JNBA Financial Advisors Podcast

The first half of 2025 has included significant market volatility, especially around early April. Now, as Q2 comes to an end and markets have evened out some, the JNBA Financial Advisors Investment Committee analyzes the historic ups and downs in a video discussion recorded on July 14, 2025.

The conversation between JNBA Chairman and CEO Richard S. Brown, Senior Advisor – Investment Strategist Michael Bilotta, ChFC®, CASL®, RICP®, and Investment Strategist Mark Rosenkranz, CFA® covers the unpredictability faced over the last six months and provides perspective on what that could mean for investors as we look ahead. They also share insights into k...

Market conditions in April 2025 were notably volatile, with almost daily swings in market values following changes in policy and tariffs. The whiplash left consumers, businesses, and investors concerned about the U.S. economy’s resilience and the long-term impact on portfolios. 

In our latest JNBA Investment Committee video discussion, recorded on May 19, 2025, senior members of the JNBA Investment Committee discuss investing tactics that supported less volatility for portfolios, including asset allocation and rebalancing. John Foster, Senior Advisor – Investment Strategist, and Mark Rosenkranz, Investment Strategist, also address the latest data points and where investors can focus their attention as we...

2024 brought us rising yields, a strong dollar, and a headline-grabbing presidential election. How do these events, along with other key factors, guide investment strategies into the new year?

In our latest video discussion, recorded on January 7, 2025, members of the JNBA Investment Committee recap 2024 and discuss opportunities on the radar as 2025 unfolds. JNBA Chairman and CEO Richard S. Brown talks with two senior members of our Investment Committee, John Foster, Senior Advisor – Investment Strategist, and Mark Rosenkranz, Investment Strategist, about the outlook of corporate earnings, the equity market, inflation, and more.

DISCLOSURE
The pr...

Can the current strength in the markets continue past Election Day and into 2025? This is the question that investors are asking, as the Federal Reserve Board keeps a close eye on trends. 

In this 15-minute podcast facilitated by JNBA Financial Advisors Director of Client Services Cärin Viertel, Investment Strategist Mark Rosenkranz and Senior Advisor and Investment Strategist Michael Bilotta consider the impact of the upcoming elections and discuss what the Fed might be looking at to direct its next move. After the Fed recently dropped interest rates for the first time in four years, everyone is wa...

As we enter the second half of this calendar year and approach the 2024 presidential election, what have we seen, and where are we headed?

In our 15-minute video podcast featuring JNBA Financial Advisors President Kim Brown with John Foster and Mark Rosenkranz, both Investment Strategists and members of the JNBA Investment Committee, the team provides insights into considerations that have affected markets this year including unemployment, inflation, and corporate earnings.

Having observed and enjoyed continued market growth in Q2 of 2024, history points to increased market volatility as autumn and the election approach. While the Investment...

The internet is a high-speed landscape for instant information, day-to-day communication, and modern conveniences. With the click of a button, we are now absorbing world news and events from every corner of the globe. We’re fielding texts and electronic mail from friends and family, as well as brands and businesses. And we’re expediting everyday errands with GPS-guided directions, online shopping orders, and electronic financial transactions.

With all of this online activity, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself and your assets from criminals who are looking to capitalize on your data. In a new, t...

In this episode, Morris expands on the simple yet effective “Pause-Think-Act” concept, which can help you catch potential scams before your private information is compromised. 

DISCLOSURE
The previous presentation by JNBA Financial Advisors, LLC (“JNBA”) was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from JNBA or any other investment professional of your choosing. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy...

 Cyber scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with millions of people falling victim each year. It's crucial to understand that you are not alone in this battle. There are proactive measures you can take to prevent falling victim to these scams and there are resources available to help if you do get scammed. By staying informed and vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a target for cybercriminals. 

DISCLOSURE
The previous presentation by JNBA Financial Advisors, LLC (“JNBA”) was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the receip...

 As we reflect on the first quarter of 2024, there are key driving forces behind market movements and how they have impacted diversified portfolios. In our 15-minute podcast facilitated by JNBA Financial Advisors President Kim Brown in which she speaks to John Foster and Mark Rosenkranz, both investment strategists and members of the JNBA Investment Committee, the team provides insights into current market dynamics and anticipated trends for the rest of the year. 

DISCLOSURE
The previous presentation by JNBA Financial Advisors, LLC (“JNBA”) was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves...

Members of the JNBA Investment Committee unravel the unexpected twists of 2023 and delve into a detailed video discussion about the outlook for 2024. Despite initial gloomy forecasts and concerns, the surge of the S&P 500 and positive economic indicators in 2023 are shaping the landscape for the upcoming year. The focus now pivots to the essential need for flexibility in strategies, especially in navigating the dynamic post-pandemic environment as we head into an election year.

In our latest video discussion, recorded on January 9, 2024, JNBA Chairman and CEO Richard S. Brown talks with two senior members of our Investment Committee...

 Despite a relatively strong year for the S&P 500, with YTD returns hovering north of 15%, we have seen challenges across more diversified portfolios in both equities and fixed income. While U.S. large cap, driven largely by a few select mega-cap companies, have led the overall performance for asset classes since October 2022 lows, investors have faced a rather muted environment in 2023. Since February of this year, most major asset classes have continued to trend sideways as U.S. large cap has moved modestly higher. 

DISCLOSURE
The previous presentation by JNBA Financial Advisors, LLC (“JNBA”) was in...

Over the last year, economic headlines have been bleak. From the national debt ceiling debate to fears of a potential banking crisis, we’ve watched interest rates go up right alongside talks of an economic downturn. But as we turn the corner into the second half of 2023, Americans have been left to wonder, “Where is the recession everyone has been talking about?”

In our latest video discussion, recorded on July 12, 2023, JNBA Chairman and CEO Richard S. Brown talks with three members of our Investment Committee: Mark Rosenkranz, an Investment Strategist, and John Foster and Michael Bilotta, both Sr. Ad...

From turmoil with regional banks to bonds and treasury bills providing higher-yield competition for stocks, one way to describe how many investors are feeling right now is “comfortably uncomfortable.” Negative investor sentiment as we started 2023 set the bar relatively low, and both stocks and bonds are performing better than expected. But market volatility continues.

In this 11-minute podcast, JNBA Director of Client Services Cärin Viertel talks with Senior Advisor and Investment Strategist John Foster, PPC®, and Investment Strategist Mark Rosenkranz, CFA®, about the latest economic news and what it could mean mo...

Just over a month into the new year, 2023 has provided investors with some long-sought good news. After a challenging 2022, both equities and bonds are off to a solid start, Europe and China are stimulating the global market, and the Fed may be coming close to the end of its tightening cycle.
 
 While this has created positive market headlines, we’re likely to see continued volatility ahead. In this nine-minute podcast, JNBA Director of Investments David Webb and Investment Committee member and Senior Investment Strategist John Foster discuss how different economic factors could shape the markets as we move...

If we could summarize 2022’s market performance in one word, it would be “frustrating,” with negative returns across almost all asset classes, from equities to bonds. Inflation, relentless interest-rate hikes by the Fed, and supply chain distortions from the war in Ukraine and the pandemic all led to a perfect storm of uncertainty, volatility, and a tough slog for investors.

But what did the year teach us about how the economy and markets could shape up in 2023? In our latest video discussion recorded on January 11, 2023, JNBA Chairman and CEO Richard S. Brown talks with three senior members of our...

After an awful start to the year, the market has handled a bevy of bad news over the past few months in a much more encouraging way. Add to that several elements that could be catalysts for further improvement, including the most recent inflation report, and we’re asking ourselves: Could we be seeing the makings of a year-end rally?

Generally, the markets deliver the highest returns in the first few quarters after a midterm election. The latest jobs report and the November 10 inflation numbers are also steps in the right direction. And, historically, the market’s seas...

As we head into the final quarter of 2022, investors continue to navigate a challenging environment that has seen stocks down 25 percent and bonds dropping 14 percent as the Fed battles inflation and world events remain somber. By any measurement it has been – to paraphrase the title of a popular children’s book – a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year – at least thus far.

In our latest podcast episode, JNBA’s Investment Committee takes an in-depth, 18-minute look at the previous quarter’s performance and what might be on the horizon as we head toward 2023.

JNBA Director of...

The economy is trying to tell us something, but its messages are mixed.

GDP fell in the second quarter, the second straight decline of negative real growth, which many investors have interpreted as a strong recession signal. While the National Bureau of Economic Research considers many different economic variables and hasn’t officially labeled it a recession yet, many investors are scratching their heads as the market has bounced sharply off its June lows and the economy continues to expand payrolls, creating almost three million new jobs in the first half of the year.

So wh...

By nearly any measure, the first half of the year has been extremely challenging for investors, with negative returns across all asset classes. But even as the bumpy ride continues, silver linings are emerging.

In our latest video, JNBA Chairman and CEO Richard S. Brown, Director of Investment Management David Webb, and Senior Advisors and Investment Strategists Michael Bilotta and John Foster discuss what JNBA’s Investment Committee is looking for now that earnings season is here. In this 14-minute conversation, the team covers everything from inflation to the threat of recession to bond returns, and potential op...

The Fed’s interest rate hike last week was the largest in nearly 30 years and resulted in a mixed bag for investors. Fears of inflation have dampened consumer sentiment, which continues to contribute to market volatility. Despite the markets entering bear market territory, the climate is also delivering higher bond yields, which could mean better opportunities for investors, and sets the table for potentially better performance moving forward.

In our new podcast episode, Director of Investment Management David Webb and Senior Advisor and Investment Strategist John Foster discuss what the rate hike – as well as earnings season and...

 One thing’s for sure when it comes to the markets: We’re not in Kansas anymore. You’re probably not surprised to hear that stocks are having the worst start to a new year since 1939. For perspective, that’s the year “The Wizard of Oz” hit movie screens for the first time, and right now you may be feeling a little like Dorothy did when her house crash-landed on the Yellow Brick Road.
 
But while April was the worst month for global stocks since the pandemic started in March 2020, what could the volatile start of the year mean for...

In the first quarter of 2022, the markets were fairly volatile with rising inflation as well as the first land war in Europe since World War II. Bonds, in particular, experienced their worst quarter in 40 years, although the stable nature of bonds still don’t compare to the volatility of stocks. 

As these historical events unfold, JNBA President Kim Brown recently sat down with two senior members of JNBA’s Investment Committee -- David Webb, Director of Investment Management, and John Foster, a Senior Advisor and Investment Strategist -- for a conversation on how investors can interpret these event...

The invasion of Ukraine, rising inflation, and anticipated interest rate increases continue to spark considerable market volatility – but what does a historical perspective tell us about what could happen next?

 JNBA President Kim Brown and Senior Advisor and Investment Strategist John Foster discuss how global events are impacting the markets right now, and what our JNBA Investment Committee anticipates could happen in the second half of the year.

DISCLOSURE
The previous presentation by JNBA Financial Advisors, LLC (“JNBA”) was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of the presentation serves as the rec...

2021 was a unique year, to say the least. While we collectively experienced a change in leadership, the pandemic pressed on, and millions left the workforce, investors faced everything from double-digit S&P gains to rampant inflation and record-low interest rates.

What might 2022 bring? In our latest video discussion, JNBA Chairman and CEO Richard S. Brown talks with three senior members of our Investment Committee – David Webb, JNBA’s Director of Investment Management, and Michael Bilotta and John Foster, both Senior Advisors and Investment Strategists. They take a look back at 2021 and what our team is keeping an eye...

There was plenty of market turmoil in September, followed by a more positive October. What could that mean for the future?

With earnings season wrapping up, David Webb, Director of Investment Management and a leader of our Investment Committee, and Senior Advisor and Investment Strategist John Foster take a look at recent market activity and what our JNBA Investment Committee is keeping an eye on for the rest of the year and into 2022.

DISCLOSURE
The previous presentation by JNBA Financial Advisors, LLC (“JNBA”) was intended for general information purposes only. No portion of t...

Whether you work for a public company, a large private company, or a startup, as you advance in your career you may be eligible for several benefits meant to reward key employees. These benefit packages are designed to promote retention and to allow employees to share in a company’s success. While executive compensation packages can be lucrative, they come with complex tax rules and financial planning considerations that need to be evaluated at least annually. 

DISCLOSURE
The previous presentation by JNBA Financial Advisors, LLC (“JNBA”) was intended for general information purposes only. No portion...

The third quarter of 2021 was one for the record books with historically low interest rates, the first real resurgence of volatility since last fall, and now, after six months of relative calm, bond yields appearing to rise again.

In our latest podcast, David Webb, Director of Investment Management and a leader of our Investment Committee, and Senior Advisor and Investment Strategist John Foster take a look at the third quarter’s notable activity and what our JNBA team is keeping an eye on.

DISCLOSURE
The previous presentation by JNBA Financial Advisors, LLC (“JNBA...

While fall means cooler weather, back-to-school, and raking leaves, historically it also kicks off a more difficult period for investors.

In our latest podcast, David Webb, Director of Investment Management and a leader of our Investment Committee, talks about the markets with Senior Advisor and Investment Strategist Michael Bilotta. They discuss what has been driving the markets in the third quarter of the year and what the JNBA Investment Committee is keeping its eye on now that we’re headed into autumn.

DISCLOSURE
The previous presentation by JNBA Financial Advisors, LLC (“JNBA”) was in...

As we round the corner into the last half of 2021, we’re taking a look back at how the markets and global economy fared in the first and second quarters and what that could mean for the rest of the year.

In our latest video discussion, JNBA Chairman and CEO Richard S. Brown talks with three senior members of our Investment Committee — Michael Bilotta and John Foster, both Senior Advisors and Investment Strategists, along with David Webb, JNBA’s Director of Investment Management. They look at some key events that impacted the way we positioned portfolios in the fi...

The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced on June 10 that the rate of inflation over the past year rose 5%, the highest jump since 2008, due in large part to the reopening of the economy. 

 In our latest podcast, recorded the morning the numbers were released, JNBA Chairman and CEO Richard S. Brown talks with David Webb, Director of Investment Management and a leader of our Investment Committee. They discuss our team’s perspective on the latest economic news, how transitory the elevated level of inflation may be, and what rising prices could mean for consumers and investors.

DI...