The Financial Exchange Show

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane explain what the 'K' shaped economy is, and why it is a problem. What does our Michael Burry obsession say about us? Fewer burritos, more bargains: Consumers flash holiday warning signs. Here are the new 401(k) and IRA contribution limits for 2026. Here's how Robinhood will deliver bags of cash to your doorstep safely. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about Circle and crypto's recent wild ride.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss investors dumping tech shares as shutdown relief evaporates. What is going to shift sentiment back in the positive direction? Are we headed for a repeat of the dot com era? Markets no longer view the December rate cut as a sure bet, with Fed officials casting doubts. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon to retire in January after nearly 12 years leading retailer. U.S. to cut tariffs on bananas, coffee and other goods from four countries. Nearly 900,000 new homeowners are underwater on their mortgages, signaling a troubling shift in the housing market. Amazon and Microsoft back effort that would restrict Nvidia's exports to China.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Disney saying film studio expenses weigh on current quarter. Streaming prices are soaring, and consumers are still paying. The Nasdaq whale's Nvidia sale smells desperate. Sundar Pichai is Google's AI wartime CEO after all. Toyota doubles down on hybrids in the US. Michael Burry shuts down Scion.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump signing the spending bill and ending the government shutdown. Is another shutdown on the horizon? There is no inflation data to report today. What are experts saying about inflation right now? The IRS announces 2026 401(k) contributions and savings cap. Boston Fed President advocates holding rates steady. There is a new phone scam targeting utility bills.

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss why you should treat the stock rally with skepticism. Luke Kawa (Sherwood News) joins the show for a discussion on AI valuations. Car loan delinquencies hit record for riskiest borrowers. Airline problems will linger even if shutdown ends. Will a 50-year mortgage make homes more affordable?

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss how Americans are anxious over affordability and jobs. The Fed is increasingly torn over a December rate cut. Massachusetts' middle class is unraveling. Boston is one of the most expensive cities in the country to live. Disney's battle with YouTube rages on.

Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss a better way to think about the AI bubble. How long will investors continue to be patient on AI? Corey Adams (Robert Half) joins the show to chat about year-end bonuses. Where do investors think Apple should be spending their money? First Brands new CEO uncovers major fraud at the company. Reverse mortgages edge up as US economy squeezes older Americans.

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the Senate taking the first step in reopening the government. What could be the economic fallout from the shutdown? US household debt hits a new record, NY Fed finds. Why did SoftBank sell its entire stake in Nvidia? Is a 50-year mortgage a terrible idea? Many would-be buyers are frozen out of the housing market.

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss how 3% inflation became the new normal. Meta is earning a fortune on a deluge of fraudulant ads. Want to buy a home? It's OK to wait till you're 40. Wendy's is closing hundreds of restaurants. Italian pasta is poied to disappear from American grocery stores. MLB has a another gambling problem to sort out.

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the Senate clearing the way toward ending the government shutdown. Big year for stocks and bonds to be tested by data deluge. The week the AI boom got a reality check on Wall Street. Corporate earnings were great this quarter. Wall Street is still not impressed. Trump suggests $2,000 payouts to Americans as he defends tariffs.

Mark Voner and Dan Stack stop by to explain how the DAV has changed their lives of those who have served this country, why Mark feels so deeply connected to the DAV, and how Mark made it his mission to save the DAV what it needed it most.

Jim Blake, Regional Manager for Eastern Propane, joins the show to share his experience in the military, how he got involved with the DAV, and how Eastern Propane gives back to those that served.

Isaiah Moskowitz, Host Great American Heroes Podcast, stops by to share his experiences working with the DAV, why he feels so compelled supporting veterans, and why he started the Great American Heroes Podcast.

Garrett Barton, Circle K Franchise Business Consultant, joins the show to chat about his time in the Navy, how his injury led him to the DAV, and why Circle K has decided to donate to and partner with the DAV.

Bob Barlow, President and Owner of MBA Mortgage, joins the show to share his story of joining the military, getting involved with the DAV, and what MBA Mortgage does to help serve those who served.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what one bleak data point tells us about the labor market. Isaiah Moskowitz, Host Great American Heroes Podcast, stops by to share his experiences working with the DAV, why he feels so compelled supporting veterans, and why he started the Great American Heroes Podcast. Opendoor is an ‘AI company,' new CEO says. Garrett Barton, Circle K Franchise Business Consultant, joins the show to chat about his time in the Navy, how his injury led him to the DAV, and why Circle K has decided to donate to and partner with the DAV. Ford is considering scrapping the 150-EV.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss AI valuation fears grip global investors as tech bubble concerns grow. Jim Blake, Regional Manager for Eastern Propane, joins the show to share his experience in the military, how he got involved with the DAV, and how Eastern Propane gives back to those that served. Flight-cancellation plans prompt scramble across travel industry. Bob Barlow, President and Owner of MBA Mortgage, joins the show to share his story of joining the military, getting involved with the DAV, and what MBA Mortgage does to help serve those who served. Mark Voner and Dan Stack stop by to explain how the DAV has changed their lives of those who have served this country, why Mark feels so deeply connected to the DAV, and how Mark made it his mission to save the DAV when it needed it most.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why you don't want tax payers backstopping the AI industry. UBS to liquidate funds with substantial exposure to First Brands. 'Jenga Tower' US economy teeters as middle class pulls back spending. Job cuts in October hit highest level for the month in 22 years. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about Robinhood.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Jensen Huang's comments about China winning the AI race and why Chuck thinks that comment might have to pierced the AI bubble. Is China really going to win the AI race? US to reduce flight traffic by 10% at 40 airports due to the ongoing shutdown. Supreme Court's skepticism on Trump tariffs means uncertainty reigns. Builders are offering mortgage-rate discounts. Home buyers aren't biting.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the longest shutdown in history is costing the US economy about $15B each week. The Supreme Court is hearing arguments about tariffs. The Fed can't fix the "K" shaped economy. McDonald's sales rise, but the CEO expects low-income diners to spend less into next year. Burger King braces for the demise of the penny.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss private payrolls rebound in October, adding 42,000 jobs. The AI stock sell off could be a bust or a blip. What will decide the outcome? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains the benefits of utilizing revocable trusts.

This week, Todd Lutsky explains the benefits of utilizing revocable trusts for your estate plan. Todd also takes questions for listeners about capital gains on revocable trusts and switching from a will to a trust.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss how frequently 10% market pullback occurs. Third quarter earnings are indicating a divided economy. Federal Reserve signals December rate cut are not a foregone conclusion. Slump in cardboard sales is stoking fears of lackluster holiday shopping. Yum Brands will review strategic options for Pizza Hut, opening the door for a sale. First Brands' new management accuses founder Patrick James of fraud.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Michael Burry's short positions on Palantir and Nvidia. Wall Street CEOs flag high market valuations and pullback risks. Wall Street intensifies scrutiny of fraud after spate of loan losses. Have fraud cases highlighted systemic risks? Dan Griggs, OceanFirst Bank President, joins the show to share what he views is the biggest threat to the economy.

US Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr joins the show to discuss the economic advancements the islands have made in the past five years, how they have recovered from recent hurricanes, and how tariffs have impacted the islands.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss scarce chips are just the tip of big auto's disruption. Amazon agrees to massive deal with OpenAI. Is OpenAI becoming too big to fail? Risky loans from housing bust era is making a comeback. Are tariffs going to hammer shoppers this holiday season? Why the future of coffee doesn't belong to Starbucks.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss this week's biggest economic events. Has the S&P 500 become to heavily weighted to the Magnificent Seven? Is the recent wave of layoffs a warning sign for the job market? USVI Gov Albert Bryan Jr joins the show to chat about how the islands are avoiding the wrath of tariffs. How the US economy defied doomsday predictions on tariffs.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss another big money fraud case coming out of the private credit world. Too much experience is hurting job candidates now? Todd Lutsky explains the benefits of gifting assets as a part of your estate plan. Cities across America are putting robots to work. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about Rithm Capital.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Amazon shares jump on news of strong cloud sales. How long can the economy rely on AI-led investments to keep driving the economy? Apple expects a big December. Should we be more skeptical about AI's power needs? Why are more home sales falling through?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the job market possibly being at a tipping point. Michael Santoli (CNBC) joins the show to chat about big tech earnings and Fed's rate cut decision. It's sample-sale season. Cue the professional line standers. Chipotle stock plunges as chain lowers sales forecast. How the potato became a coveted prize for trick-or-treaters.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump's meeting with Xi and the declaration of immediate cuts to tariffs. Fed divisions reveal new caution over continued cuts. Google revenue soars to record as AI boom lifts cloud business. Big tech test investors' patience with $80B AI investment spree. Is a $100,000 salary enough to raise a family in Massachusetts?

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss home prices posting weakest gain in over two years. Five AI signals we should all watch this week. Big layoffs look scary. Why the job market is still holding up. Credit cockroaches are being held at bay - for now. Oracle bond risk jumps on concerns over AI spending spree.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Nvidia becoming the first $5T company. Trump set to cut Fentanyl tariff and discuss Nvidia with Xi. Is the Fed's inflation target still 2%? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.

This week, Todd Lutsky examines when it is important to add gifting to your estate plan. Todd also takes calls from listeners about protecting assets in an irrevocable trust and sheltering assets from estate taxes.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the ongoing issues in the private-credit sector. Martha Gimbel (Yale Budget Lab - Executive Director) joins the show to chat about AI's impact on the labor market. PayPal reaches deal to put digital wallet into OpenAI's ChatGPT. This is how the AI stock boom plays out. Google and NextEra to revive major Iowa nuclear facility.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the good vibes being back on Wall Street. $100B stock swings expose 'fragility' beneath Wall Street rally. Amazon lays off 14,000 corporate workers. The Fed's $6.6T test. Americans face a retirement confidence paradox. UPS jumps after sweeping job cuts push profit above estimates.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss AI spending boosting the economy but their are many companies are still in survival mode. Austin's housing bust is just what America needs. Ray Dalio says America is developing a 'dependency' on the top 1%. There's a reason electricty prices are rising. And it's not data centers. 

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss this week's massive earnings reports. Milei wins mandate for free-market revolution in Argentina's election. Latest US-China truce leaves fundamental issues unresolved. Why the Fed may lower rates slower than expected this year. More big companies bet they can still grow without hiring. Bill would limit number of self-checkout kiosks at Massachusetts grocery stores.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss inflation expectations needing to come down. Has Argentina really learned their lesson? We'll find out soon. Beef! It's what might be no more dinner as prices rise rapidly. Intel surges after first earnings report post government investment. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about Microsoft's upcoming earnings.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the long delayed CPI report that showed inflation coming in lower than expected. Mike is tired of reading stories about companies shielding buyers from tariffs. Decent earnings satisfies investors starved for data. Why is Trump terminating trade talks with Canada? What's at stake as US and China trade negotiators meet ahead of Trump-Xi summit? Ford profit doubles. Target slashes corporate workforce.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss hotter CPI unlikely to deter rate cuts and the S&P 500 rally. Mark Hamrick (Bankrate) joins the show to chat about Social Security concerns. Fed lost access to private jobs data ahead of government shutdown. The maximun you can borrow from your 401(k) hasn't changed in 40 years. Should that change now?

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the sudden jump in oil prices on Trump's Russia sanctions. Tesla profit plunges as Musk turns focus to robot army. Argentina's make-or-break moment. The US struggles to break out from China's grip on rare earths.

This week, Todd Lutsky explains federal and state level estate taxes and how to navigate around them to lower your tax bill. Todd also takes a call from a listener about moving retirement funds to a Roth IRA.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the reasons why the US is getting involved in Argentina and what role China has to play in all this. What are the economic impacts if the shutdown drags on? Why has insurance rates skyrocketed since 1980? The AWS outage had broader impacts on daily life than most believe.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss how American corporations are crushing it and it's not just tech companies. Gold suffers its worst rout in twelve years. Is the rally over? Todd Lutsky (Cushing & Dolan) joins the show to chat about navigating around federal and state level estate taxes.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti explain why you shouldn't trust a publication that has the answers to protecting your portfolio. Apple stock hits new record on report of strong iPhone sales. Understand required minimum distributions. Andrew Ross Sorkin (CNBC, NYTimes, and author of 1929) joins the show to chat about today's economic conditions vs those in the 1920s.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss GM raising their outlook as strong truck demand dulls tariff pain. The day Amazon broke the internet for millions of Americans. US banks are hunting for collateral to back $20B Argentina bailout. If the economy is good, why do some Americans feel like everything is falling apart? Gold slumps most in four years as record-breaking rally cools.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what US inflation data could show when it is finally released. Annemarie Conte (Wirecutter) joins the show to chat about navigating around tariffs for your holiday shopping. Companies are blaming AI for job cuts. Critics say it's a ‘good excuse'. When do Roth conversions make sense for older people? Restaurants are pitching water on fine dining menus. The best and worst months to buy a house — the difference could save you $23,000. 

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the warning signs lurking beneath this record market. Where does this market stack up to the late 90's and late 2010's? AWS outage impacts hundreds of companies. Trump's demands for resumed trade talks with China. What is the killer combo slamming the auto industry?

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss explain why people shouldn't bo overly surprised that markets have so far defied inflation and tariffs. Banks' strong earnings leave investors digging deeper for trouble spots. Small businesses are being crushed by Trump's tariffs and economists say it's a warning for the economy. Honda wants you to teach its new robot lawnmower. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about PayPal getting $300T worth of  bad news from Paxos.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the three ongoing stories that should be concerning for investors.  New credit fraud fears raise more worries about regional banks. Investors warn on leveraged loan risks after First Brands collapse. Most Americans are falling behind in saving for retirement. The auto industry is panicking about another potential chip shortage. Oil prices drop to the lowest level in nearly five years. Delta and United are leaving other airlines behind.