Making Sense

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.

Making Sense is a business podcast hosted by First Citizens Wealth, with 87 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

First Citizens Wealth hosts Making Sense, a business show with 87 episodes published.

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  Episode #1

  Market Update | September 2026

  Oct 2, 202651 min

  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 outlook. They explore what strong corporate earnings could mean for equity markets, whether elevated stock valuations should concern long-term investors and what rising Treasury yields are signaling about the economic outlook. The discussion also looks at the changing dynamics between stocks and bonds, opportunities in fixed income and the risks of trying to time markets during periods of uncertainty. As investors look toward year-end and beyond, Brent and Blake offer perspective on the economic and market forces that could shape the investment landscape. For the full experience, visit www.firstcitizens.com/market-outlook

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  Making Sense

  In Brief: PCE inflation | Employment data | Growth outlook 09.28.2026

  Sep 28, 20265 min

  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 could move even higher. This week, Blake Taylor, Market and Economic Research Analyst, examines the economic signals shaping the Fed and bond market outlook and what the latest data could mean for the path of interest rates.

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  Making Sense

  In Brief: Producer price index | Consumer price index | Conflict in the Middle East 09.08.2026

  Sep 8, 20263 min

  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 Reserve's next interest rate decision, while continuing to monitor geopolitical developments and energy prices. • Producer Price Index (PPI): Thursday's report will provide an early look at underlying inflation trends across the economy. • Consumer Price Index (CPI): Friday's inflation report is the last major data release before next week's Federal Reserve meeting and could influence expectations for interest rates. • Middle East conflict: Investors will continue monitoring geopolitical developments and their potential impact on energy markets and inflation.

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  Making Sense

  In Brief: Employment data | ISM indices | Fixed income markets 08.31.2026

  Aug 31, 20264 min

  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 Chair Kevin Warsh's debut at the Jackson Hole symposium and the final wave of major Q2 earnings reports. • Trade tensions and tariff uncertainty with Canada remained in focus. • Markets also continued to monitor geopolitical developments in the Middle East and their implications for energy supplies and inflation. This week • Employment data: Friday's August jobs report will provide a critical update on hiring, labor force participation, and the overall health of the labor market. • ISM manufacturing and services indices: Tuesday's and Thursday's reports will offer insight into economic activity, business demand, and pricing pressures across the economy. • Inflation signals: Investors will be watching for signs that rising energy and diesel costs are beginning to flow through to businesses and consumers. • Fixed income markets: With Treasury yields near multi-decade highs, markets remain focused on interest rates and the impact of recent Treasury policy actions.

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  Making Sense

  Market Update | August 2026

  Aug 28, 202646 min

  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 the unprecedented wave of AI-driven investment. They also discuss corporate earnings, market trends, and the potential impact of the upcoming midterm elections. More importantly, they explain why staying focused on long-term fundamentals may matter more than reacting to short-term headlines.

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