Expanding Frontiers: An Alternative Investments & Machine Learning Podcast

Understanding Real Assets & Their Role in Investment Portfolios

In this episode, we take a deep dive into real assets—including land, natural resources, infrastructure, and intellectual property—and explore their unique characteristics and investment potential.
We’ll discuss timberland and farmland investments, covering valuation methods, risks, and opportunities. Then, we’ll break down natural resource investments, with a focus on commodity producers and master limited partnerships (MLPs).
The conversation also explores infrastructure as a hybrid asset class, the dynamics of commodity futures markets (including contango, backwardation, and roll yield), and strategies for managing commodity exposure. Plus, we’ll touch on ETFs, ETNs, and key considerations around futures expiration and contract rollover.
Join us as we unpack the complexities of real asset investing and what it means for investors today. Tune in now!
Podcast Disclaimer
This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any third-party entities unless explicitly stated. The content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or professional advice. Listeners should consult qualified professionals before making any decisions based on this content.
This episode is based on a chapter from my book, Alternative Investments: Expanding Frontiers (soon to be released on LeanPub.com), and was generated using Notebook LM and other AI tools. While I have reviewed the content for accuracy, it may still contain errors, inaccuracies, or omissions. Neither the producers nor any affiliates accept liability for any damages or losses arising from the use or interpretation of this content.
By listening, you acknowledge that the information provided is subject to change and should not be solely relied upon for decision-making.

Accessing Commercial Real Estate Returns

This podcast episode introduces commercial real estate as an asset class, outlining its categories like office and retail. It discusses advantages and disadvantages of real estate, including inflation hedging and illiquidity, and categorizes real estate equity styles as core, value-added, and opportunistic. The text then covers real estate development, viewing it through a real options lens, and explains valuation approaches such as comparable sales and income approaches, including cap rates and discount rate estimation. Finally, it examines alternative real estate investment vehicles like private and public funds, including REITs, crowdfunded real estate and introduces real estate indices and the concept of smoothed return series due to illiquidity.
 
Disclaimer
This episode is based on the second chapter of my book, Alternative Investments: Expanding Frontiers (soon to be released on LeanPub.com), and was generated using Notebook LM and other AI tools. While I have reviewed the content for accuracy, it may still contain errors, inaccuracies, or omissions. Neither the producers nor any affiliates accept liability for any damages or losses arising from the use or interpretation of this content.
This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any third-party entities unless explicitly stated. The content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or professional advice. Listeners should consult qualified professionals before making any decisions based on this content.
By listening, you acknowledge that the information provided is subject to change and should not be solely relied upon for decision-making.

Private Equity

This discussion examines the world of private equity (PE), spanning venture capital, growth equity, and buyouts. It covers diverse aspects such as investment types, valuation methodologies, and the structure of PE funds including their fees and cash flow dynamics. It explores the intricacies of venture capital stages, valuation techniques using multiples and real options, and the importance of redemption rights in growth equity. Furthermore, leveraged buyouts (LBOs) and various strategies to generate value along with potential conflicts of interest are investigated, providing a deep understanding of this area. Lastly, business development companies are evaluated and the secondary market, its illiquidity, and the impact of tax implications on PE fund pricing are discussed.
Disclaimer
This episode is based on the second chapter of my book, Alternative Investments: Expanding Frontiers (soon to be released on LeanPub.com), and was generated using Notebook LM and other AI tools. While I have reviewed the content for accuracy, it may still contain errors, inaccuracies, or omissions. Neither the producers nor any affiliates accept liability for any damages or losses arising from the use or interpretation of this content.
This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any third-party entities unless explicitly stated. The content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or professional advice. Listeners should consult qualified professionals before making any decisions based on this content.
By listening, you acknowledge that the information provided is subject to change and should not be solely relied upon for decision-making.

Introduction to Alternative Investments

This discussion serves as an introduction to alternative investments, targeting both institutional and retail investors, particularly those pursuing the CFA (or CAIA) designation. It defines alternative investments by what they are not (traditional stocks and bonds) and by what they are (hedge funds, real assets, private equity, etc.). The material explores the debate around including alternative investments in portfolios, touching on the historical limitations faced by retail investors and the emergence of liquid alternatives. It also examines various fund types like private funds, 40' Act funds, and separately managed accounts. The study guide outlines key differences between alternative and traditional investments, like uncorrelated returns and illiquidity, and provides resources for further study and project work. 
Podcast Disclaimer
This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any third-party entities unless explicitly stated. The content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or professional advice. Listeners should consult qualified professionals before making any decisions based on this content.
This episode is based on the first chapter of my book, Alternative Investments: Expanding Frontiers (soon to be released on LeanPub.com), and was generated using Notebook LM and other AI tools. While I have reviewed the content for accuracy, it may still contain errors, inaccuracies, or omissions. Neither the producers nor any affiliates accept liability for any damages or losses arising from the use or interpretation of this content.
By listening, you acknowledge that the information provided is subject to change and should not be solely relied upon for decision-making.