WEALTHTRACK

Niall Ferguson, a renowned historian and senior fellow at Stanford and Harvard, dives into the ramifications of tariff uncertainty on the economy. He connects Trump's tariff policies with COVID-19's disruptions, emphasizing their influence on global supply chains and consumer prices. Ferguson also discusses the intense U.S.-China trade war and its contrasting impacts on both nations, while raising alarms about the uncertainty unsettling businesses. Finally, he shares investment insights during these turbulent times and the potential benefits for European stocks from increased defense spending.

Investment legend Jeremy Grantham, co-founder of GMO, shares his insights on the current state of the US stock market, calling it one of the most overvalued times in history. He warns about the risks of speculative investing and the emotional challenges faced by investors. Grantham advocates for seeking investment opportunities overseas and emphasizes choosing high-quality companies with low debt. With the rise of AI and post-COVID market dynamics, he also discusses the need for resilient and diversified long-term portfolios to navigate economic uncertainties.

As a portfolio manager, Susan Byrne was called one of the world’s greatest investors when she was running the Westwood Funds. Still active, she shares her views on current market conditions and advice for investors.WEALTHTRACK episode 2145, Broadcast on May 9, 2025

John Lipsky, a senior fellow at Johns Hopkins University and former IMF deputy managing director, dives into the upheaval caused by new U.S. tariff policies. He unpacks how these changes are reshaping global trade and financial systems, raising concerns about rising protectionism. Lipsky emphasizes the shift towards a service-driven economy, detailing impacts on GDP and trade dynamics. He also touches on the evolving investment landscape and the need for cooperation among nations amidst growing uncertainties in the financial markets.

Global Shocks author Nicholas Sargen says Trump’s tariff policies are of historic proportions with lasting consequences for the global economy and financial markets. WEALTHTRACK 2143 broadcast on April 25, 2025

Award-winning bond manager Mary Ellen Stanek is finding unusual opportunities in the recent bond market turmoil. She shares what they are and her advice to investors on handling unsettling markets. WEALTHTRACK episode 2142 broadcast on April 18, 2025

Robert Kessler, a retired treasury bond manager and CEO of Kessler Investment Advisors, shares his bold stance on investing without stocks. He critiques the 'stocks for the long run' belief, revealing why he's fully divested from equities. Kessler highlights current market volatility and the risks of high stock valuations, urging listeners to consider safer assets like short-term treasuries. He also addresses tax implications that steer investors away from profit-driven decisions, advocating for a diversified and cautious approach to navigating financial uncertainties.

Ed Yardeni, an influential economist and head of Yardeni Research, shares insights on the surprising resilience of the US economy amidst global challenges. He explores the hurdles to China's economic dominance, such as systemic issues and demographic shifts. Yardeni discusses the evolution of modern investing, highlighting the rise of passive investments and the growing role of technology. He emphasizes the importance of market confidence and shares actionable advice for retirement planning, showcasing solutions to enhance digital security.

In this engaging conversation, economist Ed Yardeni, President and Chief Investment Strategist at Yardeni Research, shifts from being bullish to cautious due to Trump's tariffs disrupting financial markets. He discusses the historical parallels to the 1920s, evaluates consumer resilience and the stock market's 'fake economy' status, and shares insights on the S&P 500 and gold investments spurred by geopolitical tensions. Yardeni emphasizes the importance of independent investment strategies amidst market volatility, drawing on famous investor psychology.

David Rosenberg, president and chief economist at Rosenberg Research, shares his contrarian views on inflation and interest rates. He predicts that inflation will decrease, prompting the Fed to cut rates more than anticipated. The discussion debunks common myths about inflation and highlights the impact of AI on productivity. Rosenberg also emphasizes the importance of a diversified investment strategy, especially in the current market, recommending long-term portfolios and Canadian stocks for stability.