The Grant Williams Podcast

The Grant Williams Podcast Ep. 79 - Mark J. Higgins

May 10, 2024

Author Mark J. Higgins discusses the importance of US financial history, from Alexander Hamilton to the present, highlighting key figures like Hetty Green. He shares insights on investor behavior, the cyclical nature of markets, and the current crypto craze. The discussion also includes mentions of Ray Dalio, Andrew Jackson, Robert Triffin, and Charlie Munger.

12:50

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Episode guests

Mark J. Higgins

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Quick takeaways

Understanding financial history is crucial for gaining insights into past economic decisions and their impact on present-day markets.

The evolution of US credit markets highlights a crucial shift in attitudes towards public credit, posing significant fiscal challenges requiring reevaluation of spending strategies.

Deep dives

Importance of Understanding Financial History

Understanding financial history is crucial as it provides insights into past economic decisions and their impact on present-day markets. Delving into historical events like Alexander Hamilton's financial reforms can offer valuable lessons for current financial situations. Alexander Hamilton's innovative approaches in consolidating debt, establishing central banking, and raising tariffs set a solid financial foundation for the United States, emphasizing the significance of historical financial knowledge in shaping economic stability.

Introduction

2min

Exploring the Significance of Financial History and the Journey to Writing a Book

2min

Alexander Hamilton's Financial Legacy

4min

The Evolution of Public Credit in the United States

3min

Exploration of the Breton Woods System and Gold Standard in US Financial History

2min

Joining me for this episode of The Grant Williams Podcast, is author Mark J. Higgins who has just published his excellent new book ‘Investing in US Financial History.’ We begin by discussing the overall importance of understanding financial history and segue into a conversation about the comprehensive narrative of the US financial system from 1790 to the present which his book provides. Mark highlights the role of key figures such as Alexander Hamilton, discusses the establishment of the Federal Reserve in 1913 and introduces one of the least-known, but perhaps biggest trailblazing characters in US financial history: Hetty Green. Higgins also shares his insights on investor behavior and the cyclical nature of markets, as well as his views on the current crypto craze. Throw in Ray Dalio, Andrew Jackson, Robert Triffin and Charlie Munger and there’s something for everyone in this excellent conversation.

Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com.

Copper Tier subscribers get access to all podcasts, while members of the Silver Tier get both the podcasts and my monthly newsletter, Things That Make You Go Hmmm… Gold Tier subscribers have access to my new series of in-depth video conversations, About Time.

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