Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the Fed's rate cut decision and claim of two more possibly coming this year. Powell and the rest of the Fed have no clue how the economy will look next year. US initial jobless claims drop by most in almost four years. How to handle a job market that's worse than it looks. American Express unveils refreshed Platinum card with $895 annual fee.

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss China banning tech companies from buying Nvidia's AI chips. AI is going to consumer a lot of energy. Can it help us save energy? US mortgage rates fall to 2024 levels, fueling refinancing surge. LimeWire is back and buying the Fyre Festival.

Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane explain why interest rates aren't the most important aspect of the economy. The two-speed economy is back as low-income Americans give up gains. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains beneficiary designations on IRAs.

This week, Todd Lutsky explains the process and benefits of naming beneficiaries on IRAs and how income taxes are paid when the estate is the beneficiary.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss how the breakeven threshold reveals a more robust labor landscape than stats show. Why shifting away from rigid quarterly filings could free up companies and provide better long-term insights for investors. The inside scoop on Luckin’s bold U.S. expansion strategy and how it's challenging the coffee giant's dominance with aggressive pricing and tech-driven growth. Americans can't stop buying cars they don't need.

In this episode, Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane unpack the latest economic headlines shaping markets. From robust retail sales defying slowdown fears to pivotal Federal Reserve updates, we dive deep into what’s driving the economy. What’s on the table?

• Retail Sales Surge in August – Consumers keep spending, but is it sustainable?
• Fed Governor Drama – Appeals Court denies Trump’s bid to remove Lisa Cook, while Stephen Miran joins the Fed Board.
• Lower Rates & Stocks – A quick take on what cheaper borrowing means for equity investors.
• Fed Strategy – Why the Fed needs to tread carefully and avoid bold promises.
• Massachusetts’ Economic Woes – A closer look at the state’s struggles amid national resilience.

Tune in for sharp insights and actionable analysis to navigate today’s economic landscape. Subscribe now for more! #Economy #FederalReserve #Investing #RetailSales #MarketInsights

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss Elon Musk purchasing $1B worth of Tesla stock. Tesla's chair says only Musk can lead Tesla's next phase. 'Underwater' car trade-ins are at a 4-year high. More Americans are stuck with the jobs they can get, not the ones they want. How to build a million-dollar future for your kids.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the Fed meeting this week to set interest rates. Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan see stock rally stalling after Fed rate cut. China says Nvidia violated antitrust law. Whirlpool tells US authorities its rivals could be evading tariffs. Gold hasn't rallied this much since 1979. Is turning to ChatGPT for financial advice wise?

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane are joined by CNBC's Michael Santoli to recap what we saw in terms of inflation data this week and why we are likely to see a 25 bps interest cut at next week's Fed meeting, as opposed to 50 bps. Plus, with the cost of healthcare continuing to climb, should employers be seeing more blame as they pass along some of the impact to their employees through payroll deductions? Barron's Paul LaMonica also hopped on to speak with the guys about Oracle's massive stock rally this week.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss firm inflation and soft jobs data pull the Fed in opposing directions. Economists see Fed rate cut next week and at least one more in 2025. Mortgage rates are at an 11-month low. Will that save this housing market? Labor hoarding looks close to painful end.