The Money Wise Guys kick off this week’s podcast with a market recap, highlighting a strong performance across major indexes. The Dow rose 243 points (0.5%), the S&P 500 gained 89 points (1.5%), and the NASDAQ jumped 503 points (2.6%), with all three maintaining solid year-to-date gains. The discussion touches on technicals, noting that the S&P 500 has been stuck in a sideways trading range since late January. Key market drivers remain interest rate expectations and ongoing tariff negotiations. While initial tariff announcements caused sharp reactions, market sensitivity has eased as investors adjust to the administration’s strategy of using tariffs as leverage in trade deals. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve reiterated its data-driven approach to monetary policy, though speculation continues about whether persistent inflation could slow down expected rate cuts.

Beyond market movements, the guys focus on tariffs and their broader economic impact. The administration’s latest round of reciprocal tariffs, particularly on the Eurozone and India, reignited debates about their inflationary effects. While some argue tariffs drive up prices, the guys pointed out that competition and supply chain adjustments help mitigate long-term inflation risks. With the administration pushing aggressive policy changes in its first 100 days, heightened volatility is expected throughout 2025. The key takeaway? Investors should stay informed, remain flexible, and prepare for continued market fluctuations as new economic policies take shape.

Tariff tantrums—sharp market reactions to new trade policies—have become a recurring theme, though their impact appears to be fading. Initially, every new tariff announcement triggered volatility, but investors seem to be adjusting to the administration’s aggressive trade stance. While tariffs can raise costs on imported goods and contribute to inflation, the market is learning to anticipate these moves rather than panic. The back-and-forth nature of tariff negotiations, where policies are announced, adjusted, or delayed, has created uncertainty, but also opportunities for traders who navigate the swings. As businesses adapt supply chains and the administration continues its tit-for-tat approach, the market’s sensitivity to tariff news may keep diminishing—unless a major escalation reignites the tantrums.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys explore RIA vs. Broker. You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.

The Money Wise guys are back at it again, and this past week showed a mixed market, with the Dow slipping 241 points (-0.5%), the S&P 500 declining 14.5 points (-0.2%), and the NASDAQ dropping 104 points (-0.5%). Despite the losses, year-to-date gains remain solid, with the Dow up 4.1%, the S&P 500 up 2.5%, and the NASDAQ up 1.1%. The discussion highlights continued market volatility, particularly Friday’s selloff following a stronger-than-expected average hourly earnings report, which reignited concerns over inflation. While the unemployment rate ticked down to 4%, and job growth was slightly below expectations, the markets reacted negatively, underscoring the ongoing “perversion” where good economic news can trigger selling pressure due to fears of Federal Reserve policy adjustments.

The guys also welcomed new associate advisor Louie to the show, discussing his background and fresh perspective as part of the next generation of investment management. Shifting focus back to market narratives, they emphasize the impact of media-driven sentiment, particularly the attention given to inflation concerns and commodity prices, like the rising cost of eggs and brisket. The guys also reiterate expectations for heightened market volatility in 2025 and go into a discussion on the broader economic impact of tariffs and government policies. Tune in to hear more about the week’s market moves, inflation’s influence on trading behavior, and how investors can navigate the uncertainty ahead.

Tariffs, when used strategically, can be a powerful tool to protect domestic industries, encourage American manufacturing, and even generate government revenue. By making imported goods more expensive, they level the playing field for U.S. businesses, incentivizing consumers to buy American-made products and keeping jobs at home. Plus, in a global economy where other countries play by their own rules, tariffs can be a way to push back against unfair trade practices. However, it's essential to recognize that excessive or poorly targeted tariffs can lead to unintended consequences. For instance, they can increase costs for consumers and businesses that rely on imported materials, potentially leading to higher prices and reduced economic growth. Therefore, while tariffs can be beneficial in certain contexts, they must be implemented with caution to avoid escalating trade tensions and harming the very economy they aim to protect.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys share The Best Investment Advice Ever . You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.

The Money Wise guys are back in the studio and as always, the team kicks off this week’s episode by breaking down a volatile market week, with the Dow gaining 120 points (+0.3%) while the S&P 500 fell 61 points (-1%) and the NASDAQ dropped 327 points (-1.6%). Despite the week’s losses, all three indices remain positive year-to-date, with the Dow up 4.7%, the S&P 500 up 2.7%, and the NASDAQ up 1.6%. The guys discuss the increased volatility of 2025, which they expect to be higher than in 2024, and the impact of algorithm-driven trading on market swings. Monday’s sharp selloff in tech stocks was fueled by an unverified report from DeepSeek, a Chinese AI research lab, claiming that an open AI model could be built for just $6 million. This triggered a major downturn in the NASDAQ, as markets reacted to fears of AI advancements disrupting big tech profitability. However, further analysis revealed the report to be misleading, leading to a recovery the next day.

The conversation highlights the importance of active management in navigating knee-jerk market reactions, as well as the team’s strategic decision to reduce exposure to mega-cap tech stocks at the start of the year. While not anticipating a specific event like this, the guys recognize the risks of overconcentration in a few dominant names and positioned their portfolios accordingly. They also touch on Microsoft’s discovery of stolen AI data from China, raising further concerns about AI security and market manipulation. They emphasize the need for investors to stay disciplined, avoid emotional reactions, and focus on long-term strategies in a market increasingly influenced by algorithmic trading and unvetted news.

Algorithmic trading, also known as algo trading, refers to the use of computer programs and complex mathematical models to execute trades at high speeds based on predefined criteria. These algorithms analyze vast amounts of market data, news feeds, and technical indicators to make split-second decisions, often executing trades in fractions of a second. While algorithmic trading increases market efficiency and liquidity, it can also amplify volatility, as seen in cases where automated systems react to unverified news or sudden price movements. This can lead to exaggerated selloffs or rallies, as algorithms trigger a chain reaction of trades based on momentum rather than fundamental analysis. For investors, understanding the impact of algo trading is crucial, as it underscores the importance of active management, diversification, and maintaining a disciplined approach during rapid market fluctuations.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys discuss Equity Index Annuities. You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.

The Money Wise guys are back with another look at last week’s numbers from Wall Street, with the Dow Jones rising 936 points (+2.2%), the S&P 500 gaining 105 points (+1.7%), and the NASDAQ climbing 324 points (+1.7%). Year-to-date, the markets are showing steady gains, with the Dow up 4.4%, the S&P 500 up 3.7%, and the NASDAQ up 3.3%. The conversation highlights a notable shift in market dynamics, as investors moved away from the "Magnificent 7" tech stocks that drove much of the market in 2023 and 2024. This reallocation has broadened market participation, leading to stronger performance from other sectors such as healthcare, industrials, and financials.

The guys discuss their 2025 portfolio adjustments, reducing exposure to large-cap tech stocks and introducing 13 new holdings across diverse sectors to embrace a more equally weighted and diversified approach. They highlight the benefits of broader market participation, noting that while tech giants like Apple remain strong, their high valuations make them vulnerable to volatility. The episode also emphasizes the advantages of equally weighted strategies, which have outperformed traditional market-cap-weighted indices this year, and stresses the importance of understanding portfolio composition. Overall, they view this shift toward diversification as a positive trend for the market and investors in 2025.

Equally weighted strategies and market-cap-weighted indices differ in how they allocate investments. Market-cap-weighted indices, like the traditional S&P 500, give more weight to larger companies, meaning a few mega-cap stocks can heavily influence market performance. In contrast, equally weighted strategies assign the same weight to each stock, promoting broader market participation. This distinction is important because equally weighted strategies can provide a more balanced exposure, helping to reduce investors reliance on a small number of dominant companies. In times of profit-taking or volatility among large-cap stocks, equally weighted strategies may outperform, offering diversification and potentially more stable returns.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys dig into What Wall Street Won’t Tell You. You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.

This week, the Money Wise guys discuss a strong market rebound, with the Dow rising 1,150 points (+3.7%), the S&P 500 gaining 170 points (+2.9%), and the NASDAQ climbing 469 points (+2.4%). With all three major indices turning positive for the year, the team attributes the rally to lower Treasury yields and favorable CPI and PPI reports. Early earnings reports, particularly from banks, were solid, but the real test lies ahead as the rest of the S&P 500, including major tech companies, releases results later in the month.

A key theme of the episode is the shift away from mega-cap tech dominance, as the equally weighted S&P 500 has begun outperforming its market-cap-weighted counterpart. The guys discuss their recent portfolio rebalance, reducing exposure to overvalued tech stocks and adding an equally weighted ETF (RSP) to increase diversification and reduce risk. They also revisit the market "perversion," where good economic news can lead to negative market reactions due to shifting Fed expectations. This unpredictability reinforces the importance of active management in navigating 2025’s evolving market landscape.

Portfolio rebalancing is a crucial strategy for managing risk and optimizing returns, especially in changing market conditions. The Money Wise guys recent rebalance at the start of 2025 involved reducing exposure to high-performing mega-cap tech stocks, which had dominated the market in 2023 and 2024, and reallocating funds into an equally weighted ETF (RSP) along with other diversified holdings across sectors like healthcare, industrials, and financials. This approach helps prevent overconcentration in a handful of stocks, reducing volatility and ensuring portfolios remain aligned with long-term investment goals. By regularly rebalancing, investors can lock in gains from overperforming assets, take advantage of undervalued opportunities, and maintain a well-diversified portfolio that can better withstand market shifts and economic uncertainties.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys explore RIA vs. Broker. You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.

The Money Wise guys are back with a brand new episode this week. As always, they begin with a break down of Wall Street’s performance this past week, with the Dow Jones dropping 1.86%, the S&P 500 declining 1.94%, and the NASDAQ falling 2.34% for the week. Year-to-date, all three indices remain slightly negative, with the Dow down 1.42%, the S&P 500 down 0.91%, and the NASDAQ down 0.77%. The conversation highlights Friday’s surprisingly strong jobs report, which revealed 256,000 new jobs created in December—far exceeding expectations of 155,000. The unemployment rate ticked down to 4.1%, and broader measures of underemployment improved as well. However, average hourly earnings rose only 0.3%, slightly below expectations, providing a mixed signal for inflation.

The guys also explore how strong employment data, which should traditionally boost markets, instead triggered a "perversion" of market behavior, as concerns over Federal Reserve policy fueled a sell-off. Thet discuss how robust jobs numbers cast doubt on a potential recession while raising questions about future rate cuts or even increases. Despite the market’s reaction, the Money Wise guys emphasize the overall strength of the economy and how these numbers challenge the narrative of a looming downturn. Tune in for insights on the jobs report, market performance, and what this means for 2025.

The latest jobs report revealed a surprisingly strong working market. Broader measures of underemployment also improved, signaling a robust labor market. Interestingly, average hourly earnings rose just 0.3%, falling short of the anticipated 0.4% increase, which eased some concerns about wage-driven inflation. A report like this is crucial for the markets because it reflects the overall health of the economy and influences Federal Reserve policy decisions. Strong job growth and low unemployment suggest a resilient economy but may prompt the Fed to reconsider its approach to interest rate cuts, leading to increased market volatility.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys share the Best Investment Advice Ever. You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.

As 2024 comes to a close, the Money Wise guys take a closer look at the year’s final numbers and a challenging December for the markets. The Dow Jones fell 260 points (-0.6%), the S&P 500 dropped 28 points (-0.5%), and the NASDAQ declined 100 points (-0.5%) for the week. Despite the weak December performance—attributed to Federal Reserve actions dampening the anticipated "Santa Claus rally"—2024 was an outstanding year for investors, with the Dow gaining 14.99%, the S&P 500 rising 25.02%, and the NASDAQ climbing 29.57% (including dividends).

The discussion focuses on the impact of Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell’s policies, particularly the increase in bond yields, which saw the 10-year Treasury rise from 3.87% to 4.58% over the year. The guys highlight the uneven performance within the bond market, where shorter-duration bonds outperformed their longer-duration counterparts. Target-date funds and longer-maturity bonds faced a tough fourth quarter due to rising interest rates but still managed solid annual returns. While the Fed’s December actions tempered the year-end rally, the guys emphasize the strong returns for diversified portfolios in 2024 and tease predictions for 2025 in an upcoming episode.

Rising bond yields in 2024 had a significant impact on the financial markets, with the 10-year Treasury yield increasing by 71 basis points, from 3.87% to 4.58%. This shift, driven by the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy and persistent inflation concerns, created challenges for certain segments of the bond market. Short-term and intermediate-term bonds performed relatively well, but longer-duration bonds and funds, such as target-date portfolios, experienced negative returns in the fourth quarter due to their sensitivity to rising rates. Overall, the bond market delivered modest annual returns, with the Bloomberg Aggregate Index gaining just 1.25%, underscoring the importance of managing duration in a rising yield environment.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys discuss Equity Inxex Annuities. You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.

In this week’s episode, the Wise Money guys review a turbulent week on Wall Street, with the Dow Jones falling 988 points (-2.3%), the S&P 500 declining 120 points (-2%), and the NASDAQ dropping 354 points (-1.8%). Despite the weekly losses, year-to-date gains remain strong, with the Dow up 13.7%, the S&P 500 up 24.3%, and the NASDAQ up 30.4%. The team reflects on the market's reaction to the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting, drawing comparisons to 2018’s December volatility. With the Fed signaling fewer rate cuts than anticipated for 2025, the markets responded with a knee-jerk decline, raising questions about clarity and consistency in messaging.

The discussion highlights the challenges of interpreting Fed communications, as markets grapple with the transition back to "data dependency" and uncertainty surrounding future policy decisions. The guys explore the S&P 500’s dip below its 50-day moving average midweek and its recovery to that level by Friday, analyzing whether this correction presents a buying opportunity. They also dive into the implications of inflation’s persistence and the broader economic outlook as investors prepare for 2024.

The predicted volatility in the markets stems from uncertainty surrounding Federal Reserve policy, particularly the pace and extent of interest rate cuts in 2025. The Fed's recent shift back to a "data-dependent" approach and mixed messaging have created confusion among investors, leading to sharp market reactions. This uncertainty is further compounded by inflation’s persistence, despite rate hikes, and broader economic concerns like wage growth, housing affordability, and geopolitical factors. As the market adjusts to these evolving dynamics, investors should brace for more fluctuations in the months ahead.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys divulge what Wall Street Won’t Tell You. You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.