In this episode of Non Consensus Investing, host Ram Ahluwalia, CIO at Lumida Wealth, delves into alternative investment strategies and managing significant wealth with guest Will Black, a consumer credit expert and founder of Black Analytics. They discuss the current state of the U.S. consumer, trends in delinquency rates and auto insurance premiums, and the implications for personal finance and alternative investments. The conversation explores the paradoxical nature of deteriorating credit performance despite strong macroeconomic indicators, the impact of the pandemic on consumer credit and underwriting standards, and the nuances of structured finance. With insights into sub-prime lending, the unique challenges faced by younger borrowers, and the evolving landscape of credit card networks and FinTech innovations, this episode reveals crucial intersections of risk that influence investment decisions and consumer financial health.
00:00 Welcome to Non Consensus Investing with Ram Ahluwalia
00:27 Introducing Will Black: A Deep Dive into U.S. Consumer Credit
01:25 The Paradox of the U.S. Consumer's Financial Health
05:02 Exploring the Impact of Pandemic Mortgage Refinancing
05:44 Delinquencies on the Rise: Analyzing the Causes
12:36 The Role of Subprime Borrowers and Underwriting in Credit Trends
19:23 The Unseen Impact of Student Loan Debt Resumption
21:22 Deconstructing the Biden Administration's Student Loan Relief Proposal
25:05 Unsecured Personal Loans: A Risky Business?
35:53 Credit Card Companies and the Rising Tide of Delinquencies
38:04 Exploring the Limits of Growth and Economic Cycles
39:30 The Uncharted Territory of Buy Now, Pay Later Services
43:34 Auto Insurance: Inflation and Tesla's Unique Challenges
50:22 The Impact of Global Competition on Manufacturing and EVs
55:43 Capital One's Acquisition of Discover: A Strategic Move?
57:50 The Future of Credit Card Networks and Interchange Fees
01:08:30 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions