

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

Sep 5, 2025 • 25min
Exceptional Markets Require an Exceptional Economic Framework
Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/42ckcVf
Embracing Risk for Economic Prosperity in the United States
In this week's episode of Dividend Cafe, David Bahnsen, Chief Investment Officer at The Bahnsen Group, discusses the crucial role of risk-taking and free enterprise in driving the unparalleled economic growth and prosperity of the United States. Drawing on his experience teaching honors economics at Pacifica Christian High School, David emphasizes the importance of defending the competitive advantages and principles that have historically given the U.S. a leading investment edge. He warns against the trend of moving away from these foundational economic principles and advocates for maintaining a system that values individual dignity, robust capital markets, and entrepreneurial innovation. David concludes by urging investors to focus on these strengths to ensure long-term success.
00:00 Introduction and Host Background
00:25 Connecting Economics to Investment
04:04 The Importance of Free Enterprise
07:26 Risk Taking and Economic Growth
11:15 American Economic Exceptionalism
19:59 Challenges and Future Outlook
23:00 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Sep 4, 2025 • 10min
Thursday - September 4, 2025
In this episode of Dividend Cafe, host Brian Szytel breaks down the latest economic data releases and their impact on the markets. He discusses the paradox of "bad news is good news" in the current market environment, analyzes labor market trends, and explains how Federal Reserve policy and interest rates are influencing investor sentiment. The episode also features a thoughtful exploration of the Fed's expanding powers, the risks of market intervention, and a lighthearted close with NFL season excitement.
00:00 – Introduction & Market Overview
00:24 – Anticipation for Non-Farm Payroll Report
00:46 – The “Bad News is Good News” Paradox
01:03 – Economic Data Recap
01:48 – ISM Services & Jobless Claims
02:43 – Q2 Productivity & Market Performance
03:27 – The Federal Reserve’s Role
04:42 – Expansion of Fed Powers
06:00 – Risks of Market Distortion
06:36 – Final Thoughts & NFL Kickoff
Have questions or want to hear more on a specific topic? Reach out to the show!
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Sep 3, 2025 • 7min
Wednesday - September 3, 2025
Market Wrap-Up and Economic Insights: September 3rd Edition
In this episode of Dividend Cafe, host Brian Szytel provides a market update for September 3rd. The DOW closed slightly down, while the S&P and NASDAQ were up. Key drivers included positive legal news for major tech companies and weaker-than-expected job numbers, leading to lower interest rates. Discussions also covered factory orders, labor market conditions, and the nuances of monetary policy's impact on inflation. Brian emphasized the strength of consumer balance sheets due to resilient mortgage rates. The episode concluded with a shoutout to a recent salmon fishing trip in British Columbia.
00:00 Introduction and Market Overview
00:24 Tech Sector and Job Numbers Impact
01:08 Economic News and Fed Futures
02:13 Inflation and Interest Rates Discussion
02:52 Consumer Balance Sheets and Housing Market
04:23 Concluding Remarks and Personal Note
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Sep 2, 2025 • 8min
Tuesday - September 2, 2025
Market Performance, Tariffs, and Economic Indicators: A Post-Labor Day Analysis
In this episode of Dividend Cafe, recorded on Tuesday, September 2nd, Brian Szytel reviews the market performance following Labor Day weekend. The DOW closed down 249 points, the S&P dropped by 0.7%, and the Nasdaq fell by 0.8%, with notable rotation from growth to value stocks. The episode discusses the current and future status of tariffs under the IEEPA and Section 301, as well as recent economic indicators such as ISM and PMI manufacturing numbers and construction spending data. Furthermore, Brian addresses the implications of the CHIPS Act and government stakes in private companies, highlighting concerns over government intervention in private enterprise. The episode concludes with observations on volatility and the performance of dollar-sensitive securities.
00:00 Welcome and Market Recap
01:02 Tariffs and Legal Battles
02:13 Economic Indicators and Manufacturing Data
03:25 Government Stake in Intel and CHIPS Act
05:47 Market Volatility and Closing Remarks
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Aug 29, 2025 • 25min
Separation of Business and State
Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/3HXUdtL
Evaluating Government Equity Ownership: Implications for Investors
In this week's episode of Dividend Cafe, the host dives into the contentious topic of the U.S. federal government's recent equity ownership stake in Intel. The discussion highlights the political and economic ramifications of the government taking a 9.9% stake in the company, as well as plans for similar acquisitions in other sectors. The host explores issues of fiscal prudence, the potential hazards of government involvement in private markets, and the adverse impacts on capital allocation. The episode emphasizes the importance of maintaining market-based investment strategies to ensure optimal resource allocation and economic growth, making a case against government intervention in the private sector. The analysis concludes with concerns about the negative implications for dividend growth investors. Tune in to understand the risks and what this means for your investment strategy.
00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer
02:11 Government's Equity Stake in Intel
05:34 Funding and Fiscal Prudence
08:54 Comparison with Other Sovereign Wealth Funds
14:07 Risks and Misallocation of Capital
19:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Aug 28, 2025 • 4min
Thursday - August 28, 2025
Daily Market Recap: Mixed Market Movements and Bond Market Rally
In today's Dividend Cafe daily recap, David Bahnsen covers the day's market activity with the DOW closing up 72 points, the S&P up 20 points, and Nasdaq up over half a percent. Despite Nvidia's slight decline, the overall market saw gains, especially in technology and communication services sectors. The bond market also saw a rally with the 10-year yield sitting at 4.2%. Defensive sectors like utilities and healthcare were in negative territory. Tune in tomorrow for a deeper dive into the private economy and the federal government's role as a shareholder.
00:00 Introduction and Market Overview
00:11 Stock Market Performance
00:47 Bond Market Update
01:18 Sector Performance
01:58 Conclusion and Upcoming Insights
Links mentioned in this episode:
DividendCafe.com
TheBahnsenGroup.com

Aug 27, 2025 • 7min
Wednesday - August 27, 2025
In a vibrant market landscape, the discussion unveils a positive outlook for stocks and bonds. The upcoming PCE data is highlighted as a crucial indicator. A compelling debate surfaces over the rise of private capital markets, attracting investors with lower interest rates. The resilience of cyclical sectors showcases potential growth, alongside ongoing trends in IPOs and public financing. Investment strategies are examined, focusing on the importance of understanding risks. Overall, listeners are encouraged to stay informed and ask questions.

Aug 26, 2025 • 6min
Tuesday - August 26, 2025
On a quiet market day, moderate gains in major indices hint at resilience despite negative durable goods orders. Insights reveal mixed data from manufacturing surveys and the Federal Reserve's crucial role in economic stability. The housing market shows slight price declines, while consumer confidence faces challenges. Looking ahead, the PCE inflation gauge release promises to be a key market mover. This discussion offers a rich tapestry of current events shaping investment strategies and economic outlook.

Aug 25, 2025 • 16min
Monday - August 25, 2025
Market performance takes a hit with major indices declining post-Federal Reserve comments. Insights on public policy reveal government equity interests in Intel and new tariffs on furniture. The housing market is facing challenges with a drop in permits and sales. Potential Fed board changes could reshape economic influences. The resilience of dividend growth investing shines through despite uncertainty, while anticipation builds around Nvidia's upcoming earnings report.

Aug 22, 2025 • 30min
The Fed Part No One is Talking About
Dive into the complexities of the Federal Reserve's balance sheet, focusing on quantitative easing and tightening. Explore the historical impact of these policies since the 2008 financial crisis. Discover how QE has shaped financial markets and compare the U.S. approach to Japan's. Speculation abounds on the implications of an upcoming speech by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, with market expectations hanging in the balance. Gain insights into the Fed's strategy for stimulating credit growth while navigating current economic challenges.


