In this episode, Megan discusses the latest Consumer Price Index report and its potential ripple effects on the equity markets. Our host, Megan Horneman, the Chief Investment Officer at Verdence Capital Advisors, breaks down the August report, detailing the significant inflation increase due to rising energy prices, with a particular focus on how the core level experienced a rise even when volatile oil and gas are excluded. Megan closely scrutinizes what this could mean for future inflation rates and the measures the Federal Reserve might take in response.

A potentially intriguing topic of discussion is the looming Federal Reserve meeting next week, and what implications this report might have on it. Will there be a pause or an adjustment in monetary policy? Megan will guide you through these intricate economic indicators, their far-reaching impacts, and the probable reactions from the Federal Reserve. For any questions and queries, Megan encourages listeners to reach out directly. Be sure to tune in to this episode to keep yourself updated with the latest market trends and movements.

https://youtu.be/7s0qlEQIV6c

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...

Today, Megan provides insights into the recent small business optimism survey. Unfortunately, optimism has seen a slight dip in August, affecting sentiment not only concerning the economic outlook but also expectations for earnings and higher sales. However, there's a significant and unexpected development in the survey - an increase in sentiment regarding higher selling prices.

For the past eight months, selling prices had been on a declining trend, but August marked a turning point with an increase in selling prices. Megan highlights that this is a development that the Federal Reserve is likely to monitor closely, particularly if it has implications for inflation data. The team at Verdence Capital Advisors will be vigilant in tracking this trend in the coming months.

If you have any questions or comments about this episode, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at podcast at verdence dot com. Thank you for joining us for this episode of "Markets with Megan."

https://youtu.be/sUgsWiQbxHI

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...

Did you know that despite a volatile economy, household net worth has been able to bounce back to a record high? In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan dissects the recent data from the Federal Reserve Flow of Funds report, describing the financial health of households, corporations, and the government. 

While net worth is on the upswing, consumers are leaning more on credit card debt and larger mortgages, causing liabilities to grow. Megan examines this trend, along with the shift of households moving funds from traditional banking deposits to money market mutual funds. Despite these trends, Megan suggests that consumers are in relatively good health. However, she also notes the alarming increase in government debt, rising at its fastest pace in three years. 

https://youtu.be/yLZv3AaJgfw

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...

Join Megan Horneman, our Chief Investment Officer, as she translates complex market trends into digestible insights. Megan dives into the ISM Services Report, an essential economic indicator due to the service sector's significant contribution to the US economy. Uncovering a significant rise in new orders and employment, as well as businesses clearing backlogs, Megan paints a picture of a robust economic standpoint. 

However, it's not all smooth sailing. She also delves into the rising prices component of the report, spotlighting its impact on inflation, a persistent headache for the Fed. Megan anticipates a more hawkish stance from the Fed and explores the potential implications. This episode balances an optimistic economic outlook with a warning bell for inflation. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a curious newbie, this episode offers invaluable insights into the latest market trends. Got questions or comments? We're all ears at [email protected]. 

https://youtu.be/g44TUPDHDtI

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...

Before you make a move, you need to listen closely. Megan Horneman, Chief Investment Officer for Verdence Capital Advisors, is about to decode the latest data from labor markets and consumer confidence. Yes, those job postings have seen a plunge since the pandemic’s end, and the disparity between available and hard-to-get jobs is widening, suggesting a waning labor market. You would appreciate that the last we saw these signs, the unemployment rate had a surprise in store.

But that's not all. Megan takes you through the recent dip in consumer confidence, pegged heavily on the current economic circumstances and the hike in fuel prices. Despite the consumer spending staying robust, these factors might pose a challenge in the second half of the year. Megan's insights will arm you with a robust understanding of current economic trends and their implications for the ordinary consumer. We are all ears for your thoughts and queries at [email protected].

https://youtu.be/CvXrASdXQC8

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...

Our Chief Investment Officer, Megan Horneman, breaks down the implications of the recent Federal Reserve symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Megan dissects the Fed's cautious stance on raising rates, their unyielding commitment to the 2% inflation target, and the market's positive response to these comments. Gain insights on the potential scenarios for future rate hikes and the effect of the recent rise in energy prices on inflation.

She unpacks the challenging fundamentals of the US and global economies which could lead to increased market volatility. We discuss the significance of the consumer sentiment survey from the University of Michigan and its indications of rising inflation expectations among consumers. Find out how these consumer expectations could drive inflation and learn about the possibility of the Fed maintaining the status quo at the next meeting in September. To top it all off, Megan shares her predictions on when we might see another rate hike. Don't miss out, tune in to this episode of Markets with Megan! 

https://youtu.be/jx8ARGM4C38

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...

Imagine the impact of an unexpected $100 billion loss! That's the shocking number that retail shrinkage, or unaccounted inventory loss, racks up annually according to a recent National Retail Federation survey. As theft becomes a growing issue, Chief Investment Officer Megan Horneman of Verdence Capital Advisors pulls back the curtain on the daunting situation that retailers, already operating on thin margins, are confronting. Brace yourself as Megan unpacks the strategies these businesses might resort to, from stepping up security measures to the grim prospect of shutting down storefronts.

But this isn't just a retailers' crisis. Megan examines the ripple effects such measures could have on consumers and the labor market. Could we be facing a hike in prices and a surge in job losses? What more complications could be stirred up in an already challenged labor market? 

https://youtu.be/Zka4zREXqBE

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...

Megan discusses two crucial housing indicators: existing home sales and new home sales, providing observations that shed light on the current market trends.

The episode opens with a focus on existing home sales, which took an unexpected downturn, plummeting to their lowest level since January. Megan attributes this decline to the surge in interest rates, with mortgage rates reaching a peak not witnessed since December of 2000, clocking in at 7.3 percent. This upward trajectory in rates has presented a challenge for both prospective homebuyers and those who are reluctant to part ways with their previously low mortgage rates.

Megan analyzes the positive aspect of the new home sales segment, revealing a welcomed rise in numbers, outpacing initial expectations. However, she points out that this upward trend isn't evenly distributed across the board. Notably, the Northeast and South regions experienced declines, underscoring the nuanced nature of the recovery.

There is a delicate balance between a constrained existing home sales market and the comparatively more optimistic outlook for new home sales. The landscape for potential homebuyers remains complex due to rising prices and affordability.

With the second half of the year underway, the housing sector continues to grapple with the repercussions of heightened interest rates and limited inventory. Megan remains vigilant in monitoring how these variables sway consumer sentiment and, consequently, the broader economic landscape.

https://youtu.be/-spCjbcxSZw

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...

Megan highlights the recent escalation in jobless claims and continuing claims, both displaying notable increments compared to the prior week.

The spotlight then shifts to the substantial surge in the Philly Fed Index. This index serves as a gauge for manufacturing activity within the Philadelphia region and has exhibited its most noteworthy monthly upswing since June 2020. The positive report is accompanied by a noteworthy concern: a simultaneous increase in prices paid. This upward trajectory in prices, reaching a five-month peak, carries inflationary implications that may trigger Federal Reserve apprehensions.

Transitioning to the market realm, attention is directed towards the remarkable rise in long-term treasury yields, with the 10-year treasury yield reaching an impressive 4.28 percent. This figure marks the highest level observed since 2007. Such significant fluctuations in interest rates, encompassing a 100 basis points surge over a brief four-month period, often suggest underlying economic challenges. This phenomenon appears rooted in inflation dynamics, coupled with the ongoing consideration by the Federal Reserve of potential interest rate hikes. The nuanced interplay of these factors necessitates careful monitoring and analysis.

https://youtu.be/WLhFe-iqdUM

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...

In this episode with Megan Horneman, the Chief Investment Officer for Verdence Capital Advisors, discusses the diverse viewpoints of the FOMC committee on future economic and inflation trends. We unpack the July meeting minutes and dissect the reasons behind the split views in the committee regarding rate hikes and the persistent fretting over inflation. 

Tune in as we highlight the three potential market storm-brewers - wage inflation, services inflation, and housing inflation. These topics are concerning and are still too sticky to ignore. We believe the Fed's job isn't done and potential rate hikes remain a possibility.  As always, we invite you to share your thoughts and questions.

https://youtu.be/0siz5PU_wKo

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...