Around the Table with Stacy Smith

Are you doing as well as the stock market indices?  With a half a month to go, the indices are registering double digit percentage gains for the year.  Should your investments have the same sort of growth? That is one of the subjects we explore in the latest edition of “The Bull, The Bear and You.”  We also discuss what you should be doing before the year comes to a close. 

We are only 11 months away from the midterm elections, which in politics can be a lifetime. In this episode of Trunk and Tales, my panel of political analysts, including the PA Democratic Party Chairman discuss the upcoming midterm elections, changing to an open primary, the shifting political landscape in Pennsylvania, and the role of independents. Our conversation covers Republican strategies, Democratic opportunities and predictions for the 2026 elections. We also talk about Gov Shapiro’s plans and the future of Sen John Fetterman.

No question about it, talk of A-I has dominated the stock markets.  The major indices swing  up or down on the latest A-I news. But what about other sectors of the economy? How are they faring in this time of  A-I domination? That is part of what we discuss in this latest edition of “The Bull, The Bear and You.”

Is that stock really worth its current valuation? That is what a lot of investors are asking as they take a closer look at some sectors as the markets have stumbled.  The panelists for The Bull, The Bear and You have their opinions on whether we are headed for a market decline.  And, if you think a stock is headed down, should you short it? Those topics and more in this edition of The Bull, The Bear and You.

The Trunk n’ Tails political analysts discuss the recent election results taking a look at voter motivation and how economic factors played a part and what the impact might be for future elections. The veteran politicians reflect on the dynamics of party identity, the role of independents, and the impact of the recent government shutdown on public perception. They also explore the potential for a blue wave in the upcoming midterm elections and the need for bipartisan cooperation in addressing the challenges facing the country

In this episode we focus on the impact of AI, earnings reports, job displacement, and the implications of government shutdowns on economic data. We delve into the ongoing demand for AI, the valuation of tech companies, and the potential for job creation amidst layoffs. The discussion also touches on interest rates, inflation, and the importance of understanding economic trends for investors.

The political analysts weigh in on the November 2025 election, with emphasis on whether various state elections can be interpreted as a referendum on national politics. The analysts focus on several races, but emphasis is placed on the retention of Supreme Court justices in Pennsylvania which has become highly polarized because of redistricting and other decisions.

Gold has been reaching new all-time highs, but is it a good long-term investment? And market volatility has picked up measured by something called the “VIX.” How you should interpret it. Oh, third quarter earnings are coming in, but are there issues with some banks? Those are some of the topics we discuss in this week’s edition of “The Bull, The Bear and You.” 

In this engaging conversation, the panel of financial experts discusses investing strategies and explore market trends, sector performance, the impact of technology and AI, interest rates, and tax strategies for investors. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding individual company performance, the dynamics of the bond market, and effective portfolio management to navigate the complexities of investing in today's economic landscape.

In this episode of Trunk and Tales, Stacy Smith and political analyst Keith Schmidt discuss the current political landscape, focusing on the impact of Charlie Kirk's legacy, the implications of the government shutdown, and the dynamics within the Democratic Party. They explore how Kirk's movement has energized young Republicans and the challenges faced by Democrats as they navigate internal divisions and a shifting political climate. The conversation also touches on the fundraising successes of the Republican Party and the potential future of Democratic leadership.