#227: 2026 Market Outlook: Index Funds, Rates, Inflation & Energy Hedging (U.S. Bank’s Rob Hayworth)

In this episode of The Jay Young Show, Jay Young (CEO of King Operating Corporation) and co-host Jordan Soto sit down with Rob Hayworth, senior investment leader at U.S. Bank Asset Management Group, for a practical conversation on what’s driving markets in 2026. Rob breaks down why the consumer has stayed resilient, what investors may be underestimating, and how to think about risk when headlines feel noisy. They also explain index funds in plain English, discuss interest rates and mortgage rates, and explore whether energy and commodities can hedge macro and geopolitical risk. Rob closes with areas he finds attractive right now—including global equities, global infrastructure, municipal bonds, and reinsurance/catastrophe bonds—plus timeless advice on building wealth through consistent investing and ongoing education.

Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome + guest intro
05:20 – Building wealth early: saving, investing, and staying disciplined
15:10 – 2026 market outlook: what investors are underestimating
27:10 – Index funds explained + biggest portfolio mistakes
39:35 – Energy, commodities, gold, and peak oil demand
52:10 – Rates and inflation: what’s next + where to invest now
1:06:40 – Career advice + wrap-up