Stocks are hitting new highs, bond yields are easing, and oil prices are moving lower, but the bigger question remains whether higher interest rates are actually slowing the parts of the economy driving growth.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss Scott Bessent’s credibility problem, why Treasury credibility may matter more in a crisis, and whether history is a useful guide for today’s interest rate environment. They also break down how higher borrowing costs are starting to affect corporate America, why AI data center spending appears largely resistant to higher rates, how wealthy retirees are approaching retirement savings and taxes, and why lower crude oil prices have not yet brought meaningful relief for diesel.

AI remains one of the biggest forces driving markets, but businesses are still trying to figure out what the technology will actually cost — and whether the spending can justify the hype.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why NVIDIA’s valuation alone does not prove the AI rally is safe from bubble concerns, and why using AI inside a business can be far harder to budget than traditional software. They also break down why token-based pricing creates uncertainty, whether companies may eventually rely on cheaper open-source models, how estate plans can tear families apart when expectations are not clearly communicated, why high fuel prices are changing truck and SUV demand, and what the decline of in-person social habits says about American life.

Treasury yields remain near multi-year highs, but the latest market signals do not yet point to a full-blown fiscal crisis.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why rising Treasury yields have sparked concerns about the U.S. debt picture, what would actually signal a fiscal “apocalypse,” and why the dollar and gold are not confirming that narrative right now. They also break down Scott Bessent’s missed economic forecasts, why the bond market may be settling into a new range, how higher real rates could start to bite the economy, why consumer spending remains stronger than expected, and whether the G7 diesel reserve release can ease pressure from record-high fuel prices.

Stocks rallied after a softer-than-expected jobs report, but the labor market slowdown raises new questions for the Fed as inflation remains elevated and long-term interest rates refuse to come down.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down the latest jobs report, why unemployment ticked higher, and how the Fed may weigh slower job growth against persistent inflation. They also discuss why Treasury yields are still climbing, Michael Santoli’s view on AI spending and the market, whether retirees should rethink bonds after years of weak returns, Paul LaMonica’s breakdown of Micron and the memory chip boom, and why Congress’ Social Security “fix” falls far short of addressing the program’s real problems.

The September jobs report came in weaker than expected, but markets rallied as investors bet the softer labor data could give the Fed room to pause on another rate hike.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down the latest jobs report, why payroll growth slowed, why unemployment ticked higher, and how markets reacted to the possibility of less aggressive Fed tightening. They also discuss whether the data raises stagflation concerns, why inflation and energy prices remain the biggest risks for the economy, how government debt is fueling pressure in global bond markets, and why oil prices are still unlikely to return to pre-war levels even as more supply moves through the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil is moving out of the Middle East again, but markets are still pricing in major risk as shipping costs surge, strategic reserves run low, and the conflict with Iran shows little sign of resolution.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why oil prices remain elevated even as energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz improve, how diesel prices and shipping costs are feeding inflation concerns, and why the AI trade continues to dominate the U.S. economy despite higher interest rates. They also break down the latest AI safety debate, OpenAI’s copyright fight with publishers, why bonds have struggled for investors, how high mortgage rates are changing the homebuyer playbook, and what remote work is doing to downtown real estate.

Interest rates are once again the biggest story in markets as the 10-year Treasury climbs to levels not seen since the early 2000s, putting pressure on bonds, mortgages, and nearly every corner of the economy.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why the 10-year Treasury matters so much, how higher rates are affecting mortgage costs and balanced portfolios, and why AI-linked technology companies continue to hold up while most other sectors struggle. They also break down September’s rough market performance, why tech now makes up a record share of the S&P 500, what tomorrow’s jobs report could mean for the Fed, why gasoline prices still shape consumer sentiment, and how Micron’s explosive earnings show the scale of the AI data center boom.

Stocks are rallying after a softer inflation report and stronger GDP revision, but the market’s strength still depends heavily on whether the AI boom can keep delivering.

Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss why stocks may look cheaper on forward earnings but more expensive when using longer-term valuation measures, and how much of the market’s expected profit growth depends on AI data center spending. They also break down Micron’s role in the AI chip supply chain, President Trump’s meeting with AI safety leaders, OpenAI’s security concerns, private investments entering 401(k) plans, and whether AI agents could disrupt banks by helping customers move deposits into higher-yielding accounts.

The Fed’s preferred inflation measure came in lighter than expected, but the broader economic picture still points to sticky price pressure and a growing debate over whether another rate hike is needed.

Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti break down the latest core PCE inflation report, why revisions helped soften the headline number, and what the data could mean for the Fed’s next move. They also discuss stronger GDP revisions, John Williams’ comments on interest rates, why high earners say they are living paycheck to paycheck, the widening gap between the rich and the ultra-rich, rising mortgage rates, record home equity, and why several major IPOs are being delayed despite a strong year for markets.