

Lead-Lag Live
Michael A. Gayed, CFA
Lead-Lag Live is your front-row seat to unscripted, real-time conversations with the sharpest minds in finance, economics, and investing.Hosted by Michael A. Gayed, CFA — publisher of The Lead-Lag Report and a widely followed voice on macro strategy — each episode features candid discussions with top portfolio managers, economists, ETF strategists, best-selling authors, and market practitioners. No scripts. No teleprompters. Just raw insight from people who move markets.Every week, we go deep on the themes that matter most: macro trends, interest rates and Fed policy, equity and bond markets, ETF strategies, geopolitical risk, asset allocation, commodities, currencies, and the interplay between risk-on and risk-off positioning.Whether you manage billions or are just getting started, Lead-Lag Live delivers actionable analysis and frameworks you can use — not surface-level market commentary.Originally broadcast live on X Spaces, every conversation is available here as a full-length podcast so you never miss a discussion.Subscribe now and follow @leadlagmedia on X for upcoming live events.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 29, 2025 • 39min
Mike Larson on Offensive Investment Styles, Global Diversification, and 2025 Market Trends
Mike Larson, Editor-in-Chief at Money Show and seasoned financial analyst, shares insights on bold investment strategies and the shift towards global diversification. He discusses the resurgence of value investing and implications of political policies on U.S. companies. The conversation highlights the upcoming investment conference in Las Vegas, featuring prominent speakers and the evolving landscape of bonds and stocks. Larson emphasizes the importance of education in navigating the gamified trading environment and the potential of small-cap stocks.

Jan 28, 2025 • 36min
Michael Gayed on Reverse Carry Trade Dynamics, AI’s Market Influence, and Independent Investment Strategies
Join a riveting exploration of global markets, focusing on the reverse carry trade and its implications in Japan, revealing potential economic turmoil. The discussion highlights the shifting dynamics between small and large-cap stocks in the wake of AI advancements. A look into the challenges faced by younger investors reveals their craving for high returns amid fluctuating monetary policy. Finally, critical thinking in investing is championed, standing against trends like the YOLO mentality and meme-driven tactics, encouraging innovative strategies.

Jan 26, 2025 • 41min
Michael Gayed on Market Manipulation Myths, Deregulation Impacts, and Strategic Investment Opportunities
Join seasoned analyst Michael Gayed as he challenges conventional views on market manipulation. Discover how liquidity and algorithms shape financial realms. The discussion touches on potential political shifts and their impact on small-cap companies. Explore how sudden market declines can create dollar cost averaging opportunities. Delve into the implications of rising treasury yields and scrutinize the delicate balance of inflation, tariffs, and deregulation. Finally, consider the evolving investment strategies in response to today's unpredictable market.

9 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 36min
Walter Deemer on Small Cap Potential, Historical Market Parallels, and Navigating Speculative Trends
Walter Deemer, a financial market expert and technical analyst, dives into the dynamics of small-cap stocks versus large caps. He explores the historical parallels with the 1970s and the potential resurgence of small caps. The discussion highlights sector weight differences, speculative behaviors among young traders, and strategies for buying during market dips. Deemer emphasizes the implications of a possible market stagnation and the evolving perceptions of the bond market. Additionally, he analyzes the impact of cryptocurrencies on technical analysis, urging simplicity over complexity in trading.

Jan 23, 2025 • 48min
Nomi Prins on Central Bank Dynamics, Gold Reserves Strategy, and the AI Impact on Commodities Market
Nomi Prins, a former Wall Street senior manager and acclaimed author, dives deep into the dynamics of central banks and their impact on the global economy. She discusses the precarious balance between collaboration and potential collusion among financial powerhouses. The conversation shifts to the rising gold reserves of nations like China and Japan, exploring their strategies amid debt crises. Prins also highlights the transformative role of AI in the commodities market, particularly in energy demands and pricing trends for gold and uranium, offering a glimpse into future market shifts.

Jan 21, 2025 • 51min
Jeff Cullen and Cathy Howse on Dividend Strategies, ETF Insights, and Enhancing Financial Literacy
Join financial veterans Jeff Cullen and Cathy Howse from Schaefer Cullen as they discuss the shift in investing toward dividend strategies with a focus on ETF innovations. Jeff, with over 30 years in the industry, shares insights on the role of dividends in long-term returns. Cathy emphasizes maintaining firm values while navigating growth. They explore the promising outlook for the 2025 market, highlight covered call strategies for additional income, and stress the importance of financial literacy to empower all investors.

8 snips
Jan 20, 2025 • 43min
Jay Hatfield on Deregulation Effects, Strategic Bond Alternatives, and Inflation Risk Management Strategies
In this engaging talk, Jay Hatfield, a Wall Street veteran with 35 years of experience, dives into the effects of deregulation on financial markets and inflation. He reveals hidden investment opportunities linked to credit rating biases and analyzes strategic differences in investment approaches between smaller firms and giants like Goldman Sachs. Jay introduces the BNDS fund as a solid alternative for those seeking steady income. Their discussion also explores the intricate connections between money supply, tariffs, and global economic factors, offering insights ripe for both new and seasoned investors.

Jan 19, 2025 • 42min
Jeff Sarti on Rethinking Diversification, Private Credit Insights, and Behavioral Finance in Investing
Join wealth management expert Jeff Sarti from Morton Wealth as he redefines diversification in investing. He challenges conventional wisdom, advocating for strategic asset selection during downturns. The conversation uncovers the potential of private credit as an alternative to bonds while cautioning about its risks. Sarti also highlights behavioral finance, particularly how familiarity bias, as seen with brands like Apple, can skew investor judgment. The dialogue emphasizes a need for long-term strategies and deeper market understanding amidst current speculative trends.

Jan 17, 2025 • 45min
Timothy Sykes on Mastering Penny Stocks, Navigating Volatility, and Aligning Wealth with Philanthropy
Timothy Sykes, a renowned trader and educator who turned his bar mitzvah money into a substantial fortune, shares his unique journey from aspiring tennis player to successful penny stock trader. He discusses the impact of market volatility and the lessons learned from historical financial crazes like Tulip Mania. Sykes emphasizes strategies for cautious trading and the importance of cutting losses quickly. He intertwines his financial success with philanthropy, illustrating how he uses trading profits to build schools worldwide, inspiring others to navigate the trading world with integrity.

Jan 16, 2025 • 42min
Vance Barse on Narcissism in Professional Careers, Market Volatility Strategies, and Psychological Investment Influences
Vance Barse, an expert in personality dynamics, dives deep into the surprising connections between narcissism and high-stakes careers in finance, law, and medicine. He unpacks the phases of narcissistic behavior, including love bombing and idealization, and their impact on professional success. Barse also examines how macroeconomic factors like inflation affect investment strategies, emphasizing the need for resilience in portfolio management. The conversation illuminates the psychological influences on trading behaviors and client perceptions in today's volatile market landscape.


