Welcome to Trends with Benefits, the podcast that gives you an insider's edge into finance, tech, and investing. Hosted by Ed Lopez, VanEck's Head of Product Management.
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60 recent
June 9, 2026Episode 15553 min
Space, AI, and Private Equity Trends
AI is creating 'zombie companies' and the next wave of winners may never go public. VanEck's Head of Private Growth Strategies Christian Munafo reveals how to find them, why IPOs are still stalled, and what the SpaceX listing could unlock.
May 26, 2026Episode 15443 min
20 Years of GDX: How VanEck Changed the ETF Industry
Explore the origin story of VanEck's first ETF, the bullish case for gold, and where the ETF industry may be headed next, with VanEck CEO Jan van Eck and COO Adam Phillips.
May 12, 2026Episode 15347 min
This Mining CEO Is Not a Gold Bug. But He Is Bullish.
Explore the dynamics of the gold market, supply constraints, technological innovations, gold as a currency, and technology in mining efficiency, with Agnico Eagle Mines CEO Ammar Al-Joundi. 00:00 Introduction 03:30 Drivers of Gold Prices 14:38 Challenges to Gold's Bullish Outlook 17:24 Supply Constraints in Gold Mining 21:33 Advantages of Operating in Developed Markets 25:56 Investor Perspectives on Gold Mining 32:38 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency 42:05 Trend or Fad?
April 28, 2026Episode 15238 min
The Tax Changes Nobody Is Talking About
Explore the biggest tax planning changes of 2026, the One Big Beautiful Act, Roth conversion pitfalls, and how AI is reshaping wealth management, with Wealth.com Senior Tax Strategist Shane Ball. 00:00 Introduction 08:28 The Role of Technology in Tax Planning 17:08 Common Tax Mistakes and Best Practices 17:56 Navigating State and Federal Tax Provisions 18:28 Understanding Roth Conversions 25:09 Integrating Estate and Tax Planning 27:17 The Future of Tax Policy 31:46 Investment Trends and Insights 34:24 Trend or Fad?
April 13, 202650 min
How AI is Shaping Next-Gen Manufacturing
Explore how AI is transforming industrial automation, machine learning, autonomous manufacturing, and the key workforce skills required, with Rockwell Automation VP Jordan Reynolds. 00:00 Introduction 02:18 Rockwell Automation's Role in Industrial AI 06:03 Adaptable Learning: The Next Inflection Point of Automation 16:39 The Rise of Learning and Adaptation in Automation 29:49 Jobs and Skills in the Age of AI 31:16 The Human Role in Autonomous Manufacturing 35:47 AI's Impact on Supply Chains and Scarcity 44:23 Trend or Fad?
March 10, 202619 min
EM Debt Strengthens Amid U.S. Fiscal Uncertainty
Explore U.S. fiscal uncertainty, tariff shifts, Fed changes, and why stronger emerging market fundamentals may offer diversification despite tighter spreads.
February 24, 2026Episode 15046 min
The Human Role in Modern Financial Advice
Explore how fintech and AI expand access to personalized financial guidance, regardless of wealth level, and why human connection is vital in the age of AI with Connective CEO Ian Rosen. 00:00 Introduction 02:49 The Gaps in Financial Education and Advisory Services 09:08 Building Trust in Financial Services 13:03 Addressing Financial Anxiety and Health 14:37 The Journey to Founding Connective 23:08 The Future of Human Connection in Wealth Management 31:36 The Ripple Effect of Financial Support 32:31 The Need for Financial Professionals 42:24 Trend or Fad?
February 11, 202611 min
Bitcoin's Next Move: Volatility, Cycles & Signals
Explore Bitcoin's recent price drawdown, the four-year halving cycle, leverage unwinds, market structure shifts, and why long-term Bitcoin adoption continues to advance despite near-term volatility.
February 3, 2026Episode 14958 min
Dave Nadig's ETF Reality Check for 2026
Explore today's ETF landscape, including retail usage, AI in portfolios, market outlook, regulations, and the rise of active ETFs with President and Director of Research at ETF.com, Dave Nadig. 00:00 Introduction 02:27 ETF Awards and Innovations 04:41 State of the ETF Landscape 12:01 Regulatory Changes and ETF Launches 17:59 Active ETFs and Market Trends 32:04 Navigating the Challenges of Private Investments 38:05 Emerging Trends in Investment Products 40:23 The Impact of AI on Investment Strategies 53:18 Trend or Fad?
January 20, 2026Episode 14846 min
Why We Panic, Hesitate, and Chase Markets
Learn about the importance of behavioral finance in understanding investor emotions, decision-making, and common behavioral mistakes investors make with Chief Behavioral Officer, at RFG Advisory, Brendan Frazier. 00:00 Introduction 03:29 Journey into Behavioral Finance 12:21 Behavioral Mistakes Investors Make 14:17 The Impact of Past Experiences on Financial Behavior 22:43 The Rivalry Between Current and Future Sel 25:15 Understanding Client Goals and Motivations 30:50 The SAFE Framework for Clients 38:11 Setting Expectations to Mitigate Fear 42:39 The Impact of Technology on Human Behavior 44:56 Trend or Fad?
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