michael hartzman

The Lebenthal Report Episode #172: Small Business Mood Check for 2026

Markets are coming out of Thanksgiving with a little more chop, even after a strong year — especially in last year’s standout winners like tech, AI-linked names, and Bitcoin plays. Michael Hartzman and Dominick Tavella explain what’s driving the pullback, why healthcare has quietly led November, and how healthy valuation resets can set the stage for the next leg higher.

Then we’re joined by returning guest Jeff Oak, Vistage Chair, for a real-time read on small and mid-size business sentiment heading into 2026. Jeff breaks down why CEO confidence has rebounded from the spring tariff shock but remains stuck in neutral — and what “profitless prosperity” looks like on Main Street, where protecting margins matters more than ever. The group also digs into rising AI adoption among smaller companies, holiday-season expectations, employee engagement, and the challenge — and opportunity — of leading a workforce spanning five generations.

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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 #171: The Real AI Economy & What Comes Next

On this week’s episode of The Lebenthal Report, Michael Hartzman and guest co-host Tracy Byrnes sit down with John Eade, President and Chairman of the Investment Policy Committee at Argus Research, for a deep-dive into today’s market landscape.

They tackle everything from the so-called “AI bubble” claims to the surge in utilities, data center infrastructure spending, and what investors may be overlooking as Big Tech shifts from hype to real-world implementation. The conversation also explores stablecoins, cryptocurrency regulation, interest rate expectations heading into 2026, consumer bifurcation, and the rising importance of affordability in economic policy.

Whether you're questioning the sustainability of AI-driven growth, assessing market rotation opportunities, or preparing portfolios for potential Fed shifts, this episode offers critically timed insights for investors, advisors, and market watchers.

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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 #170: Market Update - November 11, 2025

On this Veterans Day market update, Michael Hartzman and Dominick Tavella break down a chilly start to winter—both in temperatures and in the markets. Despite a modest pullback, year-to-date performance remains strong, with the S&P 500 up 15%, the NASDAQ up nearly 20%, and emerging markets leading with more than 31% gains. 

The conversation centers on two major concerns shaping investor sentiment: whether the AI-driven rally resembles a tech bubble, and the ongoing government shutdown and its impact on everything from travel delays to food assistance programs. Michael and Dominick compare today’s AI boom to the late-90s dot-com era, noting that unlike the unprofitable companies of 2000, today’s tech giants are backed by real earnings and massive infrastructure investment—but the long-term winners are far from certain. 

They also address inflation trends, recession fears, hiring data, small-business labor behavior, sector performance, and why utilities and data centers are unexpectedly benefiting from rising AI power demand. Looking ahead to 2026, they outline reasons for cautious optimism, while warning that unresolved tariff challenges and a potential Supreme Court ruling could spark short-term volatility. 

Don’t miss this insightful discussion—tune in to stay ahead of the 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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The Lebenthal Report Episode #169: The Global Comeback - Why International Markets are Outperforming in 2025

After years of lagging behind, international equities are making a powerful return — with the MSCI EAFE up 27% and Emerging Markets up 33.5% this year.

On this episode of The Lebenthal Report, hosts Michael Hartzman and Dominick Tavella sit down with Anjali Balani, Managing Director at JPMorgan Asset Management, to break down the drivers behind the surge:

✅ The “CVS” framework — Currency, Valuation, Sentiment

✅ The weakening U.S. dollar’s impact on global returns

✅ Why Europe, Japan, and Korea are becoming equity bright spots

✅ How investors can strategically rebalance for global diversification

🎧 Listen now to explore where the next wave of market growth may come from .

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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 #168: Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance

October is Long-Term Care (LTC) Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to talk about planning for the future.

On this episode of The Lebenthal Report, hosts Michael Hartzman and Tracy Byrnes sit down with Rick Stewart, Regional Director at Crump Insurance, to unpack everything you need to know about long-term care insurance — what it covers, when to consider it, and how it fits into your broader financial plan.

They explore the rising costs of care, the difference between long-term care, disability, and health insurance, and new hybrid products that combine life insurance and LTC benefits. Whether you are approaching retirement or helping a loved one plan ahead, this conversation offers clarity and actionable insights for protecting your health, your wealth, and your family’s peace of mind.

💬 October is the perfect time to start the conversation.

If you have questions about long-term care planning or how it fits into your financial strategy, reach out to our team at Lebenthal — we’re here to help.

🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward peace of mind.

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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 #167: The Human Side of Artificial Intelligence

On this episode of The Lebenthal ReportMichael Hartzman and Dominic Tavella sit down with David Eliot, PhD candidate and author of Artificially Intelligent: The Very Human Story of AI.

Together they explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping our economy, the future of work, and everyday life — often in ways we don’t even realize. They also discuss the AI arms race among tech giants, the energy crisis fueling innovation, and how investors and consumers alike can prepare for a rapidly changing world.

🎧 Tune in for a grounded, human-centered look at the technology transforming everything.

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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 #166: Keeping it Real- Fed, Jobs and Markets

Markets are soaring while the economy shows cracks. What does it mean for your portfolio?

Dominick Tavella and Michael Hartzman sit down with Philip Blancato to unpack:

✅ The Fed’s next move

✅ Jobs, inflation & growth

✅ Bonds & small-cap opportunities

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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 #165: Making Economics Understandable with Howard Yaruss

On this week’s Lebenthal Report, Michael Hartzman and Dominick Tavella welcome Howard Yaruss—NYU professor and author of Understandable Economics. They discuss:

  • Social Security’s future: solvency or scare tactic?

  • Inflation explained—simple causes, big impacts

  • Gig economy, inequality and the power of tech giants

  • Tariffs, data reliability, and what crypto really is

Howard will be back on the show! Got a question for him? Get in touch with us and we’ll try to feature it next time!

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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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