The Real Investment Show (Full Show)

Earnings expectations can drive stock prices higher, but what happens when corporate profits fail to meet those expectations? Lance Roberts examines earnings mean reversion, why Wall Street estimates can become overly optimistic, and what falling short of projected earnings could mean for stock valuations and market returns; what is the relationship between earnings growth and economic growth, how expectations become embedded in stock prices, and why elevated valuations can make earnings disappointments more consequential. Importantly, what should investors watch as earnings estimates change, and how can portfolio risk be managed when expectations and fundamentals begin to diverge? 0:00 - INTRO 0:59...

Living longer changes almost every assumption behind traditional retirement planning. As more Americans reach retirement age and potentially spend decades in retirement, planning must extend well beyond simply building a large enough portfolio. Richard Rosso and Jonathan "Smarty" McCarty examine the financial realities of longevity, including the fear of running out of money, identifying reliable retirement income sources, withdrawal and tax strategies, long-term care and hybrid insurance policies, estate planning, charitable giving, inheritances, housing decisions, and determining which risks you can absorb versus those you should mitigate. Plus, they discuss the lack of credentials among some financial influencers, alternative ways...

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in three years, but for investors, the bigger question is what comes next. Lance Roberts and Michael Lebowitz break down what the Fed said, what Chairman Kevin Warsh signaled about inflation and future monetary policy, and why the Fed's updated rate projections matter for markets. With most policymakers anticipating another rate increase this year, is this the beginning of a new tightening cycle, or could the Fed be closer to "one and done"? What could higher rates mean for stocks, bonds, economic growth, and portfolio strategy as investors look toward...

It’s Fed Day, and markets are waiting for answers. It's also Q&A Wednesday, and Lance Roberts takes your questions from our YouTube Live Chat window. He'll break down the biggest economic, investing, and market developments of the past week, including the Federal Reserve’s September FOMC meeting, interest rates, inflation, rising Treasury yields, oil prices, AI spending concerns, and the recent pressure on stocks. 0:00 INTRO 0:55 - Fed Day: Will They or Won't They? 3:11 - Market Breaks Below 50-DMA 4:12 - Reflexive Rally not surprising, post-Fed 4:30 - Oil Prices Putting Pressure on Economy 9:02 - What's the Expected Market Reaction for FOMC...

The end of the year will be here before you know it. What financial moves should you make now instead of waiting until December? Lance Roberts and Jon Penn look at 10 important year-end financial planning decisions to consider before December 31, including tax planning, Roth conversions, required minimum distributions (RMDs), qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), retirement plan contributions, and charitable giving. 0:00 INTRO 1:02 - The Challenge in the Markets 2:22 - Will Warsh Hike Rates...or not? 3:19 - Markets Struggle through Narrow Trading Range 4:31 - If the Markets Stay Flat...? 8:47 - Preparing for Q4 (Halloween & Christmas) 12:32 - Gold, Silver, & Precious Metals as Inflation Hedge...

Stock prices and corporate earnings are breaking trends that have held for roughly 90 years. Does artificial intelligence represent a fundamental change in the economy and markets, or are investors once again being tempted by the four most dangerous words in investing: “this time is different”? Lance Roberts examines whether AI has truly changed the earnings equation, what today's valuations suggest about future returns, and why investors don't necessarily have to choose between being bullish and bearish. 0:00 INTRO 1:01 - FOMC Week; AI: To Pause or Not to Pause? 4:35 - Markets Still Stuck 9:47 - A look at Bond Flow Dynamics 13:49 - Why is E...

The Financial Independence, Retire Early movement promises something many people want: save aggressively, live below your means, build wealth, and gain the freedom to leave work early. But does the FIRE movement really work when retirement could last 40, 50, or even 60 years? Richard Rosso & Jonathan McCarty examine the different approaches to FIRE, including Fat FIRE, Lean FIRE, Barista FIRE, and Coast FIRE, and discuss where retirement calculations can go wrong. We also look at why stocks should not simply be treated as predictable compounding assets, the risks of quitting your job too soon, inflation and the “pink tax,” Trump Accounts for chil...

With CPI and PPI inflation reports in focus, markets are looking for clues about the Fed’s next move on interest rates. Will cooler inflation give policymakers more room to cut rates, or could hotter data force the Fed to remain cautious? Lance Roberts & Michael Lebowitz examine what the latest inflation numbers could mean for Fed policy, interest rates, Treasury yields, and financial markets, as investors try to determine whether inflation is cooling enough to change the Fed’s outlook. 0:00 INTRO 0:49 - PPI, CPI Preview 2:11 - Oil As Factor in Inflation 4:36 - Markets Continue to Do What They Do 6:53 - Vola...

Markets are entering a critical stretch as investors confront rising oil prices, renewed inflation concerns, higher Treasury yields, shifting expectations for Federal Reserve policy, and continued uncertainty over the direction of stocks. Lance Roberts & Danny Ratliff take your questions live and examine what the latest economic and market developments could mean for your money. 0:00 INTRO 1:01 - Market is hanging out - Going Nowhere Quickly 3:33 - Rise in Rate Hike Odds will Increase Pressure on the Fed? 7:05 - Too Loud? Too Old... 7:43 - Bessent: "I am the House" 9:19 - Dollar vs the Euro? 10:58 - High-risk, High-reward at 2% of Portfolio? 15:56 - What...

Why are bond yields moving higher, and what could that mean for investors? Rising Treasury yields can influence borrowing costs, economic growth, stock valuations, and bond prices. Lance Roberts & Jon Penn break down what may be driving yields higher, what the bond market could be signaling, and how changing interest rates can work their way through the economy and financial markets. For investors, the key may not simply be how high yields rise, but understanding what is causing them to move higher. 0:00 INTRO 0:53 - ADP, PPI CPI Previews 1:34 - Meh Market: Don't do anything yet 6:03 - Mid-Terms are up in...

Is the Consumer Price Index accurately measuring the inflation Americans actually experience? Lance Roberts talks with Oliver Rust of Truflation about how real-time inflation data can differ from traditional CPI measurements. They examine housing and rent concessions, regional price differences, consumer substitution, the K-shaped economy, housing affordability, and the continuing resilience of consumer spending. Oliver also explains how Truflation builds its inflation index, where its methodology differs from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, its work with the Federal Reserve, and what its data says about inflation now. Plus, they discuss what could come next as Truflation expands into employment and...

Retirement planning is about more than building a portfolio. It’s also about deciding what comes next. Richard Rosso & Jonathan McCarty explore the retirement crossroads: making the transition from work to retirement, finding purpose after a career, setting new goals, applying your skills in new ways, and overcoming the reluctance many retirees have to spend the money they’ve accumulated. We also dig into the financial strategies that can make a difference, including Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), donor-advised funds, charitable checks that aren’t cashed, changing tax rules, and potential retirement tax traps. Plus, what movies like The Intern and Cast A...

Is the stock market dangerously expensive, or are investors overlooking strong future earnings growth? The S&P 500’s Shiller CAPE ratio has reached 41, yet the PEG ratio, which incorporates expected earnings growth, is signaling one of the cheapest market valuations in decades. Michael Lebowitz and Lance Roberts examine why these two popular valuation measures are sending completely opposite signals. The key difference comes down to expectations: CAPE relies on historical earnings, while PEG depends heavily on Wall Street forecasts for future growth. We look at the reliability of those earnings forecasts, the extraordinary concentration of expected growth among a handful of...

September is starting with a new set of challenges for investors: rising Treasury yields, higher oil prices, persistent inflation, renewed geopolitical tensions, and growing questions about whether the Federal Reserve may have to raise rates again. Add historically weak September seasonality and the uncertainty surrounding the midterm elections, and investors have plenty to think about. Lance Roberts and Danny Ratliff answer your questions about market risk, interest rates, inflation, portfolio positioning, retirement planning, and what investors should be watching next. 0:00 INTRO 0:50 - JOLTS Report Review, ADP/Jobs Preview 2:04 - Oil Prices on the rise (oil risk is transient): What's feeding...

What should a good financial planner actually do for you? It should go far beyond choosing investments or building a retirement portfolio. A strong financial planning relationship should provide organization, accountability, objectivity, education, and proactive guidance while coordinating investments, taxes, Social Security, Medicare, insurance, estate planning, and retirement income. Just as importantly, your financial plan should evolve as your life, goals, markets, and tax laws change. Lance Roberts & Jon Penn examine what investors should expect from a financial planner, why personalization and communication matter, how a fiduciary relationship should work, and why good financial advice is ultimately about helping you...

Stanley Druckenmiller is warning Washington about the bond market, but the real message may not be an impending debt crisis. The bond market may have already delivered its verdict. Lance Roberts examines Druckenmiller’s criticism of Treasury intervention, Scott Bessent’s expanded long-term Treasury buybacks, and why attempts to manage yields could create a bigger problem than the initial intervention itself. 0:00 INTRO 0:53 - Labor Day Preview, Kevin Warsh Review 4:53 - US-Venezuela Oil Deal 6:08 - August Into September Markets 12:09 - Pumpkins, Spice, & Sickle and Hammer 13:14 - Stanley Druckenmiller & AI 15:41 - Druckenmiller's Bond Warning 18:12 - The Bond Buy back Operation 23:23 - Warsh Want...

Who inherits your IRA could matter just as much as what’s in it. The SECURE Act changed the rules for inherited retirement accounts, while newer IRS regulations created additional planning opportunities for trusts and multiple beneficiaries. Richard Rosso & Jonathan McCarty break down IRA beneficiary designations, the 10-year distribution rule, trusts as retirement account beneficiaries, and why outdated estate plans can create unintended tax consequences. Plus, we explain how properly structured trusts and subtrusts may provide greater flexibility for spouses, children, and other heirs. Before assuming your will or trust has your retirement accounts covered, make sure your beneficiary strategy ac...

Nvidia delivered another blockbuster quarter, reporting record revenue of $96.2 billion, up 106% from a year ago, as demand for AI infrastructure continues to accelerate. But the bigger story may be what comes next. Lance Roberts & Michael Lebowitz break down Nvidia’s latest earnings, its extraordinary growth outlook, Blackwell and Vera Rubin demand, the massive buildout in AI infrastructure, and Nvidia’s growing financial involvement across the AI ecosystem. We also examine the risks, including rising memory costs, margin pressure, enormous capital requirements, and questions about whether today’s AI spending boom can deliver adequate returns. 0:00 INTRO 1:00 - Economic Recap & Multiplier Effect 6:31 - Mark...

Markets are facing a growing list of risks as investors head into the final stretch of summer. Stocks are working through a slow-moving correction, Treasury yields remain elevated, technology leadership is being tested, and the Federal Reserve faces renewed questions about inflation and interest rates. Which risks actually matter for your portfolio, and which are mostly market noise? Lance Roberts & Danny Ratliff answer your questions, live, as we break down the latest economic data, market signals, Fed policy expectations, bond yields, and geopolitical developments to separate the real threats from the headlines. 0:00 INTRO 1:00 - Dolly Parton's Passing 1:46 - NVDIA is...

Interest rates are rising, long-term bond prices have pulled back, and investors are once again worried that higher Treasury yields could threaten the economy and markets. But what if today’s rates aren’t historically high at all? After more than a decade of near-zero rates and easy monetary policy, investors may have become accustomed to an environment that was anything but normal. Lance Roberts & Jon Penn put today’s interest rates into historical perspective, examine what higher yields really say about inflation, growth, debt, and deficits, and explain why a 5% long-term Treasury yield may not be the crisis many headli...

Are Treasury yields still sending investors a reliable signal about inflation, growth, and Federal Reserve policy, or is the massive basis trade distorting the message? Lance Roberts explains how the basis trade works, why it matters for Treasury yields, and whether investors can still trust the bond market as an economic and market signal. 0:00 INTRO 1:02 - Kevin Warsh + Nvidia Report = Volatility? 5:28 - Market Deviations & Bollinger Bands 13:07 - The Basis Trade & Interest Rates 16:17 - What is a Basis Point? 21:31 - Are Interest Rates Really Telling us What's Going on in Markets? 22:42 - What's the Risk/What Happens When Basis Trade Unwinds? 26:47...

Giving your kids a financial head start may be one of the most valuable lessons you can teach them. Richard Rosso & Jonathan McCarty explain how a Custodial Roth IRA can help children with earned income start building tax-free retirement wealth early, while learning the importance of saving, investing, and paying themselves first. We also discuss Roth IRA withdrawal rules, the potential transition from Trump Accounts to Roth IRAs, and how even a lemonade stand can become a lesson in long-term wealth building. Plus, we look back at Wall Street history, the value of financial writing, and why understanding the past...

Is the Treasury stepping in to rescue the bond market, or is that the wrong way to interpret its purchases of long-term Treasuries? Lance Roberts and Michael Lebowitz examine why Treasury purchases are not necessarily the same as Federal Reserve quantitative easing, how issuing Treasury debt to fund an asset swap differs from creating new money, and what this could mean for bond yields, inflation, and investors. We’ll also look at the changing relationship between Treasury bonds and gold. 0:00 INTRO 0:50 - Treasury Action & FOMC Meeting Minutes 4:19 - Market Rally on Debt Buy Back 10:03 - Are High Oil Prices Deflationary? 11:13...

More investors are turning to TikTok, YouTube, and other social-media platforms for financial advice. But how do you separate useful financial education from bad advice, speculation, and outright scams? Lance Roberts and Jonathan Penn discuss how to evaluate financial advice online, the warning signs investors should watch for, and why popularity, followers, and flashy lifestyles aren't substitutes for expertise. Social media can help people become better investors—but only if they know whom to trust. 0:00 INTRO 0:57 - FOMC Meeting Minutes Preview & Weaker Economic Data 3:26 - Will Earnings Tailwinds Fade in 2207? 5:12 - Market Deviations Continue - Downside Risk Remains 10:15 - Bond Yi...

More investors are turning to TikTok, YouTube, and other social-media platforms for financial advice. But how do you separate useful financial education from bad advice, speculation, and outright scams? Lance Roberts and Jonathan Penn discuss how to evaluate financial advice online, the warning signs investors should watch for, and why popularity, followers, and flashy lifestyles aren't substitutes for expertise. Social media can help people become better investors—but only if they know whom to trust. 0:00 INTRO 1:02 - Don't Read Too Much Into Indexes 3:14 - Cap-X Spending: Space-X Data Center Grimes County Tax Abatement 5:14 - Market Factors & Dynamics (Momentum Index, Semi-conductor In...

Stocks are back near record highs, the trend remains bullish, and market breadth is strong. But after a powerful run, the S&P 500 is stretched well above its major moving averages, while investor sentiment and money flows have reached extreme levels. Lance Roberts reviews Yen Intervention Narrative amd examines what is driving the rally, why retail investors are piling back into previously beaten-down trades, and whether strong earnings, buybacks, and broad participation can keep markets moving higher. Rebalancing, taking profits in oversized positions, and maintaining discipline may be more important than trying to squeeze every last percentage point out of...

How much money do you really need to retire? Headlines touting a retirement “magic number” may do more harm than good, especially when an intimidating savings target becomes an excuse to give up. Richard Rosso & Jonathan McCarty explain why successful retirement planning isn't about reaching one arbitrary number. It's about building sustainable income around your actual spending, lifestyle, Social Security benefits, savings, and other resources. We also examine why many older workers now view Social Security as their retirement plan, whether Social Security alone can provide enough income, and how to build a realistic retirement strategy even if you're starting late...

The latest inflation report came in largely as expected, giving the Federal Reserve something increasingly valuable: more time. Inflation was neither soft enough to eliminate concerns about price pressures nor hot enough to force the Fed's hand. That leaves investors asking what comes next for interest rates, the economy, and markets. Lance Roberts examines what the latest inflation data means for Fed policy, whether officials can remain patient, and what investors should watch as the debate over inflation and interest rates continues. 0:00 INTRO 0:50 - CPI & Bond Auction Action 4:00 - Markets Are Stretched 9:31 - Lebo Merch 11:03 - CPI, Inflation, & Oil Prices 12:31...

Fresh inflation data later this morning puts the Federal Reserve and the economy back in focus: Can inflation continue to cool despite higher energy prices? Is the weakening labor market increasing pressure on the Fed to cut rates? And with markets near record highs, should investors remain bullish, rebalance portfolios, or prepare for more volatility? Lance Roberts and Danny Ratliff answer your live questions on inflation, interest rates, the economy, markets, portfolio risk, and what investors should be watching next. 0:00 INTRO 1:01 - Inflation Day - CPI Preview 3:45 - Earning Season wrapping - earnings beats were high, buy backs return 4:35...

What really drives bull and bear markets? Lance Roberts & Jon Penn examine why corporate earnings remain one of the most important forces behind market performance. Rising profits can support bull markets, while significant earnings declines have historically accompanied the most severe bear markets. We also examine calls for “sound money” and a return to the gold standard. While concerns over debt, deficits, inflation, and dollar debasement are legitimate, a gold-backed dollar could have significant consequences for credit, economic growth, and investors. The key is separating economic concerns from the fundamental forces actually driving markets. 0:00 INTRO 1:01 - CPI Preview & Economic Numbers 4:51 - Ma...

Internet scams are evolving faster than ever, with artificial intelligence making phishing emails, fake phone calls, and fraudulent videos more convincing than traditional scams. Jon Penn and Venable Cybersecurity Services Managing Director, Avi Schwartz explain the most common online scams targeting consumers, investors, retirees, and businesses, along with practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your finances. We discuss AI-enhanced phishing attacks, deepfake voice and video scams, business email compromise, texting scams (smishing), elder fraud, and payment fraud involving gift cards and cryptocurrency. We also cover what to do if you've been scammed, how quickly you need to...

8-7-26 Aging in Place - What to Consider More Americans want to age in place, but is staying in your home the best financial and lifestyle decision? Richard Rosso & Jonathan McCarty explore the real costs, benefits, and planning strategies behind one of retirement's biggest decisions. We discuss how neighborhoods, community connections, and changing retirement goals influence aging in place, while comparing the costs of home modifications with assisted living. We also examine emerging technologies—including AI companions, telehealth, smart-home monitoring, and wearable devices—that are reshaping independent living for older adults. Topics include long-term care planning, reverse mortgages and HECM...

Has Wall Street been looking at hyperscaler debt all wrong? Lance Roberts & Michael Lebowitz examine claims that the "hidden debt" of AI hyperscalers has surged to $1.65 trillion through off-balance-sheet obligations, including long-term leases and infrastructure commitments. But does that mean the AI investment thesis is breaking down? We'll separate the headlines from the fundamentals by comparing the financial strength of Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, and Oracle. While hidden obligations deserve attention, not all debt carries the same risk, and not every hyperscaler should be viewed through the same lens. 0:00 INTRO 1:02 - ISM Looking Good, MFG at 4-year High 4:13 - Markets...

It's Q&A Wednesday, and we're answering your live chat questions on today's biggest investing, market, and economic topics. With the S&P 500 near record highs after weeks of consolidation, investors are asking what comes next. Is this breakout sustainable, or are markets setting up for another bout of volatility? Lance Roberts & Danny Ratliff discuss market leadership, interest rates, inflation, AI, bonds, portfolio positioning, retirement planning, and whatever else is on your mind. 0:00 INTRO 1:01 - AMD, Eli Lilly Earnings & Markets' New High 2:49 - Strait of Hormuz/Iran & Headlines 4:24 - Economic Data Weakens - JOLTS report 5:11 - The Thing About Consolidations...

Is the classic 60/40 portfolio really obsolete, or are investors making a costly mistake by abandoning bonds? Lance Roberts & Jon Penn examine why fixed income still plays a critical role in portfolio construction, risk management, and long-term wealth preservation. We'll discuss why bonds remain valuable despite recent volatility, how they can improve diversification, and why chasing all-equity returns may expose investors to unnecessary risk. If you've been told that "bonds are dead," this conversation offers a different perspective backed by history and current market conditions. 0:00 INTRO 1:12 - Space-X First Report Preview 4:16 - Market Consolidation Continues 6:00 - Sometimes the Best Thing to...

Momentum stocks have suffered one of the sharpest reversals in years, leaving investors wondering whether the worst is behind us or if another leg lower is still ahead. Lance Roberts looks at what caused the momentum crash, why crowded trades can unwind so quickly, and whether the recent rebound is signaling a durable recovery or simply a temporary relief rally. We'll also discuss what history suggests about momentum reversals, portfolio diversification, risk management, and the technical signals investors should watch before increasing exposure to high-growth stocks. 0:00 INTRO 1:01 - Markets End a Negative July 4:42 - Maybe Not the Buy-the-Dip Opportunity 11:10...

Are you on track financially, or is it time for a mid-year course correction? In this episode, we walk through a comprehensive mid-year financial checklist designed to help investors and retirees prepare for the second half of the year. We'll discuss whether your portfolio allocation still matches your goals, why sector rotation matters, realistic expectations for investment returns, and the importance of updating retirement income plans. We also cover mid-year tax projections, Roth conversion strategies (including the often-overlooked downsides), charitable giving techniques, insurance reviews, and why knowing what your money is actually for may be the most important financial planning...

Are investors overreacting to rising credit spreads among the largest AI hyperscalers? As companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, and Oracle continue borrowing heavily to fund massive AI infrastructure, headlines are warning of "carnage" in hyperscaler credit markets. But does wider credit spread really signal financial trouble—or simply reflect unprecedented capital spending? Lance Roberts & Michael Lebowitz examine what credit default swaps (CDS), bond spreads, and AI capital expenditures are actually telling investors. We'll separate sensational headlines from market reality, and explore whether this is a genuine warning sign or another example of fear outrunning the fundamentals. 0:00 INTRO 1:01 - Markets Se...

It's Q&A Wednesday, and Lance Roberts & Danny Ratliff answer your questions from our YouTube Live chat while discussing one of the week's biggest market events: the Federal Reserve meeting. Will the Fed's latest decision change the market's direction, or is earnings season, inflation, and economic data driving the bigger story? We answer your questions on investing, portfolio management, retirement planning, market volatility, interest rates, AI stocks, and the economic headlines shaping investor decisions. 0:00 INTRO 0:53 - US/Iran Tit-for-tat, FOMC & Rates w No Forward Guidance 3:15 - Earnings Beat Rate at 83% 4:42 - Markets Languish Below 50-DMA 9:24 - Earnings Prelude 10:31 - What...

Everyone says they're comfortable with investment risk—until markets actually decline. Lance Roberts & Jon Penn discuss why true risk tolerance isn't measured during bull markets but during periods of fear and uncertainty. We explain the difference between financial capacity and emotional tolerance, why investors often overestimate the amount of volatility they can handle, and how emotional decisions can permanently damage long-term returns. 0:00 INTRO 0:53 - Markets Building Downward Pressure 4:00 - Semi's in Momentum Trade 8:39 - Investor, Know Thyself 11:00 - Investing is Supposed to be Boring 14:02 - Waiting Until the Market is "Safe" 15:47 - Risk Knows No Age 21:06 - TOD vs POD...