This is our first "mini-podcast," which is just a shorter version of the usual podcast in terms of length. It's also dedicated to one subject—how the financial markets performed in August.

So, how did the major U.S. indices perform? What were the leading sector performers? What were the laggard sector performers? How about international markets, developed markets, emerging markets, and other international markets?

And what about oil, gold, copper, the U.S. dollar, interest rates and bonds?

In this mini-podcast, I give you a complete rundown of the market action during the previous month, and year to date. More importantly, I provide you with a few key things to watch out for as we enter the often-volatile month of September.