Lagniappe

As we approach the end of 2025, Greg and Doug reflect on recent market volatility, particularly in the AI sector. They also discuss predictions from last year and the upcoming year, including trends in electric vehicles and potential geopolitical conflicts, and break down the economic environment that usually accompanies the bursting of bubbles.  Key Takeaways [00:17] - An AI reset [03:33] - Ford...

It’s been a busy week in the markets. Doug & Greg jump in with the big news of SpaceX’s potential IPO in 2026 and what that could mean for next year’s blow-off top. They also discuss the Federal Reserve's recent rate cut, which came with rare dissenters, and how politics is playing a part. They finish with the implications of private equity on college sports’ ever-changing NIL landscape. Key Takea...

Doug and Greg are back after a Holiday break. They continue the weekly AI conversation with 2026 predictions, potential IPOs, and Google’s rising market strength. They also discuss recent geopolitical events in Venezuela and the strategic U.S. interests in the region, amidst rising tensions with China. Key Takeaways [00:16] - Our predictions on the AI bubble in 2026 [06:08] - Google's resurgence i...

In this week-before-Thanksgiving episode, Doug and Greg Stokes guess what we’ll be discussing around the dinner table next week. They combat the negativity/bubble talk and break down why we’re not in a euphoric period. They also examine historical data on normal, small market corrections, the life and cost-saving data on autonomous driving, and the productivity gains/cost reduction that will come...

Greg and Doug Stokes discuss the recent end of the government shutdown and the market rally that followed. They also check in on the narrative that the Magnificent 7 is carrying the market, the need to cut real estate red tape, and a financial reality check for AI. They finish by diving into the concept of 'inflection bubbles' and how speculative investments can coordinate future growth. Key Takea...

After lamenting the struggles of our local sports teams, Doug and Greg delve into the New York City mayoral results and the economic implications. The conversation shifts to economic updates, including jobs, inflation, interest rates, and housing. The guys finish by looking at what history tells us about bear markets, recessions, and long-term strategies.  Key Takeaways [01:45] - The economic them...

In this Halloween week edition of Lagniappe, Greg and Doug discuss market momentum following the Fed’s latest rate cut, a thaw in U.S.–China trade tensions, and standout corporate earnings. They explore how AI-driven productivity is reshaping the labor market, from tech layoffs to rising demand for skilled trades, and close with reflections on political undercurrents and industry innovation cycles...

We continue our weekly trend of talking about markets hovering around all-time highs and the AI revolution. We start with what’s driving the positivity in the bond and stock markets and what the rent growth numbers tell us about the direction of inflation. We then shift to discussing the energy demand needed for this massive AI build-out, plus the derivatives that come along with this unprecedente...

This week, Greg and Doug focus on foreign policy, most notably the looming China Trade War, and why the markets remain relatively unfazed. They also discuss the anticipation of lower interest rates, the Fed’s dual mandate, America’s AI domination, and optimism for another era of technological innovation that will lead to prosperity, despite short-term disruptions. Key Takeaways [00:17] - The marke...

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...