Tag: Diversification

The State of the Economy and the Financial Markets with Mike Trudel, CFA, JD (Ep. 32)

The State of the Economy and the Financial Markets with Mike Trudel, CFA, JD (Ep. 32)

Ready to untangle the web between the Federal Reserve, Big Tech, and your investments?

In this episode, Jim McGovern from McGovern Wealth Group sits down with Michael Trudel, CFA, JD, Managing Director and Global Strategist at BlackRock, to explore the complexities of today’s markets – from the U.S. economy’s surprising resilience to the tech sector’s influence on the stock market this year. Armed with over two decades of industry experience, Mike offers an insightful, well-rounded perspective on the economy and what’s been the financial markets.

Throughout this episode, Jim and Mike discuss:

  • Why the U.S. economy is showing resilience despite Federal Reserve actions
  • How the major tech companies are driving stock market gains
  • How the corporate inventory restocking contributes to positive growth in GDP
  • The earnings outlook in the recent years compared to the past
  • The rising interest rates and their impact on the overall stock and bond market 
  • The economic picture outside of the U. S. and how things are looking around the world
  • An overview of the bond markets and what investors could expect in the future
  • And more!

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

Connect with Michael Trudel:

About our guest:

Michael Trudel is a seasoned financial expert with a dual background in law and portfolio management. Michael is a Chartered Financial Analyst and Managing Director at BlackRock’s Global Allocation team. With over two decades in the industry, he’s an authority on macro strategy and portfolio analysis, having previously served at Merrill Lynch and the Bank of New York. Armed with multiple degrees, including a cum laude JD and an MBA, Mike offers a well-rounded perspective on global financial trends.

Alternative Investments for a Diversified Portfolio with James Costabile, CAIA (Ep. 25)

Alternative Investments for a Diversified Portfolio with James Costabile, CAIA (Ep. 25)

Alternative investments can be a very attractive option, but it’s critical to consider the requirements each individual should meet and the risks involved before entering the space.

In this episode, Jim McGovern speaks with James Costabile, Managing Director and Head of Alternatives Distribution on iCapital’s Private Wealth Solutions team. James gives a broad overview of the alternative investing space. He details the pros and cons of private equity, private credits, real estate, infrastructure, and hedge funds as options for investors.

James discusses:

  • The background and mission of iCapital and their focus on teaching clients and advisors about alternative investments
  • An overview of the private equity space, its importance in iCapital, and a comparison with the public sector
  • Different options available for investors in private equity 
  • Benefits and risks to consider before entering private equity space
  • The differences in liquidity between open-ended mutual funds, closed-end registered funds, and unregistered private funds
  • Private credit investments, with an emphasis on careful credit analysis and selectivity in lending
  • Why companies prefer getting funds via private credit rather than the traditional bonds
  • How real estate fits into a portfolio, which offers diversification and durable yield
  • The different types of hedge funds and how they can fit into a portfolio
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with James Costabile:

Connect with McGovern Wealth Group:

About our Guest:

James Costabile is a Managing Director and Head of Alternatives Distribution on iCapital’s Private Wealth Solutions team. He oversees a team of regional sales and national accounts professionals that work with top registered investment advisors, financial advisors, and financial intermediaries. He and his team deliver industry-leading alternative investment education, research viewpoints, and investment capabilities across hedge funds, private equity, private credit, and real estate strategies. 

James brings more than 25 years of financial services experience and began working with alternative investment strategies in 1997. Over this time, he has held roles across sales, marketing, and product management at Citi / Smith Barney, Merrill Lynch and most recently, Morgan Stanley Investment Management. He graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Science, holds FINRA Series 7, 24, and 66 licenses, and is a CAIA charter holder.