Lead-Lag Live
Michael A. Gayed, CFA
Welcome to the Lead-Lag Live podcast, where we bring you live unscripted conversations with thought leaders in the world of finance, economics, and investing. Hosted by Melanie Schaffer each episode dives deep into the minds of industry experts to discuss current market trends, investment strategies, and the global economic landscape.In this exciting series, you'll have the rare opportunity to join Melanie Schaffer as she connects with prominent thought leaders for captivating discussions in real-time. The Lead-Lag Live podcast aims to provide valuable insights, analysis, and actionable advice for investors and financial professionals alike.As a dedicated listener, you can expect to hear from renowned financial experts, best-selling authors, and market strategists as they share their wealth of knowledge and experience. With a focus on topical issues and their potential impact on financial markets, these live unscripted conversations will ensure that you stay informed and ahead of the curve.Subscribe to the Lead-Lag Live podcast and follow @leadlagmedia on X to stay updated on upcoming live conversations and to gain exclusive access to a treasure trove of financial wisdom. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from the best and brightest minds in the business.Join us on this journey as we explore the complex world of finance and investments, one live unscripted conversation at a time. Be sure to like, comment, and share the Lead-Lag Live podcast with your network to help others discover these invaluable insights.Stay tuned for the latest episode of the Lead-Lag Live podcast, and remember to turn on notifications so you never miss a live conversation with your favorite thought leaders. Happy listening!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 4, 2025 • 42min
Data vs Reality: Jay Hatfield on Jobs Revisions, Fed Cuts, and Where Value Hides
Jay Hatfield, CEO of Infrastructure Capital, shares his expertise on the questionable accuracy of BLS jobs data and its impact on investment strategies. He discusses how bond markets are signaling potential Fed cuts and argues for focusing on small caps and REITs as we approach year-end. Hatfield also emphasizes the need for a modern approach to labor data and warns that tariffs may distract from more pressing Fed policy issues. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating a slowing economy and uncovering hidden investment opportunities.
Sep 4, 2025 • 15min
Rates vs Reality: David Busch on Fed Signals, Inflation, and Positioning for Year-End
David Busch, CFA and Co-Chief Investment Officer at Trajan Wealth, shares his expertise on navigating today’s turbulent financial landscape. He delves into the Federal Reserve's recent signals and their impacts on market expectations. David contrasts the contrasting trends of CPI and PPI, highlighting their implications for investors. He addresses the growth versus value equity dilemma and warns of potential weaknesses in consumer data. Additionally, he presents an intriguing case for intermediate-term bonds as a unique investment opportunity amidst current volatility.
Sep 3, 2025 • 17min
Narratives vs Numbers: Brendan Ahern on EM Growth, Dollar Flows, and What Investors Miss
Brendan Ahern, Chief Investment Officer at KraneShares, shares his insights on separating narratives from data in emerging markets. He reveals how headline returns can obscure strong tech performance and highlights key players like TSMC and Alibaba. Ahern discusses the implications of a weaker dollar on global investments, advocating for a shift towards growth stocks outside of U.S. equities. Listeners will gain valuable strategies for navigating the complexities of emerging markets and optimizing their portfolios.
Aug 27, 2025 • 10min
Weekly Payouts from Volatility? Will Rhind on GraniteShares YieldBOOST ETFs
William Rhind, Founder and CEO of GraniteShares, shares insights on innovative YieldBOOST ETFs designed to capitalize on market volatility. He explains how these funds generate impressive weekly distributions by selling options on assets like Tesla and Bitcoin. Rhind highlights the unique blend of high returns and risk management through downside protection, differentiating this strategy from traditional options trading. Listeners will also discover what’s next in the Yield Boost lineup and the growing demand for income-focused ETFs in a fluctuating market.
Aug 26, 2025 • 26min
Fantasy vs Fundamentals: Seth Cogswell on Bubbles, Passive Flows, and What Breaks Next
Seth Cogswell, Founding Partner and Portfolio Manager at Running Oak, dives deep into the world of investing. He discusses how the current market strength stems more from fantasy than fundamentals. Cogswell warns about the hidden risks in passive strategies and the destabilizing effects of concentrated index flows. He emphasizes that Fed stimulus has only postponed risks, not eliminated them, and champions the significance of mid- and small-cap stocks when narratives shift. His insights challenge conventional investing wisdom in today's volatile landscape.
Aug 23, 2025 • 1h 8min
Wall Street Meets Humanitarianism: RSU Founder Iryna Vashchuk Discipio Joins Gayed, Block & CNBC
In a heartfelt discussion, Adam Kishleski, a retired Marine and CEO of MLB Outdoors, shares how outdoor therapy aids veterans. Iryna Vashchuk Discipio, founder of Revived Soldiers Ukraine, discusses the charity's efforts in providing medical aid to injured soldiers. David Piesetsky, a Ukrainian soldier, recounts his frontline experiences and volunteer work. Together, they highlight the resilience of those affected by war and emphasize the powerful role of U.S. veterans in supporting Ukraine's fight for freedom.
Aug 21, 2025 • 29min
Inside ETF Strategy: Paul Baiocchi on Market Shifts and Innovation at SS&C ALPS
Paul Baiocchi, CFA and Head of Funds Sales and Strategy at SS&C ALPS Advisors, dives into the evolving ETF landscape and market dynamics. He shares insights on how ALPS stands out in a competitive environment and the critical role of innovation in fund design. The conversation highlights shifting investor strategies in a volatile market, potential opportunities in active ETFs, and the importance of reevaluating sectors like REITs. Baiocchi also discusses the intersection of AI and energy demands and how new ETFs are addressing these trends.
Aug 19, 2025 • 24min
Balanced or Broken? Jay Hatfield on Rates, Inflation, and Market Risks
In this conversation, Jay Hatfield, CEO and Portfolio Manager at InfraCap Funds, shares his insights on looming market risks, including persistent inflation and surging government debt. He discusses the implications of high interest rates on the U.S. economy and warns that the Fed's policy may not match market expectations. Hatfield also critiques outdated inflation measurement methods and offers investment strategies for navigating the uncertainty ahead, including advice on equities and fixed-income funds.
13 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 38min
Value Beyond Growth with Kevin Orr
Kevin Orr, who leads strategic partnerships at CraneShares, shares his expertise on investment strategies. He discusses the shift from passive to active investing and the rise of smart beta strategies that promise enhanced returns. Orr dives into the importance of diversification using a whale-watching metaphor and explores emerging markets, particularly China, as key opportunities. He emphasizes innovative approaches to portfolio optimization and the need for strategies that lower volatility in uncertain market environments.
Aug 13, 2025 • 19min
Rethinking Diversification: Alex Shahidi on Risk Parity and the 60/40 Problem
In this discussion, Alex Shahidi, Managing Partner and Co-CIO at Evoke Advisors, delves into the flaws of the traditional 60/40 portfolio and advocates for risk parity as a solution. He highlights the importance of true diversification to guard against growth and inflation shocks. Shahidi also explains why current market conditions, including concentration in U.S. tech stocks, necessitate a balanced approach to investing. Listeners gain insights into constructing resilient portfolios that can withstand potential market turbulence and avoid "lost decades."
