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.

Will stocks crash in 2026?

AI fatigue sets in for S&P 500 investors

Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the ADP report that shows private payrolls gained 41,000 jobs in December and US JOLTS coming in well short of expectations. AI fatigue leaves investors focused on the S&P 500's other 493 stocks. Todd Lutsky joins the show for his weekly segment, Ask Todd. This week, Todd explains how procrastinators can plan for long term care at the last minute.

Ask Todd: Long term care planning for procrastinators

This week, Todd Lutsky explains how procrastinators can catch up on their long term care planning despite getting a late start. Todd also takes a question for a listener about selling property in an irrevocable trust.

How will the Fed handle the six big challenges ahead in 2026?

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss the Fed's six big challenges in 2026. Matt Gagnon (CEO Maine Policy Institute & Morning Show Host WGAN Portland) joins the show to chat about the impact of the increases to minimum wage. How are some older job seekers breaking through the bruising labor market? Hiring in the age of AI means proving you need a human. A mystery trader made $400,000 betting on Maduro's downfall.

Two simple ways to fix America's housing problem

Mike Armstrong and Paul Lane discuss Venezuela bracing for economic collapse from the US blockade. Two simple ways to fix housing in America. Nvidia details new AI chips and autonomous car project with Mercedes. Mike is excited for the next generation of self-driving cars.  GM and Toyota hint at tough year ahead for US auto sales. Tesla is swapping its EV crown for even more promises.

Markets need to answer these big questions in 2026

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss some major questions that need to be answered in 2026. Is the US losing its battle to break up Big Tech? US auto sales are poised to slip as middle-class buyers retreat. Seven numbers shaping retirement in 2026. Zillow's CEO is ready for another slow year in the US housing market. How has NYC's surge toll pricing fixed traffic?

Wall Street expects the market to keep rallying despite high valuations

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss what could be next for the US and Venezuela. How will oil energy markets react? Wall Street expects the market to keep rallying in 2026 despite high valuations. Modest US hiring to cap a sluggish year for the job market. US to extend productivity lead on back of the AI boom. These states raised their minimum wage. Is America falling out of love with pizza?

What does the future look like for Berkshire Hathaway without Warren Buffett?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss everyday traders going from fringe players to the dominant market force. Will the next class of Senators do anything about the Social Security crunch? Buffett says Berkshire Hathaway has the best odds of any company for lasting 100 more years. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about the Dogs of the Dow.

What are market expectations for 2026?

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong discuss how stocks overcame a long list of worries to gain in 2025, thanks to AI. What are market expectations for 2026? How did analysts do with their 2025 predictions? Fed minutes suggest caution about further rate cuts early this year. The condo market hasn't been this bad in over a decade.

The unexpected winner of rising US tariffs...

Paul Lane and Marc Fandetti discuss the unexpected winner of rising American tariffs is Mexico. The housing market is moving in favor of Gen Z. EVs had a bumpy road in 2025, and one pleasant surprise. After a year of blistering growth, AI chip makers get ready for a bigger 2026. The stealth tactic bosses are using to get back to the office. How did Americans in 1998 think would happen in 2025? The case of the $400,000 Massachusetts lobster heist.