Financial markets are wrestling with AI disruption and renewed tariff uncertainty. Empower Chief Investment Strategist Marta Norton and VP of Financial Insights Vanessa Welch break down what it means for investors.

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.

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.

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. 

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates 0.25%, the first cut since December 2024. While the Fed acknowledged the weakness of the labor market, they believe economic growth remains strong.  Marta and Vanessa break down what drove the Fed’s decision and what Fed policy may look like for the rest of this year and 2026.

The August price report showed a 2.9% annual rate of inflation, the highest rate since January but likely not high enough to prevent the Federal Reserve from cutting rates at its next FOMC meeting.

Latest jobs report reinforces the view of a weakening labor market. Vanessa and Marta discuss the implications for the economy, Federal Reserve policy, and the direction of interest rates.