The W.I.P.

A short message from Walter to say happy New Year and to preview some of the exciting content on The W.I.P. in 2026.

This week we drop a quarterly market outlook where I discuss Q4 talking points such as a possible AI bubble, Delayed Government Data, and the outlook for 2026.

A bidding war is taking place in Hollywood. Why is Warner Bros Discovery in demand? Major changes are coming in how the government approaches financial regulation and stability. How will these changes impact our financial system? Finally, the Fed had its final meeting of the year. What insight did they give on interest rate policy for 2026?

Amazon is considering ending its contract with the United States Postal Service and building out its own competing nationwide delivery network. How big a player is Amazon in parcel deliveries? Meta just poached an executive from another Mega Caps tech company. Why is this hire a big deal in big tech? Finally, the year end stock market phenomenon known as the Santa Claus rally is being closely watc...

The holiday week ended with a trading outage. Why do these stoppages happen? Prediction markets are becoming popular in American. What are prediction markets? Finally, Black Friday is here. How is the US consumer feeling going into the year’s biggest shopping season?

Some relief could be coming to your grocery budget. Where could you see prices move lower? Jobs data withheld due to the government shutdown is slowly rolling in. Why is that information making it harder for the Fed to make a decision on rates? Finally, Nvidia released earnings this week. What message did their report send about AI investment?

New retirement plan limits for next year have been revealed. How much can you save in 2026? Stock market volatility returned this week. Why are investors seeing more movement in stocks? Finally, this week’s questions asks about older investors and increased risk.

Tesla awarded Elon Musk with new pay package. Why are the details worth noting? Private companies supplied employment data for October. What did the numbers say about the health of the labor market? Finally, the current government shutdown is delaying the release of crucial economic data. How does the Fed make decisions in a data vacuum?

Hershey Company announced earnings. Why could their results spook investors? Investors had a range of reactions to Big Techs quarterly results. Who offered more tricks than treats? Finally, the Fed met this week and discussed a potentially worrying sign for the economy. What is the Fed watching out for?

A war of words regarding trade between the US and China is escalating. Why is the conversation heating up? Investors bought stocks amid recent trade related volatility. What caused investors to buy the dip? Finally, Q3 earnings rolled in a big way this week. Who reported and why should you take note?

The back and forth about who should own the world’s favorite short-video app is nearly over. What are TikTok’s new investors actually buying? It is almost time for Corporate America to get its quarterly report card. Which results are worth paying attention to? Finally, the government shutdown is into week number two. How much does a shutdown actually impact the economy?

This week, we drop our third quarter market outlook with our guest, Jeff Wierenga. In our conversation, we discuss stocks and gold hitting new highs, the Fed’s policy decisions, as well as what you need to know regarding the one big beautiful bill.

Are 529 Plans the best choice to save for a child’s education? We discuss the options. What to do with extra cash, pay down debt or invest? We give you what to consider. 401(k) catch up contributions are different this year. How so, and what changes are coming soon?

A "third mandate" for The Federal Reserve is being discussed. What does this mean for investors? Kids are back in school and expenses are higher than last year. How are savvy parents preparing? Finally, the Fed cuts rates this week. Why are the Fed’s projections more important than their rate cut?

Inflation accelerated again last month. Where are consumers getting hit the hardest? Certain investors have concerns about crypto sneaking into their portfolio. Why should you be less worried? Finally, this week’s question asks if the 60/40 portfolio is dead. Is it?

Google’s antitrust ruling arrived this week. Who was the big winner? Changes are coming soon to Social Security. How is the retirement benefit changing? Finally, August’s jobs report was released today. What is the trend for the labor market?

The federal government is considering taking stakes in defense contractors. Why should investor be wary? Tariffs on India took effect this week. What goods will and won’t be impacted? Finally, Nvidia reported earnings this week. How is the AI bellwether performing?

Some very big retailers reported earnings this week. What did their quarterly updates say about the US consumer? Intel is luring new investors. Why is the chipmaker in the news? Finally, the Fed Chair gave his last keynote address at the Jackson Hole Symposium. How did markets react?

The cost of doing business is going up. Why should investors pay attention? Artificial Intelligence is moving at an accelerated rate. Where is AI headed? Finally, privatizing Fannie and Freddie is gaining steam. What does this mean for the housing market?

The Labor market is starting to show weakness. Why are Jobs causing Jitters? Tariffs on dozens of counties took effect this week. What comes next for ever shifting trade policy? Finally, this month’s question is about alternative assets in 401(k) Plans. Should alternatives be a part of your retirement?

Expectations for interest rate changed this week. Why do investors think decreases are less likely? Retirees should expect sticker shock on healthcare costs in retirement. How can you prepare for the looming expense? Finally, big tech is blowing away earnings expectations. Who is having a breakout quarter?

This week was dubbed “Crypto Week” in Washington. Who are the winners from the week’s legislation? June’s inflation data showed that prices increased by more than expected. After months of decreases, what is pushing prices higher? Finally, companies have started to report their second quarter earnings. Why might you be surprised by the results?

The deadline for tariffs has been pushed back again. Who are the winners and losers from the extension? WK Kellogg is being bought. Why is the cereal maker being acquired? Finally, financial planning is growing in demand. When should you start a financial plan?

Municipal Bonds are boldly going where they haven’t gone before. What is new with Munis? June’s jobs report put an end to a rate cut this month. Why is the Fed backing off cutting rates? Finally, the first six months of 2025 were volatile. How should investors view the market’s half-time performance?

This week we drop a quarterly market outlook. Our guest, Mario Bernardi, is currently an investment advisor who works with individuals, institutions, businesses, and not for profits. We discuss Q2 talking points such as volatility, the 10 Year Treasury, and domestic vs. international investing. Later on, we talk through how portfolio construction can mitigate risk.