Matt Egan on the Latest Market Trends: Interest Rates, Inflation, and Meme Stocks

Paychex THRIVE, a Business Podcast

With the Dow soaring to a record-breaking 40,000 and the market doubling from its COVID lows just four years ago, the current financial climate is buzzing with potential. Gene is joined by CNN Business Reporter Matt Egan to discuss this and other hot market topics on this week’s episode of Paychex THRIVE. Matt shares the impact a steady rise in the market has on consumer behavior and employment decisions, along with how inflation and interest rates can both help and hinder this growth. Gene also gets Matt’s thoughts on the resurgence of meme stocks, the potential shift towards a four-day workweek, and the possibility of another real estate boom.

Topics include:

00:00 – Episode preview and welcome

01:03 – Introduction of CNN Reporter Matt Egan

01:20 – Recollection of market lows during the Great Recession

03:03 – Context around recent stock market highs

04:33 – Discussion on the Dow and its impact

06:04 – Importance of Dow as a market indicator

08:02 – The market as a confidence factor for business owners

11:18 – Discussion on insider trading and its impact

13:00 – Media's influence on the market and the ethics of reporters investing

13:44 – Connection between interest rates and stock market

16:46 – Prediction for future interest rates

17:30 – Business costs in relation to inflation

19:05 – Reflection on the change of inflation over time

19:45 – Discussion on inflation and interest rates

25:17 – Introduction of the four-day work week

28:04 – Return of meme stocks

31:49 – Wrap up and thank you

DISCLAIMER:
The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.