Markets with Megan: A Quick Financial Markets Update

In this episode, Megan discusses the latest Consumer Price Index report and its potential ripple effects on the equity markets. Our host, Megan Horneman, the Chief Investment Officer at Verdence Capital Advisors, breaks down the August report, detailing the significant inflation increase due to rising energy prices, with a particular focus on how the core level experienced a rise even when volatil...

Today, Megan provides insights into the recent small business optimism survey. Unfortunately, optimism has seen a slight dip in August, affecting sentiment not only concerning the economic outlook but also expectations for earnings and higher sales. However, there's a significant and unexpected development in the survey - an increase in sentiment regarding higher selling prices. For the past...

Did you know that despite a volatile economy, household net worth has been able to bounce back to a record high? In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan dissects the recent data from the Federal Reserve Flow of Funds report, describing the financial health of households, corporations, and the government.  While net worth is on the upswing, consumers are leaning more on credit card debt and la...

Join Megan Horneman, our Chief Investment Officer, as she translates complex market trends into digestible insights. Megan dives into the ISM Services Report, an essential economic indicator due to the service sector's significant contribution to the US economy. Uncovering a significant rise in new orders and employment, as well as businesses clearing backlogs, Megan paints a picture of a rob...

Before you make a move, you need to listen closely. Megan Horneman, Chief Investment Officer for Verdence Capital Advisors, is about to decode the latest data from labor markets and consumer confidence. Yes, those job postings have seen a plunge since the pandemic’s end, and the disparity between available and hard-to-get jobs is widening, suggesting a waning labor market. You would appreciate tha...

Our Chief Investment Officer, Megan Horneman, breaks down the implications of the recent Federal Reserve symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Megan dissects the Fed's cautious stance on raising rates, their unyielding commitment to the 2% inflation target, and the market's positive response to these comments. Gain insights on the potential scenarios for future rate hikes and the effect of...

Imagine the impact of an unexpected $100 billion loss! That's the shocking number that retail shrinkage, or unaccounted inventory loss, racks up annually according to a recent National Retail Federation survey. As theft becomes a growing issue, Chief Investment Officer Megan Horneman of Verdence Capital Advisors pulls back the curtain on the daunting situation that retailers, already operatin...

Megan discusses two crucial housing indicators: existing home sales and new home sales, providing observations that shed light on the current market trends. The episode opens with a focus on existing home sales, which took an unexpected downturn, plummeting to their lowest level since January. Megan attributes this decline to the surge in interest rates, with mortgage rates reaching a peak not wit...

Megan highlights the recent escalation in jobless claims and continuing claims, both displaying notable increments compared to the prior week. The spotlight then shifts to the substantial surge in the Philly Fed Index. This index serves as a gauge for manufacturing activity within the Philadelphia region and has exhibited its most noteworthy monthly upswing since June 2020. The positive report is...

In this episode with Megan Horneman, the Chief Investment Officer for Verdence Capital Advisors, discusses the diverse viewpoints of the FOMC committee on future economic and inflation trends. We unpack the July meeting minutes and dissect the reasons behind the split views in the committee regarding rate hikes and the persistent fretting over inflation.  Tune in as we highlight the three potentia...

Ready to unravel the mysteries of the latest retail sales report? Buckle up, as I take you on a journey beneath the surface of these whopping numbers. We'll reveal the unexpected winners and losers, with sectors like autos, furniture, and electronics not quite riding the wave. But wait till you hear about the explosive growth of internet sales — all thanks to Amazon's Prime Day! However,...

Megan delivers a comprehensive review and recap of the second quarter earnings season. With over 90 percent of S&P 500 companies having already reported their earnings, Megan highlights that an impressive 80 percent of them have exceeded estimates, surpassing the five-year average. Notably, earnings have surpassed initial estimates by a remarkable five to seven percent, a significant deviation...

Do you ever wonder how global events impact your wallet? Brace yourself for a deep dive into the murky, complex world of commodity markets. Join me, Megan Horneman, Chief Investment Officer at Verdence Capital Advisors, as we explore how the Russia-Ukraine war and Saudi Arabia's decision to extend production cuts are increasing pressure on the oil market, and consequently, your gas price. The...

Are you ready to truly understand the monthly jobs report and its impact on the equity market? By the end of this episode, you may have a whole new perspective. I'm Megan Horneman, Chief Investment Officer for Verdence Capital Advisors, and I'll be your guide as we navigate this seemingly 'just right' report. Today, we appreciate the decrease in the unemployment rate, celebrate...

Ever wonder how the uncelebrated ISM Service Report could impact your wallet? Well, curiosity is rewarded in this episode of Markets with Megan. Your host, Megan Horneman, is primed to illuminate the world of the service sector - an essential, yet often overlooked, part of our economy. Unpack the sector's importance and learn about the resilience it has shown in recent months. From medical to...

Imagine the enormity of our national defense spending, now imagine spending just as much on simply covering the cost of our debt. That's the stark reality facing the US economy, as Fitch downgrades US government debt from AAA to AA+. This week on 'Markets with Megan' we delve into the ramifications of this downgrade, the rising interest rates, and a slowing economy, all of which are...

Are we standing on the brink of a recession? Join us as our Chief Investment Officer, Megan Horneman, takes a deep dive into the ISM Manufacturing Index - an often overlooked but crucial economic indicator. With a compelling discussion on how the index has plunged into contraction territory for a concerning nine months, Megan highlights how this has historically signaled an impending recession. Li...

Ready to uncover some startling revelations about the U.S. economy? Join us as we welcome Megan Horneman, the Chief Investment Officer for Verdence Capital Advisors, in a riveting discussion about the Federal Reserve Senior Loan Officer Survey. Megan points to some concerning data, like the increasing number of banks tightening their lending standards for both large companies and small businesses...

Ever wondered what effect the return of federal student loan repayments could have on the economy? This episode of Markets with Megan Horneman, Chief Investment Officer for Verdance Capital Advisors, will make you sit up and take notice as she unpacks the potential ramifications of the resumption of these payments. You'll be engrossed as Megan explains how this could potentially expedite a re...

Get ready for an engaging week ahead as we prepare for the reports of about 150 companies in the S&P 500. With companies like Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, Visa, and even some energy companies like Exxon, this week promises to be a potential market mover. Keep an ear out for more updates as we continue to track the earnings season and its impact on the market. Have questions or comments? Reach ou...

What's the cost of Russia's decision to abandon the Black Sea Initiative deal with Ukraine? Take a deep dive into the repercussions with Chief Investment Officer, Megan Horneman, as we tackle the thorny issue in this episode of Markets with Megan. Brace yourself for an eye-opening discussion on the potential strain this move puts on Ukraine, one of the biggest exporters of grain, fertili...

Ready to navigate the intriguing twists and turns of the housing market? With Megan Horneman, our Chief Investment Officer at Verdence Capital Advisors, we step into the world of housing data, where things aren't always what they seem. Megan uncovers the reasons behind the rising trend in home builder sentiment, ignited by the shortage of existing homes available for sale. She explains why ho...

Have you ever contemplated the resilience of consumer spending in a slowing economy? Prepare to be enlightened as we explore this conundrum with Megan Horneman, our Chief Investment Officer. Megan takes us on a journey through the latest retail sales report for June, illuminating the surprising strength of consumer spending, particularly in discretionary items like furniture and electronics. She f...

This riveting episode features the keen insights of Megan Horneman, Chief Investment Officer for Verdence Capital Advisors. Brace yourselves as we dive headfirst into the rollercoaster ride known as the earnings season. Sure, the financial sector has outperformed expectations, but Megan cautions us that there's more lurking beneath the surface.  Ever wondered what Citigroup's alarming tr...

Episode 021: Welcome to "Markets with Megan," where Megan Horneman, the Chief Investment Officer of Verdence Capital Advisors, provides insightful economic analysis. In this episode, Megan discusses the latest economic data, focusing on inflation and its impact on the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions. This week, the economic reports on both consumer and producer inflation r...