Forward Guidance
Podcast

Forward Guidance

by Blockworks

93 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

93 posts
Crypto's Biggest Liquidation, DAT Strategies, & The Purification Trade | Jeff Park

The primary investment thesis is the long-term "Purification Trade," which involves buying hard assets like Gold and Bitcoin to protect against currency debasement. Investors should build their portfolio foundation with Bitcoin (BTC), viewing it as a higher-quality asset poised to benefit from capital rotating out of riskier altcoins. Alongside Bitcoin, consider holding Gold as a core position, as its scarcity and strong performance signal a major, multi-year trend is underway. For equity-based crypto exposure, research Digital Asset Treasuries (DATs) like MicroStrategy (MSTR), which may offer advantages over passive ETFs. Finally, exercise extreme caution with altcoins and avoid using leverage or perpetual futures, which are designed for professionals.

The Ingredients Are in Place for a Blow-Off Top | Weekly Roundup

Consider exposure to the ongoing AI investment boom through semiconductor stocks like AMD and NVIDIA, or a diversified ETF such as SMH. For a long-term play on currency debasement, gold mining stocks are highlighted for their strong free cash flow and potential for significant capital inflows. As a higher-volatility alternative to gold, Bitcoin (BTC) is positioned to benefit from a risk-on environment and potential capital rotation from the precious metal. A newly bullish case for Ethereum (ETH) is emerging, driven by significant corporate treasury purchases from firms like Bitmainer (BMNR), which could absorb supply and drive prices higher. These opportunities exist within a broader bullish market outlook, with analysts expecting a strong rally driven by future Fed rate cuts, government spending, and the AI boom.

The Recession Has Already Started | George Robertson

A recession may have already begun due to significant fiscal tightening, making it a dangerous time to be invested in stocks. Investors should consider reducing exposure to the broader market, as the S&P 500 is vulnerable to a sharp and imminent decline. Be cautious with sentiment-driven leaders like NVIDIA (NVDA) and Bitcoin (BTC), whose rallies are masking underlying economic weakness. Companies like Ford (F) are already reporting significant negative earnings impacts from tariffs, signaling broader industrial risk. For experienced investors, purchasing long-dated put options on the S&P 500 is a potential strategy to hedge against this downturn.

This Bull Market Has Legs | Weekly Roundup

Analysts are bullish on Bitcoin (BTC), viewing its recent dip as a prime buying opportunity and expecting it to outperform Gold. For equity exposure, consider rotating into small-cap stocks through the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM), which is showing a bullish multi-year chart pattern suggesting a major breakout is near. To maintain participation in

Emerging Markets, Stablecoins & Why You Should Look Beyond the U.S. | Amy Oldenburg

Consider diversifying from U.S. stocks into Emerging Markets, which could benefit significantly from a weakening U.S. dollar. After a recent 40% rally, investors are revisiting China for its leadership in key sectors like Electric Vehicles (EVs) and robotics. To capitalize on the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) trend, investors can gain exposure to the underlying hardware that powers it. For broad exposure to the entire chip industry, consider the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). For a more targeted investment in high-margin chip design, the VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) is an option.

Economic Reacceleration or Growth Scare? | Weekly Roundup

Consider owning gold as a core holding to protect against currency debasement, as central banks continue to be strong buyers of the metal. Analysts are also bullish on commodities, specifically noting that oil appears poised to move significantly higher and could reignite inflation. A contrarian opportunity may exist in the US Dollar (DXY), where massive short positioning could trigger a powerful rally from a short squeeze. Investors should be cautious with the real estate sector, particularly Commercial Real Estate, which is showing clear signs of a generational decline. Given the extreme concentration risk in the S&P 500, diversifying into these real assets and alternative ideas is a key strategy.

Inevitable Money Printing Will Drive A “Debt Doom Loop” | Arthur Hayes

Given the long-term expectation of currency debasement, consider holding Bitcoin (BTC) as a primary hedge and ignore short-term price consolidation. For a high-conviction play within DeFi, look into Ethena (ENA), a synthetic dollar project designed to be independent of the traditional banking system. Exercise caution with the Perpetual DEX sector, particularly Hyperliquid, due to intense fee competition and a large token unlock expected in the next two months. Avoid investing in new stablecoin projects, as they are unlikely to succeed against established players without a massive distribution channel. To gain exposure to the foundational AI trend, consider broad semiconductor ETFs like the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH).

Winners & Losers After The Fed’s Dovish Pivot | Weekly Roundup

Consider rotating from large-cap tech into small-cap stocks, as the IWM ETF is showing signs of a major breakout and is expected to lead the next market rally. Gold is presented as a foundational, low-volatility holding, supported by central bank buying and long-term currency devaluation trends. While also bullish, Bitcoin (BTC) is considered a higher-risk asset that historically follows Gold's lead. Extreme concentration in mega-cap "Mag Seven" stocks is viewed as a significant risk, making it a dangerous area for new investment. Specifically, be cautious with NVIDIA (NVDA), as its use of stock for acquisitions and a poor technical chart are seen as major red flags.

Energy & Trade Wars Are Rewriting the World Order | Helen Thompson

For broad exposure to the critical semiconductor industry, consider the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH), or for a more targeted play on the innovators behind the AI boom, look at the VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX). The long-term outlook for oil and gas is bullish due to rising demand and underinvestment, creating opportunities for producers with assets in the Western Hemisphere. Given fiscal constraints in Europe, US defense contractors represent a more reliable investment to capitalize on increased global defense spending. Holding gold is a prudent strategy to diversify your portfolio and hedge against geopolitical uncertainty. Finally, avoid betting against the US dollar, as its foundational role in the global financial system remains secure for the foreseeable future.

The Data Is Screaming Two-Speed Economy | Weekly Roundup

The AI and data center capital expenditure boom remains the market's primary driver, with ETFs like the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) offering broad exposure to this powerful theme. Consider owning Gold as a crucial hedge against expected central bank rate cuts and continued high government spending, which could devalue currencies. Small-Cap stocks appear to be stabilizing and could be poised for a recovery as the Federal Reserve begins its easing cycle, potentially benefiting from lower borrowing costs. For diversification, look towards emerging markets like Mexico and Vietnam, which are currently showing very strong performance. In this environment, long-term U.S. Treasury bonds are viewed as an unattractive investment due to persistent inflation risks and high government debt.

Former Barclays CEO’s Big Bet on Hyperliquid’s Explosive Growth |  Bob Diamond & David Schamis

To invest in the rapidly growing decentralized exchange Hyperliquid, U.S. investors can look to the upcoming NASDAQ-listed company, Hyperliquid Strategies, Inc., which is designed to hold the HYPE token. The platform's significant cash flow is used to buy back HYPE tokens daily, directly linking its revenue to the token's value. For broad exposure to the AI and semiconductor theme, consider the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). Alternatively, the VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) offers more targeted exposure to chip design innovators. For a foundational digital asset holding, investors can gain exposure to Bitcoin (BTC) through a spot Bitcoin ETF or by purchasing it directly on an exchange like Coinbase.

The Fed Is Cornered By Stagflation After Jobs Collapse | Weekly Roundup

Consider gold a core investment to hedge against currency debasement and a potential economic slowdown, with some analysts citing a $5,000 price target. For the purest exposure, favor physical gold over gold mining stocks to avoid the additional risks of the equity market. Avoid buying broad market indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq at current levels due to high valuations and significant concentration risk. Be particularly cautious with NVIDIA (NVDA), as a sharp price decline is anticipated which could negatively impact the entire market. Long-term investors may find opportunities in digital assets as institutional adoption from firms like BlackRock signals a structural shift in the asset class.

Why Everyone Keeps Misreading The New Macro Regime | Ben Kizemchuk

Invest in the long-term AI and data center boom through broad semiconductor ETFs like VanEck's SMH or the more targeted VanEck SMHX. Treat the Magnificent 7 technology stocks as core, systemically important holdings, as their high valuations may be justified by their unique market position. Consider adding exposure to hard assets like gold and gold mining companies as a hedge against inflation and fiat currency debasement. It is strongly advised to avoid government bonds and fixed-income assets, which are expected to deliver negative real returns in the current environment. This strategy favors owning productive technology and scarce hard assets over traditional fixed income.

The Post-Summer Market Rotation is Here | Weekly Roundup

Consider a rotation from large-cap tech into small-cap stocks via the IWM ETF, as the ratio between the two is at a 20-year low similar to the dot-com bust. With Gold appearing ready to break out to all-time highs, it may serve as a crucial hedge against inflation and a weakening dollar. For leveraged exposure to this trend, gold mining stocks are in a sweet spot with high margins and healthy balance sheets, presenting a prime buying opportunity. The massive AI capital expenditure cycle can be accessed through semiconductor ETFs like SMH for broad exposure or SMHX for fabless innovators. Finally, the significant institutional buying of Ethereum (ETH) by corporate treasuries like SBED and BMNR provides strong validation for the digital asset.

Will Powell’s Jackson Hole Speech Break Markets? | Weekly Roundup

A strong bearish case is made for shorting regional banks, which face headwinds from a potential liquidity squeeze and rising bond yields. Conversely, a major bullish opportunity exists in Japanese equities, especially Japanese banks, which are set to benefit from significant capital repatriation. Investors are strongly cautioned against holding long-term US Treasury bonds, which are described as being in a "massive bubble." The recent dip in Bitcoin (BTC) is viewed as a normal pullback in a bull market, reinforcing its long-term potential as digital gold. For exposure to the AI boom, consider the broad VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) or the more focused VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX).

Crypto Credit Markets Will Rewrite Risk Management | David Grider

Consider gaining crypto exposure through publicly traded Digital Asset Treasury Companies (DATs), as this is where significant institutional capital is currently flowing. For a leveraged play on Bitcoin, analyze MicroStrategy (MSTR), which strategically uses debt to increase its BTC holdings per share. To invest in Ethereum through the stock market, look into emerging ETH DATs like BitMine (BMNR). For a more conservative approach, explore the preferred stock or convertible bonds of these companies, which aim to provide downside protection with potential crypto-like upside. When evaluating any DAT, focus on its ability to consistently grow its crypto asset holdings per diluted share over the long term.

Markets Are Underestimating the Risk of 10–15% Correction | Weekly Roundup

Analysts see a high probability of a 10-15% market correction in the next 1-3 months, suggesting investors consider hedging or increasing cash positions. For a long-term opportunity, consider buying gold miners via GDX on a pullback, as the sector has broken out of a decade-long bullish pattern. Contrarian investors may find an opportunity in the Russell 2000, which could experience a powerful reversal due to record short positioning. Despite short-term risks, Bitcoin and AI semiconductors (SMH) are viewed as core long-term holdings to benefit from future liquidity and innovation. Finally, it is strongly advised to avoid direct investment in commercial real estate as the sector is experiencing a severe crisis.

Should We Be Worried About Jobs Report Revisions? | Guy Berger

The long-term investment case for Artificial Intelligence remains strong, as real-world adoption may be happening faster than official data suggests. For broad exposure to the enabling hardware, consider the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH), which covers the entire chip industry. Investors seeking a more targeted play on AI chip designers can look to the VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX). Separately, continued institutional interest in digital assets from firms like BlackRock signals a long-term positive catalyst for the crypto market. This trend reinforces the position of Coinbase (COIN) as a key, institutionally-recognized leader in the crypto ecosystem.

The Financial Repression Endgame | Weekly Roundup

To hedge against long-term currency devaluation, consider owning hard assets like Gold and Bitcoin (BTC), which are expected to perform well over the next 6-12 months. For exposure to secular growth trends like Artificial Intelligence, consider semiconductor ETFs such as the broad VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) or the more specialized VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX). Investors should be extremely cautious with Commercial Real Estate (CRE), as the sector is facing a severe downturn and is described as being in a "depression economy." Be wary of holding a large allocation to long-term U.S. government bonds, as they are expected to deliver negative real returns due to inflation. Finally, exercise caution with seemingly safe stocks like Costco (COST) and Walmart (WMT), as their high valuations may not be justified by their slow growth prospects.