Behind Wall Street’s Scorching Quarter

It’s the first Saturday of the month, which means it’s time for the next installment of our 2026 Financial Planning Challenge. Since it’s July 4th, we thought it fitting that this month we focus on financial independence – in other words, retirement. How do you know if your retirement plan is on track? And how will you know when you’re financially ready to bid adieu to the working world? Fools Robert Brokamp and Stephanie Marini discuss how to find the answers to those questions, including:-Common rules of thumb like the 50-30-20 rule and ye olde 4% rule (and why it should be 5%)-Age-based retirement savings benchmarks from financial-services firms-Free and premium calculators we use and recommend-Getting a professional second opinion from an experienced financial planner who charges by the hour or project (and where to find such a planner)Host: Robert Brokamp, CFP®, EAGuest: Stephanie Marini, CFP®, CRPC®Engineer: Bart Shannon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Q2 2026 was the best year on Wall Street since 2020 and AI led the way. But the gains weren’t evenly distributed and we discuss what’s sustainable and what’s not in the market. Plus, we discuss Meta becoming a neocloud and look back on the U.S. stocks that defined the past four decades. Travis Hoium, Lou Whiteman, and Jason Moser discuss: - Record Q2 Performance - How AI Ruled the Day - Meta the Neocloud? - What Happened to Compute Constraint? - History of U.S. Stocks - Stocks on Our Radar Companies discussed: Meta Platforms (META), Netflix (NFLX), Amazon (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL), Walmart (WMT), Home Depot (HD), Microsoft (MSFT), Cisco (CSCO), Dell (DELL), GE (GE), Columbia Banking (COLB), Axon (AXON). Host: Travis Hoium Guests: Lou Whiteman, Jason Moser Engineer: Dan Boyd Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HAve you noticed that more and more companies are finding the Chinese market is a headwind for companies? You’re not alone. Automotive companies, clothing retailers, beauty products, and many more are either losing market share or seeing sales decline. Jon, Matt, and Tyler break down why the Chinese market has been such a challenge for so many companies, who could be the next company to experience this, and how investors can navigate this trend. Plus, the unconventional winners & losers of the S&P 500 and listener questions. Tyler Crowe, Matt Frankel, and Jon Quast discuss:- S&P 500’s (volatile) winners and losers in 2026 so far- The unexpected winners and losers- The changing Chinese market- Could Apple and memory be the next China market victims?- Mailbag: Navigating fair values for stocks Companies discussed: CASY, TSCO, GLW, FICO, NKE, LVMH, AAPL, SBUX, DECK, CAT, MSFT, Host: Tyler CroweGuests: Matt Frankel, Jon QuastEngineer: Bart Shannon Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oil prices have plunged in recent weeks as the war in Iran appears to be coming to a halt. But why did predictions of $200 oil never materialize? We discuss the underlying dynamics. We also covered a new stablecoin that could be disruptive to payments and why Nike’s comeback is stalling out. Travis Hoium, Lou Whiteman, and Tyler Crowe discuss: - Why Oil Prices Are Dropping - Did China Prevent an Energy Crisis? - The New Open USD Stablecoin - Are Stablecoins Disruptive? - Nike’s Earnings - Can Nike Make a Comeback? Companies discussed: Nike (NKE), Visa (V), Mastercard (MA). Host: Travis Hoium Guests: Lou Whiteman, Tyler Crowe Engineer: Dan Boyd Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Honeywell International of 10 years ago is now six different publicly traded companies. This week, Honeywell International split with Honeywell Aerospace to complete the pre-planned separation. Tyler, Matt, and Lou look break down the prospects for the disparate parts as standalone companies and pick which ones will be the outperformers based on recent spinoffs and separateions. Plus, a busy week of deals and an investor question about covered call ETFs Tyler Crowe, Matt Frankel, and Lou Whiteman discuss: - Digital Realty buying data centers - Building materials industry consolidation - Keeping track of what assets went where at Honeywell - Recent successes (and failures) with spinoffs - Mailbag: When to covered call index ETFs work? Companies discussed: DLR, BX, CSL, OC, MLM, BLD, QXO, ON, SYNA, HON, HONA, SOLS, QNT, GE, GEV, GEHC, RTX, CARR, OTIS, DOW, DD, CTVA, CMCSA, BRK-B, SPYI, QQQI, CHPY, BTCI Host: Tyler Crowe Guests: Matt Frankel, Lou Whiteman Engineer: Dan Boyd Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jon, Matt, and Rachel dissect the latest breakup news from Comcast as the media giant intends to spin off assets under its NBCUniversal entity. This could unlock value but could shake up the streaming landscape. The team then moves on to Rocket Lab’s $8 billion acquisition of Iridium before ending with a listener question about selling stocks. Jon Quast, Matt Frankel, and Rachel Warren discuss: -Comcast spins off NBCUniversal -Whether NBCUniversal is an attractive takeover target -Rocket Lab’s $8 billion acquisition -Selling stocks you love to buy stocks you love more Companies discussed: Rocket Lab (RKLB), Iridium (IRDM), Space Exploration Technologies (SPCX), Comcast (CMCSA), Versant Media Group (VSNT), Amazon (AMZN), Apple (AAPL) Host: Jon Quast Guests: Matt Frankel, Rachel Warren Engineer: Dan Boyd Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The companies dominating AI headlines right now may not be the ones actually winning. In fact, according to Julie Averill, the loudest signals are often the ones most worth questioning. As former global CIO of Lululemon — where she helped oversee one of retail's most successful tech transformations — Julie has spent decades separating real change from corporate theater. Motley Fool analyst Rachel Warren sits down with Julie, now author of Chief Impact Officer, to unpack what AI washing actually looks like from the inside, why 87% of CEOs say psychological safety matters but only 13% believe their company has it, and what that gap means for the stocks in your portfolio. Host: Rachel Warren Guest: Julie Averill Producers: Bart Shannon, Lauren Budabin Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of the education about work-sponsored retirement plans comes from the employer or the plan provider. But you could be a source of knowledge and encouragement to your colleagues, friends, and relatives. Robert Brokamp discusses grassroots retirement education with Julie Jason, the founder and CEO of Jackson, Grant Investment Advisers and the creator of the annual 401(k) Champion Award. (Visit 401kchampion.com to nominate yourself or someone you know.)Also in this episode:-Many value stock index funds are beating the S&P 500 so far this year, thanks to some surprisingly large holdings in high-flying tech stocks-Student loan borrowers can get a larger interest rate deduction if they sign up for autopay by Sept. 30-How much do workers contribute to their 401(k)s, and how many take advantage of features like catch-up contributions and Roth accounts?-At almost halfway through the year, now is a great time to evaluate whether you are having the right amount of taxes withheld from your paycheck Host: Robert Brokamp, CFP®, EAGuest: Julie Jason, JD, LLMEngineer: Bart Shannon Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Memory prices have skyrocketed because of AI demand and that’s not extending into the consumer market after Apple raised prices on nearly all of its products. We discuss why memory is up and how Silicon Valley made itself a villain in the age of AI. Plus, we go through what technologies may be disruptive and stocks on our radar. Travis Hoium, Jon Quast, and Lou Whiteman discuss: - AI, The Villian - Why Memory Costs Hit Apple - Who Says “Enough”? - Is There Rationality in Tech? - Disruptive or Sustaining Innovation - Stock on our Radar Companies discussed: Tractor Supply (TSCO), Lockheed Martin (LMT), Apple (AAPL), Micron (MU), NVIDIA (NVDA). Host: Travis Hoium Guests: Jon Quast, Lou Whiteman Engineer: Dan Boyd Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If it wasn’t apparent already, the Federal government has made expanding the fleet of nuclear reactors a strategic priority. This week, the Department of Energy announced a new financing deal that will encourage the development of 10 new nuclear reactors in the U.S. Matt, Jon, and Tyler break down what this means and whether the companies in the industry will see big gains from it. Plus, Qualcom’s investor day, IBMs breakthrough chip design, and investing in energyTyler Crowe, Matt Frankel, and Jon Quast discuss:- Qualcomm announced it wants to join the AI party- Where will Qualcomm’s new chips come from?- IBM’s new less-than-nanometer chip design- Nuclear power’s getting even more government help- Mailbag: Where to invest in energy as a young investorCompanies discussed: QCOM, AAPL, SSNLF, IBM, NVDA, GOOG, INTC, CCJ, BEP, BAM, CEG, GEV, PWR, FSLR, NEE, VSTHost: Tyler CroweGuests: Matt Frankel, Jon QuastEngineer: Bart Shannon Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices