
NFA Live! Bond Yields Surge, Crypto Stalls, & is AI Overhyped?
In this episode, the host, Ben Cowan, and Rob Wolf discuss recent market developments, social media sentiment, and the practical use of AI.
📈 Bond Yields and Their Impact
- Ben Cowan predicts a local peak in yields soon, possibly around the US midterms. He cites skepticism about the soft PCE report and the Fed's rate path.
- Bond vigilantes are pushing back: the 2-year yield at ~4.8-4.9% suggests policy is not yet restrictive. Yields may rise again before topping.
- Metals (gold, silver) serve as leading indicators – they often bottom before yields peak. Rising metals could signal yields are about to reverse.
- Key insight: Rising long-term yields don't always hurt crypto. In 2026, Bitcoin actually rose alongside yields, possibly because strong economic growth supported risk assets.
🤔 Crypto Market: October Stagnation?
- Rob Wolf is bearish: geopolitical tensions (Iran) and rising diesel prices could reignite inflation, forcing the Fed to hike again. He expects a flush-out through Q4 and midterms.
- Ben Cowan points to next week's inflation report as the next catalyst. A hot report would be negative; a soft one could boost crypto.
- He warns that altcoin seasons are not guaranteed – restrictive monetary policy may cause Bitcoin to outperform again, as in the last cycle.
- Liquidity is key: with stocks at all-time highs, the Fed has little reason to ease. Until that changes, crypto may struggle.
😟 Are Social Media Algorithms Making Us Too Doomer?
- Rob Wolf compares AI to the introduction of ATMs. ATMs didn't destroy jobs – they created more by enabling cheaper branches and new roles (sales). AI will replace tasks, not entire jobs – just like ATMs.
- He highlights the need for tech + regulation to create a boom. Example: The 1994 Riegle-Neal Act accelerated bank branch expansion after ATMs. Crypto needs clear regulation to thrive.
- Ben Cowan warns of echo chambers. He deliberately follows 20-30 accounts with opposing views to avoid a doom bubble. He envies people who don't track Bitcoin prices or yields.
- Content creators confirm: positive stories get fewer clicks. The demand for negative content fuels the doom loop.
🤖 How Useful Is AI Really?
- Rob Wolf uses AI for specific tasks (text, taxes, video graphics) but does not give it access to bank or trading accounts. He compares initial skepticism to that of online payments.
- Ben Cowan uses AI as a travel agent (planning a New Zealand trip) and for market analysis (new chart types). He stresses: Those who master AI will replace those who don't.
- Both agree: AI is a powerful tool to learn, not a magic bullet.
💡 Takeaways
- Bond yields may peak soon, which could be positive for crypto.
- Crypto needs either a flush-out or soft inflation data to rally.
- Doomerism is amplified by algorithms – stepping outside the bubble is healthy.
- AI is like the modern ATM: it changes work but doesn't eliminate it. Those who embrace it will win.






