Sosnoff / Ratigan - Truth or Skepticism from tastylive

We're all familiar with the pie-in-the-sky promises of political campaigns. There may be no greater oxymoron than, campaign promise. However, while the promises made aren't always kept, campaigns are the one time, every four years, where we have total freedom to explore even the most fringe ideas to address challenges to society. This year, we're hearing talk about capping prices on volatile necessities like groceries. Tune in as Tom and Dylan explore some of the out-of-the-box economic ideas being touted this election cycle.

On Tuesday, Starbucks stock soared 25% on the news it was hiring Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol. The news sent Chipotle lower by nearly 10%. The notional value of the two moves was worth billions of dollars. That's billions with a "B". Is one person, even the CEO, worth that much money to a company? Tune into this week's episode as Tom and Dylan discuss what a CEO is worth.

Who can explain why the market fell on Monday? What about how Kamala Harris became the nominee? People can't seem to move on without a reason as to why something happened. But do reasons always matter? On this week's podcast, Tom and Dylan discuss the need for reasons and if there always is a reason sufficient to satisfy everyone.

Paris is in the spotlight as host of this summer's Olympic and Paralympic games. Over the course of several weeks, countless spectators will visit Paris to watch the games and much of the rest of the world will tune in to watch. It's an amazing opportunity for Paris to show itself off. But is it worth it? The cost to build the facilities. The congestion of additional travelers. It's a substantial investment. Tune into this week's episode to hear Tom and Dylan discuss the Olympics and if hosting is worthwhile.

The events of the last week are enough to last a year. The biggest news was the change at the top of the ticket for Democrats. Was the reason for Biden dropping out so close to the election unforeseen? Or was it done for more nefarious reasons? On this week's episode, Dylan argues Democrats subverted the will of the people by replacing Biden with Harris. Tom, on the other hand, argues it was done out of necessity. This and more on this week's episode.

We haven't seen many heavy selling days this year, making today a bit of an outlier. The question is, what's causing the today's action? Is it as simple as profit taking in what's been a very strong market? Or, with the U.S. election getting closer, are we beginning to see the impact of politics in the market. As platforms and issues become more in focus, markets need to digest what the different outcomes could mean economically. On this week's episode, Tom and Dylan discuss what is behind today's move in the market and what role elections might be playing.

One could argue the country has never put forth two less desirable candidates for president. The divide in politics has never been more polarizing. Turn on any mainstream media and you'd think the end of the world is near. Yet stocks have made 36 new all-time highs this year. How does one rationalize that? Maybe the answer is that markets see something we don't. Tune into this week's episode as Tom and Dylan discuss the disconnect between politics and markets.

When does "talking your book" cross over into stock manipulation? On this week's podcast, Tom and Dylan discuss the recent price action in GameStop and whether or not, Keith Gill (better known as Roaring Kitty) manipulated the stock's price or simply found and exploited a market inefficiency. Does the situation need to be investigated simply to avoid the appearance of impropriety? After all, this situation is taking place at the same time a baseball player was suspended for life after betting a relatively nominal amount of money on games he likely was unable to affect the outcome of. Are we more concerned about baseball's reputation than that of the market? Tune in and find out.

A good job, marriage, 2.5 kids, house, car and a trip to Disneyworld. That was the American Dream. Is it still? Have the things we want out of life changed and with that, has the dream changed? That's fine if that's the case. The deeper question is, has the dream changed because the original dream isn't attainable? Or, has it changed because what we want has changed? This week, Tom and Dylan discuss the proverbial American Dream, what it is and if it's attainable.

We thought the chapter on meme stocks was complete. It was written off as people fed up with being stuck at home from Covid, taking their government checks and bidding up stocks no one was watching. Essentially, it was something that was unlikely to happen under any other circumstances. So, what brought it back this time? Tom and Dylan discuss meme stocks, what allowed them to happen the first time and what the most recent renewed interest might mean.

Tenure is unique to academia. Teachers are afforded protection once granted tenure so they can research and discuss topics that might otherwise jeopardize job security. However, there is an unintended consequence that needs addressing. That is, when teaching jobs are protected, does it end up keeping out fresh blood with new ideas? On this week's episode, Tom and Dylan discuss tenure and whether it functions as intended.

The FTC recently ruled noncompete agreements can no longer be used for employees making less than $151K in non-senior leadership roles. On this week's episode, Tom and Dylan debate noncompete agreements and if they should be used. Is there a case for companies using them after making an investment in an individual? Or does a noncompete just trap people in a job they don't want? Tune into this week's episode and hear Tom and Dylan's respective takes as well as discuss why fewer and fewer companies are opting to go public.

We're unique. Or maybe special is a better way of putting it. Unconventional. We take the other side of what the general public thinks, says or does. It's not just about trading, it's a way of approaching life. Does it offer any advantages? We aren't really sure but it works for us and it's gotten us this far. On this week's episode, Dylan challenges Tom's philosophical approach to trading and life. Also, frankendogs.

Was it a single shooter that killed Kennedy or were there more? What about the moon landing? Conspiracy theories have and always will exist. Improvements in technology mean even the most insane and destructive ideas can reach a wide audience and generate profits. Alex Jones is the poster child for that type of exploitation. At the same time, technology is what allows us to quickly disprove those types of people. On this week's episode, Tom and Dylan discuss conspiracy theories and how they play out in the market.

If Patrick Mahomes were told the most money he could make playing football is $1 million, would he quit? If a net worth limit were imposed, what would be the repercussions? There's an argument to be made that the pursuit of money has diminishing returns. It doesn't lead to greater happiness. It does create wealth inequality and inflation. A new socioeconomic theory is emerging that some sort of net worth limitation may improve society. Does the idea have merit? Tune in to hear Tom and Dylan debate the concept.

Last week, news was made when a quadriplegic man with a chip implanted in his brain allowed him to manipulate the chess pieces on a computer game. Moving the pieces on a chessboard are one thing, but the implications go far beyond games. The potential for what these chips can do is virtually unlimited. That may seem fantastic in some instances, but what are the implications? What kind of personal control would be sacrificed? Tune in this week as Tom and Dylan debate the future of human chipping.

'The Front Page of the Internet' and the potential strengths and drawbacks involved in Reddit's upcoming IPO. On this week's episode, Tom and Dylan debate being bullish on the 'the best social media app, pound-for-pound' and if it's justified bringing new players to the table.

For many college graduates, they enter the workforce and are unable to land a job related to their field of study. The jobs they end up with often pay less. Starting out earning less than their potential sets them on a lifetime path of under-earning relative to their potential. In many instances, these graduates are also saddled with student debt. It's fair to ask if the cost of a college degree is actually worth it. Tom and Dylan debate the value and necessity of a college degree on this week's episode

You have to take risk to make progress or be successful. One of the unique aspects of success in the business community is the reliance it creates. Companies like Facebook, Google and X are incredibly successful in the social media space. The bring a utility billions of people are using. The flip side to that is, if any one of those companies is hacked or goes down for some reason, the repercussions are exponential. It's single point of failure risk. Is that just a function of how success works or is it something deserving of more concern? Tom and Dylan debate that on this week's episode.

When politicians buy options or stock and those trades are profitable, it's natural to wonder if they are trading on non-public information and gaining an unfair advantage. Sure, there's an argument to be made legislators should trade so they understand markets. But if trading and understanding leads to the appearance of impropriety and a corrupt government, is it worth it? Tune into this week's episode to hear Tom and Dylan hash it out.

There is no place in life where being passive leads to success. Finance is no different. However, there are plenty of people out there who will tell you different. Who will tell you it's too hard. Who will tell you financial media is going to hurt your finances. The truth is a little different because at a minimum, financial media generates engagement. It leads to discussion and hopefully, further learning. Tom and Dylan discuss the role of financial media on this week's episode.

Artificial intelligence is improving at a pace we can no longer really control. It's evolution on steroids. Today, there are companies that can use publicly available information to replicate your thoughts. Want to have dinner with John Kennedy? No problem. Want to know what Abraham Lincoln thinks about the state of our politics? Just ask. But what about when replications are used to manipulate? This week, Tom and Dylan discuss the future of AI and if it's a positive development or a threat.

Tom Sosnoff and Dylan Ratigan dissect Elon Musk's recent legal tussle, in which he sought a hefty share compensation from the Tesla board, a request promptly dismissed by a discerning judge. Despite their typical pro-innovator stance, Tom and Dylan agree with the judicial decision. Delve into this episode of Truth or Skepticism to unravel their compelling rationale.

There's a perception out there that individual self-directed investors need to be protected from themselves. Take the recent bitcoin ETFs. Mainstream media is saying individual investors got left holding the bag. But did they? The truth is investors have been long bitcoin for year and used the ETF launches to take profits. Also this week, are regulations simply a derivative of bull and bear markets? Calls for more regulations always come in bear markets. In bull markets, no one wants more regulation but regulations don't have a material effect on bull markets. This week, Tom and Dylan cover bitcoin and regulations.

If you invest in a company because you believe in the founder, are you investing in a company or are you investing in the person? Take it a step further. Imagine that founder comes back and says they have another business idea and want more money or else they'll develop the new business on the side. Is that blackmail or is it a fair ask? That's the current situation with Tesla and Elon Musk. Elon is asking for a new compensation package, otherwise he's going to develop some of his other business ideas, like AI, outside the ecosystem of Tesla. On this week's episode, Tom and Dylan discuss whether Elon is setting a dangerous precedent or if he's entitled to ask for greater compensation.

Is social media really a threat or is it just a scapegoat? Each generation thinks the next generation is being dumbed down by media consumption. Social media is the most recent battlefield. There is evidence that social media is addictive and has the ability to affect decision making as a result of curated feeds. On this week's episode Tom argues social media is no more a threat than television. Dylan has a different take. This and more on this week's Truth or Skepticism.

We all like a good story. There's nothing wrong with that. However, when we trust the story at the expense of the facts, we have a problem. Markets are the ultimate deciders. The information available in a liquid marketplace ultimately gets parsed down, resulting in prices reflective of true value. Outside of the market; however, facts have become disputable. When that happens, it becomes hard to value anything. Check out this week's episode to hear Tom and Dylan discuss the role of facts in the marketplace and beyond.

We're in the midst of a transformative era of personal finance. Whether it's sports betting, crypto, or equity and futures markets, self-directed retail investors are more engaged than ever. Members of the old guard, like Charlie Munger, are passing away after decades long careers that allowed them to achieve guru-like status. The question becomes, who steps into the spotlight once occupied by the Charlie Munger's and Jack Bogel's of the world? Or should the question we ask be, does anyone need to step into the spotlight? On this week's episode, Tom and Dylan discuss the passing of Charlie Munger and if this represents a tipping point where technology and math replace investing gurus.

In a recent Bloomberg column, a startling revelation emerged: Financial institutions now generate a staggering 90% of their new revenue from asset price increases, rather than from attracting fresh clients. The truth is becoming clear – most financial institutions are heavily reliant on the significant 10% of their clients for a whopping 90% of their revenue. Join us this week on "Truth or Skepticism" for an exclusive inside look into how the finance industry is undergoing a profound transformation, breaking away from traditional norms. Discover the seismic shifts that are redefining the landscape of finance

Why are bonds down so much this year when stocks are up? If they're both looking at the same world, you would think they would trade similarly. On this week's episode, Dylan asks Tom to explain the discrepancy. Tune in to hear Tom's explanation and why he thinks Dylan is a victim of the types of questions old men ask.

The most common reason we hear about people being passive investors is fear of risk. Risk of the unknown. However, we've dedicated our professional careers demonstrating outlier risk rarely happens and even when it does hit, markets absorb and recover almost immediately. War. Pandemic. Markets have a resiliency that's a function of their efficiency. The only real threat anymore is size. Sizing inappropriately isn't risk, it's a self-inflected wound. Tune into this week's episode as Tom and Dylan discuss how market efficiency has made it possible to absorb any outlier risk

Scan a handful of newspaper headlines and you might thing the world is worse off than it's ever been. Now look at a chart of the stock market over the last 9 months and you'll have a different takeaway. On this week's episode Tom admits to being "public" and wrong about what the market truly reflects. Also, in light of the strikes in the auto industry, is the private sector actually more efficient than government?

If you have a set of unique talents, there's no better time to look for a job or ask for better compensation than at a time when the labor pool is nearly empty. Unemployment is well below 4% and the number of people seeking jobs is small. Should we really be surprised labor unions are threatening to strike or already striking? Also, what's driving the DOJ's pursuit of Google? Is it because they really feel they have a case or is it just a stickup? All this and more on this week's episode.

We're seeing governments intervening in markets on multiple continents. In China, state employees have been banned from using foreign mobile phones. In Europe, the EU enacted new regulations with hopes of spurring competition. Are these moves out of desperation or just low hanging fruit for regulators looking to say they're fighting for the little guy? Tom and Dylan discuss this and more on this week's episode.

If financial institutions had a three strike rule, Wells Fargo would have been out a long time ago. The bank is back in the news this week after being fined yet again. Financial reprimands haven't worked thus far. The question becomes, when do regulators threaten to shut down the bank? On this week's podcast, Tom and Dylan take a look at the situation with Wells Fargo, the impact of just a handful of stocks on the broader market and what the price of bitcoin might imply.

The housing crises of 2008 was in large part caused by mortgage lenders approving loans to people they knew couldn't afford them. The lenders then turned around and sold those mortgages to investors in the form of securities. Lenders made money underwriting and money selling securities. But when borrowers defaulted, lenders faced no risk. They had no skin in the game. On this week's episode, Tom and Dylan discuss the necessity of having skin in the game and how that creates accountability.

There's a financial graveyard of fund managers who made a right call on the market which paid off huge. Maybe it was the housing crisis. Maybe it was the dot com bubble. When it comes to finance, rock star status can be attained with just one right call. It doesn't matter if the last right call you made was the 1987 crash. Do it once and suddenly, you're assumed "to know." In truth, no one knows anything. Markets are random. But we want to believe someone knows so we can turn our money over to them and feel safe. What drives this and why do we treat people who only made one right call in their career like oracles? Tom and Dylan discuss this and more.

A basic tasty tenant is to put time on your side. Trade small, give yourself time to be right, and recognize that markets are random. Dylan Ratigan wants to understand an irony in that sentiment. Tom has taken big and seemingly risky shots. Is there a flaw in tasty's core tenants? Tom gives some nuance on this week's episode of Truth or Skepticism.