

Trader Talk
Yahoo Finance
Kenny Polcari brings you market insights from his 35+ years on Wall Street. Kenny breaks down complex financial trends into clear, practical advice for everyday investors. Trader Talk’s mission is to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to navigate the markets confidently, cut through the clutter, and make informed decisions that grow your wealth. New episodes of Trader Talk release Wednesday 5pET.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 23, 2025 • 23min
Firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell could spark market chaos
Trump’s threats to fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell are more than political noise and could send shockwaves through global markets. On this episode of Trader Talk, Kenny Polcari speaks with Dan Payne, chief investment officer at SlateStone Wealth, about what this kind of policy disruption means for investors. Payne stock his four Ps of investing—philosophy, process, people, and performance—and emphasizes the importance of discipline and emotional control. With rising volatility and political uncertainty ahead, this episode shows how savvy investors can stay grounded and seize opportunity while others overreact.
Trader Talk with Kenny Polcari on Yahoo Finance delivers expert analysis and actionable insights. Drawing on decades of trading floor experience, we empower you to navigate market volatility and keep your portfolio from getting burned.
Watch more episodes of Trader Talk at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/trader-talk/.
Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Please email us at tradertalk@yahooinc.com.
Yahoo Finance’s Trader Talk is hosted by Kenny Polcari and produced by Langston Sessoms.

Jul 16, 2025 • 24min
Why Nvidia, Microsoft and Google still dominate the AI trade
Everyone wants in on AI, but few understand what is really driving the trade. In this episode of Trader Talk, Kenny Polcari sits down with William Lee, investor at SuRo Capital, to unpack the infrastructure powering the AI boom. From Nvidia's (NVDA) dominance to Microsoft's (MSFT) and Google's (GOOG, GOOGL) strategic positioning, Lee explains why these giants are still central to the AI story. The conversation also highlights emerging players like CoreWeave (CRWV) and Vast Data and why capital efficiency, not hype, will separate the winners from the noise. For investors chasing the next wave of innovation, this episode breaks down where the real opportunity lies.
Trader Talk with Kenny Polcari on Yahoo Finance delivers expert analysis and actionable insights. Drawing on decades of trading floor experience, we empower you to navigate market volatility and keep your portfolio from getting burned.
Watch more episodes of Trader Talk at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/trader-talk/
Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at tradertalk@yahooinc.com.
Yahoo Finance’s Trader Talk is hosted by Kenny Polcari and produced by Langston Sessoms.

Jul 9, 2025 • 24min
Portfolio picks: Why you can't ignore defense stocks
Amid global geopolitical tensions, defense stocks are quietly booming. In this episode of Trader Talk, Kenny Polcari sits down with Dan Kunze, co-founder of Galei Asset Management and Marine veteran, to explain why defense and aerospace companies are seeing long-term growth. From giants like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman to data firms like Palantir, Kunze unpacks how global instability and innovation in AI and space tech are fueling the sector. If you're ignoring defense in your portfolio strategy, you might be missing one of the market’s most reliable performers.
Watch more episodes of Trader Talk here.
Trader Talk with Kenny Polcari on Yahoo Finance delivers expert analysis and actionable insights, empowering you to navigate market volatility and secure your financial future.

Jul 2, 2025 • 26min
Why smart investors never trade on fear
Amid rising tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainty, how should long-term investors navigate today’s volatile market? Invesco’s Chief Market Strategist Brian Levitt joins Kenny Polcari on Trader Talk to break it all down. From the evolving US-China trade dynamic to the Fed’s interest rate stance, Levitt explains why clarity, not calm, is what markets crave. They dig into inflation, potential rate cuts, housing pressure, and the behavioral traps that lead investors to sell at the worst times. The big message is to stay focused, stay invested, and avoid letting headlines dictate your portfolio.
Watch more episodes of Trader Talk here.
Trader Talk with Kenny Polcari on Yahoo Finance delivers expert analysis and actionable insights, empowering you to navigate market volatility and secure your financial future.
Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Please email us at tradertalk@yahooinc.com.
Yahoo Finance’s Trader Talk is hosted by Kenny Polcari and produced by Langston Sessoms

Jun 25, 2025 • 24min
Smart investors protect themselves before the chaos hits
Markets may look calm, but the real risks hide under the surface. In this episode of Trader Talk, Kenny Polcari sits down with Amy Wu Silverman, managing director and head of derivatives strategy at RBC Capital Markets, to explain why low short-term volatility may lull investors into a false sense of security. Silverman explains how longer-term volatility is quietly rising as traders hedge against growing risks like tariffs, recession fears, and geopolitical uncertainty. They also explore how social media, algorithms, and fake headlines can ignite sudden market swings, leaving unprepared investors vulnerable.
Trader Talk with Kenny Polcari on Yahoo Finance delivers expert analysis and actionable insights. Drawing on decades of trading floor experience, we empower you to navigate market volatility and keep your portfolio from getting burned.
Watch more episodes of Trader Talk at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/trader-talk/.
Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Please email us at tradertalk@yahooinc.com.
Yahoo Finance’s Trader Talk is hosted by Kenny Polcari and produced by Langston Sessoms.

Jun 18, 2025 • 26min
Why waiting to invest could cost you more than you think
Think you're too late to start investing? Think again. In this episode of Trader Talk, Kenny Polcari sits down with Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers, to discuss strategies for investors who are getting a late start. Sosnick emphasizes the importance of risk management, advocating for a disciplined approach focused on capital preservation and high-quality dividend stocks rather than speculative, high-risk trades. They also explore the responsible use of options to enhance income, how AI and algorithmic trading are reshaping the markets, and why understanding your personal risk tolerance is crucial for successful investing.
Trader Talk with Kenny Polcari on Yahoo Finance delivers expert analysis and actionable insights. Drawing on decades of trading floor experience, we empower you to navigate market volatility and keep your portfolio from getting burned.
Watch more episodes of Trader Talk at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/trader-talk/
Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at tradertalk@yahooinc.com.
Yahoo Finance’s Trader Talk is hosted by Kenny Polcari and produced by Langston Sessoms.

Jun 11, 2025 • 25min
Why defensive stocks could be your best bet in a wild market
Think defensive stocks are boring? Dryden Pence, Chief Investment Officer at Pence Capital Management, says you're missing the point. On this episode of Trader Talk, host Kenny Polcari sits down with Pence, a military intelligence veteran turned investment expert, to uncover why defensive sectors like consumer staples, utilities, and healthcare can be your strongest allies in volatile markets. Pence explains how understanding investor psychology, economic fundamentals, and consumer necessities can help investors stay steady amid chaos. If market volatility makes you anxious, this episode might just be the reality check you need.
Trader Talk with Kenny Polcari on Yahoo Finance delivers expert analysis and actionable insights. Drawing on decades of trading floor experience, we empower you to navigate market volatility and keep your portfolio from getting burned.
Watch more episodes of Trader Talk at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/trader-talk/
Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at tradertalk@yahooinc.com.
Yahoo Finance’s Trader Talk is hosted by Kenny Polcari and produced by Langston Sessoms.

Jun 4, 2025 • 24min
Bad trades are part of the business
On this week’s Trader Talk, host Kenny Polcari sits down with Atish Davda, CEO and cofounder of EquityZen, to discuss how average investors can gain access to pre-IPO shares in private tech companies. Davda explains how EquityZen connects shareholders, often early employees at high-growth startups, with accredited investors looking to buy in before an IPO. With private markets becoming increasingly important to diversified portfolios, Davda breaks down how the platform works, what makes a company investable, and how these trades differ from traditional public stock transactions. If you have ever wanted to own a slice of the next big tech company before Wall Street gets in, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how that is possible.
Trader Talk with Kenny Polcari on Yahoo Finance delivers expert analysis and actionable insights. Drawing on decades of trading floor experience, we empower you to navigate market volatility and keep your portfolio from getting burned.
Watch more episodes of Trader Talk at https://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/trader-talk/
Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at tradertalk@yahooinc.com.
Yahoo Finance’s Trader Talk is hosted by Kenny Polcari and produced by Langston Sessoms.

May 28, 2025 • 25min
Trust the process, not the pitch
In this engaging discussion, Chris Versace, Chief Investment Officer at Tematica Research, dives into the world of thematic investing. He highlights how to leverage structural changes like AI and sustainability for strategic gains. The conversation flows into the recent tech rebound, rising trade tensions, and the importance of adaptability. Chris emphasizes investing in emerging technologies, particularly OLED advancements and nuclear energy. He wraps up by stressing the need for clear strategies in navigating today’s unpredictable markets.

May 21, 2025 • 25min
It’s not about picking stocks it’s about building habits
Brandon Krieg, co-founder and co-CEO of Stash, shares insights on making investing accessible to everyone. He emphasizes the role of fintech in transforming financial habits through tools like fractional shares and automated savings. Krieg discusses how financial education can alleviate fear and encourage smarter investment decisions. Additionally, he highlights the importance of cultivating long-term investing habits among younger investors, advocating for emotional detachment and early participation in the market.


