

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

15 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 47min
Porter Collins on Political Impact Strategies, Market Volatility Insights, and Asymmetric Investment Opportunities
Porter Collins, celebrated for his role in 'The Big Short', shares provocative insights on navigating investments in a politically influenced market. He discusses the volatility fostered by political shifts, with a focus on potential strategies under a Trump administration. The conversation tackles the implications of military and immigration policies on investments, as well as the future of corporate taxation. Porter also examines the lessons from the 1970s regarding inflation and how it shapes current investment opportunities in gold and Bitcoin.

Dec 10, 2024 • 50min
Hal Lambert on Deregulation's Economic Impact, MAGA ETF Insights, and Corporate Political Strategies
In this engaging discussion, Hal Lambert, founder of Point Bridge Capital and creator of the MAGA ETF, explores how deregulation could fuel economic growth, especially in a possible second Trump administration. He sheds light on conservative investment strategies, highlighting the ETF's focus on mid-cap stocks and minimal tech exposure. Lambert also discusses the shifting dynamics in corporate America, the impact of political scrutiny on tech giants, and the evolving landscape of healthcare and investment opportunities. Tune in for these insightful perspectives!

Dec 8, 2024 • 51min
Matt Markiewicz and Paul Schatz on Leveraged ETF Tactics, Market Downturn Strategies, and Benchmark Outperformance Challenges
In this engaging discussion, Matt Markiewicz, the Head of Product and Capital Markets at Tradr ETFs, and Paul Schatz, President of Heritage Capital, dive deep into leveraged ETFs and market strategies. They unpack the complexities of daily resets and compounding effects that often confuse investors. The duo shares tactics for asset allocation during downturns, emphasizing proactive risk management. They also explore the challenges of outperforming benchmarks like the S&P 500 and offer practical tips to navigate current market trends, equipping listeners with valuable insights.

Dec 7, 2024 • 51min
Jason Hsu on Smart Beta Strategies, China's Market Considerations, and Investment Opportunities in Japan
In a captivating discussion, Jason Hsu, co-founder of Research Affiliates and founder of Rayliant Global Advisors, shares insights on smart beta strategies and international markets. He examines how index investing is reshaping market efficiency and delves into the complexities of investing in emerging markets like China. Jason advocates for a new classification for China, highlighting its potential amidst volatility. He also uncovers promising investment opportunities in Japan, emphasizing the revival of mid and small-cap companies. A must-listen for savvy investors!

11 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 44min
Michael Belkin on Global Stock Market Tops, Geopolitical Tensions, and Safe Haven Investment Strategies
Market analyst Michael Belkin, founder of the Belkin Report, shares his insights on current global stock market dynamics. He discusses the emerging market struggles versus US index strengths and the implications of a potential market top. Belkin emphasizes the importance of optimism for contrarian strategies. The conversation shifts to bond yields, inflation, and the impact of fiscal policies. He also critiques cryptocurrencies while advocating for gold as a safer investment, all framed within the context of rising geopolitical tensions.

Dec 3, 2024 • 35min
Larry McDonald on Strong Dollar Challenges, Silicon Valley Impacts, and Energy Sector Capital Shifts
Financial expert Larry McDonald, known for his insights on the Lehman Brothers collapse, discusses the challenges a strong dollar poses for Silicon Valley giants like Microsoft and Apple. He unpacks the interplay between economic policy and market psychology, drawing historical parallels from past administrations. The conversation also highlights a capital rotation toward the energy sector amid rising global demand, shedding light on emerging investment opportunities. Finally, McDonald emphasizes the importance of making financial insights accessible to all investors.

Dec 2, 2024 • 41min
Sal Gilberti on Trade Tariffs Impact, Agricultural Subsidies Dynamics, and China's Role in Global Commodities Markets
Sal Gilberti, CEO of Teucrium and an expert in commodities, reveals how trade tariffs, particularly from the Trump era, dramatically reshaped global markets for agricultural products. He discusses the balancing act of agricultural subsidies, especially with corn, navigating price stability amid unpredictable weather and policy changes. China's critical role as a major importer is highlighted, showing its impact on resources like soybeans and copper. Sal also explores investment strategies in agricultural commodities, emphasizing the importance of timing and market volatility.

Dec 1, 2024 • 40min
Andrew O'Connell on Trading Challenges, Technical Analysis Insights, and the Impact of Social Media on Retail Investing Strategies
Andrew O'Connell, a rising star in trading and ninth place finisher in last year’s US Investing Championship, shares his remarkable journey from a tennis player to a full-time trader. He discusses the importance of technical analysis and how to balance risk and reward in trading strategies. O'Connell also explores the psychological resilience needed to handle losses and the impact of social media on retail investing. His insights on the evolving landscape of trading offer valuable lessons for both new and seasoned traders.

8 snips
Nov 30, 2024 • 51min
Alex Shahidi on Risk Parity Investing, Portfolio Diversification Strategies, and Mitigating Market Volatility
In this engaging discussion, Alex Shahidi, Co-CIO and managing partner of Evoke Advisors, shares his expertise on risk parity investing and portfolio diversification. He critiques the traditional 60-40 asset allocation model, advocating for a balanced approach that mitigates risks across various economic scenarios. The conversation covers market history, the strategic significance of cash and TIPS during inflation, and how innovative tools like RPAR and UPAR can enhance investment strategies. Discover insights to optimize your portfolio while navigating volatile markets.

Nov 29, 2024 • 37min
Laks Ganapathi on Short Selling Tactics, Management Quality Pitfalls, and Political Shifts Impacting Investment Strategies
Laks Ganapathi, a seasoned strategist from Unicus Research, specializes in short selling and deep investigative analysis. He shares fascinating insights on navigating stocks influenced by Reddit trends and AI. By examining the SolarEdge case, he highlights the importance of recognizing discrepancies between claims and reality. Laks also tackles the critical role of management quality, citing Stellantis and the airline sector. Political shifts under Trump's policies could reshape investment strategies, impacting sectors from tech to private prisons.


