US Markets Wrap

Joseph Sroka, Chief Investment Officer & Co-Founder, NovaPoint Capital discusses sector rotation towards utilities and healthcare; continuing implications of the US government shutdown; expectations for Q3 earnings; gold's first foray into the $4,000 / ounce territory; and why investors should double down on long-term plays.

Produced & Presented by: Emaad Akhtar

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wall Street’s on a high even as Washington shuts down. The Russell 2000, Nasdaq 100, and gold all hit record levels to start the week, powered by fresh AI momentum and a wave of dealmaking. OpenAI’s multibillion-dollar partnership with AMD has reignited investor enthusiasm, while Fifth Third Bancorp’s takeover of Comerica signals new life in M&A.

Dan Koh speaks with José Torres, Senior Economist at Interactive Brokers to unpack what’s really driving the risk-on mood, the data gaps left by the government blackout, and how investors should read Japan’s sudden leadership change under Sanae Takaichi.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. stocks ended higher after a volatile session, with the Nasdaq climbing 0.4% and the S&P 500 rebounding from earlier losses on strength in health-care names. The gains come even as the U.S. government shut down following failed Senate negotiations, and fresh ADP data showed the steepest private payroll decline in over two years. Michele Schneider, Chief Strategist, MarketGauge Group breaks down why investors seem unfazed by Washington gridlock, the risks of a weakening labor market, and whether momentum can continue in the face of stretched valuations and mounting economic uncertainty.

Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stocks closed higher Tuesday despite growing concerns over a looming U.S. government shutdown that could freeze key economic data and rattle investor confidence. The Dow hit a new record, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also posted gains. But under the surface, anxiety is rising. Investors are moving into safe-haven assets like gold and Treasuries, bracing for potential fallout if the shutdown drags on. José Torres, senior economist, Interactive Brokers breaks down the market’s reaction, the latest job openings and consumer confidence reports. 

Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After five straight months of gains, the S&P 500 is heading into a historically volatile October with strong momentum on its side. Growth looks solid, consumption remains resilient, and AI is giving GDP a powerful boost. Conversely, inflation, Fed policy, and the looming U.S. government shutdown still cloud the outlook.

Dan Koh speaks with Sonu Varghese, Vice President & Global Macro Strategist at Carson Group, to unpack the forces driving markets, the risks ahead, and what investors should be watching as we enter the final quarter of the year.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Tan, Portfolio Manager at Grasshopper Asset Management, discusses why global equities may be running ahead of fundamentals, and where fresh catalysts could emerge. From China’s tech rebound to defense stocks and the dollar’s slide, we explore the forces shaping markets into year-end.

Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. stocks stumbled for a second day as AI leaders like Nvidia, Oracle, and Micron lose momentum amid concerns over sky-high valuations. Dilin Wu, Research Strategist, Pepperstone
discusses the risks and opportunities in tech, the bullish gold rally, and the dollar’s surprising strength. We explore what it all means for markets, Fed policy, and investors seeking opportunities across U.S. and Asian equities.

Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While global forecasts are improving, U.S. markets continue to defy tariff headwinds with record earnings, margin expansion, and surging AI-driven investment. Laila Pence, President & Co-Founder, Pence Wealth Management explores how monetary policy, labor market shifts, and the AI supply chain are shaping the next phase of the economy — from small caps and financials to hyperscaler spending that could define the next industrial revolution.

Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang

Image: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joseph Shaposhnik, Founder & Portfolio Manager of Rainwater Equity breaks down the latest market themes shaping investor sentiment. We explore why some AI leaders may be better long-term bets than consensus expects, and where opportunities lie amid market volatility — including a potential defence sector supercycle driven by surging demand in key regions. Plus, we dive into strategies for identifying companies that dominate essential niches, creating lasting value through strong pricing power and resilience against disruption.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US stocks climb to fresh all-time highs after the Federal Reserve kicks off its rate-cut cycle, with small-cap stocks leading the charge. Christine Short, VP of Research at Wall Street Horizon shares what this means for investors. She also discusses the surprising $5 billion dollar partnership between Nvidia to shape the future of AI infrastructure; as well as Meta unveiling its newest Ray-Ban smart glasses, intensifying the race to dominate the wearable tech space.

Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.