The Plutonomix Podcast: There are always two sides to every issue, both of which have merit – Details, episodes & analysis

In this week’s episode of the Plutonomix Podcast, Barnaby's catching up with listeners -- to discuss some of the developments that have taken place since Trump's infamous "Independence Day" on April 2nd -- and since 2016, when he wrote a pivotal article, titled "Essential Context."  From Portfolio Construction to Market Behavior and the "Battle between the HAVES and HAVE NOTS," he highlights some of the key milestones that have brought us to where we are today. 

TIMESTAMPS

(01:00) Essential Context

(01:15) Obama's decision to release $100 Billion in Frozen Assets to Iran

(02:10) Like a big Bathtub

(02:30) Adding Non-Correlated Asset Classes

(03:20) The Battle between the HAVES and HAVE NOTS

(04:00) Teach a Man to Fish

(05:05) Small Caps

(06:30) Concentration and the Power of Compounding

(08:05) That which doesn't kill us, makes us stronger

(09:00) The End of the World

(10:00) People do have Alternatives

(11:10) "A cold, dark night on the side of Everest"

(12:20) Returning to First Principles

(13:20) Charlie Kirk

RESOURCES

• What I Think I Know by Barnaby Levin
• The Illusion of Knowledge by Howard Marks
• Closing Technique of the Week: The Ben Franklin Close
• CNBC: The Fed has not made a compelling case for taming inflation by crushing demand, says Judy Shelton
• Contact Barnaby

In this week’s episode of the Plutonomix Podcast, Barnaby reminds listeners that (as he often says) "Where you STAND depends on where you SIT."  Like Trump, we may have "dodged a bullet," but now is when the real work begins: to reduce our bloated Government and Deficit; root out and eliminate (perhaps Trillions of dollars in) fraudulent and wasteful spending; and (finally) figure out how best to help people make and keep more of their own money.  Most important (however) is to do it in a way that it restores a sense of Pride in what it means to be an "American."

TIMESTAMPS

(01:00) China's Syndrome

(02:45) Mao Zedong and the PRC

(03:45) In a Trap

(05:00) The Irony of TikTok

(05:45) Our "Allies"

(06:20) The EU's "European Commissioner for Competition"

(07:55) But, what about Canada...?

(09:08) RECIPROCITY

(10:20) So here's My Question

(11:05) "Say It Wasn't You"

RESOURCES

• What I Think I Know by Barnaby Levin
• The Illusion of Knowledge by Howard Marks
• Closing Technique of the Week: The Ben Franklin Close
• CNBC: The Fed has not made a compelling case for taming inflation by crushing demand, says Judy Shelton
• Contact Barnaby

In this week’s episode of the Plutonomix Podcast, Barnaby Levin and Laurie Kamhi remind listeners what three of the biggest risks facing the Market and the global economy are. They analyze the viewpoints of three, highly regarded investors and share their own insights on volatility; the conflict between the US and China over Taiwan; and the battle between the "Haves" and "Have Nots." Barnaby and Laurie then highlight the important role Generation X may play in shaping politics and the future of our country.

TIMESTAMPS

00:37 Reiterating three of the biggest risks to the Market

02:03 Conclusions regarding two of them, including the potential conflict over Taiwan

04:40 The importance of Demographics and generational shifts 

06:05 The significance of Generation X 

08:17 Neil Howe's "Fourth Turning" and the Battle of the "Haves" and "Have Nots"

10:39 "Where you Sit depends on where you Stand" 

RESOURCES

• What I Think I Know by Barnaby Levin
• The Illusion of Knowledge by Howard Marks
• Closing Technique of the Week: The Ben Franklin Close
• CNBC: The Fed has not made a compelling case for taming inflation by crushing demand, says Judy Shelton
• Stanley Druckenmiller says he'd be 'stunned' if a recession doesn't happen in 2023
• Contact Barnaby
• Contact Laurie

In this week’s episode of the Plutonomix Podcast, Barnaby Levin and Laurie Kamhi discuss the insights shared by three, highly-regarded investors in an interview on Bloomberg's "Next Big Risk." They explore the potential conflicts between the U.S and China over Taiwan; the battle between the "Haves" and "Have Nots;" and the consequence of zero interest-rate policies and Quantitative Tightening on Market behavior. Laurie and Barnaby provide their own perspectives on these issues and emphasize the importance of understanding the deeper patterns at work in order to adapt to future events.

TIMESTAMPS

02:05 US-China conflict; Wealth Inequality; and Market sell-offs 

03:35 Zero interest-rate policies; debt; and their impact on the Market

06:00 Historical context of China's perspective on Taiwan (and why it matters) 

10:15 The Impact of younger generations on Social Change

11:40 "The Shadow our Past projects in Front of Us" and the importance of recognizing patterns 

RESOURCES

• What I Think I Know by Barnaby Levin
• The Illusion of Knowledge by Howard Marks
• Closing Technique of the Week: The Ben Franklin Close
• CNBC: The Fed has not made a compelling case for taming inflation by crushing demand, says Judy Shelton
• Stanley Druckenmiller says he'd be 'stunned' if a recession doesn't happen in 2023
• Contact Barnaby
• Contact Laurie

In this week’s episode of the Plutonomix Podcast, Barnaby Levin and Laurie Kamhi discuss the importance of speaking openly about money, emphasizing the need for couples to align their financial goals and have regular discussions on how best to get there, together. They highlight the significance of preparing for unexpected events, such as death or divorce, by sharing passwords and ensuring all financial information is readily accessible, in such an event. And they point out the benefits -- when families do speak openly -- it can provide through reduced stress; increased understanding; and, ultimately, greater happiness.

TIMESTAMPS

02:00 Raising resilient, self-reliant kids

03:45 The importance of open communication about money in relationships

04:50 "Begin with the End in Mind" when discussing finances 

06:20 It's never too early or too late to develop good money habits

06:50 Preparing for unexpected events, like death or divorce

07:35 Keeping financial information safe, but available

RESOURCES

• What I Think I Know by Barnaby Levin
• The Illusion of Knowledge by Howard Marks
• Closing Technique of the Week: The Ben Franklin Close
• CNBC: The Fed has not made a compelling case for taming inflation by crushing demand, says Judy Shelton
• Stanley Druckenmiller says he'd be 'stunned' if a recession doesn't happen in 2023
• Contact Barnaby
• Contact Laurie

In this week’s episode of the Plutonomix Podcast, Barnaby Levin and Laurie Kamhi discuss the recent, bipartisan passage of the Debt Ceiling under the leadership of Kevin McCarthy in the House.  With the Fed finally deciding to Pause, they say this may allow us to avoid a Recession, with the caveat Treasury will now need to sell a trillion dollars of new debt to fund current spending, which may lead to an increase in rates as well.  They also highlight the challenges faced by regional banks due to commercial loans coming due and the impact vacancies will have on Debtors ability to service their debt. Finally, they look back on a few of their more recent predictions, which have proven prescient.

TIMESTAMPS

01:25 The McCarthy Compromise

03:25 Pent up Demand

03:45 The Notion of Rolling Recessions 

05:50 Dispersion Among the Pundits

06:40 The PEG Ratio: Focus on Price to Earnings Growth

08:25 A Stock Picker's Market

09:25 Ahead of the Curve with Some of Their Biggest Predictions

RESOURCES

• What I Think I Know by Barnaby Levin
• The Illusion of Knowledge by Howard Marks
• Closing Technique of the Week: The Ben Franklin Close
• CNBC: The Fed has not made a compelling case for taming inflation by crushing demand, says Judy Shelton
• Stanley Druckenmiller says he'd be 'stunned' if a recession doesn't happen in 2023
• Contact Barnaby
• Contact Laurie

In this week’s episode of the Plutonomix Podcast, Barnaby Levin and Laurie Kamhi -- after a brief discussion about the Debt Ceiling -- offer investment tips for navigating a potential Recession.  They suggest raising Cash and allocating some part of that to short-term Treasuries while, from a longer-term perspective, they consider everything from Distressed and Floating-Rate debt; to Small-Cap stocks; and (for those with a contrarian bent) Commercial Real Estate. However, when it does come to Small Cap at this point of the economic cycle, they stress the importance of diversification, as there will be "blow-ups."

TIMESTAMPS

[01:50] The Bond Market is betting on Recession

[03:20] Giving Voice to the Minority

[05:00] A true Balanced Budget Amendment

[06:00] The notion of a "Rolling" Recession

[08:45] Start by Building a Reserve

{11:00] From Affordable Housing and Healthcare to Small-Business Lending

RESOURCES

• What I Think I Know by Barnaby Levin
• The Illusion of Knowledge by Howard Marks
• Closing Technique of the Week: The Ben Franklin Close
• CNBC: The Fed has not made a compelling case for taming inflation by crushing demand, says Judy Shelton
• Stanley Druckenmiller says he'd be 'stunned' if a recession doesn't happen in 2023
• Contact Barnaby
• Contact Laurie

In this week’s episode of the Plutonomix Podcast, Barnaby Levin and Laurie Kamhi examine the lessons they hope we've learned from the Fall of Silicon Valley Bank -- the need for new limits and greater transparency; who's really to blame; and the consequences those responsible may (in their opinion) merit. They also explore some of the alternatives available to investors looking for higher yield and Preservation of Capital, while explaining the pros and cons of each. . 

TIMESTAMPS

[1:24]  It wasn’t Any One Thing.  But Whose Money is it Anyway!

[3:11]  Speaking of First Republic

[4:38]  Protecting your Deposits

[6:32]  Should we Stick With (or Short) the Dollar?

[6:58]  Stick with The Dollar?

[8:47]  Like Stan says

RESOURCES

• What I Think I Know by Barnaby Levin
• The Illusion of Knowledge by Howard Marks
• Closing Technique of the Week: The Ben Franklin Close
• CNBC: The Fed has not made a compelling case for taming inflation by crushing demand, says Judy Shelton
• Stanley Druckenmiller says he'd be 'stunned' if a recession doesn't happen in 2023
• Contact Barnaby
• Contact Laurie

In this week’s episode of the Plutonomix Podcast, Barnaby Levin and Laurie Kamhi focus on the fall of Silicon Valley Bank and its impact on the industry. They discuss the factors leading to the Bank's demise, starting with poor judgement on the part of Leadership when investing Clients' On Demand Deposits.  Barnaby and Laurie then explain how this and the failure of the Bank's Auditors has compromised trust -- in the Industry and the Federal Reserve -- and (hopefully) a few lessons we've all learned from it all.

TIMESTAMPS

[01:41] Credit Suisse and The Fall of Silicon Valley Bank

[04:03] When Things Started to go Wrong - and Who was to Blame

[12:04] FDIC Insurance and the Bank Deposit Program

[14:37] The Role of the Federal Reserve in Maintaining Financial Stability

[16:19] Dealing with the Financial Turmoil by taking a Pause and Raising the Limit

RESOURCES

• What I Think I Know by Barnaby Levin
• The Illusion of Knowledge by Howard Marks
• Closing Technique of the Week: The Ben Franklin Close
• CNBC: The Fed has not made a compelling case for taming inflation by crushing demand, says Judy Shelton
• Stanley Druckenmiller says he'd be 'stunned' if a recession doesn't happen in 2023
• Contact Barnaby
• Contact Laurie

In this week’s episode of the Plutonomix Podcast, Barnaby Levin and Laurie Kamhi talk about the Power of Compounding and how to maximize your savings with very little effort. "Compounding" can either refer to earning interest on your interest (by reinvesting what you earn at the same or higher rate) or by "letting your Winners Run."  Either way, they show how it can have a "Snowball Effect," where small actions -- taken consistently -- can lead to big results, creating financial resilience through disciplined and deliberate planning.

TIMESTAMPS

01:15 Asset Allocation and Investment Strategy

01:33 The Eighth Wonder of the World

02:11 The Rule of 72

05:12 The Pareto Principle

09:59 Perks in the Tax Code

RESOURCES

• What I Think I Know by Barnaby Levin
• The Illusion of Knowledge by Howard Marks
• Closing Technique of the Week: The Ben Franklin Close
• CNBC: The Fed has not made a compelling case for taming inflation by crushing demand, says Judy Shelton
• Stanley Druckenmiller says he'd be 'stunned' if a recession doesn't happen in 2023
• Contact Barnaby
• Contact Laurie