Tariffs, Rates & Inflation: Tactical Investing in an Uncertain World – Salient – 4.10.18

Summary:

Now On Demand.

Amid endless talk of rising rates, inflation, and trade friction, we seem to have reached the bargaining period in the market’s version of the five stages of grief. Until the Fed and the White House follow through on what the market continues to deny will happen, the market will remain choppy. How can investors survive the continued threat of shocks to the market? Should they just throw themselves onto the waves of the S&P 500 and hope for the best?

We believe there’s a better way. By observing market narratives and identifying repeatable signals at market extremes, active investors can potentially participate in market advances while insulating their portfolios from downturns. Join us for an in-depth discussion that will explore:

• Understanding economic narratives
• How to interpret market signals
• A tactical approach to thriving during market volatility

Speakers:

Ben Hunt is the chief investment strategist at Salient and the author of Epsilon Theory, a newsletter and website that examines markets through the lenses of game theory and history. Over 100,000 professional investors and allocators across 180 countries read Epsilon Theory for its fresh perspective and novel insights into market dynamics. As chief investment strategist, Dr. Hunt helps develop investment strategy for the firm, works with portfolio managers and key clients to incorporate his investment views into their decision-making process, and manages certain portfolios directly. Dr. Hunt is a featured contributor to a wide range of investment publications and media programming.

Dr. Hunt received his Ph.D. in Government from Harvard University in 1991. He taught political science for 10 years: at New York University from 1991 until 1997 and (with tenure) at Southern Methodist University from 1997 until 2000. Dr. Hunt wrote two academic books: Getting to War (Univ. of Michigan Press, 1997) and Policy and Party Competition (Routledge, 1992), which he co-authored with Michael Laver. Dr. Hunt is the founder of two technology companies and the co-founder of SmartEquip, Inc., a software company for the construction equipment industry that provides intelligent schematics and parts diagrams to facilitate e-commerce in spare parts.

Dr. Hunt began his investment career in 2003, first in venture capital and subsequently on two long/short equity hedge funds. He worked at Iridian Asset Management from 2006 until 2011 and TIG Advisors from 2012 until 2013. Dr. Hunt joined Salient in 2013, where he combines his background as a portfolio manager, risk manager, and entrepreneur with academic experience in game theory and econometrics to provide a unique perspective on investment risk and reward on behalf of Salient and its clients. Dr. Hunt co-manages the Salient Tactical Plus Fund.

Chris Guptill is co-chief executive officer, chief investment officer and portfolio manager at Broadmark Asset Management. He founded Broadmark in 1999 and leads the development of the firm’s investment management strategies. As a specialist in market analysis and risk management, Mr. Guptill is also responsible for the implementation of all portfolio management and execution.

Mr. Guptill began his career in 1979 at Paine, Webber, Jackson & Curtis. In 1994, he joined McKinley Capital Management as a senior portfolio manager. He later became the firm’s chief equity strategist as well as developed, launched and co-managed the firm’s highly successful alternative investment portfolios.

Mr. Guptill holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from California State University, Chico. He manages the Salient Tactical Growth Fund and co-manages the Salient Tactical Plus Fund.