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Clem Miller and Steve Davenport discuss President-Elect Trump’s transactional approach to resolving thorny international conflicts, such as with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, in the Middle East conflict, or with China-Taiwan.

Will Trump abandon or downgrade long-standing relationships with NATO or other allies as he makes foreign policy deals?

Is Trump likely to be successful in bringing regional adversaries like Russia and Ukraine, or Israel and Iran, to the negotiating table? If there are agreements reached, what is the likelihood they will stick?

Should we look at proposed U.S. tariffs on Chinese products as an economic issue or as more of a tool for gaining foreign policy leverage on the Taiwan issue? Will China ever promise to refrain from attacking Taiwan?

Will the U.S. be drawn into conflict with Russia or North Korea through increased Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory or North Korean troops?

We discuss these and more foreign policy issues as Inauguration Day approaches. What are our takeaways for investment portfolios?

Straight Talk for All - Nonsense for None


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Steve Davenport and Clem Miller discuss President-Elect Trump’s domestic agenda: deportations, tariffs, taxes, and energy. Will Trump have a durable Congressional majority to enact his policies? What can he do by Executive Order? Will he squander too much political capital on distractions or retribution? Even if his policies are enacted, what would be their true economic impact? Won’t deportations of employed immigrants, and broad-based tariffs lead to recession and higher inflation? What are our investment takeaways?

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Surprised by the recent election results? You're not alone. Despite widespread economic discontent, Trump's resounding victory over Kamala Harris left many, including us, scratching our heads. Join Clem Miller and me, Steve Davenport, as we unpack the implications of this political shift and explore how the economy, especially inflation, played a pivotal role in shaping voter sentiment. We dive into the cyclical nature of political power and discuss the public's lofty expectations for falling prices, posing significant challenges for Trump's administration. We'll also look into how key figures like Elon Musk could influence the effectiveness of Trump's governance and what this means for investors navigating these turbulent market reactions.

With political turbulence on the horizon, we analyze potential resistance efforts and the role of checks and balances in maintaining a stable government. Surprising voter demographics, particularly among white men and women, point to a complex tapestry of issues ranging from economics to trust in government, and we explore how Democratic states might push back against federal policies. Our conversation is more than just analysis; it's about preparing you for the future. We conclude with our commitment to enhancing audience engagement, inviting you to suggest interviewees and topics that could sharpen your investment strategies. Your insights are valuable, and we can't wait to hear from you!

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How do Europe’s strict regulations ripple through Silicon Valley? Join us on Skeptic's Guide to Investing as Steve Davenport and Clem Miller unpack the labyrinth of European regulations reshaping the landscape for US tech behemoths. Discover how the Digital Markets Act is poised to level the playing field, forcing giants like Alphabet, Apple, and Meta to reassess their global strategies. Learn about the daunting hurdles posed by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and its wide-reaching implications for data privacy and global data transfers, leaving US companies scrambling to comply.

But that's not all—our conversation takes a sharp turn towards artificial intelligence. Explore the "Brussels effect" and how EU regulations are casting a global shadow over AI practices, compelling tech innovators to adapt in uncertain terrain. We also dissect the competitive dynamics among tech titans like Apple, Microsoft, and Google, and the geopolitical chess game of chip manufacturing. With a keen eye on innovation, we highlight the challenges and opportunities these tech giants face amidst increasing regulatory scrutiny. Don't miss as we also address the pressing need for transparency in AI-generated content on social media, and what this means for the future of digital interactions.

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In today’s episode, Steve and Clem discuss (and debate) the idea of replacing a portion of your bond holdings with a satellite portfolio of assets that that may offer a superior combination of yield and inflation resistance.

We consider the fact that inflation, while moderating significantly, is far from conquered. We also wonder if Fed rate cuts might actually prompt a return to higher inflation. Last, we wonder if we’re overdue for a sizable equities correction, especially among those AI and pharma stocks that have had a good run.

For this inflation-proofing satellite portfolio, we look at REITs, utilities, and natural resource equities, including energy, mining, and agriculture.

All of these assets have advantages with respect to yield and inflation resistance, but whether they offer total returns superior to those of general equities is open to question.

Steve and I welcome you to share your insights and continue the conversation.

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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.

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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.

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Is the AI market a ticking time bomb or a goldmine waiting to be tapped? Join us as Clem Miller helps dissect the current AI landscape, paralleled with the tech boom of 2000, and clarifies whether companies like Nvidia are the kings of the hill or just on a temporary pedestal. We’ll also explore the strategic pivot towards robust defensive stocks—think healthcare and consumer staples—as a buffer against market volatility. Plus, we're challenging the buzz around obesity drugs from giants like Lilly and Novartis, questioning if they're truly revolutionary or just another bubble.

In this insightful episode, we delve into crucial financial metrics such as short interest ratios, beta, and PEG ratios to provide you with a comprehensive framework for evaluating stocks. Discover the red flags and green signals, especially for high PEG stocks like Costco. Additionally, dive deep into AI-related semiconductor stocks, with a keen focus on secondary opportunities in companies like Broadcom and ASML. We also touch on the profound impact of company culture on long-term growth, particularly at Nvidia and Elon Musk's ventures. Whether you're a market veteran or a novice investor, this episode promises actionable insights to navigate the unpredictable AI market.

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