PODCAST · business
Making Sense
by First Citizens Wealth
Making Sense explores the key forces shaping today’s markets—and how they impact the financial decisions investors face every day. Through timely conversations, our market and economic researchers cut through the noise and break down the headlines, trends and market movements that matter, helping you navigate volatility and make more informed investment decisions.Learn more at firstcitizens.com/market-update.
Episodes
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In Brief: Inflation data | Q3 earnings report | Housing data 10.13.2026
The bond market remained in focus last week after the 10-year Treasury yield reached its highest level since 2002. Strong demand at a closely watched Treasury auction helped ease concerns over growing government borrowing needs, while stocks continued to set new highs. This week, Blake Taylor,...
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In Brief: Services data | FOMC meeting minutes | US Treasury auctions | Consumer sentiment 10.05.2026
Where do interest rates go from here? This week, Blake Taylor looks at the economic and market data that could help answer that question, including services activity, Fed minutes, Treasury auctions and consumer sentiment.
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Market Update | September 2026
Strong earnings, rising yields and a hot economy shape the outlook for Q4 In this month’s Market Update, Brent Ciliano and Blake Taylor examine an economy that continues to run hot as persistent inflation, significant AI-related investment and shifting Federal Reserve expectations reshape the...
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In Brief: PCE inflation | Employment data | Growth outlook 09.28.2026
The 10-year Treasury has reached its highest level since 2007, putting the bond market back at the center of the economic outlook. With inflation still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target and economic growth remaining resilient, investors are watching whether interest rates and Treasury yields...
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In Brief: Policymaker speeches | Housing data | Global energy markets 09.21.2026
• Fed raises rates: The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter point, bringing the upper end of the policy rate to 4%, while signaling that additional hikes are likely ahead. • Treasury yields climb: The 10-year Treasury yield moved above 5%, its highest level since 2007, reflecting...
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In Brief: FOMC rate decision | Retail sales | Geopolitical developments 09.14.2026
This week, Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market & Economic Research, discusses the upcoming Federal Reserve (FOMC) meeting following recent inflation data. Investors are watching for the Fed's interest rate decision and signals on the path of monetary policy, while also assessing consumer spending...
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In Brief: Producer price index | Consumer price index | Conflict in the Middle East 09.08.2026
This shortened holiday week, Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market & Economic Research, recaps the market's reaction to rising tensions in the Middle East and a stronger-than-expected employment report. Looking ahead, investors will focus on key inflation data that could help shape the Federal…
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In Brief: Employment data | ISM indices | Fixed income markets 08.31.2026
With attention shifting from Jackson Hole and earnings season back to the economy, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, explains why investors are focused on the labor market, inflation pressures, and what higher interest rates mean for growth. Last week • Investors digested Fed...
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Market Update | August 2026
What are markets telling investors about the road ahead? In this episode of Making Sense Market Update, Brent Ciliano and Phillip Neuhart examine the forces shaping today's investment environment, including persistent inflation, rising Treasury yields, shifting Federal Reserve expectations, and…
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In Brief: Jackson Hole symposium | PCE inflation | Big tech earnings 08.24.2026
In this week's episode, Phil Neuhart, Head of Market & Economic Research, recaps a volatile week in the bond market and previews the key events investors should watch in the days ahead. With Treasury yields remaining elevated, attention turns to the Fed's Jackson Hole symposium, the latest...
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In Brief: Middle East developments | Fed commentary 08.17.2026
This week, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, recaps the market's reaction to softer inflation data and previews the key themes investors should watch in the week ahead. With earnings season winding down and economic data light, the focus shifts to geopolitics, energy prices, and...
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In Brief: Inflation data | Household credit | Retail sales 08.10.2026
In this week's episode, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, recaps a volatile week for markets and previews the key events investors should watch in the week ahead. From rising bond yields and renewed inflation concerns to continued scrutiny of AI spending, Blake discusses forces...
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In Brief: FOMC meeting | Q2 earnings season | Q2 GDP 07.27.2026
This week, Phillip Neuhart recaps financial markets' reactions to rising geopolitical tensions and previews what investors should watch in the week ahead. With a Federal Reserve meeting, major technology earnings, and second-quarter GDP data on deck, investors will be looking for clues on the...
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Market Update | July 2026
How are geopolitical developments, inflation trends and the rapid buildout of artificial intelligence shaping the economy and financial markets? In our July Market Update, Head of Market and Economic Research Phillip Neuhart and Market and Economic Research Analyst Blake Taylor examine the key...
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In Brief: Q2 earnings data | Geopolitcal developments 07.20.2026
In this week's episode, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, recaps last week for markets and highlights the key themes investors should watch in the days ahead. Earnings season is off to a strong start, and geopolitical risks are reemerging. Blake discusses what's driving markets...
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In Brief: Inflation data | Federal Reserve congressional hearings | Q2 earnings season 07.13.26
In this week's episode, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, recaps the market's reaction to renewed tensions in the Middle East and previews the key events investors should watch in the week ahead. Last Week • Rising hostilities in the Middle East pushed oil prices 5%–10% higher •...
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In Brief: ISM services data | FOMC meeting minutes | Earnings season 07.06.2026
In this week’s episode, Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market and Economic Research, recaps the latest market-moving data and previews the key events investors should watch in the days ahead. He discusses last week’s softer employment report and what it signals for the economy, then looks ahead to the...
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In Brief: June employment data | Policymaker discussions 06.29.2026
Blake Taylor breaks down a volatile week across bonds, oil, and tech—explaining falling yields, shifting inflation signals, and what AI-driven earnings mean for consumers. Plus, what to watch in key labor data and the Fed as markets head into the holiday week. Key Takeaways • Bond yields…
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Market Update | June 2026
This month, Phillip Neuhart and Blake Taylor discuss where markets and the economy stand midway through 2026. The US economy has shown notable resilience despite a volatile first half, marked by geopolitical shocks, rising energy prices and new leadership at the Federal Reserve. The outlook is...
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In Brief: PCE Inflation data | Personal income & spending | Policymaker speeches 06.22.26
Markets are adjusting to a more hawkish tone from the Federal Reserve after new Chairman Kevin Warsh signaled a clear commitment to price stability. In this episode, Blake Taylor, Market & Economic Research Analyst, discusses the evolving macro backdrop, including shifting Fed policy…
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In Brief: Federal Reserve meeting | Retail sales data | Pending home sales 06.15.2026
Markets saw increased volatility last week as pressures from interest rates, inflation, and geopolitics weighed on sentiment, even as broader equity performance remains solid year to date. In this episode, Blake Taylor, Market & Economic Research Analyst discusses the evolving macro environment,...
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Inside the Federal Reserve: Policy, markets, and what’s next
In this episode, Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market and Economic Research and Thomas O’Keefe, Managing Director of Portfolio Strategy, are joined by Market and Economic Research Analyst Blake Taylor to discuss the Federal Reserve’s evolving policy outlook. With a new Fed Chair stepping in at a…
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In Brief: Inflation data | Home sales | Consumer sentiment 06.08.2026
In this week’s episode, Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market and Economic Research, breaks down recent moves in equity markets, including reactions to U.S.–Iran developments, strength in AI-related stocks, and stronger-than-expected May employment data. Looking ahead, Phil focuses on key economic...
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In Brief: Labor market data | Federal Reserve commentary | ISM indices 06.01.2026
In this week's episode, Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market and Economic Research, analyzes the latest trends driving the US stock market as equities reach new all-time highs and Treasury yields pull back. He explores mixed economic data, including weaker personal income and a downward revision to...
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Market Update | May 2026
On May 27, 2026, Phillip Neuhart and Blake Taylor provided this month's Market Update. For more information, visit https://www.firstcitizens.com/wealth/market-outlook/2026/making-sense-may-market-update Markets in May 2026 reflected a complex mix of geopolitical risk, inflation uncertainty, and...
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In Brief: Inflation data | House prices | Geopolitical developments 05.26.26
Interest rates are moving higher, with long-term Treasury yields reaching multi-decade highs as markets reassess inflation and Federal Reserve policy. In this episode, we explore shifting expectations toward a more hawkish Fed, what to watch in the upcoming PCE inflation report, and how housing...
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In Brief: Federal Reserve policy | Mega-cap tech earnings | Geopolitical developments 05.18.2026
Markets continue to climb, with equities reaching new highs alongside strong earnings growth—but rising inflation, higher interest rates, and energy risks are also in focus. In this episode, we cover the latest market momentum, what to watch in upcoming Federal Reserve communications, and the...
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In Brief: Inflation data | Retail sales | Q1 earnings season results 05.11.2026
Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, covers what to watch in the week ahead. U.S. equities pushed to fresh all‑time highs last week, with the S&P 500 now more than 15% above its late‑March lows. This move reflects more than geopolitics, as corporate earnings results—particularly…
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In Brief: Job openings | Unemployment data | Fed commentary 05.01.2026
Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, discusses what to watch in the week ahead. U.S. equities hit new all-time highs alongside rising oil prices as markets focused on strong mega cap tech earnings, resilient growth, and an AI driven investment boom that supported solid Q1 GDP. We...
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Market Update | April 2026
In April’s market update, Phillip Neuhart and Blake Taylor break down how global events—including the war in the Middle East—and rapid advances in artificial intelligence are shaping energy markets, inflation, and investor sentiment. Despite a sharp oil price shock and elevated geopolitical risk,...
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In Brief: Q1 earnings season | Federal Reserve meeting | Q1 GDP data
Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, shares what to watch in the week ahead. 1. Q1 Earnings season 2. Federal Reserve meeting 3. GDP data 4. Price and inflation data
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In Brief: Middle East developments | Q1 earnings season | Senate confirmation hearing
Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst discusses what to watch in the week ahead. 1. Middle East developments 2. Q1 earnings season 3. Senate confirmation hearing
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In Brief: Middle East developments | Q1 earnings season | Company and Fed anecdotes | Producer prices
Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst reviews what to watch in the week ahead: 1. Developments in the Middle East 2. Q1 earnings season 3. Company and Fed anecdotes 4. Producer prices
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Investment strategies with taxes in mind
Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market and Economic Research, and Thomas O'Keefe, Managing Director of Investment Strategy, talk about how we think about taxes as part of our investment strategy and philosophy.
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In Brief: Inflation data | Fed meeting minutes | Income and Spending 04.06.2026
Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst reviews the week ahead for markets and the economy. 1. CPI inflation data 2. Fed meeting minutes 3. Personal income and spending data
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In Brief: Employment outlook and ISM manufacturing data
Market and Economic Research Analyst, Blake Taylor covers the week ahead. 1. Employment data 2. Job openings and job cuts 3. ISM manufacturing index
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Market Update | March 2026
This is the audio from March 24, 2026’s Making Sense Market update. Each month, our team takes a deep dive into markets and the economy. Link to access the video and charts: https://www.firstcitizens.com/wealth/market-outlook/2026/making-sense-march-market-update In March’s Market Update, Brent...
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In Brief: Commodity prices | Global central bank communications | Company commentaries 03.23.2026
Market and Economic Research Analyst, Blake Taylor, presents the week ahead for markets and the economy. 1. Commodity prices 2. Global central bank communications 3. Company commentaries For more information, visit firstcitizens.com/wealth/market-outlook.
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In Brief: Middle East updates | Fed meeting | Producer level inflation 03.16.2026
On Monday, March 16, 2026, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, shared what to watch this week: 1. Middle East updates 2. The Federal Reserve meeting 3. Producer level inflation
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Conflict in the Middle East: Navigating headlines and portfolio positioning
On Monday, March 9, 2026, Phillip Neuhart, Head of Market and Economic Research, and Thomas O’Keefe, Managing Director of Portfolio Strategy, talked about how we’re thinking about portfolio positioning in light of recent geopolitical headlines and market events. With news rapidly changing,...
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In Brief: Geopolitical developments and inflation data 03.09.2026
Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, covers the week ahead for markets and the economy. 1. Inflation data 2. Household net worth 3. Personal income & spending
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Market Update | February 2026
This is the audio from February 25, 2026’s Making Sense Market update. Each month, our team takes a deep dive into markets and the economy. Link to access the video and charts: https://www.firstcitizens.com/wealth/market-outlook/2026/making-sense-february-market-update This month, Phillip Neuhart...
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In Brief: Employment data | ISM indices | January retail sales 02.27.2026
Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, discusses what to watch for the week ahead in markets and the economy. 1. Employment data 2. ISM indices 3. January retail sales.
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In Brief: Housing data | Tech earnings | Ongoing risks 02.20.2026
Blake Taylor, Market & Economic Research Analyst looks to the week ahead for markets and the economy. 1. Housing market data 2. Tech earnings 3. Ongoing risks
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In Brief: Q4 GDP | Personal Income and Spending | Fed policy insights - 02.17.2026
Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, covers the week ahead for markets and the economy. 1. Q4 GDP estimates 2. Personal income & spending 3. Fed policy insights
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January employment data | Consumer price index | Retail sales data 02.09.2026
On today's In Brief, Phillip Neuhart discusses the week ahead for markets and the economy. 1. January employment data 2.Consumer price index 3. Retail sales data
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Market Update | January 2026
This is the audio from January 2026’s Making Sense Market update. Each month, our team takes a deep dive into markets and the economy. Link to access the video and charts: https://www.firstcitizens.com/wealth/market-outlook/2026/making-sense-january-market-update In this month's market update,...
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Jobs data | Consumer sentiment | Q4 earnings 02.02.2026
Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, discusses what to watch this week. 1. Jobs data 2. Consumer sentiment 3. Q4 earnings season
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Home prices | Federal Reserve meeting | Q4 earnings season 01.26.2026
Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, talks about the week ahead for markets and the economy. 1. Home price data 2. What to expect at the Federal Reserve meeting 3. Q4 earnings season
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Making Sense explores the key forces shaping today’s markets—and how they impact the financial decisions investors face every day. Through timely conversations, our market and economic researchers cut through the noise and break down the headlines, trends and market movements that matter, helping you navigate volatility and make more informed investment decisions.Learn more at firstcitizens.com/market-update.
HOSTED BY
First Citizens Wealth
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Making Sense have?
Making Sense currently has 90 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Making Sense about?
Making Sense explores the key forces shaping today’s markets—and how they impact the financial decisions investors face every day. Through timely conversations, our market and economic researchers cut through the noise and break down the headlines, trends and market movements that matter, helping...
How often does Making Sense release new episodes?
Making Sense has 90 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Making Sense?
You can listen to Making Sense on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Making Sense?
Making Sense is created and hosted by First Citizens Wealth.
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