Animal Spirits Podcast
The Compound
- 1 hour 4 minutesSmall Caps Are Back (EP. 448)
On episode 448 of Animal Spirits, Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson discuss geopolitical risk in the markets, rising bond yields, why small caps are breaking out, running the economy hot, household balance sheets are in good shape, the end of money, the great real estate wealth transfer, the bottom 50% wealth gains, Netflix movies and more.
This episode is sponsored by YCharts and ClearBridge Investments.
- To download YCharts’ Top 10 Visuals click here: https://go.ycharts.com/the-top-10-visuals-for-clients-and-prospects?utm_source=Animal_Spirits&utm_medium=Original_Research&utm_campaign=Top_10_Visuals_Deck&utm_content=Podcast And start your free YCharts trial through Animal Spirits (new customers only) at: https://go.ycharts.com/animal-spirits
- International and emerging market stocks outperformed the U.S. in 2025. At ClearBridge, we believe this momentum can continue. Find out more at https://www.clearbridge.com/
Sign up for The Compound newsletter and never miss out: thecompoundnews.com/subscribe
Find complete show notes on our blogs:
Ben Carlson’s A Wealth of Common Sense
Michael Batnick’s The Irrelevant Investor
Feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, recommendations, or ideas for future topics of conversation.
Investing involves the risk of loss. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be or regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions. Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management and may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this video. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management.
The Compound Media, Incorporated, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, receives payment from various entities for advertisements in affiliated podcasts, blogs and emails. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. For additional advertisement disclaimers see here https://ritholtzwealth.com/advertising-disclaimers. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information.
Obviously nothing on this channel should be considered as personalized financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. See our disclosures here:
https://ritholtzwealth.com/podcast-youtube-disclosures/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
21 January 2026, 9:00 am - 29 minutes 5 secondsTalk Your Book: Structured Notes in an ETF
On this episode of Animal Spirits: Talk Your Book, Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are joined by Jeff Schwarte from Simplify ETFs to discuss: barrier options, how structured products work in an ETF, creating regular income and how equity income funds can fit into a portfolio.
Find complete show notes on our blogs...
Ben Carlson’s A Wealth of Common Sense
Michael Batnick’s The Irrelevant Investor
Feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, recommendations, or ideas for future topics of conversation.
Check out the latest in financial blogger fashion at The Compound shop: https://idontshop.com
Investing involves the risk of loss. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be or regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions. Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management and may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this video. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. See our disclosures here:
The Compound Media, Incorporated, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, receives payment from various entities for advertisements in affiliated podcasts, blogs and emails. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. For additional advertisement disclaimers see here https://ritholtzwealth.com/advertising-disclaimers.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
19 January 2026, 9:00 am - 1 hour 18 minutesIs the Stock Market Invincible? (EP. 447)
On episode 447 of Animal Spirits, Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson discuss Jerome Powell, credit card rates, the institutional ownership of homes, lowering mortgage rates, how to fix the housing market, AI vs. the labor market, the broadening out of the bull market, the growth in sports gambling, where housing is still affordable, circular private equity deals, why TVs are so cheap and much more.
This episode is sponsored by Innovator. Learn more at https://www.innovatoretfs.com/pdf/ddq_product_brief.pdf
Sign up for The Compound newsletter and never miss out: thecompoundnews.com/subscribe
Find complete show notes on our blogs:
Ben Carlson’s A Wealth of Common Sense
Michael Batnick’s The Irrelevant Investor
Feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, recommendations, or ideas for future topics of conversation.
Investing involves the risk of loss. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be or regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions. Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management and may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this video. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management.
The Compound Media, Incorporated, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, receives payment from various entities for advertisements in affiliated podcasts, blogs and emails. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. For additional advertisement disclaimers see here https://ritholtzwealth.com/advertising-disclaimers. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information.
Obviously nothing on this channel should be considered as personalized financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. See our disclosures here:
https://ritholtzwealth.com/podcast-youtube-disclosures/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14 January 2026, 9:00 am - 31 minutes 36 secondsTalk Your Book: The Bull Case for China With Brendan Ahern
On this episode of Animal Spirits: Talk Your Book, Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are joined by Brendan Ahern from KraneShares to discuss: the differences between China and the United States, the state of Chinese Internet stocks and more.
Find complete show notes on our blogs...
Ben Carlson’s A Wealth of Common Sense
Michael Batnick’s The Irrelevant Investor
Feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, recommendations, or ideas for future topics of conversation.
Check out the latest in financial blogger fashion at The Compound shop: https://idontshop.com
Investing involves the risk of loss. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be or regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions. Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management and may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this video. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. See our disclosures here:
The Compound Media, Incorporated, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, receives payment from various entities for advertisements in affiliated podcasts, blogs and emails. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. For additional advertisement disclaimers see here https://ritholtzwealth.com/advertising-disclaimers.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12 January 2026, 9:00 am - 1 hour 15 minutesTax the Billionaires (EP. 446)
On episode 446 of Animal Spirits, Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson discuss 2026 predictions, the risk of a bear market, why valuations should be higher, why international stocks outperformed, recession risk in 2026, AI hallucinations, self-driving cars, Disney stock, where to find cheaper housing, an appreciation for Keanu Reeves and more.
This episode is sponsored by YCharts. Subscribe to YCharts’ Advisor Pulse, LinkedIn newsletter here: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7163920704407552000 And start your free YCharts trial through Animal Spirits (new customers only) at https://go.ycharts.com/animal-spirits
Sign up for The Compound newsletter and never miss out: thecompoundnews.com/subscribe
Find complete show notes on our blogs:
Ben Carlson’s A Wealth of Common Sense
Michael Batnick’s The Irrelevant Investor
Feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, recommendations, or ideas for future topics of conversation.
Investing involves the risk of loss. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be or regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions. Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management and may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this video. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management.
The Compound Media, Incorporated, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, receives payment from various entities for advertisements in affiliated podcasts, blogs and emails. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. For additional advertisement disclaimers see here https://ritholtzwealth.com/advertising-disclaimers. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information.
Obviously nothing on this channel should be considered as personalized financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. See our disclosures here:
https://ritholtzwealth.com/podcast-youtube-disclosures/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
7 January 2026, 9:00 am - 56 minutes 15 secondsThe Best Performing Stocks of 2025 (EP. 445)
On episode 445 of Animal Spirits, Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson discuss the best and worst S&P 500 stocks this year, 2025 investing lessons, why silver is going vertical, international small caps are crushing it, family offices are booming, sentiment is still broken, over-optimization is a problem, how millennials got rich, when to spend more in retirement, the best video game of all-time and more.
This episode is sponsored by TradePMR. Find more details on TradePMR by visiting: https://hubs.li/Q03XS3Sj0
Learn more about Fidelity Trader+ at: https://www.Fidelity.com/TraderPlus
Sign up for The Compound newsletter and never miss out: thecompoundnews.com/subscribe
Find complete show notes on our blogs:
Ben Carlson’s A Wealth of Common Sense
Michael Batnick’s The Irrelevant Investor
Feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, recommendations, or ideas for future topics of conversation.
TradePMR Disclosure: TradePMR, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Securities offered through TradePMR Inc. TradePMR, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robinhood Markets, Inc. Please review the full Terms and Conditions at (https://tradepmr.com/asset-match-terms-and-conditions) for the complete rules, requirements, and obligations that apply to participation in the program.
Investing involves the risk of loss. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be or regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions. Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management and may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this video. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management.
The Compound Media, Incorporated, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, receives payment from various entities for advertisements in affiliated podcasts, blogs and emails. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. For additional advertisement disclaimers see here https://ritholtzwealth.com/advertising-disclaimers. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information.
Obviously nothing on this channel should be considered as personalized financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. See our disclosures here:
https://ritholtzwealth.com/podcast-youtube-disclosures/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
31 December 2025, 9:00 am - 31 minutes 27 secondsTalk Your Book: Teucrium's Sal Gilbertie on Commodities & Crypto
On this episode of Animal Spirits: Talk Your Book, Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are joined by Sal Gilbertie from Teucrium to discuss: why oil prices are falling, how agricultural commodities work, why farmers need bailouts, why crypto is a commodity and more.
Find complete show notes on our blogs...
Ben Carlson’s A Wealth of Common Sense
Michael Batnick’s The Irrelevant Investor
Feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, recommendations, or ideas for future topics of conversation.
Check out the latest in financial blogger fashion at The Compound shop: https://idontshop.com
Investing involves the risk of loss. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be or regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions. Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management and may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this video. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. See our disclosures here:
The Compound Media, Incorporated, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, receives payment from various entities for advertisements in affiliated podcasts, blogs and emails. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. For additional advertisement disclaimers see here https://ritholtzwealth.com/advertising-disclaimers.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
29 December 2025, 9:00 am - 1 hour 6 minutesThe Biggest Risk in 2026 (EP. 444)
On episode 444 of Animal Spirits, Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson discuss what a normal year in the stock market looks like, time traveling through drawdowns, the case for small/mid cap stocks, how many stocks double each year, record cash balances, the economy keeps growing, financial nihilism, gambling, illiquidity risk in private investments and much more.
This episode is sponsored by TradePMR & Fabric by Gerber Life.
- Find more details on TradePMR by visiting: https://hubs.li/Q03XS3Sj0
- Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to help protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at: https://meetfabric.com/SPIRITS
Sign up for The Compound newsletter and never miss out: thecompoundnews.com/subscribe
Find complete show notes on our blogs:
Ben Carlson’s A Wealth of Common Sense
Michael Batnick’s The Irrelevant Investor
Feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, recommendations, or ideas for future topics of conversation.
TradePMR Disclosure: TradePMR, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Securities offered through TradePMR Inc. TradePMR, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robinhood Markets, Inc. Please review the full Terms and Conditions at (https://tradepmr.com/asset-match-terms-and-conditions) for the complete rules, requirements, and obligations that apply to participation in the program.
Investing involves the risk of loss. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be or regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions. Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management and may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this video. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management.
The Compound Media, Incorporated, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, receives payment from various entities for advertisements in affiliated podcasts, blogs and emails. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. For additional advertisement disclaimers see here https://ritholtzwealth.com/advertising-disclaimers. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information.
Obviously nothing on this channel should be considered as personalized financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. See our disclosures here:
https://ritholtzwealth.com/podcast-youtube-disclosures/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
24 December 2025, 9:00 am - 33 minutes 27 secondsTalk Your Book: A Tactical Strategy That Actually Works
On this episode of Animal Spirits: Talk Your Book, Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are joined by Dan Russo from Potomac Fund Management to discuss: the bear market in diversification, trend-following, quantitative tactical asset management and more.
Find complete show notes on our blogs...
Ben Carlson’s A Wealth of Common Sense
Michael Batnick’s The Irrelevant Investor
Feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, recommendations, or ideas for future topics of conversation.
Check out the latest in financial blogger fashion at The Compound shop: https://idontshop.com
Investing involves the risk of loss. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be or regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions. Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management and may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this video. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. See our disclosures here:
The Compound Media, Incorporated, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, receives payment from various entities for advertisements in affiliated podcasts, blogs and emails. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. For additional advertisement disclaimers see here https://ritholtzwealth.com/advertising-disclaimers.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
22 December 2025, 9:00 am - 1 hour 18 minutesAll-Time Highs Should Feel Better Than This
On episode 443 of Animal Spirits, Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson discuss: the stock market rally is broadening out, no one wants an AI bubble, the return outlook for 2026, Howard Marks on how to invest today, hedging an AI bubble, concentration risk, financial markets don't care about labor markets yet, the worst part about inflation, data centers in space, the housing outlook for 2026 and more.
This episode is sponsored by YCharts and Vanguard.
- This episode is sponsored by YCharts. download Charts That Defined 2025, and start your free YCharts trial through Animal Spirits (new customers only) at https://go.ycharts.com/animal-spirits
- Learn more about Vanguard at: https://www.vanguard.com/audio
Sign up for The Compound newsletter and never miss out: thecompoundnews.com/subscribe
Find complete show notes on our blogs:
Ben Carlson’s A Wealth of Common Sense
Michael Batnick’s The Irrelevant Investor
Feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, recommendations, or ideas for future topics of conversation.
Investing involves the risk of loss. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be or regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions. Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management and may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this video. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management.
The Compound Media, Incorporated, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, receives payment from various entities for advertisements in affiliated podcasts, blogs and emails. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. For additional advertisement disclaimers see here https://ritholtzwealth.com/advertising-disclaimers. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information.
Obviously nothing on this channel should be considered as personalized financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. See our disclosures here:
https://ritholtzwealth.com/podcast-youtube-disclosures/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
17 December 2025, 9:00 am - 37 minutes 7 secondsTalk Your Book: The Anti-AI Portfolio
On this episode of Animal Spirits: Talk Your Book, Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are joined by John Neff, portfolio manager and CIO at Akre Capital Management to discuss: the firm's concentrated stock portfolio, how to hold stocks for the long-run, beating the S&P 500 and more.
Find complete show notes on our blogs...
Ben Carlson’s A Wealth of Common Sense
Michael Batnick’s The Irrelevant Investor
Feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected] with any feedback, questions, recommendations, or ideas for future topics of conversation.
Check out the latest in financial blogger fashion at The Compound shop: https://idontshop.com
Investing involves the risk of loss. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be or regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions. Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson are employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management and may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this video. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. See our disclosures here:
The Compound Media, Incorporated, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, receives payment from various entities for advertisements in affiliated podcasts, blogs and emails. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. For additional advertisement disclaimers see here https://ritholtzwealth.com/advertising-disclaimers.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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