Lagniappe

It’s all AI this week, as there isn’t much jobs/inflation news amidst a government shutdown.  We’ll start with OpenAI’s AMD investment and focus on the implications of circular, vendor financing in the AI sector. We’ll explore similarities to the dot-com boom, market sentiment from the “intelligent”, and investing at all-time highs, and discuss how crazy it is to look at the top 10 companies just...

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...

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 c...

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...

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] - O...

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...

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...

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 Ho...

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...

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...

Greg and Doug Stokes start this week’s discussion with the European Union and South Korea trade deals. They also look at the massive windfall in profitability from the largest companies in America, which continues to buck 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 i...

In the midst of another all-time market high, Doug and Greg discuss the potential for a new cycle of exuberance driven by IPOs. They delve into the significant market cap of tech giants like Nvidia and Microsoft, the incredible impact of AI on GDP growth and economic resilience, and the opportunities for small and mid-cap stocks. They also cover trade agreements, the relationship between interest...

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 [04:3...

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 [...

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, prod...

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 ch...

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...

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...

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’...

Doug and Greg discuss the recent court ruling on tariffs and the implications for the market. Highlighted by Nvidia's impressive earnings, they’ll also talk about the ongoing AI revolution and how it will affect inflation, decentralization, and the job market. They finish by looking at the housing market, which now has the highest recorded rate of sellers vs. buyers. Key Takeaways [0:18] - Tariff...

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]...

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...

We start by commemorating Warren Buffett's retirement, which marks a significant moment in investing history. We’ll examine his philosophies and Berkshire Hathaway’s remarkable gains under Buffett's leadership. We then shift to the market rebounding after April volatility, noting strong job creation and consumer spending. As tariff-related headlines drive market movements, we look at AI investment...

This week, we look back on an interesting/memorable month as the market experiences a wall of worry, reflecting optimism despite economic disruptions. We look at historical data showing that investing at market tops can still yield positive returns over time. We also advise on why maintaining cash reserves and fixed income is crucial for navigating market volatility, especially for retirees. We’ll...

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 exam...