The W.I.P.

Oil prices are on the rise. How high will they go? The Fed released its summary of economic projections. Why is everyone trying to connect the dots? Finally, corporate executives are selling shares in the companies they work for. What does this tell us about the market right now?

May’s inflation report was positive and changed expectations on interest rates. How will the Fed react? Many American adults are financially illiterate. Why is this a growing concern? Finally, this month’s question debates stocks vs. bonds right now. Which is better?

A tariff on steel and aluminum went into effect this week. How will consumers be impacted? Trade talks between the US and China are in danger of stalling. What can help break the impasse? Finally, May’s jobs report was surprising. Why is last month’s labor market making headlines?

America’s credit rating has been downgraded. How does this downgrade effect your money? Bond vigilantes around the world are hard at work. Why do these market participants play a crucial role in global finance? Finally, this month’s question is about investing for children. What is the best option for kids?

United Health Group stock is in freewill. What is going on at the insurance giant? Walmart has weighed in on tariffs. How is the world’s biggest retailer responding to trade policy? Finally, Warren Buffett is stepping aside in the new year and his replacement is getting more attention. Who is Greg Abel?

AI is coming for your favorite search engine. Why is searching as we’ve known it a thing of the past? The Fed is keeping interest rates steady. With rates in a holding pattern, what comments from the Fed are worth noting? Finally, Warren Buffett made a shock announcement at the Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting. How did Buffet surprise investors?

The debate about where the economy is headed rages on. How does an economic downturn get labeled? McDonald’s announced earnings this week. What do The Golden Arches’s results say about the current economic landscape? Finally, a mountain of economic data was dropped this week. Why can all the data points be distilled?

The Securities and Exchange Commission is understaffed. Why is Wall street’s Watchdog losing its bite? Apple is making a pivot toward India. How is Apple changing its manufacturing plans? Finally, companies are shutting down their earnings guidance. What is causing uncertainty for corporate America?

Jerome Powell spoke in Chicago this week. Why did markets react to the Fed Chair’s comments? The first bit of hard tariff data just arrived, but maybe not in the way that you were expecting. What can we learn from the recent data drop? Finally, this week’s question asks when we will see a break in market volatility.

Financial markets road a rollercoaster this week. What makes this week’s volatility unique? The U.S. bond market reacted to this week’s volatility in a way not seen before. Why is this worth noting? Finally, banks have started to announce their quarterly earnings and outlook. How are America’s biggest banks feeling about the economy?

Market turmoil due to Trade Policy was in full effect this week. How are Tariffs impacting the stock market? Small cap stocks are in a bear market. When will the shares of smaller companies see a turnaround? Finally, March’s jobs report was released today. What did we learn from the latest employment numbers?

Tariffs on foreign automakers were confirmed this week. What are the consequences of tariffs on both automakers and consumers? Genetic testing company 23andMe has entered bankruptcy, putting the data of its customers at risk. How can you protect yourself? Finally, this months’ question is about who can give investment advice and why that matters for you.

This week we drop an interview. Our guest, Domenico Musumeci, is a farmer and winemaker. We discuss farming in western Michigan, storytelling, and much much more.

This week we drop a quarterly market outlook. Our guest, Mike Ochoa, is currently an investment advisor who works with individuals, institutions, businesses, and not for profits. We discuss Q1 talking points such as The Fed, interest rates, tariffs, and inflation. Later on, we talk through what risks investors should be aware of right now as well as tips for investing in a less predictable market.

AI bellwether Nvidia posted earnings this week. Why does the company have an expectations problem? The number of 401(k) Millionaires is on the rise. How do you join their ranks? Finally, the Federal Reserves’s preferred gauge of inflation was released today. What does January’s PCE report tell us about the cost of living?

Berkshire Hathaways disclosed it most recent stock buys and sells. Where does Warren Buffet see value in today’s market? Walmart released earnings this week. Why does the retail giant always make headlines when it reports? Finally, companies that make and design computer chips are in the news. What does the landscape look like for semiconductor companies?

The price of coffee is on the rise. Why does it cost more for your caffeine fix? Debt delinquency in the US is showing troubling signs. What do recent trends in consumer debt tell us? Finally, this month’s question is about market corrections and what to do about them.

US consumer sentiment is moving lower. What has people feeling less confident about their finances? Industrial conglomerate Honeywell announced a split. Why is a demerger popular right now? Finally, January’s jobs report has dropped. How is 2025’s labor market starting off?

AI Startup DeepSeek is creating unease in markets. What should investors be worried about? The Fed met this week in their first meeting of 2025. Why did the Fed press the pause button on cutting rates? Finally, Big Tech released earnings this week. Who reported the good, the bad, and the ugly?

AI investment in the US could be ramping up. What is Stargate? Canada is in the tariff crosshairs. Why is our northern neighbor being targeted? Finally, this month’s question is about short sellers. How does Hindenburg Research closing down impact the investment world?

The biggest banks are reporting year end results. Why was last year a great moment for the giant’s of banking? The stocks prices of mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mack have been on a tear. What is going on with the nations biggest lenders? Finally, TikTok’s US ban goes into effect on Sunday. How can the platform resist being blocked for good?

The Social Security Fairness Act will impact millions of people on Social Security. Who benefits from this new law? Fed officials are cooling on future rate cuts. Why are rates likely to hold steady for now? Finally, mortgage rates jumped this week. What is leading to higher financing costs to buy a home?

This week we preview what is NEW on the pod in 2025.

This week we review the major investment stories of 2024. What moved the market this year? We also look ahead to 2025. Where is investment opportunity in the new year? Finally, the W.I.P. hit some major milestones this year!

TikTok’s day of reckoning is approaching fast. What survival options does the popular App have? The US dollar is gaining strength. Who are the winner and losers from a surgingGreenback? Finally, the Fed released its economic projections for 2025. Where does the Fed see the economy headed next year?