
Insight is Capital™ Podcast
The official podcast of AdvisorAnalyst.com, publisher of actionable market and investment insight, commentary, analysis and practice management for investment professionals and investors.
Latest episodes

Nov 19, 2024 • 1h 24min
Doomberg: Trump, Energy Policy and Geopolitical Uncertainty
In this episode, Richard and Pierre are joined by the brilliant and always-provocative Doomberg. Known for slicing through political and energy-market noise with precision, Doomberg unpacks the seismic shifts rippling across the globe following the U.S. election.From the resurrection of "Drill, Baby, Drill" to the strategic chessboard of Big Tech’s nuclear ambitions, Doomberg delivers his signature contrarian takes on the interplay of energy, geopolitics, and the economy. Are we entering an era of “energy independence” under Trump 2.0, or is the green agenda facing its biggest existential test yet?Key Topics We Cover:📉 Why "Drill, Baby, Drill" might spell doom for energy equities but a windfall for supply.⚛️ The real path forward for nuclear energy in a tech-driven future.🛢️ How America’s hydrocarbon bounty could reshape foreign policy—and why Europe should brace itself.🤝 The shifting power dynamics in BRICS and why Brazil’s Lula might be playing 4D chess.🌐 Why geopolitics is veering toward a dangerous game of brinkmanship across Taiwan, Israel, and Ukraine.Best Quote: "Industrial might is a derivative of energy abundance. Let’s rebuild domestic industry. Energy is life; the absence of it is death." – DoombergHit PLAY now to dive into one of the most insightful energy and geopolitical discussions of the year!Chapters:0:00 - Intro3:45 - Trump’s Return: What it Means for Energy15:30 - Big Tech’s Nuclear Gamble23:00 - BRICS, Brazil, and the U.S. Pivot to the Western Hemisphere35:00 - Middle East Flashpoints: Israel vs. Iran45:00 - Taiwan’s Energy Crisis and Lessons from GermanyDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more hard-hitting conversations.#EnergyCrisis #Geopolitics #Doomberg #TrumpEnergyPolicy #BigTech #NuclearPower #GreenEnergy #OilAndGas #BRICS #AdvisorAnalystShare your thoughts in the comments below—what's your take on the future of energy under Trump?Copyright © Raise Your Average, AdvisorAnalyst

Nov 12, 2024 • 1h 25min
Stop Competing with Markets! Do this instead - Larry Swedroe
In this episode Pierre and Adam sit down with Larry Swedroe, well-known expert in evidence-based investment strategies and former CIO at Buckingham Wealth Partners. They get into Larry's views on market forecasting, why investors should ignore short-term predictions, and the importance of building resilient and hyper-diversified portfolios to mitigate market risks. Swedroe emphasizes the inefficiency of individual stock selection and market timing, advocating instead for systematic, rule-based investment strategies. Additionally, he offers insights into the historical performance of various asset classes and how to think about risk in portfolio construction.00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer00:27 Welcoming Larry Swedroe00:38 Larry's Background and Expertise01:00 The Importance of Forecasting02:11 Larry's Take on Market Predictions04:12 Challenges in Economic Forecasting07:03 Investment Strategies and Market Risks12:07 The Value of Diversification22:40 Key Investment Principles33:13 The Importance of Staying the Course44:35 Exploring Portfolio Diversification45:39 The Importance of Education in Investing47:28 Understanding Risk and Asset Allocation49:11 The Role of Alternatives in a Diversified Portfolio56:03 Behavioral Finance and Investor Psychology59:46 Advising Clients on Investment Strategies01:05:23 The Significance of Diversification01:23:06 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections*****************************Where to find Larry Swedroe*****************************Larry Swedroe on X (@larryswedroe)Larry Swedroe on Linkedin#InvestmentStrategies, #MarketRiskManagement, #PortfolioDiversification, #AlternativeInvestments, #LarrySwedroe, #StockMarketInsightsCopyright © AdvisorAnalyst

Oct 15, 2024 • 50min
Fidelity's Ilan Kolet: Investing for Soft and Hard Landings into 2024. How?
Pierre welcomes back Ilan Kolet, Institutional Portfolio Manager at Fidelity Investments. This episode delves into Ilan's expert analysis on U.S. and Canadian economies amid ongoing global economic shifts. Discover insights on the Fed's unprecedented rate cuts, the productivity expansion in the U.S., challenges facing the Canadian economy, and Fidelity's tactical asset allocation positioning. Ilan also shares his experience and insight from the NABE conference and thoughts on the future of fiscal and monetary policy. Explore investment strategies and gain valuable perspectives on navigating today's markets.Timestamped Highlights00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer00:20 Guest Introduction: Ilan Kolet01:38 Market Overview: 2024 Insights02:25 Fed's Decision and Implications04:14 Productivity Expansion in the U.S.09:05 Comparing U.S. and Canadian Economies13:31 NABE Conference Highlights22:47 Divergence in US and Canadian Monetary Policies23:21 Strategic Use of the Canadian Dollar24:58 Impact of Interest Rate Differentials25:48 Canada's Economic Growth Drivers29:11 Decoupling of the Canadian Dollar from Oil Prices31:28 US Shale Revolution and Its Implications32:31 China's Economic Influence on Canada33:49 Tactical Asset Allocation Strategies37:44 Impact of US Election on Economic Policies40:57 Fixed Income and Commodities Exposure45:28 Ongoing Research and Portfolio Adjustments48:32 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsCopyright © AdvisorAnalyst.com

Oct 9, 2024 • 36min
NBI's Martin Lefebvre: Q4 2024-2025 Market and Economic Outlook
In this episode of the Insight is Capital podcast, Pierre talks to Martin Lefebvre, Chief Investment Officer at National Bank Investments. They explore Martin's outlook on the economy, fixed income, and equities, amid a backdrop of U.S. stock highs, falling bond yields, and changing labor market indicators. They discuss the recent Federal Reserve's 50 bps interest rate cut and its implications, the potential for a soft economic landing, and the intricacies of the U.S. and Canadian housing markets. Additionally, Lefebvre delves into strategies for handling expected market volatility ahead of the U.S. election and the broader implications of global economic factors on investment strategies. The conversation provides valuable insights into asset allocation amid economic pressures and highlights the importance of a balanced investment approach in current markets.Timestamped Highlights00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer00:20 Guest Introduction: Martin Lefebvre01:31 Market Overview and Economic Outlook03:30 Federal Reserve's Rate Cut Decision06:25 Impact on Fixed Income Strategies09:52 Recession Risks and Asset Allocation19:15 U.S. Election and Market Volatility30:16 Geographical Positioning35:46 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsCopyright © AdvisorAnalyst

Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 12min
Shana Sissel – From Long/Short to Long Sports: Exploring Unique Uncorrelated Alternative Investments
In this episode of 'Raise Your Average,' co-hosts Pierre and Mike welcome Shana Orczyk Sissel, CEO at Banrion Capital Management. We explore Shana's 20-year journey in wealth management, her experience and insights on alternative investments, and the evolving landscape of the industry. Shana shares her personal story of transitioning from a career in sports management to finance, discussing the challenges and triumphs along the way. Our conversation gets into key trends and opportunities in the alternative space, including private equity, venture capital, and interval funds. Shana emphasizes the importance of differentiating and engaging clients through unique and personalized investment opportunities, from sports rights to fine art and beyond. With practical advice for advisors on how to integrate alternatives into client portfolios and the added benefits of working with experts, this episode offers a comprehensive look at making alternative investments accessible and appealing.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:24 Guest Introduction: Shana Orczyk Sissel02:01 Shana's Career Journey04:31 The Role of Alternatives in Portfolios11:41 Trends in Alternative Investments21:26 Challenges and Opportunities in Alternatives33:16 Exploring Market Neutral Strategies33:45 Discussing BTAL: A Market Neutral ETF35:23 The Complexity of Managed Futures37:18 Return Stacking and Portfolio Diversification39:00 Building Alternative Investment Portfolios40:46 Banrion's Alternative Models43:50 Understanding Diversifying and Non-Diversifying Alts46:12 The Importance of Liquidity in Alternative Investments51:52 Engaging Clients with Passion Investments01:01:31 The Opportunity in Alternative Investments01:05:24 Advice for Advisors Exploring Alternatives01:10:18 Final Thoughts and Encouragement=========================================Where to find Shana Sissel, Banrion Capital Management:=========================================Banrion Capital Management Shana Sissel on LinkedinShana Sissel on XShana Sissel on Instagram===========================================Where to find us:===========================================ReSolve Asset ManagementReSolve Asset Management BlogMike Philbrick on LinkedinRodrigo Gordillo on LinkedinAdam Butler on LinkedinPierre Daillie on LinkedinJoseph Lamanna on Linkedin=========================================

Sep 18, 2024 • 1h 28min
Todd Finkle: A Fresh Take on Warren Buffett
Todd Finkle, Pigott Professor of Entrepreneurship at Gonzaga University and author, shares his deep insights on Warren Buffett's life and philosophies. He reflects on his personal connections with the Buffett family, including memories with Buffett’s son, Pete. The discussion dives into Buffett's investment approach, the influence of mentors like Charlie Munger, and the significance of resilience gained from his childhood during the Great Depression. Finkle stresses the importance of critical thinking and avoiding toxic relationships for entrepreneurial success.

Aug 15, 2024 • 1h 18min
Macro Outlook and Defensive Investing Strategies with Bob Elliott
Bob Elliott, CEO and CIO at Unlimited Funds and former head of investment research at Bridgewater Associates, dives into the lessons learned from the Global Financial Crisis. He explores today's macroeconomic landscape, discussing inflation, interest rates, and the effects of deglobalization on the U.S. economy. Bob shares innovative strategies for everyday investors, emphasizing the importance of diversification and managing portfolio volatility, while providing insights on behavioral economics and disciplined trading practices. His advice is invaluable for navigating today's investment challenges.

Aug 13, 2024 • 1h 17min
Justin Huhn: The Generational Bull Case for Uranium
Justin Huhn, founder of Uranium Insider and a uranium market expert, dives into the burgeoning opportunities within the uranium sector. He discusses the nuclear industry's revival post-Fukushima and growing global electricity demands, emphasizing nuclear energy as a clean solution. Justin highlights advancements in reactor technology, the significance of long-term contracts, and the implications of geopolitical tensions on uranium supply. With a bullish outlook for 2029-2030, he reveals investment strategies in a market ripe with potential.

Aug 1, 2024 • 60min
Mutiny's Jason Buck on Navigating Volatility: Defense? How? Why Now?
In this episode of Insight is Capital, Pierre Daillie chats with Jason Buck, Chief Investment Officer at Mutiny Fund, to discuss defensive and offensive strategies in portfolio management - with equity valuations of the "Magnificent 7" it's now particularly essential for advisors and investors alike to consider defense ahead of any potential reversals. Buck points out that from a business perspective, advisors are leveraged to the equity market by 3-4x, when their business AUM is exposed to drawdown risks. Jason shares his journey from a real estate developer affected by the 2008 financial crisis to a consultant on risk management and bespoke long volatility strategies. He highlights the 'cockroach investment strategy' and the necessity of combining offensive assets like stocks and bonds with defensive assets like long volatility and commodity trend advisors. The importance of rebalancing, the concept of convexity, and the practical application of strategies like the Harry Brown portfolio model are discussed in detail. Using the memorable Herschel Walker analogy, Jason underscores the importance of a well-diversified portfolio. This episode is essential for investors and advisors looking to understand the implementation and benefits of a balanced approach to portfolio construction.Timestamped Highlights00:00 Introduction - Guest - Jason Buck, Mutiny Fund00:14 Jason Buck's Background and Investment Philosophy00:49 The Cockroach Investment Strategy01:20 Podcast Disclaimer and Welcome Back01:49 Discussing the Cockroach Strategy03:08 Importance of Diversification and Defense Strategy04:44 Launching the Defense Strategy06:47 The Great Financial Crisis and Its Lessons07:40 Combining Offensive and Defensive Assets08:53 Harry Brown's Four Quadrant Model09:33 Modern Portfolio Techniques and Convexity12:33 Commodity Trend Advisors (CTAs) Explained14:12 The Role of CTAs in Inflationary Environments15:01 Ensemble of CTAs for Robust Returns24:04 Challenges in Explaining Trend Following30:43 Understanding the Buy Button Mentality31:05 The Case for Commodity Trend Following31:38 Challenges in Portfolio Allocation32:42 Financial Advisors and Client Resistance34:37 The Importance of Defensive Assets36:37 Cash and Capital Efficiency39:19 Long Volatility and Tail Risk Explained41:02 Convexity and Portfolio Insurance48:51 Rebalancing for Effective Compounding55:45 The Herschel Walker Trade Analogy58:57 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsCopyright © AdvisorAnalyst

Jul 23, 2024 • 60min
FactSet's Elisabeth Kashner – The Scoop: Deep ETF Trends Insights
In this conversation, Pierre Daillie interviews Elisabeth Kashner, Director of Global Funds Research, FactSet, about the trends and challenges in the ETF market. They discuss the slow pace of ETF flows in 2024, the impact of the Fed's rate cuts, and the attractiveness of cash investments. They also explore the rise of actively managed equity ETFs and the competition among asset managers to offer low-cost products. The conversation highlights the importance of providing exceptional value and solving the profitability challenge in the ETF industry. The asset management industry is experiencing a shift towards lower fees and increased efficiency, driven by the rise of ETFs. While some ETF issuers have raised their management expense ratios (MERs), it is often due to operational concerns rather than a desire to make more money. The industry is becoming more commoditized, allowing investors to focus on making the right asset allocation decisions. The ETF industry continues to grow, with inflows increasing every year. However, with over 3,500 ETFs available, investors need to do their homework and understand the products they are investing in.Takeaways• ETF flows in 2024 have been slow compared to previous years, with investors gravitating towards cash investments due to their attractive yields.• The rise of actively managed equity ETFs has led to increased competition among asset managers, with a few firms attracting the majority of flows.• Asset managers face the challenge of offering exceptional value and solving the profitability issue in a highly competitive market.• The barriers to entry in the ETF industry are low, but the barriers to success are high, requiring efficiency, scale, and effective capital markets management.• The asset management industry is shifting towards lower fees and increased efficiency• ETF issuers have raised MERs due to operational concerns, not to make more money• Investors have a wide range of ETF options, but need to do their homework and understand the products• The industry is becoming more commoditized, allowing investors to focus on asset allocation decisions• Investors should seek the advice of a knowledgeable advisor to navigate the marketCopyright © AdvisorAnalyst