Key Wealth Matters

Key Wealth Institute

Key Wealth Matters, a podcast series hosted by the experts of the Key Wealth Institute, explores the biggest news of today to determine how these headlines can impact wealth plans, financial strategies, markets, and investments. Join our team of advisors for unbiased, proactive advice about individual and family finances, estate and legacy planning, family dynamics, investing, as well as trends for business owners, nonprofits, and institutions. To submit potential topics or questions to our experts, contact us via email at Key_Wealth_Institute@keybank.com. For more information, articles, or other insights related to wealth management, visit key.com/ourinsights. _____________________________________________________ We gather data and information from specialized sources and financial databases, including, but not limited to, Bloomberg Finance LP, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Chicago Board of Exchange Volatility Index, Dow Jones and Dow Jones NewsPlus, FactSet, Federal Reserve and corresponding 12 district banks, Federal Open Market Committee, ICE Bank of America Move Index, Morningstar and Morningstar.com, Standard & Poor's, and Wall Street Journal and wsj.com. Key Wealth, Key Private Bank, Key Family Wealth, KeyBank Institutional Advisors, and Key Private Client are marketing names for KeyBank National Association, or KeyBank, and certain affiliates, such as Key Investment Services LLC, or KIS, and KeyCorp Insurance Agency USA, Inc., or KIA. The Key Wealth Institute is comprised of financial professionals representing KeyBank and certain affiliates, such as KIS and KIA. Any opinions, projections, or recommendations contained herein are subject to change without notice, are those of the individual authors, and may not necessarily represent the views of KeyBank or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. This material presented is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to purchase or sell any security or product or to employ a specific investment or tax planning strategy. KeyBank nor its subsidiaries or affiliates represent, warrant, or guarantee that this material is accurate, complete, or suitable for any purpose or any investor. It should not be used as a basis for investment or tax planning decision. It is not to be relied upon or used in substitution for the exercise of independent judgment. It should not be construed as individual tax, legal, or financial advice. Investment products, brokerage, and investment advisory services are offered through KIS, Member FINRA, SIPC, and SEC-registered investment advisor. Insurance products are offered through KIA. Insurance products offered through KIA are underwritten by and the obligation of insurance companies that are not affiliated with KeyBank. Non-Deposit products are: NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE • NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL OR STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCY ©2026 KeyCorp®. All rights reserved.

  1. 1H AGO

    A Market in Motion: Inflation Softens, IPOs Pop, and AI Stirs the Pot

    This week, we review a busy week of economic data, including updates on retail sales, employment, and inflation, and discuss what these signals mean for the broader economy. We ask how markets are digesting softening inflation, shifting Fed expectations, sector-level dispersion in equities, and ongoing volatility tied to AI-driven disruption. We end the episode with guest Sean Poe, Director of Investment Research at Key Wealth, who provides some guidance on how investors might think about IPOs, private markets and portfolio construction in the current environment. Speakers: Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy, Key Wealth George Mateyo, Chief Investment Officer, Key Wealth Rajeev Sharma, Head of Fixed Income, Key Wealth Steve Hoedt, Head of Equities, Key Wealth Sean Poe, Director of Investment Research, Key Wealth 02:18 – Retail sales, employment report, inflation (CPI), and what they indicate about consumer strength and economic momentum. 05:17 – A macro interpretation and outlook, including recession expectations, labor market trends, housing’s role in inflation, and potential future Fed actions. 08:29 – We look at this week’s bond market reaction, shifts in rate cut expectations, Treasury yields, safe‑haven flows, and credit market sector performance. 13:00 – We break down the equity market dynamics, rising volatility, sector rotation, AI-driven disruptions, and the shift toward “HALO” (hard assets, low obsolescence) stocks. 16:15 – Sean Poe delivers a thorough overview of the state of the IPO market, why the IPO window closed in recent years, early signs of reopening, and the role of AI-driven capital needs. He also touches on implications for investors, including considerations around accessing IPOs, the role of private markets, and the importance of portfolio construction and advisor guidance. Additional Resources Read: Key Questions: Investing Before Lift‑Off – What Should Investors Know About Private Markets and the Next IPO Cycle?  Key Questions Subscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletter Weekly Investment Brief Follow us on LinkedIn

    27 min
  2. FEB 6

    Jobs Cool, Chips Rule and Positioning While the Dollar Drifts

    Markets absorbed a brief U.S. government shutdown, ongoing fourth‑quarter earnings, and fresh readings from the Institute for Supply Management: Services stayed in expansion while Manufacturing showed a tentative uptick. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ payroll report was delayed, other labor signals softened—job openings slipped to 6.5 million, weekly claims rose to 231,000, and the ADP private payrolls tally was only 22,000. Equity leadership shifted as AI pressure hit software stocks while investors favored tangible, cash‑flowing businesses and added non‑U.S. exposure. Credit stayed orderly—investment‑grade spreads widened slightly and high‑yield widened a bit more—while the riskiest tier gained a little over 1% year‑to‑date. Treasury yields eased; the European Central Bank and Bank of England held policy rates steady.   Speakers: Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy George Mateyo, Chief Investment Officer Rajeev Sharma, Head of Fixed Income Stephen Hoedt, Head of Equities   00:01:35 — Week setup: shutdown ends, Q4 earnings, Services up, Manufacturing perks up.  00:03:10 — Jobs picture softens; big payrolls report pushed to next week; thoughts on the U.S. Dollar. 00:08:36 — AI tool sparks global software selloff; chips seen as enablers.  00:15:29 — Credit mostly calm; risk appetite cools a bit this week.  00:21:07 — Super Bowl picks and quick Ohio note to close.   Additional Resources Read: Key Questions: Who Is Kevin Warsh and What Does His Appointment Mean for the Fed's Next Chapter? Read: Comprehensive Key Numbers   Key Questions Weekly Investment Brief Subscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn

    26 min
  3. JAN 30

    Fed Holds Rates Steady; New Fed Chair is Announced

    The Fed stayed put, inflation hasn’t cooled enough, and investors are penciling in the next rate cut at mid‑year. A light data slate backed that view—jobless claims remained low, productivity stayed strong, and producer prices firmed. The FOMC held rates at 3.50%–3.75% with two dissents for a 0.25% cut, keeping the focus on data while markets handicap a shallow easing path. Kevin Warsh’s nomination adds policy‑risk questions and could mean more debate inside the Committee. Equity breadth is improving as mega‑cap results diverge on AI spending, arguing for neutral risk with a quality tilt.   Speakers: Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy Cynthia Honcharenko, Director of Fixed Income Portfolio Management George Mateyo, Chief Investment Officer Rajeev Sharma, Head of Fixed Income Stephen Hoedt, Head of Equities   00:01:35 — Week‑in‑review: jobs steady, productivity strong, prices a bit firmer 00:03:05 — Re-cap of this week’s FOMC Meeting 00:05:19 — New Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh; implications for policy independence and risk  00:09:58 — Market prices a mid‑year cut; curve steepens as front‑end yields slip 00:13:04 — Mega‑cap earnings mixed; AI capex divergence; breadth improving  00:21:08 — Disclosures and methodology; firm and product notices   Additional Resources Read: 2026 Outlook: Managing Wealth in an Age of Massive Disruption and Profound Change Read: Key Questions: Why Have Bond Yields Remained High Even as the Fed Has Cut Rates?   Key Questions Weekly Investment Brief Subscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn

    22 min
  4. JAN 16

    The Fed, the Grid, and the Consumer: What’s Powering 2026 So Far?

    A steady but complicated start to 2026: inflation isn’t flaring, retail spending held up, and the Beige Book nudged higher while jobless claims stayed low. With a January interest rate cut likely off the table, markets are eyeing mid‑year moves, as the Fed navigates political noise and confidence in credit remains high—even as spreads sit near cycle tights. We dig into what that mix means for positioning right now, then tackle the power story—AI‑driven demand, a pricier generation mix, and grid bottlenecks—why electricity costs likely stay elevated and how it can ripple through portfolios.   Speakers: Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy George Mateyo, Chief Investment Officer Rajeev Sharma, Head of Fixed Income Michael Bove, Senior Equity Research Analyst   01:34 – CPI inflation steady, retail sales rebound, Beige Book edges higher, and jobless claims stay historically low.   05:13 – Inflation’s “catch up” effects, a K shaped consumer, and why headline labor reads can look stronger than they feel.   08:14 – No January rate cut; markets lean toward two cuts starting mid-year as political noise clouds the Fed backdrop.   11:21 – Credit spreads at/near tights: confidence vs. complacency and how a single default could ripple through high yield.   14:16 – Electricity prices rise amid AI driven demand, a costlier generation mix, and multiyear interconnection backlogs—no short-term fix.   17:10 – Closing notes, MLK Jr. Day reminder, and where to find ongoing insights and guidance.   Additional Resources Read: Key Questions: What Do Investors and Consumers Need to Know About Rapidly Rising Electricity Prices?    Key Questions Weekly Investment Brief Subscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn

    21 min
  5. JAN 12

    A Crude Awakening: Venezuela, Energy, and Investor Signals

    Happy New Year! In the first episode of 2026, we catch up on what we missed during the holiday break, and dig into the latest market and economic developments in the beginning of the year, including the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts, updated projections for GDP and inflation, and the impact of the government shutdown on economic data releases. The conversation covers labor market trends, productivity gains, and a notable geopolitical event in Venezuela, analyzing its implications for oil markets and global economics. We also explore expectations for future Fed actions, the evolving landscape of mortgage policy, and the importance of diversification in investment portfolios, offering listeners a clear and timely perspective on what to watch for in the year ahead.   Speakers: Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy George Mateyo, Chief Investment Officer Rajeev Sharma, Head of Fixed Income Stephen Hoedt, Head of Equities   01:41 – Recap of the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts, projections for 2026, and analysis of GDP growth, inflation trends, and labor market data following the government shutdown.   06:46 – Insights on the Venezuela situation, its effect on oil markets, and broader geopolitical implications for investors.    12:14 – Inflation trends, consumer behavior, and Fed rate cut expectations for 2026   15:56 – Analysis of government intervention in mortgage markets, treasury yields, and implications for fixed income investors.   17:38 – Our thoughts on portfolio management, diversification strategies, predictions for recession odds, earnings, AI trends, and closing thoughts for investors.   Additional Resources Read: Key Questions: What Will Be the Economic Impact of the Political Events in Venezuela?  Rewatch: Key Wealth National Call: Managing Wealth in an Age of Disruption and Change   Key Questions Weekly Investment Brief Subscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn

    27 min
  6. 12/12/2025

    Fed Fractures & Holiday Futures: The 2025 Market Wrap

    In this week's episode, our experts discuss recent market activity, economic data delays due to the recent government shutdown, and the Federal Reserve’s latest rate cut. The Fed’s decision was marked by rare dissent, reflecting uncertainty about inflation and future policy direction, with only one rate cut projected for 2026. We analyze the implications for credit markets, the US dollar, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in corporate strategy, noting shifts in tech stock performance and the importance of distinguishing winners and losers in the AI space. The conversation also draws parallels to past market bubbles, emphasizing the value of diversification and caution as the year ends. Be sure to review our 2026 Outlook: Managing Wealth in an Age of Massive Disruption and Profound Change to see what key themes we believe will most impact the economy in 2026.     Speakers: Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy Cynthia Honcharenko, Director of Fixed Income Portfolio Management George Mateyo, Chief Investment Officer Rajeev Sharma, Head of Fixed Income Stephen Hoedt, Head of Equities   01:27 - Recent market activity is discussed, including delays in economic data due to a government shutdown, updates on unemployment claims, and the job openings report.   03:26 - Cindy Honcharenko summarizes the Fed’s decision to lower rates for the third time in 2025, the rare split vote among Committee members, and implications for inflation and the labor market.    08:10 - The panel analyzes the Fed’s outlook, credit spreads, risk appetite, and the importance of understanding why the Fed is cutting rates.   13:29 - Discussion in recent trends in the US dollar, commodity prices, and the impact on corporate America.    15:45 - The panel covers the impact of AI on stock performance, recent news from Oracle and Broadcom, and the evolving tech landscape.   Additional Resources Read: 2026 Outlook: Managing Wealth in an Age of Massive Disruption and Profound Change  Rewatch: Key Wealth National Call: Managing Wealth in an Age of Disruption and Change   Key Questions Weekly Investment Brief Subscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletter Follow us on LinkedIn

    26 min
  7. 12/05/2025

    AI‑n’t a Bubble (Yet): Winners, Losers, and the H1:2026 Equity Sprint

    On this week’s episode, a busy week of mixed economic signals—initial jobless claims hit a very low 191,000 while ADP reported a -32,000 decline in private payrolls—and a split economy where ISM Manufacturing remains in contraction as Services continue to expand. With a delayed September PCE inflation (the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge) arriving today, just before next week’s FOMC meeting, markets are leaning toward a 25 bp “risk management” cut as Treasury yields hover in a 4.05–4.15% range and auctions resume. Looking ahead to 2026, the team expects continued momentum without a recession, a need for discernment in AI rather than bubble fears, a potentially more dovish Fed posture amid leadership changes, a strong first half for equities, and a steady emphasis on diversification through debt concerns and midterm-election noise. Speakers:  Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy  George Mateyo, Chief Investment Officer  Rajeev Sharma, Head of Fixed Income  Stephen Hoedt, Head of Equities    01:37 - Labor Market & Economy Split: Initial claims ~191,000 and below 225,000 for three weeks; BLS jobs report delayed to Dec 16; ADP shows -32,000 private payrolls—cooling, ISM Manufacturing remains in contraction (multi-year) while Services continue expanding—highlighting a bifurcated economy.  3:47 - Inflation & Fed setup: September PCE is the last read before the FOMC; markets price ~95% odds of a 25 bp cut, with dot‑plot dissents crucial for the 2026 rate path.  07:16 - Rates & Auctions: 10‑year Treasury trading ~4.05–4.15% with dip‑buying; auctions restart next week ($58 billion 3‑yr, $39 billion 10‑yr, $22 billion 30‑yr).  09:47 - 2026 Outlook Highlights: Momentum without recession; AI requires discernment (ecosystems forming, winners vs. losers); possible dovish tilt at the Fed amid leadership changes; equities set up for a strong first half with potential mid‑year inflation‑related volatility; stay diversified through debt/deficit concerns and midterm‑election uncertainty.    Additional Resources  Rewatch: Key Wealth National Call: Managing Wealth in an Age of Disruption and Change    Key Questions  Weekly Investment Brief  Subscribe to our Key Wealth Insights newsletter  Follow us on LinkedIn

    24 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Key Wealth Matters, a podcast series hosted by the experts of the Key Wealth Institute, explores the biggest news of today to determine how these headlines can impact wealth plans, financial strategies, markets, and investments. Join our team of advisors for unbiased, proactive advice about individual and family finances, estate and legacy planning, family dynamics, investing, as well as trends for business owners, nonprofits, and institutions. To submit potential topics or questions to our experts, contact us via email at Key_Wealth_Institute@keybank.com. For more information, articles, or other insights related to wealth management, visit key.com/ourinsights. _____________________________________________________ We gather data and information from specialized sources and financial databases, including, but not limited to, Bloomberg Finance LP, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Chicago Board of Exchange Volatility Index, Dow Jones and Dow Jones NewsPlus, FactSet, Federal Reserve and corresponding 12 district banks, Federal Open Market Committee, ICE Bank of America Move Index, Morningstar and Morningstar.com, Standard & Poor's, and Wall Street Journal and wsj.com. Key Wealth, Key Private Bank, Key Family Wealth, KeyBank Institutional Advisors, and Key Private Client are marketing names for KeyBank National Association, or KeyBank, and certain affiliates, such as Key Investment Services LLC, or KIS, and KeyCorp Insurance Agency USA, Inc., or KIA. The Key Wealth Institute is comprised of financial professionals representing KeyBank and certain affiliates, such as KIS and KIA. Any opinions, projections, or recommendations contained herein are subject to change without notice, are those of the individual authors, and may not necessarily represent the views of KeyBank or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. This material presented is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to purchase or sell any security or product or to employ a specific investment or tax planning strategy. KeyBank nor its subsidiaries or affiliates represent, warrant, or guarantee that this material is accurate, complete, or suitable for any purpose or any investor. It should not be used as a basis for investment or tax planning decision. It is not to be relied upon or used in substitution for the exercise of independent judgment. It should not be construed as individual tax, legal, or financial advice. Investment products, brokerage, and investment advisory services are offered through KIS, Member FINRA, SIPC, and SEC-registered investment advisor. Insurance products are offered through KIA. Insurance products offered through KIA are underwritten by and the obligation of insurance companies that are not affiliated with KeyBank. Non-Deposit products are: NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE • NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL OR STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCY ©2026 KeyCorp®. All rights reserved.

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