Markets with Megan: A Quick Financial Markets Update

Hosted by Megan Horneman

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Episodes

332

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Empower yourself with knowledge, one fact at a time. Markets with Megan is a bite-sized financial markets podcast hosted by Megan Horneman, the CIO of Verdence Capital Advisors. Megan provides experienced analysis and in-depth insights that go beyond the daily headlines to unravel the economy's intricacies and indicators.

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June 11, 2026Episode 1503 min

5.1% Producer Inflation: Should You Be Worried? | S3 E150 | 06-11-26

The producer price index for May came in at a monthly gain of 0.8% when stripping out food, energy, and trade, the fastest pace at that level since 2022. On a year-over-year basis, producer prices are up 5.1%. Megan Horneman breaks down what the numbers actually mean and why they matter beyond the headlines.In this episode, Megan covers:- Why the core PPI reading of 0.8% month-over-month is the number that matters more than the headline- Which components from PPI will filter into the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, PCE- How portfolio management fees and healthcare costs are contributing to the upcoming PCE read- What it means that upstream business costs are rising but have not yet shown up fully at the consumer level- What to watch for from new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh at next week's FOMC meeting- Why markets bounced today despite ongoing geopolitical uncertaintyIf you are trying to make sense of where inflation really stands and what the Fed is likely to do next, this episode gives you a five-minute read on both. Subscribe so you do not miss next week's post-Fed coverage.For a history of all Markets with Megan episodes, visit: https://marketswithmegan.FM#MarketsWithMegan #ProducerPriceIndex #PPI #FedRateDecision #KevinWarsh #PCEInflation #FederalReserve #Inflation2025 #InterestRates #EconomicDatahttps://youtu.be/hbTsnKWJJEwDisclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

June 10, 2026Episode 1493 min

Rising Prices, Falling Paychecks | S3 E149 | 06-10-26

Inflation moved higher again in May, and the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report shows prices are drifting further away from the Federal Reserve's 2% target.In this episode of Markets with Megan, CIO Megan Horneman discusses the latest inflation data, including rising energy costs, sticky services inflation, higher food and travel prices, and why real wages have slipped back into negative territory. Megan also explains what this means for the Federal Reserve as a new Fed Chair prepares to take office next week.📈 Topics covered:• May CPI report breakdown• Energy prices and inflation• Services inflation remains sticky• Food, travel, and apparel costs• Real wages vs. inflation• What this means for the Federal Reserve• Key economic reports still ahead this weekSubscribe for regular updates on the economy, markets, inflation, interest rates, and what the latest economic data could mean for investors.For a history, check out https://MarketsWithMegan.FM#MarketsWithMegan #Inflation #CPI #FederalReserve #TheFed #EconomyNews #StockMarketNews #InvestingNews #InterestRates #ConsumerPrices #MarketUpdate #EconomicData #marketinsightshttps://youtu.be/tXPUdo3FO0IDisclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

May 28, 2026Episode 1485 min

Running on Empty: Inflation & Consumers | S3 E148 | 05-28-26

Inflation pressures are continuing to build, consumers are feeling squeezed, and the Federal Reserve may be forced to stay higher for longer.In today’s episode of Markets with Megan, Megan lays out a massive day of economic data covering housing, inflation, consumer spending, GDP, and what it all means for markets and interest rates.🏠 Topics Megan Covers:• New home sales fell sharply across most regions• Median new home prices surged 8% in one month• Core PCE inflation rose 3.3%, the highest since 2023• Headline inflation climbed to 3.8% year-over-year• Real disposable income fell for a third straight month• The savings rate dropped to its lowest level since 2022• First quarter GDP was revised lower from 2.0% to 1.6%• Durable goods orders jumped 7.9%, boosted by defense spending• Why the Fed may lean closer to rate hikes than rate cutsWhile markets continue hitting record highs, the underlying economic data tells a much more complicated story. Consumers are struggling with higher prices, inflation remains sticky, and disruptions tied to the Iran conflict continue filtering through energy costs and supply chains.So, what does this mean for investors? Watch now!Listen to past episodes:https://marketswithmegan.fm#Inflation #FederalReserve #InterestRates #HousingMarket #GDP #StockMarket #Investing #Economy #OilPrices #ConsumerSpending #Fed #MarketsWithMeganhttps://youtu.be/Jb1pek9wG6EDisclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

May 20, 2026Episode 1472 min

Fed Minutes: Rate Hike Is Back on the Table | S3 E147 | 05-20-26

The Federal Reserve's April meeting minutes, released today, show a committee growing more uncomfortable with inflation. The language shifted from "somewhat elevated" to simply "elevated," and three members pushed to signal that the next rate move could be a hike, not a cut.This matters for anyone watching their portfolio right now. The market has already adjusted, pricing in one rate hike before the end of 2026. That is a sharp reversal from where expectations stood just a few months ago when the Fed was still talking about cuts.In this episode, Megan covers:• Why the Fed's word change on inflation from "somewhat elevated" to "elevated" sends a real signal• The 8-to-4 vote and why four dissenters is the most since October 1992• What three committee members wanted to say openly about a potential rate hike• Why one member still wanted a rate cut, and what that division tells us• How the labor market assessment shifted to "stabilizing but still fragile"• What to watch for at the June meeting, including the Fed's updated economic projections and Kevin Warsh's first meeting as Fed chairmanIf you're trying to make sense of where interest rates are headed and what it means for your money, this episode is worth five minutes of your time. Subscribe so you never miss a weekly update.For a history of all Markets with Megan episodes, visit: https://marketswithmegan.FM#MarketswithMegan #FederalReserve #InterestRates #FedMinutes #InflationUpdate #RateHike #MeganHorneman #VerdenceCapital #InvestingIn2026 #EconomicOutlookhttps://youtu.be/XxAowEnS6poDisclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

May 14, 2026Episode 1464 min

Is Retail Data Misleading Investors? | S3 E146 | 05-14-26

April's retail sales report came in roughly as expected, but the headline number doesn't tell the whole story. Megan Horneman breaks down what the data actually shows, why the core control group figure matters more than the top line, and why some of that consumer spending may reflect higher prices rather than higher volume.If you've been watching inflation reports closely, the retail sales data adds an important layer. Spending categories like electronics and restaurants look strong on paper, but both are also seeing price pressures tied to semiconductor supply chains and rising food costs. That context matters for understanding whether consumers are truly spending more, or just paying more.If you're trying to make sense of what consumers are actually doing and what it means for the broader economy, this episode is worth five minutes of your time. Subscribe so you don't miss the next one.For a history of all Markets with Megan episodes, visit: https://marketswithmegan.FM#MarketsWithMegan #RetailSales #ConsumerSpending #Inflation #StockMarket #EconomicData #AIStocks #Cisco #GDP #MeganHornemanhttps://youtu.be/uZ4q75cZG30Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

May 12, 2026Episode 1454 min

The Numbers Look Fine Until You Read Them | S2 E345 | 05-12-26

That CPI headline might look “close enough,” but when we slow down and read the report like investors do, it’s hard to call April a win. We walk through why a 0.6% monthly jump in headline inflation and a 0.4% rise in core inflation point to renewed price pressure, not a smooth glide back to normal. If you care about the stock market, bond yields, mortgage rates, or your grocery bill, this breakdown connects the dots from the Consumer Price Index to real world costs. We get specific about what’s driving the print: energy commodities surge, services inflation picks up where most spending happens, and housing stays stubborn with owner’s equivalent rent still pushing higher. We also flag the secondary effects showing up in areas like airline fares and the way higher oil prices can spread through the economy. The big idea is simple: inflation that broadens beyond one category is harder for the Federal Reserve to ignore, and harder for markets to dismiss as noise. Then we zoom out to the risk backdrop, including how Middle East tensions and Strait of Hormuz supply concerns can keep energy prices elevated long enough to influence multiple CPI components. With two months of hotter inflation in a row, the rate narrative shifts toward the Fed staying on hold and the growing possibility that cuts don’t come this year at all if the trend continues. Subscribe for daily, market focused takes, share this with someone who follows inflation and interest rates, and leave a review if this helped you make sense of the numbers. What’s your call: temporary spike or a higher for longer inflation problem?https://youtu.be/u91rOwSCeBcDisclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

May 8, 2026Episode 1443 min

Hiring Gains, Confidence Pains | S3 E144 | 05-08-26

The U.S. job market is showing renewed momentum, with the economy adding 115,000 jobs and posting the strongest two-month stretch of job gains since 2024. But beneath the surface, there are still signs to watch — including weaker labor force participation, rising underemployment, and consumer confidence hitting another record low.In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan Horneman breaks down what the latest jobs report means for the economy, the consumer, inflation, and the Federal Reserve’s next move.For a full history of the podcast, visit: https://marketswithmegan.fm#MarketsWithMegan #JobsReport #LaborMarket #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #ConsumerConfidence #Economy #MarketUpdate #Investing #EconomicDatahttps://youtu.be/eq9H1OnluL8Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

April 29, 2026Episode 1434 min

Fed Day Fallout | S3 E 143 | 04-29-26

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, but the tone of today’s meeting was more hawkish than markets expected.In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan breaks down the latest Fed decision, the notable dissent within the committee, and why small wording changes in the Fed statement can have a big impact on markets. She also discusses rising energy prices, inflation concerns, higher bond yields, and why the path for rate cuts looks increasingly uncertain.In this episode,:• Why the Fed left rates unchanged• The significance of multiple Fed dissenters• What changed in the Fed’s inflation language• Why rising energy prices matter for monetary policy• How Fed funds futures shifted after the meeting• The market reaction across equities, bonds, gold, and the dollar• Why Verdence remains cautious heading into more inflation data and earningsStay tuned for more market updates from Megan Horneman, Chief Investment Officer at Verdence Capital Advisors.For more episodes and the full podcast history, visit:MarketsWithMegan.FM#MarketsWithMegan #FederalReserve #FedDay #InterestRates #Inflation #JeromePowell #BondYields #MarketVolatility #EconomicData #Investing #MarketUpdate #WealthManagement #VerdenceCapitalAdvisorsDisclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

April 28, 2026Episode 1423 min

Is Market Mood Just Middle East Relief? | S3 E 142 | 04-28-26

The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index for April came in better than expected, and it tells a notably different story from last week's near-record-low University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment reading. Megan breaks down what the numbers actually show and why the gap between these two indexes matters for investors watching consumer health.The most striking detail: optimism around job availability jumped to its highest point of the year, and that confidence filtered into forward-looking indicators on home buying, auto purchases, and income expectations. She also examines whether the Middle East ceasefire and a pullback in oil prices played a role in the April mood shift.In this episode, Megan covers:- Why the Conference Board reading diverged from last week's University of Michigan sentiment index- The jump in "jobs plentiful" vs. "jobs hard to get" spread, now at its highest of the year- Business conditions expectations reaching their best level since October 2025- Intent to buy a new automobile rising sharply in April- Home buying intentions climbing to the highest level seen this year- Income expectations hitting their best reading since last October, and what that signals for Q2 spendingIf you're watching your portfolio and want to understand what consumer data actually signals right now, this is a focused five-minute breakdown worth your time. Subscribe so you never miss!.For a history of all Markets with Megan episodes, visit: https://marketswithmegan.FM#MarketsWithMegan #ConsumerConfidence #ConferenceBoard #ConsumerSentiment #LaborMarket #EconomicData #InvestingNews #PersonalFinance #StockMarket #EconomicIndicatorshttps://youtu.be/lLOgXFvk-q4Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

April 27, 2026Episode 1414 min

Downgrade Parade: Conflict Is Hitting the Forecasts | S3 E141 | 04-27-26

The global economic outlook is starting to shift as the ongoing Middle East conflict and continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz raise concerns about slower growth and higher inflation.In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan Horneman takes a look at the latest economic downgrades from major global agencies, including the IMF, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and Germany’s economic ministry. She explains why elevated energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and rising inflation pressures could create challenges for central banks and add volatility to markets.In this episode, Megan discusses:• Why the IMF downgraded global growth and raised its inflation forecast• How energy prices and supply chain disruptions are affecting the outlook• Why Asia-Pacific economies may be especially exposed• What Germany’s downgraded growth expectations signal• Why inflation pressures may show up with a lag• Why equity markets may be underpricing the risk of prolonged volatilityEquities remain near record highs, but earnings expectations have not fully adjusted for the potential economic impact of a prolonged conflict. Megan explains why investors should stay cautious and be prepared for more market volatility ahead.For more Markets with Megan episodes, visit: https://marketswithmegan.fm#MarketsWithMegan #MarketVolatility #EconomicOutlook #Inflation #GlobalEconomy #StraitOfHormuz #OilPrices #EnergyMarkets #MiddleEastConflict #FederalReserve #InterestRates #EquityMarkets #InvestmentOutlook #IMF #Marketshttps://youtu.be/H9HmwLX9y24Disclaimer: material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...