Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Trump telling Fannie and Freddie to buy $200B of mortgage debt. Why would he do that? GM takes $6B hit tied to EVs as demand sinks. Meta unveils sweeping nuclear-power plan to fuel its AI ambitions. Tech titans divided over whether to pay billionaire tax or flee California. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about Wealthfront's IPO.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss US payrolls rising 50,000 in December, less than expected. Unemployment falls to 4.4%. The productivity boom has arrived. AI may not be the reason. The stock market rally isn't just about tech anymore. What happens if the Supreme Court rules against Trump on tariffs? Trump is getting a new Fed. He may not be happy with what it does.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss consumers loving cheap gas, but the oil patch will pay the price. The US pumps more crude than anyone else. Why does it want Venezuela's? Warner Brothers board rebuffs Paramount's latest buyout offer. The return of the IPO could spell trouble for private equity. Ford enters the race to offer eyes-off driving tech. New campaign in Massachusetts seeks to end pet discrimination in rentals.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the recent jobs data releases and how it impacts the broader economy. New data points to a 'slow' job market in Massachusetts. Why Trump's proposal to ban corporations from buying single-family houses and why it won't solve anything. Trump says he will not permit dividends and stock buybacks for defense companies. Goldman sees consumer stocks gaining amid AI valuation worries.

Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti wonder if stocks will crash in 2026. Ted Rossman (Bankrate) joins the show 2026 interest rate forecasts. Emerging markets haven't had the run recently that many expected. OpenAI says AI will free households from chores and boost hidden productivity.

Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the ADP report that shows private payrolls gained 41,000 jobs in December and US JOLTS coming in well short of expectations. AI fatigue leaves investors focused on the S&P 500's other 493 stocks. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains how procrastinators can plan for long term care at the last minute.

This week, Todd Lutsky explains how procrastinators can catch up on their long term care planning despite getting a late start. Todd also takes a question for a listener about selling property in an irrevocable trust.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the Fed's six big challenges in 2026. Matt Gagnon (CEO Maine Policy Institute & Morning Show Host WGAN Portland) joins the show to chat about the impact of the increases to minimum wage. How are some older job seekers breaking through the bruising labor market? Hiring in the age of AI means proving you need a human. A mystery trader made $400,000 betting on Maduro's downfall.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Venezuela bracing for economic collapse from the US blockade. Two simple ways to fix housing in America. Nvidia details new AI chips and autonomous car project with Mercedes. Mike is excited for the next generation of self-driving cars.  GM and Toyota hint at tough year ahead for US auto sales. Tesla is swapping its EV crown for even more promises.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss some major questions that need to be answered in 2026. Is the US losing its battle to break up Big Tech? US auto sales are poised to slip as middle-class buyers retreat. Seven numbers shaping retirement in 2026. Zillow's CEO is ready for another slow year in the US housing market. How has NYC's surge toll pricing fixed traffic?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what could be next for the US and Venezuela. How will oil energy markets react? Wall Street expects the market to keep rallying in 2026 despite high valuations. Modest US hiring to cap a sluggish year for the job market. US to extend productivity lead on back of the AI boom. These states raised their minimum wage. Is America falling out of love with pizza?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss everyday traders going from fringe players to the dominant market force. Will the next class of Senators do anything about the Social Security crunch? Buffett says Berkshire Hathaway has the best odds of any company for lasting 100 more years. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about the Dogs of the Dow.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how stocks overcame a long list of worries to gain in 2025, thanks to AI. What are market expectations for 2026? How did analysts do with their 2025 predictions? Fed minutes suggest caution about further rate cuts early this year. The condo market hasn't been this bad in over a decade.

Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the unexpected winner of rising American tariffs is Mexico. The housing market is moving in favor of Gen Z. EVs had a bumpy road in 2025, and one pleasant surprise. After a year of blistering growth, AI chip makers get ready for a bigger 2026. The stealth tactic bosses are using to get back to the office. How did Americans in 1998 think would happen in 2025? The case of the $400,000 Massachusetts lobster heist.

Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss how Fed minutes could show how high the bar is for more rate cuts. Bessent sees room for a future revamp of the Fed's 2% target. 2025 US Economy: rising prices, hiring slowdown, and rollercoaster growth. Todd Lutsky joins the show to share his thoughts on balancing asset protection and avoiding estate taxes. Los Angeles tightens rent controls for first time in four decades.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti recap the year that was for 2025 and discuss a Bloomberg opinion piece regarding reasons for optimism for the 2026 economy. Plus, more on Michael Burry and his ongoing bets against big AI names. James Cameron has really dominated the box office. Which tech will potentially change your life?  And, stack roulette.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti preview another shortened holiday week in terms of expected economic data points due out, including Fed Meeting minutes. How are investors preparing for the next Fed Chairman? Also, the latest on the labor market and why companies may not be prioritizing hiring in 2026. And, how did investors fare who "did nothing" this year?

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the GDP report showing a massive increase in GDP in Q3 and the guys try to explain how this came about. The economy avoided a recession in 2025, but many Americans are reeling. Car payments now average more than $750 a month. Ford and GM are running out of time to reinvent themselves. Holiday retail spending rose 4.2% this season.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti discuss the GDP report that showed the US economy grow by 4.3% in the third quarter, its fastest rate in years. How does the GDP report impact future Fed rate cuts? Will AI kill off entry-level jobs? Annual reminder to not get too caught in yearly forecasts.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the year the job market hit the wall. Martha Gimbel (Yale Budget Lab - Executive Director) joins the show to chat about how the labor market slowdown can be reversed in 2026. It's time for Financial Festivus! Chuck and Mike reveal the list of the most annoying economic stories of the year.