Record highs in the S&P, NASDAQ, and Russell—yet rising geopolitical tension and a market that refuses to reward strong earnings. In this week’s CB3 Financial update, portfolio manager Charles Brown breaks down the disconnect between market performance and underlying risk.

With 88% of companies beating earnings expectations, oil volatility tied to the Strait of Hormuz, and uncertainty surrounding Federal Reserve leadership and interest rate policy, the outlook remains anything but simple. This episode explores why positive surprises are being punished, what forward guidance is signaling for the second half of the year, and how CB3 is positioned through ongoing volatility.

From inflation and bond yields to global instability and Fed policy shifts, this is your clear, disciplined look at what’s driving the market right now—and what could come next.

In this week’s episode, Charles Brown of CB3 Financial breaks down the forces driving today’s volatile markets. With geopolitical tensions in the Middle East pushing oil prices and uncertainty higher, investors are navigating one of the most challenging stretches in recent weeks.

Charles explains how the war in Iran, crude oil fluctuations, and control of the Strait of Hormuz are shaping global markets. He also dives into key economic indicators like the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), the early signs of stagflation, and what these trends could mean for growth, inflation, and investor confidence.

Plus, insights from decades of market experience:

Looking ahead, Charles previews upcoming earnings season and what investors should expect as markets respond to both economic data and geopolitical developments.

Despite the turbulence, the message is clear: this is not new territory. Markets have weathered cycles before and will again.

Stay informed. Stay prepared. And stay with us.

In this episode of the CB3 Financial Weekly Podcast, we break down a turbulent week in the markets and what it means for investors. With rising geopolitical tensions, swings in crude oil prices, and uncertainty surrounding interest rates and Federal Reserve leadership, volatility has taken center stage.

We discuss how portfolio managers adapt during uncertain times, why defense and risk management are critical in investing, and how tools like options hedging can help cushion downside during market downturns. You’ll also hear insights on sector rotation, why some portfolios are shifting away from tech toward industrials, and how global economic and political developments can temporarily shift market focus away from earnings and interest rates.

Most importantly, this episode focuses on perspective: markets have faced crises before—from past wars to the financial crisis and COVID—and long-term strategies built on disciplined risk management can help investors weather the storm.

If the markets have you feeling uneasy, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a look at how experienced managers navigate uncertain environments while staying focused on protecting and growing client portfolios.

In this week’s CB3 Financial Weekly Podcast update, we break down a landmark Supreme Court ruling that strikes down the administration’s sweeping tariff authority and the rapid White House response that followed. We unpack what the decision means for markets, federal revenue, and ongoing trade uncertainty.

Fourth quarter GDP comes in at just 1.4 percent, well below expectations, reigniting concerns about slowing growth, inflation persistence, and the economic impact of repeated government shutdowns. We separate the government drag from private sector strength and explain why AI driven investment remains a key pillar of resilience.

We then turn to what may be the most important earnings report of the year as NVIDIA reports results. With expectations near 65 billion dollars in quarterly revenue and massive implications for the S and P 500, we discuss what a beat or miss could mean for markets, big tech leadership, and the broader AI trade.

Plus, updates on gold and silver, global market performance, volatility, and what investors should be watching in the week ahead.

A packed week with major policy shifts, economic signals, and a pivotal earnings event you won’t want to miss.

This week, the markets are about to face a reality check. With global equities surging and major milestones being reached, a delayed wave of economic data is finally arriving. The January jobs report drops Wednesday, followed by CPI on Thursday, setting the stage for a pivotal moment for investors.

In this episode of the CB3 Financial Weekly Podcast, we break down what the upcoming employment and inflation data could mean for interest rates, why markets may be getting ahead of themselves, and how broad sector participation is reshaping the rally. We also discuss the Dow crossing 50,000, strength outside of technology, and what these signals mean for portfolio positioning heading into the second quarter of 2026.

We close with a preview of Thursday night’s CB3 Live, where we will unpack these developments in real time, discuss adaptive investment strategies, and share new tools and technology designed to strengthen portfolio management in an uncertain market environment.

Tune in and stay ahead of what’s next.

January delivered gains—but beneath the surface, the market was anything but calm. In this week’s CB3 Market Update, portfolio manager Charles Brown breaks down the crosscurrents driving early-year volatility, from narrowing mega-cap leadership to sharp moves in rates, gold, and silver.

More importantly, Charles explains the strategic upgrades made to CB3’s Capital Growth (CG) and Growth & Income (GI) programs. Learn why CB3 has adopted a refined core-satellite structure anchored by SPY, how satellite holdings were streamlined to reduce hidden correlations, and how both programs are now better aligned with today’s market environment—not last year’s.

The episode also covers:

Why January is about positioning for the next 11 months, not chasing the last 30 days

How CG Version 3 improves clarity, efficiency, and upside potential

How GI has been restructured for more durable income and lower volatility

The role of options hedging in protecting against major market drawdowns

What these changes mean for clients heading into February and beyond

Bottom line: portfolios aren’t drifting—they’re being deliberately upgraded for resilience, income stability, and long-term performance.

This week could define the quarter. The Magnificent Seven report earnings in rapid succession as investors focus on AI spending, revenue growth, and whether Big Tech’s dominance is built to last. Microsoft and Meta are expected to deliver blockbuster results, Tesla faces its toughest setup yet, and Apple’s iPhone demand and leadership turnover are under the microscope.

Add in a heavy slate of blue chip earnings, the Fed’s first policy decision of 2026, and rising geopolitical uncertainty, and the market is navigating powerful crosscurrents. We break down what matters most and what investors should be watching closely.

In this week’s CB3 Financials Weekly, portfolio manager Charles Brown breaks down the latest non farm payroll report and explains why the headline number tells only part of the story. While job growth slowed in December, key labor market signals suggest the economy is not sliding backward.

Charles walks through sector level job trends, wage growth, youth unemployment concerns, and what all of this could mean for Federal Reserve policy and interest rates heading into 2026.

The episode also previews a blockbuster earnings week, with major reports from JPMorgan, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley, and what rising deal activity means for financial stocks.

Finally, we explore January seasonality, historical market tendencies, and why small cap participation is critical for a healthy market rally. Plus, a sneak peek at CB3’s 2026 Annual Letter to Investors, arriving later this week.

Welcome to the first CB3 Financials Weekly Podcast of 2026. We open the year by breaking down three major forces setting the stage for markets in the months ahead.

The S&P just wrapped up its third straight year of double digit gains, with strong performances from the Dow and Nasdaq driven largely by AI and big tech. But what does that momentum mean as we enter a midterm election year?

In this episode, we cover the political and economic landscape under President Trump’s second term, including tariffs, deregulation, tax policy, and the potential impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on GDP growth. We also look closely at artificial intelligence as the defining investment theme, the growing divide between the Magnificent Seven and the rest of the market, and why international markets quietly outperformed in 2025.

We close with a deep dive into gold and silver’s strongest year since 1979 and why the upcoming decision on the next Federal Reserve chair, with Jerome Powell’s term ending in May, may be the most consequential market event of 2026.

A clear eyed roadmap for the year ahead and the key questions investors should be watching closely.

November delivered plenty of drama and almost no reward. After a sharp sell off fueled by stretched AI valuations, doubts about data center spending, and anxiety over the Fed’s next move, the month clawed its way back to finish barely positive—one of the weakest Novembers in a quarter century.

In this episode of the CB3 Financial Weekly Podcast, we break down what really happened beneath the surface. From the S and P’s last minute rescue, to the NASDAQ 2000’s face ripping rally, to why small caps needed a miracle just to finish near unchanged.

More importantly, we look ahead.

Stay with us for clear analysis, context you can use, and a grounded look at where markets may be heading next.