Markets with Megan: A Quick Financial Markets Update

Megan Horneman

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. Fed Day Fallout | S3 E 143 | 04-29-26

    6D AGO

    Fed Day Fallout | S3 E 143 | 04-29-26

    The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, but the tone of today’s meeting was more hawkish than markets expected. In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan breaks down the latest Fed decision, the notable dissent within the committee, and why small wording changes in the Fed statement can have a big impact on markets. She also discusses rising energy prices, inflation concerns, higher bond yields, and why the path for rate cuts looks increasingly uncertain. In this episode,: • Why the Fed left rates unchanged • The significance of multiple Fed dissenters • What changed in the Fed’s inflation language • Why rising energy prices matter for monetary policy • How Fed funds futures shifted after the meeting • The market reaction across equities, bonds, gold, and the dollar • Why Verdence remains cautious heading into more inflation data and earnings Stay tuned for more market updates from Megan Horneman, Chief Investment Officer at Verdence Capital Advisors. For more episodes and the full podcast history, visit: MarketsWithMegan.FM #MarketsWithMegan #FederalReserve #FedDay #InterestRates #Inflation #JeromePowell #BondYields #MarketVolatility #EconomicData #Investing #MarketUpdate #WealthManagement #VerdenceCapitalAdvisors 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
  2. Is Market Mood Just Middle East Relief? | S3 E 142 | 04-28-26

    APR 28

    Is Market Mood Just Middle East Relief? | S3 E 142 | 04-28-26

    The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index for April came in better than expected, and it tells a notably different story from last week's near-record-low University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment reading. Megan breaks down what the numbers actually show and why the gap between these two indexes matters for investors watching consumer health. The most striking detail: optimism around job availability jumped to its highest point of the year, and that confidence filtered into forward-looking indicators on home buying, auto purchases, and income expectations. She also examines whether the Middle East ceasefire and a pullback in oil prices played a role in the April mood shift. In this episode, Megan covers: - Why the Conference Board reading diverged from last week's University of Michigan sentiment index - The jump in "jobs plentiful" vs. "jobs hard to get" spread, now at its highest of the year - Business conditions expectations reaching their best level since October 2025 - Intent to buy a new automobile rising sharply in April - Home buying intentions climbing to the highest level seen this year - Income expectations hitting their best reading since last October, and what that signals for Q2 spending If you're watching your portfolio and want to understand what consumer data actually signals right now, this is a focused five-minute breakdown worth your time.  Subscribe so you never miss!. For a history of all Markets with Megan episodes, visit: https://marketswithmegan.FM #MarketsWithMegan #ConsumerConfidence #ConferenceBoard #ConsumerSentiment #LaborMarket #EconomicData #InvestingNews #PersonalFinance #StockMarket #EconomicIndicators https://youtu.be/lLOgXFvk-q4 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
  3. Downgrade Parade: Conflict Is Hitting the Forecasts | S3 E141 | 04-27-26

    APR 27

    Downgrade Parade: Conflict Is Hitting the Forecasts | S3 E141 | 04-27-26

    The global economic outlook is starting to shift as the ongoing Middle East conflict and continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz raise concerns about slower growth and higher inflation. In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan Horneman takes a look at the latest economic downgrades from major global agencies, including the IMF, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and Germany’s economic ministry. She explains why elevated energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and rising inflation pressures could create challenges for central banks and add volatility to markets. In this episode, Megan discusses: • Why the IMF downgraded global growth and raised its inflation forecast • How energy prices and supply chain disruptions are affecting the outlook • Why Asia-Pacific economies may be especially exposed • What Germany’s downgraded growth expectations signal • Why inflation pressures may show up with a lag • Why equity markets may be underpricing the risk of prolonged volatility Equities remain near record highs, but earnings expectations have not fully adjusted for the potential economic impact of a prolonged conflict. Megan explains why investors should stay cautious and be prepared for more market volatility ahead. For more Markets with Megan episodes, visit: https://marketswithmegan.fm #MarketsWithMegan #MarketVolatility #EconomicOutlook #Inflation #GlobalEconomy #StraitOfHormuz #OilPrices #EnergyMarkets #MiddleEastConflict #FederalReserve #InterestRates #EquityMarkets #InvestmentOutlook #IMF #Markets https://youtu.be/H9HmwLX9y24 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...

    4 min
  4. U.S. Shoppers Ignore the Noise | S3 E140 | 04-22-26

    APR 22

    U.S. Shoppers Ignore the Noise | S3 E140 | 04-22-26

    The U.S. consumer continues to show surprising strength.  In today’s Markets with Megan, Megan Horneman breaks down the March retail sales report and explains why consumer spending came in much stronger than expected. Headline retail sales rose 1.7% in March, marking the biggest monthly increase in a year, while core measures also pointed to broad-based strength. Megan walks through what was driving the spending, from gasoline and autos to more discretionary categories like furniture, electronics, dining out, and online shopping. She also explains why this report matters, what tax refunds may have contributed, and why weak consumer sentiment still is not showing up in actual spending behavior. Key topics covered: March retail sales data Core retail sales strength Consumer resilience despite high gas prices Discretionary spending trends Tax refunds and spending activity Consumer sentiment vs. actual behavior If you enjoy Markets with Megan, be sure to subscribe, turn on notifications, and share with anyone following the economy and markets. 📺 For a full history of this podcast, visit: https://marketswithmegan.fm #MarketsWithMegan #RetailSales #ConsumerSpending #Economy #USEconomy #EconomicData #MarketCommentary #Investing #RetailData #ConsumerStrength #Inflation #TaxRefunds #MarketInsights https://youtu.be/uhzk-RZyoFk 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
  5. Supply Chain Shock In Manufacturing | S2 E139 | 04-16-2026

    APR 16

    Supply Chain Shock In Manufacturing | S2 E139 | 04-16-2026

    A geopolitical shock doesn’t stay on the map, it shows up in the data. Today we walk through fresh manufacturing and business activity numbers that hint the war with Iran is starting to ripple into the US economy, especially through supply chain disruptions and rising input costs. If you track markets, inflation, or economic growth, these small releases can be the early signal before bigger indicators catch up.  We start with industrial production, which comes in weaker than expected with a 5.5% monthly decline. The detail matters: autos take the biggest hit, a classic sign of parts delays and shipping friction. At the same time, we see strength in computers and electronics and in defense, a reminder that AI spending and strategic demand can stay resilient even when other sectors slow. Utilities move higher too, adding another layer to how uneven this moment is across the economy.  Then we dig into the New York Fed Business Activity Index, formerly the Empire State Manufacturing Index. The business climate drops sharply, supply availability falls hard, and the prices paid component jumps to the highest level since 2022, with elevated expectations looking six months out. That combination raises a key question: how much of this supply chain stress turns into sustained inflation pressure, and what does that mean for consumers and future growth? If you found this helpful, subscribe, share the show, and leave a review, what signal are you watching most closely right now? https://youtu.be/WwolsdWQTQc 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
  6. Housing Feels the Middle East Fallout | S3 E 138 | 04-15-26

    APR 15

    Housing Feels the Middle East Fallout | S3 E 138 | 04-15-26

    The housing market is starting to show signs of stress again. In today’s Markets with Megan, Verdenec CIO Megan Horneman dissects the latest housing data and explains how rising mortgage rates, higher material costs, and Middle East conflict concerns are beginning to weigh on both builders and buyers. Get insights on: • The sharp drop in home builder confidence in April • Why mortgage rates have climbed to a seven-month high • How supply chain concerns are pushing up building material costs • Why existing home sales fell to a nine-month low • What rising Treasury yields and inflation pressures mean for housing going forward Housing has already been one of the most rate-sensitive parts of the economy, and this latest data suggests it may remain under pressure as inflation and geopolitical risks continue to build. Subscribe for more. And for a full history of this podcast, visit: https://marketswithmegan.fm #MarketsWithMegan #HousingMarket #MortgageRates #Inflation #HomeBuilderConfidence #ExistingHomeSales #TreasuryYields #RealEstateMarket #EconomicOutlook #MarketUpdate #MiddleEastConflict #InterestRates https://youtu.be/3AO-23cyjfU 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. Pre-War Inflation Was Heating Up | S3 E137 | 04-09-26

    APR 9

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

    APR 8

    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

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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