The Julia La Roche Show

Dr. Judy Shelton, a senior fellow at the Independent Institute and author of "Good as Gold," discusses the urgent need for U.S. monetary reform. She critiques the Federal Reserve's practices, including paying banks not to lend and the troubling implications of a 2% inflation target that undermines savings. Shelton advocates for auditing the Fed and restoring accountability. She also explores the historical context of the gold standard and proposes gold-linked bonds as a pathway to sound money, emphasizing its importance for economic liberty.

Bob Elliott, cofounder and CEO of Unlimited, shares insights on the economic landscape and investment outlook. He warns of a potential growth disappointment in 2025, driven by shifting Fed policies and rising tariffs. Elliott highlights the contrast between high growth expectations in the stock market and the low confidence levels among professional investors. The conversation also covers the implications of partisan perspectives on market sentiment and the growing demand for gold as a safe haven amid economic uncertainty.

Danielle DiMartino Booth, CEO of QI Research and author of "Fed Up," dives into pressing economic issues. She discusses signs of disinflation, including falling rents and rising job cuts, suggesting more Fed rate cuts might be on the horizon. DiMartino Booth raises alarms about student loan delinquencies impacting credit, and the shifting dynamics in the housing market favoring buyers. The conversation also touches on the emergence of a 'white collar recession' and the urgent need for affordable housing to support changing demographics.

Bill Fleckenstein, founder and president of Fleckenstein Capital, shares his market insights with a focus on 2025. He discusses the 'elephant in the room'—the impact of passive investing—and addresses the unexpected strength of gold amid economic uncertainty. Fleckenstein warns about government waste and explores the complexities of U.S. debt, urging caution for young investors. He further critiques the illusion of gold revaluation as a solution to national debt, highlighting the need for informed investment strategies in today's climate.

Michael Pento, President and founder of Pento Portfolio Strategies, warns of a looming financial disaster. He critiques the Fed's inflation tactics, stating it’s been above 2% for years. Pento identifies a trio of asset bubbles in stocks, real estate, and credit that could lead to a shocking 50% market correction. Drawing from over three decades of experience, he emphasizes the importance of monitoring liquidity and discusses the impact of political shifts and the burgeoning national debt.

Ed Dowd, Founding Partner of Phinance Technologies and author of "Cause Unknown," analyzes the U.S. economy and forecasts a recession in 2025 as an opportunity for necessary restructuring. He argues that current economic stability is unsustainable and contemplates how shifting immigration patterns might impact growth. Dowd also discusses the misinterpretation of inflation, the risks of passive investing as markets change, and how recessions can present generational wealth transfer opportunities for savvy investors.

Chris Whalen, chairman of Whalen Global Advisors and author of The Institutional Risk Analyst blog, discusses critical economic issues. He critiques President Trump's return to 19th-century tariffs and predicts limited impact on the economy. Whalen warns that the Fed is 'playing chicken' with liquidity amid soaring deficits. He anticipates a housing market reset by 2027-28 and highlights the Treasury's funding challenges. The conversation dives into risks beneath buoyant markets and the limitations of mixed economic data for investors.

Danielle DiMartino Booth, CEO and Chief Strategist of QI Research, is a prominent expert on monetary policy and author of "Fed Up." In this engaging discussion, she analyzes recent signals pointing to labor market weaknesses that may not be reflected in official data. She warns about deteriorating job security while spotlighting the Fed's shift towards market-focused inflation metrics, hinting at possible rate cuts. DiMartino Booth also explores the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the economy and the rising importance of creative skills in future job markets.

David Woo, CEO of David Woo Unbound and a seasoned macro trends blogger, shares his insights on significant economic and political shifts. He examines China’s DeepSeek AI breakthrough and its impact on U.S. tech monopolies, emphasizing a 3% drop in the NASDAQ. Woo also discusses the challenges Trump may face in his second term, particularly regarding fiscal policy and alliances, highlighting the Freedom Caucus's influence. Additionally, he touches on the complexities of U.S.-China relations, Mexico’s role in trade and border security, and strategic investment opportunities.

Steve Hanke, a Professor of Applied Economics at Johns Hopkins University, shares his insights on the U.S. economy and financial markets. He warns that 2025 may be a year of risky investing due to overvalued markets, indicated by his bubble detector. Hanke discusses the impact of past monetary policies on inflation and asset prices, as well as the dangers of rising government debt. He advocates for a reduced government role in the economy and shares thoughts from his latest research and books, focusing on financial simplification.