Markets with Megan: A Quick Financial Markets Update

The U.S. economy added 165,000 jobs in October, more than double the 70,000 expected. But could this surprisingly strong employment report give the Federal Reserve another reason to raise interest rates in December?In today's Markets with Megan, Verdence Capital Advisors CIO Megan Horneman breaks down the latest jobs report, including:- 165,000 new jobs and an additional 84,000 from upward revisions- Unemployment falling to 4.1%- Labor force participation rising for the third consecutive month- Wage growth moderating to 3.1%- Why stronger employment could support another Fed rate hike- How stocks and bond yields are reacting to the newsWith markets experiencing volatility and the Nasdaq bouncing back, what does this report tell us about the economy, the Federal Reserve, and the outlook for investors?Subscribe for regular insights into the economic headlines moving markets.Visit https://marketswithmegan.fm for more episodes.#MarketsWithMegan #JobsReport #FederalReserve #InterestRates #StockMarket #Economy #Investing #WallStreet #MarketUpdate #Verdencehttps://youtu.be/3dYvWJAE4TkDisclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

The Federal Reserve just received some surprisingly positive economic news. Weekly jobless claims fell to just 189,000, productivity surged 3.6%, and unit labor costs declined 0.7%. Could these numbers change the Fed's outlook heading into December?In today's Markets with Megan, Verdence Capital Advisors CIO Megan Horneman breaks down three key economic indicators and what they could mean for inflation, the labor market, corporate profitability, and future interest rate decisions.Megan also explores whether artificial intelligence investments are beginning to translate into measurable productivity gains—and why tomorrow's jobs report could be the next big test for the economy.In this episode:- Why 189,000 jobless claims is a historically significant reading- How a 3.6% productivity increase could benefit businesses- Why falling labor costs matter for inflation- What AI-driven efficiency could mean for corporate margins- What to watch ahead of the Fed's December meetingSubscribe for timely economic insights and market commentary from Megan Horneman.🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://marketswithmegan.fm#MarketsWithMegan #FederalReserve #InterestRates #JobsReport #Inflation #EconomicOutlook #ArtificialIntelligence #StockMarket #MarketNewshttps://youtu.be/6RSzYrOBg8MDisclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

Job openings are beating unemployment again and the gap is not small. We just got September JOLTS data, and it shows 414,000 more job openings than unemployed workers, extending a six-month run where demand for workers stays ahead of supply. Even with the usual JOLTS lag, that kind of labor market strength can shift how we think about growth, risk appetite, and the path of interest rates.We walk through the details that actually move expectations: job openings coming in above forecasts, the quits rate rising to its highest level since June 2025, and layoffs falling to the lowest level since March 2025. Quits matter because they reflect confidence. Layoffs matter because they reveal whether businesses are truly pulling back. Put together, these signals help answer the big market question: is the US labor market cooling smoothly, or staying tight enough to keep inflation pressures alive?We also look ahead to the next catalysts on the economic calendar, including the ISM services report and Friday’s monthly jobs report. With “prices paid” still elevated in recent data, inflation remains part of the story, and that keeps the Federal Reserve front and center for investors tracking bonds, stocks, and rate expectations.Subscribe to Markets With Megan, share the episode with someone who follows economic data, and leave a review. What do you think Friday’s jobs report will say about where the economy goes next?https://youtu.be/Uu9wLOpYKBoDisclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

The U.S. economy grew 3.4% in the third quarter, but beneath the strong headline number, inflation is accelerating and consumers are drawing down their savings. Is the Federal Reserve falling behind?In this episode of Markets with Megan, Verdence Capital Advisors CIO Megan Horneman breaks down the latest GDP and inflation reports, including:- 3.4% GDP growth: What's driving the economy's continued expansion?- 3.1% core PCE inflation: Why the Fed's preferred inflation gauge is moving further from its 2% target.- 3.8% personal savings rate: What declining household savings could mean for consumer spending.- 12.7% business investment growth: How capital expenditures, technology, and AI-related investment are supporting economic growth.- The Fed's next move: Why additional interest rate hikes could be coming in December and early 2027.With technology stocks under pressure and inflation remaining stubborn, what should investors watch as we head into the final months of 2026?Subscribe to Markets with Megan for timely economic insights and market analysis.🎧 More episodes: https://marketswithmegan.fm#MarketsWithMegan #FederalReserve #Inflation #GDP #InterestRates #EconomicOutlook #StockMarket #Investing #PCEInflation #MarketNewshttps://youtu.be/n--bEegR_q8Disclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its October meeting, but with inflation continuing to climb, is the Fed doing enough?In today's Markets with Megan, Verdence Capital Advisors CIO Megan Horneman breaks down the Fed's latest interest rate decision, the surprisingly restrained tone from the Fed Chairman, and why rising inflation could force more aggressive action in December.With core PCE inflation expected to rise to 3.1%, Megan explains why the Fed may be falling behind in its fight against inflation, and why a 50-basis-point rate hike shouldn't be ruled out if inflation continues to worsen.In this episode:- Why the Fed kept interest rates unchanged- What the Fed's messaging signals about future rate hikes- Why short-term interest rates declined following the announcement- The significance of tomorrow's PCE inflation report- Why December could bring a 25- or even 50-basis-point rate hike- What does the Fed's decision mean for the economy, financial markets, and your investments?Subscribe to Markets with Megan for timely economic analysis and market insights. Visit https://marketswithmegan.fm for more episodes.#FederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #FedMeeting #RateHike #PCEInflation #FinancialMarkets #MarketOutlook #MarketsWithMegan #Verdencehttps://youtu.be/XQQBGM6J3dIDisclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

Housing data came in well below expectations this week. Housing starts fell 5.2% when markets expected an increase, and pending home sales dropped 7.3% to a record low. Megan Horneman, CIO of Verdence Capital Advisors, breaks down the numbers and what is driving the slowdown in the housing market.Mortgage rates ended September at 7.3%, the highest in three years, and home builders are dealing with rising material costs and uncertainty from tariffs and supply disruptions. Housing is a small slice of GDP, but a slowdown can ripple into spending on things like furniture and electronics. Stocks rallied anyway, helped by lower oil prices and falling interest rates.In this episode, Megan covers:• Why housing starts fell 5.2% for a third straight monthly decline near 5%• How multifamily construction led the weakness while single-family starts also slipped• Pending home sales falling 7.3% to a record low, led by the West and South• Builder confidence hitting a record low as buyer traffic dries up• How 7.3% mortgage rates and rising material costs are weighing on builders• Why the Dow rallied on weak data and what it may mean for the Fed in October and DecemberIf you're keeping an eye on your retirement accounts and wondering how a cooling housing market fits into the bigger picture, this short episode lays it out clearly. Listen in and subscribe so you don't miss next week's update.For a history of all Markets with Megan episodes, visit: https://marketswithmegan.fm#MarketsWithMegan #HousingMarket #HousingStarts #PendingHomeSales #MortgageRates #RealEstateNews #StockMarket #FederalReserve #EconomicData #Investinghttps://youtu.be/DMmt5C32kMUDisclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

Inflation is heating up, consumer spending is showing signs of weakness, and the Federal Reserve faces another difficult decision. Could another interest rate hike be coming before the end of 2026?Chief Investment Officer Megan Horneman discusses the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI), Producer Price Index (PPI), and retail sales report, and what they could mean for the economy, stock market, and Federal Reserve policy.Find out:- Why producer prices surged 1.3% in September, the fastest monthly increase since April 2023- How rising energy prices and trade-related costs are fueling inflation- Why headline retail sales may be masking weaker consumer spending- What softer spending could mean for third-quarter GDP- Why the Fed may hold rates in October but consider another hike in December- What's driving the divergence between the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq as Treasury yields declineWith inflation pressures persisting and underlying consumer demand showing signs of slowing, the Fed's path forward is anything but straightforward.Subscribe to Markets with Megan for timely economic insights and market commentary from Megan Horneman.Visit: https://marketswithmegan.fm#MarketsWithMegan #Inflation #FederalReserve #InterestRates #StockMarket #CPI #PPI #EconomicOutlook #MarketNews #Investinghttps://youtu.be/2CAh86tQ944Disclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

The September ISM Services Report showed the service sector, where Americans spend most of their money, ending the third quarter on a softer note. Megan Horneman explains why business activity and new orders slipped while the prices paid component jumped to its highest level since July 2022.Supply chain pressure tied to the war with Iran, along with tariffs and high fuel costs, is showing up in industries from construction to agriculture. Bond yields rose on the report, and the data likely won't change the Fed's October decision but does raise the odds of another hike in December.In this episode, Megan covers:Why the services composite slipped in September and still sits in expansion territoryWhere the weakness showed up: business activity, new orders, and a steep drop in export ordersPrices paid at the highest since July 2022 and order backlogs at their highest since 2022How diesel costs are driving up freight and pushing nitrogen prices near record highs for farmersWhy construction firms say half of buyers walking in can't qualify at current interest ratesWhat rising yields signal for the Fed's October meeting and the odds of a December hikeKeeping up with every data release takes time you may not have. Megan sorts out what matters in about five minutes, so listen in and subscribe to catch the next one.For a history of all Markets with Megan episodes, visit: https://marketswithmegan.fm#MarketsWithMegan #ISMServices #ServiceSector #Inflation #FederalReserve #InterestRates #BondYields #SupplyChain #DieselPrices #EconomicDatahttps://youtu.be/MxOE30jtf2gDisclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

The September jobs report came in much weaker than expected, and it could change the Federal Reserve’s next move.The U.S. economy added just 29,000 jobs in September, while the prior two months were revised lower by roughly 60,000 jobs. Unemployment ticked up to 4.2%, labor force participation increased, and wage growth came in around 3% year over year.So what does all of this mean for interest rates?Megan Horneman shares the latest employment data, where jobs are being gained and lost, why Treasury yields are falling, and how the report could give the Fed more flexibility to hold rates steady in October and wait until December before making another move.Plus, find out why equity markets are responding positively to weaker labor-market data.Subscribe to Markets with Megan for quick, straightforward analysis of the economic data moving markets:www.marketswithmegan.fm#MarketsWithMegan #JobsReport #FederalReserve #InterestRates #StockMarket #Economy #Investing #MarketUpdatehttps://youtu.be/NxVCfTmjACQDisclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...

The Fed is getting mixed signals.This week’s economic data showed a cooling labor market, stubborn inflation, and renewed price pressures in manufacturing, all while the odds of an October rate hike have fallen sharply.In this episode of Markets with Megan, Megan Horneman breaks down the latest JOLTS report, PCE inflation, ISM manufacturing data, and what they could mean for the Fed’s next move.Could the Fed hold off until December? And what should investors be watching in tomorrow’s September jobs report?Subscribe to Markets with Megan for quick, straightforward analysis of the economic data moving markets.www.marketswithmegan.fm#MarketsWithMegan #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #JobsReport #Economy #Investing #StockMarket #MarketUpdatehttps://youtu.be/dcOHaF7NhEMDisclaimer:  material was prepared by Verdence Capital Advisors, LLC (“VCA”). VCA believes the information and data in this document were obtained from sources considered reliable and correct and cannot guarantee either their accuracy or completeness. VCA has not independently verified third-party sourced information and data. Any projections, outlooks or assumptions should not be construed to be indicative of the actual events which will occur. These projections, market outlooks or estimates are subject to change without notice. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal, or tax advice. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product or anynon-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in these materials will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this report serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from VCA. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the c...