Animal Spirits Podcast

Matt Bartolini, Managing Director at State Street Global Advisors, brings his expertise on mid-cap stocks and ETFs to the discussion. He highlights the unique opportunities mid-cap companies offer amidst market volatility. The conversation delves into the importance of a profitability screen and how policy uncertainty impacts these stocks. Bartolini also provides insights on ETF flows expected in 2025 and discusses the shift in investment interest from U.S. equities to European markets, offering a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of mid-cap investments.

The hosts dive into the chaotic aftermath of a stock market crash, examining how tariffs are reshaping perceptions of trade. They debate economic tensions and the impact on middle-class opportunities. Personal anecdotes about parenting and the absurdities of cabana rentals add humor to their discussion. They also touch on crypto's surprising resilience amidst downturns and share thoughts on movie nostalgia, blending reflections on cinema with insights on current market fluctuations. It's a mix of strategy, humor, and life trends.

Rahul Sharma, Portfolio Manager at Schafer Cullen Capital Management, dives into the exciting world of international stocks. He discusses the recent outperformance of these stocks compared to U.S. equities, driven by increased spending in Europe and opportunities in China. The conversation touches on the impact of a weakening dollar and how passive investment strategies might misprice international stocks. He also explores the advantages of mutual funds over ETFs for accessing emerging markets and emphasizes the importance of diversification in navigating global investments.

The hosts dive into auto tariffs and their potential impact on the economy, sparking discussions on consumer behavior and trade policies. They explore the uncertainty in the stock market, particularly for tech stocks, emphasizing the need for a long-term investment perspective. Wealth disparities are tackled, reflecting on 401(k) loans and private equity's effect on retirement savings. Humor emerges through anecdotes about expensive coffee and Canadian geese, while also reminiscing about 80s and 90s films and family life, creating a blend of serious and light-hearted insights.

Fran Rodilosso, Head of Fixed Income ETF Portfolio Management at VanEck, and Bill Sokol, VP and Director of Product Management, delve into the world of collateralized loan obligations (CLOs). They discuss the structure of CLOs and their appeal to investors amid economic uncertainty. The duo analyzes the persistence of low credit spreads and explores how CLOs perform during recessions. They also stress the importance of strategic credit selection and the growing interest in CLO ETFs as a safe investment avenue in volatile markets.

Discover how to become indispensable in the workplace while exploring the stock market's recent resurgence. The hosts delve into the intriguing dynamics of international stocks and consumer behavior, emphasizing that actions speak louder than words. They reflect on both the emotional aspects of investing during fluctuations and the unique challenges in the housing market today. With a sprinkle of humor, they touch on contemporary youth pressures and fondly reminisce about their favorite TV shows, creating a rich tapestry of insights.

Alex Morris, CEO of F/m Investments, joins the discussion alongside Senior Advisor Mark Spindel. They tackle the complexities of Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), revealing why they struggled in 2022 and the challenges of hedging against inflation. The duo introduces a new ultra-short TIPS fund aimed at individual investors, emphasizing the advantages of shorter-duration options. They also explore how ETFs can simplify access to TIPS, offering strategies to preserve purchasing power amidst economic uncertainty.

Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author known for exploring human behavior, joins the discussion to unpack his insights from "Supercommunicators." They challenge the myth that communication skills are innate, stressing that practice and understanding your audience are crucial. Duhigg delves into the nuances of persuasion, identifying both its constructive and destructive potentials. He also highlights techniques such as active listening and storytelling that can strengthen relationships in professional and personal settings.

This lively discussion features humorous travel tales, including comical hotel quirks and an airport mishap. The hosts share insights on the market's recent volatility post-election and the changing sentiments among investors. They dive into the impending wealth transfer projected to impact women significantly and explore challenges in real estate. Expect entertaining debates on movie cities, topped off with lighthearted reflections on a birthday celebration gone awry. It's an engaging blend of finance and fun!

Phil Baur, SVP and Portfolio Specialist at Calamos Investments and former pro baseball player, dives into the intriguing world of private credit. He breaks down how it differs from high yield lending, and the advantages it offers during economic fluctuations. The conversation highlights emerging opportunities in commercial real estate and the importance of risk assessment for financial advisors. Baur also touches on the structural aspects of private credit funds, emphasizing modern underwriting and diversification strategies.