The Real Investment Show Podcast

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

Markets wrapped up the year with solid gains, finishing roughly 17% higher, but momentum has cooled as stocks consolidate near recent highs. Despite briefly setting a new all-time high in late December, markets spent the final weeks of the year moving sideways, reflecting growing fatigue after an extended rally. In this pre-market update, we review why the market's two-month consolidation range matters, how staying above the 20-day moving average supports the broader trend, and why recent momentum sell signals do not necessarily signal a major downturn. With markets up eight consecutive months, short-term pullbacks or mild corrections would be a normal and healthy way to relieve overbought conditions. As traders return for the first full week of the new year, futures are pointing higher—but volatility may increase as we move into the first quarter. We discuss what investors should watch in January and February, how to think about near-term weakness, and why disciplined risk management remains critical after a long run of gains. 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=ZeEA-JQBKEA&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/ #MarketOutlook #StockMarketUpdate #MarketVolatility #TechnicalAnalysis #PreMarketUpdate

"Trump Accounts" are being discussed as a new way to help children and young adults invest for the future—but are they a meaningful planning tool or simply clever branding? In this episode, we break down how Trump Accounts are structured, how they differ from traditional retirement and custodial accounts, and why return assumptions deserve careful scrutiny. We also discuss funding mechanics, diversification considerations, and what actually happens when a child reaches age 18. Importantly, we address what these accounts are not designed to do—including education planning, where 529 plans may remain more effective. Along the way, we share lessons on dollar-cost averaging, long-term ownership, and why financial literacy matters more than the wrapper itself. Finally, we zoom out to the bigger picture: using the new year as an opportunity to refresh your financial plan, revisit retirement contributions, understand SECURE Act changes, and begin thoughtful estate and legacy conversations. January may be a "no-fun" month, but it is one of the most important times to get organized and set the foundation for 2026 and beyond. 0:00 - INTRO 0:20 - Trump Accounts Overview - is it a con? How they're going to be structured, diversification; differences - requires separate form to establish Assumptions for returns are more than rosy; How to fund - 3:28 - Account acts like an IRA 11:21 - Where is the financial literacy associated with the accounts? 12:48 - The artistry in stock certificates 14:53 - How to convert the money - what happens when the child turns 18 18:02 - Not for education planning - 529 is better 19:09 - Rosso's McDonald's Stock ownership story 20:13 - Is this the time to start a fund when the market is at the top? 22:18 - The lesson of dollar cost averaging 24:52 - Setting up for 2026 - 26:43 - Revisit Retirement Contributions - set as high as possible 27:40 - Secure Act changes - Rothification; Gift of Introductory conversations about estate planning & will 32:34 - January is no-fun month; 34:16 - Assess relationship with financiel advisor, tax planner, etc. Knox Box financial organization tool Hosted by RIA Advisors Director of Financial Planning, Richard Rosso, CFP, w Senior Financial Advisor, Sarah Buenger, CFP Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjxe7xjaj74&list=PLVT8LcWPeAugpcGzM8hHyEP11lE87RYPe&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://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/ #FinancialPlanning #RetirementStrategy #InvestingEducation #WealthBuilding #RealInvestmentAdvice