Inflation’s Impact on the Economy and Stock Market
Headline news continues to center on the steady rise in prices and the cost of living.
Anton Bayer · September 29, 2026 · 8 min read
The Weekly UPdate
Since 2012, Anton Bayer's Weekly UPdate has examined markets and the economy, continuing a market and economic commentary tradition that began in 2002. Each week, Anton looks past the headlines to the data shaping the discussion.
Why the Federal Reserve Matters
The headline last week was the Federal Reserve (Fed) decision to raise the federal funds target range by 0.25 percentage points to 3.75% to 4.00%, which also lifted the discount rate to 4.00%.
Anton Bayer · September 22, 2026 · 10 min read
Life Lessons Backpacking in the Sierras
Anton Bayer shares what a three-day Sierra backpacking trip with his son's father-in-law taught him about preparation, leadership, and the people who keep us on the right path.
Anton Bayer · September 15, 2026 · 12 min read
A Market of Two Minds
With the Fed silent and Wall Street split nearly 50/50 on next week's rate decision, this UPdate explains why the market's mood swings may matter less than what a future rate cut would signal.
Anton Bayer, CFP® · September 8, 2026 · 8 min read
Controlled Flight Into Terrain: Navigating the Market Fog
Since June 2, the major indices have traded in a narrow, directionless range, a market version of a pilot losing visibility in the clouds. This UPdate looks at why disciplined investors trust their instruments, the strongest quarterly earnings growth since 2021, and the two questions every investor should be asking now.
Anton Bayer · September 1, 2026 · 9 min read
The Productivity Story Hiding in the Jobs Report
Headlines warn of AI-driven layoffs, but the latest BLS jobs report shows unemployment easing and labor productivity rising. What it means for investors.
Anton Bayer · August 25, 2026 · 6 min read
Market Consolidation Continues as Valuations Improve
Since June 2, major indices have traded in a relatively flat range while corporate earnings kept growing, gradually making valuations more attractive.
Anton Bayer · August 19, 2026 · 7 min read
Concentration, Diversification, and the Investment Tier Strategy
Anton Bayer, CFP®, on Sandisk's 3,300% surge and swift reversal as a case study in concentration risk, and the diversified, tiered strategy that protects wealth once it's built.
Anton Bayer · August 4, 2026 · 10 min read
Wall of Worry, Inflation and Interest Rates
Anton Bayer, CFP®, on Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's less transparent guidance, a jump in housing starts, rising import prices, and what elevated inflation and rate uncertainty mean for portfolios.
Anton Bayer · July 22, 2026 · 9 min read
Summer Sale Continues
The S&P 500's summer trading range, Brent crude's price swings, June's cooling CPI report, and what Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's quieter guidance means for investors heading into third-quarter earnings.
Anton Bayer · July 14, 2026 · 9 min read