Inflation continues to move in the wrong direction, complicating the Federal Reserve's September meeting decision despite market expectations for an interest rate cut. The latest core PCE data—the Fed's preferred inflation gauge—rose to 2.9% year-over-year in July, up from 2.8% in June, signaling persistent price pressures throughout the economy.

Breaking down the numbers reveals concerning trends beneath the surface. While headline PCE increased a modest 0.2% month-over-month as expected, the "super core" inflation measure (excluding both housing and energy) jumped dramatically to 3.3% annually, which is almost double June's rate. This acceleration in underlying inflation appears concentrated in the service sector, even as goods prices have shown some moderation.

The disconnect between economic data and market sentiment creates a fascinating dynamic heading into the FOMC's September meeting. Despite today's inflation warning signs, financial markets are still pricing in nearly a 90% probability of a rate cut. This puts the Federal Reserve in a precarious position. How do they address potential concerns in the labor market without reigniting inflation that clearly hasn't been fully tamed? 

The Fed must now walk an incredibly fine line, potentially easing monetary policy while simultaneously managing inflation expectations. As we head into Labor Day weekend, this balancing act represents one of the most significant challenges facing policymakers in the current economic cycle. What approach do you think the Fed should take?

https://youtu.be/sAKB-NV8WZA

Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks
or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance
that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any
discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the co...

The latest jobless claims report is out, and the numbers are raising eyebrows. 📉 What does this mean for the U.S. job market, the Fed’s next move, and the broader economic outlook? Megan Horneman, CIO of Verdence Capital Advisors, gives insight in today’s episode of Markets with Megan.

✅ Key insights on jobless claims and labor market health
✅ How rising claims could impact inflation & interest rates
✅ What this means for your portfolio, investments, and future hiring trends
✅ Why the Fed is watching this data closely before making its next decision

Stay informed, stay ahead. 🧠💡

👉 For more episodes, visit: MarketsWithMegan.fm

#MarketsWithMegan #JoblessClaims #LaborMarket #Inflation #FederalReserve #Investing #Economy #StockMarket #Unemployment #Finance

https://youtu.be/NRNN5Hk4IcY

Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks
or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance
that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any
discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the co...

The latest jobless claims report is out — and the numbers are raising eyebrows. 📉 What does this mean for the U.S. job market, the Fed’s next move, and the broader economic outlook? Megan Horneman, CIO of Verdence Capital Advisors, breaks it all down in today’s episode of Markets with Megan.

✅ Key insights on jobless claims and labor market health
✅ How rising claims could impact inflation & interest rates
✅ What this means for your portfolio, investments, and future hiring trends
✅ Why the Fed is watching this data closely before making its next decision

Stay informed, stay ahead. 🧠💡

👉 For more episodes, visit: MarketsWithMegan.fm

#MarketsWithMegan #JoblessClaims #LaborMarket #Inflation #FederalReserve #Investing #Economy #StockMarket #Unemployment #Finance

https://youtu.be/AovVcaUCS1U

Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks
or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance
that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any
discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the co...

The August housing report is in, and it’s raising eyebrows. 🏡📉 In this episode of Markets with Megan, Verdence Chief Investment Officer Megan Horneman breaks down the latest Housing Starts and Building Permits data, what it signals for the real estate market, and how it ties into the broader U.S. economy.

With interest rates, inflation, and home affordability all in the spotlight, Megan answers the big questions:

🏠 Are higher borrowing costs slowing down builders?
📊 What does the permits vs. starts gap mean for future supply?
💵 How might this impact homebuyers, sellers, and investors?

Get the clarity you need on where housing is heading next and what it means for markets.

👉 Stay informed, stay ahead. Subscribe for weekly insights!

🎧 Listen to more epsiodes at https://MarketsWithMegan.fm

#MarketsWithMegan #HousingMarket #RealEstateNews #HousingStarts #BuildingPermits #HomePrices #MortgageRates #StockMarket #EconomicUpdate #FinancialPodcast

https://youtu.be/Mz9j1PCKiGM

Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks
or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance
that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any
discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the co...

July 2025 was a historic month for U.S. equity investors! 📈 

In this episode of Markets with Megan, Verdence CIO Megan Horneman breaks down the key drivers behind the S&P 500 hitting 15 record highs, the behavior of the bond markets, and the latest economic data that had investors buzzing. 

🌍 From equity strength to interest rate expectations, Megan uncovers whether this market momentum has real staying power or if investors should prepare for a shift. 

Tune in for expert insight on:

📊 S&P 500 & Russell 1000 performance
💵 Bond yield trends
📉 Inflation signals
🏦 Central bank watch
📈 Broader economic indicators

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and stay informed with sharp, unbiased commentary on the latest financial developments.

🎧 Listen to the full episode at https://MarketsWithMegan.fm

#MarketsWithMegan #S&P500 #EconomicUpdate #StockMarketNews #BondMarket #InflationWatch #InvestorInsights #MarketRecap #JulyMarkets #FinancialPodcast

https://youtu.be/rMdjgSF0EDc

Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks
or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance
that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any
discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the co...

📉 U.S. jobless claims are rising. But is this a red flag for the economy or just a temporary shift in the labor market? 

In this episode of Markets with Megan, 📊 Chief Investment Officer Megan Horneman disects the latest unemployment data, what it means for the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy, and how it could impact your investment strategy heading into the fall.

🏛️ Is the Fed’s tightening cycle finally cooling the job market?
💼 Are we seeing early signs of a soft landing, or is something deeper brewing beneath the surface?
📈 Megan breaks down the numbers and explains what investors should watch next in this fast-moving economic environment.

🎧 Whether you’re a financial professional, investor, or just trying to stay ahead of market trends, this episode delivers the insights you need — fast.

👉 Listen now and get clear, actionable analysis only on MarketsWithMegan.fm

#MarketsWithMegan #JoblessClaims #UnemploymentData #LaborMarketTrends #FederalReserve #InterestRatePolicy #InvestmentStrategy #EconomicInsights #StockMarketUpdate #WeeklyMarketRecap

https://youtu.be/fNHz4ZcTAig

Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks
or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance
that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any
discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the co...

Consumer confidence is rising—and so are Americans’ expectations for their financial future. In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan covers the Conference Board’s July Consumer Confidence Report, which shows:

✅ Expectations hit a 5-month high
✅ Income confidence at a YTD high
✅ Inflation expectations drift lower to 5.8%
✅ Labor market outlook softens
✅ Markets down despite upbeat sentiment

So what’s behind the optimism? From tariff progress to a potential tax bill and strong economic data, consumers are feeling better about what’s ahead—even as the job market softens and stocks face valuation pressure.

👀 Coming tomorrow: GDP preview + Fed meeting analysis

🎧 Want more market insight every week? Subscribe now:
https://marketswithmegan.fm

#MarketsWithMegan #ConsumerConfidence #EconomicData #GDPReport #InflationOutlook #Tariffs #FedMeeting #InterestRates #USMarkets #StockMarketUpdate #MarketTrends #InvestorSentiment

https://youtu.be/Pb0rPV5Zj0s

Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks
or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance
that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any
discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the co...

The cracks in the U.S. labor market are starting to show—and the Fed is watching closely. In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan covers the June JOLTS Report, which revealed a 275,000 drop in job openings and a decline in the quits rate to just 2%.

With fewer people quitting and job openings nearing parity with unemployment, it’s clear: the labor market is cooling. But is it enough for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates?

📊 Key Topics Covered:
- JOLTS Report breakdown (June data)
- What the 1.06 job opening ratio means
- Falling quits rate = falling confidence?
- Why the Fed is likely to hold in July—and possibly in September
- What to watch in the August 1st jobs report

👀 Subscribe for weekly market updates & expert economic breakdowns!
https://marketswithmegan.fm

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments: Will the Fed cut in September?

#MarketsWithMegan #LaborMarket #JOLTSReport #InterestRates #FederalReserve #Inflation #JobsReport #EconomicOutlook #StockMarketNews #InvestingInsights #RecessionWatch #FOMC

https://youtu.be/U77TLP1QDM8

Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks
or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance
that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any
discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the co...

Housing prices just won't quit—but is that about to change? 

In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan Horneman, CIO of Verdence Capital Advisors, unpacks the latest housing price data and what it means for buyers, sellers, and the broader economy. 

With affordability still a major issue and inventory constraints tightening, Megan breaks down what’s fueling these price trends, how the Fed might respond, and why this data matters for investors.

➡️ Tune in to hear how this housing report ties into inflation and what to watch for in upcoming market movements.

📲 For more episodes and insights, visit: https://marketswithmegan.fm

💡 Subscribe, hit the bell, and share with your network to stay ahead of the curve.

https://youtu.be/6_1U7bhRFpU

Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks
or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance
that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any
discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the co...

With the August 1st tariff deadline looming, trade deals are trickling in—and fast. 

In this episode of Markets with Megan, we break down the latest developments, including key agreements with the EU, Japan, the UK, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Megan also covers the stalled negotiations with Canada, Mexico, India, and China—highlighting what’s at stake and what could be coming next. What does this flurry of last-minute deals mean for inflation, tariff revenue, and U.S. investment? 

Tune in for a timely, sharp analysis of how these trade talks could reshape the economic landscape.

Want more? Go to MarketsWithMegan.fm

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, hit that alarm bell, and share with friends, family, and colleagues.

#tradewar #tariffs #tariffs2025  #tradetalks #marketinsights

https://youtu.be/PJ7xAPbgwlk

Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks
or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance
that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any
discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the co...