Animal Spirits Podcast

Jerry Prior III, COO & Senior Portfolio Manager of Mount Lucas Management, dives into the world of managed futures. He explains how portfolios can benefit from these strategies and their role in diversifying investments. Jerry discusses the intricacies of trend-following techniques and how they excel in volatile markets, especially during inflationary periods. He shares the fascinating history of the MLM Index and how it evolved into an ETF, showcasing its significance in offering diversification during financial turbulence. A must-listen for finance enthusiasts!

Market mayhem takes center stage as the hosts debate whether we're facing a flash crash or the symptoms of an impending recession. They reflect on Japan's interest rate hike and its global impact. The discussion shifts to the challenges of the restaurant industry, technology’s influence on jobs, and the evolving landscape of service wages. Insights on inflation connect to classic movie reflections, while the hosts express mixed feelings about upcoming films, keeping the conversation lively and engaging.

Mike Simonsen, Founder and President of Altos Research, shares his insights on the shifting housing market landscape. He discusses how accessible real estate data empowers buyers and sellers, the impact of rising interest rates, and potential scenarios for market corrections. Simonsen addresses the struggles younger homebuyers face, including reliance on parental support, and examines regional trends, particularly in Florida and Texas. The conversation also touches on the innovative role of iBuyers and the current dynamics in the mortgage industry.

The hosts dive into the intriguing world of small cap stocks, revealing why they're currently undervalued and how to enhance market performance. They analyze the surge in bond investments and share surprising facts about American wages. Discover the latest trends in gas prices and housing markets, along with a playful debate on the best way to enjoy potatoes. The downfall of major brands like Nike and the rising popularity of IMAX theaters adds to the lively discussion, mixed with light-hearted personal anecdotes.

Jay Jacobs, U.S. Head of Thematic and Active ETFs at BlackRock, shares invaluable insights on innovative investment strategies. He discusses the significant rise of thematic ETFs, driven by the historic Bitcoin and upcoming Ethereum ETF launches. The conversation navigates the reshoring theme, highlighting the shift towards resilient supply chains post-COVID-19. Additionally, Jay explores the regulatory landscape for crypto ETFs and the evolving role of AI in thematic investing, focusing on how investors can adapt to emerging trends.

Kristof Gleich, associated with Harbor Capital, and Scott Colson from Irrational Capital, explore the evolving significance of corporate culture in investing. They detail how strong employee satisfaction can dramatically enhance company performance. Discover innovative measurement methods for human capital, and learn how these insights influence ETF development. The duo emphasizes intrinsic motivators over financial rewards and discusses the systematic investment strategies that capitalize on human capital factors to yield superior results, especially in challenging markets.

Discussion on the stock market's indifference to presidential influence, the economics of a martini, best comedy movies, broken beer bottle economy, rich Nvidia employees, and more interesting topics covered in this entertaining podcast episode.

Matt Middleton, CEO of Future Proof, discusses updates to Future Proof 2024, breakout meetings, fintech demo alley, and the ideal attendees. The podcast delves into the unique networking experiences at the event, the importance of face-to-face interactions, and the evolution of Future Proof from a festival-like setting to a more business-focused approach.

On this episode, they discuss Fed rate cuts, positive outcomes from high inflation, stock market accuracy, global millionaires, Wingstop vs. Chipotle, renters' ability to buy homes, house construction costs, private markets, Kevin Bacon movies, Bitcoin fluctuations, US homeownership stats, housing market dynamics, and actor Nick Cage's routine.

Eric Crittenden, CIO of Standpoint Asset Management, discusses adjusting for bias in data analysis, defining holding periods for trend following, multi-asset vs managed futures, simplifying trading processes, maximizing compounded returns, and managing risk in financial markets with a rules-based approach to trend following and portfolio allocation.