The Macro Minute with Darius Dale

42 Macro
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May 21, 2025 • 9min

What is the weak US dollar signaling for broader asset markets?

In this episode, experts explore the implications of a weakening U.S. dollar amid speculation of policy shifts at the upcoming G7 summit, particularly under the Trump administration’s approach to enhancing manufacturing competitiveness. The discussion delves into how coordinated currency policies, alongside populist fiscal expansion, align with broader market trends such as rising multinational earnings and bullish risk assets. Listeners gain insights into the KISS portfolio’s strategic shifts—illustrated by recent moves into Bitcoin and the S&P 500—as well as systematic models (like Dr. Mo and the GRID and Macro Weather Models) that guide market positioning in a REFLATION regime. The podcast also examines risks such as potential yen carry trade unwinds and the evolving landscape of structural fiscal challenges, offering a comprehensive view of current and future asset market dynamics.
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May 20, 2025 • 10min

When will the Fed revise its inflation target higher?

In this episode of Macro Minute, 42 Macro's founder Darius Dale explores a critical question for today's economic landscape: When will the Federal Reserve revise its inflation target higher? Dale examines how China and the U.S. are headed for what he calls a "somewhat amicable divorce," leaving behind a multipolar world. This shift may require addressing the U.S.'s massive $26 trillion net international investment deficit—currently about two-thirds of U.S. GDP.
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May 19, 2025 • 9min

Should you downgrade the US in your portfolio?

In this episode, the discussion kicks off with Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. sovereign rating from AAA to AA1 and examines the implications of the so‐called “Sell America” trade. Despite symbolic effects, the downgrade highlights concerns over deteriorating fiscal metrics that no longer balance America’s economic strengths. The podcast delves into a portfolio strategy that maintains long positions in U.S. equities and corporate credit while shorting the dollar and Treasurys, set against a backdrop of fiscal expansion, deregulation, and tariffs—a framework dubbed Paradigm C. Quantitative signals including a bullish macro weather model, an inflation regime per the GRID Model, and a risk-on Reflation environment are discussed alongside tactical positioning models. The host also addresses common client queries regarding potential Fed or Treasury reactions, ultimately noting that past downgrades have not led to immediate policy shifts, with market reactions more closely tied to dovish pivots in financing approaches.
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May 16, 2025 • 9min

Will tariffs lead to second-round inflation impacts?

In this episode, Dr. Mo examines how Section 232 tariffs are not causing traditional cost-push inflation but are instead amplifying supply-side constraints in the housing market, leading to structurally higher housing inflation. The discussion covers a portfolio strategy that favors exposure to stocks, gold, and Bitcoin, backed by bullish quantitative signals and a GOLDILOCKS market regime. Additionally, the podcast delves into the implications of fiscal dominance, political pressures, and Powell’s recent comments on the 2% inflation target, raising questions about a potential structural shift in monetary policy.
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May 15, 2025 • 9min

How did the US economy perform during the peak of the trade war in April?

This podcast explores the resilience of the U.S. economy during the height of the trade war in April. Despite pronounced tariff shocks, high-frequency data shows persistent economic strength alongside unusually soft inflation readings, raising questions about possible political manipulation. The discussion dives into a KISS portfolio strategy favoring stocks, gold, and Bitcoin, and considers both the quantitative signals and market regime shifts driving a risk-on environment. Additional insights address potential risks, the role of fiscal stimulus, and whether gold’s recent correction offers a buying opportunity amid rising term premiums.
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May 14, 2025 • 10min

Will “SALTY Republicans” knock over Bessent’s three-legged stool?

In today's video, Darius answers the following question: Will “SALTY Republicans” knock over Bessent’s three-legged stool?
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May 13, 2025 • 14min

Is it too late to position for Paradigm C?

This podcast examines the current shift from Paradigm B to Paradigm C in U.S. economic policy, highlighting why it isn’t too late for investors to position themselves for growth. The discussion covers the implications of the recent U.S.-China tariff truce, signs of a pro-growth policy pivot by the Trump administration, and the resulting market behavior. Key points include a transition toward risk-on assets—favoring cyclicals, SMID caps, and spread products—supported by fiscal stimulus and deregulation, as well as insights from several quantitative models such as Dr. Mo, the Macro Weather Model, and the GRID Model. The conversation also addresses risks such as potential political miscalculations and policy reversals, emphasizing how persistent deficits and market uncertainties might disrupt the momentum. Overall, the podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and challenges in positioning for a pro-market, risk-on regime.
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May 8, 2025 • 10min

Who’s right—President Trump or Fed Chair Powell?

This podcast examines the contrasting views on monetary policy between President Trump and Fed Chair Powell, ultimately endorsing Powell’s cautious strategy. The discussion covers a detailed macro outlook, including the current deflation regime, and highlights the importance of defensive portfolio construction. It reviews quantitative signals that underscore a risk-off environment and assesses potential risks like rising inflation expectations and geopolitical tensions. The episode also debunks claims of stealth QE, urging investors to remain vigilant against misleading market narratives.
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May 7, 2025 • 11min

Can the market look through trade talks to continue pricing in Paradigm C?

Explore the potential shift in U.S. economic policy as trade negotiations, presidential temperament, and geopolitical factors determine whether the market sustains its pricing in Paradigm C or retreats to Paradigm B. The discussion covers portfolio strategies under a deflation regime, quantitative signals, and key risks and opportunities shaping both domestic and global financial landscapes.
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May 6, 2025 • 13min

Will Trump’s “Paradigm C” catalyze a bigger boom than Biden’s “Paradigm A”?

This podcast dives into how Trump’s 'Paradigm C' might outpace Biden’s 'Paradigm A' in boosting risk assets, combining fiscal and monetary largesse with tax cuts, deregulation, and AI-led labor substitution. Listeners will explore the potential for deepening K-shaped inequality, strategic portfolio adjustments under volatile market regimes, and quantitative signals across deflationary and inflationary environments, along with an engaging discussion of risks, opportunities, and the evolving U.S. economic landscape.

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