Show from 03/28/25

In this episode of Behind the Markets, host Jeremy Schwartz kicks off with an interview featuring Andreas Kern, CEO of WikiFolio, a unique German social trading platform that enables individuals to publish model portfolios and convert them into exchange-listed products. Kern discusses the recent sharp shift in investor behavior from U.S. equities to German mid-cap stocks, signaling growing confidence in European markets. He attributes this trend not only to valuation opportunities but also to cultural and structural differences in how Europeans and Americans approach risk, especially in relation to pension systems. Popular themes among German investors include defense and AI, with stocks like Rheinmetall and MercadoLibre topping portfolios. Kern also shares his ambition to bring WikiFolio to the U.S., positioning the platform as a democratizing force in asset management.

(15:00) The second half of the episode shifts to macroeconomic strategy with Kevin Flanagan, Sam Rines, and Jeremy discussing the implications of tariffs, interest rates, and fiscal policy. Sam breaks down how tariffs affect U.S. businesses and consumers, while Jeremy highlights Professor Siegel’s concerns that tariffs could hurt capital inflows and raise rates. With “Liberation Day” (April 2) expected to bring clarity on trade policy, the group analyzes market reactions and resilience, suggesting much of the impact may already be priced in. The conversation then broadens to long-term themes: the Fed’s reactionary role, global defense spending surges (especially in Europe), and Trump’s potential tax reforms, including zero taxes for middle-income earners and cracking down on offshore corporate shelters. The episode closes with speculation on how tariffs might serve not just as trade tools but as revenue generators in a shifting economic order.

Guest: Before founding wikifolio, Kern gained more than a decade of experience in the finance and payment industries, leading Paybox Austria GmbH to profitability and co-founding Payolution GmbH, which was later sold to Skrill/Moneybookers. He studied mathematics and computer science, holds a Master of Science in Innovation Management from Johannes Kepler Business School Linz, and is a trained exchange trader for futures and spot markets.

His vision for wikifolio remains clear: make professional-level trading strategies more accessible, transparent, and rewarding for all investors.

Follow Andreas Kern on X: https://twitter.com/AKE_Wikifolio/

More about Andreas: https://www.wikifolio.com/en/int/about-wikifolio/our-management

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

Follow Kevin Flanigan on X: https://x.com/kevinflanaganwt

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