On episode 456 of Animal Spirits, Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson discuss: why oil prices aren't higher, complacency in the markets, energy stocks, oil as the new meme stock, geopolitical events vs. the stock market, why AI isn't a bubble, bitcoin isn't dead yet, housing affordability is improving, private credit redemptions, the case for PE stocks, who orders DoorDash, there is no retirement crisis and more. This episode is sponsored by Franklin Templeton and ClearBridge Investments. Learn more at https://www.franklintempleton.com/activeETFs A healthy economic backdrop should continue to support broadening equity leadership going forward. Learn more at https://www.clearbridge.com/ Sign up for The Compound newsletter and never miss out: thecompoundnews.com/subscribe Find complete show notes on our blogs: Ben Carlson’s A Wealth of Common Sense Michael Batnick’s The Irrelevant Investor Feel free to shoot us an email at animalspirits@thecompoundnews.com with any feedback, questions, recommendations, or ideas for future topics of conversation. Franklin Templeton Disclosure: Before investing, carefully consider a fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. You can find this and other information in each prospectus, or summary prospectus, if available, at https://www.franklintempleton.com/. Please read it carefully. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. © 2026 Franklin Distributors, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investing involves the risk of loss. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be or regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions. Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management and may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this video. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. The Compound Media, Incorporated, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, receives payment from various entities for advertisements in affiliated podcasts, blogs and emails. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. For additional advertisement disclaimers see here https://ritholtzwealth.com/advertising-disclaimers. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information. Obviously nothing on this channel should be considered as personalized financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. See our disclosures here: https://ritholtzwealth.com/podcast-youtube-disclosures/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
