Episodes

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...

This week, we look at the recent job report, the Federal Reserve's expected actions on interest rates, and overall market dynamics, including the history-making influence of major tech companies. Our conversation also touches on the capitalism machine and how it relates to throwback fashion trends, individual stock investing challenges, and the need for diversification. We finish by celebrating an incredible time of year for the sports world. Key Takeaways [00:17] - The new jobs report is...

Football is back! With that in mind, we’re going with a gridiron theme this week as we pull out our crystal ball and dig into what quarter of the bull vs bear game we’re in. We also explore the implications of the Fed shakeups on the economy, particularly regarding interest rates and housing, and look at the economic significance of population growth. And like every other podcast this week, we’ll touch on the futures of Taylor Swift and Arch Manning. Key Takeaways [00:17] - Getting out ou...

While Jerome Powell and the Fed held their annual meeting, we discussed the implications of expected Fed rate cuts. We also delve into the dynamics of real estate in a post-COVID world with the rise of data centers, the challenges facing aging office buildings, and the demographic shifts that will shape future investment opportunities. Key Takeaways [00:16] - The Fed’s annual meeting in Jackson Hole [03:35] - The impact of Fed rate cuts on markets [09:40] - Market valuations...

We begin this week by looking at inflation indicators like CPI, PPI, and tariffs. We also examine the impact of AI on employment, stagnation in the housing market, shifting consumer behaviors, and migration-altering taxation, and explore how these factors intertwine and influence the broader economic landscape. Key Takeaways [00:16] - Inflation Insights: CPI, PPI, Tariffs, and AI [06:48] - History doesn't repeat, but it rhymes [13:29] - Alcohol, nicotine, and subsidy-reliant...

We dig into the latest jobs report that showed a significant decline in new jobs. We’ll also analyze the minimal effect that tariffs have had on inflation and the economy as a whole, and how the Fed can and should react with rate cuts. We’ll finish with a look at the recent run of IPOs, how they could indicate a return of speculative behavior, and why you should be cautious with including IPOs in a sound investment strategy. Key Takeaways [00:16] - Breaking down the latest job report and ...

Greg and Doug Stokes start this week’s discussion with trade deals with the European Union and South Korea and the significant earnings reports from major tech companies like Meta and Microsoft. They also look at the massive windfall in profitability from the largest companies in America, which continues to bucking the narrative that geopolitical uncertainty is going to push us into a downturn. Then, they explore inflation, housing, and the job market, particularly in light of the growing influe...

AI Capex & IPO Windows

The Stokes Brothers explore the rise of private credit as a trending asset class, its risks and rewards, and the implications of JP Morgan's $50 billion investment into the space. They also discuss the Fed Chair tit-for-tat, why we need an independent, formulaic process for setting rates, and the long-term outlook on inflation and housing. Key Takeaways [00:00] - Jamie Dimon & private credit [04:39] - What is the risk in the private credit market? [11:31] - Municipal bonds v...

Greg and Doug reflect on the recent tragedy in Texas before diving into the current state of the markets with a focus on the rise of tech giants like NVIDIA and their outsized impact. They explore big tech’s market concentration, productivity gains from AI, the IPO landscape, and improving public sentiment. They also detail real-time inflation, interest rates, and Fed Chair drama. Key Takeaways [00:00] - Reflecting on the tragedy in Texas [02:10] - NVIDIA tops $4 trillion in market...

Happy Independence Week! We begin this week’s pod by discussing the remarkable recovery of the S&P 500, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a steady, long-term investment strategy. With that in mind, we’ll examine a study that demonstrates how dollar cost averaging outperforms trying to time the market perfectly. We also talk about the performance of international markets, bond returns, productivity from AI, and continue our call for Fed rate cuts. Key Takeaways [00:15]: American ex...

Greg and Doug Stokes interview Robert Watson, a veteran of the car business and former owner of Watson Quality Ford in Jackson, Mississippi. Robert shares his journey in the automotive industry, starting from his father's legacy to his own experiences in building a successful dealership. The conversation covers the evolution of car sales, the impact of the internet on customer interactions, the challenges of vehicle financing, and the future of electric vehicles and autonomous driving. Robert al...

While we await updated Fed Day data, we renew our call for the Fed to cut rates, discuss the muted market response to international conflicts, and examine the important role of bonds in providing stability in investment portfolios. We also talk about Vanguard's less-than-stellar market forecast as we continue to stress the importance of maintaining a diversified, long-term investment approach Key Takeaways [00:17] - It’s time for the Fed to cut rates [04:07] - The market reacts to ...

Doug and Greg dive into the most recent inflation data, which was softer than expected, examining how and why disinflation is currently taking hold in the economy. Taking in real-time shelter numbers, they also discuss the limited effects of tariffs so far, market optimism, and why the Fed should cut rates soon. Finally, heading into the U.S. Open weekend, they debate their two favorite sports and find a surprisingly profitable investment on the course. Key Takeaways [0:16] - Reacting to ...

Doug and Greg begin this week’s episode with a critique of Jamie Dimon's forecasts regarding the bond market and financial predictions in general. They explore the rise of autonomous driving technology, the world-changing impact of American investment in innovation, and the influence of the political climate on markets and investment strategies. Key Takeaways [0:18] - Our reactions to Jamie Dimon’s bond market hurricane prediction [04:50] - Forecasts are essentially worthless ...

+ the Housing Market Undergoes a Major Shift

This week, we’re focusing on the impact of Moody's downgrade of the US credit rating. How did the market react? Does it raise real concerns? Does it have real long-term effects? We’ll also delve into the implications of the new tax bill and its potential ramifications on the economy. We wrap with a look at hurricane season and the gripping story of New Orleans’ jail escapees. Key Takeaways [0:19] - Greg sums up an entire week of news in 3 minutes [03:03] - Unpacking the Moody's dow...

The last 40 days have seen the market sharply decline and come roaring back, and now, the market is positive on the year. We’ll look at how pending trade deals and tariff reductions have positively impacted the markets and discuss the strength of the American economy and consumer. We also talk real estate dynamics, interest rate projections, and how our beloved home state is poised for an economic boon. Key Takeaways [0:19] - Harsh decline leads to roaring back [07:57] - The streng...

+ AI Investment, Stagflation, and the Fed's Role in Market Direction

Looking back on a month for the record books

We’re back from Spring Break, and…there’s a lot to catch up on! We dive right into the market volatility driven by tariff-related news and its implications for the economy. We’ll discuss the overwhelming need for certainty, the issues that come with a lack of trade with China, how paring back tariffs would be a business tailwind, and the Fed’s plan to get back to business as usual. We’ll also examine the decoupling of Bitcoin and gold from traditional asset classes and draw parallels to similar,...

There’s only one thing to talk about this week. We discuss the recent volatility surrounding tariffs and the implications for investors. We explore historical trends during periods of uncertainty, the opportunities that arise in fixed income investments, and the potential impact of economic uncertainty on consumer behavior. Weeks like this emphasize the importance of financial planning and present the opportunity to reassess investment strategies. Key Takeaways [0:17] - Recapping the l...