The Financial Exchange Show

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss what the Federal Reserve actually does, why dissent matters, and how it will determine the rate cut decision. Companies from A-Z are starting to complain that tariffs will cost them millions. Why stimulus checks to pay for tariffs is a bad idea. Joseph Yoon, Edmunds, joins the show to chat about car loans crushing buyers. Buying crypto with your credit card is a terrible idea.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti dive into the Q2 GDP data that showed a nice surprise even as Trump's tariffs hit. With a strong GDP does that mean the economy is doing better than expected? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week Todd shares the first step to take if you failed to plan for medicaid till the last minute.

This week, Todd Lustky explains the first steps when planning for last minute nursing home care. Todd also explains why trusts are often too complicated, the value of putting vehicles in a trust, and why you want more than just a will.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump's fragile trade deals. Inflation vs Unemployment. Which do Americans fear more? Even top earners are falling behind on credit card and car loan payments. Soaring energy costs related to the AI boom are becoming concerning.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down the numbers in the latest JOLTS report. A divided Fed eyes future rate cuts but not likely this week. Companies are starting to complain about consumer stress levels. Trump is winning his trade war.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the latest bragging point for CEOs is shrinking their companies headcounts. Inflation is outpacing wage growth for nearly half of Americans. Americans view their 401(k) as more than just a nest egg. ‘Quishing' scams dupe millions of Americans as cybercriminals turn the QR code bad.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong preview a very busy week for economic data. Is the US-EU trade deal the least bad outcome? How long can the US economy defy expectations? The Fed hasn't been this divided in 30 years. Are things really changing for the better at Boeing under the new CEO?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss airlines not named Delta or United are having a very difficult year. Airbnb is looking to redefince travel again. McDonald's has lost its way when it comes to value. Can the golden arches recapture value focused customers? What will it take for robotaxis to go global?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the S&P500 and Nasdaq Composite hitting new record highs. Trump says he won't fire Powell despite bout of bickering over renovation costs. Intel to layoff 15% of workers and cancel billions in projects in bid for rebound. Wall Street is challenging the low cost investing revolution. Microsoft CEO says job cuts have been weighing on him.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss home prices hitting a new record in June, dragging down sales. Ted Rossman, Bankrate, joins the show to share the results of a recent back-to-school shopping survey. Trump to tour Federal Reserve, ramping up pressure on Powell. What most Americans get wrong about Social Security. Thousands of workers feel reduced burnout after four day work week trial.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Trump's new trade standard taking shape with 15% tariff deal. Tesla braces for 'rough' quarters as US ends incentives. Google revenue soars on AI boom. Nvidia and AMD CEOs rally behind Trump's AI 'action plan.' 

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the magnificent seven companies needing to answer certain questions in their earnings reports. Markets are again abuzz about Meme stocks. Full return to office now required for majority of Fortune 100 desk workers. AI demand drives record electricity supply costs in largest US markets. The billion dollar question looming over college sports.

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the US and Japan reaching a trade deal. EU readies no-deal plan to match US's 30% tariff. What should the tariffs rates be? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains how to protect retirement accounts from long-term care.

This week on Ask Todd, Todd Lutsky explains how to protect retirement accounts from long-term care, moving brokerages accounts into a trust, and trust planning vs long-term care insurance.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why stocks are up and why it is such a mystery right now. Corporate America keeps calling consumers 'resilient.' Consumers beg to differ. Banks hate 'buy now, pay later' and may penalize its users. Meme stock frenzy is back. Alphabet earnings optimism outweighs looming anti trust risks. California's $20 minimum wage at fast-food chains has hit employment.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss GM's profit falling as Trump tariffs add $1.1B in costs. Coca-Cola beats estimates but feels slightly meh. Bessent says review of Feds building renovations is needed. BlackRock restricts use of company devices for China travel. Does Europe have a secret weapon to use in negotiations with Trump? Canada's boycott of US liquor hits domestic alcohol sales.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Bessent making the case to Trump against firing Fed Chair Powell. Is the US riskier than emerging markets? Social Security needs a fix more than ever after the big bill. Could the Big Beautiful Bill prove to be contractionary? After pledging to keep prices low, Amazon hiked them on hundreds of essentials. Will 'smart' restrooms fix America's public bathroom crisis?

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the busy week for earnings that started off with the ever reliable Verizon. Is the US economy regaining its swagger? How the Fed has learned from previous mistakes. Europe prepares for a US trade fight. What does a late career layoff look like in America? Wall Street want to make private markets a little more public.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss American Express expenses grow amid investments to keep customers spending. Where are Walmart prices are changing — and staying the same — as Trump's tariffs hit? Carmakers face uncertainty as tariffs and earnings collide. GE Aerospace investors are unsure of the potential. 

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss housing starts gain but still lag from last year. Consumer sentiment rises in July despite Trump's latest tariff threats. Upbeat earnings send S&P and Nasdaq to new highs. Why does Netflix keep dominating the streaming space? Trump set to open US retirement market to crypto investments.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss pump prices not being the problem, plug prices are. Tough job market got college grads is worrying for the economy. Why the Fed keeps holding rates steady while waiting to see on tariffs. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about Tesla and JPMorgan still short.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Fed building renovation at the heart of Trump's efforts to oust Powell. Bank CEOs are coming out fighting for Fed independence. US jobless claims fell last week. Retail sales came in strong in June but could be hiding something important. The bond market won't let America be irresponsible forever.

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss big bank earnings, with the exception of Wells Fargo, keep coming in solid. Tripp Mickle, New York Times, joins the show to chat about Nvidia's staggering growth and future prospects. White House officials believe Trump will fire Jerome Powell soon. How will markets react? 

This week, Todd Lutsky explains how to ensure your property is protected when detirmining medicaid eligibility. Todd also shares his insight on selling rental property in a trust, swapping properties in a trust, and purchasing a home with cash.

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss the released PPI report that came in mostly as expected but some areas are showing signs of impacts from tariffs. Despite dire warnings, the economy is holding up. Can it last? Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggesting Powell should leave Fed board in May. Starbucks tells white-collar workers to come to the office more. Jeff Ostrowski, Bankrate, joins the show to chat about a recent homebuyers/homesellers survey. Why have US stocks and bonds had 'healthy' returns this year despite Trump's tariff threats? Is the job market really that bad for Gen Z?

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the CPI report that came in slightly higher than expected. Why is inflation data still not showing an impact from tariffs? Big banks report earnings with mixed results. How did JPMorgan escape the bad news but Wells Fargo didn't? Nvidia can sell AI chips to China again after CEO meets with Trump. America's biggest rare-earth producer makes a play to end China's dominance.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the ongoing feud between President Trump and Fed Chair Powell and why this situation matters to everyone. Plunging dollar leaves American travelers with less buying power this summer. Are parents ready to keep the bank of Mom and Dad open? Why Costco is becoming Americas go to store.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the major economic data points coming this week, including bank earnings, CPI, and retail sales. What do we want to hear from the major banks? Trump threatens 30% tariff on EU and Mexico. Tariffs on copper are sending manufacturers scrambling. How to know when you should start to pull cash from retirement savings.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss the Nasdaq showing signs of mirroring the 90's but could it avoid the same bubble? Jamie Dimon has a blunt message for Europe: ‘You're losing'. Ford breaks another record, this time it isn't a good one. Nintendo's use of rare-earth materials could it expose it to the whims of China. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about copper pricing.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump threatening some Canadian goods with a 35% tariff. Vietnam is surprised by Trump's tariff decision. A key piece of the next consumer-price report risks upsetting the bond market. The White House just took its most aggressive stance yet against Jerome Powell. Will tariffs impact Q2 earnings? Goldman Sachs is piloting its first autonomous coder in major AI milestone for Wall Street. 

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss inflation eating away at the labor market because gains might just be a mirage. Ted Rossman, Bankrate, joins the show to share the results of a recent side hustle survey. How Volkswagen's electric bus went from American flagship to flop. Tech platforms are struggling to indentify AI generated pictures. 

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump's 50% tariff on Brazil might actually be a shot at China. Trump says 50% levy on copper imports to take effect August 1st. Fresh tariff games are leaving small businesses dazed. Fed says most policymakers see risks tariffs will cause persistent infaltion. 

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss two Kevins battling to be the next Fed Chair. Home sellers have gotten tired of cutting prices. Many are yanking their houses of the market. Americans are eating cheaper. What does that mean for the economy? Why carmakers need to bring back buttons. Trump sends more letters dictating high tariff rates around the world.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump proclaiming there will no more extensions for tariffs and threatens hightened tariffs on copper and pharma. Short-term inflation expectations tick down while household financial expectations improve. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his insight on determining medicaid eligibility.

This week, Todd Lutsky explains the process and qualifications to determine medicaid eligibility, when to get the clock started, changes coming to medicaid, and state-to-state differences.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss markets not taking Trump's tariff threats seriously anymore. 'Big beautiful bill' may help some seniors on Social Security. But it doesn't eliminate taxes on benefits. Bad policy keeps getting in the way of economic progress. Which workers will AI hurt the most? Amazon turns prime day into prime week.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump's new tariff threats set off a global scramble to avoid tariffs. What if this time really is different for investors? The Trump administration wants lower rates but is going about it the wrong way.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Trump sets August 1st as the tariff start date. Want to know where the economy is heading? Don't trust those who have the answers. Why some see the dollar's drop as a sign America is losing its financial might. Late-career job losses are blurring what retirement looks like. Homeowners who gambled on lower rates are paying the price. Elon Musk is running out of road in China.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti explain how Trump's megabill will and won't change your taxes. How does the megabill impact the deficit? Trump faces crucial week for reaching trade deals. The job market is humming? Is this as good as it gets?

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss markets getting an unexpected boost from the monthly jobs report. Why the dollars value has declined by 10% this year. CEOs start saying the quiet part out loud: AI will wipe out jobs. What is in your 401(k)? Why you really should know. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, joins the show to chat about Robinhood.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the monthy jobs report that came in much better than expected and send markets higher to start the day. Why is the labor force shrinking? Markets are breathing a sigh of relief. Trump megabill back in the hands of the House. Trump's Vietnam deal shows China tariffs won't fall much further. Tesla's global vehicle deliveries plunged in the second quarter.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti preview tomorrow's jobs report. Joseph Yoon, Edmunds Consumer Analyst, joins the show to discuss the car market pushing Americans to the limit. Hertz customers outraged over AI-powered scanner that detects small marks, charges hundreds — including $440 for one-inch scuff. Trump announces Vietnam trade deal, 20% tariff on its imports to U.S. Trump said trade deals would come easy. Japan is proving him wrong. Lululemon sues Costco over alleged knockoff activewear. 

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss traders rotating big-to-small to start the second half of the year. What the Senate Republican tax-and-spending bill means for your money. Powell confirms his position on tariffs delaying rate cuts. 

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss how debt is influencing how job seekers are searching for new positions. Corey Adams, Robert Half, joins the show to chat about the hiring slowdown. Do earnings need to justify how expensive stocks are? The dollar is off the its worst start since 1973. Amazon is nearly at the point of having more robots than employees.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss how markets kept calm through all the noise in the first half of the year. What are some of the concerns for the second half of the year. How is Trump's megabill helping the wealthy and hurting the everday American? US job openings unexpectedly rise in May, hiring falls. Powell confirms that the Fed would have cut by now were it not for tariffs. Homes are taking longer to sell in once hot markets.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss a shrinking housing could mean upheavel for buyers. Are summer jobs for teens fading away? Why are those in the 10% of earners still not feeling rich? Can a baby bonus really make Americans have more kids? Is Gen Z actually proving to be good at saving for retirement already?

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Republicans fight it out on Trump's tax megabill. Economists still don't like Trump's tax bill. How the tax bill gets passed is more important than the bill itself. Canada drops digital tax that infuriated Trump to restart trade talks. Fed versus Trump on tariffs impact will soon be put to the test. 

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Fed driven bond rally stalling. Greg McBride, Bankrate Chief Financial Analyst, joins the show to chat about American recognizing but unable to act upon poor emergency savings. Student loan borrowers face ‘default cliff' as late payments climb, report finds. Ted Cruz has a solution to fix the Fed. Paul LaMonica, Barron's, stops by to talk about Constellation Brands.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss May PCE inflation data coming in higher than expected. The US and China reach a trade deal but questions still remain. Is Nike starting to correct course? Why investors should be cautious of buy-the-dip strategies.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss why presidents shouldn't interfere with the Fed and push for lower rates. How vibes became a nearly undefeated economic indicator. BlackRock deepens push into private investments for the masses. SPACs are back. What could go wrong this time? Fears over US debt load and inflation ignite exodus from long-term bonds.