As mentioned many times on this program, stocks entered the year trading at or near record-high valuation extremes.When stocks are at such overbought extremes, short-sellers smell opportunity. They've certainly had a lot of it over the past two weeks.Today we have the good fortune of speaking with one of the best known short-sellers in the business, Carson Block, founder of Muddy Waters Research.He's come to the conclusion that the market, especially in the US, are "broken"To find out why, watch this video.WORRIED ABOUT THE MARKET? SCHEDULE YOUR FREE PORTFOLIO REVIEW with Thoughtful Money's endorsed financial advisors at https://www.thoughtfulmoney.com

Andy Schectman, CEO of Miles Franklin and expert in precious metals, shares insights into the dramatic rise in gold prices, outpacing traditional investments. He notes a significant shift towards physical gold and silver, driven by declining trust in fiat currencies. The conversation touches on the implications of gold's new status as a tier one reserve asset and the importance of secure storage for these investments. Andy emphasizes personal relationships and trustworthy service as keys to success in the evolving precious metals market.

Judy Shelton, an economist and senior fellow at the Independent Institute, dives deep into America's fiscal challenges and the urgent need for reform. She shares insights from her time as an economic advisor to Trump, critiques current monetary policies, and discusses the alarming trajectory of government spending. Shelton highlights how Federal Reserve policies perpetuate wealth inequality and explores the potential benefits of a return to a gold standard. The conversation offers a provocative look at how history can inform sustainable economic practices.

Lance Roberts, a seasoned portfolio manager, shares insights on the recent stock market turmoil and the potential for a significant recovery. He discusses the oversold market and the emotions that drive investor behavior during downturns. Lance also addresses the looming recession risks and the effects of economic policies, including those related to labor and housing. With a keen eye on market dynamics, he examines strategic investment approaches necessary for navigating current volatility and achieving long-term growth.

Kevin Muir, a market veteran and founder of The Macro Tourist, shares his insights on the looming underperformance of U.S. stocks due to shifting capital dynamics. He argues that U.S. assets are overvalued, predicting that capital will flow out of the U.S. in the coming years. The conversation delves into the impact of fiscal deficits, trade policies, and rising nationalism on market sentiment and potential investment opportunities abroad. Muir also highlights the risks of market concentration and the importance of diversifying investments amidst economic uncertainty.

Michael Pento, President of Pento Portfolio Strategies, shares his insights as a savvy money manager using a unique 20-point model. He predicts significant declines in both stock and home prices, attributing this to liquidity concerns and economic uncertainties. Pento discusses the implications of tariffs on growth, the risks of transitioning to stagflation, and the importance of active investment management. He emphasizes gold and cash as safer assets in turbulent markets, while urging caution, especially for those nearing retirement.

Stephanie Pomboy, a macroeconomic expert, shares her sharp insights on the alarming signs of stagflation and persistent inflation in today’s economy. She highlights concerning GDP revisions and the drop in consumer spending, especially in the pet industry. Pomboy discusses the disconnect between a thriving stock market and poor consumer sentiment, cautioning against potential financial market corrections. With geopolitical dynamics shifting, she also explores gold's resurgence as a safe investment and the complexities of trading in these volatile times.

In this engaging discussion, Jeffrey Sachs, a renowned Columbia University economist and expert in sustainable development, delves into pressing financial issues. He argues that current deficit spending demands urgent tax increases to secure future prosperity. Sachs analyzes the global economy's vulnerabilities, highlighting the impact of AI on jobs and the necessity for innovative fiscal policies. He also contrasts America's potential against global competitors, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and strategic planning in achieving long-term societal benefits.

Lance Roberts, a seasoned portfolio manager, shares his insights on the roller-coaster week for the markets, from stock sell-offs to end-of-week rallies. He discusses the chilling investor sentiment fueled by recession worries and falling consumer confidence. The conversation dives into bond market trends, the impact of speculative trading, and potential investment strategies amid uncertainty. Additionally, Lance sheds light on navigating market volatility and the interplay between asset classes, offering valuable advice for cautious investing.

In this engaging conversation, Tavi Costa, a macro and commodities expert at Crescat Capital, warns about the impending decline of the US dollar and its far-reaching effects on global markets. He discusses how a weakening dollar could negatively impact US stocks while presenting unique investment opportunities in undervalued assets, particularly in commodities and emerging markets. Tavi also emphasizes the strategic positioning of gold and silver mining against a backdrop of high stock valuations and market volatility, urging investors to navigate these changes with caution.