

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

Jul 30, 2024 • 36min
Jeff Booth on Technology-Driven Deflation, Bitcoin's Role in Global Markets, and Future Financial Systems
What if the key to a more prosperous future lies in embracing deflation rather than fearing it? Join us as we sit down with Jeff Booth, technology entrepreneur and acclaimed author of "The Price of Tomorrow," to unravel the deflationary nature of technology and the transformative power of decentralized systems like Bitcoin and Nostr. Jeff provides a compelling argument for viewing Bitcoin as a protocol that offers a secure, decentralized alternative to our traditional, inflationary monetary systems. You'll gain a deeper understanding of how Nostr, a communication layer built on the Bitcoin protocol, ensures freedom of speech by preventing any central authority from controlling or limiting your audience.We dissect the real estate and stock markets through the lens of Bitcoin, revealing how properties that seem to appreciate in fiat terms are actually losing value against Bitcoin. This eye-opening perspective highlights the inefficiency of traditional investments and underscores why Bitcoin-based companies might yield superior returns. Delve into the potential centralization threats posed by Bitcoin's layer two solutions and grapple with the challenges of setting price targets for this revolutionary asset. Discover how Bitcoin has the potential to reshape market dynamics and human freedom on a global scale, offering more efficient and equitable financial systems.In our final chapter, we explore the staggering global debt and assets figures, discussing the insolvency of current systems and the potential for Bitcoin to reprice these assets fundamentally. We also touch upon the political ramifications of Bitcoin, noting the increasing engagement of politicians with the Bitcoin community to secure votes. As we wrap up, we entertain the idea of Jeff Booth for president and emphasize the importance of following him on platforms like Nostr and X. Don't miss out on Jeff's insightful book, "The Price of Tomorrow," and join us in expressing our gratitude to the audience for their continued support.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

Jul 27, 2024 • 46min
Joseph Wang on Federal Reserve Politics, Rate Cut Implications, and Trump's Dollar Strategy
Ever wondered how Federal Reserve policies are shaping the markets and economy? Join us as we welcome Joseph Wang, former senior trader at the Federal Reserve's open markets desk and author of "Central Banking 101." Joseph brings an unparalleled perspective to our discussion, shedding light on the Fed's increasing market interventions and its growing tendency to prioritize low unemployment over inflation control. You'll gain unique insights into the political dynamics within the Federal Reserve, including its apparent bias towards the Democratic Party and the political motivations behind calls for rate cuts.We also tackle the intricate effects of rate cuts on various sectors, such as REITs and RMBS REITs, distinguishing between cuts spurred by economic downturns and those driven by declining inflation. Joseph provides an expert analysis of the banking sector's health, especially focusing on the challenges faced by regional banks and potential risks from commercial real estate. The conversation broadens to encompass the global rate-cutting cycle, exploring the actions of other central banks like the ECB and the Bank of Canada and their implications for the Fed and global monetary policy.Looking ahead to the 2024 presidential election, we delve into how a potential Trump administration could influence US currency policy, particularly in terms of favoring a weaker dollar to boost exports. Joseph offers intriguing market indicators, including Taiwan's stock market and its impact on the tech sector, alongside classic Trump trades like immigration and tax cuts. We also highlight gold as an attractive investment, driven by global geopolitical tensions and US fiscal policies. This episode is packed with valuable insights on monetary policy, economic trends, and investment strategies you won't want to miss. 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

Jul 24, 2024 • 44min
Julian Brigden on Tech Market Sustainability, Small vs. Large Cap Dynamics, and Inflation Risks
Can the tech sector sustain its dominance in a volatile market? Join us as we sit down with Julian Brigden, co-founder of MI2 Partners, to uncover the secrets behind his innovative firm that mimics the strategic morning meetings of top macro hedge funds. Julian delves into the unexpected market shifts between small and large caps, and the intricate dance of CPI on macro trading strategies. He also sheds light on the pivotal role tech plays in fueling market rallies, questioning whether this momentum is truly sustainable amidst a backdrop of uneven productivity gains.In this episode, Julian unpacks the potential for a dramatic rotation from growth to value stocks, drawing comparisons to the dot-com bubble burst of the early 2000s. We explore the dynamics influencing gold and silver prices amid market turbulence and the critical factors that could transform a harsh market environment into a more favorable one. Julian also highlights the looming threat of rebounding inflation metrics in Q4, the Fed's possible delayed responses, and the historical parallels that could indicate severe equity market declines. All this, while considering the looming influence of upcoming elections on inflation trends.Dive deep into the global macro hedge fund thesis with an exploration of Soros’ concept of reflexivity and its profound impact on financial markets. Julian provides a detailed analysis of how US monetary policy divergence and global negative interest rates have fueled a hyper-financialized economy, leading to significant capital inflows into US assets. We wrap up by examining the structural shifts in the bond market, the impact of changing demographics on bond demand, and how Macro Intelligence Partners equips institutional clients with essential macroeconomic insights and actionable trade recommendations amidst market chaos. Don't miss this episode packed with expert analysis and nuanced market perspectives!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

Jul 23, 2024 • 42min
Laurent Bernut on Japan's Economic Landscape, Sector Rotation Strategies, and the Psychology of Trading
Ever wondered how market psychology shapes investment strategies? In our latest episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Laurent Bernut, whose extensive career spans from the diplomatic halls of the French Embassy to the fast-paced realm of Japanese capital markets and hedge funds. Laurent takes us through Japan’s economic landscape, describing the current inflation, a weakening yen, and an ongoing real estate surge. He also sheds light on the investment opportunities within Japan's craftsmanship industries and the evolving openness towards foreign capital. Whether you’re an investor or merely a market enthusiast, Laurent's insights offer a treasure trove of valuable information.Shifting gears, we explore the intricate dance between bull and bear markets with a focus on sector rotation and understanding beta. Laurent details how different sectors, such as consumer staples and technology, react to market changes and why adjusting long and short positions is crucial for risk management. We delve into the concept of net beta versus net exposure, offering strategies to optimize investment performance amidst fluctuating markets. If you’ve ever been curious about the mechanics of stock performance and the importance of market regimes, this segment is packed with actionable insights.To wrap things up, we delve into the psychological dimensions of trading, particularly the concept of toxic shame and its profound impact on traders. Laurent shares compelling personal anecdotes, showing how self-worth can either fuel success or lead to self-sabotage. We also tackle the challenges of short selling in volatile markets and why position sizing is vital. As a special treat, Laurent gives us a preview of his upcoming book and the invaluable lessons it promises. This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen on understanding the deep connections between market dynamics and trading psychology. Don’t miss out!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

Jul 21, 2024 • 52min
Cameron Dawson on Wealth Portfolio Management, Market Trends, and Alternative Investments
Can you anticipate market trends and mitigate risks to protect your wealth? Join us as we engage with Cameron Dawson, the Chief Investment Officer of New Edge Wealth, to unlock the secrets of managing ultra-high-net-worth portfolios. Cameron sheds light on the intricacies of handling substantial assets, emphasizing the critical importance of tax sensitivity and the intriguing potential of alternative investments. She shares her tactical yet long-term investment strategies, offering insights on maintaining quality across asset classes, and provides a thoughtful analysis of the current market cycle, the importance of respecting trends, and the dangers of low-quality rallies.What drives international and small-cap market performance? Discover the conditions necessary for international and emerging market outperformance with historical insights from Cameron Dawson. Explore the impact of significant dollar devaluation periods and how capital flows facilitated major bull markets internationally. We also dive into the dynamics of earnings growth versus the risks of tech-driven bull runs, and assess the potential regulatory and political challenges that could impact mega-cap tech companies. Cameron's expert perspective provides valuable context for understanding the broader economic environment and the implications of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.How do you strategically manage portfolios amid economic uncertainties? This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their portfolio allocation strategies. We examine the effects of Federal Reserve policies on financial markets, the nuances of balancing sector overweights and underweights, and the potential of alternative investments like private equity and private credit. Cameron Dawson's insights into managing equity portfolios in anticipation of a recession offer practical advice for navigating turbulent times. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on balancing balance sheet relief with income statement health and ensuring rigorous due diligence in alternative investments.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

Jul 20, 2024 • 51min
Anas Alhajji on U.S. Presidential Influence on Oil Prices, Energy Market Geopolitics, and Nuclear Energy's Future
Esteemed energy expert, Anas Alhajji, discusses U.S. presidents' impact on oil prices, Middle Eastern geopolitics, and future of nuclear energy. Exploring Strategic Petroleum Reserve, natural gas role, and need for nuanced energy forecasts. Highlighting nuclear energy's potential amidst climate challenges, and critiquing AI's inflationary effects on energy markets.

Jul 18, 2024 • 57min
Jim Bianco on Sticky Inflation, Federal Reserve Politics, and Market Concentration Risks
Could the Federal Reserve's next moves be politically driven and potentially reignite inflation? Tune in as we explore this provocative question with Jim Bianco, the president and founder of Bianco Research. Jim provides his expert analysis on the transition from a deflationary cycle to what he calls a "sticky inflation cycle," fueled by remote work, deglobalization, and the political manipulation of energy resources. He predicts a sustained inflation rate of 3-4%, significantly higher than pre-2020 levels, and cautions against potential rate cuts by the Fed. We also dissect the complexities of quantitative tightening and its impacts on the economy, particularly focusing on interest rates and inflation. Jim highlights the current stock market's concentration in major companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple, and discusses the implications for traditional diversification. We examine the risks associated with popular ETFs and consider scenarios where diversified portfolios might outperform these concentrated indices. Jim brings a wealth of knowledge, shedding light on the disparity between Main Street and Wall Street and the evolving labor market dynamics post-COVID.In the latter part of our conversation, we delve into the relationship between the stock market and rising unemployment rates, the demographic impact on investment choices, and the state of the gold market. Jim discusses gold's role as a non-correlated asset and the challenges faced by ETFs in a saturated market. We also touch on strategic bond market positioning and the long-term economic impacts of the 2020 global shutdown. This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of today’s complex financial landscape, providing valuable insights for both seasoned investors and newcomers alike. Join us for this enlightening discussion with Jim Bianco on Lead Lag Live.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

Jul 17, 2024 • 37min
Richard Duncan on the Evolution from Capitalism to Creditism, Global Credit Bubbles, and Economic Interventions
What if our entire understanding of capitalism is fundamentally flawed? Join us on a journey through history as we explore Richard Duncan's compelling argument that capitalism has evolved into what he terms "creditism." Starting from the collapse of the gold standard during World War I and leading through key events like the Great Depression and World War II, Richard provides an eye-opening historical analysis that shows how government intervention has become a cornerstone of our modern economy. Understand how significant changes in monetary policy during the 1960s and 70s, especially the severance of the dollar-gold link in 1971, have shaped the financial landscape we navigate today.Ever wondered about the dangers lurking in our credit-based economy? Richard Duncan delves deep into the precarious nature of credit bubbles and the potential catastrophic consequences if they burst, as warned by Austrian economists like Ludwig von Mises. We also cover the government's pivotal role in staving off economic disasters during the 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic through aggressive deficit spending and monetary interventions. Additionally, we discuss the global implications of this credit-driven system, touching on how globalization, inflation, and geopolitical tensions like the war in Ukraine are intertwined with the Federal Reserve's and other central banks' policies worldwide. Don't miss this insightful episode that challenges conventional economic wisdom and offers a comprehensive understanding of our current financial system.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

Jul 15, 2024 • 57min
David Rosenberg's Bold Predictions on Global Markets and Economic Trends
Esteemed economist David Rosenberg challenges conventional wisdom with optimistic outlooks on global markets and economic trends, emphasizing opportunities in Japan, India, and commodities. He discusses the connection between fiscal stimulus and consumer spending, warns of recessionary pressures on tech stock valuations, and explores the impacts of Federal Reserve rate cuts on the US dollar and Japan's equity markets.

Jul 14, 2024 • 55min
Market Rebellion and Options Insights with Jon Najarian
Former Chicago Bears player turned trading guru Jon Najarian joins us to share his unique journey from the chaos of open outcry trading floors to the precision of modern digital trading. Feel the rush of the pits as Jon recounts the electrifying highs and lows, and learn why he believes female traders often have the upper hand, thanks to their cautious and disciplined risk management strategies. This episode is packed with eye-opening insights into the realities of trading, both past and present.We tackle the turbulent world of market disruptions and volatility, analyzing historic events like the 2010 "fat finger" trade and the impact of social media influencers like Roaring Kitty. Jon dissects the current challenges in the cannabis sector, despite legalization. Discover why cannabis stocks have struggled and why some investors still see potential in this risky market. This isn't just about trading; it's about understanding the forces that shape financial markets and the importance of staying informed.Dive into advanced options trading strategies and market analysis with us. Jon shares notable trades in companies like Lyft, Vornado Realty Trust, and QuantumScape, emphasizing the value of spotting significant options activities. We explore why disciplined trading and diversification are crucial, especially when volatility is high. Plus, get an update on Market Rebellion's expansion and new ventures. Whether you're a seasoned trader or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical advice and expert insights you won't want to miss.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


