Cents of Security by Interactive Brokers

CME Group’s Retail Education Manager Ryan Gorman breaks down how he got into futures, the “aha” moment when trading finally clicked, and why futures can be a powerful tool for access, leverage, and risk management—not just speculation. They also tackle the biggest misconceptions (including physical delivery fears), how liquidity varies by contract/month, and the best first steps for curious traders, from simulators and education hubs to finding one market you genuinely want to learn.

Interactive Brokers Senior Economist Jose Torres joins the Cents of Security Podcast to break down the recent market rally, rising energy-driven inflation, and why strong labor data and fiscal stimulus may not be enough to fuel another big equity year. From CPI risks to sector winners and losers, Jose shares a sober take on what investors should watch next.

FOMO is powerful—and expensive. In this episode, we explore how fear of missing out shapes perception, fuels mispricing, and distracts from the real issue: who captures the value, and at what price?

Oil is no longer just a commodity headline — it’s the market’s master switch. Senior Economist Jose Torres breaks down the chain reaction he’s watching in real time: crude, rates, stocks, plus what it means for inflation, the Fed, and recession risk.

Building credit can feel like a catch‑22—especially if you’re starting from scratch, rebuilding, or living debt‑free. In this episode we sit down with James Yendrey of InvestMentorSM to unpack the new wave of “credit‑adjacent” products that can report debit spending, rent, and utilities to the credit bureaus—plus the risks to watch for, like fees, incomplete bureau reporting, and transaction reversals.

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)—how it works, why it’s exploded with younger consumers, and the psychology that makes spending feel way easier than paying up front.

Earnings reports are a company’s financial report card — but the real signal often shows up on the call. Economist James Yendrey of InvestMentor breaks down what investors should listen for: revenue trends, margins, cash flow, guidance, “earnings whispers,” and why the Q&A can reveal management’s true confidence.

In this episode of the Cents of Security Podcast, host Mary MacNamara sits down with Interactive Brokers Senior Economist Jose Torres to break down what’s moving markets right now—and which economic releases matter most for newer investors.

In this episode of Cents of Security, Mary MacNamara sits down with James Yendrey of InvestMentorSM to break down the income, balance sheet, and cash flow statements. Let's revisit this during earnings season to better understand how companies measure performance, stability, and real cash health.

On the latest episode of Cents of Security, Senior Economist Jose Torres from Interactive Brokers breaks down the Fed’s recent decision, shifting market dynamics, the tech sector’s volatility, record-breaking commodities, demographic pressures, and what investors should watch heading into February.

A fast tour of 2025’s global market surprises—from tariff whipsaws and a precious‑metals surge to international outperformance—and what they might mean for 2026.

A candid conversation with Jeffrey Fidelman, CEO of Fidelman & Co., on why 2026 isn’t a broad market resurgence but a period of hyper‑selective capital deployment. From Series A pressure points to liquidity bottlenecks, niche fund strategies, and the real winners in the AI investment wave, this episode breaks down what’s actually driving investor behavior right now.  

Latest Cents of Security pod, Senior Economist Jose Torres breaks down three pivotal indicators: Labor pulse: Challenger Gray & Christmas showed December job cuts at multi‑year lows alongside firmer hiring intentions—dampening slowdown worries. Productivity pop: One of the strongest readings in the last decade, helping wage growth coexist with tamer inflation by lifting output per worker. Trade picture: The deficit narrowed to its lowest since 2009—with caveats around front‑loaded pharma imports and ongoing onshoring dynamics. Market leadership: Rotation days where Dow/Russell outpace S&P/Nasdaq, and why small caps can benefit from faster growth + rate cuts. Policy watch: How upcoming tariff decisions could sway rates, the fiscal backdrop, and near‑term margins without materially changing the broader inflation trend.

In this Cents of Security podcast, I’m joined by Jeffrey Fidelman, CEO of Fidelman & Company, to unpack what’s really driving today’s IPO pipeline—and how founders should think about fundraising in an AI‑first world.

Cents of Security host Mary MacNamara digs into why disaster losses keep breaking records—even when many hazards aren’t skyrocketing—with Patrick Brown, Head of Climate Analytics, at Interactive Brokers. They break down the disaster-risk equation (hazard × exposure × vulnerability), the “expanding bullseye” effect, why mortality from extreme events has fallen, and where adaptation and smarter zoning can move the needle.

Jose Torres explains why the Fed’s short‑end move and easing mortgage rates set up small caps and homebuyers for a more broad‑based 2026.

Compounding favors the early starters. In this Cents of Security episode, Mary MacNamara sits down with James Yendrey—one of the creators of the InvestMentor app—to unpack starter portfolios, why Gen Z is learning faster via short-form content, and how strategies evolve through peak-earning years into decumulation, RMDs, and healthcare planning.

Stefano Grasso, Portfolio Manager at Enhanced Value Fund, joins Guillaume Roux-Chabert to unpack Warren Buffett’s historic farewell letter, the legacy of value investing, and what Berkshire’s future means for investors. From humility and luck to executive pay and dry powder challenges—this episode is a masterclass in perspective.

Jose Torres, Senior Economist at Interactive Brokers, joins Mary MacNamara to unpack market volatility, Fed rate cut probabilities, repos and what delayed economic data means for risk appetite.

Mary MacNamara and Jose Torres unpack a volatile week: strong ADP jobs data, Challenger cuts, and shutdown uncertainty. Plus, gold’s technical signals and what they mean for investors.

In this week’s Cents of Security, I sit down with Patrick Brown, Head of Climate Analytics at Interactive Brokers, to discuss: -How rising CO₂, temperature shifts, and precipitation patterns affect crop yields -Why corn faces a “double whammy” -Adaptation strategies and tech innovations shaping the future of farming -The role of prediction markets in climate analytics

Gold isn’t just a relic—it’s a hedge, a reserve, and a statement. I sat down with Nitesh Shah, Head of Commodity Research at WisdomTree, to explore why central banks are stockpiling gold, how interest rate policy shapes metal markets, and what rising global debt means for hard assets.

Mary MacNamara and Interactive Brokers’ Jose Torres discuss key mayoral and gubernatorial races, prediction market odds, and what these political shifts could mean for affordability, trade, and economic growth.

The Fed’s latest rate cut sparks debate on future policy, prediction market surges, and geopolitical developments—from Trump’s Asia trip to AI investment concerns. Jose Torres breaks it all down.

In this week’s Cents of Security Podcast, explored with Jeffrey Fidelman of Fidelman & Co. how startups can apply sales-style thinking to fundraising. Highlights: Why fundraising should mirror a sales funnel Why phone calls still matter How to qualify and nurture investor leads Common mistakes founders make—and how to avoid them Why asking for money is the point   If you're raising capital or advising someone who is, this episode is packed with practical insights.  

In this week’s Cents of Security Podcast, I spoke with Jose Torres, Senior Economist at Interactive Brokers, about the latest CPI report and its ripple effects across the economy. Why inflation came in below expectations How housing costs drove the miss Why core inflation matters more than headline What it means for rate cuts and market momentum How Social Security and geopolitics factor in Jose’s insights help decode the macro puzzle and what investors should watch next.

Mary MacNamara speaks with Mobeen Tahir of WisdomTree about the global comeback of nuclear energy, its role in powering AI infrastructure, and how investors can tap into the nuclear value chain. How AI’s energy demands are reshaping the future of power The rise of small modular reactors and their role in data centers Which countries are leading the nuclear revival How investors can access the nuclear value chain—from uranium miners to tech innovators Role of government policy and public sentiment in shaping adoption

Interactive Broker’s Mary MacNamara and Jose Torres unpack the U.S. government shutdown, AI-fueled market highs, and gold’s surge as investors weigh optimism against economic uncertainty.

Mary MacNamara and Jose Torres break down the rising odds of a U.S. government shutdown, what the JOLTS report reveals about worker confidence, and how missing data could leave markets flying blind.

Jose Torres, Senior Economist at Interactive Brokers, joins Mary MacNamara to explore how AI infrastructure is reshaping GDP, energy demand, and the future of U.S. industrialization.

Mary MacNamara and Jose Torres, Senior Economist at Interactive Brokers, break down four major economic data surprises—from GDP and durable goods to unemployment claims and home sales. What do these signals mean for the U.S. economy, interest rates, and the housing market?

In this episode of the Cents of Security Podcast, host Mary MacNamara and Interactive Brokers Senior Economist Jose Torres unpack the Federal Reserve’s September rate cut, its implications for labor markets, inflation, and investor sentiment. They also explore geopolitical developments, tariff dynamics, and the outlook for future monetary policy decisions.

In this episode of the Cents Security Podcast, host Mary MacNamara speaks with Nitesh Shah, Head of Commodity Research at WisdomTree UK, about the critical roles copper and platinum play in electrification, clean energy, and portfolio diversification. From EVs and hydrogen fuel cells to inflation hedging and futures markets, this deep dive explores how these metals shape our tech and investment landscapes.

A deep dive into IPOs, unicorns, and startup liquidity with Jeffrey Fidelman, CEO of Fidelman & Company. From venture capital to public markets, this episode explores the journey, myths, and mechanics behind going public.

Mary MacNamara from Interactive Brokers speaks with Russell Burns of Finimize about what it means to go long or short in investing, and why short interest matters.

How does OPEC move oil markets—and what does it mean for U.S. energy and your heating bills? Mary MacNamara talks with IBKR Senior Economist Jose Torres about supply cuts, political pressures, and the future of fossil fuels in a changing energy landscape.

When researching a company, you can sometimes be surprised to find that the company is part of a larger group called a holding company. What is the structure of the holding company? What is reason of joining a holding company? We cover all of that and more!  Russell Burns, Analyst at Finimize joins Cassidy Clement to discuss.

The US National Debt is a popular topic, but what makes up that number and more importantly how did we get to such a big number?  Nicholas Colas, Co-Founder at DataTrek Research joins Cassidy Clement to discuss.

In this episode of the Cents of Security podcast, Cassidy Clement speaks with Scott Bauer, CEO of Prosper Trading Academy LLC, about the rise of alternative and renewable energy. From solar and wind to nuclear and biomass, we explore what's driving this sector’s rapid growth—and how investors can gain exposure.

Cassidy Clement reflects on the creation and impact of the Cents of Security podcast, which was designed to fill a gap in beginner-friendly financial education. She also shares insights from her work in SEO and content at Interactive Brokers, highlighting the importance of making complex financial topics accessible and searchable.

Central Bank rates are being watched closely these days, leaving people with many questions. What are central bank rates and who sets them? In this episode we discuss all of that and more!

Financial modeling offers insight into a firm’s performance and potential future growth. There are many items to evaluate and several benefits if you have the knowledge on what to look for. In this episode we discuss all of that and more! Ian Schnoor, Executive Director at Financial Modeling Institute joins Cassidy Clement to discuss.

Target Date Funds look to rebalance overtime without interaction. This offers an almost autopilot experience to the investor. While this may be viewed as a conversative option, there still are advantages and disadvantages to utilizing them in your financial strategies. Robert Crothers, Managing Director, Head of US Retirement for BlackRock joins Cassidy Clement to discuss.

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) are looked at as an alternative to IPOs but there are many details associated. How does it work? Can a regular investor gain exposure to them? Do the pros outweigh the cons? In today’s episode discuss all of that in more.

South America & Latin America contributes to the world economy in terms of natural resources, farming crops, and more. In this episode we explore the impacts and landscapes of the associated countries. Judith Casasampere, Institutional Sales at Interactive Brokers joins Cassidy Clement to discuss.

The semiconductor market is a major part of the modern economy. Since these chips power our daily activities and make up a large part of financial indices, we discuss some important factors to understand when exploring the sector for investment.

The mineral market involves many different areas and securities. What makes up this market? What are the pros and cons of investing in this market? We explore those questions and more! Jin Hennig, Managing Director and Global Head of Metals at CME Group joins Cassidy Clement to discuss.

With the recent volatile markets and uncertainty in consumer sentiment, dollar cost averaging has been a popular topic as of late. What makes up this strategy? Is it for all investors or just for certain goals? In this episode we discuss all of that and more! Jon Erlichman, Founder of Ticker Take joins Cassidy Clement to discuss.

Tax loss harvesting is a common topic in investor conversations when looking for tax reductions. Who can utilize this strategy? How does it work? We will cover all those questions and more! Harry Figgie, Partner & Wealth Advisor at Greenwich Wealth Management joins Cassidy Clement to discuss.

Tax refund can be a nice reprieve after going through the tedious task of doing your taxes. If you have a refund, how can you make the most of that refund? What are some financially strategic moves you can make? Sam Taube, NerdWallet Investing Spokesperson and Writer joins Cassidy Clement to discuss.