The Julia La Roche Show

Join Danielle DiMartino Booth, CEO at QI Research, and George Goncalves, U.S. Macro Strategy Head at MUFG, as they dissect the Federal Reserve's refusal to adjust interest rates amid economic struggles. They reveal that real unemployment levels are significantly higher than reported and discuss the rising number of Americans juggling multiple jobs. Danielle predicts the U.S. is already in a recession, while George addresses the disparities in economic experiences across different demographics. Their insights shed light on the troubling state of corporate bankruptcies and consumer consumption trends.

Rick Rule, President and CEO of Rule Investment Media, shares dire predictions for the U.S. economy. He warns that the dollar could lose 75% of its purchasing power in the next decade, likening it to the 1970s crisis. Rule suggests that inflation is the only way to address unsustainable government debt. He discusses why gold could soar to $10,000 and emphasizes the importance of responsible financial planning. Also, he critiques the Trump presidency and presents uranium as a promising investment while urging listeners to prepare for the upcoming economic changes.

In this conversation, Steve Hanke, a renowned economist from Johns Hopkins, discusses the looming 80% chance of recession and critiques the Federal Reserve's focus on interest rates over money supply. He proposes a shift to prioritizing commercial banks and advocates for monetary policy 'neutrality' to reduce wealth inequality. Hanke also dismisses Trump's fiscal strategies as irresponsible and calls for a constitutional convention to implement a Swiss-style debt brake. His insights aim to redraw the rules of our financial system for better economic stability.

Chris Whalen, chairman of Whalen Global Advisors and author of 'Inflated', shares his insights on the current economic landscape. He forecasts no rate cuts from the Fed this year and warns of a brewing silent subprime crisis in multifamily real estate. Whalen discusses the looming threat of stagflation, where persistent inflation erodes purchasing power. He advocates for gold as a safeguard against currency debasement, even as the odds of a recession dip to 27%, highlighting the complexities of the economy in transition.

Lawrence Lepard, author of "The Big Print" and advocate for sound money, shares insights on the impending crisis of fiat currency and the necessity of adopting alternatives like gold and Bitcoin. He critiques the Federal Reserve's role in wealth inequality and discusses the consequences of mounting debt and inflation. Lepard emphasizes the importance of sound money as a solution to financial instability, highlights the risks posed by current monetary policies, and paints an optimistic picture for the future with a return to tangible assets.

George Noble, CIO of Noble Capital Advisors with over 44 years in investing, discusses the end of US economic dominance and the need for a shift in investment strategy. He predicts a rotation from dollar assets to gold and foreign markets, emphasizing the instability of US equities. Noble critiques rising bond yields and the fiscal mess, advocating for scarce assets as protection. With forecasts of a recession looming, he warns investors to consider markets outside the US and continue investing in gold rather than relying on traditional paper money.

Mel Mattison, a fintech executive with 25+ years in finance, argues we are entering a period of fiscal dominance where large deficits could inflate asset bubbles instead of crashing the economy. He predicts the S&P will soar to 7,000 by year-end and foresees Bitcoin reaching $150K and gold hitting $3,500. Mattison explains why fears regarding interest rates are misplaced, highlighting that most government debt is tied to short-term bills. With insights on investment strategies and macroeconomic trends, he suggests we're on the brink of a historic market shift.

David Woo, CEO of David Woo Unbound and a former top strategist at Bank of America, dives into the complexities of the current trade war between the U.S. and China. He discusses tariffs, potential outcomes for major tech companies, and the need for cautious investment strategies. Woo also critiques geopolitical tensions, particularly the impacts of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the market. His insights include how to navigate uncertainties in global trade relations and the effectiveness of sanctions in today's landscape.

Tommy Thornton, founder of Hedge Fund Telemetry and former senior trader at a major hedge fund, dives deep into the volatile market landscape of 2025. He discusses the rising risks in the bond market, particularly the impact of increasing treasury yields. Thornton weighs in on the role of tariffs and the Federal Reserve's strategies amid fears of recession and stagflation. He also offers insights on gold investments and critiques traditional trading strategies in today's fluctuating environment.

Chris Whalen, chairman of Whalen Global Advisors and author of 'Inflated: Money, Debt and the American Dream,' shares his contrarian views on the economy. He dismisses recession fears while spotlighting a silent downturn in commercial real estate. Whalen critiques the Treasury-Fed relationship as crucial to America's economy and warns of a potential commercial real estate collapse. He also examines the impact of inflation on housing affordability, emphasizing the challenges faced by average citizens versus asset holders.