The Business Brew Stuart Loren - Navigating the Age of Social Disruption
Aug 13, 2025
Stuart Loren, Managing Director at Fort Sheridan Advisors, delves into the pressing issues of economic and social discontent impacting today's investment landscape. He discusses the alarming decline in geographic mobility and its effect on political shifts toward populism. Notably, Stuart highlights the housing crisis, rising youth pessimism, and the deepening divide in political identities that challenge community ties. He also examines how AI could reshape future economic productivity amidst these societal changes.
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Age Of Social Disruption Thesis
- Stuart Loren argues we're in an "Age of Social Disruption" driven by economic, social, and political disaffection.
- He warns this could create a regime shift in markets and politics with lasting investment implications.
Geographic Mobility Has Plummeted
- Geographic mobility has collapsed from ~20% in the 1950s to 7.5% in 2023, with inter-county and state moves plummeting.
- Loren links reduced mobility to unaffordable housing and a sense of people feeling stuck economically and physically.
Hosts React To Mobility Data
- Bill Brewster reacted with surprise to Loren's mobility charts and the sharp decline in moves since the 1950s.
- The hosts discuss how becoming physically stuck may push people to change ideologically instead.
