Masters in Business

Ben Hunt, founder of Perscient, dives into the fascinating world of narrative-driven investing. He explores how narratives, much like viruses, spread through media and influence market valuations. Hunt argues that numbers are perceived through stories, making metrics like PE ratios narrative-driven. He also emphasizes the importance of word choice and presentation in shaping narratives. By leveraging big data, Hunt reveals how investors can detect dormant narratives before they catch on, democratizing insights that were once intuitive.

Morgan Housel, a bestselling author renowned for his work on money psychology, joins to discuss the intricate relationship between wealth and happiness. He shares insights on how money alleviates hardships but doesn’t guarantee fulfillment. Highlighting the impact of behavioral finance, Morgan explains how narratives shape market valuations and emphasizes the importance of spending for experiences over possessions. He also touches on the crucial distinction between getting rich and staying rich, urging listeners to align their spending with personal values.

Join Nobel Prize winner Richard Thaler, known for his groundbreaking work in behavioral economics, and Alex Imas, an expert in decision-making and AI, as they delve into the fascinating anomalies of human behavior. They discuss the origins and evolution of their influential work, highlighting intriguing concepts like the endowment effect and fairness in economic decisions. The duo also explores how behavioral insights reshape market strategies, from sports analytics to retirement saving nudges, revealing why even experts often struggle with biases.

Binky Chadha, Chief U.S. Equity & Global Strategist at Deutsche Bank, shares insights from his work at the IMF and his current role in asset allocation. He discusses the unusual mix of low unemployment and strong GDP growth, emphasizing its positive impact on equities. Binky elaborates on how mega-cap tech has influenced recent earnings and suggests that other sectors are poised to catch up. He also highlights key indicators and the implications of tariff policies on growth, while advising new graduates to align their careers with their passions.

Kristin Olson, Global Head of Alternatives for Wealth at Goldman Sachs, shares her expertise from decades of advising on private markets. She discusses the rise of alternative investments and how companies are staying private longer. Kristin emphasizes integrating alternatives into client portfolios, offering guidance on optimal allocations. She explores the appeal of private credit and the changing landscape of real assets, particularly in data and digital infrastructure. Olson reflects on mentorship and offers insights for newcomers to finance.

Rachel Benton, a dedicated mother diagnosed with IgA nephropathy after a prenatal checkup, shares her emotional journey through the disease and its challenges on family life. Nephrologist Dr. Jonathan Barrett explains the biology behind IgA nephropathy and its historical underreporting. Dr. Manish Maskey discusses targeting B-cell drivers like BAFF and APRIL in research for potential therapies. Rachel’s advocacy emphasizes the importance of routine health checks, making her story both inspiring and informative.

Brandon Zick, Chief Investment Officer at Ceres/Saris Farmland Funds, transitions from a dairy farm upbringing to the world of private equity. He shares insights on investing in farmland while highlighting its unique attributes as an asset class, such as its zero vacancy and inflation-hedging benefits. Brandon discusses the importance of strategic land selection and secondary revenue streams like solar and timber. Finally, he reflects on the evolving landscape of agricultural technology and the challenges faced by operators in this essential sector.

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.