Masters in Business

Jeffrey Ptak, managing director at Morningstar and expert in retirement plan behavior, shares insights on automating investments. He discusses how automation reduces emotional trading, enhances returns, and helps investors stick to their plans through features like auto-enrollment. Jeffrey highlights that younger and lower-earning participants benefit most from these strategies. He also explores the role of AI in automation and advises on choosing the right platforms for investing decisions. The discussion emphasizes that putting investments on autopilot can lead to significant financial gains.

Jon Hilsenrath, a former chief economics correspondent at the Wall Street Journal and founder of Serpa Pinto Advisory, shares his insights on the Great Financial Crisis. He discusses why AIG was saved while Lehman Brothers wasn't, and critiques the flaws in fiscal policy during the crisis. Hilsenrath also reflects on the shifting dynamics within the Fed and the implications of today's information revolution. He highlights the challenges of inequality and the impact of automation on workers, sparking a thought-provoking look at the future of the economy.

Brandon Zick, Chief Investment Officer at Ceres Farmland Fund, oversees around $2 billion in agricultural land assets. He highlights exciting ways land can generate income, from mineral rights and timber to recreational and renewable energy opportunities. Zick dives into how solar and wind projects can enhance farm income and discusses the potential for biogas revenue from dairy farms. He also touches on innovative uses like AI data centers and the market for carbon credits, revealing how these can significantly increase land value.

Liz Ann Sonders, chief investment strategist at Charles Schwab, brings a wealth of knowledge on market cycles and investor psychology. She shares insights gained from mentors like Marty Zweig and discusses the evolution of her role in macro analysis. Liz Ann highlights how today's individual investors are thriving and the importance of sentiment in trading decisions. She warns about behavioral traps from concentrated stock positions and explores the impacts of tariffs on consumer prices, all while reflecting on the complexities of navigating modern markets.

Dave Nadig, President and Director of Research at ETF.com, shares his expertise on the evolving landscape of active ETFs. He discusses the resurgence of these funds and the challenges of understanding their performance, warning that most active managers tend to underperform. The conversation dives into the benefits and risks of tokenization in ETFs, transparency issues, and untested investment strategies. Nadig emphasizes the need for savvy due diligence when evaluating new products to navigate this complex and sometimes speculative market.

Join Mishal Husain as she dives into conversations with influential figures, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who discusses political promises and Palestinian statehood. Explore storytelling with Jesse Armstrong, who reveals his fascination with power dynamics over wealth. Shonda Rhimes shares insights on diversity in television and addresses the 'woke' critique of Bridgerton. With a format that blends curiosity and personal connection, each week brings an essential dialogue illuminating the changing world.

Henry Ward, the founder and CEO of Carta, shares his journey from a failed startup to revolutionizing private market access. He discusses the transformation of cap table management from paper to digital and highlights the challenges of scaling a startup. Ward emphasizes the growing importance of private companies and the need for retail investors to tap into private capital. He also reveals his unique criteria for expanding Carta’s services and offers insights on navigating entrepreneurship, blending skill, luck, and perseverance.

In this insightful discussion, Jeffrey Patak, a managing director at Morningstar and expert in fund performance analysis, sheds light on the 'Mind the Gap' study. He explains the significant difference between the returns of investment funds and what investors actually experience, revealing a 1.2% annual gap. Jeffrey delves into behavioral finance, identifying how chasing winners and poorly timed trades can hinder returns. He also offers practical tips to minimize this gap, emphasizing the importance of automation, diversification, and sticking to a long-term plan.

Jurrien Timmer, Director of Global Macro at Fidelity Investments, shares insights from his dynamic career, beginning in Aruba and evolving into a market strategist. He discusses his innovative 'barbell approach' to investing, balancing tech stocks with non-US equities. Timmer analyzes the implications of recent Treasury trends, market cycles, and the current economic landscape. He also highlights the pivotal role of gold and alternative investments in today's portfolio, encouraging adaptability and continuous learning for investors.

Brandon Zick, Chief Investment Officer of Ceres Farmland Fund, dives into the intriguing world of farmland investing. He discusses how farmland acts as a solid inflation hedge while offering diversification and appreciation. The conversation covers unique sourcing strategies, regional advantages in the Great Lakes, and the rising demand for data centers. Zick also highlights challenges such as climate impacts and competition from institutional investors, making a compelling case for why farmland should be a serious consideration in one's investment portfolio.