The Truth About 2026 Markets: What Traders Are Not Being Told

ITUTv Podcast | Season 3 Episode 6

Most traders feel the economy shifting, but few understand what is actually happening beneath the surface. Policy changes, global tension, inflation cycles, and market structure are moving faster than the headlines can keep up with. In one of the most important conversations we have ever released on ITUTv, Zae (ITU Professor) sits down with economic analyst Michael Franz for a transparent, high level breakdown of the economy, politics, and markets heading into 2026.

This episode is not entertainment. It is education, context, and clarity.If you are a trader, business owner, or everyday American trying to navigate this economy, this is required information.

Watch the full 129 minute recording here: https://youtu.be/UcPDrENlyfQ

The Conversation Nobody Else Is Having

Most news coverage focuses on noise, distraction, and emotional reaction. This discussion removes the noise completely. Zae and Michael break down the deeper mechanics shaping the markets and the economy in real time. They unpack the political decisions that directly impact your money, your spending power, and your trading results.

This is context most Americans never receive. This is perspective most traders never analyze. This is the truth behind what is coming.

Key Topics From the Episode

1. Why NFP Release Dates Have Been Shifting

NFP has been dropping on unpredictable dates. There is a reason behind the inconsistency, and traders need to adjust fast. As the system normalizes in early 2026, volatility patterns will shift again. This episode explains how and why that matters for your strategy.

2. The Real Reason the Government Shutdown Occurred

Most people do not understand what caused the shutdown. It was not one issue. It was a combination of ACA subsidies expiring, immigration reimbursements, SNAP reform, and financial pressure landing squarely on small businesses and taxpayers. You will not hear this breakdown anywhere else.

3. How Political Narratives Influence Economic Reality

Media talking points are shaping reactions and destroying communication in America. That emotional contagion spills directly into trading performance. Zae and Michael discuss how political narratives create fear, confusion, and reactive behavior in the markets.

4. Tariffs, IRS Shifts, and America’s Next Financial Reset

From tariff strategies that could reduce national debt to Wall Street firms fleeing New York, the United States is undergoing a structural economic reset. The idea of removing income tax and reshaping the IRS is no longer theoretical. This segment explains why these changes are happening.

5. Europe, Ukraine, NATO, and Global Power Shifts

What world leaders say publicly is not always what they say privately. Understanding Europe’s position helps traders anticipate currency strength, macro cycles, and future risk. This episode breaks down the quiet conversations that shape everything from USD dominance to Euro recovery.

6. US Dollar Decline and 2026 Interest Rate Landscape

The dollar is weakening. Interest rates are preparing for a multi-year transition. Powell’s departure signals a different direction for the Federal Reserve. These macro changes set the stage for a major shift in equities, real estate, and long term investment positioning.

7. Crypto Entering a Critical Danger Zone

Bitcoin is sitting on a structural support level. Solana is forming a large head and shoulders pattern. XRP is at a decision point. Whether crypto breaks upward or collapses depends on a few key levels explained in detail within the episode.

8. Listening to Understand: The Skill That Saves Trades

Daniel Schuler’s lesson on emotional intelligence exposes why most traders fail. Communication without context leads to misunderstanding. Emotional reactions lead to account blowouts. Listening to understand can save your trading career.

What This Means for Traders

This episode is not theory. These insights directly impact your next twelve months of trading. Based on the data and analysis, traders should prepare for:

• Euro strength into early 2026 unless geopolitical conflict shifts the cycle

• Upward movement in US indices unless inflation stalls or reverses

• Crypto sitting between a moonshot scenario and a collapse scenario

• Falling interest rates creating opportunity in real estate and equities

• Trend traders outperforming reactive traders in this environment

This is a market where discipline, macro awareness, and emotional regulation will separate winners from losers.

Join Us for ITU Rise 2026

If you feel lost, inconsistent, or uncertain heading into the new year, ITU Rise 2026 will reset your trading foundation. This free five day event is designed to give traders clarity, structure, and a clear plan of execution.

🎟️ General Admission (Free):https://rise.myitu.org

VIP seats available for traders who want direct access to Zae, Mike, Daniel, and the full ITU team.

Stay Connected with ITU

Website: https://myitu.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independenttradinguniversity

Final Thoughts

The economy is changing. The markets are shifting. The world is entering a new phase of geopolitical and financial transformation. Most people will be caught off guard, but you do not have to be.

Understanding the truth behind these changes is how you protect your money, grow your skill, and position yourself for opportunity in 2026 and beyond.

Take the time to watch this episode. Your future as a trader depends on the decisions you make with the information you have.