

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 3, 2025 • 14min
Special Tariff Monday - February 3, 2025
Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/42GZ7TT
Tariff Monday: Analyzing Recent Tariff Developments
In this special 'Tariff Monday' episode of the Dividend Cafe, host David Bahnsen discusses the recent escalation in tariff declarations by President Trump. The episode covers the impact of these announcements on the stock market, including significant drops in the Dow, S&P, and Nasdaq. Bahnsen explains the invocation of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act for imposing tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China. He also delves into the economic implications and potential legal challenges surrounding these tariffs, while urging listeners to focus on the broader economic impact rather than political opinions. Bahnsen announces plans for a more in-depth exploration of tariffs in the upcoming Friday episode.
00:00 Introduction to Tariff Monday
00:29 Market Reactions to Tariff Announcements
00:53 President Trump's Tariff Strategy
03:08 Economic Implications of Tariffs
06:14 Market Summary and Analysis
11:31 Future Outlook and Conclusion
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Jan 31, 2025 • 21min
The Week AI became Questioned
Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/4gCSaa5
Navigating January Market Waves: AI, China, and Fed Policies
In this week's Dividend Cafe, David reflects on the eventful month of January and discusses the challenges of choosing the right topics for the newsletter. The episode covers several high-level subjects, including crypto skepticism, tariffs, and U.S.-China economic relations. Key highlights of the week include the NASDAQ's performance, the Fed's FOMC meeting outcomes, and the implications of recent AI developments involving China. David examines the vulnerabilities in U.S. AI capabilities, the impact of high AI capital expenditures, and their potential long-term effects. Additional topics such as S&P valuations and government pensions also feature in the discussion. The episode emphasizes a commitment to truthful analysis in economic and market matters.
00:00 Introduction and Reflections on January
00:15 Challenges in Writing Dividend Cafe
01:41 Upcoming Topics and Current Events
03:31 Market Reactions and Federal Reserve Updates
09:10 AI and China: A Deep Dive
18:07 Concluding Thoughts and Additional Resources
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Jan 30, 2025 • 7min
Thursday - January 30, 2025
Economic Insights and Market Movements: A Deep Dive
In this episode of Dividend Cafe, recorded on Thursday, January 30th, Brian Szytel discusses the day's positive market movements with the Dow up 168 points, Nasdaq slightly up, and S&P slightly up in percentage terms. He delves into the mixed yet ultimately positive release of fourth-quarter GDP data, highlighting a surge in consumption by 4.2%. Szytel attributes this to increased disposable income and wage growth, along with a decline in savings rate. Additionally, he addresses the Jevons Paradox and its implications for energy efficiency and consumption, using Microsoft's recent experience with AI technology as an example. He concludes with thoughts on the importance of competition and the potential future of AI and natural gas as significant energy sources.
00:00 Introduction and Market Overview
00:21 Economic Data Insights
00:51 Consumer Spending Trends
01:25 Wage Growth and Disposable Income
02:11 The Jevin Paradox Explained
02:45 AI and Market Competition
03:43 Energy and Technological Efficiency
04:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Jan 29, 2025 • 6min
Wednesday - January 29, 2025
Market Reactions to Fed Policy Announcement
In this episode of Dividend Cafe, Brian Szytel discusses the market reactions following the Federal Reserve's policy announcement on January 29th. The episode addresses the modest sell-off in the Dow, S&P, and NASDAQ, and the flat interest rates. Brian highlights the Fed's decision to maintain the interest rate and shift focus to employment risks over inflation. He argues that the positive correlation between interest rates and economic growth is currently balanced. The episode also touches on the record $1.2 trillion goods deficit in 2024 and provides insight into comprehensive wealth management services offered by Brian's firm.
00:00 Introduction and Market Overview
00:20 Federal Reserve Meeting Insights
00:49 Economic Indicators and Market Reactions
02:35 Trade Deficit and Economic Health
03:15 Q&A: Beyond Dividend Growth
03:34 Comprehensive Wealth Management Services
04:05 Conclusion and Contact Information
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Jan 28, 2025 • 5min
Tuesday - January 28, 2025
Market Updates and Economic Insights - January 28
In this episode of Dividend Cafe, Brian Szytel reviews the market's recent performance, highlighting fluctuations in the Dow, NASDAQ, and S&P indices. He discusses the impact of a sell-off related to DeepSeek, economic indicators such as durable goods orders and the K Shiller 20 city home price index, and consumer confidence data. Brian also touches on potential Fed rate changes and market rotations from growth to value sectors. He concludes by encouraging viewers to reach out with questions, promising further insights in the next episode.
00:00 Introduction and Market Overview
00:59 Economic Indicators and Housing Market
02:14 Consumer Confidence and Upcoming Reports
02:58 Market Rotation and Sector Performance
03:25 Conclusion and Farewell
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Jan 27, 2025 • 13min
Monday - January 27, 2025
Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/3PX2z5a
NVIDIA news: https://www.investors.com/news/technology/deepseek-ai-stocks-nvidia-artificial-intelligence-capital-spending/
Market Volatility and AI Rivalry: Deep Dive into NVIDIA's Impact
In this episode of Monday Dividend Cafe, David Bahnsen discusses a highly volatile day in the market, marked by a significant dip in NASDAQ despite a Dow Jones increase. Central to the discussion is the introduction of China's DeepSeek AI tool, which challenges the dominance of NVIDIA's high-end chips, raising questions about the future of AI chip investments. Bahnsen also covers market reactions, sector performances, and economic indicators, emphasizing the vulnerability in valuations and the implications for earnings season. Additional topics include U.S.-Colombia tariff considerations, jobless claims data, home sales trends, and the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting.
00:00 Introduction and Market Overview
01:27 NVIDIA and the AI Market Impact
03:29 Market Reactions and Sector Performance
04:51 Tech Sector Vulnerabilities
05:21 Earnings Season and Future Projections
07:41 Trump's Tariff Tactics and Job Market Update
09:30 Housing Market and Fed Meeting Insights
10:03 Energy Sector and LNG Exports
10:51 Understanding Dividends and Yields
11:19 Conclusion and Upcoming Content
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Jan 24, 2025 • 24min
A Week to Remember
Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/3PKDFpp
The top-performing sector throughout the entire Biden Presidency? ENERGY
The weight of the entire energy sector right now in the entire S&P 500? 3.2%
The weight of Apple in the S&P 500? 7.6%
The weight of Microsoft in the S&P 500? 6.3%
So every energy company put together in the S&P 500 is worth well less than half of Apple and basically right at half of Microsoft.
And this comes AFTER Energy was up +284% over the last four years, compared to the second place +120% performance in Technology.
Source: *Factset January 22, 2025
President Trump announced via a splashy news conference Tuesday night that OpenAI, Oracle, and Softbank are creating a joint venture called Stargate: Source:
https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/tech-leaders-pledge-up-to-500-billion-in-ai-investment-in-u-s-da506cd4?mod=latest_headlines
Navigating Market Impacts Under the New Administration
In this week's Dividend Cafe, host David Bahnsen discusses the fast-paced events of the week, recorded amidst his team's offsite retreat. The focus shifts to the first days of President Trump's 2.0 administration, unpacking the economic implications of several executive orders. Bahnsen examines key policy changes around energy, DEI programs in federal agencies, and the temporary halt of the TikTok ban. He emphasizes the market implications of these orders while noting the more organized approach of the administration compared to 2017.
00:00 Introduction and Weekly Overview
00:36 Inauguration and Executive Orders
06:32 Market-Sensitive Policies
09:10 Energy and Trade Policies
15:10 Key Takeaways and Market Tidbits
22:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Jan 22, 2025 • 6min
Wednesday - January 22, 2025
In this Dividend Cafe commentary, recorded on January 22nd from Newport Beach, Brian Szytel discusses the recent market movements, highlighting an intraday breach of the S&P 500 closing high and closing disparities led by the technology sector. He also addresses recent economic data, including a weaker leading economic indicator. Seitel responds to a question about the bond market's recovery post-2022's downturn, advising against expecting a significant rebound but emphasizing the value of high-grade fixed income yields and portfolio diversification. The episode concludes with an invitation for further questions and consultations.
00:00 Introduction to Dividend Cafe
00:23 Market Performance Overview
01:36 Economic Indicators and Market Sentiment
02:16 Bond Market Analysis and Insights
04:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
04:24 Disclaimer and Legal Information
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Jan 21, 2025 • 6min
Tuesday - January 21, 2025
Market Updates and Team Meetings: Insights from Dividend Cafe
In this episode of Dividend Cafe, hosted by Brian Szytel from The Bahnsen Group's Newport Beach office, the discussion covers market activity following the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Key points include a significant rebound in the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and NASDAQ indices, observations on corporate margins, particularly in the financial sector, and the impact of potential policy changes on the market. The episode also highlights a quiet economic week, leading economic indicators to be discussed later, and The Bahnsen Group's annual team meeting aimed at enhancing team culture and business efficiency. A long-form Dividend Cafe installment is expected on Friday.
00:00 Introduction and Market Overview
01:10 Corporate Margins and Sector Performance
02:36 Animal Spirits and Market Sentiment
03:14 Upcoming Economic Indicators
03:37 The Bahnsen Group Annual Team Meeting
04:21 Conclusion and Sign-Off
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Jan 17, 2025 • 28min
Bessent in Treasury and Rally in Markets
Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/4jiEHqh
Market Insights: Scott Bessent's Impact as Incoming Treasury Secretary and Recent Market Trends
In this episode of Friday Dividend Cafe, host David Bahnsen discusses the imminent arrival of Scott Bessent as the next U.S. Treasury Secretary and the implications of his policy perspectives on market realities. Recorded on January 17th, 2025, Bahnsen highlights the week's significant market fluctuations, the importance of the 10-year bond yield, and the nuanced role of tariffs and currency in trade talks. He also addresses fiscal policies, including debt ceiling discussions and tax cut priorities. Bahnsen reflects on the impact of foreign debt buyers and provides insights on household debt to asset ratios. As the new administration approaches, he emphasizes the need for investors to remain disciplined amidst market volatility.
00:00 Introduction and Market Overview
01:06 Scott Besson's Appointment and Market Implications
04:09 Market Volatility and Bond Yields
10:08 Treasury Secretary's Testimony and Policy Insights
22:04 Foreign Debt Appetite and Economic Indicators
25:44 Conclusion and Upcoming Events
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com


