Ask The Compound

Josh Brown, CEO and market commentator at Ritholtz Wealth Management, brings sharp, practical market analysis. He breaks down which software firms are vulnerable to AI and which gain an advantage. He contrasts asset-heavy 'halo' businesses with information-centric SaaS. He also covers trading tactics like trailing stops, plus housing policy and career advice for financial planners.

Bill Sweet, a tax expert and former service member who advises on taxes, retirement, and benefits. They tackle managing a large lump sum versus dollar-cost averaging. They explain new TSP Roth in-plan conversions and when to consider converting. They compare new kids' savings accounts to 529s and discuss health insurance options before Medicare.

They debate whether the 4% withdrawal rule still holds and explore hybrid withdrawal strategies. They dive into diversification, recent asset-class rotations, and the case for rebalancing. They discuss the role of taxable versus tax-advantaged accounts and practical choices around selling or renting a home with a low mortgage rate. Emerging markets and how to invest in them also come up.

Brian Jacobs, a portfolio manager specializing in option-based ETF strategies, shares valuable insights on hedging equity exposure. He explains the mechanics of collars and dynamic puts, enhancing understanding of risk management. The discussion covers buffered ETFs, their growing trend, and how they provide downside protection. Jacobs highlights the importance of tax efficiency for advisors and explores the historical performance of these options. Personal reflections on financial independence and the decision for a spouse to stay home round out this engaging conversation.

Barry Ritholtz, founder of Ritholtz Wealth Management, shares his insights on valuing today's stock market. He debates the impact of rising profit margins on P/E ratios and suggests diversifying into cheaper investments. Ritholtz warns that a 10% cap on credit card interest rates could hurt consumers by limiting credit access. They also discuss the importance of reliable financial news sources and maximizing employer 401(k) contributions versus waiting to save for larger down payments. This conversation is packed with valuable financial strategies!

Bill Sweet, a tax expert known for his insights on retirement planning, shares his expertise in this engaging discussion. He delves into the nuances of Roth strategies and the benefits of conversions, especially for young earners. The conversation covers the surprising hidden costs of homeownership and strategies to mitigate risks in real estate investment. Sweet also sheds light on the intricacies of leveraging margin borrowing and the advantages of charitable giving in tax planning. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating today’s financial landscape.

Join Eric Balchunas, an ETF analyst at Bloomberg, as he dives into the intricacies of Bitcoin ETFs versus buying crypto directly. He explains trading costs, highlighting how ETFs offer tighter spreads and lower commissions compared to exchanges. The conversation also explores whether crypto crashes impact the stock market, revealing that they're often just risk-on indicators. Additionally, the discussion touches on tax strategies for high earners and emphasizes viewing market declines as buying opportunities.

Discover the top stock market indicators every investor should know! Dive into the importance of viewing your investments as one portfolio. Understand that returns can be volatile, and why not to fear all-time highs. Learn about the normalcy of bear markets and how to prepare for market crashes. Compounding is the key to long-term wealth, and stocks symbolize ownership in corporate success. Finally, gain insights into the differences between secular and cyclical markets, plus tips on mortgage choices to maximize flexibility.

Jurrien Timmer, a portfolio strategist at Fidelity Investments, shares his expertise in market cycles and analysis. He discusses whether we're at the end of a bull market and compares the current AI craze to historical bubbles. Timmer delves into inflation targets and the evolving landscape of asset allocation, proposing alternatives to the traditional 60/40 portfolio. He emphasizes strong corporate fundamentals despite a slowing labor market, leaving listeners with valuable insights into navigating today's financial markets.

Bill Sweet, the Chief Financial Officer at Ritholtz, joins the discussion with insights on housing prices and retirement strategies. They delve into the potential for a housing market decline by 2026 and analyze the resilience of the market despite limited supply. Bill shares expert advice on Roth strategies, citing Gen Z's growing preference for Roth accounts due to long-term benefits. The conversation also explores the trade-offs between renting and owning in retirement, providing practical tips for managing finances effectively.