Consumers Are Spending — But Why Now?

💳 Just when we thought consumer strength might be fading, March retail sales come in hot. On today’s Markets with Megan, Megan Horneman breaks down what’s really behind the surge — and what it says about inflation, tariffs, and the economy heading into Q2.

Retail sales jumped 1.4% in March, the biggest gain since early 2023. But dig deeper and there’s a story behind the numbers: 🚗 Auto purchases, 🏠 building materials, and 🍽️ restaurant spending all saw big increases. Are consumers front-running May’s tariffs? And what does that mean for future growth?

🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:
• The real reason consumers are splurging now
• Why autos and building materials are spiking
• What restaurant spending says about confidence
• How this report could impact Q1 GDP and Fed policy

This isn't just another retail report — it’s a signal of where inflation, growth, and markets might be heading next.

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#MarketsWithMegan #RetailSales #Tariffs2025 #ConsumerSpending #EconomicUpdate #Inflation #RecessionWatch #FedWatch #inflationstrategies 

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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...

Markets Surge Over 2,000 Points — Is This the Turning Point? | Markets with Megan

📈 After weeks of turbulence, the markets are finally bouncing back — big time. In this special Impact Report, Megan Horneman breaks down the massive 2,000+ point rally in the Dow and what’s fueling this sudden optimism.

President Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries — a move aimed at allowing time for trade negotiations. While China remains combative, over 75 countries are reportedly working with the administration to strike new deals. Could this be the spark that turns the tide?

✅ What the 90-day tariff delay really means
✅ Why the market was so oversold to begin with
✅ Could this be a dead cat bounce?
✅ How global cooperation is shaping the outlook

With markets moving like it’s 2020 again, you don’t want to miss Megan’s take on what’s next.

👉 Subscribe, hit the 🔔 bell, and stay ahead of the headlines.
🎧 Explore past episodes: marketswithmegan.fm
📤 Share this with a friend who’s watching the markets too!

#MarketsWithMegan #StockMarket #Tariffs #TradeWar #EconomicUpdate #DowJones #InvestingNews #marketnews 

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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...

📉 Small Business Confidence SOURS: Is a Recession Coming?

It’s not just tariffs shaking the economy — small businesses are flashing warning signs 🚨. In this episode Megan reviews the NFIB Small Business Optimism Survey, which just dropped to its lowest level since October and saw the biggest monthly decline since June 2022. 😬

👉 What does this mean for the economy?
👉 Are we inching closer to a recession?
👉 And how are small business owners really feeling about inflation, labor, and earnings?

With every key index component below its six-month average (except inflation expectations), this report is a must-watch for anyone trying to make sense of the current market chaos.

PLUS: Get a sneak peek at what’s ahead this week — including critical inflation data (CPI + PPI) and the next consumer sentiment report that could send shockwaves through the market.

📌 Don’t forget to: ✔️ Subscribe
📤 Share this with your colleagues, clients, and friends!

🧠 For more insights, visit: marketswithmegan.FM

#MarketsWithMegan #RecessionWatch #SmallBusiness #NFIB #EconomicUpdate #Inflation #Tariffs #MarketNews #Investing

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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...

📉 Jobs Report Beats Expectations—But Markets Don’t Care?!

The U.S. added 228,000 jobs in March—far exceeding expectations! But with China retaliating on tariffs and market uncertainty looming, Wall Street barely blinked. 📊

🔎 Key Takeaways:
✅ Job Gains: Stronger than expected, but downward revisions for past months.
✅ Unemployment Rate: Ticked up to 4.2%, but labor force participation is rising.
✅ Wage Growth: Slowing to 3.8% YoY, the lowest since July 2024—will the Fed take notice?
✅ Markets Tanking: Not because of jobs, but due to China’s response to tariffs.

With CPI, PPI, and Fed minutes coming next week, this market rollercoaster is far from over! 🎢

📢 Subscribe for real-time market insights & hit the bell! 🔔 

For more check out www.MarketsWithMegan.FM

#marketswithmegan #JobsReport #StockMarket #Inflation #tariffs #tariffsimpact #employmentnews

https://youtu.be/Mk5WzOPCn64

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 Service Sector Just Took a Hit – What It Means for You! 🚨

The latest ISM Services report is in, and it's showing signs of major weakness. With the index dropping to 50.8, we’re dangerously close to contraction territory. 📉 What does this mean for inflation? Jobs? The broader economy?

🔍 Key Takeaways:
✅ Prices Paid finally dipped—good news for inflation!
✅ Employment in services is slipping, signaling cracks in the labor market.
✅ New orders & backlog of orders are down, pointing to a slowdown ahead.

While markets are laser-focused on tariffs, this data suggests we might be seeing relief in the service sector. Is this a turning point, or just a blip? Watch now to find out!

Watch more episodes:
www.MarketsWithMegan.com

🔔 Like & subscribe for more real-time market insights! 🚀 

#marketswithmegan #Economy #StockMarket #marketinsights #marketnews 

https://youtu.be/5WlmXoC80-c

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 White House unveiled significant new tariffs, shaking investor confidence and triggering market volatility. What's the real impact, and where are (or ARE there) the opportunities?

Liberation Day is being categorized at "The Reordering of Global Trade" and is poised to shake global markets for the short term and change the dynamic of the global economy long term. 

Verdence Capital Advisors CIO Megan Horneman provides analysis on the latest US tariff measures (including the 10% across-the-board import tariff) in this episode of Markets with Megan. Understand the shift from using tariffs as punishment to a tool for reshaping global trade. 

Join Megan to explore:
➡️ Detailed breakdown of the new tariff structure and its goals.
➡️ Impact analysis on US economic growth, inflation, and potential recessionary pressures.
➡️ Likely Federal Reserve response and the path for interest rates.
➡️ Understanding the sharp market sell-off (Dow, NASDAQ) and falling bond yields (10-Year Treasury).
➡️ Why long-term investors should view this pullback as an opportunity.
➡️ Specific investment sectors offering value now: Developed international & US small/mid-cap stocks.

About Markets with Megan:
Hosted by Megan Horneman, CIO of Verdence Capital Advisors, Markets with Megan delivers timely financial analysis and actionable insights for investors navigating today's complex markets.

Connect with Verdence Capital Advisors:
verdence.com
marketswithmegan.com

Subscribe for More Insights:
🔔 Like, Subscribe, and hit the notification bell for weekly market analysis!  👍🏼 Share your thoughts in the comments.

#LiberationDay #ReorderGlobalTrade #CIO #InvestmentAnalysis #Tariffs #MarketVolatility #MeganHorneman #VerdenceCapital #MarketswithMegan #Economy #FederalReserve #FinancialMarkets #globaltrade #inflation

https://youtu.be/b3VD16iKXdI

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 economic data shows inflation continuing to rise despite consumer spending weaknesses, creating a complex picture for markets and policymakers. Market reactions suggest growing concerns about economic growth taking precedence over inflation worries.

• Monthly PCE (the Fed's preferred inflation indicator) showed core inflation rising 0.4%, exceeding expectations
• Year-over-year core PCE now at 2.8%, up from January's 2.6%
• Personal income increased 0.8% while spending rebounded to 0.4% growth
• Service spending dropped for the first time in three years
• Consumer sentiment fell to its lowest level since November 2022
• One-year inflation expectations jumped to 5%, nearly double from the start of the year
• Long-term (5-10 year) inflation expectations hit 4.1%, the highest since 1991
• Markets focused more on growth concerns than inflation, with bond yields falling
• April 2nd marks an important date for reciprocal tariffs

If you like this podcast, please subscribe, hit that alarm bell, share it with friends, family or colleagues. For more content, visit marketswithmeganfm.

https://youtu.be/0rZomG29JPI

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...

📈 SURPRISE ECONOMIC WIN! GDP Revised Higher – But Can It Last? 📉

After a string of disappointing economic data, we finally got some good news—the latest Q4 GDP revision came in higher than expected! But is this just a blip, or does it signal something bigger? 🤔

🔹 GDP REVISED UP to 2.4% (vs. 2.3% last reading)
🔹 Corporate profits SURGE—biggest jump since 2022! 💰
🔹 Core PCE inflation revised down—good news for the Fed?

🔥 But here’s the kicker… The market is still down today, thanks to the White House’s new 25% auto tariff bombshell 🚗💥. With earnings season kicking off April 7th, will companies absorb higher costs, or will YOU pay the price?

👉 What do YOU think? Drop a comment!

📢 Don’t miss tomorrow’s update on the Fed’s key inflation gauge!

🔔 Subscribe for real-time market insights!

#GDP #StockMarket #Inflation #AutoTariffs #MarketsWithMegan #marketnews 

https://youtu.be/7cokBPqfb9c

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...

🚨 AUTO INDUSTRY SHOCK: White House Slaps 25% Tariff on Imports! 🚨

The White House just dropped a major bombshell on the auto industry—announcing a new 25% tariff on ALL imported cars and auto parts. With the U.S. importing $474 billion in auto products last year, this move is sending shockwaves through the global market.

🚗 Winners & Losers:
🔺 Tesla & Ford gain an edge with U.S.-based production
🔻 BMW, Stellantis, & other global automakers see stock declines
💰 How will this impact car prices, supply chains, and YOUR wallet?

With April 2nd looming as a key date for potential retaliatory tariffs, the uncertainty is only growing. Plus, with corporate profits hitting their highest levels since 2022, could U.S. companies absorb these price hikes? We break it all down.

🔥 Don't miss out—hit SUBSCRIBE & turn on notifications for more real-time market updates!

 📩 Drop your thoughts in the comments! How do you think this will impact the economy?

#AutoIndustry #Tariffs #StockMarket #CarPrices #MarketsWithMegan #MarketNews #WhiteHouse

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https://youtu.be/bvuhhQn926M

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 Sentiment Plunges – What’s Next for the Economy?

Consumer confidence just hit its lowest level since 2021, and expectations for the future are the worst since 2013. What does this mean for spending, inflation, and the economy moving forward? In this episode of Markets with Megan, we break down:

✅ Why consumer confidence is sinking 📊
✅ How inflation expectations just hit a 2-year high 🔥
✅ What this means for spending, jobs, and economic growth 💰
✅ Key data points to watch ahead of next week’s major market events 🚨

📢 Drop a comment – Do you think the economy is heading for trouble, or is this just temporary?

🔔 Subscribe for real-time market insights and analysis!
For more episodes go to MarketsWithMegan.FM

#ConsumerConfidence #StockMarket #Economy #Inflation #Finance #marketinsights #consumer 

https://youtu.be/mj8tYLep00g

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...