The Financial Exchange Show

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the search for the next Fed chair gets a little messier with the ongoing investigation into Powell and the Fed. Mortgages at 6% pose critical test for frozen housing market. China and Canada announce tariff relief after a high-stakes meeting between Xi and Canada. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to explain why IMAX is succeeding while theaters are dying.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss markets continuing to fail to broaden out beyond big tech. Taiwan pledges $250B in US spending in exchange for lower tariffs. Trump moves to have tech giants pay for surging power costs. Verizon outage tied to software update. What happens to society if the current system breaks down?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the world being a dumpster fire and the stock market doesn't care. Michael Santoli (CNBC) joins the show to chat about how markets have performed since the start of the year, if market broadening out will be different this time, and how the Mag 7 gets out of its funk. Verizon customers experience an hours-long widespread outage. Despite Trump's claims, grocery price are rising. 

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss TSMC's blockbuster spending plans and results and if it shows that the AI boom will continue. Goldman's stock traders beat their own Wall Street record. BlackRock total assets hit record $14T as ETFs surge. Why have the vibes on megabanks changed? 7 signs you need a financial advisor in 2026.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss bigger tax refunds coming in 2026. What could this mean for the economy? Netflix weighs amending its Warner Bros. bid to make it all cash. More drivers have a $1,000 or more car loan payment. What can buyers expect in 2026? Is Delta on the right path even if investors don't see it? Pimco says rally sweeping emerging markets could last years.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss wholesale inflation coming in softer than expected. Why you should care more about the labor market than inflation. Trump wants to run the economy hot. Will he succeed? Bank of America's profit climbs as consumer spending rises. Why are bank stocks dropping despite solid earnings? US mortgage rates slide to one of the lowest levels since 2022. The Trump administration takes aim at home-builder stock buybacks.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how the latest inflation report will impact future rate cuts. Trump unveils barrage of proposals to address affordability. Bill Ackman pitches prepayment penalties as way to cut mortgage rates. Why won't the government use the simple tool to solve affordability. 

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the December CPI report that shows prices rose less than expected. Trump allies and officials fear blowback from Powell probe. Will Jerome Powell remain at the Fed after his term as Chair concludes? JPMorgan investment-banking fees drop on underwriting miss. Boston has given out 64 free liquor licenses. How does this change the city?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump calling for a 10% cap on credit card interest rates. The dream of Florida retirement is fading for the middle-class. Retiring early is looking more difficult. What is the FIRE movement? The great millennial career crisis. Walmart teams up with Google Gemini on shopping tool.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Jerome Powell under investigation over renovations. Is Central Bank independence a good or bad thing? Americans are right to be worried about the labor market. Why do we care so much about jobs data? Magnificent 7's stock market dominance shows signs of cracking. GOP lawmakers back stock trading crackdown.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Trump telling Fannie and Freddie to buy $200B of mortgage debt. Why would he do that? GM takes $6B hit tied to EVs as demand sinks. Meta unveils sweeping nuclear-power plan to fuel its AI ambitions. Tech titans divided over whether to pay billionaire tax or flee California. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about Wealthfront's IPO.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss US payrolls rising 50,000 in December, less than expected. Unemployment falls to 4.4%. The productivity boom has arrived. AI may not be the reason. The stock market rally isn't just about tech anymore. What happens if the Supreme Court rules against Trump on tariffs? Trump is getting a new Fed. He may not be happy with what it does.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss consumers loving cheap gas, but the oil patch will pay the price. The US pumps more crude than anyone else. Why does it want Venezuela's? Warner Brothers board rebuffs Paramount's latest buyout offer. The return of the IPO could spell trouble for private equity. Ford enters the race to offer eyes-off driving tech. New campaign in Massachusetts seeks to end pet discrimination in rentals.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the recent jobs data releases and how it impacts the broader economy. New data points to a 'slow' job market in Massachusetts. Why Trump's proposal to ban corporations from buying single-family houses and why it won't solve anything. Trump says he will not permit dividends and stock buybacks for defense companies. Goldman sees consumer stocks gaining amid AI valuation worries.

Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti wonder if stocks will crash in 2026. Ted Rossman (Bankrate) joins the show 2026 interest rate forecasts. Emerging markets haven't had the run recently that many expected. OpenAI says AI will free households from chores and boost hidden productivity.

Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the ADP report that shows private payrolls gained 41,000 jobs in December and US JOLTS coming in well short of expectations. AI fatigue leaves investors focused on the S&P 500's other 493 stocks. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains how procrastinators can plan for long term care at the last minute.

This week, Todd Lutsky explains how procrastinators can catch up on their long term care planning despite getting a late start. Todd also takes a question for a listener about selling property in an irrevocable trust.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the Fed's six big challenges in 2026. Matt Gagnon (CEO Maine Policy Institute & Morning Show Host WGAN Portland) joins the show to chat about the impact of the increases to minimum wage. How are some older job seekers breaking through the bruising labor market? Hiring in the age of AI means proving you need a human. A mystery trader made $400,000 betting on Maduro's downfall.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Venezuela bracing for economic collapse from the US blockade. Two simple ways to fix housing in America. Nvidia details new AI chips and autonomous car project with Mercedes. Mike is excited for the next generation of self-driving cars.  GM and Toyota hint at tough year ahead for US auto sales. Tesla is swapping its EV crown for even more promises.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss some major questions that need to be answered in 2026. Is the US losing its battle to break up Big Tech? US auto sales are poised to slip as middle-class buyers retreat. Seven numbers shaping retirement in 2026. Zillow's CEO is ready for another slow year in the US housing market. How has NYC's surge toll pricing fixed traffic?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what could be next for the US and Venezuela. How will oil energy markets react? Wall Street expects the market to keep rallying in 2026 despite high valuations. Modest US hiring to cap a sluggish year for the job market. US to extend productivity lead on back of the AI boom. These states raised their minimum wage. Is America falling out of love with pizza?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss everyday traders going from fringe players to the dominant market force. Will the next class of Senators do anything about the Social Security crunch? Buffett says Berkshire Hathaway has the best odds of any company for lasting 100 more years. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about the Dogs of the Dow.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how stocks overcame a long list of worries to gain in 2025, thanks to AI. What are market expectations for 2026? How did analysts do with their 2025 predictions? Fed minutes suggest caution about further rate cuts early this year. The condo market hasn't been this bad in over a decade.

Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the unexpected winner of rising American tariffs is Mexico. The housing market is moving in favor of Gen Z. EVs had a bumpy road in 2025, and one pleasant surprise. After a year of blistering growth, AI chip makers get ready for a bigger 2026. The stealth tactic bosses are using to get back to the office. How did Americans in 1998 think would happen in 2025? The case of the $400,000 Massachusetts lobster heist.

Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss how Fed minutes could show how high the bar is for more rate cuts. Bessent sees room for a future revamp of the Fed's 2% target. 2025 US Economy: rising prices, hiring slowdown, and rollercoaster growth. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his thoughts on balancing asset protection and avoiding estate taxes. Los Angeles tightens rent controls for first time in four decades.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti recap the year that was for 2025 and discuss a Bloomberg opinion piece regarding reasons for optimism for the 2026 economy. Plus, more on Michael Burry and his ongoing bets against big AI names. James Cameron has really dominated the box office. Which tech will potentially change your life?  And, stack roulette.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti preview another shortened holiday week in terms of expected economic data points due out, including Fed Meeting minutes. How are investors preparing for the next Fed Chairman? Also, the latest on the labor market and why companies may not be prioritizing hiring in 2026. And, how did investors fare who "did nothing" this year?

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the GDP report showing a massive increase in GDP in Q3 and the guys try to explain how this came about. The economy avoided a recession in 2025, but many Americans are reeling. Car payments now average more than $750 a month. Ford and GM are running out of time to reinvent themselves. Holiday retail spending rose 4.2% this season.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the GDP report that showed the US economy grow by 4.3% in the third quarter, its fastest rate in years. How does the GDP report impact future Fed rate cuts? Will AI kill off entry-level jobs? Annual reminder to not get too caught in yearly forecasts.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the year the job market hit the wall. Martha Gimbel (Yale Budget Lab - Executive Director) joins the show to chat about how the labor market slowdown can be reversed in 2026. It's time for Financial Festivus! Chuck and Mike reveal the list of the most annoying economic stories of the year.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what is happening in markets this week. What is the latest on the Netflix, Paramount, Warner Brothers deal? the economy survived 2025, but many Americans are reeling. Mortgage rates are falling but owners still won't sell.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why you can't trust anyone who gives you a market forecast. AI is the hot topic in tech earnings and a blind spot everywhere else. When did everything become 'K-Shaped'? When retirees go back to work is it a sign of a strong labor force or a recession? Will prediction markets make the stock market obsolete? What happened when the Wall Street Journal had AI run its office vending machine?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Santa Clause rally. 2026 housing outlook. US says price increases eased last month but data may be distorted and Americans aren't feeling it. Jobs could soon replace prices as the focus of anxiety. The Bank of Japan raised rates. Why you should care.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong love to chat about feuding billionaires. Warner is making demands from Larry Ellison in Paramount's bid for a takeover. Luke Kawa (Markets Editor - Sherwood News) joins the show to discuss Micron's guidance and AI's growing appetite for memory chips, OpenAI valuation report, CoreWeave's bonds, and if the rest of the market can pick up the slack during an AI downturn. What to do if you fear you're about to laid off this holiday season. Should more be done to tackle ghost jobs? A billion-dollar question hangs over the new AI search marketing industry.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss CPI's pullback and the surprisingly strong slowdown in housing inflation that drove it. Micron jumps on rosy outlook as AI boom spurs memory chip demand. Oracle and Blue Owl split over data center rattles markets banking on AI boom. Wall Street gets a taste of blockbuster stock market debuts ahead. Heating costs to rise nearly 10% this winter. Instacart gets whacked with a report that the FTC is probing the company over AI pricing tool.

Estate planning attorney Todd Lutsky of Cushing & Dolan joins the show for his weekly listener call-in segment and discusses the best ways to protect assets through estate planning. What are the top factors to consider when going through this process?

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Micron earnings coming under the spotlight after Broadcom and Oracle debacles. Mike Simonsen (Compass Chief Economist) joins the show for a conversation with Chuck about the housing markets outlook for 2026. Warner rejects Paramount's hostile bid, saying Netflix deal still superior.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss white-collar workers seeing their security slip and fears of AI and layoffs rise. Oil rallies as geopolitical risks mount from Russia to Venezuela. Todd Lutsky joins the show to chat about choosing the right asset protection plan for you.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how the Fed is positioned heading into 2026. Ford takes $19.5B hit in Detroit's biggest EV bust. October retail sales fell flat. The eerie parallels between AI and dotcom mania. Zillow has a new challenger for real estate listings, Google.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the return of jobs data and the death of the Sahm rule. Productivity is about to slump -- can AI come to the rescue? Is rent control going to become a national burden? 

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss improving housing affordability in 2026 without a market crash. Corey Adams (Robert Half) joins the show to share his insights into job hopping in 2026. There is still time to maximize the 0% capital gains bracket for 2025. Four new jobs that may be in our AI future.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what's really going on in the job market and if we will get some answers on Tuesday. What can break investor skepticism of AI spending? The stock market is rotating out of Big Tech. Is this a good thing? Why everyone got the Trump tariffs wrong. Should you freak out about a possible recession? The bond market will not be fooled...oh really?

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss how Disney went from AI skeptic to OpenAI investor. Mary Burke (Federal Reserve Bank of Boston) joins the show for a wide ranging interview that covers the beige book, AI impacts on hiring, tariff concerns, and surging beef prices. Ford's car of the future. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat housing.

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss Broadcom shares sinking despite record revenue. How resilient will the US consumer be without a job? AI shopping could drive $263B in holiday sales. Fiber is shaping up to be the next grocery obsession. Is silver the next gold?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the important questions for the Fed heading into the final months of Jerome Powell's tenure. The Fed will help drive a 10% gain for stocks in 2026, says one of Wall Street's most accurate forecasters, Tom Lee. Is the affordability crisis overblown? The rising prices of beef have Chuck worried. Are movie theaters soon to be a relic? 

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Fed's fractured rate cut vote signals trouble ahead for future cuts. Oracle shares tumble as AI spending ramps up. Chuck is stunned by Disney's decision to sell its soul to OpenAI. 

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss China's access to powerful Nvidia chips comes at a 'critical moment.' China's DeepSeek uses banned Nvidia chips. Why the AI boom is not like the dot com boom. 53% of investors with RMDs for 2025 still haven't taken it. Instacart is finding themselves in hot water over same store pricing. Could SpaceX launch the highest IPO ever in 2026?

Todd Lutsky shares when he believes it is time to update your estate plan, how taxes work on irrevocable trusts, and understanding marital deductions.

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane explain how rate cuts by the Federal Reserve impact average Americans. Why this may be the last rate cut for awhile. Warner Brothers' bidders brace for a fight that will last months. Todd Lutsky joins the show to explain how to know when it is time to update your estate plan.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Home Depot sharing a cautious outlook for 2026. Alex Gailey (Bankrate) joins the show to chat about many home buyers finding themselves on the outside looking in due to too high prices and/or too much competition. Married couples need to make sure they are planning together. 401(k)s are minting a generation of moderate millionaires. What is the worst Christmas song?

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Nvidia getting approval to sell H200 AI chips to China. Why Oracle's earnings is a key moment for AI stocks. Job openings in October rose to 7.7m. Sam Altman's spring to correct OpenAI's direction and fend off Google. Paramount ramps up pressure on Netflix. Options traders brace for wild stock trading off Fed rate cut decision.