The Dividend Cafe
The Bahnsen Group
The Dividend Cafe is your portal for market perspective that is virtually conflict-free, rooted in deep philosophical commitments about how capital should be managed, and understandable for all sorts of investors. Host David L. Bahnsen is a frequent guest on CNBC, Bloomberg, and Fox Business. He is the author of the books, Crisis of Responsibility: Our Cultural Addiction to Blame and How You Can Cure It (Post Hill Press), The Case for Dividend Growth: Investing in a Post-Crisis World (Post Hill Press), and Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life (Post Hill Press).
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 19, 2026 • 9min
Thursday - March 19, 2026
A recap of a volatile market day with a late rally that still left indices down. A deep dive into an oil shock, how spikes above $100 can pressure GDP, and why Strait of Hormuz risk matters. Discussion of big Q1 tax refunds, a return to balance-sheet expansion, and moves to free up mortgage and bank liquidity. A quick economic data scorecard rounds out the conversation.
Mar 17, 2026 • 7min
Tuesday - March 17, 2026
Markets ticked up and bond yields eased while pending home sales surprised on the upside. A Fed meeting and PPI report loom with rates likely to stay steady. The show flags three market worries: Iran conflict pricing, private credit default concerns, and a potential slowdown in AI capital spending. It also clarifies what fiduciary duty means compared with broker standards.
Mar 16, 2026 • 13min
Monday - March 16, 2026
A market rally recap with tech and consumer discretionary leading as yields dip. A warning about extreme index concentration and how big IPOs could worsen it. A clash between private credit default talk and calm high-yield spreads. U.S. targeted strikes in Iran that avoided energy sites and the ongoing Strait of Hormuz risk. Q4 GDP was revised down and data-center investment skewed growth figures.
Mar 13, 2026 • 18min
The Five Major Issues for Investors So Far in 2026
A tight rundown of five market forces reshaping 2026, from geopolitical shocks to sector rotations. They explore how conflict near the Strait of Hormuz could lift oil and unsettle trade. Tariff shifts, private credit dynamics, and AI valuation fatigue get sharp attention. A clear look at money moving into energy, utilities, staples, and industrials.
Mar 11, 2026 • 9min
Wednesday - March 11, 2026
A market recap from West Palm Beach covers volatility tied to Iran and Strait of Hormuz tensions. Rising Brent and WTI prices and their potential boost to inflation are explored. Discussion of shelter’s large CPI weight and signs of cooling rents. Thoughts on a new Fed chair planning rate cuts amid balance sheet shrinkage and why AI and labor trends matter. Clarification on fees for alternative funds.
Mar 10, 2026 • 7min
Tuesday - March 10, 2026
Markets swung with morning optimism about a war ending, then cooled after reports of mines in the Strait of Hormuz. A quick economic check covers small business sentiment and a surprise uptick in existing home sales. The strategic importance of the Strait and its potential GDP hit are explored. Interest rates and a steepening yield curve get attention. The conversation also looks at defense companies and how they adapt to cheap drone threats.
Mar 9, 2026 • 16min
Monday - March 9, 2026
Markets whipped back and forth on news from the Iran military operation, producing huge intraday swings and an oil spike that quickly reversed. The show covers how short-term trading, hedging, and backwardation in oil and VIX drive volatility. It also highlights shipping and insurance risks in the Strait, debate over targeting oil infrastructure, policy dangers if oil soars, and a shocking jobs report that unsettled markets.
Mar 6, 2026 • 22min
Iran, Oil, and Markets
Discussion of how recent U.S.-Iran military action is rippling through markets. Focus on oil’s surge and futures backwardation as the primary market driver. Coverage of shipping disruptions, rising commodity prices like aluminum, and the political ripple effects that could influence midterm outcomes. Emphasis on elevated intraday volatility and why trading in the fog of war is risky.
Mar 5, 2026 • 7min
Thursday - March 5, 2026
A rapid recap of a volatile market day with a big intraday selloff and partial recovery. Discussion of why geopolitical headlines did not swamp supportive economic signals. Three positive data points are highlighted: jobless claims, import prices, and a surprising productivity beat. A debate over whether early AI gains explain productivity is raised. Risks from oil via the Strait of Hormuz and potential debt impacts are explored.
Mar 4, 2026 • 9min
Wednesday - March 4, 2026
A market rebound with broad index gains amid Iran-linked volatility and renewed tariff chatter. Discussion of Section 122 moving tariffs toward 15% and what that means for smaller and mid-sized businesses. Focus on oil and shipping risks through the Strait of Hormuz and rising bond yields tied to energy and inflation. Strong services data and a take that AI-driven software selloffs may offer selective buying opportunities.
