In Plus episode 549, we discuss historical cumulative losses for catastrophe bonds, the premium/discount experience of the Brookmont Catastrophic Bond ETF (ILS) and questions on why its dividend yield is so low. We also revisit the gold and silver rally and answer a member's question about rebalancing out of gold. Finally, we consider the background and views of newly nominated Federal Reserve Board Chair Kevin Warsh. … [Read more...]
542 Plus: Why Always ChatGPT, Selling Gold, Model Portfolio Answers, and Funding a Short-term Liability
In Plus episode 542, David shares why he often uses ChatGPT for his AI examples. He discusses his recent trade to sell some gold. He explains the rationale for the small-cap stock ETFs used in the model portfolios, why equity REITs were moved to the Income portfolio, and how similar the new bond ETFs are to the mutual funds they replaced. Finally, we discuss managing FOMO and funding short-term liabilities. … [Read more...]
Portfolio Trade: Took Profits in Gold
541: Debasement Fears or Meme Fever? What’s Driving the Gold and Silver Rally
Are gold and silver up more than 50% in 2025 because investors fear currency debasement, or is this rally just the latest meme trade? In this episode, we explore the supply and demand forces behind gold and silver, discuss investing strategies, and outline what to watch to see if investors truly are worried about debasement. Show Notes The Great Debasement Debate Is Rippling Across World Markets by Ruth Carson, Naomi Tajitsu, and Masaki Kondo—Bloomberg How long will gold mania … [Read more...]
532: Should Private Assets, Gold, and Crypto Be Investment Options in 401k and other Defined Contribution Plans?
A new executive order could radically reshape retirement investing by allowing private equity, crypto, and gold in 401(k) plans. This episode examines the factors driving the demand for alternative assets in defined-contribution plans, the potential risks to everyday investors, and why fiduciary rules and financial literacy gaps still matter. Show Notes Trump Executive Order to Help Open Up 401(k)s to Private Markets by Miriam Gottfried, Dylan Tokar, and Matt Wirz—The … [Read more...]
524 Plus: Buying Pre IPO Stock Shares, Online Versus Offline Ownership, and a Closed End Fund Follow Up
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...]
518: Is It Too Late to Invest in Gold? With Max Belmont – FEG Insight Bridge
Greg Dowling of FEG interviews Max Belmont, a gold specialist and portfolio manager at First Eagle Investments. Greg and Max discuss the historical, philosophical, and practical reasons for owning gold. Topics covered include: Where does gold’s reputation as a safe haven come from, and why it trades differently than other commodities. How gold differs from other asset classes including Bitcoin, which is sometimes referred to as digital gold. How we should think about gold when … [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...]
431: The Long-term Bullish Case for Gold
Why you should allocate a small percentage of your assets to gold. Topics covered include: What is money, and how does gold fit with that definition Why central banks bought more gold last year than at any time since 1967 Which central banks own the most gold and which are increasing their gold holdings How fast is the gold supply growing compared to the U.S. dollar money supply How financialization, greater leverage, and contagion risk should motivate us to consider … [Read more...]
