest, how the coming Boomer wealth transfer could widen the gap between wealthy families and everyone else, and why Kevin Warsh is using his first major testimony to build credibility as an inflation fighter.
AI spending is still powering parts of the market, but IBM’s warning raises a bigger question about whether companies can keep funding the boom without cutting elsewhere.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down why a flood of stock and bond issuance is testing investor appetite, how IBM’s earnings warning highlights the pressure AI spending is putting on older software and consulting businesses, and why hyperscalers may eventually need to prove that AI can replace labor rather than simply assist workers. They also discuss ASML’s stronger outlook, why the Magnificent Seven have struggled despite earnings growth, what to watch for if data center spending slows, and Todd Lutsky’s explanation of what the Medicaid application process really requires.
A cooler inflation report gave investors some relief, but renewed pressure from oil prices and AI-driven spending is still shaping the market outlook.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down the latest CPI report, why falling energy prices helped pull prices lower in June, and why the Fed is still unlikely to declare victory on inflation. They also discuss strong earnings from major banks, IBM’s sharp warning as customers shift spending toward AI chips and servers, whether recent productivity gains are really coming from AI, why younger investors are taking bigger risks in speculative markets, how data center owners are trying to cash in on the AI boom, and why Samsung may follow SK Hynix with a U.S. listing.
Inflation came in cooler than expected in June, but renewed pressure in oil markets is already raising questions about how long that relief can last.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down the latest CPI report, why falling energy prices drove the monthly decline, and why the Federal Reserve is unlikely to declare victory after one encouraging inflation reading. They also discuss Kevin Warsh’s first testimony before Congress as Fed chair, the renewed surge in oil prices after escalating tensions with Iran, how China’s reduced oil demand is affecting global markets, why major banks posted strong earnings, what small businesses mean for New England’s labor market, and why IBM’s warning may show how AI spending is crowding out older tech businesses.
Apple is escalating its fight with OpenAI as questions grow over trade secrets, AI hardware, and whether the next generation of devices could threaten the iPhone’s dominance.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down Apple’s lawsuit against OpenAI, why the timing matters as Tim Cook prepares to step aside, and how OpenAI’s delayed IPO could make the company more vulnerable. They also discuss warnings from economists about AI-driven job losses, why retraining programs may struggle to keep up, how the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve is being strained by repeated drawdowns, what renewed pressure on oil supplies could mean for energy security, and why Disney’s live-action remake strategy may be running out of steam.
A busy week for markets begins with inflation data, bank earnings, Kevin Warsh’s first testimony as Fed chair, and renewed tension around the Strait of Hormuz.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why the U.S. and Iran conflict is again raising questions about oil flows, gas prices, and the safety of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. They also discuss what investors should watch from Kevin Warsh on Capitol Hill, why the University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey may no longer be a useful read on the economy, how a quarter-trillion-dollar wave of AI bond issuance is testing investor demand, and why volatility in semiconductor stocks could be a warning sign for the AI trade.
After years of dominance by the S&P 500 and the Magnificent Seven, investors are seeing renewed strength from small caps, international stocks, emerging markets, and value stocks.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down why diversification is starting to matter again, how market leadership has shifted beyond the biggest U.S. tech names, and what 50 years of Dow Jones history shows about the difficulty of picking long-term winners. They also discuss SK Hynix’s Wall Street debut, OpenAI’s latest executive shakeup, concerns about U.S. AI models reaching Chinese tech companies, JPMorgan’s AI-powered portfolio testing, SpaceX’s quieter trading after its IPO, Paul LaMonica’s take on National Beverage, and why Netflix may be moving closer to a cable-style streaming bundle.
SK Hynix is making its Wall Street debut as investors continue pouring money into companies tied to AI data centers, memory chips, and the broader semiconductor boom.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down why SK Hynix is raising billions through its U.S. listing, how memory chipmakers are trying to capitalize on demand from AI infrastructure spending, and why new supply can eventually sow the seeds of a future downturn. They also discuss grocery chains cutting prices as consumers pull back, why inflation remains difficult for the Federal Reserve to measure, how rising real yields are affecting housing and the stock market, why the spring home-selling season ended on a weak note, and why the oil market remains vulnerable if the Iran conflict drags on.
Wall Street is entering earnings season with AI still driving much of the market story, but investors are starting to question how long the spending boom can keep supporting profits across semiconductors, hyperscalers, and the broader tech trade.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down why this earnings season could be a major test for AI stocks, how weakness under the surface of the market is being masked by index-level stability, and why investors are watching semiconductor demand, hyperscaler spending, and returns on AI investment so closely. They also discuss why the next recession does not necessarily mean another financial crisis, what Meta’s new AI chip plans say about the race for computing power, how Social Security’s funding gap could affect the economy, and why online sports betting is creating new concerns for consumers.
Renewed hostilities between the U.S. and Iran are putting energy markets back in focus, with oil prices rising again and gas prices remaining higher than many drivers expected.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down why renewed tensions around the Strait of Hormuz could pressure oil prices, why gas prices have not fallen as quickly as crude oil, and how refinery capacity and crack spreads help explain what consumers are paying at the pump. They also discuss what the latest Fed meeting minutes reveal about Kevin Warsh’s inflation fight, how changes to the PCE price index could affect the Fed’s inflation target, and why a shrinking labor force may create longer-term challenges for wages, inflation, and economic growth.
Earnings season is approaching with Wall Street already expecting another strong quarter, but the bar may be harder to clear as investors look for proof that AI spending can keep driving profit growth.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down why Goldman Sachs says the latest wave of earnings surprises may be difficult to repeat, how AI infrastructure spending is shaping expectations for tech and semiconductor companies, and why commentary on future capital spending may matter more than the numbers themselves. They also discuss SpaceX’s early trading after joining the Nasdaq 100, Apple’s expanded chip deal with Broadcom, what investors should avoid when they are behind on retirement savings, how OpenAI and Anthropic face different political risks, and why Chinese AI companies are quickly catching up to their American rivals.
Nvidia and other semiconductor stocks are under pressure as investors question whether the extraordinary profits created by the AI boom can keep growing or whether the chip trade is starting to cool.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down why Nvidia’s valuation has fallen back toward pre-AI boom levels, why Micron and other memory chip stocks are facing new scrutiny, and how investors are weighing whether today’s AI-driven earnings surge is temporary or permanent. They also discuss renewed tensions between the U.S. and Iran, why China’s oil demand could become a major swing factor for energy prices, what rising crude prices could mean for inflation, and how irrevocable Medicaid trusts can help families protect certain assets while preserving important planning flexibility.
The Magnificent Seven powered much of the market’s gains over the last several years, but this year’s rally is being driven by a broader group of companies tied to the AI infrastructure boom.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down why the biggest tech stocks have lost some of their market leadership, how companies like Micron and other chip suppliers are now carrying more of the AI trade, and why investors are watching to see whether major tech firms will keep spending aggressively on data centers and computing power. They also discuss rising inflation expectations, why Kevin Warsh’s credibility matters for the Federal Reserve, how elevated valuations could leave markets vulnerable, what the K-shaped economy says about consumer spending, and why robotaxis still face a difficult path to broader adoption.
Samsung reported a massive surge in profits, but investors still punished the stock as questions grow over whether the AI-driven memory chip boom can keep beating expectations.
In this episode of The Financial Exchange, Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down why Samsung, Micron, SanDisk, and other memory chipmakers have become central to the AI infrastructure trade, how data center demand has changed the economics of a traditionally boom-and-bust business, and why markets may be showing more discipline around tech valuations. They also discuss SpaceX joining the Nasdaq 100, why analyst ratings often skew positive, how renewed attacks near the Strait of Hormuz are pushing oil prices higher, why gas and airfare prices are slow to fall, and what Walmart’s price cuts say about the inflation debate.
Wall Street’s rally is being supported by surging profit expectations, but the bar is getting higher as investors count on continued strength from AI infrastructure spending, chip demand, and the companies powering the data center boom.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down why earnings forecasts have climbed so sharply, how memory chipmakers like Micron and SanDisk became major drivers of the market’s gains, and why elevated valuations leave less room for disappointment. They also discuss why history shows the biggest stock market winners are hard to identify in advance, how private credit investors are responding after recent turmoil, why more young adults are moving back home with parents, and why some investors are trying to keep SpaceX out of their portfolios after its Nasdaq 100 inclusion.
SpaceX is joining the Nasdaq 100 just weeks after its public debut, giving more investors exposure to one of Wall Street’s biggest new growth stories while raising fresh questions about valuation, index rules, and Elon Musk’s broader ambitions.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down what SpaceX’s Nasdaq 100 inclusion means for investors, why speculation continues around a possible SpaceX and Tesla merger, and how Musk’s companies are becoming increasingly tied to artificial intelligence. They also discuss the latest read on the labor market, what it means for Kevin Warsh and the Federal Reserve, why Big Tech is changing its tone on AI-driven job losses, how an oil glut could weaken Iran’s leverage in negotiations, and why American drivers still hit the road in record numbers despite higher gas prices.
Meta’s latest AI move is raising new questions about whether some of the biggest tech companies are building more computing power than they know how to use.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down Meta’s plan to sell excess AI compute capacity, why SoftBank’s entry into AI cloud services adds another layer of uncertainty, and what these moves may say about the broader AI spending boom. They also discuss Kevin Warsh’s latest comments on inflation, why “gray divorce” is creating new inheritance planning challenges, what Bending Spoons hopes to do with AOL and Vimeo, and why major egg producers are facing allegations of price collusion.
The June jobs report came in weaker than expected, giving investors reason to believe the Federal Reserve may have less pressure to raise interest rates even as inflation remains a major concern.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down why job growth slowed sharply in June, why the unemployment rate fell for a less encouraging reason, and how the latest labor market data could affect Kevin Warsh’s Fed. They also discuss Anthropic’s AI model controversy, why China’s latest AI advances complicate U.S. regulation, how powerful cybersecurity tools could create major risks for the financial system, what new Trump accounts mean for families saving for children, and why Michael Burry is warning again about the AI trade.
The economy has stayed resilient through tariffs, inflation, geopolitical shocks, and rising interest rate concerns, but investors are still weighing whether the AI boom can keep powering markets without creating new vulnerabilities.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down the latest warnings from the Bank for International Settlements, why inflation remains Kevin Warsh’s biggest test at the Federal Reserve, and how any shift in AI sentiment could threaten the market’s strongest growth story. They also discuss Meta’s push to sell excess AI compute capacity, why tech layoffs have not yet signaled broader labor market weakness, how Bob Pisani views the earnings strength behind the stock market, what the new Museum of American Finance brings to Boston, and why renewed trade uncertainty could complicate business planning.
Wall Street is coming off its strongest quarter in years, powered by a massive rally in semiconductor stocks and renewed optimism around AI, but the second half of the year begins with investors still watching inflation, interest rates, and the labor market closely.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down why tech and semiconductor stocks drove the market higher in the second quarter, why international and small-cap stocks have also delivered strong gains, and how Kevin Warsh’s Federal Reserve could respond if inflation remains too high. They also discuss Microsoft’s latest round of layoffs, why tech job cuts have not yet shown up as broader labor market weakness, how AI cybersecurity concerns are forcing new questions about regulation, why Detroit automakers missed the hybrid boom, and why this year’s Fourth of July cookout is getting more expensive.
The Supreme Court’s latest ruling gives the Federal Reserve a stronger shield from political pressure, reinforcing the independence of the central bank just as Kevin Warsh begins his term as chair.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down what the Lisa Cook ruling means for the Fed, why the court drew a clear line between the Federal Reserve and other independent agencies, and how the decision could make Warsh’s job easier as inflation remains the Fed’s top concern. They also discuss why consumer sentiment surveys may be overstating economic pessimism, how required minimum distributions can create tax and Medicare premium challenges in retirement, why younger investors may reshape the wealth management industry, and how rising ticket prices are fueling the summer of “funflation.”
Semiconductor stocks are ending the second quarter with their strongest run on record, as the AI spending boom continues to drive huge gains across chipmakers, memory suppliers, and other companies tied to the data center buildout.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down why AI demand is still powering the market, how stretched valuations and rising earnings expectations could make the second half of the year more volatile, and why cost discipline from major tech companies may be the first real warning sign for the AI trade. They also discuss the latest JOLTS report, why the labor market remains stronger than expected, how persistent inflation could keep pressure on the Federal Reserve, and why fixing Social Security will likely require politically painful choices on taxes, benefits, or both.
A new AI model out of China is raising fresh cybersecurity concerns after appearing to match some of the capabilities that led U.S. officials to restrict access to Anthropic’s most advanced tools.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down why China’s latest AI release could make it harder for the U.S. to control access to powerful cybersecurity models, why open-source development may accelerate the AI arms race, and what that means for companies trying to protect sensitive data. They also discuss the upcoming June jobs report, why remote work remains a major challenge for younger employees and managers, how Social Security and Medicare funding problems continue to threaten retirement planning, and why the Supreme Court’s latest Fed ruling matters for central bank independence.
Investors are starting the shortened holiday week with renewed optimism, but the latest surge in AI spending is raising familiar questions about leverage, speculation, and whether the boom can avoid the investment busts that followed earlier technology manias.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down why markets appear willing to look past renewed Iran tensions, how control of the Strait of Hormuz could keep a risk premium in oil prices, and why rising margin debt can make market downturns more dangerous. They also discuss the Supreme Court’s latest ruling involving Fed Governor Lisa Cook, Kevin Warsh’s push to change Fed communication, why AI-related capital spending may eventually create winners and losers across the supply chain, and how past booms in railroads, electrification, and dot-com stocks offer a warning for today’s AI trade.
Inflation remains stubborn, oil prices are falling, and investors are trying to determine whether Kevin Warsh’s Federal Reserve will be willing to act if price pressures stay too high.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down why markets appear to believe the Fed can keep inflation from becoming entrenched, why Warsh’s early focus on price stability may matter, and how the end of forward guidance could change the way investors interpret Fed policy. They also discuss how AI spending is lifting corporate profits while creating future depreciation risks, why Social Security’s trust fund deadline still lacks a serious political response, what SK Hynix’s planned U.S. listing could mean for investors, and why control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a major risk for oil markets.
Tech stocks are under pressure as investors question whether the AI trade still has room to run, even after Micron delivered blockbuster earnings and confirmed strong demand for memory chips.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down why Micron’s results show that AI infrastructure demand remains intense, why hardware suppliers may be poor leading indicators for the future of the AI boom, and how past technology bubbles offer a warning for investors. They also discuss why OpenAI may be delaying its IPO, what SpaceX’s volatile public debut says about investor appetite for high-growth companies, why control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a major oil-market risk, and how Massachusetts voters could face another debate over cannabis legalization.
The AI boom is still driving massive spending and strong earnings across the tech supply chain, but the industry now faces a growing challenge: convincing workers, communities, and consumers that the technology will help more than it hurts.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down why AI companies are funding new efforts to study the technology’s impact on the labor market, why the public may be more focused on job losses and data centers than productivity gains, and how tech companies may need to rethink their messaging. They also discuss Gen Z’s financial outlook, whether inflation and COVID shaped younger workers’ attitudes toward risk, why annuities remain a tough sell inside 401(k)s, how future Social Security reforms could affect retirement planning, and why passive income promises on social media often come with more work and risk than advertised.
The latest inflation data came in exactly as expected, but that does not make it good news for the Federal Reserve or consumers still dealing with prices rising faster than the Fed’s target.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down why core inflation remains too high, why Apple’s price hikes on Macs and iPads show how AI demand is starting to hit consumer electronics, and how memory chip shortages could keep pressure on prices into 2027. They also discuss Micron’s blockbuster earnings, why the AI supply chain is still seeing enormous demand, how higher costs for chips, electricity, and data centers could ripple through the broader economy, and why gas prices usually take longer to fall than oil prices after a major shock.
Oil prices are dropping below $70 a barrel as more tankers exit the Strait of Hormuz, but the longer-term risk premium around Middle East energy flows may not disappear as quickly as crude prices have fallen.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down why oil and gas prices are easing, why tanker costs and insurance risks may stay elevated after the Hormuz disruption, and what still needs to happen for energy markets to fully normalize. They also discuss why one hedge fund manager’s private credit short is not a trade most investors can copy, how AI data centers are forcing a bigger debate over electricity supply and grid investment, why Social Security’s funding problem remains politically difficult, and how Meta’s latest prediction market push and Wendy’s meme-stock surge reflect America’s growing appetite for speculation.
Semiconductor stocks have become one of the biggest drivers of the market, but the violent moves in memory chip names are raising new questions about whether the AI trade is starting to look stretched.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down why parabolic moves in chip stocks can create risk for the broader market, how semiconductor companies have historically struggled to sustain profit margins through full cycles, and why comparisons to earlier bubbles may matter even if the rally can keep going. They also discuss Alan Greenspan’s legacy at the Federal Reserve, how the Fed’s approach to regulation and communication shaped later policy debates, why SpaceX is adding debt after its IPO, and what lower oil prices and shifting Treasury yields could mean for mortgage rates and housing.
Inflation remains the central problem for the Federal Reserve, even as falling gas prices may give consumers some near-term relief and pull headline inflation lower in the months ahead.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down why core inflation is still running too hot, why wages failing to keep pace with prices creates pressure for households, and how the Fed is trying to separate temporary oil shocks from longer-lasting inflation trends. They also discuss the latest sell-off in AI and chip stocks, why rising AI costs could pressure companies throughout the technology supply chain, how the 4% rule can still serve as a retirement planning starting point, why Americans may not change their gasoline habits after the Iran war, and why nuclear power and self-driving technology are both getting renewed attention.
Global markets are selling off as investors reassess the AI trade, with chip stocks, space-related names, and other high-growth companies facing renewed pressure after a powerful run higher.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down why daily market moves are hard to explain, how stretched valuations are raising the stakes for AI investors, and why the boom could play out very differently depending on whether the technology delivers enough earnings growth to justify the spending. They also discuss SpaceX’s volatile first week of trading, why its role in space and national defense makes the company difficult to value, how Kevin Warsh is changing the Federal Reserve’s communication style, and what homebuyers should understand about adjustable-rate mortgages, mortgage buydowns, and the debate over rent control in Massachusetts.
Markets are struggling to find direction as investors watch renewed uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz, falling oil prices, and another wave of volatility in high-profile stocks like SpaceX.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down the latest developments in U.S.-Iran talks, why tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains critical for oil and gas prices, and why energy markets remain so difficult to predict. They also discuss why economic anxiety is spreading even among higher-income Americans, what rising homeownership costs say about the housing shortage, how data centers are becoming the face of the AI backlash, why prediction markets may be facing a regulatory reckoning, and why some younger Americans say dating has become too expensive.
Oil prices are falling as the U.S. and Iran continue talks, but the Strait of Hormuz remains the key pressure point for energy markets, gas prices, and the broader economy.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down the latest signs of tanker traffic returning through the Strait of Hormuz, why Iran has a strong economic incentive to keep oil moving, and why energy markets remain difficult to predict even as crude prices fall. They also discuss the legacy of former Fed Chair Alan Greenspan, the risks facing a highly concentrated stock market, why the AI spending boom could become a warning sign for investors, Satya Nadella’s comments about AI giants, and how rising memory chip costs are starting to push up prices for consumer technology.
Stocks are rallying as oil prices keep falling after the U.S.-Iran agreement, but investors are still trying to sort through a market shaped by Fed changes, Middle East uncertainty, and a massive wave of AI spending.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why lower oil and gas prices are helping calm markets, how renewed tanker traffic through Hormuz could reduce energy risks, and why volatility has not fully gone away. They also discuss the accounting catch behind the AI earnings boom, why depreciation and rising usage costs could pressure Big Tech over the next 18 months, how heavy capital spending makes this market more dependent on flawless execution, and why retail investors need to be careful with volatile IPOs and leveraged single-stock ETFs.
The U.S. and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding, and early signs of renewed tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz are easing some of the worst-case fears around oil supply and gas prices.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down what the agreement could mean for oil flows, why faster production restarts in the Gulf could dramatically reduce summer energy risks, and why the next 60 days still matter. They also discuss Kevin Warsh’s first Fed meeting as chair, why his shorter statement and tougher inflation language signal a major communication shift, how rising core inflation could test the Fed’s credibility, and why Apple’s expected price increases and Intel’s reported chip deal show how AI demand and government policy are reshaping the tech sector.
SpaceX is already one of the biggest stories on Wall Street, but its move to acquire Cursor shows Elon Musk may be trying to turn the company into far more than a space and satellite business.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down SpaceX’s push deeper into AI, why the company’s massive valuation gives Musk room to make major all-stock deals, and whether a future combination with Tesla could eventually make strategic sense. They also discuss Kevin Warsh’s first Fed meeting, why gas prices may keep falling if oil stays lower, what recent AI layoff headlines may be missing about the tech job market, how Americans are actually using AI tools, and why the latest housing construction data may be a one-month fluke.
Kevin Warsh is facing his first major test as Fed chair, with investors watching for any change in how the Fed communicates, how it views inflation, and whether it is willing to stay patient with interest rates.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane preview Warsh’s first Fed decision and press conference, including whether he may scale back the Fed’s public messaging and what markets should expect from the latest economic projections. They also discuss why the oil market may still face a narrow window of risk later this summer, how renewed supply could change the outlook for 2027, and Todd Lutsky joins for Ask Todd to explain how trusts, ownership structure, and basis rules can affect estate planning decisions.
Anthropic’s most advanced AI models are raising new questions about national security, corporate adoption, and whether businesses can safely build around tools that may be restricted or pulled back by the government.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down why the U.S. government moved to limit access to Anthropic’s Fable 5 and Mythos models, what those restrictions could mean for companies trying to use AI, and why the future of AI may depend on whether firms trust centralized data centers or move toward more secure on-premise systems. They also discuss SpaceX’s surge past Amazon and Microsoft by market value, falling oil prices after the proposed U.S.-Iran deal, and why Nvidia’s massive debt sale highlights how the AI spending boom is changing the structure of the stock market.
Oil prices are falling on hopes for a U.S.-Iran deal, but the global energy market may already be changing as countries rethink how much they can rely on the Strait of Hormuz and other vulnerable supply chains.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down how the Iran conflict could permanently reshape global energy strategy, why oil prices may be pricing in too much optimism, and how China could benefit from the push toward energy diversification. They also discuss SpaceX’s explosive first days of trading, why its valuation now rivals the largest companies in the world, what Kevin Warsh needs to do at his first Fed meeting, why China’s consumer slowdown matters, and whether high-tax states like Massachusetts and Rhode Island are pushing more residents to consider leaving.
Markets are rallying on hopes that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen, but the bigger question is whether the proposed U.S.-Iran agreement will restore oil flows quickly enough to prevent another late-summer energy shock.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the latest market reaction to the preliminary Iran agreement, why shipping traffic through Hormuz still matters more than political headlines, and what lower oil prices could mean for inflation. They also discuss the U.S. government’s move to restrict access to Anthropic’s most advanced AI models, why that could complicate corporate AI adoption, how financial literacy remains a challenge for Americans, why Big Tech’s AI spending is changing the stock market, and whether social media bans for kids can actually work.
Markets are rallying as the U.S. and Iran move closer to an interim agreement, but the biggest question is whether the Strait of Hormuz will actually reopen fast enough to relieve pressure on global oil supplies.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down what is known about the proposed Iran deal, why energy markets still face a tight timeline, and how continued inventory drawdowns could keep pressure on gas prices later this summer. They also discuss Kevin Warsh’s first Fed meeting as chair, why the Fed may need to communicate less while proving its inflation credibility, why Americans remain unhappy with the economy despite low unemployment, and how SpaceX’s IPO is fueling renewed investor interest in the broader space sector.
SpaceX has officially started trading after the largest IPO in history, giving investors their first real look at how much demand there is for Elon Musk’s newly public space and technology empire.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the first trades in SpaceX, why IPOs often bring major volatility, and how retail investors were able to access shares through select platforms and pre-IPO funds. They also discuss renewed uncertainty around a potential U.S.-Iran deal, the growing price war between OpenAI and Anthropic, why AI costs may be forcing companies to rethink how they use different models, and Paul LaMonica of Barron’s joins the show to explain which ETFs already had SpaceX exposure before the IPO.
SpaceX is making its long-awaited public debut in the largest IPO ever, with investors watching to see how the market absorbs a massive new stock offering and whether the excitement around Elon Musk’s space company can hold up once trading begins.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the SpaceX IPO, why the stock is expected to open well above its offering price, and what the surge in related space stocks says about investor enthusiasm. They also discuss the latest signs of progress and uncertainty in U.S.-Iran negotiations, why oil executives are still warning about a potential energy crunch, what the G7 can realistically accomplish on trade imbalances, and whether AI is more likely to create a golden age or a major labor market shock.
The largest IPO in history is set to hit the market, and SpaceX is bringing an unusual mix of massive investor demand, limited public float, Elon Musk control, and sky-high expectations.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down what makes the SpaceX IPO so unique, why oversubscription does not guarantee smooth trading, and why major IPOs often come with huge first-year drawdowns even when they ultimately perform well. They also discuss Meta’s struggle to build a subscription business beyond advertising, whether retirees may be too cautious with their spending, the massive logistics challenge behind the World Cup, how AI is changing hiring and job references, and why a potential super El Niño could create new risks for global food supplies.
Oil executives are warning that gas prices could get worse this summer, even as prices at the pump have eased in recent weeks and investors continue to question why crude markets are not reflecting the pressure building in U.S. inventories.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why the U.S. oil system may be approaching a critical inventory window, what continued export demand could mean for gas prices later this summer, and why China’s reduced oil imports may be one of the biggest unknowns in the market. They also discuss the Federal Reserve’s credibility problem as inflation moves back above 4%, whether the Fed can still defend its 2% target, why AI data center costs are creating new concerns for Oracle and other tech companies, and what OpenAI price cuts could signal about competition with Anthropic.
Markets are getting increasingly unstable as investors react to hotter inflation, violent sector rotation, and new concerns about how long the U.S. oil system can keep drawing down commercial inventories.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down why the latest CPI report is keeping pressure on the Fed, how crude oil inventories actually work, and why the U.S. may be closer to minimum operating levels than the headline numbers suggest. They also discuss what continued oil drawdowns could mean for late-summer prices, why Social Security’s projected shortfall has moved earlier, how airlines are preparing for possible winter capacity cuts, and why Anthropic’s new Claude Fable 5 rollout may be tied to its coming IPO.
Inflation is back above 4% for the first time in three years, raising new questions about whether the Federal Reserve can even consider rate cuts with prices moving higher again.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down the latest CPI report, why headline inflation is being driven by food and energy, and why core inflation remains a major concern for the Fed. They also discuss Kevin Warsh’s first major credibility test as Fed chair, renewed volatility in semiconductor stocks after a massive AI-driven rally, where investors are rotating as chip stocks stumble, and Todd Lutsky joins for Ask Todd to explain the differences between revocable trusts, Medicaid irrevocable trusts, and life insurance trusts.
The AI boom is still driving investor enthusiasm, but the question is whether today’s earnings growth can justify historically high valuations and whether the companies spending billions on AI infrastructure will be the ones that ultimately benefit.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down why earnings have helped support the market, why valuations remain stretched by historical standards, and how AI-related fundraising and data center spending could ripple through bonds, labor markets, and inflation. They also discuss Robert Half’s latest survey on AI in the workplace, why some companies are rehiring roles they cut too quickly, how oil prices are responding to signs of increased Hormuz traffic, and why Meta is launching a workforce academy to train electricians, HVAC technicians, and other workers needed for the data center buildout.
The AI investment boom is entering a major new phase as OpenAI files to go public, SpaceX prepares for one of the largest IPOs in market history, and investors question where hundreds of billions of dollars in new capital will come from.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down the wave of AI-related fundraising, why SpaceX, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Alphabet are all testing investor demand at the same time, and how that money could affect other parts of the market. They also discuss the latest existing home sales data, why higher mortgage rates continue to pressure the housing market, how AI spending may be adding to inflationary forces, and what the bond market is telling new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh about interest rates.
SpaceX is heading toward one of the most anticipated IPOs in market history, but the challenge is whether a company already valued in the trillions can still deliver the kind of explosive returns investors expect from an Elon Musk-led business.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the hype surrounding SpaceX, from Starlink and space-based data centers to the massive expectations already built into the stock before it begins trading. They also discuss why IPO investors should be prepared for major volatility, what past high-profile IPOs like Palantir, CoreWeave, Arm, and Rivian can teach investors, whether working from home is hurting careers and mental health, how retirees may be underspending out of fear, and why banks are training tellers to spot scams before customers lose thousands of dollars.
Markets are trying to recover from Friday’s tech sell-off, but investors are still facing a difficult mix of sticky inflation, stronger job growth, renewed Middle East tensions, and questions about how far the AI trade can run.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why this week’s inflation report could matter more than usual, how the latest Israel-Iran flare-up is keeping pressure on oil supplies, and why depleted U.S. crude inventories may become a bigger problem later this summer. They also discuss whether Friday’s market rout was really about the jobs report or overheated semiconductor stocks, why Kevin Warsh faces a credibility test as the new Fed chair, and how the Strait of Hormuz crisis could reshape oil markets even after shipping resumes.
The strong May jobs report is pushing Treasury yields higher and adding pressure on the Federal Reserve, while weakness in major tech names is dragging the broader market lower despite more stocks rising than falling.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the market reaction to the latest jobs data, what higher yields could mean for the Fed’s next move, and why the S&P 500 is becoming harder to read as a handful of mega-cap stocks dominate index performance. They also discuss S&P’s decision not to change its index rules for SpaceX, what that means for investors ahead of the company’s massive IPO, how GLP-1 weight loss drugs are affecting retail returns, and Paul LaMonica of Barron’s joins the show to explain how retail investors may be able to access the SpaceX IPO.
The labor market is showing new strength after months of concern, with the latest jobs report delivering stronger hiring, positive revisions, and another sign that the economy may be picking up momentum.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why the May jobs report earned high marks, how job growth has improved over the last three months, and why the data makes a summer Fed rate cut increasingly unlikely. They also discuss what stronger hiring and sticky inflation could mean for interest rates, why the job market for recent graduates may be better than the headlines suggest, and why Anthropic is calling for a possible pause in frontier AI development even as the AI race continues to accelerate.
AI is still driving the stock market, but outside the artificial intelligence boom, parts of the economy are telling a much weaker story.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why retailers, restaurants, food companies, and other consumer-facing businesses are struggling while AI-related stocks continue to dominate market performance. They also discuss Blackstone’s private credit redemption limits, why stocks now make up a record share of American household wealth, the renewed warning over potential Social Security benefit cuts, what rising mortgage rates and delistings say about the housing market, and how high gas prices are even changing behavior on dating apps.
The AI trade has been carrying markets for months, but Broadcom’s disappointing outlook is giving investors a reason to question whether semiconductor stocks have moved too far, too fast.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why Broadcom’s earnings report triggered a pullback across chip stocks, why the semiconductor rally may need to cool after doubling in just two months, and how companies are beginning to look more carefully at the real cost of using AI tools. They also discuss whether the jobs market is stabilizing, why tech layoffs may not tell the full labor market story, how SpaceX’s coming IPO could force index investors into a risky new holding, and why the Strait of Hormuz crisis may permanently change the global oil map.
SpaceX is moving closer to what could become the largest IPO in history, but the bigger question is whether major index funds should be forced to buy it almost immediately.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down why SpaceX’s expected valuation is drawing so much attention, how its IPO could affect everyday investors through S&P 500 and index fund exposure, and why past blockbuster IPOs often came with major first-year drawdowns. They also discuss the growing backlog in America’s data center buildout, what delayed AI infrastructure could mean for the broader tech trade, how a simple Meta chatbot flaw may have allowed high-profile Instagram accounts to be taken over, and why new cancer drug research could mark an important step forward in treating some of the deadliest diseases.
Stocks are coming off a strong run, but the market’s biggest story remains the same: artificial intelligence is pulling more money, attention, and earnings growth toward a narrow group of companies tied to chips, cloud infrastructure, and AI spending.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down why semiconductor stocks continue to dominate market performance, how strong earnings growth is helping offset concerns about oil prices and the Middle East, and why the S&P 500 is becoming increasingly dependent on the AI trade. They also discuss rising Treasury yields, World Cup planning challenges in Massachusetts, and Todd Lutsky joins the show to explain the different types of trusts families may use in estate planning, from revocable trusts to Medicaid irrevocable trusts and life insurance trusts.
The AI trade keeps powering markets higher, but investors are facing a growing concentration problem as more of the S&P 500 becomes tied to artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, and the companies funding the buildout.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down why AI-related stocks now make up an increasingly large share of the market, how strong earnings growth is being driven by both real profits and rising private AI valuations, and why companies like Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, Nvidia, Dell, HP, and even unexpected names are becoming more interconnected through the AI boom. They also discuss whether Nvidia’s push to bring AI chips into PCs can revive the personal computer market, why young workers may be struggling for reasons beyond AI, and how YouTube-driven movies and McDonald’s new growth strategy show changing consumer behavior across entertainment and fast food.
Anthropic is moving closer to a potential IPO, raising the stakes in the race to become the first pure-play AI model company available to public investors.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down why Anthropic’s confidential IPO filing matters, how its rapid revenue growth and massive valuation compare with OpenAI, and why being first to market could shape investor expectations for the entire AI trade. They also discuss why the job market may be stronger than many young workers fear, how Alphabet is raising tens of billions of dollars to fund its AI infrastructure push, and why Berkshire Hathaway’s latest moves point to confidence in both artificial intelligence and the long-term need for more housing.
Markets are being pulled between oil worries and tech strength as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, energy prices jump, and investors continue leaning heavily on the two sectors carrying the market this year: energy and technology.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why oil prices are moving higher again, how the lack of progress with Iran keeps raising the risk of global energy problems, and why the S&P 500 is holding steady despite pressure from crude oil and Treasury yields. They also discuss why Gen Z may be better positioned in the job market than many feared, how Austin made housing more affordable by building more homes, why many Americans retire earlier than expected, and how rising insurance costs are reshaping decisions for homeowners.
The U.S. economy is still holding up, but each day the Strait of Hormuz remains closed increases the risk that today’s uncomfortable gas prices could turn into a much bigger global supply problem.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why there is still no deal between the U.S. and Iran, how oil prices are reacting to the latest threats around Hormuz, and why the timeline for pressure on global inventories is now being measured in weeks rather than months. They also discuss NVIDIA’s push to bring AI agents directly onto personal computers, what local AI chips could mean for data centers and business security, why Jay Powell is still warning about Fed independence, and whether concerns about white-collar workers stalling out are being overstated.
AI spending is still driving markets higher, but companies are beginning to confront a new problem: the technology may be getting too expensive to use without limits.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the latest movement toward a potential U.S. and Iran deal, what reopening the Strait of Hormuz could mean for oil and gas prices, and why markets are still waiting for confirmation before fully reacting. They also discuss Anthropic overtaking OpenAI as the world’s most valuable AI startup, why rising AI costs could eventually challenge the entire investment boom, and how companies may be forced to ration usage if the promised savings do not materialize.
The show also looks at Americans’ unusual confidence in their own finances despite broader economic pessimism, the upcoming SpaceX IPO, Blue Origin’s rocket setback, and why Madison Square Garden Sports has surged as investors place a higher value on scarce sports franchises.
Oil prices have fallen as reports of a possible U.S.-Iran ceasefire extension raise hopes that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz may resume, but energy executives are warning that global inventories are already approaching dangerously low levels.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why the current drop in crude prices may not reflect the real supply risk building beneath the surface, how depleted inventories could force prices sharply higher this summer, and why the difference between higher prices and outright shortages matters for consumers. They also discuss why fears of a middle-class recession may be overblown, how corporate profits are widening the divide between business performance and worker pay, and why Dell’s surging AI server forecast shows how deeply the artificial intelligence boom is reshaping markets.
Stocks are gaining as reports of a possible U.S.-Iran agreement lift hopes that oil disruptions may ease, but the bigger market story remains the explosive rally in semiconductor and AI-related stocks.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why markets are reacting cautiously to another potential Iran deal, how U.S. energy independence differs from true oil independence, and why the AI chip rally has reached levels that are starting to resemble past semiconductor manias. They also discuss the strange spread of AI enthusiasm into companies far outside traditional tech, the risks emerging in prediction markets, why 401(k) hardship withdrawals are rising, and how Robinhood’s new AI trading tools could create major problems for retail investors.
Oil prices remain surprisingly muted despite months of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, but energy markets may be running out of time before low inventories become a much bigger problem.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why crude oil has not surged as much as many expected, how China and the U.S. may be helping offset lost Middle East supply, and why major producers are warning that inventories could soon reach dangerously low levels. They also discuss new inflation data, why the Fed may still have little room to cut rates, signs that the labor market is stabilizing, and how the AI economy continues to drive growth through major cloud and semiconductor spending.
The show also covers Snowflake’s $6 billion deal with Amazon, Salesforce’s struggle to prove its AI strategy can defend future growth, and Boston’s logistical headaches as the World Cup approaches.
Hosts Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down a bizarre trading day as standard market correlations completely break down. They unpack Micron Technology’s historic surge from $79 billion to a $1 trillion valuation in record time, debating whether AI data center demand can save semiconductor stocks from their traditional, brutal boom-bust cycles. Plus, a look at Goldman Sachs hiking its S&P 500 target to 8,000 and an analysis of why the classic 4% early retirement rule might be fundamentally broken for the modern era. Watch Live on YouTube:
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Hosts Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti dissect the widening gap between strong economic data and poor consumer sentiment, explaining why the University of Michigan's survey might be fundamentally broken. They also break down a reported unofficial US-Iran draft framework shifting bond markets, looming grocery price hikes tied to El Niño, and a quick market update on Micron and Zscaler. Later, estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky joins to discuss the key potholes of naming trust entities and why a standard will cannot override designated beneficiaries.Watch Live on YouTube:
youtube.com/thefinancialexchangeshow Follow us on X: @TFEshow Estate Planning Resources: legalexchangeshow.com / cushingdolan.com Support Our Veterans: dav5k.boston
Markets are rallying on renewed hopes for an Iran deal, but the economic risks tied to oil prices, inflation expectations, and higher borrowing costs have not gone away.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down why stocks are rising even as the ceasefire remains fragile, gas prices stay elevated, and inflation pressures continue to build. They also discuss why the summer job market may be tougher for teenagers, how younger consumers are reshaping demand for cars, and why saving more for retirement can help investors both build wealth and adjust to living on less income.
The show also looks at the growing overlap between investing and gambling as prediction markets gain popularity, why higher inflation may be more damaging to long-term financial plans than a temporary stock market decline, and what rising inflation expectations could mean for the Federal Reserve’s credibility.
Markets are climbing even as consumers feel worse about the economy, oil prices remain volatile, and higher interest rates continue to pressure stocks, bonds, and households.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down why the stock market keeps pushing higher despite historically weak consumer sentiment and ongoing uncertainty around Iran, oil prices, and inflation. They also discuss whether consumer surveys still reflect reality, why the risk premium for holding stocks over bonds is disappearing, and how strong corporate earnings may be distorted by the rising value of private AI investments rather than traditional business growth.
The show also looks at the challenge facing new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, why inflation and deficits leave policymakers with little room for error, and how Massachusetts’ millionaire tax continues to generate more revenue than expected despite concerns about high earners leaving the state.
Markets are ending the week on a stronger note as oil prices retreat below $100, but inflation concerns remain firmly in focus as Kevin Warsh takes over as Federal Reserve Chair.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down why the Fed may face a much harder policy environment than markets expect, with AI spending driving growth, energy prices still pressuring inflation, and questions building around whether Warsh can establish credibility as an inflation fighter. They also discuss the growing concentration of tech in the stock market, the risks of assuming AI will quickly boost productivity, why bond and portfolio allocation decisions should be based on individual needs rather than rules of thumb, and why dividend investing has struggled in a market dominated by large-cap growth stocks.
Oil prices have pulled back from recent highs, but inflation concerns are not going away as markets continue reacting to the conflict with Iran, higher Treasury yields, and uncertainty around the path of interest rates.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down why inflation forecasts are moving higher, how energy prices are affecting bond markets, and what incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh may face as he takes over during a difficult economic moment. They also discuss whether inflation expectations are becoming unanchored, why mortgage rates have moved back toward recent highs, and how higher borrowing costs are weighing on the spring housing market.
*American retail is undergoing a massive structural shift.* Hosts Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong welcome Luke Kawa from Sherwood News to break down Walmart's latest earnings, surging online grocery demand, and why high gas prices are altering consumer behavior. Plus, a look at Intuit's massive 17% workforce reduction as corporate America races to pivot to an AI-first ecosystem.
*Key Takeaways: The Premiumization of Walmart: Guest Luke Kawa joins to unpack how higher-income households switching to online grocery delivery are reshaping the retail giant. * Gas Prices vs. Retail Guidance: Why Walmart's stellar first quarter was overshadowed by a cautious financial outlook tied to rising fuel costs. * The AI Restructuring Wave: Analyzing Intuit's sudden decision to lay off 17% of its workforce to fund an aggressive pivot into an AI-first platform. * TSA & The Travel Economy:** What the latest airport checkpoint data reveals about modern consumer discretionary spending.
*Links & Resources:** Read more from Luke: sherwood.news * Watch Live on YouTube: youtube.com/thefinancialexchangeshow * Follow us on X: @TFEshow * Support Our Veterans: dav5k.boston
Disclaimer: The Financial Exchange is produced by Money Matters Radio and hosted by employees of the Armstrong Advisory Group. Opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts. This program does not offer specific investment advice.
IPO Mania has officially arrived. Hosts Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive deep into a historic wave of upcoming public filings, breaking down the newly released S1 data from SpaceX and tracking the staggering revenue numbers from Anthropic and OpenAI. Plus, a look at Nvidia's earnings and why the US Government's new $2 billion quantum computing play might be a dangerous precedent for capital markets.In this episode, we discuss:
Nvidia's Earnings Reality Check: They beat expectations again, but with gross margins at 75%, can they actually maintain this level of dominance as hardware commoditization looms?
* The SpaceX S1 Deep Dive: Analyzing the numbers behind their targeted $2 trillion valuation. Revenue is up, but with a widening $5 billion loss, does space tourism and asteroid mining justify the price tag?
* Anthropic vs. OpenAI: Anthropic's jaw-dropping jump from a $9B run rate to a $44B run rate in just five months—and what it means for OpenAI's shifting IPO timeline.
* The Sovereign Wealth Danger:* The Wall Street Journal reports the US government is injecting $2 billion into quantum computing firms (including $1 billion to IBM) in exchange for equity stakes. Chuck and Mike explain why picking winners and losers squashes true market competition.
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dav5k.boston to make a donation today.
Disclaimer: The Financial Exchange is produced by Money Matters Radio and hosted by employees of the Armstrong Advisory Group. All opinions expressed are solely those of the hosts. This program does not offer specific financial or investment advice. Investments can lose money.
Stocks are rallying across the board as reports of possible progress on a US-Iran deal lift sentiment and push oil prices lower. Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down the strong market action, record oil inventory draws, and what it means for energy prices and inflation.Key topics include:
* Why the S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 are all higher
* SpaceX IPO details: Goldman Sachs leading, $2 trillion valuation talk, and why it won’t 750x like Tesla
* Largest-ever weekly crude oil inventory draw and what’s ahead for gas prices
* Mortgage rates climbing to 6.75% and the rise of non-conforming loans
* Google’s strong AI turnaround with Gemini now rivaling ChatGPT
* Consumer spending vs. gloomy sentiment surveys
Plus, a wild Cybertruck “wade mode” fails in a Texas lake, Jeep’s ongoing sales slump, and more.
NVIDIA reports earnings after the bell as investors watch to see if the AI leader can sustain the semiconductor rally with expected $80B+ revenue. Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down the numbers, 10x growth in three years, China sales, and what’s next for chip stocks.They also cover:
* 10-year Treasury yields climbing to 4.62%+ on rising inflation expectations
* Target’s strong sales beat but 7% stock drop on weak online growth
* Lowe’s results and ongoing housing market challenges
* Live market snapshot
Plus, estate planning expert Todd Lutsky joins for Ask Todd, sharing key insights on trustees, beneficiaries, funding trusts, and what to do when you lose a spouse.
Markets are wrestling with a difficult mix of strong corporate earnings, rising interest rates, and growing concern that the AI trade may be getting dangerously concentrated.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down why investors are warning about correction risk even as earnings growth remains strong, and why the surge in AI-related stocks continues to raise comparisons to the late-1990s tech bubble. They also discuss the upcoming SpaceX IPO, how a $2 trillion valuation could test investor appetite, and why retail investors may face a difficult decision after big gains in semiconductor and AI names.
The show also covers the pressure retirees face when taxes and inflation collide, the latest developments in the OpenAI and Anthropic rivalry, and why travel agents are making an unexpected comeback as more Americans seek help planning increasingly expensive vacations.
The housing market remains stuck as high mortgage rates, weak affordability, and cautious consumers continue weighing on home sales, renovations, and new construction.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down Home Depot’s latest earnings and what they reveal about the state of housing, from delayed renovation projects to the growing pressure on builders as interest rates move back toward 7%. They also discuss why everyday life still feels so expensive, how childcare, healthcare, education, and housing costs are reshaping the meaning of “middle class,” and why many families feel financially stretched even as technology has improved quality of life in other areas.
The show also looks at the growing backlash against AI data centers, the challenge of selling artificial intelligence to the public, whether blue-collar workers are really insulated from automation, and the latest housing legislation aimed at institutional investors and rental homes.
The Federal Reserve is entering a new era with inflation still sticky, interest rates elevated, and political pressure coming from every direction.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the difficult economy Kevin Warsh is inheriting as Fed Chair and why investors may not know whether to expect the inflation hawk of the past or the rate-cut advocate he has sounded like more recently.
Also covered:
* Why the Fed may be pulled between political pressure for lower rates and policymakers worried about inflation
* How interest rates influence spending, borrowing, and demand across the economy
* Why mortgage rates moving closer to 7% could pressure the housing market
* The growing concern over U.S. deficits, debt service costs, and Social Security funding
* Why helping aging parents with money can create serious family conflict
* The risks investors should consider around a massive SpaceX IPO
* Why the AI chip boom may eventually create too much capacity
* How past technology booms left behind valuable infrastructure after painful busts
Why the next phase of monetary policy may be harder for the Fed and more important for investors than markets expect.
AI spending is no longer just driving markets — it may be carrying much of the economy itself.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why NVIDIA earnings have become one of the most important events for investors, how semiconductor stocks continue dominating markets, and whether the AI boom is creating dangerous concentration in both GDP growth and equity performance.
Also covered:
* Why some analysts estimate AI-related investment is driving a massive share of recent economic growth
* The debate over whether concerns around AI concentration are overblown
* Why global bond yields are climbing and what it signals about inflation expectations
* How rising Treasury yields are pushing mortgage rates higher and hurting the housing market
* Why energy markets remain on edge as countries scramble for oil supply
* The growing risk of higher fuel prices despite America’s energy production advantage
* How utility costs continue rising and what’s driving higher electric bills
* Why AI is uncovering more cybersecurity vulnerabilities than humans can quickly address
Why the economy may be becoming more dependent on AI infrastructure than many investors realize.
Investors spent years expecting lower interest rates. Now markets are beginning to prepare for the opposite.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why bond markets are suddenly pricing in the possibility of future Federal Reserve rate hikes as inflation pressures, higher energy costs, and massive AI spending continue reshaping the economic outlook.
Also covered:
* Why Treasury yields are rising sharply again and what it means for markets
* The growing concern that inflation could remain elevated longer than expected
* Johns Hopkins economist Laurence Ball explains why today’s inflation environment may be very different from the 1970s
* Whether Fed independence is becoming more fragile under political pressure
* Why long-term inflation expectations matter more than short-term spikes in prices
* The surge in AI-related IPO excitement following the blockbuster Cerebras debut
* Why SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic could dramatically reshape market concentration
* The debate over whether today’s AI boom is starting to resemble the dot-com era
* Why Gen Z may be following millennials into homeownership despite affordability concerns
How inflation, AI spending, and higher rates could redefine markets over the next several years.
The world may be moving toward an energy shock far larger than most investors are prepared for.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why continued disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are draining global oil reserves and creating a scenario where parts of the U.S. could see gas prices climb toward $6 to $8 per gallon by late summer.
Also covered:
* Why global oil inventories may reach critical levels within months
* The growing risk of fuel shortages in places like California
* How India is already cutting fertilizer supplies and preparing for prolonged disruption
* Why energy markets increasingly believe the Strait of Hormuz crisis will last through the summer
* What President Trump’s China visit may reveal about future US-China cooperation on Iran
* Why the blockbuster Cerebras IPO is fueling new comparisons to the dot-com bubble
* The debate over whether AI semiconductor stocks are entering dangerous territory
* Why investors are already looking ahead to potential IPOs from SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic
How prolonged energy disruption and AI-driven market speculation could reshape the economy in ways few expected.
The AI trade keeps getting bigger, faster, and more expensive — and some investors are starting to see uncomfortable similarities to the dot-com era.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the explosive debut of Cerebras Systems and why surging semiconductor stocks are reigniting concerns that today’s AI spending frenzy may be creating the next major market bubble.
Also covered:
* Why semiconductor stocks keep behaving like classic boom-bust cycles
* The key warning signs that today’s AI rally may be entering dangerous territory
* Kevin Warsh officially takes over as Fed Chair and what it could mean for policy
* Why markets are suddenly pricing in future rate hikes instead of rate cuts
* The surprising reason Americans continue feeling terrible about the economy
* How social media and nonstop headlines may be distorting economic sentiment
* Why restaurants are changing menus around GLP-1 trends
* The growing debate over whether AI is making students smarter or simply inflating grades
What happens if the AI spending boom eventually runs into the same reality every technology cycle faces.
Consumers are feeling pressure from inflation, higher costs, and rising financial stress — but the stock market continues pushing to new highs.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the growing disconnect between the economy and the market as AI spending and corporate earnings continue to drive gains despite mounting concerns around inflation and global energy risks.
Also covered:
* Why AI spending has become the real engine behind the market rally
* The latest developments from the Trump-Xi summit and the Strait of Hormuz
* Why some Fed officials are discussing the possibility of future rate hikes
* The surprising similarities between today’s AI boom and the late-1990s tech bubble
* Why Cisco suddenly looks like an internet stock all over again
* The debate over large-scale AI data center expansion across the country
* How higher energy costs could eventually challenge the market’s resilience
Why the economy and the stock market may be telling two completely different stories right now.
The global oil system is running out of room, and the consequences could start accelerating later this year.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down the rapidly shrinking margin for error in global energy markets as continued disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz drain inventories and push oil prices above $100 per barrel again.
Also covered:
* Why U.S. oil inventories are falling at one of the fastest rates on record
* The growing risk of supply shortages by late summer or early fall
* Why gas tax holidays could actually make the problem worse
* How rising fuel prices are reshaping consumer behavior and inflation expectations
* What President Trump hopes to accomplish during his summit with Xi Jinping
* Why NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang unexpectedly joined the Beijing delegation
* The latest warning signs from inflation and bond markets
* Why Walmart is cutting or relocating corporate employees
* How tomato prices became the latest inflation headache for consumers and restaurants
Why the next phase of the energy crisis may be far more disruptive than markets currently expect.
Markets are beginning to price in a world where inflation stays higher for much longer than investors expected.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down the latest inflation data as producer prices surge to their highest levels in years and global bond markets signal growing concern about structurally higher inflation and interest rates.
Also covered:
* Why investors are becoming more worried about long-term inflation
* How rising gas prices are erasing wage gains for consumers
* The growing fear of a return to 1970s-style stagflation
* Why the Fed may not have the political ability to fight inflation aggressively
* How the Strait of Hormuz crisis could push inflation even higher this summer
* Why markets have become political “utilities” over the last two decades
* The debate over whether higher wages could trigger another inflation spiral
* Walmart cuts corporate jobs amid broader economic uncertainty
* Why sovereign bond markets around the world are flashing warning signs
Why the next inflation cycle may look very different from anything investors experienced over the last 25 years.
Inflation is accelerating again, and investors are starting to question whether the Federal Reserve still has a path to contain it.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down the hotter-than-expected April inflation report as rising energy, food, and housing costs push inflation further away from the Fed’s target and reignite fears of a prolonged inflation cycle.
Also covered:
* Why markets suddenly believe rate cuts are off the table
* The growing fear that inflation expectations are becoming embedded again
* How the Strait of Hormuz crisis continues to threaten global energy supply
* Why some analysts see uncomfortable parallels to the 1970s
* Michael Burry’s latest warning about AI-driven market excess
* The debate over whether today’s AI spending boom is becoming inflationary
* Why major tech companies are spending hundreds of billions to stay competitive in AI
* The worsening financial outlook for Social Security and government deficits
* How higher inflation and interest rates could reshape the economy for years
Why the next phase of inflation may be far more difficult to contain than the last one.
Inflation is heating up again, and the Federal Reserve may be running out of easy answers.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down the hotter-than-expected April CPI report as rising gas prices, higher shelter costs, and persistent inflation pressures push the economy closer to another potential inflation crisis.
Also covered:
* Why the latest inflation report has economists increasingly worried
* How rising oil prices are feeding into food, housing, and consumer costs
* The growing fear that inflation expectations are becoming embedded again
* Why some analysts see uncomfortable parallels to the 1970s
* The debate over whether the Fed has already lost credibility
* Why cutting gas taxes may do more harm than good long term
* How higher mortgage rates are slowing the spring housing market
* Why workers are starting to lose ground again to inflation
* Whether the economy is moving closer to stagflation
Why inflation may be becoming far more difficult to control than policymakers expected.
The economy keeps adding jobs, but for many Americans the labor market still feels unusually difficult and uncertain.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the strange disconnect between stable employment data, slowing turnover, rising mortgage rates, and growing anxiety around AI and white-collar work.
Also covered:
* Why the labor market may be far more stable than headlines suggest
* The industries quietly driving job growth right now
* Why healthcare jobs continue to outperform other sectors
* The growing shift toward skilled trades and hands-on work
* How AI is changing the way people think about long-term careers
* Why AI models can’t even agree on which jobs are at risk
* The continued surge in semiconductor stocks and AI spending
* How rising gas prices and refinery outages are hitting the Midwest especially hard
* Why some analysts believe home buying season is already disappointing
What the changing labor market could mean for workers, investors, and the broader economy over the next several years.
Gas prices are climbing again and the global energy situation continues to deteriorate.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are creating mounting pressure on oil supply, fertilizer markets, air travel, and fuel prices across the global economy.
Also covered:
* Why analysts believe the world is racing toward a major energy shortage
* How India’s fertilizer warning could signal bigger global supply problems ahead
* Why oil inventories may reach critical operational levels by late summer
* The growing risk of $6 gas becoming reality in parts of the United States
* Why California could face even higher fuel prices than the rest of the country
* How jet fuel shortages may impact airlines and summer travel demand
* What President Trump hopes to accomplish during this week’s trip to China
* Why AI and semiconductor negotiations remain central to US-China relations
How rising energy costs and geopolitical tensions are beginning to ripple through the global economy.
The labor market remains surprisingly stable even as higher gas prices, inflation pressure, and global tensions continue to build.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the latest jobs report and why hiring activity continues to hold up despite persistent concerns about economic slowing and rising costs across the economy.
Also covered:
* Why the labor market may have stabilized after months of weakening
* The industries quietly showing signs of renewed growth
* How AI spending has become the primary driver of economic expansion
* Why disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz still threaten global energy supply
* The growing debate over whether AI is replacing workers or simply masking overhiring
* Why consumer sentiment data may no longer reflect the real economy
* The risks surrounding SpaceX’s massive upcoming IPO
* Why more Americans are being “fired from retirement” and returning to work
* What to expect from the next round of US-China trade talks
Why the economy continues to defy expectations even as long-term risks keep building.
The latest jobs report came in stronger than expected, challenging growing fears that the economy is starting to crack.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why hiring remains surprisingly resilient despite slowing growth, rising inflation pressure, and continued concern around AI-driven job disruption.
Also covered:
* Why the unemployment rate rose even with solid job creation
* The hidden demographic shift reshaping the labor market
* Why transportation and freight activity are suddenly surging
* How rising prices are eating away at consumer spending power
* Why the Michigan Consumer Sentiment survey may no longer be useful
* The growing debate over whether AI is distorting the economy
* How cybersecurity risks are accelerating as AI tools become more powerful
* Why SpaceX’s upcoming IPO could reshape markets and index investing
Why the economy may be stronger — and stranger — than many investors expected.
Despite nonstop warnings about AI replacing workers, the labor market is telling a very different story.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why tech layoffs may have more to do with pandemic overhiring than artificial intelligence, as new data shows parts of the job market beginning to stabilize again.
Also covered:
* Why software developer job openings are rising again
* The biggest bottleneck preventing AI from replacing workers right now
* How companies are using “AI efficiency” to justify layoffs
* Why ChatGPT is becoming the new storefront for major brands
* The surprising comeback of hacky sack in American schools
* Why some renters are skipping starter homes to buy vacation properties instead
* The growing rivalry between OpenAI, Anthropic, and Elon Musk’s xAI
* Why EV drivers suddenly feel smarter than everyone else at the gas pump
Why the AI economy may still be much earlier — and much messier — than people think.
The oil market may have changed for years to come.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why energy analysts increasingly believe the world is entering a prolonged period of structurally higher oil prices as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to tighten global supply.
Also covered:
* Why the world may never return to $60 oil
* How damaged Middle East infrastructure could impact supply for years
* The growing risk of jet fuel shortages and higher airfare prices
* Why strategic oil reserves are being depleted faster than expected
* How rising gas prices are hitting different states and consumers unevenly
* What strong AI demand means for long-term energy consumption
* Why fast food companies are sending mixed signals about the consumer economy
How higher energy prices could reshape inflation, travel, and consumer spending going forward.
Rising gas prices are beginning to reshape how Americans work, travel, and spend money.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down the latest developments in the Strait of Hormuz as conflicting reports around a potential U.S.–Iran agreement send oil prices swinging wildly and keep energy markets on edge.
Also covered:
* Why gas prices are surging despite hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough
* How higher fuel costs are impacting commuters and remote work trends
* What AMD’s earnings reveal about the next phase of the AI boom
* Why semiconductor stocks continue to dominate market gains
* Signs the labor market may finally be stabilizing after months of weakness
* The growing risks higher energy costs pose to hiring and economic growth
* Common estate planning mistakes that can create major financial problems later
What rising energy costs could mean for consumers, jobs, and the broader economy if inflation pressures continue.
AI stocks are soaring again, but history suggests investors may be underestimating the risks.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down the explosive rally in semiconductor stocks as AI demand drives massive gains across the tech sector, even as warnings about boom-and-bust cycles begin to grow louder.
Also covered:
* Why chipmaker margins are reaching extreme levels again
* How AMD, NVIDIA, and AI infrastructure spending are reshaping markets
* Whether companies are actually using AI to replace workers
* Why mortgage rates are rising again despite hopes for Fed cuts
* The changing economics of Florida real estate after the pandemic boom
* Disney’s new long-term strategy focused on gaming and AI
* Why some experts believe emotionally aware robots may be closer than people think
What happens if the AI boom starts following the same pattern as past tech cycles.
Markets are rebounding but major risks are still building beneath the surface.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down why stocks are moving higher even as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt global oil supply and keep energy markets on edge.
Also covered:
* Why semiconductor stocks and AI demand are driving market momentum
* How rising Treasury yields are pushing mortgage rates higher
* The growing debate over data centers and their impact on local economies
* Why Apple is exploring new chip production outside of Taiwan
* What geopolitical risks could mean for global supply chains
* The reality behind the so-called $110 trillion wealth transfer
* Why AI still isn’t ready to replace human decision-making
Why investors may be underestimating the long-term risks shaping the economy.
Markets are pushing higher even as a major global risk continues to build.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down why stocks remain resilient despite ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz that are tightening global oil supply and pushing energy prices higher.
Also covered:
* Why gas prices could move back toward $5 per gallon
* How strong earnings from AI and semiconductor companies are driving markets
* What the latest labor market data says about hiring and wage pressure
* Why consumer spending remains strong despite rising costs
* The impact of Spirit Airlines’ collapse on future airfare prices
* Why Ford’s $30,000 electric truck may not be realistic
* The growing debate around gas taxes and infrastructure funding
Why strong corporate profits may be masking deeper risks building in the economy.
Housing pressure is building as higher rates and rising costs start to take a toll.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down early signs of stress in the housing market as mortgage rates rise and affordability remains stretched.
Also covered:
* Why rising foreclosures are increasing but not yet a crisis
* What a 5% 30-year Treasury yield means for mortgage rates
* How higher borrowing costs are reshaping housing demand
* The growing push to tax second homes and its potential impact
* Why rising oil prices could add new pressure to the economy
What it means for home prices, affordability, and the broader economy.
Gas prices are rising fast and the situation may be getting worse.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down a critical turning point in the global oil market as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed and US inventories begin to draw down.
Also covered:
* Why US oil stockpiles are shrinking at a dangerous pace
* How close the system is to minimum operational capacity
* What happens when supply can no longer meet demand
* Why oil prices may need to rise sharply to rebalance the market
* The potential for extreme outcomes if disruptions continue into summer
What it means for gas prices, inflation, and the broader economy if supply constraints persist.
A major airline is on the verge of shutting down.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down reports that Spirit Airlines may cease operations and what it says about competition across the airline industry.
Also covered:
* Why smaller airlines cannot compete with legacy carriers
* How rising fuel costs are pressuring travel demand
* What higher gas prices are forcing consumers to do
* Why AI driven trading strategies are falling short
* Warren Buffett’s warning on gambling and its broader impact
What this collapse could mean for prices and competition going forward.
Stocks are rising even as oil prices surge.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why markets are shrugging off a sharp move higher in energy prices and what it says about current economic strength.
Also covered:
* Why strong economic data is offsetting rising oil prices
* How long the US can absorb global energy shortages
* Why oil executives are not increasing production
* What Apple’s outlook says about consumer demand
* The growing risks tied to massive AI spending
What happens if oil prices start to impact growth.
Oil inventories are dropping and the timeline is getting tighter.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down a surprising draw in US crude stocks and why it could signal a much bigger global supply problem.
Also covered:
* Why the US is becoming the world’s energy relief valve
* How quickly inventories could hit critical operating levels
* What rising gas prices are already signaling to consumers
* Why production is not increasing despite higher prices
* How global shortages could push prices even higher
What happens if supply cannot keep up through the summer?
The economy is holding steady but a new risk is building fast.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down a solid Q1 GDP report and why underlying trends in housing and the labor market had started to stabilize.
Also covered:
* Why AI driven investment is carrying a large share of economic growth
* What steady jobless claims say about the labor market right now
* Signs housing may be finding a floor after recent weakness
* Why rising energy prices could quickly change the outlook
* What the Fed is watching as inflation pressures build again
What happens if energy costs start to overwhelm an otherwise stable economy.
The oil market is starting to hit real limits.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down why ongoing supply disruptions are beginning to drain inventories and push prices higher.
Also covered:
* How long US oil reserves can absorb continued shortages
* Why global energy flows are shifting from efficiency to security
* The growing risk of demand destruction as prices rise
* What higher oil prices mean for inflation and the Fed
* Why this problem is spreading from Asia to Europe and now the US
What happens if supply does not return before inventories run too low.
Everything hinges on one question and Big Tech is about to answer it.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down a massive earnings day and why investors care far more about future spending than current results.
Also covered:
* Why semiconductor stocks have surged on AI demand
* What hyperscalers are signaling with massive capital spending
* The math problem behind AI investment and future profits
* Why OpenAI’s growth concerns are raising new questions
* What could trigger a sudden shift in the AI trade
What happens if the spending driving AI momentum starts to slow.
AI is being treated like the solution to problems it may not be able to fix. In this episode of The Financial Exchange, Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down the growing belief that AI driven productivity can offset rising debt, slowing population growth, and long term economic pressures. Also covered:* Why massive AI spending still lacks clear returns * What Big Tech earnings could reveal about future demand * How rising oil prices are adding new inflation pressure * Why interest rates may stay higher for longer * The growing gap between economic data and consumer sentiment
What happens if AI fails to deliver the growth the economy is counting on.
AI excitement is building but the numbers are starting to disappoint.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down OpenAI missing key revenue and user targets and what it signals about the real pace of AI adoption.
Also covered:
* Why Big Tech earnings could reset expectations this week
* How AI demand is spreading but still lacks clear monetization
* The risks of rapid AI development with little oversight
* What easy to build AI tools mean for fraud and bad actors
* Why valuations remain high despite growing uncertainty
What happens if AI growth fails to match the hype.
Markets are acting like the worst case scenario will not happen.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down a massive week of earnings and data and why investors may be underestimating the risks building beneath the surface.
Also covered:
* Why Big Tech earnings could determine the next move
* How ongoing energy disruptions are spreading globally
* The risk of a stagflationary shock hitting the economy
* Why semiconductor demand is surging on AI needs
* What extreme scenarios could mean for stocks
What happens if the risks markets are ignoring start to materialize.
This could be the most important week of the year for markets.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down a massive wave of earnings, a Fed decision, and why everything hinges on what Big Tech says next.
Also covered:
* Why semiconductor stocks are on a historic run
* What Big Tech spending will reveal about AI demand
* Early signs energy disruptions are spreading globally
* Why corporate earnings expectations may be too high
* What conflicting inflation data means for the Fed
What to watch as the biggest companies in the world report.
Semiconductor stocks are surging and the move is getting extreme.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down a historic rally in chip stocks and why past cycles suggest it may not end well.
Also covered:
* Why AI demand is driving an unprecedented surge in semiconductors
* What past boom and bust cycles say about where this could go
* Early signs housing may be stabilizing despite weak sentiment
* How tariff refunds could benefit companies more than consumers
* The debate over corporate power and its impact on affordability
How long this surge can last and what could come next.
AI spending is exploding but the numbers may not work.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down a surge in AI investment and why some companies are already facing pressure on cash flow and returns.
Also covered:
* Why AI spending is already straining Big Tech finances
* What Intel’s surge actually signals
* Oracle’s rising debt and the cost of AI infrastructure
* Why Meta is cutting jobs as investment ramps up
* What Microsoft’s buyouts reveal about workforce changes
This episode focuses on what could go wrong as the AI boom scales.
Markets may look calm on the surface but major shifts are happening underneath.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down an extraordinary rally in semiconductor stocks and what it signals about continued demand for AI infrastructure.
Also covered:
* Why airlines are preparing to cut flights as fuel costs rise
* What slowing housing activity says about today’s market conditions
* How pricing and inventory are separating winners and losers in real estate
* The growing divide in AI usage across the workforce
* Why affordability remains a challenge despite policy proposals
From semiconductors to housing to consumer trends, this episode examines the forces shaping the economy right now.
Rising fuel costs are starting to hit airlines and travelers alike.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down how surging jet fuel prices are forcing airlines to cut flights, raise fares, and rethink their route networks.
Also covered:
* Why airlines can only pass on a portion of rising fuel costs for now
* The growing risk of jet fuel shortages in Europe and beyond
* How flight cancellations could increase over the next year
* Why export restrictions could create new problems in energy markets
* What airline earnings reveal about demand and pricing power
From energy disruptions to travel costs, this episode examines how fuel markets are beginning to impact the broader economy.
Stocks are climbing again but the leadership is getting more concentrated.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down a continued rally driven by semiconductor stocks and what it signals about investor sentiment.
Also covered:
* Why semiconductors continue to drive market gains
* What Apple’s new CEO signals about its future strategy
* Ongoing questions around Apple’s position in artificial intelligence
* Whether AI is truly improving productivity or just adding complexity
* How markets are balancing strong earnings with lingering risks
From AI to Big Tech leadership to market concentration, this episode breaks down what is driving momentum right now.
Investors are acting like the oil disruption will be short lived but the timeline may say otherwise.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down why markets are pricing in a quick resolution to the Strait of Hormuz crisis even as shipping disruptions continue and supply losses begin to build.
Also covered:
* Why the Cinco de Mayo timeline could determine how long this crisis lasts
* How missing oil supply could begin impacting global inventories
* Early signs of strain in airlines and global transportation
* Why stocks are still climbing despite growing risks
* How markets are valuing earnings even as uncertainty rises
From energy disruptions to market psychology, this episode examines the growing gap between what investors expect and what may actually happen.
Wall Street keeps updating its forecasts but the results rarely match reality.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down why major banks continue to raise and lower market targets after the fact and what that says about how useful these forecasts really are.
Also covered:
* Why stock market targets often follow price instead of predict it
* Concerns about Fed policy and the push to lower interest rates
* The risks of relying on AI productivity assumptions in economic policy
* What Apple’s leadership transition means for its AI strategy
* Shifts in consumer behavior as companies adjust pricing
From flawed forecasts to policy risks to AI driven change, this episode breaks down the forces shaping the economy right now.
Apple is entering a new era and the stakes are high.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down Tim Cook’s departure after a 15 year run, what comes next for Apple, and whether the company is already behind in the AI race.
Also covered:
* Why Apple may be lagging in artificial intelligence development
* A controversial Fed stance on rate cuts and AI driven productivity
* What rising retail sales say about the strength of the consumer
* New projections on AI driven job losses and economic disruption
* Amazon’s massive investment in Anthropic and what it signals
From Big Tech transitions to monetary policy to AI’s real world impact, this episode breaks down the biggest forces shaping the economy right now.
Fuel shortages are starting to spread globally and the timeline to fix them is getting longer.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down worsening energy constraints across Europe and Asia and why delays in reopening key shipping routes could turn a short term shock into a multi quarter problem.
Also covered:
* Why supply disruptions could extend well beyond a single quarter
* How shipping delays are compounding the energy shortage
* The growing risk of repeated supply shocks hitting inflation
* A debate inside the Fed over rate cuts and AI driven productivity
* Why stocks remain resilient despite rising uncertainty
From energy shortages to policy debates, this episode examines the risks building beneath the surface of the global economy.
Stocks are near all-time highs—even as global tensions and uncertainty continue to build.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down why markets are holding up despite an ongoing blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and rising risks tied to global supply shocks.
Also covered:
* Why markets may be underestimating prolonged oil and supply disruptions
* The growing risk of repeated supply shocks driving inflation
* A debate inside the Fed over rate cuts and AI-driven productivity
* What strong earnings expectations mean for stock valuations
* Why workers may feel stuck in today’s labor market
From geopolitics to Fed policy to labor trends, this episode breaks down the forces shaping the economy right now.
Markets are pushing to new highs—but under the surface, new risks are starting to build.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why investors are betting on a resolution in the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing disruptions—and how that optimism is fueling the rally.
Also covered:
* Why Wall Street is ramping up bets against private credit
* What today’s IPO environment says about investor appetite for risk
* The return of complex financial instruments—and what it could mean
* Two costly retirement mistakes and how to avoid them
* What to consider before retiring abroad
From global tensions to financial system risks, this episode looks at what’s driving the rally—and what could challenge it next.
Stocks are climbing—but the rally is being driven by a narrow group of winners.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down a massive surge in semiconductor stocks and how it’s powering the broader market higher—even as risks tied to global energy disruptions remain unresolved.
Also covered:
* Why markets are betting the Strait of Hormuz situation will stabilize
* What Netflix’s sharp drop signals about growth expectations
* Ongoing weakness in the housing market despite the spring season
* Why inventory constraints continue to limit home sales
* How investors should think about risk in a momentum-driven market
From AI-driven gains to housing headwinds, this episode examines what’s pushing stocks higher—and what could still derail the rally.
Energy disruptions are starting to ripple across the global economy.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down early signs of fuel shortages, including warnings about jet fuel in Europe and rolling blackouts abroad.
Also covered:
* Why energy constraints are beginning to hit airlines and supply chains
* A surge in corporate AI spending—and what it means for hiring
* Why headline layoffs may be misleading despite big announcements
* What earnings season is signaling about demand and growth
* The risks markets may be underestimating in the weeks ahead
From energy to AI to labor trends, this episode breaks down the forces shaping the economic outlook right now.
Earnings season is underway—and AI is still driving the story.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down strong early earnings, including bullish signals from Taiwan Semiconductor, and what it says about continued demand for AI infrastructure. Also covered:
* Why jobless claims still show a resilient labor market
* How narrow market leadership is shaping the rally
* The risks tied to energy disruptions and supply constraints
* A speculative surge in AI-linked stocks—and what it could signal
* What Spirit Airlines’ potential liquidation says about consumer pressure
From earnings to AI to economic signals, this episode breaks down what’s really driving the market right now.
Markets are moving higher—but the rally is getting narrower and more speculative.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down a surge in AI-driven stocks, including extreme moves in companies pivoting into artificial intelligence, and what it may signal about investor behavior.
Also covered:
* Why market gains are being driven by a smaller group of stocks
* The risks of speculative “AI rebrand” trades
* What strong bank earnings reveal about the economy
* How rising oil prices and energy disruptions still factor into the outlook
* Whether current market behavior is a warning sign or just momentum
From speculation to fundamentals, this episode examines what’s really driving markets right now.
Stocks continue to push higher—but the underlying risks haven’t disappeared.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down why markets are rallying even as energy disruptions persist and uncertainty around the Fed remains elevated.
Also covered:
* Why investors are increasingly looking past short-term oil shocks
* How markets are pricing in a potential resolution in the Middle East
* The risk of the Fed falling behind inflation—and what that could mean
* What strong bank earnings reveal about consumer and business health
* How forward earnings and valuations are helping support the rally
From energy to earnings to policy, this episode breaks down the forces shaping the market
Simple estate planning shortcuts can create major problems for your family.
Todd Lutsky explains why joint accounts and basic beneficiary designations often backfire—and how they can unintentionally disinherit children or trigger unnecessary taxes.
Also covered:* Why joint ownership can undermine estate tax planning * How beneficiary mistakes can leave assets to the wrong person * The advantages of trusts for control, protection, and flexibility * How trusts work after death—and what trustees actually do * When assets receive a step-up in basis (and when they don’t)
From avoiding probate to protecting your heirs, this episode breaks down how to structure your estate the right way.
Buying a car on Amazon? It’s becoming a reality.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down Amazon’s push into auto sales, alongside rising concerns from bank earnings and a new AI threat drawing attention from regulators.
Also covered:
* Why banks are increasing loan loss provisions
* The outlook for interest rates and Fed leadership
* A powerful new AI model raising cybersecurity concerns
* What Amazon’s move could mean for car buyers
Who really had it harder—boomers or millennials?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down the generational debate, using data on housing, income, and investing to separate fact from perception. Also covered:
* Why banks are increasing loan loss provisions
* What earnings are signaling about the economy
* A slowdown in the spring housing market
* Supply chain risks tied to global tensions
Who really had it harder—boomers or millennials?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down the generational debate, and what the data actually says about work, debt, and opportunity.
Also covered:
* Why banks are boosting loan loss provisions
* The real risks from supply chain disruptions
* Can productivity offset a slowing job market?
* How AI and labor trends are reshaping the economy
Markets are holding steady—but risks are building beneath the surface.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down rising oil prices, a new blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, and why markets aren’t reacting more aggressively. Also covered:
* Why supply chain disruptions may be underestimated
* The real risks from oil and global shipping choke points
* What bank earnings are signaling about the economy
* Private credit concerns and growing financial stress
AI concerns are starting to ripple through markets—and raise bigger questions.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down a sharp selloff in software stocks tied to AI disruption fears, and a new warning about potential cybersecurity risks to the banking system.
Also covered:
* Why AI is pressuring software company valuations
* A high-level warning from regulators about AI and banks
* Private credit exposure building in the insurance sector
* What changing expectations mean for markets going forward
Inflation is heating up again, but the story isn’t that simple.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down a sharp CPI increase driven by energy prices, and why core inflation remains more stable, for now.
Also covered:
* Why oil is pushing headline inflation higher
* What to watch in core inflation in the months ahead
* How this impacts Fed policy and rate cuts
* The outlook for mortgage rates and the housing market
Markets are stuck—but oil is climbing again.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down crude moving back above $100, uncertain progress on the ceasefire, and whether earnings expectations are too optimistic.
Also covered:
* Why oil remains the key driver for markets
* The risk of overly optimistic earnings forecasts
* What’s really happening in the labor market
* Housing shortages and affordability challenges
Markets have held up despite a year of chaos—but new risks are building.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why stocks remain resilient, even as oil disruptions and geopolitical tensions threaten the outlook.
Also covered:
* Why markets keep rising despite uncertainty
* The growing risk from oil supply disruptions
* What a lasting ceasefire could mean for the economy
* AI breakthroughs that are raising new concerns
A new AI breakthrough is raising serious concerns about security and control.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down how an Anthropic model uncovered thousands of critical software vulnerabilities—and why it may be too powerful to release widely.
Also covered:
* What this AI discovery means for cybersecurity and global risk
* Why tech leaders are starting to sound the alarm
* Markets rallying after a ceasefire announcement
* Oil’s role in shaping the economic outlook
Markets are rallying after a surprise ceasefire—but the outlook is still uncertain.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down the market reaction, falling oil prices, and what needs to happen next for a lasting recovery.
Also covered:
* Why oil and supply chains still matter most
* The key risks in the Iran ceasefire agreement
* How energy disruptions could impact inflation
* What to watch in shipping, production, and global supply
Small estate planning mistakes can create big problems for your heirs.
Todd Lutsky explains how beneficiary designations, trusts, and retirement accounts need to work together to avoid unintended consequences.
Also covered:* When to name a trust vs. individual beneficiaries * How to avoid accidentally disinheriting family members * The right way to handle IRAs and retirement accounts * Using trusts to protect assets from taxes, creditors, and divorce
Markets are dropping sharply—and oil is back in control.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down rising oil prices, market selloffs, and why earnings season may take a backseat to global conflict.
Also covered:
* Why oil—not earnings—is driving markets
* What rising gas and mortgage rates mean for consumers
* AI’s impact on jobs and early retirements
* The growing pushback on AI data centers across states
Markets are pulling back as a key deadline in the Iran conflict approaches.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down rising oil prices, market volatility, and the uncertainty surrounding potential U.S. action.
Also covered:
* Why oil is driving market sentiment
* What the Iran deadline could mean for global supply
* How markets are reacting to uncertainty
* The risks—and limits—of recent market volatility
Markets are steady—but rising costs are telling a different story.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down diesel prices nearing record highs, housing affordability challenges, and why the economy feels worse than the data suggests.
Also covered:
* Why diesel prices matter more than gas
* The squeeze on housing, maintenance, and affordability
* How a growing upper middle class is changing spending dynamics
* The risks and hype around upcoming AI IPOs
Oil disruptions are worsening—and the global impact is starting to build.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down escalating risks from the Iran conflict, including falling production, disrupted shipping, and potential supply chain fallout.
Also covered:
* Why oil shortages—not just prices—are the real concern
* How global supply chains could be affected next
* What it could mean for inflation, growth, and markets
* A preview of key economic data and earnings ahead
The labor market looks strong—but new risks are emerging.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down a solid jobs report, rising oil prices tied to the Iran conflict, and how AI could reshape the labor market. Also covered:
* What strong job growth means for the economy
* Why oil remains the biggest market driver
* The debate over AI’s impact on jobs and productivity
* Consumer trends, spending, and market signals
The labor market looks solid—but bigger risks are building.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down a stronger-than-expected jobs report, rising oil prices tied to the Iran conflict, and what it all means for the Fed.
Also covered:
* What the jobs data really says about the economy
* Why oil shocks could delay rate cuts
* The growing impact of demographics on the labor market
* Private credit stress and risks beneath the surface
Markets reversed early losses—but oil remains the key driver.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down market volatility tied to the Iran conflict, and what could determine the next move for stocks.
Also covered:
* Why oil is still driving market direction
* Key economic data ahead of the jobs report
* Private credit stress and investor redemptions
* Could IPOs spark the next market rally?
Markets are pulling back as oil prices surge following new developments in the Iran conflict.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down how rising energy prices are impacting stocks, inflation, and the global economy.
Also covered:
* Why oil is driving markets right now
* The real impact of $4+ gas and rising diesel prices
* Private credit stress and rising redemption pressure
* What the Fed is watching as risks to growth increase
Stocks are rallying—but the economy is still on edge.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down the forces driving markets higher, and the growing risks tied to oil prices, global conflict, and economic slowdown.
Also covered:
* Why markets are betting on a resolution in the Middle East
* How oil shocks have historically led to recessions
* The risks facing growth, inflation, and Fed policy
* Private credit stress and what it could mean for markets
Stocks are rallying—but markets are being driven by one key factor: oil.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down a volatile first quarter, rising energy prices, and how the Iran conflict is reshaping expectations for inflation, interest rates, and growth.
Also covered:
* Why markets are reacting to every headline out of the Middle East
* How oil shocks impact both inflation and consumer spending
* The Fed’s shifting outlook on rate cuts
* Sector winners and losers from a turbulent quarter
What’s the best way to leave assets to your children—and what mistakes should you avoid?
In this episode of Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky explains how to protect inheritances, avoid costly tax mistakes, and structure trusts the right way.
Also covered:* Why gifting assets isn’t always the best strategy * How to handle special needs beneficiaries properly * The risks of joint accounts and beneficiary designations * Smart ways to protect assets from taxes, divorce, and creditors
Markets are rallying—but risks are still building beneath the surface.
Mike and Marc break down a cooling job market, rising concerns about AI replacing jobs, and why traditional “safe havens” like bonds aren’t behaving as expected.
Also covered:
* What new labor data signals about hiring and wage growth
* Why AI fears may be overblown—but still matter
* The hidden risks in the bond market
* Crypto and private credit entering 401(k)s
* Why more Americans are underwater on car loans
Stocks are rising despite ongoing conflict in Iran—but the real story is oil.
With gas back above $4, inflation risks are climbing while demand slows, raising stagflation concerns. At the same time, new labor data shows a cooling job market, with fewer openings and declining worker confidence.
Also covered:
* What markets are watching in the Middle East
* Why oil shocks hit both growth and inflation
* Key signals from the latest jobs data
* Tariffs and rising pressure on small businesses
Stocks are trying to recover after a rough stretch—but rising oil prices, surging diesel costs, and global tensions are keeping pressure on markets.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down what’s driving today’s market moves, why energy prices—especially diesel—are becoming a major economic risk, and whether private credit could really trigger the next financial crisis.
Plus, a hard look at Social Security: what changes could actually fix the system—and why none of them are politically popular.
Also covered:
* Why diesel prices matter more than gasoline
* The truth about private credit risks vs. 2008
* A realistic plan to fix Social Security shortfalls
* Target date funds and retirement risks you may be missing
* How rising costs—from concerts to everyday life—reflect deeper economic pressures
From markets to retirement planning, this episode cuts through the noise and focuses on what actually matters for your financial future.
Markets head into a shortened trading week facing mounting pressure from Middle East tensions and energy disruptions.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down what investors should be watching as oil climbs, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely constrained, and global supply chains begin to tighten.
In this hour:
* Why five consecutive down weeks matter for market psychology
* How energy shortages could ripple from Asia to Europe and beyond
* The growing production gap in global oil supply
* Why bonds aren’t providing the relief investors hoped for
* Whether AI optimism and earnings forecasts can truly support stocks
Plus, what this week’s economic data could tell us — and why it may take a backseat to geopolitical risk.
Stocks pulled back as oil prices surged and interest rates remained stubbornly high—raising fresh questions about where markets go next.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the biggest forces driving today’s market volatility, including rising energy costs, shifting Fed expectations, and renewed pressure on Big Tech.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
* Why stocks are falling despite stabilizing bond yields
* The impact of rising oil prices on inflation and markets
* How changing interest rate expectations are reshaping the outlook
* What recent court rulings against Meta and Google could mean for tech regulation
* Warning signs emerging in the private credit market
* What to know about the potential SpaceX IPO
* The growing risks—and competition—in online sports betting
Plus, listener questions on retirement strategy, spending psychology, and why prices (especially restaurants) rarely come down.
Stay ahead of the headlines with clear, actionable insight into the economy, markets, and your money.
Markets remain on edge as the Strait of Hormuz stays largely closed, oil prices climb, and global supply chains face growing strain.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down what actually matters right now: physical supply disruptions, rising energy costs, and the ripple effects beyond just gasoline prices.
In this hour:
* Why an oil shock isn’t just about oil
* What a prolonged Hormuz closure could mean for inflation
* The real risk to plastics, fertilizer, and global manufacturing
* Why markets may still be underpricing supply-chain damage
* China’s trade probes ahead of a key summit
* And how rising healthcare costs are reshaping retirement planning
Plus, a look at energy policy mistakes in Europe and what countries may do next to secure supply.
Stay ahead of the forces shaping markets and the global economy.
Markets turned volatile after renewed geopolitical tensions pushed oil higher and stocks lower.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down what’s driving today’s selloff, from rising Treasury yields and climbing gas prices to fresh concerns about inflation and growth.
In this hour:
* Why “stagflation” headlines may be premature
* The real impact of higher rates on bonds and mortgage costs
* Meta and YouTube hit with major legal setbacks
* Investors rotating toward cash — or are they?
* AI’s growing influence, from layoffs to Hollywood
Plus, a look at housing policy, institutional investors, and why supply—not restrictions—may be the real issue.
Stay informed on the forces shaping markets right now.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the biggest driver behind today’s market moves — and why recent investor psychology may be preventing markets from properly pricing risk.
With the Middle East conflict nearing the four-week mark, the Strait of Hormuz still largely closed, and energy markets reacting minute-by-minute to headlines, the question isn’t just what’s happening — it’s how markets are responding.
In this hour:
* Why markets may be more afraid of missing upside than pricing downside
* Whether an energy shock could last longer than investors expect
* How fertilizer, plastics, and global supply chains are already being hit
* What Lloyd Blankfein’s warning about private credit really means
* Why Congress still won’t seriously address trading conflicts
* And why the Postal Service is adding its first-ever fuel surcharge
Markets rebound as optimism grows around Middle East negotiations—but energy markets remain under pressure and gas prices are creeping higher.
In this hour, Chuck and Paul discuss:
* Whether gas prices are headed toward $5 a gallon
* Why the spring housing market is already losing momentum
* Mortgage applications falling just as buying season ramps up
* What rising rates mean for homebuilders
* Why the ultra-wealthy are having a bigger impact on prices everywhere
* The mounting headaches in air travel—and whether relief is coming
Plus, a look at volatility in stocks, oil’s pullback, and what investors should actually focus on in uncertain times.
Markets are rallying—but energy markets remain under serious strain as conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global oil supply.
Chuck and Paul break down:
* The real impact of a partially closed Strait of Hormuz
* Why oil prices are swinging—and what it means for inflation
* Wall Street’s rising “recession odds” (and why those predictions may not be worth much)
* Early price pressure showing up in key industries
Plus, in Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky explains the critical differences between life estates and irrevocable Medicaid trusts, the tax consequences of gifting property, and how to avoid costly estate planning mistakes.
A packed hour covering markets, macro risks, and smart planning decisions.
On this week’s Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky breaks down the real differences between life estates and irrevocable trusts — and why the “quick fix” solution isn’t always the best one.
Todd explains:* How much control you actually give up with a life estate * Why irrevocable Medicaid trusts are often used to protect assets from long-term care costs * The five-year lookback rule and what it means for nursing home planning * Capital gains consequences when selling property held in a life estate * What happens when a parent leaves property to just one child — and how gift tax rules apply if proceeds are shared
If you own property, are worried about long-term care costs, or already have a life estate in place, this episode walks through the pros, cons, and tax implications you need to understand.
Markets swing again as oil pushes toward $91 and the 10-year yield climbs, yet stocks remain just 5% below their pre-war highs. Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane ask whether investors are underestimating the geopolitical and energy risks in front of them.
They break down:
* Why volatility hasn’t translated into deeper equity losses
* The deteriorating outlook for young and college-educated workers
* CFO warnings that AI is coming for administrative jobs
* Why timing “the worst 10 days” in markets is a fantasy
* How retirees should think about risk, guardrails, and portfolio discipline
* A heated debate over home insurance, government backstops, and market distortions
A wide-ranging hour on market psychology, labor market stress, AI disruption, and what real risk management actually looks like.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down another volatile morning in markets as conflicting headlines out of Iran whipsaw stocks and oil. With the Strait of Hormuz still disrupted, they explain why actions—not statements—are what really matter for investors.
They dive into the real economic risk: a potential “dual shock” of slowing growth and rising prices. Is stagflation back on the table? And are U.S. recessions really becoming less frequent—or are investors just forgetting what downturns feel like?
Plus:
* Why oil prices above $90 could matter more for supply chains than at the pump
* The state of the U.S. labor market heading into 2026
* Massachusetts home sales and what’s really behind the slowdown
* The private credit stress building beneath the surface
A wide-ranging look at geopolitics, inflation risk, and whether markets are underestimating what comes next.
Markets rallied sharply after President Trump announced a five-day pause on planned U.S. strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure. But as conflicting messages emerge from Tehran, Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong ask the only question that really matters for the global economy: when will ships resume normal traffic through the Strait of Hormuz?
They break down the market reaction, why oil and diesel prices remain a key risk, and how rising transportation costs could filter into inflation in the months ahead.
Plus:
• Why $5 diesel may not be “crushing” truckers the way headlines suggest
• The latest concerns around private credit and where real risks may lie
• Why healthcare continues to drive job growth
• The dangers of young investors taking on speculative risk
• Seven ways to think about retiring into a volatile market
Futures were down sharply overnight—until a single Truth Social post sent markets soaring. Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the stunning swing for the S&P after President Trump announced a delay in potential U.S. strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.
What do we actually know about negotiations with Iran? Is this real de-escalation—or just fog-of-war messaging? The guys dig into the only signal that truly matters for markets: whether ships start moving again through the Strait of Hormuz.
Plus:
• How long oil markets could take to normalize—even in a best-case scenario
• Why $60 oil likely isn’t coming back anytime soon
• Whether the Fed’s next move could really be a rate hike
• What the bond market is signaling right now
Markets are under pressure as oil climbs toward $100, bond yields spike globally, and gas prices near $4 a gallon. Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why this isn’t a “Sell America” trade—but a worldwide bond selloff—and what it means for stocks, mortgages, and the broader economy.
The guys debate the Fed’s toughest question: what happens if unemployment rises while inflation stays elevated? With central banks unable to “print oil,” policymakers may be forced to choose between fighting inflation and protecting the job market.
Plus: mortgage rates jump into the spring housing season, a retirement mistake that can trigger costly RMD penalties, pressure in the financial sector, and whether Americans drinking less is becoming a real economic trend.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down day 21 of the Strait of Hormuz shutdown and why the real economic damage may just be beginning. With oil trading near $160 a barrel in parts of the Middle East, the guys explain why global benchmarks could surge if the conflict drags on — and why Saudi Arabia is now floating $180 oil as a real possibility.
They discuss fuel shortages in Asia, shipping disruptions, refinery slowdowns, and what sustained energy stress could mean for markets, inflation, and recession risk.
Plus: options expiration volatility, China’s shrinking share of the global economy, and the latest market movers in tech and defense.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down another volatile day on Wall Street as oil prices surge, gas climbs toward $4 nationally, and markets wrestle with the real-world economic risks of the Iran conflict.
The guys dig into what sustained energy disruptions could mean for global supply chains, food production, and inflation — and why some strategists say investors may be underestimating the risks.
Plus, a fascinating look at how AI-generated resumes are slowing down hiring, why Gen X is quietly dominating today’s uncertain job market, and what Meta’s retreat from parts of the metaverse says about the tech race ahead.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong focus on the escalating Middle East conflict and why the economic fallout could last far longer than the fighting itself. With reported damage to LNG infrastructure tied to the world’s largest natural gas field, the potential loss of global supply is no longer theoretical.
The guys break down what losing a meaningful percentage of the world’s LNG capacity could mean for Southeast Asia, global shipping, fertilizer, aluminum, and manufacturing supply chains. They also examine the growing risk of fuel shortages, rising gasoline prices, and whether prolonged energy disruption could tip parts of the world — or even the U.S. — into recession.
Plus: reaction to the Fed’s latest meeting, Powell’s notably hawkish tone, and a reality check on clickbait recession predictions.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down a rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East after reports that Israel targeted facilities tied to the world’s largest natural gas field. Oil prices surged, equity markets reversed, and investors were forced to recalibrate risk in real time.
The guys examine what the energy shock means for inflation, the Federal Reserve’s next move, and whether higher oil prices could embed inflation expectations once again. They also discuss the widening spread between Brent and WTI crude, the growing impact on gasoline prices, and why this surge feels different from prior spikes.
Plus, a look at private credit risks, recession comparisons to 1990, and the broader economic consequences if energy disruptions persist.
Markets were hit with fresh volatility after reports of an attack on the world’s largest natural gas field, sending oil prices sharply higher and raising new concerns about global energy supply. Chuck and Mark break down what this escalation means for crude markets, LNG infrastructure, inflation, and the broader economy—along with a hotter-than-expected Producer Price Index (PPI) report that could complicate the Fed’s path forward.
Todd Lutsky joins for Ask Todd to explain why life estates can create unintended tax consequences and loss of control—especially when compared to irrevocable trusts. He also answers listener questions on revocable trusts, protecting rental properties from the five-year lookback, and navigating the Massachusetts estate tax exemption.
A packed episode covering energy shocks, inflation pressures, and smart estate planning strategies.
On this week’s Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky explains why life estates can create serious tax, creditor, and control problems—and why an irrevocable trust is often the better solution for protecting your home.
He also answers listener questions on updating a revocable trust in your 90s, protecting rental property from the five-year lookback, and what happens when your assets grow beyond the Massachusetts estate tax exemption.
Download Todd’s free guide, The Calculating the Consequences of a Life Estate, to understand the risks before you sign anything.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti examine whether markets are underestimating growing recession risks.
With oil prices climbing amid escalating tensions involving Iran, historically high equity valuations, stubborn inflation, and renewed concerns in private credit, Mike and Marc ask a critical question: Are investors too complacent?
In this episode, they break down:
• How rising energy prices could slow growth and reignite inflation
• Why elevated stock valuations leave little room for error
• The potential risks building inside private credit markets
• Nvidia’s trillion-dollar AI forecast and what it means for tech leadership
• Why markets remain near record highs despite mounting macro pressures
Plus, a look at tax refund trends and what they signal about the broader economy.
Is this a temporary scare — or the early stages of something bigger?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down the growing economic fallout from the war in Iran as oil prices surge and recession risks climb.
With gas prices jumping sharply and diesel and jet fuel costs rising, Mike and Marc examine:
• How higher energy prices act like a tax on consumers
• Why Moody’s warns a recession may be hard to avoid
• The return of “stagflation” — and what it really means
• Whether the Federal Reserve can look past an oil-driven inflation spike
• How rising fuel costs could ripple through airlines and travel
Plus, they discuss market resilience despite geopolitical risk, concerns about private credit spillovers, and the longer-term implications of global instability.
Stay informed with The Financial Exchange.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong kick off the week with markets rebounding ahead of a critical Fed meeting — even as oil prices remain volatile and gas prices continue climbing.
In this hour:
• Can Nvidia maintain its dominance as AI shifts from training to inference?
• Why $50,000 cars — and sky-high financing rates — are stretching Americans to the limit
• The “tax bill” hiding inside your 401(k) and how required minimum distributions can surprise retirees
• Why Roth conversions aren’t one-size-fits-all
• What to do if (not if — when) your personal data is exposed in a breach
• The exploding cost of youth sports — and who’s really cashing in
Plus: market updates, Meta’s $27B AI infrastructure push, Micron’s Taiwan expansion, and a look at oil’s latest pullback.
Stay informed with The Financial Exchange.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the mounting economic fallout from the Iran conflict, now entering its third week, as energy markets tighten and global supply gaps widen.
With the Strait of Hormuz largely restricted, the hosts examine:
• The growing daily oil supply deficit and what it means for prices
• Why spot energy prices are surging beyond futures markets
• Early warning signs of jet fuel and shipping disruptions
• The risk of renewed global supply chain stress
• How rising energy costs could ripple into inflation
Plus, ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting, they discuss how Chair Jay Powell may respond to the twin risks of slowing labor data and a potential supply-driven inflation spike.
Markets may be rallying — but the real economic test could be just beginning.
Stay informed with The Financial Exchange.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong examine growing cracks in the private credit market — and why investors may be underestimating the broader risks.
With major alternative asset managers facing redemption pressures and some funds limiting withdrawals, the hosts break down what’s happening beneath the surface — and whether this could spill into insurance companies and other parts of the financial system.
Plus:
• Why traditional “safe haven” trades aren’t working
• Oil volatility and ongoing uncertainty around Iran
• Slowing GDP data and what it means for the Fed
• Mortgage rates jumping back above 6.3%
• Rising airfare costs as airlines pass along higher fuel prices
• The push for a $30 minimum wage in New York City
Markets remain near all-time highs — but are investors missing the warning signs?
Stay informed with The Financial Exchange.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down what may already be the largest energy shock in modern history, as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively blocked and oil markets begin pricing in prolonged disruption.
With roughly 20 million barrels per day normally flowing through the region, traders are now factoring in sustained supply shortages, rising long-term crude contracts, and mounting global deficits.
Chuck and Mike explain:
• Why futures markets suggest higher oil prices for longer• The growing global supply shortfall — and what SPR releases can (and can’t) fix
• How Southeast Asia could face energy rationing and coal substitution
• Why stocks haven’t panicked — yet
• Slowing GDP data and what it means for the Fed
• Mortgage rates jumping back above 6.3% just as spring housing heats up
Plus, a look at inflation risks, market psychology, and whether investors may be underestimating the downside.
Stay informed with The Financial Exchange.
Markets remain under pressure as oil pushes toward $97 per barrel, Treasury yields climb, and mortgage rates move back above 6.25%.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong cover:
• Day 13 of the Middle East conflict and continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz
• Why Asian economies are feeling the strain first
• What rising oil means for gas prices and inflation
• How a higher CPI could impact Social Security COLA in 2027
Plus: Are Americans actually saving enough for retirement? A look at new data — and why the headline may be more optimistic than reality.
Stay informed with The Financial Exchange.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down day 13 of the Iran conflict, with the Strait of Hormuz still largely shut and oil climbing back toward $95 per barrel.
They explain:
• Why the 400 million barrel SPR release may not solve the real supply problem
• How futures markets are signaling higher prices for longer
• What refinery slowdowns in Asia could mean for global shortages
• The growing risk to fertilizer, food supply, and developing economies
Plus: China’s reported fuel export ban, shifting tanker access rumors, and why it could take more than 4 million labor hours to process tariff refunds after the Supreme Court ruling.
Stay informed with The Financial Exchange.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down why February’s CPI report may already be outdated — and why March inflation could jump sharply as higher oil prices feed through the system.
They cover:
• How gasoline’s weighting in CPI could push the next reading dramatically higher
• Why fertilizer, helium, and semiconductors matter in a prolonged Strait of Hormuz disruption
• The growing risk of global shortages if energy flows don’t normalize
• Why financial stocks are quietly flashing caution signs
• JPMorgan tightening exposure to private credit
Plus: Oracle rallies on AI momentum, what strong spending from high-income earners means for the economy, and whether markets are underpricing broader risk.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down the IEA’s historic 400 million barrel strategic reserve release — the largest ever — and explain why it may only buy time, not fix the global supply problem.
They cover:
• Why flow rate matters more than headline barrel totals
• The risk of shortages in energy-dependent nations
• How uncertainty itself can push prices higher
• The most chaotic hour of oil trading in recent memory
Plus, in Ask Todd: life estates explained, IRA protection strategies, and what happens when you sell a home held in an irrevocable trust.
Stay ahead of the markets with The Financial Exchange.
In this week’s Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan breaks down the pros and cons of life estates — one of the most commonly used, and commonly misunderstood, estate planning tools. Todd explains what a life estate actually does, the loss-of-control issues many families don’t anticipate, and why selling a home with a life estate can become more complicated than expected.
He also outlines when life estates may make sense — and when an irrevocable trust may be the better alternative.
Listeners also asked: • Is there a tax-efficient way to protect an IRA from Medicaid?
• How the SECURE Act affects inherited IRA planning
• Can you sell a home held in an irrevocable trust without resetting the five-year clock?
• What are the real benefits — and risks — of using a life estate?
If you have questions about estate planning, Medicaid planning, or protecting your assets, tune in to Ask Todd every Wednesday at 10:30am on the Financial Exchange Radio Network.
To learn more, visit cushingdolan.com or call (866) 848-5699.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down the market rebound as oil prices swing sharply on shifting headlines out of Iran. They explain why even a short-lived spike in energy costs could complicate the Federal Reserve’s rate outlook and why inflation data coming this week matters more than usual in the wake of geopolitical tensions.
The bigger concern: what higher gasoline prices could mean for U.S. automakers. After years of pivoting from EV investments back toward trucks and SUVs, Detroit now faces the risk that sustained $4 gas could shift consumer demand yet again. The hosts discuss how policy whiplash, fuel costs, and changing buying patterns are colliding at the worst possible time for car manufacturers.
Plus, they examine the growing “unretirement” trend, the risks facing younger investors in today’s speculative environment, and a lighter look at the fast-food burger wars heating up online.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down the wild market swings triggered by the escalating conflict with Iran, including oil prices briefly spiking above $115 per barrel before plunging and sending stocks from steep overnight losses to gains by the end of the trading day. They discuss why markets appear to be betting on a short conflict, how geopolitical headlines are driving volatility, and why investors still seem uncertain about how the situation will ultimately unfold.
They also explore the global economic risks of a prolonged oil shock, including the vulnerability of Europe and Asia to energy shortages, why Exxon and other oil companies aren’t necessarily surging with crude prices, and how higher energy costs could complicate the Federal Reserve’s outlook on inflation and interest rates. Plus, the hosts debate Americans’ intense reaction to rising gasoline prices and whether energy costs could derail the broader market rally that has kept stocks near record highs despite mounting risks.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the market reaction to escalating tensions in the Middle East, with oil briefly surging past $115 per barrel and energy markets swinging wildly. They discuss why markets appear to be pricing in a relatively short conflict, what a prolonged disruption could mean for inflation, and whether the global economy is at risk of drifting toward stagflation.
Plus, the hosts examine what rising energy costs could mean for the Federal Reserve and global growth, debate the usefulness of “market meltdown” predictions, and explain why retirees should avoid making emotional investment decisions during periods of volatility. They also touch on the evolving role of malls in retail, the risks of the explosion in sports betting among younger Americans, and why economists’ obsession with labeling the economy with letters may be missing the point.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong examine the rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East and what it could mean for the global economy. With the Strait of Hormuz largely shut down and oil prices surging above $100 per barrel, they break down how energy markets are reacting, why shipping and insurance disruptions are compounding the problem, and what scenarios could unfold next.
They also discuss the potential ripple effects across the economy—from rising gasoline and diesel prices to the impact on shipping costs, fertilizer supplies, and food prices. Plus, the hosts weigh how the Federal Reserve might respond as higher energy prices collide with a weak February jobs report and growing uncertainty about inflation.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss a turbulent week in markets as oil prices surge more than 30% in just days, raising fears of a new energy-driven price shock that could complicate the Federal Reserve’s path on interest rates. They break down what rising fuel costs could mean for inflation, mortgage rates, and the broader economy as geopolitical tensions continue to escalate.
They also dive into a weak jobs report showing 92,000 jobs lost in February, before speaking with Boston Fed economist Mary Burke about the latest Beige Book. The conversation explores why the New England economy appears to be lagging the national average, the region’s slowing labor market, and how population trends, hiring caution, and affordability pressures are shaping the economic outlook.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down a troubling new jobs report showing 92,000 jobs lost in February, raising fresh concerns about the strength of the U.S. labor market. With unemployment ticking higher and job creation slowing sharply over the past year, they discuss whether the economy is starting to show real signs of strain and what it could mean for the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision.
They also examine the sharp surge in oil prices following escalating tensions in the Middle East, why energy markets are reacting so strongly, and how higher gas prices could ripple through consumer sentiment and inflation. Plus, a look at the latest developments in artificial intelligence investing, including SoftBank’s massive borrowing plan to fund another major bet on OpenAI.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane explain why thousands of companies are seeking refunds, the legal fight still ahead, and why the process could become a logistical nightmare—especially for smaller businesses trying to recover the money they paid.
They also discuss rising oil prices and market volatility tied to the Middle East conflict, why energy stocks are outperforming while tech continues to lag in 2026, new warnings about AI-powered financial scams targeting Americans, and key retirement planning strategies investors should understand before required minimum distributions begin.
Markets are swinging sharply following the latest escalation in the Middle East, but investors seem surprisingly calm. Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down why stocks have barely moved overall despite a rapid spike in oil prices and what history tells us about when energy shocks actually become a serious economic threat.
Mike and Paul also discuss how higher gas prices can ripple through inflation and consumer spending, why policymakers are watching markets closely as geopolitical tensions rise, the latest developments in AI and semiconductor demand, layoffs hitting the financial sector, and why the real solution to America’s housing affordability crisis may be simpler than policymakers want to admit: build more homes.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down the latest developments in the Middle East conflict as major shipping company Maersk suspends bookings across several Gulf nations and oil markets try to assess whether disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz will be temporary or prolonged. With crude prices rising and gas prices already climbing nationwide, the hosts examine how oil shocks historically ripple through spending, inflation, and economic growth.
Chuck and Marc also discuss whether the U.S. economy is less vulnerable to energy shocks than in past decades, why homeowners are staying put longer than ever, what a surge in 401(k) hardship withdrawals may signal about household finances, and the mounting concerns around private credit markets that some investors believe could face a painful stretch ahead.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down a volatile market session as investors try to determine whether disruptions tied to the Middle East conflict are a short-term shock or something more lasting. The S&P 500 swung sharply intraday as oil prices, shipping risks through the Strait of Hormuz, and global investor positioning drove heavy overnight selling followed by a sharp afternoon rebound.
Chuck and Marc also explore why U.S. oil producers aren’t rushing to ramp up production despite rising prices, how oil shocks translate into gasoline prices for consumers, why Treasury yields are rising instead of falling during geopolitical stress, and the increasingly controversial rise of prediction markets that allow users to bet on everything from elections to global crises.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down the sharp market selloff following renewed conflict with Iran, as oil prices surge, diesel jumps at a record pace, mortgage rates rebound above 6%, and investors reassess the Federal Reserve’s path forward. The hosts examine why price shocks historically rattle economies — and whether today’s U.S. is more resilient than in past energy crises.
The hour also explores mounting stress in private credit funds, the unintended chaos from tariff refund litigation, rising tech hardware prices tied to AI-driven demand, and how poor coordination between spouses can quietly cost thousands in retirement savings.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down the market reaction as oil jumps toward $80 a barrel following escalating tensions with Iran. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut down, LNG production disrupted, mortgage rates climbing back above 6%, and stocks sharply lower, the hosts examine whether this energy shock could reignite inflation and complicate the Federal Reserve’s path on interest rates.
They also explore why oil spikes have historically preceded recessions, whether today’s U.S. economy is less vulnerable than in past decades, and what widening market dispersion signals about investor positioning beneath the surface of a seemingly stable index.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the escalating Middle East conflict and its ripple effects across global markets. With oil surging, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz disrupted, and bond yields climbing, they break down what duration, scope, and magnitude could mean for inflation and Federal Reserve policy — especially as mortgage rates had just dipped below 6% before reversing higher.
The hour also examines new warning signs in private credit markets, Lloyd Blankfein’s comments on complacency and financial stability risks, the economics behind rising streaming prices, AI-driven workplace monitoring in fast food and call centers, and whether Gen Z is really “unprepared” for the workforce — or simply different from generations before them.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong assess the economic fallout after U.S. strikes on Iran intensified Middle East tensions. With oil jumping nearly 7%, LNG production disruptions in Qatar, halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and insurers pulling coverage from tankers, the hosts break down how duration, scope, and magnitude will determine whether this is a short-term shock or something more damaging to the global economy.
They also examine market reactions across stocks, bonds, currencies, and energy, debate whether AI-driven job displacement fears are overblown, and analyze Nvidia’s earnings and why the stock continues to trade sideways despite strong results.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to a hotter-than-expected Producer Price Index report that extended the market selloff and pushed investors to reassess the path of inflation and interest rates. With the 10-year Treasury dipping below 4% and mortgage rates nearing 6%, they debate whether falling rates can revive housing — or if broader growth concerns are the bigger story.
The hour also features CNBC’s Michael Santoli on the AI-driven market rotation and what could reignite momentum in big tech, plus analysis of Paramount’s blockbuster acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Berkshire Hathaway’s new stake in The New York Times, and renewed concerns about risks building in private credit markets.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to a hotter-than-expected Producer Price Index report that rattled markets and raised fresh questions about the Federal Reserve’s timeline for rate cuts. With core wholesale prices surging well above forecasts, the hosts examine whether inflation is reaccelerating — or whether the data is simply a volatile outlier.
The hour also explores growing concentration risk in the S&P 500, the heavy weighting of mega-cap tech stocks, and whether AI-driven disruption headlines — including mass layoffs at Block — are more marketing than macro reality.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane sit down with New York Times reporter Tripp Mickle to examine one of the biggest hidden risks in the global economy: America’s dependence on Taiwan for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. With TSMC producing the vast majority of leading-edge chips used by Nvidia, Apple, and other tech giants, the hosts explore what would happen if geopolitical tensions, a blockade, or even a natural disaster disrupted production — and why Silicon Valley has done little to diversify that risk.
The hour also covers Nvidia’s strong earnings and the market’s skeptical reaction, the long-term implications of AI-driven electricity demand, and whether expanding 401(k) access could meaningfully improve retirement outcomes for American workers.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down Nvidia’s blockbuster earnings report — including massive revenue growth, strong forward guidance, and continued AI-driven demand — yet a sharp selloff in the stock. They explore what the market may be signaling about peak AI spending, hyperscaler saturation, and investor skepticism after two years of explosive gains.
The hour also examines mounting pressure on software companies like Salesforce in the age of AI, Wall Street’s efforts to monetize tariff refund lawsuits, and the difference between falling inflation and falling prices — and why Americans should understand the distinction.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down the market rebound following another AI disruption scare and examine whether fears of massive white-collar job losses are overblown. They debate how artificial intelligence could reshape competition in the U.S. economy — potentially disrupting dominant tech firms while opening the door for new startups.
The hour also covers renewed tariff uncertainty after the Supreme Court ruling, a $100 billion Meta–AMD AI deal, Home Depot’s latest earnings amid a frozen housing market, and growing risks building in private credit. Plus, the hosts discuss what concentrated market exposure could mean for investors in 2026.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti examine growing volatility in the AI trade as markets await Nvidia’s earnings. With software stocks sliding, hedge funds increasing short positions, and the equal-weight S&P 500 outperforming its tech-heavy counterpart, they explore whether leadership in the market is quietly shifting away from the Magnificent Seven.
The hour also covers retailer earnings from Lowe’s and TJX, renewed concerns about housing market softness, and what rising investor anxiety around AI-driven disruption could mean for markets in 2026.
Todd Lutsky explains how estate planning evolves through different stages of life — from simple beneficiary designations when you’re single, to revocable trusts for families with young children, to irrevocable trusts for nursing home planning later in life. He outlines why age, family dynamics, and asset levels all influence whether basic documents are enough or a more sophisticated plan is necessary.
Todd also answers listener questions on Medicaid’s five-year lookback rule, the difference between IRS gifting limits and Medicaid transfer rules, owning out-of-state property to reduce Massachusetts estate taxes, and when it may (or may not) make sense to disclaim an inheritance.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down the market rebound after an AI-driven selloff sparked fears of white-collar job disruption. They examine whether the latest wave of artificial intelligence concerns represents real structural risk — or short-term market overreaction.
Mike and Paul also dive into ongoing tariff uncertainty following the Supreme Court ruling, the complications surrounding potential refunds, and what shifting trade policy means for businesses and consumers. Plus, they analyze Home Depot earnings and what stubbornly slow housing activity signals about the broader economy.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down the fallout after the Supreme Court struck down key Trump-era tariffs — only for new tariffs to be reintroduced days later. With billions in potential refunds at stake and uncertainty surrounding Congress’s next move, the hosts examine what this policy whiplash means for businesses, consumers, and long-term investment decisions.
The hour also covers Meta’s massive AI deal with AMD, growing concerns about artificial intelligence disrupting white-collar jobs, and Home Depot’s earnings as a window into the state of the consumer economy.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti continue unpacking the fallout from the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down key Trump-era tariffs, followed by the White House’s swift move to implement new 15% global tariffs. They examine what the renewed trade uncertainty means for markets, business planning, foreign negotiations, and Congressional involvement in an election year.
The hour also previews upcoming economic data and major earnings reports from Nvidia, Home Depot, and Salesforce, while exploring broader questions about AI-driven productivity, stock market valuations, and whether volatility is quietly rebuilding beneath the surface.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down the market reaction after the Supreme Court struck down most of the Trump administration’s tariffs — only for new 15% global tariffs to be announced days later. They discuss what the shifting trade policy means for business investment, consumer prices, and economic growth in 2026.
The hour also covers growing volatility beneath the surface of the market, mounting pressure in private credit firms like Blackstone and Blue Owl, and whether continued policy uncertainty could slow hiring and capital spending in the months ahead.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to breaking news that the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs in a 6–3 decision. The hosts examine what the ruling could mean for inflation, corporate earnings, trade negotiations, and the potential refunding of billions in collected tariff revenue.
They also revisit the latest GDP data, debate how the Fed should respond to slowing growth alongside persistent inflation pressures, and discuss the growing divergence within market sectors as investors rotate away from last year’s biggest winners.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to breaking news that the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs in a 6–3 decision. The hosts discuss the potential implications for trade policy, corporate earnings, inflation expectations, and whether billions in collected tariff revenue could be refunded.
They also break down a softer-than-expected GDP report, what the slowdown means for productivity and Federal Reserve policy, and how shifting expectations around growth and inflation are influencing markets in real time.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti examine a market that looks calm on the surface but is experiencing significant turbulence underneath. With tech giants under pressure, defensive stocks surging, and private credit concerns rattling asset managers, the hosts explore whether this unusual dispersion signals healthy rotation — or growing instability.
They also discuss rising oil prices amid Middle East tensions, the long-term fiscal pressures of an aging population, affordability frustrations despite cooling inflation, and a growing debate between the Federal Reserve and the White House over tariffs and monetary policy.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down the latest jobless claims data and what it suggests about the true strength of the labor market. With GDP running hot and unemployment remaining low, they examine whether expectations for further Fed rate cuts are premature — and what inflation persistence could mean for policy going forward.
The hour also covers Walmart earnings and what they reveal about consumer stress across income levels, rising oil prices amid growing geopolitical tensions with Iran, and the risks building beneath the surface in private credit markets.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti examine the unusual disconnect between steady economic growth and slowing job creation. They discuss whether productivity gains and artificial intelligence are allowing companies to expand without hiring, and what that could mean for future wage growth and consumer spending.
Chuck and Marc also break down ongoing market volatility beneath the surface, sector rotation trends, housing affordability concerns, and how shifting labor dynamics may influence Federal Reserve policy in the months ahead.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti explore a market that appears calm at the index level but is experiencing extreme volatility beneath the surface. With major tech names down sharply while energy, staples, and defensive stocks surge, the hosts examine whether this represents a healthy rotation — or a warning sign.
They also break down growing concerns over AI capital spending, what record investor anxiety around tech investment could mean for markets, and how today’s unusual market dispersion compares to past periods preceding major downturns.
Todd Lutsky explains how the types of assets you own — including rental properties and out-of-state real estate — can significantly shape your estate planning strategy. He discusses liability protection through LLCs, how to avoid Massachusetts estate taxes for non-residents, and why simply placing property in a revocable trust may not provide creditor protection.
Todd also explores how family dynamics, special needs planning, spendthrift concerns, and divorce risk should influence how trusts are structured. The episode highlights why flexibility and long-term control from a well-drafted trust can protect assets for generations.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti examine whether artificial intelligence will meaningfully change long-term economic growth — or simply reshuffle industries and jobs. They also discuss falling Treasury yields, Fed rate-cut expectations, rising inflation pressures from AI-related shortages, and what those forces could mean for consumers, housing, and markets.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti examine a market that looks flat on the surface but has experienced significant sector rotation and investor anxiety underneath. The conversation explores renewed AI disruption fears, productivity gains, and whether Federal Reserve policy is heading into risky territory. Later, the hosts discuss corporate price increases, rent control proposals in Massachusetts, and new federal efforts aimed at addressing the nation’s housing shortage.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss a market that appears stable on the surface but is experiencing significant volatility beneath it. They examine sharp sector rotations, AI-driven disruption fears, and what sustained churn without broad index movement could signal for investors. The conversation also covers mounting Social Security funding concerns, shifting retirement realities, and unexpected economic headlines — from rising electricity costs to a surge in organized cargo theft.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the latest CPI report and what steady inflation means for the Fed in the months ahead. They also explore growing investor anxiety around AI-driven disruption, rising consumer debt concerns, and how policy proposals could impact markets and household finances.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to market weakness following the latest jobs data and ahead of a key inflation report. The conversation dives into what current unemployment and inflation trends mean for Federal Reserve policy and whether a potential AI-driven productivity boom should change the rate outlook. Mike and Marc also examine who really bears the cost of tariffs, why the middle class “feels poor” despite rising incomes, and how housing affordability has evolved relative to wages.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down a stronger-than-expected jobs report and what continued labor market tightness could mean for inflation and Federal Reserve policy. The conversation explores why healthcare hiring is driving much of recent job growth, how demographic trends are reshaping the labor force, and whether AI and robotics could eventually offset rising labor costs in the sector. The hosts also dive into the ongoing debate over tariffs, examining the economic trade-offs between protecting domestic industries and raising costs for consumers and businesses.
Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan answers listener questions about how to begin the estate planning process and what to expect when meeting with an attorney for the first time. He outlines key factors to consider—including age, asset size, family dynamics, and second marriages—and explains the difference between revocable and irrevocable trusts. Todd also breaks down the tax treatment of trusts, clarifying when a Social Security number is used versus when an EIN is required, and why the distinction matters.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti analyze a stronger-than-expected January jobs report that showed 130,000 new jobs added and unemployment falling to 4.3%. With wage growth running hot and GDP trending above potential, the discussion turns to whether the Federal Reserve may need to hold rates higher for longer — or even consider future hikes if labor market strength continues. Luke Kawa of Sherwood News also joined the show to explore rising investor anxiety around artificial intelligence, including whether AI could disrupt software, finance, and knowledge-based industries faster than markets expect. Later in the hour, the hosts discuss mounting federal deficits, growing consumer credit balances, and the long-term risks tied to persistent government borrowing.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down a stronger-than-expected January jobs report showing 130,000 new jobs added and unemployment ticking down to 4.3%. With wage growth accelerating and inflation still elevated, the discussion turns to whether the Federal Reserve has misread the economy and whether markets are wrongly pricing in rate cuts later this year. The hosts also explore how fiscal stimulus, tariffs, immigration shifts, and historically low unemployment complicate traditional economic modeling. Later in the hour, Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joins for “Ask Todd,” answering listener questions about irrevocable trusts, tax ID numbers, estate planning costs, and income flexibility within Medicaid planning structures.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down the key forces shaping markets as investors digest weak retail sales data, rising equity valuations, and an important week of economic reports. The discussion looks at earnings growth expectations for the S&P 500, what elevated price-to-earnings ratios mean for long-term returns, and why headline market milestones matter less than fundamentals. The show also explores major labor market trends with Corey Adams of Robert Half, including hiring optimism for 2026, widening skills gaps, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping the job application and recruiting process. The episode wraps with insights on consumer behavior, fast food pricing pressures, and renewed interest in international equities after years of U.S. market dominance.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down a weaker-than-expected retail sales report and explain why a single data point matters far less than long-term economic trends. The hour also previews a critical week of jobs and inflation data, examines the Federal Reserve’s policy challenges, puts claims of 15% economic growth into historical perspective, and explores how wealth, labor, and capital are reshaping today’s economy.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong unpack a market rebound led by tech as investors brace for delayed inflation and jobs data amid growing questions about whether January inflation spikes are just seasonal noise. The hour also tackles whether AI can responsibly replace financial planning advice, why the Dow is a flawed—but misunderstood—index, rising concerns over Chinese automakers entering the U.S., and how restaurant price inflation has erased America’s “cheap eats.”
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong preview a crucial week of economic data, debating whether emerging “green shoots” in the labor market are real or just noise ahead of delayed jobs and CPI reports. The hour also dives into violent sector rotation under the surface of flat index performance, AI’s threat to software business models, China’s move to limit bank exposure to U.S. Treasurys, and the risks behind calls for renewed Fed-Treasury coordination under potential Fed Chair Kevin Warsh.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down a broad market rebound, Amazon’s earnings-driven selloff tied to surging AI capital spending, and what the latest labor data really says about hiring versus layoffs. The hour also tackles why new cars have become so expensive, Stellantis’ massive EV write-down as a cautionary tale, credit-card rate caps, consumer spending shifts, and AI’s growing threat to LegalZoom with insights from Barron’s Paul LaMonica.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down Amazon’s earnings stumble and the shockwave from $200 billion in AI capital spending, questioning whether massive data-center buildouts are racing far ahead of real demand. The hour also examines software commoditization, private credit exposure to tech, growing risks inside insurance balance sheets, and why “doing nothing” only works if portfolios were built with intention in the first place.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dissect a violent tech-led selloff as the Nasdaq slides toward correction territory, commodities swing wildly, and investors confront the fallout from leverage and AI-era speculation. The hour also covers skepticism around Fed nominee Kevin Warsh, how workers should realistically adapt to AI disruption, retirement portfolio risk management in volatile markets, and why Peloton’s collapse is a warning about hype-driven business models.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the latest tech-led selloff as massive AI capital spending collides with fears of software commoditization and shrinking margins. The hour also examines why layoff headlines often mislead, what the JOLTS data is really signaling about the labor market, and why falling home prices—not subsidies—are the only real path to improved housing affordability.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down why Americans are staying in their homes longer than ever, why homebuilders are sitting on record levels of unsold inventory, and why government “solutions” could actually push prices even higher instead of improving affordability. They also dig into Walmart’s surge to a trillion-dollar valuation, investor rotation away from big tech, growing frustration with AI tools inside major companies, and the ongoing drama around Nvidia’s chip sales to China. Plus: the NFL eyes another payday as it pressures media partners for even richer TV deals.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane unpack violent market rotations as AI-driven disruption batters software stocks while value names surge beneath a flat S&P 500. The hour explores whether generative AI threatens the durability of major software businesses, what today’s leadership vacuum means for markets, delayed labor data amid a government shutdown, and a deep dive into estate planning fundamentals with Todd Lutsky during Ask Todd.
Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan breaks down the basics of estate planning, starting with how to properly value your estate and understand what actually counts toward estate taxes. The episode also takes listener questions, including a real-world scenario involving rental income, irrevocable trusts, Medicaid eligibility, and why income flow mistakes don’t automatically derail an estate plan.
On The Financial Exchange, Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down wild swings in silver and gold, debate whether tax refunds will actually fuel consumer spending, and explore why economic data and consumer sentiment remain deeply out of sync. The hour also examines rising financial scams, market volatility, and a wide-ranging interview with Albert Bryan Jr. on economic growth, energy costs, labor shortages, and business incentives in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
On The Financial Exchange, Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down extreme volatility in gold and silver markets, warning investors about speculation, margin risk, and the blurred line between investing and gambling. The hour also covers delayed economic data amid a government shutdown, the psychology around S&P 500 at 7,000, housing affordability myths, manufacturing trends, and why today’s market headlines need far more context than they’re getting.
U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. joins Mike Armstrong to discuss economic growth, infrastructure investment, and the challenges facing the territory, from energy costs to labor shortages. The conversation covers tourism, renewable energy, business incentives, and Bryan’s outlook as he delivers his final State of the Territory address.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss markets are set to test Warsh. Disney shares slide despite streaming growth, as CEO decision nears. Investors are wary of stocks and bonds. They are buying alternative assets in ETFs. 1.4M AI agents have joined a new social media platform only for AI agents. Yikes!
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Kevin Warsh having three key areas he will need to succeed at. What is the main difference between Warsh and Powell? Gold and Silver declines after dramatic rally reversal. Trump to launch $12B critical mineral stockpile to blunt reliance on China.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss wealth inequality and the k-shaped economy are more striking than ever. How to protect assets if you failed to prepare. Why do things feel worse economically than 30 years ago? Florida is giving housing optimists reason to buzz again. Cape Cod potato chips is leaving Massachusetts. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about UnitedHealth's difficult week.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump picking Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair. What do we know about Warsh's past with the Fed? Is he the right pick? Senator Tillis will oppose Trump Fed Chair pick Warsh until Powell probe resolved. Why does this matter? Apple posts blowout iPhone sales, but investors focus on higher costs. OpenAI plans fourth-quarter IPO in race to beat Anthropic to market.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss brent crude hitting $71 a barrel as Trump ramps up Iran threats. A weaker dollar has always been part of Trump's plan. US companies are still slashing jobs to reverse pandemic hiring boom. Healthcare inflation can be a runaway train in retirement. What does 'responsible investing' even mean anymore?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Fed holding rates steady for the first time since July. Will Jerome Powell remain at the Fed after his term as chair concludes? Microsoft shares dive as data-center spending overshadows earnings surge. Meta reports record sales and massive spending hike on AI buildout. Tesla to invest $2B in Elon Musk's xAI and cancels two EV models.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the upcoming Fed meeting and rate cut decision and why what is happening at the Fed is crucial for the economy. Does this bull market have room to run? Is the AI bubble close to popping? Homebuyers are backing out of deals at the fastest pace in nearly a decade. The dollars sudden drop raises alarms.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Amazon and UPS announcing massive layoffs and what this might point to in the broader economy. ASML soars to record high after blowout bookings and job cuts. China approves purchases of Nvidia's H200 chips. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains long term care insurance.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains why so many people try to get on Medicaid, what to do if you waited till the last minute, why long term care insurance makes the process easier, and what separates the good insurers.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Big Tech's borrowing spree raising fears of AI risks in US bond market. All eyes are on Trump's reaction to the 'mother of all deals' between India and the EU. The dollar sinks to a 4-month low and gold soars past $5,000. Healthy 401(k)s need strong public markets. Zillow's best markets for home buyers in 2026. Is Elon Musk wrong about AI and retirement?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the Trump administration proposing to keep steady the rates Medicare pays insurers. UnitedHealth sees its first annual revenue drop in over 30 years. The Fed is set to pause rate cuts this week, with no clear path to resume cuts. Record debt in the world's richest nations threatens global growth. GM beats earnings expectations and boosts dividends by 20%. UPS is set to cut 30,000 jobs this year.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Michael Burry saying Japanese yen recovery is a risk to US stocks. Voters see a middle-class lifestyle as drifting out of reach. Longing to stop working? Retiring early might not be the answer. Why people still matter in the AI era. Meme stocks turn five. Will there be another GameStop?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how the massive storm could impact the economy. Big Tech earnings land with 2026's AI winners still in question. Powell's term as Fed Chair ends soon. Do his words carry more weight than ever? Why has gold surged past $5,000 per ounce. Trump threatens new tariffs on Canada over China. Low rates sound great. But a Trump Fed could cause a painful 'sugar high'.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the upcoming storm posing a big threat to power grids across the US. TikTok seals deal to operate in the US after years of drama. With child care bills averaging $26,000 NYC tries a free program for toddlers. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about transportation stocks leading the rally and what that could mean down the line.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the major themes dominating markets over the previous three months. Intel shares slide as costs pile up in a bid to meet AI demand. China tells Alibaba and other tech firms to ready Nvidia H200 orders. CEOs wary of a jittery US consumer as global tensions intensify. How banks can appease Trump on credit card rates. Wall Street braced for a private credit meltdown.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the uproar over affordability is coming for insurers. Why are global bond markets are more prone to flash crashes. Should raiding your 401(k) to buy a house be an option? Garbage stocks are on fire again. Colleges are letting AI bots help make decisions on who to admit.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss stocks rallying after Trump announces framework for Greenland deal. If the US loses its spot at the top, who takes its place? PCE inflation meets expectations. Fed is likely to hold rates steady next week. Trump warns Powell won't be 'very happy' if he stays on at the Fed. Procter and Gamble rises following assurances US sales are bouncing back. Gov. Healey says Massachusetts will shave $180M from residents' electric bills in bid to ease rising energy costs.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Netflix shares sliding as spending mounts amid Warner Brothers deal. United projects higher profit, boosted by bigger-spending travelers. CEOs say AI is making work more efficient. Employers tell a different story. Many retirees don't have enough cash on hand. Many Americans are going a whole month without buying anything. Why Elon Musk is racing to take SpaceX public.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the ongoing Greenland clash risks undermining America's place in the world economic order. Would a stock slump cripple the US economy? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly exploration of estate planning. This week, Todd explains the five-year lookback period.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains what the five-year look back period is and why it matters to you when you are setting up your estate plan. Todd also takes questions from listeners about owning land in a different state from your primary residence and what happens if you move out of state during the look back period.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Trump taking on housing costs. Will his ideas help? The Supreme Court will decide if Fed independence has any legal teeth. How to prevent aging parents and relatives from making financial mistakes. Go ahead and resent boomers, but do it for the right reasons. AI answering systems are 'saving the day' for New England pizzerias.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss what a break with Europe means for the American economy. A recent study found that Americans are the ones paying for tariffs. Soaring electricity costs are no a hot political issue. CEOs are blaming choicefullness as to why their products are not selling. Can a $1,700 espresso machine help Walmart challenge Amazon?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the search for the next Fed chair gets a little messier with the ongoing investigation into Powell and the Fed. Mortgages at 6% pose critical test for frozen housing market. China and Canada announce tariff relief after a high-stakes meeting between Xi and Canada. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to explain why IMAX is succeeding while theaters are dying.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss markets continuing to fail to broaden out beyond big tech. Taiwan pledges $250B in US spending in exchange for lower tariffs. Trump moves to have tech giants pay for surging power costs. Verizon outage tied to software update. What happens to society if the current system breaks down?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the world being a dumpster fire and the stock market doesn't care. Michael Santoli (CNBC) joins the show to chat about how markets have performed since the start of the year, if market broadening out will be different this time, and how the Mag 7 gets out of its funk. Verizon customers experience an hours-long widespread outage. Despite Trump's claims, grocery price are rising.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss TSMC's blockbuster spending plans and results and if it shows that the AI boom will continue. Goldman's stock traders beat their own Wall Street record. BlackRock total assets hit record $14T as ETFs surge. Why have the vibes on megabanks changed? 7 signs you need a financial advisor in 2026.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss bigger tax refunds coming in 2026. What could this mean for the economy? Netflix weighs amending its Warner Bros. bid to make it all cash. More drivers have a $1,000 or more car loan payment. What can buyers expect in 2026? Is Delta on the right path even if investors don't see it? Pimco says rally sweeping emerging markets could last years.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss wholesale inflation coming in softer than expected. Why you should care more about the labor market than inflation. Trump wants to run the economy hot. Will he succeed? Bank of America's profit climbs as consumer spending rises. Why are bank stocks dropping despite solid earnings? US mortgage rates slide to one of the lowest levels since 2022. The Trump administration takes aim at home-builder stock buybacks.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how the latest inflation report will impact future rate cuts. Trump unveils barrage of proposals to address affordability. Bill Ackman pitches prepayment penalties as way to cut mortgage rates. Why won't the government use the simple tool to solve affordability.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the December CPI report that shows prices rose less than expected. Trump allies and officials fear blowback from Powell probe. Will Jerome Powell remain at the Fed after his term as Chair concludes? JPMorgan investment-banking fees drop on underwriting miss. Boston has given out 64 free liquor licenses. How does this change the city?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump calling for a 10% cap on credit card interest rates. The dream of Florida retirement is fading for the middle-class. Retiring early is looking more difficult. What is the FIRE movement? The great millennial career crisis. Walmart teams up with Google Gemini on shopping tool.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Jerome Powell under investigation over renovations. Is Central Bank independence a good or bad thing? Americans are right to be worried about the labor market. Why do we care so much about jobs data? Magnificent 7's stock market dominance shows signs of cracking. GOP lawmakers back stock trading crackdown.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Trump telling Fannie and Freddie to buy $200B of mortgage debt. Why would he do that? GM takes $6B hit tied to EVs as demand sinks. Meta unveils sweeping nuclear-power plan to fuel its AI ambitions. Tech titans divided over whether to pay billionaire tax or flee California. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about Wealthfront's IPO.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss US payrolls rising 50,000 in December, less than expected. Unemployment falls to 4.4%. The productivity boom has arrived. AI may not be the reason. The stock market rally isn't just about tech anymore. What happens if the Supreme Court rules against Trump on tariffs? Trump is getting a new Fed. He may not be happy with what it does.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss consumers loving cheap gas, but the oil patch will pay the price. The US pumps more crude than anyone else. Why does it want Venezuela's? Warner Brothers board rebuffs Paramount's latest buyout offer. The return of the IPO could spell trouble for private equity. Ford enters the race to offer eyes-off driving tech. New campaign in Massachusetts seeks to end pet discrimination in rentals.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the recent jobs data releases and how it impacts the broader economy. New data points to a 'slow' job market in Massachusetts. Why Trump's proposal to ban corporations from buying single-family houses and why it won't solve anything. Trump says he will not permit dividends and stock buybacks for defense companies. Goldman sees consumer stocks gaining amid AI valuation worries.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti wonder if stocks will crash in 2026. Ted Rossman (Bankrate) joins the show 2026 interest rate forecasts. Emerging markets haven't had the run recently that many expected. OpenAI says AI will free households from chores and boost hidden productivity.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the ADP report that shows private payrolls gained 41,000 jobs in December and US JOLTS coming in well short of expectations. AI fatigue leaves investors focused on the S&P 500's other 493 stocks. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains how procrastinators can plan for long term care at the last minute.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains how procrastinators can catch up on their long term care planning despite getting a late start. Todd also takes a question for a listener about selling property in an irrevocable trust.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the Fed's six big challenges in 2026. Matt Gagnon (CEO Maine Policy Institute & Morning Show Host WGAN Portland) joins the show to chat about the impact of the increases to minimum wage. How are some older job seekers breaking through the bruising labor market? Hiring in the age of AI means proving you need a human. A mystery trader made $400,000 betting on Maduro's downfall.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Venezuela bracing for economic collapse from the US blockade. Two simple ways to fix housing in America. Nvidia details new AI chips and autonomous car project with Mercedes. Mike is excited for the next generation of self-driving cars. GM and Toyota hint at tough year ahead for US auto sales. Tesla is swapping its EV crown for even more promises.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss some major questions that need to be answered in 2026. Is the US losing its battle to break up Big Tech? US auto sales are poised to slip as middle-class buyers retreat. Seven numbers shaping retirement in 2026. Zillow's CEO is ready for another slow year in the US housing market. How has NYC's surge toll pricing fixed traffic?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what could be next for the US and Venezuela. How will oil energy markets react? Wall Street expects the market to keep rallying in 2026 despite high valuations. Modest US hiring to cap a sluggish year for the job market. US to extend productivity lead on back of the AI boom. These states raised their minimum wage. Is America falling out of love with pizza?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss everyday traders going from fringe players to the dominant market force. Will the next class of Senators do anything about the Social Security crunch? Buffett says Berkshire Hathaway has the best odds of any company for lasting 100 more years. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about the Dogs of the Dow.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how stocks overcame a long list of worries to gain in 2025, thanks to AI. What are market expectations for 2026? How did analysts do with their 2025 predictions? Fed minutes suggest caution about further rate cuts early this year. The condo market hasn't been this bad in over a decade.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the unexpected winner of rising American tariffs is Mexico. The housing market is moving in favor of Gen Z. EVs had a bumpy road in 2025, and one pleasant surprise. After a year of blistering growth, AI chip makers get ready for a bigger 2026. The stealth tactic bosses are using to get back to the office. How did Americans in 1998 think would happen in 2025? The case of the $400,000 Massachusetts lobster heist.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss how Fed minutes could show how high the bar is for more rate cuts. Bessent sees room for a future revamp of the Fed's 2% target. 2025 US Economy: rising prices, hiring slowdown, and rollercoaster growth. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his thoughts on balancing asset protection and avoiding estate taxes. Los Angeles tightens rent controls for first time in four decades.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti recap the year that was for 2025 and discuss a Bloomberg opinion piece regarding reasons for optimism for the 2026 economy. Plus, more on Michael Burry and his ongoing bets against big AI names. James Cameron has really dominated the box office. Which tech will potentially change your life? And, stack roulette.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti preview another shortened holiday week in terms of expected economic data points due out, including Fed Meeting minutes. How are investors preparing for the next Fed Chairman? Also, the latest on the labor market and why companies may not be prioritizing hiring in 2026. And, how did investors fare who "did nothing" this year?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the GDP report showing a massive increase in GDP in Q3 and the guys try to explain how this came about. The economy avoided a recession in 2025, but many Americans are reeling. Car payments now average more than $750 a month. Ford and GM are running out of time to reinvent themselves. Holiday retail spending rose 4.2% this season.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the GDP report that showed the US economy grow by 4.3% in the third quarter, its fastest rate in years. How does the GDP report impact future Fed rate cuts? Will AI kill off entry-level jobs? Annual reminder to not get too caught in yearly forecasts.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the year the job market hit the wall. Martha Gimbel (Yale Budget Lab - Executive Director) joins the show to chat about how the labor market slowdown can be reversed in 2026. It's time for Financial Festivus! Chuck and Mike reveal the list of the most annoying economic stories of the year.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what is happening in markets this week. What is the latest on the Netflix, Paramount, Warner Brothers deal? the economy survived 2025, but many Americans are reeling. Mortgage rates are falling but owners still won't sell.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why you can't trust anyone who gives you a market forecast. AI is the hot topic in tech earnings and a blind spot everywhere else. When did everything become 'K-Shaped'? When retirees go back to work is it a sign of a strong labor force or a recession? Will prediction markets make the stock market obsolete? What happened when the Wall Street Journal had AI run its office vending machine?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Santa Clause rally. 2026 housing outlook. US says price increases eased last month but data may be distorted and Americans aren't feeling it. Jobs could soon replace prices as the focus of anxiety. The Bank of Japan raised rates. Why you should care.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong love to chat about feuding billionaires. Warner is making demands from Larry Ellison in Paramount's bid for a takeover. Luke Kawa (Markets Editor - Sherwood News) joins the show to discuss Micron's guidance and AI's growing appetite for memory chips, OpenAI valuation report, CoreWeave's bonds, and if the rest of the market can pick up the slack during an AI downturn. What to do if you fear you're about to laid off this holiday season. Should more be done to tackle ghost jobs? A billion-dollar question hangs over the new AI search marketing industry.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss CPI's pullback and the surprisingly strong slowdown in housing inflation that drove it. Micron jumps on rosy outlook as AI boom spurs memory chip demand. Oracle and Blue Owl split over data center rattles markets banking on AI boom. Wall Street gets a taste of blockbuster stock market debuts ahead. Heating costs to rise nearly 10% this winter. Instacart gets whacked with a report that the FTC is probing the company over AI pricing tool.
Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joins the show for his weekly listener call-in segment and discusses the best ways to protect assets through estate planning. What are the top factors to consider when going through this process?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Micron earnings coming under the spotlight after Broadcom and Oracle debacles. Mike Simonsen (Compass Chief Economist) joins the show for a conversation with Chuck about the housing markets outlook for 2026. Warner rejects Paramount's hostile bid, saying Netflix deal still superior.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss white-collar workers seeing their security slip and fears of AI and layoffs rise. Oil rallies as geopolitical risks mount from Russia to Venezuela. Todd Lutsky joins the show to chat about choosing the right asset protection plan for you.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how the Fed is positioned heading into 2026. Ford takes $19.5B hit in Detroit's biggest EV bust. October retail sales fell flat. The eerie parallels between AI and dotcom mania. Zillow has a new challenger for real estate listings, Google.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the return of jobs data and the death of the Sahm rule. Productivity is about to slump -- can AI come to the rescue? Is rent control going to become a national burden?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss improving housing affordability in 2026 without a market crash. Corey Adams (Robert Half) joins the show to share his insights into job hopping in 2026. There is still time to maximize the 0% capital gains bracket for 2025. Four new jobs that may be in our AI future.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what's really going on in the job market and if we will get some answers on Tuesday. What can break investor skepticism of AI spending? The stock market is rotating out of Big Tech. Is this a good thing? Why everyone got the Trump tariffs wrong. Should you freak out about a possible recession? The bond market will not be fooled...oh really?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss how Disney went from AI skeptic to OpenAI investor. Mary Burke (Federal Reserve Bank of Boston) joins the show for a wide ranging interview that covers the beige book, AI impacts on hiring, tariff concerns, and surging beef prices. Ford's car of the future. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat housing.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Broadcom shares sinking despite record revenue. How resilient will the US consumer be without a job? AI shopping could drive $263B in holiday sales. Fiber is shaping up to be the next grocery obsession. Is silver the next gold?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the important questions for the Fed heading into the final months of Jerome Powell's tenure. The Fed will help drive a 10% gain for stocks in 2026, says one of Wall Street’s most accurate forecasters, Tom Lee. Is the affordability crisis overblown? The rising prices of beef have Chuck worried. Are movie theaters soon to be a relic?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Fed's fractured rate cut vote signals trouble ahead for future cuts. Oracle shares tumble as AI spending ramps up. Chuck is stunned by Disney's decision to sell its soul to OpenAI.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss China's access to powerful Nvidia chips comes at a 'critical moment.' China's DeepSeek uses banned Nvidia chips. Why the AI boom is not like the dot com boom. 53% of investors with RMDs for 2025 still haven't taken it. Instacart is finding themselves in hot water over same store pricing. Could SpaceX launch the highest IPO ever in 2026?
Todd Lutsky shares when he believes it is time to update your estate plan, how taxes work on irrevocable trusts, and understanding marital deductions.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane explain how rate cuts by the Federal Reserve impact average Americans. Why this may be the last rate cut for awhile. Warner Brothers' bidders brace for a fight that will last months. Todd Lutsky joins the show to explain how to know when it is time to update your estate plan.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Home Depot sharing a cautious outlook for 2026. Alex Gailey (Bankrate) joins the show to chat about many home buyers finding themselves on the outside looking in due to too high prices and/or too much competition. Married couples need to make sure they are planning together. 401(k)s are minting a generation of moderate millionaires. What is the worst Christmas song?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Nvidia getting approval to sell H200 AI chips to China. Why Oracle's earnings is a key moment for AI stocks. Job openings in October rose to 7.7m. Sam Altman's spring to correct OpenAI's direction and fend off Google. Paramount ramps up pressure on Netflix. Options traders brace for wild stock trading off Fed rate cut decision.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss reasons why investors are feeling good about stocks again. Is AI making us dumb? America gets retirement wrong. Can Vanguard fix that? Could paper checks be on the way out? States are raking in billions from slot machines on your phone.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what to expect in markets this week, from Fed rate decision to Oracle and Broadcom earnings. Paramount Skydance launches hostile big for Warner Brothers. The year of America's cranky consumer. Will Australia's 16-under social media ban come to the US?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Meta changing course and now targeting areas dominated by Apple. Do we have another ridiculous name for the current state of the economy? Americans’ affordability crisis isn’t tariffs’ fault — it’s something much, much deeper. Should Walmart really be trading like a tech company? Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about Waste Management.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong have major bones to pick with the release of the delayed CPE report and those that claimed today would be make of break for markets.Is 2% inflation still the right level to have? What will Netflix do with Warner Bros. movie studio and how do they handle HBO? Studios are already pushing back on Netflix’s purchase of Warner Brothers. What you need to know when doing your portfolio year-end review.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why Friday is not a make or break day for the stock market. Ted Rossman (Bankrate) joins the show to share the results of a recent holiday tipping survey. Three year-end strategies that can cut your 2025 tax bill. Rising holiday scams to be aware of. Weight loss drugs for cats?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss markets viewing weak jobs data as good news and why that's a problem. The stock market rode AI to record highs. What could knock it down? Marc Benioff makes interesting claims about how Salesforce is using AI. Bond investors warned US Treasury over picking Kevin Hassett as Fed Chair.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss home prices inching up and what parts of the country will be most impacted. Can the home affordability crisis be solved? Anthropic taps IPO lawyers as it races OpenAI to go public. Waymo's self-driving cars are suddenly behaving like New York cabbies.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains how trusts help you avoid estate taxes and managing cash gifts to children.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss today's ADP jobs report and if the results mean the Fed is more likely to cut this month. Will the Fed act fast enough as potential trouble is brewing in a key corner of the financial market. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains how trusts can help with estate taxes.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down how diversified the S&P 500 really is. OpenAI declares ‘Code Red’ as Google threatens AI lead. Washington must break its promise on Social Security. How sticky is US inflation? The end of the slop bowl era.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the divided Fed can't agree the future of rate cuts. Why Kevin Hassett is winning the Fed Chair race before it has ended. Here’s why everyone’s talking about a ‘K-shaped’ economy. Bitcoin rout picks up steam as investors fret over a new ‘Crypto Winter’. World economy surprisingly resilient to tariffs, OECD says. Costco files suit against Trump admin over tariffs.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss American consumers losing patience with high car prices. Private credit 'hysteria' will get very real next year. People are ordering smaller pizzas with fewer toppings. Does this mean anything? Americans brace for a surge in healthcare costs. Do we need to Uberize the power grid for AI?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what to expect in markets this week. Why Wall Street says December may not deliver a Santa Claus rally. Shoppers, drawn by steep discounts, power through Black Friday. Gen Z shoppers aren't spending like retailers need them to. Fed's beige book shows K-Shaped split deepens among consumers. Trump says he has made his choice to lead the Fed.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Thanksgiving travel set to bring a big test for airlines. What happened to all the great Black Friday deals? Sellers are taking their homes off the market at the fastest pace in nearly a decade. Looming US power crunch to impair AI abilities, Schneider says. Peloton’s New AI-powered bikes and treadmills get off to slow start.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss how a divided Fed could come to the decision to cut rates in December. Consumer confidence continues to decline as retail growth cools. Grim retail sales data fuels concerns about health of US economy. Google, the Sleeping Giant in Global AI Race, Now ‘Fully Awake’. How much will Thanksgiving dinner cost? It depends on whom you ask.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane share the dumb story of the day...how the S&P 500 could hit 8,000 in 2026. Home sellers who set prices too high and paying the price. Cash can feel safe, but it doesn't grow your wealth, portfolio strategist says. Are you excited to buy a car on Amazon? Turkeys might be cheaper this Thanksgiving, but everything thing else on the table is more expensive.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss retail sales finally land but uncovers some red flags. Don't trust American consumers when they say they are going to reign in spending. Powell's allies provide opening for December rate cut. Why Google's soaring stock is defying fears of an AI bubble. Poll finds Massachusetts voters are eager for a change in rent control.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the AI bubble causing an 'everything bubble'. Blue Owl is the sum of all investors fears. Is the real poverty line $140,000? How spouses retiring at different times can avoid money clashes. Trump claims California's $20 fast food minimum wage hurts businesses. Is that true? An AI toy bear speaks of sex, knives, and pills, a consumer group says.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the wild week of harsh volatility tests support levels across stocks. The AI boom is driving the economy. What happens if it falters? The Fed is fixated on AI, but not ready to make a Greenspan-size bet. US inflation traders to use untested fallbacks for missing CPI. Americans are on a year-end shopping spree. What do CEOs really think about tariffs?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss global brokerages split on Fed's December rate decision. Treasury yields slide after Fed's Williams suggests Fed could cut again in December. Do comparisons to the dot com bubble hold any water? Bitcoin heads for its worst week since the crypto collapse of 2022. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about Deere and its wild ride this year.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dissect the wildest trading day since the tariff shock and how it is testing dip buyers nerves. Did Google just position itself at the head of the AI table? Big tech's debt binge raises risk in race to create an AI world. The AI boom has found another gear. Why can't people shake their worries? Amazon cuts thousands of engineers in its record layoffs. Is a global housing bubble about to burst?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the strongest buyer's housing market in over a decade. The American middle class is shrinking. Is that such a bad thing? Blue Owl money machine sputters in face of private credit cracks. Buffett's Alphabet blessing puts valuation paradox in focus. Teens seek mental-health help from Chatbots. Yikes!
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the delayed September jobs report that beat expectations. After the shutdown, the Labor Dept. says some data is gone for good. Would the Fed push back its meeting by a week to possibly fit in a rate cut. Nvidia's strong results show AI fears are premature. Walmart reports strong sales growth and raises outlook. What are the best grocery stores in New England?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Target's earnings report showing soft demand. Is Target becoming the next Macy's? Lowe's gets a boost from pro builders. Nvidia earnings are a massive test for markets. Are investors fleeing tech stocks for dividend payers? New Social Security scam uses ‘high pressure’ scare tactics. What to watch for.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandettil express their concern for the labor market, private credit market, and AI spending. Wall Street faces a critical test from Nvidia and delayed jobs data. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains the differences between revocable trusts and wills.
This week, Todd explains the similarities and differences between a revocable trust and a will. Todd also takes questions from the audience about depositing Social Security checks into a trust and managing real estate when heading to a nursing home.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss private credit's exposed cracks in the foundation. Blue Owl plunges to 2023 low after blocking exit from fund. US probes firms that borrowed $400M from private credit giant HPS. What happens when housing supply is driven by markets and not Main Street. Cheaper coffee and tomatoes won't fix the inflation problem. AI is making us rich and unhappy.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the market rout intensifying, sweeping up everything from tech to crypto to gold. Other than sentiment, what is driving the market sell off? Home Depot cuts outlook as home improvements slow down. Fed's Waller calls for December rate cut to bolster labor market. Americans could see a big sticker shock for turkeys this Thanksgiving.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder if we will get the usual Santa Claus rally this year. The White House hunts for ways to lower the cost of living...they can't. Sarah Foster (Bankrate) joins the show to chat about the tale of two job markets. Disney and YouTube TV reach a deal, ending the 15-day standoff. Tim Cook could step down as Apple CEO next year. Forgotten 401(k) accounts are costing Americans billions. Layoff tactics keep changing, and the blunders keep coming.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what to expect in markets this week. Nvidia helped spark the AI rally. Its earnings could revive it. Those wishing for a drawn out bear market have forgotten how much pain comes with a bear market. Blue Owl private credit fund merger leaves some investors facing a 20% hit. You can't eliminate volatility, you can only transfer it.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane explain what the 'K' shaped economy is, and why it is a problem. What does our Michael Burry obsession say about us? Fewer burritos, more bargains: Consumers flash holiday warning signs. Here are the new 401(k) and IRA contribution limits for 2026. Here’s how Robinhood will deliver bags of cash to your doorstep safely. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about Circle and crypto's recent wild ride.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss investors dumping tech shares as shutdown relief evaporates. What is going to shift sentiment back in the positive direction? Are we headed for a repeat of the dot com era? Markets no longer view the December rate cut as a sure bet, with Fed officials casting doubts. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon to retire in January after nearly 12 years leading retailer. U.S. to cut tariffs on bananas, coffee and other goods from four countries. Nearly 900,000 new homeowners are underwater on their mortgages, signaling a troubling shift in the housing market. Amazon and Microsoft back effort that would restrict Nvidia’s exports to China.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Disney saying film studio expenses weigh on current quarter. Streaming prices are soaring, and consumers are still paying. The Nasdaq whale's Nvidia sale smells desperate. Sundar Pichai is Google's AI wartime CEO after all. Toyota doubles down on hybrids in the US. Michael Burry shuts down Scion.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump signing the spending bill and ending the government shutdown. Is another shutdown on the horizon? There is no inflation data to report today. What are experts saying about inflation right now? The IRS announces 2026 401(k) contributions and savings cap. Boston Fed President advocates holding rates steady. There is a new phone scam targeting utility bills.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss why you should treat the stock rally with skepticism. Luke Kawa (Sherwood News) joins the show for a discussion on AI valuations. Car loan delinquencies hit record for riskiest borrowers. Airline problems will linger even if shutdown ends. Will a 50-year mortgage make homes more affordable?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss how Americans are anxious over affordability and jobs. The Fed is increasingly torn over a December rate cut. Massachusetts' middle class is unraveling. Boston is one of the most expensive cities in the country to live. Disney's battle with YouTube rages on.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss a better way to think about the AI bubble. How long will investors continue to be patient on AI? Corey Adams (Robert Half) joins the show to chat about year-end bonuses. Where do investors think Apple should be spending their money? First Brands new CEO uncovers major fraud at the company. Reverse mortgages edge up as US economy squeezes older Americans.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the Senate taking the first step in reopening the government. What could be the economic fallout from the shutdown? US household debt hits a new record, NY Fed finds. Why did SoftBank sell its entire stake in Nvidia? Is a 50-year mortgage a terrible idea? Many would-be buyers are frozen out of the housing market.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss how 3% inflation became the new normal. Meta is earning a fortune on a deluge of fraudulant ads. Want to buy a home? It's OK to wait till you're 40. Wendy's is closing hundreds of restaurants. Italian pasta is poied to disappear from American grocery stores. MLB has a another gambling problem to sort out.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the Senate clearing the way toward ending the government shutdown. Big year for stocks and bonds to be tested by data deluge. The week the AI boom got a reality check on Wall Street. Corporate earnings were great this quarter. Wall Street is still not impressed. Trump suggests $2,000 payouts to Americans as he defends tariffs.
Mark Voner and Dan Stack stop by to explain how the DAV has changed their lives of those who have served this country, why Mark feels so deeply connected to the DAV, and how Mark made it his mission to save the DAV what it needed it most.
Jim Blake, Regional Manager for Eastern Propane, joins the show to share his experience in the military, how he got involved with the DAV, and how Eastern Propane gives back to those that served.
Isaiah Moskowitz, Host Great American Heroes Podcast, stops by to share his experiences working with the DAV, why he feels so compelled supporting veterans, and why he started the Great American Heroes Podcast.
Garrett Barton, Circle K Franchise Business Consultant, joins the show to chat about his time in the Navy, how his injury led him to the DAV, and why Circle K has decided to donate to and partner with the DAV.
Bob Barlow, President and Owner of MBA Mortgage, joins the show to share his story of joining the military, getting involved with the DAV, and what MBA Mortgage does to help serve those who served.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what one bleak data point tells us about the labor market. Isaiah Moskowitz, Host Great American Heroes Podcast, stops by to share his experiences working with the DAV, why he feels so compelled supporting veterans, and why he started the Great American Heroes Podcast. Opendoor is an ‘AI company,’ new CEO says. Garrett Barton, Circle K Franchise Business Consultant, joins the show to chat about his time in the Navy, how his injury led him to the DAV, and why Circle K has decided to donate to and partner with the DAV. Ford is considering scrapping the 150-EV.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss AI valuation fears grip global investors as tech bubble concerns grow. Jim Blake, Regional Manager for Eastern Propane, joins the show to share his experience in the military, how he got involved with the DAV, and how Eastern Propane gives back to those that served. Flight-cancellation plans prompt scramble across travel industry. Bob Barlow, President and Owner of MBA Mortgage, joins the show to share his story of joining the military, getting involved with the DAV, and what MBA Mortgage does to help serve those who served. Mark Voner and Dan Stack stop by to explain how the DAV has changed their lives of those who have served this country, why Mark feels so deeply connected to the DAV, and how Mark made it his mission to save the DAV when it needed it most.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why you don't want tax payers backstopping the AI industry. UBS to liquidate funds with substantial exposure to First Brands. 'Jenga Tower' US economy teeters as middle class pulls back spending. Job cuts in October hit highest level for the month in 22 years. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about Robinhood.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Jensen Huang's comments about China winning the AI race and why Chuck thinks that comment might have to pierced the AI bubble. Is China really going to win the AI race? US to reduce flight traffic by 10% at 40 airports due to the ongoing shutdown. Supreme Court's skepticism on Trump tariffs means uncertainty reigns. Builders are offering mortgage-rate discounts. Home buyers aren't biting.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the longest shutdown in history is costing the US economy about $15B each week. The Supreme Court is hearing arguments about tariffs. The Fed can't fix the "K" shaped economy. McDonald's sales rise, but the CEO expects low-income diners to spend less into next year. Burger King braces for the demise of the penny.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss private payrolls rebound in October, adding 42,000 jobs. The AI stock sell off could be a bust or a blip. What will decide the outcome? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains the benefits of utilizing revocable trusts.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains the benefits of utilizing revocable trusts for your estate plan. Todd also takes questions for listeners about capital gains on revocable trusts and switching from a will to a trust.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how frequently 10% market pullback occurs. Third quarter earnings are indicating a divided economy. Federal Reserve signals December rate cut are not a foregone conclusion. Slump in cardboard sales is stoking fears of lackluster holiday shopping. Yum Brands will review strategic options for Pizza Hut, opening the door for a sale. First Brands' new management accuses founder Patrick James of fraud.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Michael Burry's short positions on Palantir and Nvidia. Wall Street CEOs flag high market valuations and pullback risks. Wall Street intensifies scrutiny of fraud after spate of loan losses. Have fraud cases highlighted systemic risks? Dan Griggs, OceanFirst Bank President, joins the show to share what he views is the biggest threat to the economy.
US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr joins the show to discuss the economic advancements the islands have made in the past five years, how they have recovered from recent hurricanes, and how tariffs have impacted the islands.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss scarce chips are just the tip of big auto's disruption. Amazon agrees to massive deal with OpenAI. Is OpenAI becoming too big to fail? Risky loans from housing bust era is making a comeback. Are tariffs going to hammer shoppers this holiday season? Why the future of coffee doesn't belong to Starbucks.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss this week's biggest economic events. Has the S&P 500 become to heavily weighted to the Magnificent Seven? Is the recent wave of layoffs a warning sign for the job market? USVI Gov Albert Bryan Jr joins the show to chat about how the islands are avoiding the wrath of tariffs. How the US economy defied doomsday predictions on tariffs.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss another big money fraud case coming out of the private credit world. Too much experience is hurting job candidates now? Todd Lutsky explains the benefits of gifting assets as a part of your estate plan. Cities across America are putting robots to work. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about Rithm Capital.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Amazon shares jump on news of strong cloud sales. How long can the economy rely on AI-led investments to keep driving the economy? Apple expects a big December. Should we be more skeptical about AI’s power needs? Why are more home sales falling through?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the job market possibly being at a tipping point. Michael Santoli (CNBC) joins the show to chat about big tech earnings and Fed's rate cut decision. It's sample-sale season. Cue the professional line standers. Chipotle stock plunges as chain lowers sales forecast. How the potato became a coveted prize for trick-or-treaters.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump's meeting with Xi and the declaration of immediate cuts to tariffs. Fed divisions reveal new caution over continued cuts. Google revenue soars to record as AI boom lifts cloud business. Big tech test investors' patience with $80B AI investment spree. Is a $100,000 salary enough to raise a family in Massachusetts?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss home prices posting weakest gain in over two years. Five AI signals we should all watch this week. Big layoffs look scary. Why the job market is still holding up. Credit cockroaches are being held at bay - for now. Oracle bond risk jumps on concerns over AI spending spree.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Nvidia becoming the first $5T company. Trump set to cut Fentanyl tariff and discuss Nvidia with Xi. Is the Fed's inflation target still 2%? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
This week, Todd Lutsky examines when it is important to add gifting to your estate plan. Todd also takes calls from listeners about protecting assets in an irrevocable trust and sheltering assets from estate taxes.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the ongoing issues in the private-credit sector. Martha Gimbel (Yale Budget Lab - Executive Director) joins the show to chat about AI's impact on the labor market. PayPal reaches deal to put digital wallet into OpenAI's ChatGPT. This is how the AI stock boom plays out. Google and NextEra to revive major Iowa nuclear facility.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the good vibes being back on Wall Street. $100B stock swings expose 'fragility' beneath Wall Street rally. Amazon lays off 14,000 corporate workers. The Fed's $6.6T test. Americans face a retirement confidence paradox. UPS jumps after sweeping job cuts push profit above estimates.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss AI spending boosting the economy but their are many companies are still in survival mode. Austin's housing bust is just what America needs. Ray Dalio says America is developing a 'dependency' on the top 1%. There's a reason electricty prices are rising. And it's not data centers.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss this week's massive earnings reports. Milei wins mandate for free-market revolution in Argentina's election. Latest US-China truce leaves fundamental issues unresolved. Why the Fed may lower rates slower than expected this year. More big companies bet they can still grow without hiring. Bill would limit number of self-checkout kiosks at Massachusetts grocery stores.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss inflation expectations needing to come down. Has Argentina really learned their lesson? We'll find out soon. Beef! It's what might be no more dinner as prices rise rapidly. Intel surges after first earnings report post government investment. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about Microsoft's upcoming earnings.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the long delayed CPI report that showed inflation coming in lower than expected. Mike is tired of reading stories about companies shielding buyers from tariffs. Decent earnings satisfies investors starved for data. Why is Trump terminating trade talks with Canada?What’s at stake as US and China trade negotiators meet ahead of Trump-Xi summit? Ford profit doubles. Target slashes corporate workforce.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss hotter CPI unlikely to deter rate cuts and the S&P 500 rally. Mark Hamrick (Bankrate) joins the show to chat about Social Security concerns. Fed lost access to private jobs data ahead of government shutdown. The maximun you can borrow from your 401(k) hasn't changed in 40 years. Should that change now?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the sudden jump in oil prices on Trump's Russia sanctions. Tesla profit plunges as Musk turns focus to robot army. Argentina's make-or-break moment. The US struggles to break out from China's grip on rare earths.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains federal and state level estate taxes and how to navigate around them to lower your tax bill. Todd also takes a call from a listener about moving retirement funds to a Roth IRA.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the reasons why the US is getting involved in Argentina and what role China has to play in all this. What are the economic impacts if the shutdown drags on? Why has insurance rates skyrocketed since 1980? The AWS outage had broader impacts on daily life than most believe.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss how American corporations are crushing it and it's not just tech companies. Gold suffers its worst rout in twelve years. Is the rally over? Todd Lutsky (Cushing & Dolan) joins the show to chat about navigating around federal and state level estate taxes.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti explain why you shouldn't trust a publication that has the answers to protecting your portfolio. Apple stock hits new record on report of strong iPhone sales. Understand required minimum distributions. Andrew Ross Sorkin (CNBC, NYTimes, and author of 1929) joins the show to chat about today's economic conditions vs those in the 1920s.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss GM raising their outlook as strong truck demand dulls tariff pain. The day Amazon broke the internet for millions of Americans. US banks are hunting for collateral to back $20B Argentina bailout. If the economy is good, why do some Americans feel like everything is falling apart? Gold slumps most in four years as record-breaking rally cools.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what US inflation data could show when it is finally released. Annemarie Conte (Wirecutter) joins the show to chat about navigating around tariffs for your holiday shopping. Companies are blaming AI for job cuts. Critics say it’s a ‘good excuse’. When do Roth conversions make sense for older people? Restaurants are pitching water on fine dining menus. The best and worst months to buy a house — the difference could save you $23,000.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the warning signs lurking beneath this record market. Where does this market stack up to the late 90's and late 2010's? AWS outage impacts hundreds of companies. Trump's demands for resumed trade talks with China. What is the killer combo slamming the auto industry?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss explain why people shouldn't bo overly surprised that markets have so far defied inflation and tariffs. Banks’ strong earnings leave investors digging deeper for trouble spots. Small businesses are being crushed by Trump’s tariffs and economists say it’s a warning for the economy. Honda wants you to teach its new robot lawnmower. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about PayPal getting $300T worth of bad news from Paxos.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the three ongoing stories that should be concerning for investors. New credit fraud fears raise more worries about regional banks. Investors warn on leveraged loan risks after First Brands collapse. Most Americans are falling behind in saving for retirement. The auto industry is panicking about another potential chip shortage. Oil prices drop to the lowest level in nearly five years. Delta and United are leaving other airlines behind.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why many people around the world refuse to trust traditional currency these days. Sarah Foster, Bankrate, joins the show to discuss worker pay not keeping up with inflation. Most Americans don't have good jobs. What does that say about the economy. AI data centers, desperate for electricity, are building their own power plants. What are the hidden costs of downsizing?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Wall Street scrambling to gauge consumer health without retail sales. Big banks cash in on well-heeled borrowers. How Jefferies found itself at the center of First Brands' collapse. Something stinks in the financial sector.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane share three exaggerations about the US economy right now. ChatGPT will soon allow erotica for verified adults. The rest of the world is following America's retreat on EVs. What are the recession signs to watch for? Netflix jumps into podcasts with Spotify deal.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss China, betting it can with a trade war, is playing hardball with Trump. Powell keeps the Fed on track to lower rates again this year. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains why gifting real estate is almost always a bad idea.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains why gifting real estate is generally a bad idea with few exceptions. Why gifting real estate to beneficiaries will cost them big time.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the great debasement debate is rippling across world markets. A historic crypto selloff erased over $19B, but two accounts made $160M. Most investors say AI stocks are in a bubble. Why Broadcom's OpenAI bet is a big risk. The shutdown's consuquences for the BLS are dire. Protein is showing up in Doritos, waffles, and Pop Tarts, why?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss China escalating the US trade war with curbs on shipping. JP Morgan profit jumps as business booms on Main Street and Wall Street. Which businesses have the most to lose on continued tariff policies. Silver prices just hit their first record since 1980. Ford cuts production of trucks and SUVs after fire at aluminum plant. New vehicle prices top $50,000.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss AI juicing the economy but questions remain if workers are actually more productive because of it. Ted Rossman (Bankrate) joins the show to chat about the 2025 Holiday Spending Survey. Squeezing builders isn't the way to lower housing costs. This market is nothing like the dot-com bubble. This might be the dumbest market in history.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the steep market sell-off on Friday and why markets reacting as strongly as they did. China's new export curbs may level a heavy blow world wide. From Tri Color to Saks, bonds are now crashing at breakneak speed. Why the next CPI report is important for Social Security checks, bonds, and 401(k)s. More working-class Americans than ever are investing in the stock market.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the stunning drop in markets in reaction to President Trump's tweet about China and canceling a meeting with President Xi. Tripp Mickle (New York Times) joins the show to talk about Intel's big bet. Insurers prepare for wave of First Brands claims. Americans are falling behind on their car payments. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) stops by for a chat about Gemini's first few months on markets.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how AI concerns from the media and public have yet to show up in markets. What other areas of the economy are concerning? Government recalls workers to produce key inflation report. Shutdown pain ripples through the US economy with no deal in sight. China's rare-earth escalation threatens trade talks. Is China using a workaround to buy Nvidia chips? Bessent's big gamble on Argentina has a narrow path to pay off.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the ongoing government shutdown and how air travel disruptions are adding pressure. AI can transform the economy and still be a bubble. What are the downsides of a 30-year mortgage? Even Tesla fans are slamming the EV makers cheaper models. Startups are staying private longer thanks to alternative capital. Jamie Dimon says there’s a 30% chance of a correction: ‘I’m far more worried than others’
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss financial conditions actually being too tight right now. Q3 earnings are anticipated to show growth of 8%. Fed minutes reveal divide over outlook for interest-rate cuts. First Brands bankruptcy damage spreads to Jefferies, UBS. Is the auto industry going through what the housing market went through in 2007. Who’s going to ‘Eat’ Tariffs? Not US shoppers. Why carmakers are falling back in love with petrol.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the new Wall Street trade that is powering gold and hitting currencies. Why it doesn't take much for gold to move up. Is it time to brace for a market melt-up? Homeowners are pouning on the tiniest drop in mortgage rates. Is the bankruptcy of First Brands reminding anyone of 2007?
This week, Todd Lutsky explains when it makes sense to include gifting assets in your estate plan. Todd also takes questions from the audience about switching from revocable to irrevocable, withdrawing money from a bank account in a trust, and selling inherited property.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the unofficial jobs numbers are in and it's rough out there. Businesses are already feeling shutdown pain. Todd Lutsky joins the show for Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains when it makes sense to and not to gift assets.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how AMD came from behind to mount a challenge in the AI chip wars. Reminder: Gold is not a risk-free asset. Earnings are coming. Wall Street hopes strong profits can keep the market rally going. Emerging markets roar back with biggest stock rally in 15 years. Why your S&P 500 index fund might be more risky than the internet bubble.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the costs associated with AI projects are soaring. Fed's Mary Daly says AI bubble wouldn't hurt financial stability. Where are we now compared to previous market crashes? A devastating fire at a major Ford supplier is just another dent in the auto industry. US banks missed that warning signs on Tricolor. Massachusetts employer confidence dips again.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the ongoing power shift in the housing market. Where are buyers getting good deals? Amazon's October Prime Days start Tuesday. It's an early test for the holidays. The youth crisis is really about to the rise of the NEETs. Stabucks's roller coaster week of job cuts and store closures.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss OpenAI and AMD announce massive computing deal. Did OpenAI just stab Nvidia in the back? More Americans are warming up to the idea of nuclear power in their community. Why delaying your Social Security benefits may not make sense. 80% of workers say they're making little or no progress saving for retirement. Are we in a recession? Yes, if you live in one of these states. Will 2026 be the year of the used EV?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss AI data centers sending power bills soaring. What are the benefits of having a data center near you? Jess Bezos says AI is in an industrial bubble but society will get 'gigantic' benefits from the tech. Boeing likely to record billions in charges over 777X debut delay. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about pest control company that is AI proof.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the lack of a weekly jobs report so they turn to AI to get the answers they are looking for. How long with the government shutdown last? Behind job weakness are hints of a productivity revival. Why the stock market keeps going up - even during a government shutdown. Maybe the Fed shouldn't be cutting interest rates. LA's entertainment economy is looking like a disaster movie.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong are concerned there is not being enough attention paid to the collapse of First Brands, why the company found itself in its current mess, and if this is a bigger problem brewing. Luke Kawa (Sherwood News) joins the show to share what is driving the recent market rally. Taiwan rejects U.S. proposal for ’50-50′ chip production, says trade talks focused on tariffs.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the different causes of the labor market flattening out. Is Baby Boomer spending the only thing keeping up the economy? What happens to the economy if asset prices are the consumer driver? OpenAI is will be either a trillion dollar company or nothing. Student loan debt is strangling Gen X.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the US dollar losing its safehaven status as governments gobble up gold. How Nvidia's Jensen Huang became AI's global salesman. Meta launches Vibes: a new way to discover and create terrible AI videos. AI is not killing jobs, US study finds. Boeing's 737 Max replacement will be make-or-break.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss what to expect from the latest government shutdown. How do markets trend during government shutdowns? Shotdown puts a divided Fed in a perilous position. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his expertise on making the most of gifting assets.
Todd Lutsky shares his expertise on making the most of gifting assets, understanding the different ways of gifting, and deciding which assets should be gifted.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane explain why your electric keeps rising. Jessica Caldwell, Head of Insights at Edmunds, joins the show to share the Q3 new car sales forecast. Why GM boss Mary Barra is slamming the brakes on lofty EV ambitions. Investors are fretting that the stock market rally is on borrowed time. McDonald's is bringing back Monopoly after a decade.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the release of the JOLTS report that showed job openings slightly exceeded forecasts. How government shutdowns affect the US economy. US economy will only get murkier if key data is delayed in shutdown. Rise of 'accidental landlords' is bad news for investors who bet big on rentals. Exxon to cut 2,000 jobs in global restructuring. Gen X is about to face the biggest Social Security decision.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Walmart's CEO's comments about AI changing literally every job. Corey Adams (Robert Half) joins the show to chat about the company's 2026 salary guide. Debt is fueling the next wave of the AI boom. The fastest-selling cars in America are used EVs.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why this week's most important data release is the jobs report. Rate cuts might not cure what ails the job market. Recession seems far off. The economy is also far from trouble. Why a small auto parts maker in the MidWest going bankrupt has massive ramifications.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane disucss why millions of Americans are becoming economically invisibile. Mike Simonsen, Chief Economist at Compass, joins the show to chat about the state of the housing market and where interest rates need to be to get things moving again. Costco tops earnings and revenue estimates as warehouse club gains more members. Starbucks is in a big mess. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat how O’Reilly Auto Parts set themselves apart from other national autoparts retailers.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the core inflation rate coming as expected. Trump imposing new tariffs on pharma and big trucks. Will the massive spending on AI ever pay off? How many Americans actually have a financial plan written down?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the White House going all-in on Argentina. It may not work. Intel is seeking an investment from Apple as part of its comeback bid. Amazon agrees to settle US lawsuit that it 'tricked' people into Prime. A diminished Social Security workforce, and its customers, feel the strain. Delta replaces engine units in effor to address toxic-fume surge on planes. Higher electricity prices aren't all good for utilities.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss initial jobless claims tumble for second consecutive week. US economy grew faster than expected in the second quarter. Too many still don't understand the tax ramifications of the Big, Beautiful Bill. CarMax sees unexpected drop in used-car sales. White House to pursue mass firings if government shuts down. How the H1B visa fee could reshape workforces.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss more trouble ahead on the US job front. The Fed's rate path is too cautious to fix housing. Is Nvidia's investment in OpenAI a bad sign for the tech market? Is the diversified portfolio dead? the NFL says is could renegotiate media deals as soon as 2026.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Powell describing rates as 'modestly restrictive,' keeping the door open to cuts. Do Stephen Miran's rate-cut arguments add up? US stocks resist S&P500 drops of 2% or more in best run in over a year. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains to best way to leave property to your heirs.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how Argentina's Javier Milei lost the markets and is turning to the US. Are H1B visas crucial to American productivity? Stocks are expensive. Does earnings growth mean that doesn't matter? Is the age of value investing over? Regional US casinos cash in as gamblers shun prices Vegas trips.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the often asked question if the stock market is overvalued. Miran is contradicting himself on the case for big rate cuts. China floods the world with cheap exports after Trump's tariffs. Nvidia to invest up to $100B in OpenAI. Spirit Airlines furloughing one-third of its flight attendants.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss inflation being the lesser evil. Many Americans can't buy houses, get jobs, or move in a stuck economy. The rush to return to the office is stalling. Cardboard box demand is slumping. Why that's bad news for the economy. Millennials are stuck in an old and lazy story.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump's $100,000 visa targets a $280B India success story. Will the $100,000 visa help American workers? American colleges are going all out to hold to international students. Why it might be time to repeal the Fed's dual mandate.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss which areas of the country are being hit the hardest by unemployment. Grocery prices have jumped up. Is it actually the grocery stores to blame? Eversource gas customers face 13 percent rate increase this winter. Reasons why getting rid of quarterly reports helps markets and companies. Paul LaMonica ( Barron's) joins the show chat about the recent IPOs including StubHub.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the Fed losing its independence and what that means for inflation. Why the Fed's recent rate cut might be the only one of 2025 despite predictions. Why the Fed can't ease the government's debt problem. Trade relations with China as Xi and Trump talk TikTok and rare earth materials. Nvidia is walking a tightrope between the US and China.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the recent $5B investment by Nvidia into Intel. Chuck wonders how long till Nvidia just buys up Intel altogether. Huawei unveils AI chip roadmap to challenge Nvidia's lead. Congress has no good excuse to keep trading stocks. Start practicing retirement now. It'll make the switch that much easier. Home Insurance as you know it is doomed. You're not ready.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the Fed's rate cut decision and claim of two more possibly coming this year. Powell and the rest of the Fed have no clue how the economy will look next year. US initial jobless claims drop by most in almost four years. How to handle a job market that's worse than it looks. American Express unveils refreshed Platinum card with $895 annual fee.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss China banning tech companies from buying Nvidia's AI chips. AI is going to consumer a lot of energy. Can it help us save energy? US mortgage rates fall to 2024 levels, fueling refinancing surge. LimeWire is back and buying the Fyre Festival.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane explain why interest rates aren't the most important aspect of the economy. The two-speed economy is back as low-income Americans give up gains. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains beneficiary designations on IRAs.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains the process and benefits of naming beneficiaries on IRAs and how income taxes are paid when the estate is the beneficiary.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss how the breakeven threshold reveals a more robust labor landscape than stats show. Why shifting away from rigid quarterly filings could free up companies and provide better long-term insights for investors. The inside scoop on Luckin’s bold U.S. expansion strategy and how it's challenging the coffee giant's dominance with aggressive pricing and tech-driven growth. Americans can't stop buying cars they don't need.
In this episode, Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane unpack the latest economic headlines shaping markets. From robust retail sales defying slowdown fears to pivotal Federal Reserve updates, we dive deep into what’s driving the economy. What’s on the table?
* Retail Sales Surge in August – Consumers keep spending, but is it sustainable?
* Fed Governor Drama – Appeals Court denies Trump’s bid to remove Lisa Cook, while Stephen Miran joins the Fed Board.
* Lower Rates & Stocks – A quick take on what cheaper borrowing means for equity investors.
* Fed Strategy – Why the Fed needs to tread carefully and avoid bold promises.
* Massachusetts’ Economic Woes – A closer look at the state’s struggles amid national resilience.
Tune in for sharp insights and actionable analysis to navigate today’s economic landscape. Subscribe now for more! #Economy #FederalReserve #Investing #RetailSales #MarketInsights
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Elon Musk purchasing $1B worth of Tesla stock. Tesla's chair says only Musk can lead Tesla's next phase. 'Underwater' car trade-ins are at a 4-year high. More Americans are stuck with the jobs they can get, not the ones they want. How to build a million-dollar future for your kids.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Fed meeting this week to set interest rates. Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan see stock rally stalling after Fed rate cut. China says Nvidia violated antitrust law. Whirlpool tells US authorities its rivals could be evading tariffs. Gold hasn't rallied this much since 1979. Is turning to ChatGPT for financial advice wise?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane are joined by CNBC's Michael Santoli to recap what we saw in terms of inflation data this week and why we are likely to see a 25 bps interest cut at next week's Fed meeting, as opposed to 50 bps. Plus, with the cost of healthcare continuing to climb, should employers be seeing more blame as they pass along some of the impact to their employees through payroll deductions? Barron's Paul LaMonica also hopped on to speak with the guys about Oracle's massive stock rally this week.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss firm inflation and soft jobs data pull the Fed in opposing directions. Economists see Fed rate cut next week and at least one more in 2025. Mortgage rates are at an 11-month low. Will that save this housing market? Labor hoarding looks close to painful end.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss incomes rose and poverty fell last year. So why do so many Americans feel trapped? Homeowners dash to refinance as mortgage rates dive. Fewer people think that retirement will take a miracle. But inflation worries persist. Bond yields are falling. Where can retirees still find 5% yeilds? FTC opens probe into Alphabet, Meta, OpenAI, xAI, and Snap over chatbot safety for kids.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss consumer prices rose at annual rate of 2.9% in August and jobless claims that are nearing a four-year high. What are the expectations for next week's Fed meeting? Oracle may be having its Nvidia moment. Or it could be a repeat of 1999. IPO mania is back. Or is it the dot-com bubble all over again?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Christopher Waller emerging as one of three serious contenders for Fed Chair. Tripp Mickle (NYTimes -Tech Reporter) joins the show to share his highlights from the recent Apple Event. Stocks bull market nears 3-year anniversary. Oracle shares surge most since 1992 on Cloud contracts win. Jaguar's rebrand caused an uproar. Its boss has no plans to u-turn. Health insurance costs for businesses to rise by most in 15 years.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the PPI data unexpectedly dropping 0.1% instead of the predicted rise of 0.3%. The Fed easing too much is a massive gamble. Jamie Dimon says the US economy is weakening after record BLS revision. Judge blocks Trump from removing Fed Gov Lisa Cook. Todd Lutsky joins the show to explain how to limit estate tax exposure.
This week, Todd Lutsky breaks down how to limit your beneficiaries exposure to estate taxes, where assets go after a spouse dies with a irrevocable trust, and changing the owner of an account in a trust.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the Fed likely cutting rates next week, but what if inflation data points to no cut? What would a half percent rate cut mean for markets? Hyundai-LG immigration raid sparks alarm at foreign companies in the US. A renewed bid to end quarterly earnings reports. Is Nvidia's 'WOW' factor fading?
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss job growth revised down by 911,000 through March, signaling economy on shakier footing than realized. American workers are losing confidence. US consumer borrowing rises to most in three months. Are lumber prices flashing a warning sign? Big Oil slashes jobs and investments as low crude prices bite. Hasbro will move its headquarters to Boston’s Seaport. It’s a big loss for Pawtucket.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss America's 'buy now, pay later' economy is nothing new. Ted Rossman (Bankrate) joins the show to chat about holiday shopping concerns. Tesla's US market share drops to the lowest level since 2017 as competition heats up. Apple's plan B for AI is actually pretty great. Lego is about to test the Force of nostalgia.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss another big week in markets and another jobs markdown sets the stage for Fed cuts. Why the Fed should not cut rates now. Bessents Fed critique misses the big picture. What if Congress takes over some of the Fed's mandates? South Boston emerges as a hot spot for move-out day debris.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the current state of the housing market and what it means if the government declares a national housing emergency. Luke Kawa (Sherwood News) joins the show to chat about surging Broadcom. World meat prices reach new highs as consumers clamor for beef. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) stops by to talk about DraftKings and FanDuel's recent struggles.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the August payroll data that came in below expectations. What does the jobs data tell us about a September rate cut? Electricity costs are rising twice as fast as inflation. Why is the jobs market so sluggish right now?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss McDonald's excalting the restaurant industry's tipping fight. What jobs will be included under Trump's 'no tax on tips?' Mark Voner, Founder and CEO - Veterans Development Corporation, joins the show to chat about how his company works with the VA, why his company maintains deep connections to the military, and why DAV is so important to him. Are low-cost airlines in a nose dive? Does Musk have a new vision for Tesla?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into this morning's data releases that focus in on the labor market. Is the data raising any alarms? Why is Massachusetts's unemployment numbers much higher than the rest of New England? Is the Fed seeing little to no growth across the country? Google's recent loss-yet-victory in court is frustrating for Chuck. What are precious metals saying about the economy right now?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss how Google lost its antitrust case but came away with no penalties and likely stronger. Gen Z is expected to slow down holiday spending. Retirees are told to 'work longer' to make ends meet. But what if jobs disappear. GM had a record month of EV sales. Is a collapse coming? How Hollywood missed its mark this summer. The new Blue Apron makes flexibility the star ingredient.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the latest jobs data pointing to fewer and fewer available jobs for US workers. US treasury yields brush with 5% as global borrowing costs mount. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains why you should name your estate an IRA beneficiary, how that impacts planning for long-term care, and spending requirements for an inherited 401(k).
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why a good economy can feel so bad. US stocks are now pricier than they were in the lead-up to the Dot-Com bubble pop. How bad could the fallout be from an AI bubble pop? What is the ultimate goal of the tariffs? A band of retail investors are beginning to flex their muscle. Musk now claims Tesla's profits will largely come from robots.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the historic trends that show September being a horrible month for investors. What should we expect from this Friday's jobs report? What happens now that a court struck down some of Trump's tariffs? Companies re having major issues pricing items.How the Fed losing its independence could affect Americans’ everyday lives.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how the future of the Fed came to rest on Lisa Cook. Alibaba creates AI chip to help China fill Nvidia void. Why the S&P 500 could be at risk of a 10% to 20% pullback if ether falls behind bitcoin again. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat Salesforce's difficult year. Zuckerberg's AI hires disrupt Meta with swift exits and threats to leave.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss core inflation rose to 2.9% in July, highest since February. Does this change the Fed's September rate cut decision? Rate cuts will be good for stocks. But would the Fed be stimulating an economy that doesn't need it? Economists see slow US growth and stubborn inflation well into 2026. Higher prices are coming for household staples.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the biggest problems the housing market is facing right now. After years of pain, are the riskiest stocks finally seeing some momentum? Big changes are coming to charitable giving. OpenAI is updating ChatGPT to better support users in mental distress.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Nvidia predicting cooler growth after sales record. Is China getting closer to finding its own Nvidia? US weekly jobless claims fall amid layoffs. Q2 GDP revised to show stronger growth. Why the market doesn't care much about Trump firing Fed's Cook. Mexico to raise tariffs on imports from China after US push. Who's to blame for your higher power bill?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Nvidia's earnings coming up and how China risks are making investors nervous. S&P 500 index investors have been rewarded so far in 2025. Is it time to diversify? Why Boomers have more money than everyone else. AI skilled 20-somethings are making hundreds of thousands per year. Why fast-casual is losing out to Chili's.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Fed bank presidents face risk of removal on Trump's maneuvers. Will the Fed lose its independence? India braces for the pain of Trump's stiff tariffs. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains why naming beneficiaries in a trust is a better path than direct naming on accounts. Todd also explains some of the biggest problems people run into when starting the estate planning process.
Mike and Marc offer follow-up thoughts to the potential fring of Lisa Cook and the importance of Fed independence. Plus, does the cost of home insurance continue to remain elevated? Has it plateued? Or could it they go higher? A discussion about Roth IRA vs Roth 401(k) contributions. AI data centers continue to cause concerns about the supply of electricity. And, Stack Roulette.
Mike and Marc react to the news of President Trump ordering the firing of Fed Governor Lisa Cook and what could possibly follow in the days ahead. Given the sitaution, the guys discuss why the independence of the Fed is so pivotal when it comes to inflation and the economy. Plus, does it matter that there are more ETF's than individual stocks? And why is the Massachusetts biotech industry seeing a rare job decline?
Chuck and Mike discuss recent commentary surrounding the technology sector and if its recent rally is fizzling out. But, are we even seeing evidence in the numbers? Plus, the guys give their takes on the government officially taking a 10% stake in struggling chipmaker Intel. Also, should the retirement age be lower? Are auto makers facing larger obstacles today than in the past? And sleeping over at a home before buying?
Chuck and Mike preview market mover events for the week ahead, including Nvidia and another inflation reading. Are overall AI revenue expectations overblown and unrealistic? Also, the guys have follow-up thoughts about Jackson Hole and the rising risks to the labor market. And, what could make the Fed potentially wrong?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane believe Millennials are now at the consumer culture epicenter. Ernie Tedeschi, Director of Economics - Yale Budget Lab, joins the show to share his insight into tariffs impacts on the economy. Why did US tourism fail to slump like so many expected. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat QXO and Brad Jacobs.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Jerome Powell's speech at Jackson Hole and highlight key sections that point towards a possible September rate cut. Markets soar off Powell's comments. The big retailers are thriving in the tariff economy. Nvidia asks suppliers to half production of H20 chips. How to maximize your Roth IRA. Chili's pays staff big bonuses after record sales.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss which entity is more important to the stock market, the Fed of Nvidia. America's housing crisis is a job for congress. Some retirees are too frugal. CME teams with Fanduel to launch betting on financial markets. Landline phones are making a comeback, thanks to kids.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane chat Walmart slumping after rare profit miss, cites higher claims as culprit. the EU and US lay out next steps on tariffs to rebalance trade ties. Fed minutes reveal broad support for holding rates steady. Powell's big gamble in final Jackson Hole speech. Boston landlords are frustrating with the local government over valuations. Chipotle teams up with Zipline for drone burrito delivery.
This week, Todd Lutsky discusses the multiple options you have when deciding on an irrevocable trust and how irrevocable life insurance trusts work.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss how the Fed should deal with US stagflation risks. Lowe's beats on quarterly earnings and buys home pros business for $8.8B. Newbie investors are taking more risks than experienced ones. Why the Russell 2000 has a real chance to beat the S&P 500 - finally. Chipotle aims news rewards programs at college students.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss a big pullback in stocks that many expected has yet to arrive. Target shares tumble after retailer names new CEO to steer turnaround. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains how an irrevocable life insurance trusts work.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the under-the-radar number that's a huge red flag for America's job market. Sarah Foster, Bankrate.com, joins the show to share the latest wage vs inflation index numbers. What is causing the casual-dinning boom?Is a prediction market just a gambling workaround? Big business came prepared for this White House.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane dive into Home Depot's earnings that missed revenue but showed improvement in a key area. Home builders boost sales incentives to 5-year high as they struggle to sell newly built homes. We should the government invest in Intel over other chip manufacturers? Economic data has taken a dark turn. That doesn’t mean a crash is near. S&P affirms U.S. credit rating as tariff revenue expected to plug fiscal leaks.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss why America can't shake off inflation. Walmart and rivals report earnings this week and we might see more tariff impacts. Inflation on new cars is a problem for US automakers. Why many suggest a hands-off investing approach. Americans 401(k)s are more tied to stocks than ever. Is the government right to limit your investment choices?
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti preview Jerome Powell's upcoming speech at Jackson Hole. Strong crop of earnings ease 'investors' economic concerns. Data zigzags make Powell's upcoming speech hard to predict. Housing market craters with 56% of homes selling below asking. Experts warn of a further fall. Americans pull back from an epic credit-card binge.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss potential Fed chair David Zervos backs aggressive interest rate cuts. What is ahead for the 10-year treasury rate after Fed rate cuts? The US is discussing taking a stake in Intel. SpaceX gets billions from the government. It gives nothing back in taxes. The reason is obvious. Consumers are losing patience with $17 salads. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about Otis.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the July retail sales data that rose despite tariff uncertainty. Consumer sentiment falls as inflation expectations climb. Can anything save Target from becoming the next Macy's? Now we know who is paying for tariffs. Who? Goldman researchers warn of an unfriendly asymmetry.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the feelings of FOMO many are having during the recent stock market surge. Amazon launches same-day delivery of meat, eggs, and produce in more than 1,000 cities. What is a 'safe' savings withdrawal rate in retirement? Those who run AI chatbot companies are dangerous. Are parents really ditching minivans for e-bikes?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss jobless claims edging lower last week and wholesale prices surged. Is the data starting to show the impacts from tariffs? Blue states hunt for ways to wring more taxes from the wealthy. Big Pharma has a vision for selling drugs and it involves mattresses. Google faces loss of Chrome as Perplexity bid adds drama to looming break up decision.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss companies spending billions on AI without results to back up the spend yet. Social Security's COLA may be 2.7% in 2026. Trump has 11 names to replace Powell at the Fed. Americans are getting priced out of homeownership at record rates.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss bets on outsized Fed cut gains steam as CPI data backs doves. Is the Fed ok with inflation being at 3%? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains the best way to take advantage of tax exemptions, crypto in your estate plan, protect money in IRAs, and credit sherlter trusts.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti explain why the Fed could cut rates in September and it comes down to employment data. Trump to nominate BLS critic to lead the agency. The era of big raises for low-paid workers is over. Do Roth IRA conversions still make sense with the passage of the GOP tax bill? Trump's BLS nominee already making questionable comments about the agency's future.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the release of July's CPI data that came in less than expected and what that means for the Fed when they have to decide on interest rates in September. Tariff promises on both sides have been wildly overblown. Nvidia CEO buys his way out of the trade battle. China urges firms to avoid Nvidia's H20 chips. Trump softens stance on Intel CEO after demanding resignation. Elon Musk threatens to sue Apple over app store rankings.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss timing a new home purchase and why now might be a good time. Dot-com parallel leads to fear of what's next for this record-breaking stock market. When to ditch web search for deep research. Target has a frustrated workforce amidst the search for a new CEO.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Nvidia and AMD agreeing to pay 15% to the US on every chip they sell in China. What if China opts out of Nvidia chips? What are US automakers saying about Trump's changing EV policies? Small US businesses are getting slammed by tariffs. Is Walmart too big to fail?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the BLS not being able to be replaced by the private sector. Las Veags sees drop in tourism, hinting at broader economic woes facing the US. Summer concert season off to a booming start. Paul LaMonica, Barrons, joins the show to chat about Broadcom's fantastic start to the year and why they aren't included in the Magnificent Seven.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Nasdaq reaching new highs. Markets shrug off poor employment data. Trump's surprise pick buys him time on chair selection. What is the biggest economic threat to Trump? 'Stagflation is coming to the US' what does that mean for your dollars, bonds, and stocks?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss mega cap companies continuing to hold up markets are their backs. Luke Kawa, Sherwood News, joins the show to continue the conversation about mega cap dominance. Peloton posts surprise profit but announces 6% layoffs anyway. Draft Kings profit doubles ex[ectations as people are betting and losing more.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how markets continue to brush aside tariffs and potential tariff impacts, why? The auto industry takes a $12B hit from the trade war. Three Fed officials voice fresh concerns over the US labor market. Are you ready for private assets and crypto in your 401(k)? Youth is losing to experience in this labor market.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss credit card debt reaching a new record of $1.21T. Housing to remain the weakest part of the economy. McDonald's sales rebounds but something scary is beneath the numbers. Disney forecasts stronger streaming numbers and parks growth. Uber's rally loses steam even as bookings exceed expectations. Can Kohl's turn its Meme moment into something more?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Trump ramping up his tariff blitz on India, Pharma, and chips. The tariff effect: billions in revenue but no economic earthquake. AMD logs higher profit and sales yet stock drops over 7%. SMC tempers sales outlook as results disappoint. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
This week, Todd explains what a nominee realty trust is and how it benefits those who utilize it. Todd also takes calls from the audience about putting property in trusts.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump's decision to fire the BLS chief and how Wall Street views the move. Why does it matter that Trump fired the BLS chief? Is LA dooming itself if it enacts a $30 minimun wage? Selling Stocks in a Market Downturn Is a Big Mistake. 5 Strategies to ‘Panic Prudently.’ Is Musk the most important CEO in the world?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti tariff impacts showing up in earnings reports. Is there a case against a September rate cut? The EU continues to look for a tariff exemption on wines and spirits. Is Trump's tax bill actually helping blue states more than red?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane preview the important earnings reports this week that could potentially answer some crucial questions for the direction of economic sectors. Rebecca Risk, Robert Half, joins the show to chat about worker mobility trends. Millennials are richer but can't stop worrying. Apple's CEO tells employees that AI is 'ours to grab.' Is buy-now pay-later just a new debt tool for a younger generation? Delta is getting blowback for latest pricing strategy.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss recent economic data releases are pointing to a slowing US economy. What are the ramifications of Trump firing the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics? Trump is set to name a new Fed Governor. The stock market got a sobering reality check. Berkshire Hathaway operating earnings dip 4% as conglomerate braces for tariff impact.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong recap the market sell-off and are joined by CNBC's Michael Santoli to run through his takeaways and insight from the busiest week of the year. Plus, why did Amazon's stock take such a big hit following its earnings report? Apple saw its devices sales jump due to consumers wanting to get ahead of potential price increases. And, Paul LaMonica of Barron's discusses recent IPO Figma.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to today's market sell-off, driven by Thursday's late tariff announcement from President Trump on several countries to begin on August 7. And, could courts overturn Trump's tariffs? Plus, the July jobs report disappointed, leading to a tumble in treasury yields. Is the economy starting to see more signs of trouble under the hood?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong recap an interesting press conference from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell at the conclusion of the central bank's meeting, which ultiamtely kept rates steady. Why did two Fed governors dissent and back an interest rate cut? And what does that mean for the rest of Powell's term? Plus, Ford is seeing pain from tariffs. Starbucks eliminates mobile-order only stores to get back to its roots. China's warning to the US and Nviida. And could autonomus trucking lead to massive job loss down the line?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong take a deep dive into the impressive second quarter earnings from Meta and Microsoft, led by their AI initiatives. Why does AI continue to push markets higher? And is AI also helping boost the economy? Should the Magnificent 7 stocks be revised? Plus, a preview of more tech earnings from Apple and Amazon.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss what the Federal Reserve actually does, why dissent matters, and how it will determine the rate cut decision. Companies from A-Z are starting to complain that tariffs will cost them millions. Why stimulus checks to pay for tariffs is a bad idea. Joseph Yoon, Edmunds, joins the show to chat about car loans crushing buyers. Buying crypto with your credit card is a terrible idea.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti dive into the Q2 GDP data that showed a nice surprise even as Trump's tariffs hit. With a strong GDP does that mean the economy is doing better than expected? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week Todd shares the first step to take if you failed to plan for medicaid till the last minute.
This week, Todd Lustky explains the first steps when planning for last minute nursing home care. Todd also explains why trusts are often too complicated, the value of putting vehicles in a trust, and why you want more than just a will.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump's fragile trade deals. Inflation vs Unemployment. Which do Americans fear more? Even top earners are falling behind on credit card and car loan payments. Soaring energy costs related to the AI boom are becoming concerning.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down the numbers in the latest JOLTS report. A divided Fed eyes future rate cuts but not likely this week. Companies are starting to complain about consumer stress levels. Trump is winning his trade war.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the latest bragging point for CEOs is shrinking their companies headcounts. Inflation is outpacing wage growth for nearly half of Americans. Americans view their 401(k) as more than just a nest egg. ‘Quishing’ scams dupe millions of Americans as cybercriminals turn the QR code bad.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong preview a very busy week for economic data. Is the US-EU trade deal the least bad outcome? How long can the US economy defy expectations? The Fed hasn't been this divided in 30 years. Are things really changing for the better at Boeing under the new CEO?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss airlines not named Delta or United are having a very difficult year. Airbnb is looking to redefince travel again. McDonald's has lost its way when it comes to value. Can the golden arches recapture value focused customers? What will it take for robotaxis to go global?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the S&P500 and Nasdaq Composite hitting new record highs. Trump says he won't fire Powell despite bout of bickering over renovation costs. Intel to layoff 15% of workers and cancel billions in projects in bid for rebound. Wall Street is challenging the low cost investing revolution. Microsoft CEO says job cuts have been weighing on him.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss home prices hitting a new record in June, dragging down sales. Ted Rossman, Bankrate, joins the show to share the results of a recent back-to-school shopping survey. Trump to tour Federal Reserve, ramping up pressure on Powell. What most Americans get wrong about Social Security. Thousands of workers feel reduced burnout after four day work week trial.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump's new trade standard taking shape with 15% tariff deal. Tesla braces for 'rough' quarters as US ends incentives. Google revenue soars on AI boom. Nvidia and AMD CEOs rally behind Trump's AI 'action plan.'
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the magnificent seven companies needing to answer certain questions in their earnings reports. Markets are again abuzz about Meme stocks. Full return to office now required for majority of Fortune 100 desk workers. AI demand drives record electricity supply costs in largest US markets. The billion dollar question looming over college sports.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the US and Japan reaching a trade deal. EU readies no-deal plan to match US's 30% tariff. What should the tariffs rates be? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains how to protect retirement accounts from long-term care.
This week on Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky explains how to protect retirement accounts from long-term care, moving brokerages accounts into a trust, and trust planning vs long-term care insurance.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why stocks are up and why it is such a mystery right now. Corporate America keeps calling consumers 'resilient.' Consumers beg to differ. Banks hate 'buy now, pay later' and may penalize its users. Meme stock frenzy is back. Alphabet earnings optimism outweighs looming anti trust risks. California's $20 minimum wage at fast-food chains has hit employment.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss GM's profit falling as Trump tariffs add $1.1B in costs. Coca-Cola beats estimates but feels slightly meh. Bessent says review of Feds building renovations is needed. BlackRock restricts use of company devices for China travel. Does Europe have a secret weapon to use in negotiations with Trump? Canada's boycott of US liquor hits domestic alcohol sales.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Bessent making the case to Trump against firing Fed Chair Powell. Is the US riskier than emerging markets? Social Security needs a fix more than ever after the big bill. Could the Big Beautiful Bill prove to be contractionary? After pledging to keep prices low, Amazon hiked them on hundreds of essentials. Will 'smart' restrooms fix America's public bathroom crisis?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the busy week for earnings that started off with the ever reliable Verizon. Is the US economy regaining its swagger? How the Fed has learned from previous mistakes. Europe prepares for a US trade fight. What does a late career layoff look like in America? Wall Street want to make private markets a little more public.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss American Express expenses grow amid investments to keep customers spending. Where are Walmart prices are changing — and staying the same — as Trump’s tariffs hit? Carmakers face uncertainty as tariffs and earnings collide. GE Aerospace investors are unsure of the potential.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss housing starts gain but still lag from last year. Consumer sentiment rises in July despite Trump's latest tariff threats. Upbeat earnings send S&P and Nasdaq to new highs. Why does Netflix keep dominating the streaming space? Trump set to open US retirement market to crypto investments.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss pump prices not being the problem, plug prices are. Tough job market got college grads is worrying for the economy. Why the Fed keeps holding rates steady while waiting to see on tariffs. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about Tesla and JPMorgan still short.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Fed building renovation at the heart of Trump's efforts to oust Powell. Bank CEOs are coming out fighting for Fed independence. US jobless claims fell last week. Retail sales came in strong in June but could be hiding something important. The bond market won't let America be irresponsible forever.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss big bank earnings, with the exception of Wells Fargo, keep coming in solid. Tripp Mickle, New York Times, joins the show to chat about Nvidia's staggering growth and future prospects. White House officials believe Trump will fire Jerome Powell soon. How will markets react?
This week, Todd Lutsky explains how to ensure your property is protected when detirmining medicaid eligibility. Todd also shares his insight on selling rental property in a trust, swapping properties in a trust, and purchasing a home with cash.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the released PPI report that came in mostly as expected but some areas are showing signs of impacts from tariffs. Despite dire warnings, the economy is holding up. Can it last? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggesting Powell should leave Fed board in May. Starbucks tells white-collar workers to come to the office more. Jeff Ostrowski, Bankrate, joins the show to chat about a recent homebuyers/homesellers survey. Why have US stocks and bonds had 'healthy' returns this year despite Trump's tariff threats? Is the job market really that bad for Gen Z?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the CPI report that came in slightly higher than expected. Why is inflation data still not showing an impact from tariffs? Big banks report earnings with mixed results. How did JPMorgan escape the bad news but Wells Fargo didn't? Nvidia can sell AI chips to China again after CEO meets with Trump. America's biggest rare-earth producer makes a play to end China's dominance.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the ongoing feud between President Trump and Fed Chair Powell and why this situation matters to everyone. Plunging dollar leaves American travelers with less buying power this summer. Are parents ready to keep the bank of Mom and Dad open? Why Costco is becoming Americas go to store.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the major economic data points coming this week, including bank earnings, CPI, and retail sales. What do we want to hear from the major banks? Trump threatens 30% tariff on EU and Mexico. Tariffs on copper are sending manufacturers scrambling. How to know when you should start to pull cash from retirement savings.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the Nasdaq showing signs of mirroring the 90's but could it avoid the same bubble?Jamie Dimon has a blunt message for Europe: ‘You’re losing’. Ford breaks another record, this time it isn't a good one. Nintendo's use of rare-earth materials could it expose it to the whims of China. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about copper pricing.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump threatening some Canadian goods with a 35% tariff. Vietnam is surprised by Trump's tariff decision. A key piece of the next consumer-price report risks upsetting the bond market. The White House just took its most aggressive stance yet against Jerome Powell. Will tariffs impact Q2 earnings? Goldman Sachs is piloting its first autonomous coder in major AI milestone for Wall Street.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss inflation eating away at the labor market because gains might just be a mirage. Ted Rossman, Bankrate, joins the show to share the results of a recent side hustle survey. How Volkswagen's electric bus went from American flagship to flop. Tech platforms are struggling to indentify AI generated pictures.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump's 50% tariff on Brazil might actually be a shot at China. Trump says 50% levy on copper imports to take effect August 1st. Fresh tariff games are leaving small businesses dazed. Fed says most policymakers see risks tariffs will cause persistent infaltion.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss two Kevins battling to be the next Fed Chair. Home sellers have gotten tired of cutting prices. Many are yanking their houses of the market. Americans are eating cheaper. What does that mean for the economy? Why carmakers need to bring back buttons. Trump sends more letters dictating high tariff rates around the world.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump proclaiming there will no more extensions for tariffs and threatens hightened tariffs on copper and pharma. Short-term inflation expectations tick down while household financial expectations improve. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his insight on determining medicaid eligibility.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains the process and qualifications to determine medicaid eligibility, when to get the clock started, changes coming to medicaid, and state-to-state differences.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss markets not taking Trump's tariff threats seriously anymore. 'Big beautiful bill' may help some seniors on Social Security. But it doesn't eliminate taxes on benefits. Bad policy keeps getting in the way of economic progress. Which workers will AI hurt the most? Amazon turns prime day into prime week.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump's new tariff threats set off a global scramble to avoid tariffs. What if this time really is different for investors? The Trump administration wants lower rates but is going about it the wrong way.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump sets August 1st as the tariff start date. Want to know where the economy is heading? Don't trust those who have the answers. Why some see the dollar's drop as a sign America is losing its financial might. Late-career job losses are blurring what retirement looks like. Homeowners who gambled on lower rates are paying the price. Elon Musk is running out of road in China.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti explain how Trump's megabill will and won't change your taxes. How does the megabill impact the deficit? Trump faces crucial week for reaching trade deals. The job market is humming? Is this as good as it gets?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss markets getting an unexpected boost from the monthly jobs report. Why the dollars value has declined by 10% this year. CEOs start saying the quiet part out loud: AI will wipe out jobs. What is in your 401(k)? Why you really should know. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about Robinhood.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the monthy jobs report that came in much better than expected and send markets higher to start the day. Why is the labor force shrinking? Markets are breathing a sigh of relief. Trump megabill back in the hands of the House. Trump's Vietnam deal shows China tariffs won't fall much further. Tesla's global vehicle deliveries plunged in the second quarter.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti preview tomorrow's jobs report. Joseph Yoon, Edmunds Consumer Analyst, joins the show to discuss the car market pushing Americans to the limit. Hertz customers outraged over AI-powered scanner that detects small marks, charges hundreds — including $440 for one-inch scuff. Trump announces Vietnam trade deal, 20% tariff on its imports to U.S. Trump said trade deals would come easy. Japan is proving him wrong. Lululemon sues Costco over alleged knockoff activewear.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss traders rotating big-to-small to start the second half of the year. What the Senate Republican tax-and-spending bill means for your money. Powell confirms his position on tariffs delaying rate cuts.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss how debt is influencing how job seekers are searching for new positions. Corey Adams, Robert Half, joins the show to chat about the hiring slowdown. Do earnings need to justify how expensive stocks are? The dollar is off the its worst start since 1973. Amazon is nearly at the point of having more robots than employees.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss how markets kept calm through all the noise in the first half of the year. What are some of the concerns for the second half of the year. How is Trump's megabill helping the wealthy and hurting the everday American? US job openings unexpectedly rise in May, hiring falls. Powell confirms that the Fed would have cut by now were it not for tariffs. Homes are taking longer to sell in once hot markets.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss a shrinking housing could mean upheavel for buyers. Are summer jobs for teens fading away? Why are those in the 10% of earners still not feeling rich? Can a baby bonus really make Americans have more kids? Is Gen Z actually proving to be good at saving for retirement already?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discussRepublicans fight it out on Trump’s tax megabill. Economists still don’t like Trump’s tax bill. How the tax bill gets passed is more important than the bill itself. Canada drops digital tax that infuriated Trump to restart trade talks. Fed versus Trump on tariffs impact will soon be put to the test.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Fed driven bond rally stalling. Greg McBride, Bankrate Chief Financial Analyst, joins the show to chat about American recognizing but unable to act upon poor emergency savings. Student loan borrowers face ‘default cliff’ as late payments climb, report finds. Ted Cruz has a solution to fix the Fed. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, stops by to talk about Constellation Brands.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss May PCE inflation data coming in higher than expected. The US and China reach a trade deal but questions still remain. Is Nike starting to correct course? Why investors should be cautious of buy-the-dip strategies.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss why presidents shouldn't interfere with the Fed and push for lower rates. How vibes became a nearly undefeated economic indicator. BlackRock deepens push into private investments for the masses. SPACs are back. What could go wrong this time? Fears over US debt load and inflation ignite exodus from long-term bonds.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the recent revision to GDP data coming in lower as consumer spending wanes. Jobless claims coming in lower than expected but unemployment rolls swell. Trump considers naming next Fed Chair early in bid to undermine Powell. College graduates face toughest job market in more than a decade as hiring slows. China is still choking exports of rare earths despite pact with U.S..
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the S&P 500 nearing a new record high but trouble could be brewing under the surface. More Americans tap 401(k)s for emergencies according to Vanguard.
Student loan delinquencies hit record as late payments pile up. A shrinking housing market means upheaval for buyers. Tesla’s EU sales slumped in May despite EV market growth. BP shares jump 8% on report it is in early-stage talks to be acquired by Shell.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss Powell remaining steadfast in his wait-and-see approach to cutting rates. Is this time different for the economy? Bond investors remain hopeful despite deficits. Trump sends out a warning to the GOP on megabill. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains the process and benefits of putting your assets, including your property, into an irrevocable medicaid trust. Todd also explains the process of selling property in a trust.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Trump putting Jerome Powell in a lose-lose scenario. Businesses face rising inflation due to tariffs. Will consumers get hit next? Annemarie Conte, Writer - Wirecutter, joins the show to chat about where companies are rising prices due to tariffs and why frontrunning prices has been a bad idea. Compass sues to stop Zillow ban. Gen Z has many reasons why they are financially illiterate.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the latest truce agreement between Israel and Iran after Trump lashes out at both sides. Powell remains steadfast in fight against ongoing inflation. US oil frackers make the correct call. An unsteady economy hasn’t shaken retail investors’ optimism about the stock market. Home sales rose in May but remain sluggish.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane wonder if ordinary investors are starting to sour on Big Tech. Mark Zuckerberg leads AI recruitment blitz armed with $100M pay packages. 401(k)s weren't built for the Gen Z economy. How high costs are ending America's love affair with cars. Will stablecoins dramatically impact the credit card business?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane explain why it isn't too surprising that markets are not dropping and infact are rising after a weekend of conflict in the Middle East. Oil markets are worried about a potential closure of the Straight of Hormuz. Fed Governor calls for rate cut as soon as July. Don't be fooled by treasury yields. Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' gets slimmed down in the Senate. Buy Now, Pay Later will starting impacting your credit score.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the US preparing action to target allies chip plants in China. Social Security's finances erode further, risking benefits cuts. Auto tariffs could raise the price of vehicles up by nealy $2,000 per. Waymo wants to bring its Robotaxis to New York City. Rice prices skyrocket in May. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about Capital One and the rising fees on credit cards.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Fed seeing higher inflation and slower growth ahead. While the Fed holds rates steady, Credit Card ARPs are still rising, why? What are stablecoins and why is congress pushing the Genius Act? US tariff spike hits China's small parcels. Masa Son pitches $1T US AI hub to TSMC and Trump.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the S&P 500 nearing a record. The biggest companies across America are cutting workforces. What are 'stupid' earnings reports and why are companies using them? Americans are passing by restaurants at levels similar to 2023. U.S. Steel ceases trading on the NYSE as Japan’s Nippon finalizes takeover.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the possible next phase of the Israel-Iran conflict and how the oil market is in a difficult position. The Fed is in a tricky spot managing rate cuts and expectations from Trump. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his expertise on irrevocable trusts.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains how an irrevocable trust protects your money from nursing homes, are there any changes coming in the new tax bill, how often a trust should be reviewed, and the downsides of irrevocable trusts.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss young college graduates are facing an employment crisis. Mark Hamrick, Bankate, joins the show to share the results from a recent personal finance survey that looked at how tariffs are impacting them. How to draw down your retirement savings when the markets are gyrating. Credit scores for millions of student loan borrowers cratered. How the $1,000 'Trump accounts' would compare to other savings plans.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss May retail sales dropping more than expected. Trump plays down Iran-Israel truce as he leaves G-7 early. Why the Fed isn't cutting rates despite cool inflation. What does the Federal Reserve actually do? Senate trims SALT, cuts more Medicaid in proposed changes to Trump megabill.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the confusion surround price increases and where the blame really lies. Joanna Stavins, Economist and Policy Advisor for the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, joins the show to chat about credit card delinquencies. New real estate math: half a million more sellers than buyers. A family of four needs how much money to live comfortably?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran and how the energy sector is under focus. Are supply chains in danger of cracking again? The Fed on hold leaves Wall Street asking what it will take to cut interest rates. Red vs Blue is dividing stock portfolios like never before. Nations head to the G-7 hoping to reach trade deals with Trump.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss where the inflation is from tariffs and why ecnomists are saying to just wait. The South is beating inflation, but not housing. Why is there an unexpected surge in people claiming Social Security? You electric bill is rising faster than inflation. Walmart and Amazon are exploring issuing their own stablecoins.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss stocks retreating as havens rally after Iran strike. US crude oil jumps more than 8% on the heelds of Israeli strikes. Consumer sentiment reading rebounds to much higher level than expected. The case for rate cuts is growing.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss a‘shadow’ Fed chair could be coming. Who it could be and how markets might react? Mark Spindel, author of The Myth of Independence: How Congress Governs the Federal Reserve, joins the show to chat about the Fed's independence. Are bond vigilantes taking a nap? Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to talk about Chime's IPO.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the PPI report that showed an increase less than forecasted. Why has inflation come down over the past two years? Luck? Can the Fed claim victory over inflation now? Yes, but they shouldn't. The number of Americans filing for jobless claims last week remains at the highest level in 8 months. Trump says again he’ll set unilateral tariffs in two weeks. Supply chains become new battleground in the global trade war. Boeing crash in India likely killed all 242 on board, authorities say.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the idea that Scott Bessent could be next in line to replace Jerome Powell as the head of the Federal Reserve. Entry-level worker confidence is lower than ever. Why younger Americans trust stocks and bonds over homes to build wealth. Is the US ready to go nuclear?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the latest CPI report that showed inflation rises less than expected. Is the threat of run away inflation over? US and China officials agree on plan that awaits approval from Xi and Trump. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his insight into estate planning.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains how an irrevocable trust protects your assets from nursing homes and why it might be the best estate planning path for you.
Mike Armstrong and Paul LAne discuss Apple’s AI takes a back seat to design, iPad revamp at WWDC event. Zuckerberg is personally recruiting new ‘Superintelligence’ AI team at Meta. News sites are getting crushed by Google’s new AI tools. The canned-food aisle Is getting squeezed by rising steel tariffs. Shoppers are wary of digital shelf labels, but a study found they don’t lead to price surges.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss U.S. and China try to undo devastating trade curbs. Inflation expectations declined across all horizons, NY Fed says. Lawmakers traded stocks heavily as Trump rolled out ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs. Moody’s sounds alarm on private funds for individuals. A college degree is no longer a risk-free investment.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the landmark House vs NCAA settlement approved by a judge, allowing college to pay athletes. How will this impact college sports? Forgotten 401(k) account fees can cost workers thousands in lost retirement savings. Get ready for inflation to matter in markets again. Movie props are hitting the auction blocks.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the US and China resuming trade talks with the focus on rare earth materials. Is the US economy headed toward an uncomfortable summer? Republicans and economists are at odds over whether the megabill will spur a growth boom. Will America's unblanaced trade doom the dollar?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss college grads having an extremely difficult time finding work in this job market. Michael Santoli joins the show to chat about the jobs report, the Fed's possible response, and Trump vs Musk. Millennials need to stop complaining about recessions. Paul LaMonica stops by to talk about Circle's IPO.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the strong monthly jobs report and the hidden signs of weakness. Trump presses Powell for a full-point interest rate cut despite strong jobs report. Can we trust a jobs report from the Trump administration? Yes. The day that Trump and Musk torched their partnership. You want income in retirement, but soaring bond yields can be risky. What should you do?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss big investors shifting away from US markets. Americans are finally saving almost what they're supposed to for retirement. 3 mistakes to avoid when investing for retirement. How airline fees have turned baggage into billions. Ted Rossman, Bankrate, joins the show to share the results from a recent tipping survey.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the recent labor market data releases and if they are showing signs of weakness. Tomorrow's jobs report might put the Fed in an ever trickier position. Economists raise questions about the quality of US inflation data. Procter and Gamble to cut 7,000 jobs. America's summer hot spots wonder if the tourists will show up this year.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss global investors have a new reason to pull back from US debt. Stocks keep ignoring all the bad news. They can't ignore this big test. House SALT deal will to change, Senate leader says. Many young people are clueless about money. Older folks aren't much better. Americans are finally saving enough for retirement.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump saying China's Xi is 'extremely hard to make a deal with' and why that matters. How can the US resolve its trade deficits? Automakers race to find a workaround to China's stranglehold on rare-earth magnets. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week Todd explores irrevocable medicaid trusts.
This week, Todd Lutsky shares his insight into the power of irrevocable medicaid trusts, how much control you give up, how to qualify, and if states can challenge the trust.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss consumers financing groceries and what that says about the economy. Private credit could 'amplify' the next financial crisis. What is Google just broke itself up? Nuclear power giant's stock surges on 20-year deal with Meta. Walmart is supercharging revenue but with fewer workers.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss economists believe Trump tariffs are hurting the US and global economy. US job openings rose to 7.4M in April. China's new trade negotiator is ready to play hardball. Trump's tax bill heads to the Senate. Bond viglantes are waiting. Americans are 'revenge saving' after years of splurging. Disney is set to lay off hundreds.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why the stock market continues to hold up in the face of uncertain trade policy. Why Nvidia can't just quit China. Why retirees need to tune out the noise when filing for Social Security. Child tax credit debate could get' really interesting' as the Senate weighs Trump's mega-bill. Its summer vacation time. Tourists are saying NO to America. Can Gen Z save chain restaurants?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the recently released ISM data that dipped further for the month. Is there a major problem on the horizon in the labor market? China hits back against Trump claims that it broke trade truce. US dependence on China for rare earth magnets is causing shortages. Bessent says US will never default as Congress faces endgame. The Federal Reserve's demanding next months.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong want people to stop making up words to replace already commonly used ones. Are side hustles taking up too much time for workers? Lower income Americans are having a difficult time in the current economic conditions. Zuckerberg is trying everything he can to make Meta a thing. Non-alcoholic beer projected to overtake ale as the second-largest beer category worldwide this year.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss economists cautiously cheering the court ruling striking down tariffs but then an appeals court says not so fast. Trade talks between the US and China stall again. US core PCE inflation softens to 2.5% in April as forecast. Are wealthy Americans in for a shock in the GOP tax bill?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss jobless claims jump to 5-week high — but not because layoffs in the U.S. are rising. Elon Musk steps down from Trump administration. How can retirees get over the guilt from spending their money? Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about Nvidia's strong earnings and how other chip makers are holding up. Are too many retirees focusing on the wrong thing?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss a trade court shutting down Trump's tariffs. Trump still has some tariff cards to play. Who really benefits from the United and JetBlue partnership? Nvidia's business is booming despite being shut out of China. Is the fragile trade truce between China and the US about to get worse? The Fed forecasts stagflation.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Tim Cook and Apple's difficult first half of the year. What is the real benefit of being first in AI? US-yields continue to yo-yo. Why do we still care about Macy's earnings? Cheating with ChatGPT has become a huge problem for colleges.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Wall Street betting that the worst of the trade war is already behind us. Are tariffs already creeping into the economy? Waiting on Nvidia is the hardest part. Americans are urging businesses to take AI slow and get it right first. Home building and sales continue to slump. Used-cars are getting very expensive again.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the upcoming Fed rate decision that is likely to remain the same. Consumer confidence for May was much stronger than expected on optimism for trade deals. The silver tsunami is keeping the economy afloat. What to do if you feel like you have too much money in one stock. How will the student-loan crisis show up in the economy? Are you ready to have your doctor consult with AI?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the decision by President Trump to delay the deadline for tariffs on the EU. Why is negotiating with the EU so difficult? How a growing US deficit could impact American households. Earnings season is coming to a close after surprisingly good results. Tesla is getting its butt kicked in Europe.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the markets reaction to the latest threat of tariffs from Trump. Dan Griggs, OceanFirst Bank Regional President, shares his insight into how the summer travel season is setting up for New England. Gas and electric bills in Massachusetts just keep going up. The Supreme Court lets Trump fire agency officials, but moves to protec the Fed. The penny is almost no longer. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about IBM's resurgence as an AI trade.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump threatening Apple with tariffs if the company fails to bring production back to the US. Is the stock market ready to ignore Trump's policy swings? Are investors shying sway from the bond market because of Trump? Tesla has a big CyberTruck problem on its hands. How does the GOP tax bill impact your deductions? Is sports betting getting out of control in the US?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong give their thoughts on news of OpenAI's Sam Altman linking up with former Apple diesigner Jony Ive to develop a new, secretive AI product that reportedly doesn't have a screen. So what could it actually be? Speaking of Apple, where do they currently stand in pursuit of strengthening their AI? Also, how do you know if a Roth conversion is right for you? Plus, more on the desperate need for more housing in this country and how to accomplish it.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dissect yesterday's market sell-off, driven by climbing treasury yields over concerns of the deficit. Why are bond investors worried about the outcome of the tax bill? Plus, news from more retailers including Nike's return to Amazon, and if they will hike prices due to tariffs. Plus, more on the oil market and how different New England is from an energy perspective compared to other parts of the country.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Google taking aim at AI firms challenging its AI dominance. Home sellers are dropping prices, but buyers aren't budging. Nvidia chief Jensen Huang condemns US chip curbs on China as 'a failure'. Toyota redesigns America's top-selling RAV4 to exclusively be a hybrid. CVS offers bonuses and pizza parties as perks to boost vaccine sales.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss bond investors raising concerns over Trump's 'big, beautiful' tax bill. Is Target in danger of becoming the latest big box store to fade away? Lowe's sales beat expectations, bucking volatility from tariffs. Todd Lutsky joins the show to chat about planning your estate even if you don't think you have enough.
Todd Lutsky explains why an estate doesn't need to be extensive in order to plan to leave assets to beneficiaries. Todd also takes calls from the audience about gifting assets, deciding when you have enough to retire, avoiding capital gains tax.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the next great job churn is already underway. Fed officials signal rates likely to stay on hold until at least September. A feared tsunami of cargo from China looks more like a swell. Used-car buyers are being charged an average of $640 in surprise fees. Elon Musk announces a step back from politics.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss America's fiscal situation threatening the good mood on Wall Street. Will Trump's tariff climbdown save the US from recession? Home Depot plans to keep prices steady despite tariffs. Trump's 'big, beautiful' tax bill heightens concerns over US debt. Trump wants to fulfill his 'no tax on tips' promise.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Americans travel plans are more lowkey than in years past, as Europe gets passed over in favor of road trips. Are big oil companies prepared for a prolonged market downturn? Why are so many retirees filing for Social Security earlier? GM is pushing hard to tank California's EV mandate. Some student loan borrowers see credit scores plummet by over 100 points.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss treasuries and the dollar falling on the news that Moody's downgrades US debt. Bessent calls Moody's as a 'lagging indicator' of US fiscal health. The GOP tax plan doesn't address cutting the deficit. Trump attacks Walmart for tariff-related price increases. Why are we as a country trying to spend our way out of debt?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstong chat with Jenny Tang, VP and Economist Boston Federal Reserve Bank, about how the Fed approaches researching and creating models on inflation, how important consumer expectations are, and the balance between large and small businesses. Gen X's biggest retirement worry isn't money. Travelers are trying their hardest to avoid Newark. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about Coinbase's wild week.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the housing market has been strange and ugly to start the year. Consumer sentiment falls in May as Americans’ inflation expectations jump after tariffs. Walmart's price hikes op the door for every other company. Nvidia has gone on a wild ride this year. Is the storm over? Meta is delaying the release of its flagship AI model. Can we just go back to it being HBO again?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Jerome Powell cautioning about higher long-term rates as 'supply shocks' provide policy challenges. Is it too late to save the US economy? Does it need saving? Netflix says Ad tier has more than 94M users. Trump says India offered to remove all tariffs on US goods. Ted Rossman, Bankrate, joins the show to chat about the household debt and credit report.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Walmart's earnings coming in better than expected but warn customers that price increases are coming. How much pricing power do US companies actually have? Walmart is preparing to welcome its next customer: AI shopping agents. UnitedHealth Group is under criminal investigation for possible Medicare fraud. Why are so many couples having pets instead of children?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss how the China trade deal doesn't solve the Fed's problems. What does the future of SALT look like? Does the buying the dip still work? Warner Bros. Discovery is finally reversing a stupid decision. Why are housing prices not coming down in Massachusetts?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the stock market's recent boomerang has investors in a bind. Inflation worries are creeping into the labor market. Small businesses are hurting and slowing down in key areas. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains why you should check in with your estate planning attornery from time to time, making sure your trust is funded, probate being public record, and what some of the factors that you need to know when deciding on an estate plan.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss President Trump's plan to cut drug prices and what could be in the way of his goal. Foreign tourists staying away from the US could cost the country $12.5B this year alone. Some indexes are back in positive territory for the year. Doctors warn accountants of private-equity drain on quality. Fox and ESPN set to launch new streaming services.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the annual inflation rate hitting 2.3% in April, the lowest level since 2021. Tariff receipts topped $16B in April, a record that helped cut the budget deficit. GOP tax plan boosts SALT deduction, ends green energy breaks. Microsoft announces a 3% headcount cut. Robotaxi company Waymo is scouting Boston.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how the thinking behind fixing inflation needs new ideas. Summer of travel for Americans? Not so much. The spring home sales season is shaping up to be a dud. The rest of the year isn't looking good for retail-property market. Elizabeth Holmes's partner has a new blood-testing start-up.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the surprise US-China trade deal giving the global economy a reprieve. US retailers are facing post-tariff spending disorder. How will US-China deal impact deals with other countries. How to think about the stock market when earnings guidance becomes meaningless. Apple considers raising iPhone prices, without blaming tariffs.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss...
A change to real estate commissions was supposed to transform the housing market. That hasn’t happened.
Boy Accidentally Orders 70,000 Lollipops on Amazon. Panic Ensues.
Expedia Shares Fall After Weak Demand Trends Hurt Results.
Air-Traffic Control Overhaul Needs Billions in Upfront Investment, Transportation Secretary Says.
Paul LaMonica, Barron's, chats about Deckers Outdoor.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss...
Trump Team Seeks Tariff Cuts, Rare Earths Relief in China Talks
With U.K. Deal, U.S. Signals That 10% Tariff on World Is New Baseline
Key S&P 500 Model Turns Bearish for First Time in Two Years
Why This Stock-Market Bounce Won’t Hold
Trump Brings Millionaire Tax Idea Back to Life
In 233 U.S. Cities, Even a Starter Home Costs $1 Million
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss recession warnings being everywhere except in the data. Trump is set to rescind global chip curbs and prep new AI restrictions. Is Apple finally breaking up with Google, for AI? Calling BS on Molson Coors for claiming sales are down because of tariff fears.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the US and UK reaching a trade deal and what we need to know about the deal. Are more trade deals coming with Europe? The fentanyl crisis provided an opening for the US and China to get back to the table. Why the Fed isn't ready to join other central banks in cutting rates.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss oil prices continuing to fall, and what that means for the economy. American made GM is not so American made. EV sales streak grinds to a halt. Why are high school juniors fielding job offers for over $70,000. US companies plot $500bn share buyback spree. How many AI friends do you have room for in your life?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the upcoming Fed meeting and Jerome Powell's speech, and what the Fed should do to avoid creating a mess. US and Chinese officials are set to resume trade talks with massive tariffs hanging over their heads. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains who can get away with bare minimum estate planning, why it is best to plan beyond a will to avoid probate, and if you need multiple trusts if you own property in one state but reside in another.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the Fed willing to risk being too-late on interest rate cuts. US shale output has peaked as prices fall. Buy American? No thanks, Europe says, as tariff backlash grows. Why is free trade beneficial to all involved?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how big tech has largely skirted trade war impacts. The Fed's upcoming meeting should give us much needed insight. Canada's Carney seeks new deal from talks with Trump. Chinese exporters undervalue cargo to skirt Trump tariffs. Goldman says bear market rallies are the norm.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the comments by one US CEO who says that an asteroid is coming to destroy America's businesses. Craig Fuller, CEO and Founder of FreightWaves, joins the show to chat about the impact of tariffs on US shipping, how rail and trucking could be impacted, and if the second half of the year can be salvaged. What your estate plan may be missing. It's the end of cheap flying as Americans tired of budget airlines.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss economic concerns are mounting, but the Fed isn't cutting rates proactively. Can Greg Abel lead Berkshire Hathaway into a new era without Buffett? Corporate America is leaving more jobs unfilled. A $1B tax bill is looming over Boston homeowners. Collections coming for millions of student-loan borrowers.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss economic hazards are piling up. Are they one-offs or something worse? Companies have begun announcing price increases due to tariffs. Warren Buffett's favorite valuation indicator is flashing signals. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about Berkshire Hathaway's performance this year and their upcoming shareholders meeting.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss U.S. payroll growth totals 177,000 in April, defying expectations. Will we see no Fed rate cuts till September? Are China and the US finally getting back to the trade table? Apple says most of its devices will be shipped from India and Vietnam. Amazon shares drop despite strong quarterly earnings.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss volatility on markets producing results we have never seen before. Forget GDP, it's the jobs report that matters. Gen Z's hole in the labor market could soon grow. McDonald's reports largest US same-store decline since 2020. Visa wants to give AI 'agents' your credit card.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss stocks ending April slightly down after historic swings. Price inceases are here. Are you ready? The number or Americans filing for jobless claims jumps. Microsoft flexes muscle in cloud, office, and windows as earnings jump. Facebook parent, Meta, posts $42B in sales and points to strong growth.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the old theory that investors can sell in May and go away and why that might not hold anymore. Should Amazon list the cost of tariffs as part of the price? Homebuyer mortgage demand drops further. What are we looking for from Microsoft's earnings? Does it still make sense to wait to claim Social Security?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the US economy shrinking 0.3% in the first quarter as Trump policy uncertainty weighed on businesses. Trade-war unease prompts wave of companies to yanks forecasts. Todd Lutsky joins the show to explain how long beneficiaries have to receive their inheritance.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains why the estate plan you choose impacts how and when your beneficiaries recieve benefits. What happens to an unfunded or underfunded trust? What is the timeline for receiving your inheritance?
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss Goldman Sachs CEO's comments about markets settling down after the recent chaos. While tariffs roil Wall Street, individual investors stay in stocks. ‘Core’ GDP is the signal among all the noise. Bessent sets July 4 tax bill goal as economic worries mount. A $5,000 baby bonus won’t raise birth rates. More Americans are financing groceries with buy now, pay later loans — and more are paying those bills late, survey says.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump softening the blow from automotive tariffs. Xi is trying to turn the world against the US. Retail giants can't continue to hold prices as tariffs loom around the corner. White House blasts Amazon over tariff cost report: ‘Hostile and political act’. JOLTS March job openings 7.192M vs 7.480M estimate. What to expect from Friday's jobs report.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the magnificent seven getting off to the worst start to the year since 2022 and what that means for markets. Americans are claiming Social Security early, fearful of its future. Will the Trump administration ease conditions enough for another baby boom? With the US resuming student loans, is college still worth it?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss this week's economic releases and which company's earnings report is the most important. Trump China tariffs set to unleash supply jolt on US economy. America Inc. slashes spending as tariff uncertainty swirls. Inflation fear is making some people spend more and others less. Massachusetts needs more affordable housing, lots of it.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Google's earnings power holds up in global turbulence. Apple aims to build most iPhones for US in India by end-2026. What the tomato teaches us about free trade. How Chili's won when America raged about fast-foot prices. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Coca-Cola's continued dominance. Gen Z workers are increasingly opting out of college in favor of the trades.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss China possibly exempting some US goods from tariffs as costs rise. Trump claims trade negotiations are ongoing, China refutes that claim. Who is lying? Are we about to be hit with a big problem due to tariffs? Corporate giants shred outlooks over tariff uncertainty. Home sales in March fell 5.9%, biggest drop since 2022.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Google setting the stage for megacap earnings as headwinds swirl. US labor market holds steady despite darkening coulds from tariffs. Google is forcing remote workers to return to the office with a hybrid schedule. Huge stock swings are the new normal for frazzled investors. Trump rejects the millionaires tax hike. Fertility rates continue to plunge in the US.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Trump softening his economic and trade stances in the midst of market turmoil. Why are so many companies pulling their guidance? CEOs are pushing back against Trump's tariff policies. China says the US should revoke unilateral tariffs and denies trade talks are ongoing. Chipotle is seeing a 'slowdown' in consumer spending as 2025 gets off to a rough start. Does the dollar have further to fall?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss how and why Trump decided not to persue firing Jerome Powell. Musk to refocus on Tesla after the company suffers its worst quarter in years. Joe Boschulte, Commissioner - USVI Department of Tourism, joins the show to chat about what is attracting visitors this summer. Five-minute EV charging is here, just not in the US.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss US Treasury secretary says trade war with China is not ‘sustainable’. Trump says he won't fire Jerome Powell. China is signaling an openess to trade with the US. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
Todd Lutsky explains why the how you leave assets to your beneficiaries is very important. What are some of the different paths for leaving assets? How to resolve a conflict between an executor and a beneficiary? What kind of fees are to be expected when setting up a trust? How can you use the proceeds from a house sale that is in a trust?
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss Tesla's earnings possibly offering some hope for the stock market. As the dollar falters, the world's central banks tread a tightrope. Vance calls for new era of US-India ties as trade talks advance. Gold hits $3,500, setting another record. Warren Buffett timed his Apple stock sale to perfection. Wide federal workforce may shrink by 1.2 million. Trumps millionaire tax would generate $400B in revenue.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss what is causing markets to swing back up today. Trump lays the groundwork to blame Powell for any downturn. Justice Department urges tough action to break Google's search dominance. US bound goods are stuck in tariff limbo. Trump hosts Walmart, Target, and Home Depot CEOs for tariff meeting.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss how the housing market has changed, from more homes, fewer buyers, and even price cuts. Millions of student loan borrowers are behind on payments. Will a Federal Judge break up Google? Why it is so difficult for robots to make your Nike sneakers. US thrift stores bank on windfall from Trump's tariffs.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the first shoclwaves of Trump's tariffs are about to hit the world economy. Tesla and Alphabet report this week. They'll set the tone for big tech earnings. Four reasons why the Fed will be patient on rates. Breakdown in US-China relations raises specter of new cold war. How China's Boeing ban threatens to backfire on its own plane maker.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the week that Google and Meta faced an antitrust reckoning. Meat is what's for dinner, again. Greg McBride, Bankrate, joins the show to share his insights into the housing affordability problem. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, stops by to chat about Disney turning the tide in the stream battle. Text scams are becoming a bigger problem.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the impacts of tariffs are already starting to appear in the hard data. Is a tidal wave coming straight for the US economy? Nintendo confirms pricing for Switch 2 after previously delays due to tariff uncertainty. What is Trump's latest move against China? Netflix posts record profits, can it be stopped?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss a recent survey that showed economists are expecting slower growth and see a recession as more likely. They were pessimistic a year ago, too, and were wrong. How can retirees protect their portfolio during the current uncertainty? Corey Adams from Robert Half joins the show to chat about companies adopting AI and how managers can get the best results from their teams. Congress is prioritizing tax breaks that most Americans can't claim. Tariffs make sour grapes for American winemakers.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the latest comments from Trump about the Fed and the future of Jerome Powell. Is there a certain price in the stock market that the Fed decides to step in? Is Trump going to try and fire Jerome Powell? Why the Dow is the worst stock index. Are the US and Japan closer to a tariff deal? Nvidia's CEO is set to meet with officials in Beijing. Judge finds Google holds illegal online ad tech monopolies.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti explain how a Supreme Court ruling could weaken Fed independence and shake markets. Why an independent Fed is essential. Boeing hit from all sides in Trumps trade war. US vehicle supply is falling amid tariff fear-buying. Homebuyers rush to riskier loans, as tariff turmoil pushes interest rates higher.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the March retail sales beat and consumers stocking up ahead of tariffs. How will Jerome Powell address tariffs, slowing growth, and higher inflation? Why is infaltion still so misunderstood? Nvidia and ASML warnings spur a global tech rout. China is open to talks if the US shows respect. Why did United Airlines issue dual guidance?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the posibility that the dollar could lose its status as a 'safe haven'? Why getting rare earth materials from outside of China is much harder than you think. More than 60% of CEOs expect a recession in the next 6 months as tariff turmoil grows, survey says. Is Social Security protection from volatility? How much money could the US lose out on if tourists stop coming?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss China halting Boeing Jet deliveries as trade war ramps up. Trump tariffs won’t lead supply chains back to U.S., companies will go low-tariff globe-hopping: CNBC survey. ‘It seems like no matter what happens, prices go up.’ Why is Boston’s spring housing market at a standstill? How are big bank earnings coming in? What is private equity?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why upcoming earnings reports are going to matter less than usual because all the focus is going to be on forward guidance. Weak dollar wishes are scary when granted. Goldman Sachs puts $4,000 gold on the agenda as hunt for haven grows. Your car insurance is likely to go up. Again. Hollywood is cranking out original movies. How are they doing at the box office?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump warning tariffs are coming for electronics after reprieve. Apple was on the brink of crisis before Trump's tariff concessions. How one shortage can disrupt the entire worldwide supply chain. The bond market's rout is bad news for the US economy. What actually is a recession? Ray Dalio is worried that something worse than a recession is coming.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the comments from JPMorgan CEO, Jaime Dimon, about the considerable turbulence the economy is facing. There have been some famous examples of strange recession indicators over the years. Stubbornly high mortgage rates might crush the spring home-buying season. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about Kenvue and what some analysts are saying about the company.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the latest escalation in the trade war between the US and China. Some retailers are getting crushed by tariffs on China, others are in great position. Consumer sentiment tumbles in April as inflation fears spike, University of Michigan survey shows. Why is the bond market far more important than the stock market right now? What does all this market chaos mean for the average American?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the spring housing market possibly being stuck in neutral. Trump tariffs on China now total 145%. Why does Trump want a weaker dollar? CEOs brace for recession even after tariff relief boosts stocks. What are the lessons investors can learn from this weeks craziness. Is Amazon trying to be too much for everyone?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong recap yesterday's wild ride for markets. How investors can strategize the next couple of months. US and China are headed for a 'monumental split'. Is Tim Cook working to get a tariff exemption for Apple? The dollar and bond markets ominous message to Trump. Why did the bond market spook the White House? Inflation eased in March but tariffs raise risk of higher prices.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump's tariffs putting Jerome Powell and the Fed in a no-win situation. Delta pulls outlook as Trump's trade war squeezes air travel. Walmart maintains sales forecast despite tariff pressure. Amazon cancels some inventory orders from China. US houses are shrinking as inflation pushes mcmansions out of reach. Microsoft holds on development of new data centers.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss China raising tariffs on US goods to 84% as trade rift worsens. Will China or the US backdown first? Bond markets retreat as US treasuries lead yield jump worldwide. Todd Lutsky joins the show to chat about some best practices for leaving assets to beneficiaries.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains how and why you could name a trust as a beneficiary on a retirement account. Todd also explains why leaving a house to multiple beneficiaries could lead to disaster. Todd takes a question from a listener about selling a home while in an assisted living facility.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why trying to time the market could lead to bigger problems. Republicans want to make the Trump cuts last forever. The importance of US debt as a safe haven. The Fed must resist repeating past mistakes. Buying the dip isn't as easy as it seems, but continuous investing is.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the current state of the stock market and wonder where it will go from here. China vows to 'fight to the end' on tariffs as it props up markets. What happens to the price of American goods if tariffs are removed? Many US companies plan to keep China ties. How companies could adjust under tariffs. Should I keep checking my portfolio during economic uncertainty?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong take a look at some of the ways tariffs could have been implemented without completely upending markets. Charlie Gasparino, Fox Business, joins the show to discuss the markets wild reaction to the ever-changing tariff news. Is the market turmoil going to delay many retirements? Is the current selloff similar to previous market events?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the wild swings markets are experiencing during this time of tariff uncertainty. Should you change your portfolio until there is resolution on tariffs? How does tariff enforcement work? What are some of the short term issues for the economy? Powell quietly made a hawkish pivot. TikTok deal back on the table?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss expensive stocks being very fragile right now. How will the Fed respond to the market drop? Will these tariffs actually help the trade deficit? How will income taxes change now that the tariffs are live? Is Jerome Powell in danger of being fired by Trump? Where will consumers go now? Paul LaMonica from Barron's joins the show to chat about the Newsmax IPO and the IPO market in general.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss China's retaliatory tariffs on the US. Unemployment rate increases to 4.2%. There is no mystery behind this market selloff. Why are we going away from the economic policies that made this country rich? How can you navigate the market downturn as a retiree?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent taking a shot at the magnificent seven companies? How will tariffs impact corporate margins? Are you prepared for a market selloff? What is the status of the tariffs directed at Canada and Mexico? Matt Gagnon, WGAN Morning Host and CEO of Maine Policy Institute, joins the show to explain why the response to the tariffs isn't surprising. What is stagflation?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the markets reaction to the sweeping tariffs imposed by Trump. Will manufacturing actually come back because of the tariffs? What is getting hit the hardest today by the tariffs? Which tariffs will likely go away in the near-future? Why does the administration want a weaker dollar? What are some of the goals for these tariffs?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss investors hoping Trump brings clarity on tariffs to stabilize markets. Republicans eye $25,000 SALT cap as Trump's tax cuts take shape. US families are packing generations under one roof to save money. Will ChatGPT upend the labor market? Corporate America hoards cash for tariffs over buying back stock. Amazon has thrown its hat in the right for TikTok.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump's tariff plan still being in limbo ahead of his rose garden event. What is Trump offers no clarity on tariff plans? Auto sales surged in anticipation of Trump's tariffs. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explores the various methods to leave assets to beneficiaries.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains the various methods of leaving assets to your beneficiaries. Todd takes questions for the audience about borrowing against your trust, leaving a home to a beneficiaries, and naming a beneficiary to your 401(k).
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the current state and outlook for American automakers. What are municipal bonds and what is their tax status? What CoreWeave stock’s trading means for the IPO market. How eliminating property taxes in Florida could affect the state's real estate market. If the US falls into a recession is it the government's fault?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss US stocks posting the worst quarter since 2022 on threat of a trade war. Are investors doubting that tariffs will be here long term? Why are deficits becoming a bigger boogeyman? Fewer US job openings, layoffs unchanged in slowing labor market. Social Security is in trouble. Before making cuts, look at what Sweden has done. Your credit report now knows when you buy shoes with ‘Pay Later’ option.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the great European disentanglement from US stocks has only just started. How to prepare your portfolio for the next market mess. Could the housing market have some bargains this spring? Everyone is a gold bug these days. Uber and DoorDash want 'no tax on tips' to include their drivers. Apple readies its biggest push into health yet with new AI doctor.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the trade war that is about to heat up. US stocks face test with tariffs this week. Goldman Sachs lifts US recession porbability to 35%. Nvidia turned CoreWeave into a major player in AI years before helping its IPO. Todd Lutsky joins the show to chat about the benefits of a life estate. 80,000 pounds of beef stolen from a Tennessee slaughterhouse.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the latest inflation reading coming in hotter than expected and why it is starting to raise serious concerns. On the plus side, egg prices are down. Why hasn't AI taken your job yet? Everybody is gaming the job market using AI. Mayor Wu expands office-to-residential conversion program to build dorms. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to explain who the terrific ten are.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the inflation report that came in hotter than expected. Does the Federal Reserve owe Americans an apology? CoreWeave IPO action is showing a major red flag for the economy. Consumer sentiment worsens as inflation fears grow, University of Michigan survey shows. Lululemon outlook misses as consumer confidence drops.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how the hot housing markets from 2021 have turned cold and the formerly cold markets are heating up. Michael Santoli, CNBC, joins the show to share his general market thoughts. There are drawbacks to getting a monthly check in retirement without a pension. The 2025 box office is off to a terrible start. Trump floats Chinese tariff cuts in exchange for a TikTok deal.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump's plan to impose 25% tariffs on imported vehicles. How will the tariffs impact car prices and employment at automakers? CoreWeave is planning to cut IPO size to $1.5B. Nvidia will anchor CoreWeave IPO. The Fed has been urged to explore hedge fund bailout tool for basis trade. Should hedge funds ever be bailed out? Robinhood customers are growing up, and the brokerage wants to keep them.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump taking a tough approach to choking off China's access to US tech. Private equity is coming for America's $12T in retirement. What are the pros and cons? GameStop shares soar 16% after retailer says it will invest corporate cash in Bitcoin like MicroStrategy.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains the different options you have when planning your estate on how to protect your residence from nursing homes. Todd also takes calls from the audience about gift limits and moving a property into a trust.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss consumer sentiment declining and adding to the gloomy view of the economy. Low and Middle-Income Americans say they are sacrificing happiness in the face of tariffs and stubborn inflation. Todd Lutsky joins the show to chat about protecting assets from nursing homes.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti wonder if the decline of knowledge work as begun. Is Social Security a Ponzi scheme? Collin Hodge, Event Director for the Taste of St. Croix, joins the show to talk about the best food festival in the Caribbean. Tesla extends dismal run in Europe with 40% drop in February. Why is Forever 21's bankruptcy good for mall owners?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti take a look at if stocks are truly as expensive as some in the media claim to be. US consumer confidence tumbles again to lowest since early 2021. Massachusetts regulators probe Robinhood over March Madness betting. Forget trade wars and tariffs. This is the real threat to your money. 23andMe's bankruptcy puts 15 million users DNA info on the auction block.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump's announcement that any country buying oil from Venezuela would face a 25% tariff. The richest Americans kept the economy booming. What happens if they stop spending? For CEOs, the $100M pay package is disappearing. Risky bonds aren't so risky in the long run. Roth IRAs are all the rage with the young crowd. The dumbest investment in the world was better than owning safe treasurys.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why the hard data isn't showing signs of a slowing economy. The White House narrows April 2 tariffs. The economic data is as cloudy as the outlook. The US could run out of cash by July. Dealing with Social Security is heading from bad to worse. Just how much higher are energy costs in Boston?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder what spooked the S&P 500, because it wasn't the trade war. DoorDash partners with Klarna to bring buy-now-pay-later to food delivery. Is Nvidia addicted to being in the spotlight? A local pizza place is taking a stand against disrespectful families. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about leveraged ETFs focused on Tesla.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the fire that shutdown Heathrow Airport. FedEx isn't delivering big profits. Nikes comeback gets a brutal reality check. Micron's shares tumble amid concerns of pricing problems. Are retail investors being set up to hold the bag again? Single retirees face new challenges. Apple Intelligence isn't ready for prime time.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Nvidia investing hundreds of billions of dollars in US supply chain. Nvidia and GM are teaming up to bring AI robots, factories, and self-driving cars. What is the housing industry's biggest problem? Florida is exploring ditching property taxes as home prices soar. Why uncertainty makes the stock market go haywire. Uber and Lyft will charge riders a fee of $5.50 each way to Logan, under tentative new agreement with Massport. Does college basketball have a gambling problem?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Fed's projections see an economy dramatically reset by Trump's election. The Fed is clueless, too. And that's ok. Trump says the Fed should cut interest rates as tariff push heats up. US energy stocks take the lead as inflation anxiety builds up. Europe comes to life as the US stumbles. Are office buildings starting to fill up again?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the current state of US markets and how they are compare to markets outside the US. Retail investors ditch buy-the-dip mentality during market correction. Meta becomes the final Magnificent 7 stock to turn negative. Nvidia CEO says AI computing needs to surge 100-fold. Taco Bell parent Yum Brands partners with Nvidia to speed up its use of AI. China's BYD cemented its lead on Tesla in five minutes.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains the benefits and downsides of a life estate, tax burdens for beneficiaries, and selling property in a trust.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the Fed's wait-and-see outlook obscures a bigger strategy shift. As debt ceiling looms, the Fed considers tweaking its portfolio runoff. Does the Fed share the stock market's worry about the economy? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains the benefits and downsides of life estates.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss how cheap Chinese cars are taking over streets from Brazil to South Africa. German parliament passes historic debt reform. A secret mortgage blacklist is leaving homeowners stuck with unsellable condos. Consumers are spending less. What that means for the global economy. Roth conversions are the retirement version of 'buy the dip'.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the upcoming Fed meeting and how Powell will contend with economic chaos and political hostility. Trump says a recession might be worth the cost. Economists disagree. How tariffs are creating stock market volatility. How are Social Security beneficiaries supposed to seek help from the agency now? Amazon plans to reshape its Alexa business devision.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how Gen Z is navigating a difficult job market. The challenge of selling high-end homes in disaster areas. Are the days of set-it-and-forget-it investing over? Is it really a bad time to be a saver or a borrower? Gen Z is taking 'micro-retirements'.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss retail sales data for February giving us an insight into the American consumer. Stocks haven't traded at these levels since September. An uncertain economic moment poses a big test for the Fed. Why are so many people falling for the EXPass text scam? Parking spot on Beacon Hill listed for an eye-popping $750,000.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the enormous amount of money that has been lost by the magnificent seven year-to-date. As Social Security faces an uncertain future, some question whether the program should be privatized. Carmakers are reinventing the gear shift and drivers are lost. Is 3D printing the solution to the housing mess? Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about the future of Trump Media.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the Russell 2000 possibly indicating trouble ahead for the economy. What did the latest University of Michigan sentiment poll tell us? The end of the threat of a government shutdown clears the way for stocks to start the day well. How many rate cuts are economists expecting the Fed to make this year? Is income inequality driving inflation?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti look at the S&P 500 and wonder if the recent sell-off is actually a positive sign for markets. Jim Cramer believes that Fed rate cuts could ward off a serious recession. Trump's FTC moves ahead with broad Microsoft antitrust probe. Tesla's latest decline could be one for the ages. Egg prices are still surging.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss consumers dissatisfaction is hitting all income levels. Trump threatens the EU with counter-counter-tariffs. This time taking aim at European alcohol. Elon Musk's cuts fail to stop US federal spending hitting new record. What are the only three spaces that cuts will actually make a difference. Would $50 oil really be good for the US?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the current skepticism deepening as Goldman cuts S&P 500 target. Chuck looks at recent S&P 500 data to highlight why the current dip might not lead to a recession. Multiple jobholder rates are the highest they've been since the Great Depression. Is it really harder for Gen X to save for retirement than it was for Baby Boomers? Airlines cut forecast, raising an early alarm about consumer spending.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains the differences between a life estate and an irrevocable trust. How to decide what to do with property in your portfolio. How an irrevocable trust impacts income taxes.
Chuck Zodda and Mark Fandetti discuss the February CPI report that showed inflation slowing at an unexpected rate. The EU hits back as US steel and aluminum tariffs take effect. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss three major US companies that are consumer facing all telling us the same story. Bags will no longer fly free on Southwest. What is the Massachusetts government doing to help people with their electric bills? Americans want to take a hands-on approach to their investments. How will Musk react to Tesla shares continuing to fall?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Wall Street's rising fear that Trump might wreck the soft landing. Trump raises Canadian steel, aluminum tariffs to 50% in retaliation for Ontario energy duties. U.S. job openings point to softer labor market and hiring slowdown. Does the Fed need to rethink how it counts food prices? How will the Fed address rate cuts at their next meeting?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong do their twice per year complaining about daylight-savings time and explain some of the economic reasons why is it still in place. What the dot-com bust can tell us about today's AI boom. How the AI talent race is reshaping the tech job market. CVS's new mini stores go all in on medicine and skip everything else. Why America now eats a crazy number of avocados.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss President Trump's comments about not ruling out a recession. Why are the guys not ready to proclaim a recession? Why is everyone spooked about recession? What are markets really scared about? Rocket Companies to buy real estate firm Redfin in $1.75B deal. Is the bull market in detox or melting down? Stock investors go on defense with dividends.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Treasury Secretary Bessent's comments about the American Dream not being 'access to cheap goods'. Americans fall behind on car payments at highest rate in decades. Social Security is in turmoil. What does that mean for your benefits? Scientist develop a device that lets you taste video games. Paul LaMonica from Barron's joins the show to chat about Accenture.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the February jobs report and the guys assign grades to the report. Trump pares back Canada and Mexico tariffs in latest whipsaw on trade. Why are markets unsure of how to take positive earnings reports? Broadcom earnings and AI strength should win over a tougher crowd. Mexico to review China tariffs in potential win for Trump. Why are Canada and Mexico reacting differently over tariffs. America is finding out it's very difficult to import eggs.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti preview the upcoming February jobs report. Why will tariffs on Canada make housing much more expensive in New England? Are Americans relying too much on their 401(k) for savings? Are egg companies using real world problems to justify price hikes? Home Depot turns to AI to answer questions for customers.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the White House putting one-month exemptions on tariffs. Commerce Secretary Lutnick says more one-month tariff exemptions beyond autos are likely. With Trump’s tariffs paused, ‘Big Three’ automakers may race to build inventories. Is the case against tariffs is getting stronger? Why is the government hitting pause on massive real-estate sale? Congress’ proposed cuts may jeopardize Medicaid and negatively impact the economy, report finds.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains what a life estate is, why it might be right for you, and how you can balance the life estate with other retirement plans. Todd also takes questions from the audience about irrevocable trusts and how to sell property that is in a trust.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane wonder why all the focus on tariffs is directed at Canada and Mexico but not China. What is stagflation and are we about to get hit by it? US recession odds are becoming unsettlingly high. Nvidia chart watchers brace for more pain with dip buyers at bay. Tesla sales slump in Europe as ander toward Elon Musk grows.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss how day one of Trump's tariffs played havoc on markets. What is likely to happen to gas prices if tariffs persist? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd calculates the consequences of a life estate.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Target's warning to US consumers about the impact of tariffs. Is the Fed going to start cutting rates soon? Social Security plans to cut 7,000 workers and most want to know if that will impact benefits. The man who saved Social Security in the 1980's has some advice for today's politians. Walgreens nears roughly $10B deal to go private. Kraft Heinz will make crystal light booze. How did fast-food apps take over the drive-thru?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Trump's Canada-Mexico tariffs take effect today. How will the tariffs impact energy prices for New England states? China retaliates against US with tariffs and controls on US companies. What areas of the consumer sector will get hit first? What are Trump's goals with these tariffs?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Treasury Department's recent moves and the guys wonder if they are intentionally trying to slow the economy down. Sarah Foster, Bankrate.com, joins the show to chat about some of the financial frauds you need to be aware of. Which states are likely to see home values tumble? Are egg producers inflating prices during the bird flu outbreak to boost profits? Is Apple falling too far behind on AI?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the latest ISM Manufacturing data that showed a second consecutive month of expansion. Can the US economy continue to be resilient during this uncertain period? How are luxury brands able to survive over decades? Will the jobs report give us big clues about the near future of the economy? Should we take Ray Dalio's latest economic prediction seriously?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane begin the second hour of today's show with a discussion about how more Americans are "doom spending" as a result of worries around tariffs increasing the cost of goods. What could that mean for retailers and the economy? Plus, a follow-up from a previous conversation earlier this week regading two Mag 7 companies in Tesla and Nvidia and their lofty expectations from investors. Plus, Paul LaMonica of Barron's.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane kick off the first hour of the show with a market update following Thurday's sell-off, driven by concerns over a softening economy and tariff uncertanity. What did the latest gauge on inflation tell us? Plus, is there a chance we see stagflation? And could the Fed even react accordingly?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the Federal Reserve's favorite recession indicator is flashing a danger sign again. Scott Bessent gets his lower bond yields but for the wrong reasons. Why are Americans still building houses in climate danger zones? Social Security Fairness timeline gets pushed up, with lump sums and benefit increases for millions. The number of 401(k) millionaires rose 27% in 2024. Will Amazon finally generate some success from Alexa?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Nvidia's earnings and outlook, which came in much better than expectations. The US economy shows signs of strain from Trump's tariffs and spending cuts. Why would US automakers but the most impacted by tariffs? Weekly jobless claims jump to 242,000, more than expected. From egg prices to housing, US inflation is heating up again. Microsoft urges Trump to overhaul curbs on AI chip exports.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains why you need to understand at least the bare minimum of estate planning before beginning the process. Todd also explains what happens when your estate plan is done poorly and why inheriting is better than buying.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss Nvidia facing the most critical earnings day yet. Paul explains the rule of 72 and why you need to know it. American workers are skeptical AI will help them on the job. GM boosts investor payout with new buybacks and a dividen hike. Tesla feels the wrath of anti-Musk backlash. Egg prices are soaring. Bird flu may not be the only culprit. McDonald's resists the extra egg charge, instead offering a $1 McMuffin deal.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the vibes on Wall Street are starting to turn. The economy is still fine. Americans are still gloomy. Americans are expecting higher prices. That could unnerve the Fed. Ukraine agrees to mineral-rights deal with the US. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti Home Depot earnings beat Wall Street estimates, as retailer breaks comparable sales losing streak. Why is your gas bill so high right now? Will the Fed admit it made a mistake? What is the loophole states are using to shelter companies from certain taxes? Egg prices continue to be a problem. Why is Jamie Dimon becoming so much more outspoken?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the recent market sell-off and try to explain what could be behind it. February consumer confidence comes in lighter than expected in latest sign of slowing economy. Trump says planned tariffs on Mexico and Canada are set to go ahead. What is driving the S&P sell-off? Nvidia had a rough start to 2025. Could that change post-earnings? Why you shouldn't get too attached to your investments.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how federal agencies are pushing back on Elon Musk's 'what did you do last week?' emails. Walmart's tepid outlook stirs concerns for retail earnings ahead. Home buyers are finally getting the upper hand again. The US economy depends more than ever on rich people. Everyone hates pennies, except the lobbyist who is paid to defend them.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss what caused Friday's massive sell-off. What is the biggest problem the stock market is facing right now? The Fed is stuck in neutral as it watches how Trump's policies play out. Warren Buffett defends his growing cash pile. Apple says it will add 20,000 US jobs amid threat from Trump tariffs. Americans are down on the economy, but CEOs are full of optimism.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the DOJ investigating UnitedHealth billing practices. Why is Warren Buffett hoarding so much cash? Americans' average credit card balance hits $6,580, but there are signs that consumers are managing it well. Nvidia's stock has been on a wild ride. Japan to court Tesla on Nissan investment. Trump's tariff wars leave US small business's nowhere to hide. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about Hasbro and Mattel.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti wonder if the S&P500 can keep climbing to new highs. Are global markets look better than US markets? Existing-home sales took a big hit in January. The stock market is expensive. Are analysts still bullish? Musk looks at auding the Federal Reserve. US doubles down on demand that Ukraine sign minerals deal. Bessent says US 'long way' from boosting longer-term debt sales.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discussU.S. stocks are back at record highs. Is it too late to chase the bull market? Will the bond market rein in Donald Trump? What should we make of Microsoft's claims of quantum computing breakthrough? Are the IRS layoffs a bad idea? Delta is offering $30,000 for passangers on the recent flight that crashed in Toronto. Is it enough?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the release of the Fed minutes that showed a decreased appetite for rate-cuts. Is stagflation poised to make a comeback? Why is Walmart's stock sliding after the earnings report? The earnings picture for stocks is deteriorating. How worried investors should be? Why are traders ditching America-first wagers?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss what kind of clues about inflation we might be getting from the upcoming Fed minutes. The biggest US stocks haven't been this expensive since the dot-com era. Is it making investors nervous? Why did Microsoft admit that AI is making us dumb? Return-to-office mandates cause logistics chaos. Apple launches new, cheaper iPhone. KFC is leaving Kentucky for Texas.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains how to set up your estate to protect your beneficiaries after you have passed away. Todd also explains why selling property while still alive is not as helpful as leaving the properties for your beneficiaries.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the latest news on Trump tariffs on automakers, chips, and pharmaceuticals. Trump is scrambling global automakers reliance on America. US homebuilders raise the alarm over tariffs as sentiment falls to 5-month low. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the world's most important market is sending warning signals. Those who fought for the Social Security Fairness Act are still waiting to see benefit increases. Why is there no relief ahead for high used-car prices? Republicans want lower taxes. The hard part is choosing what to cut. Restaurants warn of a weak first quarter, but say sales will pick up later this year. Could alcohol stocks' troubles be here to stay?
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss investors spotting signs of market froth during the long bull market. Can the Fed look past Trump's tariffs? With falling US sales, companies are trying to hit the sweet spot for prices. Cisco and IBM show old-school tech names can be AI winners too. What is Warren Buffett doing with his massive cash pile?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why millennials are to blame for the rapid rise in single-family rents. Ted Rossman, Bankrate, stops by to share his insight into rising credit card debt. The jobs are there but America must now create the workers. Paul LaMonica from Barron's joins the show to chat about Palantir.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump's reciprocal tariffs and when they might go into affect. Does hot inflation numbers change the math on tariffs? Why did retail sales slump so hard in January? Apple and Google restore TikTok to app stores. How to avoid massive tax bills when raiding your retirement accounts. GameStop is considering investing in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, sources say.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane get into the Valentine's Day mood by wondering if being single is bad for the economy. Amazon is having a difficult time getting workers back to the office. High cost of living is driving residents to move out of Mass. Musk claims he will pull his bid to purchase OpenAI is the company remains a nonprofit. Hot CPI reignites stagflation fears. Here’s why that would be disastrous for your 401(k). Apple's stock is increasingly made in China.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the Fed needing to do a lot of work to get inflation under control. Wholesale inflation rose 0.4% in January, much hotter than expected. Inflation helped Trump get elected. Now it's his problem to clean up. Federal workers are lucky the layoffs came now instead of last decade. The housing market is seeing more and more homes being pulled from listings. America's most exclusive suburbs are finally building more houses.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains why you need to understand the basic documents before beginning your estate planning. Todd also takes questions from listeners about handwritten wills, shared property, and why probate is such a problem.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss US economic optimism isn't converting into hiring yet. Why are investors ignoring corporate profits beating projections. Is the Magnificent Seven so last year? Has the Dow Jones become useless? Ford's CEO says Trump policies might lead to layoffs. How Dave's Hot Chicken is beating rising labor costs. Chocolate prices are up 20%...happy valentine's!
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti react to the release of the CPI report that show inflation heating up more than expected. How are markets reacting to the hot inflation reading? Is inflation at risk of heating up even more throughout the year? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss this week's inflation report and why it is especially important. Why fast food could be MAHA's next target. These six mistakes could get you audited by the IRS. China unveils 'silver trains' for aging tourists to keep economy on track. Could aging boomers rekindle the senior-housing market? Wholesale egg prices have 'blown way past' record highs.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the ongoing rivalry between Elon Musk and Sam Altman. Is Musk serious about trying to buy OpenAI? The EU pledges countermeasures against Trump's tariffs on metals. How a Canadian oil tariff would hit America's heartland. What did Jerome Powell tell the Senate at today's hearing about interest rates? China's Xi is building economic fortress against US pressure.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss a coupel of recent surveys that show Americans willingness to pay higher taxes to save Social Security? Why are US consumers spending less at McDonald's? Transferring your credit card debt won't help pay it off. Even Disney is worried about the high prices of a Disney vacation. Trump wants to manage your investments.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump's latest tariffs, this time a 25% on steel and aluminum. What is China's gameplan for a trade war with the US? Target US tech companies. Inflation is proving to be more sticky than thought. How will Powell answer questions this week on Capitol Hill?
2025 could be a renter’s market — but it won’t last, economists say. Trump tells the treasury to stop minting pennies.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti explain how tariffs could and likely will increase the price you pay for insurance. State Farm was all in on California, until just before the fires hit. Amazon shares fall after sales outlook is weaker than expected. Tesla car sales in China fall over 11% as competition heats up. Bessent calms markets by leaving US dollar and debt plans intact. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about Etsy.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to the job market data that shows the economy added just 143,000 jobs but unemployment fell to 4%. Is the job market weaker than what the data is showing? the University of Michigan sentiment survey shows US consumers feeling worse about inflation and tariffs. Will the job markets performance give the Fed the ammunition it needs to continue the rate cut pause? Where are the best place to put your cash?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti explain why trying to trade the trade war is not the best idea. Should investors rethink the 'set-it-and-forget-it' strategy? Corey Adams, Regional President at Robert Half, joins the show to share how AI is helping companies hire, but does have its drawbacks. Has the 401(k) taken over too much of Americans retirement plans? Only 40,000 federal workers have accepted the buyout, well below hopes.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how earnings reports are impact marketing currently. Tesla's sales in Europe are falling fast adding to US troubles. What to look for in tomorrow's jobs report. Treasury Secretary Bessent says Trump wants lower ten-year yields, but not rate cuts. A heated debate breaks out over KFC and Taco Bell. How are Federal Reserve officials feeling about tariffs impact on inflation? Has Ford fallen too far behind?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the latest rejection by Nissan to create the world's 3rd largest automaker with Honda. Disney hits it big with Moana 2 and announces Disney+ will be centralized. China is targeting Apple yet again. Americans will spend a record amount of money on this year's Super Bowl. Why are the prices of eggs much higher in the Northeast?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss why markets have been able to withstand the DeepSeek debut and China tariffs. Google's stock tumbles down off disappointing revenue growth. AMD takes a hit after giving questionable outlook for AI growth. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains how to begin your estate planning journey and why you need to understand the basics. Todd also takes questions about inheritance money in a trust and when cost basis comes into the equation.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss how a trade war will tighten the squeeze on the middle-class. Trump promised a cap on credit card interest rates, it seems hes getting some bipartisan support. Renters in these major cities are finally getting some relief. Has Musk gone a step too far? Ford is losing the race for EV dominance. Alphabet earnings could provide answers on AI and cloud concerns.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss China retaliating against the US, intensifying the trade war. How did markets react to the suspension of tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Are markets underestimating the tariff problem? As markets absorb tariff news, it’s a wake-up call for individual investors, or is it? Are millennials underestimating the need to fully prepare for retirement?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong share six key takeaways from a wild week in AI. Will Russia turn the gas back on now that Trump is in office? Mike shares his preview of the upcoming jobs report. What to expect from Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary. Athletes are now getting endorsement deals before they can vote.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the beginning of a potential trade war with Canada, Mexico, and China. How are markets reacting to the tariff news? How do tariffs impact everday Americans? Mexico announces a one-month delay in tariffs. How do business pivot on the news of a delay? Inflation is down to 3%, is that good? Can the 'Pork King' get Americans to love pork again?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the US probing if DeepSeek got Nvidia chips from firms in Singapore. The FDA approved Journavx, a new opiod painkiller from Vertex. Walgreens tumbles after suspending steady dividend to save cash. Boomers as Boogeymen: Should you fear the 'silver tsunami'? Kalshi, an online prediction market, will open its bets to brokerages. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about the wild week for Nvidia.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong recap the wild week that was in markets. Inflation worsened in December. What does that mean for rate cuts? Implemented or not, Trump's 25% tariff threat is challenging the auto industry. Apple gains on forecast following mixed holiday-quarter results. Is Apple's weakness in China being underplayed? Strategist who coined the Magnificent Seven warns US tech is set to lag. Is Wall Street ready to stay up all night?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Tesla's quarterly earnings that show weakness, despite Musk exuding optimism about Robotaxis. Even talking about tariffs can cause inflation. Proposal to fix Social Security that we could enact today. What are the changes Americans would make to Social Security today? Boston area liquor store's dealing with the sobering reality of Dry January.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the tragic mid-air collision between an American Airlines flight and a Blackhawk Helicopter. The Fed stands pat on rates, entering new wait-and-see phase. Most Americans say they haven't felt the impact of the Central Bank's policies, especially millennials. Microsoft and Meta reported earnings with drastically different results. Both companies plan to continue massive spending on AI.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the White House offering buyouts to federal workers to reduce headcount. Big Tech's earnings now in the spotlight after the DeepSeek news. Microsoft is seeking answers if DeepSeek improperly used OpenAI data. When will Americans realize there are cheaper car options? Eggs prices aren't coming down. It's not Trump's fault.
This week, Todd explains how to protect your assets even if you think you might not make it all the way through the five year waiting period. Todd also takes questions from lisnteners about irrevocable trusts, property in trusts, and gifting assets.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the upcoming Fed meeting and speech from Jerome Powell. Why is the Fed being independent a necessity? High interest rates are hammering investors. Could what's coming be worse? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains the five year waiting period.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the upcoming Fed meeting and what they believe Fed Chair Powell will say about Trump's recent comments about interest rates. Dan Griggs, OceanFirst Bank President, joins the show to chat about Fed meeting expectations and the current state of inflation. Trump's immigration crackdown could play havoc with the economy. Boeing CEO sees company reaching key 737 milestone this year. Restaurants are rebounding, but Starbucks still has a long way to go. Americans are pledging to buy less, yeah right.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the day DeepSeek turned tech and Wall Street upside down. Mike explains what investors can learn from the market reaction to DeepSeek. Trump renews universal tariff threat to 'protect our country.' GM posts quarterly loss, makes plans for potential tariffs. Home price gains sped up for 3.8% annual increase in November.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder if the release of DeepSeek will help bring efficiency back to the tech sector. Why is Apple avoiding the broad tech sell off? How will Jerome Powell handle questions about President Trump at this week's Fed meeting? Is the American Dream too expensive? The extra reward for owning stocks over bonds has disappeared. What are the changes coming to retirement in 2025? Financial advice on social media is growing. And risky.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the buzz DeepSeek is generating and why US tech stocks are falling today because of it. How does the release of DeepSeek impact other sectors outside of tech? Earnings season gets real as the Magnificent Seven begin reporting this week. Americans are carrying bigger credit card balances. Airlines are charging higher fares and are confident you will pay up.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Trump's desire to fix the housing affordability crisis. The IRA expands its free tax filling option. Egg prices are high. They will likely go higher. Return-to-office policies are 'creeping up.' Many workers would rather quit. Why you should be wary of the unlimited vacation perk. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about Thermo Fisher Scientific and well they are positioned in case RFK Jr shakes up the medical industry.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Trump's latest tariff remarks at Davos and how countries are reacting to his threats. Trump says he knows more about interest rates than Fed Chief Powell. Boeing strike and defense charges hammer fourth-quarter results. United and Delta are leading an impressive rally for airline stocks. What is the state of the job market in New England?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder if US taxes are too high or too low. Earmings beats happen all the time. Why stocks are loving the latest results. Some Walmart managers get a raise, lifting max pay above $620,000. Now is an ideal time to reassess your retirement savings. There's a big change for inherited IRAs in 2025. Warren Buffett is softening his stance on crypto. Will dress shirts return to the office?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the S&P 500 getting close to setting a new record. What is a stock market bubble? Are we in a market bubble right now? Where economists think the Trump economy is headed. OpenAI's Stargate deal heralds shift away from Microsoft. Fresh fires break out in LA. Is this a continuation of the previous fire or a new one? It matters to insurance companies.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains how difficult planning for long term care can be the longer you wait. Todd also takes questions from the audience about selling a rental property that is in a trust and placing reverse mortgages into a trust.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Netflix's record breaking quarter and recent announcement of a price raise. Can the other streamers keep of with Netflix? Another airline is posting a big profit rebound thanks to American travelers. Mortgage rates aren’t likely to fall any time soon — here’s why. Jamie Dimon says the U.S. stock market is 'kind of inflated’. Are the rich and famous really unaffected by a stock bubble?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Trump using tariffs to push for early renegotiation on trade deals with Mexico and Canada. Trump says he intends to implement 10% tariffs on China as soon as February 1st. How are automakers responding to Trumps order to end EV subsidies. Which tech leaders are pledging $500B in AI investments? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss if investors should be hoping for a market slump. Why are food prices rising again? Does a strong holiday shopping season mean a better year ahead? Four retirement moves for 2025 to help boost your savings. The world is getting riskier. Americans don't want to pay for it. Netflix's bull case gets a helping hand from Beyonce and Mike Tyson.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Discuss Trump planning 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada by February 1st. Why are economists expecting inflation to go higher under Trump? How will Trump reshape the US energy sector? What is the latest news on the TikTok ban? CEOs and President Trump want workers back in the office.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss China's declining population, despite a rise in birth rates. Trump’s tariff threat is already panicking the junk debt market. Trump plans to designate Cryptocurrency as a national priority. Raising the SALT cap is supposed to benefit whom, exactly? Electric vehicle sales have stumbled. What went wrong? Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about DJT and crypto ahead of the inauguration.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Supreme Court upholding the ban on TikTok. What happens now to the popular app? What is the latest in the home insurance saga in California? What are California residents doing to screw each other over? Capital One acknowledges ‘outage’ as users report issues accessing deposits.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump's nominee for Treasury Secretary and what he plans on doing to shape up the economy. Social Security's COLA is expected to drop in 2026. Biden administration launches cybersecurity executive order. TikTok's rivals can expect revenue and user gains if the US bans the app. Google thinks it has the best AI tech. But where are the users?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss December retail sales missing expectations, however holiday sales were still solid. Why is it a good time to be a big bank? What are some of the biggest risks to financial institutions? Wall Street thinks US homes are overpriced. Can Massachusetts save the T?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the CPI report that came in better than expected and some of the key elements to watch for on inflation. What is Trump planning to do to achieve energy dominance? The $2T home insurance nightmare is only getting worse. Falling birth rates raise prospect of sharp decline in living standards. What are some of the less-known trends in inflation?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the CPI report that came in better than expected and why that started a rally in markets.What if the Fed does a u-turn and raises rates this year? What is quantum computing and why is it a major talking point? JPMorgan traders notch record fourth quarter. Wells Fargo's cost cutting measures are producing results.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the four red flags that some are raising about the possibility of an upcoming recession. How are unauthorized immigrants helping finance Social Security benefits? FTC prepares to sue the largest US apartment landlord over hidden fees. China weighs sale of TikTok US to Elon Musk.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss if inflation is making a comeback. Is Donald Trump inheriting the best economy in history? Scam of the day: A woman in France was scammed out of 830,000 Euros after believing she was in a relationship with Brad Pitt. Trump team studies gradual tariff hikes under emergency powers. Pain is coming for emerging markets from a Trump trade war.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump's new economist is making the case for 20% tariffs. Investors are hoping bank earnings can kick off a new rally. Should private equity get access to your 401(k)? Makr Zuckerberg goes after Apple for the company's lack of innovation. JPMorgan is facing internal backlash for its return-to-office plan.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Wall Street getting globbered despite blockbuster jobs report. Is a storm brewing in the global bond market? Why are so many companies posting fake job openings? What happens to the wealth in the homes of California residents impacted by the fires?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how poorly California has handled insurance and created a mess for its residents. How are Americans thousands of miles away from California being impacted by the wildfires? TSMC dramatically beats expectations. Are Americans finally tipping less? TikTok is not having a great time infront of the Supreme Court. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about MicroStrategy buying Bitcoin at an huge clip.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why markets are reacting poorly to the release of outstanding December jobs data. Are stocks truly afraid of rising treasury yields? Why are Fed officials saying rate cuts can wait awhile. What is the level of consumer confidence on hte eve of Trump 2.0? How many jobs on Wall Street could be replaced by AI?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how the Biden Administration is trying to ensure AI advancements stay in the US. Ted Rossman, Bankrate.com, joins the show to chat about Americans credit card habits. 41% of companies worldwide plan to reduce workforces by 2030 due to AI. Could finding a new job finally get easier in 2025? When we self-driving cars be able to handle the snow?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss high yields stoking fear on the stock market even though it previously embraced those same yields. What did the last Fed minutes tell us about near future rate moves? US companies announced fewest hires in 2024 in nearly a decade. Port strike averted with labor deal days before deadline. California was already in home-insurance crisis before Los Angeles infernos.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss America's frozen housing market is finally starting to thaw. How much money you need to retire in every US state. Tax bracket changes could mean your paycheck is slightly bigger in 2025. What are some of the cool gadgets coming from CES 2025? New warnings about alcohol hit restaurants at a tricky time.
Todd Lutsky shares his expertise on how to create a last minute long term estate plan for procrastinators. Todd also takes calls from listeners about how to plan for sudden medical issues.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the last time bond yields surged like this, stock markets sank. Is the US stock market in bubble territory? Exxon predicts a $700M hit to profit from lower oil prices. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his thoughts on last minute estate planning.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss credit markets signal warning for a relentless equity rally. Corey Adams from Robert Half joins the show to share his thoughts on the current state of the labor market. Debt ceiling fight has a new x-factor. What are the big changes coming to your 401(k)? Your fancy, new ETF might be a little too fancy. Could the Disney deal with FuboTV shake of live sports?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss important data to watch in January. The Pentagon labels more Chinese companies as military in nature. US Jolts report shows job openings rise to 8.1M. Even with an office glut, firms can't find the kind of space they want. What is the current state of the auto market in the US?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the stock market losing its juggernaut status as 2025 begins, but that doesn't mean the bull run is over. Generative AI still has a long way to go before it is truly useful. The Fed's messaging continues to fall short. Private equity to lobby Trump for access to saver's retirement funds. Gen Z has a different take on stocks.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the narratives surrounding markets for 2025. Unemployed office workers are having a harder time finding new jobs. Biden signs bill to increase Social Security benefits for millions of public workers. Why does Japan continue to pour money into US markets? Trump team mulls narrowing universal tariffs.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss if the US is still number one in all areas that matter. Is Musk going to get a chance to do that hard part of making the government more efficient? Why is 'Big Retail' only getting bigger? Have American's snacking habits really changed for the better? Paul LaMonica from Barron's joins the show to chat about Caesar's and their place in the sports betting world.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Apple and Tesla's rough couple of days and how that is leading to the same doom and gloom articles as last year. What should you do if you sense the market is a little too frothy? Will 2025 be the year of investing dangerously? How are American workers becoming more productive? Social Security benefits are set to expand for millions.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the housing slump to end 2024 and what some see for housing in 2025. Why are creators not worried about the looming TikTok ban? How is breakfast busting your budget? What are some pros doing to inflation proof their investments? Have Millennials really refused to grow up?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss markets rising over 20% for the second straight year. What are 'experts' predicting for markets in 2025? China is retaliating against American companies. Can dockworkers get a new deal without going on strike in 2025? A look at what new Massachusetts laws take effect in 2025 and who they impact.
In the second hour of today's show, Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti run through the latest credit card default report, where loans have hit their highest level since 2010. Should this be concerning from an economic standpoint? Plus, has the AI hype reached levels similar to expecations of self-driving cars that we saw a decade ago? Plus, stack roulette.
On the first hour of today's show, Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the tragic news from over the weekend of a Jeju Air flight crashing. Despite a pending investigation, Boeing's stock is dropping on the news. Also, why are markets in sell-off mode in the final trading days of 2024? And, the guys discuss a Bloomberg opinion piece regarding the Fed having a communication issue.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the wild ride that Airlines took in 2024 and look back at some of the biggest mistakes airlines made. Holiday spending rose 3.8%, with apparel and restaurants strong. 36% of Americans took on holiday debt this year. What the record wave of new 65-year-olds means for Wall Street. What should you do if you win the $1B lottery.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump's tariff threatsare setting off a global supply chain 'freakout.' Biden's gift to Trump: a golden opportunity to supercharge the economy. Federal Reserve's flip-flops risk undermining US exceptionalism. Wall Street is minting easy money from risky loans. How is NYC's congestion plan working?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the possibility of AI reshaping the economy geography of the US. AI is reshuffling the ranks of utility stocks. A wave is AI pessimism is coming. Microsoft is forcing its AI assistant on people, and making them pay. Welcome to Middle Age, Millennials, it's time to get a hold of your retirement savings. As older Americans downsize, over 20 million homes could become available, but they're not where young people want to live.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss major banks suing the Federal Reserve over stress tests. A New Year's resolution for the Federal Reserve. Cutting the deficit is easy, but not popular. Trump's tariff plan to hit affordable cars the hardest. Trump can pull the plug on EV mandates.
On the second hour of today's show, Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane run through the market happenings of 2024. Also, the guys preview the significant test that lies ahead this week for Netflix when the streaming giant ventures further into live sports programming. Can they deliever solid results for NFL fans? Plus, a list of anonymous media executive predictions for 2025. And are egg prices heading higher again?
On a shortened holiday week, Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane recap the news from over the weekend where a spending bill was finally agreed upon to avert a government shutdown. Plus, more developments on the potential merger with Honda and Nissan.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss recent labor strikes from Amazon and Starbucks. The guys celebrate Financial Festivus by airing their biggest financial grievances of 2024. You'll be reminded of the dumbest financial stories of the year. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about the future of CVS.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump pushing back on the GOP spending bill and leaning towards a government shutdown. Was Trump right to kill the bill? Key inflation measure shows 2.4% rate in November, lower than expected. The Fed cut rates, yet mortgage rates still went up. Nike CEO outlines new strategy after retailer blames promotions for declining revenue. FedEx Freight spinoff exposes package delivery weak spots.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump and Musk pushing for a government shutdown over the recent spending bill. American homeowners are wasting more space than ever before. Macy's accounting scandal is raising more questions over errors. Can Nike pull off a holiday miracle and save their 2024? How long would you be willing to be stranded in space?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss yesterday's rate cut decision by the Fed and Powell's comments after the fact which sent markets into a free fall. Has the era of very low rates ended? What does the Fed rate cut mean for your finances? Trump says US should get rid of debt ceiling. Where does a 'remarkable' economy go from here? Amazon demands RTO yet doesn't have the space for their workers.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains what happens to your trust and estate taxes if you move to a different state during retirement. Todd also shares his insight into timing your medicaid clock.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the potential merger between Honda and Nissan and why China is the reason for this merger. The economy is finally stable. Is that about to change? Should we make daylight savings time permanent? Forget the 4% rule. Consider this new magic number for retirement withdrawals. Hotels and concert venues must now show all hidden junk fees right away.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the Fed's plans for a final rate cut this year and how the organization could handle rate cuts in 2025. What does a rate cut mean for your wallet? 2024 has been a year of extremes in the stock market. Can it last? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains how your estate taxes can change when moving to another state.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the frothiness of markets and why it is scaring many investors. Broadcom's 'Nvidia moment' has arrived. Now it needs to deliver. What can you learn from a young Warren Buffett? This Maine destination has been named the country's best small town to visit.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the retial sales data that beat expectations but has something uncomfortable underneath. ISM reports economic improvement to continue in 2025. The vibecession is over as optimism gains steam. High on hope, Wall Street hears what it wants from Trump. TikTok asks the Supreme Court to intervene on U.S. ban. As porch pirate thefts mount, residents feel besieged.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why smart companies do dumb things. Can Boeing fix theirs problems in 2025? Automakers that thrived during the pandemic are struggling to survive. Why do so many people think they can beat the stock market?Amazon and the endangered future of the middle manager. Cruise lines are basking in the glow of the holidays.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the upcoming Fed meeting where many expect a rate cut, but what about rate cuts in 2025? Will Trump and Powell get along? The belief of a good economy comes down to party afiliation. China's economy is losing momentum. How are Americans preparing for Trump's tariffs?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Dollar stores flashing a warning sign on lower-income consumers. You home-insurance bill has only one way to go, up. Ted Rossman from Bankrate joins the show to chat about holiday tipping. Comcast and Warner Bros. Discovery are rearranging their businesses for mergers and acquisitions. Paul LaMonica from Barron's joins the show to talk about Walmart's outstading year.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss another market prediction for 2025, this time a 20% rise for the stock market. Broadcom revenue surges on semiconductor business momentum. Fed to cut one more time this year before slowing pace in 2025. The Fed can't ignore all of Trump's intentions. Trump's tax cuts may fail to drive much, if any, economic growth. How seniors can donate more to charity and pay less in taxes.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss a recent survey that showed most Americans feel good about their job but not about their pay. Gen Z wants to shop in person. Will they bring back the great American shopping mall? Home prices aren't the only thing stopping Millennials from buying real estate. New retirees should plan to spend less than 4% a year. Trump aims to slash government spending. But what about Social Security?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Nasdaq reaching 20,000 for the first time and already predictions are coming for pain in 2025. Jobless claims rise to the highest level in 2 months. November PPI rises more than expected. Will investors get more or less help from the Fed in 2025? Inflation is stuck. Can Trump unstick it?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss why predicting a recession is such a difficult task and predicting the next crash is impossible. Macy’s probe found employee acted alone in $151 million accounting scandal. Alphabet shares jump 6% after Google touts ‘breakthrough’ quantum chip. JetBlue’s turnaround plan: first-class seats and fewer routes.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains how to use a trust to reduce estate taxes. Todd also takes calls from listeners about their personal estate planning needs.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the November CPI report that came in as expected but is still too high. How will the Fed view the slight rise in inflation? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains why creating a trust will alleviate some of those pesky estate taxes.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the current state of the US labor market. Beneath the hood, stocks just suffered their worst day of the year. Some are worried. College enrollment is falling at a ‘concerning’ rate, new data reveals. At ‘Tax Prom,’ Washington prepares for more Tax Cuts. Here are some reasons Elon Musk and DOGE will fail at making government more ‘efficient’.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the possibility of a major inflation surprise for investors in 2025. The Fed is on course to cut interest rates in December, but what happens next is anyone’s guess. 5 housing market predictions for 2025, according to economists. What is the difference between dividends and buybacks? China is seemingly retaliating with their probe into Nvidia.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the stock market having an opportunity in 2025 that has very rarely happened in the past. Are dividend stocks primed for a comeback in 2025? Apple tops the list of best-managed companies in 2024. Many seniors are continuing to work past retirement age, and it isn't for the money. Retails returns are becoming an $890B problem. Payments are going digital, but many seniors still rely on cash.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Assad's rule collapsing in Syria. Will this create another power vacuum in the middle east? Why Turkey is the country to watch during the Syrian government's transition. What are some of the most well-known B2B companies? Tik Tok creators are reacting to the potential ban on the app. Nvidia hit with China probe in global tech war escalation.
On the second hour of today's show, Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong recap the news of the day and also bring up recent articles regarding stock market forecasts and how pricey stocks are getting. Should you simply ignore these? Plus, with cars getting older, are repair bills bound to get higher? A retirement expert says...don't retire? Paul LaMonica talks Verizon.
On the first hour of today's show, Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong run through the November jobs report, which came in slightly better-than-expectations. What does this latest labor data point mean for the Fed in December and beyond? Plus, more chatter on the labor market including unemployment, those looking for jobs, and a certain age group raising concerns. And, breaking news regarding a possible ban of TikTok.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the ongoing battle between Senators and Airlines over the use of junk fees. Sarah Foster from Bankrate joins the show to chat about workers that got raises in 2024. What are the challenges and joys of employing Gen Z workers? How can parents help their boomerang children without derailing their own retirement?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Jerome Powell's comments about the Fed having flexibility on the timing of future rate cuts. Initial jobless claims climb amid holiday volatility. Bitcoin soars past $100,000 on Trump's pro-crypto pick for SEC. DOGE's big ideas include ending remote work and daylight saving changes. France's government collapse does not signal European finicial crisis. Trump tax cuts won't help the economy grow, budget office finds.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane take a look at housing predictions for 2025. Will mortgage rates fall below 6% in 2025? Will home prices crash in 2025? Salesforce hits a record high as the company continues to ride the AI boom. Florida woman who led a nearly $200 million Ponzi scheme sentenced to 20 years in prison.
This week, Todd Lutsky details the current estate tax exemptions and where those exemptions are heading in 2025. Todd also takes questions from listeners about their personal estate planning needs.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Jerome Powell's upcoming speech that could indicate the near future of rate cuts. Is the economy still inflated? Why you should be paying attention to the situation in South Korea. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss how the construction industry could be impacted by tariffs and deportations. China dials up tensions with the US over precious metals. Can the US ally with other countries upset with China's trade practices? Are Inte's problems too big to fix? Has AT&T finally given up on its media arms?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the dollar dipping as traders refocus on the Fed's path. More workers are feeling stuck in their job. Can New York City lead the way for a US housing rebound? Is the Social Security Fairness Act irresponsible? Are you in need of Porch Pirate Protection?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder if or when the US jobs market will rebound. The Fed's next big policy rethink needs rethinking. What Trumps next trade war could look like. Payment scams are surging. Banks need help. McDonald's inflation tug of war should worry more companies.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss stocks ending November with a bang. Upcoming economic data to indicate the strength of the US economy. Carlos Tavares steps down as CEO of Stellantis. Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger is out. With discounts on offer, shoppers began to bite. Cyber Monday shoppers expected to set a record. As cash fades, small retailers embrace efforts to rein in swipe fees.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Wall Street’s previously most bearish bank now sees the S&P 500 hitting 6,500 in 2025. What Trump’s new tariff threats mean for the U.S. economy. Airlines are padding flight times. It’s not your imagination. Let’s all take a breath and get off the plane like Grown-Ups
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Fed minutes signal more caution on cuts if inflation progress stalls. Fed’s preferred inflation gauge rises to 2.3% annually, meeting expectations
Inflation-Battered consumers are going to extreme lengths to nab holiday deals. Todd Lustky joins the show to share the pros and cons of gifting stocks.
This week, Todd Lutsky shares his list of pros and cons for gifting stocks. Todd also takes calls from listeners about their personal estate planning needs.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how Trump and Powell can co-exist and make sure they do no harm to the economy. What would need to happen for you to claim economic success for Donald Trump? US Airlines collected more than $12B from seat fees. Michael Santoli, CNBC, joins the show to chat about the current economic conditions. What can we do to make sure teenages have a better grasp of money?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump's planned tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China that could cripple trade. Trump fires salvo on North American trade pact. New home sales plunge 17% in October. Consumer confidence jumps to 16-month high as Americans see economy improving. Bessent will have to fix America's finances. Musk wants $2T of spending cuts.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the predictions that this Thanksgiving will be the busiest travel holiday ever. Airlines are betting on luxury travel for wealthier customers. What was Jaguar thinking with its rebrand? Opening weekends at the box office are starting to matter again. Why is Macy's delaying their earnings? Why Trump and Bernie's credit card plans might not work.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump's pick for Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, and why Wall Street is a fan of the selection. Republicans’ big tax challenge is fitting all their priorities in one bill. How markets have responded to deficits. Stubborn US inflation set to reinforce Fed’s go-slow approach. Connecticut couple carged in $1 million theft of Lululemon goods.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Fed's John Williams comments about inflation cooling and interest rates coming down. Ted Rossman, Bankrate, joins the show to chat about holiday shopping trends. Will mortgage rates and home prices go down next year? Paul LaMonica, Barron's joins the show to explain why investors love Live Nation even if consumers hate it.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss investors still trying to figure out the Trump market. Is Buffett's $325B cash pile a warning sign? Why is nobody listening? Trump has a plan for Treasury Secretary and Fed Chair. Automakes are hoping Trump continues existing policies on EVs. 73% of workers worry Social Security won’t be able to pay retirement benefits.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the idea that the S&P 500 is inflated by 25% because investors forgot about the fundamentals. Ivan Drury from Edmunds.com joins the show to chat about EV incentives. Target’s recent trade imports data tells the real story behind massive earnings miss. How are retirement rules changing under Trump? Thanksgiving meals are expected to be cheaper in 2024 as turkey prices drop.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Nvidia's earnings and how markets are reacting. Is the Trump stock euphoria starting to fade? Should Google be forced to sell off Chrome browser? Does TikTok get a new lease on life under Trump? According to Paul Lane, art is a scam.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss American companies stocking up to get ahead of Trump's China tariffs. Delta forecasts profit growth thanks to high-end travel and a resilient economy. To get the housing market moving, raise property taxes. What are the best US cities to retire to in 2025? Comcast announces $7B spinoff of NBCUniversal cable channels. Employers get pressure to pay for drugs like Wegovy.
This week on Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky explains why timing is very important when planning on gifting assets, issues when gifting property, if gifts are tax deductible, and managing inherited property.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Nvidia traders bracing for a potential $300B earnings move. Target shares tumble on earnings miss. Trump picks Howard Lutnick as Commerce Secretary. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains why timing is crucial when planning on gifting assets.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss how Trump's plans will affect the economy. Biden team races to deliver chip grants before Trump takes over. Nvidia's earnings could determine the stock markets near-term direction. Antitrust enforcers prepare final blitz against Big Tech. Robots struggle to match warehouse workers on 'really hard' jobs.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss markets reacting to Putin rewriting Russia's nuclear doctrine. Goldman Sachs targets 6,500 for S&P 500 next year. The Fed-based market signal is flashing a warning for the first time in over a decade. Powell's wait-and-see on Trump's policies is a switch from 2016. Walmart sees momentum ahead of holiday shopping season. Things are quiet in consumer credit. Too quiet.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how democrats blew it on inflation. The Trump transition team is seeking to ease US rules for self-driving cars. Auto industry braces for whiplash as Trump takes power. For retirees in their 60s, the move that adds years to a nest egg. 'AI Granny' is happy to talk with phone scammers all day.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss traders making bullish bets on Nvidia ahead of earnings. Morgan Stanley finally turns bullish on US stocks as it says S&P 500 could jump as high as 7,400. Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy. Trump broadens hunt for top Treasury job after jostling became messy.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the current state of the housing market and only a few are able to cash in on the huge run up in values. Why are regulators targeting Microsoft? Could major changes be coming to credit cards under Trump? The latest insurance scam is hilarious. Somebody needs to learn to tell Mark Zuckerberg "NO!" Paul LaMonica of Barron's joins the show to chat about Angie's List possibly being spun off.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Amrstrong questions Jerome Powell and the Fed for their lack of long-term vision. American consumers prove to be resilient, beating expectations again. Food prices worried most voters, but Trump’s plans likely won’t lower their grocery bills. What will happen to Social Security after Trump takes office? How Musk’s DOGE can actually do some good.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss David Einhorn's comments about the market being broken and only getting worse. Disney makes waves as streaming profit boosts the company's earnings. How is China preparing for another trade war with the US? Does Elon Musk really have the key to lowering mortgage rates? What kind of changes could be coming to Social Security?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the PPI data that showed little rise. Are rate cuts still on the table for December? Jobless claims dropped to lowest level since May. Powell to speak on interest rates and the economy. The $20,000 reason to buy a used car. Credit Card debt hits record $1.17T but there is a silver lining.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump inheriting a good economy and when Americans will start to realize the economy is good. Can Musk really make the government more efficient? Cars were once a financial engine of America’s middle class. Now they’re a ‘wealth killer.’ Mortgage demand stalls as financial markets digest Trump presidency. Major airlines will soon use Apple feature to help travelers track down lost luggage.
This week, Todd Lutsky shares some essential tips on how to go about gifting assets. Todd also explains why estate planning is still advised to those who don't have children.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti react to the CPI report that came in firm for the third month in a row and what that means for rate cuts in December. How will the next administration handle inflation? Why is the stock market reacting so strongly to Trump? Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his expertise on gifting assets.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Bitcoin nearing $90k as crypto market exceeds pandemic-era peak. Why is Europe so concerned with a second term for Trump? Powell doesn't fear Trump. He also can't contain him. Credit card debt among retirees jumps. Big retirement rule changes coming in 2025. How is Iceland's 4-day work week going? Can millennials save Red Lobster?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why small caps and banks have been rallying since the election. Home Depot lifts full-year outlook after third-quarter sales rise. OPEC trims demand forecast for fourth straight month. How Trump can leverage an economy Americans dislike. Will Trump's tariffs plan lead to high drama?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Warren Buffett's recent trading activity and why he seems to be selling off long term holdings. Mortgage rates fell, then rose. What comes next? The fees burdening home owners after they buy. How seniors can do smart Roth IRA conversions. A new streaming customer emerges: the subscription pauser.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss inflation and retail data coming this week as the market continues its rally. Bull market revs back up on Trump enthusiasm as traders race to grab small caps, banks, and Tesla. Trump inherites an economy at a tricky time. If Trump tries to fire Powell, Fed Chair is ready for a legal fight. Trump expected to narrow Treasury chief options by the end of the week.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong are joined by two amazing veterans who share their stories about serving our country and continuing to serve our disabled veterans. The guys are also joined by a local businessman who does fantastic work with the DAV.
Coleman Nee is the National Senior Vice Commander of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Coleman is a service-connected disabled Marine Corps veteran who served from 1986 to 1994, including deployment in support of Operation Desert Storm. He was appointed by the governor of Massachusetts to serve as the MA Secretary of Veterans’ Services from 2011 to 2015, overseeing $100 million in state funding for veterans and dependents, financial aid and programming.
Fred Treseler is the CEO and President of TRACS, Inc, a sports marketing and event management based in Waltham. In his 40+ years of leading TRACS, Fred’s team has produced events in 90+ cities across the world, including the DAV 5K Boston in partnership with the DAV Massachusetts team.
Dan Stack served in the United States Air Force from 1969-1973. Shortly after returning from South East Asia, Dan was hired by DAV in 1974 as National Service Officer. Through his career he was assigned to many locations to include offices in New York, Boson, Cleveland, Ohio, and Providence, RI. Early on in his career when Dan was in Cleveland he was asked to assist in a new study where they studied the effects that Vietnam has on Veterans, especially during the years Dan had served. After about a year of working alongside Dr. John Wilson and the staff at Cleveland State University interviewing a lot of veterans Dr. Wilson came out with the diagnosis of PTSD. The interesting part about that was the VA still didn’t recognize the condition. DAV had to legislatively add that not only to the DSM 3 for psychiatric diagnoses but also had to get legislatively activated within VA’s compensation rules.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong are proud to join the DAV/WRKO radio telethon and in this episode they speak with one US Navy veteran and one combat veteran about their experiences serving our country, transitioning to civilian life, what brought them to the DAV, and why they continue serving veterans in important roles within the DAV.
Bill Malloy is a retired US Navy Captain. Bill served 35 years before retireing to focus on leading his company the Malloy Group. Bill is the President of the Malloy Group and a Legislative Advocate for the DAV.
Charlene Van Cott is a decorated veteran with two tours of Afghanistan. Charlene is currently a DAV Case Manager while still being an active duty reservist.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the upcoming Fed meeting and how the Fed will handle rate cuts. How will Trump treat Jerome Powell when he gets back in office? What does a second Trump term mean for retirement? How will the housing market be impacted? What is the future of EVs under Trump?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Wall Street salivating over a new Trump boom. Who are the winners and losers of the Trump Trade? Trump tax cuts come at the right time for stocks, but further out things get murky. How is this economy different from the economy Trump inherited back in 2016?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the potential for the economy during President Trump's second term in the White House. What happens to taxes if Republicans have full control? Will the new administration be more fiscally responsible? Will Trump's proposed tariffs actually work? Why do economists push back on tariffs?
Todd Lutsky shares his insight into gifted assets and how to make the most of them. Todd also takes calls from listeners about their personal estate planning needs.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti share their thoughts on what a second term for President Trump means for the economy. How are markets reacting to Trump's return to the White House? How will the new administration handle future economic downturns? Todd Lutsky joins the show to explain how to make the most of gifted assets.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Boeing union members voting to end the strike. Did the union get everything it wanted? How will the next President manage a cooling labor sector? Housing construction around Boston has been sluggish. Here’s why that could change soon. Gen Z, millennials are using AI for personal finance advice, report finds.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss understanding how presidential polls and betting markets actually work. Five economic areas next President needs to tackle. How markets could respond to the election. Stocks care about Trump and Harris for one big reason: taxes. The typical U.S. home seller is older than ever, Realtors say.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Boeing machinists holding a contract vote that could end their 7-week strike. With oil prices weak, OPEC+ postpones increases again. Grady Trimble from Fox Business joins the show to share his insight into voters biggest economic concerns. Traders prepare for a long, volatile election night. What are the IRA and 401(k) contribution limits for 2025? The mysterious fees inflating your grocery bill.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the upcoming Fed meeting and Tuesday's election and debate which is more important for the US economy. The two things we need from the Fed right now. Squeezed homebuilders are bad news for the housing market. Berkshire continues to retreat from stocks. There's too much wine, and not enough wine drinkers.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss mortgage rates volatile couple of months and the guys share some important facts you need to know about the rates. Exxon and Chevron feel brunt of cheaper oil. Ted Rossman from Bankrate joins the show to chat about holiday impulse purchases. Intel posts more than $16B loss but says sales outlook is improving. Google employees pressure costumed execs at all-hands meeting for clarity on cost cuts. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Amazon.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the unbelievably bad October jobs report that saw only 12,000 jobs added, well below expectations. What supports the idea that the Fed will cut at their next meeting? Amazon shares rise on robust demand and a surge in infrastructure spending. How would you rank to top five tech companies in their pursuit of AI domination? When the price of your burrito clashes with your 'reference price'.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the next president inheriting a remarkable economy. Starbucks CEO pledges to fundamentally change strategy as sales fall for third straight quarter. Todd Lutsky stops by to share some insight on estate planning. The little sins we commit at work and the bosses who are cracking down.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss PCE inflation slipping to 2.1% annual rise, and moves closer to the Fed's target. Microsoft shares slip as forecast sparks concern about AI and cloud revenue. Meta reports record revenue, but slower digital advertising growth. Apple and Amazon take the spotlight in mixed week for big tech earnings.
Todd Lutsky shares his insight on the current federal estate taxes and exemptions. Todd also takes calls from listeners about their estate planning needs.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Google's earnings report that showed big growth in cloud sectors but unremarkable results in advertising. AMD shares fall as forecast fails to impress despite strong AI growth. Jobs report on eve of election will be among the most distorted in years. Mortgage rates rise to highest level since July. Was the government right to intervene in airline refunds?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti share their reaction to the release of the GDP report that came in less than expected. Super Micro shares plunge 35% as auditor resigns after raising concerns months earlier. Selloff puts treasuries on path for worst month in two years. Todd Lutsky joins the show to discuss the current state of federal estate taxes.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the possibilities of a soft landing. Dan Griggs, President - OceanFirst Bank, joins the show to share his insights into the current economic landscape. Bosses are calling workers back to the office. Good news for landlords. Starbucks threatens to fire staff who don't come back to the office. McDonald's execs seek to rebuild trust after E. Coli threatens sales rebound. People are moving out of New England. How can we stem the tide?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the JOLTS report that showed job openings dropping to the lowest level in over three years. What are unemployment rates in swing states? Wages have outpaced inflation. But not for everyone. Bond market responds oddly to the Fed's move. Deficit threat drives bond yields higher. Ford's 3rd-quarter profit falls as EV losses persist.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss economists warning of new inflation hazards after the election. the porterhouse at Weis points to inflation's demise. Owning a vacation home in hurrican zones is worrisome. Some owners are selling. Why it's so hard to fina a job in this strong labor market.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the top five things to watch in markets this week. Stocks are looking to extend record run ahead of tech earnings. At a pivotal moment, US economic data will be a mess. Big tech stocks lose some of their aura as earnings growth slows. For investors, what if this time is different? Boeing plans over $15B capital hike as soon as Monday.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why Boeing workers rejected a new contract. McDonald's says onions from California-based company are linked to E. coli outbreak. Do I have enough money to retire? Ask yourself these 3 questions to assess whether you’re ready. Yankees tickets at $20,000 highlight record-setting World Series. Paul LaMonica from Barron's joins the show to chat about Sam Altman's startup nuclear power company.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss bad polling leading up to the election. What would it mean for bonds if Trump gets his way on tariffs? Where will rates end up? Which retailers are topping consumers lists ahead of the holidays? Data breaches are becoming all too common. Are you sure you are protected?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder why Wall Street and investors are so afraid of the upcoming election when the data says the election isn't impactful. Inflation has cooled, why are Americans still seething over prices? Kroger and Walmart deny 'price surging'after adopting digital price tags. Home sales are on track for worst year since 1995.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Telsa surprising Wall Street with strong 3rd quarter results. The Boeing strike continues after the union rejects the latest proposal. Southwest tops profit estimates as cost cutting takes hold. Those airport gate crashers are finally going to get what is coming to them.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Boeing posting a $6B loss ahead of the upcoming strike vote. Are cheaper rent and airfares going away? McDonald's quarter pounders linked to deadly E. Coli outbreak. Starbucks suspends guidance as sales slump persists.
This week on Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky explains beneficiary designations on IRAs, why IRAs are so complicated, and how to fit an IRA into your estate plan.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss September home sales drop to lowest level since 2010. Treasuries plunge like it's 1995 as traders see soft landing. LPMorgan, at odds with Goldman Sachs, see solid run ahead for stocks. Todd Lutsky stops by for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains why IRA's are so complicated.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss why Wall Street is worrying about renters and younger borrowers. Is the US primed for a home-renovation resugence? Retailers are grasping for holiday magic. Should the west be paying more attention to the price of gold? 28% of credit card users are still paying off last year’s holiday debt.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss bonds slumping globally as traders are cautious about the Fed's rate cut path. Why do simple economic explanations keep breaking down? Why are some predicting a continuation of soaring stocks? Why is Goldman predicting a post-election bounce?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss election anxiety getting in the way of making sound financial decisions. In Massachusetts, auto insurance rates are soaring. Homeowners tap into their rising home equity. It's time to bring 401(k)s into the 21st century. This talking pet collar is like a chatbot for your dog.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong take a look at some of the companies reporting earnings this week. Tesla highlights the list of companies reporting this week. Goldman Sachs forecasts just a 3% S&P500 annual return the next 10 years. Boeing and the union reach a wage deal to end the strike. Even though inflation is easing is it still a huge problem? Halloween's mutation from a humble holiday to retail monstrosity.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Amazon's cloud boss says employees unhappy with 5-day office mandate can leave. Should investors be worried about the market’s ‘invincibility syndrome’? The tech sector should brace for further turbulence. Is Microsoft and OpenAI's partnership fraying? Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about MicroStrategy's reliance on Bitcoin.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss this week's economic data releases continue to point away from a recession. Mortgage rates were supposed to be coming down, but they're rising instead. Can Netflix keep flexinf its pricing muscle? CVS can't seem to cure what is ailing it.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why some feel like it is getting harder and harder for Americans to join the middle class. Mark Hamrick from Bankrate joins the show to discuss what Americans top economic issues are heading into the election. Key change coming for 401(k) 'max savers' in 2025. Meta fires staff for abusing $25 meal credits. Uber explored takeover bid for Expedia.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the latest economic data, retail sales and jobless claims coming in better than expected. Treasury yields spike after retail sales and jobless data point to strong economy. Holiday online shopping will surge, according to Adobe. Haven't worked at the same place for ten years? You are not alone. Fed stuck on six-week data cycle when investors want a forecast.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss why ASML shares plunged yesterday. Can Nvidia continue to dominate Big Tech's earnings seasons? What the big three banks are telling us about consumer spending.Lower oil prices are good for consumers — but a bad sign for the global economy.
How the U.S. economy became so hostile to parents — and who benefits. Savers are already missing those high yields.
Todd Lutsky shares how you can reduce your estate taxes on your assets in retirement accounts. Todd takes questions from listeners about their estate planning needs.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss if the stock market is too expensive right now. Will holiday sales growth rebound in an abnormal year? Would a strong job market stop the Fed from more rate cuts? Todd Lutsky joins the show to chat about reducing estate tax burdens.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss an opinion piece from Bloomberg that explains why Jerome Powell is not the greatest Fed chair ever. Corey Adams from Robert Half joins the show to share the companies 2025 salary guide. The battle between dockworkers and robots isn't over. High home prices force builders to offer mortgage buydowns. Low-cost airlines have one job. They're failing at it.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Bank of America and Goldman Sachs beat on estimates do to investment banking and stock trading. Can the stock market keep going up? Market watches think so. Long-term treasury yields are rising. Election jitters are working against the Fed's rate cut. Boeing to sell at least $10B in shares to plug cash drain.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss where interest rates could be heading. Homeowners haven’t drained cash out of their houses this fast since 2008. Why are countries finding it so difficult to raise the birthrate? Why is the Apple headset finding it so hard to attract apps? Starbucks tries a new approach under the new CEO.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss markets looking beyond Big Tech in this earnings season. Soft or hard landing? Bank results are showing a path to no landing. Boeing to cut 10% of workers amid ongoing strike. Why social security matters to young people, not just retirees. Big-cap bull market turns two, leaving small-cap stocks further behind. China keeps the world guessing on the size of stimulus.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti take a look at the most important question when leading up to an election. Are you better off than you were four years ago? Are you frustrated with your boss? Blame inflation. Tesla's Robotaxi event fails to impress and investors are showing it. Is Boeing is real danger of being downgraded to 'junk'? Why are Linkedin users so desperate? Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Cognizant Technology Solutions.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss JPMorgan and other banks reporting earnings with better than expected results. Fed officials seem split on what the latest inflation data means for future rate cuts. The 2-year-old bull market has just done something that shows it has further to run. Why has the election frozen Wall Street?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the latest developments in the Austin and Dallas housing markets. Groceries are more affordable now than in 2019. So why are people still so mad about prices? Social Security Administration announces 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment for 2025, lowest increase since 2021. Own ‘Junk’ in your retirement portfolio? It’s not as crazy as it sounds. Porch Pirates are stealing AT&T iPhones delivered by FedEx. Amazon tests adding robot warehouses to Whole Foods so shoppers can pick up other orders at checkout.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the release of the CPI report that came in slightly higher than expectations. US jobless claims jump to 258,000, the most in more than a year. Analysts point to Hurricane Helene. The Federal Reserve’s interest-rate panic is creating a windfall for retirees. Florida begins to assess the devastation from Hurricane Milton. Delta’s guidance misses estimates after summer upheaval.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss JPMorgan kicking off bank earnings this week and what we should know as more banks report. The federal deficit hit $1.8T for 2024. Why does congress not care about the deficit? Boeing withdraws contract offer as union talks break down. The battle over robots at US ports is on. Home Depot orders corporate staff to take 8-hour retail shifts.
Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his insight on naming beneficiaries in your IRA. Todd also takes calls from listeners about their estate planning needs.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the potential economic impact of the back-to-back hurricanes hitting Florida. What happens to Google if they are forced to breakup? Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his insight on naming beneficiaries in your IRA. Todd also takes calls from listeners about their estate planning needs.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder if today's tax credits will get more EV adoption in the US. For retirees, here’s what to do with required withdrawals when you don’t need the money. Will the US Gov't be successful in breaking up Google? Why is saving for retirement so difficult for younger generations. Americans are using AI at fairly high rates. What does this mean for the economy?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder how much longer the bull market can last. Will Fed cuts be more balanced moving forward? The next Social Security COLA increase won’t be enough to solve Florida's crisis. Why is the Tampa area so vulnerable to hurricanes? Fears of a global oil shock rise. Voters in November could set a higher minimum wage for tipped workers in Massachusetts.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Florida migration being undone. Third-quarter earnings are upon us. So are worries of slower growth. Carrying a credit-card balance has gotten way more expensive. Americans are spending more time at home. A trend that started well before the pandemic.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss America's jobs market entering the twilight zone. Bond traders buckle up for 'no landing' after jobs surprise. How long can the economy's 'goldilocks' moment last? Homeowners hit by Helene are in for an insurance claim shock. The battle over the Halloween craze that won't die.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why retailers have no room for error this holiday season. Why are pandemic-era startups thriving and driving the economy? Why are oil prices not reacting to conflicts in the middle east? Paul LaMonica from Barron's joins the show to discuss AT&T's recent moves away from the tv business.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong breakdown the jobs report that came out this morning which showed much better than expected results. Fed seen slowing rate cut pace after strong US jobs data. Middle-class wages aren’t keeping up. Some economists say policy is suppressing pay growth. US ports reopen after dockworkers end strike.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss OpenAI's eye popping fund raising and valuation. Boeing's frail finances give strikers all the power. Striking dockworkers are top earners...when they work. Private equity will trigger a child care crisis. Lina Khan gets punched back. Boston sets new rules as it prepares to dole out liquor licenses.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Fed and markets waiting for Friday's jobs report. Former Fed Chair explains how he got his hard landing prediction so wrong. Mortgage rates near 6% are enough to start up a refinancing wave. Why the conflict between Iran and Isreal has raised oil prices modestly.
This week Todd Lutsky explains the reasoing behind naming beneficiaries in your IRA. Todd takes calls from listeners about selling rental properties in a trust and the process of step-up in basis after a spouse passes away.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane wonder if the soft landing will be a little bumpier than thought. Massive port strike could have ‘devastating consequences’ for consumers, expert says. What are the holes in Harris's housing plan? A CVS breakup is no easy fix for its problems. Google is working on reasoning AI. Could the recent storms force a change in migration paterns for Americans?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the rise in energy stocks as tensions in the Middle East explode. Has Nike run out of time? Chinese stocks in Hong Kong soar more than 7% on stimulus bets. Todd Lutsky stops by for his weekly segment, Ask Todd!
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss auto sales idling as prices remain elevated. Rent or Buy? How falling mortgage rates are changing the math. Social Security shortfall could cost millennial couple nearly $1M. Nike's sales are in a funk. Is the brand losing its luster?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down the ISM Manufacturing survey and the JOLTS report. Fed's Powell says rate cuts can sustain soft landing, but sees no need to rush. Dockworkers launch strike at ports from Maine to Texas. Boeing weighs raising at least $10B selling stock. CVS to cut 2,900 jobs and is reportedly mulling a breakup. DirecTV strikes deal to acquire Dish Network.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the potential dockworkers strike that could slam the US economy. Boeing and the union stall on strike talks. Pensions are the latest problem for the company. Michigan nuclear plant finalizes federal loan to support the first reactor restart in US history. AT&T exits pay-TV and frees DirecTV to combine with Dish. What are some of the worst mergers in US history?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the market killing it right now, but what could kill the rally? What is going to be the financial impact of Hurrican Helene? The stock market isn't all about AI anymore. A week of shock and awe ignites China's stock markets. China has broken the 'critical materials' market.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss nuclear power being the new AI trade. What could possibly go wrong? Microsoft wants nuclear power so bad for AI that is is paying double. Boeing's union rejects 'best and final' offer. Sorry, your insurance bill probably isn't coming down much. Why television executives are freaking out over 2029. Paul LaMonica from Barron's joins the show to share his optimism on Nike.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Fed's key inflation gauge came in lower than expected. Wall Street wants more big rate cuts. Fed officials don't agree. Why these two stock-market sectors need to be treated with caution. Turning OpenAI into a real business is tearing it apart. China's market marred by glitches as frenzy grips stocks. Fidelity slashes mobile deposit limits following fraud wave.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the difficulties finding a new job but dispute the notion that it is harder than ever. Some economists think this might be a bad omen for the economy. Boeing needs to take a cue from UPS and pay its strikers. OpenAI to become for-profit company. Super Micro shares tumble 12% after DOJ reportedly opens a probe into the company. Raising the full retirement age to 69 won't save the program. Are we finally seeing the end of the cheap burger?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the day's economic data releases are all pointing to one thing. Investors are finally experiencing the 'everything' bull market. How long can it last? Micron gains the most in 13 years as AI demand bolsters forecast. It's not a great fall housing market, is this as good as it gets?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss journalists writing horribly mistimed articles about monthly and yearly trends. Corey Adams joins the show to chat about return-to-office initiatives backfiring. Google files EU antitrust complaint accusing Microsoft of stifling cloud competition. Restaurant customers aren't tapped out. They're just bored. Restaurant portions are about to get smaller. Are Americans ready?
This week on Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky explains how a pooled trust works and what scenarios they make the most sense in. Todd answers questions from the audience about protecting assets from the nursing home.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss why nothing is moving markets right now. Trump's low-tax, high-tariff strategy could clash with economic realities. China cuts one-year policy rate by most ever in stimulus drive. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains what a pooled trust is.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane take a look at Boeing's ongoing strike and the latest offer that has been proposed to the union. A looming East Coast Port strike could shake up the economy before the holidays. Are Fed officials leaving the door open for more large rate cuts this year? Will AI be a bust? One Wall Street skeptic is ringing alarm bells.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon's warning about the worsening state of geopolitics. Consumer confidence sinks to 3-month low. Americans pessimistic ahead of elections. Why are 'Buy American' policies not helpful to Americans? Why is Trump targeting Deere? What is China doing now to boost its economy?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder why voters love policies that economists hate. Why do some economists want to pay a gas tax? Comedian John Mulaney brutally roasts SF techies at Dreamforce conference. BJ's Wholesale Club eyes expansion far beyond New England. We get either a 4% mortgage rate or a stable job market.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Intel's stunning fall from grace and what happens to the chip giant now that it is being targeted for takeover by Apollo? Chip giants TSMC and Samsung discuss building Middle East megafactories. Gold trades near record before US data that may offer Fed clues. Sorry, the Fed can't save us from a bear market.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the role politics plays into the Fed and their decisions. What are the latest economic proposals from the presidential candidates? Three Mile Island's nuclear plant set to reopen to power Microsoft's AI center. Will Amazon's new 'Shark Tank' style show be a hit? Pizza Hut will print job seekers’ resumes on pizza boxes and deliver to employers in ‘the toughest job market’.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the S&P 500 and the Dow hitting record highs after the Fed's rate cut announcement. Now that rates are falling, what else should we be looking for? Nike CEO stepping down after rocky tenure. What is next for the housing market? Amazon says workers need to be in the office. Most of Silicon Valley disagrees. FedEx cuts full-year outlook after posting lower profit.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong detail how the markets are responding to the Fed's rate cuts. Matt Gagnon, CEO - Maine Policy Institute, joins the show to discuss if we are taking a too-early victory lap on inflation. Boeing furloughs white-collar workers as strike crunch worsens. Tech jobs are drying up and aren't coming back anytime soon. Darden Restaurants earnings disappoint as Olive Garden, fine dining sales struggle.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Fed's 50 basis point rate cut and how they came to that number. What are the updated odds of the soft landing? What are the biggest risks post rate cut? The Fed changed the math for mortgages, is now the time to refinance? What do lower-rates mean for the trillions of dollars in CDs and high-yield savings accounts?
Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky from the law firm of Cushing & Dolan joins the show for his weekly caller segment "Ask Todd".
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti open up the second hour of today's show recapping comments from Ray Dalio, who downplayed the Fed's rate moves having an impact over the longer term. Chuck may or may not have ranted. Plus, is there really a national debt crisis looming? Presidential candidate Donald Trump latest proposal involving the SALT tax. Stack roulette based on an...interesting survey.
Fed meeting day is officially upon us! Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti preview their expectations for the Fed's significant meeting and discuss what they are most looking forward to. Also, why do other central banks in different countries care so much about the interest rate cut coming in the U.S? And Todd Lutsky, estate planning attorney from Cushing & Dolan, joins the show for his weekly caller segment "Ask Todd"
On the second hour of today's show, Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Amazon's announcement to its employees: get back to the office 5 days a week. Also, is raising the federal minimum wage truly a fix? More on the child care economic proposals from both presdiential candidates. And an update on Kroger & Albertson's battle with the FTC regarding their merger.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti start off the show discussing how big of a rate cut they anticipate at the conclusion of the Fed's meeting tomorrow. Plus, will August's better-than-expected retail sales report provide any valuable information ahead of the central bank's decision? Is it a given that a rate cut will actually help the housing market? And, why both candidates continue to ignore the federal deficit.
On the second hour of the show, Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong take a look at an Bloomberg opinion piece discussing how consumer staples stocks are seeing more attention. Plus, Sarah Foster of Bankrate joins the show to talk about their updated wage to inflation index. Which Apple product is getting more attention that the iPhone 16? Plus, stack roulette.
Fed week is upon us. Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong give their insight as to how much the Fed will cut interest rates this Wednesday and run through arguments for 25 bps vs 50 bps. Also, what's more important to take note of at the end of this Fed meeting? An update on the Boeing factory workers strike. And the ongoing challenges Ford is seeing in China in relation to EVs.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump's latest proposal, no taxes on overtime work, and if this is something that will get blue collar workers excited. Gloomy summer signals worsening picture for China's economy. The deflation breakdown for August 2024. US driving and congestion rates are higher than ever. Paul LaMonica from Barron's joins the show to chat about Petco.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti wonder if the Boeing union strike will cripple the aerospace giant. American Airlines flight attendants ratify new contract with immediate raises. Amazon boosts pay for its drivers following threats to unionize. Consumer sentiment climbs to 5-month high as inflation eases. Americans are still pessimistic. The Fed's rate cut dilemma: start big or small? Atlanta Fed's Bostic violated trading rules.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss what the presidential candidates are proposing to solve the worst housing crisis in decades. GM and Hyundai explore a partnership to develop vehicles together. Why are top Jeep dealers blaming the CEO for disasterous choices? What is the cost of lunch at a restaurant? Can Intel stop its staggering fall from grace?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss investors adopting a defensive stance just before the Fed supposedly cuts rates. Earnings estimates are forgetting the Fed. What does that mean for stocks? Layoffs are low but that doesn't mean the labor market is in a strong place. Avoid ‘knee-jerk reactions’ to candidates’ proposed tax increases, financial advisors say.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss last night's presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and what each candidate said about key economic factors. Why will retirees get a smaller bump to Social Security next year? A recession signal is flashing red, or is it? Oil falls to $60 in a good sign for a global soft landing. The fight against inflation gets a big win as prices fall at the pump. Some young adults are opting out of parenthood. Money is a major reason, most say.
Todd Lutsky joins the show to explain the benefits of a revocable trust. Todd also takes calls from listeners about how they should navigate their revocable trusts.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane react to the CPI report that came in line with expectations and wonder how this report will impact the Fed's upcoming rate cut. Todd Lutsky joins the show to explain the benefits of a revocable trust. Todd also takes calls from listeners about how they should navigate their revocable trusts.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Google and Apple facing billions in penalties after losing appeals in the EU. The economy needs and bold Fed. Will it get it? Where should you put your cash now that high yield savings accounts are getting less attractive? Car giants are being forced to confront some hard truths over the EV transition. The rise and fall of Red Lobster.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane wonder if the 'vibecession' is over because the soft landing is actually in view. What are investors watching for during tonight's presidential debate? What does history tell us about the stock market and presidential elections? Should reverse mortgages still be viewed as the boogeyman? Bank of America raises minimum hourly pay to $24, as tellers flee the industry. Apple announced the iPhone 16 with not-quite-ready AI.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the state of American's wallets. Americans have a new piggy bank to raid - their houses. When chasing more dividends leaves you with less. U.S. prepares to challenge Google's online ad dominance. Are greedy companies to blame for grocery inflation?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why it is hard to take certain financial articles seriously, like this one, September is once again a tough month for stocks. The bond market rally rides on how fast the Fed cuts rates. China's troubles are hitting home for U.S. companies. Incoming Starbucks CEO's tall order: calming anxious employees. Boeing reaches tentative deal with workers to avert strike. Amazon wants your palm and TSA wants your face.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Fed official Waller already indicating the necessity of a September rate cut. Why is Trumps latest tax cut proposal irking economists? The NFL is back and it has never been more expensive to watch. Americans eat an average of 42 pounds of cheese per year. Paul LaMonica from Barron's joins the show to preview next week's Apple event.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong breakdown the August jobs report that came in lower than expected and wonder how this information will impact the Fed's upcoming rate cut. Are there downsides to falling interest rates? What is causing the recent market jitters? The massive tech company nobody talks about just reported sluggish earnings.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why cheering on the yield curve could be foolish. American drivers signal a top in gasoline demand. A supersized Fed rate cut this month could be very dangerous for markets. A 'retirement disconnect' has swept across multiple generations of Americans. Nvidia says it has 'not been subpoenaed' by the DOJ in latest probe. Beyond Meat to launch new steak alternative as it focuses on health.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why this jobs report could be the most pivotal one in years. The hot labor market has melted away. Just ask college grads. Harris pushes 28% capital gains tax rate on $1M earners. Biden prepares to block $14B steel deal. Volvo scraps plan to sell only EVs by 2030.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti are encourage that only 44% of workers are 'cautiously optimistic' about meeting retirement goals. Can democrats stop the tax doom loop? For Volkswagen, the bumpy road to EVs starts to hit home. 'Rush' hour isn't what it used to be. 10-4 has replaced the 9-5. Trump wants to 'Drill, baby, drill,' but can he cut energy prices?
On this week's edition of Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky explains what a nominee realty trust is. Todd also takes calls from listeners about their specific estate planning needs.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss yesterday's market sell-off and why investors are so fearful. US job openings decline to lowest level since January 2021. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his insight into estate planning. This week, Todd explains what a nominee realty trust is.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti take a look at why stocks have historically dropped in September and come up with some interesting conclusions. Where will taxes rise the most if Trump's tax cuts are not extended? A recession could upend plans for people approaching retirement. Taking these steps can help, experts say. Why are thousands of hotel workers going on strike? Gen Z wants an inheritance. Good luck with that, say their boomer parents.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how the Fed will use jobs data to gauge how much to cut rates this month. After last month's revision, should you continue to trust US jobs data? Is America's economic mood brightening? Is consumer spending starting to flash warning signs? Are cautious consumers aleady spending down?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the cost of parenthood and how that is impacting the birth rate in the US. Why are Apple and Nvidia interested in investing in OpenAI? Taxes may be a blind spot in your investment portfolio. Lululemon cuts guidance, misses sales estimates after botched product launch. Paul LaMonica from Barron's joins the show to chat about Eli Lilly and the future of weight loss drugs.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss theFed’s favorite inflation indicator increased 0.2% in July, as expected. Could Treasuries be set for the longest run of gains since 2021? Why won't interest rate cuts solve the housing affordability crisis? Is the US workforce in danger of shrinking? Is this fall the best time to travel in 2024? Can budget airlines make the switch to premium?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Salesforce beating expectations and the departure of the company's CFO. Corey Adams from Robert Half joins the show to share the results of a recent employee productivity survey. Markets quickly recovered from the early August meltdown — but investors may not be so lucky next time. Dollar General shares crater 25% as retailer cuts outlook, blaming ‘financially constrained’ customers. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway hits the $1T mark. Shake Shack to shut 6 California locations, including 5 in LA, after state’s $20 minimum wage hike.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Nvidia's strong earnings report doesn't lead to expected market results. 'Nvidia Day' became an event where investors held watch parties. 401(k) auto-enrollment features don’t help savings as much as expected, study finds. Why Fed rate cuts won't solve the hiring crisis. How are bosses finding ways to pay less?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss home-price gains outpacing inflation with a 5.4% annual increase. The American Dream feels out of reach for most. Harris and Trump embrace tariffs, though their approaches differ. GM delays Indiana battery factory in latest EV pullback. Accounting isn't cool anymore. Kelce Brothers sign Amazon 'New Heights' podcast deal worth more than $100M.
This week, Todd Lutsky explains how flexible irrevocable trusts can be and why they might be perfect for your estate planning needs. Todd takes calls from listeners about their personal retirement plans.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss how markets are waiting on Nvidia's earnings report. Could Nvidia's earnings report break the recent S&P 500 rally? Fed rate cuts are coming, but investors disagree on the path forward. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week Todd explains how flexible irrevocable trusts can be.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Kamala Harris's recent economic proposals and explain why you should take it with a grain of salt. Tesla's rivals still can't use it superchargers. Will the US Gov't be successful in breaking up Google? Beware overly simple financial advice. Teachers are burning out on the job.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss investors not sure what to do the day before Nvidia is set to release its earnings report. When did the Great Stagnation actually begin? A $557B drop in office values eclipses a revival of cities. PDD's $55B stock crash sends warning on China's economy. Why has the IPO market gotten cold feet? What you should know if you are traveling this Labor Day Weekend.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the new Boeing CEO facing hard choices after NASA snubs Starliner for SpaceX. Mark Hamrick from Bankrate joins the show to chat about a recent job seeker survey and some of the surprising results. CrowdStrike's big mystery: How bad, and for how long? The plug-in hybrid car starts to win over buyers. The 'Big Grocery' lawsuit goes to court. Restraurants fight back against the FTC crackdown on junk fees.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Powell's pivot leaving traders debating the size and path of rate cuts. Fed criticism is cheap, and its mostly mistaken. Nvidia to keep surfing the tech spending wave as they report earnings this week. Inflation usually hits harder for poor families. For a couple of years, it didn't. Care policies take center stage in Harris's economic message. Messing up the closest thing to a sure thing in the stock market. Apple explores robotics in search for life after the iPhone.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong recap some of the top takeaways from Jerome Powell's speech at Jackson Hole. Retailers are sending mixed messages about the economy. Why is China starting a new trade war? Remote work doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon. Why are publications writing puff pieces about the new Starbucks CEO? Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about the expectations for Nvidia's earnings report next week.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Jerome Powell's speech at Jackson Hole where he said “The time has come for policy to adjust,” but doesn't tell when cuts will come. A turbulent month shows how fickle stocks can be. What are some of the key takeaways from Kamala Harris's economic plan? How much money do Americans believe makes them wealthy? Another executive leaves Tesla.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Lina Khan's noncompete ban being struck down in court. Mike Simonsen, President of Altos Research, joins the show to share his thoughts on the housing market. How to plan for retirement if you're behind on savings in Middle Age. How Taylor Swift fans broke economics. Chick-Fil-A hatches plans for streaming service as reality TV comes home to roost.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the make-or-break moment for the Fed that will determine the economy's fate. Why is the soaring S&P 500 is making 50+ year olds very nervous about their retirement? US payrolls marked down by most since 2009 in preliminary data. Whatever happened to the wisdom of the bond market? The auto industry EV retreat is picking up speed.
On this week's edition of Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky explains what the five-year lookback period is and why it is an important factor to account for when planning your estate. Todd also answers questions from listeners about leaving a home in a trust, who is on the hook for debt in a trust, and how an inherited house should be split up between siblings.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the surge in inflation and what are the likely causes. Why did Walmart sell-off its stake in JD.com? Should the next President raise the federal minimum wage? As Gen X starts to reach retirement age, reality still bites. Is there any solution to the tipping problem here in the US? Happy Anniversary to sliced bread.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the looming revisions to the yearly jobs report and why it might throw the Fed off current rate cut plans. Are most signs pointing to no recession in the near furure? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains the five-year lookback period and why it is very important to understand when planning your retirement.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti wonder if the Fed can get out of its own way. Lowe's cuts full-year outlook as it expects weaker home improvement sales. Families are going into debt for Disney vacations. Big banks watched as con men wiped out a widow's life savings. Battling for budget bookings, discount airlines offer 'poor man's first class'. Here's why Walgreens and CVS retail pharmacies are struggling. Why more Americans don't want kids.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss what could be holding the Fed back from making a big rate-cut at September's meeting. The Food industry is pushing back against Kamala Harris's 'price gouging' plan. The world can't escape from a US economy that has lost its anchor. Businesses are already girding for the next phase of the US-China trade war. New rules for homebuyers are here.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the US housing crisis, simple solutions, and what the presidential candidates are proposing to solve it. How can you position yourself to take advantage of the Feds first rate cut in years? Wall Street is looking for more signs that US consumers will keep spending. Amazon is getting heat from local residents over the drone delivery service. Did Disney just make a bad situation worse?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong preview this week's Fed meeting in Jackson Hole. Will the Fed set the stage for rate cuts, if so, by how much? How is the US Treasury more powerful than the Fed? Goldman cuts recession risk by 5%, citing latest jobs data. Why are the biggest US companies warning of an AI risk? What is the latest dystopian nightmare coming from the tech world?
Paul Lane sits down with Mark Voner, CEO - Veterans Development Corporation, to chat about how the VDC is helping veterans find work after their service to our country concludes, how the DAV is providing for disabled veterans, and what we can do to make sure those who fought for our country have a success post-military career.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss why AI searches are not going to impact Google anytime soon. Warren Buffett's Apple sale brings value back to quality investing. Medicare's drug-price talks are about to get more heated. Mark Voner, CEO of Veterans Development Corporation, joins the show to share his experience in the military and how his company is doing great work for our vets when they return from service. Why are Brazilian nude beaches not nude enough? Paul LaMonica stops by to chat about Medtronic getting hit with anti-obesity concerns.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane explain why one data point is not enough to make rate-cut decisions and why you shouldn't listen those who overreact to data releases. The carry trade that blew up markets is attracting hedge funds again. Citadel's Ken Griffin has remade the hedge-fund industry, with himself on top. What are the new rules for how we buy and sell homes? Harris to propose $25,000 assistance for first-time homebuyers. Why does the government think they can tackle supposed price gouging?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why falling mortgage rates aren't a quick fix for frustrated homebuyers. To solve its housing crisis, Britain turns to an old idea, new towns. How Gen Z women are investing their way to the good life. English ChatGPT users flummoxed by language glitch as but turns Welsh. Record heat is testing Kraft Heinz's efforts to climate proof ketchup.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the jobless claims and retail sales data that was released this morning, both of which came in better than expected. Walmart beats estimates, raises outlook as it sees stable consumer health. Cisco cutting 7% of its workforce, reports earnings and revenue beat. Alibaba earnings miss expectations despite cloud acceleration. China's economy fails to pick up after worst stretch in five quarters. New breed of EV promises 700 miles per charge, but you still have to add gas.
On this weeks edition of Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky explains the benefits of a medicaid trust, how to plan after a parent is in a nursing home, and understanding the due-on clause on a revocable trust.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss how the financial situation for many millennials have dramatically shifted in the past couple of years. So much about Real-Estate commissions just changed. Mortgage refinancing surges 35% in one week. Mars strikes a $36B deal to buy Pringles maker Kellanova. The big risk for the market: becoming an AI echo chamber.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane react to the release of the CPI report that stayed in-line with expectations. How will this weeks economic data releases influence the Fed? UBS CEO says its too early to talk about a US recession. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his expertise on estate planning and takes calls from listeners about their personal planning needs.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why voters have possibly moved past caring about the Federal deficit. Home buyers eye Cape Cod's risky oceanfront. Can free rent revive downtown San Francisco? Gen X retirement plans look shaky. Its the American Dream still alive? Your local malls will have a new anchor coming soon.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane react to the Producer Price Index report that came in slightly lower than expected. Starbucks surges over 20% on news that Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol will move to the coffee chain. Market volatility is back. Will it last? Home Depot cuts outlook with consumers in 'deferral mindset'. Why the Fed has a difficult task on its hands due to conflicting views on inflation.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why the travel boom is beginning to slowdown. US officials to visit China for economic talks as trade tensions rise. StubHub continues to customers with ridiculously high fees. Why getting a late start on retirement savings isn't the end of the world. Disney unveils billions of dollars in theme-park expansions. Will the Olympics in LA be a boon for the city?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong preview a busy week for economic data that could dictate the Fed's plans for September. Investors borrowed like crazy during the rally. Now they're paying the price. Inflation hurts most for the things we can't skimp on. Bonds are back as a hedge after failling investors for years. OPEC slightly trims oil demand forecast, citing softness in China. Harris joins Trump in proposing to eliminate taxes on tips.
On the second hour of today's show, Chuck and Mike talk about the Fed and react to Wharton School Professor Jeremy Siegel backing off his earlier statement that an emergency rate cut is needed. Plus, the guys address more debate circulating as to if the Fed should remain independent. More on the Google antitrust case loss and how it will impact Apple. And Paul LaMonica of Barron's talks Kellonova.
:In the first hour of the show, Chuck and Mike reacap the wild week that was and reflect on what investors learned during the recent "panic". Plus, the guys give their insight on the state of the economy and dissect a new article from the WSJ: "Has the U.S. economy reaching a tipping point? Also, a listener sends in a detailed email with a great question on social security.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how travel and leisure is being crushed by slowing US consumer spending. Corey Adams from Robert Half joins the show to talk about more than half US companies are expected to add new positions by the end of the year. Is there a silver lining to a slowing economy? Would you trust Boeing to take you to space? Why are both parties proposing plans that could speed up the destruction of social security? Why are so many Americans willing to move to disaster zones?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the weekly jobless claims that came in less than expected. Chuck explains why one data point is not nearly enough to make conclusions about the future of the economy. JPMorgan raises recession chances by 35%. Why does Jamie Dimon keep making public predictions? The summer has been tough on stocks and that is over-shadowing very good earnings results. Lyft is going to do what to surge pricing?
On this week's edition of Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky shares how irrevocable trusts work and why they are an essential tool for many retirees. Todd explains how family members can make sure they leave a shared property for the their children. Todd answers why you should never write a will on your own.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti explain why consumer spending is one of, if not the biggest factor, in the country avoiding a recession. Is the Fed in for a bumpy ride over the next couple of months? Why should workers expect a much smaller raise this year? Disney posts first-ever streaming profit, but the theme-parks are proving to be a drag. Microsoft fires back at Delta after massive outage says airline declined 'repeated' offers for help.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss stocks clawing back the losses from the global selloff. The Bank of Japan walks back talk of rate increases after roiling markets. What does Claudia Sahm mean when she says her recession rule is meant to be broken? Todd Lutsky joins the show to shares his expertise on irrevocable trusts.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss why Google lost its antitrust suit and what it means for the future of the company. Uber says consumer spending 'never been stronger' as profits jump. What to do with your money if you're worried about the market. How going to the movies is changing.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the wild 24 hours on markets that saw huge losses turn into stunning gains for some. The guys explain what the Sahm Rule is and why it is referred to by economists when trying to predict a recession. How is the presidential race impacting markets? Did the market selloff upend the Fed's rate-cut plans? Should the Fed resist placating markets?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Warren Buffett's recent move to sell half of his stake in Apple and why trying to trade like Warren Buffett often leads to poor results. Will AI kill meaningless jobs? CrowdStrike is pushing back on Delta's claims of lost revenue during the recent outage. Wharton's Jeremy Siegel says Fed needs to make an emergency rate cut. Should you be taking a hard look at your investments right now?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss today's jolt to markets across the world and why fear is rising. Understanding what happens when the S&P500 drops suddenly. Why equities are not for everyone. Not every data release is pointing towards a recession. 2024's most popular trades are unraveling. Wall Street's 'fear gauge' rises to its highest level since the early pandemic sell off.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why today's market meltdown is a good thing for those with an eye on the long term. Apple sales rise 5%, topping estimates as iPad and service revenues jump. Intel to cut 15% of workforce and the stock plummets 29%. Amazon shares slide on revenue miss and disappointing guidance. Paul LaMonica joins the show to discuss Intel's future outlook.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong breakdown the terrible July jobs report and explain why this could be a recession indicator. Flight from stocks accelerates as fear grows Fed too slow to cut. How are Treasury Bonds holding up during today's madness? A judge overturned the $4.7B Sunday Ticket lawsuit. Venu Sports streaming service announced a $42.99 montly price point.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss food companies hitting consumers' limits with price hikes. Delta's CEO is claiming that the CrowdStrike outage cost the company $500M. JetBlue's profitability push is going to cost Boston customers. Millennial's are getting a boost to their retirement. Stock splits are back in fashion, but why? Taco Bell to roll out AI drive-thru ordering in hundreds of locations by end of year.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Fed clearing a path to a September rate cut what impact that will have on the Presidential election. A couple of early morning economic data releases paint a bleak picture that could end with recession. Meta posts strong earnings off the back of ad sales and shows how expensive AI is getting for companies. Nvidia sets a new single day record. The stock market doesn't look like the dot-com bubble. Does it look worse?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the appointment of Kelly Ortberg as the new CEO of Boeing and how he has the difficult job of turning around the aviation giant. The US has shielded ASML and Tokyo Electron from chip export rules, which is good news for chip manufacturers. Scottie Pippen launches Game5Ball to tokenize the ball from the Bulls 1996 championship. Why is train travel making a comeback in the US?
Todd Lutsky shares his insight into last minute medicaid planning and how beneficiaries can ensure they aren't left holding the bag. Todd also breaks down some of the steps you need to go through when deciding what kind of estate plan you need.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane share their expectations for the Fed coming out of their meeting this week. Politics doesn't go into the Fed's decisions, or does it? Microsoft finds out that their AI dreams are an expensive reality. Todd Lutsky stops by to talk about last minute medicaid eligibility and takes calls about specific estate planning needs.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss more than half of American renters who want to buy a home fear they'll never afford one. Over one million people now owe more than $200,000 in Federal student loans. Why is the new Starbucks CEO having such a difficult time? Carmakers neglect a key sector while chase EV glory. Boneless chicken wings can have bones afterall, says a ruling by the Ohio Supreme Court.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss investors being on alert for Fed signals of a September rate cut. What is the case against lower interest rates? Is the labor market about to crack? Is it really a crual summer for Big Tech stocks? Delta hires famed lawyer to go after CrowdStrike and Microsoft over recent outage. These funds are like candy for Boomers. The taxes aren't. How one man lost $740,000 to scammers targeting his retirement savings.
Joe Boschulte, USVI Commissioner of Tourism, joins the show to talk about what each island has to offer for vacationers during the summer months, why the cruise industry is the backbone of tourism for the islands, upcoming winter deals and events, and why now is the best time to book your vacation to the USVI.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong are joined by USVI Commissioner of Tourism, Joe Boschulte, to talk about the amazing vacation opportunites that the USVI has to offer. The sudden market drop was scary for investors but long overdue. What are some of the biggest mistakes you can make with your 401(k)? Investors embrace bond funds before rates start to fall. The fast food minimum wage effect: higher prices and reduced hours.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong preview the week in earnings which will see Meta, Apple, and Microsoft all reporting. A Fed rate cut is finally within view. Interest rates are a sideshow in the Fed drama. McDonald's sales fall for the first time since 2020, but the stock went up. Why? The US reveals security concerns around TikTok and ByteDance.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder if customers are fed up with Chipotle's lack of consistency. Is now the best time for would be car buyers to start shopping? Can Apple stage an iPhone comeback in China? Does OpenAI's upcoming search engine have a shot at competing with Google? Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about CrowdStrike and how the company can rebound from the recent outage.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss if the Fed's key inflation gauge coming in line with expectations could force the Fed to signal September rate cuts. Why are wealthier people slowing down their splurge spending? Did CrowdStrike slap their customers in the face by offering a $10 apology for the outage? Why you need to plan to spend your nest egg instead of just hoarding it.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Ford falling its most in four years as warranty costs erode profit. Jeff Ostrowski from Bankrate joins the show to chat about their recent homeownership survey. An increase in uninsured drivers is pushing up costs for everyone else. Airlines are finally cutting ticket prices as flight numbers rise. Massachusetts gave how much money to the movie 'Don't Look Up'?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss yesterday's massive tech sell off that caused the worst day on markets since 2022. Are small cap stocks the new darlings for investors? The US economy grew at a 2.*% pace in the second quarter, much more than expected. Emotional investing is bad investing. The Fed may be two meetings away from a major mistake.
Todd Lutsky explains what tools are available for those who failed to plan before needing to go on Medicaid. Todd also explains the benefits of long-term care insurance and how flexible irrevocable trusts are.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti explain to the 3 in 5 Americans who believe the country is in a recession why that isn't the case. What are the competing opinions on future rate cuts by the Fed? Is the hottest job market in a generation already over? Your cup of coffee is already expensive, and it is about to get even more expensive.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the earnings results from Google and Tesla and why markets are reeling in their wake. Has Google misjudged the growth of AI? Is Tesla missing the boat on AI? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his week'y segment, Ask Todd, where he explains how to get on medicaid at the last minute.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti explain why the CrowdStrike outage is another sharp warning for banks. Google talks to acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz fall apart. GM lifts earnings outlook as US market carries load. Elon Musk has his mojo back. Can you send some mojo to Tesla? Alexa is in millions of households, and Amazon is losing billions. The 401(k) rollover mistake that costs retirement savers billions.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how recent politically events have been moving markets. Investors remember 'stocks can go down too' in return to hedging. June home sales slump, pointing to a buyer's market as supply increases. Why is the deficit so big? Depends on who you ask. America's 60-year-olds are staring at financial peril. McDonald's will extend the $5 meal deal at most US restaurants.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong want to know why so many Americans are choosing not to have babies. American borrowers are on shaky ground, how long can this last? How can you avoid the 'Social Security Torpedo"? EVs are cheaper than ever. Can car buyers be won over? Airbnb hosts want guests to come to them directly.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss if markets could unwind the ‘Trump trade’ after Biden drops out of presidential race. Investors count on earnings to calm $900 billion US tech rout. A stock-market rotation of historic proportions is taking shape. Flight cancellations caused by tech outage continued over the weekend. Ble screens everywhere are the latest tech woe for Microsoft. Why are job seekers losing confidence? Massachusetts moves closer to mandating employers to disclose salary ranges on job postings.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Netflix's earnings report and how the company continues to dominate the streaming space. The Fed prepares for September cut as Powell shifts focus to jobs. Banks are offering bigger cash bonuses. But you will need to know much more before changing banks. $15 minimum wage for tipped workers headed to ballot. No taxes on tips? A Trump idea gains ground. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about AmEx.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong breakdown the major IT outage that has grounded flights and hit banks and businesses across the world. Get ready to pay more for less-reliable electricity. The magic number to afford a home in Boston? $217,000 in annual income. Heirs finally get an answer from the IRS about money in inherited retirement accounts. Broken windmill blade off Nantucket causing big concern for clean energy advocates.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how the conversation surrounding inflation is being expressed of the RNC. JD Vance blames China for the degredation of the US's middle class. Social Security just announced a change for millions of beneficiaries. Car repossesions surge across the country. Bud Light loses more ground, slipping to No. 3 in America. American towns are saying no to new megamansions.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss what went so wrong for tech companies on markets yesterday. TSMC beats estimates on surging chip demand, but politics might get in the way. Should Fed's critics be championing a July cut? Mike can't help but express his love for Domino's. Where do economists think we are headed? Is revenge travel running out of steam?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane explain why portfolio diversification is necessary. Top Fed official suggests the Fed is closer, but not yet ready, to cut rates. Biden's rent control plan will make the housing crisis worse. Real Estate meltdown strains even the safest office bonds. It's the summer of the quiet vacation. Don't tell the boss. NBA Board backs TV rights deals, but steps remain.
On this week's edition of Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky shares how he prepares his clients for Medicaid planning and what the right age is to begin planning. Can you plan too early?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss why the S&P 500 dropped over 1% and why global chipmakers are to blame. The US floats tougher trade curbs in chip crackdown on China. Fresh tariffs could see interest rates stay higher for longer. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his expertise on Medicaid planning.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss drivers opting for a more intrusive option to ease car-insurance costs. 60% US tariffs would cripple China, but at what costs to the US? Why is the oil industry booming? Musk's Robotaxi plan shows he understands car but not people. Will the housing market tell the Fed how much to cut? The futue of children's television isn't television.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Jerome Powell signaling a rate cut is coming soon but doesn't commit to when. Retail sales come in better than expected in June. Big banks are getting help from Wall Street comeback. How is Wall Street continuing to absorb American's borrowing binge? Can you save too much for retirement? Using your retirement account as an ATM just got a lot easier.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss China's lopsided economy is losing steam. Trillions in hidden debt drove China's growth. Now it threatens its future. These are America's best and worst states for quality of life. Social Security fears spur these young workers to save more. With high prices and mortgage rates, aspiring and current homeowners feel stuck. Amazon sold a used diaper. It tanked a Mom-and-Pop business.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the attemped assasination of President Trump. Global markets ramp up the 'Trump Trade' after rally attack. Is the stock market near its top? Stock dudes risk a market wipeout. How startup Wiz went from zero to a possible $23B sale to Google in four years.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong push back on calls that inflation has been defeated. Ted Rossman from Bankrate joins the show to share the results of a recent survey that showed 1 in 3 Americans earn money through a side hustle. Have potato chips reached peak price? Can movies for grown-ups still sell tickets? Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Taiwan Semiconductor.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss big bank stocks' market-beating rally now puts the onus on outlook. Thursday was a historically strange day in the stock market. That might be good news. AT&T says hacker stole data on nearly all of its wireless customers. Americans are worried about outliving their retirement savings. Apple seeks 'killer app' for its $3,500 Vision Pro Headset.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why presidential elections shouldn't overly influence how you invest. Why is Biden offering $1.7B to help factories build EVs? The great baby boomer debate: Give your kids money now — or let them inherit it? The IRS is cracking down on delinquent millionaires is yielding $1B. Tesla delaying Robotaxi day to October from 8/8.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the release of the June CPI data that showed inflation slowing for the month. When will the Fed respond with rate cuts? Jerome Powell is not prepared to say he's confident about inflation. Delta's sagging profts signals trouble for airlines this summer. Home insurance premiums are surging and states are allowing it. The risky loan-trade is back. Goldman strategists say Big Tech's AI splurge is worrying investors.
Todd Lutsky shares his insight on last minute medicade eligibility, how to make sure you are preparing, what single people and what married couples can do if they have delayed or failed to prepare for retirement.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti wonder if the housing market is being held down because too many homes are for sale. What to watch for when bank earnings season kicks off. Market strategists finally abandon S&P 500 targets. American workers have quit quitting. Will AI ever pay off?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Jerome Powell's remarks about the current state of inflation and the future of rate cuts. Reliability of US economic data in in jeopardy. Todd Lutsky from Cushing & Dolan joins the show to share his expertise on medicade eligibility and what single people and married people should do if they have failed to prepare.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how Trump's increasing election odds are already impacting financial markets. Is the housing crisis really about low-wage jobs? Is housing the solution to downtown's empty office problem? Even as prices stabilize, Walmart, Chipotle, and others feel the heat from skepitcal customers. United Airlines Jet loses wheel in repeat of March incident.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to Jerome Powell's comments about how long the Fed can hold rates high. What should the Federal Reserve put on its agenda for Jackson Hole? Citi says its time to book profits in high-flying AI equities. The right mix of retirement accounts can lower your future taxes. What happens when your bank isn't really a bank and your money disappears?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss air travel demand is breaking records but airline profits are not. The noncompete clause is moving deeper into limbo. US consumer goods companies are losing upper hand on pricing. Record numbers of Americans are investing in stocks. How are baby boomers still driving the economy? Scammers are swiping billions from Americans. Sadly, many are getting away with it.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Boeing agress to plead guilty in 737 criminal case. The case for September rate cuts builds after slower jobs data. Jerome Powell is set to testify as inflation and hiring cools. People are starting to feel stuck in their jobs. Bosses are starting to worry. This earnings season will test investors faith in big tech stocks.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss why this weekend is a make or break moment for the democrats and Joe Biden. Have markets already priced in the 2024 race? JPMorgan is warning customers that they might have to start paying for the privilage of using a checking account. What is the major mistake most people making over $100k are making? Paul LaMonica stops by to chat about junk food companies trying to figure out their future in a world of Ozempic.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to the June Jobs Report that showed the unemployment rate rise to its highest level since October 2021. How will the Fed view the latest jobs report? Does the McDonald's $5 meal tell us where prices are headed? Will apartments be the next real estate business to struggle? Wall Street's biggest bear is out in the cold.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti wonder if property taxes are squeezing out Massachusetts homeowners. The most expensive state for single people is not California, New York, or Hawaii. Your old clothes could be worth billions. The jiggle is up: Bosses bust workers who fake computer activity. What will the Boston Celtics sell for? Fourth of July parties will cost nearly $100 to host this year.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti are not surprised to see private payrolls growing by less than expected. The 10-year Treasury yield continues to fall after latest jobs data shows further weakness. Traders are flocking to a Trump-fueled bet on higher US bond yields. The underground network sneaking Nvidia chips into China. Climate change is pushing up foor prices, and worrying Central Banks. Paramount and Skydance near mergel deal. FDA approves Eli Lilly Alzheimer's drug.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the reasons why the Apple Watch has become a favorite tool for doctors. Corey Adams from Robert Half joins the show to chat about Robert Half's recent employment survey. When will teenagers start working again? Mayor Wu's tax proposal raises big question from small business owners. The lawsuit against 'Roaring Kitty' gets quickly dropped. Isn't it obvious why RedBox declared bankruptcy?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane breakdown the JOLTS report for May and point out some concerning signs. What does a Trump mean for bonds? Wall Street has an idea. What is 'upflation' and why is it driving up prices for US consumers? Oil prices hit a two-month high due to ongoing mid-east conflicts and hurricane season. Tesla deliveries beat estimates but still down 4.8% from last year. There are only two communities in New England that can support minimum wage workers.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane take a look at why New York City wasted $700M trying to solve the city's traffic problem. From Food Halls to special laws, restraurants and landlords get creative to avoid paying $600,000 for a liquor license. The tech industry wants to lock up nuclear power for AI. Fast-Food giants go to battle over value meals. 24-Hour stock trading is booming - and Wall Street is rattled.
Mike Armstrong and Paul discuss the biggest economic concerns they have outside of inflation. Even a slowly cooling labor market often ends with a recession. Rising government debt threatens financial stability. Boeing scoops up Spirit AeroSystems in a $4.7B deal. China's central bank moves to address bond frenzy. Chewy shares whipsaw after Keith Gill reveals $245M stake.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the current problem with America's housing market and wonder if it is warping the economy. Why is the US economy benefiting from the pressure effect? Shopping for a car this weekend will require and old school approach. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Constellation Energy and why former dividend plays are becoming growth machines.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to the PCE data that showed inflation rose 2.6% in May from a year ago. What were the economic takeaways from last night's debate? Why markets aren't dramatically impacted by presidential debates. AI frenzy propels stocks to a monster first half. Wall Street seems calm. A closer look shows something else. Why do we keep setting air travel records this year? Nike seems to be falling out of favor.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti take a look at why even high earners are concerned about making ends meet. Walgreens plans major US store closures. 55-year old Americans are 'critically underprepared' for retirement, survey finds. Could this be the top of the housing market? Nearly half of American EV owners plan to switch back to gas-powered cars.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti preview the economic elements of tonight's presidential debate. Economists are worried about both candidates ideas for extended tariffs. What is the real reason we should worry about the ever-growing budget deficit? Small business's are keeping the labor market going. Micron declines after missing on expectations.
Todd Lutsky shares his insight into how and when you should decide on a revocable or irrevocable trust. Todd also details some scenario's that might require one trust over the other.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down why the economy is doing well and pushback against those who think the economy is terrible right now. Housing sector slump persists, with little relief in sight. For American brands worried about China is India the future? Vanguard sees more 401(k) hardship withdrawals. That may not be a bad thing. YouTube dominates streaming, forcing media companies to decide whether it is friend of foe.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti take a look at past presidential debates and how impactful they were on markets in the immediate aftermath. Fed's Bowman warns of upside risks to inflation, not time to cut. US auto sales are expected to slow during the second half of 2024. Volkswagen to invest up to $5B into EV maker Rivian. Todd Lutsky stops by for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the labor market's weak spots and why the Fed is very concerend about them. Why did Microsoft get hit with an EU antitrust suit? Paying bills with your credit card can lead to massive mistakes. Are there any Mutual Funds left that are better than ETFs? Why did Apple reject a partnership with Meta? Paramount+ increases its monthly rates. Electronic pricing is coming to a supermarket shelf near you.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Nvidia's recent slide and how investors have dealt with it. Why is this homebuying season the worst in more than a decade? Why did Janet Yellen propose to help boost housing supply? How is Boston preparing to combat a shortage in housing supply? How can Americans chasing high interest rates avoid falling into the cash trap? 401(k) contributions and matching rate are at an all-time high.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why millionaires are leaving Massachusetts and where they are going. Target aims to expand its online market place with Shopify partnership. What does retirement look like when you are using real estate as your primary income source? Investing in sports has arrived. CDK hackers want millions in ransom to end car dealership outage.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane preview this week's all important PCE release. How did we go from six anticapted rate cuts to only one potential cut? How long can high rates last? Could it be forever? Apple hit by first charges under new European tech law. Holiday travel is booming. Why are airlines doing so badly? China and the EU agree to talks in bid to head off trade war.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the recent economic survey from Monmouth University that showed Americans are focused on high prices and that is shading their economic outlook. The IRS extends freeze of Pandemic-era tax credit amid widespread fraud. Fast-Food customers are shifting to casual-dining chains. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about how impactful recent movie releases have been for movie theater chains.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti explain why Nvidia's success is the stock markets problem. SoftBank founder laments selling Nvidia back in 2019. Home prices hit record high in May as sales stall. At Target, store workers become AI conduits. China has spent at least $230B to build its EV industry. Europe has a new economic engine: American Tourists. Hackers auction off stolen Lending Tree consumers' data.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss how impactful the summer heatwave is on our wallets. Where are home prices far outpacing paychecks? Why are Americans not buying more EVs? Months after telling advertisers to 'go F themselves', Elon Musk pitches advertisers to return to the platform. Did McDonald's ignite the food price war with the return of the $5 value meal?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss how Nvidia rose to be the most valuable publically traded company, and if their rise means we are in a bubble. The Bank of England declines to cut rates despite easing inflation. Boeing's CEO apologizes to MAX crash families and claims companies culture is far from perfect. Has the recent rally in treasuries erased losses from earlier this year? The US debt is on pace to surpass $56T in the next ten years.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti wonder why so many people are confused by what a recession actually is. Central Banks expect to snap up more gold this year amid dollar pessimism. EV startup Fisker files for bankruptcy. What is a zombie mortgage? Socal Media influencers aren't getting rich, they're barely getting by.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to the May retail sales report that came in weaker than expected. Does the Fed need to cut rates sooner rather than later? Boeing CEO calls culture 'far from perfect' as a new whistleblower surfaces. '529' plans are getting a lot more flexible and useful this year. McDonald's to end AI drive-thru test with IBM.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how much money is at stake if corporate taxes get lowered and where the US sits among developed nations on taxing corporations. Why didn't China's stimulus kick start the housing market? Should the DOJ prosecute Boeing over fatal crashes? How to manage retirement savings during a high interest rate cycle. Will Biden reopen the US gas stockpile? Why is congress unable to solve the Social Security mess?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why the Fed can take time taming inflation. Why are big bond rally is promising help for home buyers. Why condos are seeing a big spike in insurance costs. What did Wells Fargo do to cost itself over $10M per month? Pixar strikes big at the box office with 'Inside Out 2.'
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how expensive it is to insure EVs. Boeing investigates quality issue on undelivered 787s. Is recession worse than inflation? Hurricane season begins with a deluge in Florida. Are insurers ready? Can crypto stave off a US debt crisis? Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Nvidia's stock split and the potential for extending the rally.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey that came in much lower than expected. Why the stock market has risen even with no rate cuts. Elon Musk's pay victory removes cloud at Tesla, but fresh legal fight looms. Don't just set it and forget it when it comes to your money goals.
On the second hour of today's show, Chuck and Mike discuss the latest news out of Tesla regarding CEO Elon Musk's pay package on the verge of being approved by shareholders. Plus, Jeff Ostrowski of Bankrate joins the guys to recap their latest survey about how the hidden costs of homeownership have risen 26% since 2020. An update on the peculiar minimum-wage law is faring in California and impacting its fast-food restaurants. And of course, stack roulette.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the Fed's comments about a possible lone rate cut coming this year. PPI data shows wholesale prices unexpectedly dropping in May. US jobless claims rise to highest level in 9 months. Bond market splits from Fed again by betting on 2024 rate cuts. The era of higher savings and bond rates is still going. How can you take advantage? Market volatility is making a comeback?
Todd Lutsky, Cushing & Dolan, explains what factors go in to making a decision on creating an irrevocable trust. What are the downsides of using an irrevocable trust? How do you know if you need one trust or two? How to plan for estate taxes and a possible nursing home stay?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane explain why Gen Z is in for a rude awakening as they enter the labor force. European carmakers are concerned about the new tariffs against China. US home-purchase applications rise for the first time in five weeks. Will oil levels be able to keep up with peak demand? Biden and Trump both want to extend tax cuts for Americans. Can the country afford it?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane react to the May CPI report that showed inflation slowing down over the month. Will the Fed make a rate cut decision at this week's meeting? How are markets pricing in future rate cuts? Todd Lutsky stops by for his weekly segment, Ask Todd, where he shares his expertise on estate planning.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane wonder what happened to the supposed retail apocalypse. Pimco warns of more regional bank failures on property pain. The stock market rally has been all about large caps. As banking moves online, branch design takes cues from Starbucks. The postal service's $40B overhaul is off to a rough start.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane preview this week's Fed meeting. Why the Fed is in no rush to cut rates as economy holds up. Fed's higher-for-longer stance hits firms that expected cuts. Apple partners with OpenAI to rolls out new artificial intelligence system. Elon Musk says he will ban Apple devices if OpenAI is integrated into OS. 401(k) confusion abounds. Workers think they're saving, but they aren't really.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong take a look at homes for sale are piling up, just not where buyers are. Toyota lost over $15B in market value last week after being caught falsifying tests. Annuities are soaring in popularity. They're not all as safe as they seem. Apple is under pressure to deliver on AI at Monday's WWDC event. How much is your smart phone spying on you?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why traders are bracing for volatility on Fed-CPI double blow. Where is that recession that was promised? Roaring Kitty talked GameStop and chugged beer while shares plunged. Elliott takes a big stake in Southwest Airlines. A big decision for Boeing's next CEO.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong take a look at the reasons why buyers are staying away from new cars. Jessica Caldwell from Edmunds joins the show to chat about new car sales vs used car sales and where EVs are trending. It's a buyers market for boats, RVs, and other pandemic toys. Want to pay cash? That'll cost you extra. Paul LaMonica from Barron's joins the show to discuss Robinhood's latest big move in the crypto space.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the supposedly great May jobs report. China's exports surge as trade tensions near boiling point. GameStop slumps on share sale plan hours before Keith Gill's livestream. Trump tax cut renewal is winning over Wall Street, but could cost $4.6T. Humane warns AI Pin users to 'immediately' stop using the devices charger.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder if the collapse in commercial real estate is imminent. Gig work isn't living up to its hype. How has Apple fallen behind in the AI arms race? Michael Santoli, CNBC, joins the show to discuss how impactful the upcoming economic data could be. The best reason to claim social security early. The $21 billion lawsuit that could break the NFL.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the ECB's interest rate cut to 3.75%, and wonder if the Fed will use this to start their own rate cuts. US jobless claims come in higher than expected. Goldman Sachs sees a 'wall of money' fueing stock market's summer party. Keith Gill's GameStop trades pose conundrum for market caps. Oil extends losses as OPEC+ and weak US data unnerve traders.
This week on Ask Todd, Todd explains the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts and why you need to know how each functions and what the tax implications are. Todd also takes calls from listeners about their individual estate planning needs.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti react to the launch of the Boeing Starliner that is sending NASA astronauts to the International Space Station. Why do Americans have more investment income than ever before? Is the job market turning back in favor of employers? Why are commutes getting longer and longer? Will Americans with adjustable rate mortgages see their payments skyrocket?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti dive into the jobs data released in the morning that came in 'much lower than expected'. Is Europe catching up to the US's GDP growth? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd, where he will explain the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti debate if Keith Gill, Roaring Kitty, is manilpulating the stock market with his recent activity. Majority of Middle-Class Americans say they are financially struggling. Own a 401(k)? You could soon vote on issues like Elon Musk's pay. Many Americans are still shying away from EVs despite Biden's push. Car deals vanished during the pandemic. They're coming back.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss why bad economic news has resulted in higher stock prices, but that could be about to change. Job openings in the US fell to a 3-year low as the labor market is cooling off. Big Tech companies unplug stock market from reality. Renting vs Buying in Boston is getting messy. The average 401(k) savings rate recently hit a record. E*Trade considers kicking meme-stock trader Keith Gill off their platform.
Mike Armstong and Marc Fandetti wonder when the pay off will come for the US after the country poured billions of dollars at chip makers. Boston Beer in talks to sell itself to Jim Beam owner. Companies counter pushback on prices increases with promotions. How a retirement withdrawal can lead to a perjury conviction. Ford says drivers will be able to take their eyes off the road in two years.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss why the Fed has to worry about much more than just inflation. Key engines of consumer spending are losing steam all at once. NYSE technical issue shows Berkshire Hathaway down 99%. GameStop shares surge 25% after 'Roaring Kitty' posts big position in the company. Inflations feels bad no matter how you define it.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti take a look at which parts of the economy are preventing the Fed from cutting rates. The rise in consumers' late debt payments is slowing down. the QR backlash has won. Restaurants are ditching them for good. You bought gold at costco. What are the taxes when you sell it. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about the latest on UnitedHealth.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to the Fed's preferred inflation measure coming in as expected. Matt Gagnon, CEO - Maine Policy Institute, joins the show to share his stance on the current state of the economy. A robust economy can't shield Biden from blame for higher prices. Commercial property meltdown clobbers pension funds.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder if the current interest rates are too low to cool off the economy? McDonalds tries to set the record straight on $18 Big Macs. What are the new Roth IRA rules? Loneliness in retirement is rapidly on the rise. Why are orange juices prices through the roof? Walmart store managers are now making staggering salaries.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss treasuries holding steady during the recent stock sell off. Are markets banking too much on AI assumptions? Why is home insurance barely counted in inflation data? Why did movie studios experience the worst Memorial Day Weekend since 1989? Salesforce shares weak outlook and shares plunge.
This week on Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky shares his insight into state estate taxes and which states have death taxes, naming trusts as account owners, and how to know if your trust actually exists or not.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane take a look at how much American workers need to make to feel happy with their salary. Why are American workers so lonely? Elon Musk's xAI valued at $24B after latest fundraising. How did AI make Mark Zuckerberg popular in Silicon Valley again? Store brands are filing up more of your car. Starbucks customers and workers fume over fewer staff.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane wish the Fed will limit their speakers because they are causing more harm than good. Two major mergers are on the table in the energy sector. Why is the FTC focused on Tech over Energy? US lawmakers meet with new Taiwan President amid tensions with China. Blacklisted Chinese companies rebrand as American to dodge crackdown. Todd Lutsky joins the show to chat about state estate taxes.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane take a look at why US consumer confidence rebounded in May after months of decline. Is the slowdown in EV sales just a bump in the road? Apple is starting to gain steam in China. How are people building streaming bundles to save money? What is driving the cost of home insurance?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why Wall Street's favorite recession indicator slumping? What you need to know about Wall Street shortening the time for delivery of settlements. Why are bullish investors piling into stock and bond funds? Why many Americans don't feel on track for retirement. Are 7% mortgages killing the American dream? Why is California's plans to build more homes failing?
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti wonder why the majority of Americans wrongly believe we are in a recession? Why are Treasury Bills the best place to put your cash right now? Colleges will now be forced to pay their student athletes. Why do 1 in 4 Americans believe college is not worth going into dept for? Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Keurig's attempt to surpass Coke and Pepsi.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti look at why markets tanked on Thursday. What does Nvidia's stock split mean for the Dow? Where is the last $6B in CHIPS Act money going to? Scarlett Johansson vs OpenAI will have major ramifications. What happens to ticket prices if Live Nation loses in court? Why are Auto and Home insurance costs soaring?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Justice Department suing Live Nation and seeking a break up of ticketing giant. Prices at the pump are dropping just in time for summer travel season. Jamie Dimon says we can't rule out a hard landing. Why is Jamie Dimon always predicting doom? Boston's broken liquor license system is driving restaurants out of the city.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the economic data released today, US jobless claims post back-to-back drop, and S&P global manufacturing PMI surprises. Fed officials saw longer wait for rate cuts. Nvidia sales triple, but are there signs that a slowdown is coming? OpenAI and NewsCorp strike content deal valued at $250M. Home sales fall again in April.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti analyze why so many economists got their recession predictions so very wrong. Omair Shariff, Founder - Inflation Insights, joins the show to discuss the current state of inflation. Why is gold so alluring to so many people right now? TV networks are throwing out the old playbook and embracing an 'age doesn't matter' philosophy. Where are all the young tech founders these days?
On this week's edition of Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky explains why you should always create an estate plan even if you feel like you don't have enough money. Todd also details why plans need to expand with more extensive estates, step-up in basis in grand tour trusts, and how an estate is divided if a spouse dies before a divorce is finalized.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti finds a major flaw in the recent Fed financial survey and the results that showed inflations ongoing burden on Americans. The Fed being uniform on interest rates brings high risk. Todd Lutsky stops by for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. Todd looks at how the size of your estate determines the complexity of your trust.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how gas prices are impacting our view of the economy as a whole. The US seeks to join forces with Europe to combat excess Chinese goods. Dan Griggs, OceanFirst Bank Boston President, joins the show to share his view on how inflation expectations have shifted and how the economy is fairing here in New England. Scarlett Johansson rebukes OpenAI over ChatGPT voice. Lowe's shares drop on weak home-improvement outlook. Tucker can't find a shirt at Macy's.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti wonder how the Fed officials that are speaking this week will address future rate cuts. Goldman says equity investors are bracing for a return of volatility. The unlikely stocks that became a hot bet on AI. Sarah Foster, Bankrate.com, joins the show to share the results of a recent survey on financial success and what it means to different generations.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why the 'godfather of AI' believes the adoption of AI will create a serious need for universal basic income. Social Security's 'biggest myth' leads people to claim early. Why that is a mistake. When to treat your 401(k) as a bank. And when to keep it locked up. Some consumers are punting big purchases like pools and mattresses. Why are grocery prices rising so much faster in Massachusetts?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how soaring debt and deficits are causing many to worry about those threats to the economy and markets. The US finally has a strategy to compete with China. America's class of 2024 graduates into an uncertain job market. Trex is betting $450M on America's renovation boom. Massachusetts's new housing law aimed to help fix affordability crisis is making experts scratch their heads.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong are surprised by how much the average American has in credit card debt. AlexGailey, Bankrate.com, joins the show to explain how millennials are shifting home buying trends. What will it take to get Gen Z to watch live sports? Is a taco a sandwich? An Indiana judge has finally given us the answer. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, stops by to discuss Berkshire Hathaway purchasing a large stack in Chubb.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why investors feel like they are striking gold all over again. The Dow hit 40,000. Does it matter? Fed officials suggest interest rates should stay higher for longer. BlackRock's Rieder says cut, not hike, would tame inflation. Is there anything to back up his claim? China is finally getting serious about a housing rescue. Pittsfield, MA is one of the best places to retire, according to Forbes.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why many baby boomers are relishing the freedom that comes with being a renter. Florida and Texas show signs of home prices falling. What are the two factors that help determine who is being impacted by inflation the most? Microsoft asks hundreds of China-based AI staff to consider relocating amid US/China tensions. Can we finally solve the tipping nonsense in the US?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what has led markets to all-time highs this week. US jobless claims come back down after last week's 9-month high. Housing starts rebound in April but building permits extend slump. Chuck has a big problem with inflation optimists. Walmart posts sales growth, raises earnings outlook for the year. Venu Sports introduced as name for forthcoming sports streaming service.
Todd Lutsky shares his insight on some of the best practices and worst practices when developing a life estate. Todd also explains how to know your trust is actually being funded and what the impact is if it is not being funded.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti share a list of the best and worst price changes over the previous year. Is Jamie Dimon correct in urging the government to address the current deficit? Americans bills are mounting up and more people are missing their payments. Is Google making a major mistake with their new vision for their search engine?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the April CPI report that showed inflation is easing but consumer spending drops. What is causing the rapid rise in car insurance rates? Todd Lutsky stops by to share some of the Do's and Dont's of life estate planning.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss GameStop continuing to surge as the meme stock craze returns. Massachusetts takes Uber and Lyft to trial over status of gig workers. New Florida law roils its condo market three years after Surfside collapse. Sky-high housing costs propel construction of rental homes. What's on TV? For many Americans, it's now YouTube.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane react to the PPI data that come in hotter than expected. What forecasters say about interest rates and why they disagree. Home Depot misses on revenue, as high interest rates hurt sales. Biden levies sweeping tariffs on China, intensifying trade fight with Trump. Is it time to rethink the 4% retirement withdrawal rule? Janet Yellen's new too-big-to-fail firms.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the suddenly worrying trend in falling birthrates across the globe. Global chips battle intensifies with $81B subsidy surge. Can your investment portfolio relfect your values? Judge blocks new US rule limiting credit card late fees. Gamestop soars 60% as 'Roaring Kitty', who drove mem craze, resurfaces. Planet Fitness will raise its $10 membership plan for the first time in 26 years.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong preview the week in economic data and look at why investors are crowding into soft-landing trades. We've entered a world of zombie inflation. Wall Street is scared witless. Mansion taxes won't improve housing affordability according to many economists. He helped Trump remake global trade. His work isn't done.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Biden's tariffs on EVs coming from China. Carmakers are back to betting on hybrids as EV sales stall. How to lend family money without wrecking your relationship. Why are new college grads going to have a difficult time landing their dream job even in a hot labor market? Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Robinhood becoming much more than just an online trading platform.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the recent University of Michigan sentiment poll which showed a drop well below expectations. The S&P 500 is tracking back towards its all-time high. Why higher Fed rates are not totally off the table. Bumble predicts the future of online dating is AI. Why has oil been climbing over the past couple of days? Why is the Dow Jones a terrible index? How are some homebuyers beating high mortgage rates?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why we actually need to build more luxury homes. Mike Simonsen joins the show to share how the housing market is shaping up around the country. The great wealth transfer has started, but millennials and Gen Z may not inherit as much as they anticipate. Tim Cook can't run Apple forever. Who's next? Disney, Hulu, and Max streaming bundle will soon become available. Southwest's preboarding line is out of control.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the weekly jobless claims that jumped to its highest level since last August. Corporate America is on a spending spree, buying back shares. Arm slides as tepid outlook fuels concerns over AI slowdown. Billions in chips grants are expected to fuel industry growth. Lenders are seeing a bottom for consumers.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti disucss why Gen X is going to get screwed the most by the current mess that is Social Security. The US 30-year rate mortgage dropped for the first time since March. Uber drops on the market despite rising revenue. Will the alliance between Uber and Instacart be able to challenge Doordash? Corey Adams, Regional Manager for Robert Half, joins the show to share some ideas about education vs skills based hiring.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti take a look at how booming corporate profits are shielding the economy. Walmart is the next test for traders worried about consumer spending. Wall Street can't track Americans 'phantom debt'. Pandemic-era winners have lost $1.5 trillion in market value. Mnuchin is changing his tune about the strength of the US dollar. Massachusetts is seeking ways to retain young workers that are fleeing the state.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to Disney's less than impressive earnings report that sent the stock tumbling. Apple unveils its latest edition of the iPad. Apple is developing AI chips for data centers in hopes of gaining an edge in the arms race. At $2M per minute, Treasuries mint cash like never before. There are signs that the US consumer is still spending, but it appears to be on experiences. New York is set to charge drivers $15 to enter Lower Manhattan.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how the Fed is shifting expectations on interest rate cuts for the second half of the year. Social Security gets some good news as expectations are the administration has enough funds to cover till 2035. Massachusetts eyes a mansion tax to fund affordable housing. The Fed's reluctance to cut rates is making it harder for emerging markets.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why weak currency and deflation are the rocket fuel behind China's shock 2.0. Reclassifying marijuana could unlock billions in tax savings for cannabis companies. Want to reduce the cost of housing? Build more of it. Capital-gains tax hits more home sellers. Consumers fed up with food costs are ditching big brands.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to Warren Buffett's comments about AI from the annual Berkshire Hathaway meeting. Are we finally experiencing the long awaited economic slowdown? Is the Fed right to bide its time on rate moves? Could the Fed do a better job explaining the moves they make? The 401(k) match change could have 'unintended consequences' at tax time. Equinox launches a $40,000 per year membership to help you live longer.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why Gen Z is frustrated and why they might actually have a point this time. The treasurys market is getting squeezed from all sides. Bill Gross says 'total return' strategy he pioneered is 'dead'. The new math of driving your car till the wheels fall off. Paul LaMonica joins the show to preview Berkshire Hathaway's first annual meeting without Charlie Munger.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss April's jobs data that came in well below expectations and how the markets are responding to the data. Apple rallies most in 18 months on upbeat forecast and the announcement of the largest buyback in US history. Backdoor Roth IRAs are promising and perilous. Dave & Busters to allow betting on arcade games.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why Peloton went from being a pandemic darling to nearly irrelevent four years later. Why megacorporations shouldn't overestimate their monopoly power. Why your financial advisor may not be giving you the best advice on when to claim social security. Tesla is pulling back from EV charging, and people are freaking out. Portland, Maine retains its top position as a luxury US hot spot.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the optimistic comments made by Jerome Powell about inflation and the future of interest rates. What does the Fed's moves mean for mortgages and credit cards? Labor market data says everything is great, for many looking for a job that isn't the case. Google's antitrust suit is set to conclude this week. Will Big Tech get another victory?
Todd Lutsky shares some common mistakes when creating an estate plan. How often you should review your plan. Which accounts should be used for paying bills. Avoiding unnecessary taxes when inheriting a house. When to shift from revocable to irrevocable trusts.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane take a look at Amazon's earnings and find some surprising details. The guys wonder how big can Amazon get. Why China is worried about a potential second term for Trump. CVS's latest big miss comes from their bet on Medicare. Why is Starbucks losing ground? The latest trend in vacationing is not for everyone.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane preview the upcoming Fed meeting and Jerome Powell's speech and wonder if the Fed is going to make a repeated mistake. Why are companies suddenly finding ways to cut debt? Todd Lutsky joins the show to discuss common mistakes people make when starting their estate planning process.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane open the second hour of today's show diving into the latest data from the spring housing market in terms of the impact of mortgage rates. Are home price cuts on the way? Will inventory improve? Also, more new graduates are becoming victims of new job scams. Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan checks in. And of course, stack roulette.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane open the show to discuss what they anticipate from the Federal Reserve at the conclusion of their monthly meeting tomorrow afternoon. Will they cut rates at all this year? Is a rate hike possibly in the cards? Also, do only the final 10 minutes matter for markets? Mike and Paul address this, citing a recent Bloomberg article. Plus, McDonald's first quarter results and consumer spending evidence, and more.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane jump into a recent WSJ article detailing the economic struggles of younger Americans. Are they seeing more challenges than previous generations? Also, a chat about some steps that could be taken to help improve housing affordability and inventory issues. Plus, how relying on online sources to help retirement anxiety could be a major error for most.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane preview the week ahead, including a big Fed meeting, more first quarter earnings from the likes of Amazon and Apple, a jobs report on Friday and much more. Also, are traders beginning to show concerns about November's election? And Tesla finally scores a significant win in China.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how Google and Microsoft left Meta in their wake with the latest earnings reports. China will pay consumers $1,400 to replace their old cars. How economists could make themselves more useful. With inflation this high, nobody knows what the dollar is worth anymore. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about why big banks are taking a risk on fintech.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to the release of the Fed's key inflation measure which rose 2.8% year over year. Inflation worries are impacting investors. Should the Fed remail independent from the execuvite branch? Do the GDP and Dow reflect American well-being? The dream of Fed rate cuts in 2024 is slipping away. The thrill is back for retail investors.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why the Fed could cause housing to get more expensive. US White-Collar job growth stalls, even in pandemic boomtowns. TikTok ultimatum puts a target on the backs of US companies operating in China. If a sale of TikTok is forced, what will it sell for? About 1 in 4 US adults over 50 say they expect to never retire. US fertility rates drops to a record low. Companies are already finding work arounds for the non compete ruling.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane react to the GDP rate coming in well below expectations. Does this report show the need for the Fed to raise rates? Why is Meta's stock tanking after posting record revenue? Microsoft and Alphabet have the hopes of the Magnificent Seven on their backs today. Biden issues new rules for airlines to require automatic cash refunds for cancellations and delays. Southwest is exiting four airports as Boeing troubles impact the entire industry.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing & Dolan, stops by to share his expertise on transfering assets in the event that inheritance plans change. Should you add a safety deposit box to your trust? How can I protect my rental property from divorce? What is Schedule A listing?
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss traders adding bets that the Fed will skip interest rate cuts this year. Visa profit surges 17% as consumer card spending climbs. Ted Rossman, Bankrate.com, joins the show to chat about how many Americans are taking on debt to go on a vacation this summer. What does Boeing need from its next CEO? The FTC bans noncompete agreements that restrict job switching. Gold has gone gangbusters. Retirement savers shouldn't get carried away.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss how Big Tech has been leading the recent rally. Tesla accelerates rollout of more-affordable EVs as profit drops sharply. Elon Musk needs cheaper Tesla's to pay for everything else he wants. TikTok isn't going away, at least not yet. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his expertise on leaving assets for your beneficiaries.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane take a look at why there has been a dramatic shift from the beginning of the year on how investors are viewing where interest rates are headed. Why is the FTC suing to block another merger? Why are 'pay later' lenders feuding with credit bereaus? Is delaying retirement the only way to enjoy? Chipotle keeps raising its prices and we keeping eating their burritos.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane take a look at what is driving the current market rally. Can Big Tech answer some of the looming AI questions? What is Tesla going to do to dig itself out of its downward spiral? China is taking a page out of the US's playbook on how to save an economy. GM posts a strong first quarter, but is it sustainable? Apple's problems in China are only worsening.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how the latest TikTok ban proposal in the US House is going to get major pushback from China. Tesla and Li Auto cut prices in China as EV competition ramps up. Reversing the real-estate doom loop is possible, just ask Detroit. Americans have a new TV habit. Subscribe, watch, cancel, repeat.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how poorly things shaped up to end the week. Can Big Tech's upcoming earnings prop the market back up? How not to invest in the bond market. Is the Fed's forecasting method outdated? Home sellers have given up waiting for favorable rates. Big banks have been pushed aside for giant fund managers.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss China ordering Apple to remove popular messaging apps. Those who bet against the dollar are paying the price right now. Money-market funds look like a tempting place for your cash. But don't make this mistake. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Tesla's recent slide and why some are still thrilled with Tesla's results.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the swings the markets have taken over the last 24 hours due to tensions in the Middle East. A Bank of America strategist believes rates jitters are causing the high volume of stock outflows. Tesla's latest issue with the Cybertruck. Netflix password crackdown delivers millions of new customers, yet the stock drops. Will next week's earnings prove the bulls right? Sony is in talks to join the bid to purchase Paramount.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into Amazon's secret operation to spy on rivals. Americans are sick of 0.01% yields create new dilemma for Wall Street. Are there too many passive investors? Is that actually a thing? The IRS has some new rules that you might need to be aware of.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why US yields rising off strong data is making the Fed's job much harder. March home sales dropped despite a surge in supply. Nvidia's biggest manufacturer doubles down on AI. The lowest salary Americans will accept at a new job reached a record high. Pension funds are pulling hundreds of billions from stocks. Boeing engineer says safety concerns are ignored inside plane maker. Airline executives predict a record summer and even more demand for first class.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the top US banks posting better than expected results off the back of strong consumer spending. Biden is seeking higher tariffs on Chinese steel. Tesla delays deliveries of the Cybertruck, further confusing buyers. Tesla is seeking to have Elon Musk's $56B pay package reapproved by investors. Is there already a shift taking place in the chips sector? Should governments tax the looming boomer wealth transfer?
On this week's edition of Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky shares the best practices for leaving assets to your beneficiaries, how to change your beneficiaries, and how to protect your assets before leaving them to your beneficiaries.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss why Jerome Powell is changing his expectations for rate cuts this year. Should the 2% inflation target be updated? How strong is the US dollar right now? Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his expertise on the best practices for leaving your assets to your beneficiaries, how to change beneficiaries, and how to protect your beneficiaries.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why Wall Street is betting on OPEC keeping oil prices below $100. EV sales are slowing, and Tesla is get beaten down. Why does a $100,000 salary not buy the American dream anymore? Americans believe they need $1.5M to retire, but experts have another idea. When is the best time to buy a house? Iconic Disney characters are making their way into the public domain. Will the Justice Department beat Live Nation in court?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the impacts on markets if rates stay higher for longer. Does the markets reaction to the Iran/Israel conflict mean they are not in a bubble. Are China's factories driving an economic recovery? Why did Bank of Americas shares drop after the release of its earnings report? Are there overlooked threats to the global economy?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why Apple is facing its worst iPhone slump since covid. What does retirement look like for those with less than $1M saved? Why is Hawaii becoming a leader in EV adoption? Samsung gets a $6.4B boost for its Texas chip plant. A huge number of homeowners have mortgage rates too good to give up. Deepfakes are coming for the financial sector.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the retail sales data that came in much hotter than expected. What does higher for longer mean for the stock market? Oil prices are retreating after Iran attacked Israel. Gold is back, and it has a message for us. What are some of the things Chinese economists are watching to see if the rebound is real?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong share why they believe gold is not a good hedge against inflation and the notion that it is is outdated by a few decades. The US had a chance to lead in chipmaking tech, and missed it. Apple plans to overhaul its entire Mac line with AI-focused M4 chips. Top Amazon executive says it is a 'myth' that robots actually steal jobs. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Netflix pushing its way into the Magnificent Seven.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the earnings from JPMorgan and Wells Fargo. Why did the banks drop when they beat forecasts? Interest rates have investors worried. Profits give them comfort. Home buyers lose hope for lower rates. Renters are enjoying cheap rent, but it won't last. Why car insurance costs are skyrocketing and leading to higher inflation.
Dan Stack, Dept. Adjutant - DAV, joins the show to discuss what the DAV is doing to help disabled veterans in Massachusetts, how volunteers are impacting the lives of those veterans, and how to register for this year's DAV5K on Castle Island, November 9th.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why the costs of home ownership are skyrocketing. Dan Stack, Dept. Adjutant - DAV, joins the show to talk about the amazing initiatives the organization engages in to make disabled vets lives easier. Dan shares the details to register for this year's DAV5K on Castle Island. You still have time to make an IRA contribution before tax day. There is a new fashion trend taking over across the country, and it's horrible.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the PPI data that came in better than expected. Fed rate cuts are now a matter of if, not when. We expected multiple rate cuts this year, but we might be getting rate hikes instead. The job-market looks solid, but there are signs of weakness, or are there? Is the boom-or-bust cycle dead?
Todd Lutsky, Cushing & Dolan, shares his expertise on building a successful gifting strategy in your estate plan and why your beneficiaries need you to have a plan. Todd takes questions from the audience about their personal retirement needs.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss why there is a widening divergence between the Fed and the ECB. The price of gold, seen as a hedge against inflation, soars to new heights. Wall Street hopes earnings propel defiant stock rally onward. Delta's outlook tops estimates on revival of business travel. Boeing engineer says company used shortcuts to fix 787 jets. Despite recent rulings, the 6% commission is likely here to stay.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti react to the March CPI report that came in hotter than expected and sent markets down. What is happening in the bond market post CPI release? Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his opinion on how to build a successful gifting strategy in an estate plan. Todd also takes calls from the audience about their person retirement plans.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti dive into the Wall Street Journal's list of hottest job markets in the US. Why is Wall Street breathing new life into Bitcoin? How can you know if renting or buying in retirement is right for you? What are the top home renovations that pay off? How did the cost of food delivery get so high?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti take a look at how Treasury yields hit a yearly high before the latest CPI report comes out. Commodities rally reflects a better economy but presents inflation risks. What you should know about Gold's curious rally. Is Jamie Dimon right about how impactful AI will be for humanity? What is the trick to becoming a 401(k) millionaire?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Janet Yellen's ongoing trip to China and respond to her tough talk about trade with China. Elon Musk says Tesla will unveil robotaxis in August. Are you experiencing stock market FOMO? Maybe try FOMU instead. Jamie Dimon warns US might face interest-rate spike. Consumers hate 'price descrimination,' but they sure love a discount. Boston mulls commercial tax hike to counter office market slump.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss why doubts are creeping in about a Fed rate cut this year. What is the most important data point to look at when judging inflation. The labor market keeps on truckin. Why the stock market keeps changing its story. Earnings season to test stock-market rally.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the market finally hitting a real record and why that could be a major problem in the near future. Tesla scaps low-cost car plans amid fierce Chinese EV competition. Apple lays off 614 workers after cancelling car project. Ford slows its push into Electric Vehicles. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to talk about MicroStrategy and cryptomania.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the surprising data from the latest jobs report which breezed past expectations. What if the Federal Reserve is wrong? Is the Fed becoming a play-by-play commentator. Oil is hitting its highest level in months, just in time for summer driving season. china shock 2.0 sparks global backlash against flood of cheap goods.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Apple's newest project that is touted as the 'Next Big Thing.' What went wrong for Hertz's relationship with Tesla? Is Wall Street wrong about how retirement should work? Amazon's AI stores seemed too good to be true, and they were. Are there ways to lock in lower mortgage rates? Amazon sellers are plagued by scam returns.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder why the disconnect between Americans feelings on the economy and what the data says are so far apart. Jerome Powell says the Fed still sees room for rate cuts before the end of the year. Is the Fed wrong about how low interest rates can go? Is AI hype infecting unrelated stocks? Disney's battle for the board may be over for now, but the company still has a tough road ahead.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane are surprised by how much money a new survey claims you need to retire these days. Jeff Ostrowski, Bankrate.com, joins the show to discuss home affordability in the US and specifically New England. Taiwan earthquake puts the world's most advanced chips at risk. Tesla's sales miss by the most ever in brutal blow to EVs. Jon Stewart says Apple urged him not to interview Lina Khan. FDA authorizes Prenosis software as first AI tool that can diagnose sepsis. Deepfakes are coming for the financial sector.
Todd Lutsky shares his expertise on creating robust and long lasting retirement plans. On this week's episode, Todd explains the best ways to leave assets to your beneficiaries without leaving them burdensome tax bills.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane dive into the renewed inflation fears and how markets have been reacting to potential rate-cuts further in 2024. Biden warns Xi on aiding Russia's war in Ukraine. Summer travel plans could get messy as United pilots take unpaid leave and Boeing's issues haven't been resolved. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his insight on how to leave assets to beneficiaries.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane try to answer if AI will be able to boost productivity for companies. Brit Vitalius, Vitalius Real Estate Group, joins the show to give his assesment of how the home buying process is going to change this spring. US home insurance premiums may hit a record this year. Americans are buying cheaper cars. Americans will wager $2.7B on the NCAA Tournaments this year, but the NCAA sees a big problem with that.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane react to the release of the JOLTS report that showed openings rise above expectations. Markets are back to seeing fewer rate cuts than the Fed. How many gig workers are there? It's not so simple. Bitcoin sinks on ebbing Fed rate-cut bets and cooling ETF demand. Is the US on the verge of a major debt catastrophe? What you need to know about capital-gains tax for 2024. Disney winning proxy fight against Trian with more than half of votes cast.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder if the latest sign of China's economic recovery is the start of a trend. Gen Z has rejected conventional wisdom about education and has picked up the toolbelt instead. Walmart and Chipotle are splitting the wealth of a record stock market in a way they haven't in decades. Those billion-dollar lottery jackpots aren't even half that big. The newest home-buring question, what to pay your real-estate agent. Taco Bell and Pizza Hut are going 'AI First,' and Chuck and Mike aren't buying it.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the great start to the year for the stock market and take a look at what history says happens next. Powell reiterates Fed doesn't need to be in a hurry to cut rates. A preview of this week's coming data releases. Wobbly jobs data leaves central bankers on shaky ground. The stock markets Magnificent Seven is now the Fab Four. AT&T reset 7.6 million customers passcodes after data breach.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss where Americans are putting their tax refunds this year, its to cover debt. Giant merger deals are staging a comeback and that might not be good for markets right now. We're working less on Friday's than we used to and that's ok. Restaurants are too loud. Turns out we like them that way. The NFL is set to auction media rights for two Christmas Day games. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about DJT's week on the market.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the release of the PCE data which rose in line with expectations. The guys wonder if the Fed is aware of the dangerous game they are playing. FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years. 'Shortcuts Everywhere': How Boeing favored speed over quality. Tesla's terrible quarter catches some analysts asleep at the wheel. Is Tesla going to buck Musk's thoughts on advertising? China's role in EVs is splitting the global auto market in two.
Mike Armstrong chats with Joe Boschulte, Commissioner - USVI Department of Tourism, about Carnival kicking off on St. Thomas, why traveling to the USVI has never been easier, the luxurious vacation rentals on St. John, and shares why the USVI has become the hottest vacation spot in the Caribbean.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong are shocked that Facebook is snooping on Snapchat users, just shocked. The cost to attend a few universities in New England is eclipsing $90,000 per year. Joe Boschulte, Commissioner - USVI Department of Tourism, joins the show to talk about the amazing travel opportunities you can find on the best islands in the Caribbean. SBF gets sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong take a look at why the S&P 500 is off to the best start of a year since 2019. JPMorgan says stocks are so crowded they may crack at any time. When should you collect Social Security? BlackRock CEO calls on baby boomers to fix the retirement crisis. Why are gas prices rising faster than usual this year?
This week, Todd Lutsky shares his insight into life estates and what the major benefits are for utilizing a life estate. Todd asnwers questions from the audience about their personal retirement plans.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the impact that the Baltimore bridge collapse will have on shipping in the US. Silicon Valley's biggest companies are shelling out huge pay packages for AI talent. Oil prices drop as US crude inventories rise less than expected. Visa and Mastercard agree to lower swipe fees. Robinhood unveils credit card in further push beyond trading. Are we in a golden age of convenience stores?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti take a look at why treasury yields are moving in an unexpected direction. Right now is a major turning point for central banks around the world. US small-cap stocks are suffering from their worst run against larger stocks in over 20 years. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share the benefits of utilizing a life estate.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss why Powell keeps warning the US about how long and tough it could be to tame inflation. Boeing's next CEO will have a 'massive job' saving the company. New rule could change the way advisors handle your retirement money. Tim Cook's love for China helps Xi fight fears of economic slump. Millions of older adults with student debt are at risk of losing social security benefits.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti take a look at why treasury yields are rising despite rate-cut expectations. Investors are pouring money into US corporate bonds at a record pace. Should the Fed resist messing with success? Morgan Stanley's Wilson says stock rally will end if profits drop. After exposing realtors, eliminate the mortgage interest deduction. A $20B deal depends on if Walmart is a Supermarket or not.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss China blocking use of Intel and AMD chips in government computers. Apple, Google, and Meta probed by EU in test of new digital law. US homebuyers expecting $10,000 savinfs face a tough reality. California restaurants cut jobs as fast-food wages are set to rise. Shohei Ohtani spotlights sports' messy embrace of gambling.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the news from Boeing that the CEO will be stepping down at the conclusion of the year and they wonder why it took so long. US stocks have soared nearly 30% in the last 5 months. Is it time to worry about a correction? US inflation gauge seen bolstering Fed patience on rates. Raising the retirement age won't help anyone. NBC's Paris Olympics opening ceremony will play on IMax screens.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong take a look at how brands that rely on TikTok might fare if the app is banned in the US. Michael Santoli, CNBC, joins the show to recap this week's Fed meeting and takes a look at how the markets have responded. The new normal for mortgage rates will be higher than many hope. Falling fertility rates pose major challenges for the global economy. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, stops by to chat about Reddit's first couple of days on the market.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why the DOJ is suing Apple with claims that the company has a monopoly over smartphones. Reddit's first day on the market is a big win for investors. Is the Fed making a mistake trying to hold on to their 2% target? Global CEOs converge on China in hopes of solving the exporting glut. One CEO claims to have the fix for struggling corporations, fire the bosses.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti explain why buying a home this spring is going to more chaotic that in years past. Is the US losing its capitalistic identy infavor of Chinese style capitalism? The mutual fund is turning 100: Is it becoming obsolete? Biden suggests a bigger Federal role to reduce housing costs. States are looking at tax incentives to bring Hollywood closer home.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to the Fed meeting which conluded on Wednesday with remarks from Jerome Powell about future rate cuts. Bank of America warns the Fed to not rely too much on consumer spending when deciding on rate cuts. Biden's EPA gives automakers more leeway to phase out gas-engine cars. EV startups need to learn from China.
Todd Lutsky shares what he believes are the biggest benefits of utilizing an irrevocable trust, why a trust can't borrow against itself, and why naming a beneficiary in your will is important.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss why credit card debt is becoming a bigger and bigger problem for Americans and even the government. Jeff Ostrowski, Bankrate, joins the show to chat about why people are withdrawing from retirement accounts to pay for a down payment on a home. Real Estate agents face overdue reckoning. Intel gets $8.5B award for US chip plant construction. Nvidia is now competing mostly with itself and AI fatigue.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the expectations for Jerome Powell and the Fed as this months meeting concludes.. The American Dream is getting further away for low-income Americans. Todd Lutsky stops by to explain the benefits of an irrevocable trust and takes questions about borrowing from a trust and naming beneficiaries for a will.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane take a look at a company that managed a recent boom and bust without having to resort to mass layoffs. Dan Griggs, Regional President - Oceanfirst Bank, joins the show to chat about how healthy regional banks are after the recent turmoil. How can retirees stop overspending on adult children. Ben and Jerry's owner loses its taste for ice cream. Uber and Lyft threaten to halt operations in Minneapolis over minimum wage law.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the Fed playing a waiting game on rate cuts. The global era of negative interest rates ends as Japan goes to zero. Email 'mistake' on inflation data prompts questions on what is shared. Once America's hottest housing market, Austin is running in reverse. Nvidia unveils latest chips at 'AI Woodstock'. Business tax breaks face 'now or never' moment in Senate.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong take a look into the future of what home buying could become. Hybrid car sales surge while EVs continue to take up dealership space. Why Social Security cost-of-living adjustments may be smaller in 2025 and beyond. Apple is in talks to let Google Gemini power iPhone AI features.You workers are taking to TikTok to vent workplace frustrations. LinkedIn plans to add a gaming feature. China's economy has a new problem.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Fed's upcoming meeting and if the organization feels like it has been restrictive enough to start lowering rates. America's office fire sale has barely begun. Boeing's pain spreads to travelers as airlines cut back on plans. American manufacturers seek perfection as quality issues mount. FedEx and Amazon discussed partnership as competition for returning packages intensifies.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss why American debt stings like never before in new era for households. Dollar Stores get devalued as low-income consumers struggle. More middle manager are being laid off. Biden's 'billionaire tax' takes aim at the super rich, but can a wealth tax work in reality? The new retirement dream is phased in gradually and includes 'work for pleasure'. China signals opposition to forced sale of TikTok in the US. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Microsoft and what could be on the horizon for the tech giant.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss how this week's data releases highlighted how far the economy is away from defeating inflation. Those bullish on the stock market believe a wall of cash is going to be directed towards the stock market, they could be very wrong. Private equity wants your credit debt. And car loan. And mortgage. China urges EV makers to buy local chips as the clash with the US deepens. China's real-estate market just set a record, but not a good one. Cities face cutbacks as commercial real esate prices drop.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane wonder if a new sports streaming service can help American leagues fix the mess that has been created. Ted Rossman, Bankrate.com, joins the show to discuss how 2 of 3 Americans are turning to rewards cards to combat credit debt. McDonald's prices are up, so lower-income customers are staying away. Nippon Steel takeover bid for US Steel has put Biden on edge. EV startup Fisker prepares for possible bankruptcy filing. Towns poured money into pickleball courts but are now dealing with angry neighbors.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane react to the release of the PPI data that came in far worse than expected. Why could it be hard to beat the 7% mortgage in the near future? Big profits and high prices doesn't mean companies are more greedy today than they ever have been. TikTok is turning to creators to fight back against congress.
Todd Lutsky details what a life estate provides and shares what he believes are the pros and cons of creating a life estate. Todd takes calls from listeners to help them with their estate planning needs and questions.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss congress raising a bill that would ban TikTok in the states unless the company is sold. China condemns US proposal to force the sale of TikTok. Airlines are cutting flight schedules as Boeing delivers fewer jets. One in four young people plans to leave Greater Boston in the next five years. We still don't believe how much things cost.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti take a look at how the market might feel like a bubble, but point out the ways that we are not in a bubble. The Feds data dependence fails when the data isn't dependable. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his insight into creating a robust life estate. Todd also takes calls from listeners who have questions about their estate plans.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti take a look at some of the 'experts' saying we are in a bubble and detail how to know if we are in a bubble. The F.A.A.'s audit of Boeing finds dozens of issues. Surging gasoline prices add inflation risk in an election year. Biden proposes $10,000 tax breaks for first time homebuyers. A side hustle is not passive income, its work. What is the latest on a possible ban of TikTok?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to the CPI report that came in higher than expected. The guys discuss how they believe the Fed will respond to this data. Automakers are sharing consumers' driving habits with insurance companies. Is this soon to be the norm? Biden's budget proposal expects inflation to be stubborn. A study finds that 47% of parents are still financially supporting adult children. China's exports are surging and many are expecting a global backlash.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Justice Department being their investigation into the Alaska Airlines incident from last month. Why is Boeing having so many problems recently? America's stalling subburbs are bringing left and right together on a key housing issue. Why are more Americans treating their 401(k)'s like ATMs? Both of the world's most important canals are having difficult times. Is another shipping nightmare on the horizon. How are scammers breaking into peoples social security accounts? Toll dodgers have a new trick to deploy.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how inflation falling has slowed and that might be just what the Fed wants right now. Jamie Dimon and Ray Dalio made big predictions about the economy a couple of years ago. How did those predictions turn out? Big Tech gets some help bringing markets to new levels. One of the most famous trades on Wall Street is making a comeback. Restaurant inflation is causing some restaurants to adopt surge pricing.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Boston Beer being sued by former employees. TikTok stunt motivates lawmakers to take on the app. Tire falls off United Airlines flight after takeoff, damaging several cars. United Airlines jet makes emergency landing after flames engulf engine. Rivian follows Tesla's lead, but is it too late? Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about retail short sellers.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti react to the February jobs report that showed interesting data. Jerome Powell says the Fed is 'not far' away from gaining the confidence needed to cut rates. Are wages for Americans starting to fall? High yield savings accounts slam Americans with larger tax bills. A record $12.5B in online scams were reported to the FBI last year.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how the great resignation turned into the big stay. When will congress focus on the deficit in the correct way? US home insurance and real estate markets teeter on financial crisis. Bitcoin bulls cite a simple reason for its rally, and it makes Chuck and Mike mad. How big of a deal is the new European tax law for Apple? Restaurants don't want your party of six. Five Guys' prices sparks outrage after $24 receipt goes viral.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why upcoming data might bring an end to the latest market rally. Why is the US more productive than ever before? NYCB gets a $1B lifeline from an unexpected place. President Biden to propose big tax rises for billionaires and corporations. China warns that US 'absurdity' on trade curbs will harm America. NTSB chair criticizes Boeing for lack of cooperation in 737 Max 9 probe.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the decision by the Dartmouth mens basketball team to join a union and how this could impact the rest of the college sports landscape. Why you shouldn't trust Chinese growth data. Oscar Mayer debuts vegan hot dog with help from Bezos-backed startup. Hotels are betting on sleep tourism. You can now buy shares in music by Beyonce and Taylor Swift.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane react to the comments from Jerome Powell about the future of interest rate cuts. Bitcoin and Gold both hit all-time highs, leaving analysts confused about the assets futures. Public trust in AI is dropping fast. OpenAI fires back at Elon Musk allegations with a litany of emails. Where are EVs and Hybrids popular in the US? Is Apple finally starting to lag behind its big tech competitors? The banking industry fights back on Biden's junk fee crack down.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti wonder if the stock market can keep rising while facing a downturn in big tech? Those same tech giants are under fire from global regulators. AI talent is in demand as other tech listing decline. America's apartment buildings are getting bigger and taller. Why are many Americans moving farther away from their workplace? Fox announces a new sports streaming service.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss why Americans are now paying as much interest on other debt as on mortgages. Biden is set to launch and FTC/DOJ taskforce to crack down on 'unfair and illegal pricing'. Target sales fall for first tie since 2016, why are investors rejoicing? Apple's iPhone problems in China only worsen as sales drop 24%. China sets a high bar to growth. BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF is the fastest ever to reach $10B. Why are some people switching to small-town banks?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder if peak millennials are creating a bigger problem for the economy than many realize. The skyrocketing costs driving up cheeseburger prices up and restaurant owners out. Investors raise Macy's buyout bid. How can we save America's failing malls? In towns across Eastern Mass., resistance grows against the states government.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why traders are betting more aggressively ahead of economic data releases. What should you know about investing in a bull market? What is the latest problem for the Fed? The US national debt is rising by $1T every 100 days. The world could be in for another China shock. Dune Part Two bringing viewers to theaters.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why stock market FOMO is rational. Ted Rossman, Bankrate.com, joins the show to discuss what Americans are planning on doing with their tax returns this year. Auto insurance spike throws another wrench in the inflation fight. Could swelling deficits drags bonds 'back to the future'? Shrinkflation is getting worse. Bigger banks aren't always better for consumers but they are better protected. Gen Z is turning to sports betting to help pay off student loans.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong have their own theory as to why Elon Musk is really suing OpenAI and Sam Altman. How can Social Security be saved without cutting or privatizing benefits? NYCB flags weaknesses in loan oversight and appoints a new CEO. Do you need to sell your house? Better act quickly. Can homebuyers break up with their realtors?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why the SEC is investigating OpenAI for supposedly misleading investors. Apple investors are growing impatient with the company's AI efforts. Google CEO tells employees that the Gemini AI mistake is unnacceptable. The FAA gives Boeing 90 days to develop a robust Quality-Control plan. Kellogg's CEO says struggling Americans should eat cereal for dinner.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the release of the January PCE data, which showed an increase that was in line with expectations. How will the Fed feel about this most recent report? Tech layoffs keep coming, but headcounts aren't dropping. What gives? Why comparing 2024 to 1999 is a mistake. Bitcoin ETFs shake up the crypto market after bulldozing Wall Street. The US will investigate if Chinese 'connected' cars will pose a security risk.
Todd Lutsky shares his expertise on estate planning by explaining why a will and a trust are not enough to appropriately plan for retirement. Aside from a will and a trust, what other legal documents should people know about. Todd also takes questions from listeners about their personal estate planning journey.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti debate if we are in an AI bubble and if the nifty fifty provides any insight. Wendy's will NOT implement surge pricing as CEO causes and online stir by saying they will. Apple to wind down electric car effort after ten years. What's next for Apple and the automotive industry. US to limit sales of Americans' personal data to China and other adversaries. The number of 401(k) millionaires swells back toward record. Companies were big on CBD. Not anymore.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the big bond steepener is flopping as the Fed delays rate cuts. Goldman Sachs CEO sees more uncertainty to soft-landing expectations. The Fed contrarian who saw the soft-landing coming. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his expertise on retirement planning and what documents you should have aside from wills and trusts.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the hot start Bitcoin ETFs have gotten off to, but could a rival be surfacing soon? Jamie Dimon is 'cautious about everything' as he sees risks to a soft landing. Consumers are tired of inflation. But some retailers fear falling prices. Warner Bros. Discovery halts merger talks with Paramount Global. Can Zoom's business boom again? Is it ever ok to schedule an 8AM meeting?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti disucss the two major obstacles that are preventing younger generations from purchasing a first home? Housing costs are hot, but the data might be missing a cooling trend. The FTC sues to block the $25B merger between Kroger and Albertsons. Boeing's efforts to improve safety fall short accoding to the FAA. Hotel staff shortages threaten to push travel costs even higher. Macy's to close 150 stores in latest turnaround bid.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Social Security beneficiaries may owe more taxes on their benefits this year. Corey Adams, Robert Half - Regional Manager, joins the show to chat about employers hiring mistakes. Global house prices rebound as economists predict turning point. When high-yield savings accounts come with an asterisk. Looking for a lower credit card interest-rate? Good luck.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti preview the upcoming PCE report that some believe could throw a wrench in the Fed's inflation battle. Treasury markets are losing their shock absorber. Warren Buffett honors his late friend and mentor, Charlie Munger, in the latest investors letter. Investors are flocking back into BioTech after a long, cold spell. EV startups struggled to build cars. Now they struggle to sell them. AT&T to reimburse customers struck by outage with a crisp $5 bill.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the recent moon landing and Chuck tries to convince Marc that this is a much bigger deal than people seem to believe. Hedge Funds have changed the game for many investors, but they aren't very popular with one of the co-hosts. Why is it ok to stream sports at a bar but streaming a reality show is looked down upon?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti wonder if the current hype surrounding AI is just another BS bubble waiting to be popped. Goldman Sachs analysts bet on Fed rate-cuts coming in June. AT&T outage triggered by company work on network expansion. China home prices slide, increading pressure on Beijing. China's central bank tries to catch markets off guard with surprise easing. OPEC watchers predict extension of oil cuts into next quarter.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss a strange trend that is showing college graduates are working jobs unrelated to their degree. Greg McBride, Bankrate.com, joins the show to chat about the latest emergency savings survey. Warren Buffett is sitting on $150B. What is he going to do with it? The lifespan of large appliances is shrinking. Your 401(k) could be gone before the decade is out. Restaurant owners warn new California law will make menu prices skyrocket: 'Crippling to everybody.' The wealthy are cutting the line at the airport, Disney World and ski resorts.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane react to the stunning earnings report from Nvidia and how it is impacting the entire stock market. Fed minutes show unease over cutting rates too soon. Bond traders brace for another US selloff. Goldman Sachs’s Chief Economist has nailed big calls in the past, how is his next one looking? Home sales rebound in January after a sharp decline last year. Boeing 737 executive departs. Job cuts are worring workers who are currently remote.
Todd Lutsky stops by for his weekly segment, Ask Todd, where he explains why a 'will' isn't enough and you need to have a trust to truly secure your assets. Todd also takes questions from listeners about their particular estate planning needs.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti explain what you need to know about the Capital One and Discover Financial deal and why it is important for you. Amazon is joining the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The US is set to invest billions to replace the Chinese-made cranes at the nation's ports. Nvidia's high-stakes earnings report has Wall Street on edge. Could a US pensions revolution be on the cards?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss why food costs have reached levels they haven't touched in 30 years. Are we in a productivity boom? Todd Lutsky stops by for his weekly segment, Ask Todd, where he explains why a 'will' isn't enough. Todd also takes questions from listeners about their particular estate planning needs.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss America's oil power might be near its peak. Even the world's biggest EV market is slowing. Realtors are in crisis and home buyers could be the winners. Bad property debt exceeds reserves at largest US banks. Be weary of ETFs that promote sky-high returns. The rise and fall of Drizzly.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the disconnect between the data showing the economy booming and Wall Street thinking otherwise. Markets start to speculate if the next Fed move is up or down. Intel to be granted a $10B subsidy to make more chips. Walmart beats expectations as e-commerce sales soar. Walmart to buy TV maker Vizio for $2.3B to help with ad sales. Home Depot beats earnings, sales estimates even as consumers take on smaller projects. Capital One is buying Discover Financial for $35B.
Mike Armstrong sits down with Brad Hartz, Real Estate Advisor for Compass Boston, to chat about where the housing market stands right now, if the market is about to heat up, and what the housing market in the Northeast is looking like right now.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong try to put to bed the idea that Baby Boomers are the cause of the housing shortage. Brad Hartz, Real Estate Advisor for Compass Boston, joins the show to chat about the local real estate market and if the market is about to heat up. Home Insurance bills are going up but coverage is going down. Millenials brought Abercrombie back. Is its market moment over? Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about Super Micro Computers rapid surge this year.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the January wholesale prices that rose unexpectedly and prove that inflation won't go away as easily as it seemed last year. Is this just a hiccup for the economy or will this trend continue? Jupiter Fund boosts Treasury bets to a record and foresees a hard landing. The US Government will soon be spending more on interest payments than defense. 62% of Americans lack a college degree, will companies start viewing them as more viable employees? Airbus pulls further ahead of Boeing to take a leg up in their rivalry.
Chuck and Mark begin the second hour of the show with a discussion about bond investing in regards to fewer rate cuts, citing a recent article from The Wall Street Journal. Kelly O’Grady of Fox Business checks in with the latest on markets. Nvidia has officially surpassed Alphabet in terms of market cap. How long can the recent run on chip makers continue? Plus, are we seeing any evidence AI is helping the average person?
Chuck and Mark recap a worse-than-expected retail sales report for January and how it offers a glimpse into consumer spending habits. Also, does the Fed have a credibility problem? A dive into recent inflation comments from Lael Brainard, director of the White House National Economic Council. Plus, how are people reacting to raises in an inflationary environment?
On this week's edition of Ask Todd, Mr. Lutsky clarifies what probate is and why you need to understand it when setting up an estate plan. Todd also takes questions from listeners about their personal retirement plans and where they might be screwing something up.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss why car ownership has gotten so expensive. The brutal reality of plunging office building values. Apple's longest serving designer is retiring. Why is Walmart looking to buy TV maker Vizio? How much money are parents giving to their kids for a lost tooth these days?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss how many people predicted rate cuts for March but it appears they are very wrong. No need to panic just yet. Some stocks go up because of good earnings, some go up because of the hype train, Lyft shares rose because of a typo. Todd Lutsky stops by to share his insight on estate planning.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Bank of America's recent survey that showed Americans are jumping all-in on the tech rally. What is a high-pressure economy and are we in it? Most tax payers are expecting to spend their entire tax refund. Uber, Deliveroo, and Just Eat workers are looking to strike on Valentine's Day. Early adopters of Microsoft's AI bot wonder if it is worth the money. Valentine's chocolate is set to reach record high prices.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane react to the January CPI report that showed inflation spiking back up for the month. Recession risks seem to be fading but economic tensions might rise during this election season. Tougher rent laws seem to be causing the pain at NYCB, $929B in commercial-property loans are coming due. JetBlue gets a major bump from famed investor Carl Icahn.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong highlight the massive merger between two energy companies that could challenge Exxon and Chevron. Super Bowl ads were high on celebrities but low on entertainment. Would you want your employer enrolling you in an emergency savings account? Can Adam Neumann save the company he founded? Where is the commercial real-estate crisis we were promised?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder why the NFL won't just start the season a week later so that the Super Bowl falls on the Sunday before President's Day. The day after the big game is one of the least productive days of the year. Stocks are at record highs, but are they expensive? It is time to shatter the myth that Americans don't understand the economy. Economists haven't been this critical of the Fed since 2010. How are companies using AI to control costs?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti wonder why Sam Altman is seeking trillions of dollars to reshape the AI and chips business. Average credit card balances jump 10% to a record $6,360, and more consumers fall behind on payments. As baby boomers hit ‘peak 65’ this year, what the retirement age should be is up for debate. N.F.L.’s Rapid Embrace of Gambling Creates Mixed Signals. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about the Sphere in Las Vegas and if we could see more spheres across the globe.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the S&P500 breaking 5,000 off the back of revised December inflation numbers. Janet Yellen warns high prices could be here to stay. Is she right? Dividend investing was once the preferred way to invest. Could it be staging a comeback? China's property crisis is starting to impact more and more countries, when will it stop? The FCC bans AI voiced robocalls.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss ARM Holdings surging up 60% off the back of decent but unspectacular earnings. The confusingly strong economy told in three stories. Disney shares spike 10% after earnings beat coupled with Epic Games news and Taylor Swift's Era's Tour. Why one shaky bank is stirring fears of a wider financial mess. Bitcoin Spot ETFs are starting to see slowing investor interest. Sports streaming just got a big new player.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder why investors are almost always wrong about the Fed. Another close call in the skies, this time an incident at JetBlue. Risk of big US inflation revision puts policymakers and investors on edge. China's prices fall at fastest rate in 15 years as economy battles inflation. What are the Pros and Cons of doing business in China?
Todd Lutsky shares his expertise on estate planning and this week he explains why sometimes you need to go back to the basics with your retirement plans. Todd takes calls from listeners and his advice on how to solve their particular issues with their estate plans.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti react to NYCB getting downgrading to junk by Moody's. Boeing 737 Max was missing critical bolts in Alaska Airline blowout. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd, where he shares his expertise in estate and retirement planning. This week, Todd explains why some people need to go back to basics when planning for retirement.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss why the Fed is optimistic about future rate cuts but not right now. America has never had so many 65-year olds. These 65-year olds are nothing like previous generations'. ESPN, Fox, and Warner are teaming up to create a joint sports streaming platform. Morons are wearing Apple Vision Pros while driving Tesla's. What has happened to our youth?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti take a look at Snap becoming the latest tech company to lay off a sizeable portion of its workforce. Toyota cashes in on booming hybrid sales. Why is the FAA getting blame for Boeing's problems? Here's a way to delay some RMD's, keep working. Summer has long stressed the electrical grid, now winter does, too. A local scam targeting the elderly.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss traders giving up on hopes for a March rate cut, but continue to bet against the Fed. Janet Yellen says stable financial system is key to US economic strength. America's biggest bank is growing, by adding 500 new branches. Why are Americans wary while the economy is healthy? Americans have saddled themselves with credit card debt. Renters are feeling the brunt of the problem.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss home buyers shopping again and finding many more options. Top US Treasury officials are heading to Beijing for more economic discussions. Walmart is focusing more on employee stocks, but what does this mean for the economy? A simple way to get workers to save more for retirement. McDonalds sales drop, company blames Israel-Hamas conflict. Burritos and Big Macs to cost more in California as pay rises. Is the $139 Amazon Prime subscription still worth it?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell on 60 Minutes about the future of rate cuts. Jobs data is coming in strong but where are all these employees coming from? Big Tech stocks find little room for error after monster run. Big Oil's optimism faces reality check in tech-obsessed market. Boeing finds new problem with 737 Max fuselages.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti breakdown the earnings reports from Amazon, Meta and Apple and take a look at how those companies are performing on the markets. What are big tech's most difficult challenges around the globe? 2023 shatters all-time record for annuity sales. A new perk for some student loan borrowers. Paul LaMonica joins the show to talk about the latest coming from Ferrari.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the US economy adding 353,000 jobs in January, wildly beating expectations. Employed but unhappy: What's in store for workers in 2024? The Fed is taking it slow. Markets want more action. Powell must avoid playing political games during an election year. Stocks for the looong run: Could Japan's lost decades happen in America? Could car subscriptions entice mass EV adoption?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong take a look into Boeing's recent troubles and conclude this has been decades in the making. Apple, Amazon, and Meta report earnings after the bell, Chuck and Mike preview what we may see. Generative AI's biggest impact will be banking and tech. Elon Musk wants to move Tesla's incorporation from Delaware to Texas. Newton teachers strike forces district to close schools for the 10th day.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell yesterday about future rate cuts. Chuck believes markets are underpricing a potential rate cut in March. A $560B property warning hits banks from NYC to Tokyo. A new global tax is about to raise for billions, but not for the US. The US is spoiled by cheap Canadian oil, but that is about to change.
Todd Lutsky shares his expertise on qualifying for Medicare and how to navigate qualifying even if you waited till the last minute. Todd also takes questions from listeners about their retirement plans and specific goals.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane preview the upcoming Fed meeting. Regional bank stocks drop after New York Community Bancorp cuts dividends and posts losses. Boeing holds off on 2024 guidance and might be on its way out. For the 4th year in a row, Toyota is the world's #1 automaker. Elon Musk's $55.8B Tesla pay package struck down by a Delaware Judge. 23andMe's fall from $6B to nearly $0.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane dissect the earnings reports from Microsoft and Alphabet (Google) and wonder why Wall Street responded the way it did. Todd Lutsky drops by for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd shares what you need to know about qualifying for Medicare at the last minute.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss oil prices not reacting to Middle East conflicts as in the past. JPMorgan warns of Dot-Com style concentration in US stocks. The real-estate downturn comes for America's premier office towers. Americans' working years need a better ending. Microsoft and Alphabet under pressure to show AI earnings boost. Walmart hopes new flashing lights will help shoppers find stuff.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the S&P 500 continuing to hit new highs. What signal should the Fed give on rate cuts this week? US job openings rebound above 9 million, the highest in three months. GM provides bullish earnings outlook for 2024 despite easing prices. The IRS is piloting a new software that could let you file your taxes for free. What investors need to know about the government's borrowing plans.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder why nobody is bothered that 25,000 tech workers have been laid off this year. Americans keep signing up for new phone planes. 45% of young adults say they are financially independent. There's a new option in your 401(k). Meta welcomes headset war with Apple. Walmart offers store managers company stock to make 'them' feel like owners. Amazon is now charging Prime members extra for ad-free streaming.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong preview the busy week ahead as Apple, Boeing and GM report earnings. What is the only thing keeping Boeing from plummeting? Dropping inflation raises new risk for Fed, rising real interest rates. Evergrande set for liquidation as China property crisis drags on. Oil erases gain as traders digest latest Middle East tensions. Businesses and conusmers are borrowing again. Mortgage rates could drop to 5.5% this year, a new survey shows.
Mike Armstrong chats with Rosie Farrington, USVI Deputy Commisioner of Tourism, about the incredible offers that the USVI has for vacationers. Why is the USVI a premier destination in the Caribbean? Which Island presents the best vacation for you?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Tesla recent performance in markets and why the company might find itself outside the magnificent seven. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Draft Kings, new competitors, and the future of sports gambling. Rosie Farrington, USVI Deputy Commisioner of Tourism, joins the show to talk about the wonderful opportunities the islands have for fun and for work. George Carlin's estate sues over AI-generated stand-up special.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the release of the Fed's preffered measurement, PCE, which came in better than expected, but they guys wonder how the Fed will respond. Intel gives a muted outlook even as PC revovery lifts sales. Housing in unaffordable for a record half of all US renters. Nearly 60% of parents provide financial help to their adult kids. Is crypto currency like stocks and bonds? Corey Adams, Robert Half Regional President, joins the show to chat about the diffulties local companies are having getting their employees back in the office.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the FAA putting limits on Boeing's 737 output but clears the path for grounded jets to fly again. Mark Hamrick, Bankrate.com, joins the show to chat about how much money Americans are putting into their emergency savings. Insurers rake in profits as customers pay soaring premiums. The housing market is in its worst slump since 1995. The restaurant industry has a heartbeat after years on life support. There are superfans. Then there are fast-food superfans.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the release of GDP data that showed the economy ended up accelerating in 2023. The Fed risks getting caught up in politics. Whatever it does. Tesla projects slower growth in 2024 as EV demand softens. Gov. Healey releases $58B budget plan, with extra money for the T and cuts elsewhere. Hamptons mansion once listed for $150M sells at auction for under $90M.
Todd Lutsky shares his insight into what procrastinators need to do to ensure their long term retirement needs are met and avoid paying for care when you don't have to. Todd takes calls from listeners and helps solve some of their estate planning needs.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss why the rally is continuing beyond most expectations. Explaining value stocks vs growth stocks. China moves to boost bank lending in broad effort to prop up growth. Credit Card debt is up, and its taking longer to pay down. TurboTax can no longer advertise products as free, FTC says. Would you buy an Apple Car?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Netflix's blockbuster earnings report and the shares popping over 10%. Chuck wonders if Tesla and Google (Alphabet) belong in the Magnificent Seven anymore. Todd Lutsky stops by for his weekly segment, Ask Todd, where he shares his advice on advance planning your estate and takes questions from listeners about their estate planning issues.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how the price of homes are still not right, even for property investors. Should baby boomers be blamed for the lack of enough paid leave for workers? Looming elder care crisis could be next major hurdle for the economy. Why it makes sense for new EV drivers to look beyond Tesla. Netflix buys the rights to air WWE's Monday Night Raw exclusively.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how the Dow and S&P 500 hit new highs and how this rally has come to be. Proctor and Gamble earnings show some consumers are getting used to higher prices. Boeing faces more pressure as United CEO vents frustrations. Americans feel better about the economy. How will this impact the upcoming election? China weighs stock market rescue package backed by $278B. Fed review clears Central Bank officials of violating rights.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what could go wrong for the US economy even if a recession seems to be of the table. Want your packages delivered faster and cheaper? AI is on the case. Keeping a midlife crisis from wrecking your retirement plans. Companies are reluctant to roll back price rises which could lead to more inflation risks. Miller Lite is releasing a mint that tastes like beer? So it's not actually a mint?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Capital One engaging in questionable practices regarding its "high-yield" savings accounts. Two important events this week could determine the future of Fed rate policy. the moment for small-cap stocks might already be over. Return-to-office pushes could cause of a worker revolt at many companies in Boston. For delivery drivers, finding the right apartment can be a nightmare.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why Americans have lost faith in the value of college. Sarah Foster from Bankrate.com joins the show to chat about why young Americans are starting to figure out how to build wealth at a younger age. What does the future hold for Spirit Airlines? Paul LaMonica stops by to discuss the latest news surrounding TSMC and the chip manufacturer's competitors.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder why Americans are feeling better about the economy when we've been told how bad it is for a couple of years. December home sales slump to close out the worst year since 1995. Is this really the worst time to be a home? Congress averts a government shutdown as a winter storm heads towards DC. Marcy's to cut 2,350 jobs and close 5 stores. Wayfair cuts 13% of staff.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how the baby boomers have shaped the modern housing market and how now is the time for Gen Z to get a chance. Google CEO says more job cuts are coming in 2024 so the company can reach its lofty goals. Shorter workweek is canary to the labor market. Apple finds a work around the Apple Watch ban. Spotify dominates audio streaming, but what about the profits?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the latest weekly jobless claims that found claims at the lowest level since September 2022. What were the best decades for American economic growth? Are Americans actually happy with their financial situation? There are $8.8T on the sidelines that Wall Street is hoping to get his hands on. US strikes Yemen again as Houthi shipping attacks continue. Oil swings as risks in Middle East are damped by ample supplies. War and politics dominate the discussions at Davos.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the blocked merger of JetBlue and Spirit Airlines by a Federal Judge. The bill is coming due on a record amount of commercial real estate debt. Americans are ditching weeknight fun. Can they be tempted back? Electric car owners confront a harsh winter weather blitz. Remote work doesn't seem to affect productivity according to a Fed study. Apple passed Samsung as world's top phone maker in 2023.
Todd Lutsky explains why and how estate plans need to evolve as life circumstances change. Todd answers questions from listeners about the best path for their estate plans.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane react to stronger than expected holiday retail sales. Bond traders are starting to hedge against rate cuts in March. China's economy continues to limp along. Todd Lutsky stops by for his weekly segment, Ask Todd, where he shares his insight into building and maintaining a robust estate plan.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane share a pessimist's guide to global economic risks in 2024. New US factories are flush with investments but still faces challengers coming from China. How much money do you need to retire in every US state? Plans to save homeowners hundreds of dollars closing their mortgage. Chiefs vs Dolphins game on Peacock was the most-streamed live event in US history.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss how a comeback in profits paired with rate cuts could make 2024 a big year. Dollar rallies to one-month high on easing Fed rate-cut bets. Four big questions are top of mind for investors in 2024. $6T in taxes are at stake in this year's elections. How much is the Red Sea conflict costing shipping companies.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Citi Bank cutting 20,000 jobs throught 2026. Remote workers are losing out on promotions. Companies are still cutting white-collar jobs. CVS to shut pharmacies in Target stores. Stocks are forever, but timing is still important. Tesla begins cutting prices on select models in China. Hertz begins selling off excess EVs. Paul LaMonica joins the show to talk about the week that was for Boeing.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the release of the December PPI report that showed inflation easing. What did we see from the major bank earnings that took place this morning? BlackRock total assets top $10T after comeback. Microsoft tops Apple as most valuable US company for one minute. How did Bitcoin trading go for investors on day one?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the SEC approving Bitcoin ETFs for everyday investors. Iran seizes Gulf oil tanker in new threat to Middle East shipping. China's messaging to the US: Don't rock the boat ahead of the upcoming elections in Taiwan. Peacock enters uncharted waters by streaming NFL playoff game. What did we see from CES 2024?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the release of the December SPI report that came in hotter than expected. Are you better off than four years ago? Google trims hundres of jobs as it ramps up resources for AI. Tech job cuts give little hope for return to rapid growth. US oil and gas boom doesn't feel like on to workers.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss what banks did after the Fed bailed them out with a rescue program. Fewer than half of all boomers have saved enough for retirement. 'Magnificent Seven' warning and the return of IPO's highlight Bank of America's 10 surprises for Wall Street. Amazon cuts hundreds of jobs in Prime Video and MGM Studios. Oscar Mayer is searching for their next 'hotdogger' to drive the Weinermobile.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti try to prepare for the upcoming CPI report. The guys discuss one inflation measure that is coming in out, but probably isn't correct. Boeing CEO says company needs to acknowledge 'our mistake'. SESC blames a hack for incorrect post about Bitcoin ETF approval. Houthis launch missiles, drone barrage in new Red Sea attacks. Importers face surging shipping costs and delays as Red Sea diversions pile up.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti wonder why New England continues to get left in the cold when America has plenty of natural gas. China becomes the world's biggest auto exporter, thanks to help from Russia. PepsiCo and Carrefour bicker over who dumped whom. New Biden Administration rule seeks to make more gig workers into employees. The latest dirty word in Corporate America is ESG. As retailers cite rising theft and shrinkage, analysts want more details.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss if stocks can surpass their 2022 highs. Bill Gross casts shade on Treasuries, sees 10-year 'overvalued' at 4%. Local police urge citizens to stop using USPS boxes due to phishing. Wall Street is trying to nail down timing of Fed's QT taper. United and Alaska Airlines find loose parts on some Boeing 737 Max 9 Jets. What the 2024 capital-gains tax brackets mean for your investments. Waiting on the Fed's rate decisions.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why the nation's top economists are short-term happy, but long-term glum. Americans are racking up more 'phantom debt', why is this a big problem? How to lower your tax bill with the charitable-donation deduction. Offices around America hit a new vacancy record. Animal shelters are running out of space due to strays and dropoffs. Elon Musk is the target of a hit piece focused on his supposed illegal drug use.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the ongoing market impact of the Boeing airplane near-disaster. The stock rally has stalled. Now comes earnings season. Wall Street doubles down on bonds. Shipping stocks dive amid reports companies stike deal with Houthi's. Investors hope the dogs of the dow can find their bite. Buying home and auto insurance is getting near impossible to get.
On the second hour of today's show, Chuck and Mike talk about the surprise news coming out of Europe, where supermarket giant Carrefour dropped brands from Pepsi and Lay's due to high wholesale prices. Also, more developments from the turmoil in the Red Sea and its potential impact on the supply chain. Plus, a conversation about IRA's and RMDs, in addition to Open AI. Paul LaMonica joins for his weekly appearance to discuss an EV battery company.
On a jobs Friday, Chuck and Mike react to the December jobs report posted this morning, which came in slightly hotter-than-expected. Is there a possiblity inflation resurfaces later this year? Plus, more criticism of how people are reacting to the first week of trading this year. And, did pick-up trucks continue to dominate auto sales in 2023?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why companies are not in a firing mood. Dan Griggs, OceanFirst Bank President, joins the show to share his 2024 outlook for the local economy and the Boston real estate market. Google is finally killing cookies. Advertisers still aren't ready. Jeff Bezos bets on a challenger to Google which uses AI to try to upend internet search. Inherited 401(k) rules are evolving. TGI Friday's closes 36 restaurants across the country. Elon Musk is under investigation again.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the bad start to the year for stocks and why forecasters are on edge. Goldilocks has markets coming and going. Apple leads $383B tech rout in reversal from group's 2023 rally. Fed minutes suggest rate hikes are over, but offer no timetable on cuts. How supply-chain problems made everyone wrong on inflation. The hidden force pushing mortgage rates down.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the decision by Maersk to avoid the Red Sea due to safety concerns. Utilities get an inflation shock. US companies dive into convertible debt to hold down interest costs. Tech's AI hangover might just be getting started. Mickey Mous copyright expiration inspires horror movies, video games, and memes. Beer drinking in America falls to the lowest level in a generation.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane react to the release of US December ISM manufacturing and US JOLTS report for November. Treasury 10-year yield eyes 4% as bonds dip ahead of US data. Finding a new job is getting harder. Unemployed Americans are being forgotten in a strong job market. US auto sales bounced back in 2023. Tesla falls behind China's BYD in quarterly EV sales for first time.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss how Americans are canceling more of their streaming services and switching to bundled packages. US pressured the Netherlands to block China-bound chip machinery. How often should you mess with your 401(k)? Chill in the housing market seeps into other industries. Will people pay to send their banana peels in the mail?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss what investors are hoping for in 2024 and it might not be as flashy as some might think. Forecasters expect unemployment to edge higher and hiring to slow, which could aid the economy's soft landing. Minimum wages are going up, low-paid workers probably won't notice. Many people in Massachusetts will pay less in taxes in 2024. Wayfair's CEO wants staff to work harder.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss FedEx and airlines are starting to lose their pricing power. Fidelity and JPMorgan buck market by betting on stronger dollar. Carmakers are drowning in cash. Hollywood's box office recovery might need a rewrite. Credit card skimmers keep popping up in stores in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti wonder what Wall Street got right in 2023. Is a record high in the cards for US stocks in 2024? The New York Times is suing OpenAI and Microsoft for using its stories to train chatbots. Data quality is getting worse when we might need the numbers most. Workers in New England states looking forward to a bump in minimum wages in 2024.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane look back at the biggest business stories of 2023. Big battles loom in SEC's war on crypto. Your 401(k): Out of sight, out of mind, and out of money. Apple keeps chasing the ultimate health-tracking watch, but it could take years. A 'significant objection' to 529 college savings plans will go away on January 1st. Pandemic's e-commerce stars are coping. California Pizza Hut franchises announce layoffs of delivery drivers. Amazon Prime ads on movies on TV shows will begin in late January.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane wonder if Santa will bring one last gift to investors this holiday season. Wall Street loves to guess, but nobody knows what the market will do in 2024. Soft landing talk prompts 1990s flashbacks. The 2024 outlook fo rhome buyers and renters. Holiday spending increased, defying fears of a decline. The dominant dollar faces a backlash in the oil market.
Todd Lutsky stops by to share his expertise on reducing estate taxes and he makes sure you understand how to change the executor of a will and why a trust is far more preffered over a will.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss how the Fed rate pivot leaves stocks and bonds with 'no room for error.' EVs are losing steam with US buyers. Facing housing shortages, cities try cramming more units on lots. Apple fights the watch ban in court and temporarily gets win. New York Times sues Microsoft and ChatGPT over copywrite infringement. 2024 could be the year of the streaming bundle.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti wonder why spending is up when people feel so down. It was a tough year for almost every bank not name JPMorgan. Todd Lutsky stops by for his weekly segment, Ask Todd, where he answers your most important questions about building and maintaining a robust estate plan.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss why Wall Street is so split on what's ahead in 2024. When Social Security becomes a debt collector. Banks shed 60,000 jobs in one of worst years for cuts since financial crisis. Goldman's painful 2023 lesson on China forces rethink of emerging markets. China looks cheap, but it has burned investors before. In your 40s, you still need a long-term approach for retirement savings.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss retailers bracing for their postholidays returns hangover. Holiday spending increased, defying fears of a decline. Why so many people got this years economy wrong. October home prices post biggest gain of 2023, despite higher mortgage rates. What does this mean for spring housing? Where did all the money go? The villain in your transaction history. Adjustable-rate mortgages are no longer a bargain.
Chuck and Mike begin hour two of the show recapping a leaked letter from a CEO to employees of a popular furniture retailer, hinting that workers shouldn't be afraid to work longer hours. Paul LaMonica checks in for his weekly appearance to recap Nike's disappointing earnings and guidance. And airlines some continue to suffer from its obnoxcious, and at times violent, customers.
Heading into the holiday weekend, Chuck and Mike digest a lower-than-expected Core PCE index released this morning, which is the Fed's preferred measure of inflation. Plus, more developemts from the Red Sea attacks and its ultimate impact on oil prices and the supply chain. And, a recent Bloomberg report claims that younger generations are moving in with their parents at a higher rate than previous years.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why some people think the US inflation report will show the Fed's battle with inflation is all but completed? Americans spending less on gifts, more on everything else. Ted Rossman, Bankrate, joins the show to talk about credit card debt going into 2024. The annual edition of Financial Festivus, Chuck and Mike present their most annoying stories of 2023. Do you want Mark Zuckerberg snooping in your closet? South Korea will police 'shrinkflation' at the supermarket.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain what zero-day options are and why they drove markets down yesterday. Is Santa bringing investors trash for Christmas? Warner and Paramount CEOs discussed possible merger of the companies. Biden administration explores raising tariffs on Chinese EVs. Trailing other states, Massachusetts kicks off EV charging program. Ikea says products will be delayed due to Red Sea diversions. Bird, an electric scooter company files for bankruptcy.
On this week's edition of Ask Todd, Mr. Lutsky shares his expertise on reducing your estate tax and increasing your asset protection. Todd answers questions from listeners about how changing your residence can dramatically impact your estate plans.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the ongoing issues at the two largest canals that could cause inflation to ramp back up again. The office market had it hard in 2023. Next year looks worse. Michael Santoli, CNBC, joins the show to provide a market update for the end of the year. Your 401(k) is up. Don't let it go to your head. IRS zaps nearly $1B in penalties for taxpayers. Comcast says data of 36 million accounts was compromised in breach. The fast-food industry wants to be the fast-drinks industry, too.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss how the economy currently looks like it did before the pandemic, but their are some underlying differences. Jerome Powell's pivot sows confusion over when and how fast the Fed will cut rates. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his expertise on reducing estate taxes and increasing your asset protection. Todd answers questions from listeners about how changing your residence can dramatically impact your estate plans.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the Fed possibly having to 'reverse course' if it appeases markets with big cuts. The demise of small cap haunts Wall Street in the age of Big Tech. Greg McBride, Bankrate.com, joins the show to chat about Americans concerns that their personal financial situation will not improve in 2024. Mary Barra spent a decade transforming GM. It hasn't been enough has it? Stop overchecking your 401(k) balance. Holiday spending to be up big even as approval for Biden hits a low.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss new home construction unexpectedly rises to 6-month high as slipping mortgage rates boost housing market. Google will pay $700M to settle a play store dispute. Is FTC Chair Lina Khan hurting investors portfolios? Tesla wannabes are running out of road. Why would Nikola stock rise a day after the CEO was sentenced to prison? Goldman Sachs boosts S&P 500 target for 2024. Apple is trying to get Apple Watches back on shelves after their latest misshap.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Apple halting Apple Watch sales as it prepares to comply with US import ban. Southwest Airlines hit with $140M penalty for 2022 holiday meltdown. As student loan collections restart, millions are not yet paying. The era of Big Taxes is upon us. China's iPhone ban accelerates across government and state firms. Child Care is the key to a robust industrial workforce. Santa Claus is coming to town. And he's making bank!
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss home buyers are ready to buy. But sellers aren't selling. Despite record home prices, housing is about to drag inflation down. More Americans than ever own stocks. Wall Street's 'Bond Vigilantes' are at battle as US debt soars. Blue Cheese beer debuts with 'healthy dose of skepticism'.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss China's economy shows signs of losing further momentum. Tesla's engineers are less boastful about autopilot than Elon Musk. Wall Street is skeptical that shoppers can keep spending in 2024. Fidelity and JPMorgan buck market by betting on stronger dollar. Markets are rallying. How to make the most of them. Pfizer helped saved the world with Covid vaccines. Now it needs to right itself. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Costco setting new all-time highs.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how markets are responding to the recent comments by Jerome Powell about the future of rate cuts, but could the cheers be coming too soon? The Fed's shrinking balance sheet is worrying a key corner of US financial markets. More mixed comments from the Fed create more confusion. Older Americans are now earning almost as much as younger workers. What Fed rate cuts mean for home buyers in 2024?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the news that GM's Cruise is laying off 900 workers and 9 key executives after another safety probe. The tipping backlash has begun. Would you like to tip 10%, 15%, or 20% because I wrote the previous sentence? Gen Z is getting a bad deal on housing. Oh really? Aren't they mostly teenagers still? US small colleges battered by high costs and enrollment declines. Complaints about US airlines soared again this year. Earliest version of Mickey Mouse is set to become public domain in 2024.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Fed pivoting toward lowering rates as inflation declines. Wall Street traders go all-in on great monetary pivot of 2024. The Dow Jones is back to setting record highs. US retail sales show holiday season is off to a great start. Citigroup offers partial early bonuses to encourage staff departures. Oil companies are fine with call to move away from fossil fuels. 4,600 stolen cards found in South Shore gift card scam.
On this week's edition of 'Ask Todd', Mr. Lutsky shares with the audience what portability is when it comes to estate taxes and why you need to know how to use the provision to avoid paying too much in taxes.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the Washington Bridge closure in Providence and how engineers spotted the potentially fatal errors. Nations at COP28 agree for the first time to transition from fossil fuels. Why Biden's EV tax credit could become hard to claim. Why everyone wants to be Vietnam's friend. The #1 most affordable place to retire in 2024 - it's not in Florida. Netflix reveals viewing data across entire catalogue for the first time.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane wonder how the Fed meeting on Wednesday afternoon will play out and how will markets react to the comments from Jerome Powell. President Biden weighs in on the inflation fight, saying 'too many things are unaffordable', thanks Joe! Todd Lutsky stops by for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week Todd explains what portability is in estate taxes and why you need to know how to use it.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane react to the stunning verdict in the Google vs Epic Games antitrust suit and wonder what happens to Google now. US companies are finding it hard to avoid China. Consumers spent 2023 asking Google why eggs, Taylor Swift tickets, and sriracha were so expensive. As cable companies hike rates, the price of pay TV keeps going up. Netflix to serve up live tennis, featuring Nadal and Alcaraz.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane react to the CPI report that showed inflation cooling but a couple of underlying pressures still remain stubbornly high. The guys explore the concerning segments of the CPI report. What's next for interest rates? Hasbro cutting 1,100 jobs after sluggish toy sales persist into the holidays. Ernst & Young is laying off US partners amid tough economic conditions. How do small-business owners feel about the US economy? Not great. The American store is finally shrinking.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong disucss why the math for buying a home no longer works. The megafactories are coming. Now the huslte is on to find workers. Why even Americans making more than $100,000 living paycheck-to-paycheck. Your cash is earning 5% interest. Is now the time to move it? We can'st stop writing paper checks. Thieves love it. Los Angeles Dodgers bet $700M that Shohei Ohtani will bring them championships and revenue.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how an everything rally kicked off with bond yields dropping. Jerome Powell's inflation fight is succeeding, raising questions about rate cuts. Corporate America is testing the limits of its pricing power. Is Gamestop trying to become the next Berkshire Hathaway? Investors group launches $5.8B bid for Macy's. Cigna pulls out of bloackbuster deal to create insurance giant with Humana.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane wonder if AI will create more jobs than it kills off. Central bankers are worried about you getting a raise. Apple aims to make a quarter of the world's iPhone's in India. Debates are underway if potatoes should count as vegetables. Woman who threw food at a Chipotle employee is sentenced to work a fast-food job. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about AMD trying to catch up to Nvidia.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the November jobs report that showed a slowing in hiring and unemployment dropping for the month. Bond traders to face a reality check with Friday's jobs report. The ongoing disconnect between consumers and economists. Researchers find all-in stock investing provides better value. What your friends can teach you about money. Elon Musk demands Bob Iger 'be fired' after Disney pulled ads from X.
In the latest episode of The Financial Exchange, we unravel the complex web of economic trends that are shaping the world today. Discover why the state experiencing the fastest rise in unemployment is struggling to fill job vacancies, and delve into the implications for both local economies and the broader job market.
Join us as we explore the aftermath of early retirements triggered by the pandemic. Surprisingly, many individuals are choosing to stay retired, creating a unique workforce dynamic. What does this mean for businesses, and how might it impact the overall economic recovery? Our experts break down the intricacies.
Special guest Ted Rossman from Bankrate joins the show to share insights into holiday tipping. Get practical advice on navigating the etiquette of giving during the festive season and learn about the financial implications of spreading holiday cheer.
In a bold statement, Jamie Dimon asserts that he would shut down cryptocurrency if he were in government. Unpack the implications of such a move and gain a deeper understanding of the ongoing debate surrounding the role of crypto in the financial landscape.
Explore the fascinating world of AI-powered drive-thrus that, surprisingly, are still heavily reliant on human intervention. What does this mean for the future of automation in the fast-food industry, and how are workers adapting to this hybrid model? Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion.
McDonald's has ambitious plans to open nearly 9,000 new restaurants and add a staggering 100 million loyalty members. Delve into the strategy behind this bold move and its potential impact on the fast-food giant's market dominance.
As a bonus treat, we uncover the legend of the Hilltop Steak House, a nostalgic journey into the history of a dining institution. Tune in for captivating stories that blend finance with a touch of local lore.
Subscribe now to The Financial Exchange for an insightful and entertaining exploration of the latest financial news and trends. Don't miss this episode: "Unemployment Surges, Crypto Conundrum, and the Drive-Thru Dilemma." #FinancePodcast #EconomicTrends #JobMarket #Cryptocurrency #AI #McDonaldsExpansion #HolidayTipping
Dive into the latest financial twists and turns in our newest episode of The Financial Exchange, where we unpack the most gripping stories shaping today's economic landscape. Join us as we explore the implications of bond yields tumbling and stocks taking a step back, deciphering the signals that investors are closely watching.
In a surprising turn of events, frustrated homebuyers are on the verge of catching a much-needed break. We unravel the key factors at play and shed light on how this shift might impact the real estate market, offering valuable insights for both buyers and sellers.
As the electric vehicle (EV) revolution continues, Massachusetts car dealers are making waves by urging President Biden to 'tap the brakes' on the electric transition. Our expert guests weigh in on the implications for the automotive industry, the environment, and the broader economy, providing a 360-degree perspective on this critical issue.
But that's not all – we explore the nuances of the slowing growth in EV sales and how it reverberates through various sectors. Is this a temporary setback, or are there deeper trends at play? Get the answers and stay ahead of the curve with our in-depth analysis.
Lastly, we tackle the controversy surrounding Moody's and its negative outlook on China. What's fueling the growing backlash, and how might this impact global financial markets? Tune in for a comprehensive discussion that unravels the intricacies of this pivotal moment in economic analysis.
Don't miss out on the financial insights and expert commentary that will leave you informed and ready to navigate the dynamic world of finance. Subscribe now to The Financial Exchange and stay ahead of the curve with our latest episode, "Market Movers Unleashed." #FinancePodcast #EconomicAnalysis #MarketTrends #InvestmentInsights
Todd Lutsky shares his insight into reducing your estate taxes and increasing asset protection. Todd also takes questions from listeners about their personal estate building situations.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss US consumers need to wake up to 'out of control' interest on their credit cards. October's JOLTS report showed the labor market is no longer moderating, it's moderating. Companies are going broke gradually, not suddenly. International airline group expects a banner year for travel in 2024. 23andMe confirms hackers stole ancestry data on 6.9M users.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss treasury yields dropping to lowest levels since the summer. What the stock market taught us this year: don't fall for these investment traps. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. Todd takes a look at reducing your estate taxes and increasing asset protection.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti wonder if markets surged too far too fast for the economy's sake. Tim Quirk, CEO of Final Offer, joins the show to talk about the impacts of the recent NAR court ruling and how his company is striving to solve a long-standing problem in the housing market. CVS plans to overhaul how much drugs cost. Green investors were crushed, now it's time to make money. 68,000 gallons of 'unfit' Olive Oil seized by Italy and Spain.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti jump into the job opening report that came in well below expectations. What are the signs showing the job market could be weakening? For labor unions, 2023 was the year of the strike, and big victories. NYC workers get a raise to $16 per hour minimum wage. Moody's cuts China credit outlook to negative on growing debt risks. More US holiday shoppers turn to 'buy now, pay later' loans.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss an ongoing case infront of the Supreme Court that might dramatically change the US tax code. Corey Adams, Regional Manager for Robert Half, joins the show to chat about the latest survey that breaks down holiday bonuses. When you call Social Security, expect to wait even longer. Why repairing your EV is so expensive. Why Biden touts jobs when Americans care about prices. For the first time, most golfers play off-course.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong detail why the next two weeks of data releases will give us much better insight into recession odds for 2024. Powell brushes off rate-cut bets as Fed moves carefully. Investors snagged 1 in 5 homes for sale in Greater Boston. Spotify to layoff 17% of staff, its third round of job cuts this year. Alaska Air reaches deal to buy Hawaiian Airlines. Gold price hits all-time high as traders bet on interest-rates. Bitcoin surges past $42,000 as crypto rally gathers steam.
Chuck Zodda shares his love of Elon Musk of the release of the Cybertruck. Mike Armstrong chats with Sarah Foster, Bankrate.com, about pay raises in 2023 and how most Americans wages increased pass inflation, but sentiment remains low. Four lucrative tax deductions that seniors often overlook. The big risk causing investors to shun China. McDonald's overhauls its biggest item. Paul LaMonica joins the show to talk about Charlie Munger's greatest contribution to the investment world.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how markets greatly increased in November and if the data still points to a soft landing. ISM survey shows 'demand remains soft', index is negative for the 13th straight month. Retail traders cash out on bet that market rally is nearing an end. OPEC+ agrees to significant oil-production cut. Everett soccer stadium for the Revolution hits legislative roadblock, again. Wayfair undergoes multiple, small rounds of layoffs.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Americans continue their 'doom spending' and why this is a growing problem. Cigna and Humana are in talks for a blockbuster merger. Elon Musk uses the 'F' word for advertisers boycotting the platform. IBM will end its 401(k) match and will instead offer a hybrid plan. OPEC+ mulls new oil production cuts amid Middle East conflict. Kraft's newest Mac & Cheese is ditching the cheese.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss consumer spending cooling off in October. Fed's 2024 voters are mixed on interest-rate hikes in the near future. Biggest blowout in Bonds since the 1980's sparks everything rally. Ford lost $1.7B in profits from UAW strike. Biden to limit Chinese role in U.S. EV market. China's economy faces a sour end to the year.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing & Dolan - Elder Tax Lawyer, explains why gifting assets to your children isn't as straightforward as it seems. Todd details how to protect assets you eventually want to use a gifts.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss how insiders are buying up stocks in a possible sign that November's rally has room to run. GM plans $10B stock buyback in a bid to assuage investors. Apple pulls the plug on the Goldman credit-card partnership. Disney's Bob Iger plays down asset sales and vows to build a modern version of the company. Amazon introduces 'Q', an AI chatbot for companies. Lawsuit against Tree House is a classic small business struggle. Mark Cuban sells a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the passing and lasting impact of famed investor and Warren Buffett's partner, Charlie Munger. Unhappy American consumers will welcome a slower economy. Todd Lutsky drops by for 'Ask Todd.' Todd shares his insights into how to go about using a gifting strategy in your estate plans.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Cyber Monday online shopping spree forecasts to break record. Retailers, streaming services and others vie to build their own ad business. The pension: that rare retirement benefit gets a fresh look. High mortgage rates and housing costs pose new problems for couples who are divorcing. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is the #1 place to retire, according to silly studies. U.S. Whiskey is 'collateral damage' in trans-atlantic trade fight.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane wonder just how bad the cost-of-living squeeze is getting for Americans. Why do many people not believe the economy data that shows wages haven risen higher than inflation? President Biden wants corporations to 'stop the price gouging', but it seems like most companies are not price gouging. Investors see interest-rate cuts coming soon, recession or not. Value stocks looked like they were making a comeback, until the AI madness happened. Microsoft needs a better seat at OpenAI's table.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss investors see interest-rate cuts coming soon, recession or not. Investors are hungry for risk, and holding record cash sums. Why is everyone so unhappy at work right now? Can instagrammable design lure young workers back? New and used cars are finally coming back down to reasonable price points.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss black friday spending coming in strong. How people pay for gifts is upending retailers. American borrowers are getting closer to maxing out. The biggest delivery business in the US is no longer UPS or FedEx. White House touts new supply chain measures as inflation eases. Owners keep combie malls alive even when towns want to pull the plug.
Todd Lutsky explains why a gifting strategy might be the best option in your estate plan. Todd also answers questions from the audience about their estate plans.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss consumers who complain about the economy, but they will keep cash registers ringing this holiday season. Understanding why economists think this economy is great while people can only see high prices at stores. American Airlines flight attendants ask for permission to strike. The best dogs for your wallet.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the wild swings in the ongoing story of Sam Altman and OpenAI. Nvidia's sales surge, with no end in sight for the AI boom. Todd Lutsky stops by for his segment, 'Ask Todd', where he shares his insight into how a gifting strategy might be best for your estate plans.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss treasuries rising to erase the losses from 2023 as Fed cut bets blossom. Voters feel one way about the economy but act differently. CEO out as Cruise works to rebuild public trust. Employees warned of problems before robotaxi rollout. Growing concern about how the leaders of big tech companies are treating AI.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how markets are stalling in anticipation of Nvidias earnings release. Higher interest rates are shattering housing dreams around the world. Home sales fall to a new 13-year low in October. Argentina's new president wants to adopt the US dollar as the national currency. The hidden hero fueling soft-landing hopes is a boost in supply.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what Wall Street is preparing to do in the event the economy achieves a soft landing. Even Walmart is worried about the US consumer. The estate taxes catching Americans by surprise. A 30-year trap: the problem with America's weird mortgage. According to AAA, airlines will have the busiest Thanksgiving since 2005. More Americans on Ozempic means smaller plates at Thanksgiving.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the news that Sam Altman is joining Microsoft just days after his dismissal at OpenAI. Snoop Dog might be the smartest marketer today. AI mania powered stocks this year. Can Nvidia spark more gains? CVS Pharmacists are at a breaking point, imperilling company's reinvention plans.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong want to know if people are ready to shop for new cars on Amazon. Apple's effort to replace Qualcomm chip in iPhone falls further behind. The upcoming F1 race in Las Vegas hit a roadblock. Alibaba sheds over $20B in market value after scrapping plans to list its cloud business. Despite media reports, EVs are still gaining ground in America. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Target's earnings and how investors have been reacting.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what is behind the market's wild overreactions. Many baby boomers are going to sell their homes in the years ahead. The trick is to beat the crowd. The share of Americans who are mortgage-free is at an all-time high. Almost no one pays a 6% real-estate commission, except Americans. MBTA says it needs at least $24.5B to repair its troubled system. The New England Revolution stadium plan in Everett has hit a speed bumb.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong look into the rise in US jobless claims and wonder if the labor market is cooling off. Thanksgiving costs for travel and holiday feasts are more manageable than last year. Tripp Mickle, New York Times, joins the show to chat about Apple controling your device long after you bought it. 3 reasons you should take Social Security early. Macy's stock pops as inventory and margin improvement help beat estimates. Amazon is rolling out a new security robot.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the meeting between Biden and Xi in San Francisco and if tensions between the two are cooling off. Wall Street loves Washington's new debt approach, for now. Walmart shares slide as retailer gives a cautious outlook about consumer spending. Cisco tumbles most in 18 months on weaker sales forecast. Starbucks workers plan a walkout during red cup day. The UAW and GM ratify contract deal.
Todd Lutsky shares his insight into utilizing gifts to appropriately manage an estate and save on major tax bills. Todd fields questions from listeners about their personal estate planning needs.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane react to the news that retail sales fell for the first time since March. Target stock surges as earnings overshadow sales decline. Xi and Biden are set to meet in San Francisco. How America can get its debt back under control. New Toyota Camry's to be sold only as hybrids. Porch theft a growing concern as online holiday shopping puts $74B in goods at risk. Senate bill could enable Revolution stadium in Everett at last. The best and worst airports for 2023.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the elusive soft landing is finally coming into view. While all inflation feels bad, housing inflation is the worst. Brookline overwhelmingly accepts plan to rezone its major commercial corridor to allow multi family housing. Todd Lutsky stops by to share an update on national and local estate tax law changes. Todd also answers from the audience about their particular estate planning needs.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti wonder how the Fed will respond to the report showing inflation is cooling off. The job market slowdown is getting hard to ignore. With interest rates above 9%, small businesses slam the brakes. Corey Adams, Robert Half, joins the show to chat about how small businesses are navigating a quickly changing labor market. The upending of Americas most popular professions.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to the cooler than expected October CPI report. Markets see only good news from the CPI report. What is a higher likelihood, recession or increased inflation in 2024? Home Depot warns of weakness ahead in big-ticket pullback. 55.4 million Americans are expected to travel for Thanksgiving. Airline prices drop sharply in time for holiday season. Amtrak joins push to relocate USPS and expand South Station.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Biden and Xi APEC meeting and if economic ties can be repared. Is the stock market rally about to rev up? Health insurance is about to boost US inflation after months of relief. You 401(k) is falling behind. How do you know when it is time to take your portfolio off of autopilot. Companies see few reasons to rush to publicly list shares. Why is the IPO market having such a difficult time? 'The Marvels' dissapoints at the box-office. Investor who bought a Wyoming mine sight-unseenfor $2M learns it may contain $37B in rare earth minerals.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the news that Moody's changed its outlook on the US to negative. What does this mean for the average American? Anger is driving the US economy. Why are people so angry? Consumer spending fell in October. The low-wage pay surge is over, threatening the consumer boom.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder what people who gave up on buying a home are doing with the money they saved up for a downpayment? Paul LaMonica joins the show to talk about the latest news surrounding AMC and why the Apes are still hanging on. The electric-car era needs a lot of really big trees. Can an AI device replace the smart phone? New American tipping culture is confusing and frustrating. Mike Valila, Adjutant for the DAV Department of Massachusetts, joins the show to talk about the upcoming DAV5K and his transition from military service to serving veterans across the state.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how stocks snapped their winning streak off the back of Jerome Powell's comments on inflation. The Fed sees risks for banks from US office space and interest rates. The IRS blames inflation for the need to raise tax brackets and the standard deduction by 5.4%. Hackers hit Wall Street arm of the Chinese banking giant ICBC. Coleman Nee, National 1st Junior Vice Commander of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), joins the show to talk about the upcoming DAV5K and the amazing work the DAV does helping veterans.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong call out the census for its projection of the US population shrinking by 2100. How work from home has replaced what Americans buy. Dan Stack, Department Adjutant - DAV, joins the show to chat about the DAV 5K and his post military career helping veterans. American Airlines dangles $250,000 bonuses to poach FedEx and UPS pilots. McDonald's and Krispy Kreme are in talks to expand partnership. Restaurants bet Ozempic will make diners buy more salads and pitas.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Bob Iger's vision for the future of Disney. Hollywood actors reach an agreement with studios and streamers to end strike. Rob Santiago, Commissioner of Veteran Affairs at the Mayor's Office, joins the show to talk about the upcoming DAV 5K and how his military career has impacted his life. The MBTA plans to repair tracks and lift speed restrictions would deploy closures across four lines. MGB and Best Buy team up to bring hospital care home.
Todd Lutsky, Elder Law Attorney at Cushing & Dolan, shares why gifting assets is far trickier that it seems to be and can cost the recipient big time in the long. Todd answers questions from the audience about when a step up in basis occurs and how to deal with inherited annuities.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss why now is a bad time to spend money and you should be saving instead. The recession you may have missed is over. Automakers delay EV spending as demand slows. Same drug, two prices: why the higher price prevails. Amazon to offer lower-cost primary care to prime members. Robinhood drops 14% after reporting big declines in trading volume and revenue.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss how markets have been boosted by the outstanding performance of big tech stocks. Why the Fed shouldn't get credit for the fall in inflation. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his segment 'Ask Todd.' Todd explains how gifting assets might seem like a great idea but could cost the recipient big time in the long run.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss what it means for Americans now that the US's dept interest passes $1T per year. Your next Airbnb host could be a private-equity firm. Retirees will pay more for Medicare Part B premiums in 2024. Big banks cook up new way to unload risk. Disney needs The Marvels to be a big hit. Why the US won't change physical cash.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti wonder how things went so very wrong for WeWork over the past couple of years that led them to bankruptcy. Uber produces its second ever profitable quarter. Saudi Aramco profit falls on lower oil prices. China is lending billions to countries in financial trouble. China's banks and property sector threatens a growing economy. New construction in Greater Boston faces a slowdown.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss foreign firms pull billions in earnings out of China. More semiconducting, less housing: China's new economic plan. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to hold economic talks with Chinese counterpart. How to know when it is time to retire? Elon Musk debuts 'rebellious' Grok AI bot to challenge ChatGPT. Turning empty offices into apartments is getting even harder. Gen Zers are practicing soft savings and plan on never retiring.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss hedge funds catapulted Treasury shorts to record at the wrong time. What could move the ten-year treasury back up? What happened last week that caused a dramatic shift? Lopsided stock rally blurs lines of S&P 500 membership. The new headache for bosses: employees aren't quitting.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the idea that the US falling into a recession or not isn't important right now. Are higher rates slowing the economy? A zoo offers clues. Apple stock falls after cautious outlook overshadows record iPhone quarter. 'Bond King' Jeffrey Gundlach warns higher-for-longer interest rates could trigger the next financial crisis. Saudi Arabia eyes stack in Indian cricket league. Paul LaMonica joins the show to talk about Hersheys and the potential next move by the candy giant.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the release of the October Jobs Report that showed payrolls increase by 150,000. What did Jerome Powell say at his press conference that piqued Mike's interest? SBF found guilty on all seven counts of fraud and conspiracy. What does this verdict mean for the future of crypto? UAW's next challenge is getting workers to vote yes. The UAW beat Detroit. Toyota and Tesla will be another challenge.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong chat with Mike Simonsen, Altos Research, about the current state of the housing market and how the market can get out of the mess that has been made. The IRS announces 2024 retirement account contribution limits. Peloton gives mixed picture of growth with prospects looking up.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to Jerome Powell's comments yesterday and highlight how markets move in real-time while the Fed Chair is speaking. How higher rates for longer can be good news for the economy. American workers are the economy's true unsung heroes. Why you might get cheap gas for Christmas. Shell boss pledges to keep returning cash to shareholders. Disney says it will take full control of Hulu.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss a jury finding realtors conspired to keep commissions high. WeWork plans to file for bankruptcy as early as next week. Sorry, Gen Z, but economic anxiety isn't going away. Why working longer is a bad retirement plan. Don't want to tip your delivery driver? Be prepared to wait, DoorDash warns.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the Fed debating whether they have raised rates enough. The economy is great. Why are Americans in such a rotten mood? Todd Lutsky stops by for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. Todd shares his expertise on making the most of gifting assets and how to protect yourself from unnecessary tax bills.
Todd Lutsky shares some insight into gifting assets, how gifts are taxed, and how you can avoid getting unncessarily taxed on gifted assets. Todd also shares his expertise with the audience who call in with particular questions about gifting assets.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss who came out as the winners and losers of the UAW talks with GM, Ford, and Stellantis. CVS and Walgreens pharmacy staff begin 3-day walkout. The money has stopped flowing in commercial real estate. Todd Lutsky drops by to explain why people name their estate as an IRA beneficiary. The sales pitch for an 8% mortgage: buy now, refinance later - for free. Fliers can't get enough of the 'Upper Middle Class' section of the plane. Biden's 'Junk Fee' crackdown comes for retirement advice.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the expectations that central bankers will leave interest rates steady at a 22-year high of 5.25% to 5.5%. Cooling inflation provides a reason not to raise rates, but a strong economy doesn't justify starting to sound dovish. US paychecks grew faster than expected in the third quarter. Will Social Secutiry be there when I retire? Money-market funds are seeing record interest, but advisors say cash is no substitute for stocks and bonds.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the idea that workers are doing less work for more pay these days. GM reaches tentative deal with UAW, ending strikes at Detroit automakers after six weeks. Wireless companies are getting more money out of your older phone. Dan Stack, CEO of Disable American Veterans, Mark Voner, CEO of Veterans Development Corporation, and Lisa Hughes, WBZ-TV, join Mike Armstrong to chat about the upcoming DAV5K and how the race raises money to help disabled veterans get meaningful work.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the S&P 500 dropping into correction territory on Friday and the rise on Monday morning. Earnings season is shaping up nicely. Investors don't seem to care. Higher bond yields could end the Fed's historic rate rises. Does strong growth fuel inflation? Fed debates whether old model still applies. The big bond event Wednesday is at the Treasury, not the Fed. Halloween shoppers not spooked as economic slowdown remains elusive.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Amazon's profit tripling as sales show resilience leading into the holidays. Corey Adams, Robert Half, joins the show to talk about seasonal hiring trends and what those seeking seasonal work should know. Why is the US economy so resilient? Retirement account withdrawal rules are 'so complicated' for inherited IRAs. Which inflation fighting tactic works best? GM and UAW may be nearing a labor deal after marathon negotiation session.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the tech selloff pulling down markets, US Treasury yields retreating, and US GDP growth comes in hot. Bank of America's Hartnett sees risk of S&P500 dropping another 5% from here. Inflation trends keep Fed rate hikes on pause. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon to sell one million shares. With housing, millennials have much to complain about.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder what is happening in the bond market. The rapid rise in interest rates in recent months has shaken investors. Greg McBride, Bankrate.com, joins the show to chat about how well Americans are preparing their emergency savings accounts. Toyota chairman says people are finally seeing reality about EVs. Chasing big mergers, oil executives dismiss peak oil concerns. Paul LaMonica stops by to share his thoughts on why Alphabet's stock tanked even with a solid earnings report.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why the US economy grew at a 4.9% rate this summer. Big Tech sheds $200B in value as earnings disappoint. Meta reports record sales as ad rebound continues. Ford reaches a tentative labor deal with UAW six weeks into historic strike. Xi Jinping is looking for someone to blame for China's property bust.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing and Dolan, stops by to discuss recent changes to local estate taxes, why online wills are not a solid plan, why you should name your estate as an IRA beneficiary, and tax impacts of changing your primary residence.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the tough spot the Fed is in because of the strongest US growth since 2021. Jamie Dimon criticizes central banks for getting forecasts wrong. Your set it and forget it 401(k) made you rich. No more. US states accus Meta of 'manipulative' practices towards young users. China signals zero tolerance for sharp economic slowdown with rare steps. Who owns the armrest on planes? Amazon considers offering veterinary telehealth in Walmart competition.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the continued volatility in markets. The biggest mistake investors made this year. Google's cloud sales disappoint as advertising rebounds and investors are less than impressed. Microsoft earnings growth accelerates on stronger-than-expected cloud demand. Ask Todd: Understanding national and state estate taxes.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti disucss how economists got it wrong for the last three years. Is it time to worry about banks' business lending? Bitcoin hits $35,000 for first time since 2022 on ETF optimism. Joe Boschulte, Commissioner of the USVI Department of Tourism, joins the show to chat about how accomodating the USVI is to residents of the Northeast, the big events coming on this fall, how the cruise industry is fairing, and the newest resort property on the islands. Why is Olive Oil so expensive right now? Nike is falling behind the innovation race.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how the highest bond yields in 16 years could chill the US economy. What the Federal Funds Rate isn't telling you. Thanks to Big Data, landlords know how to squeeze the most out of renters. GM posts strong third-quarter profit, scraps EV target. EVs are not selling at the rate most automakers expected.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss food being on sale again, but you might still have sticker shock. Charles Kolodgy, Cyber Security Expert and Adjunct Professor at Rivier University, joins the show to explain how many people are being defrauded during their online activities. There's never been a worse time to buy instead of rent. Gen Xers mourn the death of the ultimate monument to teen culture: the mall. Where do Americans gather that have any true diversity. Apple iPhone maker Foxconn is under investigation by China.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss bond rout drives 10-Year Treasury Yield to 5%. Have we hit peak growth this cycle? The economy was supposed to slow down by now. Instead it is revving up. Chevron buys Hess for $53B. Car owners fall behind on payments at highest rate on record. EVs were already having issues. Then things got political. UAW expands strike to Stellantis pickup truck plant in Michigan. Everett set to try again to win state approval for Revolution stadium.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Apple's Tim Cook making a surprise visit to China as iPhone sales slump. Heating your home should cost less this winter, unless you live in the Northeast. Earn 4.5% with no taxes? How to invest in municipal bonds. How do bonds work? Amazon promises quick turnaround pharmacy to doorstep prescriptions via drone. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about the recent activity coming from Proctor and Gamble. X, formerly Twitter, will launch two new subscription tiers, Elon Musk says.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Jerome Powell signalling the Fed will extend interest-rate pause. There's a reason this bull market feels o weird. How five investors win in a world of 5% interest rates. The Green Line Extension is riddled with so many defects that a key part will need to be fixed. What happens to my solar panels if the company goes out of business?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Tesla's Musk warning about the challenges that the Cybertruck is facing. Edward Lawrence, Fox Business, joins the show to chat about the current conditions of the markets and expectations for the remainder of the year. Household new worth surged after the pandemic hit. Home sales slide to lowest pace since 2010 as high rates squeeze market. Come in three days or just quit: Some companies give remote workers an ultimatum.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss surging bond yields are the stock market's biggest problem right now. Chuck presents his seven factors why bond yields are surging. What to expect from Fed Chari Powell's speech today. Netflix plans price increase as password-sharing crackdown boosts subscriber growth. Disney sheds new light on ESPN's financial challenges. Nearly 20% of workers have changed their name on a resume.
Todd Lutsky stops by to share his insight into estate and retirement planning. This week, Todd goes over how to fund a trust, how to change a beneficiary, and why Massachusetts residents need to put certain assets into a trust.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Wall Street concerns over swelling US debt put Fed in tight spot. Health inflation's big hike this year. Bosses have a problem: People are actually using sick days. IRS will offer a new option to file your taxes for free. Proclaiming a grave threat to college sports, Charlie Baker takes push for NIL policy to congress. United Airlines to change its boarding process, a win for window seats.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss bond yields hitting fresh multiyear highs after hot retail sales data. China's economy gets boost from stimulus, but headwinds grow. Wall Street's latest obession is an unknowable number. Todd Lutsky drops by for Ask Todd where he answers questions from the audience about planning for their retirement.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss long-end treasuries hit by wildest swings since 2020 pandemic. The US gets a C+ in retirement. AI could spur an economic boom, but humans are in the way. 53% of Gen Z see high cost of living as a barrier to financial success. Demand to stay in Salem around Halloween leads to 'astronomical' fees for Airbnb and VRBO.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the release of the consumer spending report that showed an increase in spending by 0.4% over expectations. It is getting too expensive to have fun. Holiday spending to grow 14% this year. US stocks are ripe for earnings-led rally as rates angst settles. Ford Executive Chairman calls for the end of the UAW strikes. Bank of America's profit tops estimates on trading and net interest income. Goldman Sachs tops estimates on stronger-than-expected bond trading. American work-from-home rates drop to lowest since pandemic.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the US tightening curbs on China's access to advanced chip tech. Automakers have big hopes for EV's; buyers aren't cooperating. Want a discount? Pay in cash. Carl Icahn bet on the 'Big Short 2.0.' Now he says the game is rigged. Inflation has a new victim: Girl Scout Cookies. Bitcoin surges and drops back off false news reported on X.com. Chuck decides his next job; human resources for plants.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss home sales are on track for slowest year since housing bust. Housing remains America's biggest supply chain problem. How can we fix the housing in this country? A recession is no longer the consensus. US could see 4.5% unemployment in 2024, Philadelphia Fed's Harker says. Fall in US inflation not just a blip, says Fed official Goolsbee. Gas prices fueled summer inflation. That is about to change.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Social Security giving retirees a raise next year, but is it enough? You've never had to so good. That's why you are stuck. Chuck and Mike couldn't disagree more. 'X' fumbles first big Musk-Era test of content policies after Israel attack. 'AI Obama' and fake newscasters: how AI audio is swarming TikTok. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Pepsi and if Ozempic is hurting the soda and snack business.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss JPMorgan notches another net interest income record. Are the big banks in this country, not just too big to fail, but too big to even consider failing? How banks' deposit pressures could get worse. This inflation report won't let the Fed declare victory. Global conflicts could dramatically impact markets if they prolong. The Fed is putting too much faith in markets.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Social Security adjustment will be 3.2% for 2024, far below the record-setting adjustment in 2023. Growth in working-age population ends. That's not all bad. What recession? It is looking increasingly unlikely. Three ways to pay for a home if a traditional mortgage isn't on the table. Ted Rossman, Bankrate.com, joins the show to chat about holiday shopping season and how consumers have changed their habits over the past decade. Disney raises prices at its theme parks.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dissect the September CPI report that came in hotter than expected. What does this CPI report mean for the Fed's next interest rate decision? Fed minutes show officials still divided on future rate hikes. Investors are calling it: The Federal Reserve may be done raising rates. Delta tops estimates, trims 2023 profit outlook on costs. UAW expands strike to Ford plant in Kentucky. China's newest move to support stocks seen limited in impact.
Todd Lutsky stops by for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. Todd shares who the best primary beneficiary for your IRA is, how an IRA fits into an estate plan, and how to reduce your state income taxes if you have out-of-state property.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss corporate profits coming back despite challenges including rising labor costs and high interest rates. US agencies broaden crackdown on 'junk fees'. Downsizing your home isn't the money move it used to be. Why is the state still letting places like Braintree kill the housing we desperately need? Winter is coming and Southwest swears this time it will be ready.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss higher bond yields likely to extend Fed's rate pause. Higher rates may be neede to curb inflation, Fed's Bowman says. IMF urges governments to cut deficits to dent inflation. Todd Lutsky stops by to answer important questions about planning for retirement.
Mike and Marc open the second hour of the show discussing new revised government data indicating that Americans have hundreds of billions of dollars more in extra cash stashed away than previously believed. Also, a discussion about "safety" in regard to stocks vs bonds. Plus, more on the labor market and the biotech sector in MA. Stack roulette to wrap the show.
Mike and Marc open up the show further discussing the turmoil in the middle east and weight its potential global economic impact. Also, recent commentary from Fed officials suggest that further tightening may not be needed as a result of the recent climb in long-term yields. Plus, how is X (formerly known as Twitter) faring with misinformation being posted? An update on China's economic woes.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the US economy's secret weapon, seniors with money to spend. Even as job creation surges, Americans still think the economy stinks. Autopay is making us worse at managing credit-card bills. Interest rate surge drives US car loan payments to record high. Common tech scams are costing victims millions of dollars.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is impacting markets across the globe. Profit warnings to hit S&P 500 as high rates pinch consumers. What should we be looking at as we head towards another batch of corporate earnings start next week? Don't get too comfortable with a good job market. The coverage of the recent jobs report was mostly nonsense for most Americans. UAW forgoes additional walkouts for now, citing progress in talks.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss why the jobs report might be pivotal for jittery investors. Markets are shifting their response to the jobs report. How can you protect your retirement savings while inflation remains a problem? Bosses want people back in the office, but employees are finding a workaround, it's called 'coffee badging'. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Draft Kings performance this year and how the company is positioning itself moving forward.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to the stunning September jobs report. Rates are jumping on Wall Street. What will it do to housing and the economy? Monetarism is back. It may not last. Some on Wall Street predict bad times because of an unprecendented drop in money supply. Exxon Mobil closing in on megadeal with shale driller Pioneer. How the big chip makers are pushing back on Biden's China plan. China is becoming a no-go zone for executives.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Kaiser Permanente union workers strike, mounting largest healthcare walkout on record. UAW strikes spare automakers from financial pain...for now. Buying a used car isn't easy. 5 steps to consider before buying. Tax moves to consider now before 2017 cuts expire. FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried criminal trial opens. False advertising suit against McDonald's and Wendy's has been dismissed. Uber introduces package return service.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss tech shares pushing the S&P 500 all year long. Why have rates moved so suddenly? Why is this market still so expensive? Only an equities crash can rescue the bond market, Barclays says. Massachusetts Gov. Healey signs $1B tax relief package into law. What does this mean for residents of the state? A developer proposed nearly 500 apartments at South Shore Plaza, then residents killed the idea.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing & Dolan, shares his insight into understanding changes to RMD rules. What assets you should be using to fund your trust. And, how to make your IRA work best for you.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss why 8% mortgage rates aren't crazy anymore. The world's dollar addiction is hard to kick. Mark Hamrick, Bankrate.com, joins the show to chat about how well workers are saving for retirement these days and what recent trends are telling us about generational savings. Wall Street thinks America's homes are overvalued. Amazon used secret 'Project Nessie' algorithm to raise prices. Colleges snap up unused offices in a slumping market.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss Treasury yields retreat from 16-year highs after weaker than expected DP Jobs Report. Bond selloff threatens hopes for economy's soft landing. Something is breaking in financial markets, what is behind the recent selloff? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. Todd chats about how to make your IRA work best for you.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane wonder how far Wall Street will go trying to use AI to beat the market. Americans are growing more reluctant to quit their jobs. You can now invest in 'Shrek' music rights the same place you buy stocks. How can people navigate all the new ways they can invest their money? Apple picking may not be an option at many N.H. orchards this fall. Microsoft CEO testifies that Google's power in search is ubiquitous. Who is rooting hardest for a SBF conviction? Corey Adams, Robert Half, joins the show to chat about how employees should negotiate their next pay raise.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss falling utilities and rising yields weigh on stocks. Why do yields impact utilities as much as they do? JOLTS report shows August job openings topped 9.6 million, more than expected as labor market remains strong. Ford and GM announce layoffs of 500 more factory workers. US car sales expected to increase again in the third quarter. Tesla shares drop brings BYD closest ever to global EV crown. Does China's property bust make a financial crisis inevitable?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss why a recession is still likely and how soon it could occur. Severe crash is coming for US office properties, some believe it is already here. You will alone won't guarantee your money goes to your heirs. The apartment market is hitting a contruction lull. Toys 'R' Us is set to open stores across the US, including at airports and cruise ships. Kia and Hyundai blime TikTok and Instagram for their cars getting stolen.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Congress narrowly averting a shutdown and passes stopgap bill. Bon yields climb as traders look ahead to Powell. Americans are still spending like there is no tomorrow. US manufacturers show improvement highest reading since November 2022. Why consumers are mad about inflation even though it has fallen. How the Fed make a worrisome economic signal go away. Workers: Don't expect the same raise you got last year.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the appoint of Ryan Cohen to CEO of GameStop. The movie about the GameStop frenzy, Dumb Money, is released today. The guys look back at some of the more popular movies about finance. The silver lining from the pandemic is that amount of start ups created. How many Americans manage to retire with $1M? Use caution when diving into inflation data. Blue Apron gets bought by Wonder Group and the stock soars.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti dive into the August PCE data and find it had the slowest increase since September 2021. Why do we take out food and energy when dissecting PCE? 85% chance the Fed does nothing at its next meeting. Huawei mate 60 pro chips signal China advances despite sanctions. Todd Lutsky stops by to answer what happens to an existing estate plan when the state you live in changes the rules.
Mike Armstrong is joined by Mark Voner, CEO of Veterans Development Corporation, and Mike Valila, Department Adjutant for DAV, to talk about the amazing work the DAV and Veterans Development Corporation does to help support local disabled veterans get a job in the community, find appropriate housing, and promote the upcoming DAV 5K at Castle Island on November 11th.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss if Amazon has a chance to beat the FTC in court and if the retail giant is actually even a monopoly. Want a 6% CD? You have to have $5M. Gen Z is poised to spend more on debt than others. Mark Voner, CEO Veterans Development Corporation, and Mike Valila, Department Adjutant at DAV, joins the show to chat about the upcoming DAV 5K at Castle Island on November 11th. iPhone 15 Pro owners complain about overheating problems. Massachusetts tax relief package has something for everyone (to hate).
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the economic impact of a government shutdown. UAW threatens more strikes as GM and Stellantis try to keep repair parts flowing. Car sales are slowing. Cas-listing websites are just getting started. Saudi Arabia and Russia win big in gamble on oil cuts. How will the Fed respond to rising oil costs? Logistics companies grow cautious on holiday hiring.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing & Dolan, shares his understanding of how the Massachusetts tax relief proposal will impact your estate plans. Gifting assets is far more complicated than it seemingly should be. How a trust is drafted is the most important step in estate planning. How can you ensure you don't accidentaly reset your five-year look back period.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss how much savings Americans have left. Who benefits from the latest proposal from Massachusetts lawmakers? Sarah Foster stops by to chat about all the options student-loan borrowers have to alleviate their payment burden. Buy now, pay later plans seen more among 'fragile' consumers. Senators unveil bipartisan funding deal to avert a government shutdown. Jobseekers facing fake postings show trouble with JOLTS report. How much coffee is too much coffee?
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss stocks slumping further, with Amazon lawsuit adding recent pressure. The FTC is suing Amazon, alleging illegal online-marketplace monopoly. Massachusetts lawmakers unveil $1B tax relief deal. Todd Lutsky stops by for Ask Todd, where he answers your most important estate planning questions.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss auto CEO's make 300 times what workers make. Commercial real estate's next big headache is spiraling insurance costs. Your winter holiday travels may finally cost less this year. Many business owners would love it if you stopped using your credit card. ChatGPT can now respond with spoken words. The people behind pickleball are trying to fix the noise.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss US consumer confidence fell again in September. Senate nearing bipartisan bid to avert a government shutdown. US risks its top credit rating with shutdown, Moody's warns. Americans finally start to feel the sting from Fed's rate hikes. Jamie Dimon warns 7% Fed rate still possible. Only richest 20% of Americans still have excess pandemic savings. Teetering China property giants undercut Xi's revival push.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss why America has a long-term labor crisis. Lawmakers warn that US is heading for a shutdown as budget talks stall. The child-care cliff is upon us. Should you take a lump sum payment or stick with the montly pension payments? The IRS wants its cut of the profits from ticket resellers. DoT spending $1.2B on fixes to the US rail system.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the agreement between Hollywood writers are studios that was reached. US economy can withstand one shock, but four shocks at the same time? Why are tech stocks down? Bond yields are way up. Where does Boston rank on least and most renter-friendly cities list? Even a booming economy can't save Atlanta's office market.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how a government shutdown would impact today's inflation battle. Ted Rossman, Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst, joins the show to chat about how much money consumers are spending on impulse buys on social media sites. Real Estate crisis triggers new alarms over China's shadow banks. McDonald's to raise royalty fees for new franchised restaurants for first time in nearly 30 years. Olive Garden owner is snubbing short-term discounts to build its brands for the long haul. Paul LaMonica stops by to chat about Chewy's recent activity and the boom in the pet care business.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss rising bond yields, interest-rate worries drag stocks lower. US 10-Year jumps above key 4.5% level in post-fed bond rout. When rates drop, they usually plunge. The Fed thinks differently. UAW targets 38 more facilities at GM and Stellantis for expanded strikes, but skips Ford. What is the biggest threat to the US economy? Biden has a plan B for student-loan forgiveness. Amazon's new challenge: Bargain retailers that are playing a different game.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the Fed's dream of a soft landing is facing a triple threat from the UAW strike, government shutdown, and restart of student-loan payments. Michael Santoli, CNBC, joins the show to chat about the biggest threat to economic growth in 2024. The rise of surge pricing 'it will eventually be everywhere'. Amazon makes Alexa chattier and more capable using generative AI. Parents are hiring motherly concierge services for their college students. McDonald's sued for 'severe burns' from spilled coffee, again.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane react to the news that the Fed is holding rates steady and pencils in one more rate hike. Higher interest rates not just for longer, but maybe forever. Bank of England holds rates for first time in nearly two years, National Grid to drop electric rates for upcoming winter season. Have Boston companies returned to the office? Klaviyo shares soar in debut, pointing to IPO resurgence.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing and Dolan, drops by for his weekly segment, 'Ask Todd'. Todd details what you need to know about setting up an emergency trust, tax implications for using money in a trust, limitations for non-trustees, and applying for Medicaid.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss inflation or recession? CEOs will decide next month. American labor's real problem is it isn't productive enough. Dan Griggs, Oceanfirst Bank Boston Regional President, joins the show to chat about economic growth in the Greater Boston area. Amazon and Taget adding thousands of workers a head of holiday season. America's biggest landlords can't find houses to buy either. Disney to invest $60B in theme parks and cruises over the next decade. Fed-up consumers are increasingly going after food companies for misleading claims. Max streaming service unveils $9.99-a-month sports tier with NBA and MLB games.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the Fed's decision coming later today and what the Fed is looking at when making its decision. The Fed's next challenge: $100 Oil. White House warns of long lines at airports, other delays if the government is shut down. Todd Lutsky drops by for Ask Todd. Lutsky discusses the tax implications of using money is a trust, and what limitations do non-trustees have over a trust.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the UAW strike colliding with Biden's manufacturing agenda. Why so many people are paying to get their paychecks. Pay transparency is now in a majority of US job postings - with more growth to come. Fuel prices are soaring. Who is feeling the pinch? Americans plan to keep cutting back on spending through the holidays. Amazon searches for next big hit. Microsoft eyes Apple's spot as world's largest stock.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the Fed isn't getting the economy it expected. Does the market think inflation is under control? Instacart prices IPO at $30 per share, at top end of expectations. Greater Boston home prices continue to soar. U.S. national debt tops $33T for the first time. The big employer still adding jobs and boosting pay: The Government.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Tesla and Saudi Arabia in early talks for EV factory. Elon Musk immediately tweets the story is utterly false. Little progress is made between UAW and Detroit automakers. The U.S. lost 4.1 million days of work last month to strikes. The biggest downside to 529 plans is about to go away. Now they're a 'no-brainer', an expert says. San Francisco office market shows signs of life. Prime Time TV will look very different this fall.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why a soft landing coule prove elusive. Student-loan restart threatens to pull $100B out of consumers' pockets. The market is stuck until the Fed is done. The tech trade is showing cracks. Higher rates for longer spell more trouble. Oil edges close to $95 a barrel as global market tightens up. People are streaming pirated movies on TikTok, one short clip at a time.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Instacart set to raise IPO price target after succesful ARM debut. How have recent IPO's performed? Restaurants are finding creative ways to charge customers more money. Social Security COLA increase set for 2024. Planet Fitness shares drop 15% after announcement CEO ousted by the board. Cereal's are vanishing from kitchens. Apple counts on wireless carriers to avoid an iPhone slump.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the UAW strike against GM, Ford, and Stellantis, and what this strike means for American car buyers. Traditional TV is in unknown territory and might have killed itself. Rising rates make big companies even richer. Incomes grow in Greater Boston last year, but not as fast as inflation. China's economy still faces headwinds despite early signs of recovery.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the surge in fuel prices and who it is impacting the most. US electric vehicle sales reach breakthrough pace. 47% of Americans say achieving retirement security will take a miracle. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Tesla's recent performance, competition ramping up, and why has Elon gone somewhat silent?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the Fed being on alert for one more hike after 'disappointing' inflation data. Producer prices rose more than expected in further sign of inflationary pressures. U.S. 4-week jobless claims drops to lowest lever in seven months. ARM sets IPO price at $51. Instacart was all about grocery delivery. No longer. MBTA acknowledges three new instances in which workers were nearly struck.
This week on Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky answers who a revocable trust is designed for, what is the current exemption on the Massachusetts estate tax, and what the tax implications are for being gifted a house.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti wonder where inflation would be today if the Fed didn't raise rates. 'Almost all loans are bad' - Why banks aren't lending. Chuck calls BS to that. A 3% mortgage rate in a 7% world? Startup, Roam, says it can do that. Are lender assistance programs like Zillow's the future of home buying? Ted Rossman, Bankrate, joins the show to chat about how the holiday spending habits have shifted over the past couple of years.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti react to the release of the August CPI report which showed inflation accelerating over the month. The guys wonder how the Fed will respond at their next meeting. Morgan Stanley says 'Fed has done enough' and can lean into duration. Todd Lutsky stops by for 'Ask Todd'. Who is a revocable trust designed for? Will Massachusetts raise the estate tax exemption? What are the tax implications of being gifted a house?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how the Fed might react to this week's CPI report. What are the three scenarios in which the Fed cuts rates at its next meeting? Tripp Mickle, New York Times, joins the show to chat about what Apple has done to maintain its dominant position in the smartphone marketplace. Amateur investors pile into 24-hour options. Is this anything more than gambling? For auto workers, it isn't just about the pay. US vs. Google: What to know about the biggest antitrust trial in 20 years. 'Cybersecurity issue' forces systems shutdown at MGM hotels and casinos. Soaring child care costs are crushing New Yorkers.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss why you should not be overly concerned about the spending of American consumers. Banks load on $1.2T in risky 'hot' deposits. The biggest trading partner the US has is no longer China, it's Mexico. Skip Perham, Suffolk University, joins the show to talk about the last minute deal between Charter and Disney. Restaurants and unions agree to raise pay to $20 per hour in California.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss generic drugs should be cheap, but insurers are charging thousands of dollars for them. As smartphone industry sputters, the iPhone expands its dominance. How to have fun with ChatGPT. China may ban clothes that hurt peoples feelings. Corey Adams, Robert Half, joins the show to chat about what parents are looking for in a new job.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the mighty American consumer is about to hit a wall, investors say. Janet Yellen says she is 'feeling very good' about a soft landing for the US economy. US dollar starts week under pressure as China and Japan defenses bite. Google's ties with Apple under spotlight in antitrust trial. Microsoft, Google, and antitrust: similar legal theories in a different era. Unions flex power when labor is in short supply. UBS to cut hundreds of wealth jobs in Asia as activity slows. Disney and Charter come to an agreement.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong are fed up with expiration dates and the amound of food waste they generate. Sarah Foster, Bankrate.com, joins the show to chat about the wage to inflation index. The fall in home prices may already be over. Tom Brady joins Delta as a long term strategic advisor. Paul LaMonica stops by to discuss the latest news surrounding Apple.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss economic data leading markets and governements astray. Companies pay more to borrow in record bond rush. Credit-Card users got bigger limits. Then they racked up $1T. Walmart cuts starting pay for some new hires. US retail workers are fed up and quitting at record rates. Toyota, a hybrid pioneer, struggles to master EV's.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how American banks can make it through the real-estate doom loop. Why higher unemployment is good news now. Health-Insurance costs are taking biggest jumps in years. Is financial stress hurting retirement savings? 4 in 10 workers with a 401(k) don't contribute. 46% of 401(k) investors are clueless about their investments. Gatorade has a new flavor...water. Meta's new ad campaign reminds people that VR is already here.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the moves China is making to limit Apple's presence in the country. Beijing bans the use of iPhones at many government offices. Huawei releases a high-speed phone to compete with the iPhone. China exports fall for a fourth consecutive month as once-reliable growth engine sputters. US and EU plan new Chinese steel tariffs in bid to end Trump-era trade conflict. America's trade trouble will continue. The U.S. trade deficit remains far wider than it was before the pandemic. New corporate minimum tax ushers in confusion and a lobby blitz. Rent control in Massachusetts is one step closer to making it on the 2024 ballot.
Todd Lutsky shares his insight into estate planning. Todd reveals some of the major differences between the varying trusts and how you can figure out which plan works best for you.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane chat about how rising rents are hitting American suburbs the hardest. Saudi Arabia's cuts send world diesel prices soaring. Rising rates may mane its time to put more money in savings accounts, CD's and Treasury Bills, no matter your income. Everyone is bearish on China, except bond investors. Soaring US dollar raises alarm as China and Japan escalate FX pushback. High earners get reprieve with delay to rule change on 401(k) catchups. Margaritaville aims to hang on after Jimmy Buffett's death.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the Fed set to double its economic growth forecast after strong US data. Is the labor market a good gauge of inflation? Why are some people pushing back on how labor impacts inflation? Todd Lutsky stops by for AskTodd. Todd demystifies the top seven estate planning trusts.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss why return-to-office has become so complicated for many companies and could cost as much as $1.3T. Housing market inventory is so scarce that builders will be in the driver's seat for years to come. What's worse than record high rent? Record high rent, plus fees. Charter and Disney continue their battle, leaving viewers waiting for answers. What are the differences between and Roth IRA and traditional IRA?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss investors betting against US stocks heading into the fall and after the summer's surprising rally. Slower-yet-healthy job growth suggests the economy has some fuel left. China's slowdown mean it may never overtake the US economy. China's Country Garden makes overdue payments, avoids default. What the biggest risk China poses to the US economy? Do higher deficits cause inflation? Not this year. Utility stocks can't compete in a world awash with yield.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the idea that we are just starting to feel the impact of high interest rates over the past couple of years. The auto industry's shift to EV's gets $12B boost from Washington. Dollar Stores flash warning signs on consumer spending. Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and 'Barbenheimer' are lifting consumer spending. But, Morgan Stanley says it may not last. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about the latest news coming from Walgreens.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to the August jobs report that showed job gains eased and unemployment increased. How much impact will the jobs report have on the Fed's next interest rate decision? The generational paradigm shift taking over markets. What happens if the nearly 100 million square feet of workplace real estate stays empty? Does the economy need to slow down for the housing market to normalize?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how workers making less than $55,000 per year could get overtime pay under Biden's plan. Is this even a good idea? Companies using fewer temp workers, but that doesn't portend a downturn. Visa, Mastercard prepare to raise credit card fees. Why do Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile want access to your bank account? Meta is finally adding legs to the Metaverse. DOJ and SEC are investigating Tesla over secret glass house project.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the PCE report that showed consumer spending was up significantly in July. The labor market is still historically strong, but it is starting to cool. Credit Card debt at $1T is a sign of consumer strength. 61% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, how is that so? China's economy shows fresh weakness in factories, housing, and consumer spending. UBS breaks banking industry record with $29B profit after Credit Suisse takeover.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing & Dolan, details some of the different kinds of irrevocable trusts, what you need to do to remove a trustee from an irrevocable trust, and shares the most important aspect of applying for medicaid.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Meta uncovering largest-ever Chinese influence network. Idalia pummels Florida, moves inland at Category 2 strength. Self-driving cars are booming in San Francisco. Did Boston make a mistake not embracing the technology? How will investors approach the property meltdown. Investors say no thanks to Gen Z, Metaverse funds. ETF's are closing at a record pace, with many niche funds struggling to attract investors. 3M just agreed to a $6B settlement, with more lawsuits coming. Voice deepfakes are coming for your bank balance.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss consumers' savings are down, but so is their debt. Demand for workers cools, but remails elevated. Are there signs that a possible recession is back on the table? Todd Lutsky stops by to answer the most important questions about managing your money in retirement.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss a recent survey that shows US workers turn gloomy on their employers outlook. US job openings fall below nine million for the first time since March 2021. You've heard of quiet quitting, now companies are quiet cutting. Walmart and other drug stores want to help you skip trips to the doctor. The AI revolution is coming. But not as fast as some people think. New tipping trends hurts those who need gratuities most. America's homes are shrinking. France to spend $216M to destroy 80M gallons of surplus wine. American Airlines fined $4.1M for keeping fliers on planes too long.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss rising gasoline prices hit inflation-weary Americans. The US and China agree on steps to ease trade tensions. US does not want to 'decouple' from China, Gina Raimondo says. China banks to cut rates on mortgages, deposits in stimulus push. Manufacturers leaving China find a home with Indian startups. Srah Foster, Bankrate, joins the show to chat about surprising results from a recent student loan survey. The IRS delays change for 401(K) catchup contributions.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss US Commerce Secretary, Gina Raimondo, facing a wide range of issues in China. BRICS shows it is little more than a meaningless acronym. Student loans are emerging from deep freeze, and borrowers are confused. Labor unions are pushing hard for double-digit raises and better hours. Many are winning. Dating apps put a hefty price tag on finding love. The SALT Cap has a $20B hole.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why central bankers are unsure whether they've raised rates enough. Zillow is a full blown housing market bull, predicting that US home prices will jump 6.5% by July 2024. Why is Zillow offering 1% downpayments? Consumers are spending like its 2019 again.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss bond markets flashing warning signs as US budget deficits surge. Childcare costs keep rising with pandemic funding set to expire in September. De-dollarization still along way away, Indian minister says after BRICS talk of a common currency. Heineken exits Russia at a loss of $300M. The strikes in Hollywood are already causing movie releases to be pushed back to 2024 and fall TV won't have the usual granduer. Zillow offers 1% downpayments, why?
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti react to Jerome Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium and how markets digested the comments. China's economic stimulus lasts all of ten minutes. China is importing chip making equipment at a record pace. Can the Nvidia rocket ship power stocks through a slowing economy? VinFast and ARM and other index orphans miss out on billions from passive investors.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti wonder who, if anyone, can replace China as a global economic engine. BRICS leaders invite six nations including Saudi Arabia to join bloc. Nike falls for record 10th straight day due to Foot Locker's struggles and China's slowdown. Toronto-Dominion shares slide as deposit costs crunch earnings. Michael Jordan's net worth has reached $3.5B. Covid relief fraud cases are back in the news. Corey Adams, Robert Half, joins the show to chat about the shifting feelings towards remote work.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the comments from former St. Louis Fed President, James Bullard, about how Americans are viewing inflation. What should be expected from Jerome Powell's speech at Jackson Hole. New home sales rise to highest level in more than a year. How high a rate can housing take? Nvidia nears record high as AI demand fuels blowout forecast. Arizona labor spat signals challenges for US chip manufacturing. US Steel and Cliffs spar over union's rights. Are hedge fund pioneers facing the end of a golden era?
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the upcoming meeting at Jackson Hole. 'Higher for longer' rate debate should dominate the meeting. How hard should the Fed squeeze to reach its 2% inflation goal? Mortgage demand from homebuyers drops to a 28-year low as interest rates soar. Office tenants are renewing leases, but for far less space. Falling eurozone business activity raises doubts over ECB's next move. Americans should expect to pay higher taxes next April.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss global stocks having a very difficult time this month. Nvidia earnings will gauge strength of AI boom. Huawei is building a secret network for chips. Wall Street's China dreams are slipping away. What Vivek Ramaswamy doesn't understand about the dollar. In a hot job market, the minimum wage becomes an afterthought. Amazon is seeing some employees quit instead of relocate.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss S&P downgrading multiple US banks due to 'tough' operating conditions. Goodbye bathtub and living room. America's homes are shrinking. Big changes are on the horizon for Airbnb in New York City. How will this impact Airbnb in other states? Nvidia is set to report earnings tomorrow and the investing world is patiently waiting. Retail earnings prove to be a mixed bag. Dick's Sporting Goods, Lowes, and Macy's all reported yesterday, but what did we learn?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss treasury yields hitting a 16-year high on fears over interest rate outlook. Existing home sales fall in July, as supply drops to near quarter-century low. Microsoft pushing for Activision deal with a new proposal. Why are some countries so focused on dedollarization? BRICS bank striving to be less relient on the US dollar. Why is China having such a difficult time recovering?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the 10-year Treasury yield hits highest level since 2007. Borrowers with $39B in student loans finally sees relief. NABE survey shows more confidence the Fed can pull off a soft landing. New York and California see trillions in assets flee to Wall Street South. America's fight over tipping at restaurants comes to its biggest battleground yet. The average wage for employees to accept a new job has climbed to $80,000.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti recap a wild month that included a significant sell off, yet 79% of companies that reported earnings beat expectations. What will be discussed at the Jackson Hole Symposium? Why are analysts worried about the Japanification of China? Nvidia earnings will be a major test for AI demand, market rally. AI funds are missing out on AI fueled rally. Banks don't like rich mortgage borrowers as much as they used to. A bright spot in commercial real estate: retail shops.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti are very confused by the weather this summer. Why are chinld-care prices rising at nearly twice the rate of overall inflation? Babies at bars and Michelin-Star restaurants? Not everyone is on board. Hawaii fires turn a safe investment into a big risk. Apple buying or partnering with ESPN is a 'No Brainer' to one Wall Street analyst, and 'much more attractive' than a full Disney acquisition. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about TJX's stock surge.
Chuck Zodda, Mike Armstrong, and Marc Fandetti discuss Treasury yields hit new highs. Mortgage rates hit 7.09%, highest in more than 20 years. Bank of America's warning of a '5% World' sinks in with yields pushing higher. Investors fear China's 'Lehman Moment' is looming. What happens to everyday Americans if China falls into a recession? Walmart and Target face similar problems, but only one is thriving.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss student loan borrowers approach payment restart with apprehension and confusion. US plans new tariffs on food-can metal, tin, from China, Germany, and Canada. Stock market rally makes more 401(k) millionaires. Americans have depleted their excess savings. Walmart+ ramps up pressure on Amazon Prime. $80B influx has helped customer service at the IRS.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss some Fed officials are turning cautious about raising rates too high. Bond Yield hits highest level since 2008, adding pressure to borrowing costs. What does a 7% mortgage mean for home buyers? US housing affordability hits worst point in nearly four decades. Too many vacant lots, not enough housing: The Real Estate puzzle. China's housing slump is much worse than official data shows. EV charging reliability remains an issue for Boston drivers.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing & Dolan, chats about how to abide by the guidelines of an irrevocable trust, how to add a life insurance policy to a trust, managing properties in a trust, and what happens when the owner of the trust passes away.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss investors starting to worry about a return to normalcy on bond markets. General Motors is investing in a startup working on bettter and cheaper EV batteries. China turns to well-honed playbook: cut rates and hide data. Google is reportedly building an AI that gives life advice. Ted Rossman, Bankrate, joins the show to chat about the summer travel season beating expectations and what to expect from the holiday travel season.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti wonder if we should start worrying about the spending habits of Americans. The labor market's so wobbly even head hunters can't forecast recovery. Ask Todd: Understanding how to manage your property in a irrevocable trust. What happens when the owner of a trust passes away? Can you add a life insurance policy to an irrevocable trust?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the Fed's shifting stance on the interest-rate debate. How do you determine inflation vs. new price of goods? Wall Street is ready to scoop up commercial real estate on the cheap. Beyond the tech hype, how healthy is American business? Using a credit card? It'll now cost you more at many restaurants. Fees on subscription streaming services have jumped 25% in the last year.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss China slashing rates and suspending youth jobless data reports. Will China's collapsing economy bring down the US with it? Retail sales increased 0.7% in July, better than expected as consumer spending is holding up. Home Depot beats earnings estimates but sales slide as consumer pull back on big-ticket buys. Russia launches emergency rate increase to stem economic turmoil. Who could be the economic losers in the New World Order?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the scary math behind the world's safest assets. The stock market is no fun when student loan payments are about to restart. Amazon wants you to pay with your palm. It's a sneak attack on Apple and Google. Restaurants and supermarkets are brawling over your dollar. Travelers at US airports can now get food delivered to their gate.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss China's worsening economy is hurting Corporate America. China's deepening housing problems spook investors. The Fed is playing a waiting game to try to avoid a recession. Goldman Sachs pencils in first Fed rate cut for the second quarter of next year. The 'unluckiest generation' falters in boomer-dominated market for homes. After pulling inflation down, gasoline and food threaten to nudge it up.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the current sentiment surrounding markets. UPS pay hikes for package handlers raise pressure on FedEx. Supreme Court bloacks Purdue Pharma's $6B Sackler opiod settlement. Is housing the Fed's secret weapon in battle against inflation? Massachusetts tax-free weekend is more limiting than you might realize. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about the demise of WeWork.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the comments from Biden that China's economy is a 'ticking time bomb'. Country Garden apologizes, pledging to solve liquidity issues. AI mania triggers dot-com bubble flashbacks. How Americans are approaching their Social Security benefits. Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses fail to catch on.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Disney raising prices for its streaming service Disney+ and copying Netflix's idea of cracking down on password sharing. Is Disney in much bigger trouble than we realize? Wall Street's hottest CEO race is taking place a Morgan Stanley, could things get messy at the banking giant? How much will Social Security benefits go up next year? One city has won its battle against inflation, will we see more cities follow suite? New York City rent is just too damn high!
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the July CPI report and how markets responded to the expected results. How will the Fed view this months report when they meet again in a few weeks? The Biden administration limits investments in China's high-tech sector in another blow to relations between the two economic giants. WeWork went from a $47B darling to possibly bankrupt in four years, how did this happen? Why are colleges spending money like a drunken sailor?
Chuck and Marc open the hour talking about WeWork's proclomation they doubt they can stay in business due to membership rate challenges. What went wrong with this co-working office space company? Also, the guys discuss ESPN's $2 billion sportsbook deal with Penn Entertainment, and how Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy sealed himself quite the business deal. Plus, why do 80% of Americans this this is a bad time to buy a home?
Chuck and Marc revisit the credit rating downgrade from Moody's of several regional banks and discuss how markets are reacting. Plus, will China's economic issues lead to a negative impact on the global economy? And is there a new property debacle brewing in China, simliar to that of Evergrande? Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joins the show for his weekly Ask Todd segment.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss credit card debt hitting the $1T mark as inflation continues to squeeze Americans. Ted Rossman, Bankrate, joins the show to share the results of the recent credit card debt survey. Your electric bill is likely headed lower, just not as low as before. Even Zoom is making people return to the office. Pork sales will be subject to new regulations starting August 24th. Rent in Boston is climbing faster than they did last year, even as they fall in other big cities.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss US bank shares dropping as Moody's cuts ratings and warns on risk. Chinese exports fall at steepest pace since February 2020. Chinese college graduates are told not to be so picky about a job. What should the Fed do at their next meeting? American cars are developing a serious weight problem. Tesla CFO Zach Kirkhorn steps down ahead of cybertruck launch.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss a real-estate haven turns perilous with roughly $1T coming due. Barbie becomes to 2nd movie of the year to pass the $1B mark at the box-office, where does it stack up with some of the recent billion dollar movies? What is Meta, Apple, Amazon, and Google saying about AI? The era of ultracheap stuff is under threat. Fast food customers are giving up on dining in. SharkNinja's NYSE debut underscores challenges for U.S. businesses that rely on China.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong buckle up for another round of inflation data. What inflation actually is seems to be confusing too many people. How long will interest rates remain high? US trucking company Yellow files for bankruptcy. How did the long-standing shipping company find itself in this mess?
Mike Armstrong chats with Joe Boschulte, USVI Commissioner - Department of Tourism, about the amazing special promotion going on right now that makes St. Croix the most inviting destination in the Caribbean.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong jump into the quarterly earnings reports from both Apple and Amazon and why those two companies might be heading in different directions. Inflation is cooling. Food inflation could get worse. Joe Boschulte, USVI Commissioner - Department of Tourism, joins the show to chat about the 2023 travel season, the islands' growing connection to major sports teams, and an amazing special promotion going on right now that makes St. Croix more inviting than ever. Nokia is making major strides in dumb phones. Google is offering an on-campus hotel 'special' to help lure workers back to the office.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the jobs report and discuss how the strength of the labor market might help the US achieve a soft landing. What are companies saying about hiring and retain employees in this current labor market? Which states' labor forces are growing the most and least? Conference realignment is killing college sports. Why ChatGPT is getting dumber at basic math.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss new hires in 2023 are lacking fundamental skills and are unprepared for work. The health-care staffing crisis is bad and getting worse. DoorDash order frequency hits new high as delivery demand stays strong. China to curb kids mobile use in blow to Tencent and ByteDance. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Tupperware making big moves and why this action directly relates to the ongoing battle between redditors and hedge funds.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong weigh in on the Treasury rout unnerving traders as stocks retreat. A sudden jump in volatility spells trouble for US stocks. Taylor Swift is currently keeping the US economy afloat. Fitch downgrade won't break Washington's tax or spending habits. SALT deduction cap vexes GOP after vexing Dems after vexing GOP.
Todd Lutsky shares his perspective on why irrevocable trusts are the best path for many people struggling to decide on their estate plan. Todd also answers questions from the audience about homeownership in a life estate and planning for retirement as a single person.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss it might be quitting time for the Fed's rate hawks. Starbucks rings up record sales as consumer splurge on complex coffee drinks. Are we viewing the labor market incorrectly? Cutting business taxes did not boost New Hampshire's economy. How ESPN went from Disney's financial engine to its problem. Meta is preparing to release chatbots with distinct personalities.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane share their insight into Fitch downgrading the US's credit rating and what that means for everyday Americans. Free-spending Americans fuel upbeat consumer earnings surprises. Oil prices perk up as recession worries ebb and supply tightens. Todd Lutsky stops by for 'Ask Todd'. Todd provides information on unlocking the power of irrevocable medicaid trusts.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane explain why inflation cooling doesn't mean prices for retail goods is coming down. Wall Street economists are looking at a September rate pause. Uber falls as focus shifts from first profit to slow growth. America's first new nuclear reactor in nearly seven years starts operations. Corey Adams, Robert Half, joins the show to chat about the results from the job optimism survey. Amazon rolls out its virtual health clinic nationwide.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane dive into the JOLTS report, which showed job openings decline to 9.58M in June vs 9.62M expected. Earnings season threatens lofty stocks. Top stock pickers hit by 'tremendous' amount of uninvested cash. Lots of US homeowners want to move. They just have nowhere to go. US manufacturers remain mired in a slump. New factories are coming to the US even as existing ones struggle. US & Europe alarmed by China's rush into legacy chips.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss every country fighting inflation except China, whose deflation fears deepen. Outcry against AI companies grows over who controls internet's content. Trucking giant Yellow is on the verge of collapse. Todd Lutsky drops in to answer some important questions about medicaid eligibility. Trader Joe's recalls cookies and falafel because they may contain rocks. Locl malls, stick in 'Death Spiral', plunge in value.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the very busy week ahead in corporate earnings. Apple, Amazon, Starbucks, Uber, PayPal are all set to report this week. Stocks are doing so well that it may be time to start worrying. If the economy is bad now, what does a good economy look like? Everyday investors are thriving in a world awash in yield. Inflation insurance for retirees: what does it cost? You could win free sandwiches for life if you legally change your name to 'Subway'.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how the world went from a semiconductor shortage to a major glut. Intel returns to profit as PC rebound lifts chip demand. Exxon and Chevron stalk more shale deals as profits dip. American workers are finally taking guilt-free vacations. Airlines say domestic fares are sliding and threatening to chill record revenue growth. Paul LaMonica stops by to chat about Meta having an amazing year so far.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the optimism for a soft landing and those feeling in the past have been disasterous. GDP grew in the second quarter and, despite Fed rate increases, it is poised to keep growing. Big consumer companies keep raising prices, complicating the Fed's job. Ford raises profit forecast despite steeper EV losses. How will markets be impacted once student loan payments resume?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Meta getting a big boost in its ad business but warns of higher-spending in the Metaverse. Big automakers plan thousands of EV chargers in $1B U.S. push. How bad is China's economy? Millions of young people are unemployed and disillusioned. Can AI replace humans? Go to your local drive-thru and find out.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the interest rate hike by the Fed that brings rates to a 22-year high. What does the recent rate hike mean for everyday Americans? Why are analysts and the Fed seemingly so far apart on expectations? U.S. economic growth accelerates, defying slowdown expectations. What does the central banks move mean for CDs and high-yield savings accounts? Buyers are getting home loans from an unlikely source: the seller of the house.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the Fed possibly raising interest rates to the highest level in 22 years. AT&T tops profit, cash flow estimates as customer growth dips. Snap revenue falls amid efforts to retool ad business. Elon Musk's rebranded Twitter cuts ad prices. Samsung launches two new folding smartphones to fend off competition from rivals. Dish to start selling mobile service on Amazon this week.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Google beating analyst expectations for Q2, but is the company showing signs of slowing down? Microsoft touts AI as cloud demand cools. Google and Microsoft paying big to play in AI. UPS, Teamsters reach agreement on a new contract, averting a strike. Todd Lutsky stops by to chat about last minute medicaid planning.
Todd Lutsky drops by for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd breaks down what you need to know if you are planning on applying for medicaid at the last minute and what you should do with your house to protect it from the nursing home.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss Robert Shiller, he who called the 2008 housing bubble, stating he knows how the housing market will exit this period of exuberance. Ted Rossman, Bankrate, joins the show to chat about what Americans can do to ensure they aren't sitting on hefty gift card balances. Banks are going on a diet, cutting back on lending. ESPN held talks with the NBA, NFL, and MLB in search for a strategic partner. A soap maker has cracked the code to Made in America.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss if the Fed can pull off a very difficult 'soft landing'. The stock market shrugs off recession signals as rally builds. A flood of new workers has made the Fed's job less painful. As Boston office market stagnates, worry grows about the value of big buildings. GM raises profit traget as strong truck sales continue. Slow battery production crimps GM's electric vehicle rollout. Higher sticker prices and interest rates have many holding off on buying a new car.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss why businesses are refusing to stop asking for tips from customers. What do average Americans feel comfortable tipping for? Americans in their prime are flooding into the job market. Elon Musk replaces Twitter's iconic Blue Bird with an 'X'. Family-sized EV's are soon to be hitting the market.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti are not surprised by Barbie and Oppenheimer crushing the competition at the box-office, but they do wonder if this is a sign that the movie theater industry is coming back. Why the Fed isn't ready to declare victory over inflation. Housing-market rebound poses challenge for Fed's inflation fight. Google, McDonald's, Exxon headline busy earnings week. At&T and Verizon investors have more than lead cables to worry about. Motorists driving gas-powered cars are trying to reclaim parking spots lost to EV charging.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder why nobody is talking about the most important city in the US. Ken Johnson, Professor at FAU, joins the show to share a surprising statistic about renting vs buying, and which path generates more wealth. Supermarkets are losing out to Walmart, Costco, and Amazon. Amazon will let you pay with a wave of your hand at all Whole Foods stores. The royal family is set to receive a pay raise next year. Paul LaMonica stops by to discuss the recent movement up for Carvana.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Americans feeling better about the economy and maybe they shouldn't be. After a misjudged first half, strategists face a short squeeze. Untangling the US from China's economy is messy. China's lost decade for investors may have already happened. Big regional banks reported stable deposits, that counts as great news. FTX sues Sam Bankman-Fried and former associates seeking more than $10B.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder what happens if the teamsters and UPS can't come to an agreement next week when talks resume. Could the recession in the distance be just a mirage? Is the Federal Reserve finally catching up to the rest of the world? Apple supplier TSMC delays start of Arizona chip factory. Why doesn't Airbnb have a loyalty program? America is becoming a nation of early birds. Taco Bell has won a battle to liberate 'Taco Tuesday.'
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the surprising Q2 earnings reports from Netflix and Tesla. Can Netflix thrive during the actors and writers strikes? Tesla profits jump but investors are worried. Wall Street titans share their biggest risks for the stock market in the next few years. Pandemic labor market myths...busted.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing & Dolan, discusses the differences between and traditional IRA and Roth IRA. Todd also answers questions from listeners about key elements of setting up an appropriate estate plan.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti wonder is Americans are starting to run out of their excess savings. Some people begin to worry that consumer spending it about to crash. Dealers have cars and prices are stabilizing, but people still can't buy a car. A $500B corporate-debt storm builds over global economy. Senators to propose ban on US lawmakers and executive branch members owning stocks.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss investors feeling bold about tech stocks, meme stocks, and crypto again. Homeowners don't want to sell, so homebuilders are booming. Todd Lutsky stops by for Ask Todd, where he helps listeners with their estate planning questions. What is the difference between Roth IRA and traditional IRA.
Marc Fandetti and Brendan Hayes discuss the housing market finally getting back to pre-pandemic levels. Dan Griggs, Boston President - OceanFirst Bank, joins the show to share his economic outlook for the remainder of the year. How credit does the Fed deserve for seemingly reigning in inflation? Ted Rossman, Bankrate, stops by to discuss how the government is combating junk fees.
Marc Fandetti and Brendan Hayes react to the June retail sales report that shows spending slightly cooling. Americans are still better off, with more money in the bank than before the pandemic. How do economists see inflation playing out over the next twelve months? More Americans are getting turned down for loans that previously. The yield curve inversion is 'different', Goldman Sachs believes.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong chat about pay raises are finally beating inflation after two years of falling behind. US homeowners are tapping $9T in real estate wealth. The latest Mission Impossible movie misssed Hollywood expectations for its opening weekend. High-earning retirement savers are losing some of their 401(k) tax breaks. The media industry is in turmoil, and that's not changing anytime soon. Elon Musk says Twitter's ad revenue is down 50% and cash flow is negative. The pickleball craze won't decimate big insurers. The new workday dead zone when nothing gets done, 4-6pm.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss China's economy barely growing as recovery fades. One reason China is willing to engage with the US again is because of its terrible economy. Economists are cutting back their recession expectations. Companies and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad earnings season. Oil surge to $80 shows long-awaited market tightening is here.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the ongoing strike in Hollywood and how long this strike may last and how it will impact the studios. Skip Perham, Suffolk University Sports Management Professor, joins the show to chat about the future of regional sports networks. China is supposedly getting serious about boosting private sector companies. Microsoft email hack shows greater sophistication and skill from China's cyberspies. Paul LaMonica stops by to chat about Disney's plans for TV and movies and the streaming landscape.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the confusing nature of the economy and why diversification is essential. JPMorgan's profit jumps 67% after First Republic rescue. What needs to happen over the next couple of months to justify a interest rate hike in the fall? Which states have the highest and lowest price for gas. Big development project around Fenway Park wins key city vote. Don't all rush to the grocery store at once, but there is a shortage of Sriracha.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Delta posting record revenue off the latest travel boom. Royal Caribbean bets on a giant candy-colored cruise ship. Lina Khan is taking on the world's biggest tech companies and losing. Why does the FTC keep losing in court? Meta's Threads now has to keep its millions of users engaged. Disney CEO, Bob Iger, says the company will take a hard look at TV assets and Marvel and Star Wars content. San Francisco protesters have found a new way to bring traffic to a stop.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the PPI report showing prices rose less than expected. China's drop in exports signals deepening slowdown in global trade. Fund titans are betting on everything gaining against the dollar. Fire on the Red Line in Boston is just that latest in a long line of disasters for the MBTA. Is the banking crisis over? We are about to find out...or not. The oldest craft beer brewer in the country is set to close its doors after 127 years.
Todd Lutsky chats about last minute medicaid eligibility, what a medicaid income only trust, and what you need to know about the new IRS rules that could impact your child's inheritance.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Wall Street's recession warning is flashing, but is it wrong? Financial media loves to use weak data to highlight negativity. Google and Meta got customer data from tax prep firms. Now congress is looking into how this happened. Shopify shames employees with cost calculator for pointless meetings. Chipotle tests robot that can prepare avocados to make guacamole faster. Why do baby boomers love the Kindle and millenials don't?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti dissect the June Consumer Price Index report and discuss the next phase of inflation. Activision win is big for Microsoft and even smaller tech firms. Bank of America fined $150M over 'Junk Fees' and fake accounts. Ask Todd: Last minute medicaid eligibility.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti chat about used-car prices falling by the most since the start of the pandemic. Unsold electric cars are piling up on dealer lots. Ted Rossman, Bankrate.com, joins the show to discuss travelers facing unexpected issues this summer. Amazon's Prime Day will test consumer demand. Americans prepare for tighter budgets as student loan payments resume. Nvidia welcomes new challengers in the AI-Chip production sector. How are people in the Boston are using AI?
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the recent comments from Fed Officials saying they need higher interest rates to reach 2% inflation goal. Historic rate increases leave some on Wall Street wanting more. America's biggest banks are going to need more capital. China signals more economic aid after property debt relief. Commercial real estate crash sparks bank collapse crisis. Boston Mayor will offer tax breaks to turn offices into housing.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder why we even needs banks anymore. How to leave your grandkids your retirement savings and not a huge tax bill. Parents are making financial missteps when sending their children off to college. Wave of rental resets to further deplete affordable housing. Twitter vs Threads. Musk vs Zuck. The worst/best billionaire fight.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong take a look at how markets are preparing for a projected weak corporate earnings season? The yield curve inversion is deepening. Why is this so concerning for the economy? Powell haunted by repo crisis as Fed aims to cut balance sheet. Deflation looms in China as rebound loses steam. Janet Yellen trip aids fragile effort by US and China to keep talking. Average wait time for a ride a Disney has dropped from 45 minutes to 27 minutes.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the comments made by Janet Yellen about the US's economic relationship with China. The AI boom isn't breaking the memory-chip slump. Economists continue to fight over how inflation comes about and how to fix it. DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grub Hub all sue New York City over minimum wage laws. What should you consider when taking a new job. Young men are gaming more and working less.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane breakdown the June jobs report and wonder how the Fed will respond to the data. What does the Fed actually look for from monthly jobs reports? What is the misery index? US borrowing costs hit 16-year high as markets unsettled by jobs data. Fight to streamline corporate taxes heats up on Beacon Hill. EV sales growth in first half slowed from torrid pace.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the launch of Threads by Meta and wonder if the new social media will be able to truly take on Twitter. Sarah Foster, Bankrate.com, joins the show to chat about how much money it takes for Americans to feel comfortable. US new-vehicle sales rise an estimated 13% in the first half of the year. US gas prices are set to become more affordable and could drop below $3 per gallon this fall. Are airline credit cards worth it?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane dive into the Fed minutes to uncover some dissension amongst the ranks over the recent rate pause. ADP reports private sector jobs surged by 497,000 in June. Bond market continues to ignore debt peril. US and China look to repair ties, again. Americans are working fewer hours and that holds clues for job market. AL boom stems tech downturn. 30% of Americans say tipping culture is out of control.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane chat about recession predictions getting it wrong at every turn. Companies don't seem to be able to get their remote workers back to the office. Corey Adams - Robert Half, joins the show to discuss the differences between different generations of workers. Meta has another big challenge on its hands, how to deal with the EU. Is the golden age of streaming already over? What is the latest on Cape Cod rentals? Can Pickleball become the next big American sport?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss their expectations for the upcoming Jobs Report. Global inflation is taking its toll on developed nations, but where is inflation the worst? China has been able to avoid inflation thus far, could they be exporting disinflation next? Does anyone have faith in Janet Yellen to get anything accomplished during her visit to China? The Sumner Tunnel will closed for two months, how will anyone get to Logan Airport now? Meta prepares to launch its competitor to Twitter, Threads.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the markets monster 2023 rally and how it defied most expectations. Banks brace for more turmoil heading into the third quarter. Summer blockbuster season is here, and the gang is ready for two movies in particular. Todd Lutsky stops by to share his guide on revocable vs irrevocable trusts. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Apple hitting the $3T valuation mark and what could be next for the tech giant.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane jump into the release of the consumer spending report and look at how spending in May continued. Treasury yields resume its climb as investors bet on growth. JPMorgan team ditches bullish treasuries view on US data. Nike increased prices along with everyone else and discounts are beginning to mount. How scared should you be about the commercial real estate sector? Drivers in Massachusetts could face 'multi-mile' backups during Sumner Tunnel closure.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the FTC coming after Amazon again, but this time it is targeting Amazon's online marketplace. Competition is heating up in Big Tech due to AI. DoorDash will start shifting its business model, will offer hourly wages to delivery drivers. Big Oil mulls a slippery future. Overstock sees a future in calling itself Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Pepsis newest idea, cola-infused ketchup.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane react to Jerome Powell stating that the fight against inflation could last for years. Five of the six largest banks will now have higher capital requirements. Taylor Swift is the music industries biggest cash cow, so much so, she makes more than some small countries. Squeezed homebuyers are just what the economy needed. Micron delivers strong forecast in sign that glut is easing.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing & Dolan, shares his expertise on estate planning. What are the tax implications of a revocable and irrevocable trust? Can you write a will without a lawyer? When do you know you are ready for an estate plan?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the US considering new measures to prevent AI chip exports to China. July 4th weekend is expected to be filled with flight delays. Many Airbnb owners will soon be forced to sell their properties, resulting in a housing bust similar to '08. Chuck calls BS! UBS is preparing to cut over half the employees at Credit Suisse. Costco will crack down on shoppers using shared memberships.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti chat about stocks rising after a data release that shows the economies resilience. Why are some people spreading the same tired advice that hasn't been true in decades. Americans are feeling far more confident about the economy. Todd Lutsky stops by for 'Ask Todd', a weekly segment where Todd shares his expertise on estate planning.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss investors preparing for high inflation to stick with us for a while longer. ECB won't be able to declare rate peak anytime soon. Omair Sharif, Inflation Insights, joins the show to chat about where we are seeing signs of possible deflation. The 30-year mortgage is saving the US economy...or is it? Record number of Americans are set to travel over the 4th of July weekend, but will gas stations benefit? Pickleball injuries may cost Americans nearly $400M this year.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti jump into US home prices rising in April, signaling a possible recovery in the sector. The stock market isn't as calm as it might seem to be right now. The gap on Wall Street's market outlook growing into a canyon. Americans love American stocks, but is it time to look internationally? China's Premier warns economic barriers will lead to confrontation. Being happy with your paycheck isn't just about how big it is.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti chat about markets not reacting to the news coming from Russia and why investors might not care. Mondays are the news return to office battleground. Car insurance rates are soaring with little relief in sight. Greg McBride, Bankrate.com, joins the show to discuss how people should view their emergency savings.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the chaotic weekend in Russia and what the aftermath might hold for markets. Chuck has strong advice for those who only read the headline of financial news. Fenway Sports Group now has another Boston based team in their portfolio. The housing market is continuing to prove strong despite predictions otherwise. Janet Yellen sees bank earnings pressure and more mergers in the future.
Mike Armstrong chats with Peter Chapman, Executive Director of the USVI Research and Technology Park, about some of the benefits of bringing business's down the the islands, tax incentives, cost of living, and all the amazing things the islands have to offer.
Chuck Zodd and Mike Armstrong weigh in on the Elon Musk vs Mark Zuckerberg cage match and why the fight will never happen. Peta makes a statement about lab grown meat, surprisingly they are against it. 3M reaches a $10B settlement over PFAs violations. Peter Chapman, Executive Director of the USVI Research and Technology Park, joins the show to chat about how people and business's can benefit by moving to the USVI. Paul LaMonica joins the show to talk about homebuilders hitting a home run.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the lack of volatility in markets this year and where the fear gauge stands now. Have central banks actually done enough to cool the economy? Is the US doing the right thing cozying up to India? What is the cost of thriving in the US today? Ford is set to receive a $9B loan to build EV plants in the US.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti are concerned that so many people are getting caught up in the idea that AI will bring massive levels of productivity. Ted Rossman, CreditCards.com, joins the show to chat about Americans continuing to fall deeper into credit card debt. Chicken grown from cells heads to US dinner tables. Student loan pause is ending, with consequences for the economy. Amazon's Prime Day deal bonanza will run July 11th and 12th, but some customers might get exclusive invite-only deals.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti are not thrilled with some of the comments Jerome Powell is making in front of Congress and give the Fed Chair some strong advice. Hopes for a small stock rally are on the rise after historic underperformances. Biden has a trade challenge on his hands, not angering China while also striving for lower dependency. Intel stock drops 6% as company updates chip manufacturing plans. Home listings plummet as high mortgage rates tie owners down.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing and Dolan, discusses why people set up revocable or irrevocable trusts, the difference between the two, putting money accounts in a trust, and how much control over the assets in a trust you have.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti chat about Greater Boston's housing market slumping during the normally busy spring selling season. China says Biden calling Xi a Dictator is 'Provocation.' Return to office enters desperation phase. FTC sues Amazon for inducing uusers to subscribe to Prime. Child care disruptions expected as record funding nears an end. Wealthier customers keep shopping at Dollar Store. Instacart warns customers over rude behavior.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the idea that wages are the cause of inflations stubborness. FedEx quarterly sales fall 10% as shipping struggles continue. Why are investors more focused on US companies than they have been in decades. Todd Lutsky stops by to answer your questions about estate planning. Todd details why people set up revocable trusts, should you put spending money in a trust, and how much control do you have over your assets in a trust.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane chat about major cities having trouble with their downtown tenants and Wall Street is betting against a revitilization. Right to repair in Massachusetts needs to be repaired by the folks on Beacon Hill. New England has two cities make the list of best cities to live in America. Pay transparency laws in New York are very revealing. Hyundai is the latest car maker to join into the Tesla Charging Network. How can Burger King fix the royal mess they are in?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the surge in new home constructions coming for sale and how that is impacting the overall housing market. Bears who tried to time the markets cost themselves $120B. Jerome Powell is set to explain his rate-pause decision before congress this week. Cape Cod AirBnB's are sitting vacant just ahead of peak Cape Cod vacation season.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti talk about an article that claims now is the time to diversify. Microsoft stock hits record price after executives predict AI will generate $10B annual for the company. Gas prices ease as Americans hit the road for summer travel. Retailers are trying to fix their supply-chain forecasts. Americans are still really into their hobbies. Michael Jordan is selling his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets for a big price. Working from home becomes a once-a-week perk for some office goers. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about the impact of the Cava IPO.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the global economy looking like it is out of sync. China faces pressure to boost economy, but rate cuts might not be enough. Former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers says he sees 'disturbing' signs the Fed is driven by internal politics. A Bull or Bear Market? Does it matter? Why a Bull Market is a bad time to check your 401(k). Who is to blame for all those hidden fees? We are. Is Beyonce linked to Sweden's inflation problem?
Mike Armstrong chats with Mark Voner, Founder & CEO of Veterans Development Corporation, about the Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business program. Mark shares how the program works, who is taking advantage of it, how to qualify, and how his company got involved with the program.
For more information on the SDVOSB visit:https://business.defense.gov/Socioeconomic-Programs/SDVOSB/
To learn more about Mark and Veterans Development Corporation visit:https://vetdevcorp.com/
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti chat about China planning a new spending drive and other stimulus to revive flagging economy. Top US chip gearmaker accuses Chinese rival of a 14-month spy spree. Mark Voner, Founder and CEO of Veterans Development Corporation, joins the show to talk about how his company is providing general contracting for federal and public construction projects. AI proves to be mightier than the Fed for stocks divorced from the economy. Ticketmaster and SeatGeek must show full ticket prices up front as Biden targets 'junk fees.' Mediterranean restaurant chain Cava goes public with shares at $42.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the Fed pausing rate-hikes for the month with the expectation that rises will resume later this year. What does this all mean for the everyday American? Retail spending rose in May as consumers remain resilient to rate rises. Westfield gives up its San Francisco mall, signaling more pain ahead. Minimum wage earners can't afford a modest 2-bedroom apartment anywhere in the country. The world's demand for oil is set to slow.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing & Dolan, details the differences between a revocable and irrevocable trust, what levels of control do they give you, what happens to my house if I put it in a trust, and why a will isn't good enough.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti chat about revenge spending pushing prices higher, but we might see this trend reverse soon. Ted Rossman, Bankrate.com, joins the show to talk about tipping culture and what are some of the guidelines he sees for tipping. Janet Yellen says decoupling from China would be a disaster for the US. Food prices rise even as inflation eases. Renters might be finally getting the upper hand.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the Fed pausing rate-hikes at their June meeting. Marc thinks the Fed is making a major mistake not being more aggressive with rate-hikes. What makes this 'bull market' different from previous bull markets? Todd Lutsky stops by for Ask Todd, where he answers why a will isn't good enough estate planning and what happens if you put your house in a trust.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti Massachusetts Senate finally unveils its $590M tax relief proposal, but does it do enough to keep wealthier residents here. What is killing productivity around the globe? Small businesses are pioneering the four-day work week, but some aren't so sure how productive these companies will be. WeWork was supposed to have a dramatic turnaround over the previous couple of years, but the opposite has come true.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to the CPI report that shows inflation is at its lowest level in two years. How will the Fed respond to the CPI report and will the desired rate-hike pause come to fruition? Marc details why markets could continue to go up and why they might come back down. China's inflation problem might become the worlds inflation problem if the country doesn't get things figured out quickly. How does China's inflation impact the US?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the balancing act that the economy is going through right now. The US will allow South Korean and Taiwanese chip makers to keep their operations in China. Animated movies are making big bucks for movie studios, but we look back at some of the biggest bombs in recent years. This summer, lifeguards have better job propects than office interns. The AI revolution will change work. Nobody agrees how. Tipping is out of control in this country and it is getting worse.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong breakdown what the Fed is weighing before its meeting this week and if rate-hikes will pause for now. According to Larry Summers, the economy is "very, very hot," though not as hot as six to twelve months ago. Hedge fund bond bears are relentlessly shorting treasuries. The hottest thing in Real Estate right now is loans from two years ago.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti battle over how to solve the housing shortage across the country and in New England. The supply of homes for sale is about half of what it was in 2019. Meta reveals Twitter competitor it plans to launch as stand-alone app. Amazon plans ad tier for Prime Video streaming service. Universal says on-demand film strategy has increased audience. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about the future of GameStop with Ryan Cohen in charge.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the S&P 500's current status and Marc isn't so sure of bull market status. Will the Fed pause rate-hikes at the next meeting? The economy's staying power poses big question for the Fed. China's inflation problem? It has none. How can China avoid deflation? Why do workers find no benefit in returning to the office? Sarah Foster, Bankrate.com, joins the show to chat about the window possibly closing for job hoppers.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the White House preparing for the possibility that the Supreme Court could kill the student loan foregiveness plan. Global EV sales have soared while overall new car sales is slumping. What does a recession actually look like? How does a recession impact the average person? How can you prepare for a recession? GameStop shares tumble as it terminates CEO and Ryan Cohen becomes executive chairman.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong chat about New York City being blanketed in smoke due to the wildfires in Canada, Bonds everywhere suffer as rate-hike fears swamp traders. Economic pessimists are running out of worries. Cuba to host secret Chinese spy base focusing on the US. SEC's Gary Gensler had crypto in his sights for years. Now he is suining Coinbase and Binance. Earlier mistakes foreshadowed Massachusetts's $2.5B unemployment accounting error.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing & Dolan, discusses the differences between a revocable and irrevocable trust and what you need to know about utilizing these tools properly. Todd also solves some real-world estate planning problems from the audience.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane wonder what the end game for the Saudi's is now that they have forced a merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. Lionel Messi is brining is soccer talents to South Beach in a mega deal. The housing market is tilting in favor of renters. Gen Z is thinking of retirement too early and all wrong. Buy now pay later is boosting sales but stress is emerging. Subway is up for sale, but nobody is biting.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the World Bank brightening its view of global growth this year, but downgrades 2024. China's trade slowdown points to global woes. What is the opposite of a jobless recovery? A jobful recession. Massachusetts can't find enough workers for the states massive BioTech industry. Todd Lutsky stops by for Ask Todd where he details the differences between a revocable and irrevocable trust.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane wonder who will be in the market for the new Apple Vision Pro headset. GM to invest more than $1B to produce new heavy duty trucks. What the debt ceiling debate misssed. Bed, Bath, & Beyond is in talks to sell Buybuy Baby to the owner of Janie and Jack. Corey Adams joins the show to chat about the recent Robert Half survey about worker burnout.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane are concerned that many analysts think we are already in a new bull market. Bond bulls bet Fed is right in anticipating low rates to return. Interest-only loans helped commercial property boom. Now they're coming due. Half of large firms plan to cut office space. The SEC is suing Binance and its controlling shareholder. If the economy is so bad, why is the labor market so good?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong chat about $1.5 trillion backstop for homebuyers proping up banks instead. What is the FHBA and what does it do? What is a zombie mortgage and why is it causing many Americans to be foreclosed on? Apple is set to launch new VR headset, its first major product launch in a decade. Twitter's US ad sales declined by 59%. Eggs are finally going on sale just months after hitting record prices. American Airlines has a radical plan to reinvent business travel. Volkswagen is rebooting its 60's-era VW Bus.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Wall Street backing off bets on Fed rate hikes. The Feds interest rate strategy is getting tricky as plans to skip a hike emerge. Bearish bets against the S&P500 are surging, despite love for Big Tech. Nvidia has been priced to the moon, has it been priced too high? Saudi Arabia cuts oil output after OPEC members clash over quotas. One in two financial professionals said they would quit their job instead of return to the office.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti are worried about their dinner plans because beef is rapidly increasing in price due to a cattle supply shortage. Amazon is in talks to bundle mobile phone service as a perk for Prime subscribers. Verizon's stock took a big hit when the news got released. Money stored in Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, could be vulnerable due to lack of FDIC insurance. Apple customers say its hard to get money out of accounts. Apple is stepping into the Metaverse, does anyone care?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti dive into the unexpected results from the jobs report and look at how far off the expectations were. Is unemployment unnaturally low? US factories are 'hoarding labor' to prevent what happened to them during the pandemic. Massachusetts mistakenly used $2.5B in Federal money to fund jobless benefits. Is this mistake going to cost the taxpayers big time? Investors have soured on Chinese stocks and renew fears about the economy. Wall Street banks are using AI to rewire the world of finance.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the AI stock rally stalling out as Nvidia drops back below $1T. As US races ahead, Europe frets about battery factory subsidies. Rising costs are prompting more adult children to sell the homes they inherit from their parents. Twitter is now worth 1/3 of what Elon Musk paid for it, according to Fidelity. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Macy's brutal earnings report and what the future holds for the former retail giant.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti give a quick thirty second update on the debt-ceiling deal, which is now in the hands of the Senate. The Fed prepares to skip June rate rise but likely hike later. Businesses are utilizing funny accounting to bolster profits for their earnings reports. Birth rates stayed flat in 2022, numbers way down for younger women. Shifting demographics in the US are concerning for some economists.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing and Dolan, stops by to detail why a 'will' alone is not a sufficient estate plan. Todd goes into what a 'will' will do for you and won't do for you and why an estate plan needs to be more well rounded. Todd takes calls from the audience with specific questions about preparing or adjusting their existing estate plans.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti take a look at how home prices are back on the rise for the second month in a row and how we got here with the housing market. Ted Rossman, Bankrate.com, joins the show to chat about travel inflation and how Americans are adjusting their travel plans this summer. Former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers sees US interest rates heading higher in the short-run, but US taxes rising significantly in the long-run. Workers say high costs, caregiving duties, and long commutes are keeping people out of the office.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti jump into the freshly released jobs report and Marc is not impressed by the data. When consumers tell you they're hurting, believe them. Inflation is impacting Americans much more than those in DC are letting on. Have megafirms like Nvidia grown too big? Investors think they are only getting started. Todd Lutsky want to make sure everyone understands that a 'will' isn't good enough estate planning.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane open the second hour of today's show discussing new data out of the Labor Department showing a decline in college enrollment. Speaking of jobs, teen workers continue to be in high demand this summer with better pay. Plus, more on inflation, streaming service content, and much more.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane run through the tentative debt ceiling deal struck over the weekend and discuss how it could impact the economy. Plus, why have markets been so calm over the past several months? Also, why are more workers tapping into their 401k(s)?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong push back against the narrative that AI will drastically reduce jobs. Pressure mounts for US to respond to China after the country banned US company Micron. Mark Zuckerberg unveils 'scrappier' future at Meta after layoffs. Young adults are taking longer to reach 'key life milestones' which is crushing their finances for later in life. How can parents help their kids with finances? Paul LaMonica stops by to chat about Nvidia soaring yesterday and what the future may hold for the chip making giant.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the Fed's preferred measurement of inflation, consumer prices increased 4.4% in April, what does this mean? The guys wonder why some financial strategists believe that a recession would be just what markets need right now. Potential debt-ceiling deal starts to take shape as deadline looms. Gas prices have come way down, just in time for summer. Cape Cod bridge repairs highlight how the housing crunch has exacerbated commutes. Tesla and Ford come to an agreement for Ford to utilize Tesla's charger network.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong take a look at how Walmart is fighting back against inflation and actually being a champion for the little guy. Ted Rossman, Bankrate, joins the show to chat about how Americans are relying on side hustles to get by. Airlines and regulators are scrambling with incidents on track to break records. Half-empty a year ago, cruises are now packed like sardines. Netflix's password crackdown has come for the US. Dollar Tree shares tumble after cutting profit outlook. Tipping prompts are suddenly everywhere and it has to stop.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how Wall Street is preparing for a potential default by the US. Nvidia's stock soars off huge forecast and carries AI companies with it. Fed Officials lean toward a rate hike pause in June, but they are not ready for a complete stop. Researchers urge governments to discourage driving and improve public transit. Boston is nowhere near close to having that happen. Elon Musk believes more companies should shrink like he has with Twitter.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing & Dolan, details what happens when a spouse dies and the remaining spouse doesn't have an estate plan set up, how to protect a parents house from the nursing home, and what to do if your estate plan is out of date.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the fragile relationship between the US and China, if anything can be accomplished between their respective commerce secretaries, and which country economically won the past 30 years. More Americans are struggling with their finances, according to a Fed survey. Only 63% of Americans can cover a $400 emergency cost with cash. Waymo's self-driving cars will be available soon, but only in Phoenix.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti disagree about what the fallout could be if the US pushes past the x-date or even defaults. The guys get sidetracked looking at what kind of coins you can actually buy from the US Mint. Todd Lutsky drops by for 'Ask Todd.' Mr. Lutsky details what happens if your spouse dies and you haven't set up an estate plan yet and how to protect a parents house from the nursing home.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti are surprised that it took the two top economists this long to figure out the root cause of the current rate of inflation. Airlines and the FAA try to head off summer travel meltdowns. Lowe's cuts full-year sales forecast, even as it tops earnings and revenue estimates. From college to the working world, many 20 somethines know nothing other than the 'hybrid' life. A new protest is forming in the UK, these protestors are fighting to keep cash alive.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti continue to wonder when the US Govt will get a solution done on the debt ceiling. Grady Trimble, Fox Business, weighs in on the negotiations and what the outcome could be if there is a default. Hedge funds rush to buy stocks on S&P 500 momentum. Has Massachusetts lost its way as the economic driver for New England?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Meta being slapped with a $1.3B fine from the EU for transfering data to the US. Morgan Stanley says US rally isn't the start of a bull market. Minnesota passes bill seeking to ensure minimum wage for gig workers. Unemployment Insurance is stick in 1935. Airline pilots seek a better work-life balance and higher pay in latest move. How did Hyundai become an EV innovator. The E-Sports world is teetering on the brink.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder how close to the x-date that debt ceiling negotiations are going to settle. President Biden said that the tensions between the US and China are easing, but the next day China takes a swipe at US company Micron. Fed Officials are open to forgoing a rate hike in June. Slow return to work pummels office stocks. Fed rate increases are hitting small businesses the hardest.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how the S&P 500 is being bolstered by a small percentage of companies. Meta pulls back the curtain on its AI chips for the first time. ESPN plans to stream flagship channel in move to get ahead of cables demise. Disney is set to close one of its Star Wars attractions due to cost and lack of interest. The debt ceiling talks stall out as Republicans storm out of meeting and sends markets tumbling. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about why Target took a quarterly beating but Walmart remained strong.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong jump into the debt ceiling debate and wonder if the US has enough money to last till June 15th. There is another airbag crisis in this country and now another 60m airbags need to be recalled. Disney continues their battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Now Disney is pulling its newest project out of the state. Is the US goldilocks scenario finally over for the country? Bank of America thinks US stocks are wildly overvalued.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti debate if the plan by the US to combat China's chip making powers is going to be too costly for the country. Nadia Evangelou, NAR, joins the show to chat about where the housing market landed in April. Commercial real estate prices in the US fall for the first time since 2011. AT&T is spending billions to wire the US for fast interenet as rivals take a different path. A new TV startup is giving away 500,000 free TV's with a major catch.
Chuck Zodd and Marc Fandetti discuss investor sentiment as we get closer to a deal on the debt ceiling. Walmart post strong quarterly results off the back of groceries. China's use of AI in its military is concerning for many members of Congress. Micron outlines $3.6B investment in chip plant with Japan's backing. The US promotes the deal to counteract China's chip making capabilities.
Todd Lutsky shares the positives and negatives of a nominee realty trust, understanding how to spend your money during retirement, and getting your five year clock started.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane disagree about if AI should be regulated by the government. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warned congress about how badly AI can go if safety standards are not in place. Greg McBride, Bankrate, joins the show to discuss how investors have been shifting their money around over the past couple of months. Elon Musk teases new Tesla products, but Chuck isn't feeling the hype. Meta touts Metaverse for its potential for job training and education. Some investors aren't giving up on Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Taco Bell is fighting to cancel the 'Taco Tuesday' trademark.
Chuck Zodda shares with Paul Lane why he has changed his mind and now believes a recession is more likley than not to hit by the end of the year. Greater Boston's housing market took a rare dip in the usually busy month of April. Todd Lutsky stops by for his segment 'Ask Todd'. Todd shares some of the positives and negatives of a nominee realty trust and how to update your trust.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane react to the recent Bank of America survey that found investor attitudes are at the lowest this year. Janet Yellen warns US is paying the price as negotiations drag on. Are White-Collar jobs being replaced by AI? Air travel appears to be taking off again, climbing back to pre-pandemic levels. The restaurant service charge is here to stay, unfortunately. Mike updates the Taylor Swift Index.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane dive into the April retail sales report that rose but not enough. Home Depot posts worst revenue miss is about 20 years. Is this a bad sign for the economy? US households show signs of stress as new delinquencies rise. Credit Card debt didn't drop in Q1 as it usually does. The return to the office has stalled. Offices remain half empty as companies settle into hybrid work plans. Berkshire Hathaway opens new position in Capital One and strengthens its stake in Apple and Bank of America. Wells Fargo agrees to pay $1B to shareholders to settle class action suit.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder how the largest transfer of wealth, from boomers to gen x, is going to play out over the next couple of years. The IRS is weighing creating a Government-run tax-prep program. Mike has the simplest solution for the IRS and American tax-payers. Apple's soon-to-be-revealed mixed-reality device will likely cost $3,000. Why is Apple trying to lower expectations? Americans are binging on snacks and food companies are eating it up. Amazon is focusing on AI to get stuff to you faster.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what smart and dumb money actually is. Budget talks inch forward as debt deadline approaches. Investors have a sour outlook on US stocks. Could that be good news for markets? Americans are keeping their cars longer amid sky-high prices and rising interest rates. CEO pay packages fell sharply in 2022 as the stock market sank. Boston does a great job attracting tech companies. Why can't the city keep those same companies?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti continue the debate surrounding the debt ceiling and what the government should do to solve it. Companies are shedding office space and it may be killing small businesses. Rebecca Risk, Robert Half, joins the show to chat about the recent Working Mothers Survey and what companies need to do to attract working moms. EV startups are strugging to compete and it is proving Warren Buffett correct. Why is Amazon intent on competing with grocery stores? Investors are making money off AI, but the technology might be overhyped.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss traders not buying into the debt ceiling debate that is going on in Congress. Fed Official's signal that more interest rate hikes could be in store for this year. Jamie Dimon says the US needs to 'finish' the banking crisis. The US aims to turn middle-American cities into tech hubs with a $500M investment. 'T' slowdowns are grinding Boston to a halt.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment expectation for 2024. Biden presses China for contact despite the risk of losing clout. Toyota accelerates its EV changes with an extra $7B investment. Robinhood is set to launch 24-hour tradings on weekdays in stocks and ETFs. Google unveils AI-powered search engine to rival Microsoft's Bing. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Airbnb's stock dropping after the company reported earnings.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to PPI rising just 2.3%, the lowest reading since January 2021. Weekly jobless claims jumped to 264,000, the highest reading since October 2021. Peloton recalls two million exercise bikes due to a seat issue, the stock drops 10% as a result. Disney lost four million subscribers, mostly in India. The MBA reports mortgage delinquencies are at the lowest level in decades. The streaming video wars are over! Or are they just entering a new phase? Workers are reportedly happier than they have been in decades.
Todd Lutsky stops by to discuss some of the important factors you need to know when setting up your estate plan and how to avoid those mistakes that could cost you or your kids a bundle of money.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes wonder when the housing market will break through the low-rate stalemate. Home prices fell in a third of the country in the first quarter. Airbnb shares fall as company issues mixed outlook. Local tech stars DraftKings, HubSpot, and Wayfair shine in first quarter earnings. Boeing wins a massive order from Ryanair for $40B worth of 737 MAX Jets. Live stream shopping is growing in the US.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes react to the Consumer Price Index report that shows CPI rose 4.9% on an annual basis. Nearly half of Americans oppose the borrowing limit, Chuck and Brendan have very differing views. Todd Lutsky stops by to share some tips and insight into setting up your estate plan and avoiding the mistakes that could cost you big time.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss a recent NY Fed survey that says financial stability experts are keeping a wary eye on commercial real estate. The decline of the five-day commute is a boon to suburban retail. Ted Rossman, Bankrate.com, joins the show to talk about the recent survey from Bankrate that shows a majority of Americans believe money is having a negative mental health impact. Tipping at self-checkout has customers crying 'emotional blackmail.' For Netflix, a poorer customer isn't necessarily bad. Mike doesn't see how that is possible. A crisis over child care is holding back companies and blue collar workers.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane present a clear solution to solving the debt ceiling debate, but will Biden and McCarthy choose the easy path or not? Jerome Powell has the lowest confidence rating of any Fed Chair in history. Americans are bracing for higher inflation in the long-term. Will India actually replace China as the global factory floor? The Massachusetts Senate would tap 'millionaires tax' to cover community college tuition for nursing students and more. Toast, a restaurant technology company, will pay $16M to buy-out their lease at Fenway office building.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong try to answer why airfare, hotels, and cars are getting so very expensive. Michael Santoli, CNBC, joins the show to talk about how the markets have been reacting to the Fed over the last week. The US is set to propose new rules for airline cancellations and delays. Corporate giants buy up primary care practices at a rapid pace, why? San Francisco has many problems, its biggest might be empty office space. CKE Restaurant Holdings is replacing drive thru workers with robots.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Jay Powell's comments about the labor market being strong enough to keep us out of a recession. Investors are flocking to safety plays, but stock FOMO continues. Shares of PacWest jumped 82% on Friday and rose another 20% on Monday. Are there too many banks in this country? Berkshire Hathaway held their annual shareholders meeting this weekend. Buffett and Munger had some interesting comments about the banking crisis and Elon Musk. Big Oil has $150B in cash and investors want a slice.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder how the Fed will react to the latest information from the Jobs Report. Lyft stock falls after weak outlook. New Lyft CEO says layoffs could save the company $300M. Why is Uber dominating Lyft in the ride share market? The real oil market shows a $20-a-barrel collapse is excessive. TurboTax has to pay $141M to taxpayers who were tricked by the company to pay for tax returns they didn't have to. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Warren Buffett's latest gamble in the energy sector.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong jump into the Jobs Report and dissect the data. We are still not in a recession, but could be soon if Jay Powell continues to be inconsistent. The guys share some insight into how employment rates are calculated. Is the Fed done raising rates? The data gives conflicting answers. Apple earnings come in solid but unremarkable. Sales in India for the iPhone are offsetting weak demand for Macs and iPads.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss corporate profits margins finally stabilizing, creating a new tailwind for stocks. Warren Buffett has been betting big on oil. Why did he shift from his previous stance on oil? Car insurance rates are going up again. Big insurers say they need to boost premiums to further offset higher costs for repairs. China takes the Yuan global in bid to repel a weaponized dollar. McDonald's franchises face more than $200,000 in fines for breaking child-labor laws. FDA clears the road for the first smart toilet.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane react to the Federal Reserve raising rates again at their meeting this week, but did seem to signal a pause in hikes is coming. Investors are betting big that a rate pause is coming. The White House weighs debt-limit fallback options. Should they just print the trillion dollar coin? Chuck presents a new index to follow, the Lakers vs Warrios ticket index. Nearly half of Americans worry their bank deposits aren't safe.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing & Dolan, shares some insight into how to properly plan your estate and avoid unnecessary potholes along the way. Why is probate such a hassle? What if I inherited a stock that is declining in value? What should I know if I am retiring out of state?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane take a look at how Wall Street is responding to the ongoing regional banking situation and why investors think the storm isn't over yet. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. joins the show to talk about the amazing opportunities that the US Virgin Islands has for businesses, travelrs, and those looking to relocate. The guys discuss why trying to time the market is a bad idea. Oil plunges below $69 as OPEC+ cuts fail to dent supply. Gen Z'ers are switching from smart phones back to flip phones, is this trend going to catch on? Netflix and HBO Max are researching if delayed or bulk releases are the right move for their tv shows.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane prepare for Jerome Powell's policy decision today with an expectation of a quarter percentage point rate raise. What does another interest rate increase mean for you? Todd Lutsky stops by to share some tips from his new monthly guide. Todd shares some insight into how you can get into trouble when setting up your estate plan and how to avoid those missteps.
Mike Armstrong sits down with the Governor of the US Virgin Islands, Albert Bryan Jr., about the amazing opportunities the USVI has to offer for travelers, businesses, and those looking to relocate.
To learn more about the US Virgin Islands go to: www.visitusvi.com
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the notion that homesellers are scared to sell because of their current low-rate mortgages. Tight supplies fuel demand for newly built homes. Why Washington decided to get on board with selling First Republic Bank to JPMorgan. IBM will pause hiring for jobs that AI could do. ChatGPT threat sparks 38% selloff in homework-help firm Chegg. Investors seem to be piling into actively managed ETFs. Corey Adams, Robert Half, joins the show to chat about the recent small business survey.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane react to the comments made by Janet Yellen that the US risks defaulting as soon as June 1st without a debt limit increase. The JOLTS report reveals some interesting numbers. The Fed will share its policy decision tomorrow, Mike and Paul preview what is likely to come from it. The Wall Street Journal believes that corporate greed is the driving force behind inflation. The Boston Globe goes after local country clubs for abusing tax credits. The price for flights might be getting cheaper in time for summer.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti preview another busy week for earnings, Apple, Ford, and Starbucks are all set to report. Investors share some of the lessons they have learned from previous bear markets, but is this bear market different? China's mixed economic data fuels concerns about its recovery. Subway comes up with a $5 billion debt plan to clinch $10 billion-plus sale.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss First Republic Bank being seized by regulators and sold off to JPMorgan Chase. The Fed is set to raise interest rates to a 16-year high and debate a pause at their next meeting. The economic conditions heading into this week's Fed meeting signal what? The US dollar has fallen 8.6% from its peak in September, its the worst start of the year for the dollar since 2018. The debt-ceiling 'x-date' could be nearly upon us.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the Feds report on what went wrong at SVB and caused the bank to collapse. China ratchets up pressure on foreign companies. Snap Inc. suffered its first quarterly sales drop and indicated a revenue rebound would be slow. Exxon and Chevron profits are robust even as oil prices drop. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about how Chipotle has regained its ground after a series of blunders.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong jump into the PCE price index report and what the trend tells us. Higher food prices bring bigger profits, but consumers are starting to resist. Amazon rebounds from postpandemic doldrums, but says cloud growth is slowing. Intel records worst quarterly loss on record amid PC slump and stiffer competition. Peter Earle, AIER, joins the show to discuss business conditions in March.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong share their short term market concerns. Why are investors not buying into some of the corporate earnings reports? What is driving inflation has changed over the past two years. Jeep maker, Stellantis, is set to offer buyouts to hourly and salaried workers. Job switching is not paying off as much as it did a year ago. Biden sparks a $2 trillion arms race over chips and green subsidies. Wendy's will now sell a canned version of its chili in super markets.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the GDP report that shows a rise of 1.1%, below the 2% estimate. Inflation came in higher this quarter with PCE rising 4.2%. Meta's stock soared off the back of their quarterly sales increase, which was the first time that has happened in a year. House Republicans passed a bill proposing to raise the nations $31.4 trillion borrowing limit. Chuck and Mike discuss what happens when a mega-merger falls apart.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes wonders if the housing market can help keep the US from sliding into a recession. Ted Rossman, Bankrate.com, joins the show to chat about how Americans are going to spend their summer vacation. Chuck shares everything you need to know about credit scores impact your house purchasing power. Apple plans AI-powered health coaching service, mood tracker, and iPad health app. Netflix Spain lost 1 million users last quarter.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes dive into the earnings reports from Google and Microsoft. Is Google starting to show weakness? Microsoft was blocked from purchasing Activision by a UK regulator. Chuck believes that most big companies should be broken up for competitions sake. First Republic Bank dramatic slide continues, stock falls 35% as bank looks for a rescue deal.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes discuss the positives and negatives of CDs and what is a CD ladder. Low mortgage rates may not mean affordable housing. 3M to cut 6,000 jobs in CEO's latest move to blunt sliding sales. McDonald's tops sales estimates as diners shrug off rising prices. Child care system isn't working well, but work from home might not be the solution. MoviePass has returned from the dead with a new subscription service available from Walmart.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes discuss First Republic Bank losing $100B in deposits and how the Fed handled the failure. Mike outlines three major problems he sees with US banks right now. GM raises 2023 profit outlook as car buyers continue to splurge. Commerce Department outlines its bid to fund cutting-edge chip research. Sliding diesel prices signal warning for US economy. Gov Healey vows to make MBTA managers work and live near the transit system they oversee.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss why the banking turmoil isn't over just yet. Deposit flight and higher funding costs risk squeezing small businesses beyond big cities. Toyota is sending its latest Prius plug-in hybrid to showrooms soon. Will the auto making giant take-over the EV space? The MBTA has a bigger problem with remote workers than previously thought. Massachusetts retailers are not happy with the states plan to incorporate an online lottery. Millenials missed out on market rally by switching to cash.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti prepare for a busy week for corporate earnings. Amazon, Facebook, Google, McDonalds, PepsiCo, and more are set to release earnings this week. The Taylor Swift Index says that the Fed needs to raise rates. Restaurants are expected to post strong earnings, but signs of trouble ahead could emerge. Bed, Bath, and Beyond files for bankruptcy. Car dealer markups helped drive inflation.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how markets are reacting to ongoing bank earnings. Investors are trying to hedge against a US credit default. Why do economists think that the wage-price spiral is nothing to be worried about. Whole Foods plans to layoff hundres of corporate workers. Tesla price cuts hurt their earnings, so now the company is raising prices. Paul LaMonica joins the show to talk about how investors are viewing Elon Musk and Tesla.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the idea that Apple is playing a dirty game with potential partners by stealing their technology. Proctor and Gamble earnings come in better than expected, is this due to price hikes? The collapse of SVB highlights the need for the Fed to start closing loopholes. Greg McBride, Bankrate.com, joins the show to share a surprising statistic about housing affordability.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong chat with Nadia Evangelou, NAR, about existing home sales data. For many people, the idea of stopping work is a nonstarter. Ikea wants to invest over $2.2B in new US store models and pickup locations. Bloomberg has another headline that leaves Chuck and Mike frustrated. MillerKnoll CEO, Andi Owens, sparks outrage online after telling staff to leave Pity City!
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the Tesla Q1 earnings report and discuss why the stock dropped 8%. Janet Yellen plans to say that US policies towards China will give priority to national security over economic growth. TSMC's outlook disappoints as the global tech slump persists. Additional refining capacity is coming onstream, and that should help drive down fuel costs in time for the summer. Federal transit oversight agency warns the MBTA abotu worker safety and orders immediate changes.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing and Dolan, stops by to answer your questions about estate planning. What happens if you don't name a beneficiary? What are trustees limited by? How long does the probate process take?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane chat about the looming decision on the debt limit and why markets are seemingly unconcerned with the nations debt. Goldman Sachs moves to keep shrinking its consumer-lending business. Apartment hunting season has begun in Boston, but it is harded than ever to find a place to live in the city. Massachusetts residents bet over $500M on sports last month. Companies are adding mental health days to their time off policies. Meta is opening its VR world to teenages, in a last ditch effort to seem cool.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane are not so sure that Netflix cracking down on password sharing is going to help revenue. Southwest Airlines delays thousands of flights due to another technology issue. Todd Lutsky answers what happens when you don't name a beneficiary, how long probate can take, and what limits trustees.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane are troubled by a recent survey that finds 27% of people aged 59 or older have no money set aside for their later years. The average credit card debt for Gen Zers rose 29% to $5,800 in March. Ted Rossman from Bankrate joins the show to discuss a worrying financial trend for couples. To get the $7,500 EV tax credit you will have to buy American. Bosses pay workers to move closer to offices. McDonald's brings back the Hamburglar.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane are surprised by a recent finding in a paper about how very few banks are hedging interest-rate risks. Apple launches a savings account with a 4.15% interest rate. Bank of America and Goldman Sachs release quarterly earnings to mixed results for the banking giants. Massachusetts employers may finally get some relief with new tax laws. China's economy rebounds after three years of zero covid isolation.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss small and midsize banks losing billions of dollars in deposits to their much larger peers and to money-market funds offering higher yields. The best state to retire in is no longer Florida, which state takes the top spot now? In the country's most expensive cities, the high cost of living and taxes mean you need to make well over $100,000 to have six-figure purchasing power. EV's are coming on strong, but is it time for politians to stop trying to force them on us?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti get prepared for more corporate earnings this week, particularly some of the big banks. The US and its allies are weighing how to reduce economic ties with China. Apple is introducing a savings account for Apple Card holders, which has very competitive rates. How are US interest rates impacted other countries? Economists are more pessimistic on inflation. Boston is dealing with remote work better than most cities, but vacancies are starting to rise.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong chat about the housing shortage across the country and why figuring out how many houses we need to build is very difficult. Corey Adams, Robert Half, joins the show to discuss how recent college graduates are navigating the job market and what hiring managers are looking for from them. European commercial real estate might be in serious trouble. The Washington Commanders may finally get a new owner.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the retail sales data and discuss why certain sectors view bad news as good news. JPMorgan had a huge influx of deposits in the first quarter, but year-over-year they are down 7%. Could we see a bloodbath when regional banks start reporting earnings? Massachusetts house votes on a $1.1B tax package. Can Massachusetts finally shake the Taxachusetts label?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong look at the expectations of a 7% profit reduction in the first three quarters, coming from Wall Street. Tim Quirk, CEO of Final Offer, joins the show to disucss his companies aim to change the Real Estate market forever. Warner Brothers Discovery introduces new streaming service, 'Max'. The company makes a very curious decision to drop HBO from the title. Restaurant prices have surged past grocery prices. Work from home shift is leaving companies confused on which direction to take.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the release of the latest PPI data. China exports unexpectedly rise in a positive sign for the global economy. Apple's iPhone production in India soars to $7B, now the company makes 7% of their iPhones in India. Green tax credits from last year's climate law are likely to be far more popular than anticipated, but at what cost? US and Saudi relations are slipping as Russia tries to fill the void.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing and Dolan, provides insight into how you should leave assets to your beneficiaries and how to make sure their future life events are accounted for.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes shares some helpful tips on how to deal with their subscription spending. Dan Griggs, OceanFirst Bank Boston President, joins the show to provide his insight to the March CPI data. Companies hiring struggles are often self-inflicted. Houston apartment owner loses 3,200 units to foreclosure. The EPA seeks to boost EVs with tightest-ever rules on tailpipe emissions.
Chuck Zodd, Brendan Hayes, and Marc Fandetti react to the release of the March CPI data and take a look at the positives and negatives. Tighter lending amid this bank volatility could cause the US GDP to shrink by .44%. Todd Lutsky stops by for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. Mr. Lutsky shares some advice on how to ensure your children don't lose out on their inheritance.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane prepare for earnings reports this week and try to look ahead at what companies might say over the next couple of quarters. The construction industry has plenty of work, but not nearly enough workers. Would increased legal migration help get us out of this mess? According to CNBC, nearly 58% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, that includes high earners. Some companies are embracing remote work, by laying off staff and hiring overseas.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane wonder why Americans are not fighting back against inflation like they did in 1960's. Massachusetts has had the most expensive housing market for the past 100 years, can the state reverse course now? Tupperware warns it could go out of business, says there is substantial doubt it can continue. There is a fear that banks and lenders could pull back too far in the wake of SVB collapse. Is this fear warrented?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong chat with Ted Rossman, Bankrate, about the changing financial landscape for parents of adult children. Almost $1.5T of US commercial real estate debt comes due for repayment before the end of 2025. Is there a massive commercial real estate reckoning looming? Food prices are the new inflation threat for governments and central banks. Car breakdowns are making more people fall behind on their loans. The Super Mario Bros. Movie has set the bar high for movies this year, it posted the biggest opening weekend of 2023.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong prepare for corporate earnings this week and so are investors who are looking to hold on to recent gains. There is a lot of talk of millionaires leaving Massachusetts, why? Massachusetts has plenty of job openings but is finding that labor is in short supply. Production at US factories rose last year, but few things were produced at a more furious pace than factories themselves.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder if a four-day workweek will become reality. Chuck has a stunning proposal to solve this issue. Amazon aims to release ten to twelve movies in theaters every year. How do credit card rewards work? Are robot waiters the future? Not if the restaurant has stairs. Sweetgreen renames their chicken burrito bowl to end days long standoff with Chipotle.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the March Jobs Report and react to some of the more interesting data. Prime age, 25-54, workers are participating in the workforce at the highest rate since 2001. Recession fears lead people to become irrational. A new poll shows most oppose Social Security and Medicare cuts. How can you solve this problem without cuts or higher taxes. The IRS unveiled an $80 billion plan to transform itself into a digital first tax collector.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong chat about the reward for owning stocks over bonds haven't been this slim since before the 2008 financial crisis. Mike shares some insight into the risks associated with CDs. The EV market is getting a new entry, the Ram 1500 REV. The new truck is trying to push the limits of battery range. Google plans to add AI features to its flagship search engine. Chipotle is suing Sweetgreen over the "Chipotle Chicken Bowl."
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how the markets are reacting to bad economic news and why it is somewhat troubling. De-dollarization has been on people's minds, and Chuck believes it is a lot of concern about nothing. Americans are supposedly working fewer hours per week than before the pandemic, but Mike finds this claim dubious. Do older workers work harder? Maybe. Boomers with cash are keeping millennials out of the housing market, how?
On this week's edition of Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky discusses the best ways to leave your assets to a beneficiary, how you can protect beneficiaries with a trust, and how best to use no-contest clauses in a will.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong are not sure if they fully believe Apple when the company says it is trying to move away from China. General Motors says that 5,000 white-collar workers will depart the company through buyouts. A significant lack of home listings is taking a toll on mortgage demand. Apartment-building sales drop 74%, the biggest drop in 14 years. Harry Potter is making a comeback, sort of.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong are curious why markets seem to ignore inflationary data. ISM services comes in below consensus. Private sector hiring rose by just 145,000 in March, far below the estimate of 210,000. AARP says that 64% of workers 40 and older believe that workers face age discrimination. Todd Lutsky stops by for Ask Todd, where he helps the audience prepare their estate plans.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti chat with Peter Earle, AIER, about the impact of OPEC's decision to cut oil production. How will this impact inflation, gas prices, and CPI? Strong home sales at the start of this year reversed a sharp, several month decline. Google wants you to never overpay for a flight again. Tipping in the US is out on control, how did this happen? Where are workers keeping their retirement savings?
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti express some skepticism surrounding the latest JOLTS report. Oil prices surged on Monday and US officials voiced their displeasure a day after OPEC members announced production cuts. The World Bank warns of lost decade for global economy. Jamie Dimon expressed concern in his letter to shareholders. Dimon believes that the US banking crisis could have lingering effects for years to come. According to Bloomberg, there have been more than 500,000 job cuts since October. Major auto manufacturers report robust start to the year due in part to inventory levels.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong are stunned by how McDonald's is handling this round of layoffs. Tesla reports an uptick in vehicle deliveries after price cuts and starts the year off very well. American cities have a parking problem, there is too much of it, unless you are talking about Boston. Sunbelt cities like Nashville and Austin are the nations hottest job markets, why? Individual investors slow stock purchases, leaving markets vulnerable. Parents are paying college consultants $750,000 to help get their kids into an Ivy League school.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the surprising news that OPEC+ will cut oil production by over 1 million barrels per day. Ashley White, researcher for MA Taxpayers Foundation, joins the show to talk about how the state of Massachusetts is trying to lower child care costs. The Fed wants to see moderate wage growth in this Friday's jobs report. Social Security is claiming they won't have enough money to pay all beneficiaries the amount they are entitled to starting in 2034.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder why so many Americans are losing faith in college education when certain data shows college educated Americans make much more money. Ted Rossman joins the show to chat about how expensive weddings are getting for guests. Todd Lutsky stops by to share some of the biggest issues are with gifting assets to children while you are still alive. There is some interesting data coming out about how retirees are spending their time and money.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the core CPE numbers coming in weaker than expected. Core PCE index, Fed's preferred measure, increased 0.3%, less than expected. The Nasdaq Composite jumps 15% and is on pace to outperform the Dow industrials by the widest margin since 2001. Americans are moving cash to money funds and that is adding to the strains on small banks. Omair Shariff stops by to share his perspective on the where inflation is trending.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong chat about the US playing a slippery game with Taiwan. The President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, is making her first visit to the US in over three years and that is making China very uncomfortable. Small banks are losing to big banks due to the collapse of SVB and Signature. Cara Crabb-Burnham joins the show for her weekly update on the cannabis industry in Massachusetts. Cara discusses how much money is needed to start a cannabis business in Massachusetts. Is the dollar going to be replaced by the Yuan?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the most recent jobless claims data and wonder if the Fed is even giving us complete data. The Fed has two key mandates, and they are failing at one of them. Many employers are taking a go-slow approach to employing graduating seniors this year. An MBTA executive has been terminated, and it has been revealed he hasn't been working from Massachusetts. New labor department numbers indicate that fewer Americans' worked remotely last year.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing & Dolan, shares some tips on how to avoid having a drawn out battle between your children over your real estate. Todd takes calls from listeners about ensuring your children are left with more than a massive tax bill.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes discuss the challening housing market and why some people just can't get out of their house. Macy's CEO, Jeff Gennette, will retire and hand the reins over to Bloomingdale's boss, Tony Spring. Howard Schultz is fielding questions from senators in congress over his handling of employees trying to unionize. The Metaverse is quickly becoming the Meh-taverse. Apple rolls out a buy now/pay later program. Your next family dinner should feature woolly mammoth meatballs?
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes react to the Senate Banking Committee grilling Federal Reserve officials over the collapse of SVB. Regulators revealed that customers of SVB tried to withdraw $100B the day the bank failed. Why are people getting confused about US Treasuries? What is a toxic asset? Todd Lutsky stops by to help you from leaving your children a massive tax bill.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes discuss Americans' overspending because they have underestimated their expenses. Brendan believes this is one of the reasons why the US economy has been as strong as it has been historically. Tripp Mickle joins the show to chat about Apple experiencing internal strife due to their latest product under development, Interactive Goggles. Lyft has hired a new CEO as the founders step back amid struggles with competition. Dollar General is deemed 'severe violator' by the Labor Department. AI is starting to take jobs from Americans, but for now it is just models who are being replaced.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes take a look at the divided US housing market and try to explain why there is such a split between west coast and east coast markets. Apple, Alphabet, and Microsoft have been fueled by their so-called 'safe haven' status. The guys wonder if there really is such a thing as safe haven stocks. Alibaba will split into six groups and explore IPO's. According to BlackRock, the Fed will keep raising interest rates despite traders betting otherwise as fears of a banking crisis continue.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Apple CEO, Tim Cook, visiting China for the China Development Forum, and why the tech-giant can't seem to seperate themselves from China. Concern around TikTok in Washington DC is drawing fresh attention to how Chinese apps have woven themselves in young Americans lives. The work-from-home era may be coming to an end. Share of businesses with workers on-aite most of the time neared prepandemic levels in 2022. Twitter says parts of its source code was released on the internet. Elon Musk values Twitter at $20B, less than half of what he bought the company for.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti dive into the continuing fallout from the collapses of SVB and Signature Bank. Jay Powell and Janet Yellen have stopped short of guaranteeing all deposits in US banks. Has confidence in Powell and Yellen completely eroded? The used-car market may never go back to prepandemic levels. Is this the fault of car manufacturers? Sarah Foster stops by to share some of the biggest financial problems that millennials are facing.
Most Americans doubt their children will be better off than them. Is this a reality or just too much pessimism in the system? Managers are pushing back against remote work, citing productivity declines. Malls in America could be in serious trouble, can any stores save them? Apple is planning to spend $1B per year on producing movies for theatrical releases.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the Deutsche Bank slump. Where do people feel safe putting their money into during a banking crisis? Make sure you understand which bank accounts are covered by FDIC. Chuck believes banks aren't actually in much trouble if people stop doing this. Jack Dorsey's 'Block' vows to fight back after Hindenburg says it's short the stock.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Tik Tok CEO, Shou Zi Chew, testifying before congress and why Tik Tok will be easlily replaceable if it is banned. Dr. William Luther, AIER, joins the show to chat about the Fed's rate hike decision and why inflation isn't going away. Ford announced a projected $3 billion loss on it's EV business for 2023. Will Ford ever be able to compete with Tesla? Cara Crabb-Burnham stops by to discuss some recent developments in the Massachusetts cannabis industry. Will commercial real estate prove to be the next financial crisis in this country?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the Fed meeting yesterday, the expected rate hikes, and the comments from Jerome Powell and Janet Yellen. Chuck is concerned that people want this financial crisis to be as bad or worse than the 2008 crisis. Looking ahead, what will the Fed do at their next meeting? China is starting to act like a global power, how will the US respond?
Todd Lutsky, Cushing & Dolan, shares some best practices for owning rental property, how real estate fits into your estate plan, and details what a grand tour trust is.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss how Apple and Microsoft have come to dominate the US stock market and take a look back at what happened to some of the other companies who held this position. Corey Adams, Robert Half, joins the show to give some guidance on how to give your career a good spring cleaning. Home prices fell in Febraury for the first time in 11 years.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane wonder how Jerome Powell will act at today's Fed meeting and what his decision means for your money. Todd Lutsky stops by to make sure you are not messing up your estate plan and how to fit Real Estate into your estate plan. Todd shares some of the best practices to owning rental property.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss who should be taking more blame for inflation. Social Security cost-of-living adjustments will likely be far lower than last year. Ted Rossman stops by to share a surprising fact about credit card rewards. Small businesses are stress-testing their banks after the collapse of SVB. Amazons latest layoffs show its efficiency drive is now affecting revenue-driving segments.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane wonder why Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan CEO, wants to save New First Republic and why big banks in general want to save small banks. How will Powell respond to the recent bank crisis at tomorrow's fed meeting? The US is studying ways to insure all bank deposits if this crisis continues. Will the FDIC get expanded? Lawrence Yun, NAR, joins the show to chat about the recent home sales data.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into how Apple is managing to cut costs without laying off employees. Elon Musk's cost-cutting targets are putting his EV competition is a difficult spot. Baby Boomers are not doing what analysts expect them do to, move into a smaller home. How can the price of childcare come down and parents get back to work? Multi-generational housing. Disney+ raised prices by $3 per month, and nearly 94% of subscribers seem fine with it.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder what Jerome Powell will say at the next Fed meeting. UBS "agrees" to buy Credit Suisse for more than $3B. Deal is part of effort to prevent further erosion of banking system. S&P 500 and Nasdaq finished higher last week despite losses in bank shares. Amazon announces 9,000 new layoffs in cost-cutting effort. Before SVB collapsed, the Fed spotted big problems, but didn't do anything. Why are smaller banks are crucial for the economy?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong chat about Wynn Resorts buying the Everett power plant site and what they should do with the land, perhaps a stadium for the New England Revolution. Megan Lanham, CEO of Rithmm, joins the show to disucss how AI is changing the landscape for sports bettors. The subscription model has gone too far, but the companies utilizing them aren't wrong. Google Glass is going away, again. Youtube TV is raising prices. FCC is targeting spam texters.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how bank failures, like earlier shocks, raise the odds of a recession. Janet Yellen infuriates many with her comments that the banking system is healthy even after the collapse of SVB. Chuck and Mike dive into the list of things the FDIC covers. A developer in Peadbody, Ma proposed a housing plan, but the city said no and bought the land themselves. National Grid outlined plans for summer electric rate cut.
Mike Armstrong sits down with Cara Crabb-Burnham, Founder of CCB Consulting, to chat about what a medical marijuana consultant does, what is getting in the way of federal legalization, and how the traditional medical community views the drug as a medicine.
Chuck Zodda and Ron McLean, President and CEO of Cooperative Credit Union Association, discuss some of the critical differences between credit unions and banks.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong are concerned that the recent turbulence in gas prices isn't going away anytime soon. Ron McLean, President and CEO of Cooperative Credit Union Association, stops by to chat about the differences between a credit union and a bank. Cara Crabb-Burnham joins the show to discuss some of the challenges the medical marijuana industry is having vs the challenges that face the recreational industry. Watch out for falling burritos!
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Credit Suisse promising an overhaul as regulators offer a lifeline. Bank failures and market turmoil fuel bets on a pause in Fed interest-rate hikes. Market stress snarls trading in US treasury's. What is driving the dip in oil prices? How have the previous two weeks impacted the debt ceiling?
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes discuss the housing market slumping yet high rates dim affordability. The median US home price has increased 42% since 2019. US airlines are expecting strong demand from vacationers. Meta's massive layoffs raise questions about Zuckerbergs strategy as company morale sinks. Apple announced it will delay bonuses for some and limit hiring in latest cost-cutting effort. Social media postings amplify anxiety over SBV collapse, leading some to wonder if this was a 'twitter-fueled bank run.' Americas favorite lunch is apparently killing you.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes wonder if Credit Suisse can survive much longer as the bank tries to win back confidence as the stock slumps. Retail sales fell 0.4% last month as Americans spent less at auto dealers and restaurants. The collapse of SVB threatens to further besmirch the reputation of Jerome Powell. West Texas Intermediate crude fell below $70 per barrel for the first time since late 2021.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes react to the news that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced 10,000 more layoffs. Matt Higgins, CEO of RSE Ventures, discusses the sad realities of the SVB collapse and the ongoing debt crisis in America. Uber and Lyft win a major victory in California court. Mortgage rates tumble in the wake of bank failures. Mike updates the Taylor Swift Index. Buffalo Wild Wings wins the internet by being honest.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes discuss US inflation numbers cooling in February but hold off judging the bank failure's impact on inflation till May. Consumer prices rise 6% from a year earlier. The collapse of SVB and Signature Bank calls the Fed interest rate path into question. Bank failures are uncommon, it just hasn't happened in a couple of years. The biggest US banks rake in deposits. Was this move by the government a bailout?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how the collapse of two banks is affecting inflation. How people are reacting to the news of the bank collapses. Individual investors pile into cash, chasing higher returns. Retail assets in money-market funds sit near records. Saudi Aramco posts record $161 billion profit for 2022. Falling survey-response rates are undermining economic data. This decline skews government measures of inflation and job market.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. How did this bank collapse so spectacularly? Did the government bailout SVB? How can we stop bad banks in the future? What will happen to the banks executives? Will depositors be made whole? Are we going to see more bank failures in the near future?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how fear is causing many people to claim retirement benefits early. Xi Jinping will continue in his role as president of China for an unprecedented 3rd term. Lithium Ion batteries vs Lithium Air batteries, power is what should be the focus of the EV push. SVB is now in receivership to the FDIC. Sushi terrorism is taking over tik tok.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong cover the Silicon Valley Bank debacle. The guys detail what happens if a bank becomes insolvent and what the FDIC covers. The February jobs report was released and it shows US employers added 311,000 jobs for the month. Something fishy is going on at the MBTA. The commuter service limits speeds on the subway to 25 mph.
Mike Armstrong chats with Cara Crabb-Burnham about consulting in the cannabis industry, how the New England cannabis industry is developing, how you can get started in the business, and what the biggest challenges are.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong have a solution for restaurants that are still understaffed, which accounts for over 60% of restaurants in the US. Retailers know that consumers shopping spress won't last much longer, but are the retailers prepared? Cara Crabb-Burnham joins the show to chat about the cannabis industry in Massachusetts. Gen-Z does not know how to use basic office appliances, but whose fault is that?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the upcoming jobs and inflation reports. Investors are looking for clarity after recent data surprises. Charlie Gasparino joins the show to discuss the markets recent performance. A little heat in jobs report would give the Fed a green light to raise rates higher. Oil crept higher after longer-than-expected US jobless figures clouded predictions of further aggressive interest rate hikes.
Todd Lutsky wants to make sure you understand what homestead protection is, why you need it, and when it applies. Todd also answers questions from listeners about best practices when setting up an estate plan.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane are concerned about how far Americans have been falling into debt over the past two years. Women have now gained more jobs than men for four straight months. The FTC Twitter investigation sought Elon Musk's internal communications and names of journalists. Elon says that Twitter could be 'cash-flow positive' within a couple of weeks. Tripp Mickle stops by to chat about the rise of chatbots and what kind of shape the internet industry is in.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Fed Chair Powell returning to congress for day 2 of the hearings. Bond yield inversion has reached the deepest level since Volcker suggests a hard landing. The Boston housing market is in a stalemate right now, sellers aren't selling and buyers aren't buying.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane weigh in on the battle between JetBlue/Spirit Airlines and the Justice Department. Mike and Paul predict whether the merger will go through or not. Peter Earle, AIER, joins the show to chat about business conditions in February. Debt default would cripple the US economy, new analysis warns, but will congress actually do anything about it? Jerome Powell and Elizabeth Warren have a heated exchange. Corporations premiumization of products aims to combat inflation.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane react to the comments from Fed Chair Powell about interest rates, the markets react even stronger. China's Foreign Minister says ties with US risk going off the rails. Meta plans thousands more layoffs, many as soon as this week. Sceptical investors worry whether advances in AI will make money.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong are waiting, just like Wall Street, to see what Fed Chair Jerome Powell will say in his testimony later this week. Oil consumption is heading for a record year. Why won't EVs change our oil consumption? Amazon's pause on construction on its second headquarters in Arlington, VA., sends a downbeat but limited signal about growth. Tesla will slash prices on its Models S and X for the second time this year. The cost of the higher-end models has dropped by as much as $29,000.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong open by discussing the busy week ahead for the economy. The housing market is stalling out just before the critical spring buying season. The manufacturing sector continues to be battered, down 1.7% since the post-pandemic peak. Massachusetts parents struggle with the nation's highest childcare costs. Hospitality is once again outpacing other job sectors.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Tesla's stock being more popular than ever with individual investors. Net retail purchases of the shares total nearly $14 billion so far this year. The number of ATMs has declined since their peak in 2019. Chuck and Mike are surprised to find out which media company is the most profitable. What is revenge spending? ESPN wants to be the hub of all live sports streaming. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Novavax going from boom to bust.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong talk about the global economy remaining robust which concerns central banks. Mike believes the majority of inflation last year is due to bad monetary policies, rather than supply chains or even war. Gov. Healey tells Boston Chamber her tax relief plan will make Massachusetts more competitive. Pickleball is causing hysteria in a local community.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the recent survey from an Australian think tank that found that China is beating the US in 37 out of 44 key technology research areas. Eli Lilly said it is slashing prices of insulin drugs by 70%, but are they really? Salesforce surprised investors on Wednesday by delivering better-than-expected revenue and much better-than-expected adjusting operating profit. Tesla's growth ambition comes with a $175B price tag. Elon Musk sees infinite demand for Teslas. Instacart joins the ChatGPT frenzy, adding chatbot to grocery shopping app.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to news that the 10-Year Treasury yield is at 4% for the first time since November. Bank profits fell 6% last year as war, inflation, and higher interest rates hurt results. Gov. Healey unveils first budget proposal, including plans for $1 billion in 'millionaires tax' revenue. Secretary of State Blinken had his first in-person conversation with his Russian counterpart.
Todd Lutsky shares his thoughts on how best to manage real estate assets, how to make sure you actually own your real estate, and what an estate plan can do to protect your real estate.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes react to the news that the US aims to chart a new course for the chip industry and wonder where the $53 billion will end up. Ted Rossman, Bankrate, joins the show to chat about Americans' concerns about their tax returns. Car debt is piling up as more Americans owe thousands more than their vehicle is worth. President Biden's Student-Debt forgiveness program is in the hands of the Supreme Court, and millions of Americans are waiting for the results. US consumers are still flocking to restaurants and bars, but it's the shareholders who have been cleaning up.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes discuss the US Labor Market cooling off, despite what the government's data says. Sharper-than-expected expansion of activity offers Chinese leaders an opportunity to shift the spotlight away from pandemic missteps. Todd Lutsky stops by for his segment, 'Ask Todd'. Chuck and Todd reveal some of the tricky aspects of real estate assets.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes discuss President Biden barring companies from using the US Chips Act cash for buybacks. Supply chains have healed yet their mark on inflation endures. Amazon employees will be able to use stock as collateral for home loans. Omair Shariff dives into the January inflation data and chats about where he sees things headed in 2023. Todd Lutsky stops by to give advice on life estates. European workers are heading back to the office. Restaurant chains angering loyalty reward program users.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes react to Governor Healey's tax relief package and are surprised. The guys discuss some of the most beneficial aspects of the package for certain sectors of the population. Target's sales growth and rising costs are weighing on earnings. Jerome Powell's debt limit alarm echoes his stealth lobbying effort in 2011, he also helped coin the term 'X-date'. More US homebuyers are paying cash, sweeping a majority of sales in some markets.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti are not surprised that Americans in their 30's are piling on the debt. If interest rates are over 7%, how can you not see a drop in home prices? Apartments rents fell in every major metropolitan area in the US over the past six months. The number of people working part time rose by 1.2 million in December and January. Is 25 really the new 35? From McDonald's to Ralph Lauren, US Companies are planning expansions in China. Gen Z prefers the iPhone but that won't stop Mike from championing Android.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss investors bracing for a surge in volatility. Higher interest rates may actually be stimulative to the economy. Tight hiring markets mean companies have to raise wages. Labors share of GDP rose to 44% last year, up from 42% in 2013. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway posts big loss in 2022. Famed CEO is presents optimism in his annual letter to shareholders. The guys look to dispell misinformation about stock buybacks.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti wonder where the millions of workers that left the US labor force are, economists are wondering the same thing. Mark Hamrick, Bankrate, joins the show to discuss Americans emergency savings. The price of grociers have skyrocketed, and they may never come back down. Wayfair lost five million customers and $1.3 billion last year.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti react to the PCE report, the Fed's preferred measure of inflation, rose 5.4% from a year earlier. Chuck and Marc make some predictions about the Fed funds rate. In these strange economic times where do you want to put your money? According to Fidelity, the number of 401k millionares has shrunk. Interest rate concerns are pushing investors into dividend paying stocks. Some of the world's top investors are betting the worst of the dollars rampage is over.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti dive into the crypto to figure out if it belongs in the asset class. The value of the US housing market shrunk by the most since 2008. The Biden Administration to cut mortgage insurance costs for lower-income buyers. Apple makes major progress on a no-prick blood gluclose tracking app for its watch. The costs of making pizza continue to rise. If the four day work week becomes a thing, how long until we want a three day work week?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the minutes from the Fed meeting showing officials favored a quarter-point rate rise. Natural gas prices have dropped nearly 50% this year. Nvidia quarterly sales fall by 29%. The company forecasts an AI Boom and recovery in the videogame sector. The US is set to deploy 200 troops to Taiwan for training against threat from China.
Todd Lutsky, Cushing & Dolan, explains two ways to set up a life estate, the wrong way and the right way. Todd also discusses how small an estate can be before setting a life estate, how old you should be, and understanding which plan works for you.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes are not surprised by Home Depot's current struggles post pandemic. Walmart sales lifted by low-margin groceries. Rebecca Risk, Robert Half, discusses workers top concerns and priorities for 2023. Big office landlords defaulting on loans is on the rise. More developers believe hybrid and remote work has permanently impaired the office market. TSMC employees are raising doubts about the chip maker opening plants in the US. Starbucks is launching olive oil-infused coffee in Italy, the US may see this new coffee in the spring.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes discuss how fast rates are rising and how they are impacted the overall markets. Greater Boston housing market continued to decline in January by just about every measure. MBTA has been having trouble keeping their trains on the tracks, now they can't even get the trains on the tracks. Todd Lutsky stops by to answer your questions about estate planning.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss why companies announce far greater number of layoffs than they actually plan on. Lawrence Yun, NAR, joins the show to share his belief that the housing market is either at or very near the bottom. Joe Boschulte, USVI Tourism, calls in to discuss some of the amazing promotions going on on the islands, and why your next vacation might have to be to one of the US Virgin Islands. More auto payments are late, exposing cracks in consumer credit. Hard Mountain Dew is coming to store near you.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss investors concerns about the hot economy forcing the Fed to be more aggressive in their rate hikes. Workers pay globally hasn't kept up with inflation. Declines in purchasing power could reverse this year if prices rise more slowly. Fourth-quarter profits for companies on the S&P 500 declined by 11.3%. Home Depot forecasts a drop in profit this year on flat sales as consumer spending declines. Walmart forecasts second straight decline in annual profit. Meta plans to launch a verified service for Facebook. The service will start at $11.99 per month and will be soft launched in Australia and New Zealand.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti look at this past week on the Nasdaq and how the stronger than expected reports impacted the market. The guys offer solutions on how to solve the inflation puzzle. Used vehicle prices rose last month after falling for most of 2022. AutoNation expects new and used car prices to drop this year, as inventory ramps up. DoorDash grew revenue by 40% to $1.8 billion but was it enough? AMC's new tiered ticket pricing has people very mixed on the idae. Paul LaMonica joins the show to welcome Barney the purple dinosaur back into our lives.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Americans lifting the economy up after getting hit with climbing prices last year. Two Federal Reserve officials said they would have supported raising interest rates by half a percentage point last month. The term richcession is starting to take hold, Chuck is having none of it. Credit card balances rose to a record high of $986 billion last quarter. President Biden expects to speak with Xi Jinping about the Chinese spy balloon that the US shot down.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong laugh at China imposing fines and sanctions against Lockheed Martin and Raytheon because those companies aren't even allowed in China. Ted Rossman, Bankrate, stops by to help Americans navigate their credit card debt. The cost of pet food is up 15%, the cost of pet products are up 12%, pet owners are having to make difficult decisions. Lyft and Uber seem to be very similar companies, but their differences are staggering.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the surprising January PPI report. Producer Price Index rose 0.7%, exceeding the expected jump of 0.3%. Peter Earle, AIER, joins the show to discuss the Everyday Price Index, household costs that are unavoidable. US profits hit the widest margins since 1950, could this be a sign that more layoffs are coming? Nearly half of Americans who changed jobs last year were rewarded with a pay raise that beat the rate of inflation.
Todd Lutsky answers your most pressing questions about planning your life estate. Todd gives ideas on how to avoid losing your money to a nursing home, how to manage an IRA, and much more.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss ways to fix the ongoing problems with the Social Security program. Berkshire Hathaway boosts its stake in Apple and Paramount Global. AirBnB recorded record profit of $1.9B after losing $352M in 2021. New England Patriots have decided to raise ticket prices and slash parking prices. Tesla will open part of its proprietary Supercharger network to other kinds of vehicles.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane react to the retail sales jumping up 3% in January. Chuck believes this proves that it is impossible for the US to be in a recession right now. China has warned the US that it will retaliate against the US over violations of its sovereignty. Todd Lutsky stops by to answer your most important questions about planning your life estate.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes give an update to the Taylor Swift index. Ford is planning to cut thousands of jobs in Europe as it prepares to be more heavily invested in EV production in the US. Crypto investors brace themselves for regulatory crackdowns. Necco may have gone under, but their sweetheart candies will last forever. Laid off tech workers are seeking leverage on their way out. Corey Adams, Regional President at Robert Half, discusses the current state of the Boston labor market.
Mike Armstrong, Brendan Hayes, and Marc Fandetti react to the release of the hotter than expected CPI report. Marc has strong words of advice for Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Mike takes a look back to the 70's to find comparisons in todays economic climate. Bank of America finds that 60% of participants believe the recent stock movement is a bear market rally.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why the junk-loan market is shrugging off economic worries. Toyota's next chief executive said he wanted to accelerate development of parts and manufacturing methods optimized for electric vehicles, calling for an “EV-first mind-set” in building out Toyota’s EV lineup. Remote workers are costing Manhatten billions of dollars, will municipalities get involved in the push back to the office? Landlords are driving up the price of properties because they don't want to sell. Commercials during the big game were somewhat of a letdown. Mike and Chuck present their best and worst of the night.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong give seven possible explanations for the UFO's hovering over the US. Chuck and Mike express some concern over the economic ramifications this could cause. Could the Federal Reserve keep rates higher for longer than expected? Some analysts believe inflation is actually falling and cites three areas to watch. Goldman Sachs CEO admitted that the company should have done a round of layoffs earlier than they did. Chuck is concerned about the transparency Goldman Sachs is providing.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder what a good retirement looks like in 2023. Russia is planning to lower oil output to 500,000 barrels a day, in a rare move outside of alliance with OPEC. The US is poised to further tighten technology exports to China. Consumers absorb significant price increases and companies say increases will remain high in months to come. Chick-fil-A to test a fried cauliflower sandwhich, could this help decrease the price of chicken? Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about AI and how the hype might be outpacing the reality.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the current state of the job marke and which sectors are driving growth. Tech CEOs could be making a massive mistake laying off thousands of workers. The Federal Reserve has raised rates rapidly, but instead of cracking, some data points to an economy that is thriving. Lyft shares drop 35% off news that the company posted very disappointing earnings. Massachusetts continues to have the highest costs for child-care in the country, will Gov Healey fix this problem?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the move money managers made yesterday. Money managers cut $300B of bearish bets and are now positioned in line with historic norms. US and China relations are very tense due to the spy balloon, but commerce between the countries is soaring. Chuck and Mike chat about the new economic meme, rolling recession. Tipping culture is out of control, and Chuck and Mike have a solution. Panera is getting into the fashion industry.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the report that Disney plans to cut 7,000 jobs and slash $5.5B in operating costs. Chuck wonders if Disney still plans to sell ESPN, despite the comments from CEO Bob Iger. Susan Li, Fox Business, joins the show to chat about the markets and discuss how bull markets start. Credit Suisse posts a massive annual loss and the CEO describes the results as 'completely unacceptable.' The gulf between the Dow and Nasdaq is the widest it has been since 2000. Heat pumps faced a major test over the weekend, how did they do?
Todd Lutsky explains the best and worst outcome of using a life estate, and makes clear what you should not do with a life estate. Todd answers questions from listeners about how they should prepare for themselves or their parents.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane wonder if it is ok to support AI in its eventual takeover of our world. Half of Americans say they are financially worse than they were at this time last year, the highest share since 2009. Zoom is planning to lay off 1,300 employees, about 15% of its workforce. Zoom stock has fallen 40% over the past twelve months. Uber's revenue has increased by 49% in the past three months. GE downsizing its Boston offices to one floor. Chipotle prices have turned Paul away from their burritos. AMC will change its ticket pricing.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane react to President Biden's comments about Xi Jinping during the State of the Union. Chuck worries about the potential escalation of tensions between the two countries. Used car prices make a surprise jump back up in January. Add that to the list of concerns the Fed has about inflation. Todd Lutsky stops by to answer questions about estate planning and keeping your assets from the nursing home.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane are surprised by how many Americans are drawing from their pandemic-era savings. Egg prices have jumped 60% in the past year. Will restaurants feel the brunt of this increase? According to a survey, it now takes 13 years to save for a downpayment in New York City and Austin, Texas. Home-buying companies are stuck with hundreds of houses as demand slows down. There are 58,000 fewer childcare workers since the start of the pandemic. Is there a solution to this crisis?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane react to Atlanta Federal Reserve President Raphael Bostic's comments about raising interest rates further due to the strong jobs report. Google is testing a rival for ChatGPT. Alphabet's CEO claims service will launch to the public in the coming weeks. AI has infiltrated hiring, training, and evaluations decision-making. Is automation coming for your job? BP posts record profits and reevaluate targets for reducing fossil fuel dependence.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder why Americans continue to spend well over their abilities for cars. Average new car prices have reached a historic level of $47,362. Corey Adams, Robert Half, joins the show to help prepare workers for the ever changing labor market. Elon Musk was found not liable for his tweets proposing to take Tesla private in 2018. Retail wages are rising, but does that mean we are inching closer to automation? You have been mispronouncing famous companies names, Chuck is here to correct you.
Chuck Zodd and Mike Armstrong prepare for the upcoming earnings reports from CVS, Disney, Pepsi and more. The S&P 500 is trending towards a 5% decline. Pandemic era darlings, Peloton, Coinbase, and Carvana have jumped back up. The housing market is starting to show signs of thawing. Will there be an economic impact in the aftermath of the US shooting down a Chinese spy balloon?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder if the current global demand could lead to a surge in inflation by the end of the year. China is being accused of sending a spy balloon over the US. With the market this hot, should you jump in? CEO's are reasserting their authority as many workers are concerned about job security. Beyond Meat hires the marketing director from Red Bull. Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Peloton making a comeback off of solid revenue and soaing stock.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the January Jobs Report and are as surprised as anyone by the data. Omair Shariff joins the show to answer if global demand could actually cause higher inflation by the end of the year. Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet reported earnings. Apple earnings came in lower than expected but is that cause for concern?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong are not surprised that Americans have been dipping into their 401k's for emergencies. The guys believe they might have a solution to taking your own money out of retirement accounts. Biden administration proposes rule to lower credit-card late fees to $8, does this actually accomplish anything? Egg prices have forced Americans to start traveling to Mexico for their eggs. Return-to-office rates rise above 50% for the first time since the pandemic began. Netflix is finally doing away with password sharing.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the rate hike by the Federal Reserve yesterday and Chairman Powell's comments. Investors seem to be skeptical of the Fed's position on inflation right now. January has been volatile, will 2023 ease up at any point? Meta reported improving conditions and would buy back $40B in shares. Shell posts record profits, $41.6B, and joins the other oil giants breaking records.
Todd Lutsky details what a life estate is, how life estates work, why you might need a life estate, and what some of the potential problems could be.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes wonders if investors are shifting their focus away from inflation. Snapchat is having serious issues trying to revive growth, has their time in the sun come to an end? Oil prices have settled to a level one third lower than the peak, before the Ukraine vs Russia conflict. Companies are starting to fight back against inflation and preparing for a boom cycle. Will DC ever present a true challenge to the Marvel Universe?
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes dive into the JOLTS report. U.S. job openings unexpectedly rose in December, showing demand for labor remains strong despite higher interest rates and mounting fears of a recession, potentially keeping the Federal Reserve on its policy tightening path. Ahead of Jerome Powell's speech, Chuck believes the Fed should raise rates 50bps. Todd Lutsky drops by to answer the question of what a life estate actually is.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes look at how the Eurozone Economy was able to outpace China and the US, despite an ongoing war. Dr. William Luther, Director AIER, calls in to discuss the inflation data and give his insight. Todd Lutsky drops by to chat about the ideal age to start estate planning. Amazon Prime raising the prices for grocery deliveries. Sports gambling is finally legal in Massachusetts. Worcester home prices are rising dramatically.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes try to prepare for Jerome Powell's upcoming rate hike. When will the Fed start pausing rate hikes? Compensation costs hold steady for the 4th quarter. Retail purchases have fallen for three of the four previous months. Exxon-Mobil posted record profits for the 4th quarter, $55.7B. Big Banks are preparing for more customers to fall further behind on their loans.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong chat with Ted Rossman, Senior Industry Analyst at Bankrate, about credit card debt and why debtors are falling further into debt. Bed, Bath, & Beyond is planning to close another 87 stores this year. Car leases are falling out of favor with consumers, and the guys disagree on how long this will last. Buy Now, Pay Later companies are starting to feel the squeeze. Americans are planning on spending how much money for Valentine's Day?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong preview a very busy week for the economy. Why is a soft landing already priced into the markets? Jay Powell needs to make a big move this week because the markets are not buying what he has been saying. China has been using American computer chips in its Nuclear Weapons lab, decades after the ban went into effect. The memory chip industry is taking a beating, how can it recover?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane are not surprised by the news that Bed, Bath, and Beyond are losing their credit lines from banks. Goldman Sachs CEO will cut his compensation by 30%, down to a meager $25M. CVS and Walmart are cutting the hours of their pharmacies due to a pharmacist shortage. The price of eggs is out of control, but some interesting alternatives could be on the horizon. Paul LaMonica joins the show to discuss what 2023 might look like for Chevron.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane review the Core PCE numbers released and wonder how the Fed will react to this news. Chevron posted a record $35.5 billion profit for the year 2022. Intel earnings report wildly underwhelmed. Japan and the Netherlands are joining the US in ensuring chip manufacturing isn't in the hands of China exclusively. China is producing passenger cars at an alarming rate.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to an opinion article from Bloomberg.com, why the Federal Reserve should raise rates by half a percent. Lumber futures are weighing heavily on Chuck's mind. High-earning men are working fewer hours per year, why? Is the housing market starting to show signs of a recovery? Google facing a second antitrust lawsuit. The cost of pizza is out of control in Italy.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the earnings report from Tesla. The company posted record profits and beat on earnings and revenue. U.S. GDP rose to 2.9% in the fourth quarter, capping off a year of high inflation. IBM announced a round of layoffs, amounting to 1.5% of their workforce. Problems continue to mount for the MBTA, now they have to shutdown the Orange line again. Natural gas prices have dropped below $3 for the first time since May 2021.
Todd Lutsky explains what pooled trusts are, how to utilize them, and why the Massachusetts government tried to ban them. Todd answers some questions on irrevocable trusts, conservatorship, and much more.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the key factors to look at when trying to forecast a recession. The New York Stock Exchange suffered a glitch in the matrix yesterday. Now the NYSE wants to reverse some of the trades that were completed before the glitch. Remote job postings are falling, yet the desire for remote work keeps growing.
Chuck Zodda and Paul react to the news that the Department of Justice has filed an antitrust suit against Google, with the aim to break up the company's online ad business. Microsoft reported Q4 earnings yesterday, and it didn't look great for Microsoft. The company reported the slowest sales growth in six years. Walmart is raising its starting pay for new employees from $12 to $14.
Corey Adams joined Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane to discuss the recent Robert Half survey that showed exciting results that may lead us to a four-day workweek sooner rather than later. Mike tries to explain to Paul what is a "Vibecession." Why are so many Americans wrong regarding new construction driving up home prices?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane respond to the warning from Vantage CIO that US investors are not pricing in enough risk. New data shows temp workers are getting laid off at a high pace. 3M will cut 2,500 workers after a weak earnings report. The NY Times released an article that questions what comes now that inflation seems to be cooling.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong push back against the notion that the IRS should be defunded. China reopening will have a major impact on commodities. Big Banks are teaming up to create their own digital wallet. Apple seems to be the only tech giant who doesn't need to layoff thousands of employees.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong continue earnings season waiting for Tesla and Microsoft to report. The Fed still seems split on where rates should land and when. Ken Griffin's Citadel posts record profits for 2022, $16 billion. BioTech stocks continue to take a beating, dropping another 26%.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder why the massive T-Mobile data breach isn't getting more attention. Crypto lender Genesis, filed for bankruptcy on Thursday. Chuck dives into the employment numbers during recessions to bust the myth of mild recessions. Paul LaMonica stops by to chat about big bank earnings. Chuck and Mike play stack roulette.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the news the Google will be laying off 12,000 workers, and what that means going forward. Netflix beat expectations for subscriber growth during the fourth quarter. Larry Summers sends a big warning from Davos. Massachusetts businesses are looking for a little bit of a tax break.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder why it is always the middle-class who seemingly take the brunt of economic downturns. Energy costs continue to soar in the Northeast. China's housing market flipped from boom to bust. Tax season is approaching but where are all the accountants? Has PartyCity been replaced completely by Amazon?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the steps the government can take to avoid a catastrophic default and what happens next. The Fed's 'Beige Book' finds the economy is holding steady, but growth will be limited. Fed officials are split on how high the next rate hike should go. The labor market is missing low-wage workers in high cost sectors.
Todd Lutsky details some of the ways you can avoid losing your hard-earned assets to long-term care facilities and how you can protect the inheritance you want to leave your children.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes look at the rising demand for oil and how China's reopening is spurring price jumps. United Airlines posting record profits made Chuck wonder who the Best and Worst Airlines were in 2022. Chuck is excited for the next evolution of Corvettes, EV power! Brendan marvels at Disney getting their superhero movies back on screens in China.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes try to figure out why retail sales dropped in December and look at how retail can shift toward the future. Microsoft has announced a round of layoffs. 10,000 employees are expected to be let go. How many tech jobs can be lost in one year? Todd Lutsky drops in to share his strategies for protecting your assets from long-term care.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes look at the office building vacancies across Boston. Will hybrid work force companies to adjust their in-office strategies? Companies have been raising prices across the board. Are consumers already fighting back against price hikes? Massachusetts retailers took a beating over the holidays. TikTok's future in the US doesn't look so bright.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes are not surprised that China's population declined last year, however, they are very curious about what China's next steps might be. The World Economic Forum is set to meet in Davos, Switzerland. The US doesn't seem all that interested in participating in the event. The FTC wants to strike down non-compete clauses in contracts across the country. Will this proposal actually get some traction, if so, will this solve the problem they believe exists?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder why the FAA is using "failing vintage hardware." Could the flurry of tech layoffs lead to a huge jump in startups? Tim Cook is looking at a 40% decrease in compensation this year, shed a tear. Paul LaMonica stops by to discuss Caterpillar's prospects for 2023.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong take a look at how markets are reacting to yesterdays CPI report and if the markets are already pricing in a particular outcome. Big banks are reporting earnings, and it doesn't look good for some of the major banks. The housing market is taking a beating on the West Coast, will the East Coast follow? Tesla is slashing prices on key models to entire new buyers, will it work?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong weigh in the ongoing battle between Disney and investor Nelson Peltz. Peltz is seeking a seat on the board and clarity on the next CEO. The FAA is facing scrutiny for an error with their system that grounded all domestic commercial flights for hours on Wednesday. Boston has the fourth worst traffic in the world. Enjoy listening to this podcast while stuck in Boston traffic.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dive into the Labor Department's CPI data for the month of December. The guys wonder how the Fed will react to the data and what their next move could be. CEO's seem to be predicting growth to resume in 2024, are their actions actually reflective of their decisions? FTX magically found $5B in assets, what else will they find? Microsoft is shifting its PTO policy to unlimited. Starbucks is ordering their corporate employees back to the office.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane speak with Ted Rossman, Bankrate.com, about Americans falling into deeper credit card debt and how they can climb out of the hole they dug. Employment scams are rapidly increasing, now they are targeting recently laid-off tech workers. Wells Fargo is getting out of the housing market.
Chuck Zodda and Paul discuss the recent political fight over the debt ceiling and what congress should do about it. Chuck thinks the entire conversation around the debt ceiling is beyond stupid. The FAA postponed all domestic flights due to an outage with its computer systems. Will the FAA ever upgrade their systems? Chuck and Paul patiently await the core and super-core CPI data.
Mike Armstrong chats with Dan Griggs, Oceanfirst Bank - Boston Region President, about some of the reasons we should be optimistic about our financial future in 2023. Credit Card debt is rising very quickly in this country, will debters be able to climb out of the hole they have dug? Microsoft is debating whether or not it should invest $10B into OpenAI, the makers of ChatCPT.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the predictions for the Fed to raise rates above 5% and leave them there for awhile. Wealth managers are sending out warning signals that the markets are underestimating inflation and peak rates. Coinbase announced it will layoff 20% of its workforce. The housing market has taken a beating, is it time for the rental market to take a beating as well.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong look at California raising the minimum wage in the state, and why fast food workers will be getting a much higher minimum wage. Self-driving cars are the future, but are they also the now? Europe may have staved off high gas prices, thanks to our friend "Mother Nature."
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Wall Street setting a low bar for Corporate Earnings season. Goldman Sachs will lay off 3,200 employees after the company posted a likely drop in profits of nearly 50%. White-collar jobs have been taking the brunt of the downturn, will blue-collar workers get the same treatment in 2023? CEOs are trying to get workers back in the office, but workers don't want to go back, and who will budge first?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the rising mortgage rates across the country. Chuck is miffed that Avatar 2 has passed Top Gun: Maverick at the box office. Stitch Fix has announced it will cut 20% of the salaried jobs. EV sales in the US are climbing, but does the country have the infrastructure in place to handle that? Paul LaMonica, CNN Business, joins the show to chat about Tesla's rough start to 2023.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong open the December Jobs Report to find that it is impossible for the economy to be in recession just yet. The guys discuss why the Fed links inflation strongly to the labor market. The FTC is looking to ban non-compete clauses. Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Bankrupt. Would you live at a mall?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder how some of the major chain restaurants will make it through 2023. Several states have deregulated their energy systems, but are the prices for energy in those states actually cheaper? Micro breweries have taken over the country, but has their time in the sun finally come to an end?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong chat about Amazon announcing layoffs of over 18,000 workers and what that could mean for the company. The Fed is worried that too much market optimism could prolong the period of rising interest rates. Meta has been fined $400M for their advertising practices in the EU. Chuck wants you to remind you that car buyers are dumb!
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes wonder how China will continue rebuilding its economy and rebuild its relationship with Tech Giants Tesla and Apple. Greg McBride, Bankrate.com, joins the show to chat about where he sees interest rates falling in 2023. Chuck announces to the world that car buyers are dumb. I guess that makes us all dumb.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes react to the comments from Former Fed Chair Alan Greenspan, who said that recession is the "likely outcome" for 2023. The guys take a look at what a recession actually is and what the signs typically are. "Ask Todd" helps those who didn't plan for retirement.
On this weeks edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky helps plan retirement for those who left their planning for the last minute. Check out this months guide: LONG TERM CARE PLANNING FOR PROCRASTINATORS
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes wonder how the retail industry did for the holiday season in 2022. General Electric is spinning off a couple of important divisions and refocusing on their power division. How did this business giant get to this point? Friday's jobs report should shed some light on what kind of direction the economy is headed in 2023.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes start the new year by taking a look at some of the "expert" predictions for the markets in 2023. Are the guys optimistic or not? Will the Fed deliver on their hopeful soft landing for inflation in 2023. Tesla misses the mark last quarter. Is the tech giant just a car company now?
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti wonder how much money Southwest Airlines will have to give out in reimbursements, and how much money these cancellations will cost the company. Small businesses are actually hiring during this downturn, why is this happening? Theft is costing stores hundreds of millions of dollars, why now? The guys take a look at the top grossing movies of 2022.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti look back at what was a brutal year for retail investors and the worst market year since 2008. Massachusetts is implementing a new minimum wage, but Marc is very confused as to why this is needed. New Years plans can be very expensive, how will you spend NYE?
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti chat about the ongoing saga with Southwest Airlines. Home sales continue to slid for the sixth month in a row. Uber Eats and Door Dash are losing ground to customers shifting habits. Media stocks have had a rough 2022, but it could get worse in 2023. Accounts and auditors are leaving their jobs at an alarming rate, is help on the way?
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti take a look at some of the "experts" predictions for 2022, and where they went very wrong. For the first time in decades, utilities beat the broader market for the year. The guys ponder the likelyhood of a soft landing. Middle-income families are taking a beating during this economic downturn.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane wonder what could happen to Southwest Airlines after cancellation-gate 2022. The housing market has been in a slump for months now, could this trend continue through 2023 into 2024? Automation is coming to your favorite fast food places, some might think this is bad for workers, but Chuck believes otherwise.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Tesla's continued slide after reports came out expecting more delays in the new year and burgeoning competition. The S&P 500 has had a very rough year, but "experts" are mixed on the index's prospects in 2023. Todd Lutsky stops by to share some helpful tips on managing your retirement accounts.
Todd Lutsky chats with Chuck Zodda about some of the pros and cons of a Roth IRA. Todd answers questions from listeners about what they should be doing with their retirement accounts.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane are joined by Ted Rossman, Bankrate.com, to discuss what kind of year it has been for credit card issuers and where credit card balances are heading into 2023. Cash holdings are the lowest since the financial crisis at U.S. government pension funds and just above last year’s 13-year low for U.S. corporate pensions, heading into a year that many on Wall Street expect to test investors. Southwest Airlines is in the middle of a cancellation catastrophe, how is it affecting their stock?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane react to the news that China is reopening and how the markets have performed since the news broke. Gold has held steady throughout the year, but did the news from China spark renewed interest in the precious metal? The US is trying to help solve the chip shortage crisis with new manufacturing plants. When will the shortage be solved? Auto-loan interest rates are skyrocketing, but nobody told the credit unions.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the recent report that most supply chain managers expect disruptions to continue through 2024. AMC has made some surprising moves recently, buying a gold mine for instance. The company announced a $110M capital raise and the stock immediately dropped 7%. Paul LaMonica joins the show to talk about the prospect of Disney selling off ESPN and ABC.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti react to the release of the PCE price index for November. The PCE is the FED's preferred measurement of inflation. Does this mean inflation is finally cooling off? Shipping companies are trying to pivot to clean energy, but the hurdles seem to be mounting. Will the shipping industry successfully pivot before more delays happen? Sports gambling is finally coming to Massachusetts.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong air their financial grievances to celebrate Festivus. Greg McBride, Bankrate.com, joins the show to chat about your personal finances heading into 2023. The price of eggs have soared to new heights. The guys experiment with ChatGPT.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonders what is next for Wells Fargo after they were caught and fined billions of dollars for their "illegal activities". Sam Bankman-Fried and his top executives are in jail, but the for CEO of Alameda Research and FTX Co-Founder Gary Wang have pled guilty to fraud charges. Netflix is putting an end to password sharing, will this actually bring in new paying custormers to the streaming giant?
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes try to take a deep dive into the 4,000 page Omnibus bill. The guys discuss some of the key elements, what congress plans on doing to help Americans with their retirement savings. Christmas is getting more and more expensive every year, now it is the Christmas lights that are getting expensive. Lawrence Yun (NAR) joins the show with an optimistic take about the housing market in 2023.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes discuss the feelings from Wall Street prognosticators before 2022 and where their predictions stand now that the year is coming to a close. FedEx has had a long losing streak which continued through the 3rd quarter. FedEx's profits dropped 24% last quarter. Todd Lutsky stops by to help out some listeners of the program.
On this week's edition of Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky discusses problematic assets, taking the right steps to protect your 401k, and setting up a generation skipping trust.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes chat about the recent Bloomberg.com survey where economists believe the chance for a recession is about 70%. Media companies are shifting their priorities rapidly. Could Netflix merge with another popular streaming site? Will Jeff Bezos sell the Washington Post? How much will sports rights cost the networks?
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes discuss what the FED believes needs to happen to tame inflation, more job loss. The Bank of Japan made a surprise move last night, widening their target range for 10-year Japanese government bonds. Dan Griggs from OceanFirst Bank, joins the show to share his optimism for 2023.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong take a look at what is different between the potential 2023 recession and what happened in 2008, particularly in the housing market. Stocks continued their sell-off carrying over from last week. Toyota is pushing back against car companies that only push their EV's. Toyota believes that companies need a diversity of car products to remain competetive in the future.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong continue to wonder what is going on with Elon Musk at twitter. The guys try to figure out what Musk's next step will be after the results of his poll question came in. Morgan Stanley Strategist, Michael Wilson, believes the looming recession could get as bad as it did in 2008. Corey Adams, Robert Half, joins the show to look ahead to 2023 and how the job market could shape up.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong chat with Paul LaMonica about Elon Musk's recent Tesla stock sell-off, the public setiment of Tesla, and the recent rebate offer on lower-end models. Omair Sharif shares his insights into the current rate of inflation and tries to make sense of expectations for 2023. The markets are continuing to react strongly to recent data. Home flipping has cooled off since the summer. Why do companies do layoffs in December?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the markets continuing their downward trend as fears of recession are gripping investors. The Wall Street Journal released a poll that indicated 2/3's of Americans believe an economic downturn is coming in 2023. Twitter suspends multiple accounts from journalists representing CNN, Washington Post, New York Times and more. The US Government is trying to ban TikTok from government phones.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong continue their reaction to the Fed's rate hikes and what this means for the average consumer. Elon Musk has been selling billions of dollars worth of Tesla shares, does this shake Tesla share holders confidence? Major changes could be coming to the stock market, the SEC is proposing sweeping changes to help the individual investor.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the rate hike from the Fed and what analysts are expecting to happen in 2023. Senator Liz Warren has strong words for Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. Tech stocks have taken a nosedive this past year, will there be less volatility in the tech sector next year? Keystone Pipeline is still leaking and the ramifications are starting to pop up.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane worry that TikTok will be banned in the US and their favorite pastime will be no more. Mortgage rates have dropped after the recent CPI report. Bloomberg has an article telling you that waiting for home prices to drop is a bad move, why? SBF is sitting a Bahamian jail cell, will this saga ever end? Ticketmaster has screwed up again, will this be the last straw for Ticketmaster?
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the expectations that Jerome Powell and the Fed will raise interest rates by .5%. Will the Fed send us into the holiday's with optimism for 2023? The 10-year treasury yield has been wildly unpredictable this year, will the Fed reverse the inverted yield?
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky details the best person to name as your beneficiary and how to gift payments from your irrevocable trust.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti wonder why WeWork is failing during uncertain working conditions. Budweiser has tried to salvage their World Cup experience, is it working for the adult beverage giant? The Ford EV F150 won Motor Trend's Truck of the Year. Will this signal major changes for the traditional pickup truck companies? Sears, once a retail giant, has gone from 700 stores to just 25. How did the "Amazon" of its day crumble to significantly?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti breakdown the CPI report and why stocks surged off a solid report. Inflation appears to be cooling off, but will the FED's upcoming meeting reflect that? Big tech has experienced a big sell-off, will this trend turn around? Credit Suisse is trying to rebuild consumer confidence, is it too little too late?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong dissect the recent survey from Bloomberg that has retail investors and professional investors disagreeing on the position they should be in heading into 2023. Edward Lawrence, Fox Business, joins the show to preview the CPI report and the Fed meeting later this week. FTC vs Microsoft, will the tech giant get its way and actually get to purchase Activision?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the early morning rebound on the markets, after suffering the worst weekly losses since September. The guys react to some Fed projections for 2023, declines in earnings getting worse in Q4, and rising energy costs that will cost consumers big time.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong chat about the United Auto Workers picking up more members from a plant in Ohio that voted overwhelmingly to unionize. Costco sales came in short of expectations, but some remain optimistic about the bulk buying superstore, and their hot dogs are still $1.50.
Justin Vogt, Fuseideas, discusses the current state of the American College Student, and the growing belief that college is no longer necessary.
Paul LaMonica, CNN Business, takes a look at Netflix's recent performance and what the entire media landscape is looking like in this post-pandemic world.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the FTC bringing a suit to block Microsoft from purchasing Activision/Blizzard. Does this move actually keep competition alive in the video game space? Did the FTC go too far?
PPI numbers were released and they came in higher than expected. Does this show that inflation is far from over?
Foxconn sent a letter to the Chinese government in hopes the country would reverse their covid-zero policies. Did Foxconn really send the letter to get workers back in the facilities instead of protesting?
What are the rules for tipping during the holidays? Ted Rossman joins the show to discuss.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss used car prices continuing to free fall, TikTok is being sued by the state of Indiana, Apple is updating their cloud security, Germany solving their gas problem in record time, and James Royal joins the show to chat about what Gen Z is doing with their money, its not saving for retirement.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong chat about the confusing state of the housing market right now and what could happen over the next couple of months. Americans are not ditching the big banks in favor of smaller banks with greater savings returns, why? Will the ongoing FTX scandal spur the SEC to step up enforcement?
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes are concerned for millennials because 1 in 5 have had to move back in with their parents. Will the housing market cool off enough for millennials to start buying their own homes? Alexander Osipovich calls in to chat about his interview with SBF and what his thoughts are on what happens next. Meme stocks have finally come back to earth, Apple Cars, and Microsoft's potential deal with Activision.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes react to the fear of a potential recession for 2023 coming from some of the big names in banking. China's markets are starting to rebound off news that the strict covid-zero policies will start being lifted. Todd Lutsky stops by to discuss planning your estate and understanding who should be your beneficiaries.
On this week's edition of Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky discusses the Ghost Life Expectancy and details how you go about selecting who your beneficiary should be.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes react to the news that Taiwan Semiconductor is planning to invest $40B towards its manufacturing plants in Arizona. This would mark one of the largest direct foreign investments anywhere in the US. China's markets are starting to see some gains due to the government easing covid policies. California fast-food workers are celebrating today, the state has approved a new minimum wage for fast-food workers.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes discuss Jamie Dimon's comments about inflation likely causing a recession in 2023. Crypto Currencies are facing more and more scrutiny, could we soon see the end of crypto? Pepsi is reportedly laying off hundreds of corporate workers across the US.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Apple's announcement that they will be shifting iPhone production away from the world's most populous country. Could the world's second most populous country be the new home for Apple's iPhone production?
Delta Airlines and their pilots have reach a preliminary agreement in new wages for the pilots. The pilots will receive pay increases up to 30% over the next four years. Will this create a domino affect for pilots of other airline?
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti wonder how the Fed will react to last week's jobs report and how the Fed will manage expectations heading into the new year. Could interest rates hit 5% in 2023?
The streaming landscape could look very different soon. Warner Bros Discovery will combine its Discovery+ and HBO Max services into one service, possibly called "Max".
OPEC+ agreed to stick to its existing policy of reducing oil production ahead of Russia sanctions. Will this cause more harm than good?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong are curious as to why middle-aged men have had an extremely difficult time finding work in a post-pandemic world. More information is coming out about Disney's decision to fire Bob Chapek. Paul LaMonica joins the show to discuss Petco beating Q3 expectations and what could be next for the pet superstore.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong review the November jobs report, which blew past expectations, and question how the Fed will respond to this news. The Rail Strike was averted but did Congress go too far in forcing the unions? Good news for people living in the most expensive cities in the US, next year the maximum home loans are going up.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong are joined by Rachel Premack, FreightWaves.com, to chat about the ongoing negotiations between rail companies and potential rail-strikers. Elon Musk and Tim Cook apparently settled their differences during a meeting at Apple HQ. Killer robots are now invading San Francisco and possibly a city near you!
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the recent comments from the FED about inflation continuing into 2024, the recent PCE report showing a positive trend, Sam Bankman-Fried is somehow still pulling the wool over the eyes of many, and China finally showing an ability to tame covid.
On this week's edition of Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky details some of the things you need to know if you plan on gifting your property to your child, and what implications that decision may have.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti look at how the Eurozone is trying to tame inflation, and how the region has started to turn things around heading into a possible brutal winter.
Congress is trying to solve the riddle that is the looming rail strike, will they bridge the gap in time for the holidays?
Sarah Foster, Bankrate.com, checks in on how expensive this holiday season could get with rising prices across most holiday related sectors.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti dig through the October JOLTS report and wonder how the FED will react to this data ahead of their final November speech.
Mortgage rates are dropping, housing demand drops further, when will we hit the bottom of the housing market?
The 10-year Treasury yield rises on GDP revision, while investors wait for Jerome Powell's speech.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti weigh in on the looming battle between Elon Musk's Twitter and Tim Cook's Apple.
Will the DoJ nix the proposed merger between two grocery giants, Kroger and Albertsons?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to comments made by Fed President, John Williams, about the timeline of getting inflation under control.
Protests in China have tanked the markets across the globe. Will policy changes lead to tremendous gains on the Chinese markets?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong wonder how Disney managed to pull off an astounding feat, having the best holiday weekend and the worst holiday weekend.
The continuing drama surrounding FTX has claimed another victim. BlockFi is the latest crypto company to file for bankruptcy.
E-Sports was supposed to be the next big thing in entertainment, but a decade later and nobody seems to making money with this venture, why?
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the ongoing protests in China and why the protests are disrupting global markets to this level.
Consumers spent more money on Black Friday than ever before. Have they heard that a recession is coming?
Jay Powell will give a speech this Wednesday, could we get a glimpse into what he will do come December 15th?
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes wonder if Small Business Saturday could eclipse Black Friday in the near future. Ted Rossman from Bankrate.com shares his perspective.
Paul LaMonica joins the show to chat about Hasbro and how the legendary toy maker could perform this holiday season.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes dive into the Credit Suisse scandal, the bank is projecting a loss of $1.6B.
More distressing news has come out of the FTX bankruptcy hearing. Was SBF just robbing his own company?
On this edition of 'Ask Todd', Todd Lutsky discusses which scenarios you should be gifting your assets to your loved ones, and which scenarios you should avoid gifting assets.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes wonder if the reappointment of Bob Iger to CEO will actually make a difference for the media giant. Could big changes be in store for users of Disney+?
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes take a deep dive into today's hottest business news. Diesel prices are still through the roof, but capacity is increasing, will this be enough to keep our homes warm this winter?
Investors have slowed down purchasing houses, could that lead to a drop in home values and allowing younger purchasers to enter the market?
Greg McBride, Bankrate.com, stops by to discuss how Americans have shifted their financial priorities in the last few years.
Mike Armstrong and Chuck Zodda continue to cover the stunning collapse of Carvana. The company that was supposed to be the Amazon of Used Cars has lost $1.1B in two weeks.
Mike and Chuck are concerned that airlines are pushing safety out the door in favor of profits, the airlines are now pushing for one pilot in the cockpit.
Finally, an all-time merger blunder is back in the spotlight, AT&T & Time Warner.
Mike Armstrong and Chuck Zodda discuss the news coming from Disney late Sunday night. CEO Bob Chapek is out, former CEO Bob Iger is back. The markets have reacted positively to this major shake up.
Mike and Chuck also chat about the US stock market being the only bright spot globally for investors, the FED and their aggresive rate hikes, and what has happened to American's savings accounts since the start of the pandemic?
Mike Armstrong and Chuck Zodda discuss the recent news that Budweiser is essentially sidelined from the World Cup.
Jessica Lautz calls in to chat about the current state of the housing market, and what the near future might look like.
Paul LaMonica takes a deeper dive into the Home Depot earnings, and why there shouldn't be too much optimism for the retailer.
Mike Armstrong and Chuck Zodda return with some troubling news coming out of the tech world. Everyone knows the issues at Twitter, but could Elon Musk be right? META is having major issues blowing through money on useless projects. How can you trust META with anything anymore?
Mike Armstrong and Chuck Zodda take a look at how Amazon is handling its cost-cutting measure, laying off 10,000 employees, and what could be next for the giant company.
Chuck and Mike have some interesting ideas on how to help Elon Musk achieve his goals at Twitter.
Are we seeing the end of giant office buildings? According to business professors in New York, it's only getting worse.
Finally, Chuck has convinced himself he wants one of the newly announced Prius's.
Mike Armstrong and Chuck Zodda dissect the 30 page FTX bankruptcy filing. Mike and Chuck are stunned by some of the findings in the report, including company funds being used for employee homes.
Also on the show, the guys are hopeful that supply-chain issues are starting to ease, just in time for the holidays. What will this mean for major retailers?
The Boston housing market is facing major difficulties amid ongoing inflation fears and rapidly shifting mortgage rates.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes speak with Sarah Foster, Bankrate.com, about how holiday spending might not get back to normal just yet and why younger shoppers are feeling the pressure.
Chuck Zodda and Brendan Hayes react to Esther George, Kansas City Fed President, warning that bringing inflation down could cause serious cooling to the economy.
Retailers sales rose for the month of October, but could we be facing an inflection point as we head into the holiday season?
On this edition of "Ask Todd", Todd examines some of the best ways to gift assets to loved ones, without getting penalized come tax time.
Mike Armstrong chats with Omair Sharif, Founder Inflation Insights, about the latest CPI report, and why the markets reacted in the manner they did.
Corey Adams, Regional Director for Robert Half, joins Mike Armstrong in an important discussion about what companies are doing for employees instead of year-end bonuses.
Mike Armstrong and Brendan Hayes cover the G20 meeting between President Biden and President, and what could emerge from these meetings. Will the Chinese economy start to recover?
Mike and Brendan also react to the release of the PPI data, and the stock market takes full notice.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti chat with the CEO of ZelCore, Timothy Tully, about what exactly FTX had been doing, how it got into the mess it did, and what we need to know about crypto exchanges.
Young workers, 20-24, have not seemed to enter the workforce yet, Mike and Marc wonder what they are doing, when they will enter the job market, and how their presence could push older workers out.
EV cars are the wave of the future, Mike and Marc weigh the pros and cons of buying an EV right now vs sometime in the near future.
Retailers are preparing for a busy holiday season, but this holiday season could be a major boon for consumers, retailers are sitting on too much inventory.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to the Fed trying tamper the CPI fueled optimism. Some investors are still concerned about the tech industry even with last weeks major rally. Disney is the latest company to undergo major cost-cutting measures, including massive layoffs. Mike disagrees with Bloomberg about how the global economy has actually faired over the past couple of years.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti continue to react to the ongoing FTX scandal. FTX CEO resigns, files bankruptcy, and a lot of angry customers.
Michael Valila, DAV Assistant Adjutant, joins the show to discuss his journey in the military and you can support your local veterans.
Lisa Hughes, WBZ TV, and Dan Stack, DAV Adjutant, stop by to discuss this weekends DAV 5K event in Boston, and how you can get involved with a wonderful charity that supports our veterans.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to the stock market continuing to build gains after yesterdays release of the October CPI data.
Susan Li, Fox Business, joins the show to discuss the stock market surge and what to expect moving forward towards the holiday season.
Amazon has made some major changes with some of their properties. Amazon's cost-cutting measures could have big impacts on Alexa.
China is easing some of its Covid restrictions that have been in place. Will this be enough to start turning around the Chinese economy?
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti are joined by Gwynn Guilford, Wall Street Journal Reporter, to break down the release of the CPI data and discuss the optimism on the markets post release.
Mike and Marc take a look at the current prices of fuel, and what that could mean heading into the winter months.
Coleman Nee calls into the show to chat about the upcoming DAV5k event in Boston, supporting Disabled American Veterans.
Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti dive into the October CPI numbers and how the stock market surged even though the CPI numbers didn't meet expectations.
Crypto giant FTX is on the brink of collapse after Binance pulls out of a potential investment. Mike and Marc don't normally dabble in crypto but have some strong thoughts about what may come next.
On today's edition of "Ask Todd", estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan dove into gifting assets and money as it pertains to estate planning. Todd also fields some calls about selling stocks from fifty years ago, managing familial assets as parents start to age into retirement, and much more.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti look at a potential interest rate rise to 6% and how Wall Street is already factoring that in.
Tripp Mickle, NY Times, joins the show to chat about Apple and their looming battle with China.
Binance throws FTX a lifeline but terrifies investors in the process.
Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss how the markets are reacting to the midterm election results and how the market may continue to drop with ongoing election uncertainty.
Meta is laying off 11,000 employees from across its multiple businesses and why shares of the company jumped 7.7% since the announcement. Marc and Paul chat about where these big tech companies are feeling the most pain.
Mike Armstong and Emily Bary of Marketwatch explore why the tech industry has to lay off a substantial part of their workforce and what could be next for big tech.
Young Americans are getting part-time jobs to supplement their full-time incomes. Is this a trend that is going to get worse for the younger members of the workforce?
Airfare prices have been skyrocketing due to fuel costs and a drastic shift in travel plans. Will the airline industry figure out how to limit costs and drop prices during a pilot shortage?
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane take a look at past midterm election results and how those results impacted the stock market.
What should you do if you win the Powerball jackpot? Mike and Paul have some ideas on how to protect your money.
China could possibly reopen to the outside world soon, but Goldman Sachs doesn't think that is in the near future.
CPI data is scheduled to be released later this week. Some people think optimism is in order, but does the Fed think so?
Jessica Lautz, VP Demographics at NAR, joins the show to share a disturbing trend for first time home buyers and the current state of the housing market.
How will the midterm elections affect the markets? Will a shift in congress be necessary to get the economy back on track.
Chuck Zodda and Marc Fanetti discuss the news that Meta is expected to lay off thousands of workers this week. Elon Musk laid off thousands of employees at Twitter last week but might be inviting some of those terminated employees back.
Apple is experiencing delays in the production on iPhones due to ongoing Covid 19 restrictions in China. Exports from China have dropped dramatically while global trade is declining rapidly.
Berkshire Hathaway suffered a $2.69 billion net loss in the third quarter while operating earnings rose by $1.3 billion from last year. Warren Buffett would prefer you look at those operating earnings.
Jamie Lane, VP of Research at AirDNA, called into the show to talk about what's going on with AirBnb and how the travel industry has shifted.
(2:48) - The guys open the week's final hour reviewing Starbucks' earnings, which showed record sales and $8b in revenue for the company.
(13:51) - Jamie Lane, VP of Research at AirDNA, called into the show to talk about what's going on with AirBnb and how the travel industry has shifted.
(20:55) - Stack roulette.
(32:58) - Paul LaMonica from CNNBusiness joined the show to discuss DraftKings and how the company has grown.
(1:03) - Chuck and Mike kickoff Friday's show with a detailed look at the October jobs report, which saw 261k jobs added to the economy.
(15:44) - Weighing in on Elon Musk's immediate mass layoffs at Twitter just days after he took over the company.
(28:09) - Discussing how Massachusetts legislators agreed to a $3.8 billion spending bill that doesn't include any tax relief.
(36:53) - An update on COVID in China as speculation continues that the country's "zero COVID" policy will end soon.
(6:22) - Discussing how this holiday season is going to bring extremely high travel volume across the country.
(12:21) - Greg Robb from MarketWatch joined the show for a conversation about the Federal Reserve, specifically the path the central bank took to get where it is now.
(21:49) - Discussing how buy now, pay later platforms are driving serious amounts of debt, particularly for Gen Z'ers.
(34:14) - Stack roulette.
(0:55) - Chuck and Mike open the show reviewing Jay Powell's comments after another 75bps rate hike from the Fed.
(16:44) - A more in-depth look at the Fed and its policy decisions, and how its affecting the finances of Americans.
(24:35) - Talking about a number of "pandemic darling" stocks that have come crashing back down to Earth.
(34:58) - Touching on Robinhood cutting their losses after the app's transaction revenue dropped.
On today's edition of "Ask Todd", estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan dove into gifting assets and money as it pertains to estate planning. Todd elaborated on how much someone can gift to a family member in a year without being taxed, and what should be considered in regards to estate planning before making a gift. He also took calls from listeners and previewed C&D's new guide for November, "To Gift Or Not To Gift: Tax Implications To Consider."
(3:54) - The guys start hour two taking a look at the JOLTS report for September, which saw vacancies climb back up to 10.7 million.
(15:02) - Talking about how many Americans have a higher savings account rate than millions of mortgages.
(25:18) - A conversation about Airbnb, which reported record revenue for the quarter as travel demand stays high.
(38:33) - Stack roulette.
(0:55) - Chuck and Paul open the show previewing the 2pm Fed policy decision and discussing what's next for the Central Bank.
(15:14) - Touching on the increasing cost of building in and around Boston .
(24:38) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(1:48) - Starting hour two with a look at the new car market, where prices are finally beginning to cool.
(14:51) - A conversation about a federal judge blocking publisher Penguin Random House's acquisition of Simon & Schuster.
(23:28) - Discussing a potential upcoming strike for Delta Airlines pilots as their contracts, signed in 2016, come to an end.
(36:36) - Bill Driscoll, Senior District President at Robert Half, joined the show to talk about the hiring habits of senior managers across the country.
(2:18) - Mike and Paul begin Tuesday's show talking about the Fed meeting and what to expect in terms of a policy decision.
(13:36) - Touching on the JOLTS report for September ahead of the October jobs report on Friday.
(26:28) - Talking about how the Biden administration is calling for penalties on oil and gas companies for "windfall" profits.
(35:47) - Weighing in on rumors that China may soon end the "zero COVID" policy that the country has had in place since the start of the pandemic.
(2:06) - Starting the second hour discussing New York's new law that requires companies to disclose salaries on job postings.
(13:47) - Touching on Ford's decision to offer either a severance package or performance enhancement plan to a number of its white collar workers.
(28:00) - Talking about how higher interest rates are fueling losses at The Federal Reserve, and whether or not that's consequential.
(33:35) - Stack roulette.
(4:45) - Mike and Marc open the show previewing the week ahead, which will bring a slew of economic data as well as an abundance of earnings reports.
(18:20) - Discussing the new stimulus program for first-time homebuyers in Massachusetts.
(27:18) - A conversation about Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter. What's next for the platform and can Elon make the financials work?
(33:34) - Touching on whether or not rate squeezes are punishing once-triumphant tech stocks.
(25:32) - Joe Boschulte, Commissioner of the USVI Department of Tourism, joined the show to talk about all that the USVI has to offer and to explain why the USVI is an ideal place not only to visit, but to live.
(2:41) - Hour two starts with a discussion about earnings from major oil companies and what they could tell us about oil heading into winter.
(14:08) - Touching on Mayor Michelle Wu's plans to revitalize the Downtown Crossing area of Boston.
(25:32) - Joe Boschulte, Commissioner of the USVI Department of Tourism, joined the show to talk about all that the USVI has to offer and to explain why the USVI is an ideal place not only to visit, but to live.
(34:15) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to detail Meta's struggles and what could lie ahead for the company.
(0:55) - Chuck and Mike begin the week's final show talking about Amazon's earnings miss and weak guidance, which sent the stock 10% lower.
(13:57) - Wrapping up a major week of earnings and drawing conclusions from what we've seen from various companies.
(25:02) - A conversation about Elon Musk officially acquiring Twitter and immediately firing the CEO and CFO.
(34:38) - Greg McBride of Bankrate called into the show to talk about Bankrate's survey regarding Americans' retirement savings.
(3:11) - Chuck and Mike begin hour two with a conversation about Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter, which is set to become official on Friday.
(13:08) - Discussing how middle-class Americans are no longer experiencing a "wealth boom".
(21:35) - Talking about Ford's $2.7 billion loss due to the automaker's venture with driverless tech company Argo.
(33:54) - Stack roulette.
(1:24) - The guys begin the show breaking down the GDP data for Q3. GDP accelerated at a 2.6% annualized rate vs. 2.3% expected.
(12:31) - Jeremy Owens of MarketWatch called into the show to give us a detailed look at the tech sector, which leads to a more in-depth discussion about Meta.
(32:45) - Touching on Zillow's plan to layoff 300 employees, or 5% of its total workforce.
(37:58) - Talking about Credit Suisse's rough couple years and what lies ahead for the company.
On "Ask Todd" today, Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan talked about the impact of using revocable or irrevocable trusts on a family's taxes. Todd discussed how one of these trusts is much simpler than the other one, and also clarified what the tax implications are for both types of trusts. He also took listener calls and previewed C&D's October guide, "The Ins And Outs Of Many Common Estate Planning Trusts".
(2:27) - Kicking off the second hour discussing how bear markets often experience a bounce like the once we are currently seeing.
(12:52) - The guys talk about how inflation-driven rental prices are forcing more people to live with roommates.
(21:45) - A conversation about what the latest "magic number" is that Americans need to save for retirement.
(35:53) - Stack roulette.
(2:08) - Chuck and Mike spend the first segment reviewing disappointing earnings from both Google and Microsoft.
(13:53) - Touching on how housing prices have fallen the most since 2009, causing the hot housing market to slow down.
(23:46) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(1:43) - The guys start the second hour with a conversation about the housing market, particularly how its affecting builders and buyers.
(13:50) - Sarah Foster of Bankrate joined the show to give an update on "The Great Resignation" and how workers are viewing it at this stage.
(21:55) - Touching on how banks are now offering 4.5% CDs and not just to their regular customers.
(36:57) - Stack roulette.
(4:29) - Mike and Paul open Tuesday's show discussing what another quarter of negative GDP could mean for the economy.
(15:48) - Talking about the various ways that inflation can be measured and which data is most telling.
(25:02) - Touching on General Motors' $3.3 billion profit in Q3 as inventory at dealerships rose steadily.
(35:27) - Weighing in on the Chinese national congress wrapping up along with how Chinese stocks are slumping since the congress commenced.
(2:31) - Chuck and Mike start hour two with a discussion about why Massachusetts businesses are still struggling to find workers.
(14:36) - Talking about how Europe's economy is in a difficult situation ahead of a tough winter.
(22:02) - Touching on how the IRS is raising contribution limits for 401k and IRA plans amidst high inflation.
(35:31) - Stack roulette.
(0:59) - The week opens with a preview of the massive slew of earnings due out and how they could impact markets.
(12:09) - Touching on the San Francisco Fed President's comments suggesting that the Fed should slow its pace of aggressive rate hikes.
(23:33) - A conversation about how much volume Airbnb hosts are seeing now compared to pre and mid-pandemic.
(36:51) - Rishi Sunak is set to take over as UK Prime Minister, and the guys breakdown what that means for the country's economy.
(3:42) - The week's final hour starts with a conversation about what the major Social Security COLA increase means from a tax standpoint.
(11:55) - Touching on the Conference Board's Leading Economic Indicators index, which is declining and is worrying some economists.
(21:27) - Stack roulette.
(32:24) - Paul LaMonica from CNNBusiness called into the show to detail Snap's earnings and markets' negative response.
(1:25) - Opening Friday's show reviewing Snap's Q3 earnings, which sent the stock spiraling down over 25%.
(10:58) - Discussing how U.S. officials are growing uncomfortable with Elon Musk's actions in regards to Starlink/Ukraine as well as Twitter.
(22:29) - Touching on how the U.S. is considering expanding its China tech ban to quantum computing.
(33:06) - Talking about how Somerville & Milton were named by Money Magazine as two of the top places to live in the U.S.
(2:13) - Opening the second hour with a conversation about China's all-but-inevitable invasion of Taiwan.
(12:30) - Dr. Lawrence Yun of the National Association of Realtors joined the show to talk about existing home sales data for Sept., which showed a continued decline in sales.
(20:28) - Discussing St. Louis Fed President James Bullard's recent comments and debating whether or not the Fed has a systemic issue.
(33:57) - Stack roulette.
(1:06) - Chuck and Mike kickoff Thursday's show talking about British Prime Minister Liz Truss resigning after just 45 days in office.
(13:45) - Taking a look at Tesla after the company reported Q3 earnings that saw near-record profit but also a miss on delivery targets.
(25:35) - Discussing how short interest in U.S. energy stocks is increasing as investors hunker down ahead of a potential recession.
(31:13) - Weighing in on the amount of Americans that have no money invested in stocks as volatility rules markets.
On today's "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan spoke at length about the different types of trusts that are often looked at when estate planning is being done. Todd elaborated on the purpose of many of these trusts, including pooled trusts, which are not typically prepared during estate planning. He also took calls from listeners and previewed C&D's guide for October, "The Ins And Outs Of Many Common Estate Planning Trusts".
(1:57) - Chuck and Brendan begin hour two talking about the Biden administration's energy policies and what they're looking to do next.
(14:10) - Touching on how inflation is causing the IRS to raise tax brackets for 2023.
(21:21) - Weighing in on holiday spending as retailers cross their fingers that shoppers will spend a lot despite high inflation.
(33:55) - Ted Rossman from Bankrate joined the show to discuss a survey that showed how lending money to friends can often go awry.
(4:28) - Wednesday's show starts with a conversation about Netflix, which reported better-than-expected earnings buoyed by solid subscriber growth.
(15:24) - Discussing how the Boston-area housing market is cooling off significantly as inventory increases.
(22:53) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(3:50) - Opening the second hour with a discussion about what Wall Street is expecting in terms of inflation.
(12:57) - Corey Adams from Robert Half called into the show to talk about how employees across the country are feeling about their bosses.
(21:14) - Touching on how Netflix is trying hard to get subscribers to return to the platform amidst a decline in visits.
(36:51) - Stack roulette.
(5:52) - Mike and Brendan begin the show taking a look at how the utilities sector has fared so far this year.
(11:45) - Nick Jasinski of Barron's joined the show to give a detailed look at earnings season so far.
(24:50) - Weighing in on The White House's decision to release 15-20 million more barrels from the country's strategic oil reserve.
(34:09) - Touching on Microsoft laying off more workers due to a slowdown in earnings growth for the company.
(4:06) - Starting hour two with a conversation about how gas supplies around New England are tightening and the risk of a blackout is increasing.
(13:01) - Touching on how American executives at Chinese companies are stuck in limbo after the latest round of restrictions on chip exports to China.
(31:10) - Talking about Meta's major troubles as it relates to the Metaverse, where the company has fallen well short of its goals.
(39:58) - Stack roulette.
(6:00) - Chuck and Mike open the week talking about what the UK government is doing to dig itself out of its financial turmoil.
(12:42) - Touching on how a majority of economists are predicting a recession and job losses by next year.
(26:13) - Discussing James Bullard's comments hinting that the Fed may very well implement another 75bps rate hike at its November meeting.
(33:22) - Weighing in on whether Massachusetts is heading in a bad direction as local business groups are fearing.
(2:00) - The guys start the second hour with a conversation about the ongoing financial turmoil in the United Kingdom.
(15:54) - A discussion about how different Social Security will be by the time Millennials and young baby boomers reach retirement age.
(23:08) - Touching on Netflix's plan to begin its ad-tier service next month.
(30:18) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to talk about how bank stocks are faring so far with their earnings.
(1:02) - Chuck and Mike kickoff the final show of the week with a recap and historical context of Thursday's wild turnaround in markets.
(12:14) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate called into the show to discuss the retail sales data for September, which was flat on a monthly basis.
(27:21) - Discussing what the chances are of another major Fed hike by year's end and how these hikes are affecting mortgage rates.
(34:03) - Talking about Amazon's October Prime Day and the lack of attention it received as opposed to its original July Prime Day.
(4:25) - Chuck and Mike kickoff the second hour reviewing the current, somewhat dire financial situation with the Bank of England.
(11:28) - Jacob Sonenshine of Barron's joined the show to talk about what we should expect from companies during earnings season.
(23:20) - Weighing in on Apple's decision to withhold new employee perks from stores that have unionized.
(34:49) - Stack roulette.
(0:58) - The guys start the show breaking down the CPI report for September and discussing the market's reaction to the data.
(11:37) - Talking about the Fed Funds Rate and why the change that it has undergone may give reason to be optimistic.
(27:36) - A conversation about how the recent restrictions on chip exports to China will affect the U.S.-China relationship.
(36:30) - Touching on Intel's major reduction in headcount, in particular cutting 20% of staff in the sales and marketing department.
On "Ask Todd" today, estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan went over the basics and the intricacies of trusts that are commonly used for estate planning. He dove into the advantages and disadvantages of these trusts and how they can be used to help people avoid probate. He also took listener calls and previewed C&D's new October guide, "The Ins And Outs Of Many Common Estate Planning Trusts".
(4:27) - Opening hour two with a discussion about oil after Saudi Arabia agreed to OPEC+'s major oil cut.
(17:07) - Touching on Uber, Lyft, and Doordash's stock dips due to a potential new law that could change the definition of a "gig worker" or contractor.
(28:36) - Talking about the increase in riskier home loans being taken out as mortgage rates continue to rise.
(40:07) - Stack roulette.
(1:16) - Chuck and Paul begin the show reviewing the Producer Price Index (PPI) data for September, which was slightly higher than expected.
(15:19) - Talking about what Wall Street's expectations for earnings season are as many companies struggle with a tight labor market and inflation.
(24:11) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(1:26) - The guys begin hour two talking about the Social Security COLA update coming later this week.
(15:02) - Heather Haddon of The Wall Street Journal joined the show to discuss Burger King's shifting business model.
(22:12) - Weighing in on OPEC+'s decision to cut oil production and pondering what the U.S. can do to counter this action.
(36:26) - Stack roulette.
(1:38) - Mike and Brendan open Tuesday's show discussing JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon's comments that a recession is like in six to nine months.
(11:48) - Touching on the myriad of speaking engagements across the Federal Reserve and what Fed officials are saying in regards to the central bank's plans.
(20:57) - A conversation about whether good news for the current economy is bad news in terms of Fed policy and stock market reaction.
(31:18) - Covering the UK's continued financial turbulence as the Bank of England looks to expand its bond market rescue.
(1:53) - Opening hour two talking about the start of earnings season and what we might expect to hear from companies in their quarterly calls.
(12:28) - Touching on EV-maker Rivian's mass recall of nearly all of its vehicles due to loose fasteners.
(22:52) - Taking a look at the housing market, which continues to undergo a change as higher interest rates shake things up.
(35:25) - Stack roulette.
(1:27) - Mike and Marc start the week with analysis of the labor market following Friday's report.
(11:10) - Previewing the inflation data that will be released this week, most notably the CPI data due on Wednesday.
(22:32) - Discussing how the traditional "60-40" portfolio has suffered this year as stocks and bonds have suffered major losses.
(31:46) - A conversation about the continued struggles that the UK is having in its fight against inflation.
(4:48) - The final hour of the week opens with the guys giving an update on the Elon Musk/Twitter saga.
(13:12) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate joined the show to talk about what Americans have planned in regards to travel for the holiday season.
(23:23) - Touching on how Amazon plans to hire 150 thousand new employees ahead of the holiday season.
(34:03) - Paul LaMonica from CNNBusiness called into the show to discuss cannabis company Tilray.
(1:28) - Chuck and Mike begin the week's final show dissecting the September jobs report, which revealed the U.S. added 263k jobs for the month.
(14:36) - Discussing how car inventories are starting to build with new and used vehicles, however prices are also increasing.
(26:41) - Touching on how chipmakers such as Samsung and AMD are seeing a sharp drop in demand.
(36:13) - Weighing in on Credit Suisse's offer to buy back a large chunk of the company's own debt.
(1:53) - The guys open the second hour with a conversation about Peloton, which is making a fourth round of layoffs, this time cutting 12% of its remaining workforce.
(13:46) - Levi Sumagaysay of MarketWatch called into the show to talk about Starbucks, which is under fire for how it has handled unionization pushes across the country.
(22:15) - Weighing in on the Elon Musk/Twitter situation, which is in limbo despite Elon's filing to the SEC earlier this week that conveyed his desire to close the deal.
(34:06) - Stack roulette.
(1:31) - Chuck and Mike start Thursday's show taking a look around the economy, citing a variety of data and looking at various economic indicators while weighing in on inflation.
(12:12) - Discussing what the Federal Reserve can change in their ongoing battle against high inflation.
(22:39) - Touching on OPEC+'s agreement to slash oil production by two million barrels per day.
(32:04) - Mark Hamrick of Bankrate called into the show to preview the September jobs report due out on Friday morning.
(5:15) - The guys open hour two talking about how the strength of the dollar can greatly impact companies doing business overseas.
(11:49) - Jacob Sodenshine of Barron's called into the show to discuss the mixed signals of the current economy and whether or not there's a lot of downside left in markets.
(23:26) - Touching on how the U.S. is aiming to further restrict high-tech semiconductor exports to China.
(35:35) - Stack roulette.
(1:38) - Mike and Paul begin Tuesday's show with a recap of Monday's strong rally, in which the Nasdaq and S&P had their best first days of a quarter since 2009.
(12:34) - Discussing how a survey of global CEO's revealed that many are predicting a "mild and short" recession in the next 12 months.
(23:02) - Touching on the JOLTS report for August, which showed a 10% in job openings in the latest sign that the job market is cooling.
(30:53) - A conversation about how retail real estate is no longer plentiful like it was the past two years.
(5:08) - Chuck and Mike kickoff hour two with a conversation about Tesla, which delivered a record number of vehicles in Q3 but still fell short of expectations.
(13:55) - The guys talk about how discounts at supermarkets are now harder to come by as food prices continue to rise.
(22:10) - Stephanie Smith, Executive Director of the America's Credit Union Museum, joined the show to talk about the museum's mission and the ongoing "Herstory" exhibit.
(36:15) - Stack roulette.
(1:30) - The week begins with analysis of what we've seen across equity and bond markets in 2022.
(13:40) - Steve Goldstein, EU Bureau Chief for Marketwatch, joined the show for an in-depth look at the economy across Europe.
(24:09) - Touching on how Kim Kardashian settled with the SEC for over $1 million due to not disclosing that she had been paid $250k to promote cryptocurrency.
(36:32) - Discussing how the car market is faring amidst soaring demand as well as high interest rates.
Dr. Hunter Threadgill from Simply Business joined the show to talk about the company's survey of small businesses.
(4:10) - The guys start the hour with a conversation about Apple, which lost 5% (or $120B) in their market cap on Wednesday.
(14:25) - Dr. Hunter Threadgill from Simply Business joined the show to talk about the company's survey of small businesses.
(22:23) - Touching on Mexico's plans to build a $5 billion LNG plant on the Veracruz port.
(34:49) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness called into the show to discuss Beyond Meat's fall from grace, as the company is now trading near its all-time low.
(2:28) - Chuck and Mike begin the week's final show reviewing the consumer spending, personal income, and PCE data for August.
(15:16) - Talking about what to expect from consumers during the upcoming holiday shopping season.
(23:38) - Discussing Mark Zuckerberg's decision to freeze hiring at Meta as the company continues to struggle with growth.
(35:24) - Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan called into the show for a final reminder to get C&D's September guide.
Mike Simonsen from Altos Research called into the show for an in-depth look around the housing market.
(2:06) - Starting hour two with a conversation about the United Kingdom and the economic issues piling up for the country.
(12:52) - Mike Simonsen from Altos Research called into the show for an in-depth look around the housing market.
(22:02) - Discussing how Jay Powell and the Fed may be looking for asset prices to come down in order to disrupt spending power for the wealthy.
(36:07) - Stack roulette.
(1:39) - Chuck and Mike open the show discussing the economic fallout that will come as a result of Hurricane Ian's destruction in Florida.
(13:44) - Talking about a tone deaf article from the Washington Post that described seven supposed ways a recession could be beneficial financially.
(24:12) - Examining what policies and economic actions could have an actual meaningful impact in the fight against inflation.
(36:41) - Touching on NATO formally blaming sabotage for damage to the Nord Stream pipeline.
On "Ask Todd" today, Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan explained the best ways for people to protect assets from long-term care while keeping in mind estate taxes. Todd elaborated on the best way to navigate estate planning when there's a lot of uncertainty, as well as which type of trust might be best for a balanced estate plan. He also took calls from listeners and previewed C&D's guide for September, "Balancing Estate Tax Reduction With Asset Protection Planning".
(2:36) - Beginning hour two with a conversation about St. Louis Fed Chief James Bullard, who is defending the Fed's credibility and pushing for more rate hikes.
(16:08) - Touching on Apple's decision to cancel the planned production boost for the new iPhone due to lack of demand.
(23:47) - The guys discuss how LeBron James and other NBA stars are planning to buy a pickle ball team in the professional pickle ball league.
(37:19) - Corey Adams from Robert Half joined the show for an extensive review of the 2023 salary guide.
(1:12) - Chuck and Paul kickoff the show talking about the Bank of England's decision to buy bonds in order to stabilize markets.
(15:09) - Discussing how the 10-year treasury briefly touched 4% overnight for the first time in 14 years.
(23:42) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(5:44) - Mike and Paul begin the second hour touching on President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan, which reportedly will cost $400 billion.
(13:47) - Discussing the nationwide teacher and staff shortages that countless schools are enduring.
(28:15) - Talking about how lumber prices have fallen to pre-pandemic levels after surging throughout last year.
(35:47) - Stack roulette.
(1:00) - The show opens with a discussion about current markets, and how an unwanted recession may be necessary in order to effectively combat inflation.
(11:14) - Covering durable goods orders for August, which decreased by 0.2% for the month as they continue to fall.
(25:29) - Talking about China, whose growth has fallen behind the rest of Asia for the first time since 1990.
(33:09) - A conversation about remote work and how it drove 60% of the home price surge during the pandemic.
(1:50) - The guys start the second hour talking about the UK's questionable way of dealing with high inflation.
(13:32) - A discussion about the U.S. beginning to have a shortage of land for housing development.
(28:08) - Touching on a report that consumers are still paying more money for healthier food options despite rising food costs.
(32:17) - Stack roulette.
(4:29) - After a week of heavy losses for stocks, Chuck and Mike opened the show discussing the "buy the dip" investment strategy.
(14:29) - Talking about how manufacturing jobs are booming at levels not seen since the 1970's.
(23:06) - A conversation about how many people from Generation Z feel that the 9 to 5 work life is not for them.
(36:41) - Weighing in on Toyota's response to critics of their major push for electric vehicles.
(1:06) - Continuing the discussion about the Federal Reserve and how the ongoing rate hikes will affect treasuries.
(11:31) - A conversation about how the changing attitudes of workers are causing a shift in the labor market.
(23:25) - Talking about the alliances that the U.S. has regarding semiconductors, and how those alliances could hurt China.
(33:21) - Stack roulette.
(0:48) - Mike and Marc start Thursday's show with a recap of the Federal Reserve's commentary yesterday after a third straight 75bps rate hike.
(10:47) - A deeper dive into the Fed's rate hike, including market reaction and expectations for the remainder of the year, including commentary from Christine Idzelis of Marketwatch.
(19:11) - Discussing how we know when a recession has begun. What indicators are most reliable?
(26:47) - A conversation about how rising rents are affecting the housing market in the U.S.
On today's "Ask Todd", estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky talked all about estate taxes as they relate to estate planning. Todd dove into the various types of taxes at the state and federal level that people should keep in mind when doing their planning, as well as how trusts and tax exemptions come into play when someone passes away. He also took listener calls and previewed Cushing & Dolan's September guide, "Balancing Estate Tax Reduction With Asset Protection Planning".
(3:15) - Chuck and Brendan start the second hour talking about how gas prices rose ever-so-slightly Tuesday, ending the streak of 99 straight days of declines.
(13:39) - Dr. Lawrence Yun from The National Association of Realtors called into the show for an extensive look at existing home sales for August.
(23:22) - Discussing how staffing shortages for the restaurant industry are beginning to ease slightly.
(37:35) - Stack roulette.
(1:36) - Opening the show with a conversation about the Federal Reserve ahead of the central bank's policy decision this afternoon.
(15:17) - Discussing how the car market can be a sneaky good indicator of how high inflation is.
(23:38) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(3:01) - The guys open hour two touching on Ford, whose stock is sinking today after an announcement that ongoing parts shortages will cut into the company's production.
(17:19) - A discussion about the airline industry, specifically how there may soon be sweeping reforms that could benefit passengers.
(29:01) - Talking about Mark Zuckerberg's net worth loss of $71 billion in 2022 alone as shares in Meta continue to slide.
(34:40) - Stack roulette.
(1:54) - Mike and Brendan give a comprehensive preview of tomorrow's Fed meeting and interest rate decision.
(12:59) - Discussing how much more the Fed will hike interest rates between now and 2023, and looking at how much that differs from initial forecasts earlier in the year.
(24:03) - A conversation about how the rising costs of rent and shelter could keep inflation higher for longer than anticipated.
(34:20) - Talking about how both tech job listings and tech salaries are much higher recently.
(2:08) - Opening hour two with a discussion about workers returning to the office. The U.S. has reached a new pandemic-high of employees that are going back to work.
(11:51) - Brigette Thornton from Robert Half called into the show to talk about wage gaps between men and women, as well as other work-related discrepancies.
(21:35) - A conversation about how more and more Americans are seeing long-term credit card debt.
(33:31) - Stack roulette.
(1:04) - Chuck and Mike begin the show previewing the week ahead, specifically talking about the implications of the Fed's policy decision on Wednesday.
(14:26) - Talking about the competence of the current members of the Federal Reserve and whether or not any of them will be replaced soon.
(28:06) - Touching on President Biden's 60 minutes appearance, in which he indicated the U.S. would fully support Taiwan if they came under attack.
(35:57) - Covering the lack of tech IPO's worth $50 million or more in the last 230+ days. What does it say about the economy?
(1:52) - The final hour of the week starts with a conversation about Jay Powell and the Fed. Just how far are they willing to take their battle against inflation?
(12:54) - The guys review the Biden Administration's framework for regulating cryptocurrency.
(21:46) - Touching on Adobe's acquisition of Figma, which has sent Adobe stock sliding the past two days.
(32:55) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to discuss the current standing of the Manchester United soccer club, which is a publicly traded company.
(0:59) - Opening the week's final show with a look at FedEx, whose stock is sinking after reporting disappointing quarterly earnings.
(12:54) - Touching on Bank of America's sentiment that the inflation shock isn't over and new lows are yet to be hit.
(24:07) - Discussing how more and more workers are heading to the picket line amidst sustained inflation and a tight labor market.
(35:07) - Talking about China's economy, which has shown slight improvement lately due to an influx of stimulus, however, the outlook remains dim in the near-term.
(1:47) - Hour two begins with a discussion about sensationalism in headlines and also why this economy is nothing like 2008.
(11:44) - Touching on Disney+'s possible plan to put its current streaming services into an all-in-one package.
(27:59) - Talking about how the Chicago and New York City areas may be the most at risk for a housing downturn in the near-term.
(32:47) - Stack roulette.
(1:04) - Mike and Marc open the show covering the agreement that U.S. rail workers reached in order to avoid a massive and detrimental strike.
(12:32) - Touching on the Producer Price Index (PPI) which rose 0.1% in August.
(23:46) - A discussion about the price of natural gas, which remans significantly lower in the U.S. than in Europe.
(32:29) - Greg McBride of Bankrate called into the show to talk about how many workers are receiving pay raises that are not keeping up with the pace of inflation.
On "Ask Todd" today, Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan led a discussion about the federal estate tax threshold as well as estate taxes as a whole. Todd explained how these thresholds change periodically and how he urges people to consider this when doing their estate planning. He also took calls from listeners and previewed C&D's new guide for September, "Balancing Estate Tax Reduction With Asset Protection Planning".
(5:40) - The guys have a discussion about how retailers such as Target and Walmart are urging Congress to go after Visa & Mastercard for their credit card swipe fees.
(14:54) - Touching on how self-checkout in various types of stores is becoming more and more prevalent.
(22:56) - Weighing in on the Biden Administration's $900 million electric vehicle infrastructure plan.
(33:42) - Stack roulette.
(0:57) - Chuck and Paul start Wednesday's show recapping the massive sell-off that markets endured due to the higher-than-expected CPI reading for August.
(13:51) - Talking about how incomes in the U.S failed to grow for the second straight year.
(23:05) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(6:34) - Opening hour two with a conversation about the labor market, specifically how some sectors are still missing many workers.
(13:48) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate called into the show to talk about holiday shopping for 2022, and how people are starting their shopping early this year.
(21:45) - Discussing how Starbucks is faring in this economy as well as weighing in on changes that they're slated to make in their stores.
(35:28) - Stack roulette.
(0:59) - Beginning the show covering the CPI reading for August, which was higher than expected after being flat in July.
(13:06) - Peter Earle from The American Institute of Economic Research called into the show to dive deeper into the disappointing CPI number, and explain what it means for the economy.
(24:17) - Touching on how U.S. gasoline prices continue to fall and have declined for 13 straight weeks.
(31:59) - Talking about how U.S. banks lost a record $370 billion last quarter, which was the first decline since 2018.
(4:42) - Opening the second hour with a conversation about how heat waves across the U.S. have negatively affected the quality of produce.
(13:35) - Talking about John Deere's billion dollar investment in self-driving tractors and "smart" crop sprayers.
(21:48) - Discussing how staff shortages and growing demand are causing waitlists for after-school care for children.
(35:45) - Stack roulette.
(4:37) - Chuck and Mike kickoff the week looking at inflation, specifically touching on Janet Yellen's comments regarding the influence of sustained inflation on the labor market.
(12:34) - Discussing a potentially consequential railroad strike of two unions that are comprised of nearly 60k workers.
(23:14) - Talking about how the hottest housing markets in the globe are facing a painful reset and interest rates rise.
(32:36) - An update on the MBTA, which had a Green Line train spark and smoke at Park Street Station due to overhead wire malfunctions.
(3:35) - The guys open the final hour of the week talking about the upcoming winter for Europe, which continues to struggle with a major gas shortage.
(14:13) - Discussing the Chinese real estate market, which could dictate the direction of the Chinese economy for years to come.
(21:55) - A conversation about potentially free education for college students in America. Is it realistic, and if so, would it do more harm than good?
(34:12) - Paul LaMonica from CNNBusiness called into the show to weigh in on meme stocks and the rollercoaster ride that they have experienced over the last two years.
(2:03) - Mike and Marc begin the week's final show discussing markets' positive response to Fed Chair Jay Powell's brief speech Thursday.
(14:58) - Weighing in on how inflation and the labor market will affect the outcome of the 2022 midterm elections.
(24:30) - Touching on how U.S. household spending jumped over twice as fast as household income in 2021.
(33:46) - Cate Deventer of Bankrate joined the show to discuss her piece on the affect that inflation is having on insurance rates.
(3:07) - Starting hour two with a discussion about Europe's gas crisis and also the plan that the U.S. has to help dig them out of it.
(15:22) - Talking about the direction of the housing market as indicators show that it is cooling in the U.S.
(22:01) - A conversation about the sustained popularity of remote work. Many workers are willing to take a pay cut in order to work from home.
(37:15) - Touching on the start of the NFL season along with Amazon Prime Video broadcasting most of the Thursday Night Football games.
(1:30) - Mike and Marc open the show with a conversation about the Federal Reserve, specifically what their expectations are for the Fed's next meeting.
(11:01) - Megan Cassella from Barron's called into the show to discuss the state of the labor market.
(24:10) - Continuing the discussion about the labor market. The guys debate whether or not the labor shortage is a long-term issue for the economy.
(33:28) - Weighing in on whether or not the Fed's battle against inflation will end up doing more harm than good for emerging markets.
Tripp Mickle from The New York Times called into the show to discuss just how much China influences the manufacturing and marketing of Apple's iPhone.
On today's edition of "Ask Todd", estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan elaborated on balancing estate tax regulations with proper asset protection planning. Todd talked about how estate taxes can change quickly and discussed why state estate taxes are especially important to pay attention to. He also took listeners' calls and previewed Cushing & Dolan's new September guide, "Balancing Estate Tax Reduction With Asset Protection Planning".
(2:40) - The guys open hour two weighing in on the continued "quiet quitting" phenomenon, as workers become less and less engaged at work.
(12:45) - Tripp Mickle from The New York Times called into the show to discuss just how much China influences the manufacturing and marketing of Apple's iPhone.
(22:33) - Touching on Target CEO Brian Cornell staying at the company for three more years after the retailer eliminated its mandatory retirement age of 65.
(33:04) - Stack roulette.
(1:41) - Mike and Brendan kickoff Wednesday's show discussing how investors are pouring into U.S. stocks in order to avoid even greater turbulence in overseas markets.
(12:37) - Continuing the conversation about why investors view U.S. markets as less risky than overseas markets.
(23:26) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(3:16) - Starting the second hour touching on how workers who are currently switching jobs are seeing substantial pay increases.
(14:16) - Ted Rossman from Bankrate called into the show to talk about credit cards, specifically their rising interest rates.
(25:23) - Covering the Department of Transportation's new tool that will give passengers insight into what airlines offer when a flight is delayed or canceled.
(34:52) - Stack roulette.
(1:49) - Mike and Brendan begin the week covering the death of Bed, Bath & Beyond CFO Gustavo Arnal. What's next for Bed, Bath & Beyond?
(11:04) - Discussing OPEC+'s decision to cut oil production by 100k barrels per day as gas prices continue to come down.
(23:43) - Weighing in on the Biden Administration's plan to invest $50 billion in semiconductor production.
(36:28) - Talking about the MBTA's announcement that the Green Line will have "super cars" by 2026, which will be much more modern and comfortable.
(2:30) - Chuck and Mike start the second hour with a conversation about how rising mortgage rates are tightening the debate between renting and buying.
(14:59) - A discussion about how many employees feel that remote work is removing them from the good graces of their superiors.
(22:05) - Touching on the fact that Zoom has an office, although it's not your typical office place.
(34:42) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness called into the show to talk about Petco and Chewy as spending on pets remains high in America.
(1:21) - The final show of the week opens with an in-depth look at the August jobs report, which saw 315k jobs added and an unemployment rate at 3.7%.
(17:00) - Wrapping up the discussion about the jobs report.
(23:42) - Talking about Wall Street's view of the economy amidst a slew of mixed economic data.
(37:10) - Touching on General Motors' recall of self-driving software that was put in some "robotaxis".
(3:07) - The guys start hour two touching on Toyota's decision to put billions of additional dollars into electric vehicle batteries.
(13:59) - Corey Adams from Robert Half joined the show to talk about the "quiet quitting" phenomenon, which entails employees simply going through the motions at work.
(22:15) - Covering Disney's exploration of an Amazon Prime-esque membership program.
(35:24) - Heather Haddon of The Wall Street Journal called into the show to talk about changes that Starbucks is seeing under CEO Howard Schultz.
(0:58) - The show begins with Chuck and Mike talking about how yet another ship got stuck in the Suez Canal on Wednesday night.
(12:06) - Discussing how investors are accepting that the Fed is going to stay hawkish for the foreseeable future.
(27:07) - Touching on Nvidia, which is sliding today after news chip sales to China will be restricted.
(36:03) - Weighing in on China's decision to lockdown the megacity of Chengdu due to COVID-19 concerns.
Alisha Haridasani Gupta of The New York Times joined the show to talk about how Silicon Valley is potentially changing childcare in a unique way.
On today's "Ask Todd", estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky gave us a detailed look at the medicaid application process. Todd dove into what applying for Medicaid is like, what steps come after the actual application itself, and why this process shouldn't be done alone. He also took calls from listeners and previewed Cushing & Dolan's guide for August, "Making Sense of The Medicaid Process".
(2:25) - Opening the second hour touching on Russia's halting of the Nordstream pipeline. Will it only last four days like Russia suggests?
(13:45) - Discussing workers' increased desire to be able to choose their own hours, regardless of in-person or remote work.
(21:59) - Weighing in on a potential law in California that would require all employers to begin posting salary on job listings.
(34:31) - Alisha Haridasani Gupta of The New York Times joined the show to talk about how Silicon Valley is potentially changing childcare in a unique way.
(1:23) - Chuck and Brendan kickoff the show with a conversation about how the Fed will react to labor data that is still indicating a strong job market.
(13:19) - Talking about the slowing of home-price growth, which is the latest indicator that the housing market is cooling.
(23:27) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(2:44) - The guys begin the second hour with a conversation about the best and worst times to retire.
(13:53) - A discussion about President Biden's student loan plan, which has economists split on its effectiveness.
(22:21) - Talking about the rise in popularity of buy now pay later platforms, which more Americans are using for groceries.
(34:30) - Stack roulette.
(1:55) - Mike and Paul start Tuesday's show discussing the affect of Fed policy across the broader economy.
(12:14) - Touching on the slew of job data that will be released this week. The JOLTS report this morning showed there were 11.2 million job openings at the end of July.
(23:28) - Talking about California's new legislation that will allow a government panel to set wages for the state's fast food workers.
(33:47) - A conversation the role that the job market and inflation play in contributing to how banks fare.
(2:54) - Opening hour two with a discussion about the future of in-person work and how employees are reacting to returning to the office.
(14:53) - Talking about how small businesses are having trouble with rising rent costs for commercial properties.
(22:54) - Taking a look at the U.S. economy, specifically looking at GDP and GDI to determine whether or not the economy is really shrinking.
(34:04) - Stack roulette.
(2:51) - Chuck and Mike begin the week with a conversation about Friday's sell-off, which came on the back of Jay Powell's speech at Jackson Hole.
(12:12) - Talking about the recent rally that stocks had been seeing leading up to last week when all of August's gains were erased.
(26:44) - Touching on retailers' struggles, which include sustained inventory overloads and increasingly cautious shoppers.
(34:28) - Weighing in on Honda and LG's plans to build a $4.4 billion battery factory in Ohio.
USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. joined the show to talk about the current happenings in the USVI as well as the struggles that the pandemic brought to the USVI economy.
(3:49) - The final hour of the week starts with a discussion about how President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan could impact inflation.
(12:19) - Kim Hehir, co-founder and president of Brutus Bone Broth, called into the show to talk about the impact that her company's product has had on longevity and overall health of dogs.
(21:09) - USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. joined the show to talk about the current happenings in the USVI as well as the struggles that the pandemic brought to the USVI economy.
(32:57) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness called into the show to touch on Zoom, which was a pandemic darling but is now struggling due to a myriad of factors.
(0:58) - Paul and Marc start the week's final show diving into the Fed, specifically Chairman Jay Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium.
(16:53) - Touching on mortgage rates hitting a two-month high of 5.55%. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has nearly doubled from a year ago.
(23:31) - Talking about how Starbucks illegally denied wage and benefit raises to union members.
(33:00) - A conversation about how the auto industry is reacting to California's 2035 EV mandate.
Stephanie Smith, Executive Director of America's Credit Union Museum, joined the show to discuss the museum's newest exhibit titled "Herstory" about women making history in the credit union industry.
(1:52) - Opening the second hour talking about California's plan to ban the sale of gasoline-powered vehicles starting in 2035.
(12:01) - Stephanie Smith, Executive Director of America's Credit Union Museum, joined the show to discuss the museum's newest exhibit titled "Herstory" about women making history in the credit union industry.
(22:18) - Talking about low-income shoppers pulling back in their spending as inflation takes its toll.
(38:15) - Stack roulette.
(0:58) - Chuck and Marc kickoff Thursday's show with a conversation about the Federal Reserve as the Jackson Hole Symposium in Wyoming gets underway.
(11:23) - Reviewing the Biden Administration's final plan to forgive student loans for millions of borrowers.
(23:12) - Discussing what's going on with treasury yields, specifically whether or not they are rising due to confidence in a longer economic recovery.
(35:59) - Touching on how Amazon will be shutting down "Amazon Care", a telehealth service that the tech giant provided briefly.
Joe Boschulte, Commissioner of the USVI Department of Tourism, joined the show to talk about all that the USVI has to offer and to explain why the USVI is not only an ideal place to visit but to live as well.
On "Ask Todd" today, Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan talked about the medicaid process, including common and uncommon situations that can come into play when applying for medicaid. Todd discussed how different family situations, including one spouse being in a nursing home and the other being a community spouse, make the medicaid process more intricate. He also took listener calls and previewed Cushing & Dolan's August guide, "Making Sense of The Medicaid Process".
(3:01) - Starting the second hour with a conversation about how many workers that have quit or have been laid off are finding other jobs relatively quickly.
(16:45) - Touching on Amazon Prime and DirectTV's deal to broadcast Thursday Night Football in bars and restaurants.
(22:15) - Joe Boschulte, Commissioner of the USVI Department of Tourism, joined the show to talk about all that the USVI has to offer and to explain why the USVI is an ideal place not only to visit, but to live.
(2:20) - Wednesday's show opens with a discussion about Pres. Biden's plan to cancel student loan debt for millions of Americans while extending the overall repayment pause.
(14:55) - Talking about how Saudi Arabia is considering cutting oil production in order to keep prices high.
(23:00) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(1:49) - Beginning hour two discussing the U.S. stepping up its enactment of sanctions on Russia as a result of its continued invasion of Ukraine.
(12:17) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate called into the show to talk about how many Americans aren't using billions of dollars worth of gift cards.
(22:17) - A conversation about HBO's new Game of Thrones spinoff, which broke HBO's record for a debut show with 10 million viewers.
(34:02) - Megan Cassella of Barron's joined the show to weigh in on the Fed and what Jerome Powell might say during his speech at Jackson Hole later in the week.
(3:38) - Paul and Marc kickoff Tuesday's show with a review of the new home sales data for July.
(12:08) - A conversation about how big of a role clean and renewable energy will play in the recently passed Climate bill.
(23:20) - Touching on Ford's recent troubles, including how the company will be cutting around 3,000 jobs in the U.S. and Canada.
(32:50) - Talking about how a group of nearly 300 Apple workers have petitioned against returning to the office.
(2:04) - Opening the second hour taking a look at which common consumer items are, if only temporarily, seeing a decline in price.
(13:11) - A conversation about what's happening on the the first weekday morning of the supposedly month-long Orange Line shutdown.
(27:26) - Touching on the extreme weather that Brazil is experiencing and how the country is warning of higher coffee prices as a result.
(31:29) - Stack roulette.
(0:59) - Chuck and Marc begin the week's first show previewing the week ahead, which includes a slew of economic data along with the Fed symposium at Jackson Hole.
(13:22) - Talking about the increasing number of stocks that have been moving the market forward in recent weeks.
(24:10) - Touching on Goldman Sach's suggestion that the Fed has a feasible but difficult path to lower inflation without a recession.
(35:46) - A conversation about how the American economy is slated to gain over 300K jobs that were previously overseas.
(2:49) - The guys start the final hour of the week discussing how expensive it's become to raise a child in America.
(16:47) - Taking a look at data that tells us what states have the best percentage of tippers.
(21:58) - Stack roulette.
(33:09) - Paul LaMonica from CNNBusiness called into the show to talk about Bed Bath & Beyond's recent troubles.
(0:57) - Chuck and Mike open the week's final show covering St. Louis Fed leader James Bullard's comments in which he stated he's in favor of another 0.75bp rate hike.
(14:36) - Talking about how the current economy and market movement is too complicated for economists to predict and analyze.
(25:43) - Touching on PWC data that showed over half of U.S. companies are planning layoffs in the foreseeable future.
(36:48) - The MBTA's Orange Line shutdown begins tonight, and the guys break down the implications of the decision to close the second most popular subway line.
(3:20) - Starting the second hour with a conversation about the recent slump in retail and whether it may change soon.
(13:28) - Discussing how possible tax credits for electric vehicle purchases are now more complicated due to recent legislation.
(21:59) - Touching on how Amazon is in talks with top film executive Scott Stuber as they look to expand their media business.
(35:19) - Stack roulette.
(5:27) - Chuck and Mike begin the show taking a look at the Fed minutes from the central bank's late July meeting.
(12:43) - Dr. Lawrence Yun of the National Association of Realtors joined the show to dive into the existing home sales data for July.
(25:39) - Talking about Analog Devices' warning that there will be a cooling in the semiconductor space.
(34:58) - Touching on how CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens have been ordered to pay $650M to certain Ohio counties for their role in the opioid epidemic.
On today's "Ask Todd", estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky led an in-depth discussion regarding the ins and outs of the medicaid process. Todd talked about how different assets, including primary residences, are viewed when someone is looking to qualify and apply for medicaid. He also took calls from listeners and previewed Cushing & Dolan's August guide, "Making Sense of The Medicaid Process".
(2:42) - The guys open hour two discussing the ins and outs of the Inflation Reduction Act, specifically the investments in renewable energy.
(11:59) - Talking about the Boston-area housing market, where sales are declining and prices are beginning to level off.
(22:38) - Touching on the Department of Education's decision to forgive all remaining Federal student loans for former ITT Tech students.
(35:17) - Stack roulette.
(0:56) - Chuck and Brendan start Wednesday's show diving into the retail sales data for July, which was mostly flat and in line with expectations.
(13:03) - Taking a look at Target's earnings, which revealed a decline in margins amid an abundance of inventory.
(23:20) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(2:29) - The guys begin hour two with a conversation about how the Federal Reserve's handling of past crises may hold the key to fighting a potential recession.
(14:27) - Touching on America's tech exports to China and how the process may need some drastic changes.
(26:24) - Talking in detail about the record-high monthly cost of financing a new car.
(32:21) - Sarah Foster from Bankrate.com joined the show to discuss her study regarding how social media makes people feel about their finances.
(1:15) - Tuesday's show kicks off with Mike and Brendan reviewing Walmart's earnings beat for Q2.
(12:32) - Touching on new housing data that showed housing starts at the lowest level since September 2020.
(23:25) - Talking about the far-reaching impact of the month-long Orange Line shutdown that will be felt by MA residents of various areas.
(33:29) - Weighing in on whether or not Florida can be blamed for an uptick in flight delays and cancellations.
(2:10) - Opening the second hour with a conversation about gas prices, which are high domestically but low compared to the rest of the world.
(11:17) - Aarthi Swaminathan of MarketWatch joined the show to discuss her article about where people are looking for cheaper housing in America.
(21:47) - Talking about how Americans are still spending significant amounts on leisure travel and fun activities despite high inflation.
(33:59) - Stack roulette.
(1:31) - Chuck and Mike begin the week talking about how many investors are weary of the recent rally and are expecting another downturn.
(14:34) - Touching on the labor shortage and how it is providing a unique challenge for the U.S. economy.
(24:06) - Weighing in on the high number of gig workers there are in the economy and what that tells us about the labor market.
(35:29) - Discussing the balance between fossil fuels and green energy at a time when the oil prices are high.
Andrew Jacobs from The New York Times joined the show to discuss his article about a long-awaited cure for diabetes.
(4:51) - Chuck and Mike kickoff hour two talking about the Chinese housing market, which continues to plummet as citizens refuse to pay mortgages.
(13:38) - Touching on the continued push to have cryptocurrency assets be regulated and investable at larger investment firms.
(21:09) - Andrew Jacobs from The New York Times joined the show to discuss his article about a long-awaited cure for diabetes.
(28:32) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness called into the show to review earnings from both Disney and Six Flags.
(2:17) - The final show of the week opens with a discussion about the recent rally in markets as the S&P 500 seeks its fourth straight weekly gain.
(13:48) - Adam Johnson of Bullseye Brief joined the show to give his take on whether or not we are in a bear market rally or the beginning of a new bull market.
(23:48) - A conversation about whether or not demand for electric vehicle charging stations can realistically be met in time.
(33:36) - Talking about the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, which has warned that remote work could be damaging the state's economy.
(2:49) - Chuck and Mike start the second hour weighing in on gas prices, which have just fallen below $4 a gallon in the U.S.
(15:01) - Touching on the possibility that hedge funds will have to start reporting crypto exposure depending on what regulators decide.
(22:51) - Discussing how social security benefits are heading for the biggest increase in 40 years.
(34:04) - Stack roulette.
(1:42) - Thursday's show begins with a conversation about the recent market rally and positive economic data that we've seen.
(11:22) - Megan Cassella of Barron's called into the show to for a deeper dive into the economy and a closer look at recent economic data.
(23:36) - A discussion about whether or not Fed policy has caused damage to the housing market.
(36:18) - Talking about ADU's (Accessory Dwelling Units) and how they impact housing markets.
On "Ask Todd" today, Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan took a deep dive into the medicaid process. Todd elaborated specifically on the medicaid look-back period and how it plays a crucial role in the medicaid process and in estate planning. He also took listener calls and previewed C&D's guide for August, "Making Sense of The Medicaid Process".
(6:24) - Chuck and Paul open hour two discussing the easing of the global chip shortage, and how chipmakers are bracing for a drastic slowdown in demand.
(17:11) - Touching on Elon Musk selling nearly $7 billion worth of Tesla stock over the last week.
(22:15) - Weighing in on Disney's struggles as investors scrutinize the company's strategies for streaming as well as theme parks.
(33:51) - Stack roulette.
(0:58) - Wednesday's show begins with a conversation about the July CPI data, which came in below expectations and showed inflation finally beginning to ease.
(12:20) - Diving further into the CPI report, specifically how it affects housing and how it will impact the Fed's next policy decision.
(23:22) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(2:26) - The guys kickoff the second hour talking about the comeback that meme stocks are making.
(11:10) - Quentin Fottrell of Marketwatch joined the show to touch on his story that details how the July jobs report is good news for workers seeking a pay raise.
(21:46) - Weighing in on the slowdown that the gaming industry is seeing after Nvidia warned of slower sales going forward.
(32:10) - Stack roulette.
(7:33) - Mike and Paul begin the show discussing Americans' expectations for both the Fed's plans and inflationary levels.
(13:32) - A deeper dive into what Americans are expecting after a survey showed that inflation expectations dropped sharply from all-time highs.
(24:47) - A conversation about city and state pension funds, which are having their worst year since 2009 due to the rough first half of the year for markets.
(32:20) - Touching on the cost of electric vehicles and how they may be too high for most consumers even with potential financial aid coming in the new climate bill.
(2:54) - Opening hour two with a conversation about how American households are managing their debts in 2022.
(12:47) - Weighing in on plug-in hybrid vehicles, which are seeing a recent surge in sales.
(28:02) - Talking about the housing market and how it's beginning to shift as sellers find that they must lower their expectations and prices.
(32:47) - Stack roulette.
(2:44) - Chuck and Mike open the week talking about Senate Democrats' passage of the Inflation Reduction Act.
(14:59) - Diving deeper into the Inflation Reduction Act & identifying which sectors are winners and which are losers as a result of the legislation.
(23:32) - Touching on certain companies that were hit extremely hard by the pandemic but are now hiring with relative ease.
(34:50) - A discussion about earnings projections and how low expectations for companies can have a significant effect on markets.
(5:37) - The second hour begins with a discussion about the MBTA's ongoing issues after a local bus caught fire.
(13:29) - Weighing in on the proposed tax break for Americans that purchase electric vehicles and identifying potential issues with this idea.
(22:04) - Talking about Warner Bros. plan to introduce a new ad-tiered streaming service that would combine HBO Max and Discovery Plus.
(36:24) - Stack roulette.
(1:14) - Chuck and Marc open Friday's show with a dive into the July jobs report, which revealed 528 thousand jobs were added to the economy with the unemployment rate at 3.5%.
(15:45) - Continuing the discussion about the jobs report and wage growth, and how it may affect decision making at the Federal Reserve.
(23:44) - A conversation about how the price of oil continues to decline (50 straight days) and what to expect from demand going forward.
(35:28) - Covering the latest in the Elon Musk-Twitter saga, where Elon is accusing Twitter of committing fraud in regards to fake accounts.
(4:10) - Beginning the second hour following up on Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, where the Chinese military is now performing live fire exercises.
(13:08) - A discussion about the worsening teacher shortage across the country and what is causing the troubling trend.
(21:58) - Talking about proposed traveler protections for airline passengers at a time when flight cancelations and delays are rampant across the industry.
(34:38) - Mark Hamrick of Bankrate joined the show for an in-depth preview of the July jobs report.
(4:22) - Chuck and Marc start Thursday's show with a conversation about Walmart, which is laying off a couple hundred corporate workers.
(13:01) - Taking a look at how major companies are boosting their capital spending.
(26:08) - Weighing in on Democrats' corporate-tax increase bill, which seems to skew towards the wealthy and not the middle class.
(34:08) - Talking about electric vehicle maker Lucid, which has cut its 2022 production outlook in half to 67k vehicles.
Today on "Ask Todd", estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan detailed the ins and outs of the medicaid process. Todd explained how medicaid is often confused with medicare, and he outlined the key differences between the two. He also took calls from listeners and previewed C&D's August guide, "Making Sense of The Medicaid Process".
(1:54) - Opening hour two with a discussion about gas prices, which have declined for 49 straight days in the U.S.
(14:10) - Touching on Equifax sending inaccurate credit scores to millions of consumers between mid March and early April.
(22:05) - A conversation about Starbucks, which saw strong Q2 sales in the U.S. in large part due to cold beverages.
(34:49) - Stack roulette.
(2:10) - Chuck and Brendan begin the show touching on the Fed's reaction to how markets are moving and why members of the central bank support more rate hikes.
(15:05) - Reviewing Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan and talking about the "doom and gloom" rhetoric that came with it.
(23:18) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(1:31) - Mike and Brendan begin the second hour looking at key indicators for a recession and what they are telling us right now.
(10:56) - Megan Cassella from Barron's joined the show to discuss her article about how consumer pessimism could bring us closer to a recession.
(22:14) - Talking about the often subtle ways that supermarkets and companies are adjusting to inflation and boosting profits.
(33:02) - Stack roulette.
(1:14) - Tuesday's show opens with a conversation about Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan and possible economic effects that it could have.
(13:08) - Weighing in on a bill that will give financial support to U.S. chipmakers. The bill is current sitting on President Biden's desk.
(23:24) - Touching on Uber, which is up nearly 20% after posting record revenue in Q2.
(34:11) - A discussion about Ford's stock surge after posting its best month since The Great Recession.
(5:42) - Starting hour two talking about how household spending is strained and the savings rate is dipping amidst high inflation.
(13:57) - A conversation about consumers dealing with high prices by shopping more at discount retailers and spending less on essentials.
(25:44) - Discussing the Chinese real estate market, including how Evergrande must pay a $1.1 billion guarantee to a bank.
(36:01) - Stack roulette.
(1:58) - Chuck and Mike open the first show of August recapping the July rally and talking about why many investors fear the momentum won't last.
(17:19) - Touching on investors' recent big bets on tech stocks, which have suffered greatly so far in 2022.
(23:23) - Previewing the slew of earnings coming in this week, including Starbucks and Activision Blizzard.
(31:31) - Liz Claman of FOX Business joined the show to discuss the current state of markets and the economy.
0:10 - A look at the positive week for markets. Plus, a discussion about housing affordability and challenges for low income earners.
12:00 - Corey Adams of Robert Half provides results from a recent jobs survey conducted.
32:25 - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness
0:10 - Why did second quarter results from both Amazon and Apple lift market sentiment? We'll fill you in.
23:30 - The Fed's preferred method of inflation was released this morning. Did it show signs of inflation peaking?
33:20 - More earnings chatter, this time from Procter & Gamble.
(1:57) - Chuck and Mike open the second hour with a discussion about the surprise reconciliation bill that Senators Manchin & Schumer worked together to complete.
(15:33) - Touching on Meta's earnings, which revealed the company's first ever quarterly revenue decline.
(22:05) - A conversation about companies becoming more and more hesitant to do business in China.
(32:35) - Stack roulette.
(1:42) - Thursday's show kicks off with a review of Jay Powell's comments following the Fed's announcement of a 75 basis point rate hike.
(15:53) - Talking about U.S. GDP for Q2, which contracted at an annual rate of 0.9%- the second straight quarter of negative growth.
(23:19) - A deeper dive into the Q2 GDP reading. What does this number tell us as it relates to the broader economy? Is a recession coming, or are we already in one?
(34:17) - Touching on JetBlue's agreement to purchase Spirit Airlines for $3.8 billion, which would create the fifth largest airline in the U.S.
(3:19) - Hour two begins with the guys touching on housing data for May, which showed continuous increases in home prices.
(12:00) - Jeremy Owens, bureau chief and tech editor at Marketwatch, joined the show to talk about what we're seeing in big tech earnings.
(22:25) - A conversation about inventories, which are wreaking havoc on economic data and business plans for companies.
(34:17) - Stack roulette.
(1:35) - Chuck and Paul start the show reviewing Microsoft and Google's disappointing earnings for Q2.
(14:36) - Previewing today's Fed decision where Jay Powell is expected to raise interest rates by 0.75bp.
(27:33) - Touching on Shopify's decision to cut 10% of its workforce, which amounts to nearly 1k workers.
(33:20) - Discussing the Senate's advancement of a $280B package that would boost U.S. competitiveness in chip manufacturing.
(3:42) - Opening hour two with a look at how upper income Americans are struggling financially in 2022.
(15:13) - Weighing in on whether or not the U.S. is already in a recession and whether or not the technical definition of recession really matters.
(21:58) - A discussion about how small business sentiment is way down as they face a new wave of challenges after the worst of the pandemic.
(33:30) - Stack roulette.
(1:42) - Beginning the show previewing the two-day Fed meeting and discussing what we should expect from the central bank.
(12:10) - A conversation about Walmart after the retailer warned of lower profit due to slashing prices in an effort to unload inventory.
(25:54) - Touching on GM's earnings, which revealed a 40% dip in income for the automaker due to losses in China as well as parts shortages.
(33:03) - Talking about the SEC's investigation into Coinbase over the platform's crypto listings.
(3:28) - The second hour starts with a conversation about how key workers in the economy are demanding higher pay and better conditions.
(12:02) - Touching on companies seeing more and more absences from workers this summer due to a multitude of factors.
(22:12) - Talking about Massachusetts legislators exploring the idea of introducing more tolls in an effort to reduce traffic.
(33:16) - Stack roulette.
(4:09) - Chuck and Brendan begin the week talking about what we can expect from the Federal Reserve's two-day meeting this week.
(12:57) - Touching on the Atlanta Fed's prediction that GDP will be negative for Q2.
(23:23) - Previewing just some of the nearly 175 S&P 500 companies that will be reporting earnings this week.
(35:17) - Discussing how big banks are reporting high levels of borrowing from wealthy customers despite high inflation.
(1:32) - The final hour of the week begins with a conversation about whether or not a recession is the price we'll pay for bringing down inflation.
(17:14) - Talking about a former Coinbase employee being charged in an insider trading case by the SEC.
(31:15) - Touching on Dominos' struggles, particularly their shortage of delivery drivers.
(34:21) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to discuss Goldman Sachs' earnings as well as the state of the bank as a whole.
(1:11) - Friday's show starts with a discussion about Snapchat's poor earnings, which have sent shares in the company down nearly 40%.
(12:33) - Covering Twitter's earnings which revealed a miss on revenue and user growth. The company partly blamed the miss on the ongoing legal battle with Elon Musk.
(25:02) - A broader conversation about the bond market and how the 10-year treasury is struggling to maintain a yield above 3%.
(34:38) - Touching on weekly jobless claims hitting 251k last week, which is a new high for 2022.
(1:38) - Opening the second hour with a conversation about how common family outings in America have become too expensive for much of the country.
(13:55) - Charlotte Cowles from The New York Times joined the show to talk about Millennials' ongoing fears about money.
(22:11) - Touching on airline earnings and discussing how airfare remains high despite many issues across airlines.
(35:06) - Stack roulette.
(4:52) - Chuck and Mike begin Thursday's show with a close look at markets and valuations.
(17:41) - Reviewing Tesla's earnings, which revealed the automaker's first quarterly revenue decline in a long while, though profits were still higher than expected.
(23:28) - Touching on the job market, specifically the tech sector after Microsoft announced it will cut the amount of open jobs it has.
(35:22) - A discussion about Russia's decision to resume sending gas through the Nord Stream pipeline at reduced volumes.
(2:01) - The second hour starts with a conversation about Chinese homebuyers protesting Xi Jinping's policies.
(10:03) - Jon Swartz from Marketwatch called into the show to talk about Netflix's better-than-expected Q2 earnings.
(22:35) - Touching on the auto market and how monthly loan payments for cars have sky-rocketed.
(32:42) - Greg McBride of Bankrate joined the show to discuss Bankrate's survey that found real estate as Americans' preferred long-term investment.
(6:32) - Chuck and Brendan cover the existing home sales data that showed a 5.4% drop in sales for June.
(11:50) - Touching on how mortgage demand has dropped to its lowest level in 22 years.
(23:29) - Talking about Vladimir Putin's pledge to honor Russia's gas commitments to the European Union.
(33:45) - Discussing how Robinhood is behind high-volume trading in shares of Berkshire Hathaway.
(6:12) - Opening the second hour discussing air travel, which has been chaotic for many travelers and is showing no signs of improving.
(15:53) - Talking about how California home sales plunged 21% in June from the year prior.
(22:18) - Touching on Amazon's lawsuit of Facebook group administrators over fake reviews that were posted.
(34:05) - Stack roulette.
(1:37) - The shows kicks off with a conversation about the Fed and its policies. Many economists fear the central bank's tightening will cause a recession.
(18:19) - Touching on Apple's announcement that it will slow hiring and spending for some teams in 2023.
(25:18) - Talking about IBM, which saw 9% sales growth in Q2 but shares in the stock are down over 6%.
(34:46) - An update on the Twitter-Elon Musk saga. Both parties are set to argue over the trial timetable in a Delaware court.
(6:22) - Opening hour two with a look at global grain markets, which are quite volatile due to recession fears and shifts in trade.
(13:52) - Weighing in on how investors are shying away from China due to government policies and crackdowns.
(23:31) - Touching on Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs saying that stocks have yet to hit the bottom.
(35:29) - Stack roulette.
(0:58) - Chuck and Mike begin a busy week talking about the Federal Reserve, which is expected to raise rates by 0.75bp at their upcoming meeting.
(12:21) - Discussing a Bloomberg article that presents the idea that U.S. inflation is causing a noticeable uptick in global inflation.
(26:01) - Touching on Bank of America's Q2 earnings, which showed a 32% dip in profit and a 6% rise in revenue.
(35:25) - A conversation about "fintech" or financial technology. This sector has lost nearly half a trillion dollars due to a myriad of factors.
(5:30) - The week's final hour kicks off with a conversation about investor sentiment, which is largely pessimistic amid this bear market.
(11:02) - Lydia Hu from FOX Business joined the show for a discussion about the week that markets have had along with where the economy stands as a whole.
(18:26) - Breaking down markets sector by sector and detailing how different sectors have performed so far in 2022.
(37:16) - Stack roulette.
(1:28) - The guys open Friday's show detailing the 1% rise in retail sales for June, which followed a slight decline in May.
(12:28) - Touching on China's 0.4% growth in Q2; Their lowest growth since the pandemic began.
(23:34) - Delivering breaking news that the preliminary hearing between Elon Musk & Twitter will take place on Tuesday in the Delaware Court of Chancery.
(36:19) - Discussing how high gas prices are causing a surge in demand for electric vehicles, but EV supply is unlikely to match the demand.
(3:16) - Hour two opens with an exploration of possible outcomes of President Biden's trip to Saudi Arabia.
(14:12) - Touching on the sharp rise in sales of electric vehicles in the United States.
(21:57) - Discussing how newer investors should handle their first bear market.
(35:11) - Stack roulette.
(6:21) - Starting the show talking about JPMorgan's earnings miss that saw a 28% dip in profit in Q2.
(13:01) - Discussing Janet Yellen's comments on inflation, which she described as "unacceptably high".
(27:39) - Talking about managing expectations for inflation moving forward.
(35:04) - Touching on the Euro being equal to the U.S. dollar for the first time in 20 years.
Today on "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan detailed the ins and outs of irrevocable medicaid trusts. Todd discussed what you can and can't put into one of these trusts, as well as how it's simple enough to change the trustee. He also took calls from listeners and previewed C&D's July guide, "Unlocking The Power of Irrevocable Medicaid Trusts".
(3:02) - Starting hour two discussing President Biden's trip to the Middle East, which he hopes will be helpful in fighting high gas prices.
(14:13) - A conversation about summer travel, specifically how Delta predicts that high demand will last past summer.
(22:25) - Talking about who holds the power in the job market. Has leverage shifted to employers?
(35:05) - Bill Driscoll, Senior District President at Robert Half, joined the show to talk about Robert Half's survey about worker productivity.
(1:04) - Wednesday's show opens with a look at the CPI report for June, which rose 9.1% and revealed inflation has hit a new 40-year high.
(13:29) - Touching on Twitter officially filing a lawsuit against Elon Musk in a Delaware court.
(23:03) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(1:39) - Opening the second hour covering Twitter's accusatory letter sent to Elon Musk.
(12:29) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate joined the show to talk about Bankrate's survey regarding how Americans are faring with travel this year.
(23:05) - Touching on Peloton, which is stopping the in-house manufacturing of its exercise bikes.
(35:02) - Stack roulette.
(2:21) - Mike and Paul begin Tuesday's show talking about the ways that the current economy differs from the 2008 economy in regards to recessions.
(13:20) - Previewing tomorrow's CPI report for June which is expected to show sustained high inflation on both a yearly and monthly basis.
(24:26) - Discussing the housing market, particularly how demand is slowly weakening while inventory slowly ticks up.
(33:41) - Weighing in on the current global energy crisis. Is it going to get a lot worse before it gets better?
(3:08) - The second hour starts with a conversation about the slowdown in hiring that the tech sector is seeing.
(13:28) - Weighing in on the full slate of potential legislation that congress has. What has a chance of getting through in the near future?
(22:27) - Touching on how a gas cap is being pursued on Russian oil as well as how countries such as Germany would be impacted.
(37:29) - Stack roulette.
(0:58) - Chuck and Mike kickoff the week previewing the week ahead, which is loaded with the first slew of Q2 earnings along with plenty of important economic data.
(12:14) - Covering Elon Musk and Twitter's somewhat predictable breakup and what implications the fallout could have.
(22:55) - Discussing inflation, specifically whether or not it's peaking and what to expect going forward based on data.
(34:43) - Touching on certain aspects of the jobs report and diving into how the jobs market is often not a good indicator of a possible recession.
(3:14) - The final hour of the week starts with a conversation about women in the labor force.
(16:20) - An update on the ongoing Twitter-Elon Musk saga, which seems to be falling apart more & more each day.
(23:07) - Taking a look at eight economic measures that are indicating a slowdown in the U.S. economy.
(34:23) - Stack roulette.
(1:00)- Mike and Marc kickoff Friday's show dissecting the jobs report for June, which revealed the U.S. added 372k jobs along with an unemployment rate of 3.6%.
(13:48) - Extended jobs report talk and discussing how the better-than-expected report may affect Fed policy.
(24:16) - A conversation about gas prices, which have been falling the last few weeks. Is this only a temporary trend?
(33:13) - Touching on how the trade gap narrowed for the second straight month in May as the import of goods slowed down.
(1:30) - Starting hour two with a conversation about student loans after the Biden administration announced it will ease student loan forgiveness for defrauded borrowers.
(12:29) - Mark Hamrick of Bankrate joined the show to preview tomorrow's jobs report for June.
(22:47) - Touching on Peloton increasing pay incentives for employees in an effort to boost morale.
(35:09) - Stack roulette.
(1:32) - Mike and Marc begin Thursday's show discussing how inflation fears were the driving force behind the Fed's 0.75% rate increase in June.
(12:11) - Talking about the U.S. job market and what the data is telling us about the economy.
(25:06) - Weighing in on a study that showed that checks given out during the pandemic had little to no lasting impact on the poor.
(33:34) - Taking a look at the cost of rent, which is beginning to slow down in a handful of major U.S. cities.
On today's edition of "Ask Todd", estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan talked about the power of irrevocable medicaid trusts. Todd dove into how this can be a powerful estate planning tool that is commonly mistaken to be a way of losing power on assets. He also took listener calls and previewed C&D's guide for July, "Unlocking The Power of Irrevocable Medicaid Trusts".
(1:20) - Beginning the second hour taking a look at the JOLTS report for May, which showed 11.3 million job openings in the U.S.
(14:19) - Touching on the slight decline in mortgage rates and the lack of demand for mortgages as a whole.
(23:41) - A conversation about Chinese chipmakers, which are surging as the U.S. looks to curb regulations in the industry.
(33:47) - Stack roulette.
(1:23) - Paul and Marc kickoff Wednesday's show talking about what exactly current economic indicators are telling us about the economy right now.
(12:39) - Discussing how fingers are pointed in many directions when it comes to fighting inflation, but the Fed is the entity best-suited to bring it down.
(22:34) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(3:51) - Starting the second hour with a conversation about fuel prices across the globe.
(15:07) - Touching on what the Biden administration can do to combat inflation.
(22:24) - Giving the hypothetical "perfect" policy response to sky-high inflation.
(36:32) - Stack roulette.
(6:01) - Mike and Marc open the week talking about whether or not the U.S. is in a recession already, and what would make this a unique recession in comparison to others.
(12:02) - Taking a look at which current economic indicators are the most telling of whether or not a recession is coming,
(24:17) - Touching on the high amount of flight delays and cancellations over the holiday weekend.
(34:29) - Taking a look at Tesla, which missed on its Q2 target for vehicle deliveries
0:10 - More on markets and consumer sentiment. Plus, will people become more used to high gas prices?
4:50 - What else could go wrong for crypto?
24:40 - JustEatTakeAway.com is still trying to acquire GrubHub.
36:20 - Stack Roulette
0:10 - With the 2nd quarter coming to a close, the guys discuss markets and their worst first half performance since 1970. Plus, what phrase did Fed Chair Jerome Powell mention yesterday that gave the guys a chuckle?
23:50 - The latest on OPEC and their oil production.
36:30 - Why have I Bonds been receiving so much attention lately?
On "Ask Todd" today, Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan discussed the best way to avoid estate planning blunders. Todd talked about how someone should never think about their estate as "too small" for an estate plan and how this can put assets at risk. He also took calls from listeners and previewed C&D's June guide, "Estate Planning Blunders to Avoid".
(1:35) - Chuck and Paul kickoff hour two talking about how soaring mortgage rates are cooling down home sales.
(13:00) - Running through fast food and fast casual restaurants ranked according to customer satisfaction.
(22:08) - Stack roulette.
(32:49) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness called into the show to talk about how the cooling of cryptocurrency is affecting Coinbase.
(3:36) - The show starts with a look at the consumer confidence index, which has dropped to a near-decade low.
(14:20) - Discussing the extreme wait times that customers are having to deal with when trying to get in touch with airlines.
(23:02) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(1:31) - Starting the second hour with a conversation about how high inflation is changing the spending habits of Americans.
(12:32) - Greg McBride of Bankrate called into the show to talk about how Americans are feeling about their amount of emergency savings.
(22:24) - Touching on how accounting giant Ernst Young admitted that its employees were cheating on an ethics exam.
(33:32) - Mark Cestari, Chief Commerical Officer at Southern Airways Express, joined the show to talk about summer travel and the disruptions that have been happening across the country.
(1:33) - Paul and Brendan open Tuesday's show covering China, particularly how they're reducing quarantine time for citizens as well as how the G-7 summit will focus on the country.
(12:07) - Discussing how bidding wars contributed to an overheated housing market, and now bidding wars may have the same effect on the rental market.
(23:26) - Touching on how Uber and Lyft drivers are switching to Tesla's amid sky-high gas prices.
(32:35) - Talking about Nike's disappointing earnings, which saw flat sales and a jump in inventory for the popular apparel brand.
Danielle DiMartino Booth, Founder & CEO of Quill Intelligence, joined the show to discuss current Fed policy especially as it pertains to inflation.
(2:15) - Starting hour two with a conversation about airline travel, which is near record-high levels according to TSA data as summer travel season begins.
(12:36) - Corey Adams, Regional Vice President at Robert Half, called into the show to talk about a survey that was done regarding workers considering changing jobs.
(24:41) - Discussing how many public pension funds are using borrowed money, which is especially risky at this time of economic uncertainty.
(36:26) - Stack roulette.
(2:23) - The week begins with the guys talking about the markets' bounce-back week and whether or not they can keep the momentum going.
(12:12) - Danielle DiMartino Booth, Founder & CEO of Quill Intelligence, joined the show to discuss current Fed policy especially as it pertains to inflation.
(23:13) - Touching on how Russia has finally defaulted on foreign debt for the first time in a century.
(31:47) - Car manufacturers such as Tesla, Ford, & GM are raising prices of EV's as demand and costs continue to grow.
(2:13) - Opening the second hour talking about Intel delaying the opening of its semiconductor plant in Ohio.
(13:49) - Touching on the Biden Administration's decision to cancel $6 billion in fraudulent student debt.
(25:03) - A conversation about how Amazon's Alexa may soon be able to imitate a deceased relative's voice.
(31:31) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to talk about FedEx, which has been soaring the past month and a half.
(5:56) - The show opens with a discussion about the juxtaposition of volatile markets against mostly healthy economic data.
(14:10) - Discussing how U.S. Banks have passed the Federal Reserve's "stress test."
(22:31) - Weighing in on whether or not measures being taken to combat high gas prices are proving effective.
(34:14) - Touching on how the FDA has ordered Juul to stop selling its e-cigarette products.
(6:08) - Chuck and Mike kickoff hour two with a conversation about the current tariffs on China, which the Biden administration is considering removing in an effort to fight inflation.
(14:43) - Talking about Netflix and how the streaming giant is exploring an ad-supported tier with possible help from Google.
(23:49) - Touching on Elon Musk referring to Tesla's new factories as "giant money furnaces".
(35:07) - Stack roulette.
(0:59) - The guys open the show reviewing Fed Chair Jay Powell's testimony in front of congress and where he stands on inflation.
(12:26) - Continuing to talk about inflation, specifically whether or not new policy can effectively combat higher costs.
(23:00) - Discussing what parts of the world have the "bubbliest" housing markets.
(31:56) - Weighing in on owning a home vs. renting a home. A new report shows that the cost of owning far exceeds the cost of renting.
On today's "Ask Todd", estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky dove into probate and how it's a common consequence of delaying or incorrect estate planning. Todd explained the best ways to avoid probate as well as what happens during the probate process. He also took listener calls and previewed Cushing & Dolan's guide for June, "Estate Planning Blunders to Avoid".
(1:14) - The second hour begins with a discussion about whether a likely suspension of the federal gas tax can bring some relief to consumers at the pump.
(12:37) - Ted Rossman from Bankrate joined the show to talk about Americans working more hours for side gigs in order to make ends meet.
(22:15) - Weighing in on the forced labor law that will soon take effect and how companies are preparing for it.
(34:09) - Stack roulette.
(2:30) - Chuck and Brendan kickoff Wednesday's show with a conversation about oil prices, which have decreased 16% over the past two weeks, prices at the pump remain high.
(13:57) - Discussing what exactly defines a recession and whether or not the U.S. is already in the midst of one.
(23:02) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(1:29) - The second hour opens with a discussion about the housing market, which is continuing to show small but sure signs of a slowdown.
(14:38) - Talking about the rise of online car sales and what it could mean for the future of car shopping.
(24:02) - Touching on an Apple store in Maryland's decision to unionize, making it the first Apple store to do so.
(34:09) - Stack roulette.
(0:58) - Paul and Brendan start the week breaking down markets amidst a strong rebound rally following the worst week for the S&P 500 in over two years.
(13:12) - Discussing how cryptocurrency is finally staging a rally on the back of a major downturn across the crypto sector.
(23:57) - Touching on JetBlue increasing its offer (over $33 per share) to purchase Spirit Airlines. A merger would create the fifth largest airline in the country.
(34:03) - A conversation about small businesses and how they're having difficulty competing with larger companies for employees.
(1:59) - Hour two starts with a conversation about Elon Musk's potential purchase of Twitter, which remains in limbo.
(14:32) - Weighing in on the Biden administration's response (or lack thereof) to rising fuel costs and how the President has been unable to convince oil producers to drill.
(23:11) - Talking about the job market, which may be starting to undergo a change in leverage between workers and employers.
(33:49) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness called into the show to discuss Robinhood, which has lost most of its market value since its IPO and has undergone major layoffs.
(0:57) - Paul and Brendan open Thursday's show discussing the sell-off in markets caused by the Fed's announcement of a 75bps rate hike.
(14:13) - Talking about how the 75bps rate hike impacts the average American's outstanding debt, specifically credit card debt.
(23:53) - Discussing how recessions and bear markets have actually occurred more frequently than one might think throughout U.S. history.
(35:06) - Touching on how banks are one sector of the economy that stand to benefit from market volatility.
0:10 - More on the Fed and May's retail sales results.
13:45 - An in-depth discussion about cryptocurrency and its recent plummet.
22:25 - U.S. home equity hits its highest level on record. What's the state of the current market landscape?
35:05 - Stack roulette.
0:10 - A full preview of the Fed's significant interest rate decision.
22:50 - Ask Todd
(2:32) - Hour two begins with an update on a bipartisan push for new government powers to block U.S. investment in China.
(13:15) - A conversation about how crypto has been free-falling in a similar manner to equity markets, only the crypto downfall is a bit more complicated.
(23:44) - Talking about whether or not the influx of stimulus into the economy over the last two years has been worth it as high inflation rages on.
(33:26) - Stack roulette.
(1:46) - The guys start Tuesday's show looking at the current bear markets in historical context. What have past bear markets taught us in terms of recession expectations?
(12:02) - Discussing the relationship between stocks and bond yields, which typically move inversely of one another, but there are always exceptions.
(22:20) - Morgan Stanley CEO James Morgan sees odds of a recession at 50/50, and the guys weigh in on whether or not that sounds accurate to them.
(33:30) - Corey Adams of Robert Half joined the show to talk about what workers can do in order to grapple with high inflation, including asking for a raise or other accomodations.
(4:02) - The second hour starts with a review of the market downturn as well as a look at a study that indicated the U.S. will enter into a recession next year.
(14:23) - Talking about cashing out of markets when a bear market creeps in, and what approach investors take when dealing with this issue.
(21:58) - Dan Stack, CEO of the DAV of Massachusetts, joined the show to discuss the DAV's mission and what Americans can do to support our heroic veterans.
(32:14) - Stack roulette.
(0:58) - Mike and newcomer Marc Fandetti open the week weighing in on the current state of markets, which are closing in on bear territory after an ugly CPI number on Friday.
(13:28) - Discussing the Fed's upcoming two-day meeting and what their next step is in combatting sustained inflation.
(24:05) - Touching on how oil producers are ignoring President Biden's call for them to drill for more oil amid record-high prices at the pump.
(33:51) - Taking a look at China, specifically how Shanghai has been slowly reopening after severe lockdowns caused by COVID-19.
(6:05) - The week's final hour opens with a conversation about how Facebook is rethinking its deals with news publications.
(14:25) - Weighing in on the box office battle between the newest Jurassic World and Top Gun: Maverick which is still seeing stellar numbers.
(23:10) - Covering the "pandemic pet boom" and how pet spending is holding up better than most other retail categories.
(34:38) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to talk about the effect of Amazon's stock split as well as Facebook officially becoming Meta.
(0:58) - Chuck and Mike start Friday's show reviewing the CPI data for May, which revealed an 8.6% rise in inflation year-over-year and 1% monthly rise, setting a new 40-year high.
(14:34) - Discussing which retailers have the most excess inventory and which can raise prices without angering customers.
(25:14) - Touching on Docusign which is down nearly 25% today after disappointing earnings that included a $27.4 million loss.
(32:50) - Talking about research from Yale that concluded global companies have suffered losses of more than $59 billion from their Russian operations.
(1:50) - Chuck and Mike kickoff hour two discussing how stocks are in limbo after coming up off lows from May.
(15:31) - Taking a look at 401k's, specifically how much money the average American has in their retirement accounts.
(22:46) - A conversation about workers leaving big tech startups and going to work for bigger, more well-known companies.
(36:02) - Stack roulette.
(1:22) - Thursday's show starts with a conversation about how global oil prices can be brought under control at a time when the U.S. national average is nearly $5 per gallon.
(11:47) - Weighing in on Tesla's decision to proceed with an online hiring event in China just a week after Elon Musk said the company was overstaffed.
(27:06) - Discussing the SEC's proposed rule changes to stock-trading, and how these proposed changes are facing criticism on Wall Street.
(33:54) - Touching on Apple's announcement that they will enter the buy now, pay later space by creating a subsidiary called Apple Financing, LLC.
On "Ask Todd" today, Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan discussed how often someone should be reviewing an estate plan and updating it accordingly. Todd talked about how many issues regarding estate planning can be swept under the rug when other aspects of planning are of higher priority at the time. He also took calls from listeners and previewed C&D's June guide, "Estate Planning Blunders to Avoid".
(2:01) - The guys open the second hour with a discussion about the tech sector, specifically how its dominance in markets seems to be coming to an end.
(12:27) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate joined the show to talk about Bankrate's recent survey regarding When and how much Americans tip for services.
(22:03) - Touching on how Raytheon will be moving its headquarters from Waltham, MA to the Washington, D.C. area.
(32:58) - Stack roulette.
(2:36) - Chuck and Brendan begin Wednesday's show talking about Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's comments, which revealed she expects high inflation to stick around for a while.
(13:28) - Touching on how Connecticut-based hedge fund Bridgewater is betting against U.S. and European corporate bonds amid fears of a slowdown.
(23:04) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(1:37) - The guys begin the second hour weighing in on student loan forgiveness, on which President Biden is expected to make a decision later this summer.
(14:09) - Talking about the UK's experimental four-day work week that started yesterday. Is this kind of work schedule going to be widely accepted soon?
(22:56) - A conversation about how airfare will continue to rise so long as flight frequencies decrease and fuel costs increase.
(33:41) - Stack roulette.
(1:19) - Paul and Brendan kickoff Tuesday's show with a conversation about Target, which has warned of lower profits this year due to an abundance of inventory.
(13:29) - Touching on Janet Yellen's admission that she underestimated the persistency of
inflation, and how she must now convince Congress that it can be brought under control.
(23:55) - Talking about how commercial real estate sales are slowing across the country amid rising interest rates.
(35:17) - Discussing how restaurants in Massachusetts are struggling with sky-high food costs as well as higher labor costs.
Tripp Mickle of The New York Times called into the show to tell us about Apple's new investment in digital headsets and augmented reality.
Heather Haddon of The Wall Street Journal joined the show to update us on Starbucks' CEO search after she met with interim CEO Howard Schultz.
(2:33) - The guys open hour two with a conversation about oil. Gas prices are at record highs, and the Biden administration has nothing but poor options to try and bring costs down.
(10:46) - Tripp Mickle of The New York Times called into the show to tell us about Apple's new investment in digital headsets and augmented reality.
(22:13) - Talking about Russia's attempt to sell stolen wheat from Ukraine to other countries who are desperate for grains.
(34:22) - Stack roulette.
(2:44) - Chuck and Mike start the week with a discussion about JetBlue, which is raising the break-up fee for Spirit Airlines shareholders in case the proposed deal to acquire the discount airline is rejected.
(12:14) - Touching on The Wall Street Journal's survey that found 83% of respondents described the economy as "not good".
(23:20) - Talking about Elon Musk and how his potential acquisition of Twitter is looking less and less likely.
(31:18) - Heather Haddon of The Wall Street Journal joined the show to update us on Starbucks' CEO search after she met with interim CEO Howard Schultz.
(5:23) - The final hour of the week begins with Chuck and Mike discussing how the Social Security Administration expects social security benefits to last until 2035.
(13:20) - The guys talk about what the future could hold for Sheryl Sandberg now that she has stepped down from her post as COO of Meta.
(25:21) - Touching on how Walmart will be opening high-tech fulfillment centers in an effort to deliver online orders more quickly.
(32:20) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness called into the show to talk about Chew, specifically how they reported an earnings beat for Q1.
(1:22) - Friday's show opens with a detailed look at the May jobs report, which saw the U.S. add 390k jobs with an unemployment rate of 3.6%.
(13:09) - Touching on the report that Elon Musk plans to cut 10% of Tesla's workforce due to strong concerns he has about the economy.
(26:15) - Discussing how Ford is planning to add 6,000 new union jobs in three midwestern states.
(34:00) - A conversation about whether an economic cool-down would actually be beneficial to the economy in the long run.
(6:50) - The second hour starts with the guys weighing in on $5B+ of student loans being wiped out for Corinthian College students.
(13:39) - Touching on the state of New York's decision to suspend the proposed gas tax for another six months.
(22:26) - Talking about how for-sale homes in the U.S. rose for the first time since 2019. Is the housing market starting to loosen?
(34:14) - Stack roulette.
(4:32) - Chuck and Mike open the show touching on JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon's remark that there"s a "hurricane" headed for the economy.
(10:58) - Weighing in on Meta COO Sheryl Sandberg stepping down from her position. What does this mean going forward for the social media giant?
(25:05) - Discussing IOPEC+'s announcement that they will be boosting oil production by 600k barrels a day over the next two months.
(34:00) - A conversation about GM's plans to have an all-electric Buick lineup by 2030.
On this edition of "Ask Todd", estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan went over some of the most common and most severe mistakes people make when doing their estate planning. Todd discussed how these blunders, such as putting kids on a property deed as joint owners, can throw a wrench in the estate planning process and can lead to major difficulties down the road. He also took listener calls and previewed C&D's new guide for June, "Estate Planning Blunders to Avoid".
(2:05) - Chuck and Paul kickoff hour two with reaction to Elon Musk telling Tesla executives to return to working 40 hours in the office or find some place else to work.
(13:18) - Corey Adams, regional President at Robert Haff, Corey joined the show to talk about the job market, hiring trends, and salary trends at companies.
(22:11) - Discussing how grocery stores are pushing back against suppliers that are charging more for their products.
(33:57) - Stack roulette.
(2:25) - Wednesday's show starts with a review of how major indices have performed year-to-date coming off their best week of 2022.
(12:46) - Discussing what Russian oil producers are doing to counter the various sanctions that have been levied against them since the invasion of Ukraine.
(23:27) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(1:00) - The second hour begins with a conversation about the shortage of workers for the upcoming summer, and how this issue may result in closures of camps, pools, and other venues.
(13:59) - Weighing in on how dreadful commutes for workers are playing a major role keeping many offices empty.
(23:02) - Touching on "Top Gun: Maverick"'s record-breaking debut in theaters over Memorial Day Weekend, which was a $156 million opening.
(35:48) - Discussing the discrepancy between the rate at which electric vehicles are being produces and the rate at which charging stations are being produced.
(1:24) - Paul and Brendan open the week talking about how EU leaders have agreed to ban most Russian imports on oil.
(13:10) - Discussing a New York Times study of 2,000 companies that increased sales faster than expenses in 2021, however that trend is slowing this year.
(22:42) - Touching on how mortgage rates will be affected by the Fed's decision to stop buying mortgage-backed loans. Will it finally be a good time to buy a home soon?
(34:39) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate joined the show to tell us about Bankrate's survey of how much Americans are spending on wedding-related expenses.
(1:07) - The final hour of the week opens with a conversation about housing, specifically how an uptick in inventory may affect the market as home prices remain sky-high.
(13:32) - Weighing in on Delta "strategically decreasing" the amount of flights this summer, following other airlines such as JetBlue in cutting the amount of trips.
(22:51) - Discussing the e-commerce startup Bolt, which has implemented a permanent four-day work week but is now laying off 250 of their 900+ employees.
(33:30) - Stack roulette.
(0:28) - Mike and Paul kickoff Friday's show with a discussion about the positive week that markets are having. Is the volatility finally coming to an end?
(12:24) - Talking about the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)'s projection that both inflation and economic growth will slow later this year and into 2023.
(24:53) - Touching on Costco's earnings for Q1 in which they beat sales estimates by $1 billion, but missed on same-store sales expectations.
(34:08) - Touching on Microsoft's decision to follow other big tech companies and slow hiring amid economic uncertainty.
(6:10) - Chuck and Mike open the second hour with a conversation about gas prices, which are still sky-high, but demand for gas is beginning to drop in a major way.
(16:13) - Weighing in on the FDA's criticism of Abbott Laboratories in the wake of a baby formula shortage across the country.
(22:38) - Touching on a continued drop in college enrollment at schools of all shapes and sizes. What is the main cause of this?
(32:50) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to talk about Snap's rough week, specifically Tuesday when the stock sank 42%.
(2:27) - Thursday's show begins with a review of markets as well as the Federal Reserve's meeting minutes from earlier this month.
(15:07) - Touching on Apple's announcement that it will be boosting starting pay for both hourly and salaried employees.
(24:27) - Talking about chipmaker Nvidia which posted record sales but had lower-than-expected guidance for Q3.
(34:31) - Discussing the increasing cost of natural gas around the country as summer begins and more Americans are cooling their residences.
On "Ask Todd" today, Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan explained what someone usually takes into consideration when beginning to form a trust plan. Todd talked about how there are many factors to consider when choosing between a revocable and irrevocable trust and what variables make one better than the other depending on the situation. He also took calls from listeners and previewed C&D's May guide, "Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts".
(1:09) - The second hours begin with a conversation about the increasing level of difficulty that companies are having producing electric vehicles.
(13:24) - Jeff Ostrowski of Bankrate joined the show to talk about how homeowners can cope amid sky-high home prices.
(21:21) - Weighing in on the "subscription economy" and how many Americans nowadays are paying monthly fees for various services.
(33:35) - Stack roulette.
(1:11) - Chuck and Brendan start the show with a discussion about how tech earnings affect the global economy.
(13:28) - Touching on earnings for Dick's Sporting Good, which gave disappointing guidance but saw the stock level off after selling off.
(23:24) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. joined the show to talk about all the USVI has to offer. Topics discussed include entertainment, tourism, tax incentives, and much more.
(1:37) - Mike and Brendan open hour two with a conversation about birth rates, which ticked up in the U.S. for the first time since 2014.
(12:48) - Touching on Best Buy's earnings, which saw same store sales decline but not to the level anticipated by analysts.
(22:15) - U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. joined the show to talk about all the USVI has to offer. Topics discussed include entertainment, tourism, tax incentives, and much more.
(1:24) - Tuesday's show begins with a discussion about how markets haven't been able to hold onto gains, which evolves into a discussion about Zoom and its struggles. Also, Snapchat's parent company had a dismal first quarter earnings report.
(13:16) - Talking about how Americans' personal finances are generally in OK shape, but also how they are changing where they're spending their money.
(24:41) - Touching on how Amazon plans to sublet warehouse space in order to avoid excess capacity.
(35:02) - Weighing in on the Biden admin. considering whether or not to release diesel reserves.
(2:41) - The guys open the second hour with a conversation about hybrid work, specifically how there's no rigid, "one-size-fits-all" structure in place for hybrid workers.
(15:32) - Touching on how teenagers have the upper hand in the summer job market at a time when workers are hard to come by.
(24:41) - Weighing in on whether or not Americans will have more "staycations" this summer like they did last summer.
(34:07) - Stack roulette.
(1:41) - The week begins with Chuck and Paul weighing in on President Biden's declaration that the U.S. will provide military support to Taiwan in case of a Chinese invasion.
(12:05) - Talking about Apple's plan to boost production outside of China as potential conflict between China and Taiwan looms large.
(27:10) - A discussion about the effect of the market dip on 401(k)s. How can workers protect their retirement funds amid the downturn?
(36:02) - Taking a look at how small businesses are dealing with economic issues such as inflation and supply chain issues.
(4:26) - Mike and Paul begin the hour talking about Spirit Airlines urging shareholders to reject JetBlue's offer to buy the company.
(12:05) - Weighing in on gas prices' effects on gas station owners and explaining why higher prices aren't necessarily a good thing for said owners.
(22:25) - A conversation about "Top Gun: Maverick", which will be released next weekend and is already receiving rave reviews.
(32:27) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness called into the show to discuss Target after their earnings miss sent the stock spiraling and spooked investors in regards to consumer behavior.
(6:20) - The final show of the week kicks off with a discussion about the S&P approaching bear market territory and what bear markets have meant in the past.
(13:15) - Talking about how China's 7-week lockdown in Shanghai is beginning to have a devastating impact in both China's economy and the global economy.
(26:54) - Touching on how rising rates are slowly beginning to bring down housing prices, though the market still remains hot.
(32:58) - A conversation about how older workers are now back in the labor force at pre-pandemic levels.
Dr. Lawrence Yun of The National Association of Realtors called into the show to tell us about the existing home sales data for April.
(2:12) - A conversation about Allianz Global's investment fraud, which will result in investors of the company paying more than $1 billion to resolve SEC charges.
(14:18) - Talking about Cisco's disappointing earnings that have sent the stock spiraling down more than 13%.
(29:36) - A discussion about whether or not Elon Musk will really end up buying Twitter. Does he even really want to go through with the purchase?
(34:21) - Stack roulette.
(0:30) - Chuck and Mike begin the show with a recap of Wednesday's. brutal sell-off, which was the worst day for the S&P and Dow since 2020.
(13:25) - Talking about Jay Powell and the Fed's role in boosting the economy amidst heavy scrutiny.
(25:13) - Touching on the trend of more subprime borrowers defaulting on loan payments.
(34:55) - Dr. Lawrence Yun of The National Association of Realtors called into the show to tell us about the existing home sales data for April.
Emma Schwartz, producer/director of "Elon Musk's Crash Course", joined the show to talk about the movie she helped create as well as what to expect from the self-driving car sector in the future.
On today's "Ask Todd", estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky ran through the major differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts. Todd dove into how, while there are many differences between the two types of trusts, there are also many similarities, including how they both avoid probate. He also took listener calls and previewed Cushing & Dolan's guide for May, "Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts".
(0:56) - Barry and Chuck open the second hour with a discussion about layoffs and whether or not we're heading for a trend of big companies making major layoffs.
(11:15) - Emma Schwartz, producer/director of "Elon Musk's Crash Course", joined the show to talk about the movie she helped create as well as what to expect from the self-driving car sector in the near-term.
(22:41) - A conversation about Lowe's, which saw a decline in sales for Q1 despite its rival Home Depot posting strong sales for the same quarter.
(32:59) - Touching on Americans dining out more in April than the previous month. Why is this trend happening amid high inflation and food costs?
(0:38) - Wednesday's show starts with a recap of Fed Chair Jay Powell's comments on Tuesday in which he claimed that the Federal Reserve has the tools to bring down inflation.
(13:42) - Reviewing Target's earnings miss, which entailed weaker-than-expected profit and sent the share price down over 20%.
(22:50) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(1:03) - Mike and Brendan start hour two discussing President Biden and Jeff Bezos' online spar over what can be done to effectively combat inflation.
(15:40) - Covering Shanghai's supposed steps towards ending the severe lockdown that has gripped the city for weeks.
(22:20) - Talking about a Bank of America survey that revealed how Americans are hoarding the highest levels of cash in two decades.
(33:07) - Stack roulette.
(1:18) - The show opens with a review of the retail sales data for April which showed 0.9% rise in sales for the month.
(13:48) - Mark Hamrick of Bankrate called into the show to tell us more about April's retail sales data, including what implications it might have for the economy.
(23:23) - Taking a look at Walmart's earnings, which disappointed investors as inflation and supply chain issues weighed on profit.
(36:20) - Touching on Home Depot's big earnings beat that saw same-store sales jump along with the company's full-year outlook being lifted.
0:10 - Could "friend-shoring" be a possible solution for supply chain issues?
16:10 - A look at the lack of entry-level housing.
22:30 - A discussion about how parts of the U.S. could face electricity shortages due to aging power grids. Plus, are job cuts in the tech sector on the horizon?
33:35 - New data regarding business travel. Also, a conversation about the U.S. dollar compared to other currencies.
0:10 - New economic data out of China shows the significant hit its economy is taking due to strict Covid lockdowns.
14:10 - JetBlue to launch tender offer for Spirit. McDonald's pulls out of Russia.
23:30 - Are stocks cheap right now following their recent selloff?
33:05 - What is Warren Buffett buying during the market pullback?
0:10 - A look at the record high diesel prices and how a shortage could be on the horizon.
12:25 - More on the recent tumble from cryptocurrency prices, including TerraUSD.
22:55 - Should you buy or rent a home in this housing market?
33:20 - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness checks in to talk Coinbase.
0:10 - Markets are...green?
12:45 - New comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell regarding the economy's "softish landing".
25:10 - Will Elon pull out of his deal for Twitter? A look at the latest.
34:40 - Neal Boudette from the New York Times joins the show to discuss GM and his column: Mary Barra’s ‘Long Game’: Winning the E.V. Race
(2:40) - The guys weigh in on China to start hour two, specifically how the severe lockdowns pose a serious threat to the global economy.
(10:27) - Jackie DeAngelis of FOX Business joined the show to give listeners an overview of markets amid the continued downturn.
(22:35) - Talking about Beyond Meat, which is up nearly 3% despite reporting a wider-than-expected loss in Q1.
(37:08) - Stack roulette.
(0:33) - Chuck and Paul open the show talking about the manner in which markets have been selling off amidst another down day for stocks.
(10:29) - Discussing the major sell-off happening in cryptocurrency and how crypto's movement has ripple effects across different markets.
(23:22) - Touching on how Saudi Aramco has surpassed Apple with the largest market cap in the world at $2.42 trillion.
(32:47) - Talking about Rivian's stock, which is up over 18% today after the EV maker released its Q1 earnings.
(0:34) - The guys begin the second hour discussing whether or not the "buy the dip" strategy is still feasible in this bear market.
(14:49) - Talking about Coinbase's plummet, which reflects the recent dive that crypto as a whole has taken.
(22:23) - Weighing in on the student loan pause. Should borrowers stop making payments altogether right now?
(33:49) - Taking a look at the car market, where new car prices are high, but car makers like Toyota are struggling to make a profit due to supply chain issues.
On "Ask Todd" today, Todd Lutsky elaborated on revocable and irrevocable trusts, specifically how to convert the former into the latter. Todd explains how converting from a revocable trust to an irrevocable trust is a common idea, but it is not as simple as changing the language in the trust. He also took calls from listeners and previewed Cushing & Dolan's May guide, "Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts".
(0:38) - Barry and Chuck start the show with a look at the CPI for April, which showed inflation running at an annualized rate of 8.3% and a monthly rate of 0.3%.
(13:19) - An update on the COVID outbreak in China, specifically in Shanghai which has seen a 51% drop in new cases in the last day.
(22:51) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:39) - Starting the second hour touching on markets, which opened in rally mode before quickly decelerating into negative territory.
(11:25) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate called into the show to discuss how credit card balances have risen since the early days of the pandemic, although the balances decreased in Q1.
(22:25) - An update on the outdoor dining battle in the North End of Boston, where a group of restauranteurs are suing Mayor Michelle Wu for imposing hefty fees on them for having tables outside.
(34:35) - Talking about how Apple products are still being made in China at a fast rate despite the intense lockdowns that are taking place.
(0:29) - The show begins with an in-depth discussion about the market downturn (despite a rally at the open), which Barry believes is evidence that a recession is coming.
(12:40) - A conversation about how to invest amidst periods of market volatility and economic uncertainty.
(23:26) - Touching on pensions and how they are now draining at a rapid rate after a decade of steady growth.
(35:04) - Weighing on the work from home debate. A recent survey discovered that employees are just as productive, if not more productive when they work from home.
(5:37) - The second hour starts with a conversation about the U.S. dollar and how it's currently comparing to other currencies.
(14:41) - Talking about oil, specifically the "crack spread" that crude oil refineries charge to make different kinds of fuel using crude oil.
(22:38) - Discussing the amount of teenagers in the labor force, with teen unemployment at its lowest point in over a decade.
(35:06) - Stack roulette.
(0:39) - The week kicks off with the guys breaking down yet another sell-off driven by rate hike fears, bond yields moving higher, and lockdowns in China.
(13:05) - Taking a look at the tech sector, which has officially entered a bear market as the Nasdaq continues to sell off.
(23:12) - Discussing whether or not rate hikes from the Fed are truly good for banks.
(35:44) - Weighing in on the shortage of trucks across the country that is making truckers' jobs more difficult along with complicating the supply chain.
(1:29) - Starting the final hour of the week with a discussion about how rising mortgage rates are stretching the budgets of homebuyers.
(12:42) - Talking about where Zillow went wrong as the stock continues to sink after losing 20% of its value over the last month.
(22:25) - Stack roulette.
(35:07) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness called into the show to tell us about The New York Times' success since purchasing Wordle.
(1:44) - Following Thursday's brutal sell-off, Friday's show open with the guys weighing in on the April jobs report, which saw 428k jobs aded to the economy with the unemployment rate at 3.6%.
(12:27) - Diana Furcthgott Roth of George Washington University joined the show for an in-depth look at the labor market following the April jobs report.
(25:01) - Touching on the disturbing trend of new hires not showing up for their first day of work.
(35:04) - Talking about Doordash, which is down 2% today despite revenue growth of 35% in Q1.
Tripp Mickle of The New York Times joined the show to talk about his new book, "After Steve", which explores how Apple took off after the death of Steve Jobs.
(7:32) - Hour two starts with a look at Elon Musk, who has lined up $7 billion in new financing for his Twitter deal.
(13:54) - Discussing a survey of 2,500 U.S. adults, which discovered that only 7% of respondents found "Metaverse" to be exciting, while 33% were afraid.
(21:52) - Tripp Mickle of The New York Times joined the show to talk about his new book, "After Steve", which explores how Apple took off after the death of Steve Jobs.
(33:50) - Stack roulette.
(0:33) - The show opens with an in-depth discussion about the Fed. The central bank announced a half-point rate hike Wednesday which sent markets into a rally, however all of the day's gains are being lost in today's steep sell-off.
(16:50) - Focusing on how the Fed missed the boat with inflation, which they claimed to be transitory for months throughout last year.
(25:44) - Talking about Wayfair, which is struggling to become profitable and lost a significant amount of customers in Q1.
(30:51) - Weighing in on how Americans are traveling, shopping, and going to concerts again at pre-pandemic levels.
On today's "Ask Todd", estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan went over the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts. Todd dove into how there are different kinds of irrevocable trusts that can be useful depending on what stage of estate planning someone is in, and also explained how tax concerns can come into play. He also took listener calls and previewed Cushing & Dolan's new guide for May, "Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts".
(1:37) - Opening the second hour with a conversation about Starbucks, who beat on sales and profit in Q2 but is dealing with a unionization push across the company.
(12:49) - Cheryl Casone of FOX Business joined the show to talk about the Fed meeting as well as what's happening in markets.
(21:25) - Rick Bettencourt of Caliber Home Loans called into the show to discuss the still red-hot housing market and mortgage trends.
(33:07) - Touching on Lyft and Uber, specifically how thy provide a useful service but are having trouble making a profit.
(0:39) - Barry and Chuck begin the show with a preview of the Fed meeting/announcement today.
(13:27) - Discussing whether or not the tariffs on China should stay in place or be reduced in an effort to combat inflation.
(22:32) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:38) - Hour two begins with a conversation about the rising cost of electricity bills across the country.
(13:32) - Discussing how technological advances have helped to stave off inflationary changes to prices until recent months.
(22:32) - Weighing in on a now shelved proposal in California that would change the regular workweek from five days to four days.
(34:38) - Mark Schaffer of The Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show for another edition of "Financial Planning Tuesday".
(0:27) - Barry and Brendan kickoff the show previewing the Fed meeting that starts today.
(11:42) - Greg McBride of Bankrate joined the show to tell listeners what he expects to hear from the Fed in their two-day meeting.
(24:22) - Talking about the increased use of adjustable rate mortgages by consumers in an effort to stay afloat in the housing market.
(33:48) - Touching on the second unionization vote at an Amazon warehouse in New York, where 62% of employees voted against joining the union.
(2:11) - Chuck and Mike start the second hour talking about the Fed meeting this week and what the central bank plans to do next.
(14:05) - Touching on Spirit Airlines' rejection of JetBlue's $3+ billion offer to buy the company.
(22:51) - Discussing how exactly inflation has been affecting the spending habits of Americans.
(31:58) - Stack roulette.
(0:38) - The first show of May begins with a recap of what was the worst month for the Nasdaq since 2008 after the index lost over 20% of its value.
(13:06) - Discussing how inflation is becoming stagflation with prices showing no signs of coming down across the economy.
(30:25) - Previewing which earnings are left to report and whether or not they can help move markets back in an upward trend.
(35:47) - Reviewing Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholders meeting that took place in Omaha over the weekend.
(1:49) - The guys kick off the week's final hour debating whether or not Americans as a whole are currently better off financially than before the pandemic.
(15:08) - Chuck and Mike argue their differing points of view in regards to Airbnb allowing employees to work from anywhere in the world.
(22:35) - Weighing in on college-educated workers leading the charge for unionization across the country.
(37:35) - Closing the show talking about legalizing sports betting in Massachusetts, which may be slightly closer to becoming a reality after a vote in the MA Senate Thursday.
(0:51) - Chuck and Mike start the final show of the week discussing the downturn in tech stocks as well as Amazon's earnings, which revealed the company's first quarterly loss since 2015.
(13:47) - Reviewing Apple's earnings for Q1 and guidance for Q2, which entailed the company bracing for lower sales as a result of lockdowns in China.
(24:18) - A conversation about Elon Musk's upcoming purchase of Twitter and how his ties to China could taint his desire for free speech on the platform.
(31:16) - Thomas Hogan of the American Institute For Economic Research joined the show for a dive into PCE (personal consumption expenditure), personal spending and inflation data.
(2:09) - Chuck and Mike start hour two with a discussion about Europe's quest for new energy amidst Russian stoppages of gas flow to nearby countries.
(13:08) - Talking about Q1 earnings for McDonald's, which saw a 28% decline in profit from the same period last year.
(22:47) - Touching on Boeing's Dreamliner plane and how, like other Boeing aircraft, it is considerably flawed in its design.
(33:45) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness called into the show to preview Berkshire Hathaway's annual shareholders conference this weekend in Omaha.
(0:40) - The show opens with a conversation about U.S. GDP for Q1, which is estimated to have dropped by 1.4%.
(11:43) - A conversation about pandemic stocks and how they continue to plummet as the U.S. exits the pandemic phase of COVID-19.
(23:44) - Chuck reveals what global economic concerns are giving him nightmares at this time.
(32:12) - Facebook AKA Meta saw a slowdown in revenue but an expected uptick in users for Q1. The guys weigh in on how investors are viewing the social media giant.
On this edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky explained the rationale behind many people choosing to use life estates during estate planning. Todd dove into what motivates people to use a life estate and why it's often not the best method for estate planning despite it seeming to be a quick and easy fix. He also took calls from listeners and previewed Cushing & Dolan's guide for April, "Calculating The Consequences of Life Estates".
(1:46) - Beginning the second hour with a discussion about the unemployment rate and the job market. Should Wall Street be concerned about labor?
(13:00) - Touching on President Xi's push to beat the U.S. in GDP growth despite severe lockdowns going on in the country.
(22:07) - A conversation about the Case-Shiller index, which rose to 19.8% in February, as well as a discussion about how rising rates affect the housing market.
(34:49) - Corey Adams, Regional President at Robert Half, joined the show to talk about what members of the Class of '22 is prioritizing in their job search.
(0:34) - Barry and Chuck open Wednesday's show with a recap of Tuesday's steep sell-off, which saw the Nasdaq drop nearly 4%. They also talk about what to expect from stocks in the short-term.
(13:59) - Touching on Alphabet's slowing sales growth, which is a big reason why the stock is down over 3% today.
(22:42) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:28) - Starting the hour off with a conversation about value investing, which has not been successful over the last several years.
(11:56) - Ted Rossman from Bankrate called into the show to discuss how inflation is affecting vacation planning for Americans.
(22:26) - Touching on how JCPenney is making an offer to purchase rival retailer Kohl's for $8.6 billion.
(33:12) - Talking about Meta opening its first store in early May which will allow customers to try on a headset and enter the "Metaverse."
(0:38) - Barry and Paul kickoff Tuesday's show weighing in on Twitter accepting Elon Musk's $44 billion offer to purchase the company. Will Jack Dorsey return? How will this shape the future of social media?
(14:50) - Talking about Beijing beginning to test 20 million people in order to avoid a Shanghai-style lockdown as COVID spreads across the country.
(24:26) - A conversation about workers who are switching jobs, and how often times they are seeing double-digit pay increases.
(35:30) - Discussing whether or not it's better to rent or buy residences as Americans figure out which method of living is better for them.
(5:08) - The second hour opens with a dive into how to fortify your retirement against giant market swings.
(12:53) - Heather Haddon of The Wall Street Journal joined the show to talk about Starbucks and the identity crisis that the company is facing under new (old) CEO Howard Schultz.
(24:05) - Taking a look at the massive shortages that hospitals are facing as workers continue to drop out in large numbers.
(35:16) - Stack roulette.
(1:03) - Chuck and Tuck open the week with a close look at markets and a review of last week's sell-offs.
(13:59) - Talking about Twitter's heavy consideration of Elon Musk's offer to buy the social media giant.
(24:48) - A third of the S&P 500 reports earnings this week, and the guys discuss whether or not a slew of positive earnings could provide a major boost to markets.
(34:16) - Weighing in on the Fed's plan to raise rates. Do they have a solidified plan for the rest of the year, and could the wrong approach be consequential?
(2:16) - The guys start the final hour of the week touching on Budweiser. The beer maker has become the latest company to cease operations in Russia.
(12:48) - Joe Flint of The Wall Street Journal called into the show to talk about Netflix's hard fall from grace.
(22:23) - Weighing in on Gap's struggles after the company slashed sales forecasts and also saw Old Navy's CEO leave the company.
(33:16) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to dive into Disney and how the company is facing a tough road ahead.
(0:51) - Chuck and Brendan open the last show of the week with a review of Thursday's sell-off, which was sparked by comments from both the St. Louis Fed President and from Fed Chair Jay Powell.
(13:18) - Discussing the swift rebound air travel has seen in America and how airlines are struggling to keep up with demand.
(22:34) - A conversation about what exactly the "optimal workweek" entails, and how companies are adjusting to the needs and wants of employees.
(36:04) - Talking about Lululemon, which will be launching a paid subscription service that will have perks for customers.
Mike Simonsen of Altos Research called into the show to give us a broad look at the current housing market.
(3:43) - The second hour begins with a look at workers returning to the office and how everyday expenses that go with commuting are much pricier than the last time they worked on location.
(12:48) - Mike Simonsen of Altos Research called into the show to give us a broad look at the current housing market.
(25:02) - Discussing how the lockdowns in Shanghai are causing massive logjams in the city's port, with 714 ships now waiting to dock and unload.
(36:20) - Stack roulette.
(0:43) - Chuck and Mike open the show with a review of Tesla's Q1 earnings, which saw the company reach record profit of $3.3B.
(12:51) - Discussing Germany's commitment to halt purchases of Russian oil before the end of 2022.
(24:26) - A conversation about AT&T and all its mishaps and poor acquisitions made over the previous decade.
(35:54) - Fed Chair Jay Powell will be speaking today, and the guys talk about whether he will stick to his plan to raise rates by a half percent or more at the next Fed meeting.
(0:38) - Barry and Chuck start the second hour talking about how MA Biotech firms are struggling despite a lot of money invested in them over the years.
(18:34) - Weighing in on Spirit Airlines' decision to cut the number of spring and summer flights due to weather disruptions.
(22:08) - A conversation about the ongoing supply chain issues, specifically in California where farmers are feeling the negative ripple effects.
(33:10) - Greg McBride of Bankrate called into the show to dive into Bankrate's recent student loan survey that studied how loans are affecting borrowers.
(0:33) - The guys kickoff Wednesday's show with a conversation about Netflix, which is plummeting over 37% today after reporting a 200k loss in subscribers in Q1.
(13:57) - Dr. Lawrence Yun of the National Association of Realtors joined the show to review the existing home sales data for March, which fell for a second consecutive month.
(22:37) - A discussion about the power that workers hold over employers at this time. Many companies are hesitant to fire workers due to the tight labor markets, and many workers are avoiding a return to the office.
(33:52) - Touching on IBM's Q1 earnings, which revealed the tech company's revenue jumped 8%. The stock is up over 7% on the news.
(0:46) - The guys start hour two with a conversation about when the optimal time is to collect social security benefits.
(14:07) - Covering the Rivian CEO's comments that warn of a looming shortage of electric vehicle batteries.
(22:20) - Weighing in on the used car market, which remains hectic with some used cars being sold at higher prices than new cars.
(34:46) - Mark Schaffer of The Armstrong Advisory Group called into the show for another edition of "Financial Planning Tuesday".
(0:38) - Barry and Brendan begin Tuesday's show talking about how investors view the Fed, and whether or not the Fed can successfully combat inflation.
(13:19) - A conversation about the high cost of college and how many workers don't have a job in their field of study.
(24:47) - Touching on who may be the successful bidder for Twitter, as well as what the social media giant's plans are to counter Elon Musk.
(33:31) - Neal Boudette of The New York Times joined the show to tell us about how Ford's recent turnaround.
(1:19) - The guys start the second hour talking about the ongoing Elon Musk vs. the Twitter board saga, specifically how Twitter has adopted a poison pill plan to stop Elon from increasing his stake in the company.
(13:17) - A conversation about what the future holds for the stock market, and how that future has evolved over time.
(23:08) - Touching on the birth rake in America as well as the rest of the world, which is seeing a rebound from pandemic lows.
(35:59) - Stack roulette.
(1:38) - Chuck and Mike open the week with an in-depth conversation about the labor force. Several million workers who dropped out of the workforce due to the pandemic won't be returning, and a tighter labor force has ramifications throughout the economy.
(12:19) - Discussing how inflation and the war in Ukraine are posing real risks to the global economy and are slowing down the pandemic recovery.
(24:16) - Reviewing Bank of America's earnings for Q1, which revealed a 12% quarterly drop in profit for the big bank.
(35:40) - Weighing in on the idea of utilities converting coal plants to nuclear plants, and what the downfalls of this concept could be.
(1:46) - The guys begin the second hour with a look at China's zero-COVID policy, which is intensifying as is propaganda around the country.
(11:28) - Talking about how Starbucks is preparing to expand worker benefits that may exclude unionized staff.
(23:46) - Touching on Amazon's new fuel inflation fee that is being charged to online merchants that use the company's shipping services.
(36:05) - Stack roulette.
(0:35) - Thursday's show kicks off with the guys breaking down Elon Musk's offer to buy Twitter for $54.20 per share, which amounts to over $43 billion.
(14:00) - Susan Li of FOX Business called into the show for a look around markets as well as a discussion about Elon's offer to buy Twitter.
(25:33) - Reviewing the retail sales data for March, which showed a 0.5% increase in spending. However, without gasoline sales included, retail sales fell by 0.3%.
(33:45) - Corey Adams, Regional President at Robert Haff, joined the show to dive into pay discrepancies at companies between new employees and tenured employees.
On "Ask Todd" today, Todd Lutsky reviewed why life estates are often times the wrong way to go about estate planning. Todd explained why life estates are so popular despite the fact that they can lead to consequences down the road. He also took listener calls and previewed Cushing & Dolan's April guide, "Calculating The Consequences of Life Estates".
Ted Dixon, Author of "Life And Death Decisions in the C-Suite", joined the show for a conversation about his book as well as how many companies' health care plans are dangerous for employees.
(0:46) - The second hour kicks off with a discussion about oil prices, in which the guys dive into why gas prices haven't lowered dramatically despite oil prices being lower overall.
(12:39) - Touching on Tim Cook's warning that a proposed antitrust law will leave Apple users with less choice of privacy. Is that really his concern, or is a loss of profit his concern?
(22:04) - Talking about General Motors, which has struck a deal to secure an abundance of cobalt which will be used to make batteries.
(31:45) - Ted Dixon, Author of "Life And Death Decisions in the C-Suite", joined the show for a conversation about his book as well as how many companies' health care plans are dangerous for employees.
(0:38) - Barry and Chuck start the show with a conversation about Fed Vice Chair Lael Brainard, who has expressed confidence in the Fed's ability to slowdown sustained inflation.
(14:08) - Taking a look at JPMorgan's earnings for Q1, which showed profit plummet 42% due in large part to a decrease in investment banking opportunities.
(22:47) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(1:21) - Hour two begins with a conversation about males in the workforce. Over the decades, the workforce has seen five million men ages 25-54 drop out.
(13:47) - Weighing in on whether truck makers should switch to batteries or hydrogen in an effort to make trucks more environmentally friendly.
(22:16) - Touching on digital ad revenue in the U.S., which jumped 35% to $189 billion in 2021.
(33:29) - The show closes with a discussion about the absurd amount of returns that retailers experienced last year, with over $760 billion in merchandise being sent back to stores.
(0:28) - Barry and Paul begin Tuesday's show with a look at the CPI data for March, which showed inflation at a 41-year high of an 8.5% increase year-over-year.
(12:17) - Discussing the popular notion that rising interest rates will slow inflation down. Does the Fed need to be even more aggressive in order to accomplish this?
(25:22) - Touching on how non-essential members of the U.S. consulate in Shanghai are coming home due to the severe lockdowns in China.
(34:11) - Talking about how Atlanta topped the list of word's busiest airports in 2021, which leads to a broader discussion about business travel.
(0:37) - Chuck and Mike open the second hour with a conversation about current markets. Are they as bad as they seem?
(12:29) - Dissecting the decision to not have Elon Musk join Twitter's board of directors despite being the largest shareholder at the company.
(22:05) - Breaking down JetBlue's current troubles, which include an attempted merger with Spirit, numerous canceled flights out of Boston, and more.
(33:07) - Stack roulette.
(2:34) - The week begins with a preview of earnings season for Q1. The guys talk about what we should expect to see from earnings overall as well as how much earnings growth could drive markets.
(12:21) - Discussing how European countries should wean themselves off of Russian oil, and how substantial disagreements between governments could make the process more difficult.
(23:55) - Talking about how S&P has hit Russia with a "default" rating on foreign debt after Russia attempted to make a dollar bond payment last week.
(37:01) - Weighing in on how rising interest rates are already affecting the economy, and predicting how they could continue to have ripple effects on housing and other sectors of the economy.
(5:39) - The final hour of the week opens with the guys weighing in on Amazon appealing the recent union victory in Staten Island, NY.
(12:30) - Talking about the Biden administration's supposed plan to fight inflation with domestic production, followed by a conversation about Macy's dipping sales.
(22:39) - Discussing the likely acquisition of Warner Media by Discovery, and how thi will add to an already very crowded streaming space.
(35:30) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to dive into Sofi Technologies, which has seen its stock plummet as of late.
(4:39) - The guys start Friday's show with a conversation about investing during wartime. Is there a certain strategy that's best followed in times of war?
(13:42) - Breaking down Walmart's announcement that they will pay entry-level truckers as much as $110k after a 12-week training course.
(22:48) - Touching on Medicare limiting coverage on the new, controversial Alzheimer's drug, Aduhelm.
(35:06) - Reviewing Tesla's "Cyber Rodeo" that was held in Texas to promote the new Tesla plant opening in the state.
(1:33) - The second hour starts with a review of oil executives' hearing in front of Congress on Wednesday.
(13:56) - A conversation about how the pause on student loan payments has been extended until August 31st. How much more will it be delayed?
(23:54) - Talking about the new movie, "Morbeus" which leads into a discussion about how younger males are fueling ticket sales at movie theaters.
(35:37) - Stack roulette.
(3:41) - Chuck and Mike kickoff Thursday's show reviewing the Federal Reserve meeting minutes, which showed that the Fed is considering raising rates by half a percentage point at future meetings.
(14:45) - Talking about China hitting a record number of COVID-19 cases and subsequently extending lockdown measures.
(27:25) - Discussing whether or not older workers should consider early retirement if they truly enjoy their jobs.
(33:19) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate joined the show to talk about Bankrate's poll regarding whether or not Americans are changing their spending habits amid high inflation.
On today's "Ask Todd", estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan talked about the danger of using life estates. Todd professed that, while using a life estate is popular and easy, there are more cons than pros in using this as a method of estate planning. He also took calls from listeners and previewed C&D's new guide for April, "Calculating The Consequences of Life Estates".
(4:07) - Barry and Chuck begin the second hour with a discussion about how rising interest rates have affected the mortgage market.
(12:33) - Jessica Lautz from The National Association of Realtors joined the show to talk about NAR's 2022 home remodeling impact report. Why are homeowners remodeling their homes so much?
(22:55) - Touching on how Uber is attempting to be an Expedia-type company, allowing users to book train and plane tickets when they book their ride.
(34:43) - Closing the show weighing in on the lack of truckers in trucking companies, and what these companies have had to do in order to find workers.
(0:38) - The guys start the show recapping the previous day's sell-off, which has spilled over into trading today. They profess that Fed Governor Lael Brainard's comments have spooked markets.
(14:29) - Talking about how Congress will be grilling oil executives in the days to come as well as how there is now a balance to be struck between fossil fuel production and renewable energy.
(22:54) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:47) - The guys open the second hour talking about Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter shares, and how he may already be running into regulatory issues due to his transaction.
(14:11) - Sarah Foster of Bankrate.com joined the show to discuss Bankrate's report that studied how inflation affects car insurance costs.
(22:29) - Weighing in on buying vs. leasing a car. What are the pros and cons of each, and what costs less in the long run?
(34:15) - Mark Schaffer of Armstrong Advisory Group called into the show for another edition of "Financial Planning Tuesday." Today, Mark touched on different qualifications for financial planners.
(0:47) - Barry and Brendan start Tuesday's show with a conversation about economists predicting an upcoming recession. Do these predictions have merit given a strong job market and other encouraging economic data?
(12:43) - Talking about the high quits rate amid "The Great Resignation" and whether or not it's healthy for the economy.
(24:14) - Touching on recent changed to Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules and how they may affect the average American's 401k withdrawal plans.
(30:54) - Discussing how the Social Security (SS) collection age may go higher as serious conversations regarding SS program changes continue.
(0:58) - Hour two opens with a conversation about JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon's assessment of the U.S. economy.
(14:51) - Discussing how China has revised its audit secrecy laws in an effort to curb nearly 300 Chinese companies from being delisted from U.S. exchanges.
(22:25) - Weighing in on Starbucks' decision to suspend its stock buyback and instead invest that money in operations under new/old CEO Howard Schulz.
(32:11) - Stack roulette.
(1:04) - Chuck and Mike begin the week breaking down the official unionization of Amazon warehouse workers in Staten Island in what should be a significant decision.
(15:08) - Talking about how Elon Musk has purchased a 9.2% stake in Twitter despite his previously troubling antics on the social media platform.
(23:50) - Touching on General Motors and Toyota's falling sales numbers for Q1, which leads into a discussion about the best-selling cars.
(33:46) - Discussing how Vladimir Putin still holds an important card in the ongoing war against Ukraine: Oil and gas.
(1:21) - Chuck and Mike begin the final hour of the week with a conversation about seasonal workers, specifically how the Biden administration is going to make upwards of 60k H2B visas available for these workers this summer.
(15:21) - Talking about how car sales are dropping as automakers continue to struggle with production due to the global semiconductor shortage.
(25:22) - Discussing how Americans paid off their debts more often during the pandemic, but this trend is not expected to last.
(34:00) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness called into the show to tell us about the latest in GameStop, which has seen another recent surge in share price.
(1:18) - The guys start Friday's show with a review of the jobs report for March, which saw the U.S. add 431k jobs vs. 490k expected, with unemployment at 3.6%.
(14:35) - Discussing what went right in markets in a quarter where stocks and bonds lost a good deal of value.
(25:07) - Touching on Shanghai's extension of COVID-19 lockdown measures, which have many worried about economic ripple effects.
(31:42) - Hari Ravichandran, Founder and CEO of Aura, joined the show to talk about the state of cybersecurity as a whole.
(2:18) - The guys open the second hour talking about Meta and Apple giving user data to hackers who used forged legal requests pretending to be law enforcement.
(11:31) - A conversation about how many aspects of the economy are returning to normal, with office spaces being one outlier.
(21:32) - Todd Lutsky, estate planning attorney with Cushing & Dolan, called into the show to remind listeners that it's their last chance to get C&D's March guide, "How To Leave Assets to Beneficiaries."
(35:28) - Stack roulette.
(0:27) - The show starts with a dive into the announcement from the Biden administration that up to 1 million barrels a day will be released from the country's strategic oil reserves in an effort to combat high energy prices.
(14:22) - Touching on how the Biden administration is considering using the Defense Production Act to help increase the available amount of certain minerals such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese.
(27:50) - A discussion about whether or not home prices and mortgage rates can rise simultaneously, and what effect that has on the housing market as a whole.
(36:03) - Talking about consumer spending, which rose slightly from January to February as COVID-19 continues to take a backseat.
Massachusetts State Senator Eric Lesser joined the show to talk about the status of sports betting in the state. How close is MA to legalizing sports betting, and what are the main obstacles that must be cleared?
(1:21) - The second hour opens with a conversation about the rising percentage of retirees that are reentering the workforce.
(14:48) - Talking about how positive drug tests among U.S. workers has hit a two-decade high, which led to a broader discussion about marijuana legalization.
(22:31) - Touching on controversial investment app Robinhood's announcement that it will extend trading hours for users from 7am to 8pm.
(32:49) - Greg McBride of Bankrate.com called into the show to talk to us about a homeownership affordability survey that Bankrate recently conducted.
(1:14) - Chuck and Mike kickoff Wednesday's show with an in-depth discussion about oil. How should the U.S. tackle higher prices and increase production?
(9:19) - Massachusetts State Senator Eric Lesser joined the show to talk about the status of sports betting in the state. How close is MA to legalizing sports betting?
(23:25) - A conversation regarding the bond yield curve and whether or not it can be indicative of what's to come in the economy.
(35:31) - An update on the state of outdoor dining in the North End, where restauranteurs have been fighting Mayor Wu on proposed fees and regulations for restaurants that will provide that option.
(0:38) - Barry and Paul begin hour two with a look at the JOLTS report, which showed job opening ease slightly from record highs.
(12:43) - Diana Furchtgott-Roth, who is a Professor of Economics at George Washington University and former Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Labor, joined the show for an in-depth look at the labor market and the economy as a whole.
(22:20) - A discussion about the rising popularity in electric vehicles and how waitlists for said EV's are becoming more commonplace.
(34:59) - Talking about Walmart's decision to stop selling cigarettes in select stores across the U.S.
(0:28) - The show starts with a review of markets which are staying hot, largely due to rumored progress in peace talks in Ukraine as well as falling oil prices.
(13:07) - Touching on the Biden administration's plea to oil companies to start producing more oil, despite the fact that the President is making it harder for companies to do so.
(23:46) - Talking about the Democrats' proposal that would temporarily halt the federal gas tax, which is receiving pushback from businesses and highway lobbies.
(31:44) - A conversation about FedEx CEO Fred Smith who, at age 77, is stepping down from his position after an illustrious career.
USVI Governor Albert Bryan joined the show to talk about life on the Virgin Islands, specifically covid protocols, tourism, tax measures, infrastructure, and much more.
(1:07) - The guys start the second hour revisiting oil prices, followed by a look at oil production by country.
(15:24) - Talking about the Biden administration's new proposal that would tax the wealthiest Americans and would also eliminate 1031 exchanges.
(22:37) - A conversation about Tesla, which is up nearly 7% on news that the company is considering another stock split.
(34:08) - Touching on the rise in popularity of riskier and volatile investments that are catching the eye of Wall Street.
(1:19) - Barry and Chuck begin the week with a breakdown of markets. They discuss the latest in the war in Ukraine, how oil prices are lower for the wrong reasons, and how treasury yields are now ticking down.
(9:14) - Discussing how the price of oil is down nearly 8%, largely due to the newest lockdowns in China.
(23:00) -USVI Governor Albert Bryan joined the show to talk about life on the Virgin Islands, specifically covid protocols, tourism, tax measures, infrastructure, and much more.
(37:19) - Touching on how workers still have leverage over employers, specifically international longshoreman in California who are threatening to strike.
(5:34) - Chuck and Mike open the final hour of the week talking about how exactly rising interest rates are going to effect the red-hot housing market.
(15:07) - Touching on the steep decline in population that Suffolk County, MA experienced from 2020-2021.
(22:30) - Stack roulette.
(34:29) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness called into the show to talk about DraftKings and the sports betting landscape as a whole.
(2:13) - The guys start Friday's show with a conversation about the economy, specifically if it's entering "a new normal" with high inflation and volatility.
(14:01) - Weighing in on the U.S. and EU's agreement to have America boost gas deliveries to Europe as the continent begins to ween itself off of Russian energy dependence.
(24:12) - Talking about why the U.S. is not increasing oil production domestically amid soaring energy prices.
(36:36) - Touching on Beth Israel Lahey nurses authorizing a potential strike over failed contract negotiations.
(1:20) - Kicking off the hour talking about the fertilizer shortage that is driving up prices. Russia is the world's largest producer of fertilizer, and the country's invasion of Ukraine has sent prices through the roof.
(12:03) - Cheryl Casone of FOX Business called into the show for a conversation about markets and ongoing volatility that we're seeing.
(22:48) - Touching on Meta's approach to working from home, which involves C-level executives working from around the globe.
(32:09) - Stack roulette.
(0:38) - Chuck and Mike begin the show talking about the weekly jobless claims number for last week (187K) which was the lowest since 1969.
(11:16) - A discussion about President Biden's meeting with NATO leaders in Brussels regarding their next steps in sanctioning Russia.
(28:16) - Touching on California Governor Gavin Newsome's proposal that will attempt to provide relief for Americans at the gas pump.
(33:29) - Corey Adams, Regional President at Robert Half, joined the show to discuss Robert Half's survey on workers who are quitting instead of returning to the office.
On today's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan spoke on his experience with people who have many assets, yet they wait too long to do estate planning. Todd discussed how crucial it is to plan ahead and figure out how to leave assets to beneficiaries before passing. He also took calls from listeners and previewed C&D's guide for March, "How To Leave Assets To Your Beneficiaries."
(0:38) - Barry and Chuck start the second hour with a conversation about oil prices, and how the country has seen spikes like this before but they haven't lasted.
(12:48) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate.com joined the show to talk about the best gas rewards credit cards that exist right now amid sky-high prices at the pump.
(28:35) - A spirited discussion regarding why Massachusetts is dragging its feet when it comes to legalizing sports betting.
(33:54) - Weighing in on whether or not President Biden will extend the pause on student loan payments pass May 1st.
(1:41) - The show opens with the guys discussing whether or not the Federal Reserve's 25bp rate hike should've been 50bp.
(12:49) - Talking about how mortgage rates have shot up in the last couple months. Could higher rates extend the red-hot housing market?
(22:42) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:54) - Barry and Brendan start the second hour with a conversation about the striking workers at a Chevron plant in California, of which there are more than 500.
(12:37) - Discussing whether or not home sales will drop dramatically over the course of the year. Even if they do, will inventory still be at record lows?
(22:14) - Weighing in on tipping: Will consumers still be generous tippers this year as the pandemic begins to fade? Will inflation play a role?
(34:08) - Mark Schaffer of Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show for another edition of "Financial Planning Tuesday" to discuss fading optimism about finances among Americans.
(0:39) - The show opens with a review of Jay Powell's hawkish tone that he took on in his press conference Tuesday, when he indicated the next rate hike may be a half percent.
(13:08) - Discussing whether or not the EU will ban all purchases of Russian energy, and what the ramifications could be if they choose to do so.
(25:04) - Touching on how the U.S. is now considering other methods of obtaining uranium, since the main source of the country's uranium currently comes from Russia.
(33:52) - Taking a look at the cost of charging an electric vehicle vs. the cost of filling a car's gas tank. Is it still cheaper overall to own an EV?
(1:34) - Chuck and Mike start the second hour debating whether or not consumer spending will roar back as the year goes on.
(13:25) - Talking about how the negative ripple effects of sky-high gas prices are trickling into small businesses.
(26:46) - Discussing Apple and Porsche's talks that were held last year regarding undisclosed projects. Could the Apple car finally be coming to fruition soon?
(35:07) - Stack roulette.
(1:33) - The week kicks off with a discussion about markets, particularly how the S&P 500 unexpectedly gained over 6% last week after three straight days of rallies.
(12:36) - A conversation about manufacturers that have operations in Russia and how they are trying to figure out how to adapt amid the ongoing war.
(24:18) - Covering AMC's acquisition of a 22% stake in Hycroft Mining, which raised many eyebrows on Wall Street.
(32:35) - Touching on returning Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz's relationship with Baristas at stores, which is more complicated than before due to further unionization efforts.
0:10 - Connecticut recently made remote work permanent for state employees. Should other states follow?
13:40 - Have gig workers reached a breaking point when it comes to high gas prices?
22:30 - An ex-Boeing pilot heads to trial to defend himself against charges that he mislead air-safety regulators regarding the aircraft maker's controversial 737 MAX jet.
32:45 - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness talks Starbucks.
0:10 - President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met this morning to discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
15:10 - Should the Fed be more aggressive than their current plan?
30:52 - Dr. Lawrence Yun of the National Association of Realtors joins the show to run through the latest existing home sales data. Plus, how did homeowners earned more than their jobs last year?
(1:55) - The guys begin hour two with a discussion about Walmart's goal of hiring 50K new workers by the end of April. Is this target number really feasible?
(14:15) - Talking about how Americans are trying to find different ways to save energy at home amid soaring prices across the country.
(23:11) - Touching on the sky-rocketing price of Nickel and how it's a more important metal than most people realize.
(36:24) - Stack roulette.
(0:30) - Chuck and Mike start the St. Patrick's Day edition of the show recapping the Fed decision to raise interest rates, as well as breaking down the market reaction to the announcement.
(15:25) - Touching on what the projected Fed rate hikes this year mean for the average American.
(25:56) - A conversation about just how severely the imposed sanctions on Russia are going to damage the country's economy in the long-term.
(34:11) - Taking a look at China's "zero covid" policy, which, despite extreme measures to keep people inside, is allowing factories to stay open and operational.
On "Ask Todd" today, estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky elaborated on leaving assets to beneficiaries, specifically when some of those assets are foreign. Todd dove into how to handle timeshares or accounts that are in different countries and why it's important to plan ahead when it comes to managing these assets. He also took calls from listeners and previewed Cushing & Dolan's guide for March, "How To Leave Assets To Your Beneficiaries."
(0:35) - Barry and Chuck start the second half of the show with a conversation about falling oil prices. With this happening, how soon can we expect gas prices to start falling as well?
(12:48) - A discussion regarding when exactly the best time is to list your home for sale.
(22:07) - Weighing in on whether or not the global response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine will make China think twice about possibly invading Taiwan in similar fashion,
(35:03) - Talking about Starbucks, whose CEO, Kevin Johnson, has resigned. Howard Schultz will be returning as interim CEO.
(0:38) - The guys open the show analyzing the second straight broad-based rally in markets, which most likely can be attributed to supposed progress in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
(14:36) - Discussing how Americans are buying airline tickets at a rapid rate despite prices that are much higher than usual.
(22:53) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(1:11) - The second hour starts with a conversation about China, which is locking down more than 50 million citizens in an attempt to curb the outbreak of the Stealth Omicron variant of COVID-19.
(12:50) - Touching on a major auto supplier in Ukraine that's struggling in a big way due to the ongoing war.
(22:28) - Talking about how older workers cannot, in any way, be held responsible for the labor shortage as the number of older people in the workforce has returned to pre-pandemic levels.
(32:09) - Mark Hamrick of Bankrate,com called into the show to discuss what trends he's seeing in the workforce with a particular focus on the desire for remote work.
(0:27) - Barry and Paul begin Tuesday's show talking about a rare sight nowadays- equity markets are higher and gas prices are lower.
(15:15) - Discussing Fed Chair Jay Powell's role in combatting inflation. Will the frequency of rate hikes this year end up matter in the end?
(25:08) - A dive into China's partnership with Russia, and how the war in Ukraine has complicated not only that relationship, but the already-deteriorating relationship with the U.S.
(33:46) - Paul Lapiana, head of MassMutual U.S. product, joined the show to tell us about current trends in consumer spending and saving.
(2:10) - Much is being made of sustained inflation, but the guys talk about what is actually being done and what could be done to combat this issue.
(16:19) - Weighing in on the recent shortage of college students that are attending schools in the northeast.
(23:37) - A conversation about women who are working remotely. There are more women working remotely than men, but could this hinder women's chances of advancing their careers?
(33:49) - Stack roulette.
(0:38) - Chuck and Mike kick off the week with a discussion about the affect that the war in Ukraine is having on overall equity markets.
(12:53) - Talking about how investors are flocking to safe assets as the war overseas dampens economic sentiment.
(23:43) - A conversation about consumer behavior as it pertains to the car market. Gas prices are making people look to fuel-efficient vehicles. but inventories are still scares nationwide.
(33:46) - Touching on tech companies and how, despite many promises to change, these companies never truly change their ways of operating.
(0:31) - The second hour begins with a conversation about daylight savings, which is sure to bring renewed debate with clocks being set an hour forward this weekend,
(13:46) - Talking about Peloton and how its stock is now down to $21 per share from a high of over $160.
(29:29) - Debating whether or not the U.S. should institute a digital dollar, and what the ramifications of that could be.
(35:01) - Stack roulette.
(2:36) - Mike and Brendan start Friday's show weighing in on America's consideration of removing Russia's status as a preferred trade partner.
(12:49) - Discussing how Xi Jinping's relationship with Russia will be affected now that a full-scale invasion has been launched.
(24:24) - Touching on the Senate passing a $1.2 trillion spending bill which includes immediate aid for Ukraine.
(33:54) - Mortgage rates have jumped right back up after a short drop last week. The guys talk about why the brief drop happened and what rates might do in the near-term.
(6:19) - The guys discuss the record number of job openings across the country and how workers are now less hesitant to quit in search of higher wages.
(14:46) - Weighing in on unionization within companies, particularly in Buffalo, N.Y., where employees at three more Starbucks stores are looking to unionize.
(22:24) - Touching on the Spirit-Frontier Airlines merger and how legislators fear that it could take competition from the airline industry.
(35:05) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness called into the show to discuss the recent stock splits at arguably the two biggest tech giants in the world: Amazon and Google.
(0:28) - Mike and Brendan kick off the show with a dive into the CPI data for February, which showed a 7.9% year-over-year rise in inflation with a 0.8% rise last month alone.
(13:22) - Stock splits have become somewhat of a trend over the last few years. The guys discuss this trend, particularly Amazon's board approving a 20 to 1 stock split.
(24:44) - A conversation about how many investors tend to sell amid high volatility, and why that might not be the right move.
(32:50) - Charles Payne of FOX Business called into the show to talk about how Americans are handling inflation, and if there is light at the end of the tunnel.
On this edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan discussed how to leave assets to beneficiaries. Todd dove into how this process is more complicated than one might think, especially when collectibles are involved. He also took listener calls and previewed of C&D's new guide, "How To Leave Assets To Your Beneficiaries."
(1:05) - The guys open the second hour touching on the executive order that President Biden signed into law which instructed government agencies to study cryptocurrencies.
(13:07) - Discussing how mortgage rates dropped briefly last week which resulted in a 9% jump in refinance activity.
(24:27) - Weighing in on companies using TV commercials as a way to convey that they are hiring.
(34:00) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate.com joined the show to talk about how inflation is affecting different generations of Americans.
(2:04) - Barry and Paul begin the show with a conversation about the America's dependence on other countries for energy, and where the country will turn to now that Russian oil will no longer be imported.
(11:57) - Talking about how McDonald's, Starbucks, Pepsi, and Coke have joined the long list of companies that will cease operations in Russia.
(23:50) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(1:26) - Barry and Paul start the second hour with a discussion about pensions, particularly how stock-heavy pensions are going to be greatly affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
(13:01) - Cyrus Callum, Director of Aviation & Economic Resources at Daytona Beach International Airport, joined the show to talk about the major pilot shortage that 's being seen across the country.
(22:25) - Taking a look at the worst-performing stocks recently, with Peloton and Robinhood headlining the under-performers.
(33:49) - Mark Schaffer of Armstrong Advisory Group called into the show for another edition of "Financial Planning Tuesday." Mark weighed in on the best ways to protect yourself and your accounts from a potential Russian cyberattack.
(0:41) - The show opens with a look at the soaring price of oil, which is due to rise even more now that President Biden announced that the U.S. will no longer import oil from Russia.
(13:18) - A discussion about how rising prices at the pump will eventually change consumer behavior in terms of transportation.
(24:46) - Reviewing the lengthy list of companies that have cut ties and taken their assets out of Russia, with oil giant Shell being the most recent to do so.
(31:07) - Talking about how elements used to make cars will now be significantly more expensive due to the war in Ukraine, which in turn will keep auto prices higher.
(0:54) - The guys open the hour 2 with a conversation about the Fed. Just a few weeks ago, six or seven rate hikes for 2022 seemed feasible, but not so much anymore.
(12:37) - Jack Ewing of The New York Times joined the show to discuss his article on how the war in Ukraine will impact the supply chain of numerous countries.
(22:13) - Touching on how electric vehicles could potentially help charge the power grid, or at least help provide energy to a home as a backup source of power.
(32:58) - Talking about the very lucrative opening "The Batman" had over the weekend, raking in $128 million domestically and nearly $250 million globally.
(0:38) - Barry and Paul open the week discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine, specifically how the price of gas around the country has now topped $4 a a gallon on average.
(12:48) - A conversation about the United States' potential strategy that would import more oil from Venezuela and halt all oil and energy imports from Russia.
(24:15) - Talking about whether or not inflation will begin to fall this year as well as what sectors drive inflation the most.
(31:33) - Taking a look at tech company's that have suspended sales to Russia, with one notably missing: Microsoft.
(2:59) - Chuck and Mike start the final hour of the week talking about the return of big tech workers to their offices, with Apple being the most recent to announce an in-person return to work on April 16th.
(11:31) - Taking a look at discount airline Spirit, which plans to open crew bases in Miami and Atlanta in effort to grow its staff and become bigger than its rival airlines.
(23:33) - A conversation about Sony and Honda's plans to team up in order to make electric vehicles.
(32:41) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to talk about Citigroup, which has its investors on edge due to its billions of dollars in Russian exposure.
(0:29) - The show kicks off with Paul Lane of Armstrong Advisory Group calling into to give a detailed look at the strong February jobs report, 678K jobs added while the unemployment rate dropped to 3.8%.
(15:09) - Talking about Russian forces shelling the largest nuclear plant in Europe and how that could further darken the outlook for Ukranians and Europe as a whole.
(27:17) - Reviewing Jerome Powell's testimony in front of Congress in which the Fed chair warned that the war in Ukraine could exacerbate inflation.
(33:01) - Discussing whether or not China will direct their banks to aid the Russian economy following ongoing and future sanctions imposed on Russia by western allies.
Mike Simonsen of Altos Research called into the show to preview the spring housing market and to talk about the continued record-low levels of inventory that we are seeing.
(3:24) - Chuck and Mike begin the second hour with a conversation about remote work in the future. Will remote employees have less opportunities for advancement compared to in-person employees?
(13:28) - Discussing the Fenway area bars and restaurants that are going to suffer greatly as a result of the MLB lockout.
(21:38) - Mike Simonsen of Altos Research called into the show to talk about the spring housing market and the continued low levels of inventory that we are seeing.
(33:02) - Stack roulette.
(0:56) - The show starts with the latest on the war in Ukraine, particularly how Russian citizens will have to suffer economically due to Putin's actions.
(12:37) - Touching on all the companies around the globe that are cutting ties with Russia not only due to the invasion, but also to get ahead of any further sanctions that could impact their business.
(24:39) - A discussion about Kroger leads to a conversation about the higher grocery bills that many Americans are seeing amid higher inflation.
(33:57) - The guys talk about how only Amazon is able to close 60 book/retail stores and not have it affect the bottom line.
On today's "Ask Todd", estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan guided listeners as to how to leave assets to beneficiaries. Todd explained the best way to distribute assets and how planning ahead can make all the difference in having control of how certain assets are handled. He also took calls from listeners and gave a preview of C&D's March guide, "How To Leave Assets To Your Beneficiaries."
(0:38) - Barry and Chuck kick off hour two taking a look at the numerous companies that are breaking ties with Russia and moving their products out of the country.
(15:02) - Adam Johnson of Bullseyebiref.com called into the show to talk about what he's seeing in these volatile markets as well as why he is optimistic about the direction of stocks.
(28:27) - Discussing the ongoing MLB lockout after the Players Association and the league failed to reach an agreement by 5pm Tuesday, which resulted in the cancellation of some games.
(35:54) - Touching on FitBit's recall of over one million watches that reportedly have been burning some consumers due to an overheating battery.
(0:35) - The guys dive into the rapidly rising cost of oil, which is now up over 5% to $100 a barrel. How long will energy prices continue to spike?
(13:02) - Discussing the release of oil reserves by numerous countries around the globe in an effort to combat these sky-high gas prices.
(22:47) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:35) - The second hour starts with a conversation about Citigroup, which has $10 billion of Russian exposure that it's trying to divest.
(13:06) - Taking a look at Zoom, which is down 5% due to a weak revenue forecast for Q1 and an overall slowdown in growth.
(22:56) - A discussion about the ongoing negotiations to end the MLB lockout and what brought the players and owners to this point.
(36:04) - Talking about Chevron's acquisition of a biofuel company (Renewable Energy Group) for over $3 billion.
(0:39) - Barry and Brendan begin the show with deep dive into how the ongoing war in Ukraine is impacting the price of oil around the globe.
(13:08) - Discussing whether or not the sanctions imposed against Russia are enough to convince Vladimir Putin to stop the invasion.
(22:32) - Has the Russian invasion changed the Fed's strategy in regards to raising rates? The guys talk about what Jay Powell might do differently now that there's a war overseas.
(32:34) - Touching on the U.S. and other countries' tentative plan to release 70 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves.
(6:14) - Talking about the impact of inflation on pension funds. These pensions are experiencing major problems being properly funded due to high levels of inflation.
(17:50) - Touching on how Samsung has been reporting record revenue, which in turn has made its employees push harder for a bump in pay.
(25:19) - Taking a look at Walmart, which continues to push its delivery service in an attempt to go after Amazon Prime and make headway in retail delivery.
(30:06) - Stack roulette.
(0:28) - Chuck and Mike open the week with a preview of what's ahead before diving into the latest in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
(15:13) - Discussing how Russia has been retaliating to sanctions imposed upon them by NATO allies. What else might Russia do to counter these sanctions?
(25:11) - Talking about China's role in the invasion and their role in the world's response. How concerning are Russia and China's strengthening ties?
(35:06) - Taking a look at the impact of the war on energy prices in America as well as other utility costs that may rise as a result of the invasion.
(4:44) - Chuck and Mike open the second hour with an in-depth conversation about how global supply chains will be further disrupted by the war in Ukraine.
(12:20) - Touching on mortgage rates, which are now hovering around 4% in a housing market that still has historically low inventory.
(31:28) - A look at Budweiser's earnings turns into a conversation about drinking habits, specifically whether or not they changed during the pandemic as well as drinking at the bar versus drinking at home.
(34:37) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to talk about Home Depot, which was the best performing Dow stock of 2021 but is down over 24% so far in 2022.
(0:58) - The guys kick off the show with the latest developments in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They also review the wild swings in markets Thursday, which involved a nearly 7% swing in the Nasdaq.
(14:26) - A conversation about inflation, which Chuck predicts will still end up being the biggest market mover in 2022. The Fed's preferred inflation metric hit its highest level since 1983.
(27:47) - Continuing the inflation discussion, specifically talking about what other variables, if any, could naturally slow inflation other than the Fed raising rates.
(34:08) - Taking a look at personal income and consumer spending for January, the former of which was flat while the latter rose 2.1%,
(0:40) - The guys begin the second hour with an in-depth discussion regarding how possible sanctions against Russia could have ripple effects throughout the U.S. economy.
(11:18) - Per Hong, partner and supply chain expert at Kearney, joined the show to give his thoughts on how the Russian invasion of Ukraine will affect global supply chains as a whole.
(23:04) - Talking about the impact that the Russian invasion will have on the auto industry, which has already been a chaotic sector due to chip shortages.
(34:15) - Stack roulette.
(0:34) - Chuck and Mike open the show with an overview of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which commenced yesterday evening after weeks of build-up.
(14:17) - Discussing the relationship between Russia and China and how it comes into play now that Russia has officially invaded Ukraine.
(24:40) - The guys answer a listener text that addresses what the average investor can do to mitigate some of the forthcoming damage to markets due to the Russian invasion.
(33:47) - Touching on how energy prices will be impacted by the invasion, and what we can expect in both the short-term and long-term.Econo
Shannon Liss-Riordan, a labor attorney, called into the show to tell us about the work she is doing as part of the lawsuit against IBM, which is accused of age discrimination its hiring practices.
(1:00) - The guys open the second hour taking a look at how the FAANG stocks and many other tech stocks are sinking to begin 2021.
(13:25) - Talking about how more and more companies are ditching annual raises in favor of more frequent performance reviews that often result in raises.
(21:39) - Shannon Liss-Riordan, a labor attorney, called into the show to tell us about the work she is doing as part of the lawsuit against IBM, which is accused of age discrimination its hiring practices.
(33:01) - A conversation about how many workers are returning to the office, although many workers still prefer to work either hybrid or full-time from home.
(0:38) - At the start of the show, Barry and Chuck have an in-depth discussion about the Russia-Ukraine conflict. How exactly will it affect markets and what can we expect to see in energy prices?
(13:20) - Bill Watts, Deputy Markets Editor at Marketwatch, called into the show to elaborate on how the Russia-Ukraine Crisis will impact stocks overseas and domestically.
(23:01) - Taking about record home-price growth that we saw in 2021, and how the growth compared to a typical year.
(34:13) - Touching on vehicle-maker Stellantis, which saw a jump in profit in Q4 but are now dealing with the complications of having a factory in Russia.
(0:38) - The second hour starts with a conversation about the Federal Reserve. How will the Russia-Ukraine situation affect the Fed's timeline for raising rates?
(19:00) - Talking about the state of marijuana in the U.S. and how federal legalization still faces an uphill battle.
(24:02) - Taking a look at Macy's, which topped estimates in Q4 and continues to make its way back from the dead as a stock and as a company.
(33:12) - Mark Schaffer of The Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show to discuss pros and cons of paying down a mortgage.
(0:27) - Barry and Paul open the week with the latest in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Russia's moves have now been labeled as "an invasion" by Boris Johnson and Joe Biden.
(15:23) - Touching on Home Depot, which saw sales in Q4 grow more than 11%, but the stock itself is down over 5% today.
(23:57) - A discussion regarding the rapid rate of rising rent across the country. The cost of rent rose over 19.3% from 12/2020 to 12/2021.
(34:31) - Talking about the Beijing Olympics, which just ended and received the lowest viewership ever for an Olympic Games.
(1:02) - Chuck and Mike open hour 2 with a deep dive into the Nasdaq. Some of the biggest tech stocks in the world are experiencing big losses so far in 2022.
(15:34) - Touching on the backlash that Starbucks is facing online from customers in China after raising the price of a cup of coffee by 32 cents.
(25:19) - Discussing how the Ford Mustang Mach-E beat Tesla's Model 3 as Consumer Reports' top electric vehicle of 2022.
(33:07) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to take a look at Microsoft and how they've been busy with acquisitions in order to bolster cybersecurity.
(0:39) -Friday's show kicks off with the latest in the Russia-Ukraine saga, particularly as it pertains to the U.S. economy. What will the Fed's role be, if any, if Russia ends up invading?
(14:11) - Talking about a regulatory probe into "phantom braking" that some Tesla drivers are experiencing with their vehicles.
(25:34) - Taking a look at differing points of view on the future of inflation: The White House is saying inflation should moderate in the coming months, while the Fed is saying it could get even more out of control and that action is need now.
(33:38) - Dr. Jessica Lautz from the National Association of Realtors joined the show to give us a look at the housing market and explain why existing home sales jumped 6.7% in January.
(1:22) - Chuck and Mike begin the second hour with a discussion regarding the rate at which Americans are returning to work as well as returning to pre-pandemic levels of travel and leisure.
(15:56) - A conversation about Disney's plan to develop residential communities and what will be going into said communities.
(22:18) - Touching on Amazon workers in Staten Island that have agreed to hold a union vote in late March in a push to unionize.
(35:56) - Stack roulette.
(0:29) - The show kicks off with an update on the Russia-Ukraine situation. The guys conclude that the country's governments can say what they want, but very few truly know what's going on.
(13:18) - Talking about the fact that, in a role reversal, the Democrats are looking to eliminate the gas tax, while Republicans are rejecting the idea outright.
(24:43) - Touching on Elon Musk's latest boneheaded comments, in which he posted a meme of Adolf Hitler in order to make the point that the SEC is trying to silence him.
(32:54) - Taking a look at Walmart, which beat on earnings amid keeping prices relatively low compared to other retailers. The stock is up over 2%.
On today's "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky reaffirmed his stance that real estate should be placed into a trust after being purchased. Todd dove into the different types of trusts that are available in this situation and explained how it affects one's ability to obtain mortgages on said properties. He also took listener calls and previewed Cushing and Dolan's current guide, "ABC's of Real Estate Ownership".
(0:34) - The guys start hour two with a discussion about the temporary ban on avocados being imported from Mexico. 80% of the U.S. avocado supply comes from our southern neighbor.
(12:36) - Talking about the record number of wages and record amount of money that was placed on the Super Bowl, with 80 million total transactions being completed.
(22:01) - A conversation about why and how Airbnb beat on earnings and revenue, and whether or not travel will pick up as much as the company thinks it will.
(34:00) - Greg McBride of Bankrate.com called into the show to review Bankrate's survey on how much emergency savings Americans have.
(0:38) - Barry and Chuck open the show with a look at the retail sales report for January, which showed a 3.8% monthly increase.
(12:42) - Debating whether or not Russia will end up invading Ukraine, and what President Biden can do to help repel Russian use of force.
(22:17) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:39) - The guys begin the second hour weighing in on IBM's push to bring in younger workers at the expense of older, more tenured workers.
(12:10) - A conversation about the difficulties that home construction is facing, particularly issues finding garage doors.
(23:22) - Charlie Gasparino of FOX Business called into the show to discuss the Russia-Ukraine situation as well as what can be done to fight inflation.
(33:47) - Talking about Burger King's parent company, Restaurant Brands International, and how they beat on earnings thanks in large part to higher digital and international sales.
(1:50) - Barry and Brendan start the show with an update on the Russia-Ukraine situation, which is trending toward a peaceful ending as Russia shows a willingness to talk with NATO.
(14:00) - Reviewing the Producer Price Index (PPI) data that showed a 1% monthly jump in the cost of goods that producers are paying for.
(22:05) - Discussing how seniors are quite possibly the segment of the population that has been hit the hardest by inflation, with higher costs for medication and assisted living fees.
(33:14) - Touching on an outbreak of a deadly strain of bird flu that is beginning to affect the chicken industry in America.
(3:19) - Chuck and Mike open the second hour talking about how childcare providers across the country are still struggling with funding and COVID-19 protocols.
(14:01) - A conversation about the hidden ways that companies go about raising prices on products.
(26:30) - Discussing DoorDash, Uber, and Lyft, all of which are trying different ways to finally become profitable companies.
(36:36) - Stack roulette.
(3:22) - The guys open the week discussing the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and how the situation is spooking markets.
(12:01) - Touching on the Canadian trucker protest, where officials are removing truckers who are blocking an important bridge.
(24:20) - Talking about Senator Joe Manchin, who indicated that he is in favor of raising tax rates in order to fight inflation and the national debt.
(33:41) - Weighing in on pandemic-era unemployment benefits and how many who received them have been asked to pay money back to the state.
(4:34) - Chuck and Mike start the second hour with a conversation about inflation, particularly why the sustained inflation we're seeing does not constitute as stagflation.
(14:44) - The guys passionately discuss why Apple Airtags are not a brilliant innovation but rather a dangerous and unnecessary tool.
(22:06) - Touching on Comcast's NBCUniversal nearing a deal to bring content from Hulu exclusively to Peacock.
(34:10) - Paul LaMonica called into the show to talk about Pfizer, which saw impressive gains in revenue last year but is not seeing major movement in its share price.
(0:37) - Friday's show begins with a recap of Thursday's sell-off as well as a conversation about how the Fed will react to the inflation data.
(13:41) - Talking about Zillow, which revealed that it lost $881 million on its home-flipping business in 2021. Despite this news, the stock is up 18%.
(23:38) - Discussing the ongoing Canadian trucker protest in Ottawa and the ramifications that are surfacing as a result.
(32:45) - Touching on the level of burnout that pharmacists have due to the pandemic and the exodus of workers in the industry.
(3:01) - The guys start the second hour touching on the $5 billion that the Biden Administration will invest in creating an EV charging network, starting with Interstate Highways.
(14:29) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate.com joined the show to discuss how much money Americans are wasting on unwanted subscription fees.
(22:16) - The rough ride for Peloton continues after the new CEO had a rough first meeting with employees. Chuck and Mike weigh in on what's next for Peloton amid this difficult stretch.
(32:55) - Stack roulette.
(1:27) - The show begins with a dive into the CPI data that was released Thursday morning, which showed inflation up 7.5% y/y and 0.6% higher on a monthly basis.
(14:33) - Inflation is at its highest level since 1982, and Chuck and Mike discuss how sustained inflation affects day-to-day spending in American households.
(25:08) - Talking about Disney's strong earnings that showed a rebound in Disney+ subscriptions as well as a $2.45 billion net profit from the company's parks business.
(34:17) - Touching on the possibility of supply chain issues affecting the global coffee business, specifically a shortage of cups.
Joe Boschulte, Director of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands, joined the show to tout all the USVI has to offer and to explain why the USVI is an ideal place not only to visit, but to live in.
On "Ask Todd" today, Todd Lutsky laid out the best way to go about owning real estate, particularly rental properties. Todd strongly recommends putting such properties in an LLC and he goes on to explain, in great detail, why this is the best option. He also took several calls from listeners and previewed Cushing and Dolan's February guide, "ABC's of Real Estate Ownership".
(0:34) - The guys kick off the second hour taking a look at Lyft, which saw a 70% jump in revenue in Q4 due to the increased cost of fares.
(16:00) - A conversation about Starbucks firing certain workers that were trying to Unionize in Memphis. Were these firings justified?
(21:10) - Joe Boschulte, Director of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands, joined the show to tout all the USVI has to offer and to explain why the USVI is an ideal place not only to visit, but to live in.
(35:55) - CVS saw an increase in earnings per share and revenue for Q4. The guys try to make sense of why the stock is down despite the solid earnings.
(2:28) - Barry and Chuck open the show talking about inevitable rate hikes, particularly the possibility of a 50 bp rate hike. What would it take for the Fed to make that decision?
(12:51) - A discussion about the $1 trillion in debt that Americans took on last year, which was the highest number since before The Great Recession.
(22:52) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:37) - The second hour opens with the guys analyzing the situation in Russia and Ukraine. The U.S. and other nations have threatened to stop buying gas from Russia they invade Ukraine.
(13:13) - A discussion about rate hikes in 2022 and how some analysts are projecting up to seven hikes throughout the year.
(21:15) - Paul Carelis, VP of HR Services at MP, joined the show to talk about the functions of MP and certain tax programs that can assist businesses.
(35:12) - Mark Schaffer from The Armstrong Advisory Group called into the show for another edition of "Financial Planning Friday."
(0:40) - The downward spiral for Peloton continues. Barry and Paul begin the show talking about how the company is cutting 2,800 jobs in addition to the CEO stepping down.
(14:39) - Touching on the contrast between a strong labor economy and a housing market that has record-low inventory.
(23:42) - Weighing in on how the wild and expensive housing market is keeping middle-class workers from buying new homes.
(31:47) - A conversation about new software in modern cars and electric vehicles. As more technology is introduced, more computer issues arise.
(1:20) - The second hour starts with a conversation about how the U.S. is beginning to work more trade deals with other Asian & Pacific nations in order to counter China.
(15:16) - The guys give their thoughts on whether or not the housing market will look far more normal by the end of the year.
(22:44) - Bill Driscoll, Senior District President at Robert Haff, joined the show to tell us what he's seeing as far as staffing shortages go, as well as what companies are expecting in terms of new hires.
(33:48) - Stack roulette.
(0:45) - It's yet another Merger Monday as Chuck and Brendan open the show detailing Frontier Airlines' $6.6 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines.
(12:33) - We are in the heart of earnings season, and the guys discuss how earnings have been causing major market swings in both directions.
(24:41) - Touching on the wild swings in shares of tech stocks that we've seen over the last couple of weeks.
(53:37) - Talking about a common theme in earnings reports that have been labeled as a deterrent to company growth: Omicron.
(4:56) - Chuck and Mike open the second hour with a discussion about the Winter Olympics in Beijing and the difficult task NBC has with broadcasting them.
(15:20) - Touching on Russia and China's deal that will see Russia supply 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year to China.
(22:13) - Does buying a home cost even more than we think it does? The guys dive into the finer points of buying a home and share personal experiences with home buying.
(33:43) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to weigh in on PayPal, which has been sinking this week and may be hampered by the future of consumer spending.
(1:15) - Friday's show kicks off with Paul Lane calls in to discuss the better than expected January jobs report, which saw 467K jobs added and the unemployment edge up slightly to 4.0%.
(14:14) - A conversation about the large number of disappointing tech earnings we've been seeing, namely Facebook, PayPal, and Spotify.
(23:45) - Despite Ford posting a $17.9 billion net income in 2021, the guys talk about why Ford stock is down 11% today.
(34:26) - Touching on the beginning of the end for the U.S. shale boom, and where oil frackers go from here.
Rick Bettencourt of Caliber Home Loans joined the guys in studio to discuss the current state of the mortgage market.
(1:38) - Chuck and Mike begin the second hour reviewing Spotify's earnings miss, which, along with the recent controversy surrounding Joe Rogan, has the stock plummeting over 16%.
(12:02) - Per Hong, a Partner and Supply Chain Expert at global consulting firm Kearney, called into the show to dive into the ongoing global supply chain issues, especially as they pertain to China.
(21:19) - Rick Bettencourt of Caliber Home Loans joined the guys in studio to discuss the current state of the mortgage market.
(32:47) - Closing the show with a conversation about nuclear power in the United States, and why a company that owns the largest fleet of power plants is betting big on nuclear energy.
(0:38) - The show starts with an in-depth look at Facebook, which is down 26% today after an earnings miss that saw slowed revenue and weak guidance.
(16:07) - Previewing Amazon's earnings report which comes after the bell. The guys discuss what to expect as well as how the stock hasn't performed well over the last year.
(30:15) - Talking about the upcoming jobs report for January, and why the guys are predicting it will be a major miss.
(37:32) - The Bank of England has raised rates in back-to-back meetings, this time raising from 0.25% to 0.50%.
On today's "Ask Todd", estate planning attorney, Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan, discussed the ins and outs of real estate ownership and the proper way to acquire real estate as it pertains to estate planning. Todd talks about how first-time home buyers in particular should carefully consider how exactly to own their residence. He also took listener calls and previewed Cushing and Dolan's guide for February titled, "ABC's of Real Estate Ownership".
(1:42) - The guys open the second hour talking about Microsoft's acquisition of Activision, which is now up in the air after the FTC announced a review of the transaction.
(14:44) - A conversation about ongoing supply chain issues across the nation, which are not projected to dissipate by the end of the year.
(22:04) - Restaurants are still struggling with both low demand and a shortage of workers. The guys breakdown what exactly they're seeing in the restaurant industry.
(34:19) - A discussion about whether or not early retirement is a bad idea, and how retirement should be approached in general.
(0:33) - Barry and Chuck kick off the show by taking a look at both Google and PayPal, two companies trending in very different directions.
(12:25) - A discussion about oil, specifically whether or not we've reached an inflection point with the price of oil and what would happen if it reaches $100 per barrel.
(22:48) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:39) - The guys begin the second hour talking about the rising level of consumer pessimism. How much of said pessimism is due to inflation?
(12:39) - The quit rate among teachers has been steadily on the rise. Barry and Mike weigh in on why this is happening, and where former teachers are ending up.
(22:14) - A conversation about struggling Peloton, which now has a share price of $27 and has slashed its 2022 sales goals for its apparel unit.
(32:59) - Levi Sumagaysay from Marketwatch joined the show to discuss healthcare gig workers and what the benefits are of being a traveling nurse.
(0:39) - Barry and Mike open the show looking back at the tough month that was January and they discuss why the bad start to 2022 doesn't necessarily mean stocks will end the year lower.
(12:07) - Taking a look at the JOLTS report, which saw job openings rise to 10.9 million in December of 2021.
(25:05) - Talking about AT&T and how the company is slashing its dividend and spinning off its WarnerMedia division.
(31:37) - Touching on UPS' stellar earnings, which saw the company's revenue increase 11.5% in Q4 of 2021.
(2:28) - The second hour begins with a conversation about housing. Chuck believes that inventories will prices will moderate somewhat, but Mike feels differently.
(16:51) - Todd Lutsky called into the show to give listeners one last chance to call in and get Cushing & Dolan's guide on last-minute estate planning.
(30:21) - Taking a look at the best and worst performing airlines of 2021 as ranked by The Wall Street Journal.
(36:33) - Stack roulette.
(1:01) - Chuck is back from his week off, and him and Mike dive right into the wild market action that we saw last week. They also touch on the Fed's effect on markets.
(12:29) - Previewing a major week of earnings, which will include Amazon, UPS, and Exxon's quarterly results.
(24:47) - WalletHub has released a new list of the top 10 states to retire in, and the guys weigh in on which states they think are ranked properly.
(34:24) - Talking about municipal bonds, which, like equity markets, are struggling to begin the year.
(1:56) - The second hour starts with a dive into Robinhood's earnings. The guys try to figure out why the stock is higher despite a bigger-than-expected loss.
(12:16) - The guys try to dissect Elon Musk's mindset and they talk about why he is telling the public that a robot will be the most important thing that Tesla works on this year.
(22:54) - A conversation about Macy's, which has seen its stock rebound strongly from its lows due to changes to physical stores and operations.
(33:04) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to talk about American Express, who had strong Q4 earnings amid continuously high levels of consumer spending.
(3:10) - Paul and Mike open the show with a discussion about Apple, which hit $34.6 billion in profit amid a major earnings beat despite supply chain issues.
(14:02) - Talking about the inevitable rate hikes that the Fed will be implementing, and how the economy may perform in the immediate aftermath.
(25:03) - A conversation about the near-historically low number of jobless claims we are seeing, and why wage increases for low-pay workers are good for the economy.
(32:26) - Touching on the effort by the MA High Tech Council to fight back against a proposed ballot question that, if passed, would impose an income-tax surcharge on high-income earners in Massachusetts.
(2:22) - The second hour starts with a conversation about Zillow, whose stock has declined 22% over the last month despite the site being a leader in online real estate.
(15:31) - The cost of rent rose 5% in 2021 compared to 2020, and the guys discuss breakdown why this is happening and how it affects the economy.
(23:01) - Talking about Amazon's strong push to help get marijuana legalized at the federal level in America. Why is Amazon such a staunch supporter of legalization?
(32:43) - Stack roulette.
(0:39) - Mike and Brendan kick off Thursday's show diving into the conclusion of the Fed meeting and Jay Powell's presser. What was said that surprised markets?
(12:57) - A continued discussion on the Fed meeting, which resulted in the central bank signaling multiple rate hikes in 2022. What are the other main takeaways from the meeting?
(29:09) - Touching on Teslas Q4 earnings that saw the vehicle maker post a record annual profit of over $5 billion.
(35:46) - Taking a look at the sustained high oil prices we're seeing, and how many economists are forecasting $100 per barrel in the near future.
On today's "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky weighs in on the most common causes of someone having to undergo an unplanned nursing home stay. Todd goes over what to do if you're in charge of caring for someone who is suddenly in that situation, and how advanced planning with an elder law attorney can be crucial in saving money and stress. He also took several calls from listeners before a preview of Cushing and Dolan's guide for January titled, "Last Minute Nursing Home Lessons".
(0:38) - The guys start the second hour with a conversation about the Russia-Ukraine situation. With tensions escalating, other countries are preparing for what could follow.
(12:52) - Greg Robb of Marketwatch called into the show to give his thoughts on the conclusion of the Fed meeting and what Jay Powell might have to say in his press conference.
(22:28) - Previewing Tesla's Q4 earnings report, which will be released after the closing bell and is expected show record annual profit for the vehicle maker.
(34:32) - The guys have an open discussion about how inflation has affected them, and what they are doing to counter it.
(0:59) - The show begins with Barry and Paul looking at current markets and also previewing what to anticipate from the Fed announcement this afternoon.
(12:30) - Talking about how the semiconductor shortage has worsened, with companies now down to a five-day supply of chips.
(23:20) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:39) - The guys open the second hour with a conversation about the Federal Reserve meeting and what the Fed is aiming to do with upcoming policy decisions.
(13:35) - Talking about Ford halting any further orders for the new $20K Maverick Pickup truck amid a major backlog and high demand.
(26:49) - Touching on Reebok, which will be laying off nearly 150 employees, the majority of which will be in the Boston area.
(34:01) - Mark Schaffer joined the show for another edition of "Financial Planning Tuesday" where he discusses financial wellness.
(0:30) - Barry and Paul begin the show with a recap of the comeback that markets staged Monday after selling off steeply early in the day. They also dive into the overall volatility that we are seeing.
(12:30) - Lydia Hu of FOX Business joined the show to give a preview of the Fed meeting, including what she expects them to address and how markets may react.
(24:49) - Discussing how investors that have taken on speculative stocks and unprofitable companies in the past are most likely unloading them now amid extreme volatility.
(31:57) - Touching on Pfizer's recent creation of a vaccine that targets the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
(1:25) - Mike and Paul open the second hour touching on Peloton. The stock is up over one and a half percent after news that activist investors are calling on the company's CEO to retire.
(13:51) - Weighing in on the debate over what is causing sustained, high levels of inflation: the ongoing pandemic or economic policy?
(22:26) - Talking about the effect that rising food prices has had on shoppers, and how the surge in cost is creating more bargain hunters.
(34:17) - Stack roulette.
(0:28) - The week opens with a look at markets, which are in the midst of another deep sell-off as sentiment stays low amid fears over Fed policy and ongoing inflation.
(11:24) - Discussing how sustained inflation could force the Fed to raise rates at a quicker and less predictable pace.
(23:43) - The guys have a conversation about omicron's effect on the workforce, specifically workers calling in sick vs. workers who worked through the illness.
(37:36) - Touching on the opening day for tax season and how the understaffed IRS already has an extreme backlog of returns.
(5:27) - The guys kick off the second hour diving into the possibility of a four-day work week after UK companies launched a campaign to test out the altered work schedule.
(15:56) - Chuck's wife tried Chipotle for the first time ever, which leads to a discussion about rising fast food prices across the country.
(29:13) - A class at UPenn's business school was asked how much they thought the average American makes. Chuck and Mike try to understand why the students' answers were so far off.
(32:46) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to talk about Microsoft, specifically their acquisition of Activision Blizzard earlier in the week.
(3:10) - Chuck and Mike start Friday's show with a conversation about how earnings could make or break markets, citing Peloton and Netflix's plunge as a damper on major indices.
(18:00) - Talking about how a bill aimed to regulate big tech made it through a senate committee yesterday on a 16-6 bipartisan vote. Will the bill make it all the way through Congress?
(32:20) - Taking a look at how much cash states are sitting on right now, which in many states is an excess due to federal aid and tax relief.
(37:38) - Touching on the Federal Reserve's consideration of a central bank digital currency. What would be the downfalls to this move?
(1:25) - Chuck and Mike start the second hour talking about Peloton insiders who sold nearly $500 million in company stock before it plunged last year.
(12:54) - Touching on both United and American airlines, both of which reported earnings and cited Omicron as a disruption to both travel and staffing.
(23:09) - The guys try and dissect what Amazon's upcoming, high-tech clothing store will look like and whether or not it will be successful.
(38:18) - A conversation about Pepsi and Beyond Meat's plan to launch plant-based jerky. Will this taste as bad as it sounds?
(5:01) - The guys kick off the show discussing the Biden administration's recognition of high inflation, and how President Biden is in favor of the Fed tightening policy.
(11:23) - Taking a look at the Chinese economy, where the central bank is doing the opposite of the Federal Reserve in the U.S.: Cutting rates.
(24:46) - A deep dive into the housing market which is seeing record-low inventory and prices that are still soaring.
(32:31) - Dr. Lawrence Yun of the National Association of Realtors called into the show to talk about the existing home sales number that was released this morning.
On "Ask Todd" today, Todd Lutsky discusses a scenario in which an elderly uncle needed an unexpected nursing home stay and did not have any planning done. Todd gives advice on what to do in a situation like this while also stressing the importance of advanced planning as it pertains to older loved ones. He also previewed Cushing and Dolan's January guide titled, "Last Minute Nursing Home Lessons".
(0:39) - Barry and Chuck open the second hour talking about Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard and how this acquisition will affect the video game sector.
(14:12) - Touching on whether or not oil demand will reach pre-pandemic levels this year if/when travel resumes at high levels across the country.
(21:53) - A discussion about members of congress and how many people and many lawmakers themselves believe that current members of congress should not be allowed to trade individual stocks.
(33:30) - Greg McBride of Bankrate.com joined the show to go over Bankrate's survey that found only 44% of Americans could cover an emergency $1,000 expense.
(2:03) - Wednesday kicks off with a conversation about the encouraging housing data that was released this morning, with housing starts rising 1.4% from November.
(14:05) - Talking about Bank of America, which reported earnings and missed slightly on revenue although the banking giant still saw solid growth.
(23:06) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:44) - The second hour opens with a discussion about Netflix, which is raising its subscription price in both the U.S. and Canada.
(14:29) - Touching on which states are successfully recovering lost jobs and which are still struggling to bring those jobs back. New England states are among those struggling.
(22:21) - The guys talk about how most companies still are not back to full capacity in the office due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns.
(34:31) - Taking a look at Kohl's, which has just been urged by an activist investor to either make major changes or consider selling the company.
(1:33) - Barry and Mike open the week analyzing yet another sell-off across markets as 2022 continues to see market volatility.
(15:04) - A year ago, it seemed like companies were going public via SPAC left and right. The guys discuss how that's not the case now and what the reason could be behind this trend.
(27:56) - Discussing China's slowing economy and why exactly that could mean bad news for the rest of the world.
(38:22) - A conversation about how sales of electric vehicles have surpassed sales of diesel vehicles in Europe for the first time ever.
(2:29) - Chuck and Mike start the second hour with a discussion about investing in bridges in America, many of which are in poor condition due to years of neglect.
(13:07) - President Biden is looking to quickly fill a couple vacant seats at the Federal Reserve, and the guys talk about how Biden's nominations will play out.
(22:59) - A conversation about how this new age of remote work will affect the use of sick days going forward.
(33:01) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to talk about Take Two Interactive and what the game maker has going on these days.
(5:13) - The guys open the show with market commentary and also a dive into JPMorgan and Wells Fargo's Q4 earnings.
(11:31) - Taking a look at the disappointing retail sales number for December, which saw a 1.9% decline in consumer spending.
(24:14) - The guys talk about how the hard seltzer market has become oversaturated which has led to a decline in revenue for some beer and seltzer makers.
(37:33) - Touching on Ford, which just reached a market cap of $100 billion for the first time ever and has seen its stock rise all the way to $25 per share.
(1:10) - The second hour kicks off with the guys touching on earnings and how the Fed's plans to raise rates may affect companies' results.
(13:53) - Does inflation discourage or encourage spending? Chuck and Mike give their thoughts on this and give anecdotes to support their arguments.
(22:17) - A conversation about rising food prices and whether or not these increases could actually help restaurants.
(36:57) - Stack roulette.
(0:30) - Chuck and Mike open the show talking about Federal Reserve Governor Lael Brainard being confirmed and her firm stance regarding inflation.
(11:34) - Discussing whether or not the Omicron variant is reaching its peak, which the guys believe to be the case.
(24:07) - Diving into Delta's earnings and the airline's forecast for 2022, which still predicts a strong rebound for travel despite the Omicron variant.
(32:35) - Taking a look at housing costs which continue to rise and in turn could put upward pressure on inflation numbers.
On this edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky talks about the importance of advanced planning as it pertains to older loved ones. The unexpected is always right around the corner, and Todd discusses how the unexpected, which often involves a nursing home stay, is much more manageable when planning has been done ahead of time. He also took listener calls and previewed Cushing and Dolan's January guide titled, "Last Minute Nursing Home Lessons".
(7:12) - To open the second hour, the guys talk about General Motors' new used-car website, CarBravo. Is this just a rip off of Carvana?
(12:58) - Tim Higgins from The Wall Street Journal called into the show to discuss Apple's potential future plans for the "Metaverse."
(23:17) - Touching on a federal judge's decision to reject Facebook's request to dismiss the FTC's latest antitrust lawsuit against the tech giant.
(35:24) - A conversation about the stock trading app Robinhood, which is being forced to pay nearly $30K in damages to a truck driver who wasn't allowed to trade certain stocks.
(0:39) - Barry and Chuck open the show with an in-depth discussion about inflation after the CPI for December showed a 7% rise in consumer prices year-over-year.
(12:22) - The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has setback supply chains even more, and the guys touch on how strict lockdowns in China will only exacerbate that issue.
(22:44) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(1:07) - Barry and Mike open the second hour with a conversation about how Omicron is wreaking havoc in the workforce, causing staffing shortages across all industries.
(16:23) - Looking at how economists are pinning more and more blame on technology and automation for inequality in terms of wealth and education.
(27:08) - Discussing the success that Apple app store developers have seen, making over $60 billion in 2021.
(34:15) - Mark Schaffer of The Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show for another edition of "Financial Planning Tuesday" in which he talks about asset allocation.
(1:25) - The show opens with a discussion about Fed Chair Jay Powell's confirmation hearing in Washington today.
(13:39) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate.com joined the show to talk about Bankrate's recent study on consumer behavior when it comes to credit card spending.
(23:52) - Touching on the resignation of Fed Vice Chairman Richard Clarida, who has been accused of inside trading.
(33:19) - The extremely understaffed IRS is preparing for a busier-than-usual tax season after new programs were implemented last year.
(4:55) - The guys open the second hour talking about how the average American family's financial situation has actually improved since the start of the pandemic.
(13:36) - Tax season is upon us, and Chuck & Mike touch on the wrinkles that will make filing taxes different this year for many Americans.
(22:22) - Discussing how banks are now making it easier for consumers to apply for and receive credit cards.
(36:40) - Stack roulette.
(2:01) - Stocks are selling off yet again to open the week. Chuck and Mike open the show talking about the sell-off, particularly how bad the Nasdaq has performed so far in 2022.
(12:44) - A conversation about Goldman Sachs and how the company is predicting four rate hikes from the Fed this year.
(23:36) - Diving into earnings season for Q4 of 2021. Earnings growth compared to the same period last year is predicted to be significant.
(31:34) - Talking about how the major automakers in Detroit (Ford, GM, & Chrysler) are focusing more and more on electric vehicles.
(3:06) - The second hour opens with a look at meme stocks which are struggling in the first week of 2022.
(13:20) - Talking about how difficult it is for employers to retain workers and how businesses are giving more promotions to prevent more quits.
(23:43) - Chuck is made aware of both the fact that a Fresca cocktail from Coca-Cola is coming and the fact that Fresca can already be found in a can.
(33:26) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to discuss movie theater chain and staple meme stock, AMC.
(0:50) - Chuck and Mike open Friday's show with a breakdown of the December jobs report, which saw just 199K jobs added vs. 422K expected. Unemployment rate came in at 3.9%.
(15:07) - Mortgage rates have reached their highest level since spring of 2020. The guys discuss that as well as why there is a "t" in mortgage.
(26:56) - Touching on the soaring rate (300% increase from 2020) of $100 million+ homes sold in 2021.
(31:50) - A conversation about the struggles that airlines are undergoing after hundreds of cancellations over the last few weeks.
Adam Johnson of Bullseyebrief.com joined the show to give his thoughts on what he's seeing in these volatile markets.
(1:52) - The guys open the second hour talking about the possibility of a four-day work week after San Fransisco-based tech company Bolt announced they will be making the switch.
(13:19) - Touching on HBO Max, which announced it reached nearly 74 million subscribers by the end of 2021. The guys also discuss the new Matrix movie.
(22:54) - A discussion about a Starbucks store in Buffalo that recently unionized and is now staging a walkout due to COVID-19 concerns.
(34:40) - Stack roulette.
(0:32) - Markets underwent a broad-based sell-off yesterday after the release of the Fed minutes. Chuck and Mike open the show discussing why stocks sold off so much, particularly the Nasdaq.
(14:16) - Adam Johnson of Bullseyebrief.com joined the show to give his thoughts on what he's seeing in these volatile markets.
(23:36) - Talking about Nike's lawsuit against Lululemon that alleges the latter infringed upon one of Nike's patents.
(31:50) - A conversation about how more and more major automakers are intensifying their push to get electric vehicles on the road.
On this edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky dove into the importance of planning ahead of time in order to be better prepared for an unexpected nursing home stay. Todd reminded listeners that too often, people put off their planning and then their savings become depleted at the hands of a nursing home. Todd also took a call from a listener and gave a preview of Cushing and Dolan's January guide titled, "Last Minute Nursing Home Lessons".
(0:38) - The second hour opens with a deep dive into the labor market, which saw a record 4.5 million workers quit their job in November.
(13:42) - Joseph Walker from The Wall Street Journal joined the show to talk about Biogen's controversial new Alzheimer's drug, Aduhelm.
(22:14) - Barry is disappointed to learn that Toyota has surpassed General Motors as the #1 seller of cars in the U.S.
(36:42) - A conversation about AT&T's high dividend as well as the company's lack of direction for many years.
(0:38) - Barry and Chuck open the show discussing the ADP jobs report that indicated 807K private sector jobs were added to the economy in December. They also give their predictions for Friday's official jobs report.
(11:34) - A conversation about treasuries selling off and how it's the worst start to a year for them since 2009.
(22:42) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:58) - The guys open the second hour with a discussion about the prices being seen in the car market, with the average cost of a used car at $29,000.
(13:56) - A conversation about Adam Newman, who is infamous for founding WeWork but has pivoted to buying apartment buildings.
(21:14) - Charlie Gasparino of FOX Business joined the show to tell our listeners what to be on the lookout for in 2022 from an economic standpoint.
(34:34) - Greg McBride of Bankrate.com called into the show to talk about where he sees interest rates going in 2022.
(1:07) - The show opens with Barry and Paul reviewing the verdict in the trial of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, who was found guilty on four counts of fraud.
(13:06) - A discussion about how big, public companies are already setting aside a lot of money in order to give substantial raises to employees in 2022.
(24:32) - Touching on tech giant Apple, who finally hit the $3 trillion valuation mark during trading on Monday.
(35:01) - A conversation about oil, specifically how Russia and OPEC have agreed to boost production amid soaring energy prices.
(1:01) - The second hour begins with a conversation about Apple and how the company is still the top phone maker in China.
(13:14) - Discussing the end of the child tax credit, which was not extended by Congress after months of being active.
(22:14) - Taking a look at how AT&T and Verizon have refused the FAA's request to delay their 5G launch.
(37:10) - Touching on tax returns for 2022 and how the IRS has an 18-month backlog of nearly 9 million total returns that still need to be processed.
(1:21) - Barry and Chuck open the first show of 2022 with a general discussion about how markets have been performing, and what obstacles they could face this year.
(14:07) - Talking about the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and how it continues to cause disruptions in the economy, most notably to airlines and in the service industry.
(29:12) - Touching on Tesla stock, which is up big today after the vehicle maker announced that it exceeded delivery expectations in Q4 of 2021.
(36:11) - Debating whether or not the likes of Volkswagen and GM, who are stockpiling EV batteries, can keep up with Tesla in the EV space.
0:10 - The guys discuss the ongoing debate...should retailers split up their brick-and-motor stores from their e-commerce platforms? Also, the challenges of online ordering and pick-up.
16:40 - According to a report, Samsung is looking into potentially acquiring Biogen.
22:10 - The WSJ adds to their extensive "Facebook Files" report. Plus, how can you better negotiate your salary at a new job?
34:22 - Stack Roulette.
0:10 - Mike and Brendan recap this year's wild ride for markets and also provide their favorite stock stories of the year.
12:50 - What was the best performing sector of the year? Also, a discussion about the labor market and staffing issues.
22:34 - More individuals took on holiday debt this year. What factors caused more spending?
32:30 - Supply chain industry expert Per Hong of Kearney called in to discuss the latest on the country's supply chain issues.
0:10 - Barry flew the other day and shared his thoughts on low traffic volume. Plus, a discussion about American Airlines and their new CEO.
16:20 - How can you best prepare your finances for the new year? Also, Barry and Mike talk about employers and their 401(k) contributions.
35:05 - The passing of legendary football icon John Madden and his impact to the sport, and other business ventures.
0:10 - A look at the markets, as well as an in-depth look at the red-hot housing market.
13:48 - Will the economy be impacted by the omicron variant? Also, a discussion about the CDC's new recommendations.
22:20 - Ask Todd
Dennis Franczak, CEO of Fuseideas, called into the show to talk about how his advertising company is navigating the tricky labor market.
(0:53) - Mike and Brendan open the second hour taking a look at the massive logistical issues that COVID-19 continues to cause, particularly in shipping and trucking.
(12:36) - Dennis Franczak, CEO of Fuseideas, called into the show to talk about how his advertising company is navigating the tricky labor market.
(22:11) - An in-depth discussion regarding SPAC's and why companies would choose to go public through a SPAC rather than more traditional means like an IPO.
(33:40) - Mark Schaffer of Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show for another edition of "Financial Planning Tuesday" in which he runs through what should be on your year-end financial checklist.
(1:02) - The show opens with Mike and Brendan touching on the Santa Claus rally and optimism across markets heading into 2022, as well as what economic themes we could see next year.
(13:59) - Talking about how high inflation could run throughout next year, and how far its reach could extend.
(21:19) - A conversation about the sky-high cost of childcare and why families have to pay so much for it.
(37:19) - Discussing how Walmart has come under fire in China for no longer accepting imports from the Xinjiang region of the country. This follows the recent passage of a law that bans all imports from the region.
(0:58) - The second hour opens with a conversation about how the S&P 500 has performed in the later months of 2021, and what could be ahead for the major index in 2022.
(13:25) - Talking about how AT&T did not keep its promise in providing former workers with life insurance among other things.
(22:10) - Taking a look at how companies are investing real estate savings into remote work due to the changing climate of the workday.
(35:02) - Closing the show with a light debate regarding the best method of transportation to get from Boston to New York City.
(1:44) - Mike and Brendan open the show discussing the state of markets following last week's short trading week, and they also preview the often lightly-traded week to come.
(13:16) - Bob Nealon, District President at Robert Half, joined the show to talk about Robert Half's research on movement in the labor market or "job optimism report".
(23:27) - Touching on Mastercard's report that revealed holiday sales for this year rose 8.5% from last year.
(35:46) - A discussion about where the biggest wage gains are coming from in the labor market, and what trends are being seen across the workforce.
0:10 - Could nuclear fusion be a viable option to combat climate change?
13:20 - What was the #1 website used in 2021? Also, Jack Dorsey's new internet?
21:25 - Festivus 2021: our economic grievances for the year
34:15 - What are the top grossing films based on inflation?
0:10 - On a shortened holiday week, a ton of economic data was released today including consumer spending.
13:55 - Pfizer's new covid drug that can treat people at home.
22:45 - In a crazy used car market, some people are flying...to buy a car?
37:20 - Amazon Web Services suffered their third outage this month. What's the deal?
0:10 - A discussion about how more workers are demanding a rise in their wages.
14:48 - Five powerful tech companies have been a force in markets this year. Is that healthy?
22:30 - America's population growth is minimal. What factors are playing into this?
33:02 - Greg McBride of Bankrate joins to discuss his latest findings in a survey regarding personal finances in 2022.
0:10 - A look at markets, the status of the "Build Back Better" bill, and the omicron variant.
11:15 - Dr. Lawrence Yun of NAR joins to provide the latest existing home sales data.
22:40 - Ask Todd
Tom Stringer of BDO joined the show to give insight on how corporations are investing in real estate, and how these investments could have a broader effect on the economy.
(4:18) - Taking a look at home flipping and how it has become more competitive and less lucrative than before due to the wild housing market.
(12:05) - Tom Stringer of BDO called into the show to discuss what he's seeing in the corporate world as it pertains to real estate.
(23:37) - Taking about how the Biden administration has tightened fuel efficiency standards in an effort to reduce emissions and make EV's more appealing.
(36:41) - Stack roulette.
(0:38) - The show opens with a look across markets, which are rallying just one day after another broad-based sell-off.
(10:53) - A conversation about the relationship between interest rates and stocks, specifically whether or not they influence each other's movement.
(23:38) - Touching on how airlines are bracing for an extremely busy week of travel amid the surge of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
(32:43) - Joe Manchin's opposition to the Build Back Better Plan has received a lot of attention. The guys breakdown why Senator Manchin opposes this bill, as well as whether or not he'll change his mind.
(1:57) - Spider-Man: No Way Home had a massive opening weekend of $253 million, and the guys discuss what that could mean for the movie industry.
(14:10) - Talking about how the CEO of Darden Restaurants is set to retire at the same time that Darden is raising forecasts and making changes to wages.
(22:37) - A conversation about how many Americans have more money saved up than before the pandemic, which makes them feel less of a need to take a low-wage job.
(35:35) - Stack roulette.
(1:01) - Chuck and Paul open the week talking about what they're seeing in markets, and how much short-term volatility we could see due to a multitude of factors.
(14:51) - Democratic Senator Joe Manchin said he would oppose the Build Back Better Bill, and the guys explain what Manchin's issues were with the legislation.
(22:58) - Touching on lumber prices, which shot up in the spring, then declined over the summer and fall, and have now doubled over the last month.
(36:27) - A conversation about Boston hotels and how they're implementing a 1.5% assessment on all of their visitors in order to raise money for the state.
(3:08) - The second hour opens with a discussion about student loan payments resuming at the end of next month, and how borrowers must start preparing.
(12:06) - Lisa Murray, the President of Citizens, MA, joined the show to give her and Citizens' view on the economy in 2022.
(23:54) - Talking about a stock that has done just as well as Tesla over the last couple of years: Crocs.
(32:45) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness called into the show to talk about Affirm, which is one of many buy now, pay later platforms that will be facing potential regulation in the near future.
(1:13) - Chuck and Mike open Friday's show talking about the continued volatility in markets, which is being driven by Fed policy as well as Omicron fears.
(12:39) - Taking a look under the hood of markets, specifically how different sectors of the S&P 500 are performing recently.
(23:38) - A federal judge has overruled a $4.5 billion settlement between Purdue Pharma and the family that owns the company, and the guys discuss what impact this could have in future opioid lawsuits.
(34:26) - Touching on how the Muzi Ford dealership has shut its doors for good and will be replaced by office space.
Rick Bettencourt of Caliber Home Loans joined us in studio for an update on the state of the mortgage market.
(2:11) - The second hour opens with the guys debating the reasons to get or not get an electric pickup truck as more EV truck models make their way into circulation.
(14:42) - Touching on Apple's "indefinite" return to its Cupertinho, CA office which has been pushed back numerous times.
(21:18) - Rick Bettencourt of Caliber Home Loans joined us in studio for an update on the state of the mortgage market.
(32:20) - Stack roulette.
(0:38) - Chuck and Mike open the show with a recap of the two-day Federal Reserve meeting, which resulted in plans for three rate hikes in 2022 to combat inflation.
(13:00) - The Bank of England is raising interest rates for the first time in many years. The guys talk about why this is happening and if other countries will follow suit.
(28:16) - A conversation about how banks perform and function when interest rates are raised.
(34:22) - The Biden Administration is ramping up efforts to recruit truck drivers at a time when the crucial job is seeing a major shortage.
On this edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky discusses how, while everyone's family situation is different, the need for estate planning is always there. Todd reviews special circumstances that may push a family to do their planning earlier or in a different way than is typical, and he gives reasons why people may not recognize the risk in not doing any estate planning. Todd also previewed Cushing & Dolan's December guide titled, "Estate Planning Fundamentals".
(0:39) - Barry and Chuck open the second hour with a conversation about China's economy, which is showing signs of slowing.
(14:16) - Touching on continuously falling mortgage refinance demand, which is quite sensitive to rate hikes.
(23:05) - Taking a look at the restaurant industry, specifically how menus are shrinking due to inflation, staff shortages, and other issues.
(30:49) - Tedd Rossman of Bankrate.com joined the show to discuss Bankrate's study on complications that arise when someone lends money to a friend or family member.
(0:33) - The Federal Reserve meeting enters its second day, and the guys open the show talking about how the Fed's approach will change in 2022 due to the economic landscape.
(12:53) - Paul Lane called into the show to give a detailed look at the retail sales report for November.
(22:43) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(2:44) - The second hour opens with a discussion regarding continuously low inventory levels of vehicles, which will make good deals hard to find this holiday season.
(14:33) - Time Magazine has named Elon Musk as the "Man of the Year" for 2021. The guys give their thoughts on whether or not this was a good choice.
(22:23) - Talking about Apple stock's recent run and what products/decisions could propel the company to new heights.
(33:51) - Mark Schaffer joined the show for another edition of "Financial Planning Tuesday" in which he touches on reviewing health and life insurance.
(0:38) - Barry and Mike start the show with a preview of the two-day Federal Reserve meeting that begins today.
(13:30) - Touching on how Pfizer's experimental COVID-19 pill has been shown to be very effective at preventing hospitalization and death, including against the Omicron variant.
(22:57) - A conversation regarding heat pumps, which are seen as a cheaper and efficient way to heat homes.
(33:12) - Talking about how E-Z pass can now be used at select gas stations in Massachusetts, which can save consumers up to 30 cents per. gallon.
(1:39) - A conversation about how companies have undergone a record number of stock buybacks in 2021 after a sharp dip in the amount of buybacks in 2020.
(13:13) - Talking about the record number (over $1 trillion) of assets that ETFs have picked up this year.
(23:38) - Smartwatches by Apple and google have soared in popularity, and the guys discuss just how much these companies know about us due to these wearables.
(35:18) - Stack roulette.
(0:32) - The week opens with a discussion about the Fed meeting on Wednesday and how the Fed is being viewed by investors at this time.
(12:46) - Chuck and Mike run through the biggest economic risks for 2022 and judge how big of a problem these risks could be.
(23:59) - Touching on the Biden Administration's push for union support in a time where workers have plenty of leverage.
(32:53) - Explaining why U.S. job gains have been so tough to keep track of during the pandemic.
(3:02) - The second hour opens with a look at the low end of the wage spectrum, where workers are seeing significant increases in pay.
(16:05) - A conversation about how Google has told employees that they will not be raising wages in order to match inflation.
(22:35) - A lengthy deliberation in which the guys try to sort out how much different people performing different services should be tipped around the holidays.
(31:46) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to discuss Roku, who just made a deal with Google to continue streaming YouTubeTV on their platform.
(0:29) - Chuck and Mike kick Friday off with a deep dive into the consumer price index (CPI) for November, which saw inflation rise 6.8% YOY and 0.8% for the month.
(14:33) - Discussing how current sustained inflation impacts our listeners and everyday investors from a number of different perspectives.
(24:20) - The guys touch on how energy prices remain unpredictable with the price of oil experiencing significant swings.
(34:27) - Talking about the current logjam of 30 container ships that are halted off the coast of Southern California within sight of the Port of LA and Long Beach.
(1:23) - The guys open the second hour diving into the Fed, specifically whether or not Jay Powell's recent pivots have damaged the credibility of the central bank.
(14:20) - Discussing how a bipartisan group of Senators is looking to get social media apps to provide data access to outside companies.
(22:48) - Chuck and Paul review some tips for buying a used car during a time when some used cars are being sold at higher prices than new cars.
(34:33) - Stack roulette.
(1:32) - Chuck and Paul open the show talking about Chinese real estate giant Evergrande, which finally officially defaulted on its debt today.
(12:32) - A conversation about how businesses that want their employees physically back at work are trying to find ways to make a return to the office more appealing.
(27:42) - Discussing the rising cost of rent and how it has been even further exacerbated by current inflation as well as housing inventories.
(35:02) - Does current inflation defy old models that predicted how it would play out? The guys debunk this idea and touch on how economists have trouble forecasting inflation.
(0:40) - The second hour opens with an in-depth discussion about inflation, including whether or not we have already reached peak inflation.
(11:54) - Charlie Gasparino of FOX Business joined the show for a review of current markets, and the recent volatility that has made for a wild couple of weeks in stocks.
(23:25) - Stitch Fix has seen a steep decline in share price due to a multitude of factors, and the guys talk about whether or not the company was a pandemic one-hit ownder.
(34:09) - Sarah Foster of Bankrate.com called into the show to detail the end of the student loan forbearance period at the end of January.
(1:01) - Barry and Chuck open the show weighing reasons to be optimistic as well as pessimistic towards the current economic climate.
(13:46) - The guys discuss the wide gap that still exists between the number of job openings and the number of available workers.
(23:02) - Talking about how Amazon is more or less the benchmark for wages and benefits for low-skilled workers.
(32:03) - Touching on Apple's struggles with supply issues that have led to a sharp drop in iPhone 13 production.
Barry Roy, Regional VP at Robert Half, joined the show to talk about his company's recent research regarding worker salaries.
(0:29) - Barry and Mike open the second hour talking about employees of FedEx, UPS, and the USPS, all of whom will be working overtime and then some over the next few weeks.
(13:35) - A conversation about Intel, whose shares are up 4.5% due to the company listing shares of Israeli company Mobileye.
(23:04) - Is lightning fast grocery delivery the future? The guys discuss whether or not it's a sustainable business model for companies looking to cash in on demand.
(34:09) - Barry Roy, Regional VP at Robert Half, joined the show to talk about his company's recent research regarding worker salaries.
(0:38) - The show opens with a look at markets, which are rallying for a second straight day on optimism surrounding the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
(15:09) - Talking about the implications of Evergrande's current messy situation.
(23:49) - Touching on why investing in Chinese companies is inherently risky, and what investors should keep in mind when doing so.
(31:10) - The guys discuss Elon Musk's recent comments about electric vehicles and how there should not be federal spending on them.
Toni Wolf, commissioner of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, joined the show to talk about a new grant that the Commission received for innovation and vocational rehabilitation.
(2:31) - An in-depth discussion regarding Elon Musk and his complicated yet crucial relationship with China.
(14:20) - Many companies are trying to find a way around the $10K tax deductions cap, and the guys breakdown the methods these businesses are turning to in order to do this.
(22:28) - Talking about how Uber has lost yet another battle with UK regulators, with drivers now having even less freedom.
(33:12) - Toni Wolf, commissioner of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, joined the show to talk about a new grant that the Commission received for innovation and vocational rehabilitation.
(2:21) - Chuck and Mike open the week with a conversation about current markets, and how investors may be making decisions based more on Fed moves than Omicron news.
(12:37) - A discussion about Fed Chair Jay Powell's pivot to a hawkish approach, which has not been his style during his time as Chairman.
(25:33) - Touching on how small cap stocks have been suffering greatly over the last two weeks, with the Russell 2K index now down 12% from its early November record.
(34:35) - Talking about China real estate conglomerate Evergrande, which is attempting a restructuring for all of their offshore bonds and debt obligations.
(3:27) - The guys open the second hour with an update on OPEC+'s meeting earlier this week in which the group continued to boost oil production.
(14:17) - The SEC is moving closer and closer to delisting Chinese companies from U.S. stock exchanges.
(23:31) - A discussion about big tech companies and how they are amassing large amounts of consumer data through privacy changes.
(33:55) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness called into the show to talk about Capital One Financial, which just became the first big bank to completely eliminate overdraft fees for customers.
(1:14) - Paul Lane of The Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show to run through the disappointing November jobs report, which revealed just 210K jobs added last month vs. expectations of 571K.
(18:36) - Chuck and Mike talk about how much cash Americans have saved throughout the pandemic, almost to the point of hoarding.
(23:38) - Touching on Charlie Munger's comment that what's happening now in markets is even more absurd than the dot com bubble of the late 90's/early 2000's.
(30:13) - Discussing how both Walgreens and CVS are administering countless vaccines every day and in turn causing delays for those who are looking to get the jab.
(0:34) - Chuck and Mike open the second hour talking about how Apple has told suppliers that iPhone sales may be down this holiday season due to lack of demand.
(12:44) - Major League Baseball has entered a work stoppage, and the guys breakdown why this is happening and what impact it could have on the league going forward.
(24:11) - A conversation about Square changing their name to Block very soon after CEO Jack Dorsey resigned as CEO of his other company, Twitter.
(34:43) - Stack roulette.
(0:38) - Recapping Wednesday's sell-off that started as a rally day, but turned negative after the first confirmed U.S. case of the Omicron variant was announced.
(17:35) - Touching on Treasury Secretary Yellen and Fed Chair Powell's testimony in front of Congress in regards to the Build Back Better Bill.
(23:37) - Discussing the slight uptick in weekly jobless claims this week after the lowest number of claims in recorded history last week.
(33:54) - Reviewing today's OPEC+ meeting, which did not bring about any changes to their plans to increase oil production in the near future.
Estate Planning is much more important than most people realize. Todd Lutsky reviewed a number of essential aspects that must be tackled during estate planning in order to avoid dying in testate. Todd also previewed Cushing & Dolan's December guide titled, "Estate Planning Fundamentals", and took calls from listeners.
(6:49) - A conversation about how certain professional degrees often leave students with high debt and lower paying jobs than one would think.
(14:03) - The guys touch on Colorado's new law that requires employers to provide salary ranges on job postings.
(22:38) - Twitter announced a new policy that will allow private people to request pictures and videos of them be taken down, and Barry and Chuck discuss potential issues with this new rule.
(33:40) - Stack roulette.
(5:23) - In the opening segment, Barry and Chuck talk about Fed Chair Jay Powell's suddenly hawkish demeanor, and what that could mean for the Fed's approach to the economy in the midst of the omicron variant's spread.
(12:51) - A discussion regarding oil and how it has began to slide over the last week, with crude oil now in the $60/barrel price range.
(22:34) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
Mike Simonsen of Altos Research joined the show to enlighten listeners on seasonal patterns that are seen in the real estate market.
(3:14) - Talking about how GE's appliance division that the company sold a few years ago is now thriving under a Chinese manufacturer.
(13:00) - Mike Simonsen of Altos Research joined the show to discuss what's happening in the real estate market.
(23:15) - Facebook's parent company Meta has been ordered by a UK regulator to sell "Giphy", and Barry and Mike discuss what this could mean for the other divisions of Facebook.
(35:51) - Mark Schaffer of Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show for another edition of "Financial Planning Tuesday."
(0:28) - The show opens with a discussion about how omicron is affecting equity and oil markets, as well as how investors are trying to gauge the variant's economic impact.
(12:50) - Touching on results of early testing of the Regeneron "cocktail" and other antibody drugs agains the omicron variant.
(23:50) - A conversation regarding whether or not eliminating the tariffs on China would help to ease current high levels of inflation.
(32:25) - Todd Lutsky, estate planning attorney of Cushing & Dolan, joined the show to remind listeners of their last chance to get C&D's November guide, "Do's and Don'ts of Gifting Assets".
(3:16) - An in-depth conversation regarding Millennials and how they are handling current levels of inflation, the likes of which they've never seen before.
(15:37) - Jack Dorsey is stepping down as CEO of Twitter. The guys discuss Dorsey's time as CEO as well as what impact this could have on Twitter's stock.
(22:33) - Talking about Nissan and how the company has pledged to spend $17.6 billion on electric vehicles over the next five years.
(33:21) - Stack roulette.
(1:34) - Chuck and Mike open the week with a recap of Friday's abbreviated trading session, which was a broad-based sell-off due to fears of the new Omicron COVID-19 variant.
(15:46) - Discussing TSA volume over Thanksgiving weekend, with Sunday's 2.45 million passengers being the highest number since February 26th, 2020.
(29: 51) - Disney's new animated film, "Encanto" has hit theaters, but the guys talk about how they have seen very little advertising for it.
(37:12) - A conversation about how Canada has decided to tap into its strategic reserves...for maple syrup.
(1:59) - A discussion regarding the Biden administration's plan to tap into the country's strategic oil reserve, and what impact if any it will have on oil prices and supply.
(15:41) - Talking about how Chuck's chairs are finally getting delivered after more than a month's delay, which dovetails into a conversation regarding supply chain issues and how they are beginning to ease.
(26:19) - Touching on JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon's joke about how his company will outlast the communist Chinese government. Dimon quickly turned around and said he should not have made the joke.
(33:14) - Stack roulette.
(2:04) - Chuck and Paul open the show with analysis of current markets before diving into the slew of economic data that was released Wednesday morning.
(12:16) - A preview of both the Fed meeting minutes that will be released today as well as the next Federal Reserve meeting which will take place next month.
(22:32) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(2:06) - The second hour opens with a conversation about manufactured housing and how it has provided an alternative for people who can't afford the costs associated with an on-site construction home.
(15:11) - With Uber and Lyft prices soaring, Brendan and Paul talk about an alternative that riders are starting to look towards...taxi cabs.
(22:52) - Touching on the post office's announcement that it will have more capacity than anticipated for the holiday season, contrary to belief that they'll be overwhelmed with packages.
(34:26) - Stack roulette.
(1:04) - The U.S. announced that it will tap into its national strategic oil reserves in an effort to combat soaring oil prices, and the guys breakdown why this decision was made and what impact it could have.
(13:35) - Chris Campbell, Chief Strategist at the Kroll Institute, joined the show to provide analysis on the decision to re-nominate Fed Chair Jay Powell.
(24:02) - Discussing Samsung's plans to build a $17 billion chipmaking facility in Taylor, Texas, and what incentives Samsung has by doing this.
(33:29) - Brendan and Paul run through a list of five items that you should not make a part of your Black Friday shopping list.
(2:19) - Touching on the madness that is the used car market, which is still seeing steep prices as dealerships try to navigate the situation.
(11:00) - Dr. Lawrence Yun from the National Association of Realtors joined the show to discuss how October was another month that saw an increase in existing home sales.
(23:16) - A discussion about how Monster has been just as successful as Amazon on an annualized basis since it IPO'd, in addition to the news that the company is in talks to make a deal with Constellation Brands.
(36:16) - Talking about using a shopping bot to scour the Internet in search of holiday gifts, and why it's an "awful" idea and concept.
(0:47) - The guys open the week with analysis of the news that President Biden has re-nominated Jerome Powell as Chair of the Federal Reserve for another four years.
(12:37) - There are some signs that supply chain issues may be starting to slow. Chuck and Mike touch on their own experiences with these issues before discussing whether or not the supply squeeze is truly beginning to ease.
(23:25) - A conversation about the "buy the dip" strategy in investing and what the downfalls of this mindset are.
(35:50) - Gas prices are still sky-high and the guys talk about how that throws a wrinkle into the travel landscape ahead of the holidays.
(2:58) - The second hour opens with a lengthy chat about the nationwide Christmas tree shortage, which is particularly hard for Chuck to process.
(13:48) - The guys discuss "the great resignation" of workers and breakdown why the labor market is undergoing this major shift.
(23:37) - A conversation about the ongoing chip shortage, specifically how semiconductor companies are seeing their stock soar despite the supply squeeze.
(32:47) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to talk about Alibaba, and why they are struggling so much over the past year.
(0:47) - Chuck and Mike open the show with a conversation regarding Austria's strict lockdown and vaccination protocols, and how U.S. and global markets are responding.
13(50) - Discussing the content of the Build Back Better Bill, which was just passed by House Democrats with a 220-213 vote. The bill now heads to the Senate.
(27:53) - The guys review their predictions regarding who President Biden will pick as the next Fed Chair, and they also touch on what should actually be expected of a Fed Chair.
(35:11) - Talking about how Apple is still working diligently on creating a car which, ideally, would be a fully autonomous vehicle.
(2:01) - Inflation is the buzzword that just won't go away, since inflation itself is sticking around longer than many economists expected. The guys talk about why this sustained inflation isn't "stagflation", and why we're not seeing "hyperinflation".
(14:56) - A conversation about how different retailers are navigating the supply chain crisis, with some eating higher costs and others raising prices for the consumer.
(23:01) - Talking about Macy's and how the famous department store is making a bit of a comeback, up 227% year-to-date.
(36:33) - Stack roulette.
(1:07) - The show begins with a discussion about John Deere workers and how they've accepted a new contract, effectively ending their weeks-long strike.
(11:57) - Adam Johnson of Bullseyebrief.com joined the show for a review of current markets, as well as his stance on inflation and the ongoing supply squeeze.
(25:17) - The guys do their best to comprehensively breakdown what's going with Zillow, which has seen its stock decline over 35% in the last month due to a failed algorithm.
(34:07) - Touching on Nvidia's Q3 earnings that saw record revenue, which Chuck and Mike note is particularly impressive amid the ongoing semiconductor shortage.
Giving assets away is something that should not be done lightly, and Todd discussed how people should go about doing this. He also gave an update on gift tax exemption rules for 2022, which could play a key role in the decision to gift assets while estate planning. Todd also previewed Cushing & Dolan's guide for November titled, "Do's and Don'ts of Gifting Assets".
(0:37) - Debating who President Biden will pick as the next Fed Chair with the top two choices being Lael Brainard and current Chair Jerome Powell.
(14:57) - Nurse salaries are increasing at a rapid rate, and the guys talk about where exactly these raises are being seen.
(25:01) - A conversation about Fenway Sports Group and how they are in talks to purchase the Pittsburgh Penguins.
(33:31) - Discussing how Netflix is changing the way they rank and measure their most popular shows.
(0:34) - Barry and Chuck discuss Target to open the show, specifically how the retailer raised same store sales by over 12% and continues to navigate supply chain issues.
(11:28) - A conversation about treasury yields and what conclusions can be drawn from the significant rise in yields over the last few months.
(22:40) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:27) - President Biden officially signed the bipartisan infrastructure bill on Monday, and our second hour opens with a breakdown of the money being allocated to Massachusetts as a part of the bill.
(14:19) - Elon Musk has sold even more Tesla shares than he did initially, and the guys discuss what his motivations are behind these seemingly random decisions.
(22:23) - Oatly shares are falling after the company missed on Q3 earnings due to production issues. This leads to an enthralling conversation about different types of milk that are available.
(35:46) - Mark Schaffer of The Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show for another edition of "Financial Planning Tuesday".
(0:37) - Barry and Mike open the show with a riveting discussion about how retailers such as Walmart and Home Depot, which both beat on earnings, have been able to work around supply chain issues.
(13:06) - Paul Lane from The Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show to review the strong retail sales data that was released this morning.
(23:21) - The guys have a conversation regarding the inflationary environment that we're in, and they touch on who benefits from sustained inflation.
(36:39) - Talking about how President Biden and President Xinping held a virtual summit on Monday night, and what implications the meeting could have going forward.
(3:26) - Talking about the fact that many families will be paying significantly more to heat their home this winter due to rising energy costs.
(12:10) - Could interest rates possibly stay this low forever? The guys have a discussion about why that's not going to happen and what can be learned from past trends.
(26:48) - A conversation about BNPL or Buy Now Pay Later, which is gaining popularity as an alternative way for consumers to make various purchases.
(35:22) - Stack roulette.
(1:33) - The show opens with a discussion about President Biden and President Jinping's virtual summit and what implications their conversation could have.
(9:18) - With the infrastructure bill in the rearview, Chuck and Mike talk about the next major bill that could be passed by Congress.
(23:26) - A conversation about how Royal Dutch Shell is on the verge of simply becoming "Shell", and why they are making the change.
(34:34) - The guys touch on the ongoing chip shortage, which leads to a comical exchange regarding how the shortage has affected home appliances.
(1:37) - A conversation regarding Johnson & Johnson's announcement that it will be splitting into two public companies: retail and pharmaceutical.
(12:51) - A discussion about how the rental market in big cities is red-hot, despite many prognostications that the pandemic will lead to a mass exodus from cities.
(23:01) - The guys talk about Elon Musk's recent jab directed at new public auto startup, Rivian.
(33:53) - Paul LaMonica from CNNBusiness joined the show to dive into General Electric's plan to split into three separate, public companies.
(0:27) - The show opens with the guys taking a look at the JOLTS report, which revealed there are still over 10 million job openings in the U.S.
(17:35) - Discussing the treasury market sell-off, specifically what is causing it and what trends have been prevalent as of late.
(24:56) - Inflation is a hot topic and has been for some time, and Chuck and Mike talk about how many economists got their inflation predictions wrong. They also touch on what exactly is driving inflation.
(32:19) - Joanna Stern from The Wall Street Journal joined the show to review the 24 hours that she spent in the "metaverse".
(3:45) - A conversation about the housing market and the rapid pace at which homes are still being sold.
(23:13) - The guys talk about Chinese real estate giant Evergrande, who once again avoided default by making payments on certain overdue interests.
(25:34) - Discussing how tax brackets will be changing due to inflation adjustments, with the top bracket increasing by $20k.
(37:24) - Stack roulette.
*The Financial Exchange proudly supports the DAV of Massachusetts and contributed to the DAV radiothon throughout today's show.
(2:57) - Reviewing Wednesday's eye-opening inflation data and how markets reacted to the news.
(17:53) - Discussing how Disney reported a miss on earnings which was largely driven by a slowdown in subscriber growth to Disney+.
(25:32) - Diving deeper into Disney's earning miss and why Disney+ is experiencing a lull in growth.
(32:19) - Talking about how Elon Musk knew all along that he would be selling 10% of his Tesla shares despite him posting a Twitter poll asking if he should do so.
*The Financial Exchange proudly supports the DAV of Massachusetts and contributed to the DAV radiothon throughout today's show.
Todd went over the logistics of gifting assets and the many reasons and methods for which this can be done. Todd discussed how extreme caution should be had when undergoing this process, and how gifting can vary based on a multitude of factors. He also previewed Cushing & Dolan's guide for November titled, " Do's and Don'ts of Gifting Assets".
(0:38) - A conversation about General Electric, including why CEO Larry Culp deserves credit and also details of their plan to split up the company.
(14:09) - Liz Claman of FOX Business joined the show to give her thoughts on current inflation, and in turn what we can expect to see in the economy in the coming months.
(27:25) - Discussing what we expect to come from the upcoming virtual meeting between President Biden and President Xi Jinping of China.
(32:59) - Stack roulette.
(0:43) - Barry and Chuck open the show discussing October's consumer-price index, which indicated the highest inflation in 30 years.
(15:12) - A conversation about the recent volatility of Tesla's stock, which stemmed from Elon Musk's Twitter poll regarding selling 10% of his Tesla shares.
(22:58) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:27) - Robinhood announced they've been hacked and as a result millions of customer names and e-mail addresses were compromised. The guys discuss what the implications of this could be for the company.
(12:55) - Discussing famous meme stock AMC and the company's Q3 earnings which saw a narrower loss thanks to many Americans returning to movie theaters.
(22:29) - Pondering how big cities will spend the infrastructure money that was just passed by Congress, and whether or not it's enough to make significant changes.
(34:42) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate.com joined the show to review Bankrate's recent poll regarding how much Americans will be spending this holiday season.
(0:27) - Barry and Mike open the show with a chat about the Producer Price Index, which rose 0.6% in October and increased 8.6% year-over-year.
(13:35) - A discussion about General Electric's plans to split the company into three separate, public companies starting in 2023.
(25:57) - Talking about how many fund managers were bearish on Tesla when the company was still struggling, and how those managers missed the boat in a major way.
(32:56) - A conversation about how countless companies big and small across many industries are raising wages to combat hiring struggles.
Southern Airways Express CCO Mark Cestari joined the show to for a conversation about how business has been going through the pandemic & what changes are happening in the travel industry.
(1:31) - A conversation about rising energy prices and how the average American family will have to reckon with higher home heating bills this winter.
(14:07) - Talking about whether or not supply shortages in retail stores have been noticeable and how retailers will deal with these issues during the holiday season.
(22:41) - Revisiting the Infrastructure Bill, which ended up including $5 billion dedicated to expanding EV highway charging across the country.
(29:44) - Mark Cestari of Southern Airways Express joined the show to discuss how the pandemic has affected business and the travel landscape as a whole.
(0:28) - We open the week dissecting the $1.5 trillion bipartisan infrastructure plan that was finally passed by the House over the weekend.
(14:15) - 68% of respondents to a Gallup Poll in October said they believe the economy is getting worse. The guys discuss what is driving sentiment down despite plenty of encouraging data.
(31:37) - Discussing the latest Elon Musk news, which involves the Tesla CEO polling Twitter to see if he should sell 10% of his Tesla shares.
(39:10) - The guys talk about Berkshire Hathaway, specifically why profits fell for Warren Buffett's company in Q3.
(2:37) - The guys talk about how Peloton stock is down over 34% today and what's dragging them down off their 52-week high.
(13:28) - A conversation about how Facebook AKA Meta wants to build stores to introduce consumers to "metaverse" devices.
(23:31) - Covering how many adults of Generation Z are taking their financial advice from strangers online. Is this a good trend or a bad trend?
(32:50) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to discuss Avis, whose stock is up 3,200% since the pandemic began and had a monster rally this past week.
(0:31) - A detailed breakdown of the October jobs report, which saw 531k jobs added to the U.S., with the unemployment rate falling to 4.6%.
(12:35) - Discussing Pifzer's new antiviral pill that, in trials, reduced hospitalizations and severe symptoms from COVID-19 by 89%.
(24:13) - Uber reported a profit for their Q3 earnings, but the guys discuss why there is more than meets the eye when it comes to their numbers.
(33:02) - A conversation about whether or not Fed Chair Jay Powell, who was spotted at The White House yesterday, will be renominated for a second term by President Biden.
(2:06) - A conversation about Zillow and how the company's plans to virtually flip homes have suddenly gone awry.
(12:23) - A discussion about Kroger's attempt to make headway in Florida turns into a debate regarding curbside pickup and delivery for groceries.
(21:25) - Rick Bettencourt of Caliber Home Loans makes his return to the show to review certain aspects of VA Home Loans and give his thoughts on the loan market as a whole.
(33:07) - Stack roulette.
(0:56) - The show opens with a review of the Federal Reserve meeting and a breakdown of what the central bank is planning in the coming months.
(13:00) - The spending bills in Congress are still stuck in limbo, and the guys discuss the latest additions and subtractions to the proposed plans.
(23:58) - Discussing the ongoing John Deere strike, with the company saying that it's done bargaining after workers rejected the latest contract offer.
(35:32) - Toyota is forecasting a strong rebound in 2022, and the guys talk about how the carmaker has been able to successfully navigate the continuing semiconductor shortage.
Todd reviewed the process of gifting assets and ran through the finer details of said process, including what's required and what is not. Todd went on to preview Cushing & Dolan's guide for November titled, " Do's and Don'ts of Gifting Assets," and also took calls from listeners.
(0:40) - A discussion regarding the ongoing strike at John Deere, where workers have just rejected a new contract offer.
(14:58) - Talking about Pfizer, who released earnings and have boosted their sales forecast for the COVID-19 vaccine.
(24:03) - BMW beat on earnings, and the guys have a conversation regarding how the company has been able to navigate the chip shortage.
(34:26) - Chuck voices his opposition to the Justice Department's blockage of a merger between two book publishers: Penguin and Simon & Schuster.
(0:44) - The show opens with a breakdown of the ISM Services Index, which came in at a record high.
(15:45) - Avis skyrocketed 108% on Tuesday after a major earnings beat, The guys dive into the stock's surge and also discuss the car-rental market as a whole.
(23:10) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
Barry interviews USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and covers a wide range of topics including COVID-19 protocols, tourism, taxes, and business.
(0:28) - Discussing how high oil prices are becoming even higher unless OPEC ramps up production.
(11:15) - Barry is joined by U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr.
(31:03) - Mark Schaffer of Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show for another edition of Financial Planning Tuesday.
(0:40) - The guys open discussing inflation and how Fed Chair Jerome Powell has backed off his stance that the ongoing inflation we're seeing is "transitory".
(12:33) - Worker shortages are persisting, and the guys talk about how wages continue to grow while the upper hand belongs to employees.
(25:51) - Referred to by Barry as "the worst airline in America", American Airlines has canceled hundreds more flights and are blaming weather and staffing issues.
(32:28) - A conversation about Amazon-backed automaker Rivian, which seeks an IPO valuation of around $60 billion.
(2:12) - Nearly 10,000 workers at 14 Deere plants recently went on strike in protest of low wages. Now, the union will vote on a deal that will give them a 10% raise, followed by subsequent raises and bonuses in future years.
(14:51) - A growing number of automakers in China are rolling out electric vehicles not just domestically in China, but also in Europe and soon enough in the U.S. as well. Are these automakers a threat to American automakers looking to make headway in the EV space?
(22:43) - The spending bills are still in no man's land in Congress, and it now looks like paid family leave will not be a part of either bill if they are to be passed.
(33:17) - Stack roulette.
(3:00) - It's a major week for earnings, economic data, and policy, with the Federal Reserve set to meet for two days starting on Tuesday. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has downplayed movements in treasury yields ahead of the Fed's meeting and expressed confidence in the continued economic recovery.
(13:01) - Central banks around the world are becoming more hawkish as they are seeing rates surging in short-term debt markets. Will a short-term sell-off in treasuries come to fruition? If so, how does it affect the average person?
(25:46) - Since the pandemic began, there has been a surge in retirements all over the country. In fact, in the last year and a half alone, the percentage of the U.S. population that's retired rose from 18.5% to 19.6%.
(32:58) - The economic recovery has brought with it wage growth but also higher prices for consumers. How long will it take for labor demand and labor supply to get closer to being equal?
(1:57) - The SEC is investigating a series of stock transactions from last year by many members of Congress as well as Fed presidents. The guys discuss how elected officials owning and trading stock is a conflict of interest that should be outlawed.
(12:43) - More economic data for September was released this morning, and it showed that consumer spending slowed in September while personal income was down 1% for the month.
(26:48) - Cheesecake Factory has seen a surge in sales in the last year, with each of the 208 restaurants averaging $3 million in to-go orders. The company said it sold more cheesecake as a percentage of sales than before the pandemic, with many customers ordering late night slices of the treat.
(33:36) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to review local toymaker Hasbro's Q3 earnings. Will supply chain disruptions mean trouble for the company heading into the holiday season?
(0:30) - Meta, the social media giant formerly known as Facebook, has officially rebranded as CEO Mark Zuckerberg tries instill his idea of the "metaverse" into the company and the world. The rebrand comes as Meta continues to be scrutinized for unethical practices as revealed in the "Facebook Papers".
(13:09) - Amazon experienced a rare miss on earnings in Q3 and also lowered their guidance for Q4. The company expects "only" $130-$140 billion in sales in the holiday quarter and attributes these lower numbers to none other than supply chain woes.
(24:13) - Todd Lutsky, estate planning attorney with Cushing & Dolan, joined the show to give one last plug for C&D's October guide, "Balancing Estate Tax Reductions with Asset Protection Planning".
(32:55) - After progress was seemingly being made on the two spending bills in Congress, momentum seems to have stalled again due to ongoing disagreements in the Democratic party.
(2:16) - With the labor market still tight, both Starbucks and Costco announced that they will be raising wages. Starbucks will raise their minimum wage from $14 to $17 by next summer, while it will be the second time this year that Costco is raising their minimum wage this year, this time to $17.
(13:11) - Comcast reported a beat on earnings, with NBC Universal seeing a 58% increase in revenue growth. Where did this increase in revenue come from?
(22:59) - A story in the Wall Street Journal has indicated that the MBA degree almost always ends up being worth it for graduates, as it leads to manageable debt and a successful career.
(32:42) - A lawsuit in New York has been filed against Kellogg and it alleges that Strawberry Pop-Tarts contain more pears and apples than strawberries. Believe it or not, this is the third lawsuit in the past year accusing Kellogg of not having enough strawberries in their Strawberry Pop-Tarts.
(2:08) - Q3 GDP came in at 2%, which is below expectations of 2.8% and well. below Q1 and Q2 GDP which was above 6%. The massive drop can be largely attributed to none other than supply chain issues.
(13:32) - President Biden is on Capitol Hill today to try and persuade Democrats to back his spending bill. The guys discuss which potential aspects of the bill are in and which are out.
(24:49) - Ford reported earnings and, behind new CEO Jim Farley, raised guidance for next year and reinstated their dividend. The stock is up over 9% on the suddenly optimistic outlook for the famous carmaker.
(36:03) - Greg McBride of Bankrate.com joined the show to talk about Bankrate's study on worker pay and pay raises. What did the survey discover about wage growth?
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky discussed current estate tax rates and how they may not stay where they are due to potential rule changes under President Biden. Todd then took a look at probate fees and how they can be a surprise issue for heirs if estate planning is not done early and properly. Todd also reminded listeners that time is running out to get Cushing & Dolan's guide for October titled, "Balancing Estate Tax Reductions with Asset Protection Planning", and as always, took calls from listeners.
(0:53) - Not much has come out of Congress this week in terms of the status of potential legislation put forth by Democrats. The fate of a handful of separate bills, including a spending bill and an infrastructure deal, are still unknown.
(13:50) - The U.S. continues to walk a fine line in terms of the situation between China and Taiwan. Chinese delegation has warned that U.S. support for Taiwan could further damage relations between America and China.
(22:24) - Twitter's year-over-year sales are up 41% as revealed in their earnings call. Despite this, markets are not responding well and the social media giant's stock is down over 9% today.
(33:06) - Merck has agreed to license its promising COVID-19 pill to a non-profit backed by the United Nations. The purpose of this is to provide more virus relief for low and middle income countries.
(3:42) - Google (or Alphabet) nearly doubled its profit in Q3 on the back of a 41% increase in revenue ($65.12 billion). The tech giant's ad business is still its pillar, with 80% of its revenue coming from ad sales.
(11:58) - Microsoft stock is up nearly 5% after reporting a major earnings beat that saw Q3 revenue rise 22% from a year earlier. Remote work has been instrumental is Microsoft's continued success, however there are more factors that are helping the tech company thrive.
(23:00) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
Kevin Redmond, Chief Creative Strategist at Fuseideas, joined the show to dive into Facebook's rebranding efforts. Kevin discusses why this idea will not fix the social media giant's problems, and how other companies' rebranding efforts compare to what Facebook is attempting to do.
(0:40) - Government officials have been using the term "transitory" to describe inflation for several months now. Have we reached the point where transitory no longer applies to the inflation we've been seeing?
(13:48) - 3-D printed homes are beginning to pop up more frequently, specifically around Austin, Texas, where a local startup is creating a community of more than 100 of these unique homes.
(22:24) - Employees at an Amazon facility in Staten Island, NY are looking to hold a vote regarding unionization. The vote would determine whether or not the workers would form a whole new union for all Amazon employees on Staten Island.
(30:35) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate.com joined the show to discuss Bankrate's poll that showed more and more Americans are now attending live, in-person public events.
(2:20) - Facebook earnings were disappointing, with ad sales experiencing a slowdown in Q3. Similar to Snap, Facebook blamed this drop in sales on Apple's new privacy policy.
(17:26) - The news that Hertz ordered 100K Teslas sent the latter's stock skyrocketing, and in the process they passed the $1 trillion market cap threshold. The stock is up over 1% today.
(27:24) - The guys debate the main reason why Hertz is investing so much in Teslas for their rental car fleet. Will Hertz's move begin a trend of rental car companies heavily utilizing electric vehicles?
(31:27) - Kevin Redmond, who is the Chief Creative Strategist at Fuseideas, joined the show to dive into Facebook's rebranding efforts.
(1:39) - The guys define what an unrealized capital gain is and discuss how Democrats will likely try to put an annualized tax on unrealized capital gains for billionaires into their budget package.
(15:41) - The U.S. is one of just six countries in the world that does not offer a national paid leave program, with 185 countries offering paid leave for new mothers. Why is the U.S. lagging so much in terms of a paid leave policy?
(22:59) - Companies are going on strike at a more frequent rate nowadays due to leverage being in the hands of the workers as well as inflation. Can we expect to see more and more strikes as the labor market stays tight?
(36:12) - Stack roulette.
(1:25) - Markets opened in positive territory in anticipation of a major week of tech earnings. Big tech such as Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft are among the companies reporting, and big beats these companies could very well boost markets.
(13:07) - Facebook has been under the microscope for weeks now between whistleblowers and potential rebranding. A Bloomberg article details how the social media giant has seen a significant drop in the number of teenagers using the platform.
(24:11) - Hertz has ordered 100K Tesla vehicles for its fleet of rental cars. Have Tesla's become so popular that car rental companies feel like they should always have them available?
(35:15) - Microsoft has said that the Russia-linked hacking group that hacker Solar Winds last year have not stopped their antics. The hackers have been targeting more than 140 cloud-computing companies and have apparently been successful in infiltrating 14 of them.
(1:19) - Regional Fed presidents Eric Rosengren and Robert Kaplan have been facing scrutiny recently for previously un-disclosed trading practices. This has led the Federal Reserve to impose new restrictions on investment activities for officials.
(14:01) - Snap, Inc. is trading 25% lower today following guidance from the company that indicated a slowdown in growth ahead. Snap blamed the outlook on new restrictions in Apple's App Store.
(22:25) - Yet another MBTA derailment has happened, this time on the Green Line. However, this derailment was due to a skateboard stuck in tracks.
(33:54) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to discuss Verizon and how the company has become the worst stock on the Dow.
(6:00) - WeWork has began trading today after originally having an IPO planned a couple years back. WeWork is expected to raise as much as $1.3 billion through it's merger with a SPAC.
(18:57) - Natural gas prices have began to fall from their peak, which can partially be attributed to the warm autumn season thus far.
(24:47) - Intel shares are trading significantly lower as the company is reeling from the effects of the ongoing semiconductor shortage. Being such an important company in U.S. technology, how can Intel turn it around?
(36:59) - The market for single family homes is growing as home ownership is declining. The median, inflation-adjusted price for a home is close to double what it was in the mid 1980's.
Nick & Elyse Oleksak founded Bantam Bagels in NYC over half a decade ago, and the two were even on Shark Tank in 2015, receiving a 25% investment from Lori Greiner. Bantam Bagels have landed honors such as "Best Bagel in NYC, as well as getting a spot on Oprah's Favorite Things in 2014. Nick & Elyse joined the show to dive into the background of the product, as well as detailing their journey to making Bantam Bagels a go-to for consumers looking to have an alternative to bagels.
(7:26) - Southwest Airlines has had a slew of cancellations and delays recently, and the company has come out and said they've lost over $75 million due to the ordeal. Will this become a trend for the airline?
(15:40) - The parent stock of Chili's was sinking in pre-market trading due to hiring struggles and higher food costs. The guys discuss what they've been seeing in the restaurant industry amid labor and supply chain disruptions.
(22:17) - Americans are still not returning to work, and there could be many explanations for this. Among them are low wages, early retirements, and increased savings due to stimulus payments.
(33:29) - The co-founders of Bantam Bagels, Nick and Elyse Oleksak, joined the show to give some background on their popular product and to give insight about their experience being on Shark Tank.
(8:06) - Tesla's Q3 earnings were stellar as expected, posting record revenue ($13.8 billion) and delivering 73% more vehicles than the same period last year. How does Tesla continue to stay resilient amid global supply chain issues?
(14:10) - Dr. Lawrence Yun from the National Association of Realtors joined the show to review the existing home sales data for September.
(24:42) - PayPal is in talks to acquire Pinterest, which is a social media platform that allows users to post creative ideas for many different aspects of life. The guys discuss why PayPal would want to make this acquisition, as well as what changes we could see on Pinterest if it happens.
(31:23) - Thornton McEnery of Marketwatch called into the show to discuss the SEC's report on the GamaeStop/meme stock craze.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky dove into how it's possible to reduce estate taxes while also protecting assets when making an estate plan. Todd then went into further detail regarding possible changes to federal estate tax laws, and why people are more worried about state laws than federal laws. Todd also previewed Cushing & Dolan's guide for October titled, "Balancing Estate Tax Reductions with Asset Protection Planning", and took calls from listeners.
(2:01) - Many companies across nearly every sector are still scrambling to find workers. This struggle may be exacerbated heading into the holiday season, when numerous employers need even more help than usual.
(15:46) - It's easy to remember the beginning of the pandemic when shelves were empty and it was exceedingly difficult to obtain everyday supplies for households. The guys discuss how, while inventories are a bit light at the moment, the situation is not quite at the level of hoarding that we saw early last year.
(25:30) - A report was released last night that indicated Facebook will be looking to undergo a rebranding, which would include changing its name.
(35:39) - Stack roulette.
(1:52) - With earnings season kicking into full gear, the guys discuss what they're seeing from companies that have reported so far. There is an interesting disparity between companies that are handling supply chain issues well, and those that are struggling more with the situation.
(13:16) - Tesla will be reporting earnings after the closing bell today, and analysts are expecting the vehicle maker to show a strong resistance to the ongoing supply chain crunch. How is Tesla overcoming supply shortages to continue exceeding expectations?
(23:48) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:56) - It's another month and another event for Apple, which touted its new Macbook Pro and new Airpods that will be hitting shelves soon. The Macbook Pro will now have a much longer-lasting battery life than previous iterations of the computer.
(13:00) - Greg McBride of Bankrate.com joined the show to discuss what's going on with mortgage rates, which is a situation to watch especially with the Fed beginning its tapering soon.
(23:21) - Zillow has an automated home-flipping technology feature on its website that has been halted due to mismanagement. Will this end up affecting Zillow's bottom line?
(31:50) - Mark Schaffer of Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show for another edition of "Financial Planning Tuesday." Mark gives details on Medicare Open Enrollment and goes over the different options that people have when looking into Medicare.
(1:01) - It seems as if current supply chain issues are never-ending, and these issues caused a sharp decline in industrial production for September. The U.S. experienced a 1.3% decline in industrial production last month, which was the steepest drop since February.
(12:54) - Johnson & Johnson beat on Q3 earnings, and a big reason for that was their COVID-19 vaccine brought in $502 million in sales. J&J raised its estimates for the rest of the year on the back of the solid earnings report.
(26:27) - The SEC has released its report that investigated the meme stock craze earlier in 2021. The report did not find anything substantive, although it does question whether or not trading platforms are trying to entice their clients to trade more.
(31:54) - Amazon CEO Andy Jassy received a letter from Congress that requested additional evidence to back Amazon's testimony in 2019 and 2020 that refuted claims of the company being a monopoly. There is ongoing concern that Amazon is taking advantage of third-party sellers on its platform.
(1:18) -Inflation can no longer be considered transitory as it has already stuck around longer than most economists predicted it would. Will one of the ripple effects of this be an increase in rent for tenants?
(14:33) - The energy crisis is getting worse before it gets better with European countries, that are normally stocking up, be squeezed for supply.
(22:50) - Bank earnings continue to roll in, and Paul and Ema give an overview of how the big banks have fared so far. What can these earnings tell us about the state of the economy?
(31:31) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to run through JP Morgan's earnings and to discuss CEO Jamie Dimon's take on inflation.
(1:42) - The retail sales report for September was released this morning, and it revealed a 0.7% rise in sales versus expectations of a 0.5% increase. Paul and Ema discuss what sectors of the retail world drove the numbers higher.
(12:29) - Taking a closer look at the current job market, specifically what restaurants are looking like right now amid the shortage in workers.
(23:14) - An FDA advisory panel has unanimously approved a booster shot of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for older and at-risk Americans. The booster will be only a half-dose of the vaccine and will be provided six months after the second shot.
(31:48) - Johnson and Johnson has been knee deep in lawsuits in regards to talc used in their baby powder, and now they are countering these suits by declaring chapter 11 bankruptcy for a portion of their business.
(1:35) - The word "transitory" has been thrown around ad nauseam in reference to inflation. While many feel that the current, difficult job market is transitory, our of work Americans don't see it that way.
(13:46) - Foreclosures are "surging" ever since COVID-19 mortgage bailouts are ending. However, the guys point out that this is misleading, given that foreclosures were already at extremely low levels.
(22:49) - A legislative effort to stop big tech companies from "self-preferencing" is gaining steam, as companies like Amazon continue to benefit from promoting themselves on their own platform.
(34:38) - Stack roulette.
(2:06) - With energy prices continuing to soar, Americans can expect to see significantly higher home heating bills this winter. Regardless of whether a household uses natural gas or oil, higher energy prices are not expected to dissipate soon and could possibly increase heating bills by as much as 50%.
(14:05) - Ema David of The Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show to review the minutes that were released yesterday from the Federal Reserve's September meeting. What did we learn about tapering and possibly rate hikes?
(24:25) - News broke this morning that Microsoft will be shutting down LinkedIn in China. This follows a controversy surrounding Microsoft's censorship of Chinese content on certain LinkedIn profiles.
(34:54) - There are four potential, new family policies being floated around by congressional democrats. The guys give their thoughts on which of these policies are the most necessary.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky discussed the possibility of an increase in estate tax rates as well as how current legislative proposals could bring about certain changes. Todd also predicted that there would not be major changes to estate taxes at the state level. In addition to taking calls from listeners, Todd previewed Cushing & Dolan's guide for October titled, "Balancing Estate Tax Reductions with Asset Protection Planning".
(1:01) - Inflation is still running hot and supply chains are still significantly disrupted, making buying an appliance like a hot tub a lot more complicated. Major delays in obtaining hot tubs and numerous other items are still prevalent and expected.
(13:32) - Oil prices are still soaring, with local averages reaching as high as $3.30 per gallon. With crude oil at $80 per barrel, will oil producers begin to ramp up production?
(22:46) - Social Security benefits are slated to increase by 5.9% in 2022, which will be the largest jump in benefits in many years.
(33:33) - Apple is slashing production of the iPhone 13 by as many as 10 million units. This news goes to show just how far-reaching the global chip shortage is when even a tech giant like Apple is feeling the effects of it.
(0:49) - The Consumer Price Index for September showed that inflation was up 5.4% year-over-year, and had risen 0.4% on a monthly basis. These numbers were both slightly above expectations, while Core CPI came in at 0.2% for the month, which was in line with expectations.
(15:19) - The Biden Administration is trying to fight the ongoing supply chain shortage by having a major port in Los Angeles stay open 24/7. Major retailers have also agreed to help in this process.
(23:25) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:28) - SPAC's are a relatively new way to take companies public. As more and more is discovered about them, what benefits do investors see in SPACs and how are they using them to their advantage?
(14:52) - Charlie Gasparino of FOX Business joined the show today for a review of current markets as well as a preview of the first week of earnings.
(27:05) - Car sales are declining, falling September to an annualized rate of 12.2 million. A major part of this is the ongoing chip shortage that continues to hinder inventory of car dealerships.
(34:12) - NYC is giving every public school kindergartener $100 in a college savings account. Are 529 plans destined to catch on?
(0:51) - The monthly JOLTS report for August was released this morning and it revealed that employment vacancies fell to 10.4 million from 10.9 million the month prior. Another significant data point was the record number of Americans (4.3 million) that quit their jobs.
(13:11) - Earnings season is kicking off, although the major earnings weeks will be the next couple of after this one. Can we expect to see more and more stellar earnings beats like we have seen so far in 2021?
(25:03) - Bank stocks are up a whopping 38% this year, and big banks are the first companies to report earnings. Is there any type of regulation on the horizon that could hamper banks' momentum?
(33:23) - Southwest Airlines is still reeling from canceling 1,800 flights over the weekend. This accounted for more than 28% of its weekend schedule, and then another 10% of its flights were canceled on Monday.
(2:15) - Although the Evergrande situation has been grabbing headlines recently, the real estate market in China as a whole has fallen on tough times. Trillions of dollars in debt are causing sticky situations throughout the country.
(13:23) - A Biden Administration analysis of the 400 wealthiest households in the country found that the average tax rate for those households was at 8.2% from 2010 to 2018. However, the metric used for the study was a bit wonky.
(22:10) - A recent trend in real estate has been Millennial best friends- and not couples -purchasing houses together. The guys give their thoughts on why this is an idea that should not be entertained.
(36:36) - Stack roulette.
(0:34) - U.S. crude oil has topped $80 a barrel as energy prices continue to skyrocket around the globe. Will supply shortages and spiking prices last deep into the winter?
(13:32) - Earnings season is underway for Q3, and the guys discuss how it will be tough for the Q3 earnings to outdo the last two earnings seasons which regularly saw 20% beats from companies.
(24:26) - Southwest Airlines is experiencing major issues after having to cancel upwards of 1,800 flights over the weekend. The airline is blaming the disruptions on severe weather as well as traffic control issues, but there may be more to the company's troubles than that.
(32:45) - Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts, which is the largest private insurer in the state, announced that they will not cover Biogen's new Alzheimer's Drug (Aduhelm). This is just the latest story surrounding Biogen's controversial drug that is sure to face more scrutiny as time goes on.
(4:53) - Barry stopped by the studio to surprise the guys, and while he was at it, he gave his thoughts on the disappointing jobs report for September. Together, the hosts review what the jobs report revealed about wage growth.
(12:06) - In the midst of this wild housing market, mortgage rates are on the rise and refinance demand is down. Is now a good time for potential sellers to pull the trigger and put their homes on the market?
(22:34) - The natural gas shortage around the world is impacting Europe especially hard, with energy prices soaring as we head into winter. The U.S. is also seeing the highest nat. gas prices since 2008.
(33:40) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness made his much anticipated return to the show today, discussing controversial Chinese company Alibaba and what issues they are facing both domestically and internationally.
(1:29) - The September jobs report was released at 8:30 this morning, and it was just as disappointing, if not more disappointing, than the August report. The U.S. added just 194K jobs for the month versus expectations of 500K, with the unemployment rate falling to 4.8% from 5.2%. The guys take a deep dive into the numbers and give a comprehensive breakdown of the report.
(13:49) - The early 2010's had a labor market that was similar to this one in certain ways, and very different in other ways. What did we learn from that period of time in terms of hiring trends and labor force patterns?
(26:20) - Tesla will be moving their headquarters from California to Texas after Elon Musk's dispute with California regulators. The company will, however, keep their plant operating in Freemont, CA, and will even be expanding it.
(37:43) - Global supply chains have been disrupted for the last year and a half as the pandemic has strained many logistical areas of operations for companies. Are we now at the peak of supply chain issues?
(2:08) - President Biden and President Jinping will meet virtually later this year in what will be the first meeting between the two world leaders. Will this meeting help to cool tensions between the two powerful countries?
(16:04) - Apple plans to have its car equipped with technology that will allow drivers to use their iPhone to control the air conditioning and the seats in the vehicle.
(22:36) - Google has introduced new features for its smart Nest thermostat, specifically a feature that would allow people to curb fossil fuel emissions in their home. This leads into a spirited debate between the guys as to whether or not the Nest thermostat is worth owning, from both a safety standpoint and a privacy standpoint.
(38:04) - Stack roulette.
(1:17) - Markets are rallying and are heading for their third day of gains this week. The guys discuss whether or not this is a sign that the September woes are behind us, or if this is just a red herring that will be followed by more volatility.
(14:41) - Adam Johnson of Bullseyebrief.com joined the show to give his thoughts on current markets, and review reasons why stocks now have some room to run in the short-term.
(24:59) - Weekly jobless claims are back down to a near-pandemic low, with 312K Americans filing for unemployment last week. After ADP's jobs report beat expectations yesterday, are these data points indicating a strong jobs report for September?
(37:21) - Electric Vehicles are noted for their positive impact on the environment as opposed to gas-powered cars. However, the reduced cost aspect of owning an EV is another benefit that should be attractive to car owners.
(0:40) - The pandemic has possibly changed the ordinary work schedule as we know it, mainly as it pertains to coming into the office for work every day. Will more and more companies adopt hybrid schedules going forward?
(13:17) - President Biden's agenda is stalled as democrats continue to fight amongst themselves over details of both the infrastructure bill and the social spending bill.
(22:45) - Mortgage rates are skyrocketing while refinance demand is plummeting. Will this accelerate the cooling down of the red-hot housing market?
(33:03) - Car-sharing app Turo is seeing success as the car-rental market remains pricey due to the ongoing chip shortage.
(0:54) - Volatility continues to rule markets as stocks are selling off following a rebound rally on Tuesday. The guys discuss the main factors that are dampening investor sentiment, mainly soaring energy prices and rising treasury yields.
(13:06) - Francis Haugen's testimony is already having a far-reaching impact as many continue to question the moral compass and ethical practices of Facebook. Will Haugen's testimony bring about change?
(25:03) - Johnson & Johnson is seeking emergency use authorization from the FDA for its vaccine booster shot. With cases declining, this could be another key moment in working towards ending the pandemic.
(33:53) - Major retailers such as Walmart and Target are chartering ships in order to work around persistent supply chain issues.
(0:27) - A preview of Friday's jobs report for September, with the guys discussing its importance especially after August's extremely disappointing number.
(14:18) - The new head of the SEC, Gary Gensler, could be a lot tougher on Wall Street than previous people in that position. How will his unique view of the financial sector change things for companies and investors alike?
(22:26) - Although Christmas is still over two and a half months away, many companies and retailers are starting their holiday deals in the coming days or weeks. Amazon, for example, will begin rolling out Black Friday deals this week.
(34:13) - Mark Schaffer of The Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show for another edition of Financial Planning Tuesday. Today, Mark discussed a recent bankrate.com study that focused on credit card limits being decreased over the pandemic.
(0:40) - Markets are experiencing a strong rebound from Monday's sell-off, but like stock prices, oil prices are shooting up as well. How long can we expect to see energy prices rise?
(12:33) - Facebook and its family apps Instagram and WhatsApp were down for around six hours yesterday, leaving billions of users to wonder what was happening. Mike Isaac of The New York Times called into the show to discuss his piece on the Facebook outage and give us a look behind the scenes.
(26:51) - Facebook whitsleblower Francis Haugen is testifying before Congress today and is not pulling any punches when discussing Facebook's crooked moral compass. Will her testimony help to finally bring about serious change in the social media industry?
(34:56) - AstraZeneca announced this morning that it is seeking emergency use authorization from the FDA for its antibody drug that showed strong results in preventing COVID-19 symptoms earlier this year.
(5:32) - The Federal Reserve is preparing to launch a review of a possible digital currency as administered by the central bank. It is logistically possible to move to an all-digital currency? How would the introduction of such a currency affect global currency?
(15:29) - The unemployment rate is falling at the same time that companies are having trouble hiring workers. Will companies raising their wages continue to help get Americans back to work?
(22:10) - Broader inflation pressures are quite prevalent at this time, and more investors are beginning to accept that inflation is less transitory than originally thought.
(37:55) - Stack roulette.
(4:13) - The stock for China real estate giant Evergrande has been suspended from the Hong Kong Index due a potential deal for the company to sell a controlling stake in some of their assets. Are we nearing the end of the Evergrande saga?
(14:16) - Markets experienced a terrific summer but have come swiftly back down to earth so far in autumn. What factors will determine the direction of markets for the rest of the year?
(28:29) - Tesla continues to defy both supply chain issues and expectations, delivering a record 241K vehicles in Q3 which exceeded expectations and was up significantly from 139K vehicles delivered in the same period last year.
(34:37) - The guys mull the question of whether or not the U.S. economy has reached peak supply chain issues. Could foreign relations play a major role in either extending or shortening these issues?
(1:36) - Supply chain issues have been widespread throughout the pandemic, and now they've seeped into the food service industry, Many schools are having trouble providing enough school lunches to students who choose to eat lunch at school.
(15:06) - Dollar Stores are quickly becoming dollar and change stores, with store items now seeing price increases due to the rising cost of goods.
(22:44) - Disney and Scarlett Johansson have reached a settlement in the suit over Black Widow. The guys theorize what that settlement might have looked like.
(33:26) - Anneken Tappe of CNNBusiness joined the show to review the past week and the past month in markets, as well as how inflation is affecting stocks.
(4:31) - Merck, in partnership with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, has created an oral antiviral pill that proved extremely effective in a 800-person trial. The pill reduced hospitalizations and death due to COVID-19 in unvaccinated Americans by 50%.
(12:56) -The ISM Manufacturing Index for September came in at 61.1, indicating that the manufacturing sector is growing. The index reading for August was 59.9.
(23:42) - Consumer Spending rose 0.8% in August and personal income rose 0.2% for the month, both beating analyst expectations. Will spending by Americans continue to increase as COVID-19 cases slow and the holiday season approaches?
(36:24) - LinkedIn is censoring certain profiles that contain negative sentiment regarding China. Why is LinkedIn asking users to self-censor on behalf of China?
(3:42) - Weekly jobless claims have ticked up yet again to 362K, three weeks after the federal unemployment benefits ended. Although the number of claims are still close to the pandemic low, they have been trending in the wrong direction for the last few weeks.
(15:40) - Target announced that they will begin rolling out. holiday deals on Sunday, October 10th. Will other retailers follow suit and introduce holiday discounts earlier than usual?
(21:16) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show to remind listeners about their last chance to get C&D's September guide that dives into the medicaid application process.
(38:42) - Stack roulette.
(1:11) - Since the most recent Federal Reserve meeting, the bond market has experienced a sell-off with the 10-year treasury yield subsequently climbing to north of 1.5%. Will the prospect of Fed tapering continue to spook the bond market?
(19:00) - GOP Senator Mitch McConnell indicated this morning that there will be a vote on a compromise to avoid the government shutdown. This removes one of the four major priorities working their way through Congress right now.
(29:55) - The vote on the bipartisan infrastructure bill was supposed to happen Monday, but was pushed back to Thursday. Will this vote actually happen today, and is it a sure thing to pass?
(36:32) - China's manufacturing sector has shown signs of weakness for the first time since the pandemic began. Major power outages and the recent real estate fallout in the country are only adding to the concern.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky reviewed medicaid planning as it pertains to single people and those who are widowed. How does this special circumstance change the process of medicaid planning? What are the key differences for someone who is single versus someone who is married? In addition to Todd taking calls from listeners, Cushing & Dolan's guide for September titled, "Making Sense of the Medicaid Process: Practical Pointers to Prepare for Long Term Care", is also previewed.
(0:40) - Global oil shortages as well as natural gas shortages are likely to drive energy prices much higher in Europe this winter. With natural gas prices already a t a record-high, Europeans are bracing for a messy winter when it comes to energy.
(12:19) - 131 Federal judges have been found to have broken the law by hearing cases that involved a financial interest of theirs. Why did these judges not recuse themselves?
(23:36) - Mortgage demand has fallen as rates have risen to their highest level since July. With inventory still low, the refinance market is accounting for much of the demand that still exists.
(32:45) - The MBTA has yet another issue on its hands: This time a Red Line train derailed at the. Broadway station. In the last several weeks alone, there has been an escalator accident, a death from a broken staircase, and a crash involving a Green Line train.
(0:33) - Stocks experienced a broad-based sell-off Tuesday as the September slump continues. However, pending home sales for August rose 8.1% vs. 1.4% expected, which helped boost markets in early trading on Wednesday.
(14:06) - Senator Elizabeth Warren voiced strong opposition to Jay Powell's renomination as Fed Chair, referring to him as a "dangerous man".
(22:38) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:27) - Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell are testifying in front of Congress today and are warning lawmakers that the Delta Variant of COVID-19 has hampered the economic recovery in the U.S.
(14:20) - Real estate website Zillow has issued a series of bonds for $450 million for the purpose of buying real estate/flipping homes.
(22:09) - Mastercard is one of many companies starting to launch "buy now, pay later" credit programs. While it can be viewed as an alternative to a credit card, there are certainly downfalls with this idea.
(34:58) - Next month, Beyond Meat will be introducing meatless chicken tenders in grocery stores. Is there any chance that this new product will be as successful as their meatless burger patties?
(2:17) - Markets are undergoing a steep sell-off as major deadlines loom for Congress. These deadlines include the debt ceiling, government funding, the infrastructure bill, and the reconciliation/social spending bill.
(12:17) - Oil prices have hit a three-year high amid a natural gas shortage that is having ripple effects across North American and Europe. Heading into winter, there is reason to believe this situation will get worse before it gets better.
(26:30) - Robert Kaplan and Eric Rosengren are retiring from their posts as Fed Presidents following accusations of insider trading.
(33:07) - Merck is far along in talks to acquire Acceleron Pharmaceuticals, which is valued at around $11 billion. The deal could be announced later this week.
(1:48) - Elon Musk has praised China and announced that he will expand Tesla's investments in the country. The guys discuss how Elon has often criticized local governments when he thought they were negatively affecting his business, but when it comes to China, he knows he must tread carefully.
(13:33) - The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index has become closely-watched indicator of inflation levels for car dealerships and economists alike. What has the index been telling us about the used car market?
(22:45) - Companies decide to do stock buybacks for various reasons. Would a tax on these buybacks have any meaningful impact on the economy?
(35:59) - Stack roulette.
(4:48) - Congress has a full calendar this week with multiple deadlines happening at the same time. The vote on the bipartisan infrastructure bill has been pushed back to Thursday, where as the $3.5 trillion spending bill is in limbo.
(13:06) - Both the FDA and CDC have approved booster shots for certain Americans. However, that approval has not come without confusion over who is actually eligible to get the shot.
(23:44) - Ports around the world are still slammed and are experiencing backlogs with ships and an abundance of cargo stockpiled. There are various factors that have caused these logistical nightmares.
(34:30) - Widespread power outages are popping up throughout China, due in part to coal prices skyrocketing over the last week.
(2:18) - The housing market has infamously been red-hot for quite some time, with low inventory forcing demand and prices significantly higher. However, there are indicators that things will slow down in housing in 2022.
(13:44) - Tim Higgins of The Wall Street Journal joined the show to give updates and analysis on the Apple vs. Epic Games case. Are both companies feeling like they lost? Will there be a resolution soon?
(22:28) - The city of San Francisco is looking for new trash cans and are trying to produce a custom, prototype version of a "modernized" trash can that will replace the current ones.
(33:47) - Anneken Tappe of CNNBusiness called into the show for a review of markets this past week, including the Evergrande crisis, the debt ceiling, and the Federal Reserve.
(4:00) - The Evergrande story continues with the Chinese real estate giant missing $83 million worth of interest payments that were due on Thursday. The large sum of interest payments is just a small part of Evergrande's $300 billion of outstanding debt.
(13:26) - Congress is scrambling to figure out a solution to the debt ceiling, which has been raised numerous times over the years. What is the point of this debt limit if it continues to be moved?
(27:28) - The White House released a report yesterday that estimated the 400 wealthiest households in America paid a tax rate of 8.2% between 2010 and 2018.
(32:07) - Alicia Munnell, Director of The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, joined the show today to discuss her study on long-term care for retirees.
Rick Bettencourt of Caliber Home Loans is a subject matter expert on VA Home Loans and he joined the show today for an informative discussion on the ins and outs of these loans. What is the process like for veterans who are trying to get a loan? How is it funded, and what are the benefits? Rick answers these questions and thoughtfully explains much more in regards to VA Home Loans.
(3:06) - J.P. Morgan has come out and said the "buy the dip" investment strategy is a faulty one, and expressed concern due to a high volume of ETF's being sold on Monday. Is this simply an overreaction to one day of trading?
(12:33) - Boston-based company Toast has gone public, and in their first day of trading experienced a 63% jump. The now $30 billion company began as a startup that powers QR codes on restaurant receipts that give the customer an additional payment option.
(21:15) - Rick Bettencourt of Caliber Home Loans joined the show today for a discussion on VA Home Loans, including the process of applying, how loans are funded, and much more.
(36:38) - Stack roulette.
(1:23) - The Federal Reserve meeting concluded yesterday with Jay Powell and the Fed indicating that they will begin tapering as early as their next meeting at the beginning of November. The central bank also hinted at raising interest rates next year after originally not anticipating doing so until 2023.
(11:50) - China has begun asking local governments to begin preparing for the default of Evergrande after the Chinese government chose not to bail the real estate giant out of its significant debt. What will the consequences and ripple effects of this decision be?
(24:26) - There was an unexpected rise in weekly jobless claims last week, as the total reached 351K following a week that saw 335K.
(35:22) - Facebook's Chief Technology Officer, who has been with the company for 13 years, has resigned amid increased scrutiny that the tech giant is facing from regulators and lawmakers alike.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky discussed the main differences between medicare and medicaid. He reviews the benefits of each program and gives his thoughts on which is better in particular situations. The discussion ties into Cushing & Dolan's guide for September titled, "Making Sense of the Medicaid Process: Practical Pointers to Prepare for Long Term Care", which Todd previewed along with taking calls from listeners.
(0:58) - The Wall Street Journal released their annual rankings of the top colleges and universities in the country,. There are 15 factors that WSJ used to complete these rankings, and for the fifth straight year, Harvard was ranked as the best college in America.
(11:09) - Dr. Lawrence Yun, head of the National Association of Realtors, joined the show to discuss the existing home sales numbers that were released this morning. In Dr. Yun's view, the data showed that the housing market is slowly but surely beginning to settle down.
(21:12) - Disney announced that Disney+ has begun to see a slowdown in subscriber growth. While the news sent Disney's stock tumbling Tuesday, it's trading nearly 2% higher today.
(34:08) - Amazon has big plans for their retail stores that will open next year, and that includes high-tech fitting rooms.
(0:34) - Markets are finally rallying as investors shake off fears associated with the Evergande situation in China. Could the Chinese government's response to the crisis dampen sentiment yet again?
(12:44) - The Federal Reserve is meeting today to discuss the logistics of their tapering plan, and the meeting will be followed by a press conference held by Fed Chair Jerome Powell. How will the Fed's decision on tapering affect markets?
(22:30) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:28) - Real-estate agents have enjoyed commissions of around 6% for quite some time. Now, the U.S. Department of Justice is launching a probe into broker practices, which may endanger these commissions.
(14:15) - Child care is often a crucial part of day-to-day life for many families, with attention recently being drawn to the high cost of care. Hiring has now become a major challenge for child care centers amid the national labor shortage.
(26:32) - Charlie Gasparino of FOX Business joined the show today for comprehensive market analysis, including his thoughts on the Evergrande situation as well as what factors are causing stocks to slump this month.
(35:58) - Mark Schaffer joined the show for another edition of "Financial Planning Tuesday", in which he discussed how to know when to liquidate and when to weather the storm.
(0:55) - Markets opened in rally mode with major indices nearing 1% gains, but they began to pull back quickly. The guys discuss yesterday's sell-off as it pertains to Chinese real-estate giant Evergrande, as well as touch on selling heavily at times like this.
(10:30) - Barry & Mike give historical context to the Evergrande situation in China, relating it both to previous financial crises in China and in the United States.
(25:54) - Lawmakers and investors alike are waiting to see if President Biden will renominate Fed Chair Jerome Powell after his term expires. If Powell is not renominated, will it cause a correction in stocks?
(32:26) - Despite being operational for 14 years now, Uber has yet to post a quarterly profit. However, the company came out and said they do expect to reach "a measure" of profitability for the quarter.
(2:42) - Many companies had planned for. a target date of September or October for a return to the office. However, the spread of the Delta variant along with varying degrees of vaccination have forced workplaces to alter those plans.
(15:48) - The price of natural gas has been on the rise for quite some time now thanks to low inventories and high demand. With winter not even here yet, this situation has many investors and natural gas users concerned about where prices will be in just a few months.
(25:09) - Renting a car or truck was 20% cheaper in May of 2020 than it was pre-pandemic. Prices for renting a car are now experiencing wild swings, with demand growing slightly but the ongoing chip shortage continues to complicate the situation.
(35:56) - Stack roulette.
(1:23) - Markets are selling off in a big way today, with Chinese real-estate company Evergrande accelerating the dip due to the company's stock plummeting. This is causing the Chinese real estate market as a whole to fall with it, and in turn the ripple effects are reaching European and U.S. stocks.
(13:11) - The guys discuss how the Evergrande situation relates to a prior Asian financial crisis in the late 90's, and how both scenarios are examples of what happens when there's little to no risk management.
(28:35) - Pfizer has announced that it's COVID-19 vaccine saw a strong response in children ages 5-11 when administered in a smaller doses. Pfizer is seeking FDA approval for the vaccine to be used on children.
(35:29) - Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen wrote an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal in an attempt to get congress to raise the debt ceiling yet again, which has already been raised nearly 100 times in the last 60 years.
(2:52) - Chuck has already done his Christmas shopping, and it sparks a discussion on whether or not earlier is better for holiday shopping in terms of prices and accessibility.
(13:40) - A subsidiary of MassMutual, the former employer of Keith Gill AKA Roaring Kitty, has agreed to pay a $4 million fine to resolve accusations that the company failed to detect Gill's wild social media activities. These activities, while not illegal, broke company policy and shed a negative light on MassMutual.
(23:23) - The guys discuss how stock trading platforms that offer "free" trading are really making money elsewhere.
(34:57) - Anneken Tappe of CNNBusiness joined the show for a review of current markets, and how September has seen a sentiment shift after a stellar August for stocks.
(8:35) - Contradicting headlines from different publications offer differing views of current markets right now. Are investors' fears about markets unfounded?
(14:37) - The Federal Reserve will be meeting next Wednesday (9/22) and are expected to announce that they will begin tapering their bond purchases in November. They aren't however, expected to make any announcements on interest rates.
(24:11) - Many companies are adjusting to COVID-19 vaccine mandates and are seeking more clarity from OSHA regarding what specific guidelines they should follow.
(32:05) - Weston Blasi of MarketWatch joined the show to discuss gambling on football - specifically how an estimated $20 billion will be wagered during the current football seasons.
0:10 - Markets are giving back most of yesterday's gains during this rough month of September. What's causing this recent volatile stretch?
10:52 - Mike Simonsen of Altos Research joined the show to provide the latest data on the country's housing inventory, and also gives insight as to what to expect in future months.
22:10 - A look at the wild property situation in China and Evergrande's recent turmoil.
33:44 - Stack Roulette
0:10 -
13:45 - How has the cost of shipping containers been a major factor in driving inflation? The guys sit down and do the math.
20:55 - A look at Wall Street today. Plus, is the talk of stagflation crazy at this time?
36:45 - Chuck and Mike look at the prospect of the IRS to require banks to report taxpayers' annual account flows.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky discussed some of the estate tax changes that are found in the tax plan created by House Democrats. Todd gives his thoughts on why he feels these changes are good news for those doing their estate plans, as well as how this would change estate planning in the future. He also detailed Cushing & Dolan's guide for September titled, "Making Sense of the Medicaid Process: Practical Pointers to Prepare for Long Term Care", and took calls from listeners.
(3:19) - The U.S. Treasury Department has declared that the child-care system in America is failing families due to high costs. What can be done to reduce the cost of child-care and create more equality for families?
(14:57) - China famously took harsh measures to combat COVID-19 early last year, and their economic recovery had been steady since then. However, unsustainable infrastructure and overspending and building has dampened the recovery's prospects,
(21:17) - Ian Sherr of CNET joined the show to review Apple's annual September event that took place Tuesday, including their introduction of the iPhone 13, a new iPad, and the next version of the Apple Watch.
(35:31) - Stack roulette.
(2:47) - U.S. median household income fell 2.9% last year down to $67,500. Despite median income dropping, the guys discuss how measures taken during the pandemic prevented an even worse financial situation for many Americans.
(12:42) - Low-paid workers have seen higher hourly wages as a result of the tight labor market. However, the sustained high levels of inflation are minimizing some of the wage growth that we've seen.
(23:00) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(1:01) - Massachusetts tourism was alive and well this past summer as vacationers took advantage of loosened restrictions and attractive travel packages.
(13:17) - Many S&P 500 companies have been spending more on stock buybacks than on capital spending. Why are companies doing this and what does it meant for the economy?
(22:18) - All 10 of the institutions named on the U.S. News and World Report's rankings of the top 10 colleges and universities now cost above $55K per year.
(32;07) - Thomas Hogan from the American Institute of Economic Research joined the show to discuss the Federal Reserve's role in the economy, in particular how the Fed often is tasked with fixing economic issues that they are not properly equipped to resolve.
(0:34) - The CPI reading for August was released this morning, and while it did show that inflation remains high (up 5.3% year over year), it also revealed that levels of inflation could be slowing.
(13:35) - The $3.5 trillion budget proposal laid out by congressional democrats is nearing a vote, and details about the potential bill have come to light.
(26:37) - The guys take a deeper dive into the proposed tax changes that could come with dems' budget proposal, specifically what would happen to the current capital gains tax.
(33:29) - The U.S. economy is on pace for a 5.8% GDP reading, which is down from 6.6% GDP in the second quarter. The Delta variant, along with many other factors, can be looked at as the reson for this decrease.
(3:41) - A judge ruled on Friday that most of Apple's restrictions will stay in place in terms of forcing consumers to their app store. However, despite Apple viewing this as a victory, it could make them vulnerable in the future.
(13:40) - Apple's iPhone sales have been rising, and the tech giant can thank major 5G deals from various wireless carriers for the boost.
(22:23) - The airline industry's debt worldwide has now climbed to $340 billion due to the pandemic. How will airlines climb out of this hole going forward?
(35:38) - Stack roulette.
(0:59) - The guys open the week discussing how the September woes have hit markets, with every day last week ending negatively. Moreover, three out of those days began positively, which was the case this morning before markets began to turn negative.
(12:02) - Inflation has been up 5% year over year for the last two months, and investors are about ready to conclude that it is not of the transitory nature. All eyes will be on Tuesday's CPI reading which will be a major indicator of where inflation is.
(23:14) - The White House and more liberal and progressive democrats are still trying to pass a $3.5 trillion spending bill, but moderate dems such as Joe Manchin are complicating that process.
(36:39) - The spread of the Delta variant has forced restaurants to revert to closing dining rooms as well as open outdoor seating areas that are often makeshift sections of streets and/or lots. Could additional aid for restaurants be coming?
(2:41) - The Biden administration has already erased $10 billion worth of student debt, but calls are growing louder for there to be a wider forgiveness of said loans.
(14:47) - Amazon has announced it will cover the cost of college tuition and books for more than 750K full-time employees, who will be eligible for the benefit after 90 days. Amazon did not announce what schools will be covered.
(22:52) - A ruling has come down in the Apple vs. Epic Games trial, with a judge granting Epic's requested injunction that will allow links sending people away from Apple's app store and will direct them to Epic's own payment platforms.
(33:58) - Anneken Tappe from CNNBusiness joined the show to discuss the current world of crypto, including how it has many hurdles left to clear despite being adopted as legal tender by some nations.
(1:15) - President Biden and President Jinping held their first lengthy phone call as the Biden administration aims to develop their policy towards China.
(12:45) - The Biden administration has implemented new requirements regarding vaccines in an effort to curb the persistent Delta variant.
(23:32) - Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren has announced he will sell all of his individual stocks and will stop trading altogether. Will this shine a spotlight on conflict-of-interest situations such as this?
(36:42) - Damage from Hurricane Ida was widespread, and cars were among the many lost assets. This has driven more Americans to dealerships, which are already strained due to the ongoing chip shortage.
(1:07) - The trial of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes has begun, with the 37 year-old Holmes could face billions in penalties along with jail time.
(14:10) - China tech stocks continue to struggle as regulation from the Chinese government continues to hamper the outlook of numerous companies.
(23:35) - GameStop released earnings from their previous fiscal quarter and saw sales growth of 26%, along with a narrowed loss of $61 million. The infamous meme stock is trading nearly 3% lower following the news.
(34:35) - Stack roulette.
(0:40) - We have been in a bull market for quite some time now, and yet many investors have serious fears and remain bearish. Why is there so much negativity towards this market?
(15:59) - Weekly jobless claims came in at 310K vs. expectations of around 330K. After reaching a new pandemic low, should we expect to see this downward trend continue?
(27:05) - The White House has unveiled a plan to drastically reduce the cost of prescription drug prices, but based on history, the Biden Administration is heading down a dead end.
(33:55) - The U.S. has pledged $562 billion towards ramping up solar power over the next 30 years. The goal is to have 45% of all electricity in the country come from solar power.
(0:27) - Supply chain issues began in earnest when the pandemic started, and they continue to persist. Will these issues be resolved anytime soon?
(15:39) - A recent survey showed that teenagers are more hesitant to invest after the meme stock frenzy.
(22:23) - Democrats are having trouble putting together their $3.5 trillion spending bill, and they are facing opposition not just from the other side of the aisle but from within their own party.
(33:35) - Safe investments like treasuries and bonds decades ago have now become riskier due to a multitude of factors, which has pushed investors more towards stocks.
(4:13) - The jobs report for August came out Friday and it fell way short of expectations. The underwhelming jobs report raises the question of why workers are still having so much trouble finding employees.
(13:14) - Large corporations are finally beginning to adjust to the tight labor market, with many companies adding incentives or relaxing work schedules.
(25:25) - Investment bankers are benefitting greatly from the myriad of mergers and acquisitions in 2021. There have been a total north of $1.8 trillion worth of deal made so far this year.
(31:52) - According to Zillow, 37% of homes are now selling above their asking price. While the housing market is showing signs of cooling down, it is still a great time to be a seller and not a buyer.
(0:40) - There is a sharp decline among males who are choosing to go to college. In fact, the gap between the number of college students who are men versus those who are women has never been larger.
(13:32) - Adam Johnson of Bullseyebrief.com joined the show today to discuss what he's seeing in markets, why he's bullish, and what variables could affect the direction of stocks in the short-term.
(23:05) - Democrats, with their narrow majority, are still trying to push a $3.5 trillion spending bill through congress. However, they are facing opposition not just from the other side of the aisle, but from within their own party as well.
(35:21) - Applications for a mortgage refinance fell 3% for the last week, and are 4% from this point a year ago. Are we finally beginning to see a slowdown in real estate?
(0:54) - The guys open the show discussing the jolts report, which revealed that there were 10.9 million job openings in the country for the month of July. That is the highest number of job openings on record since the jolts report was started nearly 20 years ago.
(13:40) - COVID-19 cases in the U.S. are slowly starting to decline. Have we hit the peak of the latest wave of infections? Could vaccine mandates implemented by companies help prevent yet another deadly wave?
(22:21) - Wholesale prices for natural gas are at their highest in years; specifically, they're five times higher than they were at this time in 2019. This could spell trouble for European nations, who rely heavily on other countries for their energy sources.
(36:22) - Digital currencies could reduce interest rates further, and banks will have to find ways to make savings accounts more attractive to consumers.
(2:24) - Renaissance Technologies, which is the best-performing hedge fund ever, have agreed to make a tax payment north of $7 billion.
(11:30) - Rebecca Ballhaus of The Wall Street Journal joined the show to discuss her story about organized theft in retail- What exactly is happening and how difficult is it for stores to combat this?
(22:14) - The pace of auto sales has slowed significantly, with numerous dealerships having little to no inventory. How did we get here, and what are trends pointing to in the short-term?
(34:24) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to discuss Chewy, specifically why the stock is falling despite strong earnings in the previous quarter.
(0:34) - The jobs report for August was quite disappointing with just 235K jobs added to the economy versus expectations of 720K jobs added. The unemployment rate did drop slightly 5.2%. Paul Lane of The Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show to give a detailed look at the report.
(15:00) - Walmart announced that they will be raising their minimum wage to $12 per hour in a move that could have far-reaching ripple effects in regards to wages.
(28:03) - The final jobless payments will go out this weekend, with 7.5 million people losing benefits that began in the beginning of the pandemic.
(36:48) - Chuck gets to gloat about his prediction that the highest number of jobs created in a single month this year would be north of 1 million.
(1:05) - The Biden Administration has not exactly been transparent in terms of trade policy with China, and U.S. businesses are pushing the President to develop more rigid trade policies and drop tariffs against the Asian nation.
(13:27) - The Justice Department is accelerating the inquiry into Google's advertising business, which could result in yet another second antitrust lawsuit against the tech giant before year's end.
(24:13) - The new, expanded child tax credit is helping the poorest of American families pay down debt that has been accrued over time.
(34:20) - Stack roulette.
(1:39) - The remnants of Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc across the northeast Wednesday into Thursday, causing flooding as well as destroyed roads and trees.
(12:46) - Weekly jobless claims for last week came in at a pandemic low of 340K vs. 345K expected. Can we expect this number to continue to decline?
(24:21) - Apple will allow media companies to direct customers to their own webpages for payments as opposed to the Apple Pay app on different platforms.
(36:29) - Satellite radio: How exactly does it work and who is using it?
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky reviewed the medicaid eligibility process as well as why it is such a vital part of advanced planning. Todd discussed how not being on medicaid combined with a lack of planning can be disastrous for families that have a parent get sick. He also detailed Cushing & Dolan's guide for September titled, "Making Sense of the Medicaid Process: Practical Pointers to Prepare for Long Term Care", and took calls from listeners.
(0:41) - COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the Social Security fund, which is now due to run out in the year 2033. With social security money dwindling, what does the future hold for retirees down the road?
(12:40) - Business travel, specifically air travel, is thought by many CEOs and others to be on the decline as a result of the pandemic. Is there a chance business travel can return to pre-pandemic levels?
(22:13) - Americans are once again buying large amounts of toilet paper, as Proctor & Gamble ramp up production amid higher sales. What drives Americans to panic buy this particular item?
(32:57) - The cost of real estate remains sky-high, but rising interest rates could derail rocketing prices.
(1:13) - On the first day of September, the guys discuss how this month has historically been one of the if not the worst months for stocks. How much weight does data for previous years carry, and are there risks building now that could continue the trend?
(12:48) - In states that have cut off federal unemployment benefits, job growth has actually been slower than those states that extended said benefits.
(22:20) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(1:00) - The price of aluminum has hit a 10-year high as demand rapidly rises. In the meantime, China has cutdown significantly on aluminum production.
(13:23) - Todd Lutsky joined the show to remind listeners that it's their last chance to get Cushing & Dolan's guide on common missteps when doing estate planning.
(22:12) - Hotel stocks are rebounding after being one of the hardest hit sectors from the pandemic. However, with rising Delta cases and restrictions being renewed in many cities, investors should proceed with caution.
(32:59) - Apple will be adding satellite features to iPhones for use in emergency situations.
(0:51) - The S&P 500 has seen its strongest 8-month start to the year since 1997, with a gain of 20.6% YTD. What has factored into this success, and are there indicators that it will continue into 2022?
(12:44) - Robinhood is trading slightly higher today but is down nearly 9% the last five days. The company has had a tumultuous time since going public earlier in the year.
(28:42) - South Korea has passed legislation requiring Google and Apple to allow competing payment systems on their platforms.
(34:27) - The rental market in Boston is once again red-hot as students return to the city for the school year.
(1:26) - Financials, materials, utilities, and healthcare have been among the best performing sectors in the S&P 500, as of late.
(15:04) - CVS is expanding their mental health services in stores, as mental health and therapy comes more into focus all around the country.
(24:17) - Ever since the "meme stock" frenzy began in January, Reddit has become somewhat of a variable when it comes to markets. Are professional investors monitoring Reddit to see what stock craze could be next?
(35:49) - National home prices are beginning to slowly tick down, and the guys take a look at home prices throughout the last 20 years for the sake of comparison.
(4:05) - The August jobs report will be out Friday and could have major influence in the direction of markets heading into the fall. Can we expect to see a slowdown in hiring due to the spreading Delta variant?
(14:12) - On September 7th, the extra $300 per month for unemployed individuals will run out, along with other pandemic-era unemployment programs. Massachusetts has 300K such individuals on these programs.
(23:57) - Hurricane Ida has caused devastation to Louisiana, and it also has caused major disruptions in the oil and gas industry.
(35:41) - New York City will begin implementing a congestion-pricing model for incoming cars. The more cars that enter the city, the higher the cost to enter the city will become.
(4:57) - The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked the Biden Administration's attempt to impose a new eviction moratorium a few weeks after the previous moratorium expired.
(14:10) - Following Delta's unique punishment for unvaccinated employees, more companies are weighing different ways to impose penalties on said employees.
(27:11) - Charlie Bell recently left Amazon Web Services and is now a corporate vice president at Microsoft, adding a new layer to the rivalry between the tech giants.
(32:27) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBuisiness joined the show to discuss how Dick's Sporting Goods has thrived despite both the pandemic and the fact that brick and mortar sports retailers are not nearly as prevalent as they used to be.
(0:29) - Investors have been awaiting Jay Powell's speech all week, and his comments today sparked a rally in markets.
(13:19) - The Department of Education announced that it will be forgiving $1.1 billion worth of students loans of those who attended ITT Tech but left after March 2008 without earning a degree.
(24:05) - Apple CEO Tim Cook received the final batch of his 2011 compensation agreement with his company, which was over 5 million shares of Apple stock valued at $750 million.
(33:52) - Tesla has filed an application with the public utility commission in Texas to become an electricity provider in the state.
(0:54) - Only $4.7 billion of the nearly $47 billion set aside for COVID-19 rental assistance had been distributed through the end of July. What is delaying congress in giving out this financial aid?
(14:11) - Many Chinese companies, who have taken note of the way the Chinese government has treated the likes of DiDi, are trying to curry favor in Beijing and avoid restrictions that ultimately could cause the business to fail.
(22:37) - Startup battery company Form Energy, which is backed by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, announced it has closed a $240 million Series D funding round. The company has been tight-lipped in regards to what exactly it's working on.
(33:51) - Stack roulette.
(0:59) - We received a few important pieces of economic data Thursday morning: Jobless claims for last week came in at 353K vs. 350K expected, and Q2 GDP came in at 6.6% vs. 6.7%.
(12:04) - Edward Lawrence of FOX Business joined the show to reveal what he knows about the Fed's views on tapering ahead of the Jackson Hole Summit, as well as what factors influence their decision making.
(22:45) - Western Digital is in advanced talks to to merge with Japan's Kioxia in a deal that would be more than $20 billion. It would be a stock deal and could be finalized as early as the middle of September.
(34:22) - During the pandemic, one developing trend has been people turing their garages into a variety different types of spaces, such as art studios, gyms, and even pubs.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky identified certain missteps that people have when putting together their estate plan. He revealed certain factors, both in and out of our control, that should make someone review their estate plan. Todd also detailed Cushing & Dolan's guide for August titled, "Steering Clear of 9 Key Estate Planning Missteps", and took calls from listeners.
(1:41) - The virtual Jackson Hole Symposium begins Thursday, with Fed Chair Jay Powell's speech on Friday being the most anticipated event of the week. The guys discuss if investors can expect to hear anything significant, and how markets may respond.
(14:36) - Eyewear company Warby Parker has announced that it will go public via direct listing. Last fall, the company was looking at a valuation of around $3 billion.
(23:05) - Mortgage rates have fallen for the first time in a handful of weeks, however mortgage demand remains low as inventories stay low.
(35:52) - Stack roulette featuring a Massachusetts father and son trio who cashed in 13,000 winning lottery tickets and recently were caught in the middle of their scheme.
(1:52) - U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said that the United States will begin a full review of its trade policy with China. What took the new administration so long to begin this review, and what aspects of the trade policy could receive scrutiny?
(12:28) - The FAA has announced it will review employee complaints from Boeing in regards to pressure over safety issues. The FAA's anonymous survey of the company found that 32 Boeing employees cited concerns on this issue.
(22:20) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:34) - The Federal Reserve's Jackson Hole Symposium begins Thursday, and the guys discuss what investors are expecting from the meeting, as well as how markets may react to certain news that comes out of the event.
(16:07) - The bipartisan infrastructure bill and the House budget resolution bill are both in the spotlight. Are these competing bills destined to eventually merge into one bill? What are the chances of both bills passing?
(22:22) - The state of Louisiana requires 500 hours of training in order to obtain a cosmetologists license, and the state does not accept licenses from other states. Why is it that requirements for certain jobs and trades differ from state to state?
(34:14) - Mark Schaffer of The Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show for another edition of Financial Planning Tuesday. Mark discusses emergency funds- including how they should be held and what they should be used for.
(01:15) - Markets responded very well on Monday to the news that the FDA granted full approval to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and the momentum continued into Tuesday. Several companies wasted no time in announcing vaccine requirements for their employees following the announcement.
(13:41) - Intel has landed a Pentagon deal that will support domestic chipmaking and will be the first phase of a broader Defense Department program. Will this deal help Intel regain some of its former glory?
(25:26) - The SEC has issued new guidance for Chinese companies that want to go public in America, and it stands to make investing in these companies even more risky going forward.
(31:04) - Andrea Riquier of Marketwatch joined the show to discuss the abundance of empty office space throughout the country, and how much of that office space could theoretically be turned into affordable housing.
(2:31) - Many states cut jobless benefits weeks ago in an effort to create more jobs and bring more balance to the labor market, but did this really work as well as those states had hoped?
(15:33) - A California ballot measure that classifies Uber and Lyft drivers as independent contractors was ruled unenforceable and unconstitutional under state law. What ripple effects will this have if any?
(24:08) - Tesla has been under heavy scrutiny for their controversial autopilot system, and tried to defect attention away from their issues during their Artificial Intelligence Day last week. The company wants to build a humanoid robot in the near future.
(35:26) - Stack roulette.
(3:17) - The Jackson Hole Symposium will take place later this week, albeit virtually, and investors are anxiously waiting to hear what Jerome Powell and the Fed have to say. Will we get a clearer indication of when tapering will begin?
(13:45) - Apple has postponed employees' return to the office until January 2022 at the earliest after previously being told that they will return in October of 2021.
(25:05) - Elon Musk's PayPal is launching a cryptocurrency in the United Kingdom, which will be the first international expansion of their crypto platform after it launched in October of last year.
(33:15) - Dr. Lawrence Yun of the National Association of Realtors joined the show to discuss the existing home sales numbers for July, which rose 1.2%.
(1:32) - Stocks are rallying following a mixed close on Thursday and lower futures Friday morning. The guys discuss why there has been so much overreaction to the down days in markets, and which investor concerns are overblown.
(12:24) - China has passed a data privacy law that supposedly protects citizens from corporations tracking and using their data. However, the Chinese government itself still has access to consumer data.
(25:28) - Labor Secretary Marty Walsh revealed that jobless aid may be extended as a safety net in states that are seeing widespread COVID-19 infections. Some states like Florida, however, may be resistant to these policies as well as to certain restrictions.
(36:17) - The FTC has hit Facebook with a new antitrust lawsuit just two months after the most recent suit was thrown out. The FTC's last case didn't have sufficient evidence to move forward with the lawsuit.
(4:02) - Weekly jobless claims have hit yet another pandemic-low, with 348K Americans filing claims last week, with continuing claims falling to 2.83 million. Should we expect to see the numbers continue to decline from here on out, or could we see another bump?
(11:58) - Greg McBride of Bankrate.com joined the show to discuss Bankrate's survey that found 74% of homeowners with pre-pandemic mortgages have yet to refinance despite historically low rates.
(22:27) - Apple's new policy against child abuse allows them to scan someone's phone in order to check for illegal images involving child abuse and child pornography. Is this new policy a privacy issue for iPhone users?
(37:50) - Stack roulette.
(4:44) - Ema David of The Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show to discuss the release of the Fed meeting minutes released yesterday. Markets took a downturn after the minutes came out, and Ema explains why that happened, as well as what exactly the Fed have been doing in terms of bond purchases.
(15:08) - Oil prices have dipped to their lowest in three months, falling 3% to below $64 per barrel. With a strengthening U.S. dollar and Delta variant concerns, volatility in oil prices may continue.
(24:05) - Amazon announced plans to open large-scale retail locations similar to department stores that would be between 30K and 100K square feet.
(34:47) - Toyota has slashed their global production by 40% compared to their original plan due to the ongoing chip shortage. The company's stock is down over 6% in the last week of trading.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky ran through common mistakes that he has seen clients make when doing their estate planning after age 65. Additionally, he gives his thoughts on how often people should view and maintain their estate plan. Todd also details Cushing & Dolan's guide for August titled, "Steering Clear of 9 Key Estate Planning Missteps".
(0:41) - Target reported an earnings beat that revealed an 8.9% jump in sales in addition to a 13.7% rise in foot traffic for the second quarter. However, the stock is down over 1%.
(15:28) - Amazon has officially passed Walmart as the biggest retailed in the world (outside of China), despite being e-commerce only. Years ago, it seemed that Walmart was untouchable.
(22:19) - Recent crackdowns on Chinese tech have hammered stocks in that sector, and have significantly raised the risk in investing in tech from China.
(32:55) - Molson Coors has become a minority investor in Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's Zoa Energy drink, which is supposedly a much healthier alternative to your average energy drink.
(0:51) - The guys open the show discussing why they prefer to buy aggressively during bear markets, and how they have seen success when investors are uneasy about market trends.
(11:18) - We may finally have reached peak home prices, particularly in the Boston area where housing sales were down 10% in July and condo sales were down 12%. However, the numbers are still up significantly year over year.
(22:45) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:42) - Ongoing drama surrounding Tesla's autopilot continues, as U.S. regulators will begin a probe into the design of the car maker's autonomous features.
(13:43) - The debate on whether or not we are in a housing bubble rages on with home prices now at the highest they have ever been. If we are in a bubble, when can we expect it to pop?
(22:16) - Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will surely have a say in how the Federal Reserve is restructured. Will Jay Powell be replaced as Fed Chair?
(35:47) - Berkshire Hathaway bought a lot of shares in Kroger in Q2 while also unloading shares of many drug makers.
(2:02) - While stocks are selling off due to a disappointing retail sales number for July, it's important to realize just how swift the economic recovery has been since hitting the bottom last March.
(13:22) - Ema David of The Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show to take a deep dive into the retail sales numbers for July.
(22:12) - The Consumer Sentiment Index showed that sentiment is at its lowest since 2011. However, this may not mean things are as gloomy as the reading indicates.
(34:27) - The U.S. is expected to announce that COVID-19 booster shots should be administered eight months after the second dose of the initial vaccine.
0:10 - Why are markets beginning the week well into negative territory? Also, how has China's economic recovery compared to that of the U.S.?
14:20 - How are businesses adapting their fall plans to the Delta variant? Also, a random conversation about...Pringles?
23:30 - More on the Fed and their timeline for tapering.
37:10 - Reebok has been sold to Authentic Brands. The guys take a trip down memory lane with Reebok and also evaluate Authentic Brands.
0:10 - Many workers were forced into retirement as a result of the pandemic and are discovering they are financially unprepared.
13:05 - Owner & CEO of canned cocktail Spiritfruit Caitlin Morris joined the show to discuss how she launched her successful business in a crowded space and the challenges she went through during the pandemic.
22:40 - DoorDash earnings, plus the wedding business is booming.
33:05 - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness to recap quarterly results from Coinbase.
0:10 - The FDA approved a third shot of Moderna or Pfizer vaccine for people with compromised immune systems. Also, Disney handily beat earnings expectations. Can Disney+ surpass Netflix?
23:35 - A real life story from Rocket Mortgage process. Plus, home prices continued to soar in the second quarter.
34:35 - A look at Airbnb's earnings report leads to a discussion as to the challenges this company faces.
0:10 - A look at the recent swings of the 10-year Treasury yield. Also, how is Fannie Mae targeting to make homes more accessible?
13:05 - Is your next cup of coffee going to skyrocket? And would you still pay it?
32:45 - Charlie Gasparino of Fox Business with his thoughts on inflation and infrastructure.
0:10 - Mike's thoughts on the latest inflation reading. Plus, new economic data in addition to how markets are reacting.
13:10 - What are the chances both infrastructure bills are implemented this year?
23:08 - Wait, does anyone use eBay? Texters weigh in.
0:10 - A conversation regarding how millions of Americans continue to remain unemployed, despite a record amount of job openings.
13:08 - AMC Entertainment's second quarter results were revealed. How did they fare? And will you go back to the movies?
22:16 - An update on the ballot question regarding gig workers possibly getting employment status in MA.
33:10 - Mark Schaffer of AAG for Financial Planning Tuesday
0:10 - A new article from the WSJ details that there is some opposition from certain Democrats about a second term from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell.
11:32 - More details on the infrastructure deal.
31:20 - Dan Duval of Elevated Companies in Boston joined the show to discuss the red-hot housing market, and the trends he's seeing in cities.
(1:18) - The Federal Reserve has been firm in its stance that most of the inflation we are seeing in the economy right now is transitory. However, with the cost of rent on the rise, Jay Powell and the Fed may feel more pressure to raise interest rates sooner than anticipated.
(12:12) - Although many Covid-19 restrictions across the country have been loosened, movie theaters are still struggling to get back on their feet. Another factor that is heavily contributing to this is major movies going straight to streaming services.
(22:46) - The U.S. is starting to step up pressure on certain companies over labor practices in China that are notoriously unacceptable. This, combined with unfinished trade talks, could only heighten the tension between the two powerhouse nations.
(32:15) - Stack roulette.
(1:19) - The jobs report for July was a stellar one, however the job openings survey showed that there are 1 million more job openings than there are people looking for work. How much longer will this tight labor market persist?
(13:22) - Nicole Nguyen from The Wall Street Journal joined the show to discuss her story on how many Amazon sellers have a habit of hunting down negative reviewers, and what lengths these sellers go to in order to get those bad reviews deleted.
(22:57) - Countless companies had made plans for the fall, whether it be events, office re-openings, or general schedule changes. However, with the rapid spread of the Delta variant, those same companies are now scrapping those plans once again.
(33:16) - One change that the pandemic brought about that seems likely to stay is the use of QR codes in place of physical menus at restaurants. Will other business sectors follow suit and adopt QR codes as a central piece of their operations?
(2:43) - Through Executive Order, the Biden Administration has extended the eviction moratorium for another two months. However, this is almost sure to be challenged in court, as the Supreme Court has said they will not accept another extension without congressional action.
(10:55) - Tom Stringer of BDO joined the show to discuss how the pandemic has changed the way that corporations think about office space. How are companies thinking about the location of offices, and what patterns have formed?
(22:43) - Walmart has begun giving weekly bonuses to its warehouse workers in order to increase the retention rate. This further illustrates the desperation that businesses are facing with the ongoing worker shortage, and what lengths they will go to in order to keep employees.
(33:50) - Stack roulette.
(0:30) - The July jobs report was released this morning and revealed that the U.S. added 943K jobs last month, with the unemployment rate falling to 5.4%. This beat analyst expectations by a large margin, and was the fastest pace of hiring in nearly a year.
(12:51) - Paul Lane of the Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show to dive into the strong July jobs report, detailing what sectors saw the fastest growth, what happened with wages, and much more.
(24:41) - United Airlines has become the first major U.S. airline to require all of its staff to be vaccinated, which comes to about 67K employees. The airline added that workers will have to comply by October 25th or five weeks from full FDA approval of the vaccine.
(37:26) - Maersk, the biggest container shipping company in the world, had a huge earnings beat for Q2, bringing in $5.1 billion.
(2:06) - The guys examine the history of markets reaching all-time highs, specifically how to approach investing when stocks are soaring. Is investing when the market is peaking the right move?
(13:32) - Robinhood had a notoriously rocky IPO last week, but has since skyrocketed over 100% this week. That is...up until today, as the stock is now trading down over 14% after closing over 50% higher on Wednesday. Can we expect this rollercoaster to continue for Robinhood?
(22:39) - A new survey has shown that 65% of workers who said they could do their job entirely remotely would be willing to take a 5% pay cut in order to work only from home.
(35:21) - Stack roulette.
(1:36) - President Biden has set a goal for electronic vehicles to make up half of all auto sales in the U.S. in 2030. What needs to be done in the next decade to have EV's make up a significant portion of auto sales? Is this a realistic goal?
(14:23) - The labor force participation rate is the lowest it's been in over four decades, and companies are scrambling to find workers. The guys discuss whether or not the participation rate will return to pre-pandemic levels, and what the driving force is behind this trend.
(24:32) - Weekly jobless claims came in at 385K, which is the exact number that analyst expected. What is keeping jobless claims so high, and when could we expect to see them get back below 300K?
(36:39) - Gig companies such as Uber and Lyft want Massachusetts voters to vote against gig workers gaining full employee status on next year's ballot question. Rather, the gig companies want there to be a third way for people to be compensated.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky revealed major mistakes that he has seen clients make when doing their estate planning. People tend to think that a Will can constitute as a whole estate plan, which is almost never the case. Todd also details Cushing & Dolan's guide for August titled, "Steering Clear of 9 Key Estate Planning Missteps".
(0:34) - There's a severe shortage of truckers in the country today, and companies are now looking abroad to find workers. These trucker shortages have ripple effects across the country, such as logistics and shipping container delays.
(12:48) - CVS reported an earnings beat for Q2, and yet the stock is trading down over 2%. This is due to the company not paying dividend increases to shareholders and not buying back stock, but instead reinvesting their profits to further develop their stores.
(23:09) - AT&T is going to spinoff DirecTV and AT&T TV into a private equity firm, with the company taking $7.1 billion to pay off debt. Was AT&T's acquisition of DirecTV one of the worst acquisitions in recent memory?
(36:03) - Tailwind Air on Tuesday started direct nonstop seaplane service between Manhattan and Boston Harbor. Is this a better option than flying commercial, or even taking an Amtrak train from one city to the other?
(0:40) - The ADP released their jobs report this morning, which revealed 330K private sector jobs added in July vs. expectations of 653K. Barry and Paul run through the report and discuss why these numbers should be taken with a grain of salt.
(12:06) - Spirit and American airlines are canceling numerous flights for the third straight day due to a number of factors. On a related note, how badly will airlines be hurt if business travel takes a long time to return?
(22:23) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:28) - The recently agreed-upon $1 trillion infrastructure bill is 2,702 pages long and finally will address some long-delayed projects that are critical to the nation's infrastructure. Which aspects will end up being most controversial if and when the bill gets officially passed?
(10:54) - Tim Higgins of The Wall Street Journal joined the show today to discuss his new book, "Powerplay: Tesla, Elon Musk, and The Bet of The Century", and to detail some of the serious issues that Tesla has had to overcome in the last few years.
(22:09) - The Tokyo Olympics have passed their halfway point, and the guys discuss how vintage medals from Olympics as far as 130 years back are being sold for large amounts of money at auctions.
(35:18) - Fall is around the corner, and one unwelcome change that may come with it is a potential ketchup shortage. This is due to the extreme drought conditions that are ravaging California, where 90% of America's (and one-third of the world's) canned tomatoes are grown.
(0:55) - New York City announced this morning that proof of vaccination will be required to enter restaurants, gyms, concert venues, and most public places and businesses. Will other major cities follow suit, and will this help curb the spread of the Delta Variant?
(12:09) - Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen revealed new measures to avoid reaching the debt ceiling, which just went back into effect on Sunday. The guys discuss just how misleading the debt ceiling is, and why it is not a feature of the economy that Americans should be concerned about.
(25:08) - Apartment rents are rising rapidly as young professionals head back to cities to work and live. Another factor that's driving rents higher is the ongoing spike in home prices, which are forcing would-be home buyers to the rental market instead.
(36:01) - Pepsico. will be selling both the Tropicana and Naked Juice brands to PAI Partners, perhaps signaling a decline in consumer desire for juice drinks.
(3:24) - The labor market is still extremely tight, and many companies are offering higher wages in order to attract workers. However, one issue companies are running into is simultaneously managing the salaries of their existing workers.
(16:14) - The restaurant relief fund has helped many establishments big and small, but it has also left many smaller eateries hanging out to dry. There simply isn't enough money in the relief fund to save every small restaurant.
(24:20) - Robinhood has a disastrous IPO, and now we know that the company sold shares to 300K, of its customers, which amounted to 20% of its offering.
(35:24) - Stack roulette with Mike and Tucker.
(1:32) - After a lower day on Friday, markets opened hovering around all-time highs as a strong earnings season continues. How much more room to run is there for markets, and is the level of earnings success we are seeing really sustainable?
(12:16) - Inflation is still running high, but do investors see it coming to an end sooner than later? The guys discuss how the breakeven rate is used to measure investor sentiment on inflation, and why it is an imperfect tool.
(25:19) - While the number of homes is beginning to slowly tick up, home prices are still rising. Is the Fed and the current artificially low interest rates to blame for the wild and expensive housing market?
(37:10) - Square has agreed to acquire Afterpay, a company that provides consumers options to pay for goods in the form of payment plans. Square purchased Afterpay for $29 billion in an all stock deal.
0:10 - Black Widow actress Scarlett Johansson has sued Disney. But Disney's public statement really upset the guys.
12:10 - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan checks in. Also, are the Olympics driving traffic to streaming platform Peacock?
30:50: Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness on Nvidia.
0:10 - Are traders overreacting to Amazon's miss on revenue during the second quarter?
11:30 - New data regarding personal income & spending figures. Also, a recap of Robinhood's dismal IPO yesterday.
24:20: P&G's new CEO. Also, what are the guys least favorite sectors they have previously invested in?
(2:49) - Weekly jobless claims decreased from last week's unexpected rise, coming in at 400K vs. expectations of 380K. When will see a meaningful dip in the number of unemployment claims?
(14:42) - Boeing stocks is up nearly 1% today after the company reported its first quarterly profit ($567 million) in a long while. However, Boeing still has serious issues with both their fleet and their logistics.
(22:23) - Didi Global has seen their stock dip significantly since their IPO which was just one month ago. Now, the company reportedly wants to counter the scrutiny from China by going private, which would also be a way to compensate their shareholders.
(32:46) - Stack roulette.
(1:57) - Second quarter GDP came in at 6.5% which, while it is an indicator of strong economic growth, was well short of economists' expectations of 8.5%. What factors played a role in the GDP miss, and what can we expect to see in Q3 and Q4?
(11:27) - In a 67-32 bipartisan vote, the $1 trillion infrastructure bill has moved forward in the Senate and is now one step closer to final passage. The bill is now open for debate on amendments before the next step is taken.
(23:58) - The Federal Reserve did not make any major announcements regarding policy changes following their meeting yesterday. The guys debate whether or not Jay Powell and the Fed will taper their bond-buying program before the end of the year.
(32:18) - Adam Johnson of Bullseyebrief.com joined the show to discuss the current state of markets; specifically, why there is a lot of room to run in this market, and why certain concerns regarding stocks are overblown.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky discussed the ins and outs of estate planning trusts, including the most common kinds of estate planning trusts that exist. While many people start with a nominee realty trust, the revocable trust is perhaps the most popular and effective type of trust for estate planning. Todd also details Cushing & Dolan's guide for July titled, "Ins and Outs of Estate Planning Trusts", in addition to taking a handful of calls from listeners.
(0:34) - While the economic recovery is going well overall, the U.S. still has 6.8 million fewer jobs than it had right before the pandemic in February of 2002. Will a large number of those jobs never return?
(14:25) - The cruise industry was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic and unlike the airline industry, they did not receive any aid. Now, cruise ship companies are finally starting to get back on their feet.
(26:41) - Many customers of high-speed internet companies are seeing more expensive broadband bills than they would like. How can customers spend less for their internet?
(32:54) - For the first time in nearly two decades, only half of American households made charitable donations. For reference, at the beginning of the 21st century, nearly two-thirds of households donated to charities.
(0:39) - We're in the thick of earnings season, and the big tech companies reported major beats yesterday. Apple saw record profit of $21.6 billion fueled by iPhone sales that increased 50% from Q2 last year. Google's revenue rose 62%, and Microsoft's revenue came in at $46.15 billion.
(18:10) - The Federal Reserve will be getting together today and have indicated that the focus of their meeting will be tapering. their. bond-buying program. When will it begin and to what extent?
(22:41) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
Mike Simonsen, who is the Co-founder and CEO of Altos Research, joined the show today for an in-depth discussion on the red-hot housing market. Mike talked about if we are beginning to see a cooling in housing, how no foreclosures are impacting inventory, how rate-sensitive this market really is, and much more.
(0:27) - The guys express their disagreement with CNBC's assertion that the housing boom is over, with their reason being that home prices are still extremely high despite an uptick in inventory. How will interest rates factor into the cooling of the housing market?
(11:32) - Mike Simonsen, CEO of Atlos Research, joined the show for an extensive discussion on what we are seeing in the wild housing market.
(22:30) - Facebook is exploring the integration of their virtual reality headset, AKA Oculus, with Apple Health. The company wants to pair virtual reality with fitness, but is this a feasible idea?
(34:19) - Mark Schaffer, certified financial planner with The Armstrong Advisory Group, joined the show for another edition of "Financial Planning Tuesday." Mark discussed the "triathlon" of taxes: Tax deduction, tax deferral, and tax-free withdrawals.
(0:40) - Tesla's earnings for Q2 were even better than expected, with the automaker posting $12 billion in revenue along with record profits of $1.1 billion. They also doubled the amount of vehicles produced compared to the same quarter last year. So, why is the stock down today?
(12:27) - Alana Semuels of TIME Magazine joined the show to discuss the ongoing worker shortage: What is the biggest reason for the situation, and how are employers adapting?
(25:20) - Big pharma companies are railing against the proposal of a global minimum tax, saying that it would be unwise to raise taxes on an industry that was able to create COVID-19 vaccines in a relatively short amount of time.
(34:40) - The price of coffee may be on the rise soon, as environmental issues in Brazil are making the harvesting and processing of coffee beans significantly more difficult. The country, which is one of the world's biggest coffee bean producers, is experiencing its biggest frost in its coffee-growing region in 25 years.
(1:59) - Ongoing talks between the U.S. and China are exactly going well, with China's Foreign Ministry referring to their relationship as being at a "stalemate".
(12:52) - Americans are finally getting around to using their vacation time that has accrued over the course of the pandemic. Is this expected to continue through the end of the year?
(22:14) - There is still a major shortage of charging stations for electric vehicles, and even if the number of charging stations rapidly increases, there need to be more EV's on the road in order for the stations to be profitable.
(34:05) - Stack roulette.
(2:31) - This week will be a major one for earnings, with over one-third of the S&P 500 companies reporting their quarterly figures. Among these 180 companies reporting are Amazon and Apple. Will the trend of significant earnings beats continue?
(13:36) - Tesla is slated to report earnings after the bell today, and while they are expected to post record numbers, there things to watch with them. Specifically, their halting of the Model S and Model X, along with their rocky relationship with the Chinese government.
(24:32) - Twice in the last two months, there have been dips across markets that have caused small levels of panic for a short period. However, those down days were followed by strong rebounds. Will this cycle continue in the short-term going forward?
(34:48) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate.com joined the show to discuss Bankrate's survey regarding gift cards and how Americans often have unused gift cards in their possession. The survey found that 51% of Americans have unused gift cards with an average value of $116 per person.
(3:09) - TSA volume continues to spike as Americans travel more and more, with airlines seeing numbers similar to those in 2019. With the cost of plane tickets rising, will we see passenger volume continue to increase?
(14:44) - Te-Ping Chen of the Wall Street Journal joined the show today to discuss her story on what restaurants are doing to find employees amid the ongoing worker shortage.
(22:47) - As inflation continues, consumers may see a difference not in the price of certain groceries and snacks, but in the size. For instance, will packages of Oreos shrink in order to cut production costs?
(33:51) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to talk about the great success that American Express has seen this year. The stock is up 45% in 2021, and they are moving into different areas of the business world.
(0:30) - After stocks sold off to begin the week, markets saw three straight days of gains (mostly), which continued into Friday with the ongoing rally seeing the S&P 500 cross 4,400 for the first time. The guys discuss how volatility is simply part of investing, and how companies are seeing positive earnings even in the face of inflation.
(13:15) - Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger lamented his company's flat earnings, and added that the global semiconductor shortage could potentially stretch in 2023. How will Intel fare if the chip shortage does extend further than once thought?
(23:30) - According to a research firm, total vehicle sales were up 29% for the first half of 2021. Among this surge in sales was a rise in electric vehicle purchases, which seem to be garnering more overall interest as car-makers expand into the EV space.
(35:37) - Yesterday, the Massachusetts House passed a bill that would legalize sports betting. While this sounds promising, the House also passed a similar bill last year which did not pass the MA senate. Are we headed down the same path this year?
(2:00) - Robinhood will be going through an IPO at some point in the next few months, but it will not be your typical IPO. The company will be offering as much of a third of its offering directly to customers through its app.
(12:28) - Dr. Lawrence Yun of the National Association of Realtors joined the show to discuss the existing home sales data that was released Thursday. Existing home sales saw a slight rebound after falling for four straight months.
(22:25) - The Opening Ceremonies for the Tokyo Olympics begin tomorrow, and the guys discuss what issues are clouding the games this year, and just how much interest there will be.
(32:07) - Amazon has always been able to avoid liability for products sold by third-party sellers on its platform. However, that dynamic may change soon if Amazon is officially considered to be "a distributor of goods."
(0:44) - As inflation continues to be prevalent across the country, President Biden has insisted that it is only short-term and will not get out of control. At what point does inflation become "out of control", and what signs could we see of this before it were to happen?
(12:40) - The Federal Reserve continues to debate amongst themselves whether or not to taper their bond purchase programs and/or raise interest rates. However, with the Delta variant spreading, they may continue to delay any major decisions.
(29:23) - Bitcoin's sell-off has steepened as of late, with many investors questioning if the cryptocurrency can thrive at all while there's inflation in the economy.
(35:02) - Weekly jobless claims came in at 419K vs. expectations of 350K just one week after setting a new pandemic low of 360K. The guys discuss whether or not this is concerning or if it's simply an outlier, as well as what we'll see with these numbers once unemployment benefits expire.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky discussed the most common kinds of estate planning trusts that exist, and how the revocable living trust is perhaps the most popular. Todd also details Cushing & Dolan's guide for July titled, "Ins and Outs of Estate Planning Trusts", in addition to taking a handful of calls from listeners.
(0:53) - The guys discuss how home prices are still extremely high, but the silver lining is that inventory levels across the country are slowly ticking up. Are we on our way to a cooling in the housing market?
(12:30) - Eduardo Porter of The New York Times joined the show today to discuss his story on how low-wage workers are seeing pay increases more than any other group of earners.
(23:00) - Ford and Argo have partnered with Lyft to create self-driving cars that the companies aim to have on the road before the end of 2021. Is this a realistic goal given how far the self-driving technology still has to go before being completely reliable.
(36:12) - The Olympics begin on Friday, however they are going to look and sound very different than usual. With COVID cases popping up with athletes as well as no spectators, can we expect to see significantly less interest in the Olympics this year?
(1:30) - Netflix is trading nearly 4% lower as investors are growing weary of the steaming giant's slowdown in subscriber growth. Although the company is still the global leader in streaming, are they asking for trouble by not making any acquisitions? What new areas could they be exploring next?
(13:05) - While most of Massachusetts, and New England for that matter, are seeing low numbers of COVID-19 cases and high vaccination levels, there has been a recent outbreak in Cape Cod. Provincetown has re-instituted a mask mandate, while a nursing home in Yarmouth has seen 33 residents and staff become infected.
(22:44) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
Wayne Biggs, CEO of the USVI Economic Development Authority, joined the show today to enlighten us on the business climate of the Virgin Islands, as well as what incentives there are for businesses to relocate to the USVI. Among these incentives is a 90% reduction on Federal corporate income tax.
(3:38) - China has rejected accusations by the U.S. and its allies that the Chinese government was responsible for the major Microsoft hack earlier this year. China said that the U.S. and its allies are "ganging up" on them.
(12:24) - Liz Claman of FOX Business joined the show today for a closer look at Monday's sell-off, as well as Tuesday's rally and what we could be seeing in markets going forward.
(21:15) - Wayne Biggs, who is the CEO of the USVI Economic Development Authority, joined the show to discuss the business climate of the Virgin Islands, and what financial incentives are offered to businesses that relocate there.
(34:58) - 68% of Americans surveyed last year indicated that they were in favor of legalizing marijuana at the federal level. However, due to the way Congress operates, it seems unlikely that a legalization bill will pass anytime soon.
(0:27) - The Delta variant of COVID-19 drove markets to their worst day in months on Monday. However, it's a completely different story today as markets are rallying across the board. Can we expect to see volatility such as this in the short-term?
(13:06) - An economic recession is defined as two consecutive quarters with negative growth. Contrary to this, the two months of negative growth at the start of the pandemic last year has been labeled as a recession, even though it technically ended in April.
(24:54) - The Biden Administration has proposed implementing significantly harsher penalties on larger hospitals that don't make their prices public.
(34:09) - A number of drug companies are expected to officially reach a $26 billion settlement with U.S. states for their role in the opioid crisis. How much responsibility are these companies taking for the crisis?
(2:26) - Zoom has purchased Five9 Inc, a cloud-based customer service company, in a $14.7 billion deal. What is Zoom's aim with this deal, and why did they choose this company as their first major acquisition?
(12:06) - Many pandemic-era provisions are set to expire over the next several weeks, including the extra unemployment benefits and eviction protections.
(22:16) - The U.S. along with allies has officially blamed the Chinese government for the large-scale Microsoft hack that happened earlier this year. What are the chances that global tensions surrounding China begin to dissipate before Beijing hosts the olympics next year?
(34:51) - Stack roulette.
(0:45) - Markets opened the week selling off, with the Dow over 2% lower. The guys discuss what factors are driving stocks lower, including the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant as well as U.S. tensions with China.
(15:01) - OPEC plus Russia has agreed to boost oil production, which sent oil prices down across the world. Where does oil go from here, and why aren't we seeing a lot of investment in new drilling?
(24:25) - The second quarter of 2021 saw rapid and substantial economic growth in the U.S., but was that the peak of post-pandemic growth?
(33:35) - Traffic around Greater Boston is once again heavy and close to intolerable, at least for the afternoon rush. However, traffic patterns may change going forward due to a combination of remote work, changes in commuting habits, and career changes.
(0:10) - Paul is tasked to bring solid jokes to the table. Plus, why is the car market so hot?
(14:38) - Is there a cause for concern over higher gas prices over the next year? Also, a recap of possible student loan proposals and their possible impact.
(23:05) - The Chicago Auto Show is full of EV cars. But, just how much of the U.S. population owns EVs? Also, why is Netflix exploring the video game universe?
(33:55) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness discusses BlackRock.
(0:10) - Chuck and Paul highlight their takeaways from Fed Chair Jerome Powell's two-day testimony and chat further about the status of inflation.
(14:20) - Ema David joins the show to run through the June retail sales report that beat expectations.
(22:40) - According to reports, he U.S. will warn businesses over rising risks in Hong Kong under China's recent crackdown.
34:10 - Chuck expresses his frustration with "click-bait" articles and cautions the dangers of trading a stock after reading one article and calling it "research".
(0:10) - Child tax credits officially went out to qualifying parents today. What are the pros and cons of this movement?
(14:49) - The latest details on the status of President Biden's $3.5 trillion spending bill. Also, will marijuana be passed on a federal level?
(21:50) - Facebook sought the recusal of newly appointed FTC Chair Lina Khan in their antitrust case. Also, Chevy's warning for Bolt customers.
(35:15) - Stack Roulette including...Mac and Cheese Ice Cream?
(0:10) - More updates from Day 2 testimony from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Plus, more on the state of inflation.
(12:15) - There's some concern rising regarding the Fed backstopping the bond market and how it may impact the economy and markets.
(21:00) - Wall Street Watch from Scott Wilson. Also, the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2022 could be 6.1% due to inflation, according to a new estimate.
(33:10) - Will jobs come back that were lost during the pandemic?
Peter Earle, an Economist at the American Institute of Economic Research, joined the show today to discuss why the threat of inflation should be taken with a grain of salt. While Peter recognizes that recent data does show inflation, he reminds listeners that it should be looked at from different perspectives. How much does business productivity and efficiency influence levels of inflation?
(0:40) - The FDA's recent approval of Biogen's Alzheimer's drug (Aduhelm) remains quite controversial. Now, private insurers are saying that they will not cover the drug despite the approval.
(12:28) - The semiconductor shortage rolls on, and predictably, there are scammers looking to capitalize on the situation. Many fraudsters are advertising fake parts in order to take advantage of desperate companies.
(22:46) - Child tax credit payments are slated to be received by families for the first time this week. However, these payments will not necessarily be going towards the children of these families.
(30:31) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate.com joined the show to discuss a highly debated topic: tipping. Which generation has the best tippers, and just how much do people tip?
(0:33) - Fed Chair Jerome Powell is giving testimony this afternoon, and investors are always prepared to listen intently and hang on every word. Will Powell continue to downplay inflation and stick to his guns in regards to tapering?
(13:35) - Peter Earle, an Economist at the American Institute of Economic Research, joined the show today to discuss his views on his inflation, specifically recent data that has raised eyebrows on Wall Street.
(26:51) - A recent McKinsey study found that demand for office space in the Boston area could drop up to 20% as a result of the pandemic. A ripple effect of this would be a significant drop in ridership on the commuter rail and the T. But how much credence does this report actually hold?
(32:36) - Bank of America shares are down following the company's earnings report that showed a miss on revenue. The bank attributed the decline in revenue to a 6% drop in net interest income due to lower interest rates.
(0:27) - The housing market is still hot, however we are beginning to see an uptick in the number of listings of new homes. Mortgage rates are also dropping simultaneously. The number of active listings, though, is still down 32% form this time last year.
(16:10) - General Electric aims to get to net zero emissions by the year 2050. Is this feasible for a company that specializes in machinery such as jet engines?
(22:20) - White House officials are looking into a digital trade agreement that would cover Indo-Pacific economies in an effort o counter China. Does this proposal have a chance to get through Congress?
(34:18) - Mark Schaffer of Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show for another edition of Financial Planning Tuesday. Today, Mark discussed cybersecurity and identity theft, and how these factors must be taken into consideration when doing personal financial planning.
(0:39) - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for June showed a 0.9% rise for the month, with a 5.4% increase year over year. Core CPI, which includes food and energy, was also up 5%. The guys discuss if this is telling of whether or not inflation is transitory or if it is here to stay.
(12:39) - The St. Louis Fed President wants to slow the pace of bond-buying and is worried that the housing market is overheated. Are housing prices going to come down soon, accompanied by higher rates?
(26:29) - Earnings season is underway with bank earnings being released first. Banks like JP Morgan are beating estimates, but there may be more to earnings beats than meets the eye with big banks.
(31:05) - Heather Haddon of The Wall Street Journal joined the show to update us on the current state of employment in the restaurant industry. What trends are we seeing, and what are restaurants doing to attract workers?
(2:40) - Billionaire Richard Branson took a ride with Virgin Galactic to "inner space" and returned safely. With Jeff Bezos also set take off to space soon, can we expect this to mark the beginning of space tourism?
(13:41) - According to banks, wealthy Americans are borrowing more than ever. This is being accomplished by different methods of using assets without paying a lot of taxes.
(25:22) - While a group of world leaders have agreed in principle to a global corporate tax rate, the prospect of a global tax still has one enormous obstacle to get by: U.S. Congress.
(34:10) - Second hour stack roulette.
(1:17) - Despite markets closing at all-time highs on Friday and stocks having a good year overall, many investors are still fearing the worst has yet to come. What variables are driving sentiment down?
(14:40) - The great inflation debate rages on from every corner of markets. Is the inflation being seen now transitory or long-term? What role does the Fed have in all of it? Te guys run through what could influence both inflation and policy.
(23:16) - Globalization has been evident since the 1970's, with many jobs being off-shored and many products being produced overseas rather than domestically. This in and of itself can being a major factor in determining levels of inflation.
(34:20) - First hour stack roulette.
(1:12) - U.S.-listed Chinese companies have reached their lowest point in over a year as tensions between governments continue to rise. Additionally, it seems it will only become more difficult for Chinese companies to list on U.S. markets going forward.
(15:30) - With job openings at a record high, Americans still aren't filling these positions as quickly as one would expect. What reasons are there for all these jobs not being filled?
(23:18) - The rally of meme stocks, as indicated by their name, started as nothing more than a joke of sorts. However, meme stock companies like AMC and Gamestop are capitalizing on the hype and converting it to capital.
(32:09) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show as he does every Friday, this time to discuss amusement parks and how they have performed during the course of the pandemic.
(0:29) - Stocks opened in rally mode after their worst day in three weeks. The guys discuss what caused the mini-selloff on Thursday, what economic indicators investors are looking at, and what could drive sentiment over the coming weeks.
(14:21) - Wells Fargo has shut down all personal lines of credit for accounts using between $3K and $100K of revolving credit lines.
(25:02) - The Biden Administration plans to put in place executive orders that will aim to make industry across the country more competitive.
(35:22) - Schools across the country are debating how to spend their stimulus money ahead of the 2021-2022 school year. Will schools see an influx of new hires as a result?
(1:42) - President Biden's infrastructure plan continues to evolve, with the Biden Administration aiming to spend less money while still accomplishing certain goals. Is the physical infrastructure part of the plan a near certainty to get done in a bipartisan manner?
(11:39) - Jeff Ostrowski from Bankrate.com joined the show to talk about Bankrate's survey on the best states to retire to. The survey looked at numerous metrics over five broad categories, including affordability, weather, and crime.
(22:18) - During the pandemic, outstanding debt hit new lows as well as borrowing. Recently, borrowing seems to be picking back up with credit card debt, auto loans, and things of that nature seeing a spike across the country.
(35:27) - Stack roulette.
(0:29) - Stocks opened in selloff mode after record closes on Wednesday as investor sentiment is dampened by sinking treasury yields as well as fears regarding the COVID-19 Delta variant. Is this the beginning of a downturn for markets, or is it just an outlier?
(13:02) - After the Chinese government had initially tapered their own bond-buying program, they now are saying they need more support from the country's central bank.
(24:01) - Airlines continue to see a significant bounce back, and a few days before July 4th, TSA volume actually exceeded 2019 levels. However, the recovery has not been smooth sailing all the time, with airlines like Southwest struggling to get pilots back and stick to their schedule.
(32:02) - Amtrak has signed a $7.3 billion deal for 83 new, modernized trains that will service the northeast. While many passengers usually have good experiences on Amtrak, there is one common knock: the price.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky discussed the different kinds of trusts that exist, and how to use certain trusts effectively during estate planning. Todd also details Cushing & Dolan's guide for July titled, "Ins and Outs of Estate Planning Trusts", in addition to taking calls from listeners.
(0:33) - The guys have a spirited discussion regarding Home Depot and Lowe's. Which one of the two stores is the "go-to", and what home projects can be done without hiring someone?
(18:08) - Although pandemic restrictions are being lifted across the country, many fitting rooms in retail stores are still closed, much to the dismay of shoppers. The continued closures of these fittings rooms have led to a major increase in returns.
(22:16) - Subway has been in the news recently after a report that the restaurant's "tuna" did not pass a DNA test to actually be considered tuna. This story comes after years of declining reputation for Subway, which is now trying to revamp its menu and reassure customers.
(32:50) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate.com joined the show to talk about travel in the post-pandemic era. Bankrate's survey found that two-thirds of Americans are expecting to travel in 2021, but just 24% said that they will be taking more trips than in a normal year.
(0:40) - The 10-year treasury yield continues to decline, beginning the day at 1.33. Ahead of the release of the Fed meeting minutes, the guys discuss what the Fed's short-term approach will be with interest rates.
(11:08) - The Pentagon has scrapped its $10 billion cloud contract that was awarded to Microsoft, and it will not be re-written and put up for rebid, much to the joy of other big tech companies like Amazon.
(23:04) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:54) - The saying "Sell in May and go away" is one that we have discussed on the show as not having much meaning to it. However, with stocks having been so quiet recently and markets down today, what should investors expect the rest of the summer?
(13:12) - Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has officially stepped down as CEO, and Andy Jassy (who was head of AWS) has stepped in as the new Chief. The guys talk about what has made Amazon so successful, and whether or not more changes are on the way.
(22:52) - During the pandemic, we saw a shift away from the cities and into the suburbs. Although many employees are starting to return to work, many are still working from home, and are seeking an improved home office or even a nearby space that doesn't involve going into the office.
(34:37) - Apple is continuing to improve their iPhone while making themselves out to be protectors of personal privacy. Will more Android users begin to switch over to iPhone?
(1:00) - After a full, long weekend to digest the June jobs report, markets opened negative on Tuesday. Despite the promising jobs report, should investors be ready for the return of volatility as the summer rolls on? Is labor participation a major concern?
(12:27) - Ben Casselman of The New York Times joined the show to discuss how low-wage employees are beginning to see raises, although automation could be a threat to these workers.
(24:16) - Oil prices are the highest they've been in six years, with both West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude hovering around $77 per barrel. This happened after OPEC canceled a meeting that was supposed to center around the direction of oil prices going forward.
(35:51) - Yet another ransomware attack is making headlines, this time with hackers targeting a software company and all of its customers. The hackers are demanding $70 million from the company.
(6:07) - Support for a global minimum tax has grown exponentially, with 130 countries recently agreeing to broad outlines of wider overhaul of rules for taxing international companies.
(14:40) - Toyota is expected to top GM as America's best-selling automaker this year, with over 688K vehicles being sold. What does the road ahead look like for Toyota?
(22:40) - DiDi, known as the Uber of China, recently IPO'd but has been trading lower since then. The service is blocked in China from adding new users due to Cybersecurity concerns.
(33:16) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show as he does every Friday, this time to take a look at Clorox, a company that benefitted greatly from the beginning of the pandemic but has since struggled greatly. In fact, Clorox is one of the worst performing companies in the S&P 500 this year.
(1:00) - The jobs report for June showed significant improvement from the previous two months, with 850K jobs added vs. expectations of 706K. The unemployment rate did rise, but only very slightly from 5.8% to 5.9%.
(12:53) - Mark Hamrick of Bankrate.com joined the show to dive deeper into the June jobs report, particularly what sectors saw the most jobs added, and what the labor force participation rate indicates about the broader economy.
(24:24) - Supply chains in some areas such as lumber are starting to normalize, while goods like semi-conductors and retail inventories are still very much crunched when it comes to supply.
(31:37) - The Supreme Court recently unanimously decided that student-athletes can make money off their image and likeness. What kinds of endorsements and lucrative business ventures can we expect to see these student-athletes foray into?
(1:01) - Robinhood has been fined $70 million for regulatory investigations by FINRA, the largest fine ever charged to a company by the organization.
(17:21) - The car market can't stay this hot forever, but with many dealerships still experiencing extremely low inventory, consumers can still expect to reach deeper into their pockets for the time being.
(23:12) - Amazon hopes to have FTC Chairman Lina Khan recused from the antitrust trial involving the tech giant. Khan, who has been quite critical of Amazon in the past, just began serving in her role and has promised to be tough on big tech.
(34:50) - Stack roulette.
(1:59) - The first half of 2021 is done and overall, stocks have seen significant gains despite some periods of volatility. What have been the drivers of these gains, and what are somethings to look out for in markets for the next six months?
(12:27) - Weekly jobless claims have reached a new pandemic low of 364K. While the jobless claims are declining, many businesses are still having trouble attracting workers. Ziprecruiter has released a stat revealing that 20% of job postings on the site offer a signing bonus.
(25:22) - There is much debate surrounding when and where someone should tip, particularly now that the pandemic is subsiding.
(32: 24) - Adam Johnson of Bullseyebrief.com joined the show to discuss what he is seeing in markets, including current trends as well as what concerns investors have heading into the second half of the year.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky discussed how protecting your home should be a high priority as you age, as well as how an irrevocable trust could prevent many serious issues. Todd also details Cushing & Dolan's guide for June titled, "Life Estates vs. Irrevocable Trusts".
(0:33) - Congress is facing increasing pressure to make major changes to antitrust laws, particularly as it pertains to big tech. Will there be enough bipartisan support to go up against companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon?
(13:50) - We have seen a bit of volatility with yields recently, with the 10-year treasury yield currently lower than 1.50. What exactly are investors looking for when it comes to yields?
(22:40) - Global tourism has obviously been decimated throughout the pandemic, and estimates say that the world economy could be facing a $4 trillion loss due to this slowdown in tourism.
(30:44) - Dana Mattioli of The Wall Street Journal joined the show to talk about her article regarding Amazon and the deals that the tech giant makes with its vendors.
(0:30) - The housing boom continues to roll on, with home prices remaining sky-high. However, there may be signs that prices are beginning to fall ever-so-slightly.
(13:41) - The effect of the pandemic on businesses has been uneven, with small businesses receiving the brunt of the damage as opposed to bigger businesses such as airlines.
(22:37) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
Adam Feuerstein, senior reporter at STAT News, joined the show for an enticing interview regarding his Boston Globe story about the FDA's approval of Biogen's new, controversial Alzheimer's drug. Adam discusses how exactly Biogen was able to get approval of this drug (Aduhelm), and why it remains a point of contention.
(0:40) - A ruling yesterday stated that New Hampshire residents that work in Massachusetts will still have to pay Massachusetts income tax, even if they are working remotely.
(14:43) - Global supply chain issues continue to be an issue, with certain sectors seeing higher prices and lengthy delays be passed onto the consumer in a major way.
(22:25) - Lumber prices continue to come down from their May highs of nearly $1,600, however prices remain high in the $900 range.
(34:39) - Mark Schaffer of The Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show today to discuss the important process of signing up for Medicare.
(0:27) - A federal judge on Monday threw out the government's antitrust lawsuit against Facebook, causing shares in the social media giant to rally in the afternoon.
(12:56) - Big banks like Morgan Stanley are raising dividends after passing the Federal Reserve's Stress Test. Dividend payouts by the country's six largest lenders are expected to rise by nearly half.
(27:01) - President Biden is heading to Wisconsin to sell Americans on the bipartisan infrastructure bill, particularly the physical aspects of it such as roads, bridges, and broadband.
(31:23) - Adam Feuerstein of STAT News joined the show to discuss his story on how Biogen had inside help from the FDA when it came to getting approval for their controversial Alzheimer's drug, Aduhelm.
(1:37) - Tesla and China continue to be an interesting story to follow, with Tesla recalling over 285K passenger vehicles from China after the country said that there are cruise control issues.
(15:47) - The United Kingdom has banned major crypto exchange Binance, as more and more governments look to regulate cryptocurrency as a whole.
(22:32) - Two different publications released stories about unemployment, with one story saying that jobs are still hard to fill even in states where jobless benefits were cut, and the other saying that workers are ditching their unemployment more quickly in states where benefits were cut.
(34:04) - Stack roulette.
(1:21) - Markets are coming off a strong week of gains, especially the tech sector which has shown resurgence. Will markets continue their momentum this week?
(14:10) - U.S. households added $13.5 trillion in wealth last year according to the Federal Reserve, which is the single largest one-year nominal gain in the country's history.
(22:57) - The Fed is considering scaling back their rapid rate of purchasing mortgage bonds. Currently, they are buying $40 billion per month in mortgage-backed securities.
(36:19) - Apple and Microsoft are both attempting to create a sort of universal operating system, which is sure to heighten the competition between the two tech giants.
(1:29) - Another slew of economic data was released this morning, including personal income (down 2% in May), personal spending (flat), and core PCE (up 3.4% year over year, 0.5% month over month).
(14:07) - Google has big plans for the future of the workplace. These plans were assisted by sociologists, and they include privacy robots and balloons. Is this approach going to be commonplace?
(26:20) - The biggest hospital systems in Massachusetts announced Thursday that once the FDA gives full approval to the COVID-19 vaccines, they will require all their employees to be vaccinated.
(33:01) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show for his weekly appearance, this time discussing Coinbase and how the recent extreme volatility in crypto is affecting Coinbase's stock and bottom line.
(1:30) - President Biden and a group of bipartisan Senators have reached an agreement on a physical infrastructure deal. The plan centers around overhauling America's transportation, water, and broadband infrastructure. What are the chances this agreement ends up becoming official?
(11:34) - With an agreement on an infrastructure deal in place, the guys discuss what this could mean for markets going forward. Could the passage of the bill give way to even more spending thereafter?
(24:54) - After Scott Wilson of AAG discussed CarMax on Wall Street Watch, Chuck decided to use their website see how much he could sell his car for. He discovered that he could get it for nearly $13K.
(31:34) - Liza Lin of The Wall Street Journal joined the show today to discuss her important article about how China has been blocking academic scholars on LinkedIn. Just how far is China willing to go to censor, and how much is Microsoft willing to oblige?
(0:41) - A bipartisan group of senators is heading to The White House today to try and make further progress with President Biden on an infrastructure deal. With negotiations going better than expected, what can we expect to eventually see in this package?
(13:59) - Lauren Smiley, a contributor to WIRED Magazine, joined the show to discuss her article about Jeffrey Fang, a gig worker that made a good living driving for Uber, Lyft, & Doordash, until a kidnapping halted him in his tracks.
(22:17) - Warren Buffett has given away another $4.1 billion of his fortune. Buffett is in favor of tax-free philanthropy, but also recognizes that many taxpayers take advantage of it.
(34:04) - Stack roulette.
(1:18) - Antitrust efforts in Congress are ramping up, with six different bills making their way through various House committees. While there is bipartisan support for antitrust, these bills are narrowly getting by so far.
(15:01) - Initial jobless claims came in above 400K for the second straight week, although this last week there was a slight decrease from 418K to 411K. What is causing these numbers to stay at the level they're at after several straight weeks of declines?
(25:31) - FedEx has suspended service for 1,400 freight customers in an effort to ease their very congested network and service system. Among the items being suspended are airgas, which can be crucial in factories.
(36:10) - It's time to celebrate! The Ever Given ship will finally be released from the Suez Canal. The Giant container ship was stuck for 10 days, but has been in the Canal for three months total.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky discussed how important it is to plan in advance when it comes to property, as well as how an irrevocable trust could prevent many serious issues. Todd also details Cushing & Dolan's guide for June titled, "Life Estates vs. Irrevocable Trusts" in addition to taking calls from listeners.
(0:33) - Big tech companies like Apple, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Facebook have monopolies that are widely viewed as out of control. Though many agree that these companies should be broken up, how exactly could that happen?
(14:55) - Millions and millions of Americans are considered gig workers, and a new app may help cater to these workers and their unique situations.
(22:57) - Cars.com compiled a list of the 15 "Most American-made vehicles", with Honda alone having four cars in the top 10.
(37:08) - Mortgage rates have ticked up, but the amount of refinance activity has also risen in recent months. What is the reason behind this?
(0:40) - Another day, another piece of housing data that reminds us just how thin housing inventory is. New home sales in May fell nearly 6% to 769K units vs. 859K expected.
(12:13) - Fed Chair Jerome Powell testified before Congress on Tuesday and reiterated that he doesn't see sustained inflation being a reality.
(22:28) - Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joined the show for another edition of "Ask Todd".
(0:40) - The price of oil is hovering around $75 per barrel for the first time since 2019. However, oil remains unpredictable with a multitude of factors driving the price up or down.
(13:34) - Dr. Jessica Lautz of the National Association of Realtors joined the show to discuss existing home sales for May, as well as what other statistics truly illustrate just how wild the housing market is at this time.
(22:08) - Built Technologies has created a new credit card which would allow renters to use said card to pay rent and accumulate reward points with no fees.
(34:23) - Famous director Steven Spielberg has signed a deal with Netflix to make movies for the streaming giant, although the terms of the contract are unknown.
(2:36) - Bitcoin has dropped below 30K, and is now negative for 2021. Will China's crackdown of the cryptocurrency continue to lower its value?
(12:31) - The hot job market is forcing many workers to rethink their careers; none more than retail workers, who are leaving the sector at a rate never seen before.
(29:02) - Gig workers in Massachusetts are ramping up their fight against Uber and Lyft, as many drivers want to be categorized as employees rather than independent contractors.
(34:06) - The European Union has opened a formal antitrust investigation into allegations that Google continuously abuses advertising technology. This is not the first time the EU, or other countries, have gone after Google for their advertising practices.
(4:27) - Ad spending, particularly on major tech platforms such as Facebook and Google, is way up recently. How could potential antitrust legislation affect ad revenue for big tech?
(14:59) - With how rapidly the U.S. economy is growing, a popular belief is that there will be a lot of foreign money coming into the country to chase said growth. But, is that really the way things will go?
(27:26) - The SEC is moving closer toward requiring climate risk disclosures from companies. Will this really make a difference in the way these companies address climate change?
(34:02) - Stack roulette.
(1:14) - Stocks opened the week in rally mode, with the Dow and S&p 500 making back most of its losses from Friday's selloff. Will investors be able to shake their fears of a Fed rate hike this week?
(16:03) - TSA checkpoints are back to seeing heavy volume again, with four out of the last nine days seeing over 2 million passengers. However, supply chain issues are still prevalent for some companies such as American Airlines, who are cutting back on flights not due to demand, but to supply.
(29:24) - The labor market remains tight, forcing businesses to get creative when it comes to hiring workers and/or increasing productivity without the desired amount of workers. How big of a role will automation play in businesses, and how soon?
(38:02) - The ever-changing infrastructure proposal is now seeing the likelihood of a gas tax decrease, with Republicans in favor of the tax and Democrats opposed to it.
Doug Guthrie, Director of China Initiatives and Professor at the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, joined the show today for a fascinating interview regarding his time at Apple advising the company on China. Doug tried to warn Apple about its business dealings and operations in China, and his previous fears have now become a reality, with Apple heavily reliant on China.
(2:21) - Tech has consistently sold off this year when there have been fears of interest rate hikes on long-term bonds. More hawkish policies on big tech could make tech stocks even more interesting to watch.
(15:41) - The Biden Administration is slated to attempt to make major policy changes to Capital Gains Taxes. But how likely are these proposals to become a reality?
(23:18) - Colorado recently passed a law requiring employers to reveal salary ranges on job postings when advertised in the state.
(35:27) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show as he does every Friday to discuss Oracle; More specifically, what has driven their stock significantly higher this year?
(0:43) - Markets opened in the red on Friday as fears of rate hikes dampened investor sentiment following the conclusion of the Fed Meeting on Wednesday. But, is the selloff as bad as it's being made out to be?
(14:05) - 32 year-old Lina Khan has been tapped to be the new Chair of the Federal Trade Commission. Known as hawkish towards big tech, what can we expect to see from her going forward in regards to antitrust laws and tech companies?
(23:36) - Earlier this week, Microsoft announced that CEO Satya Nadella will be taking on a new role in addition to his current one: Chairman of the Board.
(28:41) - Doug Guthrie, Director of China Initiatives and Professor at the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, joined the show today for a fascinating interview regarding his time at Apple advising the company on China.
(4:15) - The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is projected to be higher 2022; So much higher that it may end up being the largest COLA in 30 years.
(15:40) - Amazon is blaming social media sites for the prevalence of fake reviews in its marketplace. Does the tech giant have a point with its reasoning?
(22:44) - There's $1.7 trillion in outstanding student debt at this point in time. Younger people are actually beginning to see a decrease in student debt, while older Americans are seeing an increase.
(37:15) - Stack roulette.
(0:42) - A day after the highly-anticipated Federal Reserve meeting, the guys break down what really came out of the meeting. Although interest rates will be on the move sooner than expected, it will still be close to two years before that comes to pass.
(13:16) - Charlie Gasparino of FOX Business joined the show to discuss the Fed's meeting and statements thereafter, including how markets may react going forward.
(26:01) - Jobless claims had an unexpected rise this week, with 412K Americans filing vs. expectations of 375K.
(35:24) - Doug Guthrie, a former Apple employee, warned the tech giant about doing business in China when Xi Jinping was rising to power.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky discussed the pitfalls of Life Estates, as well as why advanced planning can be crucial. Todd also details Cushing & Dolan's guide for June titled, "Life Estates vs. Irrevocable Trusts" in addition to taking calls from listeners.
(0:39) - Construction of new homes is lagging across the country, and the trend is not a new one. When will more new homes begin to pop up more?
(16:58) - Gay Coraraton, Director of Housing and Commercial Research with the National Association of Realtors, joined the show today to discuss what she's seeing in the housing market, and just how much vacation home sales are booming.
(22:41) - With their watch already a success, Apple continues to try to make its way into the healthcare space. Apple higher-ups are urging employees to brainstorm ways to help change healthcare.
(32:32) - Stack roulette.
(0:33) - Markets opened mixed/flat as investors patiently await an announcement from the Federal Reserve at 2pm. Will Chair Jay Powell and the Fed move interest rates?
(12:54) - Massachusetts is introducing "Vaxmillions", or a lottery system to incentivize those who are not yet vaccinated to get the shot. Five people 18 and older will win $5 million.
(22:33) - Ask Todd with Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan.
(0:40) - Amazon may be one of the biggest companies in the country and the world, but they are losing workers at a higher rate than before the pandemic.
(12:35) - Some executives at Lordstown Motors have stepped down following inaccurate preorder disclosures, including the Chief Financial Officer.
(22:10) - JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon said that he is hoarding cash because he believes inflation will be sustained rather than transitory.
(35:35) - Mark Schaffer of the Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show to discuss what retirement is like in a post-pandemic world.
(0:28) - Markets opened lower following the release of a slew of economic data, most notably the Producer Price Index (PPI) and retail sales. PPI showed major increases across the board, including a 6.6% increase year over year.
(13:06) - Ema David of the Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show to take a deep dive into the retail sales numbers, which included a 1.3% decline in the month of May vs. expectations of a 0.6% drop.
(26:08) - Lumber prices are falling fast from their peak of $1,711.20 a month ago, as many who were hoarding the commodity scramble to sell and unload it.
(34:42) - Well-known mall stores such as Express, J.Crew, and Urban Outfitters have begun selling their products in many places online. One place they are not operating: Amazon.
(1:27) - The latest industry to experience severe shortages is the furniture industry, with some consumers waiting months for sofas and dressers.
(13:21) - Many workers are deciding against returning to the office, and instead opting to quit their jobs entirely.
(22:59) - Elon Musk announced that Tesla will begin to accept Bitcoin as a payment once Bitcoin's mining practices become more environmentally friendly.
(35:15) - Stack roulette.
(0:46) - U.S. Congress is starting to ramp up its battle against big tech companies, introducing new, large-scale antitrust legislation that could make life more difficult for Amazon, Apple, Google, and Facebook.
(15:40) - Leaders at the G-7 summit drafted a 25 page statement essentially asking China to change its ways, but the statement itself seems to carry little weight elsewhere in the world.
(30:03) - Oil prices have hit $70 per barrel for the first time since October of 2018. What do higher oil prices mean for the economy and the consumer? Is $70 too high?
(35:58) - The Federal Reserve will have a meeting Wednesday that will be heavily monitored by investors and companies alike. Will Jay Powell and The Fed move interest rates amidst higher inflation?
(1:07) - Three FDA officials have resigned following the agency's approval of Biogen's Alzheimer's drug. One approval described the decision as "the worst approval the FDA has made."
(17:29) - The first versions of Tesla's Model S Plaid are being delivered to early buyers today. The vehicle has the capability to go from 0 to 60mph in two seconds.
(23:12) - Rentals on Nantucket are a major point of contention for residents and renters alike. A new proposal, Article 90, would significantly reduce the number or short-term rentals on the island.
(35:57) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show today as he does every Friday, discussing Wendy's and how they have become the newest target of WallStreetBets. Can we expect more of a rollercoaster ride from Wendy's stock going forward?
(2:00) - Reacting to recent market movement, specifically the S&P 500's record close, and how investors are realizing that inflation may very well be transitory.
(12:58) - The guys do a lightning round in regards to inflation. Which industries could see sustained inflation, and which will be closer to normal over the next year?
(24:37) - A bipartisan group of 10 Senators (five from each party) have come to an agreement on an infrastructure proposal. The group says that the bill will be paid for without tax increases.
(37:24) - Some banks are telling companies not to make any more deposits. This is due to the fact that there's a surplus in deposits and also that companies are looking elsewhere for loans.
(5:00) - Coinbase has teamed up with a 401k provider so that employees at participating companies can invest up to 5% of their retirement in cryptocurrency.
(14:10) - Ted Rossman of Bankrate.com joined the show today to discuss Bankrate's study on Americans current spending habits, more specifically how many people are willing to accrue debt through spending on leisure activities.
(22:58) - Popular Millennial tech companies, such as Uber & Airbnb, are beginning to alter their business models in order to aim for more profitability.
(35:38) - Stack roulette.
(0:50) - Markets opened higher following the release of the consumer-price index for May, which showed a 5% jump vs. expectations of 4.7%. Core CPI, which excludes food and fuel, came in at 3.8%
(15:36) - Weekly jobless claims hit yet another new pandemic-low, with 376K Americans filing claims vs. 370K expected.
(24:36) - The U.S. is trying to find a solid balance with its trade partners, namely the European Union and China. Will the Biden Administration pull back on tariffs?
(35:31) - The Biden Administration has lifted the Trump Administration's bans on both Tiktok and WeChat, but did call for a review of both China-based apps.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky runs through the key parts of life estates, including the purpose of them and why so many people do them. Todd also details Cushing & Dolan's guide for June titled, "Life Estates vs. Irrevocable Trusts" in addition to taking calls from listeners.
(0:39) - The meme stock craze doesn't appear to be going away anytime soon, as stocks like Wendy's and Context Logic are now seeing share prices skyrocket due to increased attention on Reddit.
(13:12) - President Biden's capital gains tax proposal could have a major effect on estate plans.
(23:06) - The Biden Admin. is touting its plan to expand access to preschool and affordable child care, saying that it will spur long-term economic growth.
(34:05) - Uber & Lyft are fighting to keep their drivers as independent contractors as opposed to employees, and while many drivers would want to be employees, many drivers actually prefer to be gig workers.
(0:49) - Ahead of major inflation data being released tomorrow, the guys debate what could be the bigger market mover: Inflation data or unemployment data.
(12:51) - On Tuesday, the Senate passed a $250 billion bill that will accelerate technology research and development as competition from China and other nations ramp up.
(22:23) - Another edition of Ask Todd with Todd Lutsky, an estate planning attorney at the law firm of Cushing & Dolan.
(0:27) - Wages are rising across various industries as many businesses continue to try different methods to attract workers.
(13:34) - Commodity prices continue to soar as a result of the pandemic. Many sectors are still negatively effected by this trend.
(22:16) - The guys react to the breaking news that the IRS Chief asked Congress for authority to regulate the cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin, which was already down, sank even further on the news.
(34:43) - Mark Schaffer of the Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show for another edition of "Financial Planning Tuesday", specifically the financial damage that cyberattacks can cause.
(0:49) - Cloud service Fastly experienced an outage this morning that led to several major website going offline. Some of those websites include The New York Times, Amazon, Reddit, and Twitch.
(13:45) - The JOLTS report for April revealed a new record-high job openings with 9 million, far exceeding expectations of just over 8 million.
(26:11) - Expanding on yesterday's discussion regarding Janet Yellen's view that higher interest rates would actually be a good thing. Is there a "happy medium" for interest rates?
(33:12) - Tim Higgins of The Wall Street Journal joined the show to discuss Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference, specifically what themes can be seen there and how it's being received so far.
(1:21) - The FDA has approved Biogen's new Alzheimer's drug that will be the first new Alzheimer's medication in nearly 20 years.
(13:48) - The Senate is poised to pass the Endless Frontiers Act, which will green light further resources and research towards semiconductors as well as new technology.
(22:23) - Apple's annual Worldwide Developer Conference is taking place this week, but it will look and feel a bit different due not only to the pandemic, but because of the ongoing battle between Epic Games and Apple.
(36:21) - Stack roulette.
(1:25) - Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made comments at the G& summit indicating she is not worried about inflation, while supporting President Biden's $4 trillion spending plan. Yellen also said higher interest rates "would actually be a plus."
(13:38) - The G7 produced an agreement on a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15%. Is there a realistic path to this being approved by most countries?
(24:12) - "House rich" Americans that have seen their homes' value rise significantly are spending their cash in different ways.
(37:03) - Options trading is picking up in oil futures, with investors betting on $100 per barrel being the price of oil before long.
(2:06) - The jobless rate for teens is lower than the jobless rate for ages 20-24 for the first time ever. In addition, the participation rate for teens has ticked up.
(13:07) - The Department of Justice is ramping up investigations of ransomware attacks and prioritizing them at a similar level of terrorist threats.
(22:38) - Despite many planes being out of the air during the pandemic, airlines have gotten rid of fewer planes than in a typical year. What was the cause of this?
(33:36) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show today to discuss one of the biggest rollercoaster meme stocks out there right now: Bed, Bath & Beyond.
(1:05) - The jobs report for May was released at 8:30 Friday morning, and while it was an improvement (559K jobs added) from April, it still fell short of expectations of 661K jobs added.
(13:07) - Paul Lane of the Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show to give us a more detailed look at the jobs report.
(23:46) - Markets are in rally mode following the jobs report as investors feel reassured that the Federal Reserve won't be moving interest rates anytime soon. If inflation continues to run hot, can we expect to be able to buy CD's at a good rate in the near future?
(35:57) - Apple has informed its employees that they will be moving to a hybrid schedule, with employees required to come in Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. What is their logic behind this decision?
(3:59) - Restaurants are pushing to keep in place rules that were created during the pandemic in order to assist the industry. Will outdoor dining and cocktails to-go be nixed?
(14:32) - The Federal Reserve announced on Wednesday that they will begin to sell off their corporate bonds, which total $16 billion.
(22:43) - Electric vehicle stocks are slumping in a big way as more major car companies such as Volkswagen and Ford reveal their own plans to make headway into the EV space.
(34:37) - Stack roulette.
(0:29) - Weekly jobless claims headlined a flurry of economic data released on Thursday morning, with claims dipping to 385K- the lowest total since the pandemic began.
(12:10) - A ZipRecruiter survey from Q1 showed that 50% of job applicants were seeking a job that would allow remote work even after the pandemic has subsided, and one third of those applicants said they would even take a pay-cut in order to work remotely.
(24:29) - How does this economic recovery differ from the economic recovery after the Great Recession? How much did government spending help?
(37:09) - Ransomware attacks are continuing to affect various industries, most recently ferry services to Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard as well as the New York MTA.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky explains the key differences between life estates and irrevocable trusts, and also details Cushing & Dolan's guide for June titled, "Life Estates vs. Irrevocable Trusts" in addition to taking calls from listeners.
(0:34) - JBS, which is the largest meat company in the world by sales, was the victim of a cyber attack that halted operations at numerous plants across the country.
(14:01) - Weekly mortgage demand has dropped once again. Could this mean that the housing boom will begin to cool down?
(22:21) - Examining how much real estate values have increased around New England in the last few years.
(35:24) - Are wind farms a prominent part of America's future? How much energy can they provide, and how sustainable are they?
(0:54) - Markets are relatively calm, but what needs to happen for them to gain serious momentum?
(14:15) - The U.S. has been printing trillions of dollars over the last year and a half, factoring into investors' inflation fears. However, these fears are now easing.
(22:10) - Another edition of "Ask Todd" with estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky.
(0:29) - Friday's jobs report could play a key role in the Fed's decision making for the near future. What will push the Fed to make a policy change?
(16:24) - With the U.S. continuing to emerge from the pandemic, how will the spending habits of Americans change? Will people save more or spend more?
(28:05) - Delivery services such as Doordash & Uber Eats continue to compete with each other not just in the restaurant space, but even with delivery from drug stores or groceries.
(34:58) - Mark Schaffer of the Armstrong Advisory Group joins the show for another edition of "Financial Planning Tuesday".
(0:44) - Markets opened higher to start the month, and the guys analyze what is behind investor optimism.
(12:05) - Supply chains around the world are still experiencing major issues due to the pandemic. Items from paint to mirrors are seeing major shortages.
(25:27) - A handful of major U.S. cities have put measures into place that restrict or prohibit the use of fossil fuels for homes. Many states, however, are pushing back against these moves.
(35:39) - Oil is approaching $70/barrel and is currently at its highest level since October of 2018. Is this necessarily a bad thing for the economy?
(1:08)- Adam Newman, former CEO of WeWork, has seen a substantial exit package since leaving the company.
(12:55) - In 20 different Republican states, gig workers are set to lose their unemployment benefits. The total amount of gig workers across these states totals nearly 20 million.
(22:39) - Gap, which is a shopping mall staple, has seen its e-commerce grow to the point that it amounts to half its sales.
(32:40) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show as he does every Friday to discuss how AMC is on the rise again, along with a group of select "meme" stocks.
(0:56) - Markets opened higher after a batch of economic data was released. Consumer spending rose 0.5% in April, while personal income fell 13.1%.
(13:13) - There is an old adage in investing that says, "Sell in May and go away." Is there validity to this phrase, and what do the statistics indicate?
(24:41) President Biden's $6 trillion budget proposal includes a raise in taxes on the wealthy. The proposal, however, faces a tough road ahead in Congress.
(33:58) - Natasha Singer of The New York Times joined the show to discuss how big tech's endeavor into contact tracing ended up faring throughout the pandemic.
Southern Airways Express CCO Mark Cestari joined the show for an interview regarding the outlook for his company this summer, what trends he's seeing, and tailoring new routes to consumer demand.
(2:07) - Fed Chair Jerome Powell's term is set to expire in February. Does he want to keep his job, and if so, is President Biden willing to rehire him as Fed Chair?
(13:24) - There are countless applicants for the federal restaurant grant fund, but there simply is not enough money in the fund to go around.
(22:30) - Mark Cestari, Chief Commercial Officer at Southern Airways Express, joined the show to discuss his outlook on travel for the summer and what trends he is seeing with his business.
(31:34) - Jeff Bezos held his last shareholder meeting as Amazon CEO on Wednesday and assured investors that they are in good hands under cloud computing head Andy Jassy.
(0:57) - Weekly jobless claims came in at yet another pandemic-low, with 403K Americans filing claims vs. expectations of 420K. Could we see claims below 400K next week?
(15:05) - Adam Johnson of Bullseyebrief.com joined the show to discuss the current state of markets, and why being "bored" with markets at the moment isn't such a bad thing.
(23:27) - After a dutch court ruled that Shell is partially responsible for climate change, the oil giant along with other oil companies like Exxon are realizing they will have to contend with policies centered around climate change moving forward.
(34:01) - Google has partnered with a hospital to develop a healthcare algorithm that will theoretically improve medical care using patient records.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky explains the advantages and disadvantages of irrevocable trusts, and also details Cushing & Dolan's guide for May titled, "An Operations Guide to Irrevocable Trusts" in addition to taking calls from listeners.
(1:10) - Half of all U.S. adults are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while nearly half of the whole population has at least one shot.
(15:23) - The already razor-thin housing market is seeing a rise in "whisper listings", where only a select-group of potential buyers are made aware of a house for sale.
(23:07) - The White House is reviewing "gaps" in cryptocurrency rules amid wild swings from Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and other crypto.
(33:41) - Stack roulette.
(0:41) - It seems inflation worries are starting to ease, but that doesn't mean that stocks are finally gaining traction. What will it take for that to happen?
(12:24) - Washington, D.C. has hit Amazon with an antitrust lawsuit, alleging that the company prevents other sellers from offering better deals on its platform.
(22:54) - Another edition of "Ask Todd" with Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan.
(0:42) - As many Americans return to the office, how will companies handle employees' desires for hybrid schedules and remote work?
(15:12) - The trial between Apple and Epic Games has come to a close, and the guys examine what the verdict could be and how there will most likely be a appeals regardless.
(22:25) - Autonomous vehicles are being worked on and perfected, but how far away are we from seeing them on the road?
(34:30) - United Airlines will be offering passengers free flights on one condition: Being fully vaccinated.
(0:50) - Touching on the Case Shiller Home Index, which rose 13.2% year over year, and relating rising home prices to stock market movement.
(12:42) - It's known that Bitcoin is a volatile investment to begin with, but what variables could go into controlling it's value? Will China play a major role in where Bitcoin goes in the future?
(25:07) - As America emerges from the pandemic, state budgets are in far better shape than they were expected to be at this point.
(34:06) - The U.S. Treasury Department has called for a global minimum tax rate of 15%, down from their original ask of 21%. How likely is this to come to fruition?
(1:12) - Unlike government programs such as social security, unemployment insurance differs from state to state. Will there soon be more consistency with unemployment insurance nationwide?
(15:40) - The trial between Apple and Epic games enters its third week but will end today. The guys discuss what to expect in the aftermath of the trial and the ripple effects that the trial may have.
(23:11) - Airfare and hotel prices are rising as Americans begin to make their post-pandemic travel plans.
(36:38) - Solar panel costs have risen 18% this year, reversing a decade-long trend of falling prices.
(9:01) - In the meeting minutes released last week, The Federal Reserve mentioned that at some point in the near future they may have to consider a policy change. How will inflation affect that decision? And are investors beginning to accept that inflation is coming?
(15:08) - America is reopening and consumer spending on in-person services is rising. Does that mean we should expect a major drop in consumer spending on goods?
(23:47) - Recent data is showing that vaccinated Americans have been spending more, but still not as much as their unvaccinated counterparts.
(36:01) - Discussing how much value Bitcoin really has and comparing the cryptocurrency to avocados, which have maintained their pricing power more than Bitcoin over the last three weeks.
0:10 - Volatile bitcoin trading continues with a new warning from China. Plus, a discussion about margin and how it applies to portfolios.
15:01: The number of 401(k) millionaires is at a new high according to new data. This leads into an in-depth conversation about some common misconceptions about a 401(k).
22:25 - A new proposal from the U.S. on increasing the global corporate tax rate to 15%. What impact may this have?
34:47 - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness reviews earnings from both Home Depot and Lowe's.
0:10 - Existing home sales decline 2.7% in April, showing further pressure on homebuyers due to low inventory. A lengthy conversation about the challenges of the housing market.
14:55 - Housing chat continued, specifically a red-hot Cape Cod housing market.
24:12 - Food supply chains are facing strains as restaurant traffic surges.
34:14 - Ted Rossman of Bankrate.com joins the show to provide new survey findings about childcare financial issues people are faced with this coming summer.
(2:04) - While there is still high demand for it, lumber prices are coming down ahead of summer, down 25% off its highs.
(13:40) - Daniel Roberts, Editor-In-Chief of Decrypt, joined the show to dive deeper into the crypto selloff and give tips on what usually causes a dip in crypto.
(22:41) - Movie theaters are preparing for high volume this summer as reopening rolls on and Americans make their way back to the movies.
(35:46) - Oat milk is surging in popularity, mainly due to environmental concerns about regular milk. The caveat, however, is that oat milk costs twice as much.
(1:28) - The Fed released its meeting minutes at 2pm yesterday and, contrary to expectations, they did not make any policy decisions but said that they will wait for the right moment. Stocks rallied and closed only slightly down following the news, rebounding from a selloff earlier in the day.
(14:20) - Discussing the bond market and how many investors are looking at bonds differently than they previously did, due in large part to inflation.
(24:50) - With extended unemployment benefits ending in numerous states, companies are preparing for a hiring surge this summer.
(36:51) - The SPAC market stays active as Roivent Sciences is going to merge with a SPAC that already previously acquired a section of the company in yet another SPAC deal.
On this week's edition of "Ask Todd", Todd Lutsky details Cushing & Dolan's guide for May titled, "An Operations Guide to Irrevocable Trusts" and also takes calls from listeners.
(4:27) - The Ford F-series trucks are extremely popular, but how will the electric Ford F-series fare among consumers?
(13:16) - SPACs are tumbling throughout markets, and individual investors are taking the brunt of the losses.
(22:30) - Jamie DImon has been the CEO of JPMorgan for many years, but he is set to retire, with a woman likely to succeed him in the role.
(34:11) - Mark Hamrick of Bankrate.com joined the show to discuss Bankrate's survey that showed two-thirds of Millennial homebuyers regret their home purchase.
(1:07) - Cryptocurrency is suffering a steep selloff, with over $850 billion being lost in the last week.
(11:57) - Target is yet another retailer that saw strong Q1 numbers, with sales rising 25%, boosted by curbside pickup and online sales.
(22:40) - Another edition of "Ask Todd" with Todd Lutsky, an estate-planning attorney at Cushing & Dolan.
(0:29) - With vaccination numbers looking steady, the U.S. will increase the number of vaccines sent overseas amid global pressure.
(14:54) - President Biden has proposed billions of dollars to enhance U.S. cybersecurity following the Colonial Pipeline hack.
(26:49) - Mark Schaffer of the Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show for another edition of Financial Planning Tuesday.
(2:01) - Homebuilding in the U.S. fell 9.5% to 1.569 million units vs. expectations of 1.710 million units, caused mainly by soaring lumber prices and high costs for other materials.
(12:54) - Charlie Gasparino of FOX Business joined the show to discuss markets' lack of forward momentum, as well as what could continue to hold markets back going forward.
(25:55) - Home Depot released stellar Q1 earnings, seeing a 32% increase in sales among rising costs for supplies.
(33:11) - With inflation being an inevitability in the eyes of many investors, are bank stocks worth targeting long-term? The guys discuss why the financial sector could have some bargains.
(2:05) - Cryptocurrency continues to be a rollercoaster with Bitcoin and Dogecoin, which was made as a joke, leading the pack.
(17:02) - The Apple vs. Epic Games trial continues this week with Apple CEO Tim Cook preparing to take the stand to defend his company.
(23:00) - The rental markets in major U.S. cities such as Boston, New York, and D.C. are beginning to heat up again in another sign of post-pandemic behavior.
(35:27) - Stack roulette.
(4:45) - Taking a look at energy and materials and what trends we are seeing in that sector right now. What effects are the Biden Administrations policies having?
(14:44) - It's a true Merger Monday: AT&T will be combining WarnerMedia with Discovery to create a separate business in a deal valued at $43 billion.
(25:19) - Diving deeper into the merger deal and wondering what exactly AT&T is thinking by spinning off a new business.
(34:02) - It's not just semiconductors that are in short supply. The guys run through various industries that are seeing a lack of necessary goods and materials.
(2:35) - The Colonial Pipeline reportedly payed a $5 million ransom to the "Darkside" hackers in order to regain control of operations.
(12:48) - Airbnb released earnings and handily beat expectations on revenue by over 20%, however their net loss is widening due to the expenses that go along with the business.
(23:06) - The global chip shortage has predictably caused a shortage in cars, which is a contributing factor to the surge in prices for used vehicles.
(34:06) - Chris Jordan of Jordan Custom Inc. joined the show to run through what he is seeing with his remodeling business in terms of demand and project details.
(0:28) - Another strong rebound from markets is taking place following an early-week selloff, and the guys warn against being too reactionary when investing.
(12:56) - Amazon, Chipotle, and McDonald's are among many companies that are raising wages in order to attract workers amid the labor shortage. Will Starbucks follow suit before long?
(28:28) - Disney stock is trading down following a slowdown in subscriber growth to Disney+, along with a miss on revenue.
(36:19) - Ema David of the Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show to break down the retail sales numbers for April.
(2:54) - JP Morgan and other lenders are planning to issue credit cards to individuals who don't have credit scores.
(15:17) - Facebook's aspirations for its own digital currency are back on after the company revamped the project in order to address the concerns of U.S. regulators.
(22:36) - Harvard researchers make progress on a "lithium metal" battery that would be lighter and have a longer range for electric vehicles.
(35:47) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to preview Vimeo's upcoming IPO and what the company will have in store for investors.
(0:34) - Briefly recapping Wednesday's selloff and reminding listeners that dips in the market do happen. Meanwhile, stocks are rallying in a strong rebound from the day prior.
(14:34) - Thomas Hogan, a senior research fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research, joined the show to discuss what he is seeing as far as inflation goes, and what he thinks we can expect to see going forward.
(24:58) - 473,000 Americans filed jobless claims last week vs. expectations of 490,000, a new pandemic-low.
(35:39) - The Colonial Pipeline has began operating again. and the guys discuss how slowly the gas actually travels through the pipeline.
(2:57) - The housing market is still seeing extremely low inventory and high prices, with entry-level homes seeing the highest surge in prices.
(12:47) - The U.S. tariffs on China have caused a rather steep decline in Chinese imports, as America buys goods from other countries.
(22:35) - More states have eliminated the extended unemployment benefits put in place during the Pandemic. Will these benefits have a negative long-term effect on skilled workers in the labor market?
(34:12) - The price of palm oil is up 120%, which in turn will make chocolate prices higher for the consumer.
(1:49) - The Consumer Price Index for April showed inflation is hotter than expected, rising 4.2% from the year prior, with Core CPI rising 3% from last year.
(13:26) - The ransomware cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline is causing gas shortages along the east coast, but it has yet to affect the Northeast.
(22:56) - Another edition of "Ask Todd" with Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan.
(3:24) - U.S. health regulators give approval for Pfizer's vaccine to be administered to children ages 12-15.
(13:25) - Members of the semiconductor industry in the U.S. has formed a group in order to work together and ramp up chip production.
(22:06) - Tesla has halted plan to buy land in Shanghai to expand its manufacturing plant, adding to speculation that Elon Musk's relationship with China has soured.
(35:02) - Mark Schaffer of the Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show for another edition of Financial Planning Tuesday.
(0:29) - Following Monday's tech selloff, markets are selling off across the board today as fears of inflation dampen investor sentiment.
(12:08) - President Biden denies the idea that extended unemployment benefits are hampering the economic recovery.
(25:28) - The pandemic has brought along many changes which in turn have led many workers to change their career/lifestyle.
(34:52) - Large businesses have been able to take advantage of government regulations for many years, and now they are getting a taste of their own medicine with the labor shortage.
(3:47) - Childcare has moved to the forefront as of late with more and more fundamental issues being discovered with states' childcare logistics. Will the proposed infrastructure plan bring significant changes to childcare in the U.S.?
(14:01) - Andrew Mok, Chief Marketing Officer of Turo, joined the show to detail how the platform works, how they compare with rental car companies, and how they are faring during the pandemic.
(22:44) - The used car market stays hot with extremely high demand, and many used cars are actually appreciating in value.
(35:51) - Assessing Elon Musk's hosting debut on Saturday Night Live.
(7:02) - Discussing the ransomware cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline. How significant is an attack like this, and what are the potential ramifications?
(14:47) - Worker shortages are rampant nationwide across various industries, with most open positions being low-paying jobs.
(24:07) - The restaurant industry is one of the hardest-hit industries affected by the worker shortage, and establishments are exploring ways to attract new employees. Could raising wages be the answer?
(34:17) - Amanda Wallace, the head of insurance operations at MassMutual, joined the show today to discuss MassMutual's new survey that revealed 63% of Massachusetts residents are optimistic about their finances coming out of the pandemic. The survey also showed that 55% of parents find it difficult to manage their finances due to parenting, although 58% of those same parents said the pandemic has had a positive impact on their relationship with their children.
(1:53) - Telehealth has become a mainstay in the healthcare industry due to the pandemic.
(14:29) - Exploring whether sky-high home prices are a hinderance to the economic recovery.
(24:31) - Southeast Asian ride-hailing and delivery app Grab is going public via a SPAC merger and will be valued at $40 billion.
(35:01) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to discuss stock splits and what the science is behind them.
(0:49) - Discussing the extremely disappointing jobs report for April that only saw 266K jobs added vs. 1 million expected. Ema David of the Armstrong Advisory Group also joined the show to break down the numbers.
(17:05) - What impact will the severely underwhelming jobs report have on policy?
(26:04) - There are only 10 days left before the extended 2021 tax filing deadline is here.
(37:00) - WalMart continues to expand its business further into the healthcare industry.
(1:02) - Dogecoin has skyrocketed over 12,000% year-to-date, despite the cryptocurrency being created as a joke.
(10:42) - Liz Claman of FOX Business joined the show to discuss what she is seeing in broader markets.
(22:24) - Peloton has recalled all of its treadmills after a score of injuries and one too many deaths at the hands of the machine.
(33:26) - Stack roulette.
(0:58) - Equity markets have been unable to gain any serious traction as of late, while bond markets are reflecting inflation expectations.
(14:00) - Many companies are beginning to drop degree requirements as part of hiring criteria.
(24:32) - The U.S. yesterday announced that the country will be waiving the rights to intellectual property for the mRNa vaccine in order to assist other parts of the world in the vaccine rollout.
(34:49) - The chip shortage continues to affect various industries across the globe, and we are starting to realize just how difficult it is to manufacture these semiconductors.
0:10 - Investors rejected CEO pay plans for both General Electric and AT&T. A discussion about this and the trickle down effect on employees.
11:23 - Adam Johnson of BullseyeBrief.com joined the show to discuss some winners he's looking out for in this market landscape.
22:24 - An update on mortgage demand and a conversation about the status of the Spring housing market.
34:46 - A discussion about China's approach to electric cars. Also, the EU seeks to address concerns that Chinese businesses are competing unfairly around the world.
0:10 - A recap of yesterday's tech sell-off and an update on Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's comments on inflation and interest rates that spooked investors.
15:40 - A discussion about corporate tax rates and the likelihood they increase around the globe.
21:01 - Wall Street Watch and a look a GM's solid first quarter earnings. Also, the birth rate in the U.S. dropped to their lowest level since 1979.
32:52 - President Biden's new vaccination goals of 70%. How likely is it that the U.S. can hit that mark?
(0:29) - Despite the sell-off, CVS stock is surging over 4% due to a major earnings beat in Q1.
(13:50) - Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen indicates that interest rates may rise to prevent an over-heating economy.
(22:10) - The price of oil continues to rise steadily, but also remains difficult to predict.
(33:22) - Mark Schaffer of The Armstrong Advisory Group joins the show for another edition of Financial Planning Tuesday.
(0:43) - Stocks are in correction mode with the Nasdaq sliding over 2%, and the S&P down 1%.
(15:26) - The automobile industry continues to try and adapt to combat the ongoing semiconductor shortage.
(25:21) - Discussing the wide range of subsidiaries of Apollo Global Management, including Cox Media Group, Red Box, ADT, and QDoba.
(33:23) - Dennis Franczak, CEO of Fuse Ideas, joins the show to discuss the new iOS and how it will affect businesses.
CEO of Fuse Ideas Dennis Franczak joined the show today to discuss the new iOS system and what changes that could bring about for businesses and individuals alike.
(1:55) - The trial between Apple and Epic Games over handling of in-app purchases begins today.
(13:18) - Patricia Cohen of the New York Times joined the show today to discuss the recent slew of spending from the Federal Government.
(22:09) - Cargo pants and outdoor slippers are flying off the shelves in a new trend.
(35:58) - The prices of lumber have been elevated for months and continue to skyrocket.
(2:55) - 87% of S&P 500 companies that have reported earnings have beaten analyst expectations.
(14:27) - Individual investors are holding more stocks than ever before, according to a study from J.P. Morgan.
(24:12) - Warren Buffett and Charlie Monger are seeing varied degrees of success the last decade compared to earlier in their investment careers.
(36:52) - Fidelity cuts value of Jack Ma's Ant in half following issues with Chinese Government.
(2:09) - Is the student loan program in over its head with debt that will go unpaid?
(18:06) - Apple is facing a major anti-trust charge in the European Union, similar to an anti-trust charge they're facing in the U.S.
(21:20) - Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joins the show to discuss his guide on how to leave assets to beneficiaries.
(36:12) - Stack roulette.
(0:10) - A glance at the month of April from a market perspective.
(13:58) - New economic data from China and Europe.
(24:58) - Blowout first-quarter earnings from Amazon and a look at the week that was for big tech earnings. Also, are the FAANGS of the world becoming too much of a monopoly?
(34:42) - Potential changes to the tax code from President Biden. Also, more on earnings season.
0:10 - An in-depth look at Apple's impressive quarterly results driven by iPhone sales and success in its Services unit.
15:20 - A listener question on the Fed leads to a discussion about inflation.
23:45 - A review of Facebook's earnings report that handily beat expectations.
34:40 - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness preview's Berkshire Hathaway's annual report on Saturday.
0:10 - A look at the market, which has been somewhat volatile during a big week of earnings.
13:18 - Ema David of AAG joins the show to review the Q1 GDP results.
21:16 - Wall Street Watch and a glance at earnings from Ford. Plus, what are some of your favorite stock tickers?
32:23 - Amazon announced they will increase wages for more than 500,000 of their employees.
(1:04) - Companies are already starting to abandon larger office retail space, which could be a preview of the post-pandemic business world.
(13:53) - President Biden will address Congress tonight on a variety of topics, including another nearly $2 trillion plan.
(22:23) - Manufacturers are having trouble keeping up with the pace of the economic recovery and are struggling to find workers and supplies.
(34:10) - Tedd Rossman of creditcards.com joined the show to discuss how many sports venues and stadiums are going completely cashless, a trend accelerated by the pandemic.
(2:00) - Shares in Alphabet AKA Google are rallying today after posting strong earnings that included a 34% rise in revenue from a year ago.
(13:07) - Microsoft stock is relatively quiet despite an earnings beat that saw revenue rise 19% from the year prior.
(22:19) - Ask Todd with Todd Lutskty of Cushing & Dolan.
0:10 - New details of how losses from Archegos Capital Management topped $10 billion after UBS Group and Nomura Holdings, Inc. Plus, a conversation on unions.
15:17 - Texters chime in with their thoughts on being involved with unions, weighing the pros and cons. Plus, GE earnings streamed in.
22:22 - DoorDash has a new policy aimed at helping out restaurants based on different tier levels of commissions.
35:42 - Mark Schaffer of AAG for Financial Planning Tuesday on Credit Reports vs Credit Scores.
0:10 - A recap of Tesla's first quarter earnings and a preview of other big tech earnings on the horizon.
11:54 - Apple's newest software update includes a controversial privacy setting for users.
26:40 - More supply chain issues across the country.
32:40 - Dan Duval of Elevated Realty talks about the surging price of lumber and its impact on the real estate industry.
(1:48) - President Biden's proposed tax plan is not sitting well with GOP officials and SALT advocates.
(14:35) - Jerome Powell and the Fed continue to try and reassure Americans that if inflation happens, it will be mild and temporary.
(22:30) - Apple is releasing a new iOS (iOS 14.5) for iPhones and iPads, which includes changes to third-party tracking.
(35:04) - Stack roulette.
(2:13) - Discussing what the markets are telling us regarding where the economy is headed.
(15:13) - A major week of earnings lies ahead, including Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, & Tesla.
(30:20) - Only 22% of unvaccinated Americans are willing to get the Johnson & Johnson shot.
(36:28) - India is in the midst of skyrocketing COVID-19 cases, seeing upwards of 300K new cases per day.
(3:10) - Taking a look back at inflation in the 1970's, particularly 1973, and what connections there are from then to now.
(14:51) - China is beginning to catch up to the U.S. in terms of biggest importers of Middle-Eastern oil.
(22:36) - The vacancy rate for New York City office space has reached 16.3%, the highest it's been since 1994.
(34:27) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joined the show to discuss the recent dip in Netflix shares, and the challenges that the streaming giant faces in the coming months.
(0:29) - Discussing the market selloff on Thursday in response to the report that the Biden Administration may raise the capital gains tax rate for wealthy Americans.
(16:17) - The Johnson & Johnson vaccine may get reinstated today or very soon, albeit with warnings attached.
(30:55) - Supreme Court issued ruling that FTC could not recover gains from tax cheats or people who mislead consumers.
(35:39) - About thee quarters of American workers and retirees think that they will have enough money for retirement, which is a major increase from a year ago.
(5:44) - New restaurants are opening at a trying time, but may be greatly rewarded once the pandemic subsides.
(15:28) - Amazon will be begin to use palm scanning for customers at a Whole Foods store in Seattle.
(26:47) - Due to the ongoing semiconductor shortage, Ford will be planning extra idle time at various factories throughout the country.
(32:55) - Stack roulette.
(0:44) - Weekly jobless claims declined for a second straight week and have hit a new pandemic-era low.
(13:02) - Dr. Lawrence Yun of the National Association of Realtors joined the show today to discuss the existing home sales numbers and the state of the housing market overall.
(30:36) - American Airlines and Southwest Airlines both reported earnings and saw mixed results, though Southwest is seeing a stronger recovery.
(37:34) - Manufacturing plant, where Johnson & Johnson vaccines were ruined, was revealed to be in subpar condition.
(0:43) - Netflix shares are sliding after releasing an earnings report that showed subscriber growth slowing down.
(12:45) - Global supply chains are struggling in a major way, due in part to the recent Suez Canal blockage.
(22:22) - The "European Super League" is now falling apart, with clubs withdrawing due to pressure from both fans and governments.
(35:44) - Discussing if there is a correlation between lower treasury yields and mortgage applications.
(0:55) - President Biden's tax plan, which calls for increased taxes on the wealthy, will likely raise corporate tax rate to 25%, rather than 28%.
(13:39) - Swedish plant-based milk producer Oatley, backed by Oprah Winfrey and Jay-Z, will be going public.
(22:45) - Despite the fast rate of vaccinations, COVID-19 cases are still hovering 60K-70K per day.
(35:23) - Microsoft, which just recently acquired Nuance Communications, attempted to buy Discord but was denied by the company.
(0:28) - President Biden may not raise the corporate tax rate as high as he promised during his campaign.
(12:02) - Karima Basta of III Capital Management joined the show to discuss the New York Fed's Survey of Consumer Expectations, specifically the reservation wage.
(22:03) - Deloitte survey showed that the average consumer has four streaming services, down from five last year.
(34:23)- Mark Schaffer of Armstrong Advisory Group joined the show for another edition of Financial Planning Tuesday, discussing changes to IRA's.
(1:32) - Discussing what issues extended unemployment benefits have caused for both states and employers.
(14:54) - Oil is edging towards $64/barrel driven by demand optimism as we emerge form the pandemic.
(28:18) - Peloton has a major problem with its treadmill, which has caused several injuries and caused the death of a child.
(35:44) - Expedia is changing up its business strategy as people begin to travel and book trips again.
(1:23) - Bond sales in China have stalled at the same time that U.S. bond yields have ticked up.
(16:39) - Bitcoin plunged 15% on Sunday, which was its largest drop since February.
(22:07) - Live TV streaming services like YouTubeTV and FuboTV are having less trouble selling ad space than before.
(36:24) - Stack roulette
(1:13) - Markets starting week off with a mini selloff of sorts ahead of a busy week of earnings,
(11:45) - While Chile's vaccine numbers look good from the outside, the CoronaVac vaccine is causing major issues for the country.
(24:06) - Is it possible for economic growth and GDP growth to surpass hiring growth in the coming months?
(38:12) - States are having various issues with so many Americans still on unemployment a year after the pandemic began.
(2:50) - Taiwan, where 65% of global production for semi-conductor chips takes place, needs more water to create more chips.
(14:28) - As vaccination numbers rise and case numbers fall, how effective can we expect the shots to be against COVID-19 variants?
(22:53) - Mercedes Benz released final production model of "EQS", which will be the company's first electric car.
(34:06) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness joins the show to discuss Coinbase, as well as a little Dogecoin talk.
(1:41) - Discussing how SPAC's are formed and how their rise in popularity is impacting markets.
(15:52) - High-net worth investors have a way of monopolizing the market, which can affect market stability.
(26:22) - Delta reported a $1.2 billion loss in the first quarter, but said they will be cash-flow positive in the coming months.
(34:24) - HSBC has barred customers from buying shares of Coinbase following the latter's IPO.
(3:14) - Bookings and business in the travel industry are picking up, especially for the summer.
(10:54) - Don Clark joins the show to discuss the ongoing chip shortage.
(22:32) - Restaurants are beginning to see a major increase in business, but are still having trouble hiring workers.
(36:20) - Stack roulette.
(0:29) - Stocks open in rally mode due to an influx of positive economic data, including retail sales and jobless claims.
(12:14) - Ema David of Armstrong Advisory Group joins the show to break down the retail sales numbers for March.
(23:54) - Weekly jobless claims dip to a new pandemic-low of 576,000, well below expectations.
(34:27) - Coinbase closed at $328 in its first day trading and reached over $400 a share at one point.
(0:50) - The Biden Administration is keeping an eye on inflation, while the Fed is watching for deflation.
(13;57) - Coinbase cryptocurrency will begin trading on Nasdaq today and is estimated to open at $350 per share.
(22:14) - Apple shares are down 1% on the year, but could get a boost when the company unveils new products on April 20th.
(32:48) - "Baby bonus" checks are coming in July and amounts will vary based on income and number/age of children.
(2:21) - Analyzing bank earnings and discussing what factors drive them.
(14:18) - Credit Suisse has unloaded $2 billion of stocks tied to Archegos Capital.
(23:49) - Ask Todd with Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan
(0:10) - A recap of the recent meetings between China and the U.S. in Alaska and a discussion about their continued shaky relationship.
(14:41) - Nvidia is stepping up their game to compete with Intel and others.
(22:13) - Why are foreign governments a major player in snapping up suburban real estate?
(35:08) - Financial Planning Tuesday with Mark Schaffer of AAG with a discussion on tax season.
(0:10) - Johnson & Johnson's vaccine has been paused by the FDA as it will further investigate six cases of blood clots out the the 7 million already administered. Plus, new inflation data for March.
(14:22) - A preview of bank earnings season on the horizon. Economists are expecting a "boom" in the sector.
(25:12) - Uber revealed a record month for rider demand. When will the company be profitable?
(34:23) - What is a SPAC? A look at some of companies who have IPO'd through SPACs, in addition to Grab upcoming IPO.
(2:50) - While there are now plenty of job openings across the U.S., employers are having trouble filling positions.
(15:33) - Chinese businessman Jack Ma, owner of Alibaba and Ant, is still facing heavy scrutiny from Chinese government.
(22:27) - Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase will potentially be going public - how will this affect the crypto landscape?
(34:40) - Stack roulette.
(0:41) - Recapping how markets were tame on Friday until just after 3pm when an end-of-week rally began.
(13:40) - While inflation is a reasonable worry in the short-term, there is potential for robust growth across the economy.
(24:47) - Microsoft is purchasing Burlington, MA company Nuance Communications for $16 billion.
(35:27) - Running through some of the worst mergers that the guys can ever remember happening.
(0:10) - A look at the bond markets. Plus, P&G is reportedly working with a Chinese group to side-step Apple's new privacy rules.
(15:19) - Disneyland is looking to reopen in California. What are some of the steps they are taking in this new landscape?
(22:21) - More controversy brewing among the NBA and China regarding labor laws.
(33:20) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness talks the latest craze around the NFT market.
(0:10) - Markets look to close out a winning week. Also, new data points to more potential inflation on the horizon.
(13:05) - Amazon is looking like the winner of the unionization vote of a warehouse in Alabama.
(25:01) - GM halted production at several factories due to more chip shortages. What's in store for the industry going forward?
(34:30) - Should cruises allowed to be operated?
(0:35) - Just how much will demand plummet for commercial real estate in cities?
(12:50) - Adam Johnson of Bullseye Brief joins the show to discuss the current markets and why he is bullish overall.
(22:00) - Americans age 55-64 have almost double the median net worth of the average American household.
(33:33) - Panasonic and Tesla are working together on creating a "beer can" battery that could potentially reduce the cost of EV's.
(0:43) - Weekly jobless claims rose unexpectedly to 744K vs. expectations of 694K.
(13:21) - Ema David of Armstrong Advisory Group breaks down the Fed meeting minutes released yesterday.
(23:36) - G20 will seek to cooperate on implementing a global minimum corporate tax rate.
(35:48) - Many patients are forgetting to cancel extra vaccine appointments, an issue which is clogging daily schedules.
(1:00) - What are the chances that President Biden's infrastructure bill gets passed?
(12:58) - Aaron Zitner of The Wall Street Journal on COVID-19 regulations put in place by municipalities.
(21:58) - Big Tech companies are looking to make a splash with augmented reality glasses.
(34:34) - GM announces an all-electric version of Chevy Silverado, continuing to dive head-first into EV space.
(0:43) - Markets opened flat as investors look forward to the release of the last Fed meeting minutes.
(13:01) - With a surge of tourism ahead this summer, will businesses be facing a severe worker shortage?
(22:17) - Ask Todd with Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan.
(0:10) - China became the first country to implement its own digital currency. Also, merchant groups are forming a national coalition to campaign for stricter antitrust laws.
(13:20) - What does Google's copyright victory over Oracle mean for developers going forward?
(22:25) - A new survey found that Americans believe its better to invest in housing than the stock market. Also, millennials are buying homes without setting foot on the property.
(34:04) - Financial Planning Tuesday with Mark Schaffer of AAG to discuss a recent Social Security survey.
(0:10) - A recap of yesterday's market surge and news of Credit Suisse's $4.7 billion hit as a result of the liquidation from Archegos Capital.
(12:34) - Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called on the need for a global corporate tax rate. What is the likelihood of it being implemented?
(24:55) - With the release of President Biden's infrastructure plan, there is more debate as to what "infrastructure" really means.
(33:12) - Explosive moves in individual stocks and sectors are underpinning a white-hot streak in the market.
(3:01) - With Americans saving significantly more over the last year, how will spending in the economy be affected?
(13:21) - Sub-prime auto loan delinquencies are on the rise as many Americans struggle to make car payments.
(22:05) - While U.S. economy is primed for a strong rebound, many countries across the globe are not recovering as evenly.
(37:38) - Stack roulette.
(1:01) - After being closed on Friday, markets rally in response to last week's jobs report as hopes for a strong economic rebound prevail.
(13:22) - ISM Services Index for March hits all-time high, reaching 63.7 vs. expectations of 59.
(27:22) - Tesla stock is rising after the company announced they delivered 184K vehicles in Q1 of 2021, which beat analyst expectations.
(38:07) - Biden infrastructure plan will put $80 billion towards improving rail travel across the nation.
(0:10) - A new at-home Covid-19 test has been approved. Plus, why are some having issues getting a mortgage loan?
(12:46) - The heating oil industry is fighting efforts to eliminate state's energy-efficient rebates.
(21:55) - Chuck and Mike have a bone to pick with United Airlines. Plus, more will President Biden be able to forgive certain student loans down the line? The guys give their thoughts on what a better approach would be.
(35:35) - Stack Roulette
(0:10) - Chuck and Mike open the show reviewing the March jobs report, which blew past estimates of 675,000, coming in at 916,000 jobs added.
(14:36) - Paul Lane of AAG joins to provide more details of the impressive March jobs report and discusses how much work is left to be done to improve the overall job picture.
(24:21) - How would markets have reacted to today's encouraging jobs report? Both Chuck and Mike debate either side.
(35:08) - Impressive numbers just came out regarding auto sales, further emphasizing the massive demand in the auto sector.
(0:10) - Chuck and Mike sift through President Biden's infrastructure package in detail.
(11:23) - Brent Kendall of The Wall Street Journal joined the show to recap the NCAA's Supreme Court hearing regarding player compensation.
(17:22) - More on infrastructure and the proposal to hike the corporate tax rate.
(22:33) - A wrap-up of the pros and cons of the infrastructure package and an increase to the corporate tax rate.
(33:56) - Stack Roulette
(0:10) - Markets continue to climb higher, propelling the S&P 500 above the 4,000 mark. Why is sentiment trending up this week?
(11:30) - Chuck and Mike address the concerns of inflation and provide past examples of investing in similar environments.
(24:02) - An interesting listener question to the show prompts a discussion about investing in companies you only believe in based on ideology
(34:28) - Johnson & Johnson's vaccine debacle as a result of an error from a contract manufacturer.
(1:05) - Pfizer vaccine proves 100% effective in children ages 12-15.
(14:10) - China has had significant economic growth since overcoming COVID-19.
(21:49) - Archegos Capital situation serves as a reminder that leverage can be damaging to the economy.
(0:55) - Pending home sales in February fell 10% due to extreme lack of inventory.
(7:00) - President Biden unveils $2 trillion infrastructure plan.
(22:52) - Ask Todd with Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan).
(0:10) - Will there be an increase of capital gains tax? And who will this impact?
(12:15) - Liz Claman of Fox Business gives her take on the current market landscape.
(22:07) - Older millennials are closing the wealth gap to Baby Boomers.
(33:46) - More on the H&M & China controversy. Plus, some listener questions on housing.
(0:10) - A look at markets and how the liquidation of Archegos Capital is impacting investor sentiment.
(13:05) - The Amazon union vote in Alabama is underway. What are the implications of each scenario?
(24:47) - Southwest Airlines purchased 100 Boeing 737 Max jets. Also, some major companies are trimming office space.
(34:15) - The latest reading from the Case-Shiller home price index was eye-opening.
(0:10) - More details on President Biden's infrastructure bill and how it's broken up.
(14:23) - An increasing share of workers 55+ are retiring permanently. Will they come back to the workforce?
(22:30) - The Amazon unionization vote in Alabama is nearing. What's the latest?
(36:40) - Stack Roulette
(0:10) - The massive container ship that has been blocking the Suez Canal has been freed!
(11:57) - Forced liquidations of positions held by Archegos Capital Management drove severe selling pressure in select US media stocks and Chinese internet ADRs on Friday.
(23:18) - Archegos Capital Management situation further explained and why bank stocks are taking hit.
(32:01) - Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist with the National Association of Realtors on the crazy housing market.
(0:10) - A look at how tech stocks have taken a hit this year and how some new investors might have learned their lesson.
(13:56) - Is the boat still stuck? Yup. The latest updates on the Suez Canal blockage and some predictions.
(22:06) - Citi announces "Zoom-free Friday's". Is this realistic to implement as a company policy?
(35:01) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness on Penn National Gaming.
(0:10) - Markets continue this month's trend of volatile swings. Will markets reverse again today? Plus, the latest personal income and spending figures.
(12:42) - WeWork is back in the news after the company announced it will go public through a reverse merger via a SPAC.
(25:10) - A discussion about tech invading privacy with emerging technological advances.
(34:55) - Chinese EV maker NIO halting production due to semi-conductor shortage, similar to GM and Ford recently.
(0:10) - What is contributing to the volatile ride so far this month? Also, big tech CEO's will be appearing before Congress regarding the misinformation shared on their platforms.
(16:35) - What are some of the potential changes to the tax code on the horizon? And are some more probable than others?
(22:17) - Fidelity's new ETF reportedly on the way that will cover cryptocurrency entities.
(34:50) - The Suez Canal mishap leads the guys to recap some of their favorite nautical blunders in recent memory.
(0:10) - Day three of the strange Suez Canal container ship still stuck, blocking more ships behind it. What will be the money impact of this bizarre mistake?
(14:10) - While the U.S. economy is surging, there still remains plenty of supply chain issues, in addition to shortages of lumber, semi-conductors and more.
(26:09) - Testimony recap from Fed Chair Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
(35:15) - U.S. listed Chinese stocks falling into a bear market. What's causing this?
(0:10) - Mortgage rates inched higher, but hit their highest level since last Summer. Plus, home inventory continues to be a big issue across the country.
(15:10) - The global chip shortage is starting to affect inventory at auto dealers.
(23:18) - Volkswagen and other competitors to Tesla are gaining ground.
(32:30) - GameStop's fourth quarter earnings and sales disappoint. Robinhood to IPO.
(0:10) - Stocks bouncing back after yesterday's sell-off on day two of testimony from Fed Chair Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.
(12:14) - Chaos caused in Suez Canal after a container ship blocks access to the canal, causing massive traffic jam.
(22:40 - Ask Todd with Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan
(0:10) - AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine efficacy rating is drawing questions from U.S. officials as to whether their vaccine data is outdated.
(13:50) - Federal regulators are investigating 23 accidents from Tesla's auto-pilot system.
(26:16) - Revisiting the one-year anniversary of when the S&P 500 hit its bottom as a result of the pandemic. As investors, what have we learned since then?
(33:40) - Financial Planning Tuesday with Mark Schaffer of AAG.
(0:10) - Wall Street is awaiting testimony from Fed Chair Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. What will be their outlook on the economy the rest of the year?
(13:52) - What is the likelihood Biden will be able to pass an infrastructure bill? And what is he looking to include in such a deal?
(24:52) - Record-low housing inventory continues to boost the prices of homes. Will this continue throughout the rest of the Spring?
(33:08) - Steve DiFillippo of Davio's checked in to discuss the restaurant industry's recovery from the pandemic.
(0:10) - A look at the economy's outlook during its recovery over the next six to twelve months.
(12:54) - Matt Phillips of The New York Times on how some are using stimulus checks to buy stocks.
(22:10) - What is the likelihood we see a digital dollar from the Fed?
(32:36) - Stack Roulette
(0:10) - The tech-heavy Nasdaq is jumping to kick off the week. Astrazeneca's Covid-19 vaccine proved 79% effective.
(13:22) - A discussion on the bond market and how the bond-market rout is dealing a particular blow to investors’ bets on the safest U.S. companies.
(23:57) - A new report that China is planning to restrict the use of Tesla's cars by military staff and employee's of key state-owned companies.
(34:02) - A surplus of new realtors is causing issues with low housing inventory.
(0:10) - Details of the NFL's new TV, including Amazon's significant investment.
(14:45) - Is there a profitable future in grocery delivery from the likes of Uber Eats and DoorDash?
(22:44) - Grocery talk continued. Plus, the future of hybrid offices.
(34:50) - Paul LaMonica of CNNBusiness on Take-Two Interactive.
(0:10) - Fears of inflation continue to stir markets, causing more volatility in the tech sector.
(13:38) - President Biden's administration held their first discussions with China in Alaska...and it didn't go very well.
(24:54) - Americans spending more on "normal" items like travel.
(34:55) - Why is Europe struggling so much with the vaccination process?
(0:10) - The IRS has announced a push back of Tax Day...Retail investors see the tiny companies as the next big opportunity after meme stocks and cryptocurrency. But shares are an easy target for fraud.
(17:10) - Penny stock trading trend discussion continued.
(22:15) - Disney parks reopening its parks on April 30...new Apple iPad?
(32:30) - Stack roulette
(0:10) - A recap of Fed Chair Jerome Powell's speech and his stance on the economy moving forward.
(13:21) - More on the Fed's projections and the latest jobless claims data.
(31:45) - What to expect from the meeting in Alaska between the U.S. and China.
(37:50) - Has gasoline demand peaked?
(0:10) - Uber grants U.K. drivers employment status...Honda & Toyota halt production due to chip shortage.
(13:05) - Apple scores legal win in France
(22:45) - Commodities prices hit the housing market hard.
(33:52) - Chuck's worst nightmare: drones.
(0:10) - Markets are eagerly waiting for comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell at the end of the Fed's meeting.
(14:30) - Were airline bailouts really needed?
(22:18) - Ask Todd Lutsky
(0:10) - What will the Federal Reserve do over the coming months during economic recovery?
(13:58) - OxyContin owner increases settlement offer to over $4 billion...Elon Musk the "Technoking of Tesla"
(22:06) - Electric cars and SPACs vs the "dot com bubble"...will President Biden be able to move forward with his infrastructure package?
{32:48) - Mark Schaffer of AAG for "Financial Planning Tuesday"
(0:10) - Markets are reacting to retail sales and a preview of the Fed's meeting.
(14:10) - Ema David of AAG runs through February's retail sales and discusses what contributed to the drop. Travel industry picking up steam.
(20:48) - Wall Street Watch...AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine suspended in some EU countries...Housing boom and inventory levels
(34:18) - Zach Wichter of Bankrate.com on housing and relocation survey