Fundamentals Unfiltered

This week’s episode is a shorter, focused macro explainer on why gold and silver often absorb market uncertainty. Gold and silver have been reaching record highs — but what’s really driving the move? In this episode of Fundamentals Unfiltered, Matt breaks down why precious metals often act as “macroeconomic risk absorbers” during times of uncertainty, inflation concerns, geopolitical stress, and s...

What actually anchors inflation expectations in a world without the gold standard? In this episode of Fundamentals Unfiltered, Matt examines why Federal Reserve independence is central to economic stability, and why political pressure on monetary policy has repeatedly led to inflation, market instability, and loss of credibility. Using historical examples—from the gold standard and the Great Depre...

Warren Buffett didn’t become Warren Buffett by accident. In Episode 23 of Fundamentals Unfiltered, Matt continues his series on Warren Buffett by focusing on the moment he became the Warren Buffett — when he took control of Berkshire Hathaway and built it into a long-term investment platform. Topics include: Buffett’s early deep value roots and the Berkshire textile acquisition The National Indemn...

Warren Buffett officially stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway on January 1, 2026. In this episode of Fundamentals Unfiltered, Matt begins a two-part reflection on Buffett’s remarkable career by focusing on his early life, education, and partnership years. We explore: · Buffett’s early entrepreneurial instincts in Omaha · His intellectual transformation under Benjamin Graham and David Dodd ·...

In this year-end episode of Fundamentals Unfiltered, Matt reflects on the major market themes of 2025 — without relying on forecasts or year-ahead predictions. The discussion covers the rally in gold and silver, private market liquidity challenges, the risks of opening private funds to retail investors, Federal Reserve independence, and how to think about valuation discipline amid continued enthus...

In Episode 20 of Fundamentals Unfiltered, Matt analyzes the Federal Reserve’s recent 25 basis point rate cut, dissent within the FOMC, and why bond markets are signaling skepticism toward further easing. The episode explores Fed Chair succession, market concerns around Kevin Hassett, renewed attention on Kevin Warsh, and the historical precedent for Fed independence. Matt also recommends The Great...

This week on Fundamentals Unfiltered, Matt breaks down two major stories shaping markets: - The escalating takeover battle for Warner Brothers Discovery Netflix’s $72B cash-and-stock bid sets off an unexpected contest with Paramount/Skydance’s hostile $30-per-share tender offer. Matt breaks down: Why the deal structure matters (cash vs. stock vs. equity stub) Antitrust risks for Netflix Political...

This episode covers Bitcoin’s sharp reversal, the breakdown of Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin treasury strategy, and why MicroStrategy may be removed from the MSCI index. Matt also examines Jason Zweig’s reporting on illiquidity risks in private real estate funds and shares lessons from Wall Street legend Art Cashin, featured in Bob Pisani’s Shut Up and Keep Talking affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3Ybek...

In this holiday-week episode of Fundamentals Unfiltered, Matt reflects on the life and legacy of Charlie Munger—Warren Buffett’s longtime partner and Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, who died at age 99 in late November 2023. We walk through Munger’s path from Omaha to University of Michigan, Caltech (studying meteorology during WWII), Harvard Law School, and eventually into law, real estate de...

This week, Matt breaks down The Economist’s “Seven Deadly Sins of Corporate Exuberance,” covering crypto-leveraged balance sheets, meme-driven valuations, circular AI investment loops, debt-gluttonous M&A, patriotic capital allocation, and the fraud cycle that always follows a boom. We also examine why recessions have become ultra-rare, how heavy global deficit spending masks true economic weaknes...

Jeff Gundlach’s macro outlook, Warren Buffett’s quiet farewell, and the rising age of first-time homebuyers — Matt explores what these signals mean for investors and the broader economy. Plus, a Buffett-approved book recommendation: The Most Important Thing by Howard Marks, a timeless guide to risk, valuation, and mindset. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:34 Jeff Gundlach Interview 02:36 Interest Rates,...

Matt breaks down the Fed’s 25 bp rate cut and the end of quantitative tightening — what it means for liquidity, inflation, and credit markets. Then he dives into The Financial Times piece, “Big Tech’s Market Dominance Is Becoming More Extreme,” explaining how eight companies now drive most of the S&P 500’s gains and profits. Plus, a classic book spotlight: The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Grah...

Gold tumbles after a record run, inflation lingers, and AI reshapes the job market — Matt explains what it all means for investors. Gold’s sharp reversal, the Fed’s coming rate cut, and the rise of AI-driven business strategies — Matt breaks down how momentum trades detach from fundamentals, why 3% inflation still matters, and what it all means for investors. Plus, lessons from Thinking in Bets on...

In this episode of Fundamentals Unfiltered, Matt breaks down how artificial intelligence is reshaping financial markets — and what it could mean for investors long-term. He explores how the AI ecosystem, led by OpenAI, is becoming deeply interconnected financially, with companies like Nvidia, AMD, Oracle, and others committing trillions in capital. But as debt financing creeps in through special p...

In this episode of Fundamentals Unfiltered, Matt dives into Kevin Warsh’s recent Barron’s interview, exploring what his views could mean for the future direction of the Federal Reserve. Warsh—one of the leading candidates to replace Jerome Powell in 2026—has been outspoken about the Fed’s loss of inflation-fighting credibility and the blurring of lines between fiscal and monetary policy through qu...

In this episode, Matt unpacks key stories from The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Barron’s, and The Economist—connecting macro trends to real investment risks. He covers the economic ripple effects of the government shutdown, unreliable labor data, and the Federal Reserve’s policy challenges. The discussion highlights rising distress in private credit markets, drawing on insights from Barro...

In this week’s episode, Matt dives into market headlines from September 30, 2025, highlighting the looming government shutdown and its muted impact on markets. The main focus is on "The Credit Market is Humming, and that Has Wall Street on Edge" (Wall Street Journal), exploring record-low risk premiums in investment grade and junk bonds, private credit market risks, and the rise of payment-in-kind...

In this episode of Fundamentals Unfiltered, Matt unpacks the Fed’s recent quarter-point rate cut and what it reveals about the central bank’s dual mandate—price stability vs. maximum employment. With inflation still above target and labor markets showing signs of strain, the Fed faces its toughest balancing act yet. Matt also breaks down the resurgence of IPOs, highlighting how today’s offerings d...

In this episode, Matt from Fundamental Investing Institute dives into the latest FOMC news, discuss the implications of the Charlie Kirk tragedy, analyze the roles of Lisa Cook and Stephen Myron, and unpack Katie Martin’s Financial Times editorial on private equity’s liquidity challenges. The conversation covers the market’s anticipation of a 25-basis-point rate cut, ongoing core inflation above 3...

During a relatively slow news week, Matt discusses how many influencers highlight the upside of small business acquisitions while downplaying the risks. Drawing on his own experience as a fractional business owner, he breaks down the role of leverage, the difficulty of sourcing quality deals, and why finding the right operator is often the single biggest factor in success. This episode gives inves...

In this episode, Matt from Fundamental Investing Institute discusses some reasons why markets haven't reacted more aggressively to the President's attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Also, why are private equity funds expanding into 401Ks?

In this podcast, Matt from the Fundamental Investing Institute discusses the Federal Reserve Chairman’s recent speech at the Kansas City Fed’s annual symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and what it means for the future of monetary policy.

In this episode, I unpack the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) reports — and what the mixed inflation data means for interest rates going forward. I then dive into the growing risks in private markets, specifically the danger of investing in real estate and private deals through online investment platforms created under the JOBS Act. Using recent reporting from CNBC...

With the President announcing a nominee to the Federal Reserve Board, Matt discusses the need to understand the Federal Reserve as an institution, and provide a primer on the structure and functions of the Fed. Matt also discusses the role that inflation expectations play in credit markets.

In this kickoff episode of Fundamentals Unfiltered, host Matt begins with an introduction and a personal story about a conversation with a friend, and a the lesson in using lived history to cut through today's information overload. You’ll hear how that simple framework can help you make smarter decisions — not just in investing, but in how you read the news, understand business strategy, and grow...