The War Index, Meta’s Military Moves, & XRP’s Future

This week on Market Mondays, we dove deep into the record-breaking run of AI stocks, including whether Nvidia’s dominance is in danger after insiders dumped over $1B in shares. We also broke down the future of Bitcoin, the economic outlook following a Q1 contraction, and if Apple will reclaim its throne as the world’s most valuable company.We made a major Invest Fest announcement, answered real audience questions about how to spot a dead chart vs. a breakout, and announced raffle winners.Then, 19 Keys joined for a powerful conversation on AI’s cultural impact, the illusion of Black excellence, gold, NFTs, and how to truly win in this new digital economy.Invest Fest Ticket Link (code - Block for 50% off tickets and vendor booths): https://investfest.com#MarketMondays #InvestFest #AIStocks #Nvidia #Bitcoin #19Keys #AppleStock #StockMarket #BlackWealth #FinancialFreedom #NFTs #BlackCapitalism #Investing #Crypto #WallStreet #EarnYourLeisure #EYLOur Sponsors:* Check out PNC Bank: https://www.pnc.com* 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 thought-provoking Market Mondays clip, the hosts Rashad Bilal, Ian Dunlap, and Troy Millings dive into the intersection of war, technology, and market resilience. They start by breaking down the “war index” — highlighting major players like Palantir, Anderil, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Meta — and reveal how data and algorithms are the new battlegrounds alongside traditional military might. Discover why having user data on 3.4 billion people gives Meta unprecendented influence, and how information (and propaganda) shape global conflict just as much as firepower.The conversation pivots to current geopolitical flashpoints, including Yemen’s bold entry into the fray, the critical importance of waterways like the Strait of Hormuz, and the complex dance between America, Israel, Iran, China, and Russia. Does long-term regime change trigger more instability? Rashad explores lessons from history, the risks of forced changes, and what global players want for Iran’s future.But it’s not all global tension! The clip also covers how the markets respond to conflict, why “the market is literally rigged to stay up,” and tactical investment tips on stocks like Palantir and Meta, especially as they break new all-time highs.Crypto fans, this one’s for you too—debate heats up over Bitcoin, Jack Dorsey versus Michael Saylor, and the ever-polarizing XRP. Rashad opens up about his fraught relationship with the XRP crowd and pushes Ian and Troy to weigh in: will XRP ever hit $10,000, or will institutional power always win out?Plus, hear exclusive details about Invest Fest, including a raffle for an all-expenses-paid trip to Ghana and special appearances from the likes of Jack Dorsey and past panelists like Cathie Wood.🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss Market Mondays insights!👇 Drop your thoughts below: Do you agree that data is the new oil in modern conflicts? Will regime change in Iran help or worsen the region? And what’s your Bitcoin or XRP price prediction?*Chapters:* Understanding the “War Index” and big tech’s secret military moves Meta’s rise as a defense asset — how social platforms influence war Geopolitics with Iran, Yemen, and global superpower chess Market maneuvering: How to invest when conflict is everywhere Bitcoin, Jack Dorsey, Michael Saylor, and the XRP drama Invest Fest raffle updates and the crypto all-star guest lineup*#MarketMondays #Investing #WarIndex #Meta #Palantir #OpenAI #Iran #Geopolitics #Crypto #Bitcoin #XRP #JackDorsey #MichaelSaylor #InvestFest #Propaganda #FinancialMarkets*Watch the full clip for exclusive insights and actionable takeaways for investors and market watchers alike!Our 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

⏱️ Timestamps9:50 – U.S. vs Iran: Latest Updates & Impact19:00 – Big Tech: The New Giants of War?25:04 – Best Stocks in the “War Index”37:30 – Credit Card Company Performance (Visa, AmEx, Mastercard, etc.)41:57 – S&P Near Highs, But Sentiment at Lows: Is the Market Ignoring the Consumer?48:50 – One Economic Indicator Retail Investors Should Track Weekly52:46 – Case Study: Michael Rubin’s Fanatics Fest59:10 – Elon’s Robotaxis: Is Tesla Back?1:08:00 – Oil Spike: Short-Term Shock or Start of a Supercycle?1:13:30 – Apple’s AI Paper: Is Apple Underhyped Compared to LRM Rivals?1:24:33 - The Vendor That Tripled Profits at Invest Fest In this episode, we dive into the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran and explore how it could impact global markets. We also examine whether Big Tech is quietly becoming the new face of modern warfare and identify the top-performing stocks in what we’re calling the “War Index.” With oil prices spiking and geopolitical risks rising, we ask the critical question: is this just a short-term shock or the beginning of a multi-year supercycle?We shift to the consumer economy, analyzing the 2024 performance of credit card giants like Visa, American Express, and Mastercard. With the S&P flirting with all-time highs while consumer sentiment hits record lows, we break down whether the market is ignoring key warning signs — or betting on a comeback. You’ll also hear which economic indicator retail investors often overlook, but should track weekly to better time trades.We wrap up with a case study on Michael Rubin’s Fanatics Fest, a look at Tesla’s robotaxi push, and a deep dive into Apple’s newest AI paper. Plus, two special guests join us to talk about their experiences at Invest Fest — one as a vendor and the other as the winner of last year’s pitch competition.Invest Fest Ticket Link: https://investfest.com#InvestFest #StockMarket #Tesla #Apple #Visa #BigTech #Iran #OilPrices #AI #ElonMusk #FanaticsFest #RetailInvesting #S&P500 #MarketMondays #EarnYourLeisureOur 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, we cover breaking developments in the Middle East and their impact on oil prices, the latest on the Iran-Israel conflict, and a major Invest Fest announcement. We dive into the ongoing battle between Microsoft and Apple, AMD’s recent stock surge, and welcome House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to the conversation.We also explore America’s stance on Middle East turmoil, solutions to the wealth gap, and how mass deportation policies could hurt the economy. Other key topics include insider trading in Congress, political apathy among Gen Z, and whether bipartisanship is still possible.Plus — a special China vs. USA segment, where we recap recent geopolitical tensions and global economic power shifts, followed by a conversation on AI’s future and the growing influence of money in politics.Invest Fest Ticket Link: https://investfest.com#Politics #Investing #MiddleEast #HakeemJeffries #OilPrices #Microsoft #Apple #AMD #AI #ChinaVsUSA #WealthGap #Deportation #Congress #GenZ #InvestFest #EarnYourLeisure #BigMoney #GlobalPoliticsOur 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 Market Mondays clip, hosts Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings, and Ian Dunlap dive deep into the remarkable comeback story of Robinhood. Once seen as a volatile platform for retail traders—often criticized for its gamification and accessibility—Robinhood has defied the odds, overcoming tough times and transforming into a force within the trading world.Fresh from their discussion at Bloomberg with Romaine, the hosts break down Robinhood’s recent surge, exploring how the stock went from lows of $6.85 in 2022 to hitting highs around $77 in 2024. Ian highlights the stellar leadership of CEO Vlad Tenev, comparing his resilience and vision to iconic turnarounds like that of Uber under Dara Khosrowshahi. Vlad’s unwavering commitment, ability to lean into criticism, and innovation—like embracing options, futures, and even sports betting—have driven Robinhood’s resurgence.Troy discusses how Robinhood’s controversial gamification actually played a pivotal role in educating and attracting younger retail investors to more sophisticated trading products. The conversation touches on the company’s evolution from a simple app to a comprehensive desktop experience and how continued platform improvements have paralleled its financial success, with profit margins reaching an impressive 48.77%.The hosts also talk about Robinhood’s ability to stay ahead of the curve, catering to their core audience, and refusing to shy away from who they are, while other legacy companies struggle to keep up. They draw analogies to sports, emphasizing that Robinhood’s consistent improvements year after year make it a stock you wouldn’t want to bet against.Whether you’re a trader, investor, or someone fascinated by corporate turnarounds, this Market Mondays clip offers valuable insights into recognizing growth, innovation, and resilience in today’s financial markets.*#Robinhood #StockMarket #MarketMondays #Investing #SuccessStory #Finance #RetailInvesting #Innovation #Crypto #OptionsTrading #FuturesTrading #BullMarket*Our 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, we break down the biggest headlines shaping business and investing. We dive into Robinhood’s recent surge after being added to the S&P 500, explore China’s dominance in the EV space, and reveal the official lineup for Invest Fest 2025. We also unpack the unexpected beef between Elon Musk and Donald Trump — and its potential impact on Tesla stock.Special guest Paul Judge joins the show to share game-changing insights on startup investing, winning traits of successful founders, and how to spot the next big industry before it explodes. We also cover how to stay ahead of the curve with AI, red flags for entrepreneurs to avoid, and powerful lessons from real-life investment stories. Don’t miss the exclusive look at the Invest Fest Pitch Competition!Link for Invest Fest Tickets & Pitch Comp: https://investfest.com#MarketMondays #InvestFest2025 #Robinhood #EVmarket #Tesla #PaulJudge #ElonMusk #DonaldTrump #StartupInvesting #AI #BullMarket #StockMarket #FinancialLiteracy #EarnYourLeisureOur 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 Market Mondays clip, hosts Rashad Bilal, Ian Dunlap, and Troy Millings dive deep into their recent experiences in Africa, uncovering surprising perspectives and huge opportunities on the continent.The conversation kicks off with a candid look at how African leaders and government insiders see American politics, especially the surprising pro-Trump sentiment among some officials. Rashad reveals that many on the continent actually prefer a “hands-off” Republican approach, seeing it as less meddlesome than Democratic policies. This segment offers a rare global perspective on US politics and what it means for international investment.Next, the trio explores Africa’s emerging role as the world’s breadbasket. Beyond minerals, the future is in farming—think mega-farms, massive livestock operations, and the enormous value of African produce. Did you know that 80% of the roses gracing Europe’s Valentine’s Day come straight out of Kenya? Or that Ghana and Ivory Coast are responsible for 80% of the world’s cocoa supply? The team spotlights the hidden goldmine in African agriculture, from lucrative tea farms in Kenya to the skyrocketing demand for land and food production.They also touch on why international players—from Europe to China—are increasingly investing in Africa, despite media narratives. With fertile soil, ideal climates, and a talented local workforce, Africa is positioned not just as a resource hub, but as a critical player in future global food security.Plus, there’s a special shoutout to Rashad’s book "You Deserve To Be Rich" making Barnes & Noble’s top reads of 2025 so far! And, they highlight the need for more African bookstores and access to educational resources.Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or just curious about global trends, this clip is packed with insights on Africa’s agricultural boom, international politics, and untapped opportunities that could shape the next 50 years.*Key topics in this clip:* ✔️ African perspectives on US politics: Republicans vs. Democrats ✔️ The next big wave: farming, vegetation & livestock ✔️ Surprising stats: Kenyan roses, Ghanaian cocoa, and more ✔️ How global powers are investing in Africa’s future ✔️ Book shoutouts & the importance of access to resourcesDon’t miss this in-depth conversation—your next big investment idea might just be growing in African soil!*Hashtags:* #MarketMondays #AfricaInvestment #FarmingGoldRush #GlobalPolitics #AfricanAgriculture #MarketInsights #YouDeserveToBeRich #KenyanRoses #GhanaCocoa #EconomicTrends #AfricanDevelopment #Clip---👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more real talk on business, investing, and global money moves!Our 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

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

In this insightful clip, Ian Dunlap and Rashad Bilal unpack Bank of America’s recent advisory urging investors to short the S&P 500 amid concerns of a global shift away from US equities and US bond credit ratings. Is the era of American exceptionalism really coming to an end, or is the innovation engine still running strong?Ian and Rashad dig deep into why shorting US equities right now might be a mistake—even with doubts swirling about the country's future growth. They highlight major U.S. innovators such as OpenAI, Palantir, and Anderil, as well as tech giants like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Meta, showing how these companies are not just maintaining but expanding America’s leadership in technology and AI.The conversation also explores:Why America's most disruptive companies haven’t even gone public yetHow Starlink and Meta are transforming global connectivity—above and below groundThe importance of understanding innovation cycles before making emotional investing decisionsWhy debt and macro numbers don’t tell the whole story about US market strengthHow biotech and data infrastructure are changing the investment landscapeWhether you’re a seasoned investor or just watching the markets, this clip offers a balanced perspective on future opportunities and risks in U.S. equities. Learn why betting against America’s stock market could mean missing out on generational wealth creation, and what makes today’s tech titans different from the rest.👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real talk on investing and the markets!#USStocks #Investing #Finance #StockMarket #MarketInsights #IanDunlap #RashadBilal #TechStocks #Innovation #Nvidia #Microsoft #Meta #OpenAI #Palantir #Starlink #Equities #FinanceTips #WealthBuilding #AI #GlobalMarkets---Let us know what you think about Bank of America’s advice in the comments below! Are you staying bullish on American innovation?Our 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

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