Fantasy vs Fundamentals: Emerging Markets, Global Tech, & the Return of EM Leadership
In this episode of Lead Lag Live, I sit down with Brendan Ahern, Chief Investment Officer at KraneShares, to break down the renewed momentum behind emerging markets and the forces driving performance across global tech and e commerce.From valuation gaps and dollar depreciation to sector leadership shifts, Ahern shares how EM growth factors and specifically the KEMQ ETF are positioned to benefit from a structural rebalancing away from overstretched US valuations.In this episode:– Why emerging markets are regaining leadership after a decade of underperformance– How tech and e commerce have reshaped the EM index composition– The valuation divergence between US tech and EM tech– Why ADR volatility distorts fundamentals and why local shares matter– How investors should size EM exposure and position KEMQ in a portfolioLead Lag Live brings you inside conversations with the financial thinkers who shape markets. Subscribe for interviews that go deeper than the noise.#LeadLagLive #EmergingMarkets #KraneShares #GlobalTech #KEMQStart your adventure with TableTalk Friday: A D&D Podcast at the link below or wherever you get your podcasts!Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgB6B-mAeWlPM9KzGJ2O4cU0-m5lO0lkr&si=W_-jLsiREjyAIgEsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/75YJ921WGQqUtwxRT71UQB?si=4R6kaAYOTtO2V Support the show
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China’s Turning Point: Brendan Ahern on AI, Cloud Growth, and the Global Rebalance Into KWEB
n this episode of Lead-Lag Live, I sit down with Brendan Ahern, Chief Investment Officer at KraneShares, to break down the pivotal shift happening inside China’s equity markets. A Trump–Xi truce, policy stabilization, and a surge in cloud and AI revenues are driving fresh optimism into Chinese tech — and Brendan explains why global investors are quietly reallocating back into KWEB.From improving CPI and government action on involution to cloud-driven AI monetization, semiconductor risks, and the new wave of international inflows, Brendan lays out the forces reshaping China’s market narrative after years of pessimism.In this episode:– Why China’s cloud and AI revenue growth is outpacing expectations– How anti-involution policy is stabilizing competition and lifting margins– Why global investors — especially Europe and Asia — are rotating back into China– Where KWEB sees opportunity across online video, entertainment, and emerging tech– Why semiconductor valuations demand caution despite the broader tech rebound– How the Trump–Xi détente may open the door to further policy normalizationLead-Lag Live brings you inside conversations with the financial thinkers who shape markets. Subscribe for interviews that go deeper than the noise.#LeadLagLive #KWEB #KraneShares #ChinaTech #AI #EmergingMarkets #Investing #MarketsStart your adventure with TableTalk Friday: A D&D Podcast at the link below or wherever you get your podcasts!Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgB6B-mAeWlPM9KzGJ2O4cU0-m5lO0lkr&si=W_-jLsiREjyAIgEsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/75YJ921WGQqUtwxRT71UQB?si=4R6kaAYOTtO2V Support the show
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18:46
The Perfect Storm: Si Katara on Daily Overlays, Volatility, and the Future of Income ETFs
In this episode of Lead-Lag Live, I sit down once again with Si Katara, Founder and CEO of TappAlpha, to dive deeper into how daily option overlays are redefining the balance between growth, income, and risk management.Since our last conversation, markets have shifted fast. AI valuations have cooled, volatility has returned, and investors are rethinking how to generate income without sacrificing upside. Si shares how TappAlpha’s TSPY and TDAQ ETFs are thriving in this environment, giving advisors and investors precision, flexibility, and true control over their equity exposure.In this episode:– Why volatility-based income is replacing bond-based income as rates fall– How daily options overlays outperform traditional 30-day strategies– The “pilot course correction” analogy that defines TappAlpha’s edge– What makes TSPY and TDAQ fundamentally different from other covered call ETFs– How TappAlpha is scaling to new products, including light-levered and weekly-pay ETFsLead-Lag Live brings you inside conversations with the financial thinkers who shape markets. Subscribe for interviews that go deeper than the noise.Start your adventure with TableTalk Friday: A D&D Podcast at the link below or wherever you get your podcasts!Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgB6B-mAeWlPM9KzGJ2O4cU0-m5lO0lkr&si=W_-jLsiREjyAIgEsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/75YJ921WGQqUtwxRT71UQB?si=4R6kaAYOTtO2V Support the show
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AI Boom or Bubble? Jay Hatfield on What’s Next for Stocks, Small Caps & The Fed
In this episode of Lead-Lag Live, host Melanie Schaffer sits down with Jay Hatfield, CEO of Infrastructure Capital Advisors, to unpack the market’s next chapter. From AI valuations and small-cap opportunities to rate cuts and dividend ETFs, Jay breaks down where he’s seeing risk and reward as we head into 2025 and 2026.Topics covered:• AI and the “Magnificent 8” valuations• The Fed’s next moves and rate outlook• Why small caps and value may shine in 2026• Dividend income ideas: ICAP, SCAP, PFFA• Where investors are getting the narrative wrongLead-Lag Live brings you inside conversations with the financial thinkers who shape markets. Subscribe for interviews that go deeper than the noise.#MarketOutlook #InvestingInsights #StockMarket2025 #EconomicOutlook #InterestRates #FedPolicy #leadlaglive #jayhatfieldStart your adventure with TableTalk Friday: A D&D Podcast at the link below or wherever you get your podcasts!Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgB6B-mAeWlPM9KzGJ2O4cU0-m5lO0lkr&si=W_-jLsiREjyAIgEsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/75YJ921WGQqUtwxRT71UQB?si=4R6kaAYOTtO2V Support the show
In this exclusive conversation, Michael Gayed, founder of The Lead-Lag Report, sits down with Will Rhind, CEO of GraniteShares, to discuss the booming demand for options-based income ETFs like YieldBoost — funds generating 50% to 150% annual yields through innovative option strategies.They unpack:- Why rates are headed lower (and what it means for investors)- How YieldBoost ETFs work and generate high income- The truth about NAV erosion and downside protection- What a diversified income portfolio could look like in 2025- How investors are rethinking “safe yield” in a new market eraLead-Lag Live brings you inside conversations with the financial thinkers who shape markets. Subscribe for interviews that go deeper than the noise.#YieldInvesting #OptionsIncome #ETFs #HighYield #Investing #Finance #LeadLagReport #GraniteSharesCompleted Thumbnail (KseniyaStart your adventure with TableTalk Friday: A D&D Podcast at the link below or wherever you get your podcasts!Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgB6B-mAeWlPM9KzGJ2O4cU0-m5lO0lkr&si=W_-jLsiREjyAIgEsSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/75YJ921WGQqUtwxRT71UQB?si=4R6kaAYOTtO2V Sign up to The Lead-Lag Report on Substack and get 30% off the annual subscription today by visiting http://theleadlag.report/leadlaglive. Support the show
Welcome to the Lead-Lag Live podcast, where we bring you live unscripted conversations with thought leaders in the world of finance, economics, and investing. Hosted by Melanie Schaffer each episode dives deep into the minds of industry experts to discuss current market trends, investment strategies, and the global economic landscape.In this exciting series, you'll have the rare opportunity to join Melanie Schaffer as she connects with prominent thought leaders for captivating discussions in real-time. The Lead-Lag Live podcast aims to provide valuable insights, analysis, and actionable advice for investors and financial professionals alike.As a dedicated listener, you can expect to hear from renowned financial experts, best-selling authors, and market strategists as they share their wealth of knowledge and experience. With a focus on topical issues and their potential impact on financial markets, these live unscripted conversations will ensure that you stay informed and ahead of the curve.Subscribe to the Lead-Lag Live podcast and follow @leadlagmedia on X to stay updated on upcoming live conversations and to gain exclusive access to a treasure trove of financial wisdom. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from the best and brightest minds in the business.Join us on this journey as we explore the complex world of finance and investments, one live unscripted conversation at a time. Be sure to like, comment, and share the Lead-Lag Live podcast with your network to help others discover these invaluable insights.Stay tuned for the latest episode of the Lead-Lag Live podcast, and remember to turn on notifications so you never miss a live conversation with your favorite thought leaders. Happy listening!
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