Ep. 176 - Rare Earth

In this episode of The Investor Professor Podcast, we dive into the intersection of corporate earnings season and the growing tension between the U.S. and China over rare earth metals. With the S&P 500 up 13% year-to-date, the Dow up 8%, and the NASDAQ up 17%, markets are strong—but volatility looms as tariffs, private credit risks, and leveraged ETFs create ripples. We break down how private equity-driven lending and leverage can magnify both gains and losses, and what that means for everyday investors navigating an increasingly risky market landscape.

Then we shift focus to the real story behind rare earth elements—the 17 critical materials powering everything from smartphones to fighter jets. Are they really rare? Not quite, but China’s 90–99% control over refining has put the U.S. in a vulnerable position. We unpack how this dominance developed, what it means for American tech and defense industries, and why a strategic reserve for rare earths may be as vital as oil. As always: don’t mistake activity for achievement—get your mind right, and let’s get to work.

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