Monetary Matters with Jack Farley

Dr. Elham Saeidinezhad, a Term Assistant Professor of Economics at Barnard College and Market Structure Fellow at the Jain Family Institute, dives into the intriguing dynamics of banks functioning as synthetic hedge funds. She discusses the failures of Silicon Valley Bank, highlighting the role of interest rate swaps in its collapse. Elham also explores the complexities of private credit ETFs and the evolving relationship between banks and non-banking entities. Her insights shed light on the regulatory challenges and risks facing today’s financial markets.

Warren Pies, a financial expert from 3Fourteen Research, dives deep into market dynamics and the potential for S&P 500 growth. He discusses the impact of Federal Reserve policies on small-cap and mid-cap stocks, revealing a split recovery favoring larger corporations. Pies shares insights on effective investment strategies, emphasizing quality stock selection and the importance of return on invested capital. He also explores the current commodities landscape, weighing the complexities of oil versus a bullish outlook on gold and Bitcoin.

Dan Rasmussen, founder of Verdad Capital and a pioneer in quantitative investing, discusses how his firm thrives on high-quality research, having published nearly 500 pieces since 2014. He highlights the essence of authenticity in building investor relationships and the compliance nuances in research publishing. The conversation also touches on fostering human capital, learning from entrepreneurial mistakes, and employing a SaaS approach to achieving product-market fit, all while adapting to diverse investor profiles in the hedge fund landscape.

James Davolos, portfolio manager at Horizon Kinetics, shares his insights on investing in inflation-resistant companies. He discusses the challenges of managing funds in an inflationary environment and questions the traditional 2% inflation target. The conversation dives into the evolving landscape of West Texas, transforming from grazing land to a tech and energy hub, as well as the strategic advantages of financial exchanges amid market volatility. Davolos also highlights the importance of concentrated investment strategies for capturing unique opportunities.

Jason Shapiro, a veteran trader and founder of the Crowded Market Report, shares his contrarian insights on today's financial markets. He argues that the crowded long dollar trade may pave the way for a Euro rally. Shapiro highlights that traders could be too short on oil and natural gas, while maintaining a neutral stance on equities due to short-term risks. Their conversation also dives into the complexities of market reactions to political changes and the impacts on currencies and commodities.

Louis Camhi, Founder and CIO of RLH Capital, shares his expertise navigating the tricky world of SPACs. He discusses the challenges of fitting unique investment strategies into traditional hedge fund categories. Camhi emphasizes the need for clear communication with investors to build trust. The conversation dives into the difficulties of fundraising and operational complexities in hedge funds. He also highlights the importance of adaptability in investment strategies as market conditions evolve, ensuring that funds stay relevant and competitive.

Citrini, a thematic cross-asset investor renowned for his sharp insights on AI and GLP-1s, shares his impressive Trump-themed investment basket that's skyrocketed 87% since March 2024. He discusses the correlation between his basket's performance and Trump's political chances, highlighting overheated sectors and those primed for growth. The conversation also touches on implications of political events on the stock and bond markets, as well as challenges and strategies within the airline industry and the evolving landscape of AI investments.

The Federal Reserve's recent decision to cut interest rates sparks a lively debate about political independence under Chairman Powell. The hosts analyze stock market reactions and shine a light on the implications of real interest rates. They tackle the complexities of inflation metrics and the Fed's cautious forward guidance. Insights on the current bull market emerge, emphasizing personal analysis in investment decisions. Plus, there's a discussion on the evolving landscape of financial media and how fund management strategies adapt to changing viewer preferences.

Harris Kupperman, CIO and founder of Praetorian Capital, shares insights from his experience running a hedge fund with over $300 million in AUM. He discusses his unconventional focus on ultra-high-net-worth investors and the benefits of diversifying LPs. Kupperman emphasizes the importance of authenticity in brand building through his blog, Kuppy’s Korner. He also explores the challenges of raising capital, the shift from institutional to individual investors, and the role of intuition in making investment decisions.

Basil Mohr-Elzeki, Managing Director and Head of Americas for Henley & Partners, discusses the rising trend of millionaires relocating for better opportunities and safety. He unpacks the motivations behind global wealth migration and how taxation and geopolitical risks influence these decisions. Interestingly, he highlights the allure of citizenship by investment programs in various countries, including Malta and Portugal, and the increasing interest from crypto investors seeking more favorable regulations. The conversation sheds light on the strategic planning crucial for affluent families navigating these changes.