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Orion's The Weighing Machine

Orion's The Weighing Machine

By: Orion Portfolio Solutions
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 Orion’s The Weighing Machine How does Orion help financial advisors guide investors toward their financial goals? We provide the services and solutions advisors need to help clients stay invested in balanced portfolios. On Orion’s “The Weighing Machine,” featuring Ben Vaske, BFA, we cut through the market clamor and focus on time-tested principles that help financial advisors and investors reach their long-term financial goals. Each podcast reviews weekly commentary by Orion’s investment team and features a special guest to discuss market headlines. Wealth Management services are offered by Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC d/b/a Brinker Capital Investments a registered investment advisor. Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Orion Advisor Solutions, Inc. (“Orion”). Think2perform’s Behavioral Financial Advice program integrates traditional finance practices with psychology and neuroscience to improve emotional competency and decision-making behavior that increases effective usage of the financial plan with clients. To obtain the Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA) designation, participants must complete a self-directed course, which takes 20-30 hours to complete, and includes a mix of interactive exercises, videos and case studies. To learn more about the BFA, visit https://www.think2perform.com. 0503-OPS-3/4/2024Orion Portfolio Solutions Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Michelle Cluver of Global X ETFs - The Long Game of AI

    Michelle Cluver of Global X ETFs - The Long Game of AI
    Feb 3 2026
    Today on the podcast, Ben Vaske is joined by Michelle Cluver, Head of ETF Model Portfolios at Global X ETFs. Michelle joined Global X in 2018. She is responsible for overseeing the model portfolio solutions team in the construction and management of Global X’s suite of ETF model portfolios. Michelle and her team develop the macroeconomic and market views that shape portfolio positioning. Additionally, she works closely with the ETF model portfolio team on maintaining and assessing the quantitative models behind Global X’s thematic model portfolios. Previously, Michelle worked at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in its ETF model portfolio business. Prior to Merrill, Michelle worked for a boutique asset management firm, with a focus on both South African and developed market equities. Michelle holds a master's degree in International Finance from the Amsterdam Business School and is a CFA Charterholder.Key TakeawaysWhat is Michelle’s favorite home-cooked meal or recipe?Learn about Michelle’s current role at Global X ETFs and her career backgroundWhat were the coolest and strangest things Michelle saw at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) Conference in Las Vegas this year?In Michelle’s opinion, where are we today in terms of the AI adoption cycle? Are we in early experimentation or getting into early commercialization?Are there any key differences or similarities between the AI boom and the dot com or mobile phone boom that Michelle would highlight?In terms of AI use cases and real world adoption today, are there any industries or business functions that are seeing true, tangible gains from AI currently?Is there anything that Michelle thinks investors are misunderstanding about how quickly or slowly this AI adoption is going to show up in company fundamentals?As Michelle thinks about the CapEx wave, does she think it is sustainable and does she think this level of CapEx will need to continue for AI to continue to advance?What less obvious areas does Michelle think investors should be looking at in the broader AI ecosystem?How generational of an innovation is AI and are we in a place where we can say “yes, this is going to be the thing for the next few decades?”Does Michelle view AI as inflationary, long-term deflationary or structurally neutral?Are there shifts in the dynamics around the competitive edge between large and small AI companies and are there opportunities in the space for small companies to make a big impact?How should investors and advisors be thinking about valuations in the present day given the level of optimism that’s already priced in?What sort of signals should our listeners look for that may show we’ve reached peak enthusiasm in AI?For the average investor, what would Michelle’s key point of advice be for a simple way to gain exposure to AI but doing so in a risk-aware way?What might getting AI right in a long-term portfolio actually look like for a long-term investor?mizueLinksMichelle Cluver on LinkedInGlobal X ETFsConnect with UsMeet Ben Vaske, Manager Investment StrategyCheck Out All of Orion’s PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionDisclosure(s)Wealth management services provided by Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC (“OPS”), a registered investment advisor. Orion OCIO services provided by TownSquare Capital, LLC (“TSC”), a registered investment advisor. OPS and TSC are affiliates and wholly owned subsidiaries of Orion Advisor Solutions, Inc.Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC d/b/a Brinker Capital Investments a registered investment advisor. This podcast is sponsored by Janus Henderson Investors. Orion Advisor Solutions, Inc. (“Orion”) or its affiliates and subsidiaries received compensation from Janus Henderson Investors for the placement of this advertisement content. Janus Henderson Investors and Orion are not affiliated companies, and the advertisement is not a recommendation or endorsement by Orion for any of the services referenced or provided.These show notes may contain links to third-party websites. Any links to such third-party websites are provided solely as a convenience to you and not as an endorsement by Orion of the content on such third-party websites, or any affiliation or association with its operators. Orion is not responsible for the content of linked third-party websites, including, without limitation, any link contained in a linked website, or any changes or updates to a linked website, and do not make any representations regarding the information, services, products or accuracy of any material contained on such third-party websites.Compliance Code: 0328-R-26033
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    44 mins
  • Adam Hetts of Janus Henderson - Positioning Multi-Asset Portfolios for 2026

    Adam Hetts of Janus Henderson - Positioning Multi-Asset Portfolios for 2026
    Dec 22 2025

    Key Takeaways

    • What is Adam’s favorite home-cooked meal or recipe?
    • Adam’s professional background and more on the multi-asset group he leads at Janus Henderson
    • As Adam steps back, and looks forward to 2026, what does he see as the most important macro drivers investors should be focused on right now?
    • As Adam thinks about the Fed’s policy path going forward, how is he thinking about Fixed Income positioning in 2026?
    • How does Adam’s multi-asset group at Janus Henderson broadly think about diversifying away from the Agg when searching for new opportunities in the fixed income market?
    • From Adam’s perspective, are high-valuations in AI-related equities a major challenge for multi-asset portfolios? Does he see some fundamental strengths still justifying that enthusiasm?
    • From an active perspective, how is Adam thinking about separating the durable AI beneficiaries from those that are more momentum driven ?
    • How is Adam thinking about balancing the allocation to AI-driven growth versus exposure to smaller mid-caps and non-US equities?
    • How is Adam looking at opportunities in Europe right now?
    • What are key drivers that Adam is looking at in Emerging Markets? Is he seeing continued strength there?
    • As Adam is thinking about blending public and private allocations together, within a portfolio, what role do private markets play and how does this look to him in terms of a long-term allocation?
    • Outside of portfolio construction, is there a key biggest mistake that Adam sees investors making as they look to private allocations?
    • Piecing it all together, how is Adam thinking about a broad, multi-asset portfolio going into next year? Also, is there one guiding principle for long-term portfolio success in Adam’s mind?

    Links

    • Adam Hetts on LinkedIn
    • Janus Henderson Investors
    • Janus Henderson Investment Outlook 2026

    Connect with Us

    • Meet Ben Vaske, Manager Investment Strategy
    • Check Out All of Orion’s Podcasts
    • Power Your Growth with Orion

    Disclosure(s)

    Wealth management services provided by Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC (“OPS”), a registered investment advisor. Orion OCIO services provided by TownSquare Capital, LLC (“TSC”), a registered investment advisor. OPS and TSC are affiliates and wholly owned subsidiaries of Orion Advisor Solutions, Inc.

    Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC d/b/a Brinker Capital Investments a registered investment advisor.

    This podcast is sponsored by BlackRock, Inc. Orion Advisor Solutions, Inc. (“Orion”) or its affiliates and subsidiaries received compensation from BlackRock, Inc. for the placement of this advertisement content. BlackRock, Inc. and Orion are not affiliated companies, and the advertisement is not a recommendation or endorsement by Orion for any of the services referenced or provided.

    Compliance Code: 3498-R-25351
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    37 mins
  • Jason Mertz of AllianceBernstein - Municipal Bond Market Headwinds Turning a Corner

    Jason Mertz of AllianceBernstein - Municipal Bond Market Headwinds Turning a Corner
    Dec 9 2025

    Today on the podcast, Ben Vaske is joined by Jason Mertz from AllianceBernstein. Jason Mertz is a Vice President and Investment Strategist for AB’s Municipals team, covering all mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and separately managed account solutions. He works extensively with the firm’s portfolio management, credit research and trading team to monitor and communicate portfolio positioning and analysis to clients around the US. Prior to joining AB in 2016, Mertz worked at BlackRock as a separately managed account analyst. He holds a BA in finance and international business from Muhlenberg College.

    Key Takeaways

    • What is Jason’s favorite home-cooked meal or recipe?
    • Learn about Jason’s career journey and how he ended up in his current role at AllianceBernstein.
    • Did being the captain of his lacrosse team in college teach Jason any lessons that he has carried forward to the present day?
    • What were some of the drivers behind the underperformance of Municipal bonds for the first 7-8 months of the year?
    • If Jason is not seeing great opportunities in the Municipal bond market, are there other areas in the market that he can lean into and what would spark him to do that?
    • As an active manager, how is Jason thinking about balancing all of the unique risks present in today’s environment?
    • How is Jason generally viewing broad, municipal credit health right now? Are there any real pockets of concern around the credit space?
    • As Jason is thinking about his outlook for the next 12 months or so, how do Municipal bonds fit into the portfolio and where is he seeing that part of the portfolio acting in the next year?
    • What is some of the proactive tax management that Jason and his team at AB are doing?
    • What kind of technology and tools does AllianceBernstein use to allow them to manage tax-aware SMA’s for their plethora of clients?
    • Learn more about AB’s advisor partnership model and how it works within the broader Orion community.
    • When someone thinks of AllianceBernstein Municipal Bonds, what should be the first thing they think about? Also, as they think about partnerships what is the key takeaway there as well?

    Links

    • Jason Mertz on LinkedIn
    • Alliance Bernstein

    Connect with Us

    • Meet Ben Vaske, Manager Investment Strategy
    • Check Out All of Orion’s Podcasts
    • Power Your Growth with Orion

    Jason Mertz: Air Fryer Salmon Recipe

    Ingredients: Salmon, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Soy Sauce, Teriyaki and Lemon (optional)

    1. Boil water and pour over the skin of the salmon for easy removal of the skin (salmon hack!)
    2. Cube the salmon into 1 inch pieces and toss into a bowl
    3. Marinate the salmon with salt, pepper, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of teriyaki. Lemon squeeze optional
    4. Toss the Cubes into the air fryer for 8-10 minutes (I normally rotate halfway through)
    5. ENJOY! The salmon should be crispy on the outside with a soft center.

    Disclosure(s)

    Wealth management services provided by Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC (“OPS”), a registered investment advisor. Orion OCIO services provided by TownSquare Capital, LLC (“TSC”), a registered investment advisor. OPS and TSC are affiliates and wholly owned subsidiaries of Orion Advisor Solutions, Inc.

    Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC d/b/a Brinker Capital Investments a registered investment advisor.

    This podcast is sponsored by BlackRock, Inc. Orion Advisor Solutions, Inc. (“Orion”) or its affiliates and subsidiaries received compensation from BlackRock, Inc. for the placement of this advertisement content. BlackRock, Inc. and Orion are not affiliated companies, and the advertisement is not a recommendation or endorsement by Orion for any of the services referenced or provided.

    Compliance Code: 3497-R-25351
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    46 mins
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