Please text and tell us what you like Rich Weiss, CIO of Multi-Asset Strategies at American Century, brings 40 years of investment experience to discuss market reactions to global turmoil and why the VIX index remains surprisingly calm despite international tensions. • Markets appear to be undervaluing risk despite geopolitical conflicts and economic uncertainties • Economic consensus forecasts predict 1.5% growth this year, avoiding recession but not stellar • Manufacturing and housing sectors ...
Jun 25, 2025•52 min
Please text and tell us what you like Financial literacy isn't just about knowing investment terms—it's about transforming your relationship with money. Marcus Sturdivant, founder of ABC Squared in Charlotte, shares his journey from a loving household where money wasn't discussed to becoming a financial advisor passionate about educating others. "We didn't grow up rich, but we didn't realize we weren't rich," Marcus explains, highlighting how his entrepreneurial spirit emerged early—selling cand...
Jun 25, 2025•47 min
Please text and tell us what you like Clem Miller recounts his month-long journey through Eastern Canada, sharing observations about icebergs, puffins, and whales along with insights into Canadian economics and culture with relevance for investors. His adventures to Newfoundland and Labrador reveal how travel experiences can broaden investment perspective and inform financial decision-making. • Planning for retirement should include time and energy for adventure, not just financial security • Ea...
Jun 19, 2025•31 min
Please text and tell us what you like We explore how news media affects investment decision making and identify reliable sources of financial information in today's fragmented media landscape. • Traditional media networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, FOX) prioritize sensationalism and local stories over global context • Bloomberg and Reuters provide better global perspectives on how various markets interconnect • News media has shifted from educating viewers to entertaining them for ratings • Corporate ...
Jun 19, 2025•24 min
Please text and tell us what you like The complex dynamics of the Israel-Iran conflict have broad implications for global stability and investment strategies as Israel conducts preemptive strikes against Iran's alleged nuclear weapons program. • Israel claims Iran is developing nuclear weapons despite Iran's insistence that its nuclear program is for civilian use • Iran's enrichment of uranium to near weapons-grade levels contradicts their civilian energy claims • Religious divisions between Shi...
Jun 19, 2025•26 min
Please text and tell us what you like The Ukraine conflict shows no signs of resolution despite early predictions, with Russia taking a long-term strategic approach that suggests we may be only halfway through what could become a six-year confrontation. • Russia's aggression extends beyond Ukraine with increased military presence near Finland, telecommunications sabotage, and cyber warfare against Europe • Ukraine is developing a powerful military force with homegrown equipment and innovative ta...
May 28, 2025•48 min
Please text and tell us what you like Skeptic's Guide to Investing introduces the co-hosts, Steve Davenport and Clem Miller. This episode also goes into the hosts experiences and the mission for the podcast. Straight Talk for All Nonsense for None We want to give people an interpretation of what the mainstream media passes off as information although disinformation might be more accurate. There is so much complexity and acronyms when we all just want simplicity in our lives. Your money matters a...
May 23, 2025•3 min
Please text and tell us what you like The wealth management industry is transforming through fragment consolidation, increased democratization of investment opportunities, and technology-enabled customization of client services. Today's episode of Skeptics Guide discusses wealth management with Chris Guarino of Alpine Strategic Partners . • Private equity access is becoming more democratized, with quality boutique managers offering differentiated opportunities for smaller investors • ETFs now ou...
May 23, 2025•43 min
Please text and tell us what you like We explore the potential seismic shift in US-Canada relations following Mark Carney's election as Prime Minister of Canada and the implications for North American economic integration. • Moving back to centrist economic policies in both the US and Canada • Canada's competitive advantage in natural resources was ignored under Trudeau • The historical importance of the proportionality clause in US-Canada trade agreements • Why Calgary might become an economic ...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Please text and tell us what you like America stands at a fiscal precipice, with national debt approaching 100% of GDP and projected to reach 130% by 2035 if current policies continue. This podcast features an illuminating conversation with fixed income expert Steve Gattuso, who brings his professional perspective as a portfolio manager at a $6 billion investment firm and his academic insights as a 12-year finance professor. The discussion reveals how America's fiscal trajectory has deteriorated...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Please text and tell us what you like Alternative investments offer potential diversification but come with significant trade-offs in liquidity, transparency, and fees that many investors overlook. We explore why the famous "Yale approach" to investing that worked brilliantly in the 1980s and 1990s may not be appropriate for most investors today. • Alternative investments lack daily market pricing, with most only valued quarterly • The "messy middle" includes less liquid investments that lack tr...
Apr 19, 2025•23 min
Please text and tell us what you like Steve and Clem examine how bonds have shifted from reliable safe havens to potentially risky investments in today's economic landscape, challenging conventional wisdom about treasuries as risk-free assets. • Bonds traditionally provided safety and income, but inflation and economic uncertainty have changed this dynamic • Bond vigilantes reacting to tariff announcements revealed hidden vulnerabilities in bond portfolios • Long-duration treasuries (20-30 years...
Apr 19, 2025•22 min
Please text and tell us what you like Gold serves as a portfolio stabilizer during volatile markets while offering upside potential when traditional assets falter. We explore how this precious metal fits into a diversified investment strategy during uncertain times. • Gold ETFs provide liquid exposure without needing physical storage • Target allocation of 5-15% depending on market conditions and risk tolerance • Gold demonstrates negative correlation to stocks during market downturns • Multiple...
Apr 19, 2025•27 min
Please text and tell us what you like When markets plummet in response to unexpected policy shifts like Trump's tariff announcements, distinguishing between panic reactions and thoughtful investment strategy becomes crucial. Steve Davenport and Clem Miller cut through the market noise to deliver a practical framework for navigating financial turbulence. The duo examines three potential market scenarios ranging from a further 20% drop with sluggish recovery to a milder 5% decline followed by stab...
Apr 06, 2025•45 min
Please text and tell us what you like The extension of Trump-era tax cuts presents critical planning decisions as exemption amounts could drop from $14 million to $7 million per person without congressional action. • Estate tax exemption likely to receive a four-year extension rather than permanent status • Trump administration characterized by chaos and short-term thinking rather than coherent strategy • Stephen Miller identified as Trump's most influential advisor and policy gatekeeper • Elon ...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Please text and tell us what you like We examine the debt ceiling crisis and its implications for investors, revealing how this political standoff reflects deeper problems in America's fiscal health that could impact global financial markets and your portfolio. • Debt ceiling is a uniquely American concept (shared only with Denmark) limiting federal government borrowing • Official national debt at $40 trillion excludes $25-30 trillion in unfunded Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security liabiliti...
Mar 13, 2025•31 min
Please text and tell us what you like By repeatedly threatening, imposing, and withdrawing tariffs, the Trump Administration is creating uncertainty for businesses who depend on international trade. The result is a sharp drop in the stock market, with additional declines likely. In this episode, Steve and Clem explore how Trump’s trade policies are based on 19th century economic assumptions and fail to recognize that high tariffs can trigger depressions, as they did in the early 20th century. Th...
Mar 13, 2025•37 min
Please text and tell us what you like Join us as we navigate through the intricacies of stock investing as we approach 2025. This episode delves deep into the predictions of the stock market, highlighting significant players across technology, finance, and healthcare. - In-depth analysis of Microsoft’s valuation and growth potential - Exploration of semiconductor giant ASML’s market challenges - Adobe’s crucial role in AI and document management discussed - Debate on top stock picks: value vs. g...
Feb 28, 2025•55 min
Please text and tell us what you like We explore the critical theme of managing investment risk amid heightened uncertainty. This discussion revolves around proactive strategies to mitigate risk in a volatile market and achieve financial resilience. • Navigating the tumultuous landscape of investment risks • Adjusting portfolios from stocks to bonds for safety • Understanding the role of beta in risk management • Exploring the use of options as a protective measure • Embracing the philosophy of ...
Feb 27, 2025•45 min
Please text and tell us what you like Inflation expectations and their impacts on the economy take center stage in this episode, as we explore the challenges facing the Federal Reserve and the resulting market volatility. We discuss the interconnected roles of tariffs, immigration, and political influences on inflation, and offer strategies for investors to navigate these turbulent waters. • Discussion on the latest inflation report and its implications • Analysis of the Fed’s direction and mark...
Feb 12, 2025•51 min
Please text and tell us what you like This episode tackles the contentious concept of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, dissecting its potential feasibility, funding challenges, and political implications. With existing programs already serving similar purposes, the necessity of a new fund comes into question against the backdrop of America’s daunting debt landscape. • Discussion on the nature and purpose of sovereign wealth funds • Examination of the feasibility of establishing one in the U.S. • Po...
Feb 12, 2025•38 min
Please text and tell us what you like In the second part of our discussion of DeepSeek, we explore the potential investment implications of DeepSeek for U.S. technology companies and the the competitive landscape in AI. Is DeepSeek really “better” than the models used deployed by U.S. Big Tech? Or are there apples-oranges comparisons at play? Are DeepSeek’s claims of minimal capital investments accurate? Or do they ignore large undisclosed costs? How accurate are DeepSeek responses, compared to ...
Jan 29, 2025•49 min
Please text and tell us what you like Can a Chinese company with a modest $6 million investment truly disrupt the global AI landscape and challenge tech giants like Google and OpenAI? Join us as we explore the audacious rise of DeepSeek, founded by hedge fund manager Liang Wenfang, and its implications on international markets. We unravel the layers of this ambitious venture, probing the complexities of U.S. concerns over Chinese competition, and the real costs of AI development. Discover the in...
Jan 29, 2025•34 min
Please text and tell us what you like The episode examines the exaggerated claim by Trump regarding the deportation of 30 million undocumented immigrants, exploring the realities behind such a statement. The hosts discuss the implications of immigration rhetoric on various industries, the need for nuanced policy reform, and the positive contributions of immigrants to society. • Discussing the puffery surrounding Trump's 30 million deportation claim • Explaining the implications of immigration po...
Jan 15, 2025•27 min
Please text and tell us what you like This episode explores the concept of tariff puffery, delving into the economic realities versus the exaggerations perpetuated by political figures regarding trade policies. Hosts Steve and Glenn discuss the implications of tariffs on consumers and businesses, offering a critical insight into their effectiveness in today's economy. • Definition of puffery in the context of tariffs • Examination of historical tariff impacts • Discussion on the automation of pr...
Jan 15, 2025•24 min
Please text and tell us what you like Navigating political puffery reveals the absurdity in exaggerated claims made by leaders, showcasing how distractions shape public discourse and investor perceptions. Understanding these dynamics helps listeners critically assess the implications of such statements on global relationships and policy. • Defining puffery in political terms • Canada as the absurd notion of a 51st state • Greenland's strategic importance and its dismissals • The Panama Canal's e...
Jan 15, 2025•27 min
Please text and tell us what you like Unlock the secrets to safeguarding your investments amidst uncertain economic times with our latest episode, featuring an engaging discussion with financial expert Steve Davenport. Together, we dive into effective strategies for protecting your portfolio from potential downturns, emphasizing the critical role of conservative asset allocation. Learn how to balance growth, income, and stability, while navigating the challenges posed by economic factors like de...
Jan 02, 2025•46 min
Please text and tell us what you like What if the next big investment opportunity isn't where you'd expect it to be? Join us as we kick off our 2025 podcast series with Glenn, where we explore the world of 'spice' stocks—those hidden gems in burgeoning sectors like data centers, cloud services, renewable energy, and quantum computing. These mid-cap and smaller companies offer a unique way to spice up your portfolio with high alpha potential, balancing risk and reward through a barbell strategy. ...
Jan 02, 2025•55 min
Please text and tell us what you like In this episode of Skeptic’s Guide to Investing, Steve Davenport and Clem Miller discuss what investors should be tracking as the Second Trump Administration gets underway. Will increased energy output be addressed on Day 1? Will these policies support not just increased oil drilling but also natural gas exports and nuclear? Will the Administration and Congress get so side-tracked by social issues and retribution against perceived enemies that it will be una...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Please text and tell us what you like In this episode of Skeptic’s Guide to Investing, Clem Miller and Steve Davenport discuss how the incoming Trump Administration’s threats to impose very high tariffs, expel millions of undocumented immigrants, and reshape U.S. alliances to favor authoritarian regimes (coupled with the Fed’s strong dollar policy) are causing global shockwaves. We discuss the precarious position of Trudeau’s government in Canada and the prospect of U.S. military intervention in...
Dec 19, 2024•56 min
