Rich Habits Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode: Special Guest: Bilal Little, Nvidia Invests $5B into Intel, & Fed Rate Cut Reactions
Hosts: Austin Hankwitz & Robert Croak
Date: September 19, 2025
Guest: Bilal Little, Director of ETFs at NYSE & host of ETF Central Podcast

Episode Overview

This Friday's "Rich Habits Radar" dives into the week’s top financial headlines and features an in-depth interview with ETF expert Bilal Little. The episode explores Nvidia’s $5B investment into Intel, a pivotal US-China deal for TikTok’s US operations, and the Federal Reserve’s long-awaited rate cut. The conversation then shifts to Bilal’s insights on ETF innovation, crypto ETFs, and practical portfolio construction, ending with rapid-fire market updates and a robust Q&A for entrepreneurs and investors.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nvidia’s $5B Investment in Intel (02:11–03:26)

• News: Nvidia commits $5 billion to Intel, raising Intel stock by 30%. The partnership aims to co-develop chips for PCs and data centers, leveraging Nvidia’s dominance in AI and Intel’s processor expertise.
• Government Involvement: The US government’s recent 10% stake in Intel has appreciated about 55% in value within a month.
• Impact: Intel gains access to cutting-edge technology and capital, boosting its competitiveness as it faces stiff industry pressures.
  • Quote, Robert Croak (02:53):
    “Nvidia now dominates AI and accelerator computing, while intel has struggled... By partnering, intel gains access to Nvidia's market leading technology and a critical infusion of capital, giving it a chance to remain relevant in both PCs and data centers.”

2. US–China Deal on TikTok’s US Operations (03:26–05:50)

• Deal Structure: ByteDance will sell/relinquish TikTok’s US arm, to be controlled by Oracle, Silver Lake, and Andreessen Horowitz; the US government gets a board seat.
• Algorithm Control: TikTok’s US version will use algorithms licensed from ByteDance, with Oracle managing US user data.
• Investor Takeaway: Regulatory drama creates opportunities for investors; Oracle, in particular, stands to benefit.
  • Quote, Robert Croak (04:19):
    “TikTok's algorithm is arguably the crown jewel here and the US is insisting it stays in American hands... Washington and Beijing can cut deals even on highly sensitive platforms without blowing up the markets.”

3. Fed Rate Cut Reactions (05:50–08:29)

• Policy Update: The Federal Reserve implements a quarter-point cut—the first in nine months—and hints at two more cuts before year-end, shifting priority to employment over inflation.

• Economic Outlook: With only 29,000 jobs added over summer, unemployment sits at 4.3%. Rate cuts are intended to stabilize the economy without spiking inflation.

  • Quote, Austin Hankwitz (06:18):
    “Jerome Powell sort of framed this decision as a careful balance... The path ahead definitely is not clear. The only thing that is clear to me is that I will... hopefully be able to refinance my mortgage at a lower interest rate.”
  • Quote, Robert Croak (06:58):
    “Own assets. It's the only way to weather any storm.”

• Actionable Insight: Rate cuts and deregulation typically precede strong S&P performance (average +17% twelve months after such cuts).

Interview – Bilal Little, NYSE & ETF Central Podcast (08:42–25:49)

Bilal’s Background (09:57–11:55)

• Experience: Two decades in capital distribution and ETF growth with top firms.
• Recognition: Recently awarded the “Spirit of Vision Leadership Award” by the Association of African American Advisors (Quad A).
  • Quote, Bilal Little (11:00):
    “Throughout that time, I've always been a cheerful giver. Not only is it biblical for me, but rooted in the belief that we have to be good humans.”

ETF Innovation & Trends (12:04–17:37)

• ETF as Technology: ETFs bring speed, efficiency, low cost, and security to investing.
• Next-Gen Products: Growth in structured and defined outcome ETFs (e.g., auto-callable products), crypto ETFs, and thematic strategies led by notable personalities.
  • Quote, Bilal Little (12:33):
    “ETFs are innovation. It's just technology... The ETF wrapper allows for some really unique developments to take place.”
• Fixed Income Disruption: Anticipates continued innovation in fixed income ETFs, benefiting portfolio managers' precision.

Crypto ETFs & Thematic Shifts (17:08–19:33)

• Over 100 crypto ETFs may be approved in the next 12–18 months; liquidity and tactical usage expected to grow among institutions.
• Shift away from ESG-themed products in favor of more capital-efficient and sustainable strategies.

ETF Best Practices – "Go Slow to Go Fast" (20:47–23:13)

• Bilal’s Principle: Investors should gain “blistering clarity” before investing—understand risk, true diversification, and select ETFs that align with long-term goals.

  • Quote, Bilal Little (20:47):
    “Go slow before they go fast, keep it really simple... Portfolio construction is the missing component from all of the conversations.”

• Portfolio Construction: Emphasizes the importance of asset diversification (ex: don’t overlook undervalued small caps, especially in current rate environments).

Rapid-Fire Headlines & Market Radar (26:45–34:01)

Robert’s Radar

1. Grayscale’s First Multi-Asset Crypto ETF (26:45): Ticker GDLC includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, Cardano—ideal for those seeking diversified crypto exposure in a single product.
2. Mortgage Rates Hit 3-Year Low (28:36): 30-year fixed averages 6.13%, spurring refinances and real estate activity.
3. Quantum Computing Rally (29:20): Stocks like IonQ, Honeywell, and D-Wave see upticks; caution advised due to volatility.

Austin’s Radar

1. Crowdstrike Surge after Falcon 2025 (30:14): Shares up 15%, targeting doubled annual recurring revenue by 2030.
2. Lyft & Waymo Partner for Nashville Robo Taxis (30:54): Robo taxi functionality launching, echoing expansions in Austin, TX.
3. Krispy Kreme Stock Pops after Weird FBI Endorsement (31:46): A casual mention by the FBI director sparks a 15% share rally.

Political Stock Trading Tangent (32:59–34:49)

• The hosts discuss how politicians’ stock moves can predate massive run-ups—while warning against blindly copying their trades due to reporting delays.

Listener Q&A – Practical Business Insights

Hiring for a Small Service Business (34:49–41:06)

• Ask: Should Rebecca G. hire a contractor, part-timer, or full-timer?
• Advice: Write a clear job description and seek candidates via trusted networks. Consider a trial period before committing to full-time and avoid overpaying upfront.
  • Quote, Robert Croak (38:26):
    “Always understand you need to be working on your business, not in your business... hire to your weaknesses.”

Scaling DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) Wellness Brand Fulfillment (41:06–44:58)

• Ask: Should I move to a 3PL or rent a warehouse?
• Advice: Weigh all fees (pick/pack, storage, etc.), maintain inventory control during seasonal spikes, and beware of losing flexibility with 3PLs. Lean towards a small flex space if you need hands-on control.

Setting Owner Salary in an S Corp (44:58–49:32)

• Ask: How to decide “reasonable salary” amidst lumpy revenue?
• Advice: Set a modest, steady salary (15–30% of annual profit is a general range), run payroll like a traditional employer, and maintain a 2–3 month buffer in your business account. Distributions can be issued in addition to payroll.
  • Quote, Austin Hankwitz (48:27):
    “I always have four payrolls in my business bank account at all times... It’s a little bit of buffer that helps you navigate whatever happens as a business owner.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Own assets. It's the only way to weather any storm.” — Robert Croak (06:58)
• “ETFs are innovation. It's just technology... The ETF wrapper allows for some really unique developments to take place.” — Bilal Little (12:33)
• “Go slow before they go fast, keep it really simple... Portfolio construction is the missing component from all of the conversations.” — Bilal Little (20:47)
• “As Austin always says, bears sound smart and bulls make money.” — Robert Croak (08:29)
• “...we want our listeners to happen to life. We want our listeners to be investors, not just consumers.” — Austin Hankwitz (23:13)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 02:11 Nvidia-Intel Deal Breakdown & Market Implications
• 03:26 TikTok US Deal Explained
• 05:50 Fed Rate Cut & What It Means for Investors
• 08:42 Bilal Little Introduction & Award Story
• 12:04 ETF Innovation & Trends Q&A
• 17:37 The Rise of Crypto ETFs
• 20:47 ETF Best Practices: “Go Slow to Go Fast”
• 26:45 Rapid-Fire Market Radar Headlines
• 34:49 Q&A: Smart Hiring for Founders
• 41:06 Q&A: DTC Fulfillment, 3PLs, and Scaling
• 44:58 Q&A: Setting Owner Salaries in an S Corp

Tone and Final Takeaways

• Tone: Energetic, practical, and inclusive. The hosts blend actionable advice with a sense of optimism, drawing from their own experiences and those of their guests.
• Message: Own assets, embrace technological innovation, stay diversified, and take a measured, intentional approach to building wealth and business operations.

Closing message from Bilal Little (25:28):
“I love what you guys are doing as far as access to the community. That's really important—information and access... Thank you for the work that you guys are doing.”

Further Resources

• ETF Central Podcast (Bilal’s host site): etfcentral.com
• Live Q&A and networking: Rich Habits Network (with free trial)
• Follow-up episodes every Monday, Thursday, and Friday for ongoing financial empowerment and expert insights.

For feedback or questions, leave a review or comment as encouraged at the episode’s close!