The Financial Exchange Show

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down why Americans are staying in their homes longer than ever, why homebuilders are sitting on record levels of unsold inventory, and why government “solutions” could actually push prices even higher instead of improving affordability. They also dig into Walmart’s surge to a trillion-dollar valuation, investor rotation away from big tech, growing frustration with A...

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane unpack violent market rotations as AI-driven disruption batters software stocks while value names surge beneath a flat S&P 500. The hour explores whether generative AI threatens the durability of major software businesses, what today’s leadership vacuum means for markets, delayed labor data amid a government shutdown, and a deep dive into estate planning fundamentals...

Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan breaks down the basics of estate planning, starting with how to properly value your estate and understand what actually counts toward estate taxes. The episode also takes listener questions, including a real-world scenario involving rental income, irrevocable trusts, Medicaid eligibility, and why income flow mistakes don’t automatically derail an estate plan.

On The Financial Exchange, Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down wild swings in silver and gold, debate whether tax refunds will actually fuel consumer spending, and explore why economic data and consumer sentiment remain deeply out of sync. The hour also examines rising financial scams, market volatility, and a wide-ranging interview with Albert Bryan Jr. on economic growth, energy costs, labor...

On The Financial Exchange, Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down extreme volatility in gold and silver markets, warning investors about speculation, margin risk, and the blurred line between investing and gambling. The hour also covers delayed economic data amid a government shutdown, the psychology around S&P 500 at 7,000, housing affordability myths, manufacturing trends, and why today’s m...

U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. joins Mike Armstrong to discuss economic growth, infrastructure investment, and the challenges facing the territory, from energy costs to labor shortages. The conversation covers tourism, renewable energy, business incentives, and Bryan’s outlook as he delivers his final State of the Territory address.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss markets are set to test Warsh. Disney shares slide despite streaming growth, as CEO decision nears. Investors are wary of stocks and bonds. They are buying alternative assets in ETFs. 1.4M AI agents have joined a new social media platform only for AI agents. Yikes!

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Kevin Warsh having three key areas he will need to succeed at. What is the main difference between Warsh and Powell? Gold and Silver declines after dramatic rally reversal. Trump to launch $12B critical mineral stockpile to blunt reliance on China.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss wealth inequality and the k-shaped economy are more striking than ever. How to protect assets if you failed to prepare. Why do things feel worse economically than 30 years ago? Florida is giving housing optimists reason to buzz again. Cape Cod potato chips is leaving Massachusetts. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about UnitedHealth's difficult...

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump picking Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair. What do we know about Warsh's past with the Fed? Is he the right pick? Senator Tillis will oppose Trump Fed Chair pick Warsh until Powell probe resolved. Why does this matter? Apple posts blowout iPhone sales, but investors focus on higher costs. OpenAI plans fourth-quarter IPO in race to beat Anthropic to market.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss brent crude hitting $71 a barrel as Trump ramps up Iran threats. A weaker dollar has always been part of Trump's plan. US companies are still slashing jobs to reverse pandemic hiring boom. Healthcare inflation can be a runaway train in retirement. What does 'responsible investing' even mean anymore?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Fed holding rates steady for the first time since July. Will Jerome Powell remain at the Fed after his term as chair concludes? Microsoft shares dive as data-center spending overshadows earnings surge. Meta reports record sales and massive spending hike on AI buildout. Tesla to invest $2B in Elon Musk's xAI and cancels two EV models.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the upcoming Fed meeting and rate cut decision and why what is happening at the Fed is crucial for the economy. Does this bull market have room to run? Is the AI bubble close to popping? Homebuyers are backing out of deals at the fastest pace in nearly a decade. The dollars sudden drop raises alarms.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Amazon and UPS announcing massive layoffs and what this might point to in the broader economy. ASML soars to record high after blowout bookings and job cuts. China approves purchases of Nvidia's H200 chips. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains long term care insurance.

This week, Todd Lutsky explains why so many people try to get on Medicaid, what to do if you waited till the last minute, why long term care insurance makes the process easier, and what separates the good insurers.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Big Tech's borrowing spree raising fears of AI risks in US bond market. All eyes are on Trump's reaction to the 'mother of all deals' between India and the EU. The dollar sinks to a 4-month low and gold soars past $5,000. Healthy 401(k)s need strong public markets. Zillow's best markets for home buyers in 2026. Is Elon Musk wrong about AI and retirement?

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the Trump administration proposing to keep steady the rates Medicare pays insurers. UnitedHealth sees its first annual revenue drop in over 30 years. The Fed is set to pause rate cuts this week, with no clear path to resume cuts. Record debt in the world's richest nations threatens global growth. GM beats earnings expectations and boosts dividends by 20%. UPS i...

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Michael Burry saying Japanese yen recovery is a risk to US stocks. Voters see a middle-class lifestyle as drifting out of reach. Longing to stop working? Retiring early might not be the answer. Why people still matter in the AI era. Meme stocks turn five. Will there be another GameStop?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how the massive storm could impact the economy. Big Tech earnings land with 2026's AI winners still in question. Powell's term as Fed Chair ends soon. Do his words carry more weight than ever? Why has gold surged past $5,000 per ounce. Trump threatens new tariffs on Canada over China. Low rates sound great. But a Trump Fed could cause a painful 'sugar high'.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the upcoming storm posing a big threat to power grids across the US. TikTok seals deal to operate in the US after years of drama. With child care bills averaging $26,000 NYC tries a free program for toddlers. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about transportation stocks leading the rally and what that could mean down the line.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the major themes dominating markets over the previous three months. Intel shares slide as costs pile up in a bid to meet AI demand. China tells Alibaba and other tech firms to ready Nvidia H200 orders. CEOs wary of a jittery US consumer as global tensions intensify. How banks can appease Trump on credit card rates. Wall Street braced for a private credit melt...

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the uproar over affordability is coming for insurers. Why are global bond markets are more prone to flash crashes. Should raiding your 401(k) to buy a house be an option? Garbage stocks are on fire again. Colleges are letting AI bots help make decisions on who to admit.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss stocks rallying after Trump announces framework for Greenland deal. If the US loses its spot at the top, who takes its place? PCE inflation meets expectations. Fed is likely to hold rates steady next week. Trump warns Powell won't be 'very happy' if he stays on at the Fed. Procter and Gamble rises following assurances US sales are bouncing back. Gov. Healey s...

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Netflix shares sliding as spending mounts amid Warner Brothers deal. United projects higher profit, boosted by bigger-spending travelers. CEOs say AI is making work more efficient. Employers tell a different story. Many retirees don't have enough cash on hand. Many Americans are going a whole month without buying anything. Why Elon Musk is racing to take SpaceX pu...

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the ongoing Greenland clash risks undermining America's place in the world economic order. Would a stock slump cripple the US economy? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly exploration of estate planning. This week, Todd explains the five-year lookback period.