Animal Spirits Podcast

Ryan Lovell, Director of Capital Markets at Chainlink Labs and ex-Vanguard market plumbing expert. He discusses how blockchains can replace batch-based settlement, speed up transfers, and reduce costs. He explains Chainlink’s role as neutral infrastructure connecting chains, tokenized securities’ benefits, and the timeline and regulatory hurdles for institutional adoption.

Explore the resurgence of small caps and their potential benefits from falling rates. The hosts dive into geopolitical risks affecting markets and rising bond yields, while also reflecting on historical parallels from 1913. They discuss how household balance sheets look robust and the great real estate wealth transfer looming. There's a touch of humor as they critique the state of Netflix movies and franchise fatigue in cinema. Finally, they weigh geopolitical noise against corporate earnings risks, anticipating an eventful market ahead.

Join Jeff Schwarte, an executive at Simplify ETFs, as he delves into the world of structured-note-based ETF strategies. He explains how auto-callable structured notes work and the mechanics of barrier options. Discover the strategy's objective of generating income while buffering downside risks, with insights on laddering effects during market downturns like COVID. Jeff also sheds light on simplifying the incorporation of structured notes into ETFs, comparing them to preferred securities, and discussing embedded protections that enhance stability.

Explore the implications of Jerome Powell's political risks on the market and debate the practicality of capping credit card rates. Discover the truths behind institutional home ownership and discuss inventive policies to support housing. Delve into the impact of AI on productivity and labor, and analyze the resurgence of both sports gambling and crypto investments. Consider the surprising reasons behind declining TV prices and the varied regional housing price dispersions. Finally, ponder the resilience of the stock market and what it means for the future.

Brendan Ahern, Chief Investment Officer at KraneShares and author of the China Last Night newsletter, discusses key insights on China's investment landscape. He highlights the stark differences between U.S. and Chinese markets, delves into the challenges faced by Chinese tech stocks, and analyzes the impact of government policy on technology self-reliance. Brendan also shares thoughts on the unique trajectory of China-focused ETFs, public sentiment towards AI, and the future outlook for investment in China, making a compelling case for potential growth.

The hosts dive into fascinating predictions for 2026, tackling market risks and recession expectations. They unpack the surprising outperformance of international stocks against the backdrop of rising valuations. A lively debate on AI's impact on jobs and the hilarious quirks of AI hallucinations adds depth. Also, a firsthand robotaxi experience and reflections on Disney's stock performance keep things engaging. And who knew a discussion on cactus injuries could be so entertaining?

A deep dive into this year's top S&P 500 performers reveals tech picks and precious metals thriving. Silver is experiencing an explosive rise, while international small caps outperform their U.S. counterparts. The discussion shifts to millennial financial journeys, exploring how they achieved wealth and their approach to retirement spending. Sentiment is at historic lows, raising questions about consumer behavior. Plus, nostalgic chats about the best video games, including a spirited defense of Mario Kart!

Sal Gilbertie, the Founder and CEO of Teucrium, shares his extensive knowledge on commodities and crypto. He discusses the factors leading to falling oil prices and the importance of predictable commodity pricing for producers. Sal explains why U.S. farmers often require bailouts and how traders react to crop demand shocks. He also presents his bullish view on Bitcoin and gives insights into Tucrium's foray into crypto. Additionally, he highlights which cryptocurrencies could hold long-term potential, favoring those with practical use cases.

Dive into the world of stock markets as the hosts discuss what a typical year looks like while examining drawdowns. They argue small and mid-cap stocks might outshine mega caps amid changing interest rates. Explore how charity donations can be automated and the impact of billionaire contributions on social mobility. With households holding record cash balances, they also highlight the surprising strength of small-cap stocks and the evolving dynamics of gambling, especially among Gen Z.

Dan Russo, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Potomac Fund Management and expert in tactical asset allocation, joins Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson to explore the complexities of tactical investing. They discuss why diversification often fails, the intricacies of trend-following strategies, and the mechanics behind Potomac's quantitative approach. Russo highlights the importance of risk metrics, particularly maximum drawdown, and shares insights on how advisors can effectively combine different funds to meet client goals.