

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

Sep 21, 2024 • 40min
Hal Lambert on Political Influence in Investments, CEO Dynamics, and Strategic Market Insights
Hal Lambert from Point Bridge Capital, an expert at the crossroads of political influence and investment strategies, shares invaluable insights. He discusses how political decisions can impact mutual funds and ETFs, particularly focusing on politically-driven investments. Lambert sheds light on CEO motivations, contrasting Zuckerberg's approach with transient leaders swayed by finances. He advocates for equal-weighted portfolios, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, and analyzes the geopolitical landscape's effects on markets, especially in the semiconductor sector.

Sep 21, 2024 • 41min
Noel Smith on Hedge Fund Mastery, Multi-Strategy Approaches, and Interest Rate Futures Insights
Noel Smith, CIO of Convex Asset Management, brings his expertise in hedge fund management and cross-asset analysis to the conversation. He reveals the art of multi-strategy approaches, likening them to a diverse Cheesecake Factory menu that adapts to market conditions. Noel discusses the moral responsibilities of managing client funds, using historical events as lessons. He also dives into trading interest rate futures, shedding light on the Fed's impact and the interplay of options data in decision-making, all while emphasizing the importance of risk management and market adaptability.

Sep 17, 2024 • 50min
Mark Nelson on Nuclear Fuel Economics, Germany's Energy Crisis, and Global Nuclear Trends
Mark Nelson, a nuclear energy expert dedicated to the economics of nuclear power, shares his insights on compelling topics. He discusses the surprisingly low fuel costs of nuclear energy and its pivotal role in Germany's energy crisis. Nelson highlights the economic impacts of closing nuclear plants and contrasts this with France's nuclear reliance and China's developments. He also delves into nuclear's role in meeting rising AI demands, emphasizing the need for stable energy sources. Plus, he adds a humorous note about his signature mustache and its personal significance.

Sep 16, 2024 • 41min
Mastering Technical Analysis, Bond Yield Cycles, and Precious Metals Trends with John Roque
John Roque, a prominent technical analyst with over three decades at firms like Lehman Brothers, shares his wisdom on mastering investment strategies. He stresses the elegance of simplicity, revealing the importance of understanding market narratives without overcomplicating methods. Dive into bond yield cycles, the interplay between oil prices and inflation, and the resilience of gold in today's economy. Roque also examines the complexities of investing in China and shares insights into effective technical indicators that can enhance market predictions.

Sep 15, 2024 • 43min
Marc Faber on Courage in Modern Challenges, Yen Carry Trade Myths, and Global Market Influences
Dr. Marc Faber, a financial expert with experience across continents, dives into the crucial role of courage in defending freedoms against modern challenges. He explores the yen carry trade’s myth as a market driver and critiques global investment patterns, particularly among Chinese investors in tech. Delving into contrasting views on free speech across cultures, he emphasizes the necessity of individual bravery in political leadership. Faber also highlights the hidden costs of inflation affecting lower classes, unraveling complex economic dynamics that transcend mere statistics.

Sep 13, 2024 • 42min
Jake Hanley on Soybean Biofuel Potential, Inflation Dynamics, and Agricultural Market Trends
Jake Hanley, a financial advisor with a unique background in U.S. history, dives into the burgeoning potential of soybeans for biofuel production. He discusses how agricultural policies and global events, like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, impact prices. The conversation highlights the 'golden grain cycle' and the influence of inflation on grocery costs. Hanley also unpacks the complex dynamics of futures contracts and agricultural commodities, shedding light on how geopolitical factors can shape market trends and investment strategies.

Sep 12, 2024 • 38min
Tom Morgan on Wall Street Burnout, Right-Brain Shift, and Holistic Well-Being Strategies
Join Tom Morgan, a former Wall Street professional turned transition coach, as he shares his powerful transformation from a toxic finance environment to a life of holistic well-being. He recounts his spiritual awakening sparked by a psychotic break, emphasizing the importance of intuition and right-brain thinking. The discussion explores the cognitive biases of capitalism, the distinct approaches of men and women in finance, and practical strategies for personal growth in an age of AI. Tom's insights promote a deeper understanding of emotional signals and balanced decision-making.

Sep 11, 2024 • 37min
Navigating Investment Markets: From Meme Stocks to Treasury Bills with Sam Nofzinger
Join finance expert Sam Nofzinger from Public.com as he unpacks the transformation of retail investing. Explore how interest has shifted from Tesla to the booming AI sector, especially with NVIDIA leading the charge. Sam discusses the new focus on safer assets, like Treasury bills, and the rise in yield diversification for retail investors. Discover how educational resources are crucial for navigating complex markets and the evolving strategies of everyday investors seeking long-term growth and stability.

Sep 9, 2024 • 37min
Mish Schneider on CPI Manipulation, Commodity Trends, and Future Market Dynamics
Mish Schneider, chief strategist for marketgage.com, shares her extensive experience in commodities and equities. She delves into the critical manipulation of CPI numbers and its impact on economic forecasting. Mish discusses the undervaluation of commodities before COVID, while highlighting inflation pressures resulting from the pandemic. She shines a light on China's economy and the relevance of the Baltic Dry Index. The conversation also explores future market dynamics, particularly focusing on electric vehicles and their raw material needs.

7 snips
Sep 8, 2024 • 43min
David Hay on Navigating Recessions, Bond Market Complexities, and Strategic Investment Shifts
David Hay, who transitioned from filmmaking to finance, shares captivating insights on navigating economic downturns. He discusses how companies with robust earnings can find premium valuations amidst adversity. The conversation delves into the complexities of the bond market, emphasizing credit risk versus duration. Hay also interprets the societal upheaval of the 'fourth turning' and its implications for investment strategies, advocating for scarce resources over traditional assets like treasuries. Expect a deep dive into evolving trends, including energy markets and digital currencies.


