Markets defied history in September, closing the month with rare gains despite its reputation as the worst month of the year. But with new tariffs on pharmaceuticals, furniture, and heavy trucks, sector volatility is already stirring—and October, the most volatile month on record, is right around the corner.

In this week’s CB3 Financial Weekly Podcast update, we break down:

• Why September’s bullish streak caught pundits off guard

• How inflation data and Fed signals are shaping investor sentiment

• The impact of new Trump administration tariffs on key industries

• What to expect as earnings season, political negotiations, and October volatility converge

Stay with us as we head into Q4 positioned for opportunities amid uncertainty.

In this client update, we explain why CB3 is transitioning custody to Charles Schwab and what it means for you. After five months of due diligence across four major custodians, Schwab stood out for simple login consolidation, true householding, and 24/7 human support. You will get commission free stock and ETF trading, low cost options at 65 cents per contract, strong execution with frequent price improvement, and a polished mobile experience with Face ID, Apple Watch checks, and push notifications. Householding lets spouses and families see the same lineup of accounts, with consolidated statements, 1099s, and a clear audit trail.

We also introduce our systematic options hedging program at Schwab. This is not speculation. It is portfolio insurance using long puts financed in part by short puts, rolled quarterly in March, June, September, and December. The goal is to soften the ride in major drawdowns and avoid life changing losses while keeping you invested. We cover how block trading gives every client the same fill, why limited margin appears on options accounts, and when we may add or adjust hedges if markets worsen.

Plus, a quick market view: earnings breadth remains strong and the secular bull trend is intact despite headline shocks. Send your questions, then subscribe to get future updates.

This week on the CB3 Financial Podcast, Portfolio Manager Charles Brown unpacks a volatile but historic stretch for Wall Street. Major indices surged to fresh highs before pulling back, while the “Magnificent Seven” tech giants crossed an unprecedented $20 trillion in market cap. Consumer sentiment plunged, inflation ticked up to 2.9%, and markets now price in a near-certain Fed rate cut. Charles examines Powell’s balancing act, sector rotations, and the seasonal September weakness that historically challenges investors. Plus, insights on Oracle’s breakout, energy’s rebound, and what the weeks ahead may hold for both stocks and bonds.