In this episode of Excess Returns, Justin and Matt welcome back investment strategist Mike Green for an in-depth conversation about the current state of markets, economic trends, and geopolitical developments.
Mike shares his unique perspective on several key topics:
- Why traditional economic indicators like unemployment claims no longer accurately reflect economic reality due to the rise of the gig economy
- How the Fed’s interest rate hikes have counterintuitively benefited wealthy individuals through increased interest income
- The strategic reasoning behind Trump administration policies, particularly regarding China, Russia, and global trade
- An analysis of market dynamics, including the mechanical nature of passive investing and its impact on price movements
- Insights on inflation measurement challenges and the role of seasonal adjustments in recent data
The conversation also explores how current political and economic conditions mirror historical patterns, with Mike drawing thought-provoking parallels to past societal transformations. He explains why the S&P 500’s strong performance masks weakness in other market segments and offers his perspective on what investors should consider in today’s environment. Whether you’re interested in markets, economics, or the intersection of politics and investing, this episode provides valuable insights from one of today’s most original financial thinkers.
