Inflation, Geopolitics, and the Fed: Navigating U.S. Economic Risks with PGIM

The U.S. economy is relatively stable for now. But inflation continues to be a problem and the intensifying conflict in the Middle East is a risk investors cannot ignore. Barron's Senior Economics Writer Megan Leonhardt talks with Robert Sockin, chief U.S. economist at PGIM, about what economic trends he’s watching carefully, the latest decision from the Fed and how the U.S. economy is looking ahead of the midterm elections.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Federal Reserve's policy committee meets on Sept. 15-16 against the backdrop of rising bond yields, a growing U.S. deficit, massive borrowing by AI-related companies, and questions about stubborn inflation. What do all of the above - and a potential interest-rate hike - mean for fixed-income investors? Barron's Senior Managing Editor Lauren R. Rublin and Investor Circle Newsletter Editor Josh Schafer will put that question, and many others, to Roger Hallam, global head of rates in Vanguard's Fixed Income Group. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Barron's Senior Managing Editor Lauren R. Rublin and Senior Markets Analysis Writer Paul R. La Monica speak with Blake Gwinn, head of US Rates Strategy at RBC Capital Markets, about the outlook for financial markets, industry sectors, and individual stocks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Barron's Editor in Chief Ben Levisohn and Investor Circle Newsletter Editor Josh Schafer speak with Michael Cuggino, president and portfolio manager of Permanent Portfolio Family of Funds, about Jackson Hole, Nvidia earnings, and what's now for gold, bonds, and the stock market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Barron's Live for a look under the hood of the bull market in U.S. stocks and what's ahead. Associate Editor Reshma Kapadia speaks with Savita Subramanian, Bank of America's head of U.S. equity and quantitative strategy, about whether the AI-trade is losing momentum, why index funds aren't offering much diversification and what an industrial revolution means for market multiples.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"Diversification is the only free lunch in investing." It's a famous quote attributed to the Nobel economist Harry Markowitz, and re-quoted - with conviction! - by Smead Capital Management's Bill Smead. Bill discusses his approach to portfolio diversification, and his favorite stocks, with Barron's Associate Editor Andrew Bary and Barron's Investor Circle Newsletter Editor Josh Schafer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Inflation and payroll growth trends fluctuated dramatically during the first six months of 2026, causing concerns about the direction of the U.S. economy and how the Federal Reserve will react. Barron's Senior Economics Writer Megan Leonhardt speaks with Steven Blitz, chief U.S. economist at TS Lombard, about the economic trends expected as we enter the second half of 2026 and what investors should watch for next.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Almost everything in the economy and financial markets now relates in some way to explosive spending on artificial intelligence technology. Did someone say mania? Barron's Editor in Chief Ben Levisohn and Senior Managing Editor Lauren R. Rublin speak with Tom Essaye, founder and president of Sevens Report, about the implications for investors -- and how to prepare for the day when the great wave crests. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A decent first half of the year for the stock market implies more gains in the second half, says Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research. Stovall discusses his economic and investment outlook, and the prospects for the S&P's 11 industry sectors, with Barron's Senior Managing Editor Lauren R. Rublin and Associate Editor Al Root.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As investors have piled into the AI trade, shares of many high-performing companies have been left on the sidelines, their shares in the bargain bin. That's where most members of the Barron's Roundtable tend to shop, including Christopher Rossbach, a managing partner and chief investment officer of J. Stern, a London-based independent asset manager, and our newest Roundtable member. Barron's Senior Managing Editor Lauren R. Rublin and Senior Writer Teresa Rivas speak with Chris about the economic and market outlook, consumer spending, infrastructure investing, and his favorite stocks. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.