When the tech-heavy Nasdaq drops 4% in a week and market sentiment shifts dramatically, how should those thinking about retirement or already in retirement respond? In this timely market update from The Financial Hour of The Tom Dupree Show, Tom Dupree and Mike Johnson provide real-time insights into recent market turbulence while reinforcing a critical principle: predictable income trumps price speculation when you’re living off your portfolio.

Unlike mass-market advisory firms that leave clients guessing about portfolio holdings during volatile periods, Dupree Financial Group’s personalized investment management approach ensures you understand exactly what you own and why. This episode demonstrates how direct access to portfolio managers who invest in individual securities—rather than opaque packaged products—provides clarity and confidence when markets get choppy.

Tom Dupree opens the episode with characteristic directness about Thursday’s market action: “Stocks notch worst day in over a month as tech sell-off intensifies. The market was down 794, which you know, was probably about right and I think it’s still going down today.”

But rather than expressing alarm, Tom’s reaction is measured: “I mean, you had to have known it was gonna happen.”

Mike Johnson provides context: “Last Friday, you had a huge downdraft early Friday morning, and then it turned around, came back. That is a sign of a toppy market. At some point, you’ll get a longer sell-off.”

Tom explains the mechanics behind the sell-off: “When you have things trading at stretch multiples, you don’t necessarily have to have bad news for those things to come back down to earth. Sometimes just the news—they run up on the news or the expectation of the news, then they come off on the news itself.”

This phenomenon particularly affects high-growth technology stocks that trade at premium valuations. Mike notes: “Since last Monday, the Nasdaq is down about 4%. That’s the super speculative, more growthy kind of names.”

For those thinking about retirement in Kentucky, this volatility underscores why personalized portfolio analysis focused on income production rather than speculation provides more sustainable results.

One of the week’s most significant developments involved a dramatic shift in Federal Reserve rate cut expectations. Mike explains: “The market has drastically changed its expectations in terms of a Fed rate cut in December. It was priced in like 95% chance that they were gonna cut rates in December. Today, that’s basically a coin flip—50/50 is where it’s pricing it in.”

Why does this matter for stock valuations? Mike provides the technical explanation: “Growth stocks will typically warrant a higher multiple when rates are low or going down, positively correlated to falling interest rates. Warren Buffett used to talk about it—it’s the risk-free rate of return, typically the US government bond.”

Tom adds practical context: “If it is lower, then it allows for a growth stock’s P/E to go higher. It doesn’t always correlate directly, but at times, there is a positive correlation that way. It’s a tailwind—it allows for the speculation, gives it permission to go higher.”

However, both emphasize this is “not at all necessarily related to their business or how well it’s doing.” A company can report strong earnings and still see its stock drop 30% if market expectations were even higher.

This disconnect between business fundamentals and stock price movements highlights why the Dupree Financial Group investment philosophy prioritizes income-producing securities over growth speculation for retirement portfolios.

Tom shares a striking performance contrast: “Our firm, the portfolio we manage, is a more conservative setup. We’ve actually made a little money in here. Doesn’t mean we’ll always do that, but if you want to invest in the growth of America over a long period of time, you should have some money in growth stocks.”

He explains their balanced approach: “We’re beginning to buy some around the margins. Not doing too well at it the last couple of days, but it’s tiny smidgen amounts. But we will do well with it because I think our research is good that we’re doing.”

The portfolio’s resilience comes from its core structure. Tom details: “For the other mix, we are buying dividend-paying stocks that are well known and government bonds. And so it’s enabled us to put together a pretty good year so far. We’re a month and a half from being over with.”

This approach demonstrates a fundamental principle for those in or approaching retirement: predictable income from dividends and bonds provides stability that growth speculation cannot match.

Mike reinforces this: “You made a lot of money, especially since April, in these growthier names. But they all finally give up the ghost at some point.”

Mike identifies an important trend: “The last two weeks, you have started to see the—if you want to call it—flight to quality. You started to see areas broaden out into the rally, broaden out into other areas. Healthcare has actually done pretty well.”

Tom shares a specific investment decision that illustrates their active management approach: “We sold our Berkshire at a very nice price, and it pulled way back. And now we’re back in. We weren’t market timing—we were simply looking at the valuation and based on where investors seemed to think the company was gonna go, given that the big dude was just retiring. We thought it was too expensive. Sold it, bought it back. Looks like they’re still executing.”

Mike adds context: “He actually just put out his Thanksgiving letter. It was five, six pages. He kind of does his little stories in there growing up. It was a nice letter. I’d encourage listeners to go read it.”

The letter mentions Greg Abel (Buffett’s successor), gives a shout-out to Charlie Munger, and confirms Buffett will continue writing Thanksgiving letters, though stepping back from shareholder letters and annual meeting speaking.

Tom notes why Berkshire attracts capital during volatile periods: “You saw a flight to quality because they have just an enormous cash hoard right now, and plus the businesses that they own—those are rock solid good companies.”

This selective buying and selling based on valuation—rather than following index allocations—exemplifies the advantages of personalized investment management over autopilot strategies.

Mike highlights a trend emerging from the AI and technology revolution: “You’ve seen several companies announce large job layoffs this week. Verizon announced 15,000 cut to the workforce, but when you look at it as an investor, this is the aspect of AI and just technology that we’ve been talking about the last year.”

He explains the market’s reaction: “As the technology matures, you’re gonna see companies benefit from just the economies of scale. Verizon, ‘s stock was green, partly because of that announcement. They also appointed a new CEO who’s gonna focus more on the customer.”

Tom adds historical perspective: “Anytime there’s a technological revolution, there’s a retraining process.”

For Kentucky retirement planning, this underscores the importance of owning quality companies that can adapt to technological change while continuing to generate income—the type of holdings you can actually see and understand when working with local financial advisors who provide portfolio transparency.

Mike provides timely information for retirement savers: “They just came out with the new contribution limits for 401(k)s and IRAs for 2026.”

Mike highlights a critical change: “If you have a 401(k) with your employer and you’re—as the IRS quantifies it—a high earner (which in their definition is if you make over $150,000), if you do a 401(k) catch-up to your plan, which that’s if you’re over 50, they changed the rule on this. That catch-up contribution now has to go to a Roth 401(k).”

He acknowledges the complexity: “It gets a little complicated because of if it’s this, then it’s that and the little rules. If you have questions about your 401(k), give us a call. We can talk with you about it because the rules are important. You want to maximize the assets that you have and you want to use everything to your advantage that’s given to you.”

Tom delivers a contrarian perspective on retirement planning’s most popular vehicle: “Money that you can save aside that’s not in a 401(k)—that is actually your own money. You can invest that money far more creatively than you can within most 401(k) plans.”

He continues: “I would actually advise people not to use their 401(k) as their sole retirement planning source. Invest in some things outside of that that you can—buy some stocks. You can’t buy stocks inside a 401(k). I’m glad to have 401(k) rollovers when they come to us. I think it’s great. I’m glad that people have built money over time, but it’s not the most creative way to invest.”

Mike offers a solution many don’t know exists: “Let’s say you’re still working and you’re 59 and a half. The employer matches—you can still take part in the employer match into the 401(k), but you can take your balance of the 401(k), move that to an IRA. It’s what’s called an in-service rollover. No tax consequences.”

The advantage? “Then you can invest it in some of these other things that we’ve been talking about. You can do that while at the same time still utilizing the 401(k) for the match or the tax deferral. It’s just strategically using the tools that are available.”

This flexibility allows those approaching retirement to maintain employer matching benefits while gaining access to individual stock and bond investing—the foundation of Dupree Financial Group’s income-focused approach.

Tom references the statistic Mike shared in a previous episode: “You were talking about earlier—there was a study done that Americans are more worried about running out of money than they are about death.”

He connects this to retirement timing: “I would think that applies more to people who’ve already retired who know that they’re not doing anything more to put anything back. That’s why I tell people, if you don’t have to, don’t retire because it’s not good for you. It’s good for people to have something to do, a reason to get out of bed in the morning, a reason to do this, to do that.”

Mike emphasizes a critical distinction: “The biggest success stories of clients have been people who have that—what are you retiring to? It’s not where you’re retiring from. What are you retiring to? That’s where we’ve always seen success—is when they’re engaged, they’re active. And a lot of times, more and more often, it’s some sort of gainful employment.”

Tom agrees: “Gainful employment can be a lot of things, but it has to be something that requires you to be involved in something—putting some points on the board.”

For Kentucky retirement planning, this philosophical perspective complements the financial strategy: combining meaningful activity with income-producing investments creates both purpose and security.

Mike delivers a candid assessment: “The idea of retirement—I don’t care how big the pool of assets are—the idea of retirement is a risky proposition just because it’s unnerving. It’s scary. It’s a scary thing for people for a reason because you’re giving up control. You’re trying to replicate an income stream through the assets that you’ve saved. So it is a risky thing just by nature, and people are living longer.”

He defines the advisor’s role: “Our job as advisors to our clients, as investors, is how do we in the most prudent way produce an income stream?”

Tom responds: “Well, that’s where the rubber meets the road—cash flow. And to do that takes experience. You have to have seen some things in the past that worked and some things that didn’t work.”

This accumulated wisdom—47 years in Tom’s case—represents a significant advantage of working with experienced local financial advisors rather than being assigned an investment counselor at a large national firm who may lack this historical perspective and market cycle experience.

Tom shifts to the practical implications of recent market choppiness: “Right now, you’re gonna need to look at some of these stocks that have gotten beat up and find some bargains in there because they’re gonna be there. There’s always opportunities.”

He recalls recent successful positioning: “In April, when everybody was scared to death, you’re starting to see some things now that we’ve added several things to the portfolio in the last three weeks.”

When asked to name something recognizable they’ve added, Tom reveals: “One place where you buy your milk and your gasoline—Kroger. We bought some Kroger.”

This purchase exemplifies several principles:

This active decision-making—buying specific companies for specific reasons at specific times—contrasts sharply with passive index investing that automatically buys whatever the index holds, regardless of valuation or business quality.

Review the market commentary archive to see how Dupree Financial Group has identified opportunities across various market environments.

Mike emphasizes the foundation of their approach: “Markets are choppy—that’ll probably continue. That’s the nature of markets. But just you have to be diligent, always looking for opportunities, always looking for things that accomplish your goals. Fundamentals—look at the companies. That’s what we’re doing. We try to do that every day. We try to find things that work for our clients. That’s the goal.”

He highlights what makes this possible: “But there’s accountability. Our clients know what they own. And the cornerstone of the portfolio is income because that is more predictable than price appreciation or price movement.”

Tom connects this to retirement reality: “It’s very important in retirement too because you’ve got to have income to pay the bills that you’re used to having your work income pay for.”

This focus on predictable cash flow rather than unpredictable price appreciation represents the fundamental difference between speculation and sustainable retirement investing.

Throughout the episode, the theme of transparency and accountability recurs. When clients can see exactly which companies they own—Kroger, Berkshire Hathaway, dividend-paying stocks, government bonds—they understand where their retirement income originates.

This contrasts with:

The advantage of transparency becomes especially clear during volatile markets like the current environment. When the Nasdaq drops 4% but your portfolio generates positive returns, you understand why: you own dividend-producing companies and government bonds selected for income stability, not speculation on growth.

Tom provides his near-term perspective: “You’re gonna have your up days and down days. And you’re gonna make your most money with growth over time. Take some risk, think about what you’re buying, and go for it.”

Mike offers guidance for the coming period: “Markets have been choppy the last couple of weeks. That’ll probably continue. That’s the nature of markets.”

The takeaway for those thinking about retirement or already in retirement in Kentucky: choppy markets are normal, but having experienced advisors who actively manage portfolios—buying quality companies when they’re on sale, maintaining income-producing core holdings, and providing direct access to explain every decision—makes navigating volatility far less stressful than watching index funds fluctuate with no understanding of what you actually own.

If recent market turbulence has you questioning whether your portfolio is positioned correctly for retirement—or if you’re realizing you don’t actually know what you own or why you own it—Dupree Financial Group offers complimentary portfolio reviews for Kentucky residents thinking about retirement or already in retirement.

During your consultation, you’ll receive:

Don’t let market volatility create anxiety about retirement. Schedule your complimentary portfolio review today.

Call Dupree Financial Group at (859) 233-0400 or visit www.dupreefinancial.com to schedule directly from our homepage.

Experience the difference that personalized investment management, income-focused strategies, and direct access to portfolio managers makes when markets get choppy.

The Nasdaq dropped approximately 4% as growth stocks trading at “stretch multiples” (high valuations) pulled back. Tom Dupree explains this was predictable in a “toppy market” where stocks had run up significantly. The catalyst included shifting Federal Reserve rate cut expectations (from 95% probability to 50/50 for December) and natural profit-taking after strong gains. Importantly, this correction didn’t require bad news—simply the reality meeting elevated expectations.

While the Nasdaq fell 4%, Tom Dupree reports their more conservative portfolio “actually made a little money” during the same period. The portfolio’s foundation of dividend-paying stocks and government bonds provided stability while they selectively added growth positions “around the margins” in small amounts. This demonstrates how income-focused investing protects capital during volatility while still participating in growth opportunities.

Mike Johnson explains that growth stocks typically warrant higher price-to-earnings multiples when interest rates are falling. Warren Buffett discussed this concept: the risk-free rate (typically US government bonds) serves as a baseline for all investments. When this rate is lower, investors will pay more for growth potential. Tom adds it’s “a tailwind that allows for speculation” and “gives it permission to go higher.” However, this is separate from actual business performance—a company can report great earnings and still fall if rate expectations shift.

Mike describes how, during market uncertainty, investors move capital toward more stable, proven companies and assets. Recent examples include increased interest in healthcare stocks, Berkshire Hathaway (with its enormous cash reserves and solid businesses), and dividend-paying stocks. This contrasts with speculative growth investments. For those in Kentucky retirement planning, this trend validates the income-focused approach that prioritizes quality over speculation.

The IRS announced: 401(k) contributions increase to $24,500 (up $1,000); IRA contributions increase to $7,500; and individuals aged 60-63 can contribute even more. A significant new rule: high earners (defined as making over $150,000) must now make catch-up contributions (for those over 50) to a Roth 401(k) rather than traditional pre-tax. Mike recommends calling for personalized guidance since “it gets a little complicated” with various age brackets and income thresholds.

Yes, through an “in-service rollover” if you’re 59½ or older. Mike explains you can continue receiving employer matching in your 401(k) while simultaneously moving your existing balance to an IRA with no tax consequences. This allows investment in individual stocks and bonds—which Tom notes “you can’t buy stocks inside a 401(k)”—while maintaining employer benefits. This strategy provides far more investment flexibility than typical 401(k) options like index funds or target-date funds.

Tom Dupree advises against this: “I would actually advise people not to use their 401(k) as their sole retirement planning source.” He notes that money outside a 401(k) “is actually your own money” that “you can invest far more creatively.” While he’s “glad to have 401(k) rollovers,” he acknowledges “it’s not the most creative way to invest” since most people invest through indexes or target-date funds—”zero in terms of creativity.” Maintaining savings in both qualified and non-qualified accounts provides more flexibility.

Mike emphasizes: “The cornerstone of the portfolio is income because that is more predictable than price appreciation or price movement.” Tom adds it’s “very important in retirement too because you’ve got to have income to pay the bills that you’re used to having your work income pay for.” When living off your portfolio, you can’t wait for prices to recover from a downturn—you need cash flow regardless of market conditions. Dividends and bond interest provide this predictability that growth speculation cannot.

Mike explains: “I don’t care how big the pool of assets are—the idea of retirement is a risky proposition just because it’s unnerving. It’s scary. You’re giving up control. You’re trying to replicate an income stream through the assets that you’ve saved.” People are also living longer, extending the period assets must last. The solution, according to Tom, requires experience: “To do that takes experience. You have to have seen some things in the past that worked and some things that didn’t work.”

Tom offers contrarian advice: “If you don’t have to, don’t retire because it’s not good for you. It’s good for people to have something to do, a reason to get out of bed in the morning.” Mike emphasizes the critical question: “What are you retiring to? It’s not where you’re retiring from. It’s what are you retiring to?” Their most successful clients remain engaged and active, often with “some sort of gainful employment.” This philosophy combines financial security with life purpose—both essential for successful retirement.

Tom advises: “You’re gonna need to look at some of these stocks that have gotten beaten up and find some bargains in there because they’re gonna be there. There are always opportunities.” He recalls April when “everybody was scared to death” and notes they’ve “added several things to the portfolio in the last three weeks”—including Kroger. The key is having a process: “Be diligent, always looking for opportunities, always looking for things that accomplish your goals. Fundamentals—look at the companies.” This requires direct access to portfolio managers who actively manage rather than autopilot index strategies.

Mike states, “Our clients know what they own. And the cornerstone of the portfolio is income.” When markets drop and the Nasdaq falls 4%, but your portfolio generates positive returns, transparency lets you understand why: you own dividend-producing companies selected for income stability, not speculation. This contrasts with index funds (where you own arbitrary collections of stocks), target-date funds, or annuities, where you never see underlying holdings. Understanding what you own eliminates anxiety during volatility.

The Financial Hour provides real-time market insights and practical retirement planning guidance for Kentucky residents approaching or living in retirement. Hosted by Tom Dupree (with 47 years of investment experience), founder of Dupree Financial Group, with portfolio manager Mike Johnson, each episode delivers actionable strategies based on decades of navigating market volatility through income-focused, transparent investment management.

Listen to more episodes and read additional market commentary at www.dupreefinancial.com/podcast.

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