Log in

goodpods headphones icon

To access all our features

Open the Goodpods app
Close icon
headphones
SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING

SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING

Steve Davenport, Clement Miller

Straight Talk for All, Nonsense for None
About - Our podcast looks to help improve investing IQ. We share 15-30 minutes on finance, market and investment ideas. We bring experience and empathy to the complex process of financial wellness. Every journey is unique, so we look for ways our insights can help listeners. Also, we want to have fun😎
Your Hosts - Meet Steve Davenport, CFA and Clem Miller, CFA as they discus the latest in news, markets and investments. They each bring over 25 years in the investment industry to their discussions. Steve brings a domestic stock and quantitative emphasis, Clem has a more fundamental and international perspective. They hope to bring experience, honesty and humility to these podcasts. There are a lot of acronyms and financial terms which confuse more than they help. There are many entertainers versus analysts promoting get rich quick ideas. Let’s cut through the nonsense with straight talk!
Disclaimer - These podcasts are not intended as investment advice. Individuals please consult your own investment, tax and legal advisors. They provide these insights for educational purposes only.

Share icon

All episodes

Best episodes

Top 10 SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Please text and tell us what you like

When markets plummet in response to unexpected policy shifts like Trump's tariff announcements, distinguishing between panic reactions and thoughtful investment strategy becomes crucial. Steve Davenport and Clem Miller cut through the market noise to deliver a practical framework for navigating financial turbulence.
The duo examines three potential market scenarios ranging from a further 20% drop with sluggish recovery to a milder 5% decline followed by stabilization. Unlike systemic crises of the past, today's market challenge stems from policy decisions that could theoretically be modified more easily—though international responses, particularly from China, add significant complication.
What makes this episode particularly valuable is their focus on financial resilience rather than market timing. Before worrying about portfolio tweaks, they emphasize foundations: Do you have adequate emergency savings? Have you minimized debt? Can you sleep well with your current risk exposure? This perspective shift from short-term market movements to long-term financial health provides immediate clarity during uncertain times.
For those contemplating action, they suggest incremental adjustments over dramatic moves—considering reducing exposure to high-beta stocks, companies with significant short interest, and those with elevated forward PEG ratios. Their nuanced view on mid-cap stocks (conducting approximately 80% of business domestically) offers an intriguing alternative to both large-cap tech and small-caps during tariff uncertainty.
Ready to strengthen your investment approach during market volatility? This episode delivers the balanced perspective you need to make confident decisions when headlines scream panic. Share with friends who could benefit from a dose of calm, rational investment thinking during turbulent times.

Straight Talk for All - Nonsense for None
Please check out our other podcasts:
https://skepticsguidetoinvesting.buzzsprout.com

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING - Traditional Meets Modern: Japan's Unique Blend
play

10/18/24 • 41 min

Please text and tell us what you like

What happens when a seasoned business traveler trades in short visits for a month-long immersion in Japan? Join us as Clem Miller unravels his captivating journey through the Land of the Rising Sun, offering a rich blend of personal anecdotes and cultural insights. From Tokyo's bustling streets to Kyoto's serene temples, Clem paints a vivid picture of Japan's unique juxtaposition of modernity and timeless tradition. Discover how a society renowned for technological prowess still thrives on a predominantly cash-based economy and why its retail scene remains vibrant despite the global shift towards online shopping.
We take you on a spiritual exploration of Japan, where Shintoism and Buddhism coexist harmoniously, creating a cultural landscape of openness and mutual respect. Clem shares touching stories of Japanese society's honesty and kindness—from unlocked bicycles to a cab driver who returned overpaid fare—offering a glimpse into the heart of a nation anchored in spirituality. And if you're a sports enthusiast, you won't want to miss Clem's lively recount of Japanese baseball games, a testament to the country's dynamic cultural tapestry.
Transportation and trust go hand in hand in Japan, and Clem sheds light on the efficient Shinkansen bullet trains and the intriguing economic insularity of this fascinating country. Take a stroll through the allure of Japanese gardens and learn about "forest bathing," a practice woven into the fabric of Japanese life. With our listener demographics shifting, we're excited to see Singapore take the lead in downloads, and we extend heartfelt gratitude to our global audience for their ongoing support. Join us as we continue to share stories and explore the art of living life to the fullest.

Straight Talk for All - Nonsense for None
Please check out our other podcasts:
https://skepticsguidetoinvesting.buzzsprout.com

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING - Complexities of Investing in China's Growth Story
play

12/19/23 • 28 min

Please text and tell us what you like

Is China's seemingly unstoppable GDP growth a mirage when it comes to stock returns? Join us as we dissect the perplexing performance of Chinese investments with Clem, and why betting on the MCHI ETF might not have mirrored the S&P 500's success. We peel back the layers of skepticism shrouding China's economic statistics and confront the elephant in the room – the outsized role of the Chinese Communist Party in the financial realm. With the backdrop of mounting US-China tensions, from trade spats to tech tussles, we scrutinize the influence these feuds have had on the Chinese market and deliberate the evolving landscape of capital acquisition by Chinese firms.
The journey gets personal when we dive into the world of Chinese ADRs, where the stakes are high and the legal complexities, even higher. Our discussion with Clem unveils the precarious nature of variable interest entities, a legal labyrinth that leaves investors balancing precariously on a tightrope of risk. We contemplate alternative strategies for capitalizing on China's economic engine without directly engaging with its volatile stocks. And as we traverse the terrain of global enterprises with deep roots in China, such as Taiwan Semi and Starbucks, we tackle the drama unfolding around transparency and accounting standards. This is a candid exploration of the US-China financial dance, laden with legislative maneuvers aimed at keeping foreign companies in line, equipping you with insights to navigate this challenging investment landscape.

Straight Talk for All - Nonsense for None
Please check out our other podcasts:
https://skepticsguidetoinvesting.buzzsprout.com

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING - Personal Finance Ideas to Protect and Grow Your Assets
play

01/03/24 • 21 min

Please text and tell us what you like

Ready to take control of your financial future? Steve Davenport and I unveil critical strategies to build a solid personal finance framework in a new, unmissable episode of Skeptics Guide to Investing. We kick things off by highlighting the 'Personal Finance Top Five,' essential tactics for anyone eager to enhance their monetary proficiency. From the timeless wisdom of paying yourself first to the practicality of a 50/30/20 budget, our conversation spans the benefits of homeownership and the pitfalls of consumer culture. We equip you with the tools needed for debt management and credit score improvement, all while navigating the intricacies of a tech-driven marketplace that makes spending all too easy.
As we shift gears to the often-overlooked realm of financial wellness and fraud prevention, you'll learn why a solid savings strategy is your best defense against the unexpected. We dissect the average fraud loss and its equivalence to most people's emergency savings, stressing the importance of vigilance in all financial dealings. Moreover, we break down the real cost of daily indulgences, encouraging a positive mindset towards spending that aligns with your life goals. Our potent mix of insight and advice doesn't just prepare you to sidestep financial landmines; it empowers you to stride confidently toward future aspirations with the right attitude and effort. Join Steve and me for a journey that promises to leave you both informed and inspired to make 2024 a year of remarkable financial transformation.

Straight Talk for All - Nonsense for None
Please check out our other podcasts:
https://skepticsguidetoinvesting.buzzsprout.com

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING - The Return of Meme Stock Mania?

The Return of Meme Stock Mania?

SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING

play

05/15/24 • 21 min

Please text and tell us what you like

Unlock the secrets behind the meme stock madness. Steve Davenport and Clem Miller take a whirlwind tour through the rise and reign of stocks like AMC and GameStop, dissecting the cult followings these companies have garnered, thanks in part to mysterious Reddit icons such as Roaring Kitty. We contrast these phenomena with giants like Berkshire Hathaway, Tesla, and Nvidia, and ponder whether zeal among their investors brand them as semi-meme stocks. Delving deeper, we discuss how the meme stock surge—propelled by pandemic lockdowns and fiscal stimulus—continues to warp the investment world, weaving in the tales of Bitcoin and the Trump Media and Technology Group to showcase just how sentiment can outweigh solid fundamentals.
The line between sound investment and sheer speculation has never been more blurred than in the era of meme stocks. Amidst our conversation, we tackle the role of social media in steering investment choices and stress the vital importance of grasping a company's core financial health. Steve and Clem discuss the high-stakes game of options and leverage, and how such strategies can shape or shatter the investment outlook of a generation. As we close, we reflect on the uphill battle for credible, sound financial advice in a world where the siren song of swift financial gains echoes across the web, challenging the trust in conventional financial wisdom. Tune in for an episode that promises not just insights but a roadmap through the tempest of today's market trends.

Straight Talk for All - Nonsense for None
Please check out our other podcasts:
https://skepticsguidetoinvesting.buzzsprout.com

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING - The Debt Crisis Time Bomb

The Debt Crisis Time Bomb

SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING

play

04/23/25 • 62 min

Please text and tell us what you like

America stands at a fiscal precipice, with national debt approaching 100% of GDP and projected to reach 130% by 2035 if current policies continue. This podcast features an illuminating conversation with fixed income expert Steve Gattuso, who brings his professional perspective as a portfolio manager at a $6 billion investment firm and his academic insights as a 12-year finance professor.
The discussion reveals how America's fiscal trajectory has deteriorated dramatically since 2012, when debt-to-GDP stood at a manageable 60%. Today, with annual deficits approaching $1.9 trillion and interest payments consuming 14% of federal spending, we're caught in what Gattuso describes as a "vicious cycle" of ever-increasing debt servicing costs. The conversation explores how COVID spending normalized massive deficits, with what once seemed like "ridiculous" $850 billion fiscal packages now appearing as "chump change."
Perhaps most concerning is the political leadership's apparent inability to address these challenges coherently. From tariff policies that were "rolled out badly" to contradictory messaging about Federal Reserve independence, there's a troubling lack of fiscal strategy. The hosts examine how the market currently focuses on day-to-day headlines while ignoring the looming debt crisis – at least until it becomes impossible to ignore.
For investors, the implications are profound. Traditional safe havens like Treasury bonds may no longer provide the security they once did. The podcast offers practical diversification strategies focusing on real assets like gold and real estate, along with potential currency diversification into Swiss francs and Japanese yen. As one host poignantly notes, "This should be a national security concern" – framing fiscal responsibility not just as an economic issue but as essential to America's long-term stability and global leadership.
We help you to understand how America's debt crisis might affect your investments and what steps you can take to protect your financial future in these increasingly uncertain times.

Straight Talk for All - Nonsense for None
Please check out our other podcasts:
https://skepticsguidetoinvesting.buzzsprout.com

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING - China's Economic Landscape for Investors

China's Economic Landscape for Investors

SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING

play

10/18/24 • 34 min

Please text and tell us what you like

Unlock the secrets behind China's economic strategies and arm yourself with essential insights for cautious investing. Join me, Steve Davenport, alongside Colm Miller, as we dissect the enigmatic world of China's economic policies and the challenges investors face in navigating these murky waters. Our conversation promises a thorough examination of the complex landscape, exploring how China's recent focus on bolstering local retail investor confidence through its stock and property markets may leave foreign investors in the lurch. We engage in a candid discussion about whether the optimism being fostered among domestic players truly addresses the deeper issues within China's economy or merely glosses over them.
Our episode takes a critical look at the intricacies of investing in Chinese markets, where even the most seasoned investors can be caught in value traps, as evidenced by the case of Alibaba. We scrutinize the viability of integrating Chinese assets into a balanced portfolio, given the labyrinthine regulatory environment and the controversial Variable Interest Entity (VIE) structure. Our dialogue also delves into how geopolitical events, like a potential Trump victory, might influence market trends, and whether economic stimuli or tariffs are effective long-term solutions. With a focus on informed and cautious investment strategies, our conversation aims to equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate today's volatile global markets with confidence.

Straight Talk for All - Nonsense for None
Please check out our other podcasts:
https://skepticsguidetoinvesting.buzzsprout.com

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING - Protecting Your Portfolio: Strategies for Economic Uncertainty
play

01/02/25 • 45 min

Please text and tell us what you like

Unlock the secrets to safeguarding your investments amidst uncertain economic times with our latest episode, featuring an engaging discussion with financial expert Steve Davenport. Together, we dive into effective strategies for protecting your portfolio from potential downturns, emphasizing the critical role of conservative asset allocation. Learn how to balance growth, income, and stability, while navigating the challenges posed by economic factors like debt ceiling issues and geopolitical tensions. This episode equips you with insights to maintain a resilient investment portfolio tailored to your unique needs.
Explore the intricate dynamics of diversification and risk management within our portfolios. We examine the role of median beta values, alongside the strategic inclusion of high-growth stocks like NVIDIA, to balance risk and potential returns. Discover how hedging strategies—such as put options and collars—can be essential tools for those approaching retirement, aiming for simplicity, or managing market volatility. We offer insightful examples and practical advice to help you make informed decisions on your financial journey.
As we conclude, we invite listeners to embrace a healthy dose of skepticism while remaining open to improvement. Reflecting on the value of this discussion, we express our excitement for the future, with plans to introduce new voices like James Thorne and Steve Gattuso. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our audience, looking forward to a year filled with promise and continued exploration of strategies to navigate the ever-changing investment landscape. Join us on this journey to financial resilience and peace of mind.

Straight Talk for All - Nonsense for None
Please check out our other podcasts:
https://skepticsguidetoinvesting.buzzsprout.com

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING - Investing Beyond the Magnificent Seven

Investing Beyond the Magnificent Seven

SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING

play

01/02/25 • 55 min

Please text and tell us what you like

What if the next big investment opportunity isn't where you'd expect it to be? Join us as we kick off our 2025 podcast series with Glenn, where we explore the world of 'spice' stocks—those hidden gems in burgeoning sectors like data centers, cloud services, renewable energy, and quantum computing. These mid-cap and smaller companies offer a unique way to spice up your portfolio with high alpha potential, balancing risk and reward through a barbell strategy. Discover the importance of selecting companies with strong profitability and cash reserves, ensuring your investments remain stable even amidst the allure of high-growth opportunities.
Meet the intriguing players like Palantir and IonQ in the high-risk investment space. We critically assess Palantir's impressive market cap against its revenue, delving into its heavy reliance on government contracts, while also exploring IonQ's futuristic quantum computing technology with its potential to revolutionize encryption and cryptocurrency security. The conversation emphasizes the need for a cautious approach, balancing the excitement of high-risk opportunities with the importance of measured investment strategies.
Explore the strategic potential of mid-cap stocks as we challenge the dominance of mega-cap giants. With Glenn's insights, we scrutinize the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on stocks like Apple, Google, and Tesla, considering regulatory pressures and operational challenges. Uncover the sweet spot for investors seeking long-term growth by allocating 10-15% to mid-caps, especially in emerging sectors like AI and healthcare. This episode provides a comprehensive guide to building a robust and balanced portfolio, positioning mid-caps as a stable and attractive alternative in a market often overshadowed by its larger counterparts.

Straight Talk for All - Nonsense for None
Please check out our other podcasts:
https://skepticsguidetoinvesting.buzzsprout.com

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING - Mastering Wealth Management with Frazer Rice

Mastering Wealth Management with Frazer Rice

SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING

play

04/10/24 • 50 min

Please text and tell us what you like

Skeptic’s Guide to Investing hosts Frazer Rice, the seasoned Director of Family Office Services at Next Capital Management and author of "Wealth, Actually”. Fraser helps us explore complexities of wealth management. Peer into the holistic approach required to harmonize investments, cash flow, and estate planning with your personal values—a symphony of strategies tailored for everyone from the mass affluent to the ultra high net worth. Frazer shares his emphasis on the power of meaningful conversations with clients.
We dissect the allure of private equity and hedge funds for personal portfolios and take a critical look at the role of active management in today's market dynamics. Through our dialogue with Frazer, we also tackle the art and science of portfolio construction, weighing the merits and challenges of various investment vehicles and the impact of fees on the bottom line.
Finally, we tackle the intricate dance between tax planning, estate strategies, and family dynamics, where the technical intertwines with the personal. Our conversation sheds light on preparing for potential shifts in tax legislation and the nuances of preserving wealth across generations. We leave you with a clearer vision of choosing a wealth management firm or family office that aligns with your financial aspirations, driven by transparency, comprehensive understanding, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
Join us for this enlightening journey through the multifaceted terrain of wealth management, where clarity and strategy lead to financial security.

Straight Talk for All - Nonsense for None
Please check out our other podcasts:
https://skepticsguidetoinvesting.buzzsprout.com

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

Show more best episodes

Toggle view more icon

FAQ

How many episodes does SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING have?

SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING currently has 83 episodes available.

What topics does SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING cover?

The podcast is about Skeptic, Investing, Cfa, Investment, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education and Business.

What is the most popular episode on SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING?

The episode title 'Complexities of Investing in China's Growth Story' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING?

The average episode length on SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING is 33 minutes.

How often are episodes of SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING released?

Episodes of SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING are typically released every 6 hours.

When was the first episode of SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING?

The first episode of SKEPTIC’S GUIDE TO INVESTING was released on Nov 17, 2023.

Show more FAQ

Toggle view more icon

Comments