May 17, 2025

We kick off with the latest developments in U.S.–China trade talks. The government just cut tariffs by 115%, effectively returning us to the original 30% rate where this economic game of chicken began. Is this The Art of the Deal in action—persistence, bluffing, and pushing boundaries to secure favorable “deals”?

Next, AMC is trying to lure movie buffs back to theaters with half-price tickets on Wednesdays—just in time for the summer blockbuster season. We dive into the state of the cinema industry, how box office performance stacks up against broader consumer spending trends, and whether COVID has permanently changed how we watch movies.

After the break, we explore the question: Does the energy demand of AI make electric utilities a potential investment play? One investor wonders if AI is a boon for individual electric companies—or if the better move is gaining exposure through a sector fund or ETF.

Circling back to Trump-style deals, we examine what Republicans are proposing for the 2025 tax package—including a tax exemption for tipped income, an income tax carve-out for overtime pay, and a potential increase in the SALT deduction.

To wrap up, we tackle the persistent lack of transparency in medical billing—particularly timely as UnitedHealth Group faces a federal investigation into Medicare fraud.

Join hosts Nick Antonucci, CVA, CEPA, Director of Research, and Managing Associates K.C. Smith, CFP®, CEPA, and D.J. Barker, CWS®, and Kelly-Lynne Scalice, a seasoned communicator and host, on Henssler Money Talks as they explore key financial strategies to help investors navigate market uncertainty.