On The Markets

Understanding the stock market and economy probably wasn’t on your bucket list when you were a kid, when you graduated high school or even today 😂.  And yet there it is, day after day, looming in the background and affecting real life events for you and your family, good and bad.  Why’d it go up?  When’s it going down?  Wait, is “the market” actually much bigger than just 500 US stocks?  It’s complicated.  And they make it complicated on purpose!  On The Markets gives context to complexity.  A stock market and economy show in plain English.  Hosted by Fermata Advisors co-founders Daren Blonski CFP® AIF®, Chris Sipes CFP ® AIF®, podcast host Dano Weir and more. The team shares the weekly economic, governmental and technical inputs that may be affecting the performance outputs in your portfolio, tax situation and more.  Powered by the brands of Fermata Advisors, including Sonoma Wealth, Fermata 401k and Fermata Tax, headquartered in Sonoma, California with offices across Northern California in Santa Rosa, San Rafael, Auburn and Chico.

  1. 5h ago

    National Debt Tops $40 Trillion As Treasury Doubles Bond Buybacks - What You Need To Know

    The national debt crossed $40.05 trillion on August 18 as the 30-year Treasury yield climbed above 5.3% to its highest level since 2007. To support market liquidity, the Treasury will at least double its long-end buyback operations from $2 billion to at least $4 billion per operation beginning September 9, covering 10-to-20 and 20-to-30 year securities. To the average investor, those events may be hard to comprehend.  This week we take on the bond market with perspective on On The Markets from Sonoma Wealth Managing Principals Daren Blonski CFP®, Chris Sipes CFP®  and Marketing Director Dano Weir:  • How the war in Iran, Japanese oil and “bond vigilantes” all coalesced into a historic extension of buyback operations this week.  • US National Debt passes $40T. Which President borrowed the most?  Hint: he’s not currently in office.  • US government is facing a spending cliff next year- what will they do when their obligations finally exceed their income?  • Biggest trading loss of all time was recorded this month, more than double the 2nd place on the list!  • Plus despite the Fed’s attempt to control the bond market, Daren’s got the charts to show the market’s calling Bessent’s bluff.    0:00 Intro  8:30 US still leads gold reserves  15:10 The treasury buyback explained  25:00 Treasury announcement didn't last  28:55 US debt by President  38:50 S&P 500 stocks with dividends greater than the 10Y  40:20 Rising 30 years yields vs. stock market rallies  41:17 Situational Awareness is the biggest trading loss ever by 2x  42:00 Private equity ownership of insurance  44:23 Big tech spending is $3T larger than it seems?  45:00 New home prices vs resale  51:00 S&P this week  56:25 Global liquidity tracker  59:00 The market this week  1:16:00 Oil this week  1:18:00 The Dollar this week  1:19:00 10Y this week  1:19:20 NVidia this week      Full video on our YouTube Page     Book Your Wealth Analysis with Sonoma Wealth right here: https://sonomawealthadvisors.com/book-your-wealth-analysis      _____________________________________  Disclosure: Fermata Advisors LLC is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. This content was produced by Fermata Advisors, LLC, d/b/a Sonoma Wealth Advisors, d/b/a Fermata 401k, d/b/a Fermata Tax, d/b/a Fermata Insurance.   The opinions expressed by Fermata Advisors, LLC on this show are their own. Information presented on this program is believed to be factual and up to date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed.  Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice but are limited to the dissemination of general information.  A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented.   Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.   Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

    National Debt Tops $40 Trillion As Treasury Doubles Bond Buybacks - What You Need To Know
  2. Aug 15

    Record Highs On Bad News?

    The market just hit a record high on bad economic news — and that's not a typo. Three Fed officials just voted to raise rates while investors are betting on a September cut, and this week's CPI and PPI reports could decide who's right. We're breaking down what's really driving this rally, and whether it's built to last — let's find out On The Markets. This week Sonoma Wealth Managing Principals Daren Blonski CFP®, Chris Sipes CFP®  and Marketing Director Dano Weir examine:  • Consumer spending came in soft? Consumer confidence is even lower? Rate hikes possibily on the horizon?  We discuss why the “honey badger market” just don’t care.  • Why data centers are being exempted from selling shares in a way that other businesses are not.  • Corporate bank lending hits an all time low.  Why does private credit rule the kingdom?    0:00 Intro  13:30 Producer price index downtick?  14:40 Consumer price index downtrend?  15:30 Housing sales remain low  17:17 Bank lending to corporations hits all time low  18:35 SEC exempts data centers from securitization rules  20:00 Hyperscaler credit default swap spreads widening  26:00 Valuations to returns  27:30 S&P Profit Margins  29:45 S&P Energy companies vs. Tech companies  31:47 Bond allocations declining?  38:30 S&P this week  43:03 Fed hike not coming?  48:00 S&P heat map  50:00 Oil this week  53:00 VIX this week  54:30 Dollar remains strong  59:47 Bitcoin showing weakness      Full video on our YouTube Channel     Book Your Wealth Analysis with Sonoma Wealth right here: https://sonomawealthadvisors.com/book-your-wealth-analysis      _____________________________________  Disclosure: Fermata Advisors LLC is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. This content was produced by Fermata Advisors, LLC, d/b/a Sonoma Wealth Advisors, d/b/a Fermata 401k, d/b/a Fermata Tax, d/b/a Fermata Insurance.   The opinions expressed by Fermata Advisors, LLC on this show are their own. Information presented on this program is believed to be factual and up to date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed.  Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice but are limited to the dissemination of general information.  A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented.   Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.   Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

    Record Highs On Bad News?
  3. Aug 7

    What Yen? Why Watching The Yen Right Now Is Smart.

    Why should Japan's currency have anything to do with your US tech company investment portfolio?  What if...it had everything to do with the entire market?  One carelessly or carefully left note from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sent the Yen Carry Trade straight to the top of the headlines this week, and we're going to break it down, On The Markets.    This week Sonoma Wealth Managing Principals Daren Blonski CFP®, Chris Sipes CFP®  and Marketing Director Dano Weir examine:  • What AI dropoff?  How unexpected earnings and a 59th end to the Iran war sent the market to new all time highs this week.  • The surprising chart that shows home affordability may actually be coming down, if you’re employed.  • Being employed is becoming more difficult as 2026 wears on.  What new jobs numbers means for the market.    0:00 What is the Yen Carry Trade?  26:56 Investor sentiment  31:00 Interest rates  34:00 Inflation  35:59 Wages outpacing home price inflation?  37:05 Work hours per man dropping?  39:23 AI boom outpaces the housing boom  41:00 Yield curve inversion matters  43:46 US economy lost jobs in July  45:00 Keep an eye on gold      Full video availbe here on our YouTube Channel     Book Your Wealth Analysis with Sonoma Wealth right here: https://sonomawealthadvisors.com/book-your-wealth-analysis      _____________________________________  Disclosure: Fermata Advisors LLC is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. This content was produced by Fermata Advisors, LLC, d/b/a Sonoma Wealth Advisors, d/b/a Fermata 401k, d/b/a Fermata Tax, d/b/a Fermata Insurance.   The opinions expressed by Fermata Advisors, LLC on this show are their own. Information presented on this program is believed to be factual and up to date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed.  Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice but are limited to the dissemination of general information.  A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented.   Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.   Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

    What Yen? Why Watching The Yen Right Now Is Smart.
  4. Jul 31

    The Fed Holds. AI Does Not.

    Fireworks in July typically happen on the 4th, but the market waited until the end of the month to let loose a "big finale".  Significant drawdowns in AI-related verticals, stability concerns in Japanese Yen and how it may all have been underpinned by new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh holding the line at this month's Fed Meeting.  Let's get the latest On The Markets.    This week Sonoma Wealth Managing Principals Daren Blonski CFP®, Chris Sipes CFP®  and Marketing Director Dano Weir examine:  • Rates stayed put at the July Fed Meeting.  How much of an effect did that have on this week’s market performance?  • The cautionary tale of leveraged AI investing that came to an end this week.  • AI volatility feels like the S&P would be “down”?  Daren has the key line it actually passed this week that’s not leading the narrative.  • A look at SpaceX’s significant underperformance in light of this week’s drawdowns.  • What credit default swaps tell us about this week’s AI volatility.    0:00 Cautionary tale of the Situational Awareness hedge fund and thoughts on leveraged investing  21:00 America's farmland value vs. Datacenters  25:00 SpaceX IPO underperforming  27:17 Sentiment: bears up, bulls down  28:37 Fed Meeting: rates held  34:10 Treasuries right now  38:02 Core PCE has been above 2% for 63 consecutive months  39:25 Junk credit spread  40:00 Over half of the S&P is priced at 10x sales  41:00 Cost of insuring hyperscalers spiking  42:10 Hyperscaler debt surging  43:31 Bull market cycles  46:00 Bitcoin, the sure thing that wasn't sure  49:30 S&P actually did better than you think  1:02:00 Oil sitting in a sweet spot?  1:05:00 SpaceX struggling, COCA COLA is up?!  1:09:45 The Dollar and the Yen- US stepping in to support Japan?  1:10:40 Interest rates are problematic  1:13:30 Mid cap breaks support  1:14:30 Semiconductor index getting clobbered  1:19:00 Gold continues a rough year  1:20:40 Silver hype train has left the station         Full video episode available here: https://youtube.com/live/rf-8XhEpKw4?feature=share       Book Your Wealth Analysis with Sonoma Wealth right here: https://sonomawealthadvisors.com/book-your-wealth-analysis      _____________________________________  Disclosure: Fermata Advisors LLC is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. This content was produced by Fermata Advisors, LLC, d/b/a Sonoma Wealth Advisors, d/b/a Fermata 401k, d/b/a Fermata Tax, d/b/a Fermata Insurance.   The opinions expressed by Fermata Advisors, LLC on this show are their own. Information presented on this program is believed to be factual and up to date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed.  Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice but are limited to the dissemination of general information.  A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented.   Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.   Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

    The Fed Holds. AI Does Not.
  5. Jul 24

    When Good News Isn't Enough

    Inflation numbers show a significant decline, but the market couldn't have cared less this week.  Spiking oil amid new mid-east turmoil lead the narrative this week, outshining inflation or easing unemployment.  What could that mean for the back half of 2026?  Let's find out, On The Market.    This week Sonoma Wealth Managing Principal Chris Sipes CFP® and Marketing Director Dano Weir examine:  • OpenAI? Anthropic?  Those are the companies to be in 2026?  The chart that shows those hyperscalers hemorrhaging cash and the industry that’s happily on the receiving end.  • How China is side-stepping the Iran oil crisis.  • Think the US is the most expensive housing market in the world?  Would you be surprised to learn it’s not even in the Top 10?  • Not oil, not jet fuel, not rice, not cotton...the chemical symbol that’s up 142% since the start of the Iran war.  What is it?    0:00 Intro  5:14 US has a low home price to income ratio?  6:50 Low income wages have kept pace with inflation?  8:40 Investor sentiment  10:02 China side-stepping the Iran crisis?  11:22 Lowest unemployment claims since 1969?  16:00 US 10-Year Yield  18:04 Semiconductor companies devouring hyperscaler cash flow  21:27 2-year treasury rate  23:08 30-year TIPS yield  26:36 Google's "Other Income" soaring  28:00 Hyperscalers cash flows coming to a halt  29:45 Consumer electronics spiking  32:30 Price increase since start of the Iran War  33:53 S&P this week below the 50 day moving average  35:42 Nasdaq this week also stays below 50 day moving average  37:14 Russell 2000 showing strength  37:50 Developed markets trading sideways for now  38:50 Emerging markets also trading sideways  39:50 Agg Bond index continues its sideways trend  41:55 Long bonds continue downward  43:40 Bitcoin just hanging out  44:34 Commodities surging?        Book Your Wealth Analysis with Sonoma Wealth right here: https://sonomawealthadvisors.com/book-your-wealth-analysis    Full YouTube video of this episode available here: https://youtube.com/live/2L6vwbpZQb0     _____________________________________  Disclosure: Fermata Advisors LLC is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. This content was produced by Fermata Advisors, LLC, d/b/a Sonoma Wealth Advisors, d/b/a Fermata 401k, d/b/a Fermata Tax, d/b/a Fermata Insurance.   The opinions expressed by Fermata Advisors, LLC on this show are their own. Information presented on this program is believed to be factual and up to date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed.  Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice but are limited to the dissemination of general information.  A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented.   Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.   Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

    When Good News Isn't Enough
  6. Jul 17

    Are The Cracks Starting To Show?

    (00:00:00) Intro (00:01:49) The Episode A chip pullback?  A "double bottom" fail? Are they just flipping a coin in the Strait of Hormouz? Is the market starting to show signs of AI fatigue? Or is this all just dog days of summer low trade volume?  Let's find out this week On The Markets.    This week Sonoma Wealth Managing Principal Chris Sipes CFP® and Marketing Director Dano Weir examine:  • Some tariffs are now being refunded due to judicial rulings. What, if any, impact could that have on the market?  • What is the “most crowded” trade in the world and why you’re likely already in it.  • Bitcoin showing signs of life are a difficult 2026?  • Gold continues to fall back to Earth, what near-term prospects could look like.    0:00 Intro and world's largest explosives purchaser  3:10 CPI slightly better  11:20 Tariff refunds  14:30 What is the most crowded trade in the world?  16:53 Investor sentiment  18:00 Bitcoin showing signs of life?  19:25 Consumer sentiment  20:11 Gold sliding  24:25 30 TIPS yield  26:02 Import and export prices spiking  27:40 Housing market index dribbling?  29:30 Oil is noisy  34:30 S&P this week  38:00 Russell 2000 showing strength finally?      Book Your Wealth Analysis with Sonoma Wealth right here: https://sonomawealthadvisors.com/book-your-wealth-analysis        _____________________________________  Disclosure: Fermata Advisors LLC is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. This content was produced by Fermata Advisors, LLC, d/b/a Sonoma Wealth Advisors, d/b/a Fermata 401k, d/b/a Fermata Tax, d/b/a Fermata Insurance.   The opinions expressed by Fermata Advisors, LLC on this show are their own. Information presented on this program is believed to be factual and up to date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed.  Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice but are limited to the dissemination of general information.  A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented.   Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.   Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

    Are The Cracks Starting To Show?
  7. Jul 12

    Markets Change, Human Nature Does Not

    Despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the market's narratives and volume this week definitely had a "summer break" feeling.  Daren and Chris take a deep dive on how human behavior remains a constant in investing, despite the changing names and faces of the players on the board.  Let's find out On The Markets... This week, Managing Principals Daren Blonski CFP® and Chris Sipes CFP® breakdown: • The shocking shift in geographic wealth in America over the decades.  Would you believe in 1949 the most affluent city in the USA was...Detroit? • The important World War II milestone the US debt just crossed today, and how it could be fixed. • The positive signs Daren is still seeing in the S&P despite uncertainty in Iran.  Plus key indicators that give him pause from Bitcoin and Gold. Book Your Wealth Analysis with Sonoma Wealth right here: https://sonomawealthadvisors.com/book-your-wealth-analysis _______________________________________ Disclosure: Fermata Advisors LLC is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. This content was produced by Fermata Advisors, LLC, d/b/a Sonoma Wealth Advisors, d/b/a Fermata 401k, d/b/a Fermata Tax, d/b/a Fermata Insurance. The opinions expressed by Fermata Advisors, LLC on this show are their own. Information presented on this program is believed to be factual and up to date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice but are limited to the dissemination of general information. A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

    Markets Change, Human Nature Does Not
  8. Jun 26

    AI Falling Back To Earth? What Fixed Income May Be Saying About The Cycle

    SpaceX debuted at $150, surged to $232 in four days on a wave of AI excitement, then lost 34% of its value in a single week. It was the most hyped, most AI-adjacent IPO of 2026 — and when it turned, the Nasdaq, the chip stocks, and the rest of the tech trade turned with it. So is this just a speed bump, or is AI finally falling back to earth?    This week Sonoma Wealth Managing Principal Chris Sipes CFP® and Marketing Director Dano Weir examine:  • The highs and lows of the SpaceX IPO, and how hyperscaling AI companies are dealing with surging capital expenditures.  • How Bitcoin is experiencing it’s own volatility right now.  • What is the ‘credit spread cycle’ and how could it be influencing AI growth?  • What tomorrow’s rebalancing of the Russell 2000 could mean and could indicate about the future.  • Why Daren sees oil is telegraphing that the economy might be slowing down?    Book Your Wealth Analysis with Sonoma Wealth right here: https://sonomawealthadvisors.com/book-your-wealth-analysis  0:00 Intro + gold running too hard and fast  4:19 Bitcoin sentiment is low  7:30 Investor sentiment  10:02 Hyperscalers capital expenditures affecting buybacks  13:30 Credit spread cycles  18:40 Where are we in the cycle?  21:40 Gas prices falling?!  24:20 PCE ticking up and market’s reaction  25:03 Interest rate hikes expected  27:20 10-Year Treasury Spread  30:25 Existing vs. New Housing supply  37:30 US Dollar Index  38:50 Gold and oil going down  41:50 Bitcoin loses 8 year old line of support  45:30 Interest rates  47:18 SpaceX played out like a film script for an IPO  50:45 Mag 7 trading down      Full video available on our YouTube Channel     _______________________________________  Disclosure: Fermata Advisors LLC is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. This content was produced by Fermata Advisors, LLC, d/b/a Sonoma Wealth Advisors, d/b/a Fermata 401k, d/b/a Fermata Tax, d/b/a Fermata Insurance.   The opinions expressed by Fermata Advisors, LLC on this show are their own. Information presented on this program is believed to be factual and up to date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed.  Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice but are limited to the dissemination of general information.  A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented.   Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.   Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

    AI Falling Back To Earth?  What Fixed Income May Be Saying About The Cycle

About

Understanding the stock market and economy probably wasn’t on your bucket list when you were a kid, when you graduated high school or even today 😂.  And yet there it is, day after day, looming in the background and affecting real life events for you and your family, good and bad.  Why’d it go up?  When’s it going down?  Wait, is “the market” actually much bigger than just 500 US stocks?  It’s complicated.  And they make it complicated on purpose!  On The Markets gives context to complexity.  A stock market and economy show in plain English.  Hosted by Fermata Advisors co-founders Daren Blonski CFP® AIF®, Chris Sipes CFP ® AIF®, podcast host Dano Weir and more. The team shares the weekly economic, governmental and technical inputs that may be affecting the performance outputs in your portfolio, tax situation and more.  Powered by the brands of Fermata Advisors, including Sonoma Wealth, Fermata 401k and Fermata Tax, headquartered in Sonoma, California with offices across Northern California in Santa Rosa, San Rafael, Auburn and Chico.

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