Here are the most important developments from last week and what they mean for your portfolio.

Oil prices, inflation data (CPI and PPI), Federal Reserve policy, profit-taking, and shifting industry leadership are all influencing today's investment landscape.

In this week's podcast, I examine how these events are working together to affect the markets and your portfolio. Most importantly, I share the three questions every investor should ask to determine whether their investment strategy is positioned for what's ahead.

In this episode I talk about Ford and China's Geenley automotive company. AI is the terrain and what are the best weapons to use and where should you deploy them. All this and a look back and the financial markets.  Along with new data on our economy coming out this week or April 27th. 

This week on Tactical Investing & Strategic Planning, Mark Melrose discusses the major economic and geopolitical events shaping today’s financial markets. Topics include the Iran and U.S. ceasefire, rising inflation, higher oil prices, and the strong rally that ended the week at new highs, S&P 500 up 2.3% and the NASDAQ up 4.5% during Thursday’s trading session.

Mark breaks down how higher energy costs continue to affect industries such as transportation, farming, leisure, and food. Using a tactical investing perspective, he explains why investors must focus on economic outcomes rather than political narratives and how rising costs eventually work their way to the end consumer.

The episode also highlights tactical opportunities in today’s market environment, sectors to watch moving forward, and the importance of disciplined decision-making when building a long-term strategic investment plan.

Whether you are an experienced investor or simply looking to better understand today’s economic environment, this episode provides practical insight into navigating markets with discipline, strategy, and tactical

This week, we witnessed a dramatic shift in market sentiment compared to how events began and how they ultimately changed to Monday's market rally. In this episode, I discuss what changed, why it mattered, and what investors can learn from it.

I also share a conversation I had with a Marine Corps combat veteran who has flown into harm's way on numerous occasions. Through our discussion, we explore how military professionals are briefed and prepared to turn the unexpected into the expected—a lesson that applies just as much to investing as it does to combat operations.

Subscribe for weekly tactical insights and discover even more in my upcoming book, Tactical Investing for Your Strategic Plan. Visit your favorite bookseller, such as Barnes & Noble, and pre-order your copy today.

 In this episode, I discuss why it matters whether oil prices are rising or falling because of changes in supply or demand. Looking at today’s market environment, I share tactical investment ideas and discuss where I believe opportunities may exist in the energy sector and related industries. Of course, I’ll also provide a recap of what happened in the financial markets over the past week and what investors should be watching moving forward. 

Why Learning from the AI Process May Be More Valuable Than Its Ability to Solve Problems.

I examine how AI solved an 80-year-old mathematical problem that even some of the world’s best mathematicians could not solve. It succeeded not because it possessed greater specialized knowledge, but because it approached the problem through a more synthesized process — a process remarkably similar to the way the best tactical investors think and operate.

Markets fell sharply after a strong jobs report pushed interest rates higher. This week, I discuss AI, jobs, the human advantage, and what investors should expect next. Learn why preparation, discipline, and maintaining strategic cash reserves may be critical in today's uncertain market environment.