

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

May 23, 2024 • 5min
The Dividend Cafe Thursday - May 23, 2024
In this episode of Dividend Cafe, the discussion revolves around a significant downturn in the market with the Dow closing over 600 points lower. However, some sectors, especially those related to AI technology, showed positive performance due to favorable earnings results. The episode delves into recent economic indicators, highlighting PMI data showing the economy's accelerated growth in May, with manufacturing and services sectors posting gains. Despite positive economic indicators, concerns remain regarding potential Federal Reserve actions on interest rates. The episode also covers lower-than-expected initial jobless claims and a decline in new home sales, attributed to higher interest rates. A Q&A session discussed dealing with large deficits and government debt, advocating for supply-side economic policies to stimulate growth without excessively raising taxes or increasing regulation. The Bonson Group provided these insights, emphasizing that their advice does not constitute a solicitation for securities and should not replace professional tax or legal consultation.
00:00 Welcome to Dividend Cafe!
00:19 Market Overview: A Down Day in the Markets
00:53 Economic Indicators: PMI Data and Jobless Claims
01:57 Housing Market Insights: New Home Sales Data
02:42 Fiscal Policy Discussion: Deficits, Taxes, and Economic Growth
03:49 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
03:59 Legal and Advisory Disclosures
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

May 22, 2024 • 5min
The Dividend Cafe Wednesday - May 22, 2024
This episode of Dividend Cafe offers a commentary on the recent market downturn, noting a 201 point drop in the Dow and a slight rise in volatility. The Federal Reserve's May meeting minutes are discussed, revealing some disappointment in inflation data but maintaining a medium-term 2 percent inflation target. The episode also covers lower than expected April existing home sales, likely due to tight housing inventory and higher rates, yet notes a 5.7 percent year-over-year price increase. UK inflation rose slightly more than expected to 2.3%, attributed to weaker economic fundamentals compared to the US. China's potential increase in tariffs on large autos from the US and Europe is mentioned, seen as a tit-for-tat move against the Biden administration's tariff raises. Additionally, the episode previews economic indicators to be released the following day, including jobless claims and PMI numbers. The Bonson Group's role as investment professionals and the disclaimer regarding investment risks and advice conclude the commentary.
00:00 Introduction to Dividend Cafe
00:18 Market Movements and Federal Reserve Insights
01:16 Housing Market Dynamics
02:10 Global Economic Indicators: UK Inflation and China's Tariff Strategy
02:48 Looking Ahead: Economic Calendar and Closing Thoughts
03:10 Disclaimer and Professional Advice Notice
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

May 21, 2024 • 5min
The Dividend Cafe Tuesday - May 21, 2024
This episode of Dividend Cafe provides a weekly market commentary with a focus on dividends and economic insights. On May 21, the markets saw a slight increase despite the lack of major economic news, with the Dow up by 66 points and both NASDAQ and S&P 500 up by about a quarter of a point. Interest rates were slightly down, with the 10-year treasury dropping three basis points. Fed officials, including Waller, shared diverse views on the economy, generally indicating a cautious approach towards changing interest rates. The episode also discusses the current low market volatility, compares GDP in aggregate versus per capita with Japan as a case study, and looks ahead to the FOMC meeting minutes and existing home sales reports. Lastly, it emphasizes the importance of not becoming complacent due to current positive market conditions.
00:00 Introduction to Dividend Cafe
00:16 Market Overview: A Quiet Summer Day
00:45 Federal Reserve Speakers and Interest Rate Insights
01:22 Market Volatility and Economic Indicators
02:39 GDP Insights and Global Economic Trends
03:21 Looking Ahead: FOMC Meeting and Home Sales
03:34 Closing Remarks and Compliance Information
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

May 20, 2024 • 8min
The Dividend Cafe Monday - May 20, 2024
Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/3ypYWzx
We recap market activity on Monday, May 20th. The Dow started positively but lost momentum, closing down 196 points. The S&P and NASDAQ saw modest gains. China's market performance may be indicating an upward trend. Additionally, there was news about a helicopter crash in Iran, potential Middle Eastern tensions, and upcoming OPEC meetings. There are possible changes in capital reserve requirements for U.S. banks, the employee retention tax credit, increased tariffs on China, and the impact of these policies. We look at homeowners and renters in the U.S. Lastly, insights into recent Fed speeches and their stance on inflation and rate adjustments
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

May 17, 2024 • 21min
Fear is Often a Greedy Thing
Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/3QOLsna
The second quarter of 2024 hit its midpoint this week, and markets have continued with what has been a big rally in the month of May. As earnings season has now concluded and the Fed is sidelined for a bit, we might expect things to chill out for a bit, but markets never sleep, so who knows. But this week’s Dividend Cafe does give you a pretty good look at the yield curve and what it predicts (or doesn’t), along with a cogent expectation for inflation, some fascinating things Japan can teach us (or not), some campaign questions for Team Biden, and then ultimately – a real behavioral lesson that may just make or break your success as an investor.
So yes, the opportunity inside this week’s Dividend Cafe is serious. Let’s jump in!
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

May 16, 2024 • 5min
The Dividend Cafe Thursday - May 16, 2024
Market Update and Economic Indicators: A Snapshot
In this episode of Dividend Cafe, recorded on Thursday, May 16th, the host provides a summary of the day's market activity, noting a flat day in the markets with a brief touch on 40,000 points on the Dow. Despite a mild decline by the close, bond yields rose slightly, and recent economic indicators including the CPI data, Philly fed and empire state manufacturing indexes, and industrial production, suggest a steady, if not expanding, economy. Brian also points out the positive jobless claims data and the rebound in new home constructions as signs of economic health. Additionally, an increase in real personal income and a 35% rise in the S&P 500 since the pre-pandemic period are highlighted as indicators that do not point towards an immediate recession. The episode concludes with a look forward to the next Dividend Cafe installment and wishes for a good weekend.
00:02 Market Overview: A Flat Yet Positive Day
00:38 Manufacturing and Economic Indicators: Holding Steady
01:05 Employment and Income: Signs of Economic Health
02:25 Housing Market and Inflation: A Positive Outlook
03:05 Closing Thoughts and Look Ahead
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

May 15, 2024 • 4min
The Dividend Cafe Wednesday - May 15, 2024
Market Update: A Positive Turn with Cooler Inflation Numbers
This episode of Dividend Cafe provides a financial market update for Wednesday, May 15th, marking a positive trading day with the Dow up by 349 points and a rally in bonds. The episode highlights a cooler than expected Consumer Price Index (CPI) for April at 0.3%, indicating a positive trend in inflation rates. The Producer Price Index (PPI) showed mixed signals with March's deflationary revision and a hotter April.
These figures suggest a potential 2.8% year-over-year Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), which is crucial for Federal Reserve considerations.
Despite lower than expected retail sales and a contractionary Empire Manufacturing Survey, the episode suggests these are potentially positive signs for the Fed to lower interest rates.
00:19 Inflation and Economic Indicators Update
01:17 Retail Sales and Manufacturing Insights
01:54 Closing Thoughts and Tomorrow's Preview
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

May 14, 2024 • 5min
The Dividend Cafe Tuesday - May 14, 2024
A daily summary of key market data and economic nuggets. Reach out with questions anytime! questions@thebahnsengroup.com.
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

May 13, 2024 • 15min
The Dividend Cafe Monday - May 13, 2024
Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/3UXaYJe
Markets opened to the upside and then spent the first half of the day declining (but not by much) and the second half of the day around that declined spot.
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

May 10, 2024 • 18min
In Theory but not in Practice
Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/4afqiVW
As I finish up this writing Friday morning the Dow is tracking for its eight consecutive day in positive territory (I have little doubt that my mere typing of that sentence likely jinxed it). The market reversal from April into May can be credited to a combination of:
Renewed acknowledgment that regardless of when the Fed begins cutting rates they have made it reasonably clear they are done hiking rates, and
Marginally improved financial markets liquidity in the present tense and with a vision to the future around the tapering of quantitative tightening, and
A good fundamental backdrop for corporate profits with another earnings season in the books reflective of enduring margins, reasonable forward guidance, and revenue growth in line with expectations
It is a bad time to be a market timer. But I don’t think anyone can even time when it is a good time to be a market timer, so maybe I am just repeating myself over and over. Anyways, we know what time it is at The Bahnsen Group …
… and it is time to jump into the Dividend Cafe.
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com


