The Difference with Dan O'Donnell & Dave Spano

In this episode of The Difference, Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano dive into a historic moment of global diplomacy and dissect its ripple effects on markets, interest rates, and America's mounting debt crisis. From peace talks to rate cuts, they explore how political decisions shape economic realities—and your financial future. 

In this episode of The Difference, Dan O'Donnell and Brian Jacobsen unpack the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which came in cooler than expected and sparked optimism across financial markets. They explore what this means for future Fed rate cuts, the real impact of tariffs, and whether reshoring U.S. manufacturing is more than just a political promise.

The U.S. has secured a series of favorable trade deals, most notably with the European Union, positioning itself as a dominant global economic force while pressuring China ahead of a looming deadline. Meanwhile, concerns grow over the long-term impact of tariffs, Federal Reserve tensions, and rising national debt. Tune in to The Difference, with Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano.

Join Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano on The Difference, where in this episode they examine the palpable tension between President Trump and Chairman Powell, as well as trade negotiations, interest rate strategies, and the fallout from some major political events. 

Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano unpack the economic balancing act facing the U.S.—from looming tariff deadlines and ballooning deficits to Fed uncertainty and the long-term sustainability of entitlement programs. Tune into The Difference as they dive in.

A campaign promise was made, and that campaign promise was met. Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano react to the Big Beautiful Bill passing into law and the subsequent reactions on The Difference.

In this episode of The Difference, hosts Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano, CEO of Annex Wealth Management discuss the "TACOS" acronym (Trump Always Chickens Out), coined by critics like the Financial Times. They analyze Trump's tariff strategies, particularly the delayed TikTok ban and trade negotiations with countries like China, the UK, and Switzerland, framing these as leverage for freer trade rather than economic punishment. Dan and Dave discuss what Trump's policies may mean for the economy.

Economic and political risks, who's spending whose money? Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano discuss attempted cost reductions and slowed-down spending on The Difference.

It might be something in the air in Switzerland, but the United States and China were able to lay the groundwork for a deal that could change more than tariffs. The markets are responding. Dan and Dr. Brian Jacobsen talk about what may be impacted.

Tariff clarity remains elusive as tax policy stays murky. Fresh from another round of White House radio shows, Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano reconnect to discuss a week where the S&P 500 revisited Liberation Day levels.

Market gains rarely move in a straight line. As the next round of earnings calls approaches, Dave Spano will be listening for key insights from corporate leaders. Meanwhile, Dan O'Donnell warns that we may be in the calm eye of a looming debt hurricane.

It's a 50/50-coin flip. Made even more complicated by shifting messages. Dave Spano and Dan O'Donnell chop up the latest. 

It's a tight game being played. Art of the Deal or potentially turning the midterms upside down? Dan and Dave discuss the week after Liberation Day. 

Recession predictions are on the rise. Liberation Day is April 2nd. Will that be enough for our Master-Negotiator-In-Chief? 

Were we due for an economic detox? Dan and Dave discuss tariffs and tactics. 

We're seeing how the sausage is getting made. Not pretty. But are conditions poised to spring back when certain hurdles are cleared?

We're truly at the intersection of politics and economics when it comes to tariffs and foreign conflicts. 

What was it like to broadcast from 'radio row' at the White House and interview officials like Scott Bessent and Doug Burgum? Dan takes us behind the scenes. DOD also fessed up and said, "Dave, you were right" regarding previous thoughts about one of his guests. 

"Why are people up in arms that they (DOGE) want to find fraud in the system?" 

Tariff talk as shifting policy changes make for an uncertain environment. Plus, the subject of DOGE sets the boys up to utter 'big balls' at least 7 times. 

Economic tools for non-economic goals from Donald Trump. Plus, Dave Spano connects Ferris Bueller’s Day Off with the current trade standoff. 

Did China’s AI bot leapfrog the competition? It sure rattled the markets. Dan and Dave discuss---and Spano makes the point it could have a Capitalism-like twist.  

Front and Center: Immigration and Border Security. President Trump has a long list including tax cuts and deregulation. Dave suggests Wisconsin takes the UP back from Michigan. 

First show of 2025. Dan shares more about WISN's extraordinary ratings performance before the guys settle into looking at next week's inauguration. 

Recorded on the day SoftBank announced a $100B investment in the US, Dave and Dan run through 2024 and look ahead to next year. 

Investor enthusiasm is high but global tensions are on the rise. Dave Spano warns us not to get over our skis. 

NOTE: This episode includes language that some may find offensive. Not quite NSFW, but keep the volume down when the clip from 'Landman' airs.
One of the 'three arrows' of Trump's economic policy is an additional 3 million barrels of oil per day. Expect pushback. Billy Bob Thornton in his Landman role offers a take. 

Dan says the nominee worked for the entity that was the 'most destabilizing force in the US'.  Dave says Bessent has the skills to tackle a very full plate of issues.

Auto, banks, financial institutions, and independent power producers have momentum while other sectors don't. President-elect Trump is clearly following his campaign trail promises---and the market is responding. 

After a clear mandate, President Trump and team are rolling up their sleeves and getting ready for January 20th. What might we see?  Dan and Dave discuss. 

Get ready for plenty of electoral math---this election is looking to be a tight one. Dave Spano and Dan O’Donnell present myriad scenarios of where it could wind up. 

One week to go. The Trump campaign has momentum, but we've also seen results that haven't matched past enthusiasm. Don't get over your skis. 

Is the market a good indicator of who's going to win the presidential election? What are we seeing in the Trump trade vs. the Harris stocks? Dave Spano and Dan O'Donnell discuss. And is the Elon Musk $1 million daily giveaway legal? 

Does the market predict a presidential winner? It might not be clear this time around. Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano cover the intersection of politics and finance. 

Dave and Dan begin with perspective on Elon Musk vs. Mark Cuban jostling for their candidates before heading to other election topics. 

Dan and Dave discuss tax policy issues of the presidential candidates and what could change based on election results---and which states play a role in the decision. 

The path to the White House is complex. Dan O'Donnell and Dave Spano describe how a potential Electoral College tie could be settled. But what if an October surprise arrives? Fasten your seatbelts. 

The Fed decision, our growing debt, the Misery Index, and the presidential election. Enough to make one of the guys drop an S-bomb. Good thing this is a podcast. 

It's important to know where candidates stand on economic policy. Perhaps we'll know more after next week's presidential debate. 

Fresh from a trip to Europe including Normandy, Dan O'Donnell is raring to go. So is Dave Spano as the mammoth proposed tax increase has the potential to upend....everything.