Eric Balchunas

My guest this week is Eric Balchunas, the senior ETF analyst for Bloomberg and the author of the Institutional ETF toolbox. This episode is intended for those in the asset or wealth management industry who have considered using ETFs in their portfolios, or for the individual investor who likes to stay up to date on trends in the market for asset management products. We cover all aspects of ETFs in some detail, and luckily in ways that have little overlap with a few other recent ETF-centric episodes on two of my favorite podcasts: the Meb Faber Show and Capital Allocators with Ted Seides with Matt Hougan and Tom Lydon respectively. We open with Eric’s favorite ETF tickers, discuss the pros and cons of ETFs versus other investment vehicles, and explore the largest areas of opportunities for new ETFs coming to market in the years to come. ETFs have become the vehicle of choice for many investors, so it was about time we covered them in depth in this forum. As you’ll hear, Eric is the right person to teach the world about ETFs, thanks to deep domain knowledge and unflagging enthusiasm. Please enjoy my conversation with Eric Balchunas on the past, present, and future of ETFs. For more episodes go to InvestorFieldGuide.com/podcast. Sign up for the book club, where you’ll get a full investor curriculum and then 3-4 suggestions every month at InvestorFieldGuide.com/bookclub. Follow Patrick on Twitter at @patrick_oshag Books Referenced Quantitative Momentum: A Practitioner's Guide to Building a Momentum-Based Stock Selection System Links Referenced Chart – There Are Now More Indexes Than Stocks Show Notes 2:32 - (First Question) – Eric’s favorite ETF tickers 4:07 – How Eric got started into his career and how it led him into the ETF world 8:04 – An overview of the ETF landscape 10:10 – Active managed ETFs             12:17 – Chart – There Are Now More Indexes Than Stocks 13:32 – Key variables he thinks about when assessing a new ETF 15:18 – Evaluating shiny object ETFs 17:30 – The appeal of ETFs 20:18 – Future regulatory concern of the tax treatments of ETFs 22:10 – The liquidity advantage of ETFs and why that can actually be bad for investors 24:19 – What would Eric do to build the perfect ETF 26:03 – What are the future trends for new ETF’s launched 29:40 – Categories that work well in the ALT world of ETFs 31:32 – Most effective marketing strategy for ETFs 35:50 – Quantitative Momentum: A Practitioner's Guide to Building a Momentum-Based Stock Selection System 36:28 – How will the winning asset managers have done differently in this space 41:56 – How the next downturn could impact ETFs 46:17 – Do ETF’s create pricing distortions 50:33 – What trend is Eric most interested in right now 53:21 – Alpha through Beta 55:51 – Kindest thing anyone has done for Eric Learn More For more episodes go to InvestorFieldGuide.com/podcast.  Sign up for the book club, where you’ll get a full investor curriculum and then 3-4 suggestions every month at InvestorFieldGuide.com/bookclub Follow Patrick on twitter at @patrick_oshag

Eric Balchunas, a senior ETF analyst and co-host of the Trillions podcast, dives into the fascinating world of exchange-traded funds. He shares the iconic story of the first ETF's creation, sparked by a desperate situation at an exchange. The conversation explores the staggering growth of ETFs—what makes them tax-efficient, user-friendly, and increasingly popular among investors. From niche markets like cryptocurrencies to the quirky idea of a podcast-themed ETF, Balchunas highlights the innovative ways ETFs are reshaping investment strategies.

Debate on Bitcoin ETF impact, who buys ETFs, passive flows vs hot money. Risks in digital asset trading, cybersecurity with Aura, compliance with Mantra. Algo trading dynamics, wealth manager flows. Role of bonds, rise of crypto among youth, unfairness in financial systems. Ruffer hedge fund's Bitcoin investment.

Eric Balchunas, an ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, dives into the critical impact of investment fees on long-term returns. He highlights the trend towards fee reductions and the emergence of zero-fee ETFs, making them appealing to investors. The conversation reveals how even marginal fee differences can lead to significant growth over time. Balchunas also discusses the evolution from mutual funds to ETFs, emphasizing their lower costs and greater tax efficiency, ultimately suggesting that savvy investors should prioritize fee management for optimal performance.

Eric Balchunas, a Senior ETF Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, joins Jennifer Sanasie to explore the significant impact of spot Bitcoin ETFs on cryptocurrency pricing. They discuss how institutional firms like BlackRock are transforming market dynamics, comparing Bitcoin's resilience to traditional stocks. Balchunas adds a humorous twist by connecting ETFs to emo culture, lightening the financial discussion. The conversation concludes with insights on future Bitcoin ETF prospects and the regulatory landscape, emphasizing the importance of informed investing.

Discussing US soft landing, Fed expectations, equity outlook, ETF research, and market headwinds with guests Bob Michele, Liz Young, and Eric Balchunas on the latest episode.

Discover why spot Bitcoin ETFs are outpacing expectations with asset managers and retail interest. Predictions on BlackRock's success and doubts about spot Ether ETFs. Explore the impact of ETF approval on the crypto market and the synergy between crypto and AI investments. Uncover strategies for enhancing security in cryptocurrency and institutional money's role in Bitcoin and DeFi growth.

Eric Balchunas, Bloomberg ETF analyst, and James Seyffart, Bloomberg Intelligence research analyst, discuss the approval of Spot Bitcoin ETFs by the SEC, the competition in the market, and the creation/redemption process. They explore the differences between owning Bitcoin and owning a Spot Bitcoin ETF. The podcast also covers the progress of spot Bitcoin ETF applications, the government's role in custodian selection, the involvement of JP Morgan in Bitcoin ETFs, and the impact of BlackRock and Fidelity on the space.

Join Jeffrey Rosenberg, a mathematics whiz with a sharp mind for finance, and Eric Balchunas, a digital currency expert and Bitcoin analyst, as they delve into the complexities of today’s economic landscape. They discuss the crucial role of mathematics in understanding market dynamics and tackle the uncertainties of economic data, especially with major players like BlackRock embracing Bitcoin. Mental health also takes center stage, emphasizing the importance of proactive support amidst economic pressures.

In this engaging discussion, Bloomberg analysts Eric Balchunas and James Seyffart delve into the intriguing world of crypto ETFs. They analyze the potential approval of Solana ETFs, shedding light on regulatory hurdles and the cautious optimism surrounding them. Chris Inks joins later, revealing insightful trading strategies across crypto markets. The trio further explores the impact of ETFs on Bitcoin investments and the dynamics of leveraged ETFs, emphasizing the need for strategic approaches amidst market volatility.