

First Trust ROI Podcast
First Trust Portfolios
On the ROI podcast, we discuss some of the most important questions facing investment professionals today, ranging from macroeconomic views, to perspectives on the equity and fixed income markets, to insights on practice management. We aim to cut through the noise, examine the data, and provide fresh insights to investment professionals as they help their clients find better ways to invest…seeking to generate attractive returns on their investments.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 30, 2026 • 51min
Ep 68 | Bob Stein—How Will the War in Iran Impact the Economy and Elections?
Bob Stein discusses the economic impact of the war in Iran, whether high energy prices will cause inflation, and how the upcoming midterm elections are shaping up. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Mar 16, 2026 • 47min
Ep 67 | Gibson Smith | How Will the War in Iran Impact Bond Markets? | ROI Podcast
Gibson Smith, founder of Smith Capital Investors, discusses emerging risks and opportunities in the bond market amid heightened geopolitical risk, a new Fed Chair, and a fresh wave of borrowing for the buildout of AI.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Mar 2, 2026 • 39min
Ep 66 | Jackie Wilke | Embracing Disruption in the Age of AI | ROI Podcast
Jackie Wilke discusses how artificial intelligence is being leveraged by financial professionals to improve productivity and “level up” the client experience.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Feb 19, 2026 • 48min
Ep 65 | Andrew Wiechert | Unpacking Underappreciated Overseas Opportunities with WCM | ROI Podcast
On the heels of a strong year for international equities in 2025, Andrew Wiechert, Portfolio Manager at WCM Investment Management, breaks down why developed and emerging markets remain positioned to benefit from attractive valuations and improving fundamentals in 2026 and beyond. He highlights the risks and also some of the potential competitive advantages enjoyed by active managers seeking to navigate these opportunities. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Feb 2, 2026 • 27min
Ep 64 | Dave McGarel | Navigating the Treacherous Descent from the Peak of Mount Everest | ROI Podcast
Dave McGarel highlights why sky-high valuations in 2026 are like lingering too long at the summit of Mount Everest oxygen is thin and small mistakes can lead to dire consequences. He explains the key risks ahead and points to where he sees more attractive, lower altitude opportunities for equity investors.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Jan 20, 2026 • 39min
Ep 63 | Brian Wesbury | Mr. Wesbury Goes to Washington | ROI Podcast
In this episode, Brian Wesbury discusses his recent testimony on Capitol Hill, First Trust’s economic outlook for 2026, and implications of overvalued markets.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Jan 5, 2026 • 44min
Ep 62 | Richard Bernstein | It’s Not a Horse Race…Boring is Beautiful in 2026 | ROI Podcast
Will the stock market finally broaden? Are valuations stretched? Will momentum stall for AI-related stocks? Richard Bernstein provides his perspective on these questions and others, laying out risks and opportunities for investors for 2026.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Dec 22, 2025 • 47min
Ep 61 | Bob Stein | What Surprises Are Ahead for the US Economy in 2026? | ROI Podcast
At the precipice of a new year, Bob Stein discusses the implications of a probable new Fed Chair, the possibility of a Supreme Court ruling against tariff policies, and the odds for mid-term elections.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Dec 8, 2025 • 44min
Ep 60 | Kevin Bishopp | Is AI a Friend or Foe to Financial Advisors? | ROI Podcast
Will AI replace—or empower—financial advisors? Performance coach Kevin Bishopp shares how financial professionals are already leveraging AI tools, potential risks ahead, and new opportunities to thrive in an AI era.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Nov 24, 2025 • 49min
Ep 59 | Strider Elass | What Moved the Needle for the US Economy in 2025? | ROI Podcast
Strider Elass, Senior Economist at First Trust, joins the ROI Podcast to discuss tariff turbulence, DOGE’s spending purge, AI’s productivity potential, and what drove (and dragged) the US economy in 2025.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe Here to the ROI Podcast & other First Trust Market News Website: First Trust PortfoliosConnect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedInFollow us on X: First Trust on XSubscribe to the First Trust YouTube ChannelSubscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel


