Making Sense

Making Sense

By First Citizens WealthBusinessInvesting
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Making Sense episodes

  • In Brief: Q3 earnings season | Housing data | Jobless claims 10.19.2026

    In this week's episode, Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market & Economic Research, recaps the market's reaction to hotter-than-expected inflation data and previews the key themes investors should watch in the week ahead. With third-quarter earnings season gaining momentum, attention turns to corporate profit growth, housing activity, and the continued strength of the labor market.

    Last week
    • Investors focused on hotter-than-expected inflation data and its implications for Federal Reserve policy.
    • Third-quarter earnings season got underway. Markets assessed the outlook for corporate profits and economic growth.
    • Bond markets weighed the impact of inflation on interest rates and the Treasury yield curve.
    This week
    • Earnings season: More than 70 S&P 500 companies are scheduled to report, with investors focused on revenue growth, profit margins, and signs that AI investment is translating into business results.
    • Housing starts: Tuesday's report will provide an update on residential construction activity amid elevated mortgage rates and ongoing affordability challenges.
    • Jobless claims: Thursday's data will offer another look at labor market conditions in what has remained a low-hire, low-fire environment.

    4 min
  • In Brief: Inflation data | Q3 earnings report | Housing data 10.13.2026

    The bond market remained in focus last week after the 10-year Treasury yield reached its highest level since 2002. Strong demand at a closely watched Treasury auction helped ease concerns over growing government borrowing needs, while stocks continued to set new highs.

    This week, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, examines three themes shaping the market outlook: inflation, third-quarter earnings, and consumer health. From September CPI and bank earnings to housing activity and retail sales, he breaks down what the latest data could mean for interest rates, Federal Reserve policy, and the broader economy.

    6 min
  • Market Update | September 2026

    Strong earnings, rising yields and a hot economy shape the outlook for Q4

    In this month’s Market Update, Brent Ciliano and Blake Taylor examine an economy that continues to run hot as persistent inflation, significant AI-related investment and shifting Federal Reserve expectations reshape the outlook. They explore what strong corporate earnings could mean for equity markets, whether elevated stock valuations should concern long-term investors and what rising Treasury yields are signaling about the economic outlook.

    The discussion also looks at the changing dynamics between stocks and bonds, opportunities in fixed income and the risks of trying to time markets during periods of uncertainty. As investors look toward year-end and beyond, Brent and Blake offer perspective on the economic and market forces that could shape the investment landscape.

    For the full experience, visit www.firstcitizens.com/market-outlook

    52 min
  • In Brief: PCE inflation | Employment data | Growth outlook 09.28.2026

    The 10-year Treasury has reached its highest level since 2007, putting the bond market back at the center of the economic outlook. With inflation still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target and economic growth remaining resilient, investors are watching whether interest rates and Treasury yields could move even higher.

    This week, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, examines the economic signals shaping the Fed and bond market outlook and what the latest data could mean for the path of interest rates.

    5 min
  • In Brief: Policymaker speeches | Housing data | Global energy markets 09.21.2026

    • Fed raises rates: The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter point, bringing the upper end of the policy rate to 4%, while signaling that additional hikes are likely ahead.

    • Treasury yields climb: The 10-year Treasury yield moved above 5%, its highest level since 2007, reflecting more than just the fed funds rate.
    • Fed commentary in focus: With at least 10 Fed speaking events scheduled, markets will be listening for clues on whether policymakers view monetary policy as loose or restrictive.
    • Housing faces higher borrowing costs: New home sales and weekly mortgage data will offer insight into how higher rates are affecting housing activity.
    • Energy prices add pressure: Crude oil has climbed back above $100 per barrel amid uncertainty surrounding Middle East energy supplies.
    • What we're watching: This week’s focus will be on Fed commentary, housing data, and global energy markets.

    5 min
  • In Brief: FOMC rate decision | Retail sales | Geopolitical developments 09.14.2026

    This week, Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market & Economic Research, discusses the upcoming Federal Reserve (FOMC) meeting following recent inflation data. Investors are watching for the Fed's interest rate decision and signals on the path of monetary policy, while also assessing consumer spending trends and geopolitical developments.

    FOMC rate decision: Will the Federal Reserve raise interest rates or maintain its current policy stance?

    Retail sales: August retail sales data will provide insight into consumer spending and the strength of the U.S. economy.

    Geopolitical developments: Markets continue to monitor events in the Middle East and global trade disputes for potential economic and market impacts.

    4 min
  • In Brief: Producer price index | Consumer price index | Conflict in the Middle East 09.08.2026

    This shortened holiday week, Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market & Economic Research, recaps the market's reaction to rising tensions in the Middle East and a stronger-than-expected employment report. Looking ahead, investors will focus on key inflation data that could help shape the Federal Reserve's next interest rate decision, while continuing to monitor geopolitical developments and energy prices.

    • Producer Price Index (PPI): Thursday's report will provide an early look at underlying inflation trends across the economy.
    • Consumer Price Index (CPI): Friday's inflation report is the last major data release before next week's Federal Reserve meeting and could influence expectations for interest rates.
    • Middle East conflict: Investors will continue monitoring geopolitical developments and their potential impact on energy markets and inflation.

    4 min
  • In Brief: Employment data | ISM indices | Fixed income markets 08.31.2026

    With attention shifting from Jackson Hole and earnings season back to the economy, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, explains why investors are focused on the labor market, inflation pressures, and what higher interest rates mean for growth.

    Last week
    • Investors digested Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's debut at the Jackson Hole symposium and the final wave of major Q2 earnings reports.
    • Trade tensions and tariff uncertainty with Canada remained in focus.
    • Markets also continued to monitor geopolitical developments in the Middle East and their implications for energy supplies and inflation.
    This week
    • Employment data: Friday's August jobs report will provide a critical update on hiring, labor force participation, and the overall health of the labor market.
    • ISM manufacturing and services indices: Tuesday's and Thursday's reports will offer insight into economic activity, business demand, and pricing pressures across the economy.
    • Inflation signals: Investors will be watching for signs that rising energy and diesel costs are beginning to flow through to businesses and consumers.
    • Fixed income markets: With Treasury yields near multi-decade highs, markets remain focused on interest rates and the impact of recent Treasury policy actions.

    5 min
  • Market Update | August 2026

    What are markets telling investors about the road ahead?

    In this episode of Making Sense Market Update, Brent Ciliano and Phillip Neuhart examine the forces shaping today's investment environment, including persistent inflation, rising Treasury yields, shifting Federal Reserve expectations, and the unprecedented wave of AI-driven investment. They also discuss corporate earnings, market trends, and the potential impact of the upcoming midterm elections.
    More importantly, they explain why staying focused on long-term fundamentals may matter more than reacting to short-term headlines.

    47 min

About Making Sense

From the publisher's feed

Making Sense explores the key forces shaping today’s markets—and how they impact the financial decisions investors face every day. Through timely conversations, our market and economic researchers cut through the noise and break down the headlines, trends and market movements that matter, helping you navigate volatility and make more informed investment decisions.