WashingtonWise

Host Mike Townsend focuses a non-partisan eye on news and policies from Washington that impact investors, and his guests offer actionable ideas for your portfolio.

Washington Pressuring Markets

The debt ceiling drama, bank failures, and other policy battles in Washington are weighing on the markets. When will investors get some clarity?

May 18, 2023

Fighting Market Fears

Challenges to the markets just keep rolling in, from inflation to recession worries to a potential U.S. debt default. But how bad is it, really?

May 03, 2023

Big Tax Changes for 2023

Inflation and the SECURE Act 2.0 brought big changes to the tax landscape for 2023. What are they, and how they may impact your tax bill?

April 20, 2023

Volatile Bond Market Signaling Changes to Economy

Savvy investors are watching the bond market for indications of change to economy, interest rates and recession.

April 06, 2023

Fed Keeps Rate Hike Small

The Fed is being pulled in different directions as it works to manage the banking turmoil while continuing its fight to bring down sticky inflation.

March 23, 2023

Simmering Issues in Washington

As the new Congress ramps up, things may seem relatively calm in Washington. But savvy investors are looking at key issues for the markets that are bubbling below the surface.

March 09, 2023

Can Markets Rise Above U.S.-China Tensions?

From sending a spy balloon over the U.S. to ignoring sanctions on Russia, China continues to ratchet up concerns in Washington. But what's the impact on markets?

February 23, 2023

Fed Not Ready to Let Go

The economy is thriving, jobs and wages are growing, but the Fed is promising more rate hikes. What are the markets and investors to make of these mixed messages?

February 09, 2023

Debt Ceiling Fight and the Markets

Between shrinking earnings, the Fed's ongoing battle to tame inflation, and now the looming debt ceiling fight, the markets just can’t seem to hold their footing.

January 26, 2023

Market Faces Old and New Fears

Last year's big concerns, inflation and rising rates, have carried over to 2023 and are joining declining earnings to challenge the markets. When will investors catch a break?

January 12, 2023

Can Markets Leave 2022 Behind?

Equity and bond markets in the U.S. and globally have taken it on the chin this year. Does recent positive news signal a course correction, or is more churn on the horizon?

December 08, 2022

Inflation Peaking but Pain Won't End

Indicators are pointing to an easing of inflation, but there are plenty of economic concerns to work through before the markets can truly move out of bear territory.

November 17, 2022

Dangers to U.S. Economy

Recent events in the U.K. and China as well as the Russia/Ukraine war and the strong dollar are impacting the global economy. How will they affect the U.S. markets and economy?

October 27, 2022

Markets at Breaking Point?

The Fed's inflation fight has ramped up volatility, pushed the dollar to new highs, and inverted the yield curve. Now it's stoking recession fears. What can investors do?

October 13, 2022

Does the Fed Have a Plan?

The Fed is determined to break the back of inflation by raising rates again and again—but at what cost to the economy, employment, and the markets? Is there a plan?

September 29, 2022

Investing Takeaways

Sweeping new laws passed by Congress this summer affect corporate taxes, clean energy, electric vehicles, semiconductor manufacturing, and more. What does it all mean for investors?

September 15, 2022

Investing for Impact and Profit

An explosion of investor interest in environmental, social, and governance factors has companies and regulators scrambling to strike the right balance.

November 11, 2021

Signs of Change and Opportunity

Liz Ann Sonders comes back to discuss what investors should be watching for as markets react to changes in the supply chain, the workforce, economic policies, and more.

October 28, 2021

Anxious Markets Eye Big Issues

The market is facing a host of issues, both short and long term, that are sparking concerns for investors. Liz Ann Sonders joins the podcast to help make sense of it all.

October 14, 2021

Can D.C. Halt the Bull Market?

The long-running bull market is facing pressures as Congress continues to flail against complex issues that threaten the economy.

September 30, 2021