Episodes

Market Leadership Broadens
June 30, 2026

Market Leadership Broadens

Market leadership is changing. Strong gains in small-cap stocks, international equities, and emerging markets during the first half of 2026 highlight why diversification remains an important part of a long-term investment strategy. Listen as we discuss what's driving today's market and what investors should watch in the months ahead.
Is the SpaceX IPO a Great Opportunity or a Great Story?
June 2, 2026

Is the SpaceX IPO a Great Opportunity or a Great Story?

SpaceX is expected to become the largest IPO in history, potentially debuting at a valuation approaching $2 trillion. But does that automatically make it a great investment? In this episode, we explore: The risks and opportunities surrounding high-profile IPOs Why valuation still matters What history tells us about newly public companies Why long-term investors should focus on fundamentals over hype As excitement builds around SpaceX, OpenAI, Anthropic, and the next wave of AI-driven companies, ...
Rising Inflation Pressures Push Bond Yields Higher
May 19, 2026

Rising Inflation Pressures Push Bond Yields Higher

Inflation came in hotter than expected last week, sending Treasury yields higher and raising new questions about the direction of interest rates and the broader economy. In this episode of The Market Update, Adam Phillips discusses rising bond yields, shifting Federal Reserve expectations, Nvidia earnings, and what upcoming retailer reports could reveal about the health of the U.S. consumer.
Wall Street and Main Street Continue to Tell Different Stories
May 12, 2026

Wall Street and Main Street Continue to Tell Different Stories

This week’s Market Update focuses on the growing disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street. Markets continue moving higher, driven largely by technology and artificial intelligence themes, while many consumers face increasing pressure from inflation and higher energy costs. The update also covers recent labor market data, real wage trends, and key events investors are watching this week. market update, stock market update, investing outlook#MarketUpdate #Investing #FinancialMarkets #StockMa...
Market Update: Earnings, the Fed, and What to Watch
April 28, 2026

Market Update: Earnings, the Fed, and What to Watch

It’s a pivotal week for markets. Nearly half of the S&P 500 is set to report earnings, including several major technology companies that have driven recent market momentum. At the same time, the Federal Reserve meets with no rate change expected, but increased attention on what comes next. Earnings trends, geopolitical tensions, and a potential leadership shift at the Fed are all in focus. In this update, we break down what investors should be watching. Show Notes • Earnings season accelerates w...
Markets Rebound to New Highs as Earnings Remain Strong
April 21, 2026

Markets Rebound to New Highs as Earnings Remain Strong

Markets have rebounded to new highs following a sharp pullback earlier this month. This week’s Market Update highlights what’s driving the recovery, including rising earnings expectations, elevated interest rates, and the continued impact of geopolitical uncertainty.market update, stock market update, investing outlook, earnings growth#MarketUpdate #Investing #FinancialMarkets #StockMarket #FederalReserve
What Has Changed and What Hasn't Amid Ongoing Uncertainty
March 31, 2026

What Has Changed and What Hasn't Amid Ongoing Uncertainty

Markets continue to navigate uncertainty as the conflict in the Middle East evolves. This week’s Market Update highlights what has changed and what has not, including shifting expectations for interest rates, a resilient labor market, and strong corporate earnings supporting markets. market update, stock market update, investing outlook, federal reserve #MarketUpdate #Investing #FinancialMarkets #StockMarket
Markets Rise on Signs of De-escalation; Fed Remains Cautious
March 24, 2026

Markets Rise on Signs of De-escalation; Fed Remains Cautious

In this week’s Market Update, we discuss how markets are reacting to signs of de-escalation in the Middle East, including developments involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. We also cover the recent Federal Reserve meeting, shifting expectations for interest rate cuts, and what these changes mean for markets and portfolios.market update, stock market update, investing outlook, middle east conflict, #MarketUpdate #Investing #FinancialMarkets #StockMarket
Markets Hold Up Amid Middle East Uncertainty+
March 17, 2026

Markets Hold Up Amid Middle East Uncertainty+

Markets have remained relatively resilient despite rising tensions in the Middle East. In this week’s Market Update, we discuss how markets are responding to developments involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, what oil prices and futures markets suggest about investor expectations, and how portfolios are positioned during this period of uncertainty. market update, stock market update, investing outlook, middle east conflict, #MarketUpdate #Investing #FinancialMarkets #StockMarket
Job Data Shakes Fed Rate Expectations
Aug. 6, 2025

Job Data Shakes Fed Rate Expectations

Last week was a busy one for markets, with headlines dominated by earnings from several tech giants and major tariff announcements. But two events, in particular—the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting and the latest jobs report—offered critical insight into the current state of the economy.
Inflation Appears Tame, But Underlying Pressures Emerge
July 23, 2025

Inflation Appears Tame, But Underlying Pressures Emerge

Mixed Inflation Signals and Fed Leadership in the Spotlight The June Consumer Price Index (CPI) report brought mixed news for markets. While overall inflation appeared moderate—marking the fifth consecutive month of softer-than-expected core readings—some specific consumer categories showed surprising strength. Core goods excluding autos, which are more susceptible to import costs and tariffs, posted their largest price increases in years. Notable month-over-month price jumps included: -Men’s sh...
Riding the Rally, But Watch for Trade Risks
July 23, 2025

Riding the Rally, But Watch for Trade Risks

Markets continue to hover near all-time highs, with the S&P 500 up roughly 26% since its April 8 low. That date marked the day before President Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs—a move that has since been extended through August 1. Despite lingering uncertainties, investors have largely shrugged off near-term risks, and optimism is evident: CNN’s Fear & Greed Index recently reached its highest level in over a year. That sentiment raises a classic question—should investors grow cautious w...
Policy Clarity and Market Resilience
July 23, 2025

Policy Clarity and Market Resilience

President Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill” was signed into law on July 4th, beating expectations and easing a major source of market uncertainty. Among its provisions, the bill extends and makes permanent the individual tax cuts from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—avoiding what would have been a $400 billion tax hike if they had expired. While not a new economic boost, this move removes a potential headwind. Additional provisions like eliminating taxes on tips and overtime could support lower-i...
Market Hits New High as First Half Closes—But Uncertainty Remains
July 23, 2025

Market Hits New High as First Half Closes—But Uncertainty Remains

As the first half of 2025 wraps up, the S&P 500 has reached a new all-time high—rebounding over 25% since April. But elevated valuations, looming tariff deadlines, and unresolved fiscal policy keep investors on edge.In this update:What drove the market’s sharp reboundWhy caution is still warranted heading into Q3Key areas to watch: trade policy, fiscal negotiations, and corporate earningsTranscription Available Here: https://www.epwealth.com/transcript-t... EP Wealth Advisors, LLC (“EP Wealth”) ...
Jobs Report Eases Fears—Though Cracks Are Beginning to Show
June 16, 2025

Jobs Report Eases Fears—Though Cracks Are Beginning to Show

Markets responded positively to May’s jobs report, which showed 140,000 new jobs and a steady 4.2% unemployment rate. But beneath the headline numbers, warning signs are starting to emerge.In this week’s Market Update:The labor force shrank by 625,000—raising concerns about discouraged workersJob gains were heavily concentrated in education and healthcareRetail and manufacturing sectors shed jobsPrior months were revised down by 95,000 jobs, hinting at a weaker trendWhile job creation remains ab...
A Strong May, Rising Tariffs, and What’s Next for the Economy
June 2, 2025

A Strong May, Rising Tariffs, and What’s Next for the Economy

The markets just posted their strongest May since 1990, driven by robust earnings and a temporary truce in U.S.–China trade tensions. But with new legal challenges to tariffs, a spike in jobless claims, and a critical jobs report looming, investors are bracing for renewed uncertainty. What do these developments mean for market momentum and consumer confidence heading into summer? In this episode, we explore the economic impact of President Trump’s contested “Liberation Day” tariffs, a sharp rise...