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...]
362: Should You Invest in a Bitcoin ETF?
Why the new U.S.-based Bitcoin ETFs are a bad idea and will underperform Bitcoin. Topics covered include: What fund and ETF options are available for investing in BitcoinWhy the U.S. has only authorized Bitcoin ETFs that invest in Bitcoin futures even though there are closed-end funds that hold Bitcoin directlyWhat is there a regulatory battle surrounding cryptocurrencies?How closed-end funds differ from ETFsHow Bitcoin futures workWhy Bitcoin ETFs that invest in Bitcoin futures will … [Read more...]
355: Which Money Is Crazier: The U.S. Dollar or Bitcoin?
We compare the U.S. Dollar with Bitcoin on their key attributes to determine which is better for transactions and preserving wealth, which is most absurd and which has serious flaws. Topics covered include: How are new U.S. Dollars and Bitcoin created How much has the supply of each currency grown How both the dollar and Bitcoin have had rule changes Why Bitcoin transactions are faster than non-cash U.S. dollar transactions Why both the dollar and Bitcoin require add-on … [Read more...]
339: How To Make Money with BlockFi, Dai, and the Evolving DeFi Ecosystem
What is decentralized finance and how it is seeking to solve the shortcomings of centralized finance. How BlockFi and MakerDAO, early entrants in the DeFi space, work. How to earn up to a 9% yield with cryptocurrency lending. Topics covered include: How centralized finance differs from decentralized finance (DeFi)What are the shortcomings of centralized finance and why decentralized finance is more inclusiveWhat are the key elements of DeFiHow Ethereum smart contracts workHow MakerDao … [Read more...]
335: Are Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) Good Investments?
How do non-fungible tokens work, what are the risks, and how do NFTs fit within the landscape of investments. Topics covered include: Investing in physical art versus cryptoartHow NFTs work on the ethereum blockchainHow Ethereum differs from BitcoinWhat is the purpose of investing and are NFTs investmentsHow much energy do cryptocurrencies and the financial system consumeWhat are the risks of NFTs Show Notes Want to Buy an NFT? Here’s What to Know by Amber Burton—The Wall … [Read more...]
322 Plus: Mid Month Update, Calculating Returns and Grayscale Bitcoin Trust
In Plus episode 322, we review market returns, market internals and the distribution dynamics for the new Covid-19 vaccines. We discuss whether retirees should focus on income or total return and provide a resource for calculating returns. Finally, we analyze the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust as a more convenient way to invest in Bitcoin, but at a significant premium. … [Read more...]
