Main Street Money Podcast - Week of Friday May 1st, 2026

New episode of the Main Street Money podcast is live.This week was one of the most consequential stretches of 2026 so far. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq pushed to record highs, even as the Federal Reserve held rates steady in a sharply divided 8–4 vote. Jerome Powell delivered his final press conference as Fed Chair, inflation came in hotter than expected, and Q1 GDP showed modest recovery but signs of strain beneath the surface.We break down what is really driving markets right now, including:Why stocks are climbing despite “higher for longer” interest ratesWhat the Fed’s rare internal split signals about future policyThe latest on inflation, consumer spending, and savings trendsBig Tech earnings and the massive surge in AI investmentKey risks investors may be underestimatingThe takeaway: markets continue to look forward, not backward. Strong earnings and optimism are pushing equities higher, even in the face of inflation, geopolitical tension, and policy uncertainty.If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to invest, this week is a reminder of how quickly markets can move.Listen now to stay informed and understand what it means for your financial plan.