

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

Oct 21, 2024 • 41min
Hal Lambert on Politically Driven Investing, Corporate Influence, and Navigating 2024 Election Impacts
Join Hal Lambert, founder of Point Bridge Capital and expert in politically driven investing, as he unveils the intricacies of politically responsible investing. The discussion highlights how equally weighted strategies can provide clearer insights than traditional market cap-weighted indices. Hal delves into the implications of corporate political contributions and their influence on both elections and financial performance. With the 2024 election on the horizon, he shares his thoughts on how different political outcomes could reshape investment strategies and economic landscapes.

Oct 19, 2024 • 45min
Danielle DiMartino Booth on Post-Pandemic Economic Trends, Inflation Metrics, and Investment Strategies
Danielle DiMartino Booth, a former Federal Reserve insider and author of "Fed Up," shares sharp insights on post-pandemic economic trends. She discusses the misleading nature of traditional inflation metrics and how Jerome Powell's strategies echo Paul Volcker's era. The conversation reveals troubling trends in job creation and the gig economy's impact on market confidence. Booth also tackles the future of interest rates, concerns over rising inflation, and investment strategies for retirees amid a widening wealth gap.

Oct 17, 2024 • 47min
Jay Van Bavel on Social Media Tribalism, AI Influences, and Psychological Impact of Online Engagement
Jay Van Bavel, a psychology and neuroscience professor at NYU, delves into the dual nature of social media in today's world. He discusses how platforms can amplify tribalism, shaping our moral frameworks and political views. The conversation covers the varying professional dynamics between LinkedIn and Twitter, and examines the impact of AI on authenticity and misinformation. Jay reveals why curating one's social media experience—like unfollowing toxic influencers—can significantly enhance mental well-being, challenging us to rethink our online habits.

Oct 16, 2024 • 42min
Neely Tamminga on Youth Employment Trends, Social Media Effects, and Financial Independence Challenges
Neely Tamminga, co-founder of Distill and former head of consumer research at Piper Jaffray, shares her insights on youth employment and financial challenges. She discusses the evolving work ethic shaped by COVID-19 and the impact of social media on job expectations. Neely unpacks the hurdles of student loan debt and economic independence, while highlighting the role of AI in changing consumer habits. She emphasizes the need for adaptability and a supportive network for young adults navigating today's volatile job market.

Oct 15, 2024 • 43min
Marc Cohodes on Market Corruption, Tech-Driven Valuations, and the Cannabis Industry's Growth Potential
Marc Cohodes, a seasoned investor and former hedge fund manager, sheds light on the escalating market corruption and the challenges posed by social media in exposing fraud. He reflects on the shift in market dynamics post-COVID, fueled by speculative behaviors and the FTX scandal. The conversation touches on the impact of technological advances on valuations, particularly concerning AI and companies like NVIDIA. Finally, Cohodes discusses the burgeoning cannabis industry, drawing parallels with alcohol and predicting significant growth as legal frameworks evolve.

Oct 14, 2024 • 42min
David Lin on Gold's Inflation Myth, Chinese Market Volatility, and the Impact of Geopolitical Tensions
David Lin, a prominent YouTuber and former financial journalist, challenges the belief that gold serves as a reliable hedge against inflation, arguing its price trends suggest otherwise. He shares his fascinating transition from news anchoring to online content creation. The discussion dives into China's volatile stock market, marked by initial stimulus excitement followed by significant downturns. Lin also analyzes the muted impact of geopolitical tensions on oil and gold prices, while exploring the defensive strategies employed by institutional investors amid rising interest rates.

Oct 13, 2024 • 39min
David Nicoski on Sector Rotation, Bond Timing, and India's Rising Economic Influence
Explore the intricate world of financial markets with expert David Nicoski as we unravel the secrets to successful sector rotation and bond market timing. Promising a treasure trove of insights, this episode guides you through the labyrinth of sector diversification, highlighting how technical analysis can unlock lucrative opportunities beyond the technology sector. From utilities to real estate, discover the intricate dance of markets shifting focus, and the pivotal role of strategic sector selection amidst a backdrop of fluctuating commodity prices and Federal Reserve maneuvers.Dive into the explosive growth story of India and its ripple effects on global markets, drawing parallels with China's meteoric rise from 1998 to 2002. This conversation navigates the potential shifts in market leadership and the dynamics of a repatriation trade in a changing currency landscape. Examine the transition from financial to tangible assets, like gold and silver, amid inflationary pressures and strong commodity pricing. With expert eyes on the CRB index and utility sector performance, we explore defensive strategies as potential market contractions loom on the horizon.Unravel the complexities of stock picking and sector diversification with a keen focus on small caps, regional banks, and consumer behavior trends. We'll dissect the surprising tilt towards cost-saving havens like Costco and Walmart, unveiling challenges in the narrative of consumer strength. As we analyze the disconnect between perceived default risks and credit spreads, our discussion extends to the nuanced performances within sectors like biotech and aerospace. With David Nicoski’s invaluable expertise, gain a deeper understanding of the diverse potential within different stocks and sectors, arming yourself with strategies to navigate today's multifaceted market environment.The content in this program is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any information or other material as investment, financial, tax, or other advice. The views expressed by the participants are solely their own. A participant may have taken or recommended any investment position discussed, but may close such position or alter its recommendation at any time without notice. Nothing contained in this program constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction. Please consult your own investment or financial advisor for advice related to all investment decisions. Sign up to The Lead-Lag Report on Substack and get 30% off the annual subscription today by visiting http://theleadlag.report/leadlaglive. Support the show

Oct 13, 2024 • 49min
Chris Vermeulen on Market Timing, ETF Strategies, and Navigating Economic Downturns
Unlock the secrets of navigating market ups and downs with insights from seasoned trader Chris Vermeulen and Lead-Lag Report publisher Michael Gayed. Chris recounts his journey from trading during the tech bubble to mastering a refined strategy anchored in technical analysis and ETFs. We promise that you'll gain the knowledge to ride upward trends even in bearish conditions, focusing on the critical importance of market direction over emotional decision-making. Learn how to optimize returns by selecting ETFs based on major indices like the S&P 500, while effectively managing risks across asset classes, including bonds and cash.Our episode dives deep into the gold market's historical price movements, providing insights into potential financial instability and recession signals. With a cautious stance on gold investments, we explore the strategic use of inverse ETFs to navigate economic downturns. The discussion further examines how robust employment statistics impact equities and bonds, offering a window into the complex interplay of economic indicators and market reactions. Chris and Michael share their perspectives on market timing, false signals, and the resilience of systematic trading strategies, providing listeners with a roadmap to interpret market conditions.For those approaching retirement, this episode is a must-listen. We tackle the risks of traditional buy-and-hold strategies and the volatility of dividend stocks during downturns, presenting the asset revesting strategy as a beacon of consistency and low risk. Chris introduces the concept of asset reinvesting, a strategy that reallocates capital into top-performing asset classes to ensure steady growth. From understanding money management personalities to balancing personal interests with professional endeavors, we offer a comprehensive guide to making informed financial decisions, all while maintaining emotional stability in volatile markets.The content in this program is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any information or other material as investment, financial, tax, or other advice. The views expressed by the participants are solely their own. A participant may have taken or recommended any investment position discussed, but may close such position or alter its recommendation at any time without notice. Nothing contained in this program constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction. Please consult your own investment or financial advisor for advice related to all investment decisions. Sign up to The Lead-Lag Report on Substack and get 30% off the annual subscription today by visiting http://theleadlag.report/leadlaglive. Support the show

Oct 11, 2024 • 43min
Sal Gilbertie on Grain Investment Strategies, Market Timing, and Geopolitical Influences in Agricultural Commodities
Unlock the secrets of agricultural commodities and discover how grains like wheat and corn can diversify and stabilize your investment portfolio. Join us as we explore the seasonal price patterns of these essential commodities, particularly in July, and learn how to capitalize on these fluctuations for positive alpha with minimal downside risk. Sal Gilbertie from Teucrium, an innovator in ag-based ETFs, shares his journey from trading energies at Cargill and highlights the underutilized potential of grains in investment strategies.Sal and I discuss why grains often fly under the radar in investment portfolios, despite their ubiquitous presence and significant economic impact. We delve into the complex factors affecting grain prices, such as government subsidies, inflation, and synthetic fertilizers, and how these elements contribute to the unique nature of grains as commodities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of considering grains for portfolio diversification, highlighting the stair-step change in corn prices following the Renewable Fuels Act.Explore the interconnectedness of global commodity markets, revealing how geopolitical tensions and energy costs can influence grain prices. We'll analyze how major exporters like Brazil, the U.S., and Ukraine play critical roles in the global grain supply chain. With insights into investment timing, historical trading patterns, and the resilience of corn, this episode is your comprehensive guide to the untapped potential of grain trading in today's complex market landscape.DISCLAIMER – PLEASE READ: This is a sponsored episode for which Lead-Lag Publishing, LLC has been paid a fee. Lead-Lag Publishing, LLC does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided in the episode or make any representation as to its quality. All statements and expressions provided in this episode are the sole opinion of Teucrium Investment Advisors, LLC and Lead-Lag Publishing, LLC expressly disclaims any responsibility for action taken in connection with the information provided in the discussion. The content in this program is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any information or other material as investment, financial, tax, or other advice. The views expressed by the participants are solely their own. A participant may have taken or recommended any investment position discussed, but may close such position or alter its recommendation at any time without notice. Nothing contained in this program constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction. Please consult your own investment or financial advisor for advice related to all investment decisions. Sign up to The Lead-Lag Report on Substack and get 30% off the annual subscription today by visiting http://theleadlag.report/leadlaglive. Support the show

Oct 10, 2024 • 48min
Navigating Financial Turbulence and Embracing New Portfolio Models with Alex Shahidi
What if the conventional wisdom you've trusted for years is actually leading you astray in your investments? Join us as we unravel the complexities of financial advising with Alex Shahidi, co-CIO of Evoke Advisors. With 25 years of experience, Alex shares how market expectations from the late 90s often clashed with reality, especially in the turbulent 2000s. Together, we explore the evolution of financial advising, transitioning from commission-driven stockbroking to a more client-focused advisory model that prioritizes independent thinking over firm profits.As we navigate the challenges of our current financial landscape, Alex and I discuss the crucial role of questioning established methods, like the traditional 60-40 portfolio model. The conversation highlights the dangers of recency bias and underscores the importance of examining historical market data to better understand investment cycles. We tackle the unpredictable nature of market trends and the necessity of preparing for unexpected events, all while advocating for a more diversified approach to portfolio management that aligns with individual risk tolerance.Dive into the world of risk parity and asset diversification as we break down strategies for building a robust investment portfolio. From the potential benefits of inflation hedge assets like commodities and gold to the framework of balancing risk and return across diverse asset classes, we emphasize the value of true diversification. Our discussion underscores the challenges faced by investors in maintaining a long-term approach amidst the constant influx of market information, ultimately advocating for a balanced investment strategy tailored to individual patience and perspective.DISCLAIMER – PLEASE READ: This is a sponsored episode for which Lead-Lag Publishing, LLC has been paid a fee. Lead-Lag Publishing, LLC does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided in the episode or make any representation as to its quality. All statements and expressions provided in this episode are the sole opinion of Evoke Advisors and Lead-Lag Publishing, LLC expressly disclaims any responsibility for action taken in connection with the information provided in the discussion. The content in this program is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any information or other material as investment, financial, tax, or other advice. The views expressed by the participants are solely their own. A participant may have taken or recommended any investment position discussed, but may close such position or alter its recommendation at any time without notice. Nothing contained in this program constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction. Please consult your own investment or financial advisor for advice related to all investment decisions. Sign up to The Lead-Lag Report on Substack and get 30% off the annual subscription today by visiting http://theleadlag.report/leadlaglive. Support the show


