The Meb Faber Show - Better Investing

My guest today is Andrew Ang, Founder of Tau Balance and professor at Columbia University. He previously ran factor investing at BlackRock. In today's episode, Andrew explains how a swarm of AI agents can reinvent the investment workflow rather than automating pieces of it. He shows how specialized agents, each running its own asset class or portfolio method, vote on one another's allocation calls. He also argues for diversification across signals, factors and time. To close, Andrew reveals how the quiet drag of taxes erases roughly 36% of a stock investor's returns over 30 years. (0:00) Starts (3:09) The Self-Driving Investment Portfolio with AI (8:08) Evaluating AI-Driven Investment Outputs (14:41) Multi-Level Diversification in Factor Investing (22:08) Factor Weighting, Timing, and Model Diversification (24:27) The Long-Term Drag of Taxes on Equity Returns (33:24) Rising Taxes: Strategies and Asset Location (37:53) Tax Alpha vs. Investment Alpha & Market Impact (42:08) Tax-Aware Bond Strategies -----…

In the latest podcast episode, I discuss five Cambria funds that each apply the same shareholder yield discipline, emphasizing companies that return cash to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. I share my perspective on why focusing on dividends alone misses most of the story, how buybacks grew to rival and then surpass dividends in some parts of the world, and why valuation matters when companies repurchase their own shares. Then I walk through SYLD, FYLD, EYLD, MYLD and LYLD. Learn More: Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD): https://cambriafunds.com/syld Cambria Foreign Shareholder Yield ETF (FYLD): https://cambriafunds.com/fyld Cambria Emerging Shareholder Yield ETF (EYLD): https://cambriafunds.com/eyld Cambria Micro & SmallCap Shareholder Yield ETF (MYLD): https://cambriafunds.com/myld Cambria Large Cap Shareholder Yield ETF (LYLD): https://cambriafunds.com/lyld Shareholder Yield (free book download): https://www.cambriainvestments.com/shareholder-yield-book/ Contact us at…

In today's episode, Dave draws on 45 years and over 100 countries to argue why scarcity still matters in a world obsessed with infinite money and AI. He makes the case that the world trades at a discount while America sits at record valuations. To close, Dave explains why undervalued commodities eventually catch up with inflation. (0:00) Starts (5:13) Dave Iben on investing in scarce assets (9:24) Accessing farmland and global agricultural assets through public markets (11:34) Finding value in emerging markets, with a focus on South Korea (18:18) Portfolio management, valuation risk in S&P 500 and AI stocks (24:36) Historical parallels, underweighting the index, and finding stock ideas in unique countries (28:33) Investing in China, India, nuclear power, and other overlooked Asian markets (31:27) Brazil, Argentina, scarcity, local sentiment, and the role of AI and human judgment ----- Sponsor: ⁠Upwork⁠⁠⁠ is the world's largest human and AI-powered freelance marketplace to hire top talent—trusted by…

Today’s guest is Roger Ibbotson, a finance professor at Yale for four decades and founder of Ibbotson Associates. In today’s episode, Roger shares a century of stock and bond data and how one dollar became fifteen thousand in large caps over a hundred years. He explains why most people never capture those returns, and why total returns went unmeasured for decades. To close, Roger makes the case for young investors owning nothing but stocks and forecasts the next twenty five years. (0:00) Introduction of Roger Ibbotson (1:34) Overview of "Centuries of Stock and Bond Returns" (5:15) The challenges of market timing (10:19) Market cycles, risk, and the role of human capital for young investors (12:30) Historical bond yields, probability of ruin, and small caps vs. long bonds (19:13) Investor preferences and historical market forecasts (23:41) Nominal vs. real returns, inflation, and bond yields (29:17) Valuation metrics, market anomalies, and long-term outlook (33:15) Buybacks vs. dividends and private company…

Today’s guest is Robin Wigglesworth, editor of FT Alphaville at the Financial Times and the author of A Fabulous Debt: The Epic Story of How Bonds Built the Modern World. In today’s episode, Robin makes the case that bonds, not stocks, are the bedrock of finance and quietly built the modern world. He explores the hidden plumbing beneath it, from the $12 trillion repo market to the leverage lurking in Treasuries, and why fixed income ETFs are rewiring how bonds trade. (0:00) Starts (2:39) Robin Wigglesworth on the strength of bonds (3:57) Political influence and origins of the bond market (8:09) Evolution, creditworthiness, and historical impacts of bonds (16:34) Memorable defaults, financial crises, and scams (20:04) Bond market innovations and securitization (23:52) Sovereign debt concerns (28:03) Stories, misconceptions, and recent bond market events (38:43) Innovations, future trends, and misunderstandings in income investments (43:33) The rise of private credit and liquidity risks ----- Sponsors: ⁠⁠…

Today’s guest is Inigo Fraser Jenkins, Chief Investment Strategist at AllianceBernstein. In today’s episode, Inigo argues that the golden era of easy diversification and high real returns is ending. He defends US equity exceptionalism while declining to defend the dollar. To close, he makes the case for gold and explains why bonds may no longer diversify equities. (0:00) Starts (0:54) Is US exceptionalism dead? (10:27) US vs. foreign profit margins (15:12) Diversifying beyond 60/40 (21:05) Gold is money and the role it plays in portfolios (33:08) Higher expected future inflation (35:26) The bull case for healthcare (39:24) Inflation volatility and commodity demand (42:38) AI's impact on the labor market ----- Sponsors: ⁠⁠ Farmland LP⁠ is one of the largest investment funds in the US focused on converting chemical-based conventional farmland to organic, sustainably-managed farmland using a value-add commercial real estate strategy in the agriculture sector. Upwork⁠⁠ is the world's largest human and AI-powered…

Today’s guest is Paul Kedrosky, a fellow at the MIT Institute for the Digital Economy, partner at SK Ventures and former sell-side analyst. In today’s episode, Paul Kedrosky explains why AI sits at the intersection of every force behind the biggest bubbles. He walks through why tokens are the fastest-deflating commodity ever, why more than half the data center buildout runs on debt instead of cash flow, and why an IPO wave pressures the market’s biggest winners. To close, Paul argues AI already drives most US GDP growth, and revisits how badly humans misjudge scale. (0:00) Introduction (1:19) AI solving its own problems and historical economic crises (3:14) The impact of AI on energy and emissions (7:25) AI’s economic implications (10:45) Financing and economic impact of data centers (18:42) Deflationary effects of AI tokens and tech company debt (22:26) Tech companies as utilities and the IPO surge (28:01) High PE ratios and valuation risks (34:04) AI model convergence and diminishing returns (40:22) Global…

Today’s guest is Jerry Parker, founder and CEO of Chesapeake Capital and one of the original Turtles trained by Richard Dennis. Together we run the Cambria Chesapeake Pure Trend ETF (MFUT). In today's episode, Jerry explains why managed futures isn't the same as trend following. He breaks down the math and psychology of hunting outliers, letting a few winners pay for many small losses, and why he'd never chase crisis alpha at the cost of returns. To close, Jerry explains why MFUT trades individual stocks rather than just indices. Learn more about the Cambria Chesapeake Pure Trend ETF www.cambriafunds.com/mfut Have questions? Reach out to us any time at info@cambriainvestments.com. Full show notes: Link (0:00) Jerry Parker (3:09) Trend following vs managed futures (11:00) Misconceptions about crisis alpha (18:42) Portfolio construction, volatility targeting, and strategy complexity (23:47) Trend following in individual stocks (32:18) Performance reflection and importance of sticking to a strategy (37:46)…

Today’s guest is David Booth, founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors, which now manages over $1 trillion. He studied under Eugene Fama at Chicago and helped build one of the first index funds at Wells Fargo. In today’s episode, David traces Dimensional’s arc from indexing’s earliest days at Wells Fargo to crossing $1 trillion in AUM this year. He shares what Gene Fama said when he got the call, the story of driving a client to Chicago to walk through the Fama-French paper, and why AI investing looks like the California gold rush. To close, David makes the case for judging yourself by decisions, not outcomes. Get David's book: Stay Calm: Learn to Embrace Uncertainty in Investing and Life (0:00) Introduction (0:58) David Booth's start to investing (3:38) The beginnings of index funds and early challenges at Dimensional (10:09) Long-term investment perspectives and the Fama-French three-factor model (17:26) Dimensional’s educational focus and advisor partnerships (20:21) Small cap value performance, AI & market…

Today’s guest is Luke Gromen, founder of the macro research firm Forest for the Trees, or FFTT. In today's episode, Luke argues that free trade is dead, and the US is pivoting to Hamiltonian economics: tariffs, reshoring, and a neutral reserve asset. He explains why the US Treasury can no longer be the world's reserve asset, why long bonds have become certificates of confiscation, and why gold belongs in every portfolio. To close, Luke explains why AI has become a snake eating its own tail on the government's tax base. (0:00) Introduction (2:38) The Stupid Washington Consensus and Hamiltonian Economics (9:14) Portfolio positioning and real rates in the current regime (15:19) Sponsor: Upwork (16:17) Importance of real returns and gold (21:18) US fiscal challenges and bond market outlook (27:21) Gold performance, allocation strategies, and diversification (35:09) Evaluating non-US equity markets and sectors (40:54) Investing in electricity and industrials (45:11) Risks, competition, and national security in…

In today's episode, I read the opening of my new book, Investing in America: The Rise of a 250-Year Bull Market, plus a couple of sidebars. The book is available now. Grab a copy on Amazon or learn more at www.investinginamericabook.com. ----- Follow Meb on⁠ X⁠,⁠ LinkedIn⁠ and⁠ YouTube⁠ To learn more about our funds and follow us, subscribe to our ⁠mailing list⁠ or visit us at⁠ cambriainvestments.com⁠ ----- Follow The Idea Farm: ⁠X⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠TikTok⁠ ----- Interested in sponsoring the show? Email us at Feedback@TheMebFaberShow.com ----- Past guests include ⁠Ed Thorp⁠, ⁠Richard Thaler⁠, ⁠Jeremy Grantham⁠, ⁠Joel Greenblatt⁠, ⁠Campbell Harvey⁠, ⁠Ivy Zelman⁠, ⁠Kathryn Kaminski⁠, ⁠Jason Calacanis⁠, ⁠Whitney Baker,⁠ ⁠Aswath Damodaran⁠, ⁠Howard Marks⁠, ⁠Tom Barton⁠, and many more. ----- Meb's invested in some awesome startups that have passed along discounts to our listeners. Check them out ⁠here⁠! ----- Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant…

Today’s guest is Liaquat Ahamed, the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World, one of the greatest financial history books ever written. His new book is called 1873: The Rothschilds, the First Great Depression, and the Making of the Modern World. In today’s episode, Liaquat shares the story of the world’s first truly global financial crisis. He walks through the Rothschild-led bond boom that funded railroads on three continents, the German IPO mania sparked by French war reparations, and the monetary blunder of abandoning silver that turned a crash into twenty years of deflation. (0:00) Starts (1:03) The 1873 financial crisis: causes and global impact (3:25) Railroads and the rise of the Rothschilds (6:37) Stock market mania and bubbles in Germany (10:58) The role of precious metals (15:20) The economic, political, and societal effects of deflation (26:05) Comparisons to modern financial crises and populist movements (32:48) Lessons from history: Lords of Finance…

In Episode 69, we welcome legendary angel investor, Jason Calacanis. We start with Jason’s background. From Brooklyn, he worked his way through college, then was in New York at the breaking of the internet. He started his own blogging company, and eventually sold his business for $30M. Later, he landed at Sequoia Capital as part of its “scouts” program, and went on to be an angel investor in a handful of unicorns (a startup company valued at over $1B). As the conversation turns to angel investing, Meb starts broadly, asking Jason about the basics of angel investing. Jason defines it as individuals investing in companies before the venture capital guys get involved (before a Series A). He tells us that the more you can analyze a company through data, the lesser chance it’s an angel investment. That’s because to get the huge returns that come through a true angel investment, there has to be some level of risk (in part, related to having less data-driven information about a company’s financials). So, the…

Today’s guest is Bob Robotti, founder and CIO of Robotti and Company Advisors, which he’s been running the firm since 1983. In today’s episode, Bob explains why volatile markets driven by passive flows keep handing opportunities to stock pickers. He makes the case for offshore oil services and homebuilders, shows why zombie companies can be dollars trading for 20 cents, and argues 2% inflation is a pipe dream. To close, Bob shares the biggest loss of his career, selling a winner too early. (0:00) Starts (1:23) Bob Robotti's investment framework and value traps (3:01) Evolution of investment strategies and market consistency (5:22) Sector opportunities in energy and homebuilding (14:13) Managing cyclical and long-term investments (17:05) Housing policies, build-to-rent, and affordability (20:19) Homebuilding outlook, Airbnb, and commercial real estate (22:32) Small cap opportunities (27:40) Distressed investing and zombie companies (37:35) Inflation and interest rates (45:47) Building a lasting investment…

My guest today is Carson Block, founder of Muddy Waters Research & Muddy Waters Capital and one of the last short sellers still standing. In today’s episode, Carson Block explains why he thinks AI could displace 15% of knowledge workers and unwind the market’s biggest stocks. He breaks down his short of SoFi’s aggressive loan accounting, why record-tight credit spreads worry him, and how he trades that risk with put spreads. To close, Carson explains why he still calls China uninvestable and recounts his hardest battles. (0:00) Starts (1:02) Carson Block on the evolution of short selling (3:03) The impact of AI on jobs, economy, and markets (9:43) Evolving Muddy Waters' business model beyond short-selling (13:32) Investing in momentum and junior gold miners (17:52) Navigating markets amid AI disruption and labor market impact (25:21) Thoughts on historically low corporate yield spreads (30:25) Carson's short call on SoFi (38:10) Carson's most memorable investment ----- Follow Meb on X, LinkedIn and YouTube…

My guest today is Joseph Moore, a historian and former professor who spent over a decade in the archives studying 300 years of American financial advice, which he explains in his new book, How to Get Rich in American History: 300 Years of Financial Advice That Worked (& Didn’t). In today’s episode, Joseph explains what 300 years of American financial advice reveals about getting rich. He shares why real estate barely appreciated for a century, why bonds beat stocks for decades, and how modern investing advice was born chasing inflation and taxes. To close, Joseph reveals the five timeless principles that built wealth in every era. (0:00) Starts (1:34) Joseph Moore shares a historical perspective on money (13:04) Real estate investment strategies (20:59) Stocks vs. bonds debate (25:45) Should you try to beat the market? (33:32) Key financial lessons from history (39:54) Joseph's most memorable investments (42:10) Surprising historical financial statistics ----- Follow Meb on X, LinkedIn and YouTube For…

Today’s guest is Rebecca Anderson, a Senior Fellow at the McKinsey Global Institute, McKinsey’s business and economics research arm. She leads research on economic growth and the financial system, in the United States and globally. In today’s episode, Rebecca shares her McKinsey report on what has powered America’s economy for 250 years: natural endowments, a culture of entrepreneurship, and the institutions that harnessed them. She examines labor force dynamism in the age of AI, the $2 trillion cost of reindustrialization, and a global balance sheet stretched to record highs. (0:00) Starts (1:11) Rebecca explains American's natural advantages (9:11) US leadership in science, technology, and education (16:29) AI, workforce transitions, and manufacturing ramp-up (25:56) Infrastructure challenges and US-China comparisons (33:38) US policy recommendations (43:44) The global balance sheet (52:14) Cultural attitudes and geopolitics ----- Follow Meb on X, LinkedIn and YouTube For detailed show notes, click here To…

Today’s guest is Ben Carlson of Ritholtz Wealth Management, author of A Wealth of Common Sense and host of the Animal Spirits podcast. In today’s episode, Ben unpacks the counterintuitive math behind long term investing. He reveals that picking the wrong asset every year still makes money, that the average up year tops 20%, and that stocks grow less volatile than bonds the longer you hold. To close, Ben explains why patience has never been harder. (0:00) Starts (2:05) Ben Carlson on the secret to investing (5:00) The worst investor ever (15:20) Tax management as new alpha (17:12) Inflation’s impact on asset classes (21:06) "Now do Japan" (33:02) Lessons from bear markets (41:54) Discretionary investing challenges (46:31) Poor performance of hyperactive traders ----- Sponsor: ⁠⁠Ivy Invest⁠ ⁠- To learn more about Ivy Invest's SEC-registered endowment-style fund, view the prospectus, and learn how to invest, visit⁠ ⁠ivyinvest.co/fund ----- Follow Meb on X, LinkedIn and YouTube For detailed show notes, click…

In today's episode, Meb celebrates the release of his new book, Investing in America, a coffee table history of the 250 year bull market. He explains the magic of compounding, why every decade feels like chaos, and the surprising fact that stocks become less volatile than bonds over long horizons. To close, Meb weighs today's valuations against the long view. ----- Follow Meb on⁠ X⁠,⁠ LinkedIn⁠ and⁠ YouTube⁠ For detailed show notes, click ⁠here⁠ To learn more about our funds and follow us, subscribe to our ⁠mailing list⁠ or visit us at⁠ cambriainvestments.com⁠ ----- Follow The Idea Farm: ⁠X⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠TikTok⁠ ----- Interested in sponsoring the show? Email us at Feedback@TheMebFaberShow.com ----- Past guests include ⁠Ed Thorp⁠, ⁠Richard Thaler⁠, ⁠Jeremy Grantham⁠, ⁠Joel Greenblatt⁠, ⁠Campbell Harvey⁠, ⁠Ivy Zelman⁠, ⁠Kathryn Kaminski⁠, ⁠Jason Calacanis⁠, ⁠Whitney Baker,⁠ ⁠Aswath Damodaran⁠, ⁠Howard Marks⁠, ⁠Tom Barton⁠, and many more. ----- Meb's invested in some awesome startups that have…

Today’s guest is Bryan Taylor, founder and chief economist of Finaeon, which has the most comprehensive database of historical financial market data in the world. He's just published Five Financial Eras: How Financial Markets Transformed the World. In today’s episode, Bryan explains his TWIG framework of trade, war, inflation, and government, and how their combination drives returns across centuries of market history. He challenges the belief in a fixed equity risk premium and revisits seven decades of negative real bond returns. To close, Bryan explains why the post-1981 playbook no longer applies. (0:00) Starts (1:25) Sponsor: Ivy Invest (2:37) Bryan Taylor explains the TWIG framework (10:20) There is no single equity risk premium (21:18) Government debt, market capitalization, and global market position (26:17) The impact of technology revolutions on markets (28:30) Historical changes in investment trends (38:22) Cultural shifts in investing (47:36) Evolution of stock market indices and future projects…

Today’s guest is Jim Grant, founder and editor of Grant’s Interest Rate Observer, which he’s been publishing since 1983. He’s a financial historian and one of the most well-respected Observers on Wall Street. In today’s episode, Jim Grant explains why AI may be one of the greatest bubbles of all time, alongside the railroads and the dot-com era. He reframes deflation as progress, questions how murky the $2 trillion private credit market is, and explains why the Fed can’t aggressively fight inflation. To close, Jim makes his case for gold and revisits 1984, which he calls the clearest example of how strange markets can be. (0:00) Starts (0:39) Jim Grant on AI mania (12:23) The economic implications of inflation & deflation (19:56) Interest rates and private credit concerns (27:13) The Fed's inflation target (41:10) How to fix the Federal Reserve (45:09) The history and role of gold in portfolios (54:34) Jim's most memorable investment (57:28) Historical periods to study ----- Follow Meb on X, LinkedIn and…

My guest today is Charles Ellis, founder of Greenwich Associates, longtime member of Yale’s investment committee, and author of more than 20 books, including the classic Winning the Loser’s Game. In today’s episode, Charley reflects on writing the first major book on share repurchases 50 years ago, when the idea was so foreign that Goldman mailed it to 1,000 corporations as a “legitimizer.” Charley also walks us through his new book, Great American Investments: A History of the Bold Initiatives that Shaped a Nation, covering 14 audacious public investments from the Louisiana Purchase to the Marshall Plan. He explains how each came down to one or two obsessed individuals, why Alaska turned out to be the bargain of the century, and how Frances Perkins muscled Social Security into law. As the episode winds down, he shares the lunch with Sandy Gottesman in the early 1970s that led him to buy Berkshire Hathaway at $700 a share — and hold it ever since. (0:00) Starts (1:54) Charley on stock buybacks (8:06) Current…

Today’s guest is Will Goetzmann, Professor of Finance at the Yale School of Management. He is an expert on financial markets and securities, investment strategies, investor behavior and financial history. In today’s episode, Professor Goetzmann walks through 5,000 years of financial history, showing how finance shaped trade, cities, corporations, and investing. He covers the first compound interest calculation, the world’s oldest corporations and bonds, and historic bubbles from tulips to NFTs. To close, he explains why markets have repeatedly adapted through war, crisis, and uncertainty. (0:00) Starts (1:50) William Goetzmann on origins of money (7:06) The history of corporations (14:43) Yale's historical bond and early financial innovation (17:33) Parallels between historical and modern financial bubbles (25:52) SpaceX IPO and market valuations (27:26) Herd mentality and bubbles (32:47) Global investing, inflation, and currencies (41:13) Finance-related art (46:31) Most memorable investment ----- Sponsor:…

While in Omaha for Berkshire week, Meb hopped on another podcast as a guest. It was a fun one, so we're releasing it here as well. In today's episode, Meb Faber makes the case against home country bias, pointing to Korea's near-triple and Japan's decades-long round trip as reminders that cycles always turn. He explains why shareholder yield tells a truer story than dividends, why there are now more ETFs than stocks, and why tax alpha matters more than chasing returns. To close, Meb reflects on multi-decade compounding — and the mistakes that quietly take investors out of the game. (0:00) Starts (2:06) Meb's thoughts on Warren Buffett (5:11) Global diversification and home country bias (14:29) Shareholder yield (27:45) Positive investment behaviors (30:19) The ETF industry and the current investment landscape (35:18) Rapid fire questions ----- Sponsor: Want to learn more about 351 Exchanges? Visit the Alpha Architect 351 Education Center for use cases, tools, FAQs, upcoming launches, and more. Investments in…

Today’s guest is Tom Lee, CIO of Fundstrat Capital, PM for the Granny Shots U.S. Large Cap ETF, and the Head of Research at Fundstrat Global Advisors. Prior to co-founding Fundstrat, he served as J.P. Morgan’s Chief Equity Strategist from 2007 to 2014. In today’s episode, Tom explains why stocks have remained resilient despite war, higher oil prices, and widespread investor skepticism. He shares his outlook for the S&P 500 and discusses the coming wave of mega-IPOs. Finally, Tom covers his successful entrance into the ETF space with the Fundstrat Granny Shots ETFs. (0:00) Starts (1:35) Tom Lee on markets since the Iran war (10:02) Issues with the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (20:50) AI & upcoming IPOs (24:34) Granny Shots ETF (31:25) Tom on crypto (36:52) Tom's most memorable investment Visit ⁠www.fundstrat.com/tom⁠ for complimentary access to Tom's daily insights, market alerts, live webinars, and stock lists. ----- Sponsor: Want to learn more about 351 Exchanges? Visit the Alpha…

Today’s guest is Marc Seidner, PIMCO’s CIO of Non-traditional Strategies. He is also a generalist portfolio manager and a member of the Investment Committee. In today’s episode, Marc explores why the investing landscape has changed from one led by economics to one increasingly shaped by politics and geopolitics. He explains why bonds may offer one of the most compelling opportunities in years, while private credit continues to show stress. He also touches on the K-shape economy and why real assets may help portfolios withstand a more uncertain world. (0:00) Starts (1:50) Global economic landscape (4:47) Golden age of fixed income (7:32) Equity vs. fixed income ownership (10:13) K-shaped recovery (15:06) Private credit concerns (17:49) Value over growth, global diversification, and real assets (24:50) International diversification & emerging market bonds (33:05) IPO landscape ----- Sponsor: Want to learn more about 351 Exchanges? Visit the ⁠Alpha Architect 351 Education Center⁠ for use cases, tools, FAQs,…

Today’s guest is Samuel Hartzmark, a finance professor at Boston College. In today’s episode, Sam explores why dividends are so often misunderstood by investors. He explains the “free dividends fallacy” and how it can lead to inflated valuations and price dislocations. He also examines the tradeoffs between dividends and buybacks and how payout policies influence investor behavior. To close, Sam briefly touches on his research on prediction markets and ESG. (0:00) Starts (1:59) Sam Hartzmark on dividend misconceptions (15:24) Mutual funds juicing dividend yields (27:26) Buybacks, shareholder yield, and reinvesting dividends (39:57) Tax optimization (43:40) Importance of total return (52:26) Divestment, prediction markets, and memorable investments ----- Follow Meb on X, LinkedIn and YouTube For detailed show notes, click here To learn more about our funds and follow us, subscribe to our mailing list or visit us at cambriainvestments.com ----- Follow The Idea Farm: X | LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok -----…

Today’s guest is Will Guidara, author of the New York Times Bestseller Unreasonable Hospitality and former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, which was named the Best Restaurant in the World. He is a Co-Producer on the Emmy Award-winning series The Bear. His new book, Unreasonable Hospitality: The Field Guide comes out this month. In today’s episode, Will discusses how unreasonable hospitality can turn routine service into memorable human connection. He explains why unreasonable hospitality is less about grand gestures and more about intentionality, creativity, and empowering teams to take ownership of memorable customer experiences. To close, Will shares how small acts of care can transform relationships, culture, and loyalty across financial services. (0:00) Starts (2:28) Will Guidara on Unreasonable Hospitality (8:18) Implementing this philosophy in your organization (17:11) The importance of admitting mistakes (26:15) Examples of unreasonable hospitality (37:37) Will's conferences ----- Sponsor: Want to…

Today’s guests are Alex Rubalcava and Paul Bricault of Amplify.LA, a pre-seed venture capital firm. In today’s episode, Alex and Paul break down the opportunities and challenges AI is creating for both startups and investors. They discuss the changing economics of software, what makes an AI company defensible, where investors are finding opportunity in frontier sectors, and why speed matters more than ever in early-stage investing. To close, they explore startup pivots and the tax advantages of QSBS. (0:00) Starts (1:27) Introducing Alex and Paul (2:02) Public software companies & AI (5:13) Amplify LA background and partnership formation (7:34) AI use cases in portfolio companies (15:08) AI's impact on the job market (30:31) AI's impact on investment opportunities at the pre-seed stage (41:02) Aerospace sector opportunities (44:32) Successful startup pivots (50:18) Liquidity in VC (55:28) QSBS impact ----- Sponsor: Want to learn more about 351 Exchanges? Visit the ⁠Alpha Architect 351 Education Center for…

Today’s guests are Owen Lamont, a Portfolio Manager at Acadian Asset Management, and Randy Cohen, a finance and entrepreneurship professor at Harvard Business School and co-founder of PEO Partners, which is a leader in the emerging liquid Private Equity alternatives space. In today’s episode, Owen Lamont and Randy Cohen begin with a deep dive into private equity, how to model it in public markets, and why investors are searching for liquid ways to access private-market-like returns. They challenge common views on concentration, market valuations, and explain how investors should think about bubbles and technological change. They also discuss whether the US stock market is Koreafying and the long-term forces that could shape the investing landscape. (0:00) Starts (0:34) Welcome Owen and Randy (5:14) Private equity overview (9:20) Liquid private equity (20:05) The US stock market is Koreafying (24:29) The IPO landscape (36:03) CAPE Ratio and AI (44:45) Best ideas investing (58:44) Deglobalization increases the…

In today’s episode, Van explores the evolution of the rare coin and collectables market, how grading transformed collectibles into an institutional-quality asset class, and why high-grade coins may be undervalued today. He discusses supply dynamics, the historical link between currency, gold, and collectibles, and how technology and AI are reshaping authentication and valuation. To close, Van explains why rare coins remain a compelling way to preserve wealth and build a lasting legacy. (0:00) Starts (2:25) Overview of current coin market and recent gold discoveries (16:43) Historical significance of coins and storing advice (25:34) COVID's impact on watches and sports memorabilia (31:41) Grading with AI (35:42) Identifying undervalued collectibles and selling lessons (45:15) Securitizing collectibles (49:52) Modern companies influencing the collectibles market (1:01:42) Highlights from coin shows and record-breaking sales ----- Follow Meb on X, LinkedIn and YouTube For detailed show notes, click here To…

Watch on YouTube. My guest today is Mike Wilson, Morgan Stanley’s Chief U.S. Equity Strategist and Chief Investment Officer. In today’s episode, Mike Wilson explains how a rolling recession has given way to a staggered recovery, and why he expects leadership to broaden beyond mega-cap stocks into small caps, cyclicals, and international markets. He highlights growing risks from AI disruption, private credit weakness, and the Iran conflict. To close, Mike discusses a shift beyond the traditional 60/40 portfolio toward a more flexible 60/20/20 approach that includes assets like gold. (0:00) Starts (1:31) Mike Wilson on rolling recessions and rolling recoveries (5:28) Market implications of Iran conflict (9:52) Market cap weight vs. equal weight indices (15:41) Thoughts on the Fed (20:01) Is 60/20/20 the new 60/40? (23:23) Geopolitical shocks (35:48) AI's impact and bullish on healthcare (42:03) Outlook for global economic recovery ----- Follow Meb on X, LinkedIn and YouTube For detailed show notes, click here…

Today’s guests are Wes Gray, Co-CIO of Alpha Architect, and Brent Sullivan, Editor of Tax Alpha Insider, which is the only publication focused on taxable portfolio strategy. In today’s episode, Brent Sullivan and Wes Gray discuss how to handle concentrated stock positions. They explore the complexities around 351 ETF exchanges, what investors need to know when participating to adhere to tax laws. To close, they examine the rise of tax-managed long-short strategies and how AI may transform tax planning and portfolio management. (0:00) Starts (1:18) Brent Sullivan's background (3:36) Handling concentrated stock positions (7:32) 351 to ETF conversions (14:49) Regulatory scrutiny & IRS enforcement (27:39) Rebalancing, tax implications and practical advisor advice (34:09) Future ETF seeding predictions (39:01) Comparing ETF seeding and portfolio consolidation strategies (45:48) Long short strategies (52:23) Brent Sullivan's book and conference ----- Follow Meb on X, LinkedIn and YouTube For detailed show notes,…

My guest today is Kristin Olson, Global Head of Alternatives for Wealth at Goldman Sachs. Last year she was named one of the 100 Most Influential Women in US Finance by Barron’s. In today’s episode, Kristin discusses the explosive growth of the alternatives market over the past decade. She explains what has driven interest from individual investors, particularly millennials, and touches on recent volatility within software and private credit BDCs. Finally, she shares her expectations for the 2026 IPO market, the potential for renewed interest in hedge funds, and how AI is set to reshape sourcing, underwriting, and portfolio construction. (0:00) Starts (1:31) Introduction of Kristin Olson (3:16) Evolution of alternative investments (10:19) Secondary strategies (13:05) Private equity alpha and liquidity concerns (19:13) Private credit market concerns (22:29) Manager selection and due diligence (24:17) Non-traditional investments and hedge fund interest (27:17) Millennial interest in alternatives (31:40)…

In today’s episode, Meb reads a recent email sent to Cambria subscribers examining how to evaluate a strategy hitting a rough patch, using the Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD) as a case study. Learn more: Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD) https://cambriafunds.com/syld SYLD Fact Sheet https://cambriafunds.com/assets/docs/SYLD-FactSheet.pdf SYLD Investment Case https://cambriafunds.com/assets/docs/SYLD_Investment_Case.pdf Contact us at info@cambriainvestments.com, 310-683-5500 TO DETERMINE IF THE FUND IS AN APPROPRIATE INVESTMENT FOR YOU, CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE FUND’S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, RISK FACTORS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES BEFORE INVESTING. THIS AND OTHER INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND IN THE FUND’S PROSPECTUS WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 855-383-4636 (ETF INFO) OR VISITING OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.CAMBRIAFUNDS.COM. READ THE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BEFORE INVESTING OR SENDING MONEY. THE CAMBRIA ETFS ARE DISTRIBUTED BY ALPS DISTRIBUTORS INC., 1290 BROADWAY, SUITE 1000, DENVER, CO 80203, WHICH IS NOT AFFILIATED…

My guest today is Aswath Damodaran, a professor at NYU, where he teaches corporate finance and equity valuation. In today’s episode, Professor Damodaran explains why he trimmed two Magnificent Seven stocks. He digs into AI’s real impact on valuations and moats, why big software incumbents face an Innovator’s Dilemma, and why the biggest risk isn’t tech spending itself, but overconfidence and debt-fueled capex that could ripple beyond tech. He also weighs in on corporate Bitcoin balance sheets, sports franchises as “trophy assets” driven by billionaire demand rather than cash flows, and the rise of prediction markets. (0:00) Starts (0:34) Professor Damodaran on the Magnificent Seven (7:26) OpenAI's growth, AI's impact on valuations, and software industries (16:07) High capex investment risks (23:10) Market timing (33:43) Trust and the rise of gold and silver (45:12) Cryptocurrencies on company balance sheets (47:42) Sports franchises (52:27) Prediction markets ----- Follow Meb on X, LinkedIn and YouTube For…

Today’s guest is Jim Reid, Global Head of Macro Research at Deutsche Bank. In today’s episode, Jim walks through lessons from his annual report, The Ultimate Guide to Long-Term Investing, which covers over 200 years of market data from 56 countries. He explains why cash is one of the riskiest long-term assets, how inflation quietly destroys wealth, and why valuation is the single most reliable predictor of long-term returns. He also discusses how fiat money has reshaped bonds, gold, and equities since 1971. To close, Jim reminds us that history consistently rewards investors who buy cheap, diversify globally, and respect long-term market cycles. (0:00) Starts (1:54) Importance of real vs nominal returns (5:36) Historical returns of gold (8:28) Global investment opportunities (18:06) Bond market performance and growth's impact on asset prices (23:11) Potential impact of AI (30:34) Valuation importance (37:03) Index weighting strategies (42:43) Predictors of bond performance and equity return distribution…

Watch on YouTube. Today’s returning guests are Dan Rasmussen, founder of Verdad Advisers, and D.A. Wallach, a venture capital investor for Time BioVentures. In today’s episode, we unpack the recent biotech surge through the lens of Dan’s recently published biotech report. We also explore China’s growing biotech market, shifting IPO and VC trends, and how valuation tools like CAPE fit into today’s regime. Finally, we also discuss technology’s effect on productivity and corporate profits in the US, Japan’s economic anomaly, home country bias, and more. (0:00) Starts (1:20) Dan's research on the biotech sector (19:10) D.A. on biotech in China (27:01) IPO landscape (31:01) Biotech VC update from D.A. (32:16) Are US stocks overvalued? (51:53) Dan's view of Japanese stocks (57:40) Global equity markets and home country bias (1:03:34) Book recommendations (1:11:55) Wrap-up and future plans ----- Follow Meb on X, LinkedIn and YouTube For detailed show notes, click here To learn more about our funds and follow us,…

In today’s radio show, Meb breaks down why market-cap–weighted investing may be nearing its limits after an extraordinary run in U.S. stocks. He explores CAPE ratios near historic extremes, the quiet resurgence of gold and commodities, and why equal weight, value, and global markets are suddenly back in the conversation. To close, Meb explains how trend following and real assets can help investors navigate regime shifts. Note: this was recorded on January 29, 2026. (0:00) Starts (3:03) US stock market update (11:24) Global stock performance (18:03) The role of gold in asset allocation (27:52) Demographics of gold investors (35:47) One-fund portfolios & 351 conversions (42:07) Meb's travel plans ----- Follow Meb on X, LinkedIn and YouTube For detailed show notes, click here To learn more about our funds and follow us, subscribe to our mailing list or visit us at cambriainvestments.com ----- Follow The Idea Farm: X | LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok ----- Interested in sponsoring the show? Email us at…

My guest today is Russell Napier, an independent financial market strategist, financial historian, author of The Solid Ground investment report, and founder of the charitable venture The Library of Mistakes. In today’s episode, Russell explains why investors are asking the wrong questions at a critical turning point in financial history. He how financial repression, shifting monetary regimes, and political priorities are reshaping capital markets. To close, he explains the dangers of yield chasing, why technology won’t defeat inflation, and why gold may be signaling what comes next. (0:00) Starts (3:14) Regime change & parallels to post-World War II Europe (8:06) The search for yield is dangerous (17:38) The disconnect between GDP growth and equity returns (23:14) The impact of inflation & deflation on equity valuations (25:56) Technology doesn't defeat inflation (30:20) Monetary system changes, gold prices, and American exceptionalism (37:50) Extrapolation is the opiate of the people (48:26) Book…

Today’s guest is Richard Bernstein, Chief Investment Officer of Richard Bernstein Advisors, which he founded in 2009. He was previously the Chief Investment Strategist at Merrill Lynch. In today’s episode, Richard argues that the market is defined by rampant speculation and extreme narrowness. He explains why he’s bullish on both dividend-paying and international stocks and believes crypto is the first global investment bubble. To close, he warns that corporate credit is priced for perfection, inflation risks aren’t gone, and diversification is the best defense in a bubble-prone market. (0:00) Starts (1:20) Richard on market narrowness & speculation (6:21) The Earnings Expectations Life Cycle (12:33) Non-US stocks are undervalued (18:38) Small cap trends and long-term investment themes (24:14) American Industrialization Renaissance (27:10) Corporate credit risk (33:42) Is the Fed independent? (36:38) Is crypto the first global investment bubble? (41:11) The importance of financial history (46:07) Richard's…

My guest today is Marc Faber, editor of the “Gloom Boom & Doom Report.” In today’s episode, Marc explores the unpredictable nature of financial markets, the resurgence of precious metals and how money printing has fueled economic inequality. He argues that bonds are currently under-owned and may offer opportunity, and explains why emerging markets such as Thailand and Vietnam deserve consideration. To close, Marc underscores the importance of diversification in an increasingly uncertain world. (0:00) Starts (2:25) The rise of precious metals (10:18) Impact of money printing on asset prices and social problems (23:14) Bond bull case (29:31) History of wealth redistribution (36:13) Global investment insights: Thailand & beyond (48:40) Importance of diversification ----- Follow Meb on X, LinkedIn and YouTube For detailed show notes, click here To learn more about our funds and follow us, subscribe to our mailing list or visit us at cambriainvestments.com ----- Sponsor: Visit ⁠Alpha Architect’s 351 Education…

My guest today is Cullen Roche, Chief Investment Officer at Orcam Financial Group and Discipline Funds. His latest book is Your Perfect Portfolio: The ultimate guide to using the world’s most powerful investing strategies. In today’s episode, Cullen walks through the principles of portfolio construction. He emphasizes the importance of viewing investments as a means of savings rather than a quick path to wealth. Cullen explores the significance of time horizons in investment decisions, why real returns are what matter, and the origins of the 60/40 portfolio. (0:00) Starts (1:38) Principles of portfolio construction (6:12) Real vs nominal returns (11:01) Asset allocation and time horizon considerations (26:59) Evaluating the role of government bonds in portfolios (30:21) Origins of the 60/40 portfolio (37:44) The forward cap portfolio (46:49) The concept of duration in investing (56:23) Disciplined Funds (1:02:39) Asset liability matching (1:03:15) Factors influencing investor behavior ----- Follow Meb on X,…

Today’s guest is Jack Ablin, CIO at Cresset Asset Management, which manages over $70 billion AUM. Jack was RIA Intel’s “CIO of the Year” for 2022 and was previously the CIO at BMO for 17 years. In today’s episode, Jack walks through the ins and outs of investing in founder-led companies and what has led them to historically outperform. He also explains his approach to asset allocation, which structures portfolios based on time horizons rather than traditional asset classes. Finally, he offers an outlook for equities and fixed income next year, discusses private market opportunities, and looks at the future of Cresset Asset Management. (0:00) Starts (1:51) Overview of Cresset Asset Management (6:40) Founder-led companies: Advantages and portfolio impact (19:52) Fixed income and private market investment strategies (26:32) Future prospects in Opportunity Zones and equities (31:15) Currency considerations and foreign investment opportunities (37:01) Jack's most memorable investment ----- Follow Meb on X,…

Today’s guest is David McWilliams, an economist, podcast host and author. David worked at the Central Bank of Ireland, UBS and BNP Paribas and is the founder of the Kilkenomics Festival, a unique blend of economics and stand-up comedy. His book is called The History of Money: A Story of Humanity, which is my favorite book from 2025. In today’s episode, David walks through the evolution of money over the last 5,000 years. He explains why money is a foundational social technology that is central to every aspect of our civilization, from the political to the artistic. He delves into historical anecdotes—from clay tablets in Mesopotamia to Gutenberg’s printing press to Martin Luther’s disruptive influence on the church. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes that economists need to do a better job helping people understand money and its role in navigating modern economic principles. (0:00) Starts (1:26) David explains the Kilkenomics Festival (3:41) David McWilliams on "Money, The History of Money, A Story of…

Today’s guest is Rick Rieder. Rick oversees more than $2 trillion in assets as the Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income at BlackRock. He also heads the Fundamental Fixed Income business and the Global Allocation Investment Team. In today’s episode, Rick discusses the current state of the markets, focusing on year-end dynamics, free cash flow at big-tech companies, and the evolving economic landscape since Liberation Day. He explains both what he expects the Fed to do and what he thinks they should do, and how that relates to portfolio construction. The discussion also explores the differences between gambling and investing, lessons from tennis that apply to investing, and much more. (0:00) Starts (1:31) Rick Rieder's market thoughts (4:23) Market sentiment and cash flow impacts (7:18) Small caps, M&A potential, and broad economic concerns (17:12) Interest rate forecasts (21:13) BINC ETF and fixed income outlook (24:28) Gambling vs. investing (31:36) Perspectives on precious metals and…

Today’s guest is Nick Maggiulli. Nick is the COO for Ritholtz Wealth Management. He writes over at Of Dollars at Data and is the author of two books: Just Keep Buying and The Wealth Ladder. In today’s episode, Nick discusses the parallels between financial and medical advice, the differences in asset ownership across wealth levels, and the importance of adapting financial strategies over time. He also explores wealth mobility, the role of luck in wealth accumulation, and the challenges of diversification versus concentration in investment strategies. (0:00) Starts (1:38) Nick explains the wealth ladder (6:48) Asset composition across wealth levels (13:48) Human capital and wealth data analysis (19:33) Diversification vs. concentration (22:44) Behavioral finance and investment strategies (25:56) Real estate ownership and investment timing strategies (36:26) Fun investing stats (44:51) Nick's most memorable investment ----- Sponsor: Alpha Architect - Learn more about Alpha Architect and important information…

Today’s guest is Antti Ilmanen, Global Co-head of the Portfolio Solutions Group at AQR Capital Management. In today’s episode, Antti discusses the complexities of investment returns, the importance of understanding both objective and subjective expectations, and the dangers of relying on past performance as a guide for future investments. We explore the current state of the US market, the role of diversifiers in portfolios, and the behavioral biases that affect investor decisions. Antti also contrasts the behaviors of bond investors, which tend to be more contrarian, and equity investors, which tend to extrapolate. (0:00) Starts (1:13) Humility in forecasting market expectations (8:26) Comparing institutional and retail investor behavior (24:33) Sentiment analysis in markets (36:18) Bond vs. equity investor mindsets (48:11) Liquid vs. illiquid alternative investments (56:26) The diversification benefits of trend following ----- Follow Meb on X, LinkedIn and YouTube For detailed show notes, click here To…

Today’s guest is Chris Clark. Chris was a biotech PM for 10 years at RS Investments, managing $4.5 billion. In today’s episode, Chris discusses the complexities of the biotech sector, which has suffered a dramatic drawdown the past few years. He begins by explaining how biotech works, why it’s such a unique sector, and what has kept investors and companies frozen the past few years. He also explains the different perspectives of venture capitalists and public market investors, the current regulatory environment and how AI may reshape drug development. (0:00) Starts (1:20) Biotech industry overview (18:09) Can you be a quant in biotech? (25:09) Biotech market cap distribution and benchmark underweighting (34:47) Addressing biotech volatility, market outlook, and non-pro investing tips (47:02) Private vs. public biotech investments (1:01:32) Global biotech markets (China) (1:09:48) AI and regulatory impact on biotech (1:21:14) US healthcare spending (1:33:48) Chris' most memorable investment ----- Follow Meb…

Today’s guest is Joe Davis, Vanguard’s Global Chief Economist and Global Head of Vanguard’s Investment Strategy Group. His latest research on megatrends is covered in his book, Coming Into View: How AI and Other Megatrends Will Shape Your Investments. In today’s episode, Joe explains why the coming decade for the U.S. economy will be shaped by a tug-of-war between AI and demographics-driven deficits. While the most likely outcome is optimistic (the benefits of AI offset demographic pressures), the next most likely outcome is pessimistic (AI fails to meet our expectations and growth tumbles, putting pressure on the government’s balance sheet). Joe emphasizes the need for investors to prepare for non-consensus outcomes and embrace diversification to navigate this uncertain future. Listen to Joe’s first appearance on the show in February 2020. (0:00) Starts (1:40) AI's impact on the economy (7:26) Megatrends and technological change (19:18) Financial market signals, narratives, and nonconsensus outcomes (25:23)…