
Excess Returns
Excess Returns is dedicated to making you a better long-term investor and making complex investing topics understandable. Join Jack Forehand, Justin Carbonneau and Matt Zeigler as they sit down with some of the most interesting names in finance to discuss topics like macroeconomics, value investing, factor investing, and more. Subscribe to learn along with us.
Latest episodes

Jan 9, 2025 • 1h 2min
Beyond the Magnificent Seven: Liz Ann Sonders on Markets, Cycles & Investing
Joining the discussion is Liz Ann Sonders, Chief Investment Strategist at Charles Schwab, known for her data-driven insights. She delves into the shift from the 'Great Moderation' to a 'Temperamental Era,' marked by increased volatility. Liz Ann emphasizes the need to look beyond headline indices, the importance of behavioral sentiment in investing, and lessons from legendary investor Marty Zweig. She advocates focusing on sound investment decisions amidst uncertainties rather than future predictions, offering enduring wisdom for all investors.

33 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 1h 1min
The One Factor That Explains the Struggles of Value, International and Small-Cap Stocks | Kai Wu
Dive into the world of intangible value investing with expert insights on the underappreciated assets driving modern companies. Discover how traditional metrics overlook key elements of value and why U.S. firms consistently outshine their international counterparts. Learn about the four pillars of intangible value and the role of AI in reshaping investment analysis. Uncover surprising trends in global patent leadership and strategies for navigating and capitalizing on investment opportunities in both domestic and international markets.

18 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 57min
Do You Really Need International Diversification? 10 Top Investors Debate
The debate on international diversification vs. U.S. dominance unfolds among ten investing experts. They tackle what international exposure really means in today’s interconnected market. Explore the risks of relying solely on U.S. stocks and the impact of currency fluctuations. Perspectives on passive investing reveal its role in global asset distribution. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of balancing international investments to align with personal risk tolerance and navigate the complexities of global markets.

14 snips
Dec 27, 2024 • 54min
Redefining Value Investing in a Magnificent Seven Dominated World | Jacob Pozharny
Jacob Pozharny, a partner at Bridgeway Capital Management, dives into the world of intangible assets and their critical role in modern investment strategies. He explains how elements like intellectual property and brand value complicate traditional valuation metrics. Jacob highlights the growing importance of sentiment analysis for high-intangible companies and discusses the implications of AI on valuation methods. He also shares insights on long-short investing, the importance of humility in investing, and opportunities in international markets.

18 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 58min
Inside the Secretive World of Pod Shops | Bob Elliott
Bob Elliott, founder of Unlimited Funds, is on a mission to democratize hedge fund strategies through ETFs. In this chat, he unpacks the intriguing world of multi-strategy hedge funds, known as "pod shops," where portfolio managers collaborate yet operate independently. Bob discusses how these funds lure top talent and their unique fee structures. He also highlights the rise of ETFs as a competitive alternative and emphasizes the importance of efficiently managing risks and performance metrics in this evolving landscape.

64 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 55min
Dispelling Big Investing Myths | Dan Rasmussen
Dan Rasmussen, founder of Verdad Advisers and author of "The Humble Investor," discusses compelling market insights. He explains why high bond yields may not equal high returns and the potential in undervalued international stocks. Dan explores how private equity performance hinges more on portfolio construction than manager skill. He highlights positive changes in Japanese corporate governance and assesses UK market valuations post-Brexit. With a focus on humility in investing, he challenges prevailing market assumptions, offering valuable perspectives for all investors.

52 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 7min
Why Most Investors Won't Buy the Best Diversifier | Andrew Beer on Managed Futures
Andrew Beer, managing over a billion dollars at Dynamic Beta Investments, dives into managed futures and their potential for portfolio diversification. He discusses the misconceptions surrounding these strategies and the challenge of getting investors on board despite their benefits. The conversation highlights the importance of clear communication, simplicity over complexity, and adapting to market conditions. Andrew also touches on the evolving ETF landscape and the role of AI in investment management, offering insights valuable to both professionals and individual investors.

11 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 4min
What the Rise of Passive Investing Means for Your Portfolio | Special Guest: Dave Nadig
In this discussion, finance expert Dave Nadig dives into the rise of passive investing and its effects on the markets. He explores why active strategies have faltered, leading to increased popularity in passive funds. The conversation delves into how index fund flows impact market dynamics and the potential risks of passive investing on stability. Nadig also addresses generational wealth transfers and the influence of investor behavior on market strategies, providing valuable insights for both individual and institutional investors.

15 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 1h 5min
The Most Misunderstood Bull Market Ever | Jim Paulsen
Jim Paulsen, a veteran investment strategist and author of Paulson Perspectives, dives into the current market and economic landscape. He discusses how traditional recession indicators are failing us and why consumer confidence is surprisingly low. Paulsen emphasizes the Fed's unique actions and the evolving nature of market valuations, particularly due to technological advancements. His insights extend to the importance of Main Street sentiment, suggesting that everyday economic policies might hold more weight than major Federal decisions.

7 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 16min
Bigger Extremes, Better Returns | Cliff Asness on the "Less Efficient Market Hypothesis"
Cliff Asness, founder of AQR Capital Management and a leading voice on market efficiency, dives into the intriguing concept of the 'Less Efficient Market Hypothesis.' He discusses how social media and constant connectivity might be fueling market extremes. Through humor and insight, Asness explores the implications of passive investing and its distortion of market dynamics. He advises on the importance of intuition in factor investing, inflation's effects on markets, and shares valuable tips for individual investors navigating today's volatile landscape.