Shows
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastOakworth's Strategic Market Outlook: April 9, 2025We have all heard the worst-case scenarios, and everyone is hoping for the best-case ones. However, what is the probable case scenario? Oakworth Capital’s Investment Committee discusses the recent market volatility and likely outcomes.2025-04-1045 minTrading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastOur Predictions for 2025: Part 2As we start 2025, a lot of people want to know what the upcoming year holds for them, the economy and the investment markets. So, what does the crystal ball hold in store for the upcoming year? Will stocks continue to climb? Will the economy continue to add jobs? Will the Republicans be able to govern effectively? There are a lot of questions and even more opinions, but what is the truth? In this week’s Trading Perspectives, Sam Clement and John Norris go through the second half of Oakworth’s Investment Committee’s predictions for 2025.2025-01-0226 minTrading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastOur Predictions for 2025: Part 1 After another strong, if confusing, year in 2024, what can the US economy and financial markets do for an encore? What does the crystal ball hold in store for the upcoming year? Will stocks continue to climb? Will the economy continue to add jobs? Will the Republicans be able to govern effectively? There are a lot of questions and even more opinions. In this week’s Trading Perspectives, Sam Clement, John Norris and special guest Ryan Bernal go through half of Oakworth’s Investment Committee’s predictions for 2025.2024-12-2623 min
TRUITT NEWS RADIOMARCH 23, 2024 TRUITT NEWS RADIO SHOW: Guests were Stephanie & Matt Mell (owners, Church Street Family Restaurants) and John Norris (Chief Economist, Oakworth Capital Bank)Send us a texthttps://oakworth.com/https://churchstreetfamily.com/Listen to TRUITT NEWS RADIO every week on Birmingham's Talk 99.5, FM Talk 106.5 in Mobile and now on FM 103.9 The Ump in Huntsville. We're Probably Talking About You. Thanks to Truitt Insurance & Bonding Inc. for making the show possible each week. 2024-03-2355 min
TRUITT NEWS RADIOINTERVIEW: John Norris, Chief Economist & Managing Member, Oakworth Capital Bank from our March 23, 2024 TRUITT NEWS RADIO ShowSend us a texthttps://oakworth.com/Listen to TRUITT NEWS RADIO every week on Birmingham's Talk 99.5, FM Talk 106.5 in Mobile and now on FM 103.9 The Ump in Huntsville. We're Probably Talking About You. Thanks to Truitt Insurance & Bonding Inc. for making the show possible each week. 2024-03-2312 min
TRUITT NEWS RADIOINTERVIEW: John Norris, Chief Economist with Oakworth Capital Bank, originally broadcast March 5th 2022 on Talk 99.5 FM.Send us a textBrock Murphy & Tony Truitt talk with John Norris on the state of things with all the craziness going on in the world.Truitt News Radio Show originally broadcast, March 5th, 2022 on Birmingham's Talk 99.5 FM. Listen to TRUITT NEWS RADIO every week on Birmingham's Talk 99.5, FM Talk 106.5 in Mobile and now on FM 103.9 The Ump in Huntsville. We're Probably Talking About You. Thanks to Truitt Insurance & Bonding Inc. for making the show possible each week. 2022-03-0908 minTRUITT NEWS RADIOMarch 5 2022: News & Notes from Bham, Interview with Pete Blank (Keynote Speaker) and John Norris (Chief Economist, Oakworth Capital Bank)Send us a textBrock Murphy & Tony Truitt hit the ground running this morning with Truitt News Radio on Birmingham's Talk 99.5 FM. Too much fun! Here are a few of the topics this week:Interview with Pete BlankInterview with John Norris with Oakworth Capital BankRobbie Lynch gets big promotionUSFL News"Legendary" BBQ places, 3 in Alabama make the listCarter Cooper Development in Helena, Way-to-go, Carter!Milo's Tea Company expanding in OKVan Halen's dead batteryDid-you-knows and moreListen to Truitt News Radio live each Saturday morning at 7am on Birmingham's Talk 99.5 FM, catch past shows at truittinsurance...2022-03-0656 minTrading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastVaccines and The WorkplaceThis week Trading Perspectives welcomes Courtney Truss to the show. As an associate at Oakworth Capital Bank and working alongside John and Sam, she brings another generational and demographical perspective to the show. In this episode, John, Sam, and Courtney discuss the vaccine mandate and how it might effect employees and employers economically and personally. 2021-09-2120 minTrading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastThe Future of BankingEpisode 44 of Trading Perspectives features special guest Scott Reed, Senior Managing Director of Oakworth Capital Bank. As Bernie Sanders and many left leaning politicians are making a push to break up big banks, John and Scott discuss how the role of banks has changed over recent decades. How has technology impacted the way people bank? Will the evolution of technology in the banking industry raise question marks in Washington? If so, how will that impact the future of banking?2019-06-2421 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastHigh Deficits: Do They Matter?In episode 40 of Trading Perspectives John and Sam talk about the ballooning budget deficits and the ability to pay back the debt. With the United States still being the dominant economy, and its debt still desirable, the question remains how long can that last and should we be worried?2019-05-2821 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastTechnology and Ticket SalesTicket prices for the PGA Championship Tour were down this year and turn style attendance at baseball games is proving to be on a down hill trend. Even college athletics, the MLB and the NFL are reporting fewer people in attendance. What impact will this have on local economies? This week, John and Sam talk about how technology is effecting the world of sports and how salaries for professional athletes can continue to go up when ticket sales are falling. Are TVs to blame? Ease of availability through different apps or websites? Or do people just not care as much...2019-05-2019 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastClimate ChangeThis week John and Sam talk about the sacrifices they are willing to make when it comes to climate change. With meat free items emerging in the fast food industry, investors responded well to the IPO from Beyond Meat, the plant-based meat provider, earlier this month. Setting stock price aside, would you be willing to trade that Big Mac for the meatless alternative to support climate change? What about air travel? If a high-speed rail was readily available, would you use it for recreational or business travel? Nobody wants to see rivers on fire or trash piling up in the...2019-05-1321 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastThe College Admission ScandalIn episode 37 of Trading Perspectives John and Sam talk about Lori Loughlin, Felicity Huffman, and the economics behind “Varsity Blues”. On April 4, 2019, Caitlin Flanagan wrote an article in The Atlantic titled “They Had It Coming”. The article suggests that the parents involved in the scandal were responding to a changing America and upset that what they considered to be rightfully theirs was being taken away. When did legacy admissions transition from a donation or scholarship fund to flat out cheating? You can read the full article here: https://bit.ly/2WGsEI42019-05-0621 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastThe Perception of Retirement: Then and NowIn episode 36 of Trading Perspectives John and Sam discuss the generational differences in the perception of retirement. Statistics show the average age of retirement has been consistently on the rise since the 1980s. More and more people are continuing to work well into their late 60s and even 70s. According to younger generations, people no longer want to be defined by their jobs. Work life balance has become much more important sparking a shift in workplace behaviors. How will labor participation rates be affected? Will the retirement age continue to rise or should we expect to see it fall in t...2019-04-2917 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastBourbon & BusinessEpisode 35 of Trading Perspectives features another special guest, Lincoln Lee Hammons from Mobile, Alabama. In addition to his role as Managing Director for Oakworth Capital Bank, Lee is a bourbon connoisseur. In this week’s episode, John and Sam get the 411 on all things bourbon. How did it get to be so popular at business events? In the past we’ve seen huge spikes in popularity with wine and scotch. Why Bourbon? Why now? 2019-04-2222 minTrading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastBourbon & BusinessEpisode 35 of Trading Perspectives features another special guest, Lincoln Lee Hammons from Mobile, Alabama. In addition to his role as Managing Director for Oakworth Capital Bank, Lee is a bourbon connoisseur. In this week’s episode, John and Sam get the 411 on all things bourbon. How did it get to be so popular at business events? In the past we’ve seen huge spikes in popularity with wine and scotch. Why Bourbon? Why now? 2019-04-2222 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastBig Bad BanksOn Wednesday, April 10, 7 CEOs from big banks attended the House Financial Service Committee’s hearing titled “Holding Megabanks Accountable: A Review of Global Systemically Important Banks 10 Years After the Financial Crisis.” In addition to policy questions, many members of congress took the hearing as an opportunity to ask some hard-hitting questions about political topics such as gun control and climate change. In this episode, John and Sam talk about what is realistic when it comes to the social responsibility of corporations. Does it make sense for a bank to be held accountable for climate change? How will the economy shift if...2019-04-1519 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastThe Future of College TuitionIn episode 33 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam debate the future of college tuitions and the value of education. Over the last few decades we have continued to watch college tuition sky rocket. Now, specialized education is becoming more mainstream and countries like India and South Korea are sending fewer students to American colleges. Have tuition rates finally reached an inflection point due to the supply and demand for a college education? When can we expect to see tuition rates begin to decrease? View Inflation Gauge here!2019-04-0818 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastWage Disperity: The Gender Pay GapGenerally speaking, the women’s US Soccer Team performs significantly better than the men’s team. So why would the men continue to be compensated at much higher rate? In this episode John and Sam peel back the layers of the economic onion and dig into how compensation is calculated. Are women really compensated at a lower rate? If so, how will companies afford to close that gap in order to provide equal pay? 2019-04-0120 minTrading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastBrexit: An Irish PerspectiveEpisode 31 of Trading Perspectives, features another special guest, David McGrath. Being part of a true Irish family primarily residing in Ireland, David provides his personal perspective on the effects of Brexit. Currently David resides in Mobile, AL and is responsible for developing and managing wealth management relationships in South Alabama for Oakworth Capital Bank.2019-03-2519 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastBrexit: An Irish PerspectiveEpisode 31 of Trading Perspectives, features another special guest, David McGrath. Being part of a true Irish family primarily residing in Ireland, David provides his personal perspective on the effects of Brexit. Currently David resides in Mobile, AL and is responsible for developing and managing wealth management relationships in South Alabama for Oakworth Capital Bank.2019-03-2519 minTrading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastArtificial IntelligenceThis week’s episode of Trading Perspectives features special guest Dave Driscoll. Dave is Oakworth Capital Bank’s Chief Technology Officer and an expert on artificial intelligence. We’ve all heard of Siri and Alexa, but AI is much larger than that. So, what exactly is AI? How long has it been around and what are the risks associated with it? 2019-03-1821 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastArtificial IntelligenceThis week’s episode of Trading Perspectives features special guest Dave Driscoll. Dave is Oakworth Capital Bank’s Chief Technology Officer and an expert on artificial intelligence. We’ve all heard of Siri and Alexa, but AI is much larger than that. So, what exactly is AI? How long has it been around and what are the risks associated with it? 2019-03-1821 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastUniversal Basic IncomeIn episode 29 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam talk about Universal Basic Income. Universal = everyone. Basic = base or floor amount. Income = money from the government. As the name implies, UBI is a predetermined amount of money the government gives to each individual regardless of their ability or even willingness to work. Who wouldn’t like that?2019-03-1118 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastWhy Nations FailThis week John and Sam focus on the book “Why Nations Fail” written by: Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson. Originally published in 2012, the authors argue that the key differentiator between successful and unsuccessful countries is their inclusive institution, suggesting that countries fail when they become extractive and power becomes concentrated.2019-03-0422 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastConsumer Buying PatternsWe all know that Oscar Mayer has a way with B-O-L-O-G-N-A, but what about healthier products? Investors were thrown for a loop on Thursday as Kraft Heinz announced that they would be impairing $15B in good will on a number of brands, most notably Kraft and Oscar Mayer. Now the company’s strategy is in question and many are left wondering what will happen to the once thriving brands that used to be a staple in every home. Has Kraft Heinz, like many others, failed to keep up with consumer buying patterns?2019-02-2519 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastPot StocksAs legalization becomes more and more accepted in some states, many people are becoming interested in pot stocks. In this week’s episode John and Sam discuss the likelihood of our nation’s overall acceptance of Marijuana. Are pot stocks a good investment? What is the difference between decriminalization and legalization? Which one would have a larger effect on the economy?2019-02-1920 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastThe Green New DealOn February 7, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and others in the democratic party introduced the Green New Deal. Aimed to increase economic equality and climate change, the GND will require drastic changes. This week John and Sam argue the reality of the deal and whether it is economically sound. How will it affect real estate? How will it affect individuals? Who will pay for it? Generally speaking, the goal of the GND sounds great, but will it be effective?2019-02-1119 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastCrisis in Venezuela: Maduro vs GuaidóIn the oil-rich country of Venezuela the battle for presidency continues. Once the wealthiest country in Latin America, the severe humanitarian crisis, caused by the United Socialist party of Venezuela, has forced millions of people to flee overseas in an effort to escape starvation, medicinal shortages, and hyperinflation. Given the current economic state, does America have an obligation to get involved? What is the definition of success when the government tries to redistribute wealth from one group to another?2019-02-0419 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastReducing InequalitiesIn episode 23 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam focus on a short story called Harrison Bergeron, published in 1961 by Kurt Vonnegut. In this story everyone is equal and everything is fair. Although unfortunate, not everyone is created equal in terms of economic capability. As today’s media outlets continue to talk about reducing inequalities, John and Sam discuss the potential economic outcomes we could begin to see in regards to income tax, redistribution of wealth, capped salaries, and capitalism.2019-01-2818 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastNegative Interest Rates in EuropeThis week, John and Sam talk about negative interest rates in Europe. Negative interest rates generally occur during harsh economic times when a country’s central bank is forced to utilize the monetary policy tool. Simply put, the lender pays the borrower in order to stimulate economic growth. What exactly does that mean and what does it have to do with us? Will rising rates impact the economy? Find out everything you need to know in episode 22 of Trading Perspectives.2019-01-2216 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastThe Crystal BallIn episode 21 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam make specific predictions about everything from the government shut down to sports. This past year we heard a lot about GDP, federal rate hikes, Brexit, etc. What can we expect in 2019? What factors will have the greatest impact on our economy? And how long will the shut down last?2019-01-1419 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastWhat to expect in 2019Trading perspectives is back! After a crazy end to 2018, John and Sam pick up where they left off with episode 20. In this episode they discuss the first week of the new year and the continuing volatility in the markets. What can we expect to see in 2019 and when will the volatility begin to subside?2019-01-0717 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastThe Global Dissatisfaction with Political LeadershipIn episode 19 of Trading Perspectives John and Sam discuss the overall dissatisfaction with G7 political leaders. Although this issue doesn’t receive much media coverage, America is not alone in feeling a lack of confidence toward our leaders. How much of this dissatisfaction is driven by technology? Is our ability to easily share opinions through social media playing a role in the global discontent for political leadership?2018-12-1719 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastThe Recent Volatility in The Markets: December 2018In episode 18 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam discuss the recent market volatility and the potential reasons for it. You have all heard the talk about trade wars, immigrant caravans, Brexit, and a whole host of other excuses. Could there be a bigger issue? Could it be that it has been so long since we haven’t had our foot on the gas we don’t know how to respond?2018-12-1024 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastRTR and GDPRoll Tide Roll and gross domestic product. With Alabama playing in the SEC Championship over the weekend, episode 17 of Trading Perspectives focuses on the impact college football has on the economy, especially in the state of Alabama. Does the investment we make in our teams of choice effect more than our own entertainment? Does overall spending actually increase when teams are winning?2018-12-0322 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastMore Money?In episode 16 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam discuss raising minimum wage, a topic that has been debated for years. Based on recent studies by the US Census Bureau, many states have decided to pay a minimum wage of $15.00/hr instead of the federal rate of $7.25. Would a higher minimum wage be good for the economy overall?2018-11-2619 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastBlack FridayIn episode 15 of Trading Perspectives John and Sam talk about the biggest shopping day of the year known as Black Friday. Where did the term Black Friday come from? Is it still as relevant to consumers and how does it compare to Cyber Monday? 2018-11-1920 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastTrading with ChinaIn episode 14 of Trading Perspectives, local business owner, Bew White, talks to John and Sam about what it’s like to be the largest importer in the state of Alabama during the trade war. Mr. White is the owner of outdoor furniture company, Summer Classics, and imports products from China on a regular basis. How are the tariffs impacting his bottom line? Is the trade war effecting his relationships with his Chinese vendors?2018-11-1325 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastMid-Term ElectionsWith the Mid-Term Elections less than 24 hours away, John and Sam discuss a variety of different outcomes and the possible impact on the economy in 2019. Will the democrats take the house as predicted in the polls? Find out what John and Sam are predicting in this week’s episode of Trading Perspectives. 2018-11-0522 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastLottery FeverWhen the Mega Millions lottery hit a world record high at $1.6 billion, many people, including host John Norris, rushed out to buy tickets in hopes that they could be the next lucky winner. In episode 12 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam debate over buying lottery tickets. Is it support for a good cause, good for the economy, or a flat-out waste of money? Feeling lucky? You could be the winner of the Trading Perspectives lottery! All you have to do is leave a comment or send us an email to tradingperspectives@oakworthcapital.com and tell us what...2018-10-2922 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastThe Recent Volatility in The Markets: October 2018Given the recent volatility in the market, many people are expressing a growing concern for the future of the global economy. Between the midterm elections, rising interest rates, trade wars and the federal reserve many are left wondering what will have the largest impact. In episode 11 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam talk about the areas they see as a concern and the likely impact we can expect to see in the future. Are we on the brink of another global meltdown like we saw in 2008? 2018-10-2221 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastHurricane Michael: The Economic Impact of a Natural DisasterAs John and Sam record episode 10 of Trading Perspectives, Hurricane Michael is wreaking havoc on parts of Florida's gulf coast and heading towards Georgia. Outside of the white sandy beaches and beautiful vacation homes, Florida is home to many farms, orchards and fisheries. While many individuals and businesses will suffer from the wake of Hurricane Michael, others will benefit. How can Florida and Georgia recover economically from the devastation left behind as they begin to rebuild?2018-10-1518 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastTrump Trade WarWe can all agree that trade is good. More trade is better than no trade. In episode 9 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam discuss the purpose of a trade war and the rising pressure Trump is putting on China after striking a deal with Mexico and Canada. How was the USMCA deal able to be completed while China continues to push back? Could China’s opposition be driven in part by ego or the opposition to fair trade? The trade war is expected to impact the US economy in 2019, just how detrimental will the impact be?2018-10-0920 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastThe Future of Social MediaWith the exit of Instagram’s CEO Kevin Systrom and CTO Mike Krieger, many companies are left wondering what role social media is going to have moving forward. In Episode 8 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam discuss the different aspects of social media that are causing concern and how relevant social media platforms are going to be given the amount of control Mark Zuckerberg has over Facebook. Will a social media marketing strategy be worth the investment for growing companies in the future?2018-10-0121 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastBrexit: The Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European UnionIn episode 7, John and Sam talk about the upcoming Brexit, short for British Exit. Just what will happen IF the European Union and the British can't see eye to eye on their impending, um, divorce? Will it be the end of the global economy as we know it? Will it be Britain against the Continent, again? Will the US even feel it?2018-09-2420 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastCorporate Social Responsibilites: A Benefit to Society or a Strategic Marketing Campaign?Today's workforce generally puts a lot of value on social and environmental efforts of their employer. In episode 6 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam talk about the social responsibility of companies like Nike and Starbucks and whether or not companies have a responsibility to put benefits to society over those of the company. On the flip side, are corporate social efforts driven by a strategic marketing plan to increase sales and revenue?2018-09-1720 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastThe Aging Workforce in AmericaThe average age of US citizens is rising. In episode 5 of Trading Perspectives, Baby Boomer John Norris and co-host Sam Clement, Gen Z, discuss generational changes in the American workforce. In 1950 the economy had at it's disposal 8.1 people of working age for each person of retirement age. By 2030 that ratio is expected to have shrunk to just over 5.0. In 1950 the average age of the American worker was 29. Today it has risen to over 38. The personal savings rate is half of what it was in the 60s and 70s. Even if the average retiree had ample savings to sustain him or herself...2018-09-1019 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastBar-B-Que & Big GulpsEpisode 4 of Trading Perspectives is the 2nd of our 2 part discussion on sin taxes. John and Sam dive deeper into the sugary products discussed in episode 3 and just how much money they actually cost on annual basis. Sam provides statistics surrounding the amount of money the government spends on healthcare in relation to the sugary foods we consume daily. Should we, as consumers, be dependent on the government to tell us when enough is enough?2018-09-0320 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastPour Some Sugar On Me?In episode 3 of Trading Perspectives, John Norris and co-host Sam Clement discuss the taxes on unhealthy goods and services. How much is too much and should the government be able to dictate the food we eat? This episode dives deep into the sugary products that sin taxes are placed on (in addition to alcohol and tobacco) and just how beneficial these optional taxes are to the economy and the consumer. 2018-08-2719 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastAre We Getting Lazy or Just Uninventive?In episode 2 of Trading Perspectives, John and Sam discuss the productivity of American workers and the impact of new technology on today's workforce. 2018-08-2019 min
Trading Perspectives: An Economic PodcastIs the World Actually Becoming a Better Place?Welcome to the very 1st episode of Trading Perspectives! Statistics show that only a very small amount of people think the world is becoming a better place. In this episode our host John Norris and co-host Sam Clement will be digging in to why so many people are dissatisfied with the direction our world is headed and providing some perspective on how human behaviors can impact our economy. 2018-08-0618 min