The Lebenthal Report Episode #200: AI, Interest Rates & the Market Outlook

How will artificial intelligence, inflation, and higher interest rates shape the stock market and economic outlook?

On this episode of The Lebenthal Report, host Michael Hartzman and guest co-host Scott Hartzman welcome Jordan Jackson, Executive Director and Global Market Strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, to discuss the economic trends, investment opportunities, and market risks investors should be watching.

As technology companies invest heavily in artificial intelligence, questions remain about the long-term impact on productivity, energy demand, corporate profitability, and stock market valuations. Jordan examines whether the AI investment cycle can sustain its momentum and how the expansion of data centers could affect the broader economy.

The conversation also explores Federal Reserve policy, inflation, the outlook for interest rates, and why the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield remains an important indicator for investors.

Beyond U.S. markets, Jordan discusses international diversification, opportunities in developed markets, and the economic factors supporting global growth.

Topics covered:

✔ AI infrastructure, data centers, and corporate investment

✔ Artificial intelligence and long-term productivity growth

✔ Federal Reserve policy, inflation, and interest rates

✔ The impact of the 2026 midterm elections on markets

✔ Consumer spending, wealth inequality, and the K-shaped economy

✔ International investing and global diversification

✔ Sector opportunities, stock valuations, and market risks

✔ The importance of maintaining a long-term investment strategy



With economic uncertainty and rapid technological change influencing markets, this episode offers perspective on the trends that could shape investment decisions through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027.

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Lebenthal Global Advisors, LLC is a registered investment advisor. Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc is a FINRA registered Broker Dealer. The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The views expressed in this podcast are subject to change based on market and other conditions. Information about the qualifications and business practices of Lebenthal Global Advisors, LLC is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Information about the qualifications and business practices of Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc and its representatives can be found on FINRA’s BrokerCheck website, https://brokercheck.finra.org/

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The Lebenthal Report Episode #199: Is Your Life Insurance Still Right for You?

Is your life insurance policy still meeting your needs?

On this episode of The Lebenthal Report, Michael Hartzman and Dominick Tavella welcome Thomas McKay, CLU®, ChFC®, Director of Advanced Sales at Crump Life Insurance Services, for a discussion about life insurance policy reviews and how coverage needs can evolve over time.

A policy purchased years—or even decades—ago may have originally been designed to provide income protection for a young family. As circumstances change, that same policy may play a different role in retirement planning, long-term care, estate planning or leaving a legacy.

The conversation covers:

✔ When and why to review a life insurance policy

✔ Term, whole life and other permanent insurance options

✔ Cash value and existing policies

✔ Life insurance and long-term care benefits

✔ The importance of updating beneficiaries

✔ Estate and legacy planning strategies

✔ Considerations before replacing an existing policy

Michael and Dominick also break down the latest market environment, including rising Treasury yields, inflation concerns, Federal Reserve policy and why higher interest rates can affect the value of existing bonds.

Subscribe to The Lebenthal Report for more conversations about financial markets, investing, retirement, insurance and financial planning.

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Lebenthal Global Advisors, LLC is a registered investment advisor. Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc is a FINRA registered Broker Dealer. The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The views expressed in this podcast are subject to change based on market and other conditions. Information about the qualifications and business practices of Lebenthal Global Advisors, LLC is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Information about the qualifications and business practices of Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc and its representatives can be found on FINRA’s BrokerCheck website, https://brokercheck.finra.org/

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Last Friday, September 25th, NFL Hall of Famer Willie Roaf paid a visit to our office.

Willie began his professional career with the New Orleans Saints, where he played from 1993–2001, before joining the Kansas City Chiefs from 2002–2005. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

During his visit, Willie met with our clients and shared stories and experiences from his remarkable NFL career. He graciously answered questions ranging from specific plays and strategies used on the field to what it was like to work toward earning a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Everyone at Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc. would like to sincerely thank Willie Roaf for taking the time to visit our office and spend time with our clients. It was a pleasure having him with us!

The Lebenthal Report Episode #198: Africa’s Next Economic Opportunity

Africa is emerging as an increasingly important part of the global economy. Where are the opportunities? And what should investors understand about the continent’s changing economic landscape?

On this episode of The Lebenthal Report, Michael Hartzman and Dominick Tavella sit down with Witney Schneidman, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and author of This Africa Idea: A Memoir of Discovery, Diplomacy and Opportunity.

Drawing on more than five decades of experience in Africa, Schneidman shares his perspective on the continent’s economic transformation, U.S.-Africa relations, trade, infrastructure investment and the expansion of Africa’s middle class.

The discussion explores:

✔ Africa’s fastest-growing economies and emerging opportunities

✔ The expansion of the African middle class and consumer market

✔ Infrastructure, technology and investment across the continent

✔ The evolving U.S.-Africa trade relationship

✔ The role of entrepreneurship and private-sector investment

✔ Why Africa could become increasingly important to the global economy

Michael and Dominick also discuss the latest financial markets, including recent market performance, interest rates and the continued broadening of market leadership beyond technology.

Subscribe to The Lebenthal Report for weekly conversations on investing, financial markets, economic trends and the issues shaping the global economy.

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Lebenthal Global Advisors, LLC is a registered investment advisor. Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc is a FINRA registered Broker Dealer. The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The views expressed in this podcast are subject to change based on market and other conditions. Information about the qualifications and business practices of Lebenthal Global Advisors, LLC is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Information about the qualifications and business practices of Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc and its representatives can be found on FINRA’s BrokerCheck website, https://brokercheck.finra.org/

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The Lebenthal Report Episode #197: The Market Beyond Big Tech

As the market broadens beyond Big Tech and the Magnificent 7, where could new opportunities be emerging?

On this episode of The Lebenthal Report, Michael Hartzman and Dominick Tavella are joined by Greg Scozzari, CFA, Senior Vice President, Investment Strategies at BNY, for a wide-ranging discussion on equity markets, artificial intelligence, interest rates and the evolving investment landscape.

Greg discusses why broader participation across the market could be a healthy development, including the recent strength of value stocks and sectors outside mega-cap technology.

The conversation also examines the next phase of the AI buildout. Which companies are enabling the technology? Which businesses are successfully adopting AI to improve efficiency and productivity? And which industries could face the greatest disruption?

Michael, Dominick and Greg also discuss data centers and AI infrastructure, energy markets, higher interest rates, healthcare, the K-shaped economy and what could shape markets through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027.

On this episode:

✔ The market beyond the Magnificent 7

✔ Value vs. growth and market broadening

✔ AI winners, adopters and potential disruption

✔ Data centers and AI infrastructure

✔ Higher interest rates and the economy

✔ Opportunities across energy, financials and healthcare

✔ The market outlook heading into 2027

Subscribe to The Lebenthal Report for weekly conversations on financial markets, investing, the economy and the trends shaping investors and businesses.

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Lebenthal Global Advisors, LLC is a registered investment advisor. Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc is a FINRA registered Broker Dealer. The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The views expressed in this podcast are subject to change based on market and other conditions. Information about the qualifications and business practices of Lebenthal Global Advisors, LLC is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Information about the qualifications and business practices of Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc and its representatives can be found on FINRA’s BrokerCheck website, https://brokercheck.finra.org/

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The Lebenthal Report Episode #196: America Unfinished - Law, Democracy & AI

On this episode of The Lebenthal Report, Michael Hartzman and Dominick Tavella welcome Harvard Law Professor Alexandra Natapoff, co-editor with Professor Guy-Uriel Charles, of America Unfinished: 250 Years of Law and Governance.

Featuring essays from sixty-two Harvard Law professors, the book examines some of the most consequential questions facing the country through perspectives spanning constitutional law, criminal justice, the Supreme Court, free speech, technology, inequality, and more. Professor Natapoff explains why America remains an “unfinished” project and why understanding opposing viewpoints is essential to meaningful democratic conversation.

The conversation also turns to artificial intelligence and the law, including how existing legal principles could be applied as AI creates new questions surrounding responsibility, accountability, and decision-making.

Michael and Dominick also open the show with a market update covering rising Treasury yields, interest rates, inflation, the national debt, and their potential impact on consumers, businesses, and the economy.

On this episode:

  • America at 250: why democracy remains “unfinished”

  • The Supreme Court and the rule of law

  • Free speech, disagreement and democracy

  • How AI is challenging the legal system

  • Interest rates, inflation and the national debt

Subscribe to The Lebenthal Report for conversations on financial markets, investing, economics, business, and the issues shaping our future.

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Lebenthal Global Advisors, LLC is a registered investment advisor. Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc is a FINRA registered Broker Dealer. The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The views expressed in this podcast are subject to change based on market and other conditions. Information about the qualifications and business practices of Lebenthal Global Advisors, LLC is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Information about the qualifications and business practices of Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc and its representatives can be found on FINRA’s BrokerCheck website, https://brokercheck.finra.org/

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The Lebenthal Report Episode #195: 529 Plans - How to Save for College

On this episode of The Lebenthal Report, Michael Hartzman and Dominick Tavella sit down with Greg Starita of J.P. Morgan Asset Management to discuss 529 plans, college savings, and how families can prepare for the rising cost of education.

From getting started with automatic contributions to putting the power of compounding to work, Greg explains practical strategies parents and grandparents can consider when building an education fund.

The conversation explores 529 investment options, rising tuition costs, financial aid considerations, grandparents' role in college planning, options for unused 529 funds, and how education savings can fit into a broader financial plan.

Plus, Michael and Dominick discuss the latest market environment, interest rates, AI investment, technology leadership, and the continued growth of data center and industrial construction.

Topics include:

• 529 plans and college savings

• Rising college tuition costs

• Automatic investing and compounding

• 529 options beyond traditional college

• Roth IRA rollover provisions

• Grandparent-owned 529 accounts

• Financial aid considerations

• Education planning strategies

• Markets, interest rates and AI

The Lebenthal Report provides perspective on the news, trends, opportunities, and risks shaping today's financial markets.

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Lebenthal Global Advisors, LLC is a registered investment advisor. Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc is a FINRA registered Broker Dealer. The content of this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The views expressed in this podcast are subject to change based on market and other conditions. Information about the qualifications and business practices of Lebenthal Global Advisors, LLC is available on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. Information about the qualifications and business practices of Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc and its representatives can be found on FINRA’s BrokerCheck website, https://brokercheck.finra.org/

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