Zhang Financial Podcast

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook, Rob outlines a week that, while not containing much economic news, saw an expected interest rate cut of 0.25% by the Federal Reserve. However, the decision to cut rates was not unanimous, with various Fed voices arguing for both steeper cuts as well as no cut at all. The S&P 500 fell 0.6%, dragged down by growth stocks (the NASDAQ alone was d...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook, Rob covers a week that showed positive signs, both in economic data and in market performance. Initial jobless claims as well as consumer sentiment came in better than expected, and markets are pricing in a 90% probability of a third interest rate cut later this week by the Federal Reserve. Both US and international markets rose on the news, with...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook, Rob reviews a week of mostly positive data, with initial jobless claims coming in much better than expected as well as an 87% probability of a third rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Markets reacted to the news, with the S&P climbing 3.7% over the week, now up 17.81% YTD. However, international markets have still outperformed in 2025, with Ex-...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook, Rob covers the previous week's economic activity as well as how markets reacted. Odds of an interest rate cut in December climbed from 42% to 76% after commentary by a Federal Reserve official. Nvidia also beat quarterly earnings estimates, quelling some fears of an AI bubble. Despite these developments, markets sank, with the S&P fallin...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook, Rob shares the latest from around the economy as the US Federal Government shutdown has officially ended. Q3 GDP forecasts remain strong at +4.0%, but the odds of another rate cut by the Federal Reserve in December continue to fall. All eyes will be on the first data release since the shutdown was lifted, with September non-farm payrolls to be an...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook, Rob outlines last week's economic figures still being reported, despite the ongoing US Government shutdown. Employment change data courtesy of ADP came in below expectations but was still positive, and the Atlanta Federal Reserve now projects Q3 2025 GDP to be +4.0%. Despite this forecast and ongoing reporting beats by S&P 500 companies,...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook, Rob covers a mixed week of market returns, with the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates by 25 basis points, and the US Federal Government remaining shutdown. One more rate cut by the Fed in 2025 has become uncertain, but additional cuts in 2026 remain likely. The S&P and Dow Jones Indexes gained 0.72% and 0.75%, respectively over the cours...

This week on the Zhang Financial Podcast, Eric Bird, Vice President of Tax, is giving you a “clue” to the One Big Beautiful Bill . In this episode, Eric walks through six key “suspects” that could help you save money along with a few red herrings to watch out for if they’re not the right fit for your financial situation.  Disclosures: These materials have been designed for general informational an...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook, Rob covers an overall positive week despite the ongoing shutdown at the US Federal Government (and subsequent lack of data). The Atlanta Federal Reserve raised their Q3 GDP estimate to +3.9%, and the S&P gained 1.7% over the course of the week. Earnings forecasts for S&P companies also rose, with another 2 rate cuts anticipated by the Fed...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook, Rob details a week that contained mix signals. The US Government shutdown continues, employment data from ADP shows a slowing labor market, and consumer sentiment was down slightly. However, GDP appears strong and consumer spending has remained solid. Markets were positive until Friday, when a stark drop off occurred amid a reignition of US/China...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook, Rob outlines a week of incomplete data, as the US Federal Government Shutdown has pressed pause on some stats being released. Despite the shutdown and cooling labor markets, equities rose in the US and abroad : the S&P 500 is now +15.3% YTD, and International Developed indexes have risen +24.5% YTD. Disclosures: These materials have been desi...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook podcast, Rob details a week of positive economic data, with retail sales and initial jobless claims coming in better than expected. The big event of the week was the Federal Reserve meeting, in which interest rates were lowered 0.25% (as expected). The S&P rose 1.25% and is now +14.4% YTD. While strong, it still trails international markets, w...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook podcast, Rob covers a mixed bag of economic data from last week : PPI and core PPI were favorable, yet initial jobless claims came in above expectations. Additionally, an incongruence exists between consumer sentiment and actual consumer spending. These data points will factor into the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, to be announced...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook Podcast, Rob recaps a relatively stable week of market movement in the US, while international markets dipped slightly. Pricing reflects a 90% probability of an interest rate cut in September by the Federal Reserve, while the Atlanta Fed raised their Q3 GDP forecast from +2.3% to +3.5%.  Disclosures: These materials have been designed for general...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook Podcast, Rob covers the market's upswing on Friday 08/22 after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell seemed to indicate a forthcoming interest rate cut in September. The positivity brought the S&P 500 to +0.3% for the week, driven largely by companies outside the Magnificent 7. Elsewhere, the Atlanta Federal Reserve is projecting +2.3% GDP...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook Podcast, Rob breaks down a packed week of key inflationary data and economic releases. While inflation readings were mixed, consumer confidence came in slightly lower than expectations, hinting at potential uncertainty. Despite that, equities rose in the US and abroad, with small caps leading the charge. The Russell 2000 surged +3.12% return, the...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook Podcast, Rob outlines a week that released little economic data but contained robust corporate earnings. 90% of S&P 500 companies have now reported Q2 earnings, with 81% of them exceeding revenue expectations. Equities rose in the US and abroad as a result : the S&P 500 was up 2.44%, and the World ex US index climbed 2.85% over the week. ...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook Podcast, Rob covers last week's release of market data : Despite Q2 GDP growing by 3%, new nonfarm payrolls and revised figures for previous months dragged markets down on Friday. Elsewhere, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady. Disclosures: These materials have been designed for general informational and educational purposes only a...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook Podcast, Rob outlines a positive week for markets overall, led by inflation data coming in better than expected. The S&P 500 climbed 0.6% and is now up 7.8% YTD. These returns will be tested this upcoming week, with over 20% of the S&P 500 due to report Q2 earnings results. Disclosures: These materials have been designed for general inform...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook Podcast, Rob covers a quieter week in the markets, with the S&P 500 and ex-US Developed Index down 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively. This week, data on inflation, initial jobless claims, and consumer confidence will all be released Disclosures: These materials have been designed for general informational and educational purposes only and do not con...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook Podcast, Rob details the favorable economic data that came out last week, leading US equities to rise 1.75%. Additionally, President Trump signed the 'Big Beautiful Bill' on Friday, solidifying a number of current tax policies as well as implementing a host of new ones  Disclosures: These materials have been designed for general informat...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook Podcast, Rob covers a strong week for both stocks and bonds, with the S&P 500 advancing 3.5%, led by growth stocks. Developed international markets rose 2.9%, and the Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index is now up 3.7% YTD.  Disclosures: These materials have been designed for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute...

In this week's Zhang Financial Market Outlook Podcast, Rob expounds on the events of last week, as retail sales slightly missed targets, and initial jobless claims came in as expected. The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady again and currently predicts Q2 2025 GDP growth of 3.4%. In the markets, US equities were mostly flat, while international developed ex-US markets tumbled 1.4% for...

In this week's Market Outlook Podcast, Rob covers an overall positive week of economic indicators; however, markets were slightly down for the week as conflicts escalated between Israel and Iran  Disclosures: These materials have been designed for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. Such...

In this week's Market Outlook Podcast, Rob recaps the slightly negative economic data that came out of the US last week. However, markets were still positive, with the S&P 500 gaining 1.6%, now up 2.6% YTD. However, Ex-US indices are over 15% positive this year, and emerging markets have gained close to 10%. The Federal Reserve meets next week, with a strong consensus expectation of no ra...