Steve Diggle, from Vulpes Investment Management in Singapore, returns to volatility trading after a 14-year break. He discusses the current favorable conditions for downside hedging amidst high market valuations and fewer central bank interventions. Diggle highlights challenges in the biotech sector post-COVID, revealing a unique investment opportunity in undervalued companies, albeit with significant risks. He also explores the political environment under Trump, emphasizing its effects on market uncertainty and investment strategies.

In a fascinating discussion, I sit down with Adam Rozencwajg of Goehring and Rozencwajg to delve into the intricate world of commodity markets and their far-reaching implications for the global economy. The conversation uncovers a hidden dynamic in the financial landscape, where the suppression of commodity markets is fueling a widespread carry trade that has investors heavily leveraged in growth and speculative stocks. As Adam explains, this delicate balance could be on the verge of a dramatic shift, potentially leading to a significant revaluation of real assets. We also explore the future of energy, with a particular focus on the transformative potential of nuclear power. Adam highlights the promise of small modular reactor technology as a game-changer in the pursuit of clean, safe, and efficient energy sources and addresses the limitations of the U.S. shale boom and its implications for domestic oil and gas production. Finally, the conversation concludes with an exploration of gold’s resurgence as a monetary asset, hinting at possible changes in the global financial system that could reshape the economic landscape for years to come. Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com.  Copper Tier subscribers get access to all podcasts, while members of the Silver Tier get both the podcasts and my monthly newsletter, Things That Make You Go Hmmm… Gold Tier subscribers have access to my new series of in-depth video conversations, About Time.

Andrew McDermott, a partner at Mission Value Partners, dives deep into Japan's economic evolution. He explores how Japan has transformed from stagnation to a land of opportunity, adapting to demographic and monetary challenges. McDermott highlights the quiet yet significant changes in corporate governance that attract global investors, including Warren Buffett. He emphasizes the efficient practices emerging in Japanese firms, showcasing Japan as a model of reinvention in today's dynamic economic landscape.

Demetri Kofinas, host of Hidden Forces, engages in a candid exploration of contemporary societal dilemmas. They delve into 'financial nihilism,' where speculative assets lose value amid institutional distrust. The discussion critiques the erosion of moral values and accountability, linking these to rising populism and the implications of the current financial culture. Kofinas emphasizes the generational divide in financial perspectives, and they reflect on the potential for systemic reform amidst a perceived moral vacuum.

In another captivating episode of The End Game Fleck and I are joined by returning special guest Dan Oliver for a deep dive into the current state of global financial markets as we explore the potential consequences of shifting liquidity dynamics and their impact on the financial landscape. Dan brings a wealth of knowledge to the table as he dissects the various sources of liquidity that are currently undergoing significant changes. From interest rate policies to the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet reduction and the Treasury’s management of its account, Dan paints a comprehensive picture of the challenges facing the financial system. Picking apart the intricate web of political dynamics between key financial institutions, Dan offers insights into the potential conflicts and hurdles that lie ahead and, as the discussion unfolds, we examine the broader implications of the bubble-like conditions in financial markets, drawing parallels to historical financial frenzies and their inevitable conclusions. Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com.  Copper Tier subscribers get access to all podcasts, while members of the Silver Tier get both the podcasts and my monthly newsletter, Things That Make You Go Hmmm… Gold Tier subscribers have access to my new series of in-depth video conversations, About Time.

In the latest episode of The Grant Williams Podcast, volatility manager and Ambrus Group co-CIO  Kris Sidial, returns for a thought-provoking conversation which delves into the intricacies of financial market volatility. The discussion covers a wide range of themes, beginning with an analysis of recent shifts in volatility markets that have surprised many observers before exploring the impact of institutional investor behavior on equity market dynamics, as Kris sheds light on how large-scale positioning can lead to extreme market moves. Also under the microscope are the psychological aspects of volatility trading, as Kris offers valuable insights into the mindset required for success in what is an immensely challenging field. Throughout the conversation, Kris shares his expertise on the factors driving market instability and offers a forward-looking perspective on potential sources of future volatility, including the growing importance of bond and currency markets, providing a rare insider’s view of the complex world of volatility trading and its far-reaching implications for broader market stability. Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com.  Copper Tier subscribers get access to all podcasts, while members of the Silver Tier get both the podcasts and my monthly newsletter, Things That Make You Go Hmmm… Gold Tier subscribers have access to my new series of in-depth video conversations, About Time.

In the latest episode of The Grant Williams Podcast, Simon Mikhailovich returns to explore the increasingly intertwined worlds of geopolitics, economics, and financial markets. As we enter a period of heightened global uncertainty, Simon offers valuable insights into the shifting landscape of possibilities and probabilities for major geopolitical events. The discussion delves into the “geopoliticization” of various aspects of our lives, examining how national security concerns are now taking precedence over financial and economic stability for governments worldwide. Simon also highlights the potential for severe disruptions and their cascading effects, using examples like the California wildfires to illustrate the far-reaching impacts on US finances and foreign policy. Throughout a thought-provoking conversation, the complex, interconnected nature of global events in our current environment and the importance of personal preparedness in the face of growing risks are reinforced in multiple ways. Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com.  Copper Tier subscribers get access to all podcasts, while members of the Silver Tier get both the podcasts and my monthly newsletter, Things That Make You Go Hmmm… Gold Tier subscribers have access to my new series of in-depth video conversations, About Time.

In another thought-provoking conversation, my returning guest, renowned investor Felix Zulauf, offers a comprehensive outlook for the next 12-24 months, predicting a “roller coaster year” filled with market volatility and geopolitical tensions. Felix paints a sobering picture of the global economic landscape, highlighting China’s deflationary balance sheet recession, Europe’s political stagnation, and the United States’ deceptively strong economy masking an impending slowdown. He warns of potential market corrections, a shift from growth to value stocks, and the challenges facing inexperienced traders in these turbulent times. Additionally, we discuss the broader geopolitical context, including U.S.-China tensions and evolving political dynamics in Europe, all of which contribute to an environment of heightened uncertainty and risk. Just Felix being Felix… but, as always, Felix being Felix is supremely interesting stuff! Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com.  Copper Tier subscribers get access to all podcasts, while members of the Silver Tier get both the podcasts and my monthly newsletter, Things That Make You Go Hmmm… Gold Tier subscribers have access to my new series of in-depth video conversations, About Time.

David Murrin, a Global Forecaster with deep insights into geopolitical dynamics, discusses the decline of the West and the rise of China as a dominant global power. He explores lateral versus linear thinking in decision-making and how these concepts influence leadership and societal evolution. Murrin warns of potential global conflicts and emphasizes the urgent need for awareness of historical cycles. The conversation also touches on media biases and the implications of democratic governance versus autocracy, urging listeners to engage with complex topics.

Jeff Sarti of Morton Wealth in Calabasas, CA joins me for a discussion around the ever-evolving dynamic between investor and manager the difficulties inherent in navigating changing economic circumstances through a more unconventional, more resilient approach to investing. Jeff explains how he and his colleagues try to think differently about investment strategies and portfolio diversification, particularly in the current economic environment. Jeff’s focus on building resilient portfolios that can withstand market volatility, rather than just chasing returns can be a difficult proposition in a world where quarterly returns against a benchmark have become many investors’ most important yardstick. We discuss the the importance of educating investors on long-term thinking and owning their portfolios, not just renting them and follow the breadcrumbs to how the impact of central bank policies and the growing debt burdens facing many countries, influence investment strategies focused on hard assets and hedges against inflation. Every episode of the Grant Williams podcast, including This Week In Doom, The End Game, The Super Terrific Happy Hour, The Narrative Game, Kaos Theory and Shifts Happen, is available to Copper, Silver and Gold Tier subscribers at my website www.Grant-Williams.com.  Copper Tier subscribers get access to all podcasts, while members of the Silver Tier get both the podcasts and my monthly newsletter, Things That Make You Go Hmmm… Gold Tier subscribers have access to my new series of in-depth video conversations, About Time.