Rich Habits Podcast - Episode 124: Our 2025 Mid-Year Update + Bonus Predictions
Release Date: June 30, 2025
In Episode 124 of the Rich Habits Podcast, hosts Austin Hankowitz and Robert Kroke delve into a comprehensive mid-year review of their 2025 market predictions, introduce exciting new content for their listeners, and feature insightful discussions with guests from Neos Investments. This detailed summary captures all the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for easy reference.
1. Introduction and New Episode Announcement
[01:34] Robert Kroke kicks off the episode with an exciting announcement:
“You have all asked for more content and episodes and we're delivering. Debuting on August 1st, we're so excited to announce the introduction of a new Friday episode that we're calling the Rich Habits Radar.”
[02:05] Austin Hankowitz elaborates on the new addition:
“These new Friday morning episodes will be Austin and myself breaking down the biggest headlines that impacted your portfolio that week.”
The hosts express their enthusiasm for providing weekly summaries of stock market movements, economic news, and other financial headlines that matter most to their audience.
2. Review of 2025 Market Predictions
Back in January 2025, in Episode 100, Austin and Robert made three key market predictions. In this mid-year update, they assess the accuracy of these forecasts.
a. IPO Market Comeback
[04:37] Austin Hankowitz recalls their first prediction:
“Prediction number one was that the IPO market will begin to heat up... Right, the IPO market felt poised for a comeback in 2025.”
[05:09] Robert Kroke confirms the success of this prediction, citing notable IPOs:
“By June 24th of this year, there have been 158 IPOs on the US stock market, which is nearly an 80% increase from the same time last year of 2024... Circle went public in June and is worth over $50 billion.”
b. Market Volatility
Their second prediction anticipated increased market volatility:
[07:08] Robert Kroke states:
“From mid-February through early April, The S&P 500 dropped 19% and then essentially all of those losses were erased in the coming months.”
This move aligns with their expectation of multiple double-digit pullbacks and a single-digit percentage finish for the S&P 500 by year-end.
c. Crypto Bull Market Peak
The third prediction on the crypto market remains uncertain:
[07:08] Robert Kroke mentions:
“Our final prediction... was that crypto bull market would peak sometime in 2025 or early 2026... But who knows?”
As of mid-year, while institutional interest in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum remains strong, geopolitical factors continue to influence the market's trajectory.
3. Guest Segment: Neos Investments with Troy Kates and Garrett Palela
The episode features Troy Kates and Garrett Palela from Neos Investments, pioneers in high-income ETFs.
a. Introduction to Neos Investments
[10:04] Troy Kates provides an overview:
“NEOS really focuses on issuing tax-efficient, income-based strategies... We have about 12 products that cover various asset classes.”
b. Award-Winning ETFs
[10:55] Austin Hankowitz highlights their achievements:
“You just won the best active ETF award for 2025 for your ETF QQQI. That's pretty different if you ask me.”
[11:05] Troy Kates shares the significance of the award:
“Having the team there and actually winning the award was really special... It shows all the work we put behind QQQI.”
c. Discussion on Market Predictions and ETF Strategies
The guests discuss the first half of 2025, aligning with Austin and Robert's predictions, and delve into their specialized ETFs:
- Gold High Income ETF (IAUI)
- Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI)
- Real Estate High Income ETF (IYRI)
[16:23] Troy Kates emphasizes the strategic focus on gold:
“Gold has gone up over 25% this year with the S&P up 4%. Investing in gold not only provides defensive play but also income through our ETF.”
4. Bonus Predictions
Adding to their initial forecasts, Austin and Robert share their bonus predictions for the latter half of 2025.
a. Robert's Prediction on Precious Metals
[26:35] Robert Kroke anticipates continued momentum:
“I think the asset class will continue to experience momentum into the back half of this year, especially as geopolitical conflict remains.”
b. Austin's Prediction on Broker-Dealers and Trading
[28:04] Austin Hankowitz predicts increased trading activity:
“More volatility equals more trading that's taking place, which means broker-dealers like those inside of the IAI ETF will benefit most.”
5. Listener Q&A
The episode features insightful responses to listener questions, covering topics like retirement accounts, stock analysis, and low-risk investment strategies.
a. Roth IRA vs. Roth 401K
[33:34] Austin Hankowitz explains the differences:
“A Roth IRA is tied to your Social Security number... A Roth 401K is an employer-sponsored account... Both are funded with after-tax dollars, but Roth IRA offers more investment autonomy.”
[35:42] Robert Kroke adds:
“With the Roth component, you control it and can make sure that retirement account performs well... The traditional brokerage account is great because you can have that flexibility.”
b. Key Variables in Stock Analysis
[36:52] Robert Kroke shares his criteria:
- Secular Growth Trends (e.g., AI, solar)
- Market Leaders in these sectors
- Dividend Yields for income generation
- Total Addressable Market (TAM) growth
[38:27] Austin Hankowitz adds his perspective:
- Historical Stock Price Trends
- Revenue Growth
- Profit Margins
- Operating Income
- Participation in Secular Growth Trends
c. Low-Risk Investment Strategies
[36:52] Austin Hankowitz addresses the comparison between Treasury bonds and high-yield savings accounts:
“Interest earned in high-yield savings accounts is taxed at ordinary income... Alternatives like municipal bonds can offer tax efficiency depending on your state and tax bracket.”
[44:04] Robert Kroke advises on portfolio balance:
“Ensure you have a balanced portfolio of growth and low-risk investments to benefit the most without being overly cautious.”
6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Austin and Robert reiterate their excitement for the upcoming Rich Habits Radar episodes and encourage listeners to subscribe and engage with their content.
“We are so excited to be covering the most consequential market moving headlines and happenings every single week, every Friday straight into your ears via Spotify.” — Austin Hankowitz [45:39]
They also highlight the importance of understanding interest rates and their profound impact on various sectors, particularly real estate.
Notable Highlights:
- New Rich Habits Radar Episodes launching on August 1st to provide weekly market insights. [01:34]
- IPO Market Surge: 158 IPOs by June 24th, including CoreWe, Chime, and Circle, marking an 80% increase from the previous year. [05:09]
- Market Volatility: S&P 500 experienced a 19% drop in early 2025, later recovering to new highs for the NASDAQ 100. [07:08]
- Neos Investments' Success: Winning the best active ETF award for QQQI, emphasizing tax-efficient income strategies. [10:55]
- Bonus Predictions: Continued strength in precious metals and increased trading activity benefiting broker-dealers. [26:35], [28:04]
- Comprehensive Q&A: Covering retirement accounts, stock analysis, and low-risk investments with actionable insights. [33:34], [36:52], [44:04]
This episode of the Rich Habits Podcast serves as a valuable resource for investors seeking to understand market trends, refine their investment strategies, and gain actionable insights from seasoned experts. Whether you're a novice or an experienced investor, Austin and Robert's thorough analysis and engaging discussions provide the tools needed to navigate the complex financial landscape of 2025.