

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

Jan 7, 2025 • 41min
Meb Faber on Cutting-Edge ETF Innovations, Tax-Efficient Strategies, and Global Investment Outlook
Join Meb Faber, Founder and CIO of Cambria Investment Management, as he unveils groundbreaking ETF strategies. Discover the significance of the 351 exchange for tax efficiency and portfolio diversification. Meb shares insights on transitioning from traditional funds and the bold closure of their inaugural fund, FAIL. Explore the shift towards global endowment-style investing and the upcoming launch of a fund aimed at raising $30 to $50 million. Get ready to learn how market dynamics shape investment decisions and strategies!

Jan 6, 2025 • 34min
Aleks Svetski on Bitcoin's Transformative Potential, Quantum Computing Challenges, and Philosophical Insights from "Bushido of Bitcoin
Aleks Svetski, a seasoned Bitcoin enthusiast and entrepreneur, dives into Bitcoin's potential to reshape societal structures and tackle inequality. He addresses skepticism surrounding Bitcoin, exploring its relationship with emerging technologies like quantum computing. Svetski highlights how quantum advancements could enhance Bitcoin's security while discussing the emotional dynamics of investing. He also shares insights from his book, "Bushido of Bitcoin," reflecting on virtues essential for creating resilient societies. This engaging conversation blends philosophical reflections with practical implications.

Jan 5, 2025 • 38min
Lakshman Achuthan on Economic Cycle Insights, Yield Curve Un-inversion, and Global Manufacturing Challenges
Lakshman Achuthan, a veteran business cycle analyst from the Economic Cycle Research Institute, dives into the complexities of economic cycles, discussing their inherent cyclical nature. He unpacks the recent un-inversion of the yield curve and what it signals about the current economic landscape. The conversation also highlights the challenges facing global manufacturing amid a slowdown and the implications of past policies. Achuthan emphasizes the importance of adapting to evolving data and staying informed to navigate economic fluctuations.

Jan 4, 2025 • 44min
Max Osbon on Tech Investment Resilience, Market Volatility Strategies, and the Speculative World of SPACs and Micro-Cap Innovations
Max Osbon, head of Osbon Capital Management, shares his expertise on tech investments and managing risk in volatile markets. He discusses how to navigate pullbacks, focusing on giants like Nvidia, while emphasizing the buoyancy of market liquidity despite a reduced M2 money supply. The conversation dives into the challenges VC-backed firms face and the speculative landscape of SPACs and micro-cap innovations, with real-life examples like Butterfly Network. Osbon highlights the necessity of thorough analysis to find opportunities even in uncertain times.

10 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 35min
Amy Nixon on Post-Pandemic Housing Dynamics, Mortgage Lock-in Paradoxes, and Strategic Investment Insights
In a captivating discussion, housing analyst Amy Nixon shares her expertise on the post-pandemic housing market. She highlights the mortgage lock-in paradox that keeps homeowners from selling, despite high rates. Amy delves into regional trends in Florida and Texas, exploring how immigration shapes housing demand and construction labor. Unique insights are offered on investment strategies for 2024, emphasizing the impact of inflation and changing demographics. Listeners gain a nuanced understanding of current market dynamics and future outlooks.

Jan 2, 2025 • 36min
Charles Rotblutt on Emotional Investment Influences, Small-Cap Growth Prospects, and Diversified Portfolio Strategies
Charles Rotblutt, Vice President of the American Association of Individual Investors and seasoned CFA charterholder, dives into how emotions can steer investment choices more than actual market changes. He discusses the impact of market sentiment, emerging opportunities in small-cap stocks, and the significance of diversification amidst volatility. Charles highlights the evolving landscape of investing, contrasting traditional strategies with speculative trends, while emphasizing the urgent need for balanced portfolios to navigate current economic challenges.

7 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 49min
Kevin Bambrough on Stress Management Techniques, Mitochondrial Optimization, and Achieving Peak Performance through Passion and Purpose
Kevin Bambrough, a finance and private equity expert, shares his inspiring transformation from a high-powered career to prioritizing well-being. He discusses the critical link between stress management and health, driven by a life-altering experience. Kevin dives into the science of mitochondria, revealing how to enhance mental and physical performance. He emphasizes the role of purpose and passion in achieving peak performance and reflects on creating positive feedback loops for personal growth, ultimately guiding listeners toward self-discovery and fulfillment.

Dec 31, 2024 • 51min
Axel Merk on Strategic Gold Investments, Risk Management Nuances, and AI's Role in Future Forecasting
Join Axel Merk, Founder and CIO of Merk Investments, as he shares his expertise in gold and risk management. He discusses the transition from tech investments to managing $1.6 billion in gold assets, offering insights into the nuances of hedging. Axel highlights the psychological aspects of investing during downturns and the strategic role of gold in economic instability. He also examines the impact of fluctuating energy costs on gold mining and delves into the exciting potential of AI in future investment forecasting.

Dec 30, 2024 • 41min
Meb Faber on ETF Fund Strategy Mastery, Tax-Efficient Investment Insights, and Global Market Dynamics
Meb Faber, Founder and CIO of Cambria Investment Management, shares his expertise on ETF fund strategies and tax-efficient investing. He dives into the shift from mutual funds to ETFs, emphasizing innovative approaches like open enrollment for new funds. Meb discusses the benefits of shareholder yield and details the unique 351 exchange for tax optimization. He also unveils plans for a global endowment-style ETF and offers insights on navigating market volatility, including the stark differences between U.S. and foreign stocks.

Dec 29, 2024 • 46min
Seth Cogswell on Fiduciary vs Asset Gathering Roles, Mid-Large Cap Stock Opportunities, and Rules-Based Investment Strategies
Seth Cogswell, founder of Running Oak and a proponent of rules-based investment strategies, dives deep into the distinction between fiduciary advisors and asset gatherers. He reveals the importance of genuine financial stewardship and client relationships in investment management. The conversation also highlights the untapped potential of mid-large cap stocks and the pitfalls of emotional trading. With insights on disciplined investment strategies, Seth equips both advisors and investors with tools for sustainable growth amid market fluctuations.


