
The Compound and Friends
Join Downtown Josh Brown, Michael Batnick, and a rotation of their friends every Tuesday and Friday for expert insight and hot takes on the latest in business and investing.See our disclosures here - https://ritholtzwealth.com/podcast-youtube-disclosures/
Latest episodes

76 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 2h 8min
The Next Circle IPO, Ric Edelman on Crypto Allocations, Novo Nordisk vs Hims, Dumbflation
In a lively discussion, Ric Edelman, founder of Edelman Financial Engines and digital assets expert, delves into the evolution of cryptocurrency investment strategies. He highlights the importance of adapting traditional portfolios with Bitcoin and stablecoins amidst changing financial landscapes. Ric also explores how cryptocurrency can benefit marginalized communities while urging advisors to embrace transparency. Additionally, he addresses the recent complexities in health tech and consumer behavior, including efforts to navigate shortages and the rise of online pharmacies.

41 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 59min
Why Defensive Stocks Have Disappeared
Matt Cerminaro, co-founder of Exhibit A, and Todd Sohn, ETF strategist at Strategas, dive into the nuances of today's market landscape. They tackle the Fed's challenges with inflation and employment, explore the decline of defensive stocks, and discuss the evolving role of technology in investing. The duo sheds light on innovations like leveraged ETFs, the significant role of Apple in the S&P 500, and the psychological factors influencing market recoveries. Their insights invite listeners to rethink traditional investment strategies amidst shifting dynamics.

59 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 57min
Congress Trades During Tariff Announcement, Oil Market Reaction to Israel vs Iran, OpenAI vs MSFT
Dive into the intriguing impact of Middle Eastern conflicts on oil prices and the controversial world of congressional stock trading. Discover how tech giants like NVIDIA and Microsoft shape market sentiments amid geopolitical noise. The conversation flows into the rising importance of cryptocurrency, especially with Grayscale's influence. Plus, explore the latest developments in AI stock trading, OpenAI's transition to a for-profit model, and Amazon's underestimated growth potential. It's a rollercoaster of insights you won't want to miss!

59 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 15min
The Next Big Short is the Trade War
Steve Eisman, renowned investor and host of The Real Eisman Playbook, shares insights on economic trends and his experiences predicting the financial crisis. He dives into the current U.S.-China trade tensions and their impacts on major corporations like Apple. The discussion covers the effects of factors such as tariffs, 'sneakflation', and the balance of power in the financial sector, all while reflecting on broader implications for investors. Eisman's sharp observations make the complex dynamics of today’s markets both engaging and enlightening.

41 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 2h
Nick and Jessica on Tech Earnings, Mary Meeker’s AI Tour de Force, ARR Models
Nick Colas and Jessica Rabe, co-founders of DataTrek Research, dive into the tech market's latest earnings and insights from Mary Meeker's work on AI. They examine the valuations of the S&P 500 amidst economic changes and the need for cautious earnings projections. Historical trends remind us of past peaks, while they discuss Tesla's stock volatility and its resilient shareholders. The duo also highlights youth trends in investing, the shift towards subscription models for financial predictability, and the growing role of AI in various sectors.

77 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 1h 12min
Individuals Outsmart the Pros, Live From Chicago With Ben and Callie, Morningstar CEO Kunal Kapoor
Ben Carlson, Head of Institutional Asset Management at Ritholtz Wealth and author of A Wealth of Common Sense, joins Callie Cox, Chief Strategist at Ritholtz Wealth, and Kunal Kapoor, CEO of Morningstar. They tackle market surprises of 2025, the implications of government spending, and recession risks. Kunal dives deep into how AI is revolutionizing finance and the growth of active ETFs. The discussion also hints at trends affecting consumer spending, investment behaviors, and the evolving landscape of private markets.

47 snips
May 30, 2025 • 1h 20min
Why Initial Jobless Claims Could Blow Up the Stock Market
Jens Nordvig, Founder and CEO of Exante Data, dives into the current market climate with insightful analysis. He discusses the pivotal role of jobless claims as indicators of economic shifts that could rock the stock market. The conversation also touches on the impact of tariffs on consumer behavior and retail performance. Nordvig explores the decline in foreign tourism and its economic consequences, alongside the dollar's fluctuating status as a reserve currency. His deep dive into market trends showcases the complexities of today's financial landscape.

56 snips
May 27, 2025 • 1h 12min
Unstoppable Buying, ETF Inflow Records, Apple at War, Circle’s IPO
Dive into the waves of market volatility as experts analyze recent corrections and the surprising resilience of ETFs amidst tariff fears. Discover how younger investors are navigating these dynamics with aggressive purchases. The podcast also explores the evolving landscape of stablecoins like USDC, their role in cryptocurrency transactions, and competition with Tether. Lastly, they dissect the IPO landscape, touching on tech giant Apple's challenges and emerging opportunities in AI, sparking thought-provoking discussions about investment strategies for the modern age.

152 snips
May 23, 2025 • 1h 15min
Real Men Don't Panic Over Bonds
Richard Bernstein, CEO and CIO of Richard Bernstein Advisors and former chief investment strategist at Merrill Lynch, joins the conversation to dissect the current bond market and economic uncertainties. He stresses the importance of understanding fiscal policies wrapped in the Big Beautiful Bill and shares insights on international stocks. They delve into strategies for hedging against uncertainty, highlighting bonds and gold as safe bets. The discussion also touches on the implications of rising mortgage delinquencies and the ongoing dynamics of tech-heavy portfolios.

39 snips
May 20, 2025 • 1h 7min
The COUGRs Trade Takes Wall Street, America Downgraded by Moodys, Walmart vs Trump
Discover the latest buzz around investment strategies in energy stocks and how 'Cougar' companies are thriving even in economic downturns. The discussion also dives into the recent downgrade of America's credit rating by Moody's and its implications. Enjoy a lively analysis of market movements, including Bitcoin's impressive resilience, and explore the challenges faced by major retailers like Walmart due to rising costs. The conversation highlights how market dynamics are evolving, blending casual banter with serious insights for savvy investors.