Market Mondays #288 – Comeback Stock of the Year, Is Netflix the New Monopoly? & Stocks Ready to Strike w/ Caleb Silver

Date: December 9, 2025
Hosts: EYL Network (Mike, Troy, Ian Dunlap)
Guest: Caleb Silver (Editor in Chief, Investopedia)

Overview

This episode dives into major 2025 stock market turnarounds, the future of streaming as Netflix eyes a mega-acquisition, the rising cost of American middle-class life, strategic investment mistakes and lessons from the year, the evolving AI and semiconductors race, and a deep analysis into sector leadership changes. The episode features robust debate, investment education, and a candid panel conversation with market analyst Caleb Silver.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

[10:00] CEO of the Year: Vlad Tenev vs. Tim Cook

Vlad Tenev’s Strategic Leadership
- Robinhood’s stock rose 263% in 2025.
- Key moves: democratized access for retail investors, upcoming features like private equity access, prediction markets, and advanced tools for “above-average” investors.
- “When you can make people money and add value, they're going to be forever indebted to you.” – Ian (00:52)
Apple’s Year under Tim Cook
- Apple up 11% this year, hitting all-time highs, but showing slower innovation and key management losses, notably in its AI group.
- “If you don’t craft the future, you’ll be the company that's reacting to it.” – Troy (17:23)

[22:00] Biggest Investing Mistake(s) of the Year

Not buying during the April 2025 pullback, missing a generational opportunity (“You ask for it, you gotta get it.” – Ian, 03:38).
Failing to stick with a proven investment or trading plan under tournament/market pressure.
- “Whatever this plan is that you have in front of you, marry it. Some of you are too unfaithful in your trading and wonder why you're not getting a hit. Lock in.” – Ian (20:58)
Importance of emotional discipline and pre-planned adaptability.

[26:34] Carvana: The Comeback Stock

Rose 11,000% over 3 years (from $4 in 2022 to $448 in 2025).
Analysis: A real but rare comeback; not all “near bankruptcy” names will rebound this way.
Discussion on rising costs of the used car market:
- “The days of like, I can buy a $3,000 used car—oh, it’s over with.” – Troy (33:02)
- [35:05] On insurance and affordability: “The amount that they're charging these kids for insurance ... was an additional like $300 on top of it.” – Troy

[43:32] What Stocks Are Ready to Strike? (Leaps & Swings)

Oracle: Pulled back >35%, good setup for a leap if fundamentals hold post-earnings (Troy).
Meta: If the price drops to $614–$600, it’s a buy for a swing/long-term hold (Ian).
Leap options clarified as contracts extending six months or more.

[44:40] Bitcoin & Quantum Computing Fears

Bitcoin’s key buy ranges: $70K, $60K, and $81K; “If it falls to 60, buy. If it falls to 70, buy. Hold for the long term.” – Ian (45:23)
Quantum computing risk to bitcoin is overblown: “If that's the doomsday scenario, then everything on Earth is going to fall victim.” – Mike (47:47)

[47:44] Interview with Caleb Silver (Investopedia)

Netflix–Warner Deal & The “Monopoly” Debate ([51:17]–[63:00])

Monopoly/Antitrust Crash Course ([51:17])

Monopoly: “One or more parties colluding together to corner a market and control market share ... anti-competitive for competitors to enter the market.” – Caleb
U.S. government’s antitrust history dates to the Sherman Act in the late 1800s.
Current drama: Netflix’s planned $72B purchase of Warner Bros. could make it both a monopoly and a must-have platform for content and live sports.

Hostile Takeover Explained ([57:23])

A hostile takeover is “breaking into a deal with a higher share price offer,” putting legal, fiduciary obligations on the board to reconsider original deals.
Paramount/Skydance’s $108B counter-offer, with foreign investment, complicates the picture.

Is Monopoly Bad for Consumers if Managed Well? ([62:03])

If all stakeholder interests are protected, effects can be positive—but history suggests fees rise and creators lose leverage.
“Who are your people at the end of the day? ... If you continue to raise your fees because you’re the dominant streaming service and squeeze other competitors out, that is a monopoly.” – Caleb (62:19)

Historical Context: Disney-Fox & Tech-led Media Dominance ([66:32])

Disney’s Fox purchase worsened its balance sheet more than it helped; Netflix’s “pure play” focus could be an advantage if it secures Warner assets.
The future of streaming will center on fewer massive conglomerates, with YouTube/Google and Netflix as the main competitors.

The Economy: Affordability Crisis & Data ([69:46])

Government jobs data delays are less significant than consumer sentiment—confidence is near Great Recession lows despite no technical recession.
Next year (2026): Expect lower interest rates, modest but positive growth, continued market bifurcation as household costs rise.
“You can get by... but if you want to supply your family with good health care, send your kids to school... these all add up to that [250k] over the course of a year.” – Caleb ([86:52])

Sector Rotations & “Mag 7” ([72:32], [75:00])

The S&P's equal-weighted index still lags top 7 stocks but breadth is improving—2026 could see financials, healthcare, and mid-caps “catch up.”
Walmart’s move to become a tech- and growth-company—“They want to be included in those conversations.” – Caleb ([76:47]).

Opportunity Themes for 2026 ([78:21])

Sector rotation to mid- and small-cap companies, especially those with tight margins and tech/data leverage.
AI-adjacent companies, cybersecurity, “tokenization of everything,” and predictive gaming/sports markets are hot search topics.

The New Middle Class: 2025–2035 ([86:43])

Middle class in New York region now requires ~$250k dual income to meet traditional living standards (small home, annual vacation, health care, education).
National poverty “feels like” ~$140k, a far cry from official government numbers—“If you want to have those basic wants ... that's what it's going to cost you.” – Caleb (88:19)
$100k in 1980 = $400k in 2025–2035, inflation-adjusted; pressure to invest and avoid “lifestyle creep” is at an all-time high.

Geopolitics & Tech Warfare ([90:17])

U.S. opens chip exports (Nvidia H2200) to China; momentary tariffs relief may soon flip again.
Caleb: “Nvidia’s chips are right in the middle of [the U.S.-China tech war] ... China is building these out as fast as humanly possible,” but IP security risks persist.

AI & Investopedia's Content ([97:02])

Investopedia uses AI to research and tailor user responses, not for article production.
“Real content made by real people, real editors, real financial experts.” – Caleb ([96:46])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the stock market “comeback” of Carvana

“Carvana dug themselves out of the grave, we can do it too. ... Every company is not Carvana. This is a very unique case.” – Ian (26:50)

On emotional investing and doubts

“Most people will deviate and say, ‘I’m out of here, I'm not doing this anymore.’” – Troy (21:26)

On the middle class “affordability crisis”

“If you’re not making that, you are coming up against a paycheck to paycheck, on the verge of a financial emergency.” – Caleb ([88:19])

On the necessity of investing in America

“Invest or die. It’s not even optional anymore.” – Ian (100:16)

On economic opportunity despite inflation

“In the United States of America there’s a thousand millionaires made every day... you can make it in America financially.” – Mike (101:20)

Timestamps for Major Segments

[10:00] Vlad Tenev (Robinhood) vs. Tim Cook (Apple): Best CEO?
[22:00] Biggest Investing Mistakes of the Year
[26:34] Carvana’s Rally & Used Car Affordability
[43:40] Leap & Swing Trade Ideas for 2026
[44:40] Bitcoin Selloff & Quantum Computing Risks
[47:44] Caleb Silver Joins – Netflix Monopoly, Corporate Power
[51:17] What is a Monopoly? Antitrust explained
[57:23] Hostile Takeover Walkthrough
[66:32] Disney-Fox Merger, Netflix versus YouTube, Amazon
[69:46] Economy Watch: Are Consumers Actually Poor?
[72:32] S&P500: Mega Cap Leadership & Sector Breadth
[75:00] Should Walmart Be in “Mag 7”?
[78:21] Investment Opportunities and Sector Rotations for 2026
[86:43] Reality Check: What Is the Middle Class Now?
[90:17] China-U.S. Chip Deals and Risks
[97:02] How Investopedia Uses AI Ethically

Closing Advice & Takeaways

Learning matters: “If we look at and I'm actually going to do a year in review ... There's so much information ... No bro, it's here. You gotta execute.”—Troy (106:03)
Stay disciplined: “Stay low, keep firing. Take 20% of the capital from the business, put it back into the market.”—Ian (103:33)

Further Resources

Investopedia: Free financial education, definitions, and real-time investing trends.
EYL University: Advanced investing education and community.

Summary by Market Mondays Podcast Summarizer (AI) — December 2025

Market Mondays #288 – Comeback Stock of the Year, Is Netflix the New Monopoly? & Stocks Ready to Strike w/ Caleb Silver

Date: December 9, 2025
Hosts: EYL Network (Mike, Troy, Ian Dunlap)
Guest: Caleb Silver (Editor in Chief, Investopedia)

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

[10:00] CEO of the Year: Vlad Tenev vs. Tim Cook

Vlad Tenev’s Strategic Leadership
- Robinhood’s stock rose 263% in 2025.
- Key moves: democratized access for retail investors, upcoming features like private equity access, prediction markets, and advanced tools for “above-average” investors.
- “When you can make people money and add value, they're going to be forever indebted to you.” – Ian (00:52)
Apple’s Year under Tim Cook
- Apple up 11% this year, hitting all-time highs, but showing slower innovation and key management losses, notably in its AI group.
- “If you don’t craft the future, you’ll be the company that's reacting to it.” – Troy (17:23)

[22:00] Biggest Investing Mistake(s) of the Year

Not buying during the April 2025 pullback, missing a generational opportunity (“You ask for it, you gotta get it.” – Ian, 03:38).
Failing to stick with a proven investment or trading plan under tournament/market pressure.
- “Whatever this plan is that you have in front of you, marry it. Some of you are too unfaithful in your trading and wonder why you're not getting a hit. Lock in.” – Ian (20:58)
Importance of emotional discipline and pre-planned adaptability.

[26:34] Carvana: The Comeback Stock

Rose 11,000% over 3 years (from $4 in 2022 to $448 in 2025).
Analysis: A real but rare comeback; not all “near bankruptcy” names will rebound this way.
Discussion on rising costs of the used car market:
- “The days of like, I can buy a $3,000 used car—oh, it’s over with.” – Troy (33:02)
- [35:05] On insurance and affordability: “The amount that they're charging these kids for insurance ... was an additional like $300 on top of it.” – Troy

[43:32] What Stocks Are Ready to Strike? (Leaps & Swings)

Oracle: Pulled back >35%, good setup for a leap if fundamentals hold post-earnings (Troy).
Meta: If the price drops to $614–$600, it’s a buy for a swing/long-term hold (Ian).
Leap options clarified as contracts extending six months or more.

[44:40] Bitcoin & Quantum Computing Fears

Bitcoin’s key buy ranges: $70K, $60K, and $81K; “If it falls to 60, buy. If it falls to 70, buy. Hold for the long term.” – Ian (45:23)
Quantum computing risk to bitcoin is overblown: “If that's the doomsday scenario, then everything on Earth is going to fall victim.” – Mike (47:47)

[47:44] Interview with Caleb Silver (Investopedia)

Netflix–Warner Deal & The “Monopoly” Debate ([51:17]–[63:00])

Monopoly/Antitrust Crash Course ([51:17])

Monopoly: “One or more parties colluding together to corner a market and control market share ... anti-competitive for competitors to enter the market.” – Caleb
U.S. government’s antitrust history dates to the Sherman Act in the late 1800s.
Current drama: Netflix’s planned $72B purchase of Warner Bros. could make it both a monopoly and a must-have platform for content and live sports.

Hostile Takeover Explained ([57:23])

A hostile takeover is “breaking into a deal with a higher share price offer,” putting legal, fiduciary obligations on the board to reconsider original deals.
Paramount/Skydance’s $108B counter-offer, with foreign investment, complicates the picture.

Is Monopoly Bad for Consumers if Managed Well? ([62:03])

If all stakeholder interests are protected, effects can be positive—but history suggests fees rise and creators lose leverage.
“Who are your people at the end of the day? ... If you continue to raise your fees because you’re the dominant streaming service and squeeze other competitors out, that is a monopoly.” – Caleb (62:19)

Historical Context: Disney-Fox & Tech-led Media Dominance ([66:32])

Disney’s Fox purchase worsened its balance sheet more than it helped; Netflix’s “pure play” focus could be an advantage if it secures Warner assets.
The future of streaming will center on fewer massive conglomerates, with YouTube/Google and Netflix as the main competitors.

The Economy: Affordability Crisis & Data ([69:46])

Government jobs data delays are less significant than consumer sentiment—confidence is near Great Recession lows despite no technical recession.
Next year (2026): Expect lower interest rates, modest but positive growth, continued market bifurcation as household costs rise.
“You can get by... but if you want to supply your family with good health care, send your kids to school... these all add up to that [250k] over the course of a year.” – Caleb ([86:52])

Sector Rotations & “Mag 7” ([72:32], [75:00])

The S&P's equal-weighted index still lags top 7 stocks but breadth is improving—2026 could see financials, healthcare, and mid-caps “catch up.”
Walmart’s move to become a tech- and growth-company—“They want to be included in those conversations.” – Caleb ([76:47]).

Opportunity Themes for 2026 ([78:21])

Sector rotation to mid- and small-cap companies, especially those with tight margins and tech/data leverage.
AI-adjacent companies, cybersecurity, “tokenization of everything,” and predictive gaming/sports markets are hot search topics.

The New Middle Class: 2025–2035 ([86:43])

Middle class in New York region now requires ~$250k dual income to meet traditional living standards (small home, annual vacation, health care, education).
National poverty “feels like” ~$140k, a far cry from official government numbers—“If you want to have those basic wants ... that's what it's going to cost you.” – Caleb (88:19)
$100k in 1980 = $400k in 2025–2035, inflation-adjusted; pressure to invest and avoid “lifestyle creep” is at an all-time high.

Geopolitics & Tech Warfare ([90:17])

U.S. opens chip exports (Nvidia H2200) to China; momentary tariffs relief may soon flip again.
Caleb: “Nvidia’s chips are right in the middle of [the U.S.-China tech war] ... China is building these out as fast as humanly possible,” but IP security risks persist.

AI & Investopedia's Content ([97:02])

Investopedia uses AI to research and tailor user responses, not for article production.
“Real content made by real people, real editors, real financial experts.” – Caleb ([96:46])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the stock market “comeback” of Carvana

“Carvana dug themselves out of the grave, we can do it too. ... Every company is not Carvana. This is a very unique case.” – Ian (26:50)

On emotional investing and doubts

“Most people will deviate and say, ‘I’m out of here, I'm not doing this anymore.’” – Troy (21:26)

On the middle class “affordability crisis”

“If you’re not making that, you are coming up against a paycheck to paycheck, on the verge of a financial emergency.” – Caleb ([88:19])

On the necessity of investing in America

“Invest or die. It’s not even optional anymore.” – Ian (100:16)

On economic opportunity despite inflation

“In the United States of America there’s a thousand millionaires made every day... you can make it in America financially.” – Mike (101:20)

Timestamps for Major Segments

[10:00] Vlad Tenev (Robinhood) vs. Tim Cook (Apple): Best CEO?
[22:00] Biggest Investing Mistakes of the Year
[26:34] Carvana’s Rally & Used Car Affordability
[43:40] Leap & Swing Trade Ideas for 2026
[44:40] Bitcoin Selloff & Quantum Computing Risks
[47:44] Caleb Silver Joins – Netflix Monopoly, Corporate Power
[51:17] What is a Monopoly? Antitrust explained
[57:23] Hostile Takeover Walkthrough
[66:32] Disney-Fox Merger, Netflix versus YouTube, Amazon
[69:46] Economy Watch: Are Consumers Actually Poor?
[72:32] S&P500: Mega Cap Leadership & Sector Breadth
[75:00] Should Walmart Be in “Mag 7”?
[78:21] Investment Opportunities and Sector Rotations for 2026
[86:43] Reality Check: What Is the Middle Class Now?
[90:17] China-U.S. Chip Deals and Risks
[97:02] How Investopedia Uses AI Ethically

Closing Advice & Takeaways

Learning matters: “If we look at and I'm actually going to do a year in review ... There's so much information ... No bro, it's here. You gotta execute.”—Troy (106:03)
Stay disciplined: “Stay low, keep firing. Take 20% of the capital from the business, put it back into the market.”—Ian (103:33)

Further Resources

Investopedia: Free financial education, definitions, and real-time investing trends.
EYL University: Advanced investing education and community.

Summary by Market Mondays Podcast Summarizer (AI) — December 2025

MM #288: Comeback Stock of the Year, Is Netflix The New Monopoly? & Stocks Ready to Strike w/ Caleb Silver

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

Market Mondays #288 – Comeback Stock of the Year, Is Netflix the New Monopoly? & Stocks Ready to Strike w/ Caleb Silver

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

[10:00] CEO of the Year: Vlad Tenev vs. Tim Cook

[22:00] Biggest Investing Mistake(s) of the Year

[26:34] Carvana: The Comeback Stock

[43:32] What Stocks Are Ready to Strike? (Leaps & Swings)

[44:40] Bitcoin & Quantum Computing Fears

[47:44] Interview with Caleb Silver (Investopedia)

Netflix–Warner Deal & The “Monopoly” Debate ([51:17]–[63:00])

Monopoly/Antitrust Crash Course ([51:17])

Hostile Takeover Explained ([57:23])

Is Monopoly Bad for Consumers if Managed Well? ([62:03])

Historical Context: Disney-Fox & Tech-led Media Dominance ([66:32])

The Economy: Affordability Crisis & Data ([69:46])

Sector Rotations & “Mag 7” ([72:32], [75:00])

Opportunity Themes for 2026 ([78:21])

The New Middle Class: 2025–2035 ([86:43])

Geopolitics & Tech Warfare ([90:17])

AI & Investopedia's Content ([97:02])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Major Segments

Closing Advice & Takeaways

Further Resources

Summary

Market Mondays #288 – Comeback Stock of the Year, Is Netflix the New Monopoly? & Stocks Ready to Strike w/ Caleb Silver

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

[10:00] CEO of the Year: Vlad Tenev vs. Tim Cook

[22:00] Biggest Investing Mistake(s) of the Year

[26:34] Carvana: The Comeback Stock

[43:32] What Stocks Are Ready to Strike? (Leaps & Swings)

[44:40] Bitcoin & Quantum Computing Fears

[47:44] Interview with Caleb Silver (Investopedia)

Netflix–Warner Deal & The “Monopoly” Debate ([51:17]–[63:00])

Monopoly/Antitrust Crash Course ([51:17])

Hostile Takeover Explained ([57:23])

Is Monopoly Bad for Consumers if Managed Well? ([62:03])

Historical Context: Disney-Fox & Tech-led Media Dominance ([66:32])

The Economy: Affordability Crisis & Data ([69:46])

Sector Rotations & “Mag 7” ([72:32], [75:00])

Opportunity Themes for 2026 ([78:21])

The New Middle Class: 2025–2035 ([86:43])

Geopolitics & Tech Warfare ([90:17])

AI & Investopedia's Content ([97:02])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Major Segments

Closing Advice & Takeaways

Further Resources