Life in the Markets

Last week, the 10-year Treasury yield hit its highest level since 2007, yet most major stock indices still finished the week higher. In this week's update, we break down what's pushing bond yields up, why the move may not be as alarming as the headline suggests, and why we're keeping a close eye on the cost of the AI buildout. Watch the video or read the full article to see what it...

The Fed raised rates this week, and the bond market barely blinked. The 10-year Treasury briefly crossed 5% for the first time since 2007 before settling at 4.991%, but yields stayed remarkably flat, a far cry from the wild ride of 2022 and 2023. This week we explain why the percentage change matters more than the basis points, and why bonds may finally be getting back to being the boring, steady...

This week brought a strong jobs report, a hotter-than-expected core CPI, and housing affordability slipping further out of reach. But underneath the headline numbers is a quieter trend worth our attention: men's employment has gone flat while women's has climbed, and the marriage data suggests that shift reaches well beyond anyone's portfolio. Visit the Show Notes page. Watch on You...

Kevin Warsh gave his first Jackson Hole speech as Fed chairman on Friday, and while he never said the words "rate hike," traders heard them anyway. Odds of a September increase jumped from 35% to 62% by the afternoon. We also look at a new Venezuela oil deal, Nvidia's blowout quarter, and why the jobs report this Friday may matter more than anything Warsh said. Visit the Show Notes...

The national debt crossed $40 trillion this week, and it took just four and a half years to add the last $10 trillion of it. Meanwhile, the Fed and the Treasury spent the week moving in opposite directions on bond rates... One willing to let them rise to bring inflation down, the other buying bonds to push rates lower. Here's what that means for the overall markets. Visit the Show Notes page....

Inflation is finally cooling, but why doesn't 3.4% feel like it? This week we break down what's really driving the numbers, why bankruptcies are quietly climbing even as the S&P 500 hits new highs, and what a wave of trillion-dollar IPOs (including Anthropic's) might be telling us about where this market is headed.  Visit the Show Notes page. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to The St...

The market is hitting new record highs, and there are plenty of reasons for investors to feel encouraged, from strong earnings to a resilient job market. But beneath the headlines, there are also some important risks and questions worth considering. In this week’s market update, we look at both the good news and what investors should keep in mind as we move forward. Visit the Show Notes page. Watc...

July brought a mix of market strength, economic uncertainty, and growing questions about the Federal Reserve’s next move. In our latest market update, Tim Russell, CFP® breaks down what happened in the markets, what key data points investors are watching, and what could shape the months ahead. Visit the Show Notes page. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to The Stewardology Podcast Purchase Tim's Boo...

JULY 27, 2026 - The AI boom is no longer just happening on our screens, it’s reshaping the physical world around us. From massive data centers to billions in infrastructure investment, discover what this transformation means for markets, communities, and the future of technology. Visit the Show Notes page. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to The Stewardology Podcast Purchase Tim's Book, The Good St...

With the explosive growth of same-day options trading and betting-style investing, the line between disciplined investing and speculation is becoming increasingly blurred. In this week's Life in the Markets , we explore what's driving this trend, what it means for investors, and how Christians can approach the market with wisdom, patience, and biblical stewardship. Watch the episode belo...

For much of the past few years, the market has been defined by a small group of mega-cap technology companies. But a shift is taking place beneath the surface as more companies begin contributing to market gains. This week, we explore why broader market strength could be an encouraging sign for investors, along with the latest updates on inflation, oil, jobs, and housing. Visit the Show Notes page...

The first half of 2026 reminded investors that markets don't always follow the headlines. Despite geopolitical conflicts, inflation concerns, and AI fears, many stocks posted impressive gains. Here's what happened and what it means for your financial plan. Visit the Show Notes page. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to The Stewardology Podcast Purchase Tim's Book, The Good Steward Visit Th...

The S&P 500 fell nearly 2% this week. But beneath the surface, the equal-weight index actually had a better week. This week's market action, along with a sharp correction in South Korea's KOSPI, offers an important lesson about diversification, market concentration, and why looking beyond the biggest stocks matters for long-term investors. Visit the Show Notes page. Watch on YouTube...

Markets had plenty to digest during the shortened holiday week. From rising tensions in the Middle East to Kevin Warsh's first Federal Reserve meeting as Chair, several developments could shape investor expectations in the months ahead. This week's update explores what these events may mean for markets and why the Fed's new approach deserves attention. Visit the Show Notes page. Wat...

JUNE 15, 2026 - SpaceX launched its historic Initial Public Offering, making Elon Musk the first trillionaire. Join Tim Russell, CFP®, CKA®, as we explore five stewardship lessons from this landmark moment, along with a look at recent inflation trends shaping today’s economy. NOTE: Our office will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday as our team gathers for our annual staff retreat. Visit the Show...

After reaching a new all-time high, the market gave back its gains as investors reacted to surprisingly strong economic data. In this episode, we explain why positive employment numbers and a resilient economy can sometimes create concerns about inflation and future interest rate hikes. We'll also discuss why long-term investors shouldn't lose sight of the bigger picture. Visit the Show...

The market's rally continues, with the S&P 500 notching its ninth consecutive weekly gain and reaching new record highs. But beneath the optimism, inflation remains stubbornly elevated and uncertainty still looms. In this week's Life in the Markets, we unpack what's driving the surge, what's causing concern, and what long-term investors should be watching next. Visit the Sh...

Stocks recently had a softer session as markets continue to process mixed signals around inflation and energy costs. When inflation remains sticky, it shapes how investors and policymakers think about interest rates and future growth. In today’s update, we’ll walk through what’s moving the market and what it could mean for your financial decisions. Visit the Show Notes page. Watch on YouTube Subsc...

You've seen the headlines... recession fears, inflation warnings, and falling consumer confidence. But the latest economic data tells a more complicated story. This week, we break down what's actually happening so you can make wise financial decisions based on reality and wisdom, not fear. Visit the Show Notes page. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to The Stewardology Podcast Purchase Tim&apos...

Markets are recovering,  but are you positioned to weather the next unexpected storm? This week, Tim Russell, CFP® breaks down what Spirit Airlines' bankruptcy reveals about the financial blind spots most people don't see coming until it's too late. Tune in for practical stewardship lessons that could make the difference between a difficult season and financial collapse. Visit the S...

In this week's edition of Life in the Markets, Tim Russell unpacks recent headlines around another assassination attempt and rising inflation, and ask the deeper question: how much should we actually be concerned? Beyond the noise of the news cycle, we explore how believers can think clearly about markets, geopolitics, and fear-driven narratives. You’ll walk away with a grounded perspective o...

Markets hit record highs last week despite rising global tensions and uncertainty in the Middle East. In this episode, we break down what drove the surge, from cooling inflation data and strong bank earnings to falling oil prices, and what it means for investors. Plus, a reminder of why staying disciplined matters more than reacting to headlines. Visit the Show Notes page. Watch on YouTube Subscri...

Last week, the stock market surged while American consumer confidence cratered to its lowest level since the 1970s. Oil prices, inflation fears, and the ongoing fallout from the Iran conflict are leaving everyday Americans feeling the pinch, even as markets recovered. We'll break down what's really driving this disconnect, what the numbers actually mean for you, and why now is exactly th...

Markets moved cautiously last week as geopolitical tensions with Iran drove headlines and investor sentiment, while encouraging domestic economic data offered a measure of stability. In times of uncertainty, the temptation is to react to every headline, but wise investing is rooted in long-term discipline and steady conviction. This week’s update explores how believers can remain sober-minded inve...

Geopolitical conflict has rattled global markets, but uncertainty doesn’t have to derail your investment strategy. In this article, we break down what’s happening with oil, global energy supply, and the economy, and what it means for your portfolio. Learn how to stay disciplined, manage short-term risk, and position yourself for long-term opportunity. Visit the Show Notes page. Watch on YouTube Su...