Solo Summer Six-Pack: Talking Trend, AI, Leverage, and Hurricanes
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Aug 29, 2025
Jeff dives into a challenging trend following drawdown, revealing how different this one feels after 25 years in the market. He honors Waldo Wiens, a key figure in managed futures, while reflecting on lessons from Hurricane Katrina. The discussion shifts to AI's role in finance and education, questioning its potential downsides. He champions strategic leverage for diversification, reshaping misconceptions about risk. To top it off, Jeff shares personal rants on everything from wind turbines to highway manners, leaving listeners entertained and engaged.
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insights INSIGHT
Trend Needs Continued Moves To Recover
Trend following is in a prolonged drawdown because positions are long many risky assets but haven’t completed sustained moves.
For trend to recover, current directional moves must persist for many more months, not just reverse briefly.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Waldo Weens Backed New CTAs
Waldo Weens was a Kansas farmer who seeded dozens of CTAs with millions and anchored new managers.
He backed young strategies generously and hedged exposures on his own while not demanding draconian fees.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Katrina Taught Risk Of Spread Trades
Jeff recalls watching Katrina coverage on a plane and how the storm upended energy markets.
He uses Katrina to warn that calendar spreads and spread trades can blow up when physical delivery and infrastructure fail.
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Join Jeff Malec for a special solo "6-pack" episode where he tackles six topics on his mind during the summer podcast break. Jeff starts by examining the challenging trend following drawdown that's been plaguing the markets, sharing insights from his 25 years in the space and why this one feels different. He pays tribute to Waldo Wiens, the legendary Kansas farmer who backed dozens of CTAs with hundreds of millions and helped shape the managed futures industry. Reflecting on Hurricane Katrina's 20th anniversary, Jeff explores the storm's market lessons and marvels at how quant models are being used to save lives in weather forecasting. He dives into AI's growing role in finance and education, questioning whether it's becoming a crutch rather than a multiplier and pondering its potential economic implications. Jeff makes the case for smart leverage as a diversification tool, challenging common investor misconceptions about risk management. The episode wraps up with his personal rants on everything from wind turbines (not windmills!) to highway etiquette. No guest, no agenda - just Jeff's unfiltered thoughts on markets, life, and everything in between.
Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal, business, or tax advice. All opinions expressed by podcast participants are solely their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of RCM Alternatives, their affiliates, or companies featured. Due to industry regulations, participants on this podcast are instructed not to make specific trade recommendations, nor reference past or potential profits. And listeners are reminded that managed futures, commodity trading, and other alternative investments are complex and carry a risk of substantial losses. As such, they are not suitable for all investors. For more information, visitwww.rcmalternatives.com/disclaimer
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