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.

Economy’s Mixed Messages

A barrage of conflicting economic data is keeping the investing horizon cloudy. What are market experts focusing on, why does it matter, and does it apply to your portfolio?

September 14, 2023

AI: Investor Considerations

Artificial intelligence is all the buzz with investors. But how do you evaluate AI companies, and what are the intrinsic risks?

July 27, 2023

AI: The Power and the Perils

The AI genie isn’t going back in the bottle, so how do individuals, companies, and governments harness its power while mitigating inherent risks?

July 13, 2023

The Case for Bonds

After a disastrous 2022, things are looking up for bonds in 2023. Is now the time to put bonds back in your portfolio, and what should you consider before you start buying?

June 29, 2023

Now What for Markets?

Passing the debt ceiling bill did not give markets the all-clear sign. What are the ongoing concerns for the equity, bond, and global markets—and your portfolio?

June 15, 2023

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