Beyond ConsensusTM
Thoughts from the Dismal Roundtable
About Our Podcast
Beyond Consensus™: Thoughts from the Dismal Roundtable, is a podcast where we’ll go beyond the headlines and inside the numbers, digging into the macro and market issues investors are asking us about.
We’re not aiming for consensus, but rather a better understanding of the forces shaping our world. And we’ll try to tackle the topics of the day with insight, a plucky spirit and a touch of humor. Because while we take these topics seriously, we’ll try not to take ourselves too seriously—as the name implies.
Whether you’re a capital-markets veteran or just looking to understand the macro and market forces shaping the landscape, this is your space for discovery, join us!
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Latest Episodes
November 24, 2025
AI vs. Demographics: Implications for Jobs and the Meaning of Work
Explore AI’s impact on productivity and labor markets with Rick Brink and Inigo Fraser Jenkins. The US could benefit more than others, given its industrial composition, and AI’s social and political implications could be far-reaching. You’ll also gain insight into the strategic implications for US equities and AI’s role in shaping economic and investment outcomes.
The US Exceptionalism Mall Map: "You Are Here"
Check out the latest episode of "Beyond Consensus™: Thoughts from the Dismal Roundtable." In this installment, "The US Exceptionalism Mall Map: 'You Are Here'," we’ll share our latest insights on the US economy and Fed policy, strategic portfolio positioning, and the potential impact of AI on labor and productivity.
The End of US Exceptionalism?
Tariffs. Retaliatory tariffs. Tariff pauses. In the wake of the tempest of April 2025, global investors are asking: Is the US still exceptional? We’ll explore this topic on several levels. Cyclically speaking, exceptionalism still seems intact, but it’s overshadowed by anti-US sentiment and structural concerns—including a heavy debt burden. At the strategic level, we’ll weigh the “pro” and “con” cases. And we’ll tackle the other big question: What does all of this mean for US stocks, bonds and the dollar?
Meet the Speakers
Featured Resources
Companies with dependable growth profiles might be just what equity portfolios need in turbulent times.
Policy shifts may create an incentive to diversify.
We take a view in this paper that will be unpopular: defending the case for US exceptionalism.
For Investment Professional use only. Capital at risk. Not for inspection by, distribution or quotation to, the general public.
The value of an investment can go down as well as up and investors may not get back the full amount they invested. Capital is at risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Note to all listeners: The views expressed in this podcast do not constitute research, investment advice or trade recommendations and do not necessarily represent the views of all AB portfolio-management teams and are subject to revision over time. The views expressed in this podcast may change at any time after the date of this publication. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor’s personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information does not constitute investment advice and should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AB or its affiliates.
References to specific securities are provided solely in the context of the analysis presented and are not to be considered recommendations by AllianceBernstein. AllianceBernstein and its affiliates may have positions in, and may effect transactions in, the markets, industry sectors and companies described herein.