Life in the Markets

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...

Markets have declined for a third straight week as rising oil prices and renewed inflation fears dominate headlines. But the actual pullback remains relatively modest. While many might brace for a larger sell-off, the data tells a more measured story, with pockets of opportunity emerging. In this update, we break down what’s really driving the markets, and how to think wisely in the midst of uncer...

Oil prices have surged amid the conflict with Iran, driving volatility higher across global markets. Yet despite the uncertainty, and oil nearing $100 a barrel, stocks have remained surprisingly resilient. In this update, we discuss what the market’s reaction may be telling us and what risks investors should still be watching. Visit the Show Notes page. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to The Stewardolo...

Markets are facing new pressure as the conflict with Iran disrupts global oil supplies and a weaker-than-expected jobs report raises economic questions. Despite the uncertainty, the market has shown surprising resilience so far in 2026. In this week’s update, we break down what’s happening and how Christians can maintain hope and perspective in uncertain times. Visit the Show Notes page. Watch on...

The first two months of 2026 have been anything but quiet. From Supreme Court tariff rulings to rising inflation and the U.S.–Israel strike on Iran, global events are creating fresh uncertainty in the markets. In this update, we break down what’s actually driving market performance so far this year—and how investors should think biblically and strategically during turbulent times. Visit the Show N...

Artificial intelligence is driving massive investment, but it faces a critical bottleneck: energy. With data centers projected to require far more power than is currently scheduled to come online, the AI boom may collide with real-world infrastructure limits. In this update, we explore the AI power gap, market implications, and how Christians should think wisely about emerging technology. Visit th...

This episode explores the growing shift in the markets from large-cap growth stocks toward smaller-cap, value-oriented companies. We break down recent performance across stocks, bonds, commodities, and crypto, and explain why broader market participation may be a healthier sign for investors. We also offer a timely reminder on stewardship, volatility, and where true financial confidence should (an...

How can investing actually make the world a better place? In this episode, we explore the biblical call to invest, how capital fuels human flourishing, and why aligning your faith with your investments matters more than you might think. Visit the Show Notes page. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to The Stewardology Podcast Purchase Tim's Book, The Good Steward Visit TheLifeGroup.org The topics disc...

What if investing is about more than money? In this episode of Life in the Markets , we explore a biblical call to invest, tracing God’s design from the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem. Discover how work, capital, and stewardship fit into God’s plan for human flourishing and His glory. Visit the Show Notes page. Watch on YouTube Subscribe to The Stewardology Podcast Purchase Tim's Book, T...

This week on Life in the Markets , we unpack a relatively quiet week for stocks, key economic data on jobs and mortgage rates, and a record move in gold prices. We also explore the renewed debate around capping credit card interest rates, examining the issue through historical, economic, and biblical perspectives. Finally, we look ahead at how today’s AI-driven market compares to the Dot-Com bubbl...

In this market update, Tim Russell and Stephen Rohrer review the major economic, policy, and market developments that shaped 2025, including inflation, tariffs, jobs, and performance across stocks, bonds, real estate, and international markets. They also look ahead to 2026, discussing potential risks and opportunities related to AI, gold and silver, and important tax considerations for investors....

The “warmth of collectivism” sounds appealing, until reality sets in. From Venezuela’s collapse to early warning signs here at home, we examine how ideology shapes economies, why markets always respond, and why Christians should care. Scripture, history, and economics all point to the same conclusion, making these lessons timely, uncomfortable, and impossible to ignore. Watch on YouTube Subscribe...