The Financial Exchange with Barry Armstrong breaks business news first in New England. The longest running business news host in Boston, Barry reports on the latest business developments throughout the country in New England with heavy hitting interviews from CEO’s, analysts and prominent business media professionals.
Fed’s Next Move Gets Murkier After CPI Report
CPI Keeps Pressure on the Fed as Diesel Hits $6
Consumer prices came in hot enough to keep a rate hike on the table, while diesel prices crossed $6 a gallon nationwide for the first time ever.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why the latest CPI report gives the Fed little cover to stay on hold, why markets are pricing in multiple rate hikes, and what the bond market is saying about growth and inflation expectations. They also break down how years of inflation have changed everyday prices, why diesel prices could climb even further in the coming weeks, and how rising fuel costs may ripple through shipping, home heating oil, and the broader economy.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why the latest CPI report gives the Fed little cover to stay on hold, why markets are pricing in multiple rate hikes, and what the bond market is saying about growth and inflation expectations. They also break down how years of inflation have changed everyday prices, why diesel prices could climb even further in the coming weeks, and how rising fuel costs may ripple through shipping, home heating oil, and the broader economy.
Diesel Shock Raises the Stakes for Next Week’s Fed Meeting
Stocks are drifting lower, but the bigger pressure is coming from the bond and energy markets as Treasury yields approach 5% and diesel prices move toward record territory.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why equities are not the main concern right now, how rising oil prices are moving almost tick for tick with bond yields, and why diesel prices could ripple through nearly every part of the economy. Michael Santoli of CNBC joins the show to explain why stocks are caught between higher rates, higher oil, and strong AI earnings. They also cover whether failed bank resolution rules remain inadequate, the biggest retirement fears facing Americans, why long-term care planning matters, college cost pressures, and new legal questions surrounding AI and Section 230.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why equities are not the main concern right now, how rising oil prices are moving almost tick for tick with bond yields, and why diesel prices could ripple through nearly every part of the economy. Michael Santoli of CNBC joins the show to explain why stocks are caught between higher rates, higher oil, and strong AI earnings. They also cover whether failed bank resolution rules remain inadequate, the biggest retirement fears facing Americans, why long-term care planning matters, college cost pressures, and new legal questions surrounding AI and Section 230.
Bond Yields and Diesel Prices Put the Fed in a Tough Spot
Bond yields are climbing, diesel prices are surging, and the Fed is heading into next week’s meeting with fresh inflation pressure building across the economy.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why jobless claims still show a stable labor market, why producer prices remain hotter than the Fed would like, and how the latest move in Treasury yields could push mortgage rates back above 7%. They also break down why diesel prices may clear $6 a gallon, how fuel costs could ripple through shipping, construction, groceries, and home heating oil, and why a proposed $5,000 stimulus check could add even more inflation risk. Plus, they examine AI safety concerns and the question of how advanced AI could create real-world dangers.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why jobless claims still show a stable labor market, why producer prices remain hotter than the Fed would like, and how the latest move in Treasury yields could push mortgage rates back above 7%. They also break down why diesel prices may clear $6 a gallon, how fuel costs could ripple through shipping, construction, groceries, and home heating oil, and why a proposed $5,000 stimulus check could add even more inflation risk. Plus, they examine AI safety concerns and the question of how advanced AI could create real-world dangers.
Bond Market Tests Warsh as Energy Prices Keep Climbing
Brent crude is back above $100, diesel is closing in on $6 a gallon, and bond investors are testing whether Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Fed Chair Kevin Warsh can keep yields under control.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss why diesel prices could keep rising, how Treasury buybacks and Bessent’s “I am the house” comments are being received by markets, and why next week’s Fed meeting could become a defining credibility moment for Warsh. They also cover growing AI safety concerns after an Anthropic researcher quit over out-of-control fears, why adjustable rate mortgage headlines may be overstated, LIV Golf’s bankruptcy filing, and Apple’s expected foldable iPhone launch.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss why diesel prices could keep rising, how Treasury buybacks and Bessent’s “I am the house” comments are being received by markets, and why next week’s Fed meeting could become a defining credibility moment for Warsh. They also cover growing AI safety concerns after an Anthropic researcher quit over out-of-control fears, why adjustable rate mortgage headlines may be overstated, LIV Golf’s bankruptcy filing, and Apple’s expected foldable iPhone launch.
Brent Tops $100 as Inflation Pressure Builds Again
Brent crude is back above $100, diesel prices are nearing $6 a gallon, and renewed tension between the U.S. and Iran is adding fresh pressure to the inflation outlook.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss why energy markets are moving higher, how rising diesel costs could filter through the broader economy, and why fuel prices remain a major concern ahead of next week’s Fed meeting. They also break down how Americans really feel about the economy, why inflation has weighed so heavily on consumer sentiment, and Todd Lutsky’s explanation of how trusts can help manage estate planning, protect beneficiaries, and control how assets are distributed after death.
Chuck Zodda and Paul Lane discuss why energy markets are moving higher, how rising diesel costs could filter through the broader economy, and why fuel prices remain a major concern ahead of next week’s Fed meeting. They also break down how Americans really feel about the economy, why inflation has weighed so heavily on consumer sentiment, and Todd Lutsky’s explanation of how trusts can help manage estate planning, protect beneficiaries, and control how assets are distributed after death.
AI, the Fed, and the Risks Behind the Market Rally
Investors are heading into a pivotal week with inflation data, rising energy prices, and the Fed’s next rate decision all in focus.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why the Fed’s September meeting could become a major credibility moment, how higher interest rates can pressure stocks, and why AI remains the driving force behind the market rally. Luke Kawa of Sherwood News joins the show to break down the Magnificent Seven, Oracle’s role as an OpenAI proxy, and what credit markets may reveal about the AI CapEx boom. They also cover diesel prices, the FIRE movement, Hollywood’s changing box office math, and the return of pension plans.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why the Fed’s September meeting could become a major credibility moment, how higher interest rates can pressure stocks, and why AI remains the driving force behind the market rally. Luke Kawa of Sherwood News joins the show to break down the Magnificent Seven, Oracle’s role as an OpenAI proxy, and what credit markets may reveal about the AI CapEx boom. They also cover diesel prices, the FIRE movement, Hollywood’s changing box office math, and the return of pension plans.
September Brings Inflation, Energy, and Fed Risks Back Into Focus
September has a rough reputation for stocks, but investors have bigger issues to watch this year as inflation data, rising energy prices, and the Fed’s next rate decision all converge.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why September is historically the weakest month for the S&P 500, why investors should be careful about overreacting to seasonal market stats, and how diesel prices near record highs could affect shipping, groceries, heating oil, and inflation. They also break down the upcoming Fed meeting, what the latest jobs report says about the labor market, why rate cuts look unlikely if inflation remains elevated, and how Scott Bessent’s yen intervention could matter for Treasury yields and borrowing costs.
Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss why September is historically the weakest month for the S&P 500, why investors should be careful about overreacting to seasonal market stats, and how diesel prices near record highs could affect shipping, groceries, heating oil, and inflation. They also break down the upcoming Fed meeting, what the latest jobs report says about the labor market, why rate cuts look unlikely if inflation remains elevated, and how Scott Bessent’s yen intervention could matter for Treasury yields and borrowing costs.
Diesel and Heating Oil Prices Enter Dangerous Territory
Diesel prices have hit a new all time high, and energy expert Tom Kloza warns the pressure on diesel and heating oil could get worse heading into the winter.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the stronger than expected August jobs report, why the labor market still looks steady, and why the economy may be able to withstand higher interest rates. Tom Kloza, chief energy advisor for Gulf Oil and co-founder of OPIS, joins the show to explain why global refining capacity is under pressure, why diesel and heating oil supplies are especially tight, and what could drive prices even higher. They also cover mortgage rates near 7%, whether data centers hurt home values, Paul LaMonica’s outlook for healthcare stocks, and Tesla’s steering wheel-free Cybercab.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss the stronger than expected August jobs report, why the labor market still looks steady, and why the economy may be able to withstand higher interest rates. Tom Kloza, chief energy advisor for Gulf Oil and co-founder of OPIS, joins the show to explain why global refining capacity is under pressure, why diesel and heating oil supplies are especially tight, and what could drive prices even higher. They also cover mortgage rates near 7%, whether data centers hurt home values, Paul LaMonica’s outlook for healthcare stocks, and Tesla’s steering wheel-free Cybercab.
Jobs Report Gives the Fed No Reason to Cut Rates
The August jobs report came in stronger than expected, keeping the labor market on solid footing and raising more questions about whether the Fed can justify leaving rates unchanged.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why 162,000 jobs added in August reinforces the view that the labor market is not the problem facing the economy, and why the Fed’s next decision may come down to whether inflation remains too high. They also break down President Trump’s call for lower interest rates, why stronger growth does not automatically mean lower Treasury yields, diesel prices hitting a new all time high, and why the sandwich generation is facing rising pressure from aging parents, children, and long term care costs.
Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss why 162,000 jobs added in August reinforces the view that the labor market is not the problem facing the economy, and why the Fed’s next decision may come down to whether inflation remains too high. They also break down President Trump’s call for lower interest rates, why stronger growth does not automatically mean lower Treasury yields, diesel prices hitting a new all time high, and why the sandwich generation is facing rising pressure from aging parents, children, and long term care costs.