The Real Investment Show Podcast

Markets are hitting all-time highs, earnings expectations are rising, and investors are navigating everything from oil prices to Roth conversions. Lance Roberts & Danny Ratliff take live viewer questions and explore the themes investors are most focused on right now. Topics discussed include why earnings may be the primary market driver this year, what recent all-time highs signal for forward returns, and how capital flows are shifting across sectors and asset classes. We also examine oil markets—WTI pricing, energy stocks, Venezuela supply dynamics—and what the "sweet spot" for oil prices means for the broader economy. On the planning side, we address Roth IRA advantages and drawbacks, Roth conversions, RMD considerations, and asset allocation questions across different life stages, including retirement-focused portfolios. Additional discussion covers the growing disconnect between GDP and unemployment data, hidden consumer leverage through buy-now-pay-later programs, and how diversification differs from simply owning non-correlated assets. We also touch on factor rotation, bond ETF structure, metals like gold and silver, and whether certain defensive or out-of-favor sectors may eventually regain investor interest. 0:00 - INTRO 0:18 - Earnings to be The Big Driver this Year 5:45 - Markets Hit All-time Highs 9:23 - Economic Summit Preview & Danny's Holiday Recap 12:25 - WTI, XLE, and Venezuela Oil 17:51 - What is the "Sweet Spot" for Oil Pricing? 21:23 - Tax Advantages - Disadvantages of Roth IRA 24:38 - Where to Look for Capital Flows 27:08 - Roth Conversions & RMD's 28:27 - Commentary - Divergence Between Unemployment & GDP 31:10 - Unrecognized Debt - Buy Now - Pay Later is a Black Box 31:53 - Recommendations for 60-40 Allocations 35:03 - Example of Bond ETF's in SimpleVisor 38:57 - Factor Rotation Portfolio 41:54 - Diversification vs Non-Correlated Assets 44:46 - Silver, Gold, & Other Metals 45:51 - Back Door Roth Conversions 47:30 - Asset Allocations for Septuagenarians 50:18 - Are Packaged Food stocks Ever Coming Back? Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO, w Senior Investment Advisor, Danny Ratliff, CFP Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGgxAtaZIOI&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 ------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "Sector Rotation Signals Improving Market Breadth," is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8z27km9G1M&list=PLwNgo56zE4RAbkqxgdj-8GOvjZTp9_Zlz&index=1 ------- REGISTER for our 2026 Economic Summit, "The Future of Digital Assets, Artificial Intelligence, and Investing:" https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-ria-economic-summit-tickets-1765951641899?aff=oddtdtcreator ------- Watch our previous show, "Financial Nihilism vs. Financial Planning," here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1qXRp9gLoc&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 -------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestm entadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #MarketUpdate #StockMarketToday #MarketRisk #VIX #PortfolioManagement

Markets pushed to a new all-time high after successfully testing the 20-day moving average, with relative strength improving and momentum signals turning positive. However, following yesterday's strong rally, futures are pointing slightly lower this morning. The Dow is approaching the psychologically important 50,000 level, while ten-year Treasury yields are beginning to ease after a recent surge. That shift could signal early rotation from equity risk back toward bonds. Volatility remains a key indicator to watch—despite November's spike, the VIX is holding near 15, reflecting elevated complacency. Historically, extended periods of compressed volatility often precede increased market turbulence. While there is no immediate sign of stress, this environment argues for discipline. Risk management actions such as rebalancing, trimming extended positions, adding hedges, or modestly increasing cash exposure may help manage downside risk as complacency rises. Hosted by RIA Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer --- Watch the Video version of this report on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8z27km9G1M&list=PLwNgo56zE4RAbkqxgdj-8GOvjZTp9_Zlz&index=1 --- REGISTER for our 2026 Economic Summit, "The Future of Digital Assets, Artificial Intelligence, and Investing:" https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-ria-economic-summit-tickets-1765951641899?aff=oddtdtcreator --- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/insights/real-investment-daily/ --- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN --- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new --- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #MarketUpdate #StockMarketToday #MarketRisk #VIX #PortfolioManagement

More investors—especially Millennials and Gen Z—are treating markets like a casino. Not because they're reckless, but because the traditional path to financial security feels broken. Lance Roberts & Jonathan Penn break down Financial Nihilism vs. Financial Planning: why speculative behavior is rising, and what still works when confidence in long-term investing erodes. Options trading, crypto, meme assets, and betting apps offer fast outcomes in a world where housing is expensive, debt is high, and patience feels unrewarded. 0:00 - INTRO 0:19 - ISM Index Weaker than Expected 4:25 - Market Breadth Improves 8:51 - Two Dads on Money Holiday Recap 10:43 - What is 'Financial Nihilism'? 15:10 - The Path to "Getting Rich" 17:04 - What Capitalism is Built For 17:54 - Baby Boomer's, Millennial's, & Gen-Z 21:19 - What is "The American Dream"? 23:03 - Experience is a Good Teacher 28:03 - No One is Holding You Back 32:55 - The most Important Thing - The Savings Rate 37:15 - Cars & Collectibles 43:08 - Financial Nihilism is Not Real 45:45 - Car Financing & Debt Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO, w Senior Investment Advisor, Jonathan Penn, CFP Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1qXRp9gLoc&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 ------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "Sector Rotation Signals Improving Market Breadth," is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sttQ3aaH4Rc&list=PLwNgo56zE4RAbkqxgdj-8GOvjZTp9_Zlz&index=1 ------- REGISTER for our 2026 Economic Summit, "The Future of Digital Assets, Artificial Intelligence, and Investing:" https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-ria-economic-summit-tickets-1765951641899?aff=oddtdtcreator ------- Watch our previous show, "2026 Market Outlook: Bullish Momentum, Valuation Risks, and What Comes Next," here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxDnB-Z7mJI&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 -------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestm entadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #MarketBreadth #SectorRotation #ValueStocks #MarketOutlook #StockMarketToday #FinancialNihilism #FinancialPlanning #InvestorBehavior #LongTermInvesting #WealthBuilding

Markets are quietly sending important signals beneath the surface. Energy led early gains Monday, but strength broadened into financials as capital continued rotating from growth into value stocks. Over the past several weeks, value has steadily outperformed growth, while leadership has begun shifting away from mega-cap stocks into more underlying areas of the market. Notably, the S&P equal-weighted index reached a new all-time high, even as the cap-weighted index lagged. The performance gap between the two has narrowed from roughly 10% to about 6%, signaling improving market breadth. This rotation suggests investors are becoming more selective while positioning more defensively amid the potential for higher volatility. Technically, markets remain above the 20-day moving average and are close to triggering a short-term MACD buy signal. If follow-through continues near all-time highs, an upside breakout could provide additional tailwinds in the near term. Hosted by RIA Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer --- Watch the Video version of this report on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sttQ3aaH4Rc&list=PLwNgo56zE4RAbkqxgdj-8GOvjZTp9_Zlz&index=1 --- Articles mentioned in this report: 2026 Market Outlook Based On Valuations https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/2026-market-outlook-based-on-valuations/ "Fed's Soft Landing Narrative Meets Economic Data" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/feds-soft-landing-narrative-meets-economic-data/ --- REGISTER for our 2026 Economic Summit, "The Future of Digital Assets, Artificial Intelligence, and Investing:" https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-ria-economic-summit-tickets-1765951641899?aff=oddtdtcreator --- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/insights/real-investment-daily/ --- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN --- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new --- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #MarketBreadth #SectorRotation #ValueStocks #MarketOutlook #StockMarketToday

Markets closed 2025 with strong gains, but the path forward into 2026 is far more nuanced than headline optimism suggests. Lance Roberts reviews what drove 2025's market performance, why the Santa Claus Rally failed, and how shifting inflation trends, Federal Reserve policy expectations, and valuation levels are shaping market outlooks for 2026.How can investors navigate the New Year with realistic expectations, disciplined risk management, and diversified positioning, recognizing that returns may come with higher volatility than recent years. 0:00 - INTRO 0:19 - Maduro Impact on Oil; What's Next for New Year? 4:42 - No Santa Rally! 9:58 - What to Expect in 2026 14:13 - Base Portfolio Management in Terms of a Range of Outcomes 20:02 - The Risk of Disappointment 24:00 - Full Time Employment is Driver for Economic Growth 27:39 - The Big Story - Earnings Catch Down to Growth 31:43 - What WILL Derail Markets in 2026 35:16 - Supply Demand Imbalances & Precious Metals 40:23 - How Prices are Set by Futures Markets 42:20 - Margins on Commodities 50:42 - Comming Attractions Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxDnB-Z7mJI&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 ------- Articles mentioned in this report: "Market Outlook For 2026" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/market-outlook-for-2026/ "Precious Metals Aren't Predicting Economic Collapse" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/precious-metals-arent-predicting-economic-collapse-draft/ ------- The latest installment of our new feature, Before the Bell, "Markets Enter 2026 Consolidation Phase as Volatility Looms," is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeEA-JQBKEA&list=PLwNgo56zE4RAbkqxgdj-8GOvjZTp9_Zlz&index=1&t=10s ------- REGISTER for our 2026 Economic Summit, "The Future of Digital Assets, Artificial Intelligence, and Investing:" https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-ria-economic-summit-tickets-1765951641899?aff=oddtdtcreator ------- Watch our previous show, "What Great Financial Planning Looks Like," here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhVoQc7adgU&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&index=1 -------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestm entadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #MarketOutlook #StockMarketUpdate #MarketVolatility #TechnicalAnalysis #PreMarketUpdate #MarketOutlook2026 #StockMarketAnalysis #InvestmentRisk #FederalReservePolicy #PortfolioStrategy