What is a Treasury Inflation-Protected Security (TIPS)? Can these investments protect you against inflation which erodes your purchasing power. Scott Murray, CFA, describes these seemingly complex securities and illustrates how the face value of the debt instrument adjusts with the rise and fall of prices. A TIP may be a helpful tool in a portfolio as the expansion picks up steam.

July's employment report was great, adding another roughly one million workers. Still, millions of employees are absent compared with February 2020. Scott Murray, CFA, discusses what age groups and occupations have returned to work and which are missing in action. Please note important disclosures at the end of the podcast.

July marked the tenth straight rise in the S&P 500 Index. Bond yields dropped rapidly, rewarding fixed income investors. Scott Murray, CFA discusses the insights the markets are giving on the economy. Ahead, signs are bright for the expansion. Please note important disclosures at the end of the podcast.

What should the consumer do to stay plugged in. High electricity prices are hitting the consumer hard while still reeling from elevated prices at the pump. Scott Murray, CFA discusses the electricity market from both the generators' and consumers' prospective. Work from home added to demands on the grid, a dramatic change from benefiting from the comfort on the commercial workspace.  Similarly, high natural gas prices are causing demand for coal to surge. Please note important disclosures at the end of the podcast.

Materials can't get there from here. Firms are cutting production, waiting for deliveries. The auto manufacturing industry is an important example. Scott Murray, CFA discusses the impact of shortages on the auto market and how shortages effect cost of living. Bottom line, inflation is new worry for the consumer and employer. Please note important disclosures at the end of the podcast.

Disappointing job gains and elevated jobless claims suggest a slowly healing jobs market. Scott Murray, CFA, looks deeper into the state jobless claims reports, to assess pockets of renewed strengthen and persist weakness. Please note important disclosures at the end of the podcast. 

What happened in the financial markets in June 2021? Scott E. Murray, CFA discusses the investment themes that played out in the financial markets. The eighth straight S&P 500 gain, the tightening yield spread, and the rise in oil were the major topics highlighted. Please note the end of the podcast for significant disclosures.

What factors lead to purchasing or selling a home? Are we motivated by the economy, price, interest rates, or hope for capital appreciation. And how do these motivations intersect with today's red hot real estate market. Scott Murray, CFA walks thru consumer sentiment on buying and selling a home. Please note important disclosures at the end of the podcast.

What to see tomorrow's newspaper today? Sure, some economic indicators give us a glimpse of the future. Scott Murray, CFA walks thru the leading indicators complied by the Conference Board. Good news, the future newspaper looks good today! Please note important disclosures at the end of the podcast.

What is the financial position of the average 45 year old? Scott Murray, CFA highlights the dramatic changes in individual's net worth over the last twenty years, focusing on the 45 year old. At this age, individuals are at the crossroads of spending and savings as key financial goals loom. Please note the important disclosures at the end of the podcast.