Inflation grabs the headlines, banks deliver strong profits, and Wall Street still wants more. In this week’s CB3 Live update, portfolio manager Charles Brown examines the latest CPI report, energy’s role in rising prices, and why another Federal Reserve rate hike could arrive before year-end.

Charles also breaks down why major bank stocks fell despite strong earnings, how tensions in the Strait of Hormuz could keep pressure on oil prices, and why financial-sector strength matters for investors. Plus, his perspective on the October Fed meeting, AI’s growing influence on the market, and the uncertainties shaping his outlook for 2027.

Stocks bounced to start the week, but the gains told only part of the story. In this CB3 Financial weekly update, portfolio manager Charles Brown examines the semiconductor rebound, narrow market leadership, and what strength in mega-cap stocks means for CB3’s Discretionary Strategies portfolio.

Charles also previews key earnings from Netflix, Tesla, and Meta, discusses China’s uneven economic growth and continued disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and shares his outlook ahead of the Federal Reserve’s October meeting—including the forces shaping long-term bond yields.

Plus, CB3 Live returns Thursday, November 12, with significant changes and a preview of the next era of CB3 Financial.

Bond yields climb as stocks push toward record highs—but a weaker-than-expected jobs report complicates the Fed’s next move. Charles Brown, portfolio manager at CB3 Financial, breaks down the week’s market developments, explains why short-duration bonds remain central to the MP strategy, and discusses how mega-cap stocks helped Discretionary Strategies outperform in September. Plus, a look at Micron’s earnings and Meta’s MUSE—and what they could mean for the AI trade.

Higher rates, geopolitical uncertainty, and renewed AI momentum are shaping the market outlook. In this CB3 Financial weekly update, portfolio manager Charles Brown shares his perspective on the Fed’s next move, stalled Iran negotiations, and the AI trade led by Meta, Micron, and Nvidia. Plus, a look ahead to key economic data, Micron’s earnings, and what’s at stake for investors heading into the fourth quarter.

Inflation remains front and center as the latest CPI report shows prices continuing to rise, with energy costs playing a major role. In this week’s market update, Charles Brown breaks down the latest inflation numbers, rising Treasury yields, mortgage rates, oil-market pressures, and what investors should watch as the Federal Reserve prepares its next interest-rate decision.

He also examines what higher borrowing costs and persistent inflation could mean for stocks, bonds, housing, and portfolio strategy in the weeks ahead—and why a risk-adjusted approach may be especially important during a volatile September.

The August jobs report shattered expectations, with 162,000 new jobs, upward revisions to prior months, and unemployment holding at 4.1%. In this weekly market update, we examine why renewed hiring strength, stubborn inflation, and oil nearing $100 could push the Federal Reserve toward a September rate hike. We also discuss the pressure on real wages, signs of an AI-driven white-collar slowdown, and how we’re positioning the MP and DS portfolios ahead of the Fed meeting and the next CPI report.

The S&P 500 is back at an all-time high, AI stocks are surging, and investors are increasingly optimistic about a potential Iran peace deal. But beneath the headlines, major risks remain.

In this week’s episode, Charles Brown of CB3 Financial breaks down what’s driving the market rally, why the Strait of Hormuz and the unresolved Iran agreement still matter for oil and inflation, and how Fed Chair Kevin Warsh could reshape the outlook for interest rates this fall.

Charles also explains why CB3 continues to favor quality, cash flow, active rebalancing, and disciplined risk management rather than chasing a market trading near record levels.

Plus, a preview of the August edition of CB3 Live on Thursday, August 13.

Markets may be near record highs, but the risks beneath the surface are growing. In this week's episode, Charles Brown examines the latest developments surrounding the U.S.–Iran truce, why he remains skeptical of its long-term impact, and how geopolitical tensions could continue to influence energy prices and market volatility.

Charles also breaks down July's market performance, explains why a handful of technology stocks are driving most of the S&P 500's gains, and discusses what new Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh could mean for interest rates and inflation heading into the fall.

Topics include:

• The latest developments in the U.S.–Iran conflict and global markets
• Why higher oil prices could reshape the inflation outlook
• The growing concentration of market leadership
• August and September seasonality for investors
• Portfolio positioning, downside protection, and risk management strategies

Whether you're an active investor or simply trying to make sense of today's market headlines, this episode provides timely perspective on the economic and geopolitical forces shaping the weeks ahead.