Lagniappe

Greg and Doug discuss why markets are stuck in a holding pattern despite a strong first half of the year. They break down the three catalysts investors should be watching, corporate earnings, Federal Reserve policy, and the upcoming midterm elections, while exploring how AI infrastructure spending and geopolitical tensions are influencing inflation and interest rates. The episode wraps up with Wim...

As we head into the 4th of July weekend, Greg and Doug Stokes take a moment to express their gratitude and pride as Americans. They look at Meta following SpaceX’s data center strategy, the healthy broadening of the market, and why the U.S. offers an unparalleled risk capital environment, fueling innovation and economic growth. Key Takeaways [00:17] - Why we’re grateful to be American [03:41] - Me...

Greg and Doug Stokes analyze recent market volatility, looking at sector rotation and earnings expectations. They also break down why you can’t trust predictions on oil prices and how GLP-1 drugs could reshape our outlook on health, investment strategies, and the future of the economy. Key Takeaways [00:17] - Volatility under the surface [03:45] - Google's inclusion in the Dow [07:05] - You can’t...

Now that the United States and Iran have agreed to a memorandum of understanding, Doug and Greg break down what that means moving forward when it comes to the markets, oil prices, Fed moves, and defense.  Key Takeaways [00:17] - The US-Iran MOU [04:06] - Defense tech and what we’ve learned from the Iran War [10:43] - What’s driving the market next? [15:15] - The midterm effect View Transcript Conn...

It’s SpaceX IPO week! Greg and Doug discuss that opening, then dive into recent market volatility and why it’s historically normal. They’ll also talk about Elon’s big bet on space and how this burst of technological innovation is affecting defense, work efficiency, the economy, and our everyday lives. Key Takeaways [00:17] - Understanding the recent market correction with historical context [05:50...

Greg and Doug give an update on Iran as truce negotiations continue. They’ll explore the impact on global markets and the US economy's resilience. The guys also discuss the ongoing, massive reindustrialization centered around AI and the potential long-term deflationary effects of these technological advancements. Key Takeaways [00:17] - An update on Iran [04:07] - US market resilience [06:52] - AI...

Greg and Doug Stokes analyze the recent market surge, IPO frenzy, and the implications of AI and tech stocks. They discuss upcoming IPOs like Cerebris and SpaceX, market bubble concerns, and insights from market experts like Michael Burry and Jeffrey Gunlock. Key Takeaways [00:17] - The AI IPO frenzy has begun [07:27] - Are bubble concerns unwarranted? [09:35] - The prediction charlatans are back...

The market has shifted its story from the Iran conflict to the AI wave. How big and profitable can it be, and will companies grow into their lofty valuations? Greg and Doug break it all down and optimistically explain how this AI surge has brought back American manufacturing dominance.  Key Takeaways [00:16] - Our weekly Iran and AI updates [02:47] - Surprising, reemerging winners of the AI race [...

Before they head out to Jazz Fest, Doug and Greg analyze why the market continues to shrug off the Iran conflict, relate AI to this generation’s railroad construction, and praise the economic and technological prowess of the United States.  Key Takeaways [00:17] - Come see us at Jazz Fest [01:21] - Why the market doesn’t care about Iran [04:38] - AI is the real deal [07:22] - Tech’s historic capit...

This week, we have a very special guest, Johnny Giavotella, a childhood friend of Greg & Doug Stokes and a former Major League Baseball player. The guys discuss Johnny’s career at the University of New Orleans and in the Majors, and his new role as the General Manager of the UNO baseball team, where he's navigating this new world of the transfer portal, NIL, and kids specializing in one sport. Key...

Ceasefire talks are ongoing, the Strait of Hormuz is open, and the market is bouncing back. Doug and Greg will discuss whether the market has hit the bottom. They explore the larger implications of recent events in the Middle East, the impact of social media on investor sentiment, and the resilience of the consumer market. The conversation also touches on the SpaceX IPO and the bullish potential f...

Today, Doug and Greg speak with Phil Huber, the Head of Portfolio Solutions at Cliffwater. In this timely discussion, they’ll touch on the evolution, current state, and future outlook of private credit, including its origins, growth, and how it compares to other asset classes.  Key Takeaways [00:17] - Introduction to private credit and Phil Huber [10:18] - Why has there been so much growth in priv...

Somehow, three months have already come and gone, and what a quarter it was. Doug and Greg give updates on the market’s turbulent reaction to the Iran conflict with a hopeful outlook for Q2. They also touch on getting back to business as usual, discussing the SpaceX IPO, interest rate expectations, and corporate efficiency movements.  Key Takeaways [00:17] - Market turbulence since the Iran confli...

This week, Greg and Doug Stokes discuss how the market is reacting to nearly a month of the Iran conflict and the potential for an impending diplomatic solution. They also analyze timing the stock market’s worst and best days, gold’s safe-haven status, the long-term inflation outlook, and investment strategies for navigating volatility. Key Takeaways [00:17] - US-Iran negotiation and diplomatic si...

Greg and Doug Stokes analyze the recent escalation in the Middle East, the impact on global markets, how oil could affect inflation, and what lessons we’ve learned so far. They also dig into the role that finance media and social media play in promoting fear when the market is barely off all-time highs.   Key Takeaways [00:17] - An update on the Iran conflict [05:32] - Normal volatility and the me...

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 th...

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] - O...

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...

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] - Ren...

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...

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 shif...

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 ear...

We’re kicking off Mardi Gras season here in New Orleans with another episode of the Lagniappe Podcast. Doug and Greg discuss the impact of recent geopolitical events on the markets and the potential for military engagement with Iran. They also explore the implications of Federal Reserve independence on market dynamics and explain why this isn’t an AI bubble, and end with a bearish outlook on Ameri...

It’s the first episode of the Lagniappe Podcast in 2026, kicking off year 5 of our weekly conversations. This week, Greg and Doug break down the military extraction of Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela, analyzing the operation’s implications on the economy, U.S. foreign policy, and the wider geopolitical landscape. They then turn their attention to what they expect to be coming down the market pike in...

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 co...