The Financial Exchange with Barry Armstrong breaks business news first in New England. The longest running business news host in Boston, Barry reports on the latest business developments throughout the country in New England with heavy hitting interviews from CEO’s, analysts and prominent business media professionals.

Mortgage Rates Hit 6% — Is the Housing Market About to Explode?

Inflation Surprise: Is the Fed’s Easing Path in Trouble?

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti react to a hotter-than-expected Producer Price Index report that rattled markets and raised fresh questions about the Federal Reserve’s timeline for rate cuts. With core wholesale prices surging well above forecasts, the hosts examine whether inflation is reaccelerating — or whether the data is simply a volatile outlier.

The hour also explores growing concentration risk in the S&P 500, the heavy weighting of mega-cap tech stocks, and whether AI-driven disruption headlines — including mass layoffs at Block — are more marketing than macro reality.

What Happens If Taiwan’s Chip Factories Go Dark?

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane sit down with New York Times reporter Tripp Mickle to examine one of the biggest hidden risks in the global economy: America’s dependence on Taiwan for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. With TSMC producing the vast majority of leading-edge chips used by Nvidia, Apple, and other tech giants, the hosts explore what would happen if geopolitical tensions, a blockade, or even a natural disaster disrupted production — and why Silicon Valley has done little to diversify that risk.

The hour also covers Nvidia’s strong earnings and the market’s skeptical reaction, the long-term implications of AI-driven electricity demand, and whether expanding 401(k) access could meaningfully improve retirement outcomes for American workers.

Nvidia Crushes Earnings — So Why Is the Stock Falling?

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down Nvidia’s blockbuster earnings report — including massive revenue growth, strong forward guidance, and continued AI-driven demand — yet a sharp selloff in the stock. They explore what the market may be signaling about peak AI spending, hyperscaler saturation, and investor skepticism after two years of explosive gains.

The hour also examines mounting pressure on software companies like Salesforce in the age of AI, Wall Street’s efforts to monetize tariff refund lawsuits, and the difference between falling inflation and falling prices — and why Americans should understand the distinction.

AI Panic, Tariff Confusion & a Housing Market That Won’t Thaw

Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down the market rebound following another AI disruption scare and examine whether fears of massive white-collar job losses are overblown. They debate how artificial intelligence could reshape competition in the U.S. economy — potentially disrupting dominant tech firms while opening the door for new startups.

The hour also covers renewed tariff uncertainty after the Supreme Court ruling, a $100 billion Meta–AMD AI deal, Home Depot’s latest earnings amid a frozen housing market, and growing risks building in private credit. Plus, the hosts discuss what concentrated market exposure could mean for investors in 2026.

AI Jitters Return: Is the Magnificent Seven Losing Its Grip?

Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti examine growing volatility in the AI trade as markets await Nvidia’s earnings. With software stocks sliding, hedge funds increasing short positions, and the equal-weight S&P 500 outperforming its tech-heavy counterpart, they explore whether leadership in the market is quietly shifting away from the Magnificent Seven.

The hour also covers retailer earnings from Lowe’s and TJX, renewed concerns about housing market softness, and what rising investor anxiety around AI-driven disruption could mean for markets in 2026.

Ask Todd: When Do You Really Need a Trust?

Todd Lutsky explains how estate planning evolves through different stages of life — from simple beneficiary designations when you’re single, to revocable trusts for families with young children, to irrevocable trusts for nursing home planning later in life. He outlines why age, family dynamics, and asset levels all influence whether basic documents are enough or a more sophisticated plan is necessary.

Todd also answers listener questions on Medicaid’s five-year lookback rule, the difference between IRS gifting limits and Medicaid transfer rules, owning out-of-state property to reduce Massachusetts estate taxes, and when it may (or may not) make sense to disclaim an inheritance.

AI Panic, Tariff Whiplash, and the Housing Market Stall

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down the market rebound after an AI-driven selloff sparked fears of white-collar job disruption. They examine whether the latest wave of artificial intelligence concerns represents real structural risk — or short-term market overreaction.

Mike and Paul also dive into ongoing tariff uncertainty following the Supreme Court ruling, the complications surrounding potential refunds, and what shifting trade policy means for businesses and consumers. Plus, they analyze Home Depot earnings and what stubbornly slow housing activity signals about the broader economy.

Tariff Chaos: Who Pays the Price Now?

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down the fallout after the Supreme Court struck down key Trump-era tariffs — only for new tariffs to be reintroduced days later. With billions in potential refunds at stake and uncertainty surrounding Congress’s next move, the hosts examine what this policy whiplash means for businesses, consumers, and long-term investment decisions.

The hour also covers Meta’s massive AI deal with AMD, growing concerns about artificial intelligence disrupting white-collar jobs, and Home Depot’s earnings as a window into the state of the consumer economy.

Are Markets Underestimating the Tariff Fallout?

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti continue unpacking the fallout from the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down key Trump-era tariffs, followed by the White House’s swift move to implement new 15% global tariffs. They examine what the renewed trade uncertainty means for markets, business planning, foreign negotiations, and Congressional involvement in an election year.

The hour also previews upcoming economic data and major earnings reports from Nvidia, Home Depot, and Salesforce, while exploring broader questions about AI-driven productivity, stock market valuations, and whether volatility is quietly rebuilding beneath the surface.