Behind the Markets Podcast

Show from 04/25/25 Host Jeremy Schwartz and Professor Siegel covered the market impacts of tariffs, interest rate policy, and long-term inflation expectations. Professor Siegel emphasized the case for lower interest rates, highlighted trends in manufacturing decline, and discussed market resilience amid tariff concerns. (30:19) Jeremy is joined by David Kotok to discuss the economic consequences of tariff shocks, Federal Reserve policy, and insights from Kotok’s new book, The Fed and the Flu. They explore historical responses to pandemics, current financial stability risks, and the evolving role of central banks, while also addressing municipal bonds, gold, and global trade dynamics. Guest: David Kotok co-founded Cumberland Advisors in 1973 and during his career served as its chief investment officer, CEO, and board chairman. He remains a strategic advisor at Cumberland. David’s articles and financial market commentaries have appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, and other publications. He is a contributor or source to Bloomberg, Yahoo, CNN, Reuters, USA Today, and other media. He holds a B.S. in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, an M.S. in organizational dynamics from the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania, and an M.A. in philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to The Fed and the Flu, David has authored or co-authored four other books, including From Bear to Bull with ETFs (now in its second edition) and Adventures in Muniland. He has also written three monograph pamphlets. The first of these is “Lessons from Thucydides,” which details information asymmetries and their implications for investors and world affairs. The second is “Zika,” a work that compiles David’s research, interviews, and personal experience concerning the Zika virus and its potential for serious damage in the way of health and monetary costs. The expense for individuals can be devastating; and in the case of governments, ballooning health budgets may affect municipal bond ratings. The third is “Yield Curve Control – The story of ZIRP and NIRP.” The yield curve is usually defined as the range of yields on Treasury securities from three-month Treasury bills to 30-year Treasury bonds. David’s narrative and graphics tell the story of ZIRP (zero interest rate policy) and NIRP (negative interest rate policy) and explore what happens when central banks use YCC to control interest rates along some portion of the yield curve. David formerly served as Program Chairman for the Global Interdependence Center, or GIC, whose mission is to encourage the expansion of global dialogue and free trade in order to improve cooperation and understanding among nation states, with the goal of reducing international conflicts and improving worldwide living standards. David chaired the GIC's Central Banking Series and organized a five-continent dialogue held in Cape Town, Hong Kong, Hanoi, Milan, Paris, Philadelphia, Prague, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, Tallinn, and Zambia (Livingstone). He received the Global Citizen Award from GIC for his efforts and vision over many years and currently serves on the advisory board to the GIC’s College of Central Bankers. In conjunction with GIC, David organizes fishing retreats, primarily in Maine, that are affectionately known as “Camp Kotok” by friends and many in the financial press. Samuel Rines is a Macro Strategist at WisdomTree, where he extends the firm's custom model portfolio management capabilities. Before joining WisdomTree in 2024, he was the Managing Director at CORBU, LLC, leading the PolyMacro advisory product. Follow Sam Rines on X: https://x.com/SamuelRines Wisdom Tree: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments GIC: https://www.interdependence.org/about/ The Fed and the Flu: Parsing Pandemic Economic Shocks: https://www.amazon.com/Fed-Flu-Parsing-Pandemic-Economic/dp/B0DRWBC8XS

Show from 04/18/25 Host Jeremy Schwartz and Professor Siegel dive into this week’s market outlook, starting with Powell’s latest commentary and potential rate cuts. The Professor expresses concern over Powell downplaying recent favorable inflation data and suggests a preemptive rate cut is warranted, warning of recession risks if tariffs persist. He also critiques corporate earnings guidance in the face of rising trade uncertainty and emphasizes how tariffs could cap market growth for the foreseeable future. (17:32) Jeremy continues the conversation with Sam, Chris, Jeff, and Kevin, covering a wide array of macro topics. The discussion highlights bullish sentiment on non-U.S. markets, especially Japan, Mexico, and India amid shifting trade dynamics. The group also debates long-term investment themes, including the resilience of AI and tech despite tariff concerns, the resurgence of gold, and the critical role of cybersecurity in modern portfolios. Guest: Samuel Rines is a Macro Strategist at WisdomTree, where he extends the firm's custom model portfolio management capabilities. Before joining WisdomTree in 2024, he was the Managing Director at CORBU, LLC, leading the PolyMacro advisory product. Christopher Gannatti began at WisdomTree as a Research Analyst in December 2010, working directly with Jeremy Schwartz, CFA®, Director of Research. In January of 2014, he was promoted to Associate Director of Research where he was responsible to lead different groups of analysts and strategists within the broader Research team at WisdomTree. In February of 2018, Christopher was promoted to Head of Research, Europe, where he was based out of WisdomTree’s London office and was responsible for the full WisdomTree research effort within the European market, as well as supporting the UCITs platform globally. In November 2021, Christopher was promoted to Global Head of Research, now responsible for numerous communications on investment strategy globally, particularly in the thematic equity space Follow Sam Rines on X: https://x.com/SamuelRines Follow Chris Gannatti on X: https://x.com/SamuelRines Wisdom Tree: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments

Show from 04/11/25 Host Jeremy Schwartz and Professor Siegel reviewed a volatile week in the markets, focusing on rising yields and the dollar’s slide. The Professor attributed bond market moves to growing concerns about the U.S. deficit and potential shifts in global reserve currency dynamics. He emphasized the inflation impact of tariffs, potential recessionary risks, and questioned the long-term dominance of the U.S. economy. (47:03) Jeremy continues with Kevin Flanagan, Chris Gannatti, Jeff Weniger, and Sam Rines to unpack market reactions to geopolitical tensions, shifts in monetary policy expectations, and emerging market dynamics. The group discusses bond market mechanics, foreign policy ramifications, the relative strength of dividend-paying stocks, and how tech and AI trends may evolve amid supply chain and tariff uncertainty. Guest: Samuel Rines is a Macro Strategist at WisdomTree, where he extends the firm's custom model portfolio management capabilities. Before joining WisdomTree in 2024, he was the Managing Director at CORBU, LLC, leading the PolyMacro advisory product. Christopher Gannatti began at WisdomTree as a Research Analyst in December 2010, working directly with Jeremy Schwartz, CFA®, Director of Research. In January of 2014, he was promoted to Associate Director of Research where he was responsible to lead different groups of analysts and strategists within the broader Research team at WisdomTree. In February of 2018, Christopher was promoted to Head of Research, Europe, where he was based out of WisdomTree’s London office and was responsible for the full WisdomTree research effort within the European market, as well as supporting the UCITs platform globally. In November 2021, Christopher was promoted to Global Head of Research, now responsible for numerous communications on investment strategy globally, particularly in the thematic equity space As part of WisdomTree’s Investment Strategy group, Kevin Flanagan serves as Head of Fixed Income Strategy. In this role, he contributes to the asset allocation team, writes fixed income-related content and travels with the sales team, conducting client-facing meetings and providing expertise on WisdomTree’s existing and future bond ETFs. In addition, Kevin works closely with the fixed income team. Prior to joining WisdomTree, Kevin spent 30 years at Morgan Stanley, where he was Managing Director and Chief Fixed Income Strategist for Wealth Management. He was responsible for tactical and strategic recommendations and created asset allocation models for fixed income securities. He was a contributor to the Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Global Investment Committee, primary author of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s monthly and weekly fixed income publications, and collaborated with the firm’s Research and Consulting Group Divisions to build ETF and fund manager asset allocation models. Kevin has an MBA from Pace University’s Lubin Graduate School of Business, and a B.S in Finance from Fairfield University. Follow Sam Rines on X: https://x.com/SamuelRines Follow Kevin Flanigan on X: https://x.com/kevinflanaganwt Follow Chri Gannatti on X: https://x.com/SamuelRines Wisdom Tree: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments

Join renowned Wharton finance professor Jeremy Siegel, Macro Strategist Sam Rines, and Fixed Income Head Kevin Flanagan as they dissect recent tariff policies and their market implications. Siegel argues that tariffs are a major misstep and suggests the Fed should cut rates despite inflationary pressures. Rines and Flanagan delve into global trade tensions, exploring responses from countries like India and Japan. They also discuss strategies for navigating market volatility, the shift towards dividend stocks, and the geopolitical landscape affecting investments.

Show from 03/28/25 In this episode of Behind the Markets, host Jeremy Schwartz kicks off with an interview featuring Andreas Kern, CEO of WikiFolio, a unique German social trading platform that enables individuals to publish model portfolios and convert them into exchange-listed products. Kern discusses the recent sharp shift in investor behavior from U.S. equities to German mid-cap stocks, signaling growing confidence in European markets. He attributes this trend not only to valuation opportunities but also to cultural and structural differences in how Europeans and Americans approach risk, especially in relation to pension systems. Popular themes among German investors include defense and AI, with stocks like Rheinmetall and MercadoLibre topping portfolios. Kern also shares his ambition to bring WikiFolio to the U.S., positioning the platform as a democratizing force in asset management. (15:00) The second half of the episode shifts to macroeconomic strategy with Kevin Flanagan, Sam Rines, and Jeremy discussing the implications of tariffs, interest rates, and fiscal policy. Sam breaks down how tariffs affect U.S. businesses and consumers, while Jeremy highlights Professor Siegel’s concerns that tariffs could hurt capital inflows and raise rates. With “Liberation Day” (April 2) expected to bring clarity on trade policy, the group analyzes market reactions and resilience, suggesting much of the impact may already be priced in. The conversation then broadens to long-term themes: the Fed’s reactionary role, global defense spending surges (especially in Europe), and Trump’s potential tax reforms, including zero taxes for middle-income earners and cracking down on offshore corporate shelters. The episode closes with speculation on how tariffs might serve not just as trade tools but as revenue generators in a shifting economic order. Guest: Before founding wikifolio, Kern gained more than a decade of experience in the finance and payment industries, leading Paybox Austria GmbH to profitability and co-founding Payolution GmbH, which was later sold to Skrill/Moneybookers. He studied mathematics and computer science, holds a Master of Science in Innovation Management from Johannes Kepler Business School Linz, and is a trained exchange trader for futures and spot markets. His vision for wikifolio remains clear: make professional-level trading strategies more accessible, transparent, and rewarding for all investors. Follow Andreas Kern on X: https://twitter.com/AKE_Wikifolio/ More about Andreas: https://www.wikifolio.com/en/int/about-wikifolio/our-management Follow Sam Rines on X: https://x.com/SamuelRines Follow Kevin Flanigan on X: https://x.com/kevinflanaganwt Wisdom Tree: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments

Show from 03/21/25 Host Jeremy Schwartz and Professor Siegel break down the Fed's latest meeting, noting Powell's dovish tone despite downgraded growth and higher inflation forecasts. The Professor emphasizes that inflation risks from tariffs appear temporary and market sentiment hinges on the upcoming April 2nd tariff announcements. (27:52) Jeremy continues the conversation with WisdomTree’s Samuel Rines and Christopher Gannatti, diving into Nvidia’s major AI and robotics announcements from its recent conference. The group explores the evolving narrative around self-driving cars, robotics, and global AI spending, along with Buffet’s deepening investment in Japan. They also cover the global market rotation from US to international equities, implications of tariffs on inflation, and how central banks may respond. Guest: Samuel Rines is a Macro Strategist at WisdomTree, where he extends the firm's custom model portfolio management capabilities. Before joining WisdomTree in 2024, he was the Managing Director at CORBU, LLC, leading the PolyMacro advisory product. Christopher Gannatti began at WisdomTree as a Research Analyst in December 2010, working directly with Jeremy Schwartz, CFA®, Director of Research. In January of 2014, he was promoted to Associate Director of Research where he was responsible to lead different groups of analysts and strategists within the broader Research team at WisdomTree. In February of 2018, Christopher was promoted to Head of Research, Europe, where he was based out of WisdomTree’s London office and was responsible for the full WisdomTree research effort within the European market, as well as supporting the UCITs platform globally. In November 2021, Christopher was promoted to Global Head of Research, now responsible for numerous communications on investment strategy globally, particularly in the thematic equity space Follow Sam Rines on X: https://x.com/SamuelRines Follow Chri Gannatti on X: https://x.com/SamuelRines Wisdom Tree: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments

Jonathan Steinberg, CEO of WisdomTree, joins the discussion to share key insights from the Digital Asset Summit. He highlights the regulatory shifts affecting digital assets and the critical role of tokenization in financial markets. The conversation also delves into Trump’s tariffs, examining their potential impacts on inflation, consumer sentiment, and market stability. Additionally, the participants debate the evolving landscape of technology stocks and the implications of ongoing trade wars, illustrating the interconnectedness of these complex topics.

Haim Israel, Managing Director and Global Strategist at WisdomTree, brings keen insights on the market's future. He delves into how AI might reshape industries by 2030, emphasizing the need for energy independence and the soaring demand for semiconductors. The discussion highlights the increasing tensions of the tech wars between the U.S. and China, alongside challenges like cybersecurity risks and the urgent need for businesses to adapt to a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Show from 02/08/25 Host Jeremy Schwartz and Professor Siegel discuss the latest market developments, focusing on the PCE report, GDP revisions, and the impact of tariffs on economic growth. The professor highlights the unexpected trade balance shift, predicting a significant slowdown in Q1 GDP but dismissing recession concerns. He also comments on recent market volatility, particularly in tech stocks like NVIDIA, and notes increased bearish sentiment among investors. (13:03) Jeremy continues the conversation from Europe, joined by Sam Rines, Pierre Debreu, Aneeka Gupta, and Dovile Silenskyte. The group delves into European market dynamics, geopolitical risks, and the impact of tariffs on global trade. They also discuss trends in AI and semiconductors, the evolving role of cryptocurrencies in institutional portfolios, and the rising influence of gold as a hedge against economic uncertainty. Guest: Samuel Rines is a Macro Strategist at WisdomTree, where he extends the firm's custom model portfolio management capabilities. Before joining WisdomTree in 2024, he was the Managing Director at CORBU, LLC, leading the PolyMacro advisory product. Dovile Silenskyte, Director, Digital Assets Research Dovile is a director of digital assets research at WisdomTree. Prior to joining WisdomTree in May 2024, Dovile worked as an index equity product strategist at BlackRock. In her current role she is responsible for conducting analysis for in-house digital assets publications and assisting the sales team with client queries around products and markets. Dovile holds a MSc in Finance from Texas A&M University – Commerce. She is also a chartered financial analyst (CFA). Aneeka Gupta is a director of research at WisdomTree. Prior to the acquisition of Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) Securities in April 2018, Aneeka worked as an equity & commodities strategist at the company. Aneeka has 17 years of experience working as a research analyst across a wide range of asset classes. In her current role she is responsible for conducting analysis for all in-house equity, commodity and macro publications and assisting the sales team with client queries around products and markets. Aneeka holds a MSc in Mathematics from Oxford University and a BSc in Mathematics from the University of Delhi, India. She is also a chartered financial analyst (CFA). Traders' Insight Follow Sam Rines on X: https://x.com/SamuelRines Follow Aneeka Gupta on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/aneekaperis Wisdom Tree: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments

Show from 02/21/25 Host Jeremy Schwartz and Professor Siegel discuss the latest market trends, focusing on tariff uncertainties, economic data, and market resilience. Professor Siegel highlights the market’s response to geopolitical developments, earnings expectations, and the potential impact of rising bond yields. He also weighs in on Nvidia, Tesla, and the broader AI landscape, emphasizing the importance of earnings in market performance. (11:41) Jeremy is joined by Chris Gannatti, Sam Rines, and Jeff Weniger to delve into the evolving tech landscape, including Nvidia’s role, Microsoft’s AI push, and the future of quantum computing. They also discuss Apple’s challenges, Tesla’s strategic opportunities, and Japan’s potential manufacturing resurgence. The conversation shifts to geopolitical risks, European defense spending, and emerging market opportunities, particularly in Latin America. Sam outlines recent shifts in WisdomTree’s model portfolios, including a move from Argentina to Mexico and Japan, highlighting macroeconomic trends and market positioning. Guest: Samuel Rines is a Macro Strategist at WisdomTree, where he extends the firm's custom model portfolio management capabilities. Before joining WisdomTree in 2024, he was the Managing Director at CORBU, LLC, leading the PolyMacro advisory product. Christopher Gannatti began at WisdomTree as a Research Analyst in December 2010, working directly with Jeremy Schwartz, CFA®, Director of Research. In January of 2014, he was promoted to Associate Director of Research where he was responsible to lead different groups of analysts and strategists within the broader Research team at WisdomTree. In February of 2018, Christopher was promoted to Head of Research, Europe, where he was based out of WisdomTree’s London office and was responsible for the full WisdomTree research effort within the European market, as well as supporting the UCITs platform globally. In November 2021, Christopher was promoted to Global Head of Research, now responsible for numerous communications on investment strategy globally, particularly in the thematic equity space Jeff Weniger, CFA serves as Head of Equity Strategy at WisdomTree. In his role, Weniger helps to formulate the firm’s stock market outlook by assessing macro and fundamental trends. Prior to joining WisdomTree, he was Director, Senior Strategist at BMO, where he worked in the office of the CIO from 2006 to 2017. He served on the firm’s Asset Allocation Committee and co-managed the firm’s ETF model portfolios for both the U.S. and Canada. In 2013, at the age of 32, Jeff was chosen as the youngest member of BMO’s Global Investment Forum, which collected the firm’s top global strategists to formulate the firm’s official long-term outlook for investment trends and markets. Follow Sam Rines on X: https://x.com/SamuelRines Follow Chri Gannatti on X: https://x.com/ChrisGannatti Follow Jeff Weniger on X: https://x.com/JeffWeniger Wisdom Tree: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments