In Plus episode 524, we review the risks of purchasing pre-ipo stock on platforms like EquityZen. We also compare owning gold and cryptocurrency offline versus owning an ETF or holding them through a custodian. Finally, David provides an update on a conversation he had with Steve Selengut about closed-end fund investing. … [Read more...]
513: Crypto—Innovation or Insanity? Meme Coins, Hacks, and Strategic Bitcoin Reserves
We consider the incongruency of a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, the latest crypto exchange hack, and how most participants lost money on the Trump meme coin. Given all that, we review some areas where cryptocurrency is helping individuals and businesses. Topics covered include: What is the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve Why it makes little sense for the U.S. and individual states to create and participate in a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve What led to the latest and largest … [Read more...]
488: Should You Invest in an Ethereum ETF?
What is the investment case for Ethereum, and what are the risks? A straightforward review of what ether and Ethereum are, how they work, and what it will take for the Ethereum blockchain to be successful. Topics covered include: Who launched Ethereum ETFs and what are the fees How Ethereum differs from Bitcoin Examples of applications built on the Ethereum blockchain including NFTs, stablecoins, DAOs, and tokenized real-world assets How Ethereum has evolved to lower fees, … [Read more...]
486 Plus: Callable Bonds, U.S. AI Stock Bubble, Robinhood, and Crypto Taxes
In Plus episode 486, we review how to estimate expected returns when a fund or ETF holds callable bonds. We consider two questions from members worried about high valuations for the U.S. stock market. We discuss the long-term viability of Robinhood. Finally, we discuss ways to reduce the tax headache of owning cryptocurrency. … [Read more...]
462: Now Should You Buy a Bitcoin ETF?
We explore reasons for buying Bitcoin using one of the new Bitcoin ETFs. We also consider the risks. Topics covered include: Why the SEC finally decided to approve spot Bitcoin ETFs What are the fees and structure of these new Bitcoin ETFs How Bitcoin is similar and different from the fiat money system Where Bitcoin fits in an investment portfolio Show Notes Statement on the Approval of Spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Products by Chair Gary Gensler—SEC Coinbase … [Read more...]
455 Plus: TIPS Ladder Follow Up, New Charts Status, Portfolio Trades Clarification and the State of Crypto
In Plus episode 455, we try to simplify the cash flow aspect of TIPS ladders. We answer a question on why not just own TIPS ETFs. We provide an update on bond charts so members can better analyze the attractiveness of credit strategies. We answer a question on David's recent portfolio trades. Finally, we explore why David still owns cryptocurrency and whether the conviction of FTX's Sam Bankman Fried changes anything. … [Read more...]
410: Is Cryptocurrency Dead?
How the bankruptcy of FTX, the world's third-largest crypto exchange, undermines trust in cryptocurrency and decentralized finance, making it even more difficult for crypto to ever be taken seriously as a monetary alternative. Topics covered include: How FTX squandered its customers' deposits How FTX is another example of a private money bank run How traditional securities lending works and why it is very low risk compared to the highly speculative nature of cryptocurrency … [Read more...]
393 Plus: Interest Rates, Convertible Bonds, and a Speculative Case for Bitcoin and Ethereum
In Plus Episode 393, we consider current U.S. interest rates and whether a member should lock in a mortgage now. We look at why now is a better environment for convertible bonds than a year ago. Finally, we review the speculative case for owning Bitcoin and Ethereum. … [Read more...]
393: What Happens If Your Brokerage Firm Goes Bankrupt
How protected are you if the brokerage firm where you hold your stocks, bonds, and crypto assets files for bankruptcy? Why you shouldn't store your crypto assets with an online broker. Topics covered include: How traditional brokerage firms protect their client assets in case of bankruptucy How cryptocurrency brokers, such as Voyager, mistreat their clients in bankruptcy proceedings What is the safest way to hold cryptocurrency Show Notes Voyager To Acquire Circle … [Read more...]
373: Are Stablecoins Safe? Should You Own Them?
How stablecoins are similar and different from other monetary assets. What are stablecoin risks. Why central bank digital currencies are one of the biggest threats to stablecoins. Topics covered include: Why the Federal Reserve and other central banks are exploring issuing their own digital currenciesWhat is the difference between public and private moneyHow deposit insurance and central bank actions prevent runs on private moneyHow money market mutual funds are a type of stablecoinHow … [Read more...]
