

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

Oct 2, 2024 • 44min
Chris Porter on Housing Market Dynamics, Immigration Trends, and Affordability Challenges
Chris Porter, an expert from John Burns Research and Consulting, delves into the intricacies of today’s housing market. He reveals why regions like Orange County are seeing inflated prices despite lower mortgage rates. The conversation uncovers how shifting demographics, particularly immigration and declining birth rates, significantly influence housing demand and affordability. Porter also discusses policy proposals for first-time homebuyers and the impact of economic factors on suburban growth and rental dynamics.

Sep 30, 2024 • 45min
Alejandro Yela on Microcap Stocks, High-Risk Investment Strategies, and Global Market Dynamics
Alejandro Yela, a polymath skilled in law, economics, and investment banking, dives into the fascinating world of microcap stocks. He shares his journey from restructuring companies to high-reward investment strategies. Alejandro reveals a standout investment in Carlytics, which boasts a unique data monopoly. He emphasizes the importance of patience and qualitative analysis, debunking myths surrounding microcap volatility. Listeners will learn about navigating cultural barriers and the critical factors for identifying hidden gems in this often-overlooked market.

Sep 28, 2024 • 44min
Mark Newton on US Energy Policies, Fed Rate Cuts, and Market Diversification Strategies
Mark Newton, Chief Technical Strategist at Fundstrat, shares expert insights on the evolving US energy market and its investment implications. He discusses a bearish outlook for crude oil amidst rising supply and highlights potential opportunities in gold and silver with impending Fed rate cuts. Newton emphasizes the growing importance of diversification in today’s markets, analyzing recent shifts in tech and value stocks, particularly in the financial and industrial sectors. He also explores the impacts of interest rates and global economic influences, including China.

20 snips
Sep 27, 2024 • 48min
Harley Bassman on Bond Market Dynamics, Derivative Strategies, and Long-Term Interest Rate Trends
Harley Bassman, a Wall Street veteran with a rich background from Merrill Lynch to Simplify Asset Management, dives deep into the bond market's dynamics. He elucidates how Fed funds rates relate to inflation and long-term bonds, shedding light on market stability. The discussion transitions to innovative derivative strategies within ETFs, making sophisticated tools accessible even to everyday investors. Bassman also examines the complexities of mortgage rates, their effects on housing, and the current economic outlook, providing valuable insights for savvy traders.

Sep 25, 2024 • 43min
Rick Rule on Price Controls, Gold Investment Strategies, and Natural Resource Market Dynamics
Rick Rule, a luminary in natural resource finance, shares his expert insights on economic dynamics and investment strategies. He highlights the historic failures of price controls, drawing parallels to New York City’s rent regulations. Rick discusses the implications of recent Federal Reserve rate cuts on gold prices and the importance of investing in precious metals amid economic uncertainty. He also addresses the critical under-investment in commodities, effective leadership in mining stocks, and offers personal investment strategies for long-term growth.

5 snips
Sep 22, 2024 • 34min
Matthew Chang on Robotics Revolution, AI Integration, and Future Workforce Dynamics
Matthew Chang, a pioneering engineer and founder of Chang Robotics, discusses the urgent need for trade skills in the U.S. driven by offshoring. He highlights robotics advancements transforming industries, making automation more user-friendly. The talk covers localized AI versus large language models, China's swift adoption of robotics, and their role in healthcare and law. Chang also emphasizes how automation can enhance job satisfaction and discusses ethical considerations in robotics, urging for responsible technologies that prioritize privacy.

Sep 21, 2024 • 42min
Hal Lambert on Political Influence in Investments, CEO Dynamics, and Strategic Market Insights
Hal Lambert from Point Bridge Capital, an expert at the crossroads of political influence and investment strategies, shares invaluable insights. He discusses how political decisions can impact mutual funds and ETFs, particularly focusing on politically-driven investments. Lambert sheds light on CEO motivations, contrasting Zuckerberg's approach with transient leaders swayed by finances. He advocates for equal-weighted portfolios, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, and analyzes the geopolitical landscape's effects on markets, especially in the semiconductor sector.

Sep 21, 2024 • 43min
Noel Smith on Hedge Fund Mastery, Multi-Strategy Approaches, and Interest Rate Futures Insights
Noel Smith, CIO of Convex Asset Management, brings his expertise in hedge fund management and cross-asset analysis to the conversation. He reveals the art of multi-strategy approaches, likening them to a diverse Cheesecake Factory menu that adapts to market conditions. Noel discusses the moral responsibilities of managing client funds, using historical events as lessons. He also dives into trading interest rate futures, shedding light on the Fed's impact and the interplay of options data in decision-making, all while emphasizing the importance of risk management and market adaptability.

Sep 17, 2024 • 52min
Mark Nelson on Nuclear Fuel Economics, Germany's Energy Crisis, and Global Nuclear Trends
Mark Nelson, a nuclear energy expert dedicated to the economics of nuclear power, shares his insights on compelling topics. He discusses the surprisingly low fuel costs of nuclear energy and its pivotal role in Germany's energy crisis. Nelson highlights the economic impacts of closing nuclear plants and contrasts this with France's nuclear reliance and China's developments. He also delves into nuclear's role in meeting rising AI demands, emphasizing the need for stable energy sources. Plus, he adds a humorous note about his signature mustache and its personal significance.

Sep 16, 2024 • 42min
Mastering Technical Analysis, Bond Yield Cycles, and Precious Metals Trends with John Roque
John Roque, a prominent technical analyst with over three decades at firms like Lehman Brothers, shares his wisdom on mastering investment strategies. He stresses the elegance of simplicity, revealing the importance of understanding market narratives without overcomplicating methods. Dive into bond yield cycles, the interplay between oil prices and inflation, and the resilience of gold in today's economy. Roque also examines the complexities of investing in China and shares insights into effective technical indicators that can enhance market predictions.


