Trends with Benefits

Explore why the S&P may be mispricing geopolitical risk, the case for India, the dollar's decline, and gold as a trade (not a strategy), with Mercer Advisors CIO Don Calcagni. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:57 Changes in Asset Allocation and Private Markets 04:01 US and International Equity Diversification 07:11 Market Concentration and Diversification Benefits 11:14 Geopolitical Risks...

AI is creating 'zombie companies' and the next wave of winners may never go public. VanEck's Head of Private Growth Strategies Christian Munafo reveals how to find them, why IPOs are still stalled, and what the SpaceX listing could unlock.

Explore the origin story of VanEck's first ETF, the bullish case for gold, and where the ETF industry may be headed next, with VanEck CEO Jan van Eck and COO Adam Phillips.

Explore the dynamics of the gold market, supply constraints, technological innovations, gold as a currency, and technology in mining efficiency , with Agnico Eagle Mines CEO Ammar Al-Joundi. 00:00 Introduction 03:30 Drivers of Gold Prices 14:38 Challenges to Gold's Bullish Outlook 17:24 Supply Constraints in Gold Mining 21:33 Advantages of Operating in Developed Markets 25:56 Investor Perspectives...

Explore the biggest tax planning changes of 2026, the One Big Beautiful Act, Roth conversion pitfalls, and how AI is reshaping wealth management, with Wealth.com Senior Tax Strategist Shane Ball. 00:00 Introduction 08:28 The Role of Technology in Tax Planning 17:08 Common Tax Mistakes and Best Practices 17:56 Navigating State and Federal Tax Provisions 18:28 Understanding Roth Conversions 25:09 In...

Explore how AI is transforming industrial automation, machine learning, autonomous manufacturing, and the key workforce skills required, with Rockwell Automation VP Jordan Reynolds. 00:00 Introduction 02:18 Rockwell Automation's Role in Industrial AI 06:03 Adaptable Learning: The Next Inflection Point of Automation 16:39 The Rise of Learning and Adaptation in Automation 29:49 Jobs and Skills in th...

Explore U.S. fiscal uncertainty, tariff shifts, Fed changes, and why stronger emerging market fundamentals may offer diversification despite tighter spreads.

Explore how fintech and AI expand access to personalized financial guidance, regardless of wealth level, and why human connection is vital in the age of AI with Connective CEO Ian Rosen. 00:00 Introduction 02:49 The Gaps in Financial Education and Advisory Services 09:08 Building Trust in Financial Services 13:03 Addressing Financial Anxiety and Health 14:37 The Journey to Founding Connective 23:0...

Explore Bitcoin's recent price drawdown, the four-year halving cycle, leverage unwinds, market structure shifts, and why long-term Bitcoin adoption continues to advance despite near-term volatility.

Explore today's ETF landscape, including retail usage, AI in portfolios, market outlook, regulations, and the rise of active ETFs with President and Director of Research at ETF.com, Dave Nadig. 00:00 Introduction 02:27 ETF Awards and Innovations 04:41 State of the ETF Landscape 12:01 Regulatory Changes and ETF Launches 17:59 Active ETFs and Market Trends 32:04 Navigating the Challenges of Private...

Learn about the importance of behavioral finance in understanding investor emotions, decision-making, and common behavioral mistakes investors make with Chief Behavioral Officer, at RFG Advisory, Brendan Frazier. 00:00 Introduction 03:29 Journey into Behavioral Finance 12:21 Behavioral Mistakes Investors Make 14:17 The Impact of Past Experiences on Financial Behavior 22:43 The Rivalry Between Curr...

Hear how understanding individual money stories and shared contributions helps couples build a healthier relationship with each other through money, with Money Together authors Douglas and Heather Boneparth. 00:00 Introduction 02:06 The Book Launch and Reception 10:59 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Financial Views 21:05 Navigating Difficult Conversations About Money 31:39 The Importance of...

Learn how online investing is redefining transparency, trust, and community for the next generation of retail investors from Blossom CEO Max Nicholson. 00:00 Introduction 02:22 What Is Blossom? 07:14 Privacy vs. Transparency 09:20 Blossom Origin Story 19:59 Where Blossom Fits in the Investor Lifecycle 22:05 Can Tech Help Advisors Serve Smaller Accounts? 29:45 Covered-Call & Single-Stock ETFs: Educ...

Hear how women breadwinners can take control of their finances through intentional planning, clear goals, and confidence.

In this episode of Trends with Benefits, Ed Lopez sits down with Larry McDonald, Founder of the Bear Traps Report, to discuss the current state of financial markets. Larry dives into signals pointing to potential economic turbulence, from mounting consumer credit pressures to persistent inflation. He shares insights on the growing investor shift toward hard assets amid de-dollarization and global...

Steph Guild, CIO and Director of Investment Strategy at Robinhood, shares insights on AI, next-gen investors, market shifts, and financial education.

Stephanie Link, Chief Investment Strategist and Portfolio Manager at Hightower Advisors, unpacks investor sentiment, tech innovation, and demographic shifts, and what's next for Q4 and b eyond.

MP Materials CFO Ryan Corbett shares how his firm is rebuilding America's rare earth supply chain by securing magnets for EVs, defense, and tech in a post-China world.

Find out how online sentiment can be used to track dynamic stock themes, like AI, crypto, and space, and why retail investors remain a powerful market force.

Understand the GENIUS Act and its impact on stablecoins, the U.S. banking system, payments, and crypto adoption across traditional finance.

Understand the GENIUS Act and its impact on stablecoins, the U.S. banking system, payments, and crypto adoption across traditional finance.

Todd Sohn breaks down 2025's top trends, from crypto and thematics to smart risk tools, and how investors are using ETFs to stay agile, diversified and ahead of the market curve.

Find out from Eric Mancini how private investments are transforming portfolios, offering new access points, lower correlations, and long-term growth through evolving fund structures and strategies.

Learn how ETF pioneer Jim Wiandt is using AI, fintech, and venture capital to enhance advisor-client gaps, build smart infrastructure, and shape the future of personalized investing.

Find out about the future of nuclear power in the U.S.