

Facts vs Feelings with Ryan Detrick & Sonu Varghese
Carson Investment Research
This podcast takes a deep dive into the market-moving events to cut through the noise and help you identify what really matters. Facts vs Feelings is hosted by Chief Market Strategist, Ryan Detrick and VP, Global Macro Strategist, Sonu Varghese, and is a product of the Carson Investment Research Team.The information included herein is for informational purposes and is intended for use by advisors only, and should not be copied, reproduced, or re-distributed without the consent of CWM, LLC. Carson Partners offers investment advisory services through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Carson Coaching and CWM, LLC are separate but affiliated companies and wholly-owned subsidiaries of Carson Group Holdings, LLC. Carson Coaching does not provide advisory services.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2025 • 41min
Live From Excell With Dr. David Kelly (Episode 153)
In the latest episode of Facts vs Feelings, recorded live at Excell 2025 in Phoenix, hosts Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist, are joined by Dr. David Kelly, Chief Global Strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. From jobs data revisions and labor supply challenges to the Fed’s upcoming rate decisions, productivity, AI, and the outlook for portfolios, this episode is packed with insights advisors and investors can use right now.Key TakeawaysJobs revisions: Recent downward adjustments highlight slowing payroll growth.Labor market: Supply shortages are keeping unemployment low despite weak hiring.Productivity: AI may boost output, but inequality risks remain.Fed policy: There’s a debate on whether cuts would stimulate the economy or actually drag it down.Tax refunds: 2025 policy changes could deliver a stimulus-like boost.Global opportunities: International equities could benefit from a weaker dollar.Connect with Ryan:• LinkedIn: Ryan Detrick• X: @ryandetrickConnect with Sonu:• LinkedIn: Sonu Varghese• X: @sonusvargheseConnect with Dr. David Kelly:• Website: Dr. David Kelly• LinkedIn: Dr. David KellyQuestions about the show? We’d love to hear from you! factsvsfeelings@carsongroup.comDisclosure: Dr. David Kelly is not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Opinions expressed by our guests may not be representative of CWM, LLC.#FactsVsFeelings #CarsonGroup #DavidKelly #MarketOutlook #FedPolicy #InvestingPodcast #ExcelConference #Economy2025

Sep 10, 2025 • 45min
Live From Excell With Strider Elass and Sam Rines (Episode 152)
In the latest episode of Facts vs Feelings, recorded live at Excell 2025 in Phoenix, hosts Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist, are joined by Strider Elass of First Trust and Samuel Rines of WisdomTree for a timely discussion on the labor market, inflation trends, tariffs, and what investors should watch heading into late 2025. The conversation covers job growth concentration in a few sectors, revisions in employment data, underlying inflation measures, and how tariffs may reshape growth, manufacturing, and markets.Key TakeawaysAfter the latest jobs report, unemployment sits at 4.3%, with weakness concentrated outside health, education, and government.Real-time shelter metrics suggest underlying inflation is lower than official reports.Effective tariff rates could rise further, pressuring companies and growth.Growth could see a potential reacceleration in late 2025, but risk remains of structural slowdown.Health care services have been driving job creation, while manufacturing faces losses.Connect with Ryan:• LinkedIn: Ryan Detrick• X: @ryandetrickConnect with Sonu:• LinkedIn: Sonu Varghese• X: @sonusvargheseConnect with Strider Elass:• LinkedIn: Strider Elass• X: @StriderElassConnect with Samuel Rines:• LinkedIn: Samuel Rines• X: @SamuelRinesQuestions about the show? We’d love to hear from you! factsvsfeelings@carsongroup.comStrider Elass and Samuel Rines are not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Opinions expressed by our guests may not be representative of CWM, LLC.#FactsVsFeelings #CarsonGroup #MarketOutlook #JobsReport #Inflation #Tariffs #Economy2025 #InvestingPodcast

15 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 51min
September Blues (Ep. 151)
Ryan Detrick and Sonu Varghese tackle September's market challenges, analyzing Fed Chair Jerome Powell's dovish comments and their impact on small-cap stocks. They explore the balancing act of jobs and inflation, along with the implications of a steepening yield curve. The duo discusses gold's rising prices as a hedge against inflation and the potential for consumer spending due to falling rates. Despite the seasonal volatility, they maintain a bullish long-term outlook and hint at exciting upcoming guests and live events.

11 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 59min
Cliff Asness Returns (Ep. 150)
Cliff Asness, co-founder of AQR Capital Management and a luminary in quantitative investing, reappears to share his insights on today’s market dynamics. He discusses the notion of market bubbles and why they might not be as dire as feared. Cliff dives into the rise of social media grifts and the speculative nature of crypto investments. He reflects on unexpected economic anomalies and the efficacy of buffered ETFs. The conversation takes a personal turn with humorous parenting stories and pop culture references, making for a captivating listen.

Aug 20, 2025 • 53min
The Fed Has an Inflation Problem (Ep. 149)
The hosts dive into a playful analysis of pop culture, specifically how a new Taylor Swift album influences the economy. They explore the complexities of inflation trends, from cooling payrolls to rising dining costs, underscoring that the market isn't as shaky as it seems. They discuss the impending rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and scrutinize consumer demand in bustling cities. The conversation highlights resilient corporate earnings and the intricate dynamics at play in today’s economic landscape.

Aug 13, 2025 • 57min
Talking Charts with J.C. Parets (Ep. 148)
In the latest episode of Facts vs Feelings, Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist, sit down with veteran market technician JC Parets, founder of TrendLabs, for a fast-moving discussion on technical analysis, market sentiment, gold, global equities, crypto, and the discipline of changing your mind when the charts say so. Packed with insights, laughs, and a few baseball stories, this episode cuts through the noise and focuses on what really matters for investors right now.Key TakeawaysFlows over fundamentals — Why positioning matters more than headlines.Global bull market — Confirmation from Europe, Asia, and Latin AmericaGold breakout — Record highs in every major currencyCrypto rotation — Ethereum strength vs. Bitcoin and growing institutional accessU.S. dollar — Rejection at key levels and implications for risk assetsRisk management mindset — Moving quickly when trades don’t workBusiness lessons — Building teams, staying liquid, and taking it one day at a timeConnect with Ryan:• LinkedIn: Ryan Detrick• X: @ryandetrickConnect with Sonu:• LinkedIn: Sonu Varghese• X: @sonusvargheseConnect with J.C.:• Website: All Star Charts • LinkedIn: J.C. Parets• X: @JC_ParetsX Questions about the show? We’d love to hear from you! factsvsfeelings@carsongroup.comJ.C. Parets is not affiliated with CWM, LLC. Statements and opinions made by our guests are for general information only and may not be a reflection of CWM, LLC. #FactsVsFeelings #StockMarket #TechnicalAnalysis #Gold #Crypto #MarketSentiment #GlobalMarkets #InvestingPodcast #TrendFollowing #FinancialAdvisors

Aug 6, 2025 • 44min
You're Fired! (Ep. 147)
In the latest episode of Facts vs Feelings, Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist, discuss the latest surprising jobs data, significant payroll revisions, and President Trump's controversial firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erica Groshen. Ryan and Sonu also provide insights into the Fed’s next moves, inflation challenges, and the unexpected factors influencing recent labor market trends.Key Takeaways:Surprising Jobs Report: July's payroll came in at 73,000—lower than expected—with massive downward revisions for previous months.Payroll Data Accuracy: These significant revisions to recent month’s data are due to survey response rates, seasonal adjustments, and methodology nuances.Immigration and Labor: A drop in immigration has impacted the labor supply, with fewer jobs now needed monthly to match population growth.Federal Reserve Outlook: Mixed economic signals have complicated rate cut decisions, leaving Fed Chair Jerome Powell cautious and focused on inflation risks.AI Spending Surge: AI-related investment has significantly boosted GDP growth, offsetting weaker consumer spending.Connect with Ryan:• LinkedIn: Ryan Detrick• X: @ryandetrickConnect with Sonu:• LinkedIn: Sonu Varghese• X: @sonusvargheseQuestions about the show? We’d love to hear from you! factsvsfeelings@carsongroup.com#FactsVsFeelings #JobsReport #FederalReserve #Inflation #JeromePowell #LaborMarket #PayrollRevisions #AIInvestment #EconomicTrends #FinancePodcast #CarsonGroup

Jul 30, 2025 • 52min
Au Revoir, Trade War (Ep. 146)
Recent global trade tensions are easing, boosting market optimism. The hosts debunk common market myths, revealing that the rally is broad-based despite concerns about market breadth. They emphasize strong corporate earnings, with companies weathering tariff impacts. The discussion also highlights the significant influx of foreign investment and the adjustments within the economic landscape, shedding light on how pop culture affects finance. Plus, a humorous nod to the dynamics between the president and the Federal Reserve keeps the conversation engaging.

Jul 23, 2025 • 43min
What Goes Around...and Up, Up, Up (Ep. 145)
In Episode 145 of Facts vs Feelings, hosts Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist unpack recent market reactions, Trump's potential impact on Jerome Powell's Fed tenure, and new inflation data that surprised most economists. Key TakeawaysEvent Study on Powell's Potential Firing: Markets briefly reacted negatively to rumors of Jerome Powell’s firing, showcasing investor sensitivities.Surprising Inflation Data: Recent Producer Price Index (PPI) came in below all 50 Bloomberg economist forecasts.Debate Over Tariff Inflation: Discussion on whether tariffs represent one-time pricing adjustments or ongoing inflationary pressures.Connect with Ryan:• LinkedIn: Ryan Detrick• X: @ryandetrickConnect with Sonu:• LinkedIn: Sonu Varghese• X: @sonusvargheseQuestions about the show? We’d love to hear from you! factsvsfeelings@carsongroup.com#FactsVsFeelings #JeromePowell #FederalReserve #InflationData #InterestRates #MarketReactions #EconomicInsights #RyanDetrick #SonuVarghese

Jul 16, 2025 • 44min
Jerome on the Ropes (Ep. 144)
In the latest episode of Facts vs Feelings, hosts Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, and Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist dive into the recent controversy surrounding Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, exploring potential political pressures, the Fed's massive headquarters renovation project, and the broader implications for monetary policy and the economy if there were to be a change in Fed leadership.Key TakeawaysJerome Powell Under Pressure: Discussion about the Trump administration’s criticism of the Fed Chair.Fed HQ Controversy: Debate around whether the Fed’s $2.5 billion headquarters renovation represents fiscal irresponsibility or necessary infrastructure investment.Political Tensions: Examination of how ongoing criticisms may impact Powell’s role and future Fed independence.Market Implications: Insight into how potential Fed leadership changes or political tensions could influence market behavior and economic policy.Connect with Ryan:• LinkedIn: Ryan Detrick• X: @ryandetrickConnect with Sonu:• LinkedIn: Sonu Varghese• X: @sonusvargheseQuestions about the show? We’d love to hear from you! factsvsfeelings@carsongroup.com#FactsVsFeelings #JeromePowell #FederalReserve #FedControversy #EconomicPolicy #TrumpAdministration #InterestRates #MarketInsights #FinancialPodcast #EconomicOutlook #MonetaryPolicy #RyanDetrick #SonuVarghese