
Lead-Lag Live
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 through X Spaces by Michael A. Gayed, CFA, Publisher of The Lead-Lag Report (@leadlagreport), 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 Michael A. Gayed as he 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 @leadlagreport 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!
Latest episodes

Jun 14, 2025 • 48min
Carbon Markets as Alternative Investments with Luke Oliver
In this discussion, Luke Oliver, a strategist at KraneShares, demystifies the carbon credit market as a groundbreaking alternative investment. He emphasizes its low correlation with stocks and its impressive potential returns, underscoring how government mandates create steady demand. The conversation highlights intriguing strategies for integrating carbon assets, like ETFs, into portfolios, aiming for smarter diversification. Luke also explores the impact of regulations and geopolitical events on the market, making a strong case for carbon investments as the future of portfolio construction.

Jun 8, 2025 • 43min
Breaking the 60/40 Myth with Philip Toews
Phillip Toews, founder of Toews Asset Management and author of "The Behavioral Portfolio," unveils the pitfalls of the traditional 60/40 investment strategy. He examines historical market failures, revealing how this approach could have led to severe losses during economic downturns. Toews highlights the concept of 'adaptive fixed income' and critiques current monetary policies, suggesting new pathways to protect wealth. He introduces 'hedged equity' strategies, promoting portfolios that prioritize investor psychology and long-term stability, while also addressing the dangers of 'corona bias' in financial decision-making.

Jun 7, 2025 • 47min
The Rise of Intangible Value Investing with Kai Wu
In this discussion, Kai Wu, Founder and CIO of Sparkline Capital, unveils the revolutionary shift towards intangible value investing. With a keen focus on how modern companies derive value from brand equity and intellectual property, he critiques traditional metrics that overlook these aspects. Wu emphasizes the need for updated valuation methods, leveraging AI and big data to assess unstructured sources like patents and social media. He also addresses the challenges investors face in valuing intangible assets and the emerging opportunities in today’s asset-light economy.

Jun 6, 2025 • 38min
Global Markets Beyond America
Rohit Goel, Partner at Breakout Capital and an expert in global macro trends, dives into the overlooked risks of U.S. fiscal deficits, arguing they could mislead investors into focusing solely on American markets. He highlights emerging opportunities in under-invested regions like Europe and Latin America, emphasizing the importance of country selection in these markets. Rohit also connects potential shifts in capital flows with economic reforms, revealing that successful investing in emerging markets hinges more on national policies than sector choices.

Jun 1, 2025 • 45min
Trading Psychology Unveiled
JJ Kinahan, CEO of IG North America and veteran trader, shares insights on the seismic shifts in retail trading. He discusses how retail traders now have access to professional-grade tools and rapid information flow. The conversation highlights the psychology of traders during market uncertainties, revealing patterns in their moves from ETFs to individual stocks. JJ emphasizes the importance of understanding personal risk tolerance and making calculated decisions, urging new traders to start small and be more strategic.

May 31, 2025 • 43min
Finding the Hidden Gems in Mid-Cap Markets
Seth Cogswell, a contrarian Portfolio Manager at Running Oak and the brains behind the RUNN ETF, challenges the obsession with mega-cap stocks. He highlights the untapped potential of mid-cap companies, which have historically outperformed larger counterparts. Cogswell discusses the dangers of corporate debt and the looming threat of 'zombie companies' in today’s market. He emphasizes the importance of quality investing and advocates for an equal-weight approach to harness opportunities where others overlook, providing fresh insights into navigating complex market dynamics.

7 snips
May 29, 2025 • 45min
The Hidden Bus: Preparing for Market Uncertainty
In this insightful discussion, Brad Barrie, a consultant and portfolio manager at Dynamic Wealth, shares his innovative thoughts on market disruptions. He challenges the traditional view of diversification, arguing that owning more assets doesn’t equate to safety. Using the 'bus you don’t see' analogy, he highlights unnoticed risks that can hit investors hard. Brad also explains his Dynamic Alpha Macro Fund's unique strategy, which combines global macro futures with equities, ensuring genuine non-correlation to enhance stability even in volatility.

May 26, 2025 • 49min
Unlocking China's Potential Through Covered Calls
In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Shelon, COO of KraneShares, highlights the rise of covered call strategies in today’s unpredictable markets. He explains how KLIP, an ETF focused on Chinese internet stocks, manages to generate monthly yields of 3-5%. Shelon emphasizes the benefits of diversifying with Chinese equities, which have appealing valuations compared to U.S. markets. He also explores the vital differences in market cycles between the U.S. and China, offering insights for investors looking to optimize income through international assets.

16 snips
May 25, 2025 • 53min
Navigating Rising Yields
In this engaging discussion, Jim Bianco, a macroeconomic expert and leader of Bianco Research, teams up with Jay Hatfield, a seasoned macro strategist managing $2.6 billion at Infrastructure Capital. They delve into the paradox of rising Treasury yields amidst Fed rate cuts and the implications for investors. Hatfield introduces his "Hopfield Rule," linking housing starts to potential recessions, while Bianco highlights the powerful influence of retail investors in stabilizing markets. The duo also examines the effects of fluctuating oil prices and the evolving landscape of inflation.

May 23, 2025 • 29min
Inside AI: The Future of Technology Investments
Paul Shelton, a growth solutions expert at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, shares insightful perspectives on the evolving tech landscape. He discusses the importance of understanding technology as a transformative force across industries. The conversation highlights Columbia Threadneedle's strategic focus on sustainable competitive advantages and long-term investment patience, evidenced by their successes with tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon. Shelton also addresses the volatility of AI investments and the continued growth of the tech sector amidst various market challenges.