Russ Mathews Portfolio Manager & Investment Educator Podcasts

A listener asked – is Direct Indexing a good idea? This is a topic that many people have been getting pitched by many Wall Street Firms. Is this a good strategy? In this episode, Russ covers: What is direct Indexing; the Pros and Cons of Direct Indexing, where Direct Indexing fits in the portfolio. Plus he shares his views on the regional banking c…

There are several ways a company can access the public markets to raise capital. Russ covers the pros and cons of each – the Initial Public Offering (IPO), the Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC’s), Regulation CF, etc. In addition, he presents his 5-point checklist for when investing in these companies is a YES and when it is a NO. Don’t for…

The hottest new technology causing discussion and a global shock is Chat GPT (& its competitors) and how such conversational AI (artificial intelligence) is changing the game for many industries. Russ explores his thoughts on how AI will affect the world of investing and trading. What it is good at and what its limitations are. He provides a framew…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ takes a view on how to measure the risk of a stock. While Russ concedes that there are many ways to measure the risk of an investment – he covers the top 5 ways he uses – BETA, ALPHA, The P/E RATIO, STANDARD DEVIATION & R-SQUARED and how he uses each. Don’t forget to subscribe to the …

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Option Trading Show, Russ covers alternatives to holding cash in the bank (from least risky to most risky). From money market funds and high-yielding money markets to preferred stock ETF’s, many of the alternative choices are covered based on Russ’s recommendations and experience. The trade-offs and decisions b…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Option Trading Show, Russ covers how to put a bear marker year (like 2022) into context and offset taxes through a concept called Tax Loss Harvesting. The Wash Sale rule is also covered. In addition, Russ lays out the consensus view for 2023 and covers timing strategies for how to position your portfolio if you…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Option Trading Show, Russ lays out the 9 points to the bullish / more constructive case for stocks today. As everyone seems to bearish. Virtually all analysts, hedge fund managers and Wall Street firms are tripping over themselves to lay out the ‘bearish’ case. Russ presents the other side, not to indicate that…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Option Trading Show, Russ delves into why the macroeconomic picture matters and how it affects you. In other words, why should you care about terms such as CPI, PCE, Unemployment levels, Inflation, etc. Russ breaks down the areas of impact to you when these macro-economic areas change. Don’t forget to subscribe…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Option Trading Show, Russ describes the strategy to best recover one’s portfolio. If you have ever wondered, is there a way to possibly recover your next egg from down 30%-40% fairly quickly while further defining the downside risk, Russ describes how others do that. Most importantly, you can define any further…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Option Trading Show, Russ lays out the bad news and good news elements going on today. This episode addresses the anxiety about the current 'bear' market and worries about the deterioration of wealth. In addition, Russ covers what to do about it; specific action steps are illustrated. Don't forget to subscribe …

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ takes a look at efficient market theory today. He explores the three forms of efficient market theory (the Strong, Semi Strong & Weak forms) and covers the implications for tactical stock & options trading. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ takes a macro perspective. He covers how to make your money work harder for you. Both for the rest of 2022 & in future years. Four key steps are covered. 1.) Use the right strategies. 2.) Have a risk management process. 3.) Do equal size trades. 4.) Scale into positions and scale out.…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ discusses how inflation expectations seem to have peaked with the August CPI Report and how inflation expectations seem to be driving stock markets, bond markets and other assets. Russ Discusses what it means for stock markets and whether he thinks the bottom is in for markets for the…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ recaps one of the most misunderstood and reliable sentiment indicators – the Put / Call Ratio. He discusses how this is a ‘contrarian’ market sentiment indicator, how to use it, how it is calculated and where it is found. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ recaps the first half of 2022 in the stock market. He then asks the question, should we invest in stocks & options in the second half of 2022 at all? Four reasons are given why investing and staying in are the best alternative vs. hiding out in cash. Don’t forget to subscribe to the s…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will learn about a trading strategy that is very popular on social media in 2022. It is a variation on one of host Russ Mathews favorite trading strategies – and it called the 1:1:1 Trade. Russ’ teaches a variation of the trade (called the put ratio spread). Russ will teach you what th…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will learn about a variation on one of host Russ Mathews favorite trading strategies - the Poor Man’s Covered Call Trade. Russ will teach you what it is, why it is so powerful and how the mechanics differ from the traditional covered call. The covered call is one of the bread-and-butte…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ teaches the definition of ‘capitulation,’ and provides two ways to measure capitulation and tell if the equity markets are at or near a bottom. In addition, Russ provides the macro-economic landscape and where we can potentially go from here. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ teaches on how to think about quarterly earnings announcements. He teaches his favorite trading strategies for playing quarterly earnings – whether you are ‘bullish,’ ‘bearish,’…. or even what to do when there is a large, bifurcated outcome coming of which you are unsure. Russ covers …

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ reflects on the past two years in the markets. 40%-42% of traders started in the past 2 years. A lot has changed. Trading mechanics have become deceptively easy. But it has forced many to skip the ‘homework.’ Russ goes through the 5 steps to what doing the homework means. This is how …

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ revisits the outlook for the markets and the upcoming Federal Reserve pivot from QE (Quantitative Easing) to QT (Quantitative Tightening). Russ introduces a new trading strategy – the Put Ratio Backspread and when and how to use it. He provides context and perspective on how to use th…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ looks at the current volatility in the markets and provides his view. From Russia invading Ukraine to the Federal Reserve pivot from QE to QT, to the 10-year Treasury Note hitting a 2% yield. Russ provides context and perspective on it all. In addition, he provides his view on how to …

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ looks at a topic skipped by most traders – practice. In trading this means simulated trading or paper trading. Stories from Michael Jordan, Jerry Rice, & Bruce Lee are shared. In addition, the top 5 things to look for in a good simulated trading broker-dealer platform are shared. Don’…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ looks at the January market pullback – and provides perspective from both a logical and emotional point of view. He also covers the 3 key risks to the market and provides his view on where to focus. The game plan of buying the dip’ but scaling in is shared. Don’t forget to subscribe t…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Russ looks into the crystal ball and shares his outlook for 2022. He covers the key macro factors and what it can mean for stocks, fixed income, crypto’s etc. He also then shares a game plan and action steps for how to position portfolios for 2022. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will learn the ‘how-to’ practical steps to make trade adjustments to loosing options trades. Russ shares his philosophy and rules for making trade adjustments by strategy. Examples are given to bring the rules to life. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will learn the psychology and key rules for determining ‘if and when’ to make trade adjustments to loosing options trades. Russ shares his rules for determining if a trade is worth adjusting. Two examples are given to bring the rules to life. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will learn how Russ uses strategic overwriting on expiring covered calls (when the stock will not get called away from you) to capture the extra profits from time decay on expiration weekend. He will show you the mechanics of how to do the overwriting and how doing so can add 1%-3% to …

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will learn how Russ uses long and short Straddles and Strangle trades. You will learn the differences between straddles and strangles and when to use each strategically. 4 examples are given. In addition, some macroeconomic commentary is provided. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will learn Russ’s trading ‘commandments’ that he has developed over his 25-year investing career. It is a list of rules, key insights and reminders as you trade. Each trade should develop their own list, print it out and place it next to the trading workstation. Don’t forget to subscri…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will learn the three ways to properly protect an overall bullish portfolio and bullish individual securities from a market pullback. Host, Russ Mathews covers buying put options, buying protective puts and bearish call spreads. He also compares buying puts with stop loss odes. With Sep…

This is the first episode of Season #3 of The Modern Stock & Options Trading Show. In this episode, host Russ Mathews will discuss why actively managed mutual funds are such a raw deal for investors and why ETF’s and active strategies using individual stocks and conservative options strategies can provide a greater impact. Don’t forget to subscribe…

In this last episode of Season #2 of The Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, host Russ Mathews discusses his outlook for the stock market (in the USA) for the rest of 2021 - August through December. In addition, he gives his read on the key macroeconomic indicators discussed on the last episode as well as some additional items affecting the market…

In this episode of The Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, host Russ Mathews will discuss the key macroeconomic indicators that help him get a feel for where the market is heading. He will also describe both leading and lagging indicators and where he thinks we are on each indicator. The key learning is to see how key data shapes his top down macr…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will be introduced to a key mindset shift to be made in your trading. Host Russ Mathews’ discusses how to take what the market gives you…using the analogy of repeating ocean waves. Consistent trading often means hitting many singles vs. swinging for the fences and trying to hit homerun…

In this episode of The Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, host Russ Mathews will break down the cryptocurrency space today and he will compare and contrast cryptocurrencies with stocks and options. He will break down the blockchain vs. the token (the coin). A discussion of the inevitability of this emerging ‘asset’ class vs. how to play the theme…

In this episode of The Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, host Russ Mathews will show you a new options strategy, called the Call Debit Spread. The variation he likes to teach is the 'ITM' (In The Money) version. This strategy is great when you are moderately bullish on a stock and want consistency. He discusses when to use the trade, the mechani…

In this episode of The Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, host Russ Mathews will discuss the mindset shift that takes place between ‘growing your account’ vs. conversion into ‘monthly income generation.’ In other words, should you care about the fluctuations in the prices of the underlying assets (stocks, etc.) when you are generating monthly inc…

In this episode of The Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, host Russ Mathews will unpack the 3 choices you have in managing options trades: Exercising the option, closing out the options itself (by entering the opposite trade as the one you opened with), or letting the option expire worthless. He will cover the four rules for selection and also il…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, host Russ Mathews will show you a new stock & options strategy, called The Covered Combination Strategy. This strategy puts together two of his favorite strategies – writing covered calls and selling cash-backed puts. He discusses when to use the trade, the two obligations to the trader an…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, host Russ Mathews will show you the three ways he manages emotions during turbulent markets. In addition, he resets on the arguments for some tactical (or active) portfolio management vs. all passive investing. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show!…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, host Russ Mathews will show you how to buy many new hot market themes – through Exchange Traded Funds (“ETF’s”) at lower prices. You can sell cash-backed puts at lower prices and get paid now and only have to buy the ETF. Russ breaks downs the strategy and gives several examples. Don’t for…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will be introduced to host Russ Mathews’ method & techniques for selecting stocks to trade. These include the specific stocks that he does his options trading strategies on. Russ will teach you how to break stocks into the eleven S&P 500 industry sectors and what “homework” is needed o…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will be introduced to a specific options trading strategy for select moments, called the Straddle Trade. It is the trade when you expect a large move in a stock (or ETF) either up or down but you don’t know which way it will go. It is best used when there is an event looming with a bin…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, Host Russ Mathews provides his insights and perspective on two of the most powerful portfolio leverage tools available today, margin (also known as regulation-T margin) and portfolio margin. The risks of trading on margin are covered in the episode, along with the potential power to levera…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, host, Russ Mathews unpacks the three main drivers affecting markets right now: the US Election, the Covid-19 vaccine and Stimulus for Us citizens and small businesses. He builds the case for remaining cautiously bullish for the remainder of the year and he breaks down the themes to focus o…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, host Russ Mathews continues Season #2 by unpacking the controversial investment philosophy of ‘Buy & Hold.’ In other words, buying and holding a diversified portfolio of funds and securities and just hanging in there for decades. He makes the case for protecting the downside and sidesteppi…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, host Russ Mathews will discuss the volatile markets of September and October and expand one of his favorite trading strategies -Selling Cash Backed Puts (with downside protection). Russ will teach you what it is, why it is so powerful and the proper mechanics to frame the trade. In volatil…

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will hear host Russ Mathews’ perspective on the markets. This includes how to position portfolios and entering trades through a favorite trading strategy - selling (cash backed) puts. Russ will give you his take on what is underlying the stock market, why it is so powerful, the proper …

In this episode of the Modern Stock & Options Trading Show, you will learn ways to properly protect individual securities and your overall portfolio from a market crash. Host, Russ Mathews covers the no-cost order types (Stop-Loss Orders, Stop Limit Orders, Trailing Stop-Loss Orders, etc.) as well as paid protection (buying protective put options).…