First Trust ROI Podcast

Ep 37 | Ryan Issakainen | Ripple Effects & Second Order Investment Opportunities Arising from AI | ROI Podcast Jan 14, 2025

Companies are investing billions to build out artificial intelligence capabilities. Ryan shares First Trust’s perspective on various investment themes that may benefit—either directly or indirectly—in the years ahead.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 36 | Paul Black and Mike Trigg—Why Culture Matters When Seeking to “Defy the Fade” for International Equities | ROI Podcast Dec 30, 2024

Paul Black and Mike Trigg are portfolio managers and co-CEOs at WCM Investment Management. They join the podcast to discuss WCM’s unique path to becoming a leading global equity manager, highlighting WCM’s unconventional approach for identifying investment opportunities, including why a company’s culture matters and the important of economic moat trajectory.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 35 | Richard Bernstein—What Surprises Await Investors for 2025? | ROI Podcast Dec 09, 2024

Richard Bernstein provides his perspective on key investment themes to watch in the year ahead, including overlooked opportunities, potential pitfalls, and the value of seeking “maximum diversification”.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 34 | Dave Rutherford | Lessons in Leadership, Fear, and Success | ROI Podcast Nov 25, 2024

Dave Rutherford has been a Navy SEAL, a contractor for Blackwater and the CIA, and performance coach. In this episode, he shares insights and strategies for pursuing excellence and overcoming fear in high-pressure environments.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 33 | Brian Wesbury | Post-Election Economic Insights | ROI Podcast Nov 11, 2024

In this episode, Brian Wesbury discusses the implications of Trump's recent election victory. Recorded the day after Election Day, Brian explores potential changes in economic and tax policies, providing insights into the future economic landscape.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 32 - Bob Stein - Election Countdown: Assessing the Odds and Outcomes - ROI Podcast Oct 28, 2024

Bob Stein — As Election Day looms, Bob analyzes the probabilities of different election scenarios. Additionally, we explore how tariffs and other tax policies might affect the economy, discuss the implications of government spending, and consider if advancements in AI might pave the way for universal basic income initiatives.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 31 - Bill Housey - Why Have Longer-Term Interest Rates Increased Since the Fed Began Cutting Rates? - ROI Podcast Oct 14, 2024

Bill Housey discusses recent dynamics in the bond market, including why longer-term interest rates have increased since the Fed began cutting rates, where we are in the economic cycle, and implications for fixed income investors.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 30 | Dave McGarel |Broadening Markets and Factor Investing: Opportunities Amid Fed Rate Cuts | ROI Podcast Sep 30, 2024

Dave McGarel provides insights on what sort of stocks are poised for long-term outperformance in light of Fed rate cuts, valuation gaps, and factor analysis.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 29 | Bob Carey | Risks and Opportunities for Stocks When Interest Rates Decline | ROI Podcast Sep 19, 2024

Ryan talks with Bob Carey about the implications of a falling interest rate environment for equity markets.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Brian Comiskey—Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, AI/Robotics, and the New Era Of Digital Coexistence Sep 03, 2024

Brian Comiskey, Senior Director at the Consumer Technology Association, joins the podcast to discuss how recent trends in technology are reshaping the spending priorities of businesses, consumers, and governments around the world.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Bob Stein | Updated Odds and Scenarios for a Reset Presidential Race | August 12, 2024 Aug 12, 2024

Bob Stein joins the podcast to discusses how the nomination of Kamala Harris will impact the upcoming presidential election, his thoughts on each candidate’s choice of running mate, and how elections results may impact the economy in the years ahead.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

ROI Podcast | Episode 26 | Should Financial Professionals Feel Threatened or Empowered by AI? | Chris Jeppesen | July 29, 2024 Jul 29, 2024

In this episode, Ryan talks to Chris Jeppesen, Chief of the Advisor Practice group at First Trust Chief of Advisor Consulting about what sets financial professionals apart from their peers.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

ROI Podcast | Episode 25 | Key Insights from the First Half of 2024 | Ryan Issakainen | July 15, 2024 Jul 15, 2024

In this episode, Ryan looks back at the first half of 2024, highlighting some of the key insights provided by guests of the podcast—including Bob Stein, Brian Wesbury, Jim Murchie, and Richard Bernstein. He also reveals plans for the second half of the year.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

ROI Podcast | Episode 24 | What’s Behind the Growth in Buffered ETFs? | Jeff Chang | July 1, 2024 Jul 01, 2024

Jeff Chang, President and Co-founder of Vest Financial, discusses the growth of buffered investments over the past few years.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

On this episode of the podcast, Ryan asks Brian Wesbury about the impact of government spending on economic growth, the upcoming presidential election, and whether or not tariffs are an effective policy tool.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

ROI Podcast | Episode 22 | Are Investors Ignoring a More Powerful Secular Growth Theme than AI? | Richard Bernstein | June 3, 2024 Jun 03, 2024

Richard Bernstein, CEO/CIO of Richard Bernstein Advisors, discusses deglobalization, the reindustrialization of America, and how most investors are ignoring one of the most powerful secular growth opportunities today.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

ROI Podcast | Episode 21 | A Recession is Still Likely…But Here’s Why We Could Be Wrong | May 20, 2024 May 20, 2024

Brian Wesbury joins the ROI Podcast for a wide ranging discussion about the state of the US economy, why government spending suppresses growth, and what factors could ultimately prevent an economic recession.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

ROI Podcast | Episode 20 | Will the Stock Market Continue to Defy Expectations? | May 6, 2024 May 06, 2024

In this episode, Dave McGarel, Chief Investment Officer at First Trust shares his perspective on the risks and opportunities that may lie ahead for equities. Dave shares why First Trust believes low volatility stocks are growing more attractive, why the technology sector has been the secular growth story of our lifetimes, and which data points investment professional should pay close attention to for the rest of 2024.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

ROI Podcast | Episode 19 | Rethinking Diversification: Are Stocks and Bonds Enough? | John Gambla | April 22, 2024 Apr 22, 2024

In this episode, we explore why more and more investment professionals are allocating to call-writing funds, long/short strategies, and commodities.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

ROI Podcast | Episode 18 | Navigating a Narrow Market | Chris Bush | April 8, 2024 Apr 08, 2024

Ryan discusses factor investing with Chris Bush, portfolio manager at First Trust, as well as risk and opportunities for various industries and themes, including artificial intelligence, regional banks, and more.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

ROI Podcast | Episode 17 | How Can Technical Analysis Guide Portfolio Allocations? | Jay Gragnani | March 25, 2024 Mar 25, 2024

In this episode, Ryan is joined by Jay Gragnani, Senior Market Strategist at Nasdaq Dorsey Wright for a discussion about how financial professionals are utilizing technical analysis and Dorsey Wright’s research as an objective input for their decision-making process.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

ROI Podcast | Episode 16 | Has the Balance between Potential Risks and Returns Shifted in Favor of Bond Investors? | Bill Housey | March 12, 2024 Mar 10, 2024

In this episode of the podcast, Ryan is joined by Bill Housey, Managing Director of Fixed Income at First Trust for a discussion about the US economy, the Federal Reserve, interest rates, and why Bill believes that an asymmetry between risk and return has shifted in favor of bond investors.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

ROI Podcast | Episode 15 | What Solutions Can Direct Indexing Offer? | Jon DiGiovanni | February 26, 2024 Feb 26, 2024

In this episode of the podcast, Ryan speaks with Jon DiGiovanni, Managing Director of Direct Indexing and Separate Managed Accounts at First Trust, about some of the reasons that Direct Indexing has quietly been one of the fastest growing innovations in the financial services industry.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

ROI Podcast | Episode 14| Dissecting Incentives and Opportunities in (Traditional and Alternative) Energy | Jim Murchie | February 12, 2024 Feb 12, 2024

In this episode of the podcast, Ryan is joined by Jim Murchie, co-founder of Energy Income Partners for a deep dive into the energy industry, discussing incentives and opportunities that lie on the horizon.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 13 - Bob Stein - Handicapping the Odds for a 2024 Recession and Upcoming Elections - ROI Podcast Jan 29, 2024

In this episode, Ryan speaks with Bob Stein, Deputy Chief Economist at First Trust about why a US recession didn’t materialize in 2023, why it may still be coming in 2024, and implications for the upcoming elections in November.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 12 - Rob Biddinger - How are Alternatives Expanding the Traditional Toolbox of Investment Professionals? - ROI Podcast Jan 12, 2024

In this episode, Ryan talks to Rob Biddinger, managing director at First Trust Capital Solutions, about the growing popularity of alternative investments, how institutional investors have historically utilized these strategies, and why the democratization of alternatives is under way.
📚 Rob's Book Recommendations:
How I Built This by Guy Raz

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 11 - Bob Carey - Will the Stock Market Rally Continue in 2024? - ROI Podcast Jan 02, 2024

For the first episode of the podcast in 2024, Ryan is joined by Bob Carey, Chief Market Strategist at First Trust. After an unexpected rally for the stock market in 2023, Ryan and Bob discuss expectations for 2024.
📚 Bob's book recommendations:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 10 - Jackie Wilke - How Are Elite Teams Serving the Next Generation of Investors? - ROI Podcast Dec 18, 2023

In this episode, Ryan talks to Jackie Wilke from the Advisor Consulting Group at First Trust about serving female investors, the need to build multi-generational relationships, and the importance of uncovering what’s truly important to investors.
📚 Jackie's Book Recommendation: Wealth 3.0: The Future of Wealth Advising

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 9 - Leonardo Da Costa - Are There Any Catalysts on the Horizon for Emerging Markets? - ROI Podcast Dec 04, 2023

In this episode, Ryan speaks with Leonardo Da Costa, portfolio manager at First Trust Global Portfolios, about why returns for many international investments have been muted in recent years, why US investors shouldn’t ignore international allocations, and what catalysts may provide a boost over the next few years.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 8 - Scott Friske - How to Stay at the Cutting Edge of Asset Management - ROI Podcast Nov 17, 2023

In this episode, Ryan is joined by Scott Friske, head of new product development at First Trust for a discussion about where great ideas come from and where the next generation of investment products is headed.
📚 Scott's Book Recommendations:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 7 - Jim Bowen - What’s the Secret to Success in Financial Services? - ROI Podcast Nov 03, 2023

In this episode, Ryan is joined by Jim Bowen, CEO of First Trust for a discussion about the importance of intellectual freedom, service to others, and challenging the narrative…all key hallmarks of the firm he’s led for over 30 years.
📚Jim's book recommendation: Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 6 - Brian Wesbury - Will Inflation Keep Trending Lower…and Is a Recession Still Coming? - ROI Podcast Oct 23, 2023

In this episode of the First Trust ROI Podcast, Ryan talks with Brian Wesbury, Chief Economist at First Trust about his expectations for the US economy, inflation, and the Fed.
📚 Suggested Authors to read: Ludwig von Mises & Milton Friedman

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 5 - Dave McGarel - Why Should Investors Look Beyond the “Magnificent Seven”? - ROI Podcast Oct 10, 2023

In this episode of the First Trust ROI Podcast, Ryan is joined by Dave McGarel, Chief Investment Officer at First Trust. Ryan and Dave discuss parallels between the current environment and previous recessions, why investors should pay close attention to valuations, and why some of the best long-term opportunities may come from smaller stocks.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 4 - Bob Stein - Will an economic recession decide the next US president? - ROI Podcast Sep 26, 2023

Bob Stein, Deputy Chief Economist at First Trust, spent several years working in Washington D.C. before coming to First Trust in 2006, including as chief economist for the Senate Budget Committee and as Assistant Secretary of Economic Policy at the US Treasury Department. In this episode of the First Trust ROI Podcast, Ryan and Bob discuss:

Why many are underestimating the likelihood of a US recession
How the Federal government will “eventually” address irresponsible budget deficits (just not yet)
Why the economy may play an outsized role in determining the next US president

📚 Bob Stein's Recommend Reading: Optimally Irrational by Lionel Page

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 3 - Jeff Chang - How can investors exploit volatility to manage risk and generate income? - ROI Podcast Sep 19, 2023

In this episode of the First Trust ROI Podcast, Ryan talks with Jeff Chang, President of CBOE Vest, about two areas of the ETF industry that have seen robust growth over the past few years: Buffered ETFs and Call-writing ETFs.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep 2 - Bill Housey - Is the Inverted Yield Curve a Broken Signal or Is a Recession Still Coming? And What Does that Mean For Fixed Income? - ROI Podcast Aug 10, 2023

Historically, an inverted yield curve has often preceded economic recessions, and many investment professionals view the current inversion as a troubling sign for what may lie ahead for the US economy. However, the 10-year US Treasury yield has been lower than the 2-year US Treasury yield for over a year, and a recession has (apparently) not yet begun. In this episode of the ROI podcast, Ryan and Bill Housey discuss:

Is the inverted US Treasury yield curve a broken signal today or is a recession still coming?
Are investors too optimistic about “soft landing” (or “no landing”) scenarios for the US economy?
What’s lies ahead for Fed policy?
How should investment professionals think about risk and positioning fixed income portfolios for what lies ahead?

Read the latest Housey's Income Insights Newsletter
Follow on 'X' @BillHousey
Connect on LinkedIn

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Ep. 1 - Bob Carey - Why are stocks up this year & can the rally continue? - ROI Podcast Aug 02, 2023

Why are stocks up this year…and can the rally continue?

On the heels of the worst year for stocks since 2008, pessimism dominated most forecasts coming into 2023. In this episode of the ROI podcast, Ryan and Bob discuss some of the most common questions investment professionals and their clients are asking, including:

Why have stocks defied expectations so far in 2023?
Will returns continue to be driven by a small number of stocks, or will markets broaden out?
Will international stocks outpace domestic stocks?
Perhaps most importantly, can the stock market rally continue?

Visit the Cash Flow and Carey Blog
Follow on X: @bobcareyfta
Connect on LinkedIn

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Website: First Trust Portfolios
Connect with us on LinkedIn: First Trust LinkedIn
Follow us on X: First Trust on X
Subscribe to the First Trust YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the ROI Podcast YouTube Channel

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected