The markets are climbing, the government is still shut down, and the data we usually rely on just isn't coming in. So how do investors make smart decisions when the information pipeline has gone dark—and what does record leverage in the system mean for the months ahead?

In this podcast, Hannah Chapman CFP®, APMA®, CRPC® and Brad Haines, CFA, FRM and Chief Investment Officer of Juncture Wealth Strategies talk about what's really driving markets during the shutdown, how margin and leveraged ETFs can magnify both gains and losses, and when using borrowed money in your portfolio makes sense—and when it absolutely doesn't.

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  The U.S. government shutdown has officially hit week three — what that really means for the economy, and why investors are flying blind without key data releases.
  

  
  


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  CPI data is (finally) back on the calendar — even though most government agencies are still closed, a few analysts got called in just to crunch the numbers.
  

  
  


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  With record levels of margin debt — over $1.1 trillion — investors are borrowing more money than ever against stock portfolios. We break down what margin really means and why it's a double-edged sword.
  

  
  


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  What happens when too much of the market is built on borrowed money? A look at how high leverage can make markets rise (and fall) faster than expected.
  

  
  


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  The hidden risk in leveraged ETFs and why “hot money” — borrowed funds chasing quick profits — can add fuel to market volatility.
  

  
  


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  Practical insights for investors: when leverage can actually work in your favor, when it can backfire, and how to know the difference.
  

  
  


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  Why margin loans might make sense for some high-net-worth investors — especially as a tax strategy — but only if used carefully and intentionally.

  
  

Connect with Brad here:

Website: https://www.juncturewealth.com

Email: bhaines@juncturewealth.com

Connect with Hannah here:

X² Wealth Planning Website: https://x2wealthplanning.com/

Expansive CEO: https://expansiveceo.com/

Hannah's Website: https://hannahrchapman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannah.chapman.cfp

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahchapmanfinancialadvisor/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahrchapman/