Barron's Streetwise

John Hill, Head of U.S. inflation market strategy at Barclays, dives into the intricacies of mortgage rates and the Fed's influence. He discusses how lower Treasury yields are essential for reducing mortgage rates and examines the political pressures facing the Fed, including the impact of the White House's actions. Hill offers creative solutions like regulatory tweaks and Treasury buybacks to push down yields. While predicting mortgage rates remains challenging, he anticipates inventive policy moves ahead, making for an engaging conversation.

In this engaging discussion, Jill Carey-Hall, a small- and mid-cap strategist at BofA Securities, shares her insights on the projected 20% earnings growth for small caps by 2026. She explains why small caps have lagged and discusses the implications of interest rate cuts favoring these companies. The conversation dives into a fascinating theory linking immigration policy to Corona beer sales and the fluctuating demand in the Hispanic market. Listeners also learn about BofA's top stock picks for the coming years.

Jared Woodard, Head of the Research Investment Committee at BofA Securities, dives into the importance of free cash flow as a stock-picking metric. He explains how focusing on cash can lead to better investment decisions. The conversation then shifts to metals, with Jack Hough discussing trends in gold, silver, and copper, as well as factors driving their rising prices. Jared also highlights opportunities in international small-cap value and the significance of diversified credit strategies.

Dive into listener questions ranging from understanding pensions as fixed income to the nuances of value versus growth investing. Discover the mechanics of covered calls and the potential risks of selling naked puts. Engaging discussions on avoiding sin stocks highlight the impact of personal values on investment choices. Plus, Jack offers insights on leverage and the pitfalls of trading with borrowed money. Tune in for a unique blend of financial strategies and personal finance tips!

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Bary, a Barron's columnist renowned for his stock expertise, shares his top stock picks for 2026 following a successful 2025. He dives into Amazon’s promising valuation amidst AI concerns, identifies Bristol-Myers as a value play with a strong dividend, and discusses Comcast's potential spinoff. Bary also highlights ExxonMobil’s solid fundamentals, Fairfax as a mini-Berkshire opportunity, and the growth prospects of Flutter’s FanDuel. Expect insights on undervalued gems like Disney and MSG Sports too!

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Oban, an energy and power markets analyst at B of A Securities, dives deep into GE's Vernova and its role in the future of energy. He highlights how Vernova's focus on gas turbines and electrification sets it apart. Andrew reveals the impressive growth trajectory of the business and the factors driving rising electricity demand. The conversation also touches on GE's spin-offs and their unexpected market performance, providing listeners with unique insights into the industrial sector's evolution.

Mike Reed, Senior U.S. economist at Royal Bank of Canada, delves into the K-shaped economy, illustrating how AI and tech giants like NVIDIA reshape wealth distribution. He discusses rising credit and auto delinquencies impacting middle-income households, exacerbated by significant spending from the top 10%. With a focus on healthcare and services as resilient sectors, Reed warns that shifts in baby boomer retirement could further strain labor markets. Investors are encouraged to consider the segmented consumer landscape for strategic decisions.

Discover how Amazon's shopping bot, Rufus, is revolutionizing holiday gift shopping. Learn about Amazon's advantages in pricing, delivery, and rural reach that position it for success this season. Explore the impressive growth of AWS driven by AI demand and how it enhances Amazon's shopping experience. Meanwhile, delve into Target's struggles with inventory issues and a fading brand image, as experts discuss whether the retailer can regain its former glory amid increasing competitive pressures.

TJ Thornton, Head of Research Marketing at BofA Securities, discusses the firm’s latest insights on non-AI stocks. He shares 16 favorite stock picks, highlighting names like Eversource and Freeport, and explains why focusing on these stocks is crucial as AI hype cools. The conversation shifts to Nvidia’s minimalist dividend, signaling broader market shifts, while discussing historical perspectives on dividends and their importance in a balanced portfolio. With insights on market trends, Thornton emphasizes opportunities in overlooked sectors.

Steve Quirk, Chief Brokerage Officer at Robinhood, dives into the world of prediction markets and tokenization. He shares insights on how Robinhood surged to a retail powerhouse and discusses the rapid growth of their product offerings. Quirk breaks down who engages with prediction markets, revealing their role in various sectors like politics and sports. He also touches on the future of tokenization and Robinhood's ambitious plans for wealth management, promising exciting pathways for retail investors.