Markets, Politics, and Debt: Insights with Rich Weiss

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Rich Weiss, CIO of Multi-Asset Strategies at American Century, brings 40 years of investment experience to discuss market reactions to global turmoil and why the VIX index remains surprisingly calm despite international tensions.

• Markets appear to be undervaluing risk despite geopolitical conflicts and economic uncertainties
• Economic consensus forecasts predict 1.5% growth this year, avoiding recession but not stellar
• Manufacturing and housing sectors show concerning weakness while consumer data remains resilient
• Bond vigilantes could reject the "Big Beautiful Bill" and drive up interest rates if deficit concerns intensify
• Fed Chair Powell maintaining independence despite political pressure for rate cuts
• Companies likely to pass tariff increases directly to consumers in coming months
• Congressional Budget Office estimates tax legislation could add $2-3 trillion to deficit over next decade
• U.S. interest payments as percentage of GDP have reached approximately 4%, comparable to struggling economies
• Gold has overtaken the Euro as the second most popular central bank reserve asset globally
• Diversification remains "the only free lunch in investing" during uncertain times
• Short-term investment thinking resembles gambling more than actual investing
• High-quality corporate bonds may provide better security than treasuries in the near term

For more insights on navigating market uncertainty with a balanced approach, subscribe to "Ask Rich" on Mondays at 4:00 PM or follow the Skeptic's Guide to Investing.

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Disclaimer - These podcasts are not intended as investment advice. Individuals please consult your own investment, tax and legal advisors. They provide these insights for educational purposes only.