“An incredibly shrewd pair of deal-doers looking towards these sorts of short video platforms.” – 02:30

Patrick L. Young, Chairman and Founder of Exchange Invest, joins Remy Blaire to discuss the recent phone call between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders describe the conversation as productive and constructive, although concrete agreements are still pending. Remy highlights the significance of this dialogue in the context of U.S.-China relations, noting the enigmatic nature of both leaders and the ongoing complexities that define their interactions.

Patrick emphasizes that while there is no total agreement between the two nations, there are signs of a rapprochement driven by China’s need to export goods to the U.S. and America’s desire to prevent potential conflicts, such as an invasion of Taiwan.

The conversation shifts to the involvement of tech moguls, including Larry Ellison, Rupert Murdoch, and Michael Dell, in the management of TikTok’s data. Remy and Patrick discuss how Oracle is set to host American user data on its Texas-based infrastructure, marking a significant move in the tech landscape. Patrick elaborates on the strategic shift of these media and tech leaders towards embracing social media platforms, moving away from traditional media models. He notes the importance of TikTok for the Trump campaign as it prepares for the 2024 elections, recognizing its potential to mobilize voters.

Remy then transitions to Trump’s recent state visit to the UK, where he met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles. Patrick shares his perspective on how Trump’s visit may have positively impacted Starmer’s political standing during a challenging period, suggesting that Trump’s presence helped to stabilize local political issues. The discussion also touches on Microsoft’s $30 billion investment in the UK, with Patrick explaining that the UK’s departure from the EU has made it a more attractive destination for tech companies, particularly those wary of stringent regulations.

“A green bond is something that has a direct influence on the environment.” – 01:35

Benjamin Bailey, Praxis Investment Management, joins Remy Blaire at the New York Stock Exchange to discuss the concept of faith-based investing, a growing interest among investors who wish to align their financial portfolios with their personal values. Despite nearly half of investors expressing a desire for this alignment, only 9% of financial advisors are initiating conversations about faith-based investing.

Benjamin begins by discussing the Praxis Impact Bond Fund, emphasizing its commitment to outperforming the market while incorporating green, social, and sustainability bonds. He reveals that approximately one-third of the fund is currently invested in these impactful bonds, which aim to create significant benefits for both the environment and communities.

The conversation then shifts to the terminology surrounding impact investing. Benjamin explains that green bonds are specifically tied to projects with direct environmental benefits, such as solar and wind farms, and highlights the importance of annual impact reports that detail how funds are utilized and the outcomes achieved.

Remy and Benjamin delve into recent research on faith-based investing, which indicates that about 50% of investors are interested in this approach. However, many advisors are hesitant to discuss it, fearing potential divisiveness or disruption of existing client relationships. Benjamin reassures listeners that addressing values-based investing can actually enhance advisor-client relationships, as clients appreciate the opportunity to invest in ways that reflect their beliefs while still achieving satisfactory returns.