Marc To Markets

Send us Fan Mail On this episode, I'm joined by Aaron Bates, Head of Bernstein's Ultra-High-Net-Worth practice. We discuss some of the key findings from his team's recent research study on how families think about wealth, as well as some of the more emotionally charged issues for wealthy families. Aaron discusses what he learned from speaking directly with UHNW families through the...

Send us Fan Mail Stock markets experienced meaningful volatility in the 1st quarter, but then recently closed with the S&P 500 hitting new record highs. It has been an eventful start to 2026 with much to cover. On this podcast I discuss:  The economic impact of the war in Iran  How AI is influencing the market and the economy Concerns in the private credit markets Performance of various asset...

Send us Fan Mail Globalization and global trade have been a top topic of discussion of late. In this episode I talk with Chris Brigham, a Senior Research Analyst at Bernstein, on their recent research piece Trading Places - The Future of Global Trade . We discuss the key findings of the research and if the current state of the Middle East and Iran impact his conclusions. We discuss how companies a...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode I'm joined by Roosevelt Bowman, Senior Investment Strategist at Bernstein. Market volatility materially increased this week as war returned to the Middle East. We cover the four big issues in the market today: 1) The Iran war and oil prices 2) The private credit markets 3) AI's impact on the economy and stock market 4) The new nomination of a new chair of...

Send us Fan Mail 2025 was a successful year for investors, even with a heightened degree of uncertainty. On this episode, some of the topics I covered include:  Performance across various asset classes in 2025 The outlook for 2026 The state of the economy including data on employment, inflation, and interest rates The debate about if we are in a “bubble” and how AI and technology figure into our t...

Send us Fan Mail We kick off Season 11 of Marc to Markets with Rick Meyers, Bernstein's Head of Client and Advisory Practice. On this episode we discuss: How the wealth management industry has changed over time and the impact it has had on investors. The differences in investing and the capital markets now versus in the past. The effect of AI on financial planning and advice. The changing nat...

Send us Fan Mail Many investors have questions about IRAs and Roth IRAs as we approach year-end. On this episode I am joined by Andrew Bishop, a Senior Wealth Strategist at Bernstein. We start with the basics on contribution limits, then dive into the impact of the one big beautiful bill act (OBBBA) on retirement planning, the math around Roth IRA conversions, and then get into some of the complex...

Send us Fan Mail During the third quarter, the stock market continued to rally upon the backdrop of data points and events ranging from weakening labor markets and a government shutdown, to improving corporate profitability and a more accommodative federal reserve. It makes for an incredibly interesting time to review markets and economies.  On this podcast, some of the topics I cover include: Sto...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode I'm joined by frequent guest Roosevelt Bowman, Senior Investment Strategist at Bernstein. We discuss the recently released economic data on jobs and inflation. We cover what this data means for the economy, the stock market, and bonds. We discuss the impact of the AI trade on the stock market and how to think opportunistically even with markets at all-time hig...

Send us Fan Mail It was a volatile 2nd quarter with markets falling sharply after Liberation Day, only to be followed by a historic turnaround which brought markets to new all-time highs. And now as we enter earning seasons, will the data on the first half of the year be indicative of the path forward? Topics I cover:  Performance of markets through the first half of the year, including the large...

Send us Fan Mail A common question today is how best to invest during a period of high volatility. One of the most common approaches is dollar-cost-averaging. On this episode, I dig into the topic with Chris Brigham, a Senior Research Analyst at Bernstein. His team recently updated their research on this approach. We discuss the pros and cons, who it works best for, how to implement and how to cus...

Send us Fan Mail On this podcast I cover the recent volatility in the market. We discuss everything including today's market moves as they occured. Among the topics covered: The recent market volatility and the reasons behind it. The impact of tariff policy on markets, the economy, and global trade A broad look at performance beyond just the S&P 500. This includes International and Emergi...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode I'm joined by Matt Norton, the Chief Investment Officer for Municipal Investing at Bernstein.  Matt and I discuss the importance of municipal bonds in an investment strategy. Among the topics we discuss: The pros and cons of a buy and hold strategy, the importance of credit research, how Matt's team uses AI and data science, the outlook for interest rates...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode I review markets in 2024 and share the outlook for 2025. Topics include: The state of the economy  Our outlook for interest rates and fed policy What election results mean for the economy, markets, and tax policy The potential collision course between the bond market, the fed, and proposed policies AIs impact on the stock market and current valuation levels This ep...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode I'm joined by Anne Bucciarelli, a Director in Bernstein's Wealth Strategies Group, who focuses on Family Engagement within the Ultra-High Net Worth space. Anne and I discuss her team's recently released research piece "Wealth Beyond Measure". The research sits at the intersection of wealth, business, and family. Anne's team interviewed...

Send us Fan Mail The stock and bond markets continued to rally through the 3rd quarter. Investors are excited about the growth of their portfolios and also nervous about the future. For the first time in years, the Fed has cut interest rates. Topics covered include:  the impact of elections on markets under various scenarios, the performance of stock and bond markets, how to think about bonds and...

Send us Fan Mail Earlier this month I was joined in New York City for a lunch and learn with Chris Cillizza, the author of the book Power Players: Sports, Politics, and the American Presidency.   This episode is the recording of that discussion. Chris talks about various President's unique relationship with sports and the insights you can gain into understanding their Presidency through looki...

Send us Fan Mail How risky is the national debt? What's the different between the deficit and the national debt? How long until the debt becomes a problem? What can we do about it? Are the solutions only political? As an investor, how does the increase in the national debt impact how you allocate capital today? I dig into all of these questions and more with Chris Brigham, a Senior Research A...

Send us Fan Mail The first half of the year was largely very productive for investors. Stocks reached new highs while bonds held steady with yields as high as we have seen in over a  decade. I’ll cover the following topics and more:   The performance of stock and bonds markets year-to-date; The outlook for inflation, the fed, and interest rates; What is driving the stock market higher and how to t...

Send us Fan Mail On this episode I'm joined by Roosevelt Bowman, Senior Investment Strategist at Bernstein.  Roosevelt and I discuss all the hot topics in the markets today: Fed policy, inflation and interest rates, the outlook for the stock market, S&P 500 concentration, and how to be opportunistic.  With any questions or comments, or to discuss your own financial situation, I can be rea...

Send us Fan Mail The importance of creating a financial plan, in which care for a loved one is paramount, is critical for many investors. In some cases, these plans include creating a Special Needs Trust ("SNT") as well as maximizing government assistance from Social Security and Medicaid. On this episode we dive deep into this important topic with Ashley Velategui, a Director in Bernste...

Send us Fan Mail The first quarter was terrific for stocks, but just two weeks into April that may already feel like a distant memory. As  discussed in my last quarterly update, the fed and interest rates were the focus to start the year. And while the delay in interest rate cuts came as a surprise to most market participants, it was in line with my outlook last quarter. Topics covered in this epi...

Send us Fan Mail Everywhere you look people are talking about Artificial Intelligence (AI). How will AI change the world? Will AI put millions of people out of work? Will AI mean a stock market boom or the end of many companies as we know them? Why is AI powering the S&P 500 gains of the past 6 months and is it sustainable? I dig into all of these questions and more with Chris Brigham, a Senio...

Send us Fan Mail As we get closer to April 15th taxes take center stage. On this episode I walk you through all the reporting information to pass along to your accountant or tax preparer. I cover when reports will be released, which reports to use, which reports are best for each account type and need.  With any questions or comments, or to discuss your own financial situation, I can be reached at...

Send us Fan Mail 2023 was an interesting year for stocks. Commonly held worries about inflation and a slowing economy were proven incorrect. After 3 quarters of middling returns for stocks and negative returns for bonds, 4th quarter was a period of enormous gains for investors across all asset classes. On this episode I cover 2023 with a focus on 4th quarter and provide the outlook for where go fr...