Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down the wild market swings triggered by the escalating conflict with Iran, including oil prices briefly spiking above $115 per barrel before plunging and sending stocks from steep overnight losses to gains by the end of the trading day. They discuss why markets appear to be betting on a short conflict, how geopolitical headlines are driving volatility, and why investors still seem uncertain about how the situation will ultimately unfold.

They also explore the global economic risks of a prolonged oil shock, including the vulnerability of Europe and Asia to energy shortages, why Exxon and other oil companies aren’t necessarily surging with crude prices, and how higher energy costs could complicate the Federal Reserve’s outlook on inflation and interest rates. Plus, the hosts debate Americans’ intense reaction to rising gasoline prices and whether energy costs could derail the broader market rally that has kept stocks near record highs despite mounting risks.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down the market reaction to escalating tensions in the Middle East, with oil briefly surging past $115 per barrel and energy markets swinging wildly. They discuss why markets appear to be pricing in a relatively short conflict, what a prolonged disruption could mean for inflation, and whether the global economy is at risk of drifting toward stagflation.

Plus, the hosts examine what rising energy costs could mean for the Federal Reserve and global growth, debate the usefulness of “market meltdown” predictions, and explain why retirees should avoid making emotional investment decisions during periods of volatility. They also touch on the evolving role of malls in retail, the risks of the explosion in sports betting among younger Americans, and why economists’ obsession with labeling the economy with letters may be missing the point.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong examine the rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East and what it could mean for the global economy. With the Strait of Hormuz largely shut down and oil prices surging above $100 per barrel, they break down how energy markets are reacting, why shipping and insurance disruptions are compounding the problem, and what scenarios could unfold next.

They also discuss the potential ripple effects across the economy—from rising gasoline and diesel prices to the impact on shipping costs, fertilizer supplies, and food prices. Plus, the hosts weigh how the Federal Reserve might respond as higher energy prices collide with a weak February jobs report and growing uncertainty about inflation.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss a turbulent week in markets as oil prices surge more than 30% in just days, raising fears of a new energy-driven price shock that could complicate the Federal Reserve’s path on interest rates. They break down what rising fuel costs could mean for inflation, mortgage rates, and the broader economy as geopolitical tensions continue to escalate.

They also dive into a weak jobs report showing 92,000 jobs lost in February, before speaking with Boston Fed economist Mary Burke about the latest Beige Book. The conversation explores why the New England economy appears to be lagging the national average, the region’s slowing labor market, and how population trends, hiring caution, and affordability pressures are shaping the economic outlook.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down a troubling new jobs report showing 92,000 jobs lost in February, raising fresh concerns about the strength of the U.S. labor market. With unemployment ticking higher and job creation slowing sharply over the past year, they discuss whether the economy is starting to show real signs of strain and what it could mean for the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision.

They also examine the sharp surge in oil prices following escalating tensions in the Middle East, why energy markets are reacting so strongly, and how higher gas prices could ripple through consumer sentiment and inflation. Plus, a look at the latest developments in artificial intelligence investing, including SoftBank’s massive borrowing plan to fund another major bet on OpenAI.

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane explain why thousands of companies are seeking refunds, the legal fight still ahead, and why the process could become a logistical nightmare—especially for smaller businesses trying to recover the money they paid. 

They also discuss rising oil prices and market volatility tied to the Middle East conflict, why energy stocks are outperforming while tech continues to lag in 2026, new warnings about AI-powered financial scams targeting Americans, and key retirement planning strategies investors should understand before required minimum distributions begin.

Markets are swinging sharply following the latest escalation in the Middle East, but investors seem surprisingly calm. Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane break down why stocks have barely moved overall despite a rapid spike in oil prices and what history tells us about when energy shocks actually become a serious economic threat. 

Mike and Paul also discuss how higher gas prices can ripple through inflation and consumer spending, why policymakers are watching markets closely as geopolitical tensions rise, the latest developments in AI and semiconductor demand, layoffs hitting the financial sector, and why the real solution to America’s housing affordability crisis may be simpler than policymakers want to admit: build more homes.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down the latest developments in the Middle East conflict as major shipping company Maersk suspends bookings across several Gulf nations and oil markets try to assess whether disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz will be temporary or prolonged. With crude prices rising and gas prices already climbing nationwide, the hosts examine how oil shocks historically ripple through spending, inflation, and economic growth.

Chuck and Marc also discuss whether the U.S. economy is less vulnerable to energy shocks than in past decades, why homeowners are staying put longer than ever, what a surge in 401(k) hardship withdrawals may signal about household finances, and the mounting concerns around private credit markets that some investors believe could face a painful stretch ahead.

Chuck Zodda and Marc Fandetti break down a volatile market session as investors try to determine whether disruptions tied to the Middle East conflict are a short-term shock or something more lasting. The S&P 500 swung sharply intraday as oil prices, shipping risks through the Strait of Hormuz, and global investor positioning drove heavy overnight selling followed by a sharp afternoon rebound.

Chuck and Marc also explore why U.S. oil producers aren’t rushing to ramp up production despite rising prices, how oil shocks translate into gasoline prices for consumers, why Treasury yields are rising instead of falling during geopolitical stress, and the increasingly controversial rise of prediction markets that allow users to bet on everything from elections to global crises.