Join Patrick Lowndes, a tech entrepreneur and founder of Pragma Advisors, along with Andrew Winker, a Bain consultant passionate about redemptive business, and Tamanno Hodjihanova, a frontier market advocate from Uzbekistan. They dive deep into the 2024 Pragma Investment Market Study, exploring the transformative potential of frontier markets. The discussion highlights the shift from traditional philanthropy to sustainable business development, the importance of local leadership, and impactful investing strategies that prioritize both faith and financial returns.

Keren Pybus, CEO of Ethical Apparel Africa, focuses on ethical jobs in West Africa, emphasizing that job creation fosters security and sustainability for families. Ronald Eshak, founder of Hacktivate, trains individuals in coding across Indonesia, showcasing innovative strategies to address joblessness. They discuss the shift from aid to trade in donor agencies, the essence of collaboration among competitors, and the power of faith-driven investing to transform lives and communities through job creation and upskilling.

Join us as we delve into the intricacies of today's economic landscape, from the Fed's recent rate cuts to the performance of the 'Magnificent Seven' stocks. John Coleman alongside Richard Cunningham offers valuable insights on private equity, venture capital, and real estate markets, while also addressing the potential impact of the upcoming U.S. election on the economy. Learn how to navigate these complex times with both financial acumen and spiritual wisdom.Takeaways: The Fed's recent rate cut is a significant shift after a long period of high rates.Historically, rate cuts can correlate with recession, but the current economic indicators are mixed.The S&P 500's performance is heavily influenced by a few large-cap stocks, known as the Magnificent Seven.Private markets are experiencing sluggishness due to fewer exits and challenges in fundraising.Real estate markets are facing unique challenges, particularly in the office and residential sectors.The upcoming election is expected to bring volatility, with differing impacts on the economy depending on the outcome.Government spending inefficiencies are a pressing issue that needs addressing.Wisdom and discernment are crucial in managing financial resources effectively.Power and money should be viewed as tools for good, not ends in themselves.Praying for wisdom in financial decisions is essential for stewardship.Chapters:00:00Introduction and Overview of Q3 202402:55The Federal Reserve's Rate Cuts and Economic Implications10:25Market Reactions and Predictions14:18Public vs. Private Markets: Trends and Challenges22:19Real Estate Market Dynamics27:23Election Year Insights and Economic Commentary43:05Wisdom and Stewardship in Financial Matters

In a heartfelt tribute to Richard Garnett, a faith-driven entrepreneur and actor who recently passed away after battling cancer, listeners are inspired by his reflections on living a life of purpose. Richard shares his journey from a struggling actor to a successful investor, emphasizing the importance of money management while maintaining values. He advocates for generosity as a transformative force, especially in adversity, and highlights how faith-driven giving can impact global missions, ultimately urging us to treasure what lasts.

In this discussion, Andrew Behrman, a Partner at Sovereign's Capital focusing on faith-driven investments, and Chris Kim, Founder of Argosy Strategic Partners specializing in secondary market private equity, delve into the intricacies of private equity and secondary markets. They explore the benefits of diversification amid rising interest rates and the growing importance of liquidity solutions. The duo also emphasizes faith-driven stewardship and the need for community engagement in navigating uncertain economic times.

Jason Illian, founder of Highmount Capital, discusses his recent investment in Dude Perfect, a family-friendly sports entertainment group. He shares insights on balancing family values with career ambitions, emphasizing authenticity in content creation. The conversation highlights Dude Perfect's community trust and potential for growth, while exploring the impact of faith-driven investing on culture. Illian also reflects on humility and identity, stressing that true value lies in faith rather than mere achievements.

In this episode of the Faith Driven Investor podcast, Richard Cunningham and John Coleman interview Brandon Pizzurro, Chief Investment Officer at Guidestone, to discuss the state of the US markets. They cover topics such as the performance of the S&P 500, the dominance of big tech companies, the potential for a small cap rotation, the impact of artificial intelligence on the market, and the possibility of rate cuts and inflation. The conversation also provides insights into the current trends and dynamics in the US markets and discusses the possibility of a soft landing for the economy, with declining rates and inflation reaching a more normalized level.Brandon Pizzurro leads the investment-related lines of business within GuideStone. In this capacity, he serves as President and Chief Investment Officer of GuideStone Capital Management, LLC, the investment adviser to GuideStone Funds, and President of GuideStone Investment Services, which provides investment advisory services to nonprofit institutions. He is also an Interested Director of the Board of Directors of GuideStone Funds. Mr. Pizzurro is a member of the executive leadership team for the parent company, GuideStone, and chairs both the organization’s Committee on Faith-Based Investing, which directs GuideStone’s faith-based research efforts, and the Investment Management, Allocation and Risk Committee, which approves all new investments for use on the GuideStone platform. He is also a voting member of GuideStone’s Institutional Portfolio Committee. 

Aimee Minnich and Jeff Johns are trailblazers in the Faith Driven Investor Movement with deep ties to the Impact Foundation. They discuss the power of donor-advised funds for aligning investments with faith-driven values. Aimee shares insights from her recent IRS testimony on regulatory changes impacting charitable giving. The duo highlights the transformative potential of impact investing and community-driven philanthropy, showcasing real-life success stories and innovative financial tools that create lasting change.

Henry Kaestner, an expert in African markets, joins investor Andrew Firman to shed light on Africa's investment potential. They discuss the unique opportunities and challenges across East and West Africa, emphasizing the continent's thriving entrepreneurial spirit and innovative solutions. The conversation highlights the importance of spiritual integration in business and the need for mentorship for local founders. Listeners are encouraged to consider faith-driven investments that not only yield returns but also foster economic development.

In this enlightening discussion, Sam Rhee, a former CEO and co-CIO at Morgan Stanley who founded the fintech platform Endowus, shares his incredible journey in fintech and faith. He reflects on how the biblical story of Abraham and Lot inspired him to prioritize a colleague's success over his own ambitions. The conversation navigates the balance between faith and career in finance, the emotional complexities of ambition and friendship, and the urgent need for addressing retirement savings issues in Asia, all while emphasizing sacrificial choices that lead to true victory.