Be Smart by Jared Dillian

In episode 386, Jared breaks down various topics including market volatility, McDonald's earnings and consumer spending, Bitcoin, mortgage rates, personal finance questions from Reddit, and upcoming events such as the Federal Reserve meeting and the July jobs report. He addresses Reddit users’ concerns such as how to prepare for your parents’ golden years when they haven’t, emergency funds, what to do with your savings, and investment strategies.

In episode 382, Jared discusses why he thinks private equity is one of the biggest bubbles of all time, as well as Roaring Kitty’s blatant market manipulation with GameStop, Donald Trump, where to begin your investment journey, and an outlet for market junkies. He also dives into the mailbag to tackle concerns such as cash positions, money market funds, and paying taxes on gains before addressing the week ahead, including payrolls and the upcoming Fed meeting.

Time stamps:

1:12 — Market headlines

5:01 — Investing: beginner to market junkie

7:52 — Private equity and gold

13:45 — The week ahead

Jared and Cameron explore various market trends, including the surprising performance of stocks in September when you look at past performance throughout the years, insights into the energy sector, and the challenges facing the housing market. They discuss the implications of insurance costs in real estate, the political landscape's impact on the economy, and reflect on the first six short stories in Jared’s new short story collection, NIGHT MOVES.

Grab your copy of NIGHT MOVES here!

In episode 405, Cameron and Jared discuss Trump’s first week in office; the rise of China’s AI model DeepSeek and the implications for Nvidia and other tech stocks; investors flocking to the safety of US government bonds; the impact of tariffs on global markets; inflation and food insecurity in America; and this week’s economic indicators, including thoughts on the Fed’s next moves.

Private equity pours millions into HVAC and plumbing trades, worldwide efforts to reverse the baby shortage fall flat, and prices ease for used cars and some grocery items as the inflation cooldown continues. In episode 396, Jared discusses how his new site, ShortPrivateEquity.com, complements his Big Short 2.0 idea on the brewing collapse of the private equity market; the push to incentivize people to have children by dangling tax exemptions in front of them; and how 2025 could bring a big resurgence to inflation numbers.