Each week in the Money Talk Podcast, Landaas & Company advisors offer insights for long-term investors. Try to answer the following questions, based on some of the recent Money Talk conversations.
1.
In the Jan. 2 Money Talk Podcast, John Sandstrom explained that prices for silver and gold had been rising because of “a perfect storm” of conditions. Which of the following WAS NOT among the factors John mentioned?
(Choose one.)
- Geopolitical instability.
- Weaker U.S. dollar.
- Rising interest rates.
- Fears of inflation.
(See answer below.)
2.
While uncertainty around shifting tariffs dampened stock markets, particularly in the spring, Kendall Bauer noted in the Jan. 2 Money Talk Podcast that which of the following largely drove 2025 returns to double digits?
(Choose one.)
- Consumer spending on durable goods.
- Corporate spending on artificial intelligence.
- Federal Reserve moves on interest rates.
- Additional revenue from higher tariffs.
(See answer below.)
3.
After listing some uncertainties for investors entering the new year (U.S. involvement in Venezuela, unrest in Iran, high valuations for AI-related stocks, the economic effects of tariffs), Art Rothschild cited at least one trend in investors’ favor. What factor did Art mention in the Jan. 9 Money Talk Podcast?
(Choose one.)
- Higher interest rates from the Fed.
- Less alarm over U.S. budget deficits.
- Broader participation in stock gains.
- Lower federal income taxes.
(See answer below.)
4.
Also, in the Jan. 9 Money Talk Podcast, what consideration did Mike Hoelzl suggest for investors concerned about high valuations for the broad stock market?
(Choose one.)
- Non-U.S. stocks.
- Preferred stocks.
- Crypto stocks.
- Junk bonds.
(See answer below.)
5.
In the Jan. 16 Money Talk Podcast, Adam Baley talked about persistently high stock valuations. What did Adam explain needs to happen to justify the pricey stocks?
(Choose one.)
- Continued rate cuts by the Fed.
- Strong corporate earnings.
- Resumption of slowing inflation.
- Stabilized tariff levels.
(See answer below.)
6.
In discussing the expected real estate wealth to be passed down within families in coming years, what did Kendall Bauer advise investors to consider in the Jan. 16 Money Talk Podcast?
(Choose one.)
- Budgeting for maintenance and property taxes.
- Looking into real estate investment trusts (REITs).
- Having a family conversation about estate plans.
- Sharing the costs of a real estate appraisal.
(See answer below.)
7.
Which of the following did Dave Sandstrom cite in the Jan. 23 Money Talk Podcast as a reason to be hopeful amid expensive stock valuations and ongoing uncertainty over the effects of tariffs?
(Choose one.)
- Strengthening U.S. dollar.
- Improved housing market.
- Declining inflation rates.
- Economic resilience.
(See answer below.)
8.
In the Jan. 23 Money Talk Podcast, what did Mike Hoelzl advise for investors inclined to react to news headlines with portfolio changes?
(Choose one.)
- Balanced investments.
- Actively managed funds.
- Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS).
- Preferred stocks.
(See answer below.)
Answers
1.
c. Rising interest rates. (They’ve actually drifted lower.)
Learn more
- 2025 in rear-view: Lessons learned,by Kyle Tetting
- 5 Reasons to watch the dollar, by Steve Giles
- Tariff volatility: Investor questions, by Kyle Tetting
- One thing that’s certain: Uncertainty, by Joel Dresang
- Markets surprise. What should investors do? by Steve Giles
- Shutdown fogs moment of clarity, by Kyle Tetting
- 2025 Investment Outlook Seminar, a Money Talk Video with Kyle Tetting
2.
b. Corporate spending on artificial intelligence.
Learn more
- Seeking deeper meaning from one sell-off, by Kyle Tetting
- Innovations, long-run opportunities, by Kyle Tetting
- AI vs. dot-com: What investors should know, by Kyle Tetting
- Implementing data, cultivating outlook, by Kyle Tetting
- AI: A Fed Policymaker’s View, from the Federal Reserve Board
3.
c. Broader participation in stock gains.
Learn more
- Broader views of market movements, a Money Talk Video with Dave Sandstrom
- Market Breadth: Definition, Indicators, and How Investors Use It, from Investopedia
- The Stock Market’s Breadth Is Improving. Why It Matters, from Barron’s (Aug. 2024)
4.
a. Non-U.S. stocks.
Learn more
- Investing fundamentals: A shift in winds, by Kyle Tetting
- 5 reasons to watch the dollar, by Steve Giles
- Over there: Investing in a global economy, a Money Talk Video with Kyle Tetting
- International Investing, from the Securities and Exchange Commission
- How to Use International Stocks in Your Portfolios, by Morningstar
5.
b. Strong corporate earnings.
Learn more
- Valuing Investments: Price-Earnings Ratio, a Money Talk Video with Dave Sandstrom
- What to make of earnings season, a Money Talk Video with Dave Sandstrom
- Earnings Yield: Valuing Stocks vs. Bonds, a Money Talk Video with Kyle Tetting
- Stock valuations: Time to buy or sell? a Money Talk Video with Dave Sandstrom
6.
c. Having a family conversation about estate plans.
Learn more
- Retirement preparation beyond investments, a Money Talk Video with Steve Giles
- Kids: Take my advice. See my advisor, by Joel Dresang
- Guarding wealth against elusive decline, by Joel Dresang
7.
d. Economic resilience
Learn more
- 2025 in rear-view: Lessons learned, by Kyle Tetting
- 2025 Investment Outlook Seminar, a Money Talk Video with Kyle Tetting
- Mid-2025: Foggy outlook, balance rules, by Adam Baley
- One thing that’s certain: Uncertainty, by Joel Dresang
8.
a. Balanced investments.
Learn more
- Seeking balance amid volatility, by Kyle Tetting
- Markets surprise. What should investors do? by Steve Giles
- Making financial sense of “breaking news,” a Money Talk Video with Art Rothschild
- Why investments outperform their investors, a Money Talk Video with Kyle Tetting
- Rebalancing: Too important to ignore, by Steve Giles