How AI Will Disrupt Financial Planning
The podcast hosted by Joe Halpern and AI expert Dr. Alex Wissner‑Gross explores how artificial intelligence will reshape wealth management. Key points include the urgency for advisors to adopt AI, the near‑term possibility of full workflow automation, and the enduring importance of relationship‑based planning. The conversation also highlights longer client lifespans and the benefit of outsourcing investment management to OCIOs like Obsidian CIO. Listeners are encouraged to explore further resources such as the white paper on scaling RIAs.
Discipline Over Panic: Stay Invested, Control Emotions
S&P Futures Just Went Very Green Today For Now Here’s the Only Mindset That Wins - Don’t be overly bearish. - Stay invested. - Control your emotions. Markets love to test you with sudden swings, but the winners are the ones who stay disciplined and...
Trump Announces Two-Week Ceasefire in Iran
President Donald Trump announced a two‑week ceasefire with Iran, contingent on Tehran’s immediate and safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal came just 90 minutes before a looming 8 p.m. deadline for potential U.S. strikes. Trump posted the deal...
The Roadmap For Silver
Silver has entered the early phase of a secular bull market after breaking a multi‑decade cup‑and‑handle pattern in November. The breakout pushed the metal above its historic $50 resistance, which now serves as a solid support floor. Analysts project a...
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Applicable Federal Rate (AFR): Definition and Usage Guide
The IRS publishes a monthly Applicable Federal Rate (AFR) to set a minimum interest benchmark for private loans, categorizing rates by short‑term, mid‑term, and long‑term durations. The AFR is derived from Treasury yields and is used to prevent below‑market loans...
Giant Stock Rally Erupts as Trump Offers Reprieve to Iran
President Donald Trump announced a two‑week deferment of a planned U.S. attack on Iran, hoping to secure a deal over the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement sparked a rapid rally in global equities, with Japan's Nikkei 225 jumping over 3%...
Daily Market Wire 8 April 2026
The Iran‑related cease‑fire brokered by Pakistan caused WTI crude to plunge 19% to about $91 per barrel, triggering a 400‑point rally in Dow futures. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar proved resilient, appreciating nearly 4% year‑to‑date and firming around US$0.691 per AUD...
Chinese Property Turns Negative Equity Black Hole
The Chinese property market showed a modest rebound after a bleak start to 2026, with primary‑market transaction volume rising across 30 cities and secondary‑market activity remaining flat at a 0.2% year‑over‑year increase. Despite these signs of stabilization, negative equity continues...
Berkovitz Recalls CFTC’s Scramble to Build Swaps Regime After Dodd-Frank
Former CFTC commissioner Dan Berkovitz reflected on the agency’s rapid construction of a swaps regime after Dodd‑Frank, emphasizing the philosophical rather than partisan nature of internal debates. Meanwhile, U.S. futures commission merchants face a record $49.1 billion capital requirement by January 2026, up...
Bank of Korea Seen Holding Rates on April 10 as Oil Shock Lifts Inflation Risks
The Bank of Korea is expected to leave its base rate at 2.50% during the April 10 meeting, as a unanimous Reuters poll of 31 economists predicts no change. A sharp oil price jump of more than 50% has heightened...
PBOC Sets USD/ CNY Central Rate at 6.8680 (Vs. Estimate at 6.8369)
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) set the USD/CNY central reference rate at 6.8680 for the current trading session, modestly weaker than the Reuters estimate of 6.8369. The central bank maintains a +/-2% daily trading band around this reference, allowing...
Oil Prices Plunge Following U.S.-Iran Ceasefire
Crude oil prices plunged on Tuesday after President Trump announced a two‑week U.S.-Iran ceasefire, sending Brent futures down about 13% to roughly $95 a barrel and WTI about 14% to $96. The drop marks the steepest one‑day decline since the...
Watchlist Hits AIXI Again, Targeting $2.4‑$2.7
Well, my watchlist last night NAILED $AIXI 's day 2 move today.. And now, I'm trying to go 2-for-2 on it tomorrow. Getting extended here, so I'll be looking for a simple inside bar setup here for the retest of today's supply...
2026 Illinois Farmland Price Expectations: Navigating a Stable Yet Softening Market
Illinois farmland values are entering a stabilization phase after double‑digit gains in the early 2020s. The ISPFMRA survey shows 61% of respondents expect a modest 0‑5% price decline in 2026, while 25% see no change and 14% anticipate a slight...
Why This Is as Good as It Gets for Australian Housing Construction
Australia is lagging far behind its National Housing Accord goal of 1.2 million homes, having completed only 219,000 dwellings in the first 15 months—27 % below target. While approvals total 322,300, they remain 19 % short and historically 5 % of approved homes never...
Spot Brent Lags Futures Yet Set to Drop Quickly
It takes an oil tanker between 2 and 4 days to go from the Persian Gulf to India, which is where the most severe shortfall exists. The spot Brent oil price (white) will be slower to fall than the futures...
$2.4B UBS Breakaways Launches Evertern Wealth to Target UHNW Families with Family Office Model
Veteran UBS advisors Jason Stephens and Mic Lundon launched Evertern Wealth in Naples, Florida, moving roughly $2.4 billion in assets into a new independent multi‑family office. The boutique firm targets ultra‑high‑net‑worth families, founders and senior executives, offering institutional‑grade capabilities with personalized...
Relief From VIX Updates After Busy Stock Call Season
In case people forgot how I get down with stock calls on threads May-Sept......and then we had a lil mini run in January & then I had to tell everybody VIX levels for 2 months Thank God I don't have to say...
Ceasefire Sparks Asian Rally; Vietnam Gains EM Upgrade
Good morning, I woke up to the best news ever - we got a two-week ceasefire that has lit Asian and risks assets that have been languishing on the closure of the Strait. The Korean won is rallying the hardest, followed...
Stock Futures Surge, Oil Prices Slide as Trump Announces Two-Week Cease-Fire with Iran
President Donald Trump announced a two‑week cease‑fire with Iran, halting a planned U.S. bombing and securing an immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement sent U.S. stock futures soaring—S&P 500 up about 2.2% and Nasdaq‑100 up roughly 2.8%—while West...
Prediction Markets Could Overtake Biotech Stocks for Phase‑3 Bets
I think that one day soon that prediction markets are going to replace biotech stocks for how investors play key readouts...especially wrt larger companies. For example, if Novartis has a big phase 3, isn't it more interesting and efficient to...
Better Spreads May Push Returns
10’s back in the bowl and spreads getting a tad better can get you sub 6% on 15 easy, it might even happen tomorrow, mid 5% near closer to 4%! https://t.co/Kt4rjgTehd
Is It Worth Investing in Rigetti Computing (RGTI) Based on Wall Street's Bullish Views?
Rigetti Computing (RGTI) carries an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.58, placing it between Strong Buy and Buy based on 12 analyst ratings, eight of which are Strong Buy. The consensus reflects a pronounced bullish bias typical of sell‑side analysts,...
Chinese Banks' Net Dollar Exposure Surges Dramatically
To be blunt, no one gave this memo to China's banks External dollar assets up, external dollar liabilities down -- net long dollars way up. and we already know from other banking data that the dollar long increased significantly in...
Copper Valued at 4% of Global Debt, Highly Undervalued
Very intriguing chart. The copper market sits at roughly 4% of global debt — still multiples below prior peaks. A simple way to frame just how undervalued the metal is relative to today’s macro imbalances. Now layer in the structural demand tailwinds. Game on. https://t.co/wv1i1hARmY
Microsoft (MSFT) Is Considered a Good Investment by Brokers: Is That True?
Microsoft enjoys a strong buy consensus among Wall Street analysts, with an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.24 based on 50 firms—84 % rating it Strong Buy and 8 % rating it Buy. The article highlights that brokerage ratings often carry a...
Easements Represent a Fractional Property Right, Valued Proportionally
https://t.co/C38z4vpXzp The ownership of land is a bundle of rights. When you donate an easement you are giving away part of the bundle not the whole bundle. So an easement will be worth a percentage of what was paid for the...
Stocks at New Lows Since Discussion, May Drop Further
Also, stocks haven't been lower since this discussion was posted. Looking like that might continue tomorrow. @APompliano
Is PHINIA's Aftermarket Business the Key to Its Stability?
PHINIA’s aftermarket segment is emerging as a stabilizing force amid a slowdown in new‑vehicle production, as aging global fleets boost replacement‑part demand. In 2025 the company added roughly 5,800 new SKUs and secured distribution contracts in Europe, North America and...
Greed Wins: S&P Up 31% After VIX Spike
Update: a year ago, the $VIX ended the week at 45.3, one of its highest weekly closes in history. The S&P 500 has rallied 31% since then, adding to the list of times when it paid to be greedy when...
Bull of the Day: Lam Research (LRCX)
Lam Research (LRCX) dominates etch and deposition equipment, holding a near‑duopoly in two critical semiconductor manufacturing segments. The company is poised to benefit from AI‑driven demand, with earnings projected to rise 26.6% this year and 27% next year, while sales...
South Korea Stocks Lead Gains in Asia as U.S.-Iran Agree to a Ceasefire
South Korean equities led an Asian rally on April 7 after President Donald Trump announced a two‑week suspension of planned attacks on Iranian infrastructure, contingent on the Strait of Hormuz reopening. The Kospi jumped nearly 6% while the Kosdaq rose...
This Week’s Deep-Value Landscape: Acquirer’s Multiple Large-Cap Screen
The Acquirer’s Multiple® Large‑Cap screen highlights a concentration of cash‑rich companies in energy, financials, housing‑related cyclicals and other mature franchises. Despite strong operating income, free cash flow and active capital returns, these firms trade at compressed multiples as the market...
Oil Prices Plunge Below $100 After Iran Agrees to Safe Passage Through Strait of Hormuz During Ceasefire
U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude plunged 15% to $95.63 per barrel after President Donald Trump agreed to suspend attacks on Iran for two weeks in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The cease‑fire, brokered with Pakistan’s prime...
Ex‑US ETFs Surge After Hours Despite 8 Pm Close
Trading ended at 8pm ET, but look at some of these ex-US ETF numbers after-hours... $EWY +8% $EWT +5% $EEM +4.3% $EWJ +6.3% $INDA +4.6% https://t.co/rwvZfBLsrU
Staples Slides to Multi-Month Low Amid Bullish Trend
Staples down nearly 2% today. On a relative basis, fell to new multi-month lows versus the S&P 500. This is consistent with bullish overall behavior. https://t.co/Omn14mWZSK
Hermès Opens Five‑Story Flagship in Beijing’s Sanlitun, Fulfilling Family Promise
Hermès has opened its first standalone flagship in Beijing’s Sanlitun district, a five‑story, locally‑crafted store that fulfills a promise made by the late Jean‑Louis Dumas. The launch underscores the brand’s commitment to China’s luxury market and its strategy of marrying...
S&P 500 Rebounds 31% After Historic April Plunge
Update: the S&P 500 has gained 31% since last April when it experienced one of the biggest 2-day declines ever (-10.5%). $SPX https://t.co/KcyPMWIw8p
DroneShield CEO and Chair Exit After Massive Share Dump
After dumping all their shares, the MD and Chair of DroneShield $DRO bail 👀 (Not held) https://t.co/5O468UhyAO
Letter: Countries that Abandoned Kabul May Soon Regret It
The Financial Times letter cautions that nations which abandoned Kabul after the Taliban’s 2021 takeover may soon regret their decision. It argues that the swift evacuation left a governance vacuum, weakening regional stability and compromising counter‑terrorism cooperation. The author warns...
Potential Social Security Overhaul Threatens Retirement Plans, Advisors Urge Action
Wealth managers say a new Congressional Budget Office projection that the Social Security Old-Age and Survivors Insurance trust fund could run out in 2032 may force benefit reductions. The warning is prompting advisors to push clients toward higher IRA and...
Rare DXY Gap Appears in 23‑Hour Futures Market
Very rare event in the 23-hr futures market where you rarely ever see gaps. Look at the #DXY tonight #forex $UUP $FXE #DXY https://t.co/vOGAm4AaUO
Bond Rally Fades as Iran Says Ceasefire Violated
U.S. Treasury yields erased an early rally after an Iranian official declared the newly announced two‑week ceasefire with the United States was violated. The ceasefire, which had initially driven oil prices lower and softened inflation concerns, sparked a brief surge...
VanEck's Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF Gains 125% as Critical Mineral Demand Surges
VanEck's Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) has risen more than 125% over the past year, with a 0.42% gain on the latest trading day. The fund’s 0.58% expense ratio and 34‑stock portfolio, many of which are foreign, underscore...
Druckenmiller Dumps SanDisk, Boosts Alphabet Bet Amid AI Surge
Stanley Druckenmiller sold his entire SanDisk position and more than tripled his stake in Alphabet during the fourth quarter. The move underscores a broader reallocation toward AI‑centric assets among top hedge fund managers.
Vanguard Launches Low‑cost U.S. Multifactor ETF that Mimics Hedge‑fund Tactics
Vanguard introduced the U.S. Multifactor ETF (VFMF), a actively managed fund that applies a quantitative, multi‑factor model to deliver hedge‑fund‑style returns while charging a 0.03% fee. With $535 million in assets, the product expands Vanguard’s active‑management lineup and gives retail investors...
U.S. Stocks Edge Higher as Traders Digest Trump’s Iran Deadline and Oil Volatility
U.S. equity indexes rose modestly on Monday as investors processed President Donald Trump's ultimatum to Iran and mixed signals from the oil market. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average each posted small gains, while futures pointed to a...
Tokyo and Seoul Stocks Climb as Oil Rises Amid Middle East Conflict
Japan's Nikkei and South Korea's Kospi closed higher on Monday even as Brent crude rose to $109.77 a barrel amid the escalating Middle East war. Analysts say the rally reflects a regional appetite for risk despite soaring energy costs and...
Walmart to Close Two Montreal Stores While Pledging $150 M Quebec Investment
Walmart Canada announced it will close its Côte‑des‑Neiges and Pointe‑aux‑Trembles supermarkets in Montreal in June 2026, part of a broader review of its Quebec footprint. The retailer simultaneously reaffirmed a $150 million provincial investment, including a new store in Sherbrooke and...
Barclays Boosts Hong Kong Presence to Tap Thriving IPO Market, Global CEO Says
Barclays is expanding its Hong Kong investment‑banking franchise after reporting a 32% year‑on‑year turnover increase to £487 million and a 253% jump in pre‑tax profit to £152 million. The bank, which has operated in the city for 54 years, plans to invest further in...