9/28/2026 Bob Stein - Will Populist Politics Upend the 2026 Midterms…and the Economy?

Gibson Smith, Founder and CIO of Smith Capital Investors, joins the podcast to unpack the forces reshaping fixed income today, including persistent inflation, a new Fed Chair, a shifting geopolitical backdrop, and the rise of debt financing for AI data centers. Gibson then shares his outlook on the implications for portfolio positioning.

In this episode, Kevin Bishopp, performance coach at First Trust, channels Van Halen’s Best of Both Worlds to make the case that AI is already improving both the productivity of financial professionals and the client experience.

Brian Wesbury discusses the impact that the Trump administration’s immigration and trade policies have had on the economy so far, as well as how Keven Warsh is navigating the early stages of his term as Chairman of the Fed.

In a world increasingly run by algorithms, is human connection still your biggest competitive advantage? Jackie Wilke joins the podcast to explore why authentic relationships remain a financial professional's greatest edge, even as automation reshapes the industry.

Despite an ongoing war and shifting interest rate expectations, equity market performance favored small- and mid-cap stocks during the first half of 2026. Bob Carey explains some of the reasons this shift has occurred and breaks down the risks and opportunities on the horizon.

With the ongoing IPO market activity, Dr. Josef Schuster joins the podcast to discuss his research on the unique performance dynamics that often follow new listings.

Mandeep Singh, global head of Technology Research at Bloomberg Intelligence, joins the podcast to provide an update on the growing impact of artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge innovations.

Brian Wesbury discusses the implications of a new Fed Chair, how the conflict in Iran may impact inflation, and whether or not AI can make a pencil.

Artificial intelligence has emerged as a disruptive force in the economy, as investors race to identify companies and industries that could be disintermediated. Brian Murphy, Co-CIO of First Trust Capital Management, breaks down the implications for private credit, including potential risks and opportunities for investors.

Investors have been on edge this year, as mounting concerns related to geopolitical risk, interest rate risk, and credit risk have contributed to rising volatility. Bill Housey provides his prospective on where investors are and are not being adequately compensated for taking risk.

Jim Murchie joins the podcast to break down how the war in Iran may impact the energy sector as well as the misunderstood relationship between AI data centers and consumer utility bills.

Bob Stein discusses the economic impact of the war in Iran, whether high energy prices will cause inflation, and how the upcoming midterm elections are shaping up.

Gibson Smith, founder of Smith Capital Investors, discusses emerging risks and opportunities in the bond market amid heightened geopolitical risk, a new Fed Chair, and a fresh wave of borrowing for the buildout of AI.

On the heels of a strong year for international equities in 2025, Andrew Wiechert, Portfolio Manager at WCM Investment Management, breaks down why developed and emerging markets remain positioned to benefit from attractive valuations and improving fundamentals in 2026 and beyond. He highlights the risks and also some of the potential competitive advantages enjoyed by active managers seeking to navigate these opportunities.

Dave McGarel highlights why sky-high valuations in 2026 are like lingering too long at the summit of Mount Everest oxygen is thin and small mistakes can lead to dire consequences. He explains the key risks ahead and points to where he sees more attractive, lower altitude opportunities for equity investors.

In this episode, Brian Wesbury discusses his recent testimony on Capitol Hill, First Trust’s economic outlook for 2026, and implications of overvalued markets.

Will the stock market finally broaden? Are valuations stretched? Will momentum stall for AI-related stocks? Richard Bernstein provides his perspective on these questions and others, laying out risks and opportunities for investors for 2026.

At the precipice of a new year, Bob Stein discusses the implications of a probable new Fed Chair, the possibility of a Supreme Court ruling against tariff policies, and the odds for mid-term elections.

Bob Carey discusses some of the biggest questions on the minds of financial professionals heading into the final stretch of 2025, including whether or not investors should be afraid of higher equity valuations.

Brian Wesbury discusses Federal Reserve independence, inflation concerns, government overgrowth, and whether AI will deliver broader economic benefits.