The Financial Exchange Show

AI concerns are starting to ripple through markets—and raise bigger questions. Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down a sharp selloff in software stocks tied to AI disruption fears, and a new warning about potential cybersecurity risks to the banking system. Also covered: Why AI is pressuring software company valuations A high-level warning from regulators about AI and banks Private credit expo...

Inflation is heating up again, but the story isn’t that simple. Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down a sharp CPI increase driven by energy prices, and why core inflation remains more stable, for now. Also covered: Why oil is pushing headline inflation higher What to watch in core inflation in the months ahead How this impacts Fed policy and rate cuts The outlook for mortgage rates and the hou...

Markets are stuck—but oil is climbing again. Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down crude moving back above $100, uncertain progress on the ceasefire, and whether earnings expectations are too optimistic. Also covered: Why oil remains the key driver for markets The risk of overly optimistic earnings forecasts What’s really happening in the labor market Housing shortages and affordability challe...

Markets have held up despite a year of chaos—but new risks are building. Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why stocks remain resilient, even as oil disruptions and geopolitical tensions threaten the outlook. Also covered: Why markets keep rising despite uncertainty The growing risk from oil supply disruptions What a lasting ceasefire could mean for the economy AI breakthroughs that are rai...

A new AI breakthrough is raising serious concerns about security and control. Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down how an Anthropic model uncovered thousands of critical software vulnerabilities—and why it may be too powerful to release widely. Also covered: What this AI discovery means for cybersecurity and global risk Why tech leaders are starting to sound the alarm Markets rallying after a ceas...

Markets are rallying after a surprise ceasefire—but the outlook is still uncertain. Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane break down the market reaction, falling oil prices, and what needs to happen next for a lasting recovery. Also covered: Why oil and supply chains still matter most The key risks in the Iran ceasefire agreement How energy disruptions could impact inflation What to watch in shipping, product...

Small estate planning mistakes can create big problems for your heirs. Todd Lutsky explains how beneficiary designations, trusts, and retirement accounts need to work together to avoid unintended consequences. Also covered: When to name a trust vs. individual beneficiaries How to avoid accidentally disinheriting family members The right way to handle IRAs and retirement accounts Using trusts to pr...

Markets are dropping sharply—and oil is back in control. Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down rising oil prices, market selloffs, and why earnings season may take a backseat to global conflict. Also covered: Why oil—not earnings—is driving markets What rising gas and mortgage rates mean for consumers AI’s impact on jobs and early retirements The growing pushback on AI data centers across states

Markets are pulling back as a key deadline in the Iran conflict approaches. Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down rising oil prices, market volatility, and the uncertainty surrounding potential U.S. action. Also covered: Why oil is driving market sentiment What the Iran deadline could mean for global supply How markets are reacting to uncertainty The risks—and limits—of recent market volatility

Markets are steady—but rising costs are telling a different story. Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down diesel prices nearing record highs, housing affordability challenges, and why the economy feels worse than the data suggests. Also covered: Why diesel prices matter more than gas The squeeze on housing, maintenance, and affordability How a growing upper middle class is changing spending dyn...

Oil disruptions are worsening—and the global impact is starting to build. Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down escalating risks from the Iran conflict, including falling production, disrupted shipping, and potential supply chain fallout. Also covered: Why oil shortages—not just prices—are the real concern How global supply chains could be affected next What it could mean for inflation, growth...

The labor market looks strong—but new risks are emerging. Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down a solid jobs report, rising oil prices tied to the Iran conflict, and how AI could reshape the labor market. Also covered: What strong job growth means for the economy Why oil remains the biggest market driver The debate over AI’s impact on jobs and productivity Consumer trends, spending, and market s...

The labor market looks solid—but bigger risks are building. Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down a stronger-than-expected jobs report, rising oil prices tied to the Iran conflict, and what it all means for the Fed. Also covered: What the jobs data really says about the economy Why oil shocks could delay rate cuts The growing impact of demographics on the labor market Private credit stress and r...

Markets reversed early losses—but oil remains the key driver. Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down market volatility tied to the Iran conflict, and what could determine the next move for stocks. Also covered: Why oil is still driving market direction Key economic data ahead of the jobs report Private credit stress and investor redemptions Could IPOs spark the next market rally?

Markets are pulling back as oil prices surge following new developments in the Iran conflict. Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down how rising energy prices are impacting stocks, inflation, and the global economy. Also covered: Why oil is driving markets right now The real impact of $4+ gas and rising diesel prices Private credit stress and rising redemption pressure What the Fed is watching as...

Stocks are rallying—but the economy is still on edge. Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down the forces driving markets higher, and the growing risks tied to oil prices, global conflict, and economic slowdown. Also covered: Why markets are betting on a resolution in the Middle East How oil shocks have historically led to recessions The risks facing growth, inflation, and Fed policy Private credit...

Stocks are rallying—but markets are being driven by one key factor: oil. Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down a volatile first quarter, rising energy prices, and how the Iran conflict is reshaping expectations for inflation, interest rates, and growth. Also covered: Why markets are reacting to every headline out of the Middle East How oil shocks impact both inflation and consumer spending The Fe...

What’s the best way to leave assets to your children—and what mistakes should you avoid? In this episode of Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky explains how to protect inheritances, avoid costly tax mistakes, and structure trusts the right way. Also covered: Why gifting assets isn’t always the best strategy How to handle special needs beneficiaries properly The risks of joint accounts and beneficiary designatio...

Markets are rallying—but risks are still building beneath the surface. Mike and Marc break down a cooling job market, rising concerns about AI replacing jobs, and why traditional “safe havens” like bonds aren’t behaving as expected. Also covered: What new labor data signals about hiring and wage growth Why AI fears may be overblown—but still matter The hidden risks in the bond market Crypto and pr...

Stocks are rising despite ongoing conflict in Iran—but the real story is oil. With gas back above $4, inflation risks are climbing while demand slows, raising stagflation concerns. At the same time, new labor data shows a cooling job market, with fewer openings and declining worker confidence. Also covered: What markets are watching in the Middle East Why oil shocks hit both growth and inflation K...

Stocks are trying to recover after a rough stretch—but rising oil prices, surging diesel costs, and global tensions are keeping pressure on markets. Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down what’s driving today’s market moves, why energy prices—especially diesel—are becoming a major economic risk, and whether private credit could really trigger the next financial crisis. Plus, a hard look at Soci...

Markets head into a shortened trading week facing mounting pressure from Middle East tensions and energy disruptions. Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down what investors should be watching as oil climbs, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely constrained, and global supply chains begin to tighten. In this hour: Why five consecutive down weeks matter for market psychology How e...

Stocks pulled back as oil prices surged and interest rates remained stubbornly high—raising fresh questions about where markets go next. Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the biggest forces driving today’s market volatility, including rising energy costs, shifting Fed expectations, and renewed pressure on Big Tech. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why stocks are falling despite stabilizi...

Markets remain on edge as the Strait of Hormuz stays largely closed, oil prices climb, and global supply chains face growing strain. Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down what actually matters right now: physical supply disruptions, rising energy costs, and the ripple effects beyond just gasoline prices. In this hour: Why an oil shock isn’t just about oil What a prolonged Hormuz closure could...

Markets turned volatile after renewed geopolitical tensions pushed oil higher and stocks lower. Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down what’s driving today’s selloff, from rising Treasury yields and climbing gas prices to fresh concerns about inflation and growth. In this hour: Why “stagflation” headlines may be premature The real impact of higher rates on bonds and mortgage costs Meta and YouT...