Barron's Streetwise

Peter Jackson, CEO of Builders FirstSource, shares insights on the evolving construction industry and the influences of Tesla and cryptocurrency. He discusses the forecasts for homebuilding, touching on sustainability and safety advancements. Jackson presents a playful yet serious take on Tesla's stock dynamics and dives into the speculative world of Bitcoin, pondering its future. The conversation also highlights the rise of modular construction and the importance of innovation in addressing affordability challenges in housing.

Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm and a leader in mobile technology, dives into the future of the semiconductor industry. He discusses Qualcomm's strategy to enhance AI integration and how it plans to shift its revenue streams beyond smartphones. The conversation covers the competitive dynamics with major players like Apple and Samsung. Amon highlights Qualcomm's expansion into automotive and IoT markets, emphasizing the transformative potential of edge computing in AI. Lastly, he sheds light on the company's innovative direction and its implications for stock performance.

Dive into a lively discussion where listeners' questions spark humor and insight! Explore the ironic rise of meme stocks like GameStop amidst gaming industry declines. Learn about the risks associated with covered call ETFs for those with modest funds. Get tips on restructuring investment portfolios in a high-valuation market and discover the future of the U.S. dollar. Plus, a comparison of index versus active bond funds and a peek into pre-market trading trends rounds off this engaging financial journey.

Keith Lerner, Chief Market Strategist at Truist, dives into how Trump's election victory has stirred market dynamics and influenced investment choices. He discusses the surprising merits of 'Trump trades' and highlights major market reactions, particularly related to energy stocks. The conversation shifts to Peloton and Roblox, analyzing their recent stock performance amidst challenges and upgrades. Lerner gives insights on the contrasting trajectories of large-cap versus small-cap stocks, painting a vivid picture of the current investment landscape.

Amy Zhang, a portfolio manager at Alger specializing in small and mid-cap stocks, joins for an insightful discussion on unexpected investment successes. She highlights impressive growth from Builders First Source and Fair Isaac Corporation, comparing these to traditional sectors. The conversation also dives into the evolving landscape of credit scoring, showcasing innovations in AI. Zhang emphasizes the benefits of mid-cap stocks and shares her top picks, revealing exciting opportunities for savvy investors.

Peter Bates, Portfolio Manager at T. Rowe Price, shares his insights on stock market trends and investment strategies. He discusses the innovative model of Spirit Halloween, which revitalizes vacant spaces, and its implications for real estate. Bates highlights current stock valuations, contrasting tech giants with undervalued stocks poised for growth. The conversation also delves into the auto industry's shift to electric vehicles and the challenges faced by legacy manufacturers. Listeners gain understanding of how to identify promising investment opportunities in this dynamic landscape.

The hosts kick things off with a light-hearted recap of a bachelor party adventure at Topgolf, complete with espresso martini mishaps. They then dive into strategies for tidying up investments, advocating for minimalist approaches and the benefits of ETFs. The conversation shifts to the intriguing rise of small modular nuclear reactors, highlighting their potential in meeting energy demands. Lastly, they discuss the quirks of quarterly earnings reports and the unique hurdles faced by accredited investors, all while sprinkling in some humor and personal anecdotes.

Joe Quinlan, Head of CIO Market Strategy for Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank, shares his insights on the current economic landscape. He delves into the decline in snack sales linked to changing consumer habits and the rising influence of obesity medications. Quinlan also analyzes market shifts, recommending Uts as a potential investment amidst declining snack stocks. He emphasizes the need for diversification in investment strategies while staying optimistic about future opportunities, despite political polarization and economic uncertainties.

Marlena Lee, Global Head of Investment Solutions at Dimensional Fund Advisors, shares her insights on the investment landscape. She breaks down CVS's struggles amidst activist investor pressure and competitive dynamics. The conversation dives deep into the benefits of small-cap stocks for diversification and how traditional indexing compares to active management strategies. Marlena also emphasizes the importance of understanding investment costs beyond just expense ratios, highlighting real-world examples to illustrate her points.

Steven Quattry, a fund manager at Morgan Stanley specializing in frontier markets, discusses the untapped potential of regions like Indonesia and the Philippines. He addresses misconceptions about these markets and underscores the importance of informed investment strategies. Quattry also highlights the vibrant relationship between larger retail players and local wet markets, drawing parallels to American farmers' markets. With a focus on telecom and healthcare growth in Africa, he emphasizes active portfolio management and the demographic advantages of emerging economies.