Becker Business Podcast – "3 Quick Notes 11-5-25"

Host: Scott Becker
Date: November 5, 2025

Episode Overview

In this concise episode, Scott Becker delivers rapid-fire updates on three significant business developments: movements in healthcare stock prices (notably Cigna), Michael Burry’s contrarian market stance against leading tech stocks, and a candid self-reflection on investment timing. The tone is conversational, blending market analysis with personal anecdotes relevant to both seasoned investors and casual business news followers.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Healthcare Payer Stocks Rebound

• Cigna Performance:
  • Cigna's stock rose about 3% yesterday, which marks a notable upswing for payer stocks despite a downgrade from Goldman Sachs.
  • Becker touches on the landscape for big payers, highlighting CBS Health’s rebound year, UnitedHealthcare’s recovery, and steady performances from Elevance and Cigna.
• Quote:
  • "Cigna Health care was on the rise yesterday. Rose about 3%. That's the first time in a while for some of the payer stocks...notwithstanding the fact that Goldman Sachs had just downgraded the stock." (00:14)
• Additional Observations:
  • CBS Health and UnitedHealthcare are recovering after previous underperformance; the rebound is notable for the sector.

2. Michael Burry Shorts Major Tech and AI Stocks

• Short Selling by Michael Burry:
  • Michael Burry—well-known for profiting during the mortgage crisis—has publicly taken short positions against tech/AI giants, specifically Palantir and Nvidia.
  • This move raises eyebrows, especially since these stocks (notably Nvidia) have been strong performers, buoying both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices.
• Market Sentiment:
  • Becker acknowledges that even investors who don’t directly own Nvidia have benefited from its influence on market indices and portfolio performance.
• Quote:
  • "Michael Burry...has mentioned that he's shorting a few big name stocks, tech and AI stocks, including Palantir and Nvidia. That's a concern of course, because so many of us are doing well because Nvidia is doing well." (00:40)
  • "Even if you're not a direct investor in Nvidia like I am not, it's been driving a lot of our portfolios." (00:52)
• Implication:
  • Burry’s stance introduces uncertainty and could signal volatility for investors riding the tech stock wave.

3. Personal Reflections on Investment Timing

• Timing and Market Sentiment:
  • With self-deprecating humor, Becker notes that his history of making significant investments often coincides with market downturns.
  • He emphasizes the importance of risk management and only investing funds that one can afford to lose.
• Quote:
  • "I know that the greatest sign that the market is tanking is when I'm making a big investment. I'm in the process of making large investments. That means for sure where they're high and things will start to go in the wrong direction." (01:10)
• Advice:
  • Becker offers practical wisdom for listeners: don’t overextend on investments.
  • "Don't put money into big investments you can't afford to lose. Let's hope we don't lose this." (01:25)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On Cigna’s stock movement:
  "Cigna Health care was on the rise yesterday. Rose about 3%. That's the first time in a while for some of the payer stocks...notwithstanding the fact that Goldman Sachs had just downgraded the stock." (00:14)

• On Michael Burry’s shorts:
  "Michael Burry...has mentioned that he's shorting a few big name stocks, tech and AI stocks, including Palantir and Nvidia. That's a concern of course, because so many of us are doing well because Nvidia is doing well." (00:40)

• On market timing humor:
  "I know that the greatest sign that the market is tanking is when I'm making a big investment. I'm in the process of making large investments. That means for sure where they're high and things will start to go in the wrong direction." (01:10)

Episode Flow & Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction and Overview of Three Stories
• 00:14 – Cigna’s Market Rebound and Overview of Payer Stocks
• 00:40 – Michael Burry’s Short Positions on Tech/AI Stocks
• 01:10 – Becker’s Personal Experiences and Philosophy on Investment Timing
• 01:25 – Closing Thoughts and Team Acknowledgments

Conclusion

Scott Becker delivers a succinct yet insightful snapshot of current business news—spotlighting stock rebounds in healthcare, warning signs from a legendary short seller in tech, and practical investment advice laced with humor and humility. The episode serves as an agile update for listeners seeking perspective on broader market shifts, investor psychology, and sector-specific developments.