Markets with Megan: A Quick Financial Markets Update

Hosted by Megan Horneman

Business Investing

Website RSS feed

Episodes

356

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 20, 2026Episode 1743 min

Bad Housing News: Home Sales Drop 7.3% | S3 E174 | 10-20-26

Housing data came in well below expectations this week. Housing starts fell 5.2% when markets expected an increase, and pending home sales dropped 7.3% to a record low. Megan Horneman, CIO of Verdence Capital Advisors, breaks down the numbers and what is driving the slowdown in the housing market. Mortgage rates ended September at 7.3%, the highest in three years, and home builders are dealing with rising material costs and uncertainty from tariffs and supply disruptions. Housing is a small slice of GDP, but a slowdown can ripple into spending on things like furniture and electronics. Stocks rallied anyway, helped by lower oil prices and falling interest rates. In this episode, Megan covers: • Why housing starts fell 5.2% for a third straight monthly decline near 5% • How multifamily construction led the weakness while single-family starts also slipped • Pending home sales falling 7.3% to a record low, led by the West and South • Builder confidence hitting a record low as buyer traffic dries up • How 7.3% mortgage rates and rising material costs are weighing on builders • Why the Dow rallied on weak data and what it may mean for the Fed in October and December If you're keeping an eye on your retirement accounts and wondering how a cooling housing market fits into the bigger picture, this short episode lays it out clearly. Listen in and subscribe so you don't miss next week's update. For a history of all Markets with Megan episodes, visit: https://marketswithmegan.fm #MarketsWithMegan #HousingMarket #HousingStarts #PendingHomeSales #MortgageRates #RealEstateNews #StockMarket #FederalReserve #EconomicData #Investing https://youtu.be/DMmt5C32kMU Disclaimer: 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...

October 15, 2026Episode 1733 min

1.3% PPI Surge, 10% Energy Spike: What's Next? | S3 E173 | 10-15-26

Inflation is heating up, consumer spending is showing signs of weakness, and the Federal Reserve faces another difficult decision. Could another interest rate hike be coming before the end of 2026? Chief Investment Officer Megan Horneman discusses the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI), Producer Price Index (PPI), and retail sales report, and what they could mean for the economy, stock market, and Federal Reserve policy. Find out: - Why producer prices surged 1.3% in September, the fastest monthly increase since April 2023 - How rising energy prices and trade-related costs are fueling inflation - Why headline retail sales may be masking weaker consumer spending - What softer spending could mean for third-quarter GDP - Why the Fed may hold rates in October but consider another hike in December - What's driving the divergence between the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq as Treasury yields decline With inflation pressures persisting and underlying consumer demand showing signs of slowing, the Fed's path forward is anything but straightforward. Subscribe to Markets with Megan for timely economic insights and market commentary from Megan Horneman. Visit: https://marketswithmegan.fm #MarketsWithMegan #Inflation #FederalReserve #InterestRates #StockMarket #CPI #PPI #EconomicOutlook #MarketNews #Investing https://youtu.be/2CAh86tQ944 Disclaimer: 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...

October 5, 2026Episode 1723 min

Supply Chain Stress Is Back in Services | S3 E172 | 10-05-26

The September ISM Services Report showed the service sector, where Americans spend most of their money, ending the third quarter on a softer note. Megan Horneman explains why business activity and new orders slipped while the prices paid component jumped to its highest level since July 2022. Supply chain pressure tied to the war with Iran, along with tariffs and high fuel costs, is showing up in industries from construction to agriculture. Bond yields rose on the report, and the data likely won't change the Fed's October decision but does raise the odds of another hike in December. In this episode, Megan covers: Why the services composite slipped in September and still sits in expansion territory Where the weakness showed up: business activity, new orders, and a steep drop in export orders Prices paid at the highest since July 2022 and order backlogs at their highest since 2022 How diesel costs are driving up freight and pushing nitrogen prices near record highs for farmers Why construction firms say half of buyers walking in can't qualify at current interest rates What rising yields signal for the Fed's October meeting and the odds of a December hike Keeping up with every data release takes time you may not have. Megan sorts out what matters in about five minutes, so listen in and subscribe to catch the next one. For a history of all Markets with Megan episodes, visit: https://marketswithmegan.fm #MarketsWithMegan #ISMServices #ServiceSector #Inflation #FederalReserve #InterestRates #BondYields #SupplyChain #DieselPrices #EconomicData https://youtu.be/MxOE30jtf2g Disclaimer: 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...

October 2, 2026Episode 1713 min

29,000 Jobs: Is the Fed Off the Hook? | S3 E171 | 10-02-26

The September jobs report came in much weaker than expected, and it could change the Federal Reserve’s next move. The U.S. economy added just 29,000 jobs in September, while the prior two months were revised lower by roughly 60,000 jobs. Unemployment ticked up to 4.2%, labor force participation increased, and wage growth came in around 3% year over year. So what does all of this mean for interest rates? Megan Horneman shares the latest employment data, where jobs are being gained and lost, why Treasury yields are falling, and how the report could give the Fed more flexibility to hold rates steady in October and wait until December before making another move. Plus, find out why equity markets are responding positively to weaker labor-market data. Subscribe to Markets with Megan for quick, straightforward analysis of the economic data moving markets: www.marketswithmegan.fm #MarketsWithMegan #JobsReport #FederalReserve #InterestRates #StockMarket #Economy #Investing #MarketUpdate https://youtu.be/NxVCfTmjACQ Disclaimer: 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...

October 1, 2026Episode 1703 min

Did 3 Reports Just Change Fed Plans? | S3 E170 | 10-01-26

The Fed is getting mixed signals. This week’s economic data showed a cooling labor market, stubborn inflation, and renewed price pressures in manufacturing, all while the odds of an October rate hike have fallen sharply. In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan Horneman breaks down the latest JOLTS report, PCE inflation, ISM manufacturing data, and what they could mean for the Fed’s next move. Could the Fed hold off until December? And what should investors be watching in tomorrow’s September jobs report? Subscribe to Markets with Megan for quick, straightforward analysis of the economic data moving markets. www.marketswithmegan.fm #MarketsWithMegan #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #JobsReport #Economy #Investing #StockMarket #MarketUpdate https://youtu.be/dcOHaF7NhEM Disclaimer: 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...

September 25, 2026Episode 1692 min

AI Spending Is Booming. Will the Fed Raise Rates?

AI-related capital spending continues to support the U.S. economy, and the latest durable goods report reveals surprising strength beneath the headline numbers. But could stronger economic growth give the Federal Reserve another reason to raise interest rates? In today's Markets with Megan, Verdence Capital Advisors CIO Megan Horneman reviews August's durable goods orders, the surge in business investment, and what the latest economic data could mean for third-quarter GDP, inflation and the Fed's October meeting. - Why aircraft orders weighed on the headline durable goods report. - How underlying orders rose more than 1% in August and 14.8% year over year. - The role of AI-related investment in machinery, computers, metals and electrical equipment. - Why the Atlanta Fed's GDPNow estimate is tracking third-quarter growth above 5%. - What strong economic data could mean for interest rates, inflation and financial markets. Can the AI investment boom continue supporting economic growth without reigniting inflation? Subscribe to Markets with Megan for timely insights into the economic data moving financial markets. Visit: https://marketswithmegan.fm #MarketsWithMegan #AIInvesting #GDP #FederalReserve #InterestRates #EconomicOutlook #DurableGoods #CapitalSpending https://youtu.be/mQRDi4jzr38 Disclaimer: 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...

September 16, 2026Episode 1682 min

Retail Sales Rebound | S3 E168 | 09-16-26

Retail sales just flipped the script: after a weak July, August comes in with a sharp rebound, and the details matter if you care about where the U.S. economy is headed. We walk through the August retail sales report and why a 1.2% monthly gain grabs market attention, especially with gasoline station sales up 3.1% and “core” spending measures also showing strength. If you’ve been wondering whether the consumer is finally cracking, this data argues the spending story is not over yet. We dig into the category-level moves that help explain the jump, including motor vehicles, furniture, electronics, health and personal care, internet shopping, and eating and drinking places. We also talk about why e-commerce surged and how Amazon Prime Day being pulled forward can make one month look soft and the next month look strong. It’s a good reminder that promotions and timing can distort short-term readings, even when underlying consumer demand is steady. Then we hit the key caveat: retail sales are reported in nominal dollars, not inflation-adjusted terms. That makes it hard to separate true increases in spending from higher prices, especially in categories impacted by inflation and supply chain disruptions. We close with what we’re watching as the Fed meets, and why the press conference can change the market’s interpretation of today’s data. Subscribe, share the show, and leave a review, then tell us: does this report signal real strength or just inflation in disguise? https://youtu.be/vcOZXjWQhKM Disclaimer: 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...

September 11, 2026Episode 1675 min

Fed Hike Odds Jump After CPI | S3 E167 | 09-11-26

Inflation came in hotter than expected, and the latest CPI report may have strengthened the case for a Fed rate hike next week. In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan Horneman dissects the latest inflation data, including rising energy costs, hotter core CPI, and continued pressure on American households. She also explains why markets are rallying even as the odds of a Fed hike rise, and what investors should be watching heading into next week’s Fed meeting. Topics include: • The latest CPI and core inflation numbers • Why energy prices remain a major inflation driver • Rising costs for consumers and declining real wages • Why Fed rate hike odds have jumped • Why stocks are rising despite higher rate expectations • What to watch at next week’s Fed meeting Subscribe for timely market insights and economic analysis from Markets with Megan. Learn more at MarketsWithMegan.fm. #Inflation #CPI #FederalReserve #FedRateHike #InterestRates #StockMarket #MarketsWithMegan #MarketUpdate #Investing #Economy https://youtu.be/SG9-XZB2xv8 Disclaimer: 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...

September 10, 2026Episode 1663 min

PPI Report Builds Case For Rate Hike | S3 E166 | 09-10-26

Inflation came in as expected. The problem? “As expected” is still too hot. The latest Producer Price Index showed inflation pressures continuing to build: 📈 Headline PPI: +5.4% year over year 📈 PPI excluding food, energy and trade: +4.7% ✈️ Airline prices: nearly +20% year over year ⚖️ Legal services: about +8% 🏥 Hospital inpatient care: +4.3% Those details matter because several feed into the Fed’s preferred PCE inflation gauge, and they’re not giving policymakers much reason to feel comfortable. Markets are taking notice. The probability of a rate hike at next week’s Fed meeting has climbed to 72%, while the 10-year Treasury yield has moved above 4.9% and closer to the 5% level. In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan Horneman breaks down what today’s PPI report tells us about inflation, interest rates, and what investors should be watching when CPI arrives tomorrow. 🎧 Watch the latest Markets with Megan and get a complete history of all episodes at MarketsWithMegan.fm. #MarketsWithMegan #Inflation #FederalReserve #InterestRates #PPI #Investing #Markets https://youtu.be/TWB0CvQUt1I Disclaimer: 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...

September 4, 2026Episode 1653 min

162,000 Jobs Added: What It Means for the Fed | S3 E165 | 09-04-26

The August jobs report landed well above expectations, and it's the last one the Fed will see before its September meeting. The U.S. economy added 162,000 jobs last month against a forecast of just 55,000, with construction, AI-related hiring, and government payrolls all contributing. Megan Horneman breaks down what a beat this size means for interest rate policy. Wages grew three-tenths of a percent for the month, unemployment held at 4.1%, and the labor force added more than half a million workers. Markets are already reacting: equities slipped as traders priced in a 62% chance the Fed raises rates in September. In this episode, Megan covers: - Why 162,000 new jobs was nearly triple what economists expected - Where the job growth came from: construction, AI-related hiring, and government - What rising wages and a steady 4.1% unemployment rate signal - Why markets are now pricing in a 62% chance of a September rate hike - How short- and long-term Treasury yields are reacting differently to the report Subscribe for a new episode every week. For a history of all Markets with Megan episodes: https://marketswithmegan.FM #JobsReport #FederalReserve #InterestRates #FedRateHike #Economy #StockMarket #Investing #WageGrowth #Unemployment #MarketsWithMegan https://youtu.be/v-Am2JambtE Disclaimer: 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...

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing

More Business podcasts