SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING

Please text and tell us what you like The extension of Trump-era tax cuts presents critical planning decisions as exemption amounts could drop from $14 million to $7 million per person without congressional action. • Estate tax exemption likely to receive a four-year extension rather than permanent status • Trump administration characterized by chaos and short-term thinking rather than coherent st...

Please text and tell us what you like By repeatedly threatening, imposing, and withdrawing tariffs, the Trump Administration is creating uncertainty for businesses who depend on international trade.   The result is a sharp drop in the stock market, with additional declines likely.   In this episode, Steve and Clem explore how Trump’s trade policies are based on 19th century economic assumptions an...

Please text and tell us what you like We examine the debt ceiling crisis and its implications for investors, revealing how this political standoff reflects deeper problems in America's fiscal health that could impact global financial markets and your portfolio. • Debt ceiling is a uniquely American concept (shared only with Denmark) limiting federal government borrowing • Official national de...

Please text and tell us what you like Join us as we navigate through the intricacies of stock investing as we approach 2025. This episode delves deep into the predictions of the stock market, highlighting significant players across technology, finance, and healthcare. - In-depth analysis of Microsoft’s valuation and growth potential  - Exploration of semiconductor giant ASML’s market challenges  -...

Please text and tell us what you like We explore the critical theme of managing investment risk amid heightened uncertainty. This discussion revolves around proactive strategies to mitigate risk in a volatile market and achieve financial resilience. • Navigating the tumultuous landscape of investment risks  • Adjusting portfolios from stocks to bonds for safety  • Understanding the role of beta in...

Please text and tell us what you like Inflation expectations and their impacts on the economy take center stage in this episode, as we explore the challenges facing the Federal Reserve and the resulting market volatility. We discuss the interconnected roles of tariffs, immigration, and political influences on inflation, and offer strategies for investors to navigate these turbulent waters. • Discu...

Please text and tell us what you like This episode tackles the contentious concept of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund, dissecting its potential feasibility, funding challenges, and political implications. With existing programs already serving similar purposes, the necessity of a new fund comes into question against the backdrop of America’s daunting debt landscape. • Discussion on the nature and pur...

Please text and tell us what you like Can a Chinese company with a modest $6 million investment truly disrupt the global AI landscape and challenge tech giants like Google and OpenAI? Join us as we explore the audacious rise of DeepSeek, founded by hedge fund manager Liang Wenfang, and its implications on international markets. We unravel the layers of this ambitious venture, probing the complexit...

Please text and tell us what you like In the second part of our discussion of DeepSeek, we explore the potential  investment implications of DeepSeek for U.S. technology companies and the the competitive landscape in AI.  Is DeepSeek really “better” than the models used deployed by U.S. Big Tech?  Or are there apples-oranges comparisons at play? Are DeepSeek’s claims of minimal capital investments...

Please text and tell us what you like Navigating political puffery reveals the absurdity in exaggerated claims made by leaders, showcasing how distractions shape public discourse and investor perceptions. Understanding these dynamics helps listeners critically assess the implications of such statements on global relationships and policy.  • Defining puffery in political terms  • Canada as the absu...

Please text and tell us what you like This episode explores the concept of tariff puffery, delving into the economic realities versus the exaggerations perpetuated by political figures regarding trade policies. Hosts Steve and Glenn discuss the implications of tariffs on consumers and businesses, offering a critical insight into their effectiveness in today's economy. • Definition of puffery...

Please text and tell us what you like The episode examines the exaggerated claim by Trump regarding the deportation of 30 million undocumented immigrants, exploring the realities behind such a statement. The hosts discuss the implications of immigration rhetoric on various industries, the need for nuanced policy reform, and the positive contributions of immigrants to society.  • Discussing the puf...

Please text and tell us what you like What if the next big investment opportunity isn't where you'd expect it to be? Join us as we kick off our 2025 podcast series with Glenn, where we explore the world of 'spice' stocks—those hidden gems in burgeoning sectors like data centers, cloud services, renewable energy, and quantum computing. These mid-cap and smaller companies offer a...

Please text and tell us what you like Unlock the secrets to safeguarding your investments amidst uncertain economic times with our latest episode, featuring an engaging discussion with financial expert Steve Davenport. Together, we dive into effective strategies for protecting your portfolio from potential downturns, emphasizing the critical role of conservative asset allocation. Learn how to bala...

Please text and tell us what you like In this episode of Skeptic’s Guide to Investing, Steve Davenport and Clem Miller discuss what investors should be tracking as the Second Trump Administration gets underway.   Will increased energy output be addressed on Day 1?  Will these policies support not just increased oil drilling but also natural gas exports and nuclear?  Will the Administration and Con...

Please text and tell us what you like In this episode of Skeptic’s Guide to Investing, Clem Miller and Steve Davenport discuss how the incoming Trump Administration’s threats to impose very high tariffs, expel millions of undocumented immigrants, and reshape U.S. alliances  to favor authoritarian regimes (coupled with the Fed’s strong dollar policy) are causing global shockwaves. We discuss the pr...

Please text and tell us what you like What if you could make trading decisions without emotion clouding your judgment? Join us as we sit down with Adrian Reid from Enlightened Stock Trader, who reveals the secret ingredients for trading success in 2025. Adrian's unique approach focuses on systematic strategies that prioritize models over market noise, incorporating factors like momentum, size...

Please text and tell us what you like Steve Davenport and Clem Miller discuss President-Elect Trump’s domestic agenda: deportations, tariffs, taxes, and energy.  Will Trump have a durable Congressional majority to enact his policies?  What can he do by Executive Order?  Will he squander too much political capital on distractions or retribution? Even if his policies are enacted, what would be their...

Please text and tell us what you like Clem Miller and Steve Davenport discuss President-Elect Trump’s transactional approach to resolving thorny international conflicts, such as with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, in the Middle East conflict, or with China-Taiwan.  Will Trump abandon or downgrade long-standing relationships with NATO or other allies as he makes foreign policy deals?  Is Trump likely...

Please text and tell us what you like Surprised by the recent election results? You're not alone. Despite widespread economic discontent, Trump's resounding victory over Kamala Harris left many, including us, scratching our heads. Join Clem Miller and me, Steve Davenport, as we unpack the implications of this political shift and explore how the economy, especially inflation, played a piv...

Please text and tell us what you like In today’s episode, Steve and Clem discuss (and debate) the idea of replacing a portion of your bond holdings with a satellite portfolio of assets that that may offer a superior combination of yield and inflation resistance.  We consider the fact that inflation, while moderating significantly, is far from conquered.  We also wonder if Fed rate cuts might actua...

Please text and tell us what you like How do Europe’s strict regulations ripple through Silicon Valley? Join us on Skeptic's Guide to Investing as Steve Davenport and Clem Miller unpack the labyrinth of European regulations reshaping the landscape for US tech behemoths. Discover how the Digital Markets Act is poised to level the playing field, forcing giants like Alphabet, Apple, and Meta to...

Please text and tell us what you like Unlock the secrets behind China's economic strategies and arm yourself with essential insights for cautious investing. Join me, Steve Davenport, alongside Colm Miller, as we dissect the enigmatic world of China's economic policies and the challenges investors face in navigating these murky waters. Our conversation promises a thorough examination of t...

Please text and tell us what you like What happens when a seasoned business traveler trades in short visits for a month-long immersion in Japan? Join us as Clem Miller unravels his captivating journey through the Land of the Rising Sun, offering a rich blend of personal anecdotes and cultural insights. From Tokyo's bustling streets to Kyoto's serene temples, Clem paints a vivid picture o...

Please text and tell us what you like Are factors really the essential building blocks of investment portfolios, or is it just clever marketing? In this episode of Skeptic's Guide, Clem boldly challenges the widespread belief in factor investing by arguing that individual stocks themselves are the true fundamentals. Clem dissects the unpredictable nature of factor performance and critiques th...