The Rundown

The Federal Reserve is one of the most powerful institutions in America, yet most people don’t fully understand how it works or why it matters.In this weekend deep dive, Zaid breaks down why the Fed was created, how it evolved into the backbone of the U.S. financial system, and the critical role it has played during the Great Depression, World War II, the 2008 financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.The episode also dives into the escalating clash between President Trump and Fed Chair Jerome Powell, why Trump wants lower interest rates, and why the Fed’s independence is now facing one of its biggest tests in decades.From bank runs and inflation to political pressure and market credibility, this episode explains why the future of the Fed could shape the future of the economy.If you enjoyed this episode, check out my interview with finance journalist and author of the bestseller book 1929, Andrew Ross Sorkin. Watch here.

Market update for January 16, 2026Follow us on Instagram (@TheRundownDaily) for bonus content and instant reactions.In Today’s Episode:Zaid quoted in the WSJ: “he just has aura”Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk hit with antitrust lawsuitNetflix expands its Sony Pictures deal and pushes further into video podcastsEnergy stocks slide after the White House unveils a plan to stop power bills from going upFun fact of the day: Wall Street banks posted a record $134 billion in trading revenue (while still cutting thousands of jobs)

Market update for January 15, 2026Follow us on Instagram (@TheRundownDaily) for bonus content and instant reactions.In today’s episode:Investors drop tech and rotate to small capsTSMC delivers blowout quarter and signals even more AI-driven spending in 2026Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley post strong earnings as trading and deal activity surgeOil prices slide as geopolitical tensions around Iran ease, pulling energy stocks lowerTesla moves Full Self-Driving to a subscription-only model as it leans harder into software revenue

Market update for January 14, 2026Follow us on Instagram (@TheRundownDaily) for bonus content and instant reactions.In today’s episode:Gold and Silver rally shows no signs of slowing downBitcoin breaks out of range Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Citigroup earnings recapNetflix considers an all-cash bid for WBD as Paramount tries to crash the dealBoeing outsells Airbus for the first time since 2018

Market update for January 13, 2026Follow us on Instagram (@TheRundownDaily) for bonus content and instant reactions.In today’s episode:• Google crosses $4 trillion after Apple taps Gemini to power Siri• CPI comes in as expected, with inflation holding steady at 2.7%• What the latest inflation data means for the Fed and rate cuts• JPMorgan kicks off earnings season with a big trading-driven beat• Nvidia and Eli Lilly announce a $1B partnership to use AI in drug discovery• Market movers: Intel and AMD rally, Delta slides after earnings