The Fed's In A Finger Trap: Cut Rates or Fight Inflation?
CPI inflation hit 3.8%, the highest since 2023. New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh was installed to deliver a fed rate cut in 2026, but the numbers say he can't. While the S&P 500 hits record highs on surging AI stocks, the rest of the market is lagging and the fed rate decision has become a central bank finger trap. Can Warsh pull free?  Or is stagflation the new reality? Let's find out On The Markets.Â
Â
This week Sonoma Wealth Managing Principals Chris Sipes CFPÂź, Daren Blonski CFPŸ and Marketing Director Dano Weir examine:Â
âąÂ Look at rate hikes and cuts over the year.  What does the rest of 2026 hold in store? What could either decision do to the market?Â
âą Inflation wipes out wage growth completely for the first time in 3 years.Â
âąÂ Chris has a chart dating back to the Civil War that shows that market has only been this expensive one other time in history.Â
Â
0:00 What is the Fed Finger Trap?Â
8:00 Rate hikes and cuts price in for 2026Â
9:49 Investor sentimentÂ
12:06 Inflation wipes out wage gains for first time in 3 yearsÂ
16:30 Producer price index risingÂ
20:20 2 year treasury rate risingÂ
22:35 Stock market is 2nd most expensive everÂ
25:58 What railroads tell us about AIÂ
28:20 Small cap vs. large cap over the decadesÂ
30:18 Homeowner equity at highest levels since 1960Â
35:00Â Some good newsÂ
38:56 S&P heat mapÂ
45:03 10 year rate soars, inflation is alive and wellÂ
47:20 Oil Â
48:37 Ugly close on bondsÂ
Â
 Video of this episode here: https://youtube.com/live/Khj_z6-QduUÂ
Â
Â
Book Your Wealth Analysis with Sonoma Wealth right here: https://sonomawealthadvisors.com/book-your-wealth-analysisÂ
Â
_______________________________________Â
Disclosure: Fermata Advisors LLC is registered as an investment advisor with the SEC and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. This content was produced by Fermata Advisors, LLC, d/b/a Sonoma Wealth Advisors, d/b/a Fermata 401k, d/b/a Fermata Tax, d/b/a Fermata Insurance. Â
The opinions expressed by Fermata Advisors, LLC on this show are their own. Information presented on this program is believed to be factual and up to date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed.  Discussions and answers to questions do not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice but are limited to the dissemination of general information.  A professional advisor should be consulted before implementing any of the options presented. Â
Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Â
Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.