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.

------

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/

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.

------

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/

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.

------

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/

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.

------

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/

The Lebenthal Report Episode #194: Q2 CEO Outlook - Growth Holds, Margins Tighten

The Q2 2026 Vistage CEO Confidence Index reveals cautious optimism among small and midsize business leaders. While 64% of CEOs expect revenue growth, only 48% anticipate higher profits—highlighting continued pressure on margins.

Q2 highlights:

• CEO Confidence Index: 84.2

• Revenue growth: 64%

• Profit growth: 48%

• Hiring growth: 50%

On this episode of The Lebenthal Report, the panel explores how inflation, interest rates, market uncertainty, AI adoption, and rising costs are affecting strategic planning. They also discuss the K-shaped economy, workforce changes, pricing decisions, and the importance of turning top-line growth into profitability.

Subscribe for market updates, financial insights, and perspectives for investors and business owners.

------

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/

The Lebenthal Report Episode #193: July Market Update - AI, Interest Rates & What's Next

Markets remain near record highs—but what's really driving the rally?

On this July market update, Michael Hartzman and Dominick Tavella discuss why strong corporate earnings, continued AI investment, and resilient consumer spending have helped support the markets despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

They also explain why semiconductor companies have become the biggest earnings driver in the S&P 500, what investors should know about the Magnificent Seven, and why diversification continues to matter. Plus, they share their outlook on interest rates, inflation, market volatility, and what could impact investors during the remainder of 2026.

On this episode:

✔ Why semiconductor stocks are leading market earnings

✔ The evolving role of AI and the Magnificent Seven

✔ How consumers continue to support economic growth

✔ Why headline risk doesn't always reflect market reality

✔ Interest rate outlook for the rest of 2026

✔ What could create market volatility in the months ahead

Subscribe for weekly discussions on investing, retirement planning, financial markets, and today's biggest economic stories.

------

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/

The Lebenthal Report Episode #192: Estate Planning in 2026 - Trusts, Wills & Market Outlook

Markets continued climbing despite geopolitical turmoil—but what's really driving stocks higher?

This week on The Lebenthal Report, Michael Hartzman and Dominick Tavella discuss why markets have remained resilient despite global uncertainty, why diversified portfolios are outperforming, and what investors should watch during the second half of 2026.

Joining the conversation is Harold Bollaci, Esq., of Bollaci Law, who shares practical estate planning strategies every family should know—from wills and trusts to beneficiary designations, probate avoidance, and New York estate tax planning.

On this episode:

✔ Why markets recovered despite geopolitical tensions

✔ Why the Magnificent Seven aren't leading the rally

✔ Equal Weight vs. Market Weight investing explained

✔ The four essential estate planning documents

✔ Why beneficiary designations should be reviewed regularly

✔ How trusts can help avoid probate delays

✔ New York estate tax strategies for growing estates

Whether you're building wealth or protecting it for the next generation, this episode offers valuable insights for investors and families alike.

------

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/

The Lebenthal Report Episode #191: The Business of NIL - What Every Athlete Should Know

How is NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) changing college sports—and what does it mean for student athletes and their families?

On this episode of The Lebenthal Report, Michael Hartzman and Dominick Tavella welcome Leda Zukowski of New York Life to discuss the rapidly evolving world of NIL and the financial opportunities—and risks—it creates.

Topics include:

• How college athletes earn money through NIL

• Why financial planning is critical for young athletes

• Taxes, contracts, and building a financial team

• How NIL is reshaping college recruiting

• The growing business opportunities surrounding college athletics

• Why branding matters as much as athletic performance

Whether you're a student athlete, parent, coach, financial professional, or sports fan, this conversation provides valuable insight into one of the biggest changes in college sports today.

Subscribe for weekly discussions on investing, retirement, financial planning, and today's most important economic topics.

------

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/