First Trust ROI Podcast

With midterm elections weeks away, First Trust Deputy Chief Economist Bob Stein joins the podcast for his final pre-election check-in.  Bob breaks down how rising populist rhetoric could reshape the midterm outcome, and what that means for markets, fiscal policy, and investors.  Bob also tackles two related topics on every investor’s radar: the political battle over the AI/data center buildout, and the long-term solvency of Social Security.  Whatever the outcome in November, Bob outlines what investors should be watching heading into 2027.

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Gibson Smith, Founder and CIO of Smith Capital Investors, joins the podcast to unpack the forces reshaping fixed income today, including persistent inflation, a new Fed Chair, a shifting geopolitical backdrop, and the rise of debt financing for AI data centers.  Gibson then shares his outlook on the implications for portfolio positioning.

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In this episode, Kevin Bishopp, performance coach at First Trust, channels Van Halen’s Best of Both Worlds to make the case that AI is already improving both the productivity of financial professionals and the client experience. 

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Brian Wesbury discusses the impact that the Trump administration’s immigration and trade policies have had on the economy so far, as well as how Keven Warsh is navigating the early stages of his term as Chairman of the Fed.

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Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News
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In a world increasingly run by algorithms, is human connection still your biggest competitive advantage? Jackie Wilke joins the podcast to explore why authentic relationships remain a financial professional's greatest edge, even as automation reshapes the industry.

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Despite an ongoing war and shifting interest rate expectations, equity market performance favored small- and mid-cap stocks during the first half of 2026.  Bob Carey explains some of the reasons this shift has occurred and breaks down the risks and opportunities on the horizon.

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Surging electricity demand from AI data centers and industrial reshoring is driving renewed interest in nuclear power.  After years of contraction, the industry may be poised for expansion and reacceleration.  In this episode, Bloomberg Intelligence’s Nikki Hsu and Gabriela Privetera help us unpack some of the opportunities and obstacles that could shape nuclear’s comeback.

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Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News
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With the ongoing IPO market activity, Dr. Josef Schuster joins the podcast to discuss his research on the unique performance dynamics that often follow new listings.

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Mandeep Singh, global head of Technology Research at Bloomberg Intelligence, joins the podcast to provide an update on the growing impact of artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge innovations.

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Brian Wesbury discusses the implications of a new Fed Chair, how the conflict in Iran may impact inflation, and whether or not AI can make a pencil.

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Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News
Website:  First Trust Portfolios
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