Investors have an endless supply of things to worry about simply because we know more about the markets than previous generations of investors. The massive growth of technology stocks over the past decade or so gives many investors pause about how this impacts the market structure. In this piece I wrote for Fortune I look…
Ben Carlson
Talk Your Book: Small & Mid Cap Growth Stock Investing
Today’s Animal Spirits: Talk Your Book is presented by Conestoga Capital Advisors: We discuss: Why are small and mid-cap growth stocks so overlooked? The importance of quality when looking for smaller growth stocks The difference between small and large public companies How to pick stocks from a universe fo 2,500 companies More important: sticking to…
Markets Have ALWAYS Been Rigged, Broken & Manipulated
Every year the entire global financial system avoids complete and utter collapse the chorus of anger grows louder from a subset of people who claim markets are some combination of broken, rigged and manipulated. Markets are untethered from fundamentals and nothing more than a casino. Central bank intervention, massive stock buyback programs, the rise of…
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early With Rates So Low?
The pros and cons of paying off your mortgage early with interest rates at or near generational lows.
A Short History of Advertising
From newspapers to radio to television to Don Draper to social media and beyond. How advertising shapes our perceptions.
Animal Spirits: What Makes People Happier Than Money
This week’s Animal Spirits with Michael & Ben is supported by YCharts: Mention Animal Spirits and receive 20% off your subscription price when you initially sign up for the service. We discuss: Why is wealth inequality getting so out of control? Will the next stock market crash only hurt the rich? Why the middle class has so much…
The Biggest Problem in Finance?
The rich have their wealth in financial assets while the middle class has their wealth in their home.
A Random Watch Down Wall Street: Margin Call
On this edition of our favorite finance movies, we re-watched Margin Call, the fictionalized version of an investment bank during the 2008 financial crisis. Listen here: Scenes mentioned: Books mentioned: A Colossal Failure of Common Sense by Lawrence McDonald Contact us at animalspiritspod@gmail.com with any feedback, recommendations, or questions. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Check out…
Some Lessons From 92 Years of Market Return Data
Historical returns for stocks, bonds, and cash.
The Biggest Wealth Levers
Wealth is a subjective thing because there are so many variables that impact a person’s finances. And the yardsticks for wealth are often misleading. Sure, there are plenty of people out there who drive the best cars and have amazing homes who also have loaded investment portfolios. Yet there are also those who are in…
