Oil prices have surged amid escalating conflict with Iran, raising concerns about supply disruptions through the critical Strait of Hormuz and the broader impact on global markets. We break down what the latest geopolitical developments could mean for oil prices, inflation and the balance between fear and FOMO driving investor behavior.

European markets have been quietly outperforming, powered by strength in banks, industrials, defense, and utilities. In this episode, experts discuss whether Europe’s resurgence is just a short-term rally or the beginning of a longer shift in global capital flows.

Markets are rattled as geopolitical risk collides with stubborn inflation and rising interest rates. In this episode of the Cents of Security Podcast, host Mary MacNamara is joined by Jose Torres, Senior Economist at Interactive Brokers, to break down what’s driving the latest volatility—from surging oil prices and elevated yields to weakening AI momentum and cracks in private credit.

They unpack why traditional safe havens aren’t behaving as expected, how investors are positioning beneath the surface, and what China’s slowing growth means for global demand.

As zero DTE options expand from indices to individual equities, understanding the mechanics behind expiration becomes crucial for traders. Options expert Matt Cashman breaks down the key structural differences between American and European style options and why the contra exercise window can make or break your zero DTE strategy.

Platinum and palladium are often overshadowed by gold and silver, but tightening supply, shifting auto demand, and renewed industrial momentum may be changing the story. We explore whether these overlooked precious metals are positioned for a breakout in a world balancing EV adoption and macro uncertainty.

Markets reacted swiftly to rising geopolitical tensions as energy stocks surged and volatility returned to Wall Street. Longtime collaborator and friend of the show, Scott Bauer, joins our IBKR Podcast to discuss the global market reaction, the outlook for the VIX and the key economic data investors are watching next.

In the 1630s, tulip bulbs in the Netherlands became more valuable than homes, wages, and entire farms, sparking one of history’s most infamous speculative frenzies. In this special IBKR Podcast, we explore how Tulip Mania unfolded, why rational investors got swept up in the madness, and what modern markets can still learn from a flower-fueled financial bubble.

Jeffrey Praissman sits down with Michael Normyle, NASDAQ’s economist, to unpack the Fed’s latest message—and why balancing inflation and employment has gotten harder. They discuss AI data-center investment and why it boosts growth more than jobs, how reduced immigration changes the “break-even” pace of hiring, what’s driving today’s uncertainty, and why small businesses feel higher rates more than large caps.

Artificial intelligence is driving markets, but is it also creating uncertainty for investors? Andrew Wilkinson sits down with Kevin Davitt, Head of Index Options Content at Nasdaq, to discuss whether recent market rotation reflects healthy broadening or a cloudier outlook ahead.

Why are investors around the world moving away from paper money and toward hard assets? In this episode, IBKR's Elizaveta Gridneva speaks with CME Group economist Erik Norland about the growing role of gold and silver amid rising global deficits, central bank rate cuts, and geopolitical uncertainty.