Lagniappe

A sweeping Democratic victory may have reshaped the political landscape, but what does it mean for investors? This week, Greg and Doug Stokes break down the election results, Wall Street's volatile reaction, and the sectors that could emerge as winners and losers. Key Takeaways 00:01 - The Democratic wave and election surprises 03:15 - Wall Street reacts to the election results 05:39 - Market vola...

Big Tech is taking a hit, but the broader market is holding its ground. This week on the Lagniappe Podcast, Greg and Doug Stokes examine the latest earnings disappointments among major tech companies, the changing influence of the Magnificent Seven, and why recent market volatility could present opportunities for long-term investors. The brothers also discuss the increasingly attractive risk-rewar...

With midterm elections approaching, Greg and Doug examine the forces shaping financial markets, from shifting political expectations and falling Treasury yields, to concerns surrounding AI investment. They explore how oil exports from the Persian Gulf have surpassed prewar levels despite ongoing conflict, and why rising energy costs could weigh on economic growth even as interest rates decline.&nb...

This week on the Lagniappe Podcast, Doug and Greg Stokes unpack what's really driving higher Treasury yields, and why stronger economic growth, rather than runaway inflation, may be the bigger story. They explore the resilience of the U.S. dollar, the relationship between bond yields and long-term returns, and how rising diesel prices could complicate the inflation outlook. Plus, the guys discuss...

Markets are knocking on the door of record highs even as the latest jobs report shows signs of a cooling labor market. Greg and Doug unpack why bad economic news can sometimes be good news for stocks, what’s keeping long-term interest rates elevated, and why today’s higher bond yields change the risk-reward equation for investors.  They also look at improving oil flows through the Strait of H...

Interest rates are climbing, but the market doesn’t seem particularly bothered. Greg and Doug dig into why the 10-year Treasury has pushed above 5%, arguing that stronger economic growth, persistent inflation, and the massive AI infrastructure buildout may be doing more to drive rates than fears about U.S. debt. They also look at the relationship between Iran, oil prices and inflation; why higher...

The Fed is hiking again, bond yields are back above 5%, and inflation remains stubborn, but the economy and consumer continue to show surprising strength. Greg and Doug break down what the latest rate move means for markets, how the Iran conflict and massive infrastructure spending are pushing prices higher, and why retail sales and employment data don’t look particularly recessionary. Then they t...

Doug and Greg break down a surprisingly strong jobs report and why good economic news can sometimes be bad news for markets when it raises the prospect of higher interest rates. They discuss the massive investment fueling the AI infrastructure boom, its impact on inflation and the bond market, and why Americans remain pessimistic about the economy despite strong employment and record markets. They...

Markets are digesting shifting expectations for the Federal Reserve, stubbornly high interest rates, and continued uncertainty surrounding Iran. Doug and Greg discuss why government debt, not 5% interest rates, may be the bigger concern, how higher yields are changing the bond market, and why geopolitical tensions haven't derailed stocks. Plus, they look at what prediction markets are saying about...

Louisiana is having an economic moment. Doug and Greg talk about the massive new SpaceX investment and why it could be one of the biggest development wins in state history. Then, they turn to the markets, where Nvidia’s staggering growth and continued AI infrastructure spending are showing few signs of slowing down. The guys also discuss why today’s AI boom looks fundamentally different from the s...

Doug and Greg discuss rising Treasury yields, America’s growing debt load, the wild financials surrounding the LA Dodgers, and why the U.S. consumer and labor market may be much stronger than the prevailing economic narrative suggests. Key Takeaways 00:17 — Rising interest rates & the bond market 03:51 — The reality of America’s $40 Trillion debt 08:00 — Why investors don’t want to own bonds 11:10...

Markets are hitting new highs, corporate earnings are growing rapidly and inflation continues to cool. Doug and Greg discuss why the economic backdrop remains strong and why today’s market looks very different from the tech bubble of the late 1990s. They also dig into the very different ways Americans are experiencing inflation, from homeowners with low-rate mortgages to buyers facing today’s borr...

This week on the Lagniappe Podcast, Doug and Greg break down an unusual economic picture: job growth has stalled, interest rates remain elevated, and inflation continues to complicate the Fed’s next move — yet corporate earnings and the stock market remain surprisingly strong. They discuss why bad news for the labor market can sometimes be good news for stocks, how lower rates could unlock pent-up...

Doug and Greg discuss one of the market's most volatile weeks in recent memory. After a sharp selloff following the Fed's decision to hold rates steady while signaling a more hawkish outlook, markets rebounded dramatically thanks to blockbuster earnings from Microsoft and encouraging AI-related results. The guys explore why individual stock volatility remains unusually high, why the broader market...

Markets took a breather this week as investors weighed escalating tensions in the Middle East against another strong round of Big Tech earnings. Doug and Greg discuss why AI spending is starting to be questioned, what history teaches us about speculative IPOs like SpaceX, how rising oil prices and interest rates are impacting markets, and why maintaining a long-term investment perspective matters...

This week's Lagniappe podcast explores a market that continues to trade in a holding pattern. Greg and Doug discuss why easing inflation has helped calm markets, how strong bank earnings are setting an optimistic tone, and why small- and mid-cap stocks continue to outperform as demand for AI infrastructure fuels growth across the broader economy. The guys also recap an exciting FIFA World Cup semi...

Greg and Doug discuss why markets are stuck in a holding pattern despite a strong first half of the year. They break down the three catalysts investors should be watching, corporate earnings, Federal Reserve policy, and the upcoming midterm elections, while exploring how AI infrastructure spending and geopolitical tensions are influencing inflation and interest rates. The episode wraps up with Wim...

As we head into the 4th of July weekend, Greg and Doug Stokes take a moment to express their gratitude and pride as Americans. They look at Meta following SpaceX’s data center strategy, the healthy broadening of the market, and why the U.S. offers an unparalleled risk capital environment, fueling innovation and economic growth. Key Takeaways [00:17] - Why we’re grateful to be American [03:41] - Me...

Greg and Doug Stokes analyze recent market volatility, looking at sector rotation and earnings expectations. They also break down why you can’t trust predictions on oil prices and how GLP-1 drugs could reshape our outlook on health, investment strategies, and the future of the economy. Key Takeaways [00:17] - Volatility under the surface [03:45] - Google's inclusion in the Dow [07:05] - You can’t...

Now that the United States and Iran have agreed to a memorandum of understanding, Doug and Greg break down what that means moving forward when it comes to the markets, oil prices, Fed moves, and defense.  Key Takeaways [00:17] - The US-Iran MOU [04:06] - Defense tech and what we’ve learned from the Iran War [10:43] - What’s driving the market next? [15:15] - The midterm effect View Transcript Conn...

It’s SpaceX IPO week! Greg and Doug discuss that opening, then dive into recent market volatility and why it’s historically normal. They’ll also talk about Elon’s big bet on space and how this burst of technological innovation is affecting defense, work efficiency, the economy, and our everyday lives. Key Takeaways [00:17] - Understanding the recent market correction with historical context [05:50...

Greg and Doug give an update on Iran as truce negotiations continue. They’ll explore the impact on global markets and the US economy's resilience. The guys also discuss the ongoing, massive reindustrialization centered around AI and the potential long-term deflationary effects of these technological advancements. Key Takeaways [00:17] - An update on Iran [04:07] - US market resilience [06:52] - AI...

Greg and Doug Stokes analyze the recent market surge, IPO frenzy, and the implications of AI and tech stocks. They discuss upcoming IPOs like Cerebris and SpaceX, market bubble concerns, and insights from market experts like Michael Burry and Jeffrey Gunlock. Key Takeaways [00:17] - The AI IPO frenzy has begun [07:27] - Are bubble concerns unwarranted? [09:35] - The prediction charlatans are back...

The market has shifted its story from the Iran conflict to the AI wave. How big and profitable can it be, and will companies grow into their lofty valuations? Greg and Doug break it all down and optimistically explain how this AI surge has brought back American manufacturing dominance.  Key Takeaways [00:16] - Our weekly Iran and AI updates [02:47] - Surprising, reemerging winners of the AI race [...

Before they head out to Jazz Fest, Doug and Greg analyze why the market continues to shrug off the Iran conflict, relate AI to this generation’s railroad construction, and praise the economic and technological prowess of the United States.  Key Takeaways [00:17] - Come see us at Jazz Fest [01:21] - Why the market doesn’t care about Iran [04:38] - AI is the real deal [07:22] - Tech’s historic capit...