Ask Avidian

In this episode of Ask Avidian, Chief Investment Officer Jake Borbidge of Avidian Wealth Solutions delivers a timely market update as major indexes hit all-time highs despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, tariffs, creeping unemployment, and rising credit card delinquencies. 

He breaks down the Iran conflict and the recently extended (or indefinitely held) ceasefire, why markets are discounting extreme risks, and the real impac...

In this episode, Jake breaks down the escalating geopolitical risks in the Middle East, including Iran's recent missile strikes on Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG facility—the world's largest—which have caused extensive damage, sparked fires, and driven natural gas and oil prices sharply higher (WTI nearing $100+). We explore the implications for global energy supply, emerging markets (especially Asia), and your portfolios.

Jake ...

In this episode of the Ask Avidian podcast, Jake Borbidge (Chief Investment Officer) and Andrei Costas (Portfolio Manager) share key insights from Avidian's Private Client Report. They recap 2025 market volatility driven by policy shifts and tariffs, while highlighting the benefits of diversification and opportunities in private markets.

They then address the SaaS-pocalypse: AI-driven concerns disrupting traditional software moats a...

In this episode of Ask Avidian, Chief Investment Officer Jake Borbidge unpacks early 2026 market turbulence, covering:

• President Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair (replacing Jerome Powell in May), sparking debates on Fed independence and a more hawkish policy stance
• Limited expectations for near-term rate cuts amid the leadership transition
• The dramatic commodities crash in gold and silver, pulling back sharply fr...

Join Jake Borbidge, Chief Investment Officer at Avidian Wealth Solutions, and Robert Palmer, Director of Financial Planning at Avidian Wealth Solutions, as they dissect a pivotal scene from the most recent episode of the Paramount+ show, LANDMAN.

The discussion centers on a massive insurance payout exceeding $400 million for a destroyed offshore oil rig—diverted through a separate entity into illiquid private investmen...

In this timely end-of-year episode, CIO Jake Borbidge and Head of Financial Planning Robert Palmer discuss the landmark deal where a private equity firm invested $500 million for a significant non-controlling interest in the University of Utah athletics, marking the first time a public university has brought in PE capital for its sports program. They break down the rapid rise of sports as an investable asset class, examine liquidit...

On this episode of Ask Avidian, the guys cover practical personal finance steps—from auditing expenses to using modern family office tools—to streamline cash flow and simplify money management. We break down key market themes, including the muted impact of the government shutdown, behavioral finance dynamics, inflation pressures, Fed policy signals, and the Q4 outlook. We also explore private markets, highlighting AI-dr...

In this episode of Ask Avidian, Jake Borbidge, Chief Investment Officer at Avidian Wealth Solutions, hosts Logan Henderson, CEO of Gridline, for an in-depth discussion on alternative investments. He details how Gridline's innovative platform leverages AI for efficient deal evaluation, delivers real-time portfolio transparency, and prioritizes high-quality fund managers to mitigate risks associated with overly accessible vehicles th...

In this episode of the Ask Avidian podcast, Robert Palmer, Director of Financial Planning, and Jake Borbidge, Chief Investment Officer at Avidian Wealth Solutions, dive into the implications of the recent Federal Reserve rate cut and its impact on markets, investments, and personal finance. 

From the thawing IPO market to private credit strategies and business exit planning, they explore how economic shifts influence wealth man...

On this episode of Ask Avidian: 

What are the risks of hitting the $1.7 billion Powerball jackpot? How big players like Goldman Sachs and T. Rowe Price are making private market investments a hot new option for your 401(k). Plus, with the NFL season starting, why are the Dallas Cowboys worth a jaw-dropping $13 billion, even if they don’t always win?

Disclaimer: 

Avidian Wealth Solutions is a registered investme...

In this episode of the Ask Avidian podcast, hosts Robert Palmer and Jake Borbidge dive into the latest economic and tech trends shaping the world. From the surprising efficiency of Chinese AI in coding to its potential limitations under censorship, they explore how AI is evolving globally. The conversation shifts to Taylor Swift’s engagement and its unexpected economic ripple effects, from wedding industries to household form...

Chief Investment Officer Jake Borbidge and portfolio manager Andrei Costas revisit Avidian’s January predictions—what played out, what didn’t, and the forces shaping the rest of the year. From tariffs and inflation to AI infrastructure, energy, and global growth, they share where they see risks, opportunities, and trends that could define the markets in 2025.

Disclaimer: 

Avidian Wealth Solutions is a r...

In this episode of Ask Avidian, hosts Jake Borbidge, Chief Investment Officer, and Robert Palmer, Director of Financial Planning, discuss using AI tools like Grok in the workplace. They also unpack the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), detailing its key provisions, including permanent standard deductions, new charitable contribution rules, increased estate tax exemptions, expanded SALT deductions, and small business tax incentive...

In this episode of the Ask Avidian podcast, Jake Borbidge, Avidian Wealth Solutions’ CIO, and Robert Palmer, Avidian’s Director of Financial Planning, deliver essential insights for ultra-high net worth investors. They analyze a potential legislative shift that could make private credit as tax-efficient as REITs, boosting returns and portfolio flexibility. The discussion covers a historic budget surplus fueled by IRS co...

This week, Jake and Robert explore the recent global market rally, driven by a U.S.-China S&P streak. They also discuss the trade truce, Warren Buffett’s unexpected Berkshire Hathaway exit, and its ripple effects on investors. Plus, they explore new 401(k) rules that unlock alternative investments like real estate and credit, potentially diversifying your retirement strategy. 

Disclaimer: 

Avidian Wealth S...

In this episode of the Ask Avidian Podcast, host Jake Borbidge, Chief Investment Officer, and Robert Palmer, Director of Financial Planning, discuss the recent market volatility driven by tariff developments and a contracting first-quarter GDP.

They examine the impact of bearish headlines on investor sentiment, referencing a recent report indicating a 45–60% recession probability within 12 months and a 32% decline in consumer ...

New US tariffs have shaken global markets, but is there a silver lining? Join Jake Borbidge and Robert Palmer for a deep dive into the strategy behind the headlines. Learn why Mexico and Canada might be benefiting, how traditional diversification is playing out, and what rising consumer debt could mean for the economy. 

Disclaimer: 

Avidian Wealth Solutions is a registered investment adviser.  Information prese...

In this episode of Ask Avidian, Jake Borbidge, and Robert Palmer dive into key financial and economic topics that directly impact high-net-worth individuals. They explore potential policy changes that could eliminate caps on wealth transfer and how ultra-high-net-worth families might benefit. They also examine the carried interest loophole and whether upcoming reforms could change that. Finally, they discuss government efficiency a...

Wealth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about legacy. In this episode, Jake Borbidge and Robert Palmer dive into one of the most complex challenges faced by high-net-worth families: ensuring that wealth transfers successfully without compromising the next generation’s values, ambition, or happiness. They discuss the importance of financial education, responsible delegation, and instilling purpose in wealth inhe...