Markets are grinding higher — but is it confidence or complacency?

In this Friday, February 20th, 2026 episode of Before the Bell, we break down what’s really happening in the stock market and the broader economy — in plain language.

We cover:

• Why the S&P 500 and Nasdaq continue pushing higher
• What the Federal Reserve is signaling about interest rates
• Where inflation stands right now
• How rate expectations affect mortgages, credit cards, and loans
• What companies like NVIDIA, Apple, Microsoft, and JPMorgan are telling us about the economy
• The biggest risks investors should be watching
• How Friday market dynamics typically play out
• What long-term investors should focus on right now

This episode isn’t just for traders.
It’s for students, workers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to understand how the economy connects to their everyday financial life.

No hype. No fear. Just clarity.

Whether you’re investing for retirement, trading short-term moves, or just trying to understand why rates are still high — this episode will get you prepared before the bell rings.

🎧 Tune in, get informed, and close the week strong.

The Fed is under the microscope today as the market parses the FOMC minutes for clues on a "Kevin Warsh" policy pivot. Roman breaks down the $2 billion heavy-crude lifeline coming from Venezuela via General Licenses 49 and 50, and why the "Intervention Dividend" is acting as a massive disinflationary buffer. Plus, we analyze the $135 billion Meta-Nvidia partnership and the "Silver Squeeze" hitting the AI supply chain.

 The "Big Wait" is over. After the government shutdown delay, the January Jobs Report finally lands. Roman breaks down the 8:30 AM data, what it means for the Dow’s historic 50,000 milestone, and the "whisper numbers" suggesting a cooling labor market. We also cover the massive policy shift in Venezuela that could provide a "fuel tax cut" for your next flight and why gold is acting as a "diplomacy hedge" against Greenland tensions. FEB 11

Gold officially smashes through the $5,300 mark as global investors hedge against a politicized Fed and a weakening dollar. Roman breaks down the "Governance Discount" hitting U.S. assets, the high-stakes 2:30 PM Powell presser, and why the "Greenland Premium" is being offset by a major policy shift in Venezuela. Plus, a look at the "Sovereign Risk" signal that has the VIX waking up

The 2026 "soft landing" thesis is under fire as the standoff over Greenland triggers a global bond sell-off. Roman breaks down why the 10-year Treasury yield has spiked to a five-month high of 4.29% and what the President's tariff threats mean for your portfolio. We look at the "Sovereign Risk" signal coming from European pension funds, the record-shattering move in Gold, and why "Trade Policy" is now the #1 driver of market volatility.

Roman breaks down Delta's blockbuster earnings and what they mean for the recession narrative (hint: people are still flying). Plus, the rumors heating up ahead of tomorrow's Apple "Intelligence Era" event—including a potential Foldable iPhone and Creator Subscription—and why sticky inflation is pushing yields back toward 4%.

The FOMC Minutes are out, and the narrative has shifted. Roman breaks down why the Fed is officially more worried about "cooling labor demand" than inflation, and why the bond market responded by sending the 10-year yield crashing to 3.85%. Roman goes on to cover the "Risk-Off" rotation into defensive sectors, the "CES Sin City Hangover" that hit Dell and HP today, and what to expect from tomorrow's critical Jobless Claims report.

 2026 starts with a jolt as geopolitical unrest in Venezuela sends crude oil back above $60. Roman breaks down the sudden energy sector rotation, the massive "AI PC" trade taking center stage at CES in Vegas today, and why the 10-year yield is the most important chart to watch as the "Santa Claus Rally" window closes.

Happy New Year! Roman sets the stage for the first full trading week of 2026. We cover the massive "AI PC" trade starting at CES (watch Nvidia), the breaking instability in Venezuela that could spike gas prices, and the critical "Santa Claus Rally" indicator concluding on Tuesday. Find out why the 10-year yield holding below 4% might send beaten-down stocks soaring this month.

As Zain flies solo for the final Monday morning of 2025, we’re breaking down a market that’s currently in its "Main Character Era."

The S&P 500 is sitting at 6,930, just a 1% "drip" away from the historic 7,000 milestone.

In this episode, we dive into the "receipts" from the weekend’s massive geopolitical meeting at Mar-a-Lago between President Trump and President Zelenskyy, where "good progress" on a peace plan has the defense and energy sectors on high alert.

We’re also checking the "Q5" vibes—the "Fifth Quarter" retail window where Gen-Z is leading a "Thriftmas" revolution, driving an 11% surge in secondhand store traffic as traditional retail gets "cooked" by high prices.

On the macro side, we unpack the 2026 Social Security L, where a 2.8% COLA raise is being completely wiped out by a massive 11.6% spike in Medicare Part B premiums.  

Finally, we look at the ultimate "Safe Haven" flex: Gold and Silver hitting record highs of $4,585 and $79, respectively, while Bitcoin struggles in an "Extreme Fear" phase. Whether you’re looking for 2026 stock picks like Dutch Bros and Palo Alto Networks or just trying to navigate the year-end chaos, this episode has everything you need to start your week "woke" and ready for the opening bell.