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The FarrCast : Wealth Strategies

The FarrCast : Wealth Strategies

By Michael Farr

Welcome to the FarrCast, hosted by Michael Farr, Chief Market Strategist of Hightower Advisors and President and CEO of Washington DC wealth management firm, Farr, Miller & Washington. Each week Michael will have guests with insights into economics, policy, finance, and the intersections between them all. Listen in not just for analysis of what has happened, but for the forecast of where the markets are going. Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.
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The FarrCast : Wealth StrategiesApr 24, 2018

00:00
40:11
Try Not to Fixate on the Pint

Try Not to Fixate on the Pint

The first quarter is drawing to a close and the stock market flirts with Dow 40,000! Michael Farr welcomes Jim Lebenthal, political analyst Dan Mahaffee, and special guest Jack Bouroudjian for a trip around the horn. Can the economy keep chugging along? Can the markets keep rising? Where are the threats? It's another great FarrCast bringing you insight into Wall Street, Washington, and The World!

Mar 22, 202446:29
When I'm in an Airplane, I Root for the Pilot

When I'm in an Airplane, I Root for the Pilot

The FarrCast returns with Michael Farr talking markets and strategy with Jim Lebenthal, politics and diplomacy with Dan Mahaffee, and in the special guest segment, Michael welcomes first time guest, Mike Singleton from Invictus Research. Bringing you insight into Wall Street, Washington, and The World -- it's The FarrCast!

Mar 15, 202454:54
Your Wariness Wears Down

Your Wariness Wears Down

The FarrCast is back with your fan favorites Jim Iuorio, Dan Mahaffee, and Kenny Polcari! Michael Farr recaps Wall Street, Washington, and The World, and provides insight into threats, and opportunities, that may lie ahead. Listen today!

Mar 08, 202449:31
An American Solution

An American Solution

Michael Farr's travels continue and this week after a quick look at Washington and Wall Street from producer Harry Jennings, Michael delivers a speech on the challenges the American economy, and more broadly, America, faces. Michael argues the exceptional nature of the American experiment gives us the privilege of taking up the mantle of history. It's a thought provoking FarrCast -- don't miss it!

Feb 27, 202430:04
Any Tingle Will Do

Any Tingle Will Do

Michael Farr is traveling this week, but we were able to get Michael and Kenny Polcari together for a quick look at markets, and why investors shouldn't sweat the small stuff -- but keep an eye on the big stuff. It's The FarrCast -- Wall Street, Washington, and The World!

Feb 16, 202415:17
Democracy Is a Bus

Democracy Is a Bus

The markets creep to new highs (S&P 5000!) and Michael Farr welcomes Jim Lebenthal for insight into how to avoid a misstep. Dan Mahaffee shares the latest from DC, and special guest Joshua Huminski gives us three things he'd do if he were President. Insight into Wall Street, Washington, and The World -- it's The FarrCast!

Feb 09, 202451:58
Might As Well Do the Right Thing

Might As Well Do the Right Thing

As goes January, so goes the year, the old adage goes, and January has been a good one in the markets. Michael Farr speaks with Jim Iuorio about what's good -- and where threats may lie. Matt Leffingwell joins for insight into DC, and special guest and energy expert Daryl Owen shares his insight (and first hand experience) on Iran, the mid-east, and The World. Listen and share with friends and colleagues!

Feb 02, 202453:42
The AI Is Buying AI

The AI Is Buying AI

Markets continue to climb and Michael Farr welcomes Kenny Polcari to give insight into the positive start to 2024. Dan Mahaffee gives us a sobering primer on the mideast, and Michael welcomes Mark Hamrick, Chief Economic Analyst for Bankrate.com, who always has his hand on the pulse of the economy. It's The FarrCast -- Wall Street, Washington, and The World!

Jan 26, 202452:13
Stopgap Just Sounds Nicer

Stopgap Just Sounds Nicer

A lot is happening across Wall Street, Washington, and The World, and this week's FarrCast runs a little long -- but is jam packed with information! Michael Farr welcomes our special guest, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist of The Conference Board for a dive into the year ahead. But first, Kenny Polcari catches up on the tepid start to the year in the markets, and Dan Mahaffee gives us the rundown in DC, and what the GOP infighting means for the government. Always bringing you insights -- it's The FarrCast!

Jan 22, 202454:40
Microwave Market in a Slow-Cooker Economy

Microwave Market in a Slow-Cooker Economy

The FarrCast is back with special guest Tony Dwyer, taking a deep dive into what has driven the growth of the capital markets in the past decade, and giving us insight into how to invest for coming decades. But first -- Jim Lebenthal joins Michael Farr to assess where the markets are now, and Dan Mahaffee returns to give us an update on DC. It's The FarrCast -- Wall Street, Washington, and The World!

Jan 12, 202456:55
New Year -- New Episode!

New Year -- New Episode!

The FarrCast kicks of 2024 with Jim Iuorio, Matt Leffingwell, and special guest, Lester Munson! Markets are starting the year with a pullback -- but that's not surprising after the hot finish to 2023. Michael Farr & Jim Iuorio discuss trends to watch (and others to ignore!) as the year unfolds. Matt Leffingwell is in this week, pinch-hitting for Dan Mahaffee, and gives us deep insight into Washington, while Les Munson helps expand our view beyond the beltway into what is the state of play in geo-politics around the world. Always bringing you insight into Wall Street, Washington, and The World -- it's The FarrCast!

Jan 05, 202457:28
FarrCast Top Ten for 2024!

FarrCast Top Ten for 2024!

Michael Farr's top picks for 2024!

Dec 29, 202333:19
I'm Frustrated With My Age Too!

I'm Frustrated With My Age Too!

The final regular episode of 2023 is a great roundup with Kenny Polcari on the markets, Dan Mahaffee on Washington, and special guest Greg McBride from Bankrate.com on consumer attitudes, and what hints it gives us about the markets in the coming year. Listen today!

Dec 22, 202353:41
Sleeping Easy Is Important

Sleeping Easy Is Important

The Dow crosses a milestone and the broader market approaches it's all time high. It's no time to be complacent! Michael Farr talks with Jim Iuorio on the latest market movements and the importance of a discipline. Dan Mahaffee helps us make sense of Washington. And we have a special treat -- fan favorite Jenny Harrington is our special guest! Jenny talks about her experience and how it helps to inform her understanding of the world. A FarrCast not to be missed!

Dec 15, 202353:14
Bonus Edition! Complete Bryson Conversation

Bonus Edition! Complete Bryson Conversation

This week we bring you a bonus segment -- the complete conversation between Michael Farr and Dr. Jay Bryson recorded on November 30. Dr. Bryson shares his insights into the economy, and what he thinks the most likely trajectory for 2024 will be. Last week, we edited the segment for time, but this weekend, take the time to listen to Dr. Bryson's complete comments on The FarrCast -- Wall Street, Washington, and The World.

Dec 08, 202322:22
If It Sounds Too Good To Be True . . .

If It Sounds Too Good To Be True . . .

This week we are coming to you with an abbreviated FarrCast. Michael Farr shares his thoughts on the current market, and observations from a recent investment conference where the air was filled with promises. Also, check out our other posting this week, the complete conversation Michael had with Dr. Jay Bryson from November 30.

Dec 08, 202316:29
Half Empty or Half Full?

Half Empty or Half Full?

The economy chugs along, but it seems like nearly everyone hates it. The FarrCast is here to help sort through the emotions to help you get a clear view of the economic & investing landscape! This week Michael Farr welcomes guests Kenny Polcari, our political analyst Dan Mahaffee, and special guest, Chief Economist from Wells Fargo, Dr. Jay Bryson. The FarrCast -- Wall Street, Washington, and The World!

Dec 01, 202353:48
Michael's Thanksgiving Message

Michael's Thanksgiving Message

Michael Farr shares his thoughts on this Thanksgiving and where treasure lies.

(Recorded as part of the November 22 edition of The FarrCast)

Nov 24, 202314:07
Where Is Your Treasure?

Where Is Your Treasure?

On this Thanksgiving week edition of The FarrCast, Michael welcomes Jim Lebenthal for a look at markets. Jim has been pilloried for his outlook this year -- and he has largely been correct. But Jim reminds us to take anyone's forecast, even his, with a grain of salt. Dan Mahaffee joins for a look at politics and geo-politics, and the necessity for, and dearth of, critical thinking. Finally, Michael shares his Thanksgiving message for all of our listeners, and his thoughts on where his treasure lies. Happy Thanksgiving from The FarrCast!

Nov 24, 202349:44
The Chaaaaht

The Chaaaaht

A flock of "yes" has appeared on Wall Street, in Washington, and across The World, and Michael Farr is back to dive in to what it means and what comes next. Michael welcomes Kenny Polcari for discussion on what earnings seasons tells about the next moves in the market; Dan Mahaffee takes shot at explaining the moves in DC; and for our special guest, we have Fixed Income Manager Scott Stroud, who gives us some real world "So What?" about the moves in interest rates. Bringing you not just information but insight -- it's The FarrCast! (and stick around to the end for a special Easter Egg!)

Nov 17, 202351:03
And Then What?

And Then What?

This week on The FarrCast, Michael Farr opens with a fascinating discussion on investment discipline with Jim Iuorio. Dan Mahaffee gives us an update on DC, and Michael is joined by special guest Stephanie Link for a look ahead. The path for the rest of the year looks positive, but 2024 is murkier -- and that leads back to a discussion on the necessity of robust discipline for the wise investor. Always bringing you insight to negotiate Wall Street, Washington, and The World -- it's The FarrCast!

Nov 09, 202344:12
Numbers Too Big to Comprehend (And Real Enough to Terrify!)

Numbers Too Big to Comprehend (And Real Enough to Terrify!)

This week's FarrCast is especially information packed. Michael Farr and his guests, Jim Lebenthal, Dan Mahaffee, and special guest, Dr. Jeffrey Lacker, take a deep deep into the markets, global politics, and the problems (and extraordinary resilience!) of the American economy. Listen today!

Nov 03, 202355:28
FarrCast Special: Dr. Jeffrey Lacker

FarrCast Special: Dr. Jeffrey Lacker

In a wide ranging conversation with Michael Farr, Dr. Lacker shares his insights into the Federal Reserve's policies, the risks they face, and how it impacts your pocketbook, and your investment. Please enjoy this complete, uncut segment from our November 2, 2023 recording.

Nov 02, 202327:44
Speaker Who?

Speaker Who?

Michael Farr is traveling this week, so Harry Jennings steps in as guest host for an abbreviated edition of The FarrCast to catch you up. Kenny Polcari revises his outlook as the markets slide below key levels. Dan Mahaffee joins for a rundown of the new Speaker of the House and what he can expect -- and we can expect -- from the beginning of his tenure. And finally, Harry has arranged for a special guest that we think you'll all enjoy. It's The FarrCast -- Wall Street, Washington, and The World.

Oct 27, 202341:58
Don't Say Done

Don't Say Done

The markets are wobbling; the wars look worse; and there is chaos on The Hill. But don't fear! Michael Farr and The FarrCast are here to make sense of it all! Michael welcomes guests Kenny Polcari, Dan Mahaffee, and Mark Hamrick for a look at Wall Street, Washington, and The World. Listen today!

Oct 20, 202350:31
Careful When Everybody Is on the Same Side of the Boat

Careful When Everybody Is on the Same Side of the Boat

It's a huge week with war in the mideast and the House without a Speaker. Yet the markets continue to inch upwards, and Michael Farr welcomes Jim Lebenthal to analyze the market, and why no can ever be certain of what comes next. Discipline is key to deal with the uncertainty of the future. For our Washington segment, Mahaffee is away this week, but our old friend Matt Leffingwell steps to the mike after spending days behind closed doors with the GOP Caucus to give us a picture of the House, and why we may be without a Speaker for sometime. And finally, Michael is joined by Lester Munson, former Chief of Staff for the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee and an expert on the politics of the mid-East for an examination of the tragedy unfolding in Gaza. Bringing you insight into Wall Street, Washington, and The World -- it's The FarrCast!

Oct 12, 202353:51
Keep Your Seat Belt Buckled

Keep Your Seat Belt Buckled

It's a turbulent week across Wall St, Washington, and The World, and Michael Farr and his guests help you to discern between signal and noise. Bryn Talkington sees signs of a short term bounce in the markets; Dan Mahaffee sees continued turmoil in DC; and Jim Iuorio gives a great explanation of how the diminishing money supply is slowing the markets down. Always bringing you insight beyond the headlines -- It's The FarrCast!

Oct 06, 202345:18
How to Come in for a Landing (Special Segment!)

How to Come in for a Landing (Special Segment!)

From time to time on the FarrCast, we record a segment that we feel is so good, so important, that it is worthy of being circulated on its own. Such is the special guest segment recorded at the beginning of season seven with Dr. Jay Bryson, Chief Economist for Wells Fargo. Dr. Bryson, in less than 20 minutes, gives an overview of the difficulty in monetary policy faced by the Federal Reserve, and the implications for investors, in language we can all grasp. Here is Michael Farr speaking with Dr. Jay Bryson from September 28, 2023.

Oct 04, 202320:23
Speaking of Dirty Bathwater

Speaking of Dirty Bathwater

The FarrCast kicks off Season Seven with special guest, Dr. Jay Bryson, Chief Economist from Wells Fargo. Dr. Bryson explains the dilemma the Fed, and gives an understandable overview of monetary policy that every investor needs to know (all in less than 20 minutes!) But first up, Michael Farr welcomes Kenny Polcari for a look at the markets, and a look back at a truly troubled market in 1987. Plus, Dan Mahaffee gives us what to expect in the coming government shutdown. Bringing YOU insight into Wall Street, Washington, and The World -- it's The FarrCast!

Sep 29, 202354:50
Get the Button Ready

Get the Button Ready

Jim Lebenthal guest hosts for a talk with Dan Mahaffee on the shutdown and why it isn't a big deal to the markets -- yet. First up though, Jim welcomes Ben Pace, the CIO of Cerity Partners for a discussion on how the landscape has changed for investors in the last two years, and what questions need to be asked moving forward. Completing six season of insight into Wall Street, Washington, and The World -- it's The FarrCast!

Sep 21, 202335:15
The Return of the Axis of Expletive Deleted

The Return of the Axis of Expletive Deleted

This is the first two segments of this week's FarrCast featuring guest host Jim Lebenthal -- who explains why he's bullish on the end of year -- and Dan Mahaffee -- who gives an update on unpleasant people. Bringing you Wall Street, Washington, and The World -- it's The FarrCast!

Sep 15, 202332:40
On the Simmer

On the Simmer

Michael Farr is traveling this week, so producer Harry Jennings pinch-hits on an abbreviated Labor Day Week edition of the FarrCast. The headlines across Wall Street, Washington, and The World are fairly sedate this week, but Harry talks with Dan Mahaffee and Jim Iuorio about what looks to be coming to the boil as we enter autumn.

Sep 11, 202329:38
No Uh-Ah

No Uh-Ah

As Michael Farr wraps up his last show of season six, Jack Bouroudjian joins for a look into his crystal ball, which has been better than pretty much anyones. Jack has been telling us about the productivity boom in AI and other emerging technologies, but this week he warns us as well: the word to listen for is "disintermediation." But first up, Kenny Polcari tell us not to expect smooth sailing in September, and we catch up with Dan Mahaffee on politics and geo-politics. It's The FarrCast -- Wall Street, Washington, and The World!

Sep 01, 202357:59
No Victory Lap Yet

No Victory Lap Yet

This week Michael Farr's special guest is Dr. Jeffrey Lacker, for a preview of Jackson Hole. Dr. Lacker says it's too early to start celebrating, but the last couple of months of data give credence to the idea of the soft landing. But first up, Michael welcomes Jim Lebenthal for a talk on how to invest in an (overly) concentrated market, and Dan Mahaffee explains why flying Air Prigozhin isn't such a great idea. It's The FarrCast! Wall Street, Washington, and The World.

Aug 25, 202346:27
Everything Is Less Bad

Everything Is Less Bad

But everything's good on the FarrCast! Michael Farr returns from his western sojourn to welcome Kenny Polcari for the latest on the markets, and why more of a pullback wouldn't be surprise (or a disaster.) Dan Mahaffee helps catch us up on geo-politics. And for our special guest segment, Michael welcomes back fan favorite, Stephanie Link who's call on the consumer has been spot on. Going beyond the headlines -- it's The FarrCast: Wall Street, Washington, and The World!

Aug 18, 202350:37
They're Just Not That Into You Anymore

They're Just Not That Into You Anymore

Michael Farr is travelling this week, and as we wind down season six, we have a special radio essay from Michael on the state of America -- what makes him hopeful, and what makes him worried.

Aug 14, 202323:18
Bodies on the Thorny Branches

Bodies on the Thorny Branches

The downgrade of US credit isn't good news, but it has come at a time that blowing a little froth off the market is healthy. Michael Farr talks with Jim Iuorio about the technical levels Jim is watching, as well as the fundamental threats and opportunities in the markets. Plus, Dan Mahaffee on the latest in Trump World, and Michael closes with his thoughts on investing in the idea of America. Always bringing you insight -- It's the FarrCast: Wall Street, Washington, and The World.

Aug 04, 202342:06
It's Hot Now, But That Doesn't Mean Winter Is Cancelled

It's Hot Now, But That Doesn't Mean Winter Is Cancelled

The markets drift higher and the economy chugs along. So why is Michael Farr concerned? Reversion to the mean is the theme this week as Michael talks to Kenny Polcari on the markets, and special guest Greg McBride from Bankrate.com on the economy. Plus, Dan Mahaffee on the developments in the Mideast and in China. The FarrCast -- Wall Street, Washington, and The World!

Jul 28, 202350:14
A Full Body Sweat

A Full Body Sweat

The weather is hot -- and so are the markets! The oft predicted recession remains elusive. Michael Farr welcomes Jim Lebenthal and special guest Jenny Harrington to discuss if there is value left in the markets. Plus, Dan Mahaffee with the DC rundown. Insight into Wall Street, Washington, and The World -- it's The FarrCast!

Jul 21, 202358:37
The Return of the Row of No

The Return of the Row of No

On this week's FarrCast Michael Farr's special guest Daryl Owen and our senior political analyst Dan Mahaffee both talk about dysfunction in the GOP House Caucus and how that is impacting politics and politics. Plus, Daryl shares insights into the world's energy economics, and Dan discusses the long term problems Xi faces in China. BUT FIRST -- Kenny Polcari and Michael talk about the market as the recession hasn't appeared and stocks continue to climb. Insight into Wall Street, Washington, and The World -- it's The FarrCast!

Jul 14, 202353:16
The New Coke

The New Coke

Jim Iuorio joins Michael Farr to take a victory lap on his market call, last month, but he says he was right for the wrong reasons. Learn what he's looking for next. Dan Mahaffee joins for the latest from DC and Secy. Yellen's trip to China. Michael is joined by special guest Heather Long from The Washington Post for a deep dive into how work life is changing cities, productivity, and the economy.


Bringing you insight into Wall Street, Washington, and The World -- it's The FarrCast!

Jul 14, 202353:27
The Art of the Possible

The Art of the Possible

This week Michael Farr welcomes Kenny Polcari for a discussion of the astounding performance of the markets year to date. In the second and third segments, Michael talks with Joshua Huminski and Lester Munson on the state of Ukraine, NATO, China, and more -- and what it could mean for the economy and ultimately, your money. It's The FarrCast -- Wall Street, Washington, and The World!

Jun 30, 202347:47
How Upset Do You Want to Get?

How Upset Do You Want to Get?

It's not a pause or a pivot, but a skip, so says the Fed watchers in the know. Michael Farr welcomes guests in the know Jim Lebenthal, Dan Mahaffee, and special guest, Mark Hamrick for a look at what the Fed thinks about the economy -- and what the economy thinks about Fed policy.

Bringing you insight beyond the headlines -- it's The FarrCast! Wall Street, Washington, and The World.

Jun 15, 202352:51
Inflation at 4%?

Inflation at 4%?

Our special guest, Dr. Jay Bryson, Chief Economist from Wells Fargo, says 4% is sooner rather than later: he expects the next CPI read to be closer to 4% than 5%. He and Michael Farr discuss the resiliency of the economy and a reasonable sanguine forecast. But first, Michael welcomes Kenny Polcari for a discussion on the market surge, and Dan Mahaffee with the developments in the Trump saga. Bringing you insight from Wall Street, Washington, and The World -- It's The FarrCast!

Jun 09, 202344:24
Lemme At 'Em! Hold Me Back!

Lemme At 'Em! Hold Me Back!

It's been quite a week with Wall Street, Washington, and The World piling into the wreck of the debt ceiling crisis -- yet we appear unscathed. Is compromise and coming together in the middle signaling a new way forward? Michael Farr welcomes Greg Valliere to decipher the politics and policy. Plus, Dan Mahaffee gives his analysis. But first, Michael is joined by Jim Iuorio for his monthly look at the markets, and what he is looking for to signal a broadening of the rally.

Jun 01, 202355:06
Finding the Hidden Gems

Finding the Hidden Gems

Jim Lebenthal is Michael Farr's market guest today and they discuss the latest market move, driven by a narrow few stocks. Dan Mahaffee says why he's not expecting a US debt default, and who he is keeping an eye on. And for our special guest, fan favorite Stephanie Link returns for a discussion of where the hidden gems lie in a confused market. Bringing you insight into Wall Street, Washington, and The World -- it's The FarrCast!

May 26, 202351:37
The Most Hated Kid in Class

The Most Hated Kid in Class

The FarrCast is back with markets bumping up against support again, whispers of a debt ceiling deal and The Fed telegraphing they aren't quite done yet. Michael Farr welcomes Kenny Polcari, Dan Mahaffee, and Dr. Jeffrey Lacker, former President of the Richmond Fed, for a dive into what's going on on Wall Street, in Washington, and across the World.

May 23, 202355:06
The Apotheosis of Debt Ceiling Webinars

The Apotheosis of Debt Ceiling Webinars

This week on the FarrCast we are sharing with you the audio of a webinar recorded live on May 8, 2023. Michael Farr explores what we know, and don't know, about the debt ceiling debate. Michael is joined by FarrCast regular Dan Mahaffee for a look at the policy and politics, and from Wells Fargo, Michael Pugliese for an examination of the possible economic and market fallout.

May 11, 202332:06
Deserve's Got Nothing to Do With It

Deserve's Got Nothing to Do With It

Michael Farr welcomes Jim Lebenthal this week for an extended discussion on the Federal Reserve and how the investing environment has shifted as the Fed wrestles with inflation and stress in the banking system. Michael is joined by Dan Mahaffee for the Kubler-Ross five stages of death and debt-ceiling negotiations. Insight into Wall Street, Washington, and The World -- it's The FarrCast!

May 05, 202342:08
The Mouse Has Pretty Good Lawyers

The Mouse Has Pretty Good Lawyers

The FarrCast is back with Dan Mahaffee and Michael Farr discussing the changes in the media landscape, and what it means for policy and politics. But first, Michael welcomes Jim Iuorio for market insight and Jim shares where he sees value -- but warns research is needed. For our special guest, we are joined by Joshua Huminski, who shares insight into Ukraine, and the longer run effects of the change in the geo-political balance. Wall Street, Washington, and The World -- it's The FarrCast!

Apr 28, 202352:26