What are the tangible and intangible factors that have contributed to long-term U.S. stock market outperformance compared to the rest of the world? Despite these advantages, why might we still want to continue to be globally diversified? Show Notes American productivity still leads the world—The Economist The Outlook for Long-Term Economic Growth by Charles I. Jones—Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City How Much Will Global Warming Cool Global Growth? by Ishan B. Nath, Valerie … [Read more...]
457: AI’s Fork in the Road: Societal Bliss or Existential Threat
One year after the release of ChatGPT, we explore the positive and negative paths AI could take and what individuals can do to assist with a positive outcome. Topics covered include: How David uses AI to increase his personal productivity The societal and economic impacts of AI, including its potential to enhance corporate profitability and individual productivity Changes at OpenAI's executive level are examined, highlighting a shift in the organization's direction and … [Read more...]
439: How and Why to Invest in AI
AI models like ChatGPT could lead to massive productivity gains, accelerated economic growth, and higher stock returns. Here's how to invest in AI. Topics covered include: How workers are already using AI models like ChatGPT to boost productivity Why ChatGPT is better at search than Google for certain queries How AI models will change the economic narrative What are ways to invest in AI, including specific ETFs Show Notes Sarah Silverman Sues OpenAI and Meta Over … [Read more...]
403: The Pandemic Might Be “Over,” but Not Its Repercussions
How risk perceptions and actions have changed over several years of the pandemic. How the pandemic's impacts continue to affect politics, the economy, financial markets, how we invest, and our personal lives. Topics covered include: Is the pandemic really over? Based on what criteriaWhat percentage of people continue to isolate at homeHow behaviors such as eating out and visiting friends have changed throughout the pandemic.How work has changed with the pandemicHas pandemic stimulus … [Read more...]
400: What If High Inflation Doesn’t End?
How economic wars, pandemics, and worker shortages could lead to years of high structural inflation. What needs to happen to avoid this dire inflation scenario. Topics covered include: What are three inflation lessons shared by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome PowellWhat is inflation anchoringWhat caused the current period of high inflationHow China and Russia contributed to low inflation and why those trends have reversedHow behavior changes and productivity improvements can contribute to … [Read more...]
343: Why the Productivity Slowdown Could Lead to Lower Living Standards
Why productivity growth is key to creating wealth. Why U.S. productivity growth is slowing and what we can do to increase business and personal productivity. Topics covered include: How productivity is measured and how it relates to GDP, inflation, and living standardsHow productivity growth has led to more food, better health, better housing, and more consumer goods.What are potential reasons why productivity growth is slowingEvidence that work from home has led to lower … [Read more...]
331: Why Do We Work So Much?
How to structure employment so workers are more creative, productive, and happier. Topics covered include: What percentage of employees work at home due to the pandemicHow many hours per week do men and women work in both paid employment and unpaid caregivingHow workers have been allocating the time saved by not commutingWhy the economy would still prosper if we worked only four hours per dayWhat is the cult of efficiencyWhat is the difference between leisure and amusementWhy employers … [Read more...]
300: Ray Dalio and the Changing World Order
What are the forces that lead to the rise and fall of nations. Why does the U.S. appear to be in decline and what investors can do to prepare. Photo by TechCrunch (CC BY 2.0) Text and overlay added. Topics covered include: An overview of Ray Dalio and Bridgewater Associates' investment process Why human productivity is the most powerful force for creating wealth. Additional forces that contribute to nations increasing in power and wealth. Why being the reserve currency is an … [Read more...]
231: What Determines How Much You Make
Why how much you make depends on the occupation, the company, and the location. Photo by J.D. Stein In this episode you’ll learn: Why some occupations pay more than others.Why the same occupation pays different amounts in different countries.Why the same occupation pays different amounts at different companies within the same city. Show Notes Why Do Some Occupations Pay More than Others? Social Closure and Earnings Inequality in the United States - Kim A. Weeden - American … [Read more...]
153: Will Social Security Go Bankrupt?
Why Social Security will not collapse and the four actions government can take to make sure it won't. Photo by Michal Grosicki In this episode you'll learn: What does Social Security cost per year and how is it funded. How soon will the Social Security trust funds be depleted. What are the ways to stabilize the Social Security program. How productivity increases will help determine the future of Social Security. Show Notes Scathing New Report Shows Just How Bankrupt … [Read more...]
