This episode tackles key macroeconomic questions, focusing on the potential depth of the geopolitically induced bear trap following Iran’s missile activity against Israel and assessing the current status of the U.S. economy. The discussion highlights that while geopolitical tensions—marked by a recent surge in SPY and subsequent warning signs—pose correction risks, high-frequency data such as improved manufacturing indices, robust job openings, and strong auto sales suggest that the U.S. economy remains resilient. The analysis also delves into retail and institutional investor behavior, suggesting slow retail capitulation and a market paced by a Goldilocks regime that favors growth assets and risk-on strategies. Listeners are guided through quantitative signals across short, medium, and long-term horizons, alongside tactical insights from positioning models, all within a framework that emphasizes proactive macro risk management in a persistently growth-oriented environment.