Stacking Up

Chris Harris examines whether the U.S. economy is overheating amid strong GDP, robust business investment (especially in AI and data centers), low unemployment, and persistent inflation above the Fed’s 2% target. The episode explores implications for the Fed’s policy path, longer-term Treasury yields, and how sustained higher rates could affect stocks, bonds, real estate, and investor strategy—plu...

Chris Harris breaks down why recent spikes in long-term Treasury yields matter and how they change the investing landscape. He explains the drivers behind higher 10-year rates—inflation expectations, real rates, and term premium—and what that means for stocks, bonds, and commercial real estate. The episode focuses on real estate implications: rising hurdle rates, pressure on valuations, and why ne...

Chris Harris breaks down why rising real interest rates matter more than many investors realize, explaining nominal vs. real yields, the role of the 10‑year Treasury, and how Fed policy, energy prices, and government debt are keeping rates elevated. He explores the impact on stocks, mortgages, and borrowing costs, why bonds are a competitive income option again, and how disciplined diversification...

Chris Harris breaks down the AI boom beyond chatbots, explaining the physical supply chain—semiconductors, GPUs, data centers, cooling systems, and electricity—that powers large language models and everyday inference. He covers training vs. inference, how efficiency could increase overall demand (Jevons paradox), valuation and profitability challenges for investors, and why a diversified, ecosyste...

Chris Harris explains how cash fits into an investment plan, why $7.9–8 trillion sits in money market funds, and how inflation, taxes, and reinvestment risk can quietly erode purchasing power. He outlines practical roles for cash (emergencies, short-term spending, portfolio liquidity), warns against timing the market, and offers a simple framework for deciding how much cash to hold while keeping a...

Chris Harris breaks down recent moves in the US dollar, gold, and Bitcoin, explaining why headlines about collapse or dominance can be misleading. He covers the "debasement trade," the factors behind the dollar's rebound (Fed policy, a weak yen, and geopolitics), and why gold and Bitcoin have swung so dramatically. The episode focuses on practical investing: what each asset can and cannot do in a...

Chris Harris breaks down why markets reached new highs in the first half of 2026 despite war with Iran, oil-driven inflation, AI concerns, and a busy IPO market. He explains that rising corporate earnings, diversified gains across asset classes, and the business cycle—not headlines—drove returns, while urging disciplined planning, the risks of sitting in cash, and why volatility is normal.

Chris Harris unpacks the contradiction at the heart of today’s economy: consumer sentiment is near record lows even as retail spending and household net worth remain high. He explains the K-shaped recovery, rising debt and low saving rates, and how jobs, wages, and asset gains support ongoing consumption despite persistent inflation. For investors, the takeaway is to focus on long-term trends and...

Chris Harris breaks down the big market stories: the preliminary US–Iran peace agreement and its impact on oil, inflation, and interest rates, plus the surge in high-profile IPOs highlighted by SpaceX. He explains why markets remain resilient, why investors should focus on fundamentals and diversification, and offers practical advice for avoiding headline-driven, emotional decisions.

Chris Harris reviews May 2026’s big market moves: stocks hit new all‑time highs, bond yields climbed amid hotter inflation data, and Kevin Warsh took over as Fed chair against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions in Iran. He breaks down why rates matter, how earnings and valuation interact, and offers practical investor guidance — stay diversified, focus on long‑term goals, and avoid emotional re...

Host Chris Harris breaks down advanced estate planning and wealth transfer techniques every family should consider, from trusts and gifting strategies to business succession and charitable planning. The episode covers three essential questions—what assets transfer, who receives them, and when transfers should occur—plus practical tools like GRATs, CRTs, family limited partnerships, and dynasty tru...

This episode explains who new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh is, his policy leanings, and why his leadership matters for monetary policy and market expectations. It also breaks down the importance of the 10-year Treasury, recent yield moves, inflation drivers like the Iran conflict, and what investors should watch next.

Chris Harris breaks down why markets keep hitting record highs despite inflation, geopolitical tensions with Iran, shifting tariff policies, and rising oil prices. He explains the growing dominance of macroeconomic forces, the evolving role of OPEC, and how behavioral finance, diversification, and long-term discipline help investors navigate short-term volatility.

This episode examines popular seasonal investing ideas—like "sell in May," the January effect, and the Santa Claus rally—and asks whether these patterns are real or just noise. Using historical data and behavioral finance insights, the host explains why calendar-based timing often fails, how markets evolve, and why long-term fundamentals, diversification, and staying invested usually matter more t...

Chris Harris breaks down April’s surprising market rebound, explaining how stocks surged despite geopolitical tensions, higher oil prices, and uncertainty around the Federal Reserve. Key data covered: S&P 500 up ~10%, NASDAQ and small caps posted larger gains, volatility fell, and oil and inflation risks remain elevated. Takeaways: markets can recover quickly in uncertain times, avoid market t...

Chris Harris explains why recent headlines make markets feel fragile but that this uncertainty is normal during bull markets. He walks through the rise since late 2022, why markets follow earnings and expectations, and why trying to time short-term moves often harms long-term returns. Key takeaways: expect volatility, stay diversified, watch oil, labor, and AI risks, and keep your portfolio aligne...

Chris Harris breaks down current housing market data—rising 30-year mortgage rates, scarce existing-home supply as owners stay locked into low rates, and mixed signals from builders and price indices. He explains how affordability, new construction, and the wealth effect interact and what that means for the broader economy and individual financial plans. This episode gives a concise look at what b...

In this episode, Chris Harris walks through Medicare basics and dives into IRMAA surcharges—one of the most overlooked costs in retirement planning. Learn how income impacts your premiums and strategies to help keep more of your money working for you.

In this episode, Chris Harris covers how the U.S.–Iran conflict is impacting markets, primarily through rising energy prices. While higher oil prices have pushed inflation up, core inflation remains stable—suggesting the impact may be temporary if conditions improve. The job market is slowing, with weaker job growth and lower workforce participation, though unemployment remains steady. Despite thi...

Chris Harris breaks down Q1 market and economic highlights, covering the impact of the Middle East conflict on oil prices, quarterly returns for major indexes, inflation and interest-rate snapshots, and shifts in the labor market. He discusses how energy-driven supply shocks, trade policy changes, and upcoming Fed and political events could influence the rest of the year, and stresses the value of...

Chris Harris breaks down how rising gas and diesel prices—fueled by geopolitical tensions—are squeezing household budgets, raising costs for goods, and pushing headline inflation higher. He explains what this means for the Fed’s rate decisions, investor expectations, and long-term portfolios, and offers a clear case for staying invested with a well-constructed financial plan.

On this episode Chris Harris breaks down the Fed's decision to hold rates steady, the market impact of escalating tensions in Iran and rising oil prices, and how those shocks are driving sector-level volatility. We also explore the growing debate around AI's impact on tech and SaaS businesses, the recent rotation into energy and defensive sectors, and simple takeaways on portfolio diversification...

Host Chris Harris examines how the conflict in Iran and shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz have driven oil from roughly $70 to around $100 per barrel, creating market volatility and renewed stagflation concerns. The episode explains the supply-driven (cost-push) effects on gasoline and consumer prices, the potential Fed response on interest rates, and how U.S. shale production and diversified...

Chris Harris breaks down the Federal Reserve's Jackson Hole signal that interest-rate cuts may be near and explains what that could mean for stocks, bonds, inflation, and jobs. He reviews corporate yields, market confidence, tariff-driven risks, and cooling payrolls, and emphasizes a disciplined, long-term asset-allocation approach over trying to time the market.

In this episode of the Stacking Up Podcast, host Chris Harris delves into a significant piece of legislation recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump. Dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill," this new tax and spending package is examined for its comprehensive changes and long-term planning benefits it offers taxpayers. Chris provides an overview of the bill’s major components...