Markets with Megan: A Quick Financial Markets Update

Megan Horneman
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Empower yourself with knowledge, one fact at a time. Markets with Megan is a bite-sized financial markets podcast hosted by Megan Horneman, the CIO of Verdence Capital Advisors. Megan provides experienced analysis and in-depth insights that go beyond the daily headlines to unravel the economy's intricacies and indicators.

  1. Pre-War Inflation Was Heating Up | S3 E137 | 04-09-26

    2D AGO

    Pre-War Inflation Was Heating Up | S3 E137 | 04-09-26

    Was inflation already becoming a bigger problem before the war with Iran? In today’s Markets with Megan, Megan Horneman breaks down the latest personal income, spending, and core PCE inflation data to show what the economy looked like before the latest geopolitical shock hit energy markets. The takeaway: inflation was already proving sticky, and consumers were already feeling the squeeze. In this episode, Megan covers: Why real personal spending has been muted for months What falling income and a lower savings rate may signal for the consumer Why core PCE remains well above the Fed’s 2% target How higher auto and transportation costs could feed into future inflation data Why March and April data may show even more pressure from tariffs and commodities What this could mean for second-quarter growth and the consumer outlook Even before the full effects of rising oil and broader war-related disruptions show up in the data, the economy was already showing signs of strain. Subscribe for more market updates from Megan Horneman and the Verdence team. 📺 Watch more here: https://marketswithmegan.fm #MarketsWithMegan #Inflation #PCE #CorePCE #ConsumerSpending #PersonalIncome #FederalReserve #Economy #MarketUpdate #StockMarket #OilPrices #Geopolitics #Tariffs #Investing #MarketOutlook https://youtu.be/x9WHXgAUwPI Disclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks  or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance  that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any  discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

    3 min
  2. Ceasefire Rally - Reality Check? | S3 E136 | 04-08-26

    3D AGO

    Ceasefire Rally - Reality Check? | S3 E136 | 04-08-26

    Markets surged on April 8 as investors reacted to news of a temporary two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. Oil prices plunged, yields moved lower, and inflation expectations eased — fueling a powerful relief rally in equities. In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan Horneman explains what’s really driving the move and why caution is still warranted. While the market is celebrating a pause in tensions, the details of the ceasefire remain unclear, the Strait of Hormuz situation is still highly fluid, and broader geopolitical risks have not disappeared. Megan breaks down: Why crude oil’s sharp drop is boosting optimism How lower inflation expectations are helping markets Why hedge fund short covering may be amplifying the rally What ongoing Middle East tensions could mean for stocks, bonds, oil, gold, and the dollar Why this may be a rally to respect — but not necessarily chase Her view: welcome the relief, but stay grounded. Valuations still are not especially attractive, technicals are not compelling, and the risk of continued volatility remains high. Subscribe for more market updates and practical insight on what’s moving the economy and markets. 📺 For more episodes, visit: https://marketswithmegan.fm #StockMarket #MarketRally #Investing #Geopolitics #OilPrices #Inflation #FederalReserve #Volatility #EquityMarkets #MarketOutlook #Ceasefire #WarWithIran https://youtu.be/yxU4Us3PvYw Disclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks  or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance  that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any  discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

    8 min
  3. Strait Of Hormuz Shockwaves | S3 E135 | 04-06-26

    5D AGO

    Strait Of Hormuz Shockwaves | S3 E135 | 04-06-26

    We’re starting to see economic data reflect the impact of the war with Iran. In today’s Markets with Megan, Megan Horneman gives insight into how March data is beginning to show signs of supply chain stress, rising inflation pressure, and growing market uncertainty. She explains why investors are focused not only on oil moving through the Strait of Hormuz, but also on other critical goods like helium, fertilizer inputs, and aluminum. Megan also covers what showed up in the latest ISM Manufacturing and Services reports, why this week’s Fed minutes and CPI report matter, and what it could all mean for markets in the weeks ahead. Topics covered: • How the Strait of Hormuz affects global supply chains • Why inflation pressures may be building again • What ISM data is signaling on prices and delivery times • Why the Fed minutes could move markets • What Megan is watching for in earnings and valuations Markets may have bounced last week, butrisks may still be building beneath the surface. 📺 Subscribe for more market insights and updates from Megan Horneman. For a full history of this podcast go to https://marketswithmegan.fm #MarketsWithMegan #MeganHorneman #MarketOutlook #StockMarket #Investing #Inflation #SupplyChain #StraitOfHormuz #Iran #FederalReserve #CPI #EconomicData #MarketVolatility #EarningsSeason #WealthManagement https://youtu.be/VRprOR8tSAQ Disclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks  or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance  that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any  discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

    5 min
  4. A Brutal Whipsaw Start to 2026 | S3 E134 | 04-01-26

    APR 1

    A Brutal Whipsaw Start to 2026 | S3 E134 | 04-01-26

    The first quarter of 2026 was a difficult one for investors. In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan Horneman recaps a volatile start to the year as markets reacted to war in the Middle East, surging energy prices, private credit fears, rising inflation expectations, and hawkish central bank rhetoric. She also explains why stocks rebounded at the very end of the quarter—and why caution may still be warranted from here. In this episode: - Why global markets struggled in Q1 - What drove the correction in U.S. equities - How energy prices and inflation expectations moved higher - Why credit markets came under pressure - What sparked the late-quarter rebound - Why investors may still want to stay cautious For more episodes, visit: https://marketswithmegan.fm #MarketsWithMegan #MarketUpdate #QuarterlyRecap #Q12026 #Volatility #StockMarket #Investing #Inflation #EnergyMarkets #FederalReserve #MarketCommentary #EconomicOutlook https://youtu.be/x28kXiHe3Ck Disclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks  or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance  that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any  discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

    6 min
  5. Retail and Manufacturing Rebound? | S3 E133 | 04-01-26

    APR 1

    Retail and Manufacturing Rebound? | S3 E133 | 04-01-26

    The latest economic data showed two relative bright spots in the economy: consumer spending and manufacturing. In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan Horneman breaks down stronger-than-expected February retail sales, improving March ISM manufacturing data, and why inflation pressures may still keep the Federal Reserve on hold. Watch for insights on: - Consumer spending trends - Core retail sales - Discretionary spending - Manufacturing momentum - Supply chain concerns - Inflation risk - Fed outlook For more episodes, visit: https://marketswithmegan.fm #MarketsWithMegan #MarketUpdate #EconomicData #RetailSales #Manufacturing #Inflation #Fed #FederalReserve #Investing #MarketCommentary https://youtu.be/w9VEPyG9xJs Disclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks  or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance  that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any  discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

    5 min
  6. Hot to Not: Did the Job Market Shift? | S3 E132 | 03-31-26

    MAR 31

    Hot to Not: Did the Job Market Shift? | S3 E132 | 03-31-26

    Markets are reacting to another shift in labor market data, as signs of weakening demand for workers begin to emerge. In this episode of Markets with Megan, Verdence CIO Megan Horneman breaks down the latest JOLTS (Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey) report, which showed a sharp decline in job openings, the largest drop in 17 months. The data signals a cooling labor market, with 358,000 fewer openings and nearly 700,000 more unemployed Americans than available jobs. Megan walks through what’s changing beneath the surface, including a drop in hiring rates to levels not seen since 2020 and a decline in the quits rate, suggesting workers are becoming less confident in job prospects. Weakness was seen across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality, though some of the softness may be influenced by seasonal factors like winter weather. While this data points to labor market softening — something that could open the door for future Fed rate cuts — markets are also reacting to potential positive developments on the geopolitical front, adding another layer of complexity to investor sentiment. Looking ahead, Megan highlights key upcoming data, including the March payroll report and retail sales, which will help determine whether consumer strength is holding up in the face of rising uncertainty. 📊 Is the labor market starting to crack, and what could it mean for Fed policy and markets? Watch now for Megan’s perspective. 🎧 Subscribe to Markets with Megan for regular insights on economic data, markets, and what it means for investors. 🌐 Full podcast archive: https://marketswithmegan.FM #MarketsWithMegan #JobsReport #JOLTS #LaborMarket #FederalReserve #InterestRates #MarketVolatility #EconomicData #StockMarket #Investing https://youtu.be/vv7Eiv3nUDU Disclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks  or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance  that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any  discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

    3 min
  7. Nasdaq Enters Correction? What’s Next? | S3 E131 | 03-27-26

    MAR 27

    Nasdaq Enters Correction? What’s Next? | S3 E131 | 03-27-26

    Markets closed out the week under pressure as weakening consumer sentiment added another layer of concern to an already volatile environment. In this episode of Markets with Megan, Verdence CIO Megan Horneman breaks down the latest University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Survey, which showed confidence falling to a three-month low. Both current conditions and future expectations declined, with forward-looking sentiment seeing its largest drop in nearly a year. At the same time, inflation expectations jumped sharply, with consumers now anticipating 3.8% inflation over the next year — the biggest monthly increase since last year. Rising energy prices tied to geopolitical tensions are beginning to filter into how consumers view both prices and their own financial outlook. Megan explains why this matters for markets, especially as declining sentiment spreads beyond lower-income households into middle- and higher-income consumers. Combined with ongoing market volatility, this shift could begin to impact spending — a key driver of economic growth. She also highlights how markets are reacting, with continued weakness across equities and the Nasdaq officially entering correction territory, as investors weigh rising inflation, higher rates, and geopolitical uncertainty. 📊 Could weakening consumer sentiment and rising inflation expectations start to slow spending and impact the broader economy? Watch now for Megan’s perspective. 🎧 Subscribe to Markets with Megan for regular insights on economic data, markets, and what it means for investors. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update. 🌐 Full podcast archive:  https://marketswithmegan.fm #MarketsWithMegan #ConsumerSentiment #Inflation #MarketVolatility #StockMarket #Nasdaq #InterestRates #EconomicData #Investing #EconomicOutlook https://youtu.be/YdAH6lyzC0A Disclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks  or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance  that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any  discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

    3 min
  8. 1.3% Inflation Jump, Markets Don’t Care? | S3 E130 | 03-25-26

    MAR 25

    1.3% Inflation Jump, Markets Don’t Care? | S3 E130 | 03-25-26

    Inflation may not be making headlines today, but new data suggests underlying price pressures are quietly building. In today’s episode of Markets with Megan, hear the latest import and export price data and why this often-overlooked inflation report could signal renewed pressure ahead, even before the full impact of the Iran conflict is felt. 📊 Topics Megan Covers: • Import prices surged 1.3% in February, double expectations • Largest monthly increase in import prices since 2022 • Core import prices (excluding energy) rose 1.2% • Capital goods saw the largest monthly increase on record • Consumer goods prices also moved higher • Inflation signals are rising again, even before war-driven energy impacts While markets largely ignored this report, these early inflation signals could become more important in the months ahead as higher energy prices and geopolitical tensions begin to filter through the data. Is this just a temporary spike, or the beginning of a renewed inflation trend? Subscribe for weekly breakdowns. Listen to past episodes: https://marketswithmegan.FM #Inflation #CPI #ImportPrices #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Economy #StockMarket #Investing #Macro #MarketsWithMegan https://youtu.be/NKIj4qF2s8o Disclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks  or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance  that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any  discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

    3 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Empower yourself with knowledge, one fact at a time. Markets with Megan is a bite-sized financial markets podcast hosted by Megan Horneman, the CIO of Verdence Capital Advisors. Megan provides experienced analysis and in-depth insights that go beyond the daily headlines to unravel the economy's intricacies and indicators.

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