Episodes

After ten days of conflict involving Iran and the broader Middle East, the Stokes brothers break down the impact on global oil markets, where prices surged and then retreated during a volatile week. They also explore the political ramifications abroad and at home, along with how the unfolding events may influence consumer sentiment and economic outlook. Key Takeaways [00:17] - The oil effect of the military operation in Iran [06:33] - Regime changes and what happens next [10:04] - Political ...

Greg and Doug analyze the recent escalation in Iran-US-Israel tensions, discussing modern military actions, market reactions, and future implications. They also break down how geopolitical shocks affect asset classes and the potential long-term outcomes of this conflict. Key Takeaways [00:17] - Reactions to the military operations in Iran [05:30] - Breaking down asset class performance [10:16] - Oil prices, the Strait of Hormuz, and long-term supply chain/inflation risks [17:41 - Modern mil...

After an AI doomsday report shook Wall Street, Doug and Greg Stokes break down how they see the future of work and AI playing out and why a diversified portfolio is the measured response to charlatan predictions. They also examine private credit trends and the real estate market as mortgage rates continue to fall, as well as the potential of corresponding headwinds to disinflation. Key Takeaways [00:17] - Tariff ruling + an AI doomsday report [06:13] - Private credit sector concern...

On Muses Thursday in New Orleans, Doug and Greg Stokes look at declining rental prices and forward-looking real estate value, and make predictions for what this data means for rate cuts. The guys also discuss human behavior with prediction markets, the current and future outlook for cryptocurrency, and the contrasting performance of old-world versus new-world companies. Key Takeaways [00:17] - Rent rates are down for the 32nd consecutive month [05:05] - Forward-looking value in rea...

This week, we’re celebrating Family Gras weekend in New Orleans and our 200th episode! Doug and Greg delve into the recent volatility in the stock market, particularly concerning technology companies, and how AI efficiency is benefiting old-school industries. Key Takeaways [00:17] - Kicking off Family Gras weekend in New Orleans [01:25] - Market volatility and a sentiment shift [05:09] - How AI efficiency benefits old-school businesses [09:05] - The narrative around A...

This week, Doug and Greg Stokes look at the year-over-year shift in market dynamics, from large-cap US stocks to commodities and consumer staples. They also discuss earnings news, particularly involving Microsoft, Meta, and AI spend. And as international stocks and emerging markets have success, they continue to beat the drum for long-term diversification. Key Takeaways [00:17] - Asset class shifts from 2025 to 2026 [04:13] - Predicting if/when the Fed cuts rates [08:03] - W...

Greg and Doug Stokes discuss the most recent news surrounding Greenland, tariffs, and whether or not it’s all a smoke screen for acquiring rare earths. They also delve into the rise of Chinese automotive companies, the performance of small caps, the dynamics of interest rates and inflation, and the Federal Reserve's future and its impact on the economy. Key Takeaways [00:17] - Greenland’s rare earths and ongoing geopolitical tensions [08:27] - The rise of the Chinese automotive ind...

+ Federal Reserve Independence, AI Bubble Talk, & More

Plus a 2026 Market Outlook

In this Holiday edition of the Lagnaippe Podcast, Greg and Doug Stokes discuss the biggest economic trends of 2025, including the rally in precious metals, the volatility of Bitcoin, and the resilience of the US economy/consumer. They explore the impact of AI on inflation and productivity, normal market behavior, excitement for the bond market, the importance of keeping an even keel, and what’s coming next. Key Takeaways [00:16] - The biggest surprises/trends of 2025 [03:33] - The ...

As we approach the end of 2025, Greg and Doug reflect on recent market volatility, particularly in the AI sector. They also discuss predictions from last year and the upcoming year, including trends in electric vehicles and potential geopolitical conflicts, and break down the economic environment that usually accompanies the bursting of bubbles. Key Takeaways [00:17] - An AI reset [03:33] - Ford switches gears on all-electric trucks [06:58] - Earnings, interest rates, oil, a...

It’s been a busy week in the markets. Doug & Greg jump in with the big news of SpaceX’s potential IPO in 2026 and what that could mean for next year’s blow-off top. They also discuss the Federal Reserve's recent rate cut, which came with rare dissenters, and how politics is playing a part. They finish with the implications of private equity on college sports’ ever-changing NIL landscape. Key Takeaways [00:16] - The IPO wave may be here with SpaceX announcement [07:47] - Talking Fed...

Doug and Greg are back after a Holiday break. They continue the weekly AI conversation with 2026 predictions, potential IPOs, and Google’s rising market strength. They also discuss recent geopolitical events in Venezuela and the strategic U.S. interests in the region, amidst rising tensions with China. Key Takeaways [00:16] - Our predictions on the AI bubble in 2026 [06:08] - Google's resurgence in the AI space [11:00] - Oil, narcotics, and China/US influence in Latin Americ...

+ what Americans will be talking about over Thanksgiving dinner

+ AI Investment Return & Inflection Bubbles

After lamenting the struggles of our local sports teams, Doug and Greg delve into the New York City mayoral results and the economic implications. The conversation shifts to economic updates, including jobs, inflation, interest rates, and housing. The guys finish by looking at what history tells us about bear markets, recessions, and long-term strategies. Key Takeaways [01:45] - The economic themes from Zohran Mamdani’s win in the NYC mayoral race [11:45] - Jobs, inflation, and hou...

In this Halloween week edition of Lagniappe, Greg and Doug discuss market momentum following the Fed’s latest rate cut, a thaw in U.S.–China trade tensions, and standout corporate earnings. They explore how AI-driven productivity is reshaping the labor market, from tech layoffs to rising demand for skilled trades, and close with reflections on political undercurrents and industry innovation cycles. Key Takeaways [00:17] - Rate cuts and market growth [04:41] - Productivity gains ...

We continue our weekly trend of talking about markets hovering around all-time highs and the AI revolution. We start with what’s driving the positivity in the bond and stock markets and what the rent growth numbers tell us about the direction of inflation. We then shift to discussing the energy demand needed for this massive AI build-out, plus the derivatives that come along with this unprecedented investment. We’ll finish by talking sports as a betting cycle rocks the NBA and Shohei continues t...

America's AI Domination & This Era Leading to Prosperity

+ Why We're Optimistic Short- and Long-Term

Greg and Doug Stokes wrap up the 3rd quarter with the markets again at all-time highs. As expectations for corporate profit growth, Energy/AI investments, S&P 500 Earnings, and GDP continue to go higher, this episode of the Lagniappe Podcast answers the questions: are we heading for a recession, and is it a good time to be invested in stocks? Key Takeaways [00:17] - October baseball [03:16] - The effect (or non-effect) of the government shutdown [04:25] - Q3 Report: all syst...

Coming off the heels of NVIDIA’s one hundred billion dollar investment in OpenAI, Doug and Greg Stokes discuss the current state of AI and where it’s headed, as they explore the parallels between recent growth and the tech bubble of the late 90s. The conversation also touches on safe haven assets, market performance after all-time highs, exuberance indicators, and a huge college football weekend coming up. Key Takeaways [00:17] - AI, self-driving cars, and the relation to the late 90s tec...

Greg and Doug Stokes dive into the latest Federal Reserve meeting minutes, discussing the implications of a long-awaited quarter-point interest rate cut. They examine historical data on what happens when the Fed cuts interest rates at all-time highs and explore the impact on the S&P 500, small- and mid-cap stocks, and the bond market. They also discuss IPO trends, what’s really behind a weak labor market, and the potential for a market bubble. Key Takeaways [00:17] - The Fed finally cut r...

This week, we start by analyzing Rick Rieder’s comment that this is the most attractive and interesting investment opportunity that he's ever seen. We examine the cyclical nature of the economy, highlighting optimism for the bond and real estate markets. We finish with hopeful thoughts for America after a tragic week. Key Takeaways [00:17] - Bad economic news can really mean good news [05:13] - Oracle’s big move [07:54] - The housing market is frozen [13:28] - The cyclical nature of the eco...