Building investor IQ one topic at a time.
October’s edition of Timely Topics features a recorded conversation between DWS’ Head Geopolitical advisor, Frank Kelly and North Star Advisory Group’s Mark Kangas and Brian Duffield.
You can watch/listen to the entire discussion or jump straight to a topic of interest.
- Mid-term elections & U.S. fiscal policy
- U.S.-Iran strategic challenges
- AI infrastructure & data centers
- Reshoring & U.S. supply chain security
- U.S. & Chinese relations
- Russia-Ukraine conflict
- Political insider trading
- Demographics & longevity
- Lightning round
Mid-term elections & U.S. fiscal policy
In this video, we introduce Frank Kelly, DWS’s head geopolitical advisor, who reflects on his extensive career in Washington. We discussed the upcoming midterm elections, key voter concerns, fiscal spending, government debt, and other timely issues.
Click HERE to listen to our conversation on the mid-terms
U.S.-Iran strategic challenges
In this video, we turn to the Middle East to examine shifting U.S. objectives in Iran, the conflict’s strategic challenges and implications, and oil’s effect on inflation and the midterm elections. We also discuss Iran’s currency crisis, the planning behind the conflict, where that planning could have been stronger, and insights into the Iranian mindset. We also touch on potential future conflicts in the Middle East and the expectation of continued conflicts as countries and companies find ways to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
Click HERE to listen to our conversation on the Middle East
AI infrastructure & data centers
In this video, we discuss how voter’s mindsets have shifted regarding data center construction in the U.S., artificial intelligence risks, and how will moratoriums on construction could affect the broader capex cycle across global markets. Additionally, we discuss the potential for federal regulation and the long-term impact of this technology on our economy and competitiveness across the globe.
Click HERE to listen to our conversation on data centers
Reshoring & U.S. supply chain security
While developing artificial intelligence is critical for national security, what may be even more important is the supply chain that supports that development. Ever since COVID-19 rocked supply chains, res-shoring has become a major theme across the U.S. and other western nations. In this video, we discuss the importance of re-shoring key components of this supply chain from chips and advanced manufacturing to rare earth minerals. Additionally, we touch on the topic of the government’s role within the private sector and whether we should expect further investment and influence.
Click HERE to listen to our conversation on supply chains
U.S. & Chinese relations
It is hard to talk about reshoring and supply chains without mentioning China. In this video, we discuss the current relationship between the U.S. and China and how that may affect some of the supply chain investments moving forward, particularly with rare earths, chip manufacturing, agriculture, etc.
Click HERE to listen to our conversation on China
Russian-Ukrainian conflict
Amid continued volatility in the Middle East, the major conflict in Eastern Europe can be overlooked. In this video, we review recent developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, including insights into the mindsets of Zelensky and Putin and how combat has evolved over the past four years. Early fighting relied largely on ground troops and conventional military equipment such as fighter jets and tanks. Since then, technology and strategy have shifted, driving innovation and investment in drone warfare, particularly in Ukraine. We also discuss how changing tactics and mounting domestic political pressure may be pushing Putin toward a breaking point.
Click HERE to listen to our conversation on Ukraine
Political insider trading
If you do a quick internet search, there is no shortage of websites which track congressional stock trades over time. This has been a huge topic and issue with voters which has yet to be formally addressed. In this video, we discuss what is and isn’t legal and get some insight into how certain members of the federal government are finding ways to trade on what some may call “privileged” information.
Click HERE to listen to our conversation on insider trading
Demographics & longevity
At North Star, we have long emphasized longevity planning with our clients. As technology advances—especially AI—life expectancy may continue to rise, with GLP-1 weight-loss drugs offering a recent example of healthcare innovation. In this video, we explore the economic and demographic effects of a healthier, longer-lived population. We also examine the long-term risks that declining populations pose to major countries and regions, and how these trends could shape investment opportunities and immigration policies.
Click HERE to listen to our conversation on demographics
Lightning round
To close out our conversation, Mark puts Frank through a lightning round of questions voters and investors are thinking about the most.
Click HERE to listen to watch the lighting round
We are passionately devoted to our clients' families and portfolios. Contact us if you know somebody who would benefit from discovering the North Star difference, or if you just need a few minutes to talk. As a small business, our staff appreciates your continued trust and support.
Keep sending your questions for a chance to be featured in next month’s Timely Topics.
Best regards,
Mark Kangas, CFP®
CEO, Investment Advisor Representative
Brian Duffield, CFA®
Co-Portfolio Manager & Market Strategist