Are Energy Stocks Still Cheap?

Episode 246 of Ask The Compound features Ben Carlson, Duncan Hill and Josh Brown answering five listener questions on investing, financial planning and housing. Topics include whether direct indexing justifies its extra fees, how to put excess cash to work rather than waiting for a perfect entry point, and why luxury names such as LVMH, Hermès and Kering have struggled while consumers still spend on premium experiences. The episode also covers why energy stocks have outperformed the broader market since the COVID crash and whether buying a home still makes financial sense with elevated mortgage rates and rising ownership costs.

1. Direct indexing is discussed in terms of whether the strategy is worth its additional fees.
2. The hosts address putting excess cash to work instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity.
3. Luxury stocks LVMH, Hermès and Kering are examined against continued consumer spending on premium experiences.
4. The episode asks whether buying a home still makes financial sense given elevated mortgage rates and rising ownership costs.