First Trust ROI Podcast

Artificial intelligence has emerged as a disruptive force in the economy, as investors race to identify companies and industries that could be disintermediated.  Brian Murphy, Co-CIO of First Trust Capital Management, breaks down the implications for private credit, including potential risks and opportunities for investors.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Investors have been on edge this year, as mounting concerns related to geopolitical risk, interest rate risk, and credit risk have contributed to rising volatility.  Bill Housey provides his prospective on where investors are and are not being adequately compensated for taking risk.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Jim Murchie joins the podcast to break down how the war in Iran may impact the energy sector as well as the misunderstood relationship between AI data centers and consumer utility bills.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Bob Stein discusses the economic impact of the war in Iran, whether high energy prices will cause inflation, and how the upcoming midterm elections are shaping up. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Gibson Smith, founder of Smith Capital Investors, discusses emerging risks and opportunities in the bond market amid heightened geopolitical risk, a new Fed Chair, and a fresh wave of borrowing for the buildout of AI.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Jackie Wilke discusses how artificial intelligence is being leveraged by financial professionals to improve productivity and “level up” the client experience.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

On the heels of a strong year for international equities in 2025, Andrew Wiechert, Portfolio Manager at WCM Investment Management, breaks down why developed and emerging markets remain positioned to benefit from attractive valuations and improving fundamentals in 2026 and beyond. He highlights the risks and also some of the potential competitive advantages enjoyed by active managers seeking to navigate these opportunities. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Dave McGarel highlights why sky-high valuations in 2026 are like lingering too long at the summit of Mount Everest oxygen is thin and small mistakes can lead to dire consequences.  He explains the key risks ahead and points to where he sees more attractive, lower altitude opportunities for equity investors.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

In this episode, Brian Wesbury discusses his recent testimony on Capitol Hill, First Trust’s economic outlook for 2026, and implications of overvalued markets.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Will the stock market finally broaden?  Are valuations stretched?  Will momentum stall for AI-related stocks?  Richard Bernstein provides his perspective on these questions and others, laying out risks and opportunities for investors for 2026.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

At the precipice of a new year, Bob Stein discusses the implications of a probable new Fed Chair, the possibility of a Supreme Court ruling against tariff policies, and the odds for mid-term elections.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Will AI replace—or empower—financial advisors?  Performance coach Kevin Bishopp shares how financial professionals are already leveraging AI tools, potential risks ahead, and new opportunities to thrive in an AI era.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Strider Elass, Senior Economist at First Trust, joins the ROI Podcast to discuss tariff turbulence, DOGE’s spending purge, AI’s productivity potential, and what drove (and dragged) the US economy in 2025.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Bob Carey discusses some of the biggest questions on the minds of financial professionals heading into the final stretch of 2025, including whether or not investors should be afraid of higher equity valuations.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

In the wake of underperforming municipal bonds this year, portfolio managers Bill Housey and John Wilhelm of First Trust highlight why they believe fresh opportunities for tax-free investors have emerged. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Josh Volen, co-founder and managing principal at CIRE Equity, joins the podcast to discuss trends in commercial real estate investing as urban populations shift, hybrid work environments evolve, and industries adapt to changes in global trade.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Dave McGarel discusses potential winners and losers in the equity market as the Federal Reserve embarks on a new interest rate cutting cycle.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Brian Wesbury discusses Fed independence, inflationary fears, the growth of government, and whether the broader economic benefits of AI adoption will materialize.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Brian Comiskey, Senior Director of Innovation and Trends at the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), explores how emerging technologies—including cybersecurity, AI, robotics, and cloud computing—are evolving into digital utilities, with important implications for investors.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Bob Stein breaks down 2028 presidential contenders, 2026 midterm odds, Trump’s fiscal agenda, tariffs’ impact, and the economic forces shaping America’s political and financial future.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

In this episode Jeff Chang breaks down the virtues and risks of Bitcoin, highlighting Bitcoin-linked tools and strategies that aim to generate income and mitigate downside risk.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Jim Murchie explains recent developments in the energy sector, including growing, bipartisan demand for nuclear power and why the non-cyclical energy industry is “an island in a sea of chaos”.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Brian Wesbury discusses why the conventional wisdom about tariffs and inflation is wrong, how the Fed can save taxpayers $2 trillion over the next decade, and the positives and negatives of the Big, Beautiful Bill. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Richard Bernstein draws on over four decades of investment experience to offer insights on how to navigate risks and opportunities amid soaring economic uncertainty and market volatility. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Bob Carey discusses his long-term outlook for equity markets as the baby boom generation ages.  He also weighs in on potential near-term drivers of equity market performance, including tariffs, regulations, and the “one big, beautiful bill”.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ron Pernick is the founder of Clean Edge, a firm specializing in thematic research surrounding clean energy, transportation, water, and the power grid.  In this episode, we discuss the evolution of these themes and how a new administration may impact their continued growth. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Brian Wesbury shares his views on why the Trump Administration is upending global trade, why tariffs may be an insufficient cure for problems created by big government, and where the US economy is headed for the rest of 2025.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Bob Stein provides perspective on likely economic outcomes that may result from the evolving policy mix of the new Trump Administration.  Plus…Bob shares an early peak at potential contenders for the 2028 US Presidential election.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Bill Housey explores how fixed income investors can navigate rising uncertainty—from trade policies to inflation and beyond—in this deep dive into the bond market’s shifting dynamics.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Amid a sharp drawdown in US equities, Dave McGarel highlights the risks and opportunities that may lie on the horizon.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Gibson Smith, founder and CEO of Smith Capital, discusses some of the unique challenges—and opportunities—facing fixed income investors today.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Electricity demand is poised to soar after decades of slow growth, driven by AI, reshoring, and EVs.  Jim Murchie, CEO and portfolio manager at Energy Income Partners, unpacks how natural gas, nuclear power, and renewables will fuel this surge, as utilities scramble to keep up.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Brian Wesbury explains why cutting government spending could be painful in the near-term but boost longer-term economic growth, similarities and difference between Trump and Reagan, and how he thinks about investing in an overvalued market.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Mandeep Singh, Global Head of Technology Research at Bloomberg Intelligence, joins the podcast to explore how massive investments in artificial intelligence made over the past few years could drive future innovations and profits. From humanoid robots to self-driving vehicles, Mandeep shares his expert analysis on the potential impact of these technologies in the years to come.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Companies are investing billions to build out artificial intelligence capabilities.  Ryan shares First Trust’s perspective on various investment themes that may benefit—either directly or indirectly—in the years ahead.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Paul Black and Mike Trigg are portfolio managers and co-CEOs at WCM Investment Management.  They join the podcast to discuss WCM’s unique path to becoming a leading global equity manager, highlighting WCM’s unconventional approach for identifying investment opportunities, including why a company’s culture matters and the important of economic moat trajectory.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Richard Bernstein provides his perspective on key investment themes to watch in the year ahead, including overlooked opportunities, potential pitfalls, and the value of seeking “maximum diversification”.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Dave Rutherford has been a Navy SEAL, a contractor for Blackwater and the CIA, and performance coach.  In this episode, he shares insights and strategies for pursuing excellence and overcoming fear in high-pressure environments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

In this episode, Brian Wesbury discusses the implications of Trump's recent election victory. Recorded the day after Election Day, Brian explores potential changes in economic and tax policies, providing insights into the future economic landscape.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Bob Stein — As Election Day looms, Bob analyzes the probabilities of different election scenarios. Additionally, we explore how tariffs and other tax policies might affect the economy, discuss the implications of government spending, and consider if advancements in AI might pave the way for universal basic income initiatives.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Bill Housey discusses recent dynamics in the bond market, including why longer-term interest rates have increased since the Fed began cutting rates, where we are in the economic cycle, and implications for fixed income investors.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Dave McGarel provides insights on what sort of stocks are poised for long-term outperformance in light of Fed rate cuts, valuation gaps, and factor analysis.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ryan talks with Bob Carey about the implications of a falling interest rate environment for equity markets.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Brian Comiskey, Senior Director at the Consumer Technology Association, joins the podcast to discuss how recent trends in technology are reshaping the spending priorities of businesses, consumers, and governments around the world.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Bob Stein joins the podcast to discusses how the nomination of Kamala Harris will impact the upcoming presidential election, his thoughts on each candidate’s choice of running mate, and how elections results may impact the economy in the years ahead.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

In this episode, Ryan talks to Chris Jeppesen, Chief of the Advisor Practice group at First Trust Chief of Advisor Consulting about what sets financial professionals apart from their peers.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

In this episode, Ryan looks back at the first half of 2024, highlighting some of the key insights provided by guests of the podcast—including Bob Stein, Brian Wesbury, Jim Murchie, and Richard Bernstein.  He also reveals plans for the second half of the year.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Jeff Chang, President and Co-founder of Vest Financial, discusses the growth of buffered investments over the past few years. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

On this episode of the podcast, Ryan asks Brian Wesbury about the impact of government spending on economic growth, the upcoming presidential election, and whether or not tariffs are an effective policy tool.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Richard Bernstein, CEO/CIO of Richard Bernstein Advisors, discusses deglobalization, the reindustrialization of America, and how most investors are ignoring one of the most powerful secular growth opportunities today.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website:  First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel