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.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down the sharp market selloff following renewed conflict with Iran, as oil prices surge, diesel jumps at a record pace, mortgage rates rebound above 6%, and investors reassess the Federal Reserve’s path forward. The hosts examine why price shocks historically rattle economies — and whether today’s U.S. is more resilient than in past energy crises.

The hour also explores mounting stress in private credit funds, the unintended chaos from tariff refund litigation, rising tech hardware prices tied to AI-driven demand, and how poor coordination between spouses can quietly cost thousands in retirement savings.

Mike Armstrong and Marc Fandetti break down the market reaction as oil jumps toward $80 a barrel following escalating tensions with Iran. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut down, LNG production disrupted, mortgage rates climbing back above 6%, and stocks sharply lower, the hosts examine whether this energy shock could reignite inflation and complicate the Federal Reserve’s path on interest rates.

They also explore why oil spikes have historically preceded recessions, whether today’s U.S. economy is less vulnerable than in past decades, and what widening market dispersion signals about investor positioning beneath the surface of a seemingly stable index.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong react to the escalating Middle East conflict and its ripple effects across global markets. With oil surging, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz disrupted, and bond yields climbing, they break down what duration, scope, and magnitude could mean for inflation and Federal Reserve policy — especially as mortgage rates had just dipped below 6% before reversing higher.

The hour also examines new warning signs in private credit markets, Lloyd Blankfein’s comments on complacency and financial stability risks, the economics behind rising streaming prices, AI-driven workplace monitoring in fast food and call centers, and whether Gen Z is really “unprepared” for the workforce — or simply different from generations before them.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong assess the economic fallout after U.S. strikes on Iran intensified Middle East tensions. With oil jumping nearly 7%, LNG production disruptions in Qatar, halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and insurers pulling coverage from tankers, the hosts break down how duration, scope, and magnitude will determine whether this is a short-term shock or something more damaging to the global economy.

They also examine market reactions across stocks, bonds, currencies, and energy, debate whether AI-driven job displacement fears are overblown, and analyze Nvidia’s earnings and why the stock continues to trade sideways despite strong results.