Key Wealth Matters

Hosted by Key Wealth Institute

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

About the show

Key Wealth Matters, a podcast series hosted by the experts of the Key Wealth Institute, explores the biggest news of today to determine how these headlines can impact wealth plans, financial strategies, markets, and investments. Join our team of advisors for unbiased, proactive advice about individual and family finances, estate and legacy planning, family dynamics, investing, as well as trends for business owners, nonprofits, and institutions. To submit potential topics or questions to our experts, contact us via email at Key_Wealth_Institute@keybank.com. For more information, articles, or other insights related to wealth management, visit key.com/ourinsights. _____________________________________________________ We gather data and information from specialized sources and financial databases including but not limited to Bloomberg Finance L.P., Bureau of Economic Analysis, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Chicago Board of Exchange (CBOE) Volatility Index (VIX), Dow Jones / Dow Jones Newsplus, FactSet, Federal Reserve and corresponding 12 district banks / Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), ICE BofA (Bank of America) MOVE Index, Morningstar / Morningstar.com, Standard & Poor’s and Wall Street Journal / WSJ.com. Key Wealth, Key Private Client, Key Private Bank, Key Family Wealth, and KeyBank Institutional Advisors are brand names used by KeyBank National Association (KeyBank). Key Wealth and Key Private Client are also brand names used by Key Investment Services LLC (KIS), member FINRA/SIPC and SEC-registered investment advisor. The Key Wealth Institute is comprised of financial professionals representing KeyBank National Association (KeyBank) and certain affiliates, such as Key Investment Services LLC (KIS) and KeyCorp Insurance Agency USA Inc. (KIA). Any opinions, projections, or recommendations contained herein are subject to change without notice, are those of the individual author(s), and may not necessarily represent the views of KeyBank or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. This material presented is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to purchase or sell any security or product or to employ a specific investment or tax planning strategy. KeyBank, nor its subsidiaries or affiliates, represent, warrant or guarantee that this material is accurate, complete or suitable for any purpose or any investor and it should not be used as a basis for investment or tax planning decisions. It is not to be relied upon or used in substitution for the exercise of independent judgment. It should not be construed as individual tax, legal or financial advice. The summaries, prices, quotes and/or statistics contained herein have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable but are not necessarily complete and cannot be guaranteed. They are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to replace any confirmations or statements. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Brokerage and certain investment advisory services are offered through Key Investment Services LLC (KIS), member FINRA/SIPC and SEC-registered investment advisor. Insurance products are offered through KeyCorp Insurance Agency USA, Inc. (KIA) and underwritten by third party insurance carriers not affiliated with KIS. KIS and KIA are affiliates under the common control of KeyCorp. To learn more about KIS’s investment business, as well as our relationship with you, please review our KIS Disclosure page. Check the background of KIS on FINRA's BrokerCheck. Non-Deposit products are: NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE • NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL OR STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCY ©2026 KeyCorp®. All rights reserved.

Listen to episodes

57 recent

October 30, 2026Episode 23325 min

The Fed Holds Firm. Can Markets Keep Climbing?

Resilient economic growth, persistent PCE inflation and the Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady remain central for investors. Reduced forward guidance could increase market volatility, while elevated AI capital spending and a defensive rotation are affecting earnings expectations and market breadth. Historical midterm election trends support a cautiously positive market outlook for 2027, though investors should remain disciplined and attentive to inflation, policy and earnings risks. Speakers: Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy Stephen Hoedt, Head of Equities Cynthia Honcharenko, Director, Fixed Income Portfolio Management Time 01:31 — Housing activity, mortgage rates, and stable unemployment claims 03:18 — AI financing pressures re-shape technology and equity markets 06:46 — Earnings breadth and valuation challenges for the S&P 500 09:01 — Oil supply, strategic reserves, and geopolitical risk premiums 15:28 — FOMC expectations, credit quality, and the flight to safety Additional Resources Watch Now: Year-End Planning — Actions to Consider Before 2027 Read Now: Top 10 2026 Year-End Planning Ideas for Individuals Read Now: Top 10 2026 Year-End Planning Ideas for Business Owners Key Questions Weekly Investment Brief Subscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn

October 23, 2026Episode 23225 min

Earnings Breadth, Oil Risk, and the Flight to Quality

Investors are weighing tighter financing conditions for AI investment, limited earnings breadth, and elevated oil prices against improving Treasury performance. Equity valuations remain under pressure as markets assess capital needs and free cash flow across technology companies. Meanwhile, demand for high-quality bonds has pushed the 10-year Treasury yield below 5.00%. With the next FOMC meeting approaching, investors should watch policy signals, inflation risks, credit quality, and further volatility across equity and fixed income markets. Speakers: Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy Rajeev Sharma, Head of Fixed Income Stephen Hoedt, Head of Equities Time 01:31 — Housing activity, mortgage rates, and stable unemployment claims 03:18 — AI financing pressures re-shape technology and equity markets 06:46 — Earnings breadth and valuation challenges for the S&P 500 09:01 — Oil supply, strategic reserves, and geopolitical risk premiums 15:28 — FOMC expectations, credit quality, and the flight to safety Additional Resources Register Now: Year-End Planning — Actions to Consider Before 2027 Read Now: Key Investment Perspectives Q3 2026 Key Questions Weekly Investment Brief Subscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn

October 16, 2026Episode 23128 min

AI Financing Pressures Reshape Equity and Credit Markets

Hotter-than-expected inflation and resilient consumer spending reinforce expectations that interest rates may remain higher for longer. The team examines how AI-related capital spending and financing pressures are affecting semiconductor stocks, credit markets, and Treasury demand. Despite shifting rate-hike probabilities, the Federal Reserve is expected to hold rates steady in October, with additional tightening possible in December. Investors should monitor AI financing risks, earnings breadth beyond Nvidia and Micron Technologies, and changes in the S&P 500 valuation multiple when assessing portfolio positioning. Timestamps 01:52 — Beige Book findings, retail sales, and inflation data 06:14 — Sticky inflation and AI’s near-term economic impact 08:37 — CoreWeave pressures semiconductor stocks and AI financing 15:36 — Treasury rally, FOMC expectations, and credit market conditions 24:18 — Closing guidance and important investor disclosures Additional Resources: Upcoming Webinar: Key Wealth's National Call: Year-End Planning — Actions to Consider Before 2027 | Key Wealth Read Now: Key Questions: How Will the U.S. Adapt to a New Era of Power Demand Fueled by Relentless AI Growth? | Key Wealth Key Questions: Is Private Capital Still Earning Its Place? | Key Wealth Weekly Investment Brief Subscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn

October 9, 2026Episode 23026 min

The AI Boom Meets Bond Reality

This week, our panel examines persistent inflation pressures, shifting expectations for the Federal Reserve and volatility across the Treasury yield curve. They discuss why higher yields may offer attractive fixed-income entry points, while acknowledging the potential for rates to rise further. The conversation also explores AI’s transformative potential, the uncertainty surrounding its long-term investment winners and the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to portfolio construction. Speakers: Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy George Mateyo, Chief Investment Officer Rajeev Sharma, Head of Fixed Income Stephen Hoedt, Head of Equities Time 02:25 — Economic data highlights inflation pressures and labor market resilience 05:41 — Innovation, economic growth and global debt challenges 07:02 — AI investment opportunities and risks for long-term investors 13:34 — Fed expectations, Treasury volatility and rising yields 22:53 — Important investment disclosures Additional Resources National Call Replay: Countdown to the Midterms — Politics, Policy, and Your Portfolio Read Now: 2026 Social Security Trustees Report: Combined Trust Fund Projected Largely Unchanged From Prior Year Key Questions Weekly Investment Brief Subscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn

October 2, 2026Episode 22923 min

Credit Sends a Warning as Equities Press Higher

Our experts evaluate softer job creation, persistent PCE inflation, and rising Treasury yields as markets reassess the path of Federal Reserve policy. The discussion examines widening credit spreads, pressure in high-yield bonds, and the disconnect between caution in fixed income and continued strength in equities. With questions emerging around AI-related spending and earnings quality, the panel emphasizes shifting toward higher-quality investments, reducing exposure to leveraged companies, and maintaining broad diversification as geopolitical and economic uncertainty contribute to a more selective market environment. Speakers: Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy George Mateyo, Chief Investment Officer Rajeev Sharma, Head of Fixed Income Stephen Hoedt, Head of Equities Time 02:12 — Rising Treasury yields create headwinds for equities 06:44 — Policy discussions and geopolitical risks remain in focus 09:22 — Investors may consider rebalancing risk-asset exposure 11:09 — Treasury yields reach multidecade highs 18:27 — Closing perspective and investor considerations Additional Resources National Call Replay: Countdown to the Midterms — Politics, Policy, and Your Portfolio Key Questions Weekly Investment Brief Subscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn

September 25, 2026Episode 22822 min

Rates, Inflation and the Case for Rebalancing

Treasury yields moved sharply higher, creating new headwinds for equities and driving rotation beneath the market’s surface. The team examines how elevated diesel and oil prices could sustain inflation, complicate the Fed’s policy path and increase the risk of a policy error. With yields offering more competition for investor capital, portfolios may benefit from reassessing risk-asset exposure and considering opportunities in fixed income. Investors should continue monitoring energy prices, geopolitical developments, Treasury volatility and upcoming FOMC decisions. Hear additional market and investment perspectives during the Key Wealth National Call: Countdown to the Midterms — Politics, Policy, and Your Portfolio on September 29, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. Speakers: Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy George Mateyo, Chief Investment Officer Rajeev Sharma, Head of Fixed Income Stephen Hoedt, Head of Equities Time 02:12 — Rising Treasury yields create headwinds for equities 06:44 — Policy discussions and geopolitical risks remain in focus 09:22 — Investors may consider rebalancing risk-asset exposure 11:09 — Treasury yields reach multidecade highs 18:27 — Closing perspective and investor considerations Additional Resources Register Now: Key Wealth National Call: Countdown to the Midterms — Politics, Policy, and Your Portfolio Read: Key Questions: Is Kevin Warsh having an “Alan Greenspan Moment?" Key Questions Weekly Investment Brief Subscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn

September 18, 2026Episode 22725 min

The Fed Shifts Gears: Higher Rates, AI Risks, and What Comes Next

The Federal Reserve raised rates by 25 basis points and signaled that additional increases may follow as inflation remains its primary focus. While the economy and equity markets have shown resilience, investors should prepare for continued uncertainty and volatility. AI investment remains a major driver of earnings and growth, but a slowdown could pressure equities. With the 10-year Treasury yield near 5.00%, real assets may provide additional portfolio diversification amid higher rates and ongoing price pressures. Hear additional market and investment perspectives during the Key Wealth National Call: Countdown to the Midterms — Politics, Policy, and Your Portfolio on September 29, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. Speakers: Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy George Mateyo, Chief Investment Officer Rajeev Sharma, Head of Fixed Income Stephen Hoedt, Head of Equities Time 02:30 — Retail sales rebound while industrial production levels off 03:39 — The Federal Reserve raises rates and signals further tightening 11:09 — AI investment faces growing political and economic scrutiny 16:35 — Higher yields create pressure across key equity sectors 19:16 — Real assets offer diversification against inflation and market volatility Additional Resources Register Now: Key Wealth National Call: Countdown to the Midterms — Politics, Policy, and Your Portfolio Read: Key Questions: Is Kevin Warsh having an “Alan Greenspan Moment?" Key Questions Weekly Investment Brief Subscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn

September 11, 2026Episode 22625 min

The Inflation Plot Twist: Markets Rethink Rates as Price Pressures Return

This week’s discussion examines hotter-than-expected inflation readings and their implications for Federal Reserve policy, global interest rates, and investor positioning. The panel considers why markets are pricing in a potential September rate hike, while higher oil prices and AI infrastructure spending add to inflation pressures. Despite modestly wider credit spreads, demand remains constructive. Investors should monitor policy decisions, longer-term yields, and the effects of elevated borrowing costs on housing and economic activity. Hear additional market and investment perspectives during the Key Wealth National Call: Countdown to the Midterms — Politics, Policy, and Your Portfolio on September 29, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. Speakers: Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy George Mateyo, Chief Investment Officer Rajeev Sharma, Head of Fixed Income Stephen Hoedt, Head of Equities Time 00:03:40 — Key economic releases and the latest inflation data 00:06:32 — Sticky inflation shifts expectations for Federal Reserve policy 00:09:04 — Markets price a potential September rate hike 00:14:39 — AI infrastructure and data centers support economic growth 00:17:30 — Higher global rates weigh on housing activity Additional Resources Register Now: Key Wealth National Call: Countdown to the Midterms — Politics, Policy, and Your Portfolio Read: Key Questions: Can the Promise of AI Support Today’s Record Capital Spending? Key Questions Weekly Investment Brief Subscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn

September 4, 2026Episode 22524 min

Taking Care of Business: Strong Jobs, Cautious Markets, and Municipal Bond Opportunities

This week’s discussion examines a stronger-than-expected August employment report and its implications for the Federal Reserve’s September decision. The conversation also covers AI-driven data center investment, narrowing equity market participation, seasonal volatility, and where longer-term municipal bonds may offer relative value amid record issuance and sustained investor demand. Hear additional market and investment perspectives during the Key Wealth National Call: Countdown to the Midterms — Politics, Policy, and Your Portfolio on September 29, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. Speakers: Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy George Mateyo, Chief Investment Officer Stephen Hoedt, Head of Equities Pat Grady, Senior Fixed Income Portfolio Manager Time 02:12 — Economic growth, employment data, and the August payroll report 05:34 — Strong jobs and implications for the Federal Reserve 08:23 — AI data center investment supports domestic economic activity 12:59 — Market breadth weakens as seasonal volatility approaches 18:36 — Assessing relative value across the municipal bond market Additional Resources Register Now: Key Wealth National Call: Countdown to the Midterms — Politics, Policy, and Your Portfolio Read: Key Questions: Can the Promise of AI Support Today’s Record Capital Spending? Key Questions Weekly Investment Brief Subscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn

August 28, 2026Episode 22427 min

What Jackson Hole and NVIDIA Earnings Mean for Investors

Kevin Warsh’s first Jackson Hole speech as Fed chair emphasized policy flexibility, a firm 2% inflation target and less reliance on forward guidance. The panel examines how persistent inflation and resilient economic growth could keep another rate increase on the table while contributing to greater bond market volatility. Investors also hear why caution is building around semiconductor stocks, AI infrastructure spending and technology company balance sheets, supporting a more selective portfolio tilt toward companies adopting AI rather than those primarily enabling it. Speakers: Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy George Mateyo, Chief Investment Officer Stephen Hoedt, Head of Equities Cynthia Honcharenko, Director of Fixed Income Portfolio Management Time 01:28 — Economic updates include labor conditions, GDP and July PCE inflation 04:20 — Kevin Warsh outlines a quieter Fed and firm inflation mandate 12:46 — Markets interpret Jackson Hole as hawkish for short-term rates 16:27 — NVIDIA earnings highlight caution across semiconductors and AI spending 23:23 — Important disclosures and sources used in the discussion Additional Resources Register Now: Key Wealth National Call: Countdown to the Midterms — Politics, Policy, and Your Portfolio Read: Natural Disasters – A Financial Guide for Mitigation to Preparedness to Recovery Key Questions Weekly Investment Brief Subscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn