Thematic Signals

On this episode of the Thematic Signals podcast, Tematica’s Chris Versace breaks down the latest trade developments (including why he doesn’t think a two-step deal is likely) and discusses the European Central Bank rate cut before shares his thoughts on the continued plight of brick & mortar retail as Forever 21 is slated to file bankruptcy this weekend. We see no slowdown in the Digital Lifestyle tailwind that is a headwind for those like Forever 21. Chris then moves to why he was nonplused by Apple’s 2019 iPhone event even though it announcements made during the event mean problems for Netflix and GameStop. Also, hotels in Japan get a makeover, and Volkswagen comes out of the German Auto Show swinging at Tesla. To hear how those two items tie into our Living the Life and Cleaner Living investing themes, as well as why Chris is a little concerned about the Federal Reserve meeting next week, you’ll need to listen to need hit the play button and listen.     Have a topic or a conversation you think we should tackle on the podcast, email me at cversace@tematicaresearch.com   And don’t forget to subscribe to the Thematic Signals Podcast on iTunes!   Resources for this podcast: @ChrisJVersace https://www.tematicaresearch.com/ Tematica Research Cleaner Living Index Thematic Signals  

On this episode of the Thematic Signals podcast, host Chris Versace is joined by Peter Tchir, who is the Head of Macro Strategy at Academy Securities. While Chris has a thematic focus, Peter’s is from the fixed income vantage point, which means he tends to focus on credit and risk. Despite the different approaches, the two discuss the US-China trade war, the swath of recent economic data and prospects for further monetary policy stimulus from both the European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve. As they talk, Peter shares his views on why a US-China trade deal won’t be reached until the first half of 2020, why he’s not as concerned about the inverted yield curve, why fund flows into low volatility funds are a concern of his and the reason why he thinks Turkey could be the unexpected issue that upsets the apple cart in the coming months.   Have a topic or a conversation you think we should tackle on the podcast, email me at cversace@tematicaresearch.com   And don’t forget to subscribe to the Thematic Signals Podcast on iTunes!   Resources for this podcast: Peter Tchir – Twitter Academy Securities @ChrisJVersace https://www.tematicaresearch.com/ Tematica Research Cleaner Living Index Thematic Signals

  On this episode of the Thematic Signals podcast, host Chris Versace digs more into Tematica’s Cleaner Livinginvesting theme with Andrew Pace of Degree of Green. Degree of Green was started back in 2007 as a rating system to educate consumers and retailers about the different facets of green.  But today, Degree of Green is an educational portal to teach people how to build healthy AND green. On this week's podcast, you’ll learn how many chemicals dwell inside your home and where there they tend to be most prevalent. You’ll also learn about the varying degrees of what is considered green, with some surprises along the way as we talk about Degree of Green’s proprietary green rating system. If you’re looking to Clean up your existing home or a new one, this is a podcast you won’t want to miss. Have a topic or a conversation you think we should tackle on the podcast, email me at cversace@tematicaresearch.com And don’t forget to subscribe to the Thematic Signals Podcast on iTunes!   Resources for this podcast: Andrew Pace Degree of Green Degree of Green Podcast @ChrisJVersace https://www.tematicaresearch.com/ Tematica Research Cleaner Living Index Thematic Signals

On this episode of the Thematic Signals podcast, we’re digging into the July Retail Sales and quarterly earnings results from Walmart as both confirm the hard-blowing tailwinds associated with our Digital Lifestyle, Middle-Class Squeeze, Aging of the Population and Cleaner Living Investing themes. We also breakdown a recent article in The Wall Street Journal that discusses how one aspect of our Cleaner Living investing theme — electric vehicles — could threaten the German economy. It’s the same structural shift that should have folks more than a little concerned about Tesla, both its business as well as its shares. All that and much more on this episode of the podcast.  Have a topic or a conversation you think we should tackle on the podcast, email me at cversace@tematicaresearch.com And don’t forget to subscribe to the Thematic Signals Podcast on iTunes! Resources for this podcast: @ChrisJVersace https://www.tematicaresearch.com/ Tematica Research Cleaner Living IndexThematic Signals

  On this episode of the Thematic Signals podcast, we’re tackling an aspect of our Cleaner Living investing theme that most people tend to take for granted – clean water. To dig into the subject, we speak with Dr. Roy Speiser of water and air filtration company CWR Environmental Products, who for over 35 years has championed the cause to mitigate air and waterborne toxins. As you’ll hear, because of environmental abuse, industrial greed and governmental neglect, the harsh reality is our water supply is not as clean or as safe as we think it is. Dr. Speiser explains how you can find out the state of your own water supply, what common contaminants you’re likely to find, and offers some helpful suggestions on how to ensure you have a clean water supply. He also shares exactly what kind of portable drinking water bottle you should be using, and likely it's not that metal one you might be carrying around. Have a topic or a conversation you think we should tackle on the podcast, email me at cversace@tematicaresearch.com And don’t forget to subscribe to the Thematic Signals Podcast on iTunes!   Resources for this podcast: Roy Speiser CWR Environmental Products @ChrisJVersace https://www.tematicaresearch.com/ Tematica Research Cleaner Living Index Thematic Signals

  We are just back from vacation and hitting the ground running during arguably one of the busiest weeks of the year. In addition to the usual end of the month, start of the month economic data, we’ve got more than 1,000 companies reporting quarterly earnings; the Fed’s next FOMC meeting; and the next Democratic presidential debate. And that’s what we know about. We dig into all and share where we think the market could be capped if the trend in earnings continues. We also share our thoughts on Cleaner Living company Beyond Meat (BYND), whose shares have been nothing short of a rocket ship ride, but is that rise likely to continue? We discuss just that and much more on this podcast episode.  Have a topic or a conversation you think we should tackle on the podcast, email me at cversace@tematicaresearch.com And don’t forget to subscribe to the Thematic Signals Podcast on iTunes!  Resources for this podcast: @ChrisJVersace https://www.tematicaresearch.com/ Tematica Research Cleaner Living Index Thematic Signals   Stocks Mentioned: BYND, UPS, TSN, PPC, SFM, AMZN, AAPL, NFLX, TSLA, DIS, T, CMCSA, GM, F, FCAU

On this episode of the Thematic Signals podcast, we find ourselves in the thick of earnings season and Tematica’s Chris Versace not only provides an overview for how all of these reports are coming together to form a larger picture, he shares a thematic look at what’s moving several stocks, including Amazon (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), International Airlines Group (ICAGY), IBM (IBM), Netflix (NFLX), Skyworks Solutions (SWKS) and the impact of spending on cybersecurity. In thematic speak, it's the Digital Lifestyle, Digital Infrastructure, Disruptive Innovators, and the Safety & Security themes, with an added dash of privacy. Of particular note, Chris is really excited about one of the latest signals for Tematica’s Cleaner Living investing theme as Nestle SA has found a way to dramatically reduce the sugar content of its KitKat bar. Why? Because it and other food and beverage companies are under pressure from consumers and governments alike to make healthier products amid rising obesity and diabetes rates. If Nestle keeps this up maybe one day it could land in the Tematica Research Cleaner Living Index.   Have a topic or a conversation you think we should tackle on the podcast, email me at cversace@tematicaresearch.com   And don’t forget to subscribe to the Thematic Signals Podcast on iTunes!   Resources for this podcast: @ChrisJVersace https://www.tematicaresearch.com/ Tematica Research Cleaner Living Index Thematic Signals

On this episode of the Thematic Signals podcast, Tematica’s Chris Versace gets investors and corporate leaders ready for what Fed Chairman Powell may do at this week’s semi-annual testimony in front of the House Financial Services Committee. In June Powell signaled a more dovish tone with monetary policy citing the slowing global economy, trade-related uncertainty and the lack of inflation. After Independence Day 2019, however, several pieces of new data may give Powell and the Fed some room to wait. What the data was and what it could mean, we discuss on the podcast. We’re also sharing several signals for our Digital Lifestyle, Cleaner Living, Living the Life and Safety & Security investing themes. Have a topic or a conversation you think we should tackle on the podcast, email me at cversace@tematicaresearch.com And don’t forget to subscribe to the Thematic Signals Podcast on iTunes!   Resources for this podcast: Chris Versace — @ChrisJVersace Tematica Research – https://www.tematicaresearch.com Tematica Research Cleaner Living Index Thematic Signals: https://www.tematicaresearch.com/thematic-signals/

  On this episode of the Thematic Signals podcast, Tematica’s Chris Versace digs into what investors should be watching in the month of July. Between the June quarter earnings season, the Fed and the latest economic data, there is no shortage of things investors need to watch. In Chris’s view that’s especially true given the potential for the Fed to NOT cut interest rates at its July monetary policy meeting, and for earnings guidance to be softer than Wall Street is expecting. We’ve also got several thematic signals, including ones for our Digital Lifestyle, Aging of the Population and Cleaner Living Index. If you listen carefully, Chris mentions not only one of his favorite companies for the second half of the year, but also how the Cleaner Living signal ties into the Tematica Research Cleaner Living Index. Have a topic or a conversation you think we should tackle on the podcast, email me at cversace@tematicaresearch.com And don’t forget to subscribe to the Thematic Signals Podcast on iTunes! Resources for this podcast: Chris Versace — @ChrisJVersace Tematica Research – https://www.tematicaresearch.com Tematica Research Cleaner Living Index Thematic Signals: https://www.tematicaresearch.com/thematic-signals/    

  On this episode of the Thematic Signals podcast, Tematica’s Chris Versace digs into the latest economic data and shares his growing concern over earnings expectations for the second half of 2019 as we get ready for the June quarter earnings season. In his opinion, expectations are ahead of reality given the slowing global economy, existing tariffs and trade talk uncertainty. He also introduces the Tematica Research Cleaner Living Index (CLNR), which focuses on those companies benefitting from the accelerating shift to Cleaner Groceries, Cleaner Dining, Cleaner Health & Beauty, Cleaner Homes & Buildings, and Cleaner Planet. Chris finishes the podcast with several signals for our Clean Living, New Global Middle-Class, Aging of the Population and Safety & Security investing themes.    Have a topic or a conversation you think we should tackle on the podcast, email me at cversace@tematicaresearch.com   And don’t forget to subscribe to the Thematic Signals Podcast on iTunes!   Resources for this podcast: Chris Versace — @ChrisJVersace Tematica Research – https://www.tematicaresearch.com Tematica Research Cleaner Living Index Thematic Signals: https://www.tematicaresearch.com/thematic-signals/

On this episode of the Thematic Signals podcast, Tematica’s Chris Versace is joined by Bob Lang, founder of and Chief Options Trader at Explosive Options, to talk all options and options strategies, including how an investor can use them to protect themselves in an uncertain stock market. While we focus on thematics, Bob focuses on charts and technical analysis to chart his way for both the market and his options trades. On the podcast, Bob will talk about why he likes options over stocks, share several trading strategies and how he manages a portfolio that can be 20-40 options in size while managing risk as well. Chris also talks with Bob about his book, Know Your Options: How To Build Wealth Using Proven Options Trading Strategies and Technical Analysis, which has received high praise from institutional as well as individual options traders.   Have a topic or a conversation you think we should tackle on the podcast, email me at cversace@tematicaresearch.com   And don’t forget to subscribe to the Thematic Signals Podcast on iTunes!   Resources for this podcast: Bob Lang – @aztecs99 Explosive Options.net Chris Versace — @ChrisJVersace Tematica Research – https://www.tematicaresearch.com Thematic Signals: https://www.tematicaresearch.com/thematic-signals/

Welcome to the Thematic Signals podcast, where we look to distill everyday noise into clear investing signals using our thematic lens and our 10 investing themes. On this episode Chris Versace welcomes Sal Gilbertie, the Chief Investment Officer at  Teucrium Trading, back to the podcast. In the past on Tematica’s Cocktail Investing podcast, Chris and Sal have talked about the thematic influences on agricultural commodities, including Tematica’s New Global Middle-class one. They touch on that today but also discuss the current supply constraints as well as looming ones that have led to a supply imbalance, particularly for corn and soybeans, that has sent prices soaring. Sal explains how investors should think about these commodities across the 5 to 7 year cycle and shares why the upcoming G20 summit could serve as another catalyst for commodity prices to move higher. The two also discuss the ripple effect to be had on both consumers and companies in the agricultural complex but also those that count corn as a key input.   Have a topic or a conversation you think we should tackle on the podcast, email me at cversace@tematicaresearch.com   And don’t forget to subscribe to the Thematic Signals Podcast on your favorite Apple device   Resources for this podcast: Sal Gilbertie - http://teucrium.com/management/ Teucrium Trading - http://teucrium.com/ Chris Versace — @ChrisJVersace Tematica Research – https://www.tematicaresearch.com Thematic Signals: https://www.tematicaresearch.com/thematic-signals/

Welcome to the Thematic Signals podcast, where we look to distill everyday noise into clear investing signals using our thematic lens and our 10 investing themes. On this episode, Chris Versace is joined by Mike Akins, founding partner at ETF Action and former head of ETFs at Alps, which when Mike left had roughly $15 billion in assets.   With more than 6,500 ETFs worldwide and several thousand in the US alone, Chris and Mike talk about the development of the ETF market and what’s next for it. As Mike sees it, there are four types of ETFs – cheap beta, strategic beta, tactical and a new class of ETFs emerging, which are thematic in nature. Given our thematic approach here at Tematica, we were game to talk with Mike on this as well as how ETF Action can help investors cleave through the sea of ETFs and make a more informed investment decision.   Have a topic or a conversation you think we should tackle on the podcast, email me at cversace@tematicaresearch.com   And don’t forget to subscribe to the Thematic Signals Podcast on iTunes!   Resources for this podcast: ETF Action - https://www.etfaction.com Chris Versace — @ChrisJVersace Tematica Research – https://www.tematicaresearch.com Thematic Signals: https://www.tematicaresearch.com/thematic-signals/

Welcome to the Thematic Signals podcast, the podcast previously known as Cocktail Investing, where we look to distill everyday noise into clear investing signals using our thematic lens and our 10 investing themes. On this episode, host Chris Versace discusses the sharp June rebound in the stock market that is being fueled by “bad news is good news” with return of Fed related hopium for a rate cut. Recently Federal Reserve Chairman Powell confirmed the Fed is closely watching trade and tariff developments and “will act as appropriate to sustain the expansion.” As Chris explains, given the timing of the G20 meeting vs. the next Fed monetary policy meeting, those hoping for a June rate cut are likely to be very disappointed. Also on the podcast, several ripped from the headlines signals for a number of our investing themes, including Cleaner Living, Middle-Class Squeeze, Guilty Pleasure and Safety & Security. Have a topic or a conversation you think we should tackle on the podcast, email me at cversace@tematicaresearch.com  And don’t forget to subscribe to the Thematic Signals Podcast on iTunes!   Resources for this podcast: Chris Versace — @ChrisJVersace Tematica Research – https://www.tematicaresearch.com Thematic Signals: https://www.tematicaresearch.com/thematic-signals/

Welcome to the Thematic Signals podcast, where we look to distill everyday noise into clear investing signals using our thematic lens and our 10 investing themes. Every week we not only discuss key events that are shaping the stock market, but we also look at key sign posts for the changing economic, demographic, psychographic, and technological landscapes that are driving the structural changes occurring around us.  On this episode, with retailer earnings in the spotlight, we dig into which ones are winning the fight for consumer wallet share and those that are losing. The implications are huge given that retail accounts for nearly 20% of the S&P 500 and roughly 16% of US GDP.  Those that are winning the wallet share fight, such as Target, Hibbett Sports, Walmart, TJX Companies. Best Buy and others are leveraging our Middle-Class Squeeze, Digital Society and to a lesser extent our Aging of the Population investing theme. We also talk about what investors should be looking for next as earnings season winds down and share some of the latest signals for our 10 investing themes. Have a topic or a conversation you think we should tackle on the podcast, email me at cversace@tematicaresearch.com   And don’t forget to subscribe to the Thematic Signals Podcast on iTunes! Resources for this podcast: Chris Versace — @ChrisJVersace Tematica Research – https://www.tematicaresearch.com Thematic Signals: https://www.tematicaresearch.com/thematic-signals/