First Trust Monday Morning Outlook
First Trust Monday Morning Outlook | Weekly Market Commentary
First Trust Economic Outlook: Key Insights to Guide Informed Financial Decisions
The First Trust Monday Morning Outlook provides investors with timely insights on the latest market trends and economic updates.
Brian Wesbury, Chief Economist at First Trust Advisors, provides a weekly economic outlook through "First Trust Monday Morning Outlook." He analyzes current economic data and trends to offer insights and predictions about the financial markets. Wesbury's commentary often covers topics such as inflation, interest rates, government policies, and global events. He is known for his optimistic views on the long-term prospects of the US economy.
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The First Trust Monday Morning Outlook is published by First Trust Advisors L.P. and reflects the views of its authors as of the date of publication. It is provided here for educational and informational purposes only. J. Martin Wealth Management does not adopt, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy of any third-party content. This material does not constitute investment advice, a solicitation, or an offer to buy or sell any security. Opinions and forward-looking statements are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Readers should consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Investment advisory services are offered through Wealth Watch Advisors, an SEC-registered investment adviser.
Ep 67 | Gibson Smith | How Will the War in Iran Impact Bond Markets? | ROI Podcast
In this week's commentary, the First Trust economics team discusses the sharp swing in equity markets following President Trump's decision to step back from threatening energy assets in Iran and signal cease-fire talks. The team reviews current inflation data, noting that services prices are driving price increases rather than goods — the opposite of what many analysts expected. They address Federal Reserve policy, explaining why rate cuts remain unlikely given the current economic uncertainty, and push back on the idea that a rate hike is on the table. The team also shares their perspective on AI — acknowledging the long-term transformative potential while cautioning that near-term hype may be overdone. Key economic data points to watch this week are highlighted, including Construction Spending, Import and Export Prices, and Initial Claims.
This commentary is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Views expressed are those of First Trust Advisors L.P. as of March 23, 2026, and are subject to change without notice.
Watch the First Trust Monday Morning Outlook for January 5, 2026, with economist commentary on economic growth, market performance, inflation trends, and key data to watch this week.
Who is Brian Wesbury?
Brian Wesbury serves as the Chief Economist at First Trust Advisors, L.P., a financial services company headquartered in Wheaton, Illinois. Additionally, Wesbury holds the position of a senior fellow at The Heartland Institute and is an active member of the Board of Advisors for First Trust Capital Partners, an affiliated private-equity firm. He has received recognition as the leading U.S. Economic Forecaster by the Wall Street Journal.
Brian Wesbury initiated his professional journey in 1982 with the Harris Bank in Chicago. His earlier roles encompassed the position of Vice President and Economist at the Chicago Corporation, as well as Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at Griffin, Kubik, Stephens, & Thompson. From 1995 to 1996, he assumed the role of Chief Economist for the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress. Mr. Wesbury holds an M.B.A. from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Montana.
“When freedom prevails, the ingenuity and inventiveness of people creates incredible wealth. This is the source of the natural improvement of the human condition.”
― Brian S. Wesbury
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Past performance is not indicative of future results. The material above has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may be unsuitable for investors depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from thirdparty sources is believed to be reliable though its accuracy is not guaranteed, and J. Martin Wealth Management makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, which should not be used as the basis of any investment decision. Information contained on third party websites that J. Martin Wealth Management may link to are not reviewed in their entirety for accuracy and J. Martin Wealth Management assumes no liability for the information contained on these websites. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of writing and are subject to change without notice. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission from J. Martin Wealth Management. For more information about J. Martin Wealth Management, including our Form ADV brochures, please visit https://adviserinfo.sec.gov or contact us at 480-630-6177