Insight is Capital™ Podcast AdvisorAnalyst.com

Bob Elliott, Co-Founder, CEO, and CIO of Unlimited Funds, and former long-time Bridgewater exec, discusses the company's pioneering use of machine learning to create low-cost index replications of alternative investments. The HFND ETF as the fastest growing independent active ETF launch in the US in 2022 and Bob shares his extensive experience in investment strategy development. Bob emphasizes the inspiration behind founding Unlimited, which was to democratize access to alternative investments by bringing concepts of diversified low-cost indexing to the world of two and twenty strategies. He explains the technology development process, the importance of building the technology based on an expert understanding of the types of strategies pursued by managers, and the company's focus on returns to gain a better understanding of how managers are positioned. Bob also discusses the impact of fees on investors, the role of public funds in leading the shift towards alternatives due to fee sensitivity, and the democratization of investments to make them more widely available.

In this episode Brooke Thackray, research analyst at Global X ETFs Canada, and advisor to the Global X Seasonal Rotation ETF (HAC), joins us to discuss seasonal investing trends across US and Canadian stocks and bonds. Thackray emphasizes the effectiveness of seasonality in fine-tuning the investment process with technicals and historical market patterns – just take a quick look at the chart for the ETF – confirmed. We also discuss the rotation aspect of the fund, the expectation, for example, of gold performing well in a strong upcoming seasonal period, and the anticipation of a weaker equity market over the next six months due to various factors. Thackray highlights the importance of relying on a long-term model and discipline for managing the investment process, and expects the seasonal framework to work even better over the next decade due to changes in market sectors.

In this conversation Jeff Weniger, Head of Equity Strategy and Samuel Rines, Macro Strategists, Model Portfolios at WisdomTree Asset Management, join us to discuss various topics including the performance of the equity and bond markets, inflation, the labor market, and the real estate market. We explore the potential impact of rising yields on equities, the relationship between bonds and stocks, and the role of the US dollar as a hedge. We get into  the challenges of navigating the current economic landscape and the reluctance of individuals and businesses to make changes in their financial strategies. Jeff and Sam unpack the impact of job mobility and housing on asset allocation. Jeff Weniger discusses the challenges of job relocation and the limitations it imposes on housing choices. He also highlights the rigidity of mortgage rates and the potential financial burden it creates for homeowners. Sam Rines adds that the lack of labor market dynamism and the preference for home remodeling contribute to the stagnation of the housing market. Then we shift to the changing dynamics of the US economy, with a focus on the transition from goods to services. Sam Rines emphasizes the normalization of the services sector and the potential lasting effect on the labor market. Our focus turns to a discussion about asset allocation and the push for domestic equity ownership in various countries. We explore the seismic shift in investment trends, with a focus on the changing dynamics of global markets. We dive into the history of investing in the early 2000s in emerging markets like Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC), and how the focus has now shifted to investing in Japan, Korea and other markets where policy driving home bias is flourishing. We look at the role of China in the commodities market, particularly its insatiable appetite for base metals and gold. If anything, our entire conversation highlights the importance of diversifying portfolios and considering alternative asset classes like managed futures and commodities. They also touch on the impact of US-China relations and the potential risks and opportunities in the market.

Dennis Mitchell, CEO, CIO at Starlight Capital joins us this episode to discuss various topics including the impact of interest rates, the potential for rate cuts, portfolio construction for the period ahead - which will be marked by the persistent threat of inflation and higher rates for longer, the importance of proper pension-like diversification, and the rising risks of geopolitical instability, and authoritarianism, and ensuing political risk ahead. He expresses optimism about the long-term trends in private real estate, infrastructure, and equity markets. He also highlights the need for education and due diligence in investing in these asset classes. However, he expresses concern about the rise of authoritarianism and the erosion of democracy, which could have negative consequences for global markets and standards of living. We explore the current investment climate and the need for a shift in portfolio construction. Dennis Mitchell emphasizes the importance of considering and adding private assets and alternative asset classes with the objective of building resilient portfolios. Mitchell highlights the need for a diversified approach that goes beyond traditional 60-40 portfolios. We discuss the benefits of adding private equity, private real estate, infrastructure, commodities, and private credit. He emphasizes the critical need for enhanced financial education and the role of financial institutions in providing innovative investment solutions. We also get into the misconceptions about private assets and the importance of understanding the risks and returns associated with different asset classes.

In this episode with SIACharts' President, Paul Kornfeld, we kick off our conversation with the recent changes in the Federal Reserve's rate cut projections and the performance of various stocks. We question whether it's a good time to 'buy the dip or sell the rip.' We get into the use of SIA charts in analyzing market trends and making investment decisions. What are the benefits of using a systematic approach and relative strength analysis? We touch on the challenges and opportunities of 24/7 trading, and the pressure that's mounting for moneycenter banks. We dive into the importance of having a rules-based approach and risk management in investing. We discuss the opportunities and risks in the market, and in particular the generational opportunity in the energy and materials sectors. Wending our way through the conversation, Paul peels back the layers on the importance of diversification and the need to consider the opportunity cost of investing in certain sectors. There's also the potential impact of various serious geopolitical events on international markets to weigh and the importance of incorporating risk management strategies, now. What has been the historical performance of different sectors and how great is the potential for a shift in market dynamics. What is the market indicating are trends to follow in specific sectors? What is the potential impact of inflation on portfolios and how great is the need to consider alternative asset classes?

In this conversation, Mike and Pierre talk to Tobias Carlisle, Managing Principal and Chief Investment Officer at Acquirers Funds, LLC, and portfolio manager of ZIG and DEEP ETFs. Toby shares his approach to value investing and the historical perspective he brings to the art of investing. He also talks about the performance of value investing and the importance of staying consistent with your strategy. Our conversation highlights the benefits of a systematic and quantitative approach to investing. We explore the challenges and strategies of value investing. Toby emphasizes the importance of having a systematic design and sticking to a set of rules to avoid emotional and behavioral mistakes. We discuss the ideological debate between value and growth investing and the need for a balanced approach. Our conversation turns to the role of activism in value investing and the importance of avoiding ruin and focusing on survival. The conversation continues with Toby sharing his insights into portfolio construction and the baked-in returns of value investing. We further explore the concept of investing in value stocks and the challenges that come with it – the importance of considering the long-term perspective and the potential for high returns despite short-term fluctuations. Mike and Toby deconstruct the role of market feedback loops and the impact of market crashes on investment strategies. Toby highlights the significance of character and reputation in investing. We ask Toby about his upcoming book 'Invincible' and its exploration of the parallels between value investing, Sun Tzu's 'Art of War,' and Lao Tzu's 'Tao Te Ching.'