Wilmington Trust’s Capital Considerations

Rising tensions in the Middle East and the war with Iran are reshaping the global energy landscape, with direct implications for markets, inflation, and everyday costs. In this episode, Tony Roth reconnects with geopolitical expert Teddy Bunzel to examine the escalating conflict in and around the Strait of Hormuz—and why disruptions at this critical chokepoint matter far beyond the region. Together, they explore the intersection of geopolitics, energy security, and global finance, breaking down how military strategy, sanctions, and shifting regional power dynamics could affect oil and gas markets. The conversation also considers potential paths forward—from escalation to ceasefire—and what different outcomes could mean for energy prices, global supply chains, and economic growth. For those assessing risks to markets, portfolios, or the broader economic outlook, this episode offers a clear, informed perspective on what’s at stake—and what may come next.

How far can artificial intelligence really take healthcare—and where are the investable opportunities today? As AI accelerates everything from diagnosis and physician productivity to drug discovery and clinical trials, the industry is entering a pivotal shift. But key questions remain. Listen as Tony Roth and Tom Lawry, managing director of Second Century Tech, break down how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare, and what these shifts mean for investors. They also explore the breakthroughs redefining medical innovation, the efficiency gains transforming care delivery, and the economic constraints AI can’t solve just yet.

AI is entering a new phase—one where systems move from analyzing data to taking action. In this episode of Capital Considerations, Tony Roth and Swami Chandrasekaran, global head of AI and Data Labs at KPMG, break down how agentic AI can plan, reason, and execute tasks, unlocking new levels of productivity across finance, investing, and risk management. They explore where we are in the AI adoption curve, what’s holding back broad productivity gains, and which sectors and roles may be most transformed as agentic systems scale. They also discuss how data, compute, and trust will shape real-world adoption.

What’s fueling the collectibles boom—and where should investors tread carefully? CIO Tony Roth speaks and his guest Victoria Gray, founder of Insight Art & Collectibles Advisory, unpack the $2B auction week, surging demand for blue-chip art, watches, luxury goods, and even supercars. They dive into generational shifts, online auctions, the diamond market collapse, and why family offices now view collectibles as a serious asset class. Plus, hear practical tips for building—or responsibly unwinding—a collection.

Listed REITs are trading at deep discounts—creating a rare entry point for investors. Is now the time to seize the opportunity or should you wait for more certainty? In this episode, CIO Tony Roth talks with Rick Romano, Global Head and CIO of PGIM Real Estate Securities, about the state of commercial real estate—from AI-driven data centers to shifting urban office trends—and why REITs could outperform equities in the coming year.

What happens when cybercrime meets cutting-edge tech like AI and quantum computing? In this episode of Capital Considerations, host Tony Roth sits down with former FBI counterintelligence operative Eric O’Neill to explore the future of cybersecurity. From deepfakes and ransomware to digital defense strategies and investment opportunities, discover how individuals and institutions can stay ahead in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

How is the shifting global trade and security landscape reshaping investment strategy and geopolitical risk? In this episode of Capital Considerations, CIO Tony Roth speaks with Teddy Bunzel, managing director and head of geopolitical advisory at Lazard, about a Supreme Court case that could redefine U.S. tariff authority, the ripple effects of current trade policies, and the challenges of reshoring manufacturing in a tight labor market. The episode also explores U.S.–China tensions, risks around Taiwan, and what these developments mean for investors navigating a rapidly changing world.

Crypto has been gaining momentum. Regulation is evolving. What could this mean for your portfolio? In this episode of Capital Considerations, Tony Roth welcomes Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise Asset Management, for a discussion on the future of crypto investing. They explore the potential impact of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, the bipartisan Genius Act’s implications for U.S. crypto regulation, and how stablecoins could disrupt traditional banking. Whether you're new to crypto or a seasoned investor, this episode offers insights on regulatory trends, and crypto’s growing influence in the global economy.

2025 has already brought sweeping legislative changes, new tariffs, and significant regulatory shifts. While the economy is showing signs of resilience, challenges remain. Individuals are navigating persistent inflation on the goods side, and business owners are contending with rising input costs, cautious consumer behavior, and a volatile regulatory landscape. In today’s episode, we’re sharing a replay of a recent webinar held on Thursday, July 17. I was joined by our, Chief Economist, Luke Tilley, Chief Investment Strategist, Meghan Shue, and Head of U.S. Markets Dave DiLuigi, to discuss what these historic changes mean for the economy and markets. Our discussion centers on our 2025 Capital Markets Forecast: A Chutes & Ladders Economy—exploring how economic risks and opportunities are unfolding as we move into the second half of the year. We hope you find the discussion insightful.

Artificial intelligence, which has made remarkable strides in areas like language and imagery, is now beginning to revolutionize the life sciences. Listen as Tony Roth and his guest, Vik Bajaj, co-founder of Foresite Labs, explore the powerful convergence of AI and biotechnology. Unlike consumer applications, applying AI to biology requires generating entirely new datasets—often at great cost and complexity—to model and intervene in the most intricate systems of all: living organisms. The conversation explores the mission of Foresite Labs and how AI is transforming our understanding of health, disease, and the future of medicine.

On May 6, Head of Wealth Management Lisa Roberts moderated a conversation with Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth, Chief Investment Strategist Meghan Shue, and Chief Economist Luke Tilley where they examined policy, the economy, and markets 100 days into President Trump’s second term.  Topics covered during the conversation included: How key policy changes could shape the outlook for economic growth and inflation What it could mean for investors and business leaders moving forward The potential impact on portfolios in the short and long term

In this episode of Capital Considerations, Tony Roth and Shehzad Qazi, managing director at China Beige Book, offer an unfiltered analysis of China’s economic outlook and its complex relationship with the United States. While China's manufacturing and policy support are keeping growth afloat, deep-rooted challenges—from weak consumer demand to a faltering property sector—continue to cloud the picture.

On April 9, Head of Wealth Management Lisa Roberts moderated a discussion with our investment team on the current volatility and economic outlook. Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth, Chief Investment Strategist Meghan Shue, and Chief Economist Luke Tilley shared valuable insights on the recent market drawdown1Disclosure number, please reference additional details in the Disclosures section at the bottom of this page. and what they are watching in the weeks ahead. During the conversation, the team provided insight on:  Their expectation for recession What they believe the impact tariffs will have on the economy The resiliency of the U.S. economy

Advancements in AI algorithms are shifting the balance between computing power and efficiency, reducing reliance on high-powered GPUs and accelerating AI democratization. CIO Tony Roth and Anshumali Shrivastava, a computer science professor at Rice University and founder of Third AI Corp explore the revolutionary impact of DeepSeek on the AI ecosystem and delve into AI’s growing role in industries from finance to education, the implications for white- and blue-collar jobs, and how AI-driven advancements could redefine global productivity, economic policy, and even medicine. 

Wilmington Trust's Chief investment Officer Tony Roth, Chief Economist Luke Tilley, Head of Head of Investment Strategy Meghan Shue, speak with Denise Monahan, market leader Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey about the 2025 Capital Markets Forecasts, Investing in a Chutes & Ladders Economy: Gaming Out Portfolios in 2025, the team's economic and investment outlook for the year ahead. During the discussion, they explored the team's baseline expectation for the economy and markets. They also took a look at the principal upside and downside risks, which they liken to the chutes and ladders you would encounter when playing the board game. Finally, they explain what it means for the team's investment strategy.

As artificial intelligence technologies grow, the importance of safeguarding your information can become more critical. Listen as Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth and James Kaplan, partner and chief technology officer of McKinsey’s Enterprise Technology practice discuss how you can use AI to secure yourself, and how to stay protected from it.

In this episode of "Capital Considerations," Tony is joined by Chief Economist Luke Tilley and Head of Investment Strategy Megan Shue to reflect on the surprises of the first half of 2024—particularly around inflation and economic growth—and project their cautiously optimistic market and economic expectations through the end of the year. For more information on our midyear market and economic outlook, please see our latest Capital Perspectives publication.

Why is it important to stay focused on the data in order to make informed investment decisions? Listen as Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth speaks again with Shehzad Qazi from China Beige Book about the challenges the Chinese economy is facing. They examine three obstacles: global supply-chain dynamics; the struggle to boost domestic consumption amid economic shifts and social pressures; and the complexities of managing overleverage in sectors like real estate and infrastructure. 

With cryptocurrencies—and Bitcoin (BTC) in particular—back in the news and driving markets, Tony sat down with portfolio manager Jason Lee to discuss hot topics such as, what is BTC “halving” and why is it important; what the differences are between owning spot BTC exchange-traded funds vs. owning BTC directly; and the challenges BTC confronts in being used as an everyday currency.

Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth, Head of Investment Strategy Meghan Shue, and Chief Economist Luke Tilley discuss the twists and turns of the market and economy while keeping their eyes peeled for opportunities in the face of persistent obstacles, such as inflation. Discover why they believe that although equity values may seem fairly priced, there's still room for growth in markets. Gain insights into their predictions for Fed rate cuts and how these could provide a valuable tailwind for investors, turning market dips into strategic buying opportunities. Tune in now for expert analysis and actionable insights to help guide your investment decisions.

We are revisiting a previous episode of Capital Considerations where I explored the intersection of art and finance with Charlie Banta, former board president of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. During our discussion, we spoke about the intricacies of investing in art, how certain high-value assets can appreciate in value long term, and the possibility of using art to secure a loan. However you view art, it can be a strategic asset in an investment portfolio and may add value to your estate for future generations. You should consider discussing your plans with your advisor.  

During a recent event in New York City Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth, Head of Investment Strategy Meghan Shue, and Chief Economist Luke Tilley discussed their 2024 Capital Markets Forecast, the team's economic and investment outlook for the year ahead. During the in-depth discussion, which was moderated by CNBC's Sue Herera, they shared their thoughts on the year ahead, the overall economy, and the current investing climate.

Are you looking to add value to your portfolio through nontraditional means? Chief Investment Officer, Tony Roth, explores the fascinating intersection of art and finance with special guest Charlie Banta. Listen as they explore the intricacies of investing in art and discuss the factors that make certain pieces rise in value over time. The conversation may inspire you to view art not only as visually appealing but also as a strategic asset in your investment portfolio, adding value to your estate for generations to come.

As the world grapples with climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, many ask if EVs are a promising solution? Listen as Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth and Corey Cantor, electric vehicle associate at BloombergNEF, discuss the lifecycle analysis of EVs, from battery production to charging sources. They also delve into investments being made by industry leaders and touch on the often-overlooked topic of second-life batteries.

With the recent stressors on the stock market, Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth, Chief Economist Luke Tilley, and Head of Investment Strategy Meghan Shue reflect on the tumultuous months leading up to our discussion and put into context the crucial factors shaping the landscape for the fourth quarter and beyond, counting down to Election Day 2024. They share perspectives on market positioning, discuss the consumer’s role in inflation and the economic environment, and what it may mean for portfolios.   

In this episode of Capital Considerations, Tony Roth discusses the crucial topic of cybersecurity with Eric Trexler, senior vice president at Palo Alto Networks. Together they shed light on the ever-evolving threats that individuals and businesses face in the digital age. Should two-factor authentication and password management be commonplace and what is AI’s role in all of it? Learn strategies to help safeguard both your personal data and your organization's valuable assets.

[REVISIT] We understand that our emotions and impulses dictate the choices we make. Everything from what we buy at the supermarket, to the car we drive, to how we invest. We are revisiting a previous episode where I spoke with Dr. Stephen Shu, Professor of Practice of Behavioral Economics at Cornell Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management, to better understand how behaviors can impact our financial decisions.

From smartphones to supercomputers, and automobiles to advanced medical devices, semiconductors are at the heart of it all. To introduce us to the world of semiconductors, the power behind modern technology including artificial intelligence, Tony welcomes Dr. Mark Lundstrum, distinguished professor and chief semiconductor officer at Purdue University. Tune in to gain insights into the bedrock of our digital society and the boundless possibilities that semiconductors continue to unlock.

What does living longer mean for you, the economy, and the planet? In this eye-opening episode, CIO Tony Roth and Professor Andrew Scott, renowned economist and co-author of The 100-Year Life delve into the fascinating topic of longevity and discuss how longer lifespans are reshaping retirement, health care, and the very fabric of our societies.

[REVISIT] With summer upon us, and many of us enjoying any number of water-related activities, it is a good time to reflect upon the important role oceans play in our lives and the global economy. For these reasons, we are revisiting a previously released episode.    In a “blue economy,” a sustainable marine environment serves to advance science and technology in a way that fosters economic opportunities and societal solutions. In this episode, Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth and Dr. Peter de Menocal, director of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, discuss how innovative technologies to increase the ocean's ability to absorb and store CO2 may take us one step closer to solving our climate crisis.

Artificial intelligence is a catalyst for disruptive innovation across various sectors. In this episode, CIO Tony Roth and his esteemed guest, Rudina Seseri, founder and Managing Partner of Glasswing Ventures take a deep dive into the AI landscape. They explore its unique challenges, promising ventures, and burgeoning investment opportunities.

[REVISIT] With summer upon us, and many of us enjoying any number of water-related activities, it is a good time to reflect upon the important role oceans play in our lives and the global economy. For these reasons, we are revisiting a previously released episode.    Earth’s oceans cover over 70% of the planet’s surface, while driving weather, regulating temperature, and serving as a vital source of sustenance, transport, and commerce. In a “blue economy,” a sustainable marine environment serves to advance science and technology in a way that fosters economic opportunities and societal solutions. On this first of a two-part series, we speak with Dr. Peter de Menocal, director of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, about the exploitation, preservation, and regeneration of this important ecosystem.

[REVISIT] In light of the recent wildfires in Canada that resulted in harmful smoke shrouding much of the East Coast, we are revisiting a previously released podcast.   Extreme heatwaves, devastating floods, and raging wildfires regularly compete for news headlines. How can we use these frightening and dangerous events as a catalyst for adapting to extreme weather patterns as we continue climate mitigation efforts? What imminent weather events are looming on the horizon and how should we be preparing now for the potential worst-case scenario? Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth sat down with Dr. Daniel Swain, a Climate Scientist at UCLA’s Institute of the Environment & Sustainability, to discuss the intersection of wild weather and climate change and the challenges and opportunities for the environment and your portfolio.

With the first half of the year behind us, it’s time to take stock of the economy, inflation, and the events impacting the markets. In this peer-to-peer conversation, Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth compares notes with Johanna Kyrklund, group chief investment officer at Schroders, about the shifting long-term trends, catalysts accelerating change, including longevity and the labor market, the global supply chain, and artificial intelligence, and discusses how the U.S. and Europe are faring amid the changes.

[REVISIT] Given the growing risks stemming from catastrophes, such as wildfires, we are revisiting a previously released episode.   Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods are some of the many perils exacerbated by climate change. High-risk regions face events with multi-billion dollars’ worth of damage. Over the next months, we’ll devote a number of episodes to the financial cost of climate change and how we can move forward in an effort to protect ourselves and our investments. We’re starting off the conversation with Karen Clark, a leading expert in catastrophe modeling, who joins Tony to explain how modeling possible catastrophic events helps insurers, financial institutions, corporations, and public agencies estimate and prepare for future losses from climate-related natural disasters.

Hydrogen, it turns out, is a player in the transition to a green economy. While it produces zero emissions when it’s burned and can be used to power more fuel-efficient fuel cells, the associated cost and difficulties in storing and transporting are worth noting. Tony Roth and Dr. Riva Krut, an ESG and corporate sustainability expert, discuss its potential role in decarbonizing the transportation, residential, commercial, and industrial sectors—as well as its pros and cons. Listen to learn whether its merits outweigh the challenges.

In part two of this series, AI expert and author of Own the AI Revolution, Neil Sahota, and CIO Tony Roth continue their conversation, focusing on the rapid pace of AI’s progression, its applications, and how it may enhance the quality of our lives.

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is one of the most important technologies of our time—yet some feel its potential is just beginning to be realized. In this episode, AI expert and author of Own the AI Revolution Neil Sahota defines terms with Tony, discusses the enablers of AI technology and platforms, and delves into the recent open letter signed by tech leaders who are demanding a pause in AI research.

As interest grows in the relatively new field of removing carbon dioxide from our oceans, there are still a number of uncertainties about the process’ effectiveness and safety. Tony and Dr. Peter de Menocal, director of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, discuss how new technologies to increase the ocean's ability to absorb and store CO2 may take us one step closer to solving our climate crisis.

Earth’s oceans cover over 70% of the planet’s surface, while driving weather, regulating temperature, and serving as a vital source of sustenance, transport, and commerce. In a “blue economy,” a sustainable marine environment serves to advance science and technology in a way that fosters economic opportunities and societal solutions. On this first of a two-part series, we speak with Dr. Peter de Menocal, director of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, about the exploitation, preservation, and regeneration of this important ecosystem.

As China reopens and tries to break free of a growth-inhibiting middle-income trap, many are paying close attention. To lend insight into the scenarios that may unfold, what they could mean for our inextricably linked economies, and the potential market opportunities, Tony speaks with Shehzad Qazi, managing director and chief operating officer of China Beige Book, the largest China-based data collection network.

As of this writing, a few financial institutions have imploded as they struggled to contend with rising short-term interest rates and efforts to generate immediate liquidity. In their wake, some companies have seen their stock share prices plunge, while investors are anxious about further potential looming aftershocks in the banking sector and beyond. Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth and senior members of his team discuss what this may mean for financial conditions, credit spreads, interest rates, and portfolios. If you are interested in learning more about the strength and stability of M&T and Wilmington Trust, please visit wilmingtontrust.com.

Investing often relates to how we categorize risk. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) is a lens we can use to do just that. The bottom line is ESG risks are financial risks, but how do decisions made by companies impact shareholders and investors? To talk about how the ESG lens is used to classify risk bands, Tony was joined by Cyrus Lotfipour, CFA®, Executive Director, ESG Research at MSCI, Inc., who is responsible for the innovation and development of its ESG ratings methodology.  

Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods are some of the many perils exacerbated by climate change. High-risk regions face events with multi-billion dollars’ worth of damage. Over the next months, we’ll devote a number of episodes to the financial cost of climate change and how we can move forward in an effort to protect ourselves and our investments. We’re starting off the conversation with Karen Clark, a leading expert in catastrophe modeling. Karen joins Tony to explain how modeling possible catastrophic events helps insurers, financial institutions, corporations, and public agencies estimate and prepare for future losses from climate-related natural disasters.

In many ways, the economy and financial markets bear little resemblance to the world stage that was in place three years ago, when we last updated our long-term capital markets assumptions and strategic asset allocations (SAA) for client portfolios. We invite you to join our first 2023 episode of Capital Considerations, where we explain the rationale for our recently revised assumptions and allocations—and how it may impact your portfolio’s ability to fund your wealth goals.

With inflation at levels not seen in decades, Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth and members of his team examine the determinative catalysts for the 2023 market and economic outlook. Where have all the workers gone? What are the critical tipping points and risks around China’s polices? And how is the transition to green energy linked to rising prices? Hear the answers to those questions, and how they are positioning client portfolios in light of the current realities. Learn more about our 2023 Capital Markets Forecast @ www.wilmingtontrust.com/cmf2023  

Goodbye to hyper-low interest rats for homebuyers; hello to even higher rents. People are staying put, which means we may not see meaningful change in the housing market next year. What does this mean for the overall inflation picture? Dr. Orphe Divounguy, Senior Economist at Zillow, joins Tony to discuss the housing market from an inflationary standpoint. 

As Bitcoin's utility expands, so does its adoption—but where does it stand as an asset class? Does it move in lockstep with risk assets? Can it serve as an inflation hedge? Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth talks with Alyse Killeen, the Founder and Managing Partner of Stillmark, about the growing Bitcoin ecosystem and its fundamental value.

With President Xi Jinping poised to take a third term, we look at the critical geopolitical relationship between the U.S. and China to better understand its potential implications for the world's economic balance and markets. Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth speaks with David Dollar, Senior Fellow in the China Center at the Brookings Institution, about the current and future state of China's economy, the reality of the U.S.-China trade war, and the likely impacts of China's negative demographics on production. 

We are not out of the woods yet. We can't even see the edge of the woods. With high inflation, a hawkish Fed, and weak economic data, can a recession be far behind? Wilmington Trust’s Chief Investment Officer Tony Roth recently held an important webinar. He was joined by Chief Economist Luke Tilley and Head of Investment Strategy Meghan Shue. Some of the key issues discussed were persistent inflation, Federal Reserve rate hikes, and the midterm elections.