Wall Street Unplugged - Your Best Source For Finance, Investing & Economics

I’m back in the office after attending a major industry conference for the financial newsletter business.   I start today’s show by recapping some of the biggest moments from the event—including my pitch about tokenization. I share why the buzz is building around this trend… why it’s a win-win for investors and businesses alike… and why it’s set to be the biggest trend of my lifetime. (And behemoth asset manager BlackRock agrees.)   Plus, I explain the advice I gave my colleagues about podcasting—and why they shouldn’t do it.   Next, I highlight several factors weighing on the market right now—including higher interest rates… some ugly data on housing starts… and investor sentiment turning bearish. But despite these risks, I share why we could see a pop in the market.   As Q3 earnings roll in, I break down what investors should be watching for… and how higher oil prices and interest rates could impact next quarter’s results.   Don’t miss tomorrow’s WSU Premium, where Daniel and I will discuss big b

Frank is on the road for business for the week, so I, Daniel, am leading the show today.   I kick things off with a recap of my road trip to Ohio… including some good news about how our tax dollars are being spent. (I swear I’m not being sarcastic.)   Stocks are rallying even as war is breaking out in the Middle East. It’s a great example of how markets and reality can be vastly different. I explain why this bounce could continue through the end of the year.   As expected, oil prices popped in response to the violence. Regular listeners know I’ve been bullish on energy for many months. I explain why the current environment creates major tailwinds for oil prices… why every investor should have exposure to energy stocks… and how the war impacts my thesis.   Next, I break down today’s Producer Price Index (PPI)… highlight the one data point to focus on in tomorrow’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report (hint: it’s all about energy prices)... and explain why the numbers could force the Fed to raise rates eve

I just returned from a business trip to Miami… and start today’s show with a rant about how consumers are getting “fee’d” to death.   Stocks are selling off as investors digest higher-for-longer interest rates and lingering inflation. And I see way more downside ahead…   I share some data on the impact of student loan payments, which have resumed after a three-year pause. I also highlight the biggest headwind for the economy (hint: it’s a rising cost that none of us can escape).   I’ve been pounding the table on how this is one of the most dangerous markets I’ve ever seen… Despite the fastest pace of rate hikes in history, some of the riskiest stocks have been surging. But this irrational bull run is coming to an end. I explain why the Fed won’t be able to pull off a soft landing… and why we should brace for more pain throughout the housing sector, community banks, and consumer spending.   Shockwaves are rippling across the political aisle as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R) was ousted this week. I ex

Frank is out of the office on a research trip… leaving me, Daniel, behind the mic.   Target’s (TGT) shares are near 52-week lows after it announced it will be closing nine stores due to rampant theft. It’s a troubling sign that will have a big impact on local economies. I highlight how it’s the latest example of the problems that happen when politicians enact stupid policies… why long-term investors should be excited by the declines… and a few other retail stocks that belong on every investor’s watchlist.   Two weeks ago, I ruffled some feathers when I shared my contrarian view on global warming. I’m doubling down this week… and sharing some more research from experts who disagree with the popular climate narrative. Email me your thoughts at daniel {at} curzioresearch {dot} com.   “Carbon capture” is one of the trendiest ideas for mitigating climate change (and it’s so popular, I’ve created a drinking game around it). While I think it’s a silly idea, it will benefit a handful of companies in the energy

I start today’s show by explaining why I won’t be retiring anytime soon…   By the time you listen to this, the Fed will have decided whether to hike interest rates… or keep them at current levels. I break down what I expect to happen… and why investors should be concerned about the latest inflation data.   Global debt has hit record levels… and higher rates will add trillions more in interest payments. I rant about how insane government spending is to blame… and how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) only proves government spending isn’t slowing down anytime soon.   A lot of folks think the Fed can solve these problems by cutting interest rates. I explain why a rate cut would NOT be bullish for the stock market.   Finally, I highlight one sector that will continue to thrive amid the government’s crazy policies.   In this episode Why I’m not retiring anytime soon [0:33] The Fed’s latest interest rate decision [5:44] Global debt hits a new record high [8:55] The government’s insane spending

Frank is out of the office, so I (Daniel) am taking the reins on today’s show.   The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data is in—and the sharp rise in energy prices is dominating the report. I break down what’s behind the surge… and why the situation creates a big problem for the Fed.   Speaking of energy, the International Energy Agency (IEA) expects oil demand to peak before 2030 as clean energy replaces fossil fuels. I explain why I don’t believe this will happen… and why you’d be wise to have exposure to oil & gas right now. And I highlight a report from over 1,600 scientists on why climate change isn’t as dire as the media makes it sound.   The Wall Street Journal recently ran a story about how amateur investors are piling into risky option bets. I recap the article… and explain why this strategy has worse odds than the casinos in Vegas. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use it to your advantage. I share a few tips on how to turn the odds in your favor… and a brokerage firm benefiting from the

AeroVironment (AVAV) reported incredible earnings yesterday, sending the stock up more than 20%. I start today’s show with a breakdown of the results… and why the massive demand for AVAV’s products won’t slow down anytime soon (hint: it’s an unfortunate side effect of global politics).   I’m dedicating this podcast to an important—and polarizing—topic: de-dollarization. Some folks believe the dollar is about to lose its status as the world reserve currency… while others insist it could never happen.   I go over the factors behind the dollar’s recent weakness—including how the U.S.’s actions are driving our enemies closer… whether the dollar is actually at risk of losing its status as the world’s reserve currency… and the one asset primed to soar as de-dollarization continues.   Be sure to tune into tomorrow’s WSU Premium, where Daniel and I will dig deeper into de-dollarization… and highlight more ways to profit from the trend [Get access to the premium podcast at WSUOffer.com].   In this episode

It’s crazy here in Florida as Hurricane Idalia just made landfall—and it seems like some people are preparing for the apocalypse. Stay safe out there, my fellow Floridians.    Bitcoin rallied over 5% on Tuesday following a win in court for asset manager Grayscale Investments vs. the SEC. The SEC had tried to deny Graysale’s application to convert its Bitcoin trust into a Bitcoin ETF… but the judge ruled the SEC’s decision was “unlawful.” I break down the ruling… why it’s super bullish for crypto… and why a Bitcoin ETF would be the beginning of a new era for digital assets.   In fact, the smart money is already investing in the latest evolution of digital assets: tokenization. I explain how tokenization works… why it benefits businesses AND investors… and why BlackRock CEO Larry Fink is calling tokenization “the next generation for markets.”   The bottom line: Crypto is here to stay. In fact, it’s one of the best risk/reward opportunities I’ve ever seen. And every investor needs exposure to this growth s

This episode is brought to you by Masterworks, a one-of-a-kind platform that lets you invest in multimillion-dollar art from the likes of Picasso, Banksy, and more. By the time you listen to this episode, Nvidia (NVDA) will have reported its latest earnings… Right now, the market is holding its breath ahead of the results.   I break down Nvidia’s insanely high valuation… whether I expect it to meet the market’s huge expectations… and some obstacles it will face in the coming quarters. Plus, I highlight the two companies that represent the biggest threat to NVDA’s dominance. (Most folks will be surprised by these names).   Next, I make a bold prediction… The Fed is done hiking interest rates. I explain my thesis… and why sluggish global growth is the “new normal.”   I also highlight a major red flag in the housing market. It’s a situation that’s never happened before… and will put massive pressure on the economy (and lead to more volatility in the stock market in the coming months).   Last week, I sh

I’m back in the saddle again after a successful hip replacement. Thanks to everyone who sent me well wishes.   During my downtime, I’ve been researching a topic that hasn’t been getting the attention it deserves: the disaster unfolding in China. In case you haven’t heard, real estate developer Country Garden is in default… the yuan is selling off hard… and the country’s recent economic data shows no signs of improving anytime soon.   Daniel and I break down the latest data points out of China—including warnings from several companies—and explain why things will get worse before they get better.   I also highlight why the yuan is crashing… why China’s attempts to boost its currency aren’t working… and how the country’s real estate collapse could spill over into another $3 trillion industry.   I share how investors should play the situation… and a couple of companies that rely too heavily on China.   One company that expects to come out unscathed is Nvidia (NVDA). Management recently said China’s slow

By the time you listen to this, I’ll have had my second hip replacement surgery.   The first time, it cost me almost nothing out of pocket. But this time, I’ll be paying $8,000! Prepare for a rant about rising healthcare costs and the insurance racket.   Following Fitch’s downgrade of U.S. debt last week, Moody’s just downgraded its ratings on 10 U.S. banks. It’s another concerning sign of what’s happening beneath the surface of the market.   I highlight several reasons for investors to be cautious… including a classic signal that a recession is on the horizon.   The good news is that we’re heading into a stock picker’s market—where it’ll be easier to outperform the market if you select the right stocks. I share the qualities you should look for when picking stocks right now… and a recent Curzio Research Advisory recommendation that meets these criteria.   I also break down which Big Tech leaders are solid investments right now… and which ones can’t justify their premium valuations.   As we head

Prepare yourself for several rants today…   I start the show with some comments about CNBC’s Squawk Box, which is usually a solid show—but not today.    Next, I highlight some of this week’s most important earnings reports—including results from General Motors (GM) and Ford (F). I break down how GM’s CEO is lying through her teeth about electric vehicles (EVs)… why most automakers are afraid to face the truth about the EV trend… and how a little common sense could help their shareholders.   Don’t miss tomorrow’s WSU Premium, where Daniel and I will break down the winners and losers of this earning season (For full access to the premium podcast subscribe at WSUOffer.com).   Stocks are sinking today after Fitch Ratings downgraded the U.S.’ credit rating. I highlight some shocking numbers from the report… and explain why we’re in a much worse situation today vs. the last downgrade in 2011.   Of course, politicians and economists are pushing back against the downgrade. I rant about some of the most ab

Today's episode is sponsored by Masterworks.   Today’s episode starts with a look at the Hollywood strikes that have been dominating the headlines. I explain why a win for the actors could spell serious trouble for the industry.   The Fed is meeting this afternoon (after I finish recording this). I break down why no one seems to care about the Fed’s rate hikes… and why that’s a big mistake.   Next, I highlight two contradictory calls from a couple of Wall Street analysts. One was right about the direction of the market… but wrong on his bullish thesis. The other was right about several bearish headwinds… but wrong about stocks falling. I break down both viewpoints… and why now is a turning point for the market.   We’re in the heart of earnings season. I explain why Alphabet (GOOG) and Microsoft (MSFT) are moving in opposite directions after their latest results… and share the one Big Tech name I like heading into earnings (hint: it’s had an incredible run lately, but still trades at a modest valuation

I’m back from my mini-vacation to Saratoga for the opening day of horse racing. I reminisce about my childhood experience (and success) at the tracks… and share the rude awakening I got on my trip about being old.   Next, I highlight some wild action in the stock market… including why telecom giants AT&T (T) and Verizon (VZ) are selling off… and why Carvana (CVNA) has surged 1,000% since the start of the year.   I explain why the markets will continue rallying—even as the Fed keeps hiking rates… and why an eventual rate cut wouldn’t be nearly as positive as you might think.   I also highlight an overlooked corner of the market that’s starting to break out… and still has plenty of room to run in the coming months.   We’re officially in the heart of earnings season… and the results we’ve seen so far prove just how wild this market is. I go over several stocks that jumped—even as the company’s earnings declined.   The U.S. dollar is sitting near a 52-week low. I share several ways to play the long-

I recently installed a Ring doorbell camera at my new house—and my favorite part is getting access to the online Ring community. I start today’s show with some hilarious stuff that people post.   For some reason, the proposed merger between the PGA and LIV Golf has been elevated to the Senate. I rant about political interference in sports… and how pro leagues should just admit that all they care about is money.   By the time you get this podcast, the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data will already be out. I share why this month’s report should be positive for markets... but next month’s numbers will show that inflation remains a big problem.   And I share the cold, hard truth about what the Fed will need to do to defeat inflation.   Earning season kicks off in a couple of days. I highlight some analyst expectations—including important upgrades/downgrades on a couple of household names. I also share what to expect from this earnings season… and the main piece of data you should focus on.   Next,

Today's episode was presented live on RagingBull's 360° WALL ST Chatroom.   Investors should expect more volatility in the second half of 2023, especially as the Fed continues its battle with inflation. I break down several risk factors… some sentiment data that’s flashing a warning sign for investors… and explain why even the mighty tech sector is showing signs of cracking.   But that doesn’t mean you have to stay on the market sidelines. I highlight one sector where I’m seeing a ton of opportunity… and a couple of big winners from one of our newsletters that still have massive upside potential.   Speaking of which, I’m offering a special deal on our premium products—and if you act fast, you could get the chance to speak to me directly.   As part of this live episode, I take a couple of questions from the Raging Bull audience. The first is about cryptocurrency Cardano (ADA). I explain the risks this project faces amid the SEC’s crypto crackdown… and whether I think it’ll go higher from here. Next,

With all of our newsletter issues… subscriber updates… this podcast… and special offers… I’ve been working as hard as ever. Meanwhile, the kids are home for the summer—and driving my wife insane.   I start today’s show with a funny anecdote about how my dad got us to behave as kids… and why I almost called the cops on my own kids this week.   There’s a huge story that isn’t getting the attention it deserves: The U.S. government could soon put restrictions on tech companies that sell chips to China—including the mighty Nvidia (NVDA). (I shared some inside info on this exact topic from a member on last week’s Frankly Speaking podcast… So keep sending me your stories and questions at Frank@curzioresearch.com.)   In short, China is in bad shape… and that’s a problem for the entire world. I share some stats on China’s economy that should scare the crap out of you… and why the talking heads in the media are wrong about China’s status as the world’s greatest growth engine. Daniel and I will dig deeper into t

This market is unlike any other I’ve seen in my 30-year career… and I’m getting a ton of questions about how to play it.   I start today’s show by breaking down the mixed signals investors are dealing with right now… why Big Tech is surging—even as the Fed tries to cool the economy… and why it’s clear the Fed has no idea what it’s doing.   The good news is that all of this uncertainty is creating a lot of opportunities for investors. I highlight two sectors I’m extremely bullish on right now—including one that will benefit from a major market rotation that’s already underway… and a strategy you can’t afford to miss once the market starts pulling back again.   I’m crafting a special deal on three of our most valuable services to play these highly profitable areas. Keep an eye on your inbox next week for all the details… and if you act quickly enough, you could score a one-on-one conversation with yours truly (bear in mind, I can’t give individual investment advice).   On tomorrow’s WSU Premium, Daniel

I just finished watching the TV series Narcos. It's actually a great story about entrepreneurship (although, of course, the business is illegal).   The stock rally is on. I highlight several names making explosive moves—including Tesla (TSLA), Sofi Technologies (SOFI), and one Curzio Venture Opportunities holding that’s up about 27% in less than a year.   But despite these impressive gains, investors shouldn't expect a new bull market. I break down why this market is similar to the dot-com bubble… why I expect many big names to sell off soon… and why the Fed isn’t done with its rate hikes, even if it pauses this month.   That said, I expect one corner of the market to see a massive tailwind: small caps… I use a well-known stock as the perfect example of what to expect from small caps going forward. After selling off hard following its last earnings report, it’s up more than 15% since the start of the month.   In fact, I’m so excited about the opportunity in small caps, I'm creating a special deal f

Frank is at an industry meeting this week—leaving me, Daniel, behind the mic.   Over the past two days, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) declared war on crypto exchanges Binance (BNB) and Coinbase (COIN). I break down why the SEC has gone full “Elmer Fudd” on crypto… why investors should expect more strong-arming from regulators… and how I’d play the crypto space over the short and long term.     The PGA Tour shocked (and angered) the sports world this week when it announced it’s merging with LIV Golf. Before joining forces, the two rival organizations were engaged in a war of words—including accusations of terrorism—and antitrust lawsuits. I highlight the lesson everyone should learn from this ugly situation… and a stock that will profit from the merger. And finally, as a non-tech-savvy 37-year-old, I share my perspective on Apple’s new headset, the Vision Pro.   In this episode The SEC is going “Elmer Fudd” on crypto [1:30] The political theater of the SEC’s crypto crackdown [8:00]