First Trust Monday Morning Outlook
Weekly Market Update from First Trust
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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Ep 59 | Strider Elass | What Moved the Needle for the US Economy in 2025? | ROI Podcast
In the latest First Trust ROI Podcast, Senior Economist Strider Elass reviews the current state of the U.S. economy as we approach the end of 2025. Despite volatility driven by tariff changes, shifting Federal Reserve expectations, and the temporary government shutdown, Elass notes that overall economic conditions have held up better than many anticipated. He discusses how limited data during the shutdown affected market expectations, the outlook for upcoming rate decisions, and why employment trends and inflation remain key drivers of Fed policy going into 2026.
The podcast also examines consumer balance sheets, household debt dynamics, and the ongoing challenges in commercial real estate—particularly in the office sector. Elass highlights the economic impact of tariff uncertainty on businesses, the long-term importance of expanding U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, and the role artificial intelligence may play in improving future productivity. Overall, the episode provides a concise economic update and a forward-looking perspective on factors influencing markets as we head into the new year.
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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