--- title: Strategic Vision and Market Insights | Leading Investment Strategy at Safanad description: Safanad's Chief Strategist's Office drives long-term investment strategy through economic insights and market analysis, led by Chief Strategist Dr. John Rutledge, ensuring value-driven growth. --- [Skip to the main content.](https://safanad.com/chief-strategist#main-content) [![Safanad Logo](https://safanad.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Web%20Images/safanad_logo_primary.png?width=991&height=547&name=safanad_logo_primary.png "Safanad Logo")](https://safanad.com?hsLang=en) [![Safanad Logo](https://safanad.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Web%20Images/safanad_logo_white.png?width=991&height=547&name=safanad_logo_white.png "Safanad Logo")](https://safanad.com?hsLang=en) - [About](https://safanad.com/business) - [Our Business](https://safanad.com/business) - [Our Values](https://safanad.com/values) - [Our Strategy](https://safanad.com/strategy) - [Our Heritage](https://safanad.com/heritage) - [Team](https://safanad.com/board) - [Board of Directors](https://safanad.com/board) - [Our Team](https://safanad.com/team) - [Operating Group](https://safanad.com/operating-group) - [Careers](https://safanad.com/careers) - [Platforms](https://safanad.com/platforms) - [Education](https://safanad.com/education) - [Healthcare](https://safanad.com/healthcare) - [Digital Infrastructure](https://safanad.com/digital-infrastructure) - [Real Estate](https://safanad.com/realestate) - [Safanad KSA](https://safanad.com/safanad-ksa) - [Chief Strategist](https://safanad.com/chief-strategist) - [News](https://safanad.com/news/tag/news) - [Contact](https://safanad.com/contact) [Investor Login](https://services.dataexchange-eu.fiscloudservices.com) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu [Investor Login](https://services.dataexchange-eu.fiscloudservices.com) - [About](https://safanad.com/business) - [Our Business](https://safanad.com/business) - [Our Values](https://safanad.com/values) - [Our Strategy](https://safanad.com/strategy) - [Our Heritage](https://safanad.com/heritage) - [Team](https://safanad.com/board) - [Board of Directors](https://safanad.com/board) - [Our Team](https://safanad.com/team) - [Operating Group](https://safanad.com/operating-group) - [Careers](https://safanad.com/careers) - [Platforms](https://safanad.com/platforms) - [Education](https://safanad.com/education) - [Healthcare](https://safanad.com/healthcare) - [Digital Infrastructure](https://safanad.com/digital-infrastructure) - [Real Estate](https://safanad.com/realestate) - [Safanad KSA](https://safanad.com/safanad-ksa) - [Chief Strategist](https://safanad.com/chief-strategist) - [News](https://safanad.com/news/tag/news) - [Contact](https://safanad.com/contact) [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/safanad-inc) # Office of the Chief Strategist #### Using insight, foresight and integrity, the Office of the Chief Strategist at Safanad is dedicated to shaping the firm’s long-term investment strategy, identifying market opportunities, and providing thought leadership across our focus sectors.   ![CSlogo](https://safanad.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CSlogo.png?width=297&height=75&name=CSlogo.png) Led by Dr. John Rutledge, our Office of the Chief Strategist leverages deep economic expertise and global market analysis to guide Safanad’s disciplined, value-driven investment approach, ensuring alignment with our mission to deliver strong, risk-adjusted returns. [View John's Profile](https://safanad.com/chief-strategist#modal_col-num-2_module_17225114062386_3) ### Dr. John Rutledge #### Chief Strategist Dr. John Rutledge is Safanad’s Chief Strategist and a member of the Investment Committee. Dr. Rutledge was one of the principal architects of the Reagan Economic Plan in 1980-81 and an adviser to the Bush White House on tax policy and Iraq. He has advised government leaders in China, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait on economic, financial and investment issues. Currently, he is Senior Research Professor at Claremont Graduate University, focusing on monetary and financial economics and the causes of financial crises. He is also an Honorary Professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chief Advisor for Finance to the Governor of the Haidian district of Beijing. Dr. Rutledge was granted the Beijing’s Great Wall Friendship Award in recognition of his role as a trusted advisor to China’s top officials. He is the author of three books and currently is the Economics Contributor to CNBC. He holds a B.A. degree from Lake Forest College and a PhD in economics from the University of Virginia.   ### On the Record [![Dr. John Rutledge on CNBC Fast Money discussing Trump-Xi trade talks](https://safanad.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cnbc-trump-xi-thumb-1.jpg?width=760&height=428&name=cnbc-trump-xi-thumb-1.jpg)](https://safanad.com/chief-strategist#modal_1_widget_1759909538084) ##### CNBC Fast Money: Trump-Xi Hold High-Stakes Talks [Video Link](https://www.cnbc.com/video/2026/09/24/why-president-trump-and-chinas-xi-may-be-a-long-way-from-progress-on-trade-and-geopolitics.html) [![Dr. John Rutledge on Fox Business Kudlow, September 2026](https://safanad.com/hs-fs/hubfs/rutledge-kudlow-poster.jpg?width=1280&height=720&name=rutledge-kudlow-poster.jpg)](https://safanad.com/chief-strategist#modal_2_widget_1759909538084) Your browser does not support embedded video. [Download the clip](https://safanad.com/hubfs/rutledge-kudlow-2026-09-21-720p.mp4?hsLang=en). ##### Fox Business Kudlow: The State of the U.S. Economy [Watch the clip](https://safanad.com/chief-strategist#modal_2_widget_1759909538084) [![video\_thumb](https://safanad.com/hs-fs/hubfs/video_thumb.png?width=1920&height=1080&name=video_thumb.png)](https://safanad.com/chief-strategist#modal_3_widget_1759909538084) ##### Asset-First Economics: Two Economies, Not One. [Video Link](https://youtu.be/dtIu5AT0WCc?si=HHArGkbAYIIPl3Lf) [![Mornings with Joel Podcast](https://safanad.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mornings%20with%20Joel%20Podcast.jpg?width=760&height=458&name=Mornings%20with%20Joel%20Podcast.jpg)](https://safanad.com/chief-strategist#modal_4_widget_1759909538084) ##### Exclusive 'Mornings with Joel' interview.  [Watch the Full Interview Here!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buEahk4y4M0) [![Asset-First Economies 2](https://safanad.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Asset-First%20Economies%202.png?width=1267&height=708&name=Asset-First%20Economies%202.png)](https://safanad.com/chief-strategist#modal_5_widget_1759909538084) ##### Asset-First Economics: Why Inflation and Interest Rates Move Together. [Video Link](https://youtu.be/lFo7i4u9Wuk?si=PCjHBw0v4bXwz_fk) [![CNBC Fast Money: China's US Exports Plunge](https://safanad.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-10-23%20at%203.02.21%20PM.png?width=957&height=540&name=Screenshot%202025-10-23%20at%203.02.21%20PM.png)](https://safanad.com/chief-strategist#modal_6_widget_1759909538084) ##### CNBC Fast Money: China's US Exports Plunge [Video Link](https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/09/08/china-will-dominate-global-ev-market-says-safanads-john-rutledge.html) [![videothumb2](https://safanad.com/hs-fs/hubfs/videothumb2.png?width=1920&height=1080&name=videothumb2.png)](https://safanad.com/chief-strategist#modal_7_widget_1759909538084) ##### Main Street Journal: Inflation, The Taper, and Real Assets [Video Link](https://youtu.be/LdXLoWxZH6k?si=-MJgYVb420Al_eez) [![squarkbox](https://safanad.com/hs-fs/hubfs/squarkbox.png?width=1920&height=1080&name=squarkbox.png)](https://safanad.com/chief-strategist#modal_8_widget_1759909538084) ##### CNBC Squawk Box: Huawei [Video Link](https://youtu.be/dhf3oLBjBPs?si=NBn13wkBkjTogFkR) [![videothumb3](https://safanad.com/hs-fs/hubfs/videothumb3.png?width=1920&height=1080&name=videothumb3.png)](https://safanad.com/chief-strategist#modal_9_widget_1759909538084) ##### CNBC Trade Turmoil: US/China Trade [Video Link](https://youtu.be/eOvjVI5E9R0?si=j5J7nipK5O2Gs2xH) ## Explore Insights #### [Dr. John Rutledge on Kudlow: The State of the U.S. Economy](https://safanad.com/news/dr-john-rutledge-on-kudlow-the-state-of-the-us-economy?hsLang=en) Sep 23, 2026 #### [Why the Fed Should Not Increase Rates](https://safanad.com/news/why-the-fed-should-not-increase-rates?hsLang=en) Sep 16, 2026 After Removing a Major Flaw in the CPI Index, August Core CPI Inflation was just 2.1% Summary: As I... #### [Things Kevin Warsh Needs to Know](https://safanad.com/news/things-kevin-warsh-needs-to-know?hsLang=en) Jun 19, 2026 Inflation is higher, real incomes lower than reports show. Scrap the dotplot and forward guidance.... #### [Sorry, Kevin. Fun Fact: The Fed Can't Print Oil.](https://safanad.com/news/sorry-kevin.-fun-fact-the-fed-cant-print-oil?hsLang=en) Jun 1, 2026 Tough first day at work. April inflation 4%. Growth fading. The FOMC meets in 3 weeks. Politicizing... #### [Asset-First Economics Update. We are not going broke.](https://safanad.com/news/asset-first-economics-update.-we-are-not-going-broke?hsLang=en) Mar 26, 2026 Summary: With the world in such turmoil today, it is difficult to focus on the fundamentals . But... #### [Far From Equilibrium](https://safanad.com/news/far-from-equilibrium?hsLang=en) Feb 12, 2026 A Fascinating Discussion with Economists and World Class Financial Guru, John Rutledge Watch the... #### [Rethinking Real Rates](https://safanad.com/news/rethinking-real-rates?hsLang=en) Feb 3, 2026 Rethinking Real Rates Through the lens of Asset-First Economics. Central banks using the wrong... #### [The Only Report Investors Need to Read - Asset-First Economics, the U.S. Balance Sheet](https://safanad.com/news/the-only-report-investors-need-to-read?hsLang=en) Jan 29, 2026 Z.1. Financial Accounts of the United States, Third Quarter 2025 Summary The most important... #### [Asset-Based Economics, The Back Story](https://safanad.com/news/asset-based-economics-the-back-story?hsLang=en) Dec 28, 2025 Asset-Based Economics, The Back Story Tangible Assets, Complex Adaptive Systems, and Far From... #### [Safanad’s Chief Strategist, Dr. John Rutledge, “Redefines Investing” With Launch of Asset-First Economics Video Series](https://safanad.com/news/safanads-chief-strategist-dr.-john-rutledge-redefines-investing-with-launch-of-asset-first-economics-video-series?hsLang=en) Nov 6, 2025 Tour de force videos compel viewers to focus less on GDP and more on the U.S. balance sheet, as it... #### [Rutledge/Safanad cited in CFA Institute's Research & Policy Center’s study](https://safanad.com/news/rutledge/safanad-cited-in-cfa-institutes-research-policy-centers-study?hsLang=en) Nov 6, 2025 Dr. John Rutledge, Safanad's Chief Strategist has been cited in CFA Institute's Research and Policy... #### [CNBC Fast Money: Why You Should Not Buy Chinese Stocks Today](https://safanad.com/news/cnbc-fast-money-why-you-should-not-buy-chinese-stocks-today?hsLang=en) Oct 22, 2024 Retail investors shouldn’t touch China stocks, warns Safanad’s John Rutledge Summary: After 50... #### [Friday Brain Dump](https://safanad.com/news/friday-brain-dump?hsLang=en) Oct 11, 2024 Corrected August PCE 1.6%. Springtime in New York. Things That are Not a Thing Dr. John Rutledge... #### [Still waiting for lower rates](https://safanad.com/news/still-waiting-for-lower-rates?hsLang=en) Sep 25, 2024 If Fed Chairman Powell had competed in the 100-yard dash in last month’s Paris Olympics, we would... #### [My First Device Was an IBM 1401](https://safanad.com/news/my-first-device-was-an-ibm-1401?hsLang=en) Aug 12, 2024 In Which: Dr. John explains why it took a year to run his first regression and learned that you... #### [Corrected April Inflation 1.9%](https://safanad.com/news/corrected-april-inflation-1.9?hsLang=en) Aug 12, 2024 Corrected April inflation – CPI 1.9%, Core CPI 2.2%–is already at the Fed’s target. Next week’s PCE... #### [This is Not Stagflation](https://safanad.com/news/this-is-not-stagflation?hsLang=en) Aug 12, 2024 In Which: Dr. John Tells You to Ignore the stagflation hysteria. Last week’s inflation reports were... #### [The Right Way to Measure Inflation and Real Interest Rates](https://safanad.com/news/the-right-way-to-measure-inflation-and-real-interest-rates?hsLang=en) Aug 12, 2024 In which Dr. John advises you to skip FOMC meetings but show up for earnings calls, suggests that... #### [Stories from the Road](https://safanad.com/news/stories-from-the-road?hsLang=en) Aug 12, 2024 Chapter 1: In Which Dr. John Tries to Save the World by Trading Corn for Nukes and Fails—Again.... #### [Forget the Fed. Intrinsic Value, Intrinsic Risk](https://safanad.com/news/forget-the-fed.-intrinsic-value-intrinsic-risk?hsLang=en) Aug 12, 2024 Summary: Forget the Fed. Inflation, rates will surprise on the downside. Spending, growth will... ## Downloads ## CNBC Fast Money After 50 years of investing, I have decided it’s time to share my secret strategy with you, the thing that will keep you in the game when things go bad. [Download](https://safanad.com/hubfs/CNBC%20Fast%20Money.pdf?hsLang=en) ## MoneyShow Keynote Private equity and real estate are my preferred investment categories. They are rich veins of ore for the right investors, but they are no place for tourists. [Download](https://safanad.com/hubfs/MoneyShow%20Keynote%20Lecture.pdf?hsLang=en) The views and opinions expressed are those of Dr. John Rutledge. Assumptions made in the analysis are not reflective of the position of any entity other than Dr. Rutledge's. The information contained in this document does not constitute a solicitation, offer, or recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security or in any transaction. You should not rely on any information contained herein in making a decision with respect to an investment. You should not construe the contents of this document as legal, business, or tax advice and should consult with your own attorney, business advisor, and tax advisor as to the legal, business, tax, and related matters related hereto. Discover Discover - [Our Business](https://safanad.com/business) - [Our Values](https://safanad.com/values) - [Our Heritage](https://safanad.com/heritage) People People - [Our Board](https://safanad.com/board) - [Our Team](https://safanad.com/team) - [Operating Group](https://safanad.com/operating-group) Investing Investing - [Our Platforms](https://safanad.com/platforms) - [Our Strategy](https://safanad.com/strategy) - [Our Process](https://safanad.com/process) Disclaimer Disclaimer Safanad comprises Safanad Inc., which is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC, and Safanad (Dubai) Limited, which is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) with registration number F002528 and is provisioned for (i) Managing Assets; (ii) Arranging Deals in Investments; (iii) Advising on Financial Products; (iv) Arranging Credit & Advising on Credit. 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