Forward Guidance
Podcast

Forward Guidance

by Blockworks

108 episodes

The laws of macro investing are being re-written, and investors who fail to adapt to the rapidly changing monetary environment will struggle to keep pace. Felix Jauvin interviews the brightest minds in finance about which asset classes they think will thrive in the financial future that they envision. Follow Felix: https://twitter.com/fejau_inc Follow Forward Guidance: https://twitter.com/ForwardGuidance  Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForwardGuidanceBW Follow Blockworks: https://twitter.com/Blockworks_ Forward Guidance Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/forwardguidance Forward Guidance Telegram: https://t.me/+nSVVTQITWSdiYTIx
Ask about Forward GuidanceAnswers are grounded in this source's posts from the last 30 days.

Recent Posts

108 posts
The Fed Is Irrelevant While CapEx Runs The Economy | Weekly Roundup

Investors should look beyond chips like NVIDIA (NVDA) and focus on "second derivative" AI plays, specifically companies providing data center cooling, electrical infrastructure, and plumbing. While Intel (INTC) signals a broadening semiconductor recovery, exercise caution with short-term leverage as high retail sentiment suggests a potential market "washout" is imminent. Monitor the USD/JPY exchange rate closely; a break above the 160 level could trigger a significant capital repatriation and a peak for the NASDAQ. Hedge against inflation and geopolitical shocks by holding long-term Oil contracts, as the energy demands of AI and the "re-industrialization" of America create a secular bull case for energy. Finally, prioritize real estate and infrastructure investments in pro-growth jurisdictions like Texas and Florida, which are better positioned for data center expansion than traditional hubs like New York.

Markets Are Misreading A Late Cycle Liquidity Crunch | Michael Howell

As the global liquidity cycle enters the Speculation Phase, investors should prioritize cyclical value stocks, energy, and commodities which typically outperform late in the business cycle. Monitor the Gold-Oil Ratio for a potential catch-up trade in Oil, as rising energy prices often signal the final stage of economic expansion. Exercise caution with high-beta assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, as global liquidity trends suggest these assets may face headwinds over the next 13 weeks. Watch the Move Index (bond volatility) closely; a spike here serves as a primary signal to "pay back risk" and shift into a larger Cash position. Prepare for a "Bear Flattening" of the yield curve by readying a rotation into Government Bonds once the cycle transitions from speculation into the "Turbulence" phase.

Market Structure is Fueling an Inflation Trap | Weekly Roundup

Investors should prioritize AI Infrastructure, Gold, and Energy sectors to hedge against a structural shift where inflation remains "sticky" above a 2% floor. Avoid holding excess cash in this environment, as negative real yields are being used to intentionally erode debt, making growth assets and commodities more attractive. Monitor the VVIX (volatility of the VIX) for spikes, as these often trigger systematic selling by volatility-targeting funds and signal entry or exit points. Be highly skeptical of consumer companies like Allbirds (BIRD) attempting "AI pivots," and instead focus on infrastructure plays like Credo (CRDO) that provide the physical "pipes" for compute power. Expect residential real estate to become a "dead asset" with stagnant appreciation for the next decade, shifting the investment focus toward productive tech and innovation sectors.

How the World’s Biggest Macro Hedge Funds Are Using AI | Jan Szilagyi

Investors should prepare for a significant long-term disinflationary trend driven by AI productivity gains, mirroring the internet boom of the late 1990s. In the commodities sector, monitor Crude Oil for a steep Contango structure, which serves as a high-conviction signal that cash prices have bottomed. Look for investment opportunities in Helium and physical infrastructure assets, as these are essential, supply-constrained components for the global semiconductor and data center build-out. Use AI-driven "Knowledge Graphs" to identify undervalued Brazilian sugar exporters that stand to benefit from potential shifts in U.S. sweetener policies. For institutional-grade exposure, focus on specialized "reasoning layer" platforms like Reflexivity that prioritize audited financial data over general-purpose models to avoid costly analytical errors.

Markets Are Trapped Between Geopolitical Chaos and AI Productivity Boom | Weekly Roundup

Investors should pivot away from broad index buying in the S&P 500 (SPY) and instead focus on high-conviction sectors like Semiconductors (SMH), which serve as a "safety trade" for AI growth. Within the chip sector, prioritize hardware and infrastructure providers like NVIDIA (NVDA) over big tech "hyperscalers" to capitalize on the massive supply-demand mismatch for GPUs. Conversely, reduce exposure to the Software Sector (IGV), as traditional SaaS models face technical breakdowns and disruption from AI automation. For a geopolitical and inflation hedge, consider Gold and junior miners, or look at longer-dated Oil futures (Dec 2026) as a value play on structural energy demand. Finally, monitor Bitcoin (BTC) as a leading indicator for global liquidity shifts, as it increasingly decouples from tech stocks to act as a monetary debasement hedge.

The Iran War is Accelerating the End of Globalism | Jacob Shapiro

Investors should prioritize U.S. Shale and Canadian Energy companies to capitalize on elevated oil and LNG prices expected to persist through 2026. With fertilizer application windows closing, buy producers of potash, phosphates, and nitrogen to hedge against inevitable food price spikes occurring in the next 6–9 months. For high-tech exposure, monitor helium and semiconductor supply chains, as prolonged conflict in the Strait of Hormuz threatens critical manufacturing inputs. Take a long-term position in "picks and shovels" for global electrification, specifically Copper, Lithium, and Grid Infrastructure, as the world shifts toward renewable energy. Focus regional allocations on the United States for its energy independence and Chile for its emerging potential in low-cost green energy production.

Why AI Will Reprice The Entire Economy | Jordi Visser

Investors should prioritize Bitcoin (BTC) as a primary growth asset, as it remains a "clean" play for capital rotation while traditional software valuation models break down. In the semiconductor space, Micron (MU) represents a high-conviction opportunity due to its low valuation and the massive supply-demand mismatch in DRAM memory. While NVIDIA (NVDA) remains a dominant hardware leader, investors should look to accumulate on dips during any near-term market corrections. Silver (XAG) is preferred over gold for long-term exposure to the AI and robotics arms race due to its critical industrial necessity in sensors and autonomous hardware. Conversely, exercise extreme caution with high-multiple software stocks like Microsoft (MSFT) and Adobe (ADBE), as their seat-based business models face disruption from AI agents.

Market Structure is Distorting Reality as Inflation Builds | Weekly Roundup

Investors should prioritize "real economy" assets like Commodities, Infrastructure, and Transportation over high-multiple software stocks as capital shifts toward scarce resources. Gold mining equities present a high-conviction "catch-up" trade, as their valuations remain historically low despite record cash flows and high bullion prices. While Nvidia (NVDA) and the Mag 7 may serve as temporary safe havens, the extreme valuation gap between Dow Transports and the QQQ suggests a major rotation into "old economy" stocks is imminent. Avoid long-term Bonds, which no longer provide portfolio protection, and consider holding Cash tactically to navigate high volatility and potential currency breaks in the Yen (JPY). Monitor Oil prices closely; while currently bullish for energy producers, a spike toward $150 would signal a shift toward global demand destruction and recession.

Fed Governor Miran on Why Inflation Fears Are Overstated

Investors should prioritize exposure to GPU manufacturers and data center infrastructure to capitalize on the AI-driven productivity boom that is pushing the neutral interest rate higher. The growth of stablecoins creates a persistent new buyer for U.S. Treasury bills, suggesting long-term downward pressure on borrowing costs as global dollar demand increases. Monitor the integration of stablecoins into the formal financial system through "skinny master accounts," a move that validates the sector and reduces counterparty risk for holders. Focus on Crypto, Fintech, and Energy sectors, as they are the primary beneficiaries of a deregulatory wave expected to lower production costs and suppress inflation. With the Federal Reserve aiming to move the funds rate toward a neutral target of 2.5% to 2.75%, the macro environment remains supportive for risk assets as long as the labor market stays stable.

The Fed Is Trapped As Oil Drives Inflation Higher | Weekly Roundup

Investors should consider hedging against broader market volatility by rotating into Energy and Agricultural Commodities, as rising fuel and fertilizer costs create a bullish setup for grains, corn, and wheat. Brent Crude remains a high-conviction play near $100, with further upside potential if supply disruptions persist in the Strait of Hormuz. Conversely, maintain a bearish outlook on the S&P 500 and NASDAQ (QQQ), as high interest rates and energy-driven inflation continue to suppress equity multiples and squeeze small-business margins. While Gold and Bitcoin (BTC) face short-term liquidity headwinds, they remain essential long-term holds for a "debasement trade" once central banks are eventually forced to provide market liquidity. Monitor the commercial banking sector for a shift toward credit expansion, which may replace Federal Reserve action as the primary driver of future market liquidity.

AI Will Drive The Biggest Boom In History | Raoul Pal

Investors should prioritize high-throughput blockchains like Solana (SOL) and Sui (SUI), which are positioned to serve as the primary payment rails for billions of autonomous AI agents performing micro-transactions. For direct exposure to the AI compute economy, Bittensor (TAO) remains a high-conviction play as decentralized intelligence becomes a global commodity. In the physical sector, Tesla and other robotics leaders represent the "horizontal winners" as they integrate AGI into humanoid bodies to redefine global productivity. To power this massive compute expansion, investors should build positions in the nuclear energy supply chain and natural gas infrastructure, which will act as the backbone for next-generation data centers. Finally, maintain a bullish stance on "long duration" assets like Tech and Crypto, as global liquidity is expected to rise to fund the AI revolution while preventing significant market drawdowns.

Investor Relations in the Onchain Era

Maintain Bitcoin (BTC) as your core crypto holding, as it remains the primary beneficiary of institutional capital and avoids the massive dilution currently devaluing the broader altcoin market. Shift your altcoin strategy from broad market exposure to specific "Alpha" plays by prioritizing protocols like BNB Chain (BNB) and Jito (JTO) that are adopting standardized investor relations and transparent financial reporting. Avoid projects with high Fully Diluted Valuations (FDV) and aggressive token emission schedules, as these factors are the primary drivers behind the 80% price decline seen in average tokens since 2021. Focus on assets that demonstrate clear value accrual mechanics, where on-chain revenue directly benefits token holders rather than just increasing network activity. Monitor the launch of dedicated investor portals and real-time auditing tools over the next 24 months to identify which projects will successfully attract "sticky" institutional capital.

Escalating Energy Shock Exposing Central Bank Limits | Weekly Roundup

Investors should prioritize U.S. Natural Gas and Coal equities to capitalize on a multi-year global supply deficit caused by infrastructure damage in Qatar. Consider long positions in agricultural commodities like Corn, Sugar, and Wheat, which serve as a strategic hedge against rising energy and fertilizer costs. Given the structural energy shocks in Europe and Asia, traders should look to short international indices such as the Stoxx 600, Nikkei, or KOSPI over the S&P 500. Maintain a cautious stance on the NASDAQ and Mag 7 tech leaders as the market enters an "earnings blackout" period through April, removing the support of corporate buybacks. Expect interest rates to remain "higher for longer," making Gold an attractive play if potential U.S. export bans weaken the USD.

The Macro Chain Reaction of Oil Shocks | Bob Elliott

Investors should consider increasing exposure to Crude Oil (WTI/Brent) and broad Commodities, as current market pricing underestimates the duration of supply shocks and the potential for prices to remain 40% higher through year-end. Avoid betting on interest rate cuts and remain bearish on U.S. Treasuries, as the 10-year yield likely needs to reach the 5% range to combat energy-driven inflation. Prioritize U.S. Equities and the U.S. Dollar (USD) over energy-importing markets like Japan and Europe, which face significant economic drags from rising fuel costs. Be cautious with Gold, as it may face selling pressure if rising bond yields and a strengthening dollar trigger a general liquidation of financial assets. Monitor the U.S. Personal Savings Rate closely; a sudden rise in savings alongside high oil prices would signal a transition toward a rapid recession.

Why the Oil Shock Could Trigger a Global Recession | Weekly Roundup

Investors should prepare for a "perfect storm" of high energy costs and geopolitical instability by rotating out of high-multiple tech stocks and into defensive staples like Walmart (WMT) and Costco (COST). With Oil crossing $100, expect imminent demand destruction and a "violent" rally in the U.S. Dollar (DXY) as energy-short regions like Europe and Asia face recessionary pressure. Agricultural commodities including Wheat, Soybeans, Corn, and Sugar offer high-potential upside as they typically follow energy prices with a lag and are currently primed for a short squeeze. Avoid long-term U.S. Treasuries, which are failing as a "flight to safety" asset and may face further selling pressure from foreign nations needing to fund energy imports. Exercise extreme caution with the Russell 2000 (IWM), as small-cap companies are most vulnerable to the collapse in discretionary spending caused by rising food and fuel prices.

The Global Economy Is Splitting Into Spheres | Eric Wallerstein

Investors should prioritize Latin American markets like Brazil, Mexico, and Chile, which are poised to benefit from near-shoring and a transition to digital fintech. You can capitalize on global volatility by buying LATAM assets while simultaneously shorting European cyclicals, specifically Autos and Industrials, which face severe energy and growth headwinds. The U.S. Banking sector is a high-conviction play as a shift toward deregulation and a steepening yield curve allows commercial banks to increase lending and profitability. In the currency markets, look to fade the Euro (EUR) as structural economic deterioration outweighs temporary interest rate hikes. For long-term growth, focus on the physical infrastructure of AI, including data centers and power generation, which serves as a productivity "North Star" for the U.S. economy.

Is The Iran Energy Shock About To Break Markets? | Weekly Roundup

Avoid betting against the current spike in Crude Oil, as extreme volatility and supply disruptions in Middle Eastern LNG suggest prices may remain elevated longer than the market expects. Investors should favor U.S. Natural Gas exporters and domestic energy infrastructure over software stocks, as the market shifts focus from "bits" to "atoms." Reduce exposure to long-duration government bonds like TLT, which have lost their "safe-haven" status; instead, prioritize USD Cash or short-term liquidity to hedge against rising yields and geopolitical risk. Take profits on mega-cap tech "hyperscalers" and speculative AI "story stocks," as the sector faces valuation risks and massive capital expenditure requirements. Monitor Bitcoin (BTC) as a high-sensitivity liquidity gauge, but be prepared for short-term volatility if a strengthening U.S. Dollar continues to pressure global markets.

Introducing: Inflection Point | The Crypto-TradFi Convergence

Institutional adoption has reached a "fifth epoch" inflection point, making infrastructure providers like Coinbase (COIN) and Galaxy Digital (GLXY) high-conviction plays as they build the rails for tokenized assets. Investors should monitor Bitcoin (BTC) at the $60,000 support level, where institutional buying remains strongest despite volatility being dampened by new ETF-based yield strategies. For exposure to the "tokenization of everything," look toward Aave (AAVE) and Uniswap (UNI), which are becoming the preferred decentralized protocols for giants like BlackRock and Apollo. The Real World Asset (RWA) sector is expected to accelerate over the next five years, favoring platforms that automate fund administration and displace traditional financial middlemen. Long-term allocators should prioritize protocols hosting on-chain credit and treasuries, as these systems offer superior yields and 24/7 liquidity compared to legacy banking.

The AI Productivity Boom Is Here | Luigi Buttiglione

Investors should prioritize US Equities over international markets, as the US remains the global leader in AI-driven productivity growth and high-quality human capital. Focus on Big Tech and service-sector firms benefiting from AI, but remain selective by avoiding companies with excessive leverage or declining free cash flow due to massive data center spending. Prepare for a "higher-for-longer" interest rate environment by underweighting long-term Treasury bonds, as rising productivity and potential Fed policy errors could push yields higher. Avoid European markets and the Euro, which currently function as value traps due to stagnant productivity, poor demographics, and rising political instability. To hedge against geopolitical supply shocks, monitor Energy (Oil and Gas) prices as a leading indicator for renewed inflation that could force central banks to hike rates unexpectedly.

AI Reratings & Growth Reacceleration Add Fuel To The Real Asset Rotation | Weekly Roundup

Consider avoiding the software sector, represented by the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV), due to significant disruption risk from new AI technologies that threaten high valuations. Instead, focus on owning real assets like gold, copper, and energy (XLE), which are the physical building blocks of the AI revolution. These assets are also poised to benefit from a reaccelerating US economy, making them a less crowded and potentially safer investment. This strategy favors buying the "picks and shovels" of the AI boom rather than the potentially overvalued tech equities. This positioning provides a hedge against both market uncertainty and currency debasement.