This week on Money Wise, the team reflects on a quieter stretch for Wall Street after months of volatility. The Dow slipped 457 points (-1%), the S&P 500 dipped 0.3%, and the NASDAQ was nearly flat, down just 0.1%. Year-to-date, however, all three indexes remain positive, with the Dow up 4.3%, the S&P 500 up 6.4%, and the NASDAQ up 6.6%. While markets took the latest tariff announcements in stride, including President Trump’s July 9th letter outlining new rates for trading partners, investors remain cautiously optimistic. The “big beautiful bill” passed on July 4th also grabbed attention, with analysts now waiting to see how it will affect individuals and corporations. With little economic data or earnings news last week, markets stayed mostly headline-driven, prompting the Money Wise guys to remind listeners that sideways markets often present opportunities for thoughtful portfolio adjustments.

After months of volatility tied to trade tensions, Wall Street seems to be tuning out the tariff noise. Even with President Trump’s latest announcements, the markets showed little reaction, suggesting that investors may see the worst of the tariff-driven swings as behind them. This shift in sentiment could signal a move toward more stable footing, giving portfolios room to refocus on fundamentals rather than headlines.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys explore RIA vs. Broker. You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.

It was a blockbuster week, and quarter, for Wall Street. The Dow jumped 1,009 points (2.3%), the S&P 500 gained 1.7%, and the NASDAQ rose 1.6%. Year-to-date, all three indexes are firmly in positive territory, with the S&P 500 up 6.8% and the NASDAQ up 6.7%. June closed strong too, with the Dow up 4%, the S&P 500 up nearly 5%, and the NASDAQ surging 6.5%. Even more remarkable: the second quarter saw the S&P soar 10.5% and the NASDAQ skyrocket 17.75% despite April’s sharp correction.

The Money Wise guys break down how this market resilience reflects optimism around trade progress, cooling inflation, and regulatory rollbacks following a key Supreme Court ruling. They also highlight that, since November 2024, the S&P 500 is up just 4.1% (excluding dividends), leaving plenty of room for further growth. The second half of the show wrapped up their “10 Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor” series, empowering investors to make smarter decisions when choosing a financial partner.

The Supreme Court’s recent decision limiting nationwide injunctions from federal district courts could have far-reaching implications for the economy, and the markets are just beginning to notice. This ruling clears the path for more of President Trump’s deregulation agenda, which was often stalled in his first term by lower-court injunctions. With fewer legal roadblocks, businesses could see a reduction in regulatory red tape, potentially boosting economic growth and corporate earnings. While this development hasn’t grabbed major headlines in the financial press, it could be an underappreciated driver of optimism in the current market rally.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys share The Best Investment Advice Ever . You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.

This week on Money Wise, the guys recap a flat week on Wall Street, with the Dow and NASDAQ barely budging and the S&P 500 hovering exactly where it was a month ago. Amid geopolitical tension in the Middle East and the looming July 9 tariff deadline, markets appear to be in a holding pattern. The Money Wise guys also preview a deeper discussion in the second half of the hour on how Wall Street continues to churn out new investment products, often more beneficial to sellers than buyers. They urge investors to tread carefully and stay focused on fundamentals while waiting for clarity in the second half of the year.

Markets don’t always move dramatically up or down—sometimes they just drift sideways. That’s been the case lately, with the S&P 500 virtually unchanged for over a month. This kind of flat performance, known as a “sideways market,” often reflects a mix of uncertainty and anticipation. Investors may be waiting for clarity on key issues, like tariff policy or legislative outcomes, before making big moves. While sideways markets can feel uneventful, they can also offer opportunities for strategic rebalancing and positioning for the next potential breakout.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys divulge what Wall Street Won’t Tell You. You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.

The Money Wise guys kick this week’s episode off with another market review. Last week the markets pulled back, with the Dow down 1.3%, the S&P 500 off by 0.4%, and the NASDAQ falling 0.6%. Despite encouraging inflation data, specifically favorable CPI and PPI readings, geopolitical tension in the Middle East quickly overshadowed the good news. Thursday night’s developments between Israel and Iran led to Friday’s market drop, with investors hesitant to hold positions over the weekend. The guys discuss how these types of events often spark short-term volatility, not long-term shifts, and share insight into recent rebalancing decisions involving oil and gas positions. Later in the show they delve into insurance-based investment products, often favored by legacy firms, but not always in clients’ best interest.

Insurance-based investments, like variable annuities and equity-indexed products, are often pitched as safe, reliable options, especially by legacy firms. But behind the promises can lie high fees, long lock-up periods, and limited transparency. As discussed in this week’s episode, these products may serve the salesperson more than the investor, offering hefty commissions without always aligning with a client’s financial goals. It’s essential to look beyond the sales pitch and evaluate whether these tools truly support your long-term strategy.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys explore RIA vs. Broker. You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.

In the week that just passed, the markets posted another strong week, capping off a resilient stretch that’s pushing all three major indexes back into positive territory for the year. The hosts discussed how the market recovery—initially doubted to be V-shaped—is indeed shaping up like one, with the S&P 500 now within 2% of all-time highs. A better-than-expected jobs report helped fuel Friday’s gains, reinforcing economic strength despite political calls for rate cuts.

The conversation also touched on the media drama between President Trump and Elon Musk, whose public fallout briefly rattled Tesla shares before markets recovered. Trump’s pressure on the Fed to slash interest rates by a full percentage point drew skepticism, particularly as economic data doesn't yet justify such a move. The team also speculated that the rhetoric may be more about countering economic weakness overseas—especially in Europe, where corporate insolvencies are on the rise—than it is about domestic fundamentals.

While U.S. markets showed strength last week, concerns abroad cast a longer shadow. Reports from Europe, particularly Germany, pointed to rising corporate bankruptcies and significant job losses—the most since the 2008 financial crisis. With discussions of massive stimulus measures and tax relief overseas, some analysts wonder whether the U.S. is quietly bracing for ripple effects. Although the American economy appears relatively stable for now, global instability could challenge that narrative in the months ahead.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys share The Best Investment Advice Ever . You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.

The Money Wise guys kick off this week’s episode with a reflection on last week’s numbers from Wall Street. They report that the markets closed out May on a high note, with all three major indices posting solid weekly gains and even stronger monthly returns. The Dow rose 1.6%, the S&P 500 climbed 1.9%, and the NASDAQ led the charge with a 2% increase. For the month of May, the NASDAQ soared 9.6%, the S&P 500 jumped 6.2%, and the Dow finished up 3.9%.

The team goes on to highlight the second revision of Q1 GDP and the latest core PCE reading—formerly the Fed’s go-to inflation gauge. With year-over-year PCE now at 2.1%, the data suggests inflation is nearing the Fed’s 2% target, igniting debate about when rate cuts may finally happen. However, the media continues its gloom-heavy narrative, with financial figures like Jamie Dimon casting shadows of stagflation and looming bond market stress, despite signs of economic resilience. Later in the show, the team does a deep dive into proper portfolio construction, because how your investments are structured can make or break your financial goals.

Despite the strong performance across the markets in May, Wall Street sentiment remains surprisingly downbeat. Financial media and major voices like Jamie Dimon continue to push cautionary narratives, raising concerns about stagflation, cracks in the bond market, and long-term economic risks. Even as inflation readings like the core PCE show progress toward the Fed’s target, the tone from many in the financial world leans more pessimistic than the data might warrant. It’s a reminder that headlines often lag reality, and that investors need to stay focused on facts, not fear.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys discuss Equity Index Annuities. You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.

Markets took a hit last week as the Dow fell 2.5%, the S&P 500 dropped 2.6%, and the NASDAQ slipped 2.5%. While early-week momentum was positive, the tone shifted sharply after President Trump posted on Truth Social Friday morning, announcing a potential 50% tariff on EU imports and a 25% tariff on foreign-made iPhones—news that sent markets into the red ahead of the long weekend. The Money Wise guys emphasize that unexpected announcements like this, especially during thin trading before holidays, tend to spook investors and contribute to volatility.

They also touch on broader media narratives that resurfaced concerns about the national deficit, potential downgrades to U.S. credit, and Social Security stability—longstanding fears that have persisted for decades. The team reminds listeners that these recurring headlines often stir emotions, but rarely reflect immediate threats to the markets. As always, the guys encourage maintaining a long-term perspective, staying grounded, and tuning out the financial “noise” that distracts from sound investment decisions.

While the broader market slipped heading into the long weekend, tech stood out as a focal point of the conversation. From tariff threats on imported iPhones to questions around Apple's international manufacturing, technology companies found themselves in the political crosshairs once again. But beyond the headlines, it’s clear that tech still plays a critical role in market momentum—both as a driver of volatility and a source of long-term growth potential.

In the second hour, the Money Wise guys divulge what Wall Street Won’t Tell You. You don’t want to miss the details! Tune in for the full discussion on your favorite podcast provider or at davidsoncap.com, where you can also learn more about the Money Wise guys or take advantage of a portfolio review and analysis with Davidson Capital Management.