The Julia La Roche Show

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.

Dr. Edward Altman, a finance expert and creator of the Z-Score bankruptcy model, dives deep into the rising tide of corporate bankruptcies, which has hit levels unseen since the 2008 crisis. He highlights why we're shifting from a benign to a stressed credit phase, touching on the stark differences in defaults between bank loans and high-yield bonds. Altman also discusses distress exchanges as a lifeline for companies and emphasizes the critical role of credit cycles as predictors of economic downturns, urging caution for investors.

Danielle DiMartino Booth, CEO and Chief Strategist for QI Research, shares her insights as a former Federal Reserve insider. She highlights alarming economic indicators, such as rising long-term unemployment and record credit card payments, suggesting an urgent need for rate cuts. The discussion also touches on the challenges in the job market, including declining pay for gig jobs like Uber. Despite these concerns, she finds hope in the determination of the younger generation to shape a better future amidst economic uncertainty.

Grant Williams, author of “Things That Make You Go Hmmm…” and host of his own podcast, dives into a seismic 100-year pivot reshaping our global landscape. He discusses the upcoming tariff impacts on corporate earnings and the necessity for investors to focus on capital preservation rather than chasing wealth. Williams highlights gold's resurgence as central banks lose faith in the US dollar and emphasizes adapting to profound socio-economic shifts. His insights prompt a crucial reevaluation of trust in institutions and investment strategies for a new era.

Dr. Lacy Hunt, Chief Economist at Hoisington Investment Management, shares his decades of economic wisdom, discussing five forces leading to an economic "interregnum". He argues that tariffs will be deflationary, critiques the Federal Reserve's restrictive policies, and highlights how federal spending cuts and massive debt hinder recovery. With insights dating back to the 1920s, Hunt warns of a difficult recession ahead in 2025, emphasizing the need to address declining demographics and the importance of legal immigration for future stability.