What's Really Driving Inflation, This Market Recovery, and the AI Economy

The March inflation report looked alarming on the surface. Underneath it, a more nuanced story was unfolding — and the bond market noticed.

In this AMA episode of Off The Wall, Dave and Nate separate signal from noise across three questions they've been hearing most from clients: what's actually driving inflation right now, why the market recovered so fast, and what AI really means for the economy and your business.

They break down headline versus core CPI, what 25 years of price data reveals about where inflation actually lives, and why the TIPS market's expectations matter more than any single monthly report. Then they get into the market recovery, including one statistic that's genuinely unprecedented since 1928, and what concentration in the Magnificent Seven means for your portfolio going forward.

Please see important podcast disclosure information at https://monumentwealthmanagement.com/disclosures

Episode Timeline/Key Highlights:

0:00 — Disclosures & Opening Banter

03:06 — AMA Topics Set for Today

04:14 — Inflation Report Explained Beyond Headlines

10:06 — Core CPI & Category Winners

15:15 — The 25-Year Inflation Scorecard

21:20 — Oil Shock & Bond Market Signals

27:41 — What Inflation Means for Portfolios

32:11 — Market Recovery & Why It Happened

37:48 — Politics vs. Investing Reality Checks

43:37 — Big Rally Stats & What They Suggest

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About "Off the Wall":

Markets are noisy. Your time is limited. Off The Wall cuts through the clutter. Hosts Dave Armstrong, CFA and Nate Tonsager, CIPM bring you straightforward, candid insights about what's really moving markets and why it matters for successful investors. From economic shifts to portfolio positioning, we break down the complexities so you can invest with intention and stay grounded when headlines and life feels chaotic.

Learn more about our hosts on our website at https://monumentwealthmanagement.com