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Market Volatility: Analyzing Economic Data and Geopolitical Tensions

Brian Jacobsen, the Chief Economist for Annex Wealth Management joins Remy Blaire to provide insights on the recent GDP and inflation figures. We dive into the latest economic data and its implications for the markets as major stock averages experience a pullback, particularly in private credit stocks, amid concerns over private loans. We also discuss the recent surge in crude oil prices, with Brent and WTI reaching their highest levels since last year, fueled by geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Iran.

Brian notes that while inflation had been trending down, recent tariff impositions have caused a shift, leading to concerns from the Federal Reserve. We also explore the potential impact of the Supreme Court’s ruling on Trump’s tariffs, which could have significant ramifications for the markets and consumer refunds.

Brian shares his thoughts on the energy sector, highlighting the recent rise in oil prices and the performance of energy stocks, while cautioning that this may not be sustainable in the long term. We also touch on the private credit market, discussing the challenges and risks associated with investing in this area, particularly in light of recent asset sales by firms like Blue Owl.

Finally, we look ahead to Nvidia’s upcoming earnings report, which is anticipated to be a major market mover given the company’s pivotal role in the AI and data center sectors.

Economic Insights: Analyzing Q4 2025 Growth and Inflation Trends

Sonu Varghese, VP and Global Macro Strategist at Carson Group joins Remy Blaire to provide insights into the economic landscape. In this episode, we dive into the latest U.S. economic data, which reveals a 1.4% annualized growth rate for Q4 2025, alongside a PCE inflation gauge of 2.9%. We discuss the implications of rising oil prices, particularly in light of potential military actions in Iran, and how these tensions could impact the economy.

Sonu highlights that while GDP growth has eased due to government shutdowns, real private final demand remains relatively strong at 2.4%.

They explore the Federal Reserve’s position, noting that with inflation above their target, further rate cuts may not be on the horizon. They also touch on the disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street, emphasizing how rising corporate margins are boosting stock prices while affordability concerns, especially in the housing market, persist. Sonu explains the current labor market dynamics, where despite stagnant hiring, the employment rate for prime-age workers is at a historic high.

Finally, ahead of Nvidia’s earnings next week, Sonu anticipates that the company’s performance will reflect the broader trend of AI-related investments driving economic growth.

The “AI Disruption” Sell-Off: Is the Worst Finally Over?

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Senior market strategist Michael Reinking joins the show from the New York Stock Exchange to break down the latest market action, highlighting rising intraday volatility, sector rotation trends, and key technical levels investors are watching. He explains how options expiration, geopolitical tensions, and shifting sentiment have driven recent market swings, with defensive sectors like utilities, energy, and industrials gaining while tech and consumer discretionary lag on risk-off days. Reinking also discusses how last week’s “AI disruption” sell-off across industries from software to financials has begun to stabilize, though markets remain sensitive to incoming data, particularly the closely watched PCE inflation report favored by the Fed. He notes that traders are also focused on potential headlines from the Supreme Court of the United States regarding tariff-related cases tied to the Donald Trump administration and companies such as Costco. Technically, he points to a tight trading range that has defined markets this year, with downside support near recent lows and the much-anticipated 7000 level on the S&P 500 serving as the major upside milestone investors are eager to see breached.

How to Launch Your Biggest News at Money20/20 Asia in Bangkok

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In this exclusive one-on-one interview, Tina Loncaric, Global Head of Public Relations at Money20/20, shares key insights on how companies can prepare impactful announcements for Money20/20 Asia, taking place in Bangkok from April 21–23. She explains how delegates, sponsors, and exhibitors can submit their biggest announcements ranging from product launches and partnerships to mergers, acquisitions, and research reports for the event’s “Call for Breaking News,” a unique opportunity to unveil exclusive stories live on stage before global media. Loncaric emphasizes that submissions must be completely original, under embargo, and presented by senior leaders directly involved in the news, with partners included on stage for joint announcements. She also highlights how selected companies benefit from pre-event promotion, on-site media interviews, and worldwide exposure, making the showcase a powerful platform to launch major industry news to an international audience.

The Evolution of Hospitality: Profitability, Inflation, and Season 10 of Bar Rescue

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Host J.D. Durkin hospitality expert and TV personality John Taffer to the New York Stock Exchange for a lively conversation about the evolution of the bar and restaurant industry and the success of his hit show Bar Rescue, now in its 10th season after more than a decade on air. Taffer shares insights on how the industry has shifted from rapid expansion to profitability-focused strategies, leading many operators to close marginal locations while adapting to post-pandemic consumer habits, labor challenges, inflation pressures, and even the impact of GLP-1 medications on dining behavior. He explains why some restaurateurs see these trends as opportunities, such as offering smaller portions at adjusted prices to maintain margins while meeting changing demand. Taffer also offers candid advice for aspiring hospitality entrepreneurs, stressing that most bars don’t fail they simply run out of money so having sufficient startup capital is critical. The interview wraps with fun rapid-fire questions, where Taffer reveals his least favorite drink to order, his pick for a favorite NYC bar employees Only and why he believes banning cell phones could bring back the social magic that makes bars thrive.

Navigating Volatility: Economic Insights for 2026 with Paul Gruenwald

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On this episode Remy Blaire speaks with Paul Gruenwald, Global Chief Economist at S&P Global Ratings, from the New York Stock Exchange to break down the 2026 market outlook. As bond yields return alongside heightened volatility, markets are adjusting to a new era shaped by geopolitical fragmentation and persistently elevated terminal rates, shifting the focus from timing rate moves to identifying where the new neutral level lies. Gruenwald explains that despite earlier concerns about tariffs, the economy entered the year in solid shape, supported by labor market resilience and a surge in investment tied to data centers and AI. He points to potential upside driven by productivity gains from artificial intelligence, echoing historic skepticism like that of Robert Solow, while noting early signs that AI may already be boosting growth. Still, risks remain, including narrow growth concentration, possible labor market weakness, or financial volatility. On policy, he expects the Federal Reserve to hold rates steady in early 2026 before cutting later in the year, while the European Central Bank is likely finished tightening, the Bank of Canada may have one move left, and the Reserve Bank of Australia has recently raised rates. Overall, he notes that relatively strong U.S. growth and higher rates could continue supporting the dollar, as markets balance lingering risks against the transformative potential of AI-driven productivity.

Navigating Market Rotation: Trends in U.S. Equity and Indexing

Tim Edwards, Managing Director and Head of Index Investment Strategy at S&P Global joins Remy Blaire to explore the evolving landscape of capital markets. They examine the significant structural shifts anticipated in the next decade, particularly the potential rotation in U.S. equity market strength beyond the dominant “Magnificent Seven” companies.

Tim highlights the early signs of increased market breadth in 2026, with better performance from equal-weight indices and smaller-cap stocks. They also celebrate the 50-year anniversary of the first index fund tracking the S&P 500, created by Vanguard’s Jack Bogle, and discuss how indexing has transformed investing, saving investors billions in fees compared to traditional actively managed funds.

As they delve deeper, they explore the evolution of indexing beyond core indices, touching on the growing interest in bond markets, cryptocurrencies, and private markets. Tim emphasizes the importance of transparency and benchmarking in these areas, which are still developing.

Finally, they discuss the future of dynamic benchmarks and the increasing availability of tools for investors to manage risk and express market views. Tim notes a shift in how investors are approaching risk management, moving away from a binary “risk on or risk off” mentality to a more nuanced strategy that focuses on specific sectors and industries.

Unlocking New Markets: Flotek’s Journey into Real-Time Monitoring and AI Infrastructure

On this episode, Ryan Ezell, CEO of Flotek Industries, discusses the company’s transformation from a traditional chemistry provider into a data-driven technology player focused on power infrastructure and real-time analytics. With more than 130 patents and operations across 59 countries, the firm is pivoting toward advanced monitoring platforms that measure chemistry in real time using spectroscopy and near infrared technologies an innovation that has expanded its total addressable market from about $3 billion in 2021 to more than $20 billion today. Ezell explains how this strategic shift reduces exposure to commodity cycles, positions the company to support the global surge in AI-driven data center power demand, and strengthens its role in energy, infrastructure, and industrial applications. He also outlines how Flotek monetizes its intellectual property through licensing partnerships while protecting core technologies, and highlights global expansion efforts across regions such as Middle East, North Africa and Latin America, where rising energy and infrastructure needs create strong growth opportunities.

Embracing Change: How Legacy Banks Can Adapt to Crypto Innovations

Christian Catalini, founder of the MIT Cryptoeconomics Lab and co-creator of Libra joins Remy Blaire to discuss the evolving stablecoins landscape and their impact on the financial system. They discuss how stablecoins, often seen as the “quiet plumbing” of the digital asset world, are emerging as a significant force in mainstream finance.

Christian argues that stablecoins are not a threat to traditional bank deposits but rather an essential upgrade to our aging financial infrastructure. He anticipates a competitive landscape where both crypto-native firms and global banks will issue stablecoins, as incumbents recognize the need to adapt to this technology.

They explore the current state of Bitcoin, which has recently fallen below the $66,000 mark. Christian emphasizes the importance of viewing Bitcoin’s price on a log scale to better understand its long-term trajectory, driven by technological adoption rather than the notion of it being “digital gold.”

The conversation shifts to the intersection of crypto and artificial intelligence, where Christian predicts transformative changes in the next 12 to 24 months. He highlights the potential for crypto to serve as the native language of a machine economy, particularly in facilitating machine-to-machine payments.

They also address concerns about stablecoins potentially hollowing out the banking system, with Christian noting that, so far, this hasn’t occurred at scale. He believes that while banks are currently facing competition, they have the opportunity to enhance their offerings and retain customer loyalty.

Finally, they discuss the risks for legacy financial institutions that remain inactive in the face of these technological advancements. Christian stresses the importance of embracing and integrating new technologies to stay competitive.

Navigating the Future of DeFi: Insights on the Clarity Act and Project Crypto

Kristin Smith, president of the Solana Policy Institute joins Remy Blaire to provide valuable insights into the legislative landscape in Washington.

Kristin highlights the significant involvement of high-level leaders, including the White House and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in negotiations between crypto and banking stakeholders. Despite the complexity of the Clarity Act, she expresses optimism about progress being made and the potential for the bill to reach the Senate floor for a vote in the spring.

They also discuss the relaunch of Project Crypto by the SEC and CFTC, which aims to provide regulatory clarity for the industry using existing authorities. Kristin emphasizes the importance of this initiative in harmonizing regulations and facilitating innovation, particularly in the trading of tokenized securities. She notes that an innovation exemption could pave the way for more efficient trading practices and new DeFi products.

Finally, they touch on the broader market volatility affecting digital assets and other asset classes. Kristin points out that while the market is experiencing fluctuations, the fundamentals remain strong, with increasing institutional interest in crypto and the rise of agentic finance.