In this episode, we’re joined by Danny Kirsch, Head of Options Strategy and the Trading Team at Piper Sandler. We recap the year’s market activity, discuss notable trading strategies, and look ahead to year-end and early-2025 positioning. Topics include key market catalysts, a standout options trade involving retail and the financial sector as optimistic bets for next year, and the potential impact of Fed rate cuts. We also cover shifting sentiment around AI and big tech, the influence of upcoming tax refunds, and how ongoing tariff-related court cases could shape the market. Danny also breaks down his approach to trading around holiday periods and explains how volatility and delta decay can contribute to end-of-year rallies.

For full disclosure information visit: http://www.pipersandler.com/researchdisclosures

In this episode, we discuss the market outlook and the economic cycle through Michael’s HOPE framework. We outline the four pillars—Housing, Orders, Profits, and Employment—and examine current themes, including an “E-shaped” economy. The conversation explores leading indicators that may signal improvement in 2026, trends in the housing market, and the broader impact of employment dynamics on growth. Michael remains optimistic about a gradual economic recovery and a steady improvement across key sectors in the coming years.

For full disclosure information visit: http://www.pipersandler.com/researchdisclosures

In this episode, we recap our recent travels across Europe and the U.S., highlighting what we heard from clients and how market sentiment is shifting on both sides of the Atlantic. We break down the evolving investor outlook—especially growing concerns around interest rates, wage pressures, and unemployment trends. We also explore Bitcoin’s position as a high-beta asset increasingly tied to broader risk sentiment, and assess how a potential Fed rate cut in December could shape market dynamics. Finally, we discuss why mortgage applications and housing data remain critical indicators for gauging the economic backdrop as we look ahead to 2026.

For full disclosure information visit: http://www.pipersandler.com/researchdisclosures

In this episode, we talk with Emily Needell Deputy Chief Investment Strategist at Piper Sandler, to discuss the dominance of 'The Mag Seven’. We delve into the unprecedented returns of these companies, over the past decade. The conversation covers the implications of these outsized returns on the market dynamics, the distortion they create, and the shifting definitions of what it means to outperform the market. They also explore the impact of passive funds on these mega-cap stocks and debate the potential for improved market breadth in the future. The discussion wraps up with insights into what better breadth means for diverse market segments without necessarily signaling a decline for the Mag Seven.

For full disclosure information visit: http://www.pipersandler.com/researchdisclosures

In this episode of What’s Next for Markets?, Michael Kantrowitz sits down with Craig Johnson, Chief Market Technician at Piper Sandler, to break down the latest trends driving equity markets. From the technical setup across major indices to the underlying sector leadership and sentiment shifts, Craig shares how his charts are framing the next phase of this market cycle. Together, they explore where investors might find opportunity — and what signals could mark the next big turn.

In this week's podcast episode, we dive into the nuances of missing government data with Piper Sandler Economist Jake Oubina. He highlights the reliability of alternative data sources like the Adobe Digital Price Index and various private surveys. We discuss the accuracy concerns surrounding Non-Farm Payroll (NFP) reports and how private data could steer better insights. Additionally, we focus on recent inflation trends, particularly the impact of tariffs on margins, and delve into the data from the latest CPI report. The conversation also extends to labor market conditions, consumer sentiment, and the potential influence of AI and energy costs on the economy. Looking ahead, Jake provides a bullish yet cautious economic and market outlook for the next 6-12 months, examining potential scenarios influenced by fiscal policies and CapEx trends.

For full disclosure information visit: http://www.pipersandler.com/researchdisclosures

In this episode we speak with Danny Kirsch, head of Piper Sandler's Options trading desk, about the recent market volatility and its implications. The discussion covers the spike in VIX and its impact on options trading, the state of regional banks following their earnings, and the effects of potential US-China trade agreements. Danny also provides insights into the differences between current market dynamics and those of the late 1990s, the influence of seasonality on market performance, and expectations about upcoming economic data releases. Throughout the conversation, Danny emphasizes the importance of understanding whether market risks are idiosyncratic or systemic.

For full disclosure information visit: http://www.pipersandler.com/researchdisclosures

In this episode, Don Schneider provides a comprehensive update on the recent government shutdown developments and their potential duration. We delve into the political strategies of both parties, highlighting Schumer's decision and Trump's management tactics, which are softening the shutdown's impact. Don also explains the implications of the shutdown on data reporting and how it affects investors. Furthermore, we explore the recent news on Trump's threats to raise China tariffs and the administration's stance on rare earth exports. Lastly, Don offers insights into the upcoming tax refund season in 2026, detailing the expected impact of new tax cuts and how it could influence consumer spending and economic data. This episode is packed with crucial information for investors and policy watchers alike.

For full disclosure information visit: http://www.pipersandler.com/researchdisclosures

This week on What’s Next for Markets I’m sharing a short excerpt from my hour-long conversation with Adam Taggart (Thoughtful Money). We discuss why the current backdrop looks like a post-inflation-shock “Goldilocks” environment, why earnings breadth appears to be healing, and what a broader leadership profile could mean for small caps, cyclicals, housing, and manufacturing.
Decide for yourself—does a slower, steadier expansion favor active over passive? To watch the full discussion with Adam, go to https://youtu.be/SMtZxM94QII?si=AHP0hWaFkNdi5Wol

In this episode, we discuss the uncommon, but not unprecedented, correlation between rising equity markets and increasing unemployment rates. We discuss the historical examples from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s to demonstrate how higher unemployment can actually be beneficial for stock prices in periods of inflation. The conversation covers the changing market dynamics post-2022's inflation shock and how current market behaviors differ from recent periods of rising unemployment. The episode aims to provide clarity on the counterintuitive relationship between bad news and market performance.