Is TradFi Buying Our Bags? Why Jordi Owns Zero Stocks!!
Is TradFi Buying Our Bags? Why Jordi Owns Zero Stocks!!
274 days agoSteady Lads
Podcast56 min 59 sec
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Note: AI-generated summary based on third-party content. Not financial advice. Read more.
Quick Insights

Monitor Ethereum (ETH) closely, as a sustained break above the $4,000 level is viewed as a significant bullish catalyst for the broader market. For long-term investors concerned about currency devaluation, consider a core holding in Bitcoin (BTC), which is expected to outperform Gold over the next five years. To balance risk, most investors should also hold a core position in an S&P 500 ETF for diversification and stability. In the high-risk meme coin space, Pump.fun (PUMP) shows short-term bullish potential due to its new 100% revenue buyback program. Be cautious with other new launches, as the meme coin trend is slowing, and consider taking profits if they approach a $300-$400 million valuation.

Detailed Analysis

Ethereum (ETH)

  • The hosts have a generally bullish sentiment on Ethereum, with one host stating, "I'm pretty bullish sheath, honestly."
  • ETH is seen as leading the crypto market out of a recent dip, described as a "liquidity surge to the upside."
  • The narrative for ETH is considered strong: it's the second-largest crypto asset, it's the primary chain for stablecoins, and it's gaining traction with Wall Street (the "Wall Street chain").
  • There is a debate on its price potential:
    • Bull Case: If ETH breaks $4,000, things could get "really hot." A break of its all-time high could lead to a "crazy" market. Prominent bull Tom Lee is mentioned as having "crazy talk" targets of ETH 100x-ing from current levels.
    • Bear/Skeptical Case: One host believes ETH can only reach a new all-time high if Bitcoin first reaches $200,000. He argues that ETH has a high "velocity" (meaning people are quick to sell it when the price rises) which could limit exponential moves. He considers the current price around $3,800 to be "totally fair value" and suggests taking profit would not be a mistake.

Takeaways

  • Ethereum is currently showing strong momentum and is a key asset to watch. A move above $4,000 is a significant bullish indicator for the hosts.
  • Investors' expectations should be managed. While some are calling for extreme price targets, a more conservative view is that ETH's upside may be tied to Bitcoin's performance and that its current valuation is fair.
  • The "Wall Street" adoption narrative is a key driver. The success of institutional products and treasury vehicles buying ETH could be crucial for its price performance.

Bitcoin (BTC)

  • One host, Jordi, is extremely bullish on Bitcoin, holding a large personal allocation and zero stocks.
  • His core thesis is that the US dollar is being devalued, and Bitcoin and Gold are the primary assets to protect against this.
  • He believes the Bitcoin vs. Gold ratio will continue to increase over the next five years, meaning Bitcoin will continue to outperform Gold as a store of value.
  • He feels it is "irresponsible not to have a large allocation to Bitcoin" for those who believe in this monetary debasement thesis.
  • A potential future price of $200,000 for Bitcoin is mentioned as a possibility that would fuel a broader crypto market rally.
  • Risk Factor Mentioned: The host notes that his 5-year bullish outlook assumes no "quantum attacks or nobody finds a way to start hacking Satoshi's wallet."

Takeaways

  • Bitcoin is presented as a core long-term holding for investors with a high-risk tolerance who are concerned about currency devaluation.
  • The hosts suggest a potential portfolio allocation for a more defensive investor could be 40% Bitcoin, 40% S&P 500, and 20% in other assets like gold.
  • Bitcoin's performance is seen as the primary driver of the entire crypto market. A significant move up in BTC is considered necessary for assets like ETH to reach new highs.

MicroStrategy (MSTR)

  • MicroStrategy and its founder, Michael Saylor, are discussed as a key part of the "treasury meta" (companies holding crypto on their balance sheets).
  • Saylor's strategy is described as a form of "financial alchemy," using the company's equity and debt to acquire more Bitcoin.
  • His latest strategy involves issuing 9% notes (debt) to fund more Bitcoin purchases. The bet is that Bitcoin's price will appreciate by more than the 9% interest owed.
  • There is a mix of awe and concern about this strategy:
    • One host calls it a "Ponzi" and is "scared that at some point something bad will happen."
    • Another perspective is that it's a reasonable bet if you are bullish on Bitcoin, and Saylor has a track record of successfully raising capital this way.

Takeaways

  • Investing in MSTR is a leveraged bet on the price of Bitcoin. The company's value is highly correlated with BTC but can be more volatile due to the debt and complex financial instruments it uses.
  • Investors should be aware of the risks. The strategy is aggressive, and a significant downturn in Bitcoin's price could put major stress on the company. One host's bearish source believes Saylor is "running out of games to play."

The Launchpad & Meme Coin Meta

  • The general sentiment is that the "launchpad meta" (platforms for launching new tokens) is "clearly very much slowing down" and becoming saturated.
  • It is now "basically impossible" for most new coins, especially meme coins, to retain attention long-term in a market with constant new launches.
  • Specific projects mentioned:
    • Pump.fun (PUMP): The token performed poorly after its ICO but is recovering due to the team implementing 100% revenue buybacks. One host is "pretty bullish on pumping in the short term" due to this momentum.
    • LaunchCoin: Used as a cautionary tale. The token went from a $340 million valuation to sub-$100 million, angering its community.
    • Heaven (LIGHT): A new launchpad on Solana that raised $27 million. A host who invested in the ICO called it a "degen" play and plans to view it as a short-term trade to potentially "dump in the first week or so."
  • A common pattern for meme coins is to peak around a $300-$400 million valuation before early whales begin to sell heavily.

Takeaways

  • Investing in launchpad tokens and new meme coins is extremely high-risk and speculative. The trend appears to be fading.
  • Be cautious of hype. Projects can raise significant money (Heaven/LIGHT raised $27M off little more than a tweet) but often fail to sustain value.
  • For those speculating in this area, the hosts' discussion implies that these are short-term trades, not long-term investments. Profit-taking targets around the $300M-$400M valuation mark could be a prudent strategy.

S&P 500 & Traditional Stocks

  • The hosts are surprised to learn that one of them holds zero stocks and has all his capital in crypto.
  • A strong argument is made for diversification into traditional equities, specifically an S&P 500 ETF.
  • The S&P 500 is described as owning the "500 best and most productive and most profitable companies in the world" and is considered a much safer, more reliable long-term investment for the "vast majority of the population."
  • Even if the dollar is devalued, the earnings of the companies in the S&P 500 are expected to rise proportionately, protecting purchasing power.

Takeaways

  • For most investors, especially those who are not full-time crypto experts or who are in "defense mode" with their capital, holding an S&P 500 ETF is presented as a sensible core portfolio holding.
  • A balanced portfolio of 40% Bitcoin, 40% S&P 500, and 20% other assets is suggested as a potential model for investors seeking a mix of high-growth potential and stability.

Gold

  • Gold is discussed as a traditional monetary asset and an alternative to fiat currency, similar to Bitcoin.
  • One host's ideal portfolio would include a 10% allocation to gold.
  • A key criticism is raised against the "gold bug" argument:
    • The argument is that throughout history, societies have repeatedly tried to use gold as money, and it has consistently failed to "stick" as a permanent solution.
    • This repeated failure suggests it is an "insufficient" monetary technology, especially in the modern, post-internet world.

Takeaways

  • Gold remains a relevant asset for diversification and as a hedge against currency devaluation.
  • However, investors should consider the argument that its historical track record is not one of unmitigated success and that digital alternatives like Bitcoin may be better suited for the modern financial system.
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Episode Description
It's a Lads Only trifecta with Jordi, Justin, and Taiki. We've got a ton to cover with ETH and the treasury metas still going strong, but the craziest news might be that Jordi doesn't own any stocks! Tune in for the breakdown of why that is. Thanks for tuning in 🫡 Make sure to Like & Subscribe! In Episode #94 we cover: 00:00 ETH Is Back! Alt Season Coming? 05:14 Taiki Sold His Fartcoin (Again) 07:13 The Rotation Game 08:45 Jordi Owns No Stocks! 25:47 Launchpad Meta 34:07 Treasury Meta 44:27 Tornado Cash Trial 50:12 Pasta of the Week 🍝 ------ SL on X: https://x.com/0xSteadyLads SL on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@0xSteadyLads ------ * Jordi Alexander • https://x.com/gametheorizing * Justin Bram • https://x.com/JustinCBram * Taiki Maeda • https://x.com/TaikiMaeda2
About Steady Lads
Steady Lads

Steady Lads

A crypto podcast focused on DeFi and featuring: @TaikiMaeda2 | @gametheorizing | @JustinCBram