Investment Insights

The January jobs report showed a more resilient jobs market than analysts had anticipated, with 130,000 new jobs created and the unemployment rate dropping to 4.3%. Marta and Vanessa break down this report and its implications for markets in this edition of Taking Stock.

Fed policy is on hold as inflation and jobs data remain worrisome. The data points to lower rates ahead as inflation edges down over the course of 2026.  But there are wild cards out there.  Marta and Vanessa discuss the various scenarios effecting earnings, jobs, inflation and interest rates in this version of Taking Stock.

Marta Norton examines the proposition that a rotation trade is occurring in the equity markets, away from the Magnificent 7 and towards small and mid-cap companies with less expensive valuations.  

Marta and Vanessa break down todays weaker than expected jobs report and discuss the prospects for inflation, housing and corporate earnings for 2026.

This week the Bureau of Labor Statistics released delayed Jobs and inflation reports. The Jobs report showed an uptrend in unemployment to a 4.6% rate, the highest since 2021.  The CPI report showed a 2.7% annual rate of inflation, below what economists had expected.  Marta Norton breaks down these two reports and what they are telling us about the economy as we turn the corner to 2026.

Marta Norton takes a look back at 2025 and the lessons it provided.

In today’s Taking Stock, Marta and Vanessa discuss how lower rates, combined with productivity gains from AI may keep the economic engine fueled in 2026.

Our 2026 Outlook — It's an AI World — explores the impact of the AI supercycle on the U.S. economy and markets.

While the Federal Reserve cut the Federal Funds rate 0.25% at its October 29th meeting, future rate cuts are “not a foregone conclusion” according to Chairman Powell’s statement.  Marta and Vanessa discuss how low rates can go in 2026.  

The Consumer Price Index rose at an annual rate of 3% through September, giving the Federal Reserve leeway to cut rates at its next meeting on October 29.  Marta and Vanessa discuss the details and implications of this latest inflation signal.

Marta Norton and Vanessa Welch discuss the financial market reaction to the prolonged government shutdown. While the markets have generally overlooked the shutdown, Marta Norton voices caution, citing several risks including historically high equity market valuations. 

Empower Chief Investment Strategist Marta Norton looks back on the key themes that influenced the economy and investment markets in 2025.  Many of these themes will remain influential for 2026.