In this Episode of the Secure Your Retirement Podcast, Radon and Murs discuss this quarter's market and economic update with Tom Siomades, from the Federal Reserve's latest rate increase to the oil prices that have kept inflation elevated for about seven months. Tom explains why a quarter-point hike won't make a dent in energy-driven inflation, what the Iran conflict means for shipping and fuel costs, and why he sees the rest of the economy in better shape than the headlines suggest.

Listen in to learn about how interest rates, inflation, and oil prices affect retirement investing, why AI stocks are still helping lead the stock market while small caps keep pace, and why fixed income has become a meaningful part of retirement portfolios again. Tom closes with his market outlook for the end of 2026, and Radon connects it to what matters most for your retirement income planning and your peace of mind in retirement.

In this episode, find out:

• Why Tom sees the Fed's 25 basis point rate hike as more of a signal than a solution
• How elevated oil prices get built into the cost of everyday goods, and why those costs are slow to come back out
• What the broader economy looks like when you set the rate hike and the conflict aside
• How AI stocks, small caps, and higher yields on fixed income are shaping the stock market this year
• Tom's year-end market call, and why planning for a down year belongs in every retirement plan

Tweetable quotes

"You go to the gas station and they seem to raise the price of gas literally by the minute, and then it takes them weeks and weeks and weeks to lower it." (Tom Siomades)

"Fixed income is actually meaningful again for people's portfolios." (Tom Siomades)

Resources:

If you are in or nearing retirement and you want to gain clarity on what questions you should be asking, learn what the biggest retirement myths are, and identify what you can do to achieve peace of mind for your retirement, get started today by requesting our complimentary phone conversation with Secure Your Retirement!