
Keeping it Simple with Simplify Asset Management
Simplify offers innovative options-based strategies to help build better portfolios. Tune in for insights from our Keeping it Simple series for conversations with industry leaders as they discuss events that shape today's markets.
For more information, visit us at simplify.us or email info@simplify.us.
Latest episodes

52 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 3min
Keeping it Simple | Ep. 47: Are Interest Rates TooHig? Thoughts from Credit Markets
John Toohig, a credit market expert from Raymond James, joins the conversation to unpack the complexities of the whole loan market. He discusses the effects of rising interest rates on consumer behavior, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation also delves into the privatization of government-backed mortgages and its potential impact on rates. Additionally, Toohig highlights the intricate relationship between credit market trends and economic indicators, all while keeping the insights engaging and accessible.

58 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 1h 1min
Keeping it Simple | Ep. 46: With a Liquid Howell, She Cried More, More, More
Michael Howell, a global macro expert and founder of Cross Border Capital, shares his insights on liquidity in financial markets. He tackles the difference between market and funding liquidity and their impact on asset volatility, especially during crises. Howell explores the proposed Mar-a Accord and its potential to reshape the U.S. economy, emphasizing gold's significance amid financial unrest. He also discusses the challenges of capital allocation, debt management, and the vital role of demographic trends in shaping economic cycles.

32 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 2min
Keeping it Simple | Ep. 45: Valentin Haddad — No Love For EMH
Valentin Haddad, an Associate Professor at UCLA's Anderson School of Management, dives deep into passive investing's impact on market dynamics. He critiques traditional financial theories, highlighting the Grossman-Stiglitz Paradox, while discussing how passive strategies can distort market efficiency. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of active management and index arbitrage, plus misconceptions about market capitalization and liquidity. Haddad emphasizes the importance of portfolio diversification and adapting investment strategies to individual goals.

15 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 3min
Keeping it Simple | Ep. 44: Cosmic Latte
Leland Miller, co-founder of the China Beige Book and an expert on China's economy, joins the hosts to share invaluable insights. They delve into the challenges of interpreting China's economic data and the skepticism surrounding official figures. Miller highlights the shift toward economic stability over high growth rates and discusses recent trends in corporate borrowing. The conversation touches on the complexities of the auto industry, especially with electric vehicles, and examines the geopolitical tensions around Taiwan. Transparency in financial regulations also takes center stage.

4 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 1h 2min
Keeping it Simple | Ep. 43: All the Wong Answers
Anna Wong, Chief U.S. economist for Bloomberg and former Federal Reserve analyst, shares her expert insights on the current economic landscape. She discusses the evolving impact of the pandemic on economic forecasting and highlights the pitfalls of traditional data models. Wong explores rental inflation trends and delayed household formation among millennials, revealing surprising metrics. Additionally, she delves into the consequences of tariffs on inflation and the complexities of the gig economy, providing a comprehensive view of the modern labor market.

18 snips
Nov 18, 2024 • 1h 7min
Keeping it Simple | Ep. 42: Old Ironsides
Barry Knapp, a partner at Ironsides Macroeconomics, shares his expertise in macroeconomic strategy. The discussion digs into the current economic climate and the fear of recession, tackling challenges faced by small businesses. They analyze the bumpy landscape of wage growth across sectors and scrutinize how recent election outcomes are shaping investment strategies, particularly in the bond market. Prepare for deep insights on inflation, fiscal policies, and the complexities of today’s labor market!

4 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 1h 5min
Keeping it Simple | Ep. 41: Can We Inflate Away Angrynomics?
Mark Blyth, a Professor of International Economics at Brown University and author of 'Angrynomics,' joins the discussion. He explores the links between inflation and social inequality, offering insights into historical and modern economic policies. The impact of mechanization on labor, evolving demographic trends, and the importance of cohesive governance in the face of technological change are highlighted. Blyth also sheds light on how economic policies can fuel public anger, challenging listeners to rethink their understanding of macroeconomic dynamics.

Sep 17, 2024 • 1h 2min
Keeping it Simple | Ep. 40: Damp Croissant or Jelly Spring?
Andy Constan, a market analysis pro, and Cem Karsan, an expert in financial structure, dive into the complexities of market dynamics. They dissect the factors behind the 1987 crash and explore modern trends like zero data expiry options, illustrating their impact on volatility. The duo contrasts short-term trading behaviors with long-term economic indicators, emphasizing the roles of market makers and the 'Fed put' in current investing. Their insights shed light on navigating today's intricate financial landscape.

Aug 12, 2024 • 59min
Keeping it Simple | Ep.39: Wake Me Up, When October Ends
In this engaging conversation, Danielle DiMartino Booth, a former Fed staffer and founder of QI Research, dives into her October 2023 recession call. She emphasizes the significance of accurate economic data and the challenges of outdated models, while exploring Wall Street’s shifting influence on market narratives. Danielle also highlights the struggles of the middle class post-pandemic, the effects of unconventional monetary policies, and shares her bullish outlook on gold amid current market volatility.

12 snips
Jul 15, 2024 • 1h 16min
Keeping it Simple | Ep.38: Are We Fourth Turning Japanese? Or Is It Different this Time?
Neil Howe discusses historical cycles and saeculi, focusing on generational dynamics and realigning elections. The conversation delves into counterculture movements, economic strategies, and political affiliations, highlighting the impact of historical events on societal cycles and governmental interventions.
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