Market Mondays

Tensions between the U.S. and Iran could shake up global markets, while Big Tech's role in modern warfare raises eyebrows. As oil prices surge, speculation about a potential supercycle grows. Credit card giants face scrutiny amidst low consumer sentiment, and Tesla makes a comeback with its robocar advancements. An economic indicator worth tracking is highlighted, plus insights into the investment strategies of leading defense stocks and the changing dynamics in tech partnerships.

Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader and a prominent political voice, joins the discussion on pressing geopolitical issues. They analyze how the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict is influencing oil prices and market trends. The conversation also touches on the tech rivalry between Microsoft and Apple, with insights into AMD’s stock surge. They delve into U.S. immigration policy and its economic repercussions, plus the challenges of political bipartisanship in today’s divisive landscape. Additionally, the impact of AI advancements and the future of investing are explored.

The discussion dives into Robinhood's impressive comeback, rising from lows of $6.85 to highs of $77 in just a few years. The hosts praise CEO Vlad Tenev's resilience and innovative spirit, likening it to other prominent turnarounds. They explore how controversial gamification helped educate and attract younger investors. Additionally, the conversation covers Robinhood's evolution from a simple app to a robust trading platform, highlighting its impressive profit margins and ability to meet market demands while leaving legacy firms in the dust.

Paul Judge, a legendary VC with a PhD in computer science and over $1 billion in exits, shares invaluable insights on startup investing and the telling traits of successful founders. The discussion dives into the tense fallout between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, its implications for Tesla stock, and how market dynamics are shifting in the EV sector. Additionally, Judge highlights industries ripe for disruption, emphasizing the importance of understanding real customer problems. Don't miss his take on the upcoming Invest Fest, aimed at bridging funding gaps and fostering startup growth.

Discover the surprising pro-Trump sentiment among some African leaders and how it shapes international investment. The conversation dives into Africa's vital agricultural role, revealing it as a potential global breadbasket. Did you know Kenya supplies 80% of Europe's Valentine roses? Learn about the booming cocoa industry in Ghana and Ivory Coast, responsible for 80% of the world's supply. With fertile land and a skilled workforce, Africa is set to be a key player in global food security and a hotspot for international investment.

This week on Market Mondays, we’re breaking down a pivotal moment in the markets. After Apple, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft reported earnings, we’re asking: are these tech giants still long-term compounders, or are buybacks and creative accounting hiding peak performance? Alphabet’s $70 billion stock buyback is under the spotlight, and Tesla’s stock jumped on Robotaxi hype — even as its fundamentals weakened. Elon Musk says Tesla doesn’t need to buy Uber, but is that a strategic power move or a missed opportunity in autonomous transport? Meanwhile, Huawei’s new AI chip spooked Nvidia investors — are cracks forming in the king of semis, or will U.S. geopolitics protect its dominance?Beyond tech, we explore the consumer and macro landscape. Spotify is nearing a breakout — is this real growth or macro-fueled momentum? ARK Innovation is surging again — is Cathie Wood making a comeback or just catching a Nasdaq wave? Domino’s missed on same-store sales, DoorDash made a $3.6B bid for Deliveroo, and e.l.f. just bought Hailey Bieber’s Rhode brand for $1B. Is global consolidation the next growth phase in food delivery? Are influencer-led beauty brands the future — or a risky bet on hype? And with Monster, Celsius, and Vita Coco battling for beverage dominance, who really has the edge in a slowing economy?We also dive into the economic outlook. U.S. GDP contracted by -0.2%, inflation appears mild but sentiment is at historic lows, and Treasury yields are climbing. Are we heading into recession, stagflation, or just a soft patch? Is now the time to rotate into risk or go defensive? Gold topped $3,400, oil prices dipped despite demand, and Palantir landed a $795M federal AI contract — is this the beginning of a broader AI-government integration wave? Plus, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq surging while the Dow lags behind, we ask: is this the start of a real breakout — or another trap before the next downturn?Link to Invest Fest: https://investfest.com#MarketMondays #Tesla #Alphabet #Nvidia #Spotify #ARKK #EarningsSeason #StockMarket #Investing #Inflation #Recession #Gold #Oil #Palantir #ElonMusk #CathieWood #TechStocks #BigTech #AI #ConsumerSpending #BondsOur Sponsors:* Check out PNC Bank: https://www.pnc.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marketmondays/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Bank of America’s advice to short the S&P 500 raises eyebrows, as the hosts argue this could be a risky move. They spotlight the resilience of U.S. innovators like OpenAI and Nvidia, suggesting American exceptionalism isn't fading. Discussion includes how transformative technologies like Starlink impact global connectivity and why understanding innovation cycles is crucial for investors. The potential of biotech and data infrastructure to reshape the market is also explored, revealing why betting against U.S. stocks may mean missing out on major opportunities.

Timestamps:7:20 – Mortgage Rate Spike16:00 – Institutional Mega-Bets19:40 – Bank of America’s S&P 500 Short Call24:36 – A Message from Africa49:06 – Bitcoin Hits All-Time High56:10 – OpenAI Acquires Jony Ive’s Company1:03:00 – Is It Time for Tim Cook to Go?1:09:30 – Apple’s Losing Streak & Tariff Threat1:15:13 – AI Writing Code at Microsoft1:20:00 – Insider Moves at AMD and Palantir1:32:00 – Google’s New AI AdvancementsIn this week’s episode of Market Mondays, we dive into the rising mortgage rates and whether a housing crisis is brewing, a $3 billion institutional bet on the stock market, and Bank of America’s surprising call to short the S&P 500. We also share exclusive insights from our trip to Africa and discuss the future of global investment opportunities on the continent.We break down Bitcoin’s all-time high, OpenAI’s major acquisition of Jony Ive’s company, and Apple’s latest challenges—from leadership questions to looming tariffs. Plus, we analyze insider moves at AMD and Palantir, Microsoft’s AI coding shift, and Google’s latest advancements in artificial intelligence.Link to Invest Fest: https://investfest.com#MarketMondays #Bitcoin #Investing #Apple #OpenAI #AfricaBusiness #S&P500 #StockMarket #TechNews #MortgageRates #AI #Palantir #AMD #GoogleAIOur Sponsors:* Check out PNC Bank: https://www.pnc.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marketmondays/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this insightful Market Mondays clip, Ian Dunlap, Troy Millings, and Rashad Bilal share essential advice for recent college graduates entering the real world. As graduation season is in full swing, many young adults are facing tough questions about finances, career direction, and how to get ahead despite an uncertain job market.The conversation kicks off with Rashad congratulating his nephew on graduating from St. John's University, then moves quickly to practical tips every grad should hear. Ian emphasizes the importance of picking solid investments early—think Microsoft, Visa, and bitcoin—and making those investments a financial priority. He also highlights the necessity of building entrepreneurial skills and considering business opportunities beyond the U.S.Rashad echoes Ian’s advice, underscoring the need to develop 50-year skill sets and to explore tech-driven companies, ETFs like QQQ, and real estate. He stresses the value of learning practical skills not taught in school, especially in areas like artificial intelligence and content creation.Troy adds another layer by urging grads to understand their unique value and to carefully plan for student loan repayment. He reminds everyone to make use of networking opportunities, especially alumni associations and organizations, while focusing on what they can genuinely bring to the table.The trio offers actionable steps: Invest at least 20% of your income as soon as you can, even before paying off debt, to create long-term wealth. Build a personal brand and showcase your ideas—don’t go into interviews empty-handed! Keep your living expenses low (living at home is okay!) so you can save and invest more. Build networks by staying active in alumni associations and professional groups. Learn practical, future-proof skills, including technology and AI.They also address parents, urging them to be patient as the job market is challenging—even for top tech employees. The conversation wraps up with a reminder to prioritize assets over liabilities and to stay disciplined in money habits.Whether you’re a recent graduate, a parent, or someone thinking about a career pivot, this clip is packed with wisdom on building wealth, skills, and networks that will serve you for decades to come!*Timestamps:* 00:00 - Graduation shoutout and opening remarks 00:43 - First steps for new grads: investing and entrepreneurship 03:44 - Why learning tech and AI matters 06:45 - Keeping student debt low and choosing the right degree 08:19 - Creating a personal plan and value-add 10:24 - Networking, alumni associations, and the power of community 12:16 - Building your brand and showcasing your skillsDon’t miss out on these foundational lessons—watch now and map out your path to success!*Hashtags:* #MarketMondays #CollegeGraduates #FinancialAdvice #InvestingTips #Entrepreneurship #CareerAdvice #Networking #WealthBuilding #PersonalFinance #AIskills #TechCareers #StudentLoans #AlumniNetworking #YoungInvestorsOur Sponsors:* Check out PNC Bank: https://www.pnc.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marketmondays/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of Market Mondays, hosts Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings, and Ian Dunlap tackle some of the most pressing topics in business, politics, and investing. They begin by discussing President Joe Biden’s health concerns and the implications of recent prostate cancer commentary. The conversation then shifts to Coinbase’s inclusion in the S&P 500 and its potential impact on Bitcoin and the broader crypto market. Security issues surrounding Coinbase are also examined in detail. The hosts analyze the recent downgrade of the U.S. credit rating and what it signifies for investors. They delve into Microsoft’s layoffs and their potential implications for the future of artificial intelligence. Advice is offered to recent college graduates navigating the current economic landscape. The discussion also covers strategies for families to protect wealth earned through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Investment opportunities in UnitedHealthcare are evaluated, along with a comparison of companies that may serve as the new “Coca-Cola” in U.S. security stocks. 6:15 – Joe Biden’s Health Concerns & Prostate Cancer Commentary7:58 – Coinbase Joins the S&P 500: Impact on Bitcoin & Crypto16:47 – Coinbase Security Issues Explained22:50 – U.S. Credit Rating Gets Downgraded: What It Means28:55 – Microsoft Layoffs: Implications for AI42:31 – Advice for Recent College Graduates56:28 – NIL Money: How Families Can Protect Wealth1:10:37 – Is It a Good Time to Buy UnitedHealthcare?1:20:30 – What Companies Are the New “Coca-Cola” for U.S. Security Stocks?Link to Invest Fest: https://investfest.com#MarketMondays #Investing #CryptoNews #Coinbase #Bitcoin #Microsoft #AI #USCreditRating #NILMoney #UnitedHealthcare #StockMarket #FinancialLiteracy #EconomicInsightsOur Sponsors:* Check out PNC Bank: https://www.pnc.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/marketmondays/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy