In the Know

In this episode of In the Know, host Diana Wood and Asia Quant Strategist Rupal Agarwal discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on asset management. They explore the key trends for 2026, emphasising the shift from basic AI applications to more sophisticated uses that create new alpha opportunities. The conversation highlights the importance of structured AI training, innovative use cases from recent conferences, and the challenges investors face in implementing AI solutions.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global Automation Analyst Jay Huang joins host Richard Moffat to discuss the current state and outlook for the automation and robotics market. Jay delves into the concept of a “robot renaissance”, the challenges of robot adoption, and the technological innovations driving the industry. The discussion also covers the differences in robot adoption across various regions, the role of companies like Keyence in advancing sensor technology, and predictions for the future of automation in light of AI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of In the Know, US Biotech Analyst Will Pickering joins host Diana Wood to discuss the current state of the US biotech market, and the complexities and challenges facing this industry today. Here, they explore FDA inspection trends, both long-term and under the Trump administration, with insights into the sector’s recovery, the impact of FDA headcount reductions, the potential consequences of inspection outcomes on drug approvals, and much more.  This podcast was recorded on Jan 29, 2026. Since then, turmoil at FDA has only increased, culminating in the recent resignation of CBER Director Vinay Prasad. While that particular drama has now played out, the broader issues Will highlights in this podcast are sure to remain relevant in the months and years ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

European Business Services Analyst Will Kirkness joins host Patrick Robinson to delve into the history, challenges, and future prospects of Rentokil, a prominent player in the pest control industry. They discuss the company's evolution over the past century, its recent acquisition of Terminex, and the subsequent challenges faced in the US market. The conversation also touches on competitors and current market dynamics, as well as the potential role of AI and robotics in enhancing operational efficiency. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Richard Moffat engages with Trevor Stirling, European Beverages Analyst, to explore the evolving landscape of alcohol consumption and the future of the beverage industry. With reference to trends in emerging and developed markets and changing consumer behaviours, Trevor delves into a detailed analysis of Campari, a standout player in the beverage market, examining its growth trajectory, brand strategy, the potential risks associated with its M&A activities, and its biggest opportunities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

European Biopharmaceuticals Analyst Justin Smith joins host Diana Wood to discuss the heartbreaking and challenging world of Alzheimer’s. Here, they discuss the causes, symptoms and diagnosis, and delve into drug development. A devastating condition for patients and family members, Justin discusses his optimistic view on the future, referencing Roche’s innovation in the space and brain shuttle model, as well as clinical trials thus far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Biopharma Analyst Courtney Breen joins host Diana Wood to discuss all topics related to Biopharma today. With the flood-the-line approach in policy and focus on tariffs and drug-pricing, there’s a lot to consider when investing in any pharma stock at the moment. Courtney discusses the key trade-offs in policy risk and ability to mitigate for her covered companies, plus the implications of the recently announced White House deal and the near and long-term evolution of industry economics and potential for innovation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we enter the holiday season, host Diana Wood and American & European Beverages Analyst Nadine Sarwat join up once again in this light-hearted yet thought-provoking festive episode. They explore current trends in socialisation, economic pressures, alcohol consumption and mental health in America... and how they all might be related. At a time of year when many of us will socialise in abundance with family and friends but in an era when our phones are permanently glued to our hands, Nadine attempts to answer the question: in an increasingly lonely and polarized world, why is no one talking about the social benefits of alcohol? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Machinery & Electricals Analyst Chad Dillard joins host Diana Wood to discuss the current state and outlook of non-residential construction in the US. Chad highlights the recession that has been ongoing in this sector, the alignment of monetary and fiscal policies, and the expected rebound in construction spending driven by various market segments. Plus, they touch on the role of technology and AI in improving efficiency within the construction industry, as well as the challenges posed by power supply and the implications for renewable energy and nuclear power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an ‘In the Know’ first, host Patrick Robinson welcomes Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Global Head of Economics, Cross-Asset and Quant Research at Societe Generale to discuss pressing global economic issues. The conversation spans various topics including globalization, the shift from cooperation to competition in international relations, the implications of the Chinese dream, investment dynamics between the US and Europe, the challenges posed by climate change, and the resilience of markets in the face of adversity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Diana Wood and Asia Quant Strategist Rupal Agarwal discuss how Generative AI is transforming the asset management industry. They explore the current trends in AI adoption, the challenges faced by the industry, and the various use cases of generative AI for investors. Rupal highlights how AI is being used to enhance research, analysis, and client engagement by discretionary funds while opening new opportunities for quant investors. The conversation also delves into the future of pure AI led strategies and Quant (or AI) as a Service but more broadly shares insights on what’s working, what’s not and how leading firms are positioning themselves at the intersection of technology and alpha generation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of In the Know, host Patrick Robinson and European Autos Analyst Stephen Reitman delve into the world of Ferrari, exploring its rich history, the allure of its supercars, and the brand's strategic adaptations to market demands. They discuss the exclusivity of Ferrari's customer base, investor reactions to the company's recent capital markets day, and the intricate personalisation options available to buyers. The conversation highlights Ferrari's unique pricing strategy and its ability to maintain luxury status while navigating the evolving automotive landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, European Transport Analyst Alex Irving joins host Patrick Robinson on the podcast to discuss how the airline industry stands currently: who is flying high, and who is in a spin. Plus, we delve into policy, geography, infrastructure and other contextual factors affecting airlines today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

European Automobiles & Components Analyst Harry Martin joins host Patrick Robinson on the podcast this week to discuss all things trucking. We discuss the industry as it stands, pricing power, and what newer technologies might change the current market structure. Plus, we touch on barriers to adoption, regulations, and whether it is worth giving it all up to retrain as a long-distance driver.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global Luxury Goods Analyst Maria Meita joins host Patrick Robinson on the podcast this week to discuss the luxury industry, and its perfect storm of macro weakness, negative price elasticity and lack of newness. We talk about the two diverging customer profiles, winners in the space and why Brunello Cucinelli is the closest the luxury industry has to a cult. Plus, in this polarising world of luxury where the top 5% of customers make up to 40% of sales, we explore the role of relationship managers, and what’s next for the industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Restaurants Analyst Danilo Gargiulo joins host Diana Wood on the podcast this week to discuss American multinational coffee chain Starbucks. We debate the brand’s degeneration – from how Starbucks became synonymous with “coffee” and the away-from-home coffee culture among generations of people across 80+ countries across the globe to how recently, the brand seems to have lost its halo. Danilo explores contributing internal and external factors including the brand’s relevance among occasional consumers (and the younger generation), and the employee and customer experience driven by rapidly changing “channels” – plus we discuss the question investors are asking: is the Starbucks era over? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With this year marking Zara’s 50th birthday, European Retail Analyst Will Woods joins host Richard Moffat to discuss Inditex – which has grown into one of Europe’s largest public companies. We delve into Zara, which has arguably the most unique consumer business model in the world, and how it is as relevant now as it was 50 years ago. Plus, we look at the rise of disruptor brands including Shein and Temu, Inditex’s successes and failings over the past 50 years, and how it is likely Zara will still be relevant 50 years from now... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Energy & Global Natural Resource Analyst Bob Brackett joins us back on the podcast this week alongside host Diana Wood to discuss all things Nuclear. As we undergo a massive energy transition, moving away from emissions-based energy sources to green sources, Nuclear is likely to play a large role going forward.Bob walks us through a brief history of Nuclear power, what he sees into terms of supply and demand, the market for uranium and some key players in the space.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine a hotel experience where you can select your exact room, pay more for a specific pillow, specify the amount of towels you will need – and the price you pay is adjusted accordingly. For our latest episode of In the Know, we welcome new host Patrick Robinson (based in London) alongside Global Hotels & Leisure Analyst Richard Clarke. We delve into the opportunities AI presents for hotels, cruises and online travel agencies, for instance, how tech can assist with everything from initial holiday planning, personalisation, price management and sustainability efforts – and ultimately, how these advancements may affect these industries’ bottom lines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global Aerospace & Defense Analyst Doug Harned joins host Diana Wood on the podcast to provide his perspective on the new Golden Dome, a proposed multi-layer defense system for the United Stares designed to detect and destroy a wide range of threats before or during their flight. Doug gives a 360° view of what the Golden Dome actually is, cost estimates and timelines for a system of this scale, main technological challenges, potential adversaries’ countermeasures, how it could escalate the arms race – and where this initiative may leave America and the world over the next 3, 5 and 10 years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Internet Analyst Mark Shmulik returns with Sid Malkani for the second part of our two-part episode on Meta Platforms. This time, we look into Meta’s competition and how they ensure content creators end up on their platform vs. TikTok or Google. Plus, we delve into optionality and whether or not Meta can monetize WhatsApp – plus the topic au jour: the introduction of Meta AI. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Internet Analyst Mark Shmulik joins host Sid Malkani for a two-part episode on multinational technology company Meta Platforms, consisting of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger – and most recently, Meta AI. Looking at Mark’s ‘framework of utility’, we look at the different stakeholders of Meta’s ecosystems: the user, the consumer and the advertiser. We delve into Meta’s use cases and what keeps us online, and how social media has emerged from a place to connect to a broadcast media, with brand/performance advertising and content creation monetising the platforms and continuing its runway for growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nadine Sarwat (Bernstein’s American & European Beverages Analyst) joins host Diana Wood for a discussion on deglobalization, considered an investment controversy across all sectors. Distillers are at the crux of this debate. Their reliance on protected geographical indication products (PGIs, i.e. spirits that must be produced in a given geography) were once a clear asset. Now they are a potential liability. We explore which companies are most at risk given rising trade tensions. Plus, we discuss Nadine's recent coverage expansion into the European Coca-Cola bottlers, which have proven to be a safe haven in today’s volatile environment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global Software Analyst Mark Moerdler joins host Diana Wood to discuss multinational computer technology company, Oracle. We take a look into their story, looking into their transition to the Cloud and how their revenue, margins and earnings were impacted. Plus, we discuss the controversy of the Oracle database, the AI capabilities of Oracle OCI, MultiCloud, and the security offering from Oracle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Food Packaging Analyst Alexia Howard joins host Diana Wood on the podcast this week for a deep dive into food additives and dyes. Used to enhance flavour, appearance and/or to extend shelf life, some of these substances have been associated with adverse health implications including cancers and behavioural disorders. Alexia walks us through the additives we may find in our kitchen pantry, why they have found their way into our food systems (particularly in the US) – and importantly, which ones to avoid and why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neil Beveridge, APAC Oil, Gas & Energy Storage Analyst joins Diana Wood on the podcast this week to discuss CATL, a global leader in new energy innovative technologies and the largest battery maker today. Here, we discuss the basics – who they are, and who their customer base is – and delve into their capacity expansion plans for the future, their biggest competitors and how they think about their supply chain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Retailing Analyst Zhihan Ma joins host Sid Malkani this week to unpack multi-billion dollar global retailer Costco, self-described as a “membership warehouse club” and operating in 14 countries.We delve into the history of the club model, and where Costco fits into this strategy – from their unique pricing and branding strategy to the Kirkland brand as a whole. Plus, we look at Costco’s international strategy, and their runway for growth in other markets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Senior Technology Analyst Boris Van joins Richard Moffat on the podcast this week to discuss the Chinese travel market. As Chinese consumers shift their rapidly growing disposable income towards experiential consumption, we discuss the potential growth of domestic vs. international travel, the competitive tension between travel agents, hotels and airlines, and finish with the material impact on global hotel room demand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Energy & Global Natural Resource Analyst Bob Brackett joins host Diana Wood to walk us through his bullish view on the natural gas market. We discuss the two demand drivers that are permanently inflecting, and the supply squeeze that we cannot ignore, as well as geopolitical factors and the evolving landscape in the US. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Diana Wood hosts US Semiconductor Analyst Stacy Rasgon for a topical episode surrounding DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence company who have had an ‘AI mic drop’ moment, causing a major stir in the markets. In this episode, Stacy provides an update on the ‘latest and greatest’ in the world of AI, plus we delve into who DeepSeek are, the initial reactions, and what this may mean for Open AI and the industry at large. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once the hottest start-up and a notorious cash-burn business, Uber has now emerged as a scaled and profitable Internet platform. US Internet Analyst Nikhil Devnani joins host Sid Malkani on the podcast this week to discuss Uber, the category-defining app.We dig into its history and evolution into a global and multi-category on-demand network. Today, Uber faces its next big transition phase to an increasingly autonomous network as driverless cars are finally here. We touch on what these inventions mean for Uber and how the company might navigate this future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Food Packaging Analyst Alexia Howard joins host Diana Wood on the podcast this week to discuss the potential implications of Make America Healthy Again on the packaged food industry. We look at Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s policies and what impact these could have on food dye, microplastics and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Plus, we consider new legislations around additives, product promotion, and how education may start to shift the way people think about ultra-processed foods. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, our Asian Autos Analyst Eunice Lee joins us from Hong Kong to discuss electric vehicles with host Richard Moffat. We discuss rising EV penetration in the Chinese market, self-driving tech, the rapid model upgrade cycle and the cost advantages that have seen the emergence of not just competitive but world-leading products. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Nadine Sarwat (Bernstein’s Americas Alcoholic Beverages & Cannabis Analyst) joins host Diana Wood to look at the future of US whiskey. Nadine starts with a 101 crash course on US whiskey – a spirits category that has gained meaningful share of throat both in the US and internationally. We discuss the role that flavors have played in the rise (and fall) of certain brands. We also dive into the topic on many investors’ minds: is there a US whiskey glut on the horizon? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Senior North America Airlines and Transports Analyst David Vernon joins host Diana Wood on the podcast. In this episode, we take a step back in time and discuss the history of airlines economics and ask what could be different this time around? David discusses segmentation, loyalty programs, the shift in profits and how this sets the stage for the next cycle and impact on the industry overall. He also looks at the appetite for travel from younger consumers and how that will transform the industry in years to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Life Science Tools & Diagnostics Analyst Eve Burstein joins host Sid Malkani on the podcast this week to discuss the building blocks for helping develop novel therapies and screening for diseases. We touch on genetic testing and its current challenges, new treatments including gene editing, and whether or not there could ever be a shift from invasive to non-invasive screenings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Internet Analyst Mark Shmulik joins host Sid Malkani this week to discuss all things Google. We discuss the rise of Google and its place in the internet hierarchy, the evolution of search, and the impact of AI. Plus, we double-click into the role of regulation today and look to the future to understand what might be next for this complex conglomerate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global Semiconductors Analyst Mark Li joins us on the podcast this week from Hong Kong. Hosted by Richard Moffat, we touch on Moore’s law, supply and demand in the semiconductors industry, and drill down into memory, logic and design. Plus, Mark provides a look at the Chinese landscape, in particular, the impact of sanctions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Nadine Sarwat (Bernstein’s North America Alcoholic Beverages & Cannabis Analyst) is back on the podcast with host Diana Wood, this time to discuss the behavioural trends of Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha. Accounting for 35% of the population today, albeit with limited purchasing power, they will one day become the largest consumers in the American economy. We delve into how these two generations differ from prior Americans of similar ages in a bid to understand the future of overall consumption and allocation of time for generations today and tomorrow.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Neil Beveridge, who covers APAC energy and global energy storage, joins host Richard Moffat. We start with a top-down view of energy commodity prices in the next five years and then move onto the longer term impact of the shift to electric vehicles. We drill down into the future technologies, such as solid-state batteries, that will drive the transition and the reasons behind China’s rapid success in the global energy storage market.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a good restaurant? What does today’s grocery deflation mean for eating out? US Restaurant Analyst Danilo Gargiulo joins host Sid Malkani on the podcast this week to discuss all things food. Plus, we look at the various trends shaping the industry including the rise of healthier quick-service food such as Cava and Chipotle, how social media changes how companies are marketing to consumers, and the impact of convenient delivery apps Uber Eats and DoorDash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Pickering, Bernstein’s Senior US SMID Cap Biotech Analyst, joins Diana Wood on the podcast this week to discuss a highly topical subject: the quest for longevity. We discuss the question that many of us have considered: is it possible to substantially increase human lifespan, and if so, how? Plus, discover Will’s perspective on metabolic regulation, the effort to target obesity as part of the overall quest and the importance of muscle preservation as we lose weight and age. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join host Sid Malkani as we welcome back EU Semiconductors Analyst Sara Russo to the podcast. We cover the overall value chain, and where value is being generated, as well as leaders in the space. Plus, we touch on ASML and lithography, why EUV is such a challenging technology to develop, and China’s domestic semi industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a brand desirable? How do market leaders command such high price points? How do AI and social media play into the luxury landscape? Host Diana Wood speaks to Global Luxury Goods Analyst Luca Solca to discuss leaders and challengers, and how brands can stay exclusive, whilst ever more profitable, in the luxury goods industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

China Semiconductors Analyst Qingyuan Lin joins host Richard Moffat to break down the Chinese semiconductor industry, looking at the areas of strength and growth. We touch on how fast China has been catching up in different segments of the semiconductor industry and discuss why China is building manufacturing capacity domestically so aggressively. We also discuss developments including EUV light sources and artificial intelligence chips in China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Senior US Aerospace & Defense Analyst Doug Harned joins Diana Wood to discuss the role of aviation safety by looking at the performance of the two biggest players in the market – Boeing and Airbus, who have been competing since the 1970s. We take a look back at the last five years of air travel, what has happened and why, and what the path looks like going forward for these two leaders and the industry overall. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global Industrial Technology Analyst Jay Huang joins us for a discussion on automation technology and the new wave of machine mission and learning. We touch on reinforcement learning technology and the future possibilities of generative AI with robotics, the importance of China within the sector, and the effect on employment rates as a result of automation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Senior US Construction & Machinery Analyst Chad Dillard joins host Sid Malkani this week. With the last 10 years characterised by building out the digital world, we focus on the next 10 years: moving atoms and building infrastructure. We discuss electrification/energy transition, reshoring, and public infrastructure, and how these themes are preparing us for an era of physical dominance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.