

The Dividend Cafe
The Bahnsen Group
The Dividend Cafe is your portal for market perspective that is virtually conflict-free, rooted in deep philosophical commitments about how capital should be managed, and understandable for all sorts of investors. Host David L. Bahnsen is a frequent guest on CNBC, Bloomberg, and Fox Business. He is the author of the books, Crisis of Responsibility: Our Cultural Addiction to Blame and How You Can Cure It (Post Hill Press), The Case for Dividend Growth: Investing in a Post-Crisis World (Post Hill Press), and Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life (Post Hill Press).
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 17, 2025 • 6min
Tuesday - February 18, 2025
Dividend Cafe: Market Insights and Tax Reform Impacts
In this episode of Dividend Cafe, Brian Szytel reports from the West Palm Beach, Florida office on February 18. He discusses the day's market performance, noting minimal changes in the Dow and NASDAQ, a slight increase in the S&P, and a rise in the 10-year Treasury rate. Highlights include an improvement in the Empire State Fed Manufacturing Survey after two months of declines and a weaker-than-expected NHAB Home Builder Survey due to tariff impacts. Brian also explores the diversification in market sectors for 2025, focusing on the stability of conservative sectors like energy, materials, and financials, compared to the volatility in technology sectors. The episode concludes with a discussion about carried interest tax treatment, highlighting its political implications and potential effects on private equity manager compensation. Brian mentions his upcoming travel to California for meetings but assures listeners of continued updates from Palm Beach.
00:00 Introduction and Market Overview
00:35 Economic Calendar Highlights
01:19 Sector Performance Analysis
02:32 Carried Interest Tax Discussion
03:57 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Feb 14, 2025 • 20min
Tariff and Tax Vacillation
Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/40TtKTI
The Dividend Cafe: Market Reactions to Tariffs and Taxes
In this episode of The Dividend Cafe, host David Bahnsen provides an update from Phoenix, Arizona, discussing a busy week involving team meetings and client engagements. Highlights include his recovery from illness, travel between New York and California, and expansion plans for the Phoenix office. David dives deep into market reactions to recent tariff announcements by the Trump administration and the lack of actual tariff implementations. He also explores the complexities of fair trade and its economic implications. Lastly, David discusses the progress and hurdles facing the House Budget Committee on a significant tax and spending bill, detailing the political intricacies and potential impacts on the economy. Tune in for insights on tariffs, taxes, and their market effects.
00:00 Introduction and Weekly Recap
01:24 Market Reactions to Tariff Announcements
04:20 Analyzing the Impact of Tariffs
07:30 Debunking Free Trade Myths
11:55 Updates on the Tax Bill
17:49 Conclusion and Upcoming Events
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Feb 13, 2025 • 7min
Thursday - February 13, 2025
Analyzing Market Movements and Inflation Impact
In this episode of Dividend Cafe, Brian Szytel from West Palm Beach, Florida, discusses the market's performance on February 13th, highlighting a positive day for stocks and a significant drop in bond yields. The conversation focuses on recent inflation data, specifically the producer price index (PPI) and its effect on market behavior. Brian emphasizes the importance of observing longer-term fundamentals rather than reacting to short-term market fluctuations. He also shares his thoughts on gold as an investment, pointing out its unpredictability and lack of cash flow production. He concludes by encouraging a long-term view and inviting audience engagement with questions.
00:00 Introduction and Market Overview
00:45 Inflation and Interest Rates Analysis
02:07 Long-Term Investment Strategy
03:09 Gold Investment Insights
04:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Feb 12, 2025 • 7min
Wednesday - February 12, 2025
Mid-Week Market Insights: CPI Report & Federal Reserve Review - Feb 12
In this episode of Dividend Cafe, recorded on February 12th, host Brian Szytel covers the day's market activities influenced by the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report. The Dow dropped 225 points, the S&P was down by a quarter of a percent, while the Nasdaq saw a minor gain. The CPI numbers showed a monthly increase of 0.5%, higher than the expected 0.3%, marking a yearly CPI of 3%. The core CPI excluding food and energy also surpassed expectations. Energy and food prices along with the shelter component significantly impacted the CPI. Szytel discusses the Federal Reserve's ongoing efforts to manage inflation, noting the bond market's reaction and Fed Chairman Powell's testimony. The role of the Fed, particularly its expanded balance sheet since the Great Financial Crisis and COVID-19, is critiqued. Szytel concludes with a forward-looking perspective and invites viewers to tune in the next day for more updates.
00:00 Introduction and Market Overview
00:32 Inflation Report Breakdown
01:15 Impact on Energy and Food Prices
01:26 Shelter Component Analysis
02:05 Market Reactions and Predictions
03:21 Federal Reserve's Role and Actions
04:51 Conclusion and Sign Off
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Feb 11, 2025 • 7min
Tuesday - February 11, 2025
Market Confidence and Capital Activity Boosts: Feb 11th Update
Brian Szytel provides a market update on a directionless trading day where the Dow closed up 123 points, S&P remained flat, and Nasdaq fell by a third of a percent. 10-year Treasury yields rose to 454 basis points, and small business confidence remains above historical averages, indicating robust economic health. Discussions covered the increase in capital expenditures, IPO market, and mergers and acquisitions activity. Brian critiques SPACs while noting a positive resurgence in capital market activities. He also comments on Jerome Powell's testimony regarding interest rates and inflation. Financials emerge strong in the market, contrasting with weaker performance in semiconductors.
00:00 Market Overview and Key Indices
00:28 Small Business Confidence and Economic Impact
01:30 Corporate Activity and Capital Markets
02:08 SPACs and Financial Sector Insights
03:38 Federal Reserve and Monetary Policy
04:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Feb 10, 2025 • 12min
Monday - February 10, 2025
Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/4jKvUh0
Market Insights and Policy Updates: February Market Review
In this Monday edition of Dividend Cafe, David Bahnsen discusses recent market trends and significant policy updates while preparing to travel from New York to California. Highlights include President Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs announced during the Super Bowl, market reactions, and the upward movement in shares of domestic steel and aluminum companies. The host also celebrates the nomination of Jason Trennert for Assistant Secretary for the Treasury for Financial Markets. Key statistics include a 167-point rise in the Dow, strong earnings reports from 9 out of 11 S&P 500 sectors, and changes in bond yield and financial sector performance. The episode wraps up with updates on tax reforms, the federal deficit, and speculation about Federal Reserve rate changes for the upcoming months.
00:00 Introduction and Weekly Overview
00:34 Market Reactions to Tariff Announcements
01:58 Highlight: Jason Trennert's Nomination
03:36 Market Performance and Earnings Season Update
05:51 Tax Policy and Budget Reconciliation
09:15 Economic Indicators and Federal Updates
09:54 Conclusion and Additional Resources
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Feb 7, 2025 • 26min
Beautiful or Terrible Tariffs: A Truth Bomb
Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/4hrygzX
Deconstructing Tariffs: Economic Impacts and Investor Insights
In this episode of The Dividend Cafe, host David Bahnsen, managing partner at The Bahnsen Group, delves into the complex topic of tariffs. Exhausted by the politicization and ambiguity surrounding tariffs, Bahnsen aims to deconstruct the economic impact of recent tariff actions and the risks for investors. He discusses the events of the past week, including the latest announcements of tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, and their market implications. Highlighting the conflicting messages from the U.S. administration, Bahnsen outlines four key takeaways that explain the current stance on tariffs, their potential costs, and the resulting market volatility. He also touches on the broader macroeconomic and philosophical aspects of tariffs and calls for a balanced understanding of their impacts. Listeners are encouraged to consider the real-world economic trade-offs and market responses as Bahnsen offers insights into navigating the current investment landscape.
00:00 Welcome to The Dividend Cafe
00:42 The Complexity of Tariffs
01:05 Deconstructing the Political Noise
03:26 Recap of the Week's Events
05:48 Evaluating the Impact of Tariffs
07:12 Conflicting Messages on Tariffs
08:44 Four Key Takeaways
12:36 Sector-Specific Impacts
14:51 The Cost of Tariffs
22:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Feb 6, 2025 • 7min
Thursday - February 6, 2025
Market Updates and Economic Insights - February 6th
In this episode of Dividend Cafe, Brian Szytel covers the mixed day in the market with the Dow down by 125 points but gains in the S&P and Nasdaq. He discusses interest rates, which have come down across the curve, and the progress of the current earnings season, highlighting a 15.5% year-over-year growth rate. Notable sectors include technology and consumer-led sectors like retail and consumer staples. Additionally, Szytel reviews the U.S. Treasury's stance on not influencing Fed rate decisions, the implications of energy production on inflation, and the potential end of quantitative tightening. Other economic indicators such as jobless claims and productivity numbers are also discussed. He concludes by wishing listeners an enjoyable Super Bowl weekend.
00:00 Market Overview and Earnings Update
01:39 Interest Rates and Treasury Insights
04:13 Economic Calendar and Jobless Claims
04:55 Super Bowl Weekend Sign-Off
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Feb 5, 2025 • 6min
Wednesday - February 5, 2025
Market Updates and Economic Insights - February 5, 2025
In this episode of Dividend Cafe, Brian Szytel discusses the positive market performance on February 5, 2025, with major indices like the Dow, S&P, and Nasdaq closing higher. Key points include Google's earnings miss impacting Nasdaq, significant intraday movement in 10-year Treasury rates, and a weaker U.S. dollar due to lower interest rates. The economic update covers a better-than-expected ADP payroll number, a balanced labor market with positive wage growth, and a mixed report on ISM services and manufacturing. Additionally, the episode addresses a reader's question about the feasibility of wood as an energy resource, concluding that natural gas is a better option. Lastly, it highlights a significant trade deficit in December 2022, reflecting the second-largest annual deficit in history.
00:00 Introduction and Market Overview
00:36 Interest Rates and Currency Movements
01:13 Labor Market and Economic Indicators
02:07 Ask TBG: Energy Resources
02:52 Economic Data and Trade Deficit
03:48 Conclusion and Viewer Engagement
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Feb 4, 2025 • 6min
Tuesday - February 4, 2025
Market Recap and Tariff Discussions - February 4, 2025
In this episode of Dividend Cafe, hosted on February 4, 2025, Brian Szytel from the West Palm Beach office covers the market recovery following recent pullbacks related to tariff discussions and earnings reports. He provides updates on market indices, the bond market, and commodities like oil and gold. Szytel discusses recent tariff movements involving the US, Canada, Mexico, and China, as well as the potential implications of these tariffs. He also touches on a Q&A session regarding Trump's announcement of a sovereign wealth fund and the pros and cons of such a fund for the US. Finally, the episode includes a brief overview of recent job openings and upcoming employment data releases.
00:00 Introduction and Market Overview
00:10 Tariff Talks and Market Reactions
00:56 Tariff Implications and Negotiations
01:55 Q&A: Trump's Sovereign Wealth Fund
03:00 Economic Calendar and Employment Data
03:35 Conclusion and Sign Off
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com


