Steven Van Metre: The Macro Strategist Transforming Retirement Planning

Introduction

Steven Van Metre has emerged as a modern-day financial educator and strategist with a unique blend of technical investment experience and public commentary. Through tools like Portfolio Shield™ and his widely-followed YouTube channel The Macro Show, Steven has carved out a distinctive space where retirement planning meets macroeconomic analysis.

Unlike traditional advisors, Van Metre empowers individuals by teaching them how markets function, how inflation evolves, and how to strategically allocate assets for long-term security. His career reflects a commitment to both managing client portfolios and equipping the public with tools for financial clarity.

Quick Bio

Professional Journey and Experience

Steven Van Metre began his professional career in the financial services industry over two decades ago. His early roles at firms such as Capital Financial Services, BrokersXpress, and Pacific Financial Strategies laid the foundation for his future success. By 2012, he had joined Atlas Financial Advisors, where he remains a key figure to this day.

With years of hands-on experience, he developed a clear perspective on the challenges retirees face—especially around income stability, market volatility, and inflation. These concerns ultimately shaped the core of his portfolio strategies and communication approach.

Building Steven Van Metre Financial

As the President of his own advisory firm, Steven Van Metre Financial, he leads a team focused on personalized financial guidance, retirement income strategies, and diversified investment management. His commitment is not only to manage wealth but also to help clients preserve and grow it through structured, risk-managed portfolios.

This hands-on leadership role enables Steven to stay connected with client needs while also testing and refining his broader market strategies. He continues to oversee model portfolios tailored to different risk levels and economic conditions.

Portfolio Shield™: Risk Management for the Long Haul

In 2015, Steven introduced Portfolio Shield™, a groundbreaking long-equity strategy designed to protect against market downturns. It aims to participate in market growth while minimizing drawdowns by incorporating a hedging mechanism tied to macroeconomic trends.

The strategy reflects his belief that successful investing doesn’t require market timing, but rather intelligent positioning. Portfolio Shield™ dynamically shifts allocations between equities and bonds, reacting to underlying indicators without emotional decision-making.

Momentum Timer Pro™ and Subscriber Services

Another signature offering from Van Metre is Momentum Timer Pro™, a daily ETF momentum screener used by investors across the U.S., Canada, and Australia. With over 7,500 subscribers, the platform identifies trend shifts, tracks asset performance, and supports active strategy decisions.

Through these tools, Steven has built a loyal subscriber base seeking actionable data without needing to become full-time market analysts. His newsletters, charts, and alerts have become staples for those trying to outperform basic index investing.

YouTube Presence: The Macro Show

Steven’s influence expanded dramatically with the rise of his YouTube channel, The Macro Show. With over 286,000 subscribers and daily viewership, it has become a go-to resource for understanding macroeconomics, inflation, interest rates, and Federal Reserve policy.

His unique ability to break down complex financial data into plain English has earned him a strong following. He often combines technical charts with narrative explanation, offering viewers a transparent look into his thinking and market predictions.

Regulatory Challenge and Professional Standing

In June 2024, Van Metre faced a regulatory complaint related to ETF suitability, alleging investor losses of approximately $500,000. While the case is still under review, it serves as a reminder of the scrutiny financial advisors face, especially those with a public presence.

Despite the issue, Steven remains fully licensed and active in several U.S. states. His continued advisory work and market analysis suggest a strong commitment to serving both clients and the broader financial community.

Recent Developments and Ongoing Work

As of 2025, Steven continues to lead client strategies through updates to Portfolio Shield™, adapting to interest rate changes and inflationary cycles. His recent newsletters highlight shifting allocations toward bonds and defensive equities as the economy slows.

He remains active on YouTube, publishing content almost daily, while also offering premium subscriber services through Momentum Timer Pro™. His content and analysis are regularly cited in financial discussions and macro forums.

Legacy and Industry Impact

Steven Van Metre’s legacy lies in his ability to combine education with execution. He’s part advisor, part analyst, and part teacher—filling a gap where retail investors crave deeper understanding of economic cycles and portfolio resilience.

Through his work, he has demystified topics like the yield curve, Fed balance sheets, and CPI trends, helping his audience move from passive savers to informed strategists. His long-term influence may be most visible in the thousands who have used his tools to protect their financial futures.

Conclusion

Steven Van Metre is more than a financial planner—he’s a macro thinker, strategic builder, and public voice for economic literacy. From Portfolio Shield™ to The Macro Show, he equips investors with the confidence and insight needed to make long-term decisions in a volatile world.

As macroeconomic conditions continue to evolve, Steven’s guidance remains relevant not just for retirees and professionals, but for anyone seeking clarity in their financial journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Steven Van Metre?
He is a certified financial planner, strategist, and YouTube macro commentator, known for tools like Portfolio Shield™ and The Macro Show.

What is Portfolio Shield™?
It’s a risk-managed, long-equity investment strategy designed to minimize losses during market declines while capturing upside.

How much is Steven Van Metre worth?
Estimates suggest a net worth between $150,000 and $286,000, based on earnings from YouTube, subscriptions, and advisory services.

Is Steven still active in financial advising?
Yes. He remains licensed and leads advisory strategies across multiple U.S. states, while also educating the public via digital platforms.

What makes Steven Van Metre different from other advisors?
He merges technical portfolio design with macroeconomic analysis, offering a holistic approach to financial education and long-term investment.

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