Economics Explored cover image

Economics Explored

Latest episodes

undefined
Nov 22, 2024 • 42min

Elite Networks: The Hidden Driver of Inequality? w/ Vuk Vukovic - EP263

Dr Vuk Vukovic, economist and founder of Oraclum Capital, joins Gene Tunny to discuss elite networks, their economic impact, and the future of democracy. Delving into his research, Dr Vukovic examines how political connections affect income inequality and corporate success. He shares his innovative Bayesian approach to predicting financial and political trends, offering a glimpse into his hedge fund’s methods. The episode also tackles the dangers of centralized political power and explores solutions for empowering communities and fostering trust in democratic institutions. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for Gene, please email him at contact@economicsexplored.com.About this episode’s guest Dr Vuk VukovicIn brief: an academic and practitioner​Academic...Oxford PhD, LSE Masters, Harvard, Berkeley5-year university teaching experiencePublished in top journals, published a book (@Oxford University Press) => Elite NetworksExpert member of Parliament committeePractitioner...Running a hedge fund in NYC, Oraclum Capital (ORCA), based on our scientific innovation in network theory Before that, founded two companies: market research consultancy & boutique rating agencyMacro-based trader & investor for over 10 years (learning by doing: lots of mistakes, lots of helpful lessons).Timestamps0:00 - Gene introduces Vuk and his work on elite networks and Bayesian analysis3:54 - Vuk explains how they use social network analysis to identify "super forecasters"7:47 - Vuk discusses the performance of his hedge fund Oraclum Capital9:29 - Vuk goes into more detail on their social network survey approach12:54 - Gene and Vuk discuss Vuk’s thesis on how political connections contribute to inequality20:21 - Discussion of Lina Khan and potential risks of Trump-Musk connections25:02 - Vuk discusses how corruption and concentrated power can lead to poor economic outcomes33:30 - Vuk outlines recommendations for decentralizing political power and re-empowering citizens39:13 - Vuk's final thoughts on the role of elites and the need for system design to channel their influence positivelyTakeawaysElite Networks Drive Inequality: Dr Vukovic’s research shows that corporate executives with political connections earn significantly higher salaries, fueling income inequality.Bayesian Analysis Enhances Forecasting: Dr Vukovic argues his approach improves financial and political predictions by weighting opinions based on network diversity and historical accuracy.Centralization vs. Decentralization: Dr. Vukovic argues for reducing centralized political power to lower inequality and enhance democratic processes.Democracy’s Resilience: While acknowledging current challenges, Dr Vukovic remains optimistic about democracy’s ability to adapt through trial and error.Links relevant to the conversationInfo on Dr Vuk Vukovic:https://www.vukvukovic.org/Elite Networks book:https://www.amazon.com.au/Elite-Networks-Political-Economy-Inequality/dp/0197774237Oraclum Capital:https://oraclumcapital.com/Lumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED Full transcripts are available a few days after the episode is first published at www.economicsexplored.com.
undefined
Nov 15, 2024 • 1h

Is DeFi the Future of Finance? Exploring VirtuSwap’s Vision w/ Prof. Evgeny Lyandres - EP262

Explore the mechanics of decentralized finance (DeFi) with Professor Evgeny Lyandres, who breaks down how decentralized exchanges work and how VirtuSwap stands out in providing liquidity for small-cap crypto assets. With insights into the challenges and future of tokenization, this episode offers a clear view of where DeFi may be heading. Evgeny is Professor of Finance and Head of the Blockchain Research Institute at Tel Aviv University. Disclaimer: This podcast episode contains general information only and is not financial or investment advice. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for Gene, please email him at contact@economicsexplored.com.Timestamps for EP262Introduction to Decentralized Exchanges and Their Potential (0:00)The Evolution and Functionality of Decentralized Exchanges (6:38)Challenges and Solutions in Decentralized Finance (22:18)The Future of Crypto and Decentralized Finance (43:32)Optimizing Liquidity and the Role of AI in Decentralized Exchanges (55:15)TakeawaysTokenization of traditional assets, such as stocks or real estate, is a future possibility for DeFi that could expand its impact well beyond the current crypto market.Liquidity pools and smart contracts are essential to DeFi, providing a protocol-based framework where trades occur automatically based on programmed rules.VirtuSwap’s unique pool structure, including virtual liquidity reserves, is designed to address the liquidity challenges for less-traded assets in DeFi.With the aid of AI-driven systems like Minerva, DeFi platforms can optimize liquidity allocation, potentially offering higher returns for liquidity providers and more efficient trades for users.Links relevant to the conversationEvgeny’s academic web page:https://lyandres.sites.tau.ac.il/VirtuSwap website: https://virtuswap.io/Previous episodes on web3, DeFi, crypto or blockchain:The Future of VC: Blockchain, Web3, and Emerging Markets w/ Qin En Looi, Partner, Saison Capital – EP256https://economicsexplored.com/2024/10/01/the-future-of-vc-blockchain-web3-and-emerging-markets-w-qin-en-looi-partner-saison-capital-ep256/Navigating Volatile Crypto Markets & Avoiding Scams w/ Ben Simpson, Collective Shift – EP249  https://economicsexplored.com/2024/08/14/navigating-volatile-crypto-markets-avoiding-scams-w-ben-simpson-collective-shift-ep249/Digital Money Demystified w/ Prof. Tonya Evans – EP216https://economicsexplored.com/2023/11/30/digital-money-demystified-w-prof-tonya-evans-ep216/Crypto arbitrage searcher Dave Belvedere on crypto and dApps such as Wizards & Dragons – EP178https://economicsexplored.com/2023/03/08/crypto-arbitrage-searcher-dave-belvedere-on-crypto-and-dapps-such-as-wizards-dragons-ep178/Bitcoin & books w/ author & ex-fighter pilot Lars Emmerich – EP157https://economicsexplored.com/2022/09/18/bitcoin-books-w-author-ex-fighter-pilot-lars-emmerich-ep157/Lumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED Full transcripts are available a few days after the episode is first published at www.economicsexplored.com.
undefined
Nov 9, 2024 • 59min

Trump 2.0 w/ Top Wisconsin Door-Knocker & Economist Darren Brady Nelson - EP261

Economist and returning guest Darren Brady Nelson shares insights from his time as the top door-knocker for the Trump campaign in the battleground state of Wisconsin. He explains why Trump’s messages on inflation, immigration, and cultural issues resonated with voters. He breaks down Trump’s economic vision for the second term, including plans for Elon Musk to lead a government reorganisation. Show host Gene Tunny and Darren discuss the prospects for repairing the US budget and the possible economic implications of Trump’s fiscal and trade policies. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for Gene, please email him at contact@economicsexplored.com  or send a voice message via https://www.speakpipe.com/economicsexplored. Timestamps for EP261Introduction (0:00)Darren’s experience as Trump’s top doorknocker in Wisconsin (3:00)Why Trump won (11:40)Illegal immigration (15:05)Trump and monetary policy (27:30)Elon Musk and government efficiency (33:00)Trump and trade (48:15)Final Thoughts (57:00)Links relevant to the conversationBio for Darren Brady Nelson available here:https://economicsexplored.com/regular-guests/Statistics on illegal immigration in the US:https://cmsny.org/us-undocumented-population-increased-in-july-2023-warren-090624/https://lamborn.house.gov/issues/illegal-immigrationStanford University briefing on China’s Use of Unofficial Trade Barriers in the U.S.-China Trade War:https://sccei.fsi.stanford.edu/china-briefs/chinas-use-unofficial-trade-barriers-us-china-trade-warRelevant previous episodes:Is Uncle Sam Running a Ponzi Scheme with the National Debt? w/ Dr Dan Mitchell – EP235 - https://economicsexplored.com/2024/04/17/is-uncle-sam-running-a-ponzi-scheme-with-the-national-debt-w-dr-dan-mitchell-ep235/US infrastructure: lessons from Australia, with Darren Brady Nelson - https://dashboard.simplecast.com/accounts/a4c530a8-52a1-4290-95a3-19c00e80602c/shows/a3789cf6-a26b-464a-ab7f-551db331ee09/episodes/6134a946-eab5-4a0c-bbe3-dfae5a6bf200/Lumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED Full transcripts are available a few days after the episode is first published at www.economicsexplored.com.
undefined
Oct 29, 2024 • 58min

Japan’s Corporate Comeback: Inside the Resolute Japan Model, w/ Wharton Prof. Michael Useem - EP260

Wharton Professor Michael Useem joins host Gene Tunny to discuss his new book, Resolute Japan, which unveils Japan’s emerging shift in management practices fueling a corporate revival. Japanese companies are adopting ambidextrous management, empowering frontline employees, and embracing Western practices while retaining stakeholder-first traditions. He emphasizes the importance of top management in driving change and the potential for Japan to regain global economic prominence by learning from domestic and international best practices.If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for Gene, please email him at contact@economicsexplored.com  or send a voice message via https://www.speakpipe.com/economicsexplored. Timestamps for EP260Introduction and Overview of the Podcast (0:00)Japan's Economic Downturn and Resurgence (3:30)Methodology and Interview Process (5:44)Innovative Management Practices in Japan (11:29)Ambidextrous Management and Global Influence (21:51)Challenges and Opportunities for Japan (42:36)Economic Research on Management Impact (42:58)Final Thoughts and Recommendations (52:47)TakeawaysJapanese companies are adopting innovative management practices, such as empowering frontline employees and embracing the "gemba walk" to better understand operations.Japanese companies are retaining their commitment to stakeholders, including employees, the community, and the country, while also becoming more open to adopting Western-style management principles.The concept of "ambidextrous management" is emerging, where companies are exploring new industries while exiting declining ones, demonstrating a willingness to adapt to changing market conditions.There is an increasing openness among Japanese companies to learn from and adopt best practices from other countries, which is helping drive their resurgence.The impact of top management changes can significantly influence a company's performance, suggesting the importance of resolute leadership in driving change and improvement.Links relevant to the conversationProfessor Michael Useem’s profile:https://mgmt.wharton.upenn.edu/profile/useem/Resolute Japan book:https://www.amazon.com.au/Resolute-Japan-Leaders-Corporate-Resurgence/dp/1613631820OECD Economic Surveys - Japan 2024:https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/economics/oecd-economic-surveys-japan-2024_41e807f9-enLumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED Thanks to Obsidian Productions for mixing the episode and to the show’s sponsor, Gene’s consultancy business www.adepteconomics.com.au. Full transcripts are available a few days after the episode is first published at www.economicsexplored.com.
undefined
Oct 22, 2024 • 52min

The China Business Conundrum: One Bed, Two Dreams w/ Ken Wilcox, former CEO, SVB - EP259

Ken Wilcox, former CEO of Silicon Valley Bank, discusses his book "The China Business Conundrum" and the challenges of doing business in China. He explains the concept of "one bed, two dreams," highlighting the disparity in goals between western and Chinese joint venture partners. Wilcox details his bank's entry into China, emphasizing the strategic invitations and control exerted by the Chinese Communist Party. He recounts the extensive regulations and control mechanisms, including a three-year restriction on using Chinese currency. Despite the challenges, Wilcox values the experience, noting the complex interdependence between the U.S. and China.If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for Gene, please email him at contact@economicsexplored.com  or send a voice message via https://www.speakpipe.com/economicsexplored. About this episode’s guest: Ken WilcoxKen Wilcox was the CEO of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) from 2001 to 2011, then the CEO of SVB's joint venture with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (SPDB-SVB) in Shanghai until 2015, followed by four years as its Vice Chairman. He currently serves on the boards of the AsiaSociety of Northern California, the Asian Art Museum, and UC San Diego's 21st Century China Center, as well as Columbia Lake Partners, a European venture-debt fund. He is on the Board of Advisors of the Fudan University School of Management in Shanghai and an Adjunct Professor at U.C. Berkeley.Ken holds a PhD in German from Ohio State University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He has given numerous speeches in both English and Chinese, published a variety of articles in the banking press, and recently wrote the management book Leading Through Culture: How Real Leaders Create Cultures That Motivate People to Achieve Great Things (Waterside Productions, 2020) and its accompanying workbook, How About You? (Waterside Productions, 2023). His account of establishing an innovation bank in China, The China Business Conundrum: Ensure that Win-Win Doesn’t Mean Western Companies Lose Twice, is forthcoming from Wiley.To connect with Ken, please visit: www.linkedin.com/in/kenwilcoxsvb/Timestamps for EP259Introduction and Overview of the Podcast (0:00)Ken Wilcox's Journey into China (4:40)Challenges and Strategic Invitations in China (8:10)Guanxi and Corruption in Business Relationships (14:13)State Control and Joint Venture Challenges (20:42)Impact of SVB's Collapse and Final Reflections (40:02)TakeawaysJoint ventures in China often suffer from differing goals between Western companies and their Chinese partners, a phenomenon Ken Wilcox refers to as "One Bed, Two Dreams."The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) holds significant control over both private and state-owned companies, making it difficult for foreign businesses to operate independently.Guanxi, a system of mutual obligation and trust, plays a critical role in business relationships in China, but it often involves navigating corruption and complex social expectations.Foreign companies entering China are often targeted for their intellectual property, and the CCP uses strategic partnerships to gain technological insights.Ken Wilcox’s experience with Silicon Valley Bank in China illustrates the frustrations foreign firms face due to slow regulatory processes and overwhelming state control.Links relevant to the conversationKen’s book “The China Business Conundrum”:https://www.amazon.com.au/China-Business-Conundrum-Win-Win-Companies/dp/1394294166Previous Economics Explored episodes on China:China’s Economic Future Under Xi & the Australia-China Relationship w/ Emmanuel Daniel – EP253 https://economicsexplored.com/2024/09/17/chinas-economic-future-under-xi-the-australia-china-relationship-w-emmanuel-daniel-ep253/Enterprise China: what western businesses need to know w/ Prof. Allen Morrison  – EP171https://economicsexplored.com/2022/12/26/enterprise-china-what-western-businesses-need-to-know-w-prof-allen-morrison-ep171/Why we’re in the Decisive Decade with China & what the West should do w/ Dr Jonathan D. T. Ward – EP182https://economicsexplored.com/2023/04/09/why-were-in-the-decisive-decade-with-china-what-the-west-should-do-w-dr-jonathan-d-t-ward-ep182/China, Taiwan & the Indo-Pacific w/ Dr Greta Nabbs-Keller – EP146https://economicsexplored.com/2022/07/04/china-taiwan-the-indo-pacific-w-dr-greta-nabbs-keller-ep146/Lumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED 
undefined
Oct 15, 2024 • 45min

Abundance Mindset: Exploring the Super Abundance Thesis w/ Marian Tupy, Cato Institute - EP258

Marian Tupy, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, discusses his book "Super Abundance" with Gene Tunny. Tupy argues that resources are becoming more abundant relative to global population, a concept he calls "super abundance." He explains that human ingenuity has led to cheaper commodities over time. Tupy refutes Malthusian predictions of resource scarcity, citing examples like the Haber-Bosch process for synthetic fertilizer. He also addresses environmental concerns, emphasizing that economic growth and technological advancements can mitigate issues like ocean and air pollution and resource depletion.If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for Gene, please email him at contact@economicsexplored.com  or send a voice message via https://www.speakpipe.com/economicsexplored. About this episode’s guest: Marian Tupy, Cato InstituteMarian L. Tupy is the founder and editor of Human​Progress​.org, and a senior fellow at the Cato Institute’s Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity.He is the co-author of the Simon Abundance Index, Superabundance: The Story of Population Growth, Innovation, and Human Flourishing on an Infinitely Bountiful Planet (2022) and Ten Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know: And Many Others You Will Find Interesting (2020).His articles have been published in the Financial Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Newsweek, the U.K. Spectator, Foreign Policy, and various other outlets both in the United States and overseas. He has appeared on BBC, CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, Fox News, Fox Business, and other channels.Tupy received his BA in international relations and classics from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, and his PhD in international relations from the University of St. Andrews in the United Kingdom.Source: https://www.cato.org/people/marian-l-tupyTimestamps for EP258Introduction and Overview of the Podcast (0:00)Explaining the Concept of Super Abundance (2:30)Methodology and Stylized Facts (6:48)Julian Simon and the Bet with Paul Ehrlich (9:46)Future Prospects and Human Ingenuity (12:45)Environmental Concerns and Degrowth (22:59)Population Growth and Resource Use (33:11)Final Thoughts and Future Prospects (34:08)TakeawaysTupy argues that human ingenuity continuously expands the resource base, making resources more abundant even as populations grow.The concept of "time prices" shows that resources are becoming cheaper relative to wages, supporting the thesis of super abundance.The famous Simon-Ehrlich bet demonstrates that commodities became cheaper over time, disproving doomsday predictions about resource depletion.Technological advancements, such as desalination and agricultural productivity, are key to sustaining resource abundance.Economic prosperity and technological innovation are essential for environmental protection.Links relevant to the conversationMarian’s book Superabundance:https://www.amazon.com.au/Superabundance-Population-Growth-Innovation-Flourishing/dp/1952223393Simon–Ehrlich wager Wikipedia entry:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon%E2%80%93Ehrlich_wagerRegarding the question, “Is it true that the majority of plastic in the oceans comes from Asia and Africa?” see:https://www.perplexity.ai/search/is-it-true-that-the-majority-o-3aYOSMTyT6m9CcULDm7IugLumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED 
undefined
Oct 10, 2024 • 46min

UBI Experiment: Success or Failure? Insights from Sam Altman’s Trial - EP257

In this episode, Gene Tunny dives into a recent Universal Basic Income (UBI) experiment funded by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. Gene explores the key findings of the randomised controlled trial and discusses whether the positive outcomes are enough to convince sceptics. Are UBI recipients more financially secure, or are there deeper concerns about its impact on labour force participation and long-term wealth? Get Gene’s balanced analysis of this major UBI trial and its broader implications.If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for Gene, please email him at contact@economicsexplored.com  or send a voice message via https://www.speakpipe.com/economicsexplored. Timestamps for EP257Introduction (0:00)Defining Universal Basic Income (UBI) (4:21)Overview of the OpenAI UBI Experiment (8:09)Positive Findings from the OpenAI UBI Experiment (13:54)Concerns and Criticisms of the OpenAI UBI Experiment (21:55)Financial Impact of UBI on Household Net Worth (22:50)Gene Tunny's Skepticism About UBI (34:17)Closing Remarks and Previous Episode Clips (37:57)TakeawaysMixed Outcomes of UBI: The experiment showed some positive effects, such as increased financial flexibility and well-being, but also concerning results, such as a slight decrease in labour market participation.Spending Behavior: UBI recipients spent more on necessities like food and rent; interestingly, they were more likely to help others financially.Limited Educational and Employment Impact: Younger participants showed interest in further education, but there was no significant boost in human capital or labour productivity.Debate Over Financial Impact: UBI did not lead to clear improvements in recipients' financial health. The study found increased debt in some cases, raising questions about UBI's long-term benefits.AI and UBI: As technological advancements continue, UBI is seen by some as a solution to technological unemployment, though Gene and some experts remain sceptical about the scale of potential job loss.Links relevant to the conversationBloomberg article “Sam Altman-Backed Group Completes Largest US Study on Basic Income”:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-22/ubi-study-backed-by-openai-s-sam-altman-bolsters-support-for-basic-incomeOpenResearch’s website:https://www.openresearchlab.org/Pete Judo’s video on UBI experiment failing:https://youtu.be/oyoMgGiWgJQ?si=j3T-3yaEL5RajcpwNBER working papers on the studyThe Employment Effects of a Guaranteed Income: Experimental Evidence from Two U.S. States:https://www.nber.org/papers/w32719The Impact of Unconditional Cash Transfers on Consumption and Household Balance Sheets: Experimental Evidence from Two US States:https://www.nber.org/papers/w32784Two Computer Scientists Debunk A.I. Hype with Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor:https://youtu.be/M3U5UVyGTuQ?si=qcqSflHCf837GisAAI can do only 5pc of jobs, says MIT economist who fears crash:https://www.afr.com/world/north-america/ai-can-do-only-5pc-of-jobs-says-mit-economist-who-fears-crash-20241003-p5kfilPrevious episodes:https://economicsexplored.com/2022/05/03/a-ubi-advocate-on-its-benefits-and-costs-ep137-show-notes-transcript/https://economicsexplored.com/2022/02/13/ubi-universal-basic-income-w-ben-phillips-anu-ep126/Lumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED 
undefined
Oct 1, 2024 • 41min

The Future of VC: Blockchain, Web3, and Emerging Markets w/ Qin En Looi, Partner, Saison Capital - EP256

Qin En Looi, a partner at Saison Capital, discusses the venture capital landscape, particularly in emerging markets like Southeast Asia, India, and Latin America. Saison Capital, backed by Credit Saison, focuses on early-stage investments and has $150 million in assets under management. The firm has seen three exits and emphasizes the potential of Web3 and decentralized finance (DeFi). Looi highlights the efficiency and cost advantages of DeFi, citing examples like Thala, a decentralized currency exchange, and Helix, which tokenizes private credit. He also notes the geopolitical implications, such as near-shoring to Mexico, and the positive impact of the recent Fed rate cut on private investments. NB This episode contains general information and should not be considered financial or investment advice. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for Gene, please email him at contact@economicsexplored.com  or send a voice message via https://www.speakpipe.com/economicsexplored. About Qin En Looi, Partner at Saison CapitalQin En Looi is a seasoned venture capitalist with a wealth of experience in fintech, B2B commerce, and web3 startups. At Saison Capital, he leads pre-seed and seed investments and advises multiple Southeast Asia-based web3 startups. His previous roles include co-founding Glints, the leading talent ecosystem in Southeast Asia, and earning recognition from Forbes 30 Under 30. Qin En is also the creator and host of the successful podcast “Parents in Tech.”Timestamps for EP256Introduction (0:00)Venture Capital Terminology and Investment Strategy (3:19)Evolution of Venture Capital and Web3 (5:49)Qin En Looi's Journey into Venture Capital (9:56)Investment Focus on Web3 and Decentralized Finance (12:29)Helix and the Future of Private Credit (20:02)Geographic Expansion and Global Opportunities (26:34)Concerns About Geopolitical and Economic Tensions (33:59)Impact of Fed Rate Cuts on Private Investments (36:40)Final Thoughts and Future Outlook (39:27)TakeawaysWeb3 Opportunities in Emerging Markets: Southeast Asia and Latin America are ripe for blockchain and decentralized finance innovations, with venture capitalists looking to capitalize on these growing markets.Blockchain and Financial Inclusion: Qin En argues Blockchain technology offers faster and more efficient financial services, helping to increase financial inclusion in underserved regions.Decentralized Finance (DeFi) as a Game Changer: Qin En argues DeFi platforms such as decentralized exchanges are transforming traditional financial models by enabling permissionless, trustless transactions.Private Credit on Blockchain: According to Qin En, tokenizing real-world assets like private credit offers new ways to reduce costs and increase liquidity, opening up more investment opportunities.Geopolitical Risks and Global Expansion: VC firms like Saison Capital are navigating geopolitical tensions by expanding into new markets such as Mexico, taking advantage of nearshoring trends.Links relevant to the conversationSaison Capital: https://www.saisoncapital.com/Information on United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which replaced NAFTA:https://ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/united-states-mexico-canada-agreementLumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED  
undefined
Sep 24, 2024 • 39min

Balancing Needs & Wants: Chris Ball, Hoxton Wealth, on Global Wealth Management in an Uncertain World - EP255

Chris Ball, CEO of Hoxton Wealth, discusses the company's focus on wealth management for internationally mobile individuals, particularly in Dubai. Hoxton Wealth, with offices globally, offers fee-based services to high net worth and mass affluent clients, emphasizing comprehensive financial planning. Ball highlights the use of AI for administrative tasks and the challenges of property investing in the current political climate. He also addresses the debate on retirement income withdrawal rates, advocating for a balanced approach between needs and wants. Ball mentions the impact of geopolitical risks and economic trends on their business and the importance of risk-tailored investment strategies. NB This episode contains general information and should not be considered financial or investment advice. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for Gene, please email him at contact@economicsexplored.com  or send a voice message via https://www.speakpipe.com/economicsexplored. Timestamps for EP255Introduction (0:00)Hoxton Wealth's Services and Client Base (4:59)Challenges in Property Investing and Political Climate (5:14)Client Profiles and Financial Planning (5:28)Investment Strategies and Risk Management (14:43)Cryptocurrency and Geopolitical Risks (20:35)Economic and Demographic Trends (23:59)AI in Wealth Management (31:58)Technology and Client Communication (34:37)Final Thoughts and Contact Information (35:44)TakeawaysThe complexity of Global Wealth Management: Managing assets across multiple jurisdictions requires expertise in different tax regimes and regulatory environments, especially for high-net-worth individuals and ex-pats.AI’s Role in Financial Planning: While AI may not replace human financial advisors, it helps streamline administrative tasks, reduce costs, improve efficiency, and allow advisors to serve more clients.Property Investment Challenges: Rising interest rates and increasing regulation make property investments less attractive, especially for those looking for passive income in retirement.Retirement Strategies Vary: Wealth management clients need personalized plans that balance their wants and needs for a comfortable retirement.Crypto’s Place in Wealth Management: Chris Ball believes cryptocurrencies are here to stay. However, investors need to be prepared for volatility and risk with crypto, making it unsuitable for many traditional clients.Links relevant to the conversationChris’s business, Hoxton Wealth: https://hoxtonwealth.com/Chris’s bio: https://hoxtoncapital.com/staff/chris-ball/Chris Ball’s LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisballhx/Fundsmith Equity Fund, mentioned by Chris in the episode: https://www.fundsmith.co.uk/Controversy over Dave Ramsey’s retirement withdrawal rate recommendation:https://youtu.be/Rc1nJj4vE_w?si=_7fVgjShgFKg6VX-https://youtu.be/kghKiz1Mi_8?si=2jAP9DtWKN-LoR50https://youtu.be/dM6Jqm7PPpg?si=pPvYh08bieusPBzOInfo on tax in UAE:https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/united-arab-emirates/individual/taxes-on-personal-income  Lumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED 
undefined
Sep 19, 2024 • 53min

Efficiency and Externalities: A Q&A on Market Failures - EP254

Show host Gene Tunny responds to listener feedback about the private versus public sector's role in wealth creation, particularly addressing externalities like environmental harm and whether governments should fund facilities like Men’s Sheds. He also explores the efficiency of the private sector compared to government spending.If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for Gene, please email him at contact@economicsexplored.com  or send a voice message via https://www.speakpipe.com/economicsexplored. Timestamps for EP254Introduction (0:00)Externalities and Market Efficiency (4:47)Government's Role in Addressing Externalities (11:30)Coase Theorem and Market Failures (19:43)Government Spending and Efficiency (26:31)Men's Sheds and Government Support (32:51)Scott Prasser's Critique of Government Spending (39:43)Balancing Government and Private Sector Roles (45:49)TakeawaysExternalities in Wealth Creation: Private markets can overlook externalities such as pollution or public health impacts, justifying government intervention in some cases.Incentives for Efficiency: Due to market competition, the private sector generally has stronger incentives for efficiency, while government projects typically lack the same discipline.Government Spending Criticism: Many government projects, particularly those done for political reasons, are inefficient and do not consistently deliver expected benefits.Cost-Benefit Analysis is Crucial: Government spending should be evaluated through cost-benefit analysis to avoid wasting public funds.Coase Theorem and Market Solutions: While private negotiation can theoretically resolve externalities (as per the Coase Theorem), it typically does not work in practice due to high transaction costs and imperfect information.Links relevant to the conversationRelevant previous episodes:Government vs Private Sector in Wealth Creation:https://economicsexplored.com/2024/07/05/government-vs-private-sector-who-generates-wealth-ep247/White Elephant Stampede:https://economicsexplored.com/2022/10/17/white-elephant-stampede-w-scott-prasser-ep161/Coase theorem paper - “Does the Coase theorem hold in real markets? An application to the negotiations between waterworks and farmers in Denmark”https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479711003331Urbis review of Men’s Sheds:https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2022/01/review-of-support-for-the-men-s-shed-movement-current-state-report_0.pdfBeyond Blue Report on Men’s Sheds:https://mensshed.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ultrafeed-beyondblue-Mens-Shed-in-Australia-Final-Executive-Report-2013.pdfLumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED 

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode