AWM Insights Financial and Investment News

This episode of AWM Insights drills into what it takes to stay disciplined when markets demand your attention and speculation is the talk of the day. Our hosts, Justin Dyer and Mena Hanna, break down the latest equity rally, spotlight a shifting fear-to-greed cycle, and take listeners through real stories—one investor who mistimed the market and another convinced he’d outsmarted it.

With clarity and AWM’s signature team mindset, the discussion unpacks crypto headlines, the pitfalls of hope-driven bets, and why long-term investing is about preparation, not prediction.

Key Highlights

• Analysis of recent performance in US and global equity markets and emerging risk-on sentiment
• Discussion of shifting investor emotion from fear to greed and how this cycle impacts decision-making
• Two investor anecdotes: one who quickly exited public equities during uncertainty, only to miss the recovery, and another who placed a lucky single-stock bet—skill or just fortune?
• The discipline imperative: “your scorecard...is not going to look too hot if you react to every single event that happens”
• Building the right team: “if you try starting a quarterback without a helmet, that's probably not gonna go too well. You'll probably have an Aaron Rodgers situation there where the player plays for four downs, and that's absolutely it”
• Clear-eyed view on speculative investing, especially in crypto and Bitcoin: “hope is not an investment strategy” and speculation as a “weekend hobby”
• AWM’s perspective on blockchain: investing with a “picks and shovels approach” through private markets and companies using the technology

For more head to https://www.athletefamilyoffice.com/

May delivered the S&P 500’s strongest month in three decades, catching most experts flat-footed. In this AWM Insights episode, the team unpacks why disciplined, integrated investing—not predictions or gut feelings—can set your investing apart across decades of market cycles. 

With stories from the trenches of financial turbulence and reminders of how emotional decisions sabotage legacies, this conversation stays grounded in the essentials: stick to the playbook, trust diversification, and let evidence—not headlines—call your shots. The episode wraps with a clear-eyed take on gold, crypto, and why “boring” often wins championships when everyone else is chasing hype.

Key highlights

• The S&P 500 surged 6% in May—an outlier month that shows even slow seasons can contain game-changing rallies most never see coming.
• Timing the market isn’t a strategy, it’s a gamble; discipline and long-term focus win out over predictions and headlines, as reinforced by every cycle.
• Emotional choices—like selling in panic or buying the rally—lead most investors to miss crucial recovery days and endure deep drawdowns; AWM’s playbook is built to prevent those mistakes.
• Gold’s rise is driven by speculation, not utility; AWM avoids direct gold allocations, preferring companies (like gold miners) that create measurable value.
• Crypto earns a spot in the conversation—not for speculative trading, but for its foundational technology and carefully selected private investment exposure.
• Diversification remains the “free lunch.” In practice, it is how seasoned teams weather volatility, capture rebounds, and keep families positioned for the enduring advantage that defines a 100-year legacy.

For more, head to www.athletefamilyoffice.com.

It's the final episode in our mini-series exploring how to build a best-in-class, human-centered portfolio.

This time we're discussing the essential asset classes you need in your investment portfolio.

From cash and fixed income to public equities, real estate, and private markets, each asset earns its seat not by tradition, but by its role in stewarding your family’s mission and values. The episode gives listeners a clear-eyed, front-office perspective on integrating every building block—crafting a playbook designed to build and sustain a multi-generational legacy.

Key highlights

• Asset classes unpacked as a team roster: cash as the essential starting spot, fixed income as defensive backbone, public equities as core growth engine, real estate as a blend of income and appreciation, and private markets as special teams bringing an extra edge when handled by the right experts.
• The analogy of Maslow’s hierarchy—meeting foundational needs first with cash and fixed income before scaling for growth—with practical guidance on moving from protection to opportunity, one layer at a time.
• Real talk on risk management: thoughtful scaling according to time horizon, and why patience, discipline, and compounding always outperform chasing the next hot play.
• The necessity of diversification—across sectors, geography, and company size—to avoid concentration risk and shape a portfolio built to navigate market shifts and changing priorities.
• Private equity and venture capital as high-impact alternatives: when they belong in the mix and how expert selection can separate career-defining wins from costly losses.
• The “casino” analogy as a teaching tool: how a data-driven, systematic investment process stacks the odds for you, focusing on efficient, confidence-based decisions over speculation—turning investing from a gamble into a disciplined game plan.

For more visit www.athletefamilyoffice.com

In this latest episode of AWM Insights, we continue our exploration of building a best-in-class investment portfolio, this time by focusing on a human-centered approach. 

A human-centered approach moves beyond traditional benchmarks to emphasize the importance of identifying a clear purpose for investing, with money viewed as a tool—a ticket—to help you achieve your unique life goals.

We also tackle the practical side, showing you how portfolios can be intentionally structured and continually adapted to support what matters most to you and your family.

Key Highlights

• Defining a human-centered portfolio and examining why understanding your personal “why” is essential for effective investing.
• Using the analogy of money as a ticket, not the destination—ensuring financial decisions are grounded in your unique values and objectives.
• Exploring the drawbacks of comparison and media-driven trends, and how these can introduce anxiety and misalignment.
• Translating individual goals into actionable strategies—creating sub-portfolios or “buckets” to fund specific priorities such as children’s education or other family milestones.
• Stressing the importance of continuous portfolio review and adjustment to ensure that your approach remains aligned as your life evolves.

For more visit awmcap.com.

Continuing our series exploring the value having a best-in-class portfolio, in this episode we tackle strategies for how to create a generational wealth-building portfolio.

We break down the importance of a personalized and intentional approach to portfolio construction, emphasizing the ways in which asset allocation is similar to building a formidable sports team. This discussion is vital for those looking to safeguard their earnings and ensure enduring financial success for future generations.

Key Highlights

• We discuss the significance of personalized portfolio strategies over cookie-cutter solutions.
• Explain asset allocation using sports analogies, comparing stocks, bonds, and alternative assets to football positions.
• Stress the importance of defense and risk management as tools to ensure portfolio longevity.
• Highlight diversification and rebalancing as essential elements in maintaining portfolio health.
• Tease the next episode's focus on human-centered portfolio construction and its relevance to unique client goals.

Find out more at awmcap.com

In this episode of AWM Insights, we kick off a mini-series on building a best-in-class investment portfolio. Justin Dyer and Mena Hanna discuss why having a structured investment plan is crucial for professional athletes and individuals looking to achieve multi-generational wealth. The conversation dives deep into the importance of a customized approach to investing, offering insights on how a well-structured portfolio can lead to financial resilience and success.

Key Highlights

• Discussing the foundational need for a best-in-class portfolio and its alignment with life's goals.
• The critical role of process and planning in both investing and professional athletic pursuits.
• The benefits of portfolio diversification for managing market turbulence and achieving long-term goals.
• The impact of reacting to market noise and the importance of a disciplined investment strategy.

Quotes

• "You always need a plan, whether you're running a marathon or managing multi-generational wealth."
• "Diversification and smart asset allocation are your financial warmups and cool downs, helping protect your wealth from unexpected setbacks."
• "The process should give you confidence and help you sleep at night by providing pause against reacting to the current market environment."

In this episode of AWM Insights, we dive into the intricacies of data-driven, long-term investing amidst market volatility. Hosts Justin Dyer and Mena Hanna demystify the noise of today's markets, focusing on strategies that prioritize staying the course, supported by historical data and rigorous analysis. With insights into current market conditions and practical applications for investors, this episode offers invaluable advice for maintaining a disciplined investment approach over time.

Key Highlights:

• A review of current market conditions and the impact of recent headlines on investor sentiment.
• The importance of distinguishing market noise from valuable data when making investment decisions.
• An explanation of data-driven investing and how it provides a framework for enduring volatility.
• Practical strategies such as staying invested, diversifying, and avoiding emotional reactions in turbulent times.
• The role of diversified portfolios in cushioning against market downturns.

Quotes:

• "Noise is real. Noise is scary... But that is just one point in time." – Mena Hanna
• "Staying invested, sort of like showing up to work every single day, is one of the most impactful things you can do." – Mena Hanna

In episode 198 of AWM Insights, we discuss the current economic landscape focusing on tariffs, valuations, and the power of diversification. 

AWM's Chief Investment Officer and Partner, Justin Dyer, and Portfolio Manager, Mena Hanna, explore the recent market behaviors, the Federal Reserve's insights on tariffs, and the ripple effects on companies like NVIDIA and UnitedHealthcare. Gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental investing principles crucial for navigating today's volatile markets and learn why diversification remains a key pillar in portfolio management.

Key Highlights:

• Examination of market volatility and the impact of recent Federal Reserve testimony.
• Discussion on NVIDIA's adjustments related to tariff costs and resulting valuation concerns.
• Insights into the ongoing importance of international diversification in investment portfolios.
• Analysis of the market's reaction to UnitedHealthcare's disappointing earnings and guidance.
• Reinforcement of investing fundamentals like diversification and the inherent unpredictability of markets.

Quotes:

• "Valuations matter, especially during times of stress." - Mena Hanna
• "In the short term, markets are voting machines; in the long term, they are weighing machines." - Justin Dyer
• "Diversification really is fundamental. It's a key pillar." - Mena Hanna

In this episode of AWM Insights, our hosts discuss navigating market volatility amidst tariff changes. We dive into key strategies for controlling what you can in uncertain times and explore the importance of staying invested during significant market shifts. Get insights on tax loss harvesting and its long-term value add—essential listening for those wanting to thrive in today's dynamic financial landscape.

Key Highlights

—Portfolio Management: Importance of controlling what you can and preparation in market volatility.

—Protective Reserve Strategy: How it's protected clients during turbulent times.

—Tax Loss Harvesting: Explained and why it's crucial during down markets.

—Market Rally Impact: April's surge post-tariff pause and its implications.

—Historical Context: S&P 500's 8th largest percentage day gain—importance of staying invested for long-term gains.

—Future Outlook: Expectations of more volatility and how to manage it with disciplined strategies.

Quotes

—"Staying disciplined and focused on the long term is not just a mantra; it's backed by rigorous data." – Justin Dyer

—"The 10 best days in the market can account for all the yearly gains—missing them could mean negative returns." – Mena Hanna

In this episode of AWM Insights, the focus is on the unexpected impacts and implications of the newly imposed tariffs in global trade. Hosted by AWM's Chief Investment Officer and Partner, Justin Dyer, and Portfolio Manager, Mena Hanna, we dissect the nature of tariffs and their immediate reaction in the financial markets. The conversation pivots around how tariffs are escalating tensions with trading partners, leading to a potential trade war. The episode also provides valuable insights on maintaining investment discipline amidst market volatility and strategies for long-term financial success.

Key Highlights

• Definition and fundamental understanding of tariffs and their role in global trade.
• The negative market reactions following the announcement of new US tariffs.
• Discussions on the potential onset of a trade war due to retaliatory tariffs from other countries.
• Insights into the importance of preparation and portfolio diversification during economic uncertainty.
• Strategies for leveraging market downturns, such as tax loss harvesting and portfolio rebalancing.
• The relationship between risk and reward in investment strategies, emphasizing disciplined approaches.