If geopolitical conflict is escalating, oil markets are under pressure, interest rates remain high, and the headlines seem filled with reasons to worry.

Why is the stock market still hitting all-time highs?

In this episode, Hannah and Brad look beyond the headlines to examine what's actually happening underneath the economy and financial markets—from rising worker productivity and strong corporate earnings to the changing role of the bond market.

They also dig into the ongoing conflict with Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, including an important question for American consumers and investors: how vulnerable is the United States to a disruption in global oil supplies?

Learn about:

• Why rising productivity and slowing wage-cost growth could be good news for corporate earnings and inflation

• How the bond market can tighten financial conditions even when the Federal Reserve doesn't change rates

• Why higher bond yields may restore some of the diversification benefits investors traditionally expect from bonds

• The role of a CFP®, CFA, and FRM—and why financial planning and investment management require different expertise

• Why the stock market can reach all-time highs even while geopolitical uncertainty dominates the headlines

• How strong corporate earnings and the AI investment cycle continue to support long-term market growth

• What the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz could actually mean for U.S. oil supplies, gasoline prices, and the economy

Ready to work with a fiduciary CFP to build your long-term wealth strategy? Hannah is currently accepting new clients at X² Wealth Planning.

Schedule a complimentary consultation: https://calendly.com/hannahrchapman/60-minute-exploration-call

Hannah Chapman, CFP®, APMA®, CRPC® | hannah.chapman@x2wealthplanning.com | x2wealthplanning.com