The Financial Exchange Show

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why many people around the world refuse to trust traditional currency these days. Sarah Foster, Bankrate, joins the show to discuss worker pay not keeping up with inflation. Most Americans don't have good jobs. What does that say about the economy. AI data centers, desperate for electricity, are building their own power plants. What are the hidden costs of downsizing?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Wall Street scrambling to gauge consumer health without retail sales. Big banks cash in on well-heeled borrowers. How Jefferies found itself at the center of First Brands' collapse. Something stinks in the financial sector. 

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane share three exaggerations about the US economy right now. ChatGPT will soon allow erotica for verified adults. The rest of the world is following America's retreat on EVs. What are the recession signs to watch for? Netflix jumps into podcasts with Spotify deal.

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss China, betting it can with a trade war, is playing hardball with Trump. Powell keeps the Fed on track to lower rates again this year. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains why gifting real estate is almost always a bad idea.

This week, Todd Lutsky explains why gifting real estate is generally a bad idea with few exceptions. Why gifting real estate to beneficiaries will cost them big time.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the great debasement debate is rippling across world markets. A historic crypto selloff erased over $19B, but two accounts made $160M. Most investors say AI stocks are in a bubble. Why Broadcom's OpenAI bet is a big risk. The shutdown's consuquences for the BLS are dire. Protein is showing up in Doritos, waffles, and Pop Tarts, why?

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss China escalating the US trade war with curbs on shipping. JP Morgan profit jumps as business booms on Main Street and Wall Street. Which businesses have the most to lose on continued tariff policies. Silver prices just hit their first record since 1980. Ford cuts production of trucks and SUVs after fire at aluminum plant. New vehicle prices top $50,000.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss AI juicing the economy but questions remain if workers are actually more productive because of it. Ted Rossman (Bankrate) joins the show to chat about the 2025 Holiday Spending Survey. Squeezing builders isn't the way to lower housing costs. This market is nothing like the dot-com bubble. This might be the dumbest market in history.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the steep market sell-off on Friday and why markets reacting as strongly as they did. China's new export curbs may level a heavy blow world wide. From Tri Color to Saks, bonds are now crashing at breakneak speed. Why the next CPI report is important for Social Security checks, bonds, and 401(k)s. More working-class Americans than ever are investing in the stock market.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the stunning drop in markets in reaction to President Trump's tweet about China and canceling a meeting with President Xi. Tripp Mickle (New York Times) joins the show to talk about Intel's big bet. Insurers prepare for wave of First Brands claims. Americans are falling behind on their car payments. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) stops by for a chat about Gemini's first few months on markets.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how AI concerns from the media and public have yet to show up in markets. What other areas of the economy are concerning? Government recalls workers to produce key inflation report. Shutdown pain ripples through the US economy with no deal in sight. China's rare-earth escalation threatens trade talks. Is China using a workaround to buy Nvidia chips? Bessent's big gamble on Argentina has a narrow path to pay off.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the ongoing government shutdown and how air travel disruptions are adding pressure. AI can transform the economy and still be a bubble. What are the downsides of a 30-year mortgage? Even Tesla fans are slamming the EV makers cheaper models. Startups are staying private longer thanks to alternative capital. Jamie Dimon says there's a 30% chance of a correction: ‘I'm far more worried than others'

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss financial conditions actually being too tight right now. Q3 earnings are anticipated to show growth of 8%. Fed minutes reveal divide over outlook for interest-rate cuts. First Brands bankruptcy damage spreads to Jefferies, UBS. Is the auto industry going through what the housing market went through in 2007. Who's going to ‘Eat' Tariffs? Not US shoppers. Why carmakers are falling back in love with petrol.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the new Wall Street trade that is powering gold and hitting currencies. Why it doesn't take much for gold to move up. Is it time to brace for a market melt-up? Homeowners are pouning on the tiniest drop in mortgage rates. Is the bankruptcy of First Brands reminding anyone of 2007?

This week, Todd Lutsky explains when it makes sense to include gifting assets in your estate plan. Todd also takes questions from the audience about switching from revocable to irrevocable, withdrawing money from a bank account in a trust, and selling inherited property.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the unofficial jobs numbers are in and it's rough out there. Businesses are already feeling shutdown pain. Todd Lutsky joins the show for Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains when it makes sense to and not to gift assets.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how AMD came from behind to mount a challenge in the AI chip wars. Reminder: Gold is not a risk-free asset. Earnings are coming. Wall Street hopes strong profits can keep the market rally going. Emerging markets roar back with biggest stock rally in 15 years. Why your S&P 500 index fund might be more risky than the internet bubble.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the costs associated with AI projects are soaring. Fed's Mary Daly says AI bubble wouldn't hurt financial stability. Where are we now compared to previous market crashes? A devastating fire at a major Ford supplier is just another dent in the auto industry. US banks missed that warning signs on Tricolor. Massachusetts employer confidence dips again.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the ongoing power shift in the housing market. Where are buyers getting good deals? Amazon's October Prime Days start Tuesday. It's an early test for the holidays. The youth crisis is really about to the rise of the NEETs. Stabucks's roller coaster week of job cuts and store closures.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss OpenAI and AMD announce massive computing deal. Did OpenAI just stab Nvidia in the back? More Americans are warming up to the idea of nuclear power in their community. Why delaying your Social Security benefits may not make sense. 80% of workers say they're making little or no progress saving for retirement. Are we in a recession? Yes, if you live in one of these states. Will 2026 be the year of the used EV?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss AI data centers sending power bills soaring. What are the benefits of having a data center near you? Jess Bezos says AI is in an industrial bubble but society will get 'gigantic' benefits from the tech. Boeing likely to record billions in charges over 777X debut delay. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about pest control company that is AI proof.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the lack of a weekly jobs report so they turn to AI to get the answers they are looking for. How long with the government shutdown last? Behind job weakness are hints of a productivity revival. Why the stock market keeps going up - even during a government shutdown. Maybe the Fed shouldn't be cutting interest rates. LA's entertainment economy is looking like a disaster movie.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong are concerned there is not being enough attention paid to the collapse of First Brands, why the company found itself in its current mess, and if this is a bigger problem brewing. Luke Kawa (Sherwood News) joins the show to share what is driving the recent market rally. Taiwan rejects U.S. proposal for '50-50′ chip production, says trade talks focused on tariffs. 

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the different causes of the labor market flattening out. Is Baby Boomer spending the only thing keeping up the economy? What happens to the economy if asset prices are the consumer driver? OpenAI is will be either a trillion dollar company or nothing. Student loan debt is strangling Gen X.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the US dollar losing its safehaven status as governments gobble up gold. How Nvidia's Jensen Huang became AI's global salesman. Meta launches Vibes: a new way to discover and create terrible AI videos. AI is not killing jobs, US study finds. Boeing's 737 Max replacement will be make-or-break.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss what to expect from the latest government shutdown. How do markets trend during government shutdowns? Shotdown puts a divided Fed in a perilous position. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his expertise on making the most of gifting assets.

Todd Lutsky shares his expertise on making the most of gifting assets, understanding the different ways of gifting, and deciding which assets should be gifted.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane explain why your electric keeps rising. Jessica Caldwell, Head of Insights at Edmunds, joins the show to share the Q3 new car sales forecast. Why GM boss Mary Barra is slamming the brakes on lofty EV ambitions. Investors are fretting that the stock market rally is on borrowed time. McDonald's is bringing back Monopoly after a decade.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the release of the JOLTS report that showed job openings slightly exceeded forecasts. How government shutdowns affect the US economy. US economy will only get murkier if key data is delayed in shutdown. Rise of 'accidental landlords' is bad news for investors who bet big on rentals. Exxon to cut 2,000 jobs in global restructuring. Gen X is about to face the biggest Social Security decision.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Walmart's CEO's comments about AI changing literally every job. Corey Adams (Robert Half) joins the show to chat about the company's 2026 salary guide. Debt is fueling the next wave of the AI boom. The fastest-selling cars in America are used EVs.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why this week's most important data release is the jobs report. Rate cuts might not cure what ails the job market. Recession seems far off. The economy is also far from trouble. Why a small auto parts maker in the MidWest going bankrupt has massive ramifications. 

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane disucss why millions of Americans are becoming economically invisibile. Mike Simonsen, Chief Economist at Compass, joins the show to chat about the state of the housing market and where interest rates need to be to get things moving again. Costco tops earnings and revenue estimates as warehouse club gains more members. Starbucks is in a big mess. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat how O'Reilly Auto Parts set themselves apart from other national autoparts retailers.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the core inflation rate coming as expected. Trump imposing new tariffs on pharma and big trucks. Will the massive spending on AI ever pay off? How many Americans actually have a financial plan written down?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the White House going all-in on Argentina. It may not work. Intel is seeking an investment from Apple as part of its comeback bid. Amazon agrees to settle US lawsuit that it 'tricked' people into Prime. A diminished Social Security workforce, and its customers, feel the strain. Delta replaces engine units in effor to address toxic-fume surge on planes. Higher electricity prices aren't all good for utilities.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss initial jobless claims tumble for second consecutive week. US economy grew faster than expected in the second quarter. Too many still don't understand the tax ramifications of the Big, Beautiful Bill. CarMax sees unexpected drop in used-car sales. White House to pursue mass firings if government shuts down. How the H1B visa fee could reshape workforces.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss more trouble ahead on the US job front. The Fed's rate path is too cautious to fix housing. Is Nvidia's investment in OpenAI a bad sign for the tech market? Is the diversified portfolio dead? the NFL says is could renegotiate media deals as soon as 2026.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Powell describing rates as 'modestly restrictive,' keeping the door open to cuts. Do Stephen Miran's rate-cut arguments add up? US stocks resist S&P500 drops of 2% or more in best run in over a year. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains to best way to leave property to your heirs.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how Argentina's Javier Milei lost the markets and is turning to the US. Are H1B visas crucial to American productivity? Stocks are expensive. Does earnings growth mean that doesn't matter? Is the age of value investing over? Regional US casinos cash in as gamblers shun prices Vegas trips.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the often asked question if the stock market is overvalued. Miran is contradicting himself on the case for big rate cuts. China floods the world with cheap exports after Trump's tariffs. Nvidia to invest up to $100B in OpenAI. Spirit Airlines furloughing one-third of its flight attendants.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss inflation being the lesser evil. Many Americans can't buy houses, get jobs, or move in a stuck economy. The rush to return to the office is stalling. Cardboard box demand is slumping. Why that's bad news for the economy. Millennials are stuck in an old and lazy story.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump's $100,000 visa targets a $280B India success story. Will the $100,000 visa help American workers? American colleges are going all out to hold to international students. Why it might be time to repeal the Fed's dual mandate.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss which areas of the country are being hit the hardest by unemployment. Grocery prices have jumped up. Is it actually the grocery stores to blame? Eversource gas customers face 13 percent rate increase this winter. Reasons why getting rid of quarterly reports helps markets and companies. Paul LaMonica ( Barron's) joins the show chat about the recent IPOs including StubHub.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the Fed losing its independence and what that means for inflation. Why the Fed's recent rate cut might be the only one of 2025 despite predictions. Why the Fed can't ease the government's debt problem. Trade relations with China as Xi and Trump talk TikTok and rare earth materials. Nvidia is walking a tightrope between the US and China. 

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the recent $5B investment by Nvidia into Intel. Chuck wonders how long till Nvidia just buys up Intel altogether. Huawei unveils AI chip roadmap to challenge Nvidia's lead. Congress has no good excuse to keep trading stocks. Start practicing retirement now. It'll make the switch that much easier. Home Insurance as you know it is doomed. You're not ready.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the Fed's rate cut decision and claim of two more possibly coming this year. Powell and the rest of the Fed have no clue how the economy will look next year. US initial jobless claims drop by most in almost four years. How to handle a job market that's worse than it looks. American Express unveils refreshed Platinum card with $895 annual fee.

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss China banning tech companies from buying Nvidia's AI chips. AI is going to consumer a lot of energy. Can it help us save energy? US mortgage rates fall to 2024 levels, fueling refinancing surge. LimeWire is back and buying the Fyre Festival.

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane explain why interest rates aren't the most important aspect of the economy. The two-speed economy is back as low-income Americans give up gains. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains beneficiary designations on IRAs.

This week, Todd Lutsky explains the process and benefits of naming beneficiaries on IRAs and how income taxes are paid when the estate is the beneficiary.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss how the breakeven threshold reveals a more robust labor landscape than stats show. Why shifting away from rigid quarterly filings could free up companies and provide better long-term insights for investors. The inside scoop on Luckin's bold U.S. expansion strategy and how it's challenging the coffee giant's dominance with aggressive pricing and tech-driven growth. Americans can't stop buying cars they don't need.

In this episode, Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane unpack the latest economic headlines shaping markets. From robust retail sales defying slowdown fears to pivotal Federal Reserve updates, we dive deep into what's driving the economy. What's on the table?Retail Sales Surge in August – Consumers keep spending, but is it sustainable?Fed Governor Drama – Appeals Court denies Trump's bid to remove Lisa Cook, while Stephen Miran joins the Fed Board.Lower Rates & Stocks – A quick take on what cheaper borrowing means for equity investors.Fed Strategy – Why the Fed needs to tread carefully and avoid bold promises.Massachusetts' Economic Woes – A closer look at the state's struggles amid national resilience.Tune in for sharp insights and actionable analysis to navigate today's economic landscape. Subscribe now for more! #Economy #FederalReserve #Investing #RetailSales #MarketInsights

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Elon Musk purchasing $1B worth of Tesla stock. Tesla's chair says only Musk can lead Tesla's next phase. 'Underwater' car trade-ins are at a 4-year high. More Americans are stuck with the jobs they can get, not the ones they want. How to build a million-dollar future for your kids.