Nest Egg!

Reflections on 2025, Predictions for 2026

Join Lisa James and Lori Zager as they reflect on the volatility and market dynamics of 2025, share their outlook for 2026, and discuss the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the new Federal Reserve chairman. Looking ahead to 2026, they anticipate continued market volatility driven by geopolitical tensions and political risk. 2026 will be "another year where thoughtful positioning rather than passive exposure makes the difference". The hosts discuss their strategic positioning, including maintaining international equity exposure while being selective about regions, a strategic shift from AI providers to AI users, shifting from precious metals to industrial metals, and their cautious approach to bonds amid rising Treasury issuance.  Find out more and reach out to us on our blog [https://www.2xwealth.ingalls.net/market-insights/market-related-news].

The AI Revolution – Lessons From History and a Potential Shakeout

In this riveting episode recorded in late December 2025, we dive deep into the seismic shift happening in the world of artificial intelligence. As we went to publish in January 2026, the landscape had already transformed dramatically - Alibaba's Qwen family of LLMs has skyrocketed to approximately 700 million downloads on Hugging Face, all while being released as an open-source model under permissive licenses. The numbers are staggering: in December 2025 alone, Qwen's downloads surpassed the combined single-month downloads of tech giants like Meta (Llama), DeepSeek, OpenAI, Mistral, Nvidia, Zhipu, AI, Moonshot, and MiniMax. This isn't just a story about one company's success - it's about a fundamental power shift in AI development. Special guest Dr. Warren Jackson joins us as we explore how China's open-source approach is challenging US-dominated proprietary models like ChatGPT, creating unprecedented value for users worldwide. We predicted this competition would benefit AI users, and the data is already proving us right. The democratization of AI is accelerating, with profound implications for developers, businesses, and everyday users. Don't miss this timely analysis of the new global AI race where open-source is emerging as the unexpected champion. Find out more and reach out to us on our blog [https://www.2xwealth.ingalls.net/market-insights/market-related-news].

Welcome to the Intelligence Revolution

Join Lori Zager, Lisa James, and special guest Warren Jackson as they explore the world of AI. In this episode, they compare the Intelligence Revolution to the Industrial Revolution and discuss how to asses the various AI-related investment opportunities. Dr. Jackson is a physicist who first started studying AI as a principal scientist for PARC ten years ago. Currently, he is a consultant for DARPA. Have a listen! Find out more and reach out to us on our blog [https://www.2xwealth.ingalls.net/market-insights/market-related-news].

💡 Does Your Portfolio Need Bonds?

Join Lori Zager and Lisa James as they explore the evolving landscape of bonds and their role in modern investment strategies. In this engaging episode, they discuss the historical significance of bonds in portfolio management and explore why traditional approaches might be shifting. Discover the factors influencing the effectiveness of bonds as a hedge against market volatility and gain insights into alternative investment strategies that could complement or replace bonds in your portfolio. From gold and energy to the potential risks of treasuries, Lori and Lisa offer a balanced perspective on the current investment climate. Tune in to learn about the various types of bonds and their potential roles in different investment scenarios, and hear real-world examples that illustrate the complexities of modern portfolio management. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, this episode provides a thought-provoking discussion on the future of bonds and their impact on your financial journey! 📈💰 Find out more and reach out to us on our blog [https://www.2xwealth.ingalls.net/market-insights/market-related-news].

How to Protect Your Portfolio in Uncertain Times

Every recession or bear market is driven by a unique mix of factors, and the investment strategies that work best depend on the specific circumstances behind each downturn. In this episode of Nest Egg, Lori Zager and Lisa James break down the complex web of rising tariffs, soaring national debt, and shrinking policy options that are currently challenging investors. Join them as they explore actionable portfolio strategies designed to prioritize capital preservation in a landscape marked by recession risks and the looming threat of stagflation—where slow growth, rising unemployment, and higher inflation collide. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just building your financial knowledge, this episode offers valuable insights to help you protect your wealth in uncertain times. Find out more and reach out to us on our blog [https://www.2xwealth.ingalls.net/market-insights/market-related-news].