Today, Fredrik provides a candid and comprehensive look at the ‘state of affairs’ across the global economy. Moving beyond headlines, Sandvall explores the interconnected nature of labor markets, central bank policies, and asset volatility. He explains how corporate ‘de-risking’, including mass layoffs at giants like Amazon and UPS, is reshaping the power dynamic for employees and why the high numbers on the stock market may be an illusion caused by currency debasement. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

While the system is not yet at mass unemployment, employers are tightening the market by not rehiring when people leave. This weakens the worker’s position to negotiate salary, though ‘blue-collar’ experts like electricians remain in high demand compared to corporate roles.

While stock markets are hitting record highs, Sandvall argues these are ‘new dollar’ highs. When adjusted for real inflation and massive money printing, the actual value of these assets may not be higher than they were a decade ago.

There is a significant divergence between paper and physical assets. While paper silver and Bitcoin are traded heavily by banks, physical assets are increasingly being ‘hoarded’ by Asian markets as a hedge against currency de-basing.

Consumer-facing businesses are struggling as people play ‘defense’ with their money. This leads to a cycle of promotions and discounts that eventually erodes revenue before the full extent of the collapse is visible.

Fredrik advises listeners to maintain several months of cash availability and to de-risk shaky assets now, noting that even ‘stop-losses’ in trading systems can fail during a bank run or extreme market volatility.

BEST MOMENTS

“The system is slow. It’s hard to get a job if you’re outside the market, and we see a lot of layoffs partly linked to AI, partly linked to companies de-risking and preparing for the future.”

“If people think the economy will go down, the economy will become smaller, quite simply because people are playing defense.”

“We are currently at the all-time high in terms of the stock exchange in many parts of the world, but that is in today’s money. It’s not the same money as it was 10 years ago.”

“Your money in the bank, you can’t withdraw it because it doesn’t work. The money is not possible to turn into cash unless you do it first and no one else asks for it.”

“Expect more quantitative easing. Why? Because it’s less painful, and the system needs to survive.”

Books by Fredrik Sandvall

Options Strategy: Build to Keep. Ready to Sell Tomorrow.

For founders and CEOs who want businesses that compound in value, stay under control, and are always sale-ready.

⁠https://amzn.to/4pwVhoi⁠

The Abyss of Finance: Trust, Leverage and the Cycles of Collapse

For investors and leaders who want to understand why financial systems break before they do.

⁠https://amzn.to/3YsRKfI⁠

About the Podcast

Invest in You is a global podcast where entrepreneur and investor Fredrik Sandvall shares practical ideas and conversations with founders, investors, and operators. Episodes focus on investing, entrepreneurship, and building long-term control and freedom.

Occasionally joined by his sons Ivan and Charlie, the show offers both experience-based insight and a next-generation perspective.

Listeners in 155+ countries tune in to think clearer, act smarter, and build with intent.

Community & Contact

Podcast community: https://bit.ly/4jxF94k

Fredrik Sandvall

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandvall/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/FredrikinLondon/⁠