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In this short clip , Samantha LaDuc, Brent Kochuba, and Hans Albrecht discuss how today’s market is driven more by noise and volatility distortion than by real, fundamental signals.

They explain that the VIX is no longer a reliable gauge of fear due to distortions from steep options skew, and that realized volatility is often higher than implied, leaving little edge for buyers.

With earnings estimates falling, dollar demand weakening, and foreign capital continuing to exit U.S. markets, confidence and capital flows remain extremely fragile.

Unless there's a major policy reversal—like a Powell pivot or Trump walking back tariffs—Samantha sees no compelling reason for equities to rally in this environment.

Video Length 00:04:58

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