Podcasts
Astor’s Podcast Series
Listen to Astor Investment Management podcast series. We believe that diligent analysis of economic data can provide valuable signals for longer-term financial market allocations.
1Jul
Is a recession coming?
Astor’s CIO, John Eckstein, and Research Associate, Nick Porter, discuss if a recession is on its way using the latest economic data.
11Jun
Federal Reserve outlook given yesterday’s inflation numbers
Astor’s CIO, John Eckstein, and Research Associate, Nick Porter, discuss the Fed’s outlook after yesterday’s inflation numbers.
1Jun
Is a recession likely?
Astor’s CIO, John Eckstein, and Research Associate, Nick Porter break down the latest economic data to help them decide whether or not a recession is likely to occur.
15May
Stock Market Tantrums
Astor’s CEO, Rob Stein, and CIO, John Eckstein, discuss changes in labor market, updates on the Fed, and recent stock market tantrums.
29Apr
Breaking down the latest GDP report and the outlook for the Fed in this week’s Astor Economic Week in Review
CIO, John Eckstein, and Research Partner, Nick Porter, dive deep into the latest GDP report and outlook for the Fed.
18Apr
The Strength of the Economy at the start of Q2
CIO, John Eckstein, and Research Associate, Nick Porter, discuss Inflation, CPI, PPI Final Demand, and the Fed. AIM-4/18/22-OP560
5Apr
Employment Report Discussion
Discussion Topics: Overall Strength of Economy Jobs Report Fed Moves AIM-4/4/22-OP554
21Mar
Latest Updates on the Fed and the U.S. Economy
Astor’s CIO, John Eckstein, and research partner, Nick Porter, discuss the latest Fed and U.S. Economy updates. AIM-3/21/22-OP553
8Mar
Insights into the latest unemployment report and the effect of the war in Ukraine on US inflation.
Astor’s CIO, John Eckstein, and Research Partner, Nick Porter, discuss the latest unemployment report and the effect of the war in Ukraine on US inflation. AIM-3/7/22-OP549
28Feb
Will the war in Ukraine derail the US economy? The Astor research team debate.
John Eckstein, CIO at AIM, and his research partner, Nick Porter, dive deep into how and if the Ukraine and Russian war will impact the US economy. AIM-2/28/22-OP545
11Feb
The latest on inflation from the Astor Research Team
CIO, John Eckstein, and Research Partner, Nick Porter, discuss changes in the U.S economy and the latest updates on inflation. AIM-2/11/22-OP541
8Feb
Was the latest payroll report as strong as it seems?
John Eckstein and Bryan Novak break down the latest payroll report.
21Jan
Inflation and The Fed
Inflation and the Fed is the topic of this week’s podcast. Plus: why January’s data may be the worst in months. With Chief Investment Officer, John Eckstein, and Research Associate, Nick Porter. AIM-1/21/22-OP523
13Jan
Payroll Numbers 2022
Topics Covered: Disappointing payroll number made up for by a substantial household number When adjusting the household survey to match the same concepts as the establishment survey there has been a relatively big gap over the last 1 1/2 years and that gap is closing quickly Less acceleration this quarter than the previous quarter Payroll numbers…
17Dec
Fed’s Latest Policy Shift: Astor Economic Week in Review
Fed Chairman, Jerome Powell, press conference summarized by Astor CIO, John Eckstein, and Research Associate, Nick Porter AIM-12/17/21-OP505
7Dec
The Latest Employment Report – Clouds and Silver Linings with Rob Stein and John Eckstein
Are the employment numbers stronger than they seem? AIM-12/6/21-OP498
19Nov
Astor Weekly Economic Review – 85 – Questions about Inflation?
Astor CIO John Eckstein and Research Associate Nick Porter break down the latest price measures and the Fed’s options for addressing high inflation. AIM-11/19/21-OP493
9Nov
Astor Weekly Economic Review – 84 – CEO, Rob Stein, and CIO, John Eckstein, break down Friday’s payroll number and how it will affect the Fed’s new plan for ending quantitative easing
1) Strong Jobs Report 2) Current State of Economy 3) Fed Ending Quantitative Easing AIM-11/10/21-OP485
28Oct
Astor Weekly Economic Review – 83 – A Special Episode Focusing on Inflation
1) Inflation #’s 2) Causes for Inflation 3) Possible Solutions for Inflation 4) Recent Academic Thinking around Inflation AIM-10/27/21-OP474
13Oct
Astor Weekly Economic Review – 82 – CEO, Rob Stein, and CIO, John Eckstein, Break Down the Weak Employment Report
Topics Discussed: Labor Market Rate of Improvement is Slowing Divergence between Labor Market Surveys New Labor Market Trend ? Fed Tapering Jobless Claims PMI, CPI, and PCE Reports
1Oct
Astor Weekly Economic Review – Episode 81 – Astor Research Team Discusses the Spikes in Natural Gas and Other Commodity Markets
Covering global factors in commodity markets: strength of the world economy, strength of the U.S. Dollar. In depth conversation over the natural gas market: facing constraints due to increase in demand and decrease in supply from Russia. Factor in cold weather possibly occurring in Europe and it could cause trouble. Insights into the grain markets;…
28Sep
Astor Weekly Economic Review – Episode 80 -The Astor Research Team Dives into the Fed’s Promise of Tightening
Growth is still strong and we should have seen the peak behind us and now we have these on-going questions about time constraints and price pressures in the economy. Fed is talking about tapering, reducing the pace in treasuries and agency securities. The indication of when this is going to happen is November – the…
3Sep
Astor Weekly Economic Review- Episode 79 -Payroll Friday
This week- Astor CEO, Rob Stein, and CIO, John Eckstein make sense of the Employment Situation Report and it’s implications- the FED in particular. Rob Stein shares his thoughts on the Fed’s actions coming out of Jackson Hole Economic Symposium and answers John’s question, “Is the latest labor market news going to affect the Fed’s…
20Aug
Astor Weekly Economic Review – Episode 78 – The Long Slow Road to Recovery
Astor Chief Investment Officer John Eckstein and Nick Porter wade into the numbers of the economic rebound and the pace to return to pre-pandemic levels. The road back seems to be a long one, but they explore where encouraging signs can be found. AIM-8/19/21-OP442
3Aug
Astor Weekly Economic Review – Episode 77 – Boon or Swoon Economy
Astor CIO John Eckstein and Nick Porter eyeball the latest numbers from from labor, housing and industry. Is the economy still booming or did June produce a swoon that will affect the outcomes moving forward? AIM-8/2/21-OP429
27Jul
Astor Weekly Economic Review – Episode 76 – The Economy in Recovery Mode
This week Astor CIO John Eckstein and Nick Porter translate the latest numbers and how they are impacting the American economy’s comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic’s setbacks. The real question: Why isn’t the rebound as robust as hoped for or expected? Approved with code AIM-7/26/21-OP417
16Jul
Astor Weekly Economic Review – Episode 75
With inflation on the rise, constraints on the labor force and the supply chain are the focus of this week’s podcast episode. Astor CIO John Eckstein and Nick Porter delve deep into the numbers and discuss if these are trends or just a blip on the radar. AIM-7/15/21-OP403
7Jul
Astor Weekly Economic Review – Episode 74
Astor Investment Management CEO Rob Stein and CIO John Eckstein delve into the latest payroll and jobs numbers as the U.S. economy continues to pull itself out of the pandemic slowdown. AIM-7/6/21-OP397
23Jun
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 73
Astor’s CIO John Eckstein and Nick Porter break down the latest on interest rates from The Fed and dive into the retails sales numbers that aren’t nearly what was expected. AIM-6/23/21-OP388
11Jun
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 72
Astor’s CIO John Eckstein and Nick Porter tackle the latest inflation numbers and what it means for the economy moving forward. AIM-6/11/21-OP384
4Jun
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 71
CEO & Founder, Rob Stein and CIO, John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward.
26May
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 70
Astor IM CIO, John Eckstein invites Angie Setzer, Angie Setzer is the Vice President of Grain at Citizens Elevator in Charlotte, MI with 16 years’ experience navigating the grain markets for clients. AIM-5/26/21-OP378
23May
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 69
Nick Porter and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward.
7May
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 68
CEO & Founder, Rob Stein and CIO, John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-5/10/21-OP367
3May
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 67
Nick Porter and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward.
16Apr
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 66
Nick Porter and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-4/19/21-OP342
8Apr
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 65
CEO and Founder, Rob Stein and Chief Investment Officer, John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-4/8/21-OP336
29Mar
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 64
Nick Porter and Bryan Novak discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-3/26/21-OP330
22Mar
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 63
Nick Porter and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-3/22/20-OP327
16Mar
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 62
Astor IM CIO, John Eckstein invites Claudia Sahm, Claudia R. Sahm is an American economist. She was formerly director of macroeconomic policy at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, and a Section Chief at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, where she worked in various capacities from 2007-2019. Sahm specializes in macroeconomics…
8Mar
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 61
CEO & Founder Rob Stein and CIO John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-3/8/21-OP315
1Mar
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 60
John Eckstein and Bryan Novak discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-3/1/21-OP311
23Feb
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 59
Nick Porter and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-2/23/21-OP308
16Feb
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 58
Nick Porter and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-2/16/20-OP303
8Feb
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 57
CEO & Founder Rob Stein and CIO John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-2/8/20-OP297
29Jan
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 56
Nick Porter and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-1/29/20-OP286
25Jan
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 55
Nick Porter and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-1/25/20-OP274
15Jan
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 54
Astor IM CIO, John Eckstein invites Elizabeth Pancotti, Policy Advisor at Employ America, focusing on unemployment insurance and automatic stabilizers in fiscal policy to take a deep dive into the current Labor Market Statistics.
11Jan
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 53
Founder & CEO Rob Stein, and Chief Investment Officer, John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-1/11/20-OP258
4Jan
Astor Weekly Economic Review—Episode 52
Nick Porter and Mac O’Brien discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. Here is the aforementioned blog post: https://blinks.bloomberg.com/news/stories/QM0T86T0G1LJ AIM-1/4/20-OP250
28Dec
Astor Weekly Economic Review with Rob Stein & John Eckstein—Episode 51
CEO & Founder Rob Stein, CIO John Eckstein, and Senior Managing Director Mac O’Brien discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-12/28/20-OP250
21Dec
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 50
Nick Porter and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-12/21/20-OP249
14Dec
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 49
Nick Porter and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. As mentioned, here is the Ante blog post on money velocity https://moneyinsideout.exantedata.com/p/money-velocity-in-the-united-states AIM-12/14/20-OP246
8Dec
Astor Weekly Economic Review with Rob Stein & John Eckstein—Episode 48
Founder & CEO Rob Stein, and Chief Investment Officer, John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-12/8/20-OP238
30Nov
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 47
As always, on this week’s podcast we are joined by CIO John Eckstein, and a special guest – John’s daughter Eliza. Tune into hear their feedback on this week’s economic update! AIM-11/30/20-OP236
23Nov
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 46
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-11/23/20-OP231
16Nov
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 45
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-11/16/20-OP223
10Nov
Astor Weekly Economic Review with Rob Stein & John Eckstein—Episode 44
Founder & CEO Rob Stein, and Chief Investment Officer, John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-11/9/20-OP216
30Oct
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 43
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-10/23/20-OP201
25Oct
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 42
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-10/23/20-OP201
16Oct
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 41
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-10/16/20-OP186
9Oct
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 40
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-10/9/20-OP176
4Oct
Astor Weekly Economic Review with Rob Stein & John Eckstein—Episode 40
Founder & CEO Rob Stein, and Chief Investment Officer, John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-10/2/20-OP168
25Sep
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 39
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-9/25/20-OP164
19Sep
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 38
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-9/18/20-OP160
14Sep
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 37
Chief Investment Officer, John Eckstein and special guest, Tim Duy discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-9/14/20-OP154
4Sep
Astor Weekly Economic Review with Rob Stein & John Eckstein—Episode 36
Founder & CEO Rob Stein, and Chief Investment Officer, John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-9/4/20-OP146
28Aug
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 35
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-8/28/20-OP132
21Aug
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 34
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-8/21/20-OP129
14Aug
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 33
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-8/14/20-OP126
9Aug
Astor Weekly Economic Review with Rob Stein & John Eckstein—Episode 32
Founder & CEO Rob Stein, and Chief Investment Officer, John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward.
31Jul
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 31
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-7/31/20-OP115
28Jul
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 30
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-7/28/20-OP105
17Jul
Astor Weekly Economic Review with Rob Stein & John Eckstein—Episode 29
Founder & CEO Rob Stein, Chief Investment Officer, John Eckstein and Senior Managing Director, Mac O’Brien discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-7/17/20-OP93
10Jul
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 28
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-7/10/20-OP86
6Jul
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 27
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward.
26Jun
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 26
Brandon Balazi and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-6/26/20-OP73
19Jun
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 25
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-6/19/2020-OP72
12Jun
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 24
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-6/12/20-OP171
5Jun
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 23
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. AIM-6/5/20-OP159
30May
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 22
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. 2020-249
22May
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 21
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. 2020-247
15May
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 20
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. 2020-238
8May
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 19
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. 2020-236
1May
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 18
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward.
24Apr
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 17
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward.
17Apr
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 16
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. 1:45: Headwinds and tailwinds in economic data 2:50: Jobless Claims, Unemployment and Underemployment 7:30: Retail Sales 9:55: Industrial Production 13:00: Housing Starts 17:00 Best and Worst aspects of economic data
10Apr
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 15
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward.
9Apr
Rob Stein discusses Astor Economic Index and recent Fed Stimulus Plans—Episode 14
Mac O’Brien and CEO, Rob Stein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market, and potential scenarios moving forward.
3Apr
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 13
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward. Effect of Jobless Claims on economic health (1:03) Mac & John talk Unemployment Picture (4:13) “Economic Hangover” – Real Impact of COVID-19 over the remaining fiscal year (6:00) Next Week’s Discussion 4/10: PMI, Jobless Claims, Consumer Sentiment…
27Mar
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 12
Mac O’Brien and John Eckstein discuss COVID-19 impact on the U.S. labor market and potential scenarios moving forward.
20Mar
Astor Weekly Economic Review with John Eckstein—Episode 11
Chief Investment Officer, John Eckstein, and Senior Managing Director, Mac O’Brien address the global impacts of COVID-19 on the economy.
20Mar
Weekly Economic Review—Episode 10
Astor’s Senior Managing Director, Mac O’Brien, discusses his outlook on the U.S. economy for the week of March 16th. Tune in every week for the inside scoop!
13Mar
Weekly Economic Review—Episode 9
Astor’s Senior Managing Director, Mac O’Brien, discusses his outlook on the U.S. economy for the week of March 9th. Tune in every week for the inside scoop!
11Mar
Discussion on Recent Volatility—Episode 8
Founder and CEO, Rob Stein and Senior Managing Director, Mac O’Brien discuss the current market environment.
6Mar
Weekly Economic Review—Episode 7
Astor’s Senior Managing Director, Mac O’Brien, discusses his outlook on the U.S. economy for the week of March 2nd. Tune in every week for the inside scoop!
4Mar
Comments on Coronavirus and Economic Impact—Episode 6
Founder and CEO Rob Stein discusses the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The novel virus continues to shake the financial markets, with major stock indices dropping into correction territory.
4Mar
Astor’s 2020 Outlook—Episode 5
Founder and CEO, Rob Stein, looks back at 2019 in the markets, as well as what could be in store for 2020.
28Feb
Weekly Economic Outlook—Episode 4
Astor’s Senior Managing Director, Mac O’Brien, discusses his outlook on the U.S. economy for the week of February 24th. Tune in every week for the inside scoop!
21Feb
Weekly Economic Outlook—Episode 3
Astor’s Senior Managing Director, Mac O’Brien, discusses his outlook on the U.S. economy for the week of February 17th. Tune in every week for the inside scoop!
14Feb
Weekly Economic Outlook—Episode 2
Astor’s Senior Managing Director, Mac O’Brien, discusses his outlook on the U.S. economy for the week of February 10th. Tune in every week for the inside scoop!
7Feb
Weekly Economic Outlook—Episode 1
Astor’s Senior Managing Director, Mac O’Brien, discusses his outlook on the U.S. economy for the week of February 3rd. Tune in every week for the inside scoop!
