The Derivative

Join Jeff Malec for a quick, fun season finale as he looks back on the year’s market highlights, standout episodes, and unforgettable guests. The Derivative is heading into a short holiday break, but we’ll be back with fresh conversations and a stacked guest lineup in January.  SEND IT!

Episode favs from 2026:

In this episode, Jeff Malec sits down with Tom Holliday, founder and CIO of HIP Investments, for an in-depth conversation on reimagining multi-strategy investing in the commodity space. Tom shares insights from his distinguished career, from his early days at Refco to working with George Soros and launching both Titan Advisors and Hip Investments. Together, they explore the evolution from traditional fund-of-funds to collaborative, actively managed multi-strat funds, highlighting the advantages of diversification, portfolio construction, and innovative incentive structures for specialist traders. The discussion covers risk management tactics, the unique challenges and opportunities of commodity markets, and why institutional investors may be under-allocated to this asset class. Whether you're an investment professional or passionate about alternative strategies, this episode offers valuable perspectives on building resilient, high-performing portfolios in today’s changing markets. SEND IT!

Chapters:

00:00-00:56= Intro

00:57-12:56= Commodities Demand Attention: Navigating Trends, Valuation, and the Road Ahead

12:57-28:27= Foundations of a Commodities Career: From Memphis Markets to Global Futures

28:28-32:15= From Fund of Funds to Multi-Strat: Evolving Models in Investment Management

32:16-44:37=Building HIP: Innovating Multi-Strat Strategies for Commodities

44:38-59:27= Risk, Collaboration, and Incentives: Cultivating a Resilient Commodities Team

59:28-01:13:19= Seizing Commodity Opportunities: Growth, Recruitment, and Market Evolution

01:13:20-01:17:19= Commodities: The Case for Attention and Allocation

Set sail with maritime historian Sal Mercogliano as we dive deep into the enduring mystery of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a legendary ship lost on the Great Lakes 50 years ago this week. From chilling tales of mariners’ lives and the critical role of iron ore trade, to the evolving challenges facing commercial shipping, this episode explores what really happened that stormy night in 1975—and why the story resonates today. Join host Jeff Malec and Sal for a wide-ranging conversation about Great Lakes lore, the economics and environmental impact of shipping, and what the future holds for this vital but often-overlooked industry. Whether you’re a shipping enthusiast or new to the story, you’ll come away with fresh insights and a newfound appreciation for the ships and people that keep goods moving around the globe. SEND IT!

Chapters:

00:00-00:50= Intro

00:51-4:04= From the High Seas to the Classroom: A Mariner’s Journey and Life Aboard

4:05-19:48= Lost Legends and Great Lakes Mysteries: The Edmund Fitzgerald and Life Aboard

19:49-34:45= From Iron Ore to Global Trade: Modern Shipping, Infrastructure, and Industry Shifts

34:46-39:32=Charting a Greener Course: The Future of Shipping and Environmental Innovation

39:33-57:05= Shipping’s Allure: Public Fascination, Industry Mystique, & Movie magic

From the Episode:

Join Jeff Malec and Brian Stutland, Portfolio Manager at Equity Armor Investments, as they dive deep into the complex world of market volatility, AI's transformative potential, and strategic investing. Drawing from his extensive trading experience, Stutland offers unique insights into the VIX, option strategies, and navigating today's dynamic market landscape. From the dot-com era to the current AI revolution, they explore how volatility can be an asset class, discuss the potential economic impacts of technological innovation, and share strategies for protecting and growing investment portfolios. Whether you're a seasoned investor or curious about option strategies and market dynamics, this episode provides a fascinating look at the intersection of technology, finance, and strategic risk management. - SEND IT!

00:00-00:49= Intro

00:50-14:38= AI, Valuations, and Market Froth: Navigating the New Tech Boom

14:39-25:35= Harvesting Volatility: Strategies for Trading VIX Futures and Protecting Portfolios

25:36-33:28= Option Premium Selling: The Hidden Risks of Wall Street's Favorite Strategy

33:29-49:03=The AI Revolution: Deflationary Disruption and the Future of Technology

49:04-55:13= The Ripple Effect: How Market Volatility Spreads Beyond Bonds55:14-01:04:22= From Bull Markets to Bulls: Whack-a-mole VIX spikes & Brian Stutland's Sneaky Game 6

From the Episode:

Buckle up for a wild ride through the markets with Eric Leake, founder of Altus Private Capital, as Jeff Malec explores the investment world with a quantitative maverick who's about to reveal the hidden playbook of market mastery! From analyzing market waves to navigating volatility, Eric uncovers his unique approach combining long-term equity market trend analysis with short-term volatility management. Discover the secret sauce of strategies that don't just follow the crowd - they dance to their own quantitative beat. 

With insights sharper than a guitar riff and techniques more calculated than conventional wisdom, Eric shares how he aims to turn market chaos into calculated returns, smoothing out market bumps and turning volatility into opportunity. Blending market insight with analytical precision, Eric provides insights into managing risk and understanding the patterns of investor behavior. Learn how his multi-factor strategy aims to deliver returns while protecting against market downturns, all while maintaining exposure to market upside. This conversation is a great listen for investors seeking to understand sophisticated risk management techniques in today's dynamic market environment - SEND IT!

00:00-00:51= Intro

00:52-09:10= From Music Major to Market Maverick: Eric Leake's Unexpected Journey

09:11-22:33= Decoding Market Dynamics: The Art of Trend Following and Volatility Management

22:34-39:14= Risk Management Unveiled: Smoothing Market Volatility Through Quantitative Strategies

39:15-49:27=ALTUS Strategies: Balancing Short-Term Volatility and Market Momentum

49:28-01:03:40= Navigating Market Extremes: Hedging, Positioning, and Investor Psychology

From the Episode: