A personal finance and investing podcast on money, how it works, how to invest it and how to live without worrying about it. J. David Stein is a former Chief Investment Strategist and money manager. For close to two decades, he has been teaching individuals and institutions how to invest and handle their finances in ways that are simple to understand. More info at moneyfortherestofus.com
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The FEG Insight Bridge is a podcast spanning global markets and institutional investments. Greg Dowling, FEG CIO and Head of Research, interviews some of the world’s leading investment, economic, and philanthropic minds to provide insight on how institutional investors can survive and thrive in the world of markets and finance. Find out more at www.feg.com/insight-bridge-podcast. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investme ...
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Are Robo Advisors Worth It Even With Tax Loss Harvesting and Direct Indexing?
23:19
23:19
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23:19We examine how robo-advisors have evolved over the past decade to determine if their services justify the fees they charge. Topics covered include: How large are the top 5 robo-advisors Robo-advisor fees Robo-advisor holdings Why robo-advisors are turning toward direct indexing for tax loss harvesting How much excess return does tax loss harvesting…
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Climbing the Wealth Ladder with Nick Maggiulli
37:02
37:02
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37:02How our spending, investing, and life strategy change as our net worth grows. We consider how skill, luck, discipline, relationships, and AI can allow us to ascend and, in some cases, descend the wealth ladder. Sponsors NetSuite LinkedIn Jobs – Use this link to post your job for free on LinkedIn Jobs Insiders Guide Email Newsletter Get our free Inv…
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Stablecoins and CBDCs: Their Rise, Risks and Possibilities
27:25
27:25
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27:25Circle Invest, one of the leading stablecoin providers, just went public, and its stock price has tripled. We delve into the growth of stablecoins, their applications, and the associated risks. We also discuss the surprising political pushback against central bank digital currencies. Episode Sponsors Delete Me – Use code David20 to get 20% off NetS…
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The Future of Power: Energy at a Crossroads with Scott Harland
40:26
40:26
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40:26From wildfires to AI-driven demand surges, the power grid is under pressure—and so is the investment landscape around it. Scott Harland of Rockland Capital visits with Greg Dowling of FEG to explore the risks, opportunities, and critical shifts shaping the future of energy. Topics covered include: The necessity of a balanced energy mix, including t…
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Mining for Alpha: Featuring Kinterra Capital
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45:30
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45:30In this episode of the FEG Insight Bridge Podcast, Greg Dowling sits down with Cheryl Brandon and Kamal Toor, the founders and managing partners of Kinterra Capital. They discuss the transformative impact of AI on the mining industry and the critical role of essential minerals like copper, nickel, magnetite, and manganese in today’s and tomorrow’s …
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No More AAA - What the U.S. Debt Downgrade Means for Investors
24:54
24:54
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24:54With longer-term U.S. interest rates rising and no plan to reduce the budget deficit, is a U.S. national debt crisis imminent? Topics covered include: Why S&P, Fitch, and now Moody's stripped the U.S. of its pristine AAA debt rating How the U.S. national debt dynamics compare to Greece, Italy, and Japan What are four things investors should monitor…
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Facing a Financial Squeeze: What Harvard’s Response Can Teach the Rest of Us
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25:08
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25:08How can we apply the same emergency measures that Harvard and other universities are using to navigate a financial crisis? Also, how universities invest their endowments and what their performance has been. Topics covered include: What has led to the financial crisis at Harvard What actions has the university taken How do endowments invest and spen…
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Discover how bond market ETFs have transformed investing — making bonds easier, cheaper, and more accessible than ever. We also explore how the bond market’s very composition has evolved. Episode Sponsors Delete Me – Use code David20 to get 20% off Insiders Guide Email Newsletter Get our free Investors' Checklist when you sign up for the free Money…
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Do You Believe in Miracles? Featuring Jack O'Callahan
47:09
47:09
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47:09In this episode of the FEG Insight Bridge Podcast, Greg Dowling sits down with Jack O'Callahan, a member of the legendary 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. Olympic hockey team. Jack shares his incredible journey from playing street hockey in Boston to becoming part of perhaps the greatest upsets in sports history. He recounts the intense preparation and t…
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Investing in Emerging Markets with Ali Akay
34:34
34:34
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34:34Ali Akay, CIO of Carrhae Capital, answers why invest in emerging markets. He also shares with Greg Dowling of FEG insights on China, Mexico, South Korea, Argentina, Greece, Turkey, South Korea, and South Africa. Insiders Guide Email Newsletter Get our free Investors' Checklist when you sign up for the free Money for the Rest of Us email newsletter …
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Is the Rest of the World Selling America?
19:55
19:55
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19:55The U.S has traditionally been a safe haven for investing, but that hasn't been the case in 2025. We explore three economic and narrative regimes and consider why we may be witnessing a shift after 12 years of U.S. outperformance. Topics covered include: What was the narrative and economic and financial performance from 1995-2001, 2002-2012, and 20…
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In this episode, we explore what it means to invest in a non-ergodic world—where time, not averages, determines outcomes. We unpack concepts like volatility drag, ensemble vs. time averages, and the implications for portfolio strategy, while also reflecting on how AI and zero-click search are reshaping business and investor behavior. Topics covered…
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Is This the End of Globalization and Free Trade?
21:34
21:34
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21:34What will the impact be now that the U.S. has one of the highest tariff rates in the world? Topics covered include: Why the Trump administration raised tariffs How the last round of U.S. tariffs led to higher prices and lower economic growth Four ways the world remains close to record connectivity Who have been the winners and losers from global tr…
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Is It Too Late to Invest in Gold? with Max Belmont - FEG Insight Bridge
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38:31
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38:31Greg Dowling of FEG interviews Max Belmont, a gold specialist and portfolio manager at First Eagle Investments. Greg and Max discuss the historical, philosophical, and practical reasons for owning gold. Topics covered include: Where does gold’s reputation as a safe haven come from, and why it trades differently than other commodities. How gold diff…
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In this episode of the FEG Insight Bridge Podcast, Greg Dowling sits down with Ali Akay, Founder and CIO of Carrhae Capital and experienced emerging markets investor. Ali shares his journey from central bank consultant to founder of a successful investment firm, embodying his personal mantra, "Struggling, I emerge." His perspective on macroeconomic…
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Should You Investment 100% of Your Retirement in Closed-End Funds?
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24:23
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24:23We compare three approaches to closed-end fund investing: Opportunistic trading, the buy and hold income factory, and a systematic approach of selling closed-end funds after 5% gains. We also explore the pros and cons of closed-end funds relative to open-end mutual funds and ETFs. Episode Sponsors Stawberry.me NetSuite Insiders Guide Email Newslett…
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What Trump Wants Part 2 - How Trade Deficits and Capital Flows Can Harm or Help Countries
22:39
22:39
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22:39How trade deficits are making the U.S. poorer, while in the past they have made the U.S. wealthier. Topics covered include: Two ways countries can increase their competitiveness How savings always equals investment Why excess savings flows to the U.S. leading to a drop in U.S. domestic savings Why the U.S. current trade situation could lead to a de…
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Tariffs and the Mar-a-Lago Accord: What Trump Really Wants
28:49
28:49
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28:49How the Trump administration is using tariffs as a negotiating tool to weaken the U.S. dollar and increase the global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers. Topics covered include: Why U.S. stocks are falling, and recession risk is increasing How the U.S. dollar as the reserve currency is becoming a burden on the U.S. How the Trump administration a…
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Why Japanese Stocks Could Outperform with Howard Smith - FEG Insight Bridge
48:15
48:15
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48:15This week on episode 514, we share a conversation between Howard Smith of Indus Capital and Greg Dowling of FEG Investment Advisors on why Japan could surprise investors over the next decade with strong investment returns. David introduces the episode by sharing his key takeaways from the discussion. FEG Investment Advisor is David's former institu…
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In March’s episode of the FEG Insight Bridge Podcast, Greg Dowling talks to Jason Fowler about what it takes to develop the mindset of a winner. From his devastating motocross injury as a teenager to his path to overcoming obstacles, to his success as an adaptive sports champion, coach and mentor, Jason’s search for his “true north” can help and in…
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Crypto: Innovation or Insanity? Meme Coins, Hacks, and Strategic Bitcoin Reserves
23:18
23:18
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23:18We consider the incongruency of a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, the latest crypto exchange hack, and how most participants lost money on the Trump meme coin. Given all that, we review some areas where cryptocurrency is helping individuals and businesses. Topics Covered What is the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve Why it makes little sense for the…
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Unlocking Hidden Returns: How Mortality Credits Boost Retirement Income
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25:44
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25:44How using a deferred income annuity can increase retirement income compared to an immediate annuity or a bond ladder. Topics covered include: How immediate annuities and deferred income annuities work What are mortality credits, and why they are a key diversifier Examples of how mortality credits lead to a 1% to 1.5% higher annualized return over s…
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What Are Sovereign Wealth Funds and Does the U.S. Need One?
19:32
19:32
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19:32The U.S. and the UK each announced they were establishing sovereign wealth funds. We explore the purposes and types of sovereign wealth funds, how they invest, and some concerns with the U.S. establishing one. Topics covered include: What are the four types of sovereign wealth funds, and why the U.S. doesn't fit the typical use case How sovereign w…
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Contrarian Investing with GMO's Ben Inker - FEG Insight Bridge
50:41
50:41
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50:41This week on episode 510, we share a conversation between Ben Inker of GMO and Greg Dowling of FEG Investment Advisors on contrarian investing, deep value stocks, and the rise of passive investing. David introduces the episode by sharing his key takeaways from the discussion. FEG Investment Advisor is David's former institutional advisory firm, whe…
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Hear the Bengal Growling: Featuring Malabar Investments
44:04
44:04
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44:04In the February episode of the FEG Insight Bridge Podcast, Malabar Investments Advisors Sumeet Nagar and Akshay Mansukhani join FEG CIO Greg Dowling in an in-depth discussion. This month they analyze the differentiating quality of the Indian market versus other emerging markets and the importance - and benefit - of a comprehensive understanding of …
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How to Invest in Private Credit / Direct Lending
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26:20
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26:20We explore what private credit, or direct lending, is and how to invest in it. We also show how it is similar and different from investing in leverage loans and CLOs. Topics covered include: Why more companies are staying private How private credit differs from the leverage loan market Why private credit is growing so rapidly What are the benefits …
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Who Should Bear the Cost? Socialized versus Market-Based Risk Management
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23:02
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23:02Natural disasters are becoming more severe and costly—who should bear the financial burden? We explore the tension between socialized risk and market-based insurance. Topics covered include: The surprisingly large percentage of natural disaster losses that are uninsured Why natural disaster severity is increasing A deep dive into the complexity of …
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Where You Live Matters - How Geography Contributes to Wealth
26:07
26:07
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26:07How geography contributes to economic growth and can increase or lower the cost of living. Topics covered include: Why living in a developing country like Costa Rica is still relatively expensive How Amazon and e-commerce platforms lower the cost of living Why we should consider slowing down our rate of consumption How geography is impacting the ro…
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Should You Retire Early and Live Outside Your Home Country? with Joshua Sheets
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39:15
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39:15In episode 506, Joshua shares the pros and cons of living outside of your home country. He convinces David why he needs more than one passport. Finally, Joshua makes a strong case for not retiring, and if one does, under what circumstances. Episode Sponsors Delete Me – Use code David20 to get 20% off Acorns Insiders Guide Email Newsletter Get our f…
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The Thoughtful Contrarian: Featuring Ben Inker
49:00
49:00
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49:00Discover a fresh perspective: Ben Inker of GMO examines market trends and potential investment strategies for 2025. On this episode of the FEG Insight Bridge Podcast, we are joined by Ben Inker, Co-Head of Asset Allocation and Portfolio Manager at GMO, in a conversation exploring market trends and investment strategies for 2025. Ben and FEG CIO Gre…
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Optimization, AI and Opting Out with Coco Krumme
34:23
34:23
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34:23In our final episode of the year, I converse with author and data scientist Coco Krumme about the benefits and costs of optimization in finance, industry, and our daily lives. We explore AI and its overlap with optimization. We also consider the pros and cons of life optimization and finally discuss the extreme challenge of opting out. Episode Spon…
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Indexing Bubble and Asset Class Returns Still Revert to the Mean
30:30
30:30
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30:30How asset class returns move in cycles with periods of above-average returns followed by periods of lower returns. How has the rise of passive indexing led to higher stock valuations, and what does that mean for markets? Sponsors NetSuite - Download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning LegalZoom - Use code David10 to 10% off Insiders Guide Em…
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U.S. Stocks Have Never Been This Overhyped or Expensive
23:56
23:56
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23:56What are the tangible and intangible factors that have contributed to long-term U.S. stock market outperformance compared to the rest of the world? Despite these advantages, why might we still want to continue to be globally diversified? Sponsors Delete Me – Use code David20 to get 20% off LegalZoom - Use code David10 to 10% off Insiders Guide Emai…
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On this episode of the FEG Insight Bridge Podcast, CIO Greg Dowling welcomes Max Belmont, Portfolio Manager and Senior Research Analyst at First Eagle Investments. Max discusses the growing interest in gold amid global economic uncertainties, exploring its role as a potential hedge against inflation and currency devaluation. The discussion also cov…
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Why has there been renewed interest in nuclear power generation in the last couple of years, and how can we invest in it? Topics covered include: Why did Microsoft sign an agreement to reopen a nuclear reactor at the infamous Three Mile Island nuclear facility How much does nuclear energy contribute to global power generation Why is demand for elec…
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We explore what strategy and systems are and how we craft and change them. We consider how investment strategies and financial systems have changed over the decades and why this matters to your financial decisions. Sponsors LinkedIn Jobs – Use this link to post your job for free on LinkedIn Jobs Delete Me – Use code David20 to get 20% off Insiders …
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Episode 500: The S&P 500 Index and the Decade Ahead
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27:23
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27:23In the 500th episode of Money for the Rest of Us, we focus on the S&P 500 Index. How has the index changed, and why have U.S. stocks performed so well? Will U.S. stocks only return 3% in the next decade, as Goldman Sachs predicts. We also discuss major themes covered on Money for the Rest of Us over 500 episodes and what are our plans for the futur…
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What Makes an Economy Prosperous? Spotlight on Cuba and Argentina
22:43
22:43
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22:43We explore eight things that contribute to a healthy, growing economy and where Cuba and Argentina have fallen short. Topics covered include: Why Cuba continues to have rolling energy blackouts Why economic sanctions frequently don't work How Argentina's President Millei is taking a "chainsaw" to the nation's economy Why emerging markets will need …
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Does The Sun Rise Again? with Howard Smith
46:19
46:19
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46:19On this episode of the FEG Insight Bridge Podcast, CIO Greg Dowling welcomes Howard Smith, Partner at Indus Capital Partners and Portfolio Manager for the Indus Japan Strategies. Howard shares his extensive experience investing in Japan, discussing the country’s economic resurgence, corporate reforms, and strategic positioning as an alternative to …
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Ten Things I've Learned About Investing in the Past Decade
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30:24In episode 498, David shares how his investing has changed over the past ten years and lessons you can apply to your portfolio. Document Your Journey Keep Experimenting Be Willing to Adopt New Asset Classes Be Very Patient Trade Less, Focus On Long-term Drivers Monetary Diversification Don't Focus on Relative Performance Ignore the Noise Take Your …
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Why 401k and other defined contribution schemes are flawed, leading to a generation of workers unprepared for retirement. What are the solutions to fix the mess. Topics Why 401k and other defined contributions haven't worked, despite their popularity Why defined benefit pension plans declined Why 401k plans are treated like emergency funds How to c…
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Why we need distinct risk buckets: balancing our natural loss aversion with the allure of opportunities that offer the potential for massive upside. Topics covered include: What is modern portfolio theory, and what are some of its flaws Why so many people have gotten wealthy by being undiversified How to balance personal risk, market risk, and aspi…
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Plus episode excerpts: ETF Size, the Long-term Impact of QE, and Stock Market Inelasticity
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27:30This week on the podcast, we share excerpts from Plus episode 484 on ETF size and the impact of QE, as well as Plus episode 493 on stock market inelasticity. You can learn more about Money for the Rest of Us Plus here. Insiders Guide Email Newsletter Get our free Investors' Checklist when you sign up for the free Money for the Rest of Us email news…
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On this episode of the FEG Insight Bridge Podcast, CIO Greg Dowling welcomes Oliver Moses, Managing Partner of WindRose Health Investors. Moses shares his journey into healthcare investing and the evolution of private equity's role in the sector. The two discuss the rapid growth of healthcare, post-COVID challenges like labor shortages, and how tec…
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The Federal Reserve Cut Interest Rates. What Should We Do Now?
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28:07What does the Federal Reserve's policy rate cut mean for our portfolios? Will interest rates keep falling? What changes should we make? Topics include: What determines interest rates, and where are those drivers currently What is the best estimate of bond returns How duration works and why it changes What are some current fixed income investment op…
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When to Sell Equity or Borrow: A Guide for Homeowners, Students, and Artists
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24:00
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24:00How do home equity investments, income share agreements, and music royalties work, and how can you participate? Topics covered include: How a home equity investment differs from a home mortgage What is the cost of home equity investments How funding education through income share agreements has changed Why artists sell royalties to their work How i…
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The Housing Affordability Crisis: What Caused It and How to Fix It
23:54
23:54
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23:54What caused the 40% price increase in houses and rents, and what are governments doing to try to fix the problem. Topics covered include: Why 50% of the global population is frustrated with the lack of affordable housing How the housing collapse as part of the Great Financial Crisis contributed to today's affordability crisis How central bank QE pr…
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The Power of Optionality: Small Bets, Big Payoffs
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22:31In this episode, we explore the concept of optionality—how small, strategic decisions can lead to outsized rewards with limited downside risk. From ancient philosophy to modern financial strategies, discover how recognizing and seizing options can unlock opportunities in both life and investing. Topics covered include: How call and put options work…
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On this episode of the FEG Insight Bridge Podcast, CIO Greg Dowling welcomes Dan Ivascyn, CIO of PIMCO, as he reflects on his 26-year career at PIMCO, from trading structured products to leading their portfolio management. Dan discusses the firm’s evolution, the shift from traditional to alternative fixed income strategies, and the current appeal o…
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The Five Layers of Investing - Which Layers Is Your Portfolio Allocated?
31:13
31:13
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31:13In Episode 491, we explore the five layers of investing, including which assets fit into each layer, and give examples of advertisements targeting each layer. The five layers are: 1. Short-term trading 2. Longer-term speculations 3. Individual securities 4. Diversified portfolios focused on underlying drivers and factors 5. Maximum diversification …
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