Behind the Markets Podcast

Show from 08/22/25

Host Jeremy Schwartz and Professor Siegel react to Powell’s dovish shift in tone, with the Professor characterizing it as a clear pivot towards rate cuts. Siegel emphasizes that inflationary pressures driven by tariffs are likely to be treated as one-time increases and ignored by the Fed, while the labor market becomes the primary focus going forward. He outlines a forecast of 75 basis points of cuts by early next year, contingent on labor conditions, and notes that falling long-term yields could significantly ease mortgage rates, supporting continued strength in equities. (28:36) Jeremy continues with Samuel Rines live from Margate, where they examine how corporate earnings, particularly from Walmart and Ross stores, reveal that consumers remain active despite rising prices. However, they caution that tariff impacts are starting to show up in margins, especially for small caps, which have already been under pressure from high interest rates. The conversation turns to sector positioning, including renewed strength in defense stocks amid European geopolitical developments, and optimism around Japan’s equity markets driven by favorable global policies and undervaluation. They also discuss the role of government involvement in strategic industries like semiconductors, the equity premium in Japan versus the U.S., and how policy changes are reshaping investment flows. Sam concludes that managing margins, not revenues, will be the critical driver of equity performance over the next 6 to 12 months, especially as companies navigate cost pressures without triggering political backlash.

Wisdom Tree: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments

Show from 08/15/25

Host Jeremy Schwartz and Professor Siegel unpacked a busy week of economic news, starting with an analysis of the CPI and PPI data. The Professor highlighted how headline inflation may appear elevated due to one-off components like portfolio management fees but emphasized that key metrics feeding into the Fed’s preferred PCE deflator remained tame. He also reiterated his longstanding view that the Fed should not react to tariff-induced inflation and spotlighted next week's Jackson Hole speech from Jerome Powell as a pivotal moment for monetary policy. (12:17) Jeremy continued the show with Sam Rines and the Wisdom Tree team, exploring the implications of the Trump-Putin summit, the enduring global defense spending cycle, and the long-term impact of defense innovation on technology. They analyzed inflation indicators, alternative shelter metrics, and sector reactions, including defense, AI, housing, and chipmakers. The conversation closed with reflections on earning season surprises, small-cap sensitivity to Fed policy, and geopolitical dynamics shaping tech and energy infrastructure.

Wisdom Tree: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments

Show from 08/08/25

Host Chris Gannatti and Professor Siegel discuss Trump’s recent Fed nominations, labor market weakness, and the likelihood of a September rate cut. The Professor notes seasonal market risks in late August, continued strength in AI-driven tech earnings, and trade tensions impacting India, which he views as a potential buying opportunity. He also highlights his new article on the challenges of conducting monetary policy under the current interest-on-reserves system. (12:18) Chris continues with Samuel Rines, and Jeff Wenninger, exploring India’s oil trade dynamics with Russia, Trump’s geopolitical tactics, and the broader implications for markets. The conversation shifts to the Fed’s outsized influence, the economics of premium credit cards, and potential competition from stablecoins. They close with thoughts on airline travel trends, the energy demands of AI infrastructure, and big tech’s strategies in AI deployment and monetization.

Wisdom Tree: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments

Show from 08/01/25

Host Jeremy Schwartz and Professor Siegel dive into market sentiment following Powell's recent remarks. The Professor discusses the Fed's hawkish stance, Powell's views on the neutral rate, and the implications of inflation driven by tariffs. He emphasizes concern over potential delays in Fed action and critiques Powell's consistency in messaging. (29:20) Jeremy continues the show with Sam Rines, Jeff Weniger, and Chris Gannatti to break down the August jobs report, implications of the two FOMC dissents, and the Fed’s hesitancy to pivot despite softening labor data. They discuss WisdomTree’s acquisition of Series Partners and the strategic importance of farmland investment. The team also reviews earnings from major tech firms and the role of AI in driving productivity. Lastly, they assess global trade dynamics and the geopolitical implications of new tariffs, alongside potential impacts of evolving AI technologies.

Wisdom Tree: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments

Show from 07/25/25

Host Jeremy Schwartz and Professor Siegel discussed the Japan tariff deal, market optimism surrounding its announcement, and how it contributed to Japan’s stock market breakout. They analyzed the ambiguity of the deal’s financial terms and its potential geopolitical ripple effects. (27:08) Jeremy is joined by WisdomTree’s Ryan Louvar and Dovile Silenskyte for a deep dive into crypto developments. The conversation covers the Genius Act and Clarity Act’s implications for U.S. crypto regulation, the growing U.S. adoption of stablecoins, and the potential impact on blockchain infrastructure. They also explore parallels between the ETF and digital asset ecosystems, stablecoin usage in retail, and evolving European regulatory dynamics.

Guest: Ryan Louvar has over 25 years of legal and business experience with deep expertise in ETFs, digital assets, tokenization, and financial innovation. He currently serves as Chief Legal Officer and Head of Business and Legal Affairs, Digital Assets at WisdomTree, where he oversees legal, risk, and compliance functions and helps drive the firm’s leadership in tokenized real-world assets through its WisdomTree Prime® mobile app and WisdomTree Connect™ web platform. Mr. Louvar also leads WisdomTree’s regulatory and legislative policy advocacy, supporting its mission to innovate within financial services and asset management.

Dovile Silenskyte is a director of digital assets research at WisdomTree. Before joining WisdomTree in May 2024, Dovile worked as an index equity product strategist at BlackRock. Currently, she is responsible for conducting analyses for in-house digital assets publications and assisting the sales team with client queries about products and markets. Dovile holds an MSc in Finance from Texas A&M University – Commerce, and she is also a chartered financial analyst (CFA).

Ryan Louvar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanlouvar/

Dovile Silenskyte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dovilesilenskyte/

Wisdom Tree: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments

Show from 07/18/25

Host Jeremy Schwartz and Professor Siegel open with a deep dive into the tense dynamics between President Trump and Fed Chair Jerome Powell, with Professor Siegel controversially suggesting Powell should resign to maintain the Fed’s independence. Siegel argues Powell faces only downside if economic conditions worsen, becoming a convenient scapegoat for Trump's economic policies. (23:13) Jeremy and the WisdomTree macro team, including Sam Rines, Jeff Weniger, and Chris Gannatti, then analyze the week's geopolitical developments, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, European defense spending trends, implications of Trump's tariffs, and recent earnings from key companies like Netflix, Pepsi, Johnson & Johnson, and Nvidia.

Guest: Samuel Rines is a Macro Strategist at WisdomTree, where he extends the firm's custom model portfolio management capabilities. Before joining WisdomTree in 2024, he was the Managing Director at CORBU, LLC, leading the PolyMacro advisory product.

Christopher Gannatti began at WisdomTree as a Research Analyst in December 2010, working directly with Jeremy Schwartz, CFA®, Director of Research. In January of 2014, he was promoted to Associate Director of Research where he was responsible to lead different groups of analysts and strategists within the broader Research team at WisdomTree. In February of 2018, Christopher was promoted to Head of Research, Europe, where he was based out of WisdomTree’s London office and was responsible for the full WisdomTree research effort within the European market, as well as supporting the UCITs platform globally. In November 2021, Christopher was promoted to Global Head of Research, now responsible for numerous communications on investment strategy globally, particularly in the thematic equity space.

Jeff Weniger, CFA serves as Head of Equity Strategy at WisdomTree. In his role, Weniger helps to formulate the firm’s stock market outlook by assessing macro and fundamental trends. Prior to joining WisdomTree, he was Director, Senior Strategist at BMO, where he worked in the office of the CIO from 2006 to 2017. He served on the firm’s Asset Allocation Committee and co-managed the firm’s ETF model portfolios for both the U.S. and Canada. In 2013, at the age of 32, Jeff was chosen as the youngest member of BMO’s Global Investment Forum, which collected the firm’s top global strategists to formulate the firm’s official long-term outlook for investment trends and markets.

Follow Sam Rines on X: https://x.com/SamuelRines

Follow Chri Gannatti on X: https://x.com/cgannatti?lang=en

Follow Jeff Weniger on X: https://x.com/JeffWeniger

Wisdom Tree: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments

Show from 07/11/25

Host Jeremy Schwartz and Professor Siegel discuss the recent tariff headlines and market reactions. Professor Siegel highlights that tariffs and guidance for Q3 are currently driving the markets, but he remains skeptical that new tariffs will significantly impact economic growth. (11:41) Jeremy then talks with Sam Rines, Chris Gannatti, and Jeff Weniger about the broader implications of tariff escalation, the surprising resilience of consumer spending, and the ongoing tech dominance, especially around AI, Apple, Nvidia, and Alphabet. The group also covers geopolitical strategies in investing and the rationale behind redefining emerging markets, particularly with a focus on India and excluding China, Korea, and Taiwan.

Guest: Samuel Rines is a Macro Strategist at WisdomTree, where he extends the firm's custom model portfolio management capabilities. Before joining WisdomTree in 2024, he was the Managing Director at CORBU, LLC, leading the PolyMacro advisory product.

Christopher Gannatti began at WisdomTree as a Research Analyst in December 2010, working directly with Jeremy Schwartz, CFA®, Director of Research. In January of 2014, he was promoted to Associate Director of Research where he was responsible to lead different groups of analysts and strategists within the broader Research team at WisdomTree. In February of 2018, Christopher was promoted to Head of Research, Europe, where he was based out of WisdomTree’s London office and was responsible for the full WisdomTree research effort within the European market, as well as supporting the UCITs platform globally. In November 2021, Christopher was promoted to Global Head of Research, now responsible for numerous communications on investment strategy globally, particularly in the thematic equity space.

Jeff Weniger, CFA serves as Head of Equity Strategy at WisdomTree. In his role, Weniger helps to formulate the firm’s stock market outlook by assessing macro and fundamental trends. Prior to joining WisdomTree, he was Director, Senior Strategist at BMO, where he worked in the office of the CIO from 2006 to 2017. He served on the firm’s Asset Allocation Committee and co-managed the firm’s ETF model portfolios for both the U.S. and Canada. In 2013, at the age of 32, Jeff was chosen as the youngest member of BMO’s Global Investment Forum, which collected the firm’s top global strategists to formulate the firm’s official long-term outlook for investment trends and markets.

Follow Sam Rines on X: https://x.com/SamuelRines

Follow Chri Gannatti on X: https://x.com/cgannatti?lang=en

Follow Jeff Weniger on X: https://x.com/JeffWeniger

Wisdom Tree: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments

Show from 07/03/25

Host Jeremy Schwartz and Professor Siegel break down the latest jobs report, noting that while headline numbers surprised to the upside, underlying data show mixed signals and tame wage growth. The Professor expects no rate changes from the Fed in July and sees continued market optimism supported by stable money supply and upcoming trade deals. (11:16) Jeremy is joined by Sam Rines, Jeff Weniger, and Chris Gannatti for an in-depth discussion on the recent Vietnam trade deal, the stalled Japan negotiations, the AI-driven productivity boom, and shifting market leadership from mega-cap tech to industrials, biotech, and small caps. They also cover the potential impact of AI on employment, trends in nuclear energy and robotics, and the broader bullish momentum across global markets heading into the summer.

Guest: Samuel Rines is a Macro Strategist at WisdomTree, where he extends the firm's custom model portfolio management capabilities. Before joining WisdomTree in 2024, he was the Managing Director at CORBU, LLC, leading the PolyMacro advisory product.

Christopher Gannatti began at WisdomTree as a Research Analyst in December 2010, working directly with Jeremy Schwartz, CFA®, Director of Research. In January of 2014, he was promoted to Associate Director of Research where he was responsible to lead different groups of analysts and strategists within the broader Research team at WisdomTree. In February of 2018, Christopher was promoted to Head of Research, Europe, where he was based out of WisdomTree’s London office and was responsible for the full WisdomTree research effort within the European market, as well as supporting the UCITs platform globally. In November 2021, Christopher was promoted to Global Head of Research, now responsible for numerous communications on investment strategy globally, particularly in the thematic equity space.

Jeff Weniger, CFA serves as Head of Equity Strategy at WisdomTree. In his role, Weniger helps to formulate the firm’s stock market outlook by assessing macro and fundamental trends. Prior to joining WisdomTree, he was Director, Senior Strategist at BMO, where he worked in the office of the CIO from 2006 to 2017. He served on the firm’s Asset Allocation Committee and co-managed the firm’s ETF model portfolios for both the U.S. and Canada. In 2013, at the age of 32, Jeff was chosen as the youngest member of BMO’s Global Investment Forum, which collected the firm’s top global strategists to formulate the firm’s official long-term outlook for investment trends and markets.

Follow Sam Rines on X: https://x.com/SamuelRines

Follow Chri Gannatti on X: https://x.com/cgannatti?lang=en

Follow Jeff Weniger on X: https://x.com/JeffWeniger

Wisdom Tree: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments

Show from 06/27/25

Host Jeremy Schwartz and Professor Siegel discuss the S&P 500 hitting new highs, positive developments from the NATO meetings, and the impact of Middle East dynamics on the markets. The Professor also weighs in on potential Fed moves, a slowing economy, and how firms might use AI to offset tariffs and labor costs. (11:10) Jeremy is joined by Warren Pies of 3Fourteen Research, along with Sam Ryans, Jeff Wenniger, and Chris Gannatti, to unpack second-half market outlooks, the fading oil risk premium, and opportunities in global equities. They cover the technical setup for stocks, the impact of tariffs and a weaker dollar on earnings, and how AI adoption and corporate governance trends could shape markets ahead.

Guest: Warren is an Energy Risk Professional – Certified by the Global Association of Risk Professionals. At 3Fourteen, Warren works closely with a team of analysts, data scientists, and developers whose expertise ranges from machine learning, time series analysis, and application development.

Samuel Rines is a Macro Strategist at WisdomTree, where he extends the firm's custom model portfolio management capabilities. Before joining WisdomTree in 2024, he was the Managing Director at CORBU, LLC, leading the PolyMacro advisory product.

Christopher Gannatti began at WisdomTree as a Research Analyst in December 2010, working directly with Jeremy Schwartz, CFA®, Director of Research. In January of 2014, he was promoted to Associate Director of Research where he was responsible to lead different groups of analysts and strategists within the broader Research team at WisdomTree. In February of 2018, Christopher was promoted to Head of Research, Europe, where he was based out of WisdomTree’s London office and was responsible for the full WisdomTree research effort within the European market, as well as supporting the UCITs platform globally. In November 2021, Christopher was promoted to Global Head of Research, now responsible for numerous communications on investment strategy globally, particularly in the thematic equity space.

Jeff Weniger, CFA serves as Head of Equity Strategy at WisdomTree. In his role, Weniger helps to formulate the firm’s stock market outlook by assessing macro and fundamental trends. Prior to joining WisdomTree, he was Director, Senior Strategist at BMO, where he worked in the office of the CIO from 2006 to 2017. He served on the firm’s Asset Allocation Committee and co-managed the firm’s ETF model portfolios for both the U.S. and Canada. In 2013, at the age of 32, Jeff was chosen as the youngest member of BMO’s Global Investment Forum, which collected the firm’s top global strategists to formulate the firm’s official long-term outlook for investment trends and markets.

Warren Pies on X: https://www.3fourteenresearch.com/about

3Fourteen Research: https://www.3fourteenresearch.com/about

Follow Sam Rines on X: https://x.com/SamuelRines

Follow Chri Gannatti on X: https://x.com/SamuelRines

Follow Jeff Weiniger on X: https://x.com/JeffWeniger

Wisdom Tree: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments

Show from 06/20/25

Host Jeremy Schwartz and Professor Siegel assess the Fed's latest policy posture, ongoing tariff impacts, and inflation expectations. The Professor critiques Powell’s stance on tariff-induced inflation, expresses concern over rising jobless claims and layoffs, and notes the Fed’s significant upcoming workforce reduction. He also discusses the subdued market response to Middle East tensions and his views on AI as a productivity offset. (31:41) Jeremy continues the show with Chris Gannatti, Sam Rines, and Jeff Weniger to explore the implications of geopolitical developments, especially the Israel-Iran conflict, on energy and markets. They dive into U.S. trade negotiations, Japan’s inflation dynamics, and emerging AI trends like robotics investment. The team rounds out the episode with discussions on gold’s valuation, currency positioning, and short-term market outlook.

Guest: Samuel Rines is a Macro Strategist at WisdomTree, where he extends the firm's custom model portfolio management capabilities. Before joining WisdomTree in 2024, he was the Managing Director at CORBU, LLC, leading the PolyMacro advisory product.

Christopher Gannatti began at WisdomTree as a Research Analyst in December 2010, working directly with Jeremy Schwartz, CFA®, Director of Research. In January of 2014, he was promoted to Associate Director of Research where he was responsible to lead different groups of analysts and strategists within the broader Research team at WisdomTree. In February of 2018, Christopher was promoted to Head of Research, Europe, where he was based out of WisdomTree’s London office and was responsible for the full WisdomTree research effort within the European market, as well as supporting the UCITs platform globally. In November 2021, Christopher was promoted to Global Head of Research, now responsible for numerous communications on investment strategy globally, particularly in the thematic equity space.

Jeff Weniger, CFA serves as Head of Equity Strategy at WisdomTree. In his role, Weniger helps to formulate the firm’s stock market outlook by assessing macro and fundamental trends. Prior to joining WisdomTree, he was Director, Senior Strategist at BMO, where he worked in the office of the CIO from 2006 to 2017. He served on the firm’s Asset Allocation Committee and co-managed the firm’s ETF model portfolios for both the U.S. and Canada. In 2013, at the age of 32, Jeff was chosen as the youngest member of BMO’s Global Investment Forum, which collected the firm’s top global strategists to formulate the firm’s official long-term outlook for investment trends and markets.

Follow Sam Rines on X: https://x.com/SamuelRines

Follow Chri Gannatti on X: https://x.com/SamuelRines

Follow Jeff Weiniger on X: https://x.com/JeffWeniger

Wisdom Tree: https://www.wisdomtree.com/investments