The Dividend Cafe

Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/4pUysvR Final Dividend Cafe of 2025: Year-End Market Recap and Outlook for 2026 In this final Dividend Cafe of 2025, David Bahnsen reviews key economic data points and market trends, including the performance of major indices and sector highlights. The discussion covers the lack of seasonality in market movements, updates on bond yields, and the significance of periodic portfolio rebalancing. The episode also touches on public policy issues related to data centers and provides insights on midstream energy sectors. David announces the upcoming annual 'year behind, year ahead' white paper and his ongoing book project on dividend growth investing. The session concludes with a look ahead to the first Dividend Cafe of 2026 and encourages listeners to read further on topics like gold as an inflation hedge. 00:00 Welcome to the Final Dividend Cafe of 2025 00:43 Recap of the Year and Upcoming Plans 02:44 Market Updates and Trends 06:29 Public Policy and The Fed 07:28 Energy Sector Insights 08:39 Looking Ahead to 2026 Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/4p4y8t8 Reflecting on 25 Years of Market Lessons in the Final Friday Dividend Cafe of 2025 In the final Friday Dividend Cafe of 2025, the speaker reflects on the major market events and financial lessons from the first 25 years of the new century and millennium. From the Y2K fears and dot-com bubble burst, through the 9/11 attacks, the 2008 financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode covers significant economic and geopolitical events that shaped the markets. The speaker emphasizes the normality of instability in markets and the importance of staying invested despite turbulent times. The primary takeaway is that long-term investment in profit-making enterprises, especially via dividend growth investing, has proven resilient and rewarding. The episode closes with an encouragement to appreciate the lessons learned and look forward to the future with a disciplined investment approach. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:15 Reflecting on the First 25 Years 02:51 The Dotcom Bubble and Y2K 09:58 9/11 and Market Reactions 14:19 The Financial Crisis of 2008 18:15 The Recovery Decade 20:33 The COVID-19 Pandemic 24:15 Lessons from 25 Years of Market Instability 31:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Market Recap: Thursday, December 18 - Modest Gains and Inflation Insights In this episode of Dividend Cafe, host Brian Szytel provides an update on the market movements for Thursday, December 18. The DOW closed with a modest gain of 65 points (0.14%), S&P increased by 0.8%, and NASDAQ saw a tech-led rally with a 1.38% rise. Despite a rebound, the week is expected to end negatively for stocks overall. A key focus is the release of the latest CPI print, which showed a surprisingly low inflation rate of 2.7% versus the expected 3.1%, but the numbers are questionable due to a government shutdown affecting data collection. Initial jobless claims came in line with consensus at 224,000, while continuing claims were slightly below expectations. The Philly Fed Index reported a weaker-than-expected manufacturing number at -10 versus the expected +3. Brian also discusses the interplay between inflation rates and the role of the Fed, emphasizing that market forces and money supply are critical factors. He wraps up with light-hearted remarks about holiday shopping and extends holiday greetings to viewers. 00:00 Market Update: December 18th 00:10 Stock and Bond Performance 00:59 CPI Report Analysis 02:01 Economic Calendar Highlights 02:45 Inflation and The Fed's Role 04:24 Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Market Declines, Fed Policy, and Strategic Dividend Investing - Dividend Cafe Update In this episode of Dividend Cafe, Brian Szytel discusses the recent downturn in the stock market, particularly in AI-related stocks and cryptocurrencies. Financial volatility and credit default swaps in major names are highlighted. Szytel also reviews ongoing discussions about the next Federal Reserve chair and the implications of potential rate cuts and balance sheet actions. He provides insights on dividend investing strategy, emphasizing yield sustainability and growth. Upcoming economic data releases are previewed, including initial claims, November CPI, December Philly Fed manufacturing, consumer sentiment, and existing home sales. 00:00 Introduction and Market Overview 00:21 AI and Cryptocurrency Market Trends 01:12 Federal Reserve and Economic Policies 03:27 Impact of Rate Cuts and Economic Stimulus 05:04 Dividend Income Strategies 06:59 Upcoming Economic Data and Conclusion Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Market Movements, Economic Indicators, and AI vs Dot-Com Era Analysis In this episode of Dividend Cafe, host Brian Szytel provides a daily market recap for Tuesday, December 16th, detailing a mixed day with NASDAQ slightly positive, and declines in DOW and S&P indices. He discusses the impact of new economic data including better-than-expected non-farm payrolls and a rise in unemployment rates from 4.4% to 4.6%. Szytel also covers flash readings on services and manufacturing PMI which were below consensus. Additionally, he compares the dot-com era of the 90s with today's AI paradigm, highlighting the ongoing capital expenditure needs for AI technologies. Lastly, he addresses a Q&A about potentially creating a financial terminology booklet to help demystify investment jargon. 00:00 Introduction and Market Overview 00:41 Economic Data Breakdown 03:13 Comparing Dot-Com Era to AI Boom 05:36 Q&A Session and Final Thoughts Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/3MvD1Ot Monday Market Recap and Reflections on Recent Events In this Monday edition of Dividend Cafe, David Bahnsen discusses various market trends and policy issues from the New York City office. He reflects on the significant news events over the weekend, including the Brown University shooting, attacks in Australia and Syria, and the murder of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife. David analyzes stock market behaviors, including sector performances and reactions to AI infrastructure stocks, and provides insights into bond yields and the housing market. He also touches on Supreme Court cases affecting tariffs and forecasts potential policy moves regarding the Affordable Care Act subsidies. Lastly, he speaks about the tragic death of Rob Reiner, highlighting the impact of his films. 00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Schedule 02:13 Reflecting on a Tragic News Weekend 03:41 Market Overview and Key Observations 04:50 AI Sector Performance and Market Rotation 06:47 Bond Yields and Financial Sector Insights 09:31 Policy Updates and Supreme Court Predictions 12:08 Economic Data and Trade Deficit Analysis 13:14 Housing Market Trends and Builder Sentiment 16:17 Federal Reserve Actions and Interest Rates 19:28 Tribute to Rob Reiner and Conclusion Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/4aK1R6X Honoring a Legacy: Greg Bahnsen's Influence on Investment Philosophy In this special edition of Dividend Cafe, host David Bahnsen reflects on the legacy of his father, Greg Bahnsen, commemorating the 30th anniversary of his passing. David explores the significant influence his father had on his work at The Bahnsen Group, particularly in investment philosophy and financial advisory. Through personal anecdotes, David discusses his father's dedication to hard work, commitment to first principles, and disdain for relativism, which have all deeply shaped his approach to investment management. He also touches on modern medical innovations and their importance, driven by the context of his father's health challenges. David concludes by highlighting the vital role of intellectual contribution and behavioral management in wealth management, drawing from his father's academic work on self-deception. 00:00 Introduction to the Friday Edition 00:19 Remembering Greg Bahnsen 01:50 Greg Bahnsen's Medical Journey 05:29 Reflections on Medical Innovations 08:10 The Legacy of Hard Work 10:56 Philosophical Foundations in Investment 16:43 Self-Deception and Investment Management 20:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Market Overview and Insights on Private Credit – December 11, 2025 In this episode of Dividend Cafe, Brian Szytel provides an update on the financial markets from the Newport Beach office of The Bahnsen Group. The DOW closed up by 646 points, while the S&P had modest gains and NASDAQ saw a slight decline. Szytel discusses the rotation from growth to value sectors, the recent actions of the Federal Reserve, and their impacts on the market. He also covers upcoming deregulatory changes and tax cuts, a weakening labor market, and concerns about overstated employment numbers. Additionally, he answers a listener question about payment-in-kind (PIK) in private credit, explaining the risks and how such loans are typically managed. He concludes by emphasizing the past three years' market performance and the potential for slower growth ahead. 00:00 Introduction and Market Overview 00:14 Stock Market Performance 01:13 Bond Market Insights 01:35 Federal Reserve Actions and Economic Impact 03:15 Corporate Profits and Economic Outlook 04:10 Private Credit and Payment in Kind (PIK) 06:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Post-FOMC Meeting Market Reaction and Economic Outlook - December 10, 2023 In this episode of Dividend Cafe, Brian Szytel from The Bahnsen Group in Newport Beach discusses the market's reactions to the Federal Reserve's recent actions. On December 10th, 2023, the Federal Reserve concluded its FOMC meeting, cutting rates by 25 basis points and adding to its balance sheet, which boosted both the stock and bond markets. The Dow closed up 497 points, with the S&P and Nasdaq also showing gains. Szytel explains the significance of the steepening yield curve, which signals positive economic growth, and reviews the Federal Reserve's future interest rate expectations, unemployment, inflation, and GDP projections. The episode also addresses an op-ed by Muhammad Al Arian regarding the restructuring of The Fed. Overall, the episode provides an optimistic outlook on short-term risk assets and the economy. 00:00 Welcome to Dividend Cafe 00:16 Federal Reserve Meeting Insights 00:48 Market Reactions and Performance 01:25 Understanding Yield Curves 03:28 Economic Projections and Fed Actions 04:30 Op-Ed Discussion and Final Thoughts 05:17 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Market Recap and Insights on Upcoming Fed Decisions In this episode of Dividend Cafe, Brian Szytel from The Bahnsen Group discusses the market activity on December 9th, highlighting slight declines in both the stock and bond markets. He reviews the latest economic indicators, including the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index and the JOLTS job openings report. Szytel also provides insights into the upcoming Federal Reserve FOMC meeting, the potential interest rate changes, and the implications for the labor market. Additionally, he touches on the investment potential in the utility sector and the importance of selecting the right companies within high-growth sectors like AI, using historical examples from the natural gas fracking industry and fiber optics. The episode concludes with a reminder of the importance of bottom-up investment fundamentals and dividend reliability. 00:00 Welcome to Dividend Cafe 00:16 Market Overview: Stocks and Bonds 00:48 Fed's Interest Rate Decision 01:51 Economic Data Insights 03:10 Labor Market Analysis 04:17 Interest Rates and Balance Sheet 04:50 Investment in Utilities 06:16 Investment Risks and Strategies 08:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/44NZ88R Market Volatility, Small Cap Performance, and Corporate Takeovers: A Comprehensive Market Update In this episode, we cover the Fed's anticipated rate cut, the current state of credit spreads, and the mixed performance of sectors with a focus on semiconductors. We analyze the significant increase in negative earnings within the Russell 2000 Small Cap Index post-financial crisis and highlight the importance of selectivity in small cap investing. We also discuss President Zelensky's visit to London, Netflix's bid to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery, and the White House's concerns about the deal. Other topics include the executive order on AI regulation, China's compliance with new trade agreements, and the state of the U.S. labor market. We provide insights into New York City's office vacancy rates, the Bank of Japan's expected rate hike, and recent fluctuations in oil prices and infrastructure stocks. Additional information is available on DivaidendCafe.com, including a discussion on the yen carry trade and its potential future impact on stocks. 00:00 Market Overview and Rate Cuts 00:30 Equity Volatility and Sector Rotation 01:07 Small Cap Index Performance 02:10 Global News Highlights 02:38 Corporate News and Mergers 03:42 Public Policy and AI Regulation 04:43 Economic Indicators and Trade 05:04 Labor Market Analysis 07:07 Commercial Real Estate Insights 08:00 Global Financial Movements 08:57 Weekly Recap and Closing Remarks Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/48ZY57l Bitcoin Analysis: The Bahnsen Group's Perspective on Cryptocurrency Investing David Bahnsen hosts the latest episode of Dividend Cafe, where he takes a deep dive into Bitcoin and cryptocurrency investments. Bahnsen discusses the historical volatility of Bitcoin, citing various significant drops over the past decade and its speculative nature. He argues that Bitcoin's extreme fluctuations make it unsuitable as a medium of exchange or a stable store of value. Bahnsen compares Bitcoin to productive assets, explaining why The Bahnsen Group focuses on investments rooted in inherent productivity and usefulness. He emphasizes that while Bitcoin may serve as a trading and speculative vehicle for some, it does not align with The Bahnsen Group’s investment philosophy aimed at long-term wealth creation. 00:00 Introduction to Today's Topic: Bitcoin 01:18 Historical Context and Stability Issues 02:54 Bitcoin's Volatility and Market Behavior 04:27 Comparing Bitcoin to Traditional Investments 07:18 The Sociological Phenomenon of Bitcoin 17:50 Blockchain Technology vs. Bitcoin 19:16 Government Regulation and Bitcoin's Future 22:21 The Bahnsen Group's Investment Philosophy 26:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Market Update and Fed Policy Developments - December 2023 In this episode of Dividend Cafe, Brian Szytel from West Palm Beach provides an update on the market movements and insights into current Federal Reserve policies. The S&P, NASDAQ, and Dow all experienced a relatively flat day with minor fluctuations. Szytel discusses the Federal Reserve's balance sheet reduction from $9 trillion to $6.5 trillion through quantitative tightening and anticipates a possible shift towards quantitative easing due to emerging liquidity stresses. The episode also covers the likelihood of Kevin Hassett being announced as the next Fed Chair, details on labor market metrics, and the recent modest increase in interest rates. With the upcoming December FOMC meeting, further rate cuts are expected. 00:00 Introduction and Market Overview 00:41 Federal Reserve Policies and Speculations 01:16 Quantitative Tightening and Balance Sheet Insights 02:16 Liquidity and Future Projections 04:36 Economic Indicators and Labor Market 05:36 Year-End Market Performance and Conclusion Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Dividend Cafe: December 3rd Market Update and Economic Insights In this episode of Dividend Cafe, host Brian Szytel from The Bahnsen Group provides an update on stock market performance, noting gains in major indices and a rotation from growth sectors to value-oriented sectors. He discusses the impact of a Wall Street Journal article about the potential nomination of Kevin Hassett as the next Fed Chair, current Fed policies, and interest rate expectations. The episode also covers recent economic data, including a significant miss in ADP payroll numbers and better-than-expected ISM services data. Brian answers a listener question about asset allocation and rebalancing, emphasizing a customized, goals-based approach over a one-size-fits-all strategy. 00:00 Introduction and Market Overview 00:42 Fed Chair Speculations and Market Reactions 02:20 Economic Indicators and Market Impact 03:53 Ask TBG: Asset Allocation Insights 05:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Market Recap and Insights: AI Competition, Private Credit Risks, and Consumer Sentiment In this episode of Dividend Cafe, Brian Szytel from West Palm Beach provides a market recap for Tuesday, December 2nd. He discusses recent stock market trends, including the Thanksgiving rally and subsequent fluctuations. Key points include the Fed's quiet period and high likelihood of a rate cut, Bitcoin's volatility, and upcoming economic data releases. Brian also examines consumer sentiment versus actual spending on Black Friday, and the fierce competition between major AI platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Moreover, he addresses the risks and misconceptions associated with private credit investments, explaining their higher yields and inherent risks compared to traditional fixed-income assets. 00:00 Introduction and Market Recap 00:13 Thanksgiving Week Market Performance 00:43 Current Market Movements and Fed Updates 01:12 Economic Data and Consumer Sentiment 02:05 Artificial Intelligence in the Market 03:29 Private Credit: Risks and Rewards 06:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/3Xtosgp Market Updates, Bitcoin Correlations, and Policy Discussions: Post-Thanksgiving Report In this edition of Dividend Cafe, we recap the recent market activity and its fluctuations following Thanksgiving. Key points include the Dow's drop of 427 points, mixed performance across major indices, and a significant contrast between top-performing and worst-performing sectors. We also highlight Bitcoin's recent correlation breakdown with the Nasdaq, the potential economic impact of Japanese bond yields on cryptocurrencies, and the ongoing foreign appetite for U.S. financial markets. Additionally, the episode covers updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, Affordable Care Act subsidies, significant upcoming Supreme Court hearings, and notable figures in the Federal Reserve's future. For detailed charts and more information, visit DividendCafe.com. 00:00 Welcome and Market Recap 01:05 Market Indices Performance 02:41 Foreign Appetite for US Securities 03:51 Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Insights 05:51 Geopolitical and Policy Updates 07:40 Economic Indicators and Housing Market 08:38 Federal Reserve and Interest Rates 09:46 Energy Sector and Predictions 10:12 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/48jNR1e Thanksgiving Reflections: A Heartfelt Tribute to The Bahnsen Group In this special Thanksgiving edition of Dividend Cafe, David Bahnsen, Managing Partner of The Bahnsen Group, shares his gratitude for the various teams and individuals who contribute to the firm's success. Bahnsen highlights the hard work of the content department, the growth and achievements of the tax, planning, risk, and operations departments, and the essential role of the leadership team. He also expresses deep personal thanks to his wife Jolene, the legacy of his late father, and the trust of their valued clients. The episode serves as a heartfelt reflection on the dedication and commitment of The Bahnsen Group during this season of gratitude. 00:00 Welcome to the Thanksgiving Edition 01:12 Personal Reflections on Thanksgiving 02:08 Content Creation and Media Team 04:04 Growth of the Tax Department 05:35 Planning and Risk Management 07:58 Business Administration and Operations 10:35 Investment Solutions Department 13:20 Leadership and Personal Gratitude 16:35 Honoring My Father's Legacy 17:56 Gratitude for Our Clients 19:36 Closing Remarks Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/4oXqLUW Monday Dividend Cafe: Market Rally and Upcoming Thanksgiving Special In this episode of 'Monday Dividend Cafe,' we cover the market's uptick amid a holiday-shortened week, highlighting a strong performance in sectors like communication services driven by Google, and less favorable outcomes for consumer staples. The bond market also continued its rally despite risks in equities. The discussion includes updates on economic policies, including anticipated Fed rate cuts, a potential Ukraine-Russia settlement, and the state of healthcare stocks. Additionally, there's chatter around the Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs and President Trump's hints about its potential outcome. David briefly touches on energy sector dynamics and concludes with a personal moment recounting a memorable Dallas Cowboys victory. 00:00 Introduction and Housekeeping 00:42 Market Recap: A Positive Day 01:55 Sector Performance Highlights 02:25 Risk Assets and Valuation Concerns 06:18 High Yield and Technicals 06:49 Top News Stories: Russia-Ukraine Deal 07:28 Public Policy Updates 09:03 Economic Indicators and Fed Talk 10:57 Energy Sector Overview 11:16 Conclusion and Thanksgiving Preview Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/4oSvRlk Broad Economic Overview: Key Insights on Jobs, Housing, and Consumer Spending In this edition of the Friday Dividend Cafe, David Bahnsen delves into a comprehensive analysis of macroeconomic factors, exploring the current state of the job market, housing sector, and consumer spending. David emphasizes the importance of objective and apolitical economic analysis by discussing the recent trends in job creation, a softening housing market, and consumer spending patterns. The episode also critiques the use of consumer confidence as an economic indicator and underscores the importance of production in driving economic growth. Several data points and charts are presented, providing a nuanced view of an economy that is not strongly growing but also not on the brink of collapse. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:20 The AI Bubble and Investment Markets 01:22 Macroeconomic Commentary 04:49 Jobs Market Analysis 12:21 Housing Market Insights 18:26 Consumer Spending and Sentiment 21:56 GDP Growth and Economic Outlook 25:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Market Reflections and Sector Analysis: November 20 Edition In today's episode of Dividend Cafe, Brian Sztyel from Newport Beach, California, provides insights from a down day in the markets despite an initially strong opening. He discusses anticipated earnings reports from major AI chip manufacturers and tech companies, highlighting the market reaction and investor sentiment. Brian explains the observed rotation from growth to value stocks and the current low weighting of defensives. He also addresses questions about the private credit market, noting its significant growth and some stresses, but reassures that systemic risk appears minimal. Economic updates include better than expected non-farm payroll data, an uptick in the unemployment rate to 4.4%, and positive figures from the Philly Fed Index and existing home sales. Brian concludes by encouraging listeners to reach out with questions. 00:00 Introduction and Market Overview 00:04 AI and Technology Sector Insights 00:58 Growth vs. Value Stocks 02:25 Private Credit Market Analysis 04:08 Economic Data Highlights 05:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com