First Trust ROI Podcast

Hosted by First Trust Portfolios

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

On the ROI podcast, we discuss some of the most important questions facing investment professionals today, ranging from macroeconomic views, to perspectives on the equity and fixed income markets, to insights on practice management. We aim to cut through the noise, examine the data, and provide fresh insights to investment professionals as they help their clients find better ways to invest…seeking to generate attractive returns on their investments.

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60 recent

August 17, 2026Episode 7841 min

Ep 78 | Brian Wesbury | How Has the “Chairman in Name Only” Performed so Far? | ROI Podcast

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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust Portfolios Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn Follow us on X: First Trust on X Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

August 3, 2026Episode 7729 min

Ep 77 | Jackie Wilke | The Human Edge in an AI World | ROI Podcast

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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust Portfolios Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn Follow us on X: First Trust on X Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

July 20, 2026Episode 7631 min

Ep 76 | Bob Carey | New Leadership in Equity Markets…Will It Continue? | ROI Podcast

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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust Portfolios Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn Follow us on X: First Trust on X Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

July 7, 2026Episode 7540 min

Ep 75 | Nikki Hsu & Gabriela Privetera | The Road Back to Nuclear Power: Opportunities and Pitfalls Ahead | ROI Podcast

Surging electricity demand from AI data centers and industrial reshoring is driving renewed interest in nuclear power. After years of contraction, the industry may be poised for expansion and reacceleration. In this episode, Bloomberg Intelligence’s Nikki Hsu and Gabriela Privetera help us unpack some of the opportunities and obstacles that could shape nuclear’s comeback. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust Portfolios Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn Follow us on X: First Trust on X Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

June 23, 2026Episode 7428 min

Ep 74 | Josef Schuster | What Does History Say About Post-IPO Performance Trends? | ROI Podcast

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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust Portfolios Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn Follow us on X: First Trust on X Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

June 9, 2026Episode 7339 min

Ep 73 | Mandeep Singh | Is the SaaS-Pocalypse Over, and Where Are We in the AI Capex Cycle? | ROI Podcast

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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust Portfolios Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn Follow us on X: First Trust on X Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

May 26, 2026Episode 7255 min

Ep 72 | Brian Wesbury | Can AI Make a Pencil? | ROI Podcast

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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust Portfolios Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn Follow us on X: First Trust on X Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

May 12, 2026Episode 7151 min

Ep 71 | Brian Murphy | What Does AI Disruption Mean for Private Credit? | ROI Podcast

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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust Portfolios Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn Follow us on X: First Trust on X Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

April 28, 2026Episode 7044 min

Ep 70 | Bill Housey | Has the Quality of Junk Improved? | ROI Podcast

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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust Portfolios Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn Follow us on X: First Trust on X Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

April 13, 2026Episode 6950 min

Ep 69 | Jim Murchie | What Does AI Demand and a War in Iran Mean for Utilities and Energy? | ROI Podcast

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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust Portfolios Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn Follow us on X: First Trust on X Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel