Unhedged

As the Federal Reserve starts to lower interest rates, a perennial theory has returned: that small and mid caps will, for a time, grow more quickly than the S&P 500. Today on the show, Katie Martin, Rob Armstrong, and Aiden Reiter discuss whether that is good, or even true. Also, as the seasons change, we go long and short knitwear. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a massive surprise on Wednesday, one of Rob Armstrong’s predictions turned out to be right. The Fed did indeed cut interest rates by half a percentage point. A cut this big is deeply unusual, and normally happens in a crisis. But there are a lot of reasons to think we’re not in a crisis at all. Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong talk about what the Fed just did, and where the central bank is headed. Also, we go long European merger drama and short well-being at big banks. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apollo Global Management is publicly traded and one of the largest alternative asset managers in the world. But what does it really do? Today on the show, Rob Armstrong asks reporters Sujeet Indap and Eric Platt to describe the parts that make up Apollo. Also they go long Boeing and long News Corp. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forty years ago Ireland had a high number of emigrants and very few multinational corporations. Then it became a tax haven. Today, the country is the headquarters for the European arms of companies such as Apple, Google and Intel. The country also has an €8bn surplus, and is about to get €13bn more following a court ruling with the iPhone maker. Today on the show, Katie Martin and Irish economist David McWilliams try to figure out what Ireland should do with all this extra cash. Also they go short Trump Media and long the Netflix series, The Perfect Couple. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will the US central bank lower interest rates by 25 or 50 basis points? Fed chair Jay Powell has hinted rates are coming down, but not by how much. Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong take sides and argue the case for the expected 25 basis point cut, and a larger 50 basis point cut. Also we short Apple’s new phone, and go long the amazing technology of the veterinarian. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

By many measures, the US housing market is broken. High demand is causing high prices, and yet, year after year, new supply fails to arrive. What’s behind the mismatch? And is there any way to solve it? Today on the show, Robert Armstrong and Aiden Reiter discuss proposals from the two US presidential candidates, and other ideas. Also, we go short Turkey and short the yield curve. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The run-up in the markets over the past year or so has been largely driven by tech companies with outsized returns. But that seems to be changing. Names such as Walmart, Berkshire Hathaway and UnitedHealthCare have been performing strongly while the once-hot tech sector seems to lag. Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong ask if this is a sign of an era shift in the market. Also we ask if Jerome Powell was lucky or good.   For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toby Nangle is a regular contributor to the FT. Before he was a journalist, he was an asset manager for more than 25 years, and many of his clients were sovereign wealth funds. And some of the sovereigns of those wealth funds were doing things that made Nangle uncomfortable. So he quit. Today on the show, we discuss a massive problem faced by the investment industry: the ethical behaviour of its clients. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Register now for the FT Weekend Festival, and claim £24 off your pass using promo code FTPodcast at: ft.com/festivalRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The price of gold reached a record high this week, passing $2,500 an ounce. Market watchers often ascribe a rise like this to inflation, fears about political instability or the endless insanity of the wild-eyed goldbug. But which is it? Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong unpack gold’s rise. Also we go long and short Nvidia. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Register now for the FT Weekend Festival, and claim £24 off your pass using promo code FTPodcast at: ft.com/festivalRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do central bankers gather in the middle of nowhere every summer? And what will this week's meeting in the middle of nowhere mean for markets? Katie Martin and FT economics commentator Chris Giles explain everything you need to know about Jackson Hole. Also, we go long exclusive conferences and short exams.For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Register now for the FT Weekend Festival, and claim £24 off your pass using promo code FTPodcast at: ft.com/festivalRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two weeks ago, investors seemed headed for the exits. Now they’re back in and cash is flooding the markets again. Today on the show, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong unpack the madness. Also, we go long gold and short social media. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Register now for the FT Weekend Festival, and claim £24 off your pass using promo code FTPodcast at: ft.com/festivalRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How would you like a 265,528,900 per cent return on your investment? Would you be interested in that? If so, join us as Rob Armstrong and FT Alphaville’s Robin Wigglesworth discuss the results of Professor Hendrik Bessembinder’s massive number-crunching project, which ranks the best stocks of the past century. The number one performer is pretty incendiary. Also we short break dancing and go triple reverse long on single-stock ETFs. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jim Leaviss started his career in fixed income at the Bank of England, and is ending it 30 years later as the outgoing chief investment officer for fixed income of M&G Investments, which manages more than £100bn in bonds. Today on the show, Katie Martin talks with Jim about what he learned over his long career. Also, the two throw down on the best albums of the 90s.  For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ackman is one of most well-known investors in the US, and one of the loudest. He has more than a million followers on X and isn’t afraid to argue with any of them. But his active social media feed and his fundraising seem to be at odds. Today on the show, Rob Armstrong and James Fontanella-Khan dissect the remains of Ackman’s cancelled IPO. Also we go short Italy and long hypocrisy. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected] a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Monday, markets around the world agreed to go into a tailspin. Today on the show, Rob Armstrong and guest Nick Megaw try to figure out what drove it all. They cover unemployment, manufacturing, the Japanese carry trade, the Magnificent Seven, and the foolishness of the retail investor. Also we go long Google, and long CNBC at midnight. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tesla’s earnings slightly disappointed last week, but its stock is still valued at nearly 100 times earnings. Does this make sense? And what exactly is Tesla anyway? Today on the show, Rob Armstrong and reporter Aiden Reiter take apart Tesla and try to sort out an eclectic basket of electric cars, self-driving taxis, humanoid robots and other grand plans for the future. Also we go long the yen and long bitcoin, for complex reasons.  For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wall Street withheld tens of millions of dollars in campaign financing to pressure US President Joe Biden to withdraw from November’s election and endorse Kamala Harris. And it worked. But how did Wall Street get so interested in a public prosecutor from San Francisco? And what do financiers hope she’ll bring to the table? Today on the show, deals reporter James Fontanella-Khan walks Robert Armstrong through the whirlwind courtship between Harris and big money. Also, we short Bill Ackman and go long McDonald's. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected] a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Presidential candidate Donald Trump has argued for a weaker dollar in recent interviews. That makes some sense. A weaker currency can increase exports and narrow a trade deficit. But how does one weaken a currency, and is it really a good idea? Today on the show, Rob Armstrong and new Unhedged newsletter reporter Aiden Reiter discuss the options. Also, we go long tomatoes and short Lamb Weston, notable manufacturer of french fries. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the election nears, Wall Street is starting to talk more about what a bet on a second Trump presidency might look like. Today on the show, we cover possible outcomes for inflation, long-term bond yields, currency manipulation, corporate taxes, protectionism, isolationism, threats to the independence of the Federal Reserve and even the rally in small-cap stocks. Also we go long sterling and short the Russell 2000. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority just released rule revisions that are meant to attract new listings on the country’s exchanges. These include legalising shares that move a lot of the power from investors to founders. Will this be enough to restart London as a hub for innovation? Today on the show Katie Martin and UK business correspondent Michael O’Dwyer talk about the new rules and whether they will help dynamic companies list in the UK. Also we go long professional services and shorts in the office. Unhedged Listener SurveyTerms and ConditionsFor a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week the FT’s Moral Money writer Simon Mundy spoke with venture capitalist Vinod Khosla about 20 years of making big, long bets on renewable energy. Some have paid off, but most haven’t. Khosla is fine with that, and continues to look for big wins in the very long run on solutions such as fusion. Today on the show, Simon and Katie Martin discuss the future of green tech. Also, we short cars and electric bicycles. Unhedged Listener SurveyTerms & ConditionsFor a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paramount and Skydance are merging. That’s a win for David Ellison, whose small studio will join a legendary one with a huge back catalogue and a nascent streaming platform. But is this merger of the old and new enough to compete in the new Hollywood? Today on the show, Robert Armstrong and deals reporter James Fontanella-Khan talk about the Paramount deal and the future of entertainment. Also, we take sides in the Euro soccer/football final this weekend.Unhedged Listener Survey  Terms & ConditionsFor a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recent elections have changed politics in Europe, delivering a centre-left Labour government in the UK and shifting seats to a left alliance in the French parliament. Today on the show, Katie Martin discusses this new landscape, and what it means for global markets and finance, with the FT’s economics commentator Chris Giles. Also, we short political journalists and opinion polls. Take the Unhedged Listener Survey  Terms & ConditionsFor a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ted Pick became chief executive of Morgan Stanley earlier this year. In a recent letter to shareholders, he touted “the integrated firm” as a model for the bank's future. But it’s not a new idea, and it’s one that has proven very hard for banks to actually do. Today on the show, Rob Armstrong asks the FT’s US banking editor, Josh Franklin, if it’s even a good idea. Also we short the US housing market and summer in New York City. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected] a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Thursday, two candidates for US president will debate each other. They are both protectionists. This is a huge change in US economic policy, and one that may have massive consequences in the decades to come. Today on the show, Robert Armstrong talks with the FT’s chief economics commentator, Martin Wolf, about the past and future of industrial policy. Also we go long ageing and long babies.For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Golden Goose had a simple plan. Mass produce worn out sneakers, get stars to wear them, and sell them to the public. It was going great until the owner announced an IPO, and then pulled it. Today on the show, Katie Martin and James Fontenella-Khan discuss. Also, we go long German football and long sterling. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Thursday, shareholders of Tesla voted to re-approve a deal to reward Elon Musk with more than $50 billion worth of shares in Tesla, thus making one of the world’s richest men even richer. Also we go long teams without stars and short climate change. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Federal Reserve held rates steady on Wednesday, and markets went whooshing upwards, as if they thought no-move was a clear signal about the next move. For a bit anyway. Today on the show, Katie Martin is joined by Chris Giles, the FT’s economics commentator, to talk about the Fed and the crucial next few months before the US election in November. Also we short transatlantic rate arbitrage, exams and Nigel Farage.For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Researchers at the University of Chicago took a fairly standard large language model of AI and fed it a bunch of balance sheets and income statements and asked it to make predictions about earnings. In backtests, AI beat human calls by a small margin, and outperformed the market generally. Have fund managers been dealt yet another kill shot? Katie Martin and Robert Armstrong discuss, and go long shareholder commitments, and the musical genius of Yuja Wang.For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nvidia continues its rocket-like rise: Investors have piled in, as have day traders who play the stock with options. This is causing banks and market makers to load up on shares in order to cover trades. It's a feedback loop traders call the gamma squeeze, and some are concerned it’s distorting markets. Today on the show, Katie Martin talks about Nvidia and the gamma squeeze with correspondent George Steer. Also we go long the ECB and short proposals for a Texas stock exchange. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a big year for democracy. Voters in Mexico and India just went to the polls. Elections in the UK and US are still to come. On today’s show, Rob Armstrong and Katie Martin talk through how markets are responding to the elections in Mexico and India. And they analyse how markets might react to the UK and US elections. Also, we go short slugs and stock-based compensation.For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At a recent meeting of the G20, Brazil invited economist Gabriel Zucman to address the most powerful nations in the world, and argue for a global tax on the super-rich. Today on the show, European economics commentator Martin Sandbu joins Robert Armstrong to discuss whether a worldwide tax on the very richest could even happen, and how it might work. Also, we short the commercial real estate crisis and go long liberal democracy. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Robert Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Red Lobster used to be a respectable place to eat too much seafood. Now it’s bankrupt. Today on the show, host Rob Armstrong and the FT's Wall Street editor Sujeet Indap put on their bibs and pick apart the exoskeleton of a fast-casual icon. They talk about pasta water, real estate, and whether the real killer was the all-you-can-eat shrimp promotion. Also we go long Chili’s, and deliver the results of an informal art poll. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Rob Armstrong at [email protected] and Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Commercial property values in the UK and the US have been slow to adjust to the sharp increase in interest rates. Are sellers refusing to accept reality? Or has the property economy simply put itself on hold? Joshua Oliver covers real estate (and crypto) for the FT, and he walks us through it all. And talks about crypto. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Katie Martin at [email protected] a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The price of cocoa has exploded. Over the past year, it’s up about 300 percent. Today on the show, Katie Martin and commodities reporter Susannah Savage try to figure out what’s behind the run-up in cocoa, olive oil and other staples. Also we go long gardening and short AI copying our voices. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bridgewater Associates is one of the largest hedge funds in the world, and one of the most unusual. Its founder, Ray Dalio, has retired and moved on to other things, such as deep sea submarines. Can the new chief executive keep the group’s legendary returns going? Today on the show, reporter Ortenca Aliaj joins Rob Armstrong to discuss. Also we go long Walmart and short the troubled merger of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Roaring Kitty’, aka Keith Gill, aka the GameStop memelord, leaned in again this week, sparking a massive rally in the retailer and its sidekick, AMC. FT correspondents Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong take stock of the mayhem and ask if it's a sign that the animal spirits are back. Also we short gruelling exams and go long utilities.  For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's high noon for Paramount Studios, one of the most legendary names in Hollywood. In one corner, Wall Street and private equity. In the other corner, talented producer David Ellison, head of Skydance. OK, to be fair, he’s partnering with private equity, too. Today on the show, we break down the boss battle for Paramount with deals editor James Fontanella-Khan. Also we talk about sports.For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Katie Martin at [email protected] a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The annual meeting of Berkshire Hathaway this past weekend was a celebration of Warren Buffett’s unparalleled record and his legendary charm. Today on the show, FT correspondents Katie Martin and Robert Armstrong talk about recent investments in energy stocks, Apple and the ultimate question: succession. Also, we invent a new festival – TrackerFest – and short climate credit shenanigans. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Katie Martin at [email protected]. Listeners, a small correction: A Shell-operated plant in Canada was granted millions of carbon credits for CO₂ removal that never took place, for use by some of Canada’s largest oil sands companies, but Shell has clarified that Shell itself did not sell any of these particular credits.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Federal Reserve this week chose to hold interest rates unchanged. But inflation still continues to outpace its 2 per cent target. Today on the show, capital markets correspondent Kate Duguid joins us to ask if the US central bank is making the wrong decisions, and what options they have. Also, we short Starbucks and dissect Ray Dalio's bet on civil war. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The American economy is strong — and the dollar is extremely expensive. Today on the show, we talk about how the strong dollar affects the rest of the world, pressuring importers, benefitting manufacturers, and causing capital to flow into the United States. Also we go long McDonald’s and long the British pub. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FT’s Rob Armstrong sits down with Tim Harford, host of the podcast Cautionary Tales, to discuss Ponzi schemes, how they spiral out of control and what differentiates them from bubbles — and from Amazon. Plus, we go long pyramid schemes and short, as usual, crypto. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferCheck out Tim’s podcast, Cautionary Tales, and the full story on Sam Israel’s Ponzi scheme here.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Diamond output by the mining giant De Beers is down 23% this quarter. Demand is slowing as a bounce from the coronavirus pandemic wears off and synthetic diamonds eat into market share. Today on the show, we try to understand the market for diamonds. Also, we go short Charles Dickens in the theatre and short UK weather. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When the S&P 500 finally let Tesla join the index a few years ago, its stock soared. Similarly, the fortunes of countries have changed when their debt and equities have been included on one index or another. Today on the show, we talk to FT contributor and former fund manager Toby Nangle about who runs these indexes, and if they should be regulated. Also we go long the FTSE 100 and short El Salvador’s debt cycle.  For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Katie Martin at [email protected] a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While we’ve been watching Nvidia and other sparkly tech stocks, oil has been sneaking up to touch $90 a barrel. Today on the show, we talk about oil supplies, demand and the role of geopolitics. Also, we go short Ark’s Cathie Wood and Unhedged’s Ethan Wu. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferYou can email Katie Martin at [email protected]. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, Katie and Ethan made a bet about when the Fed would cut interest rates. Today, as the first quarter ends and markets flatten a bit, it’s time for one of them to eat crow. As for the other, he or she will gloat, but in a measured, slightly backpedalling way that won’t be too embarrassing in the future. Also, we go long Liz Truss’s PR manager and short cicadas. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferFollow Ethan Wu (@ethanywu) and Katie Martin (@katie_martin_fx) on X. You can email Ethan at [email protected] a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shopify was an online darling during the pandemic but has faced challenges since then. However, it has still grown into an e-commerce site that handled more than $235 billion in transactions last year. Today on the show, FT reporter Anna Mutoh joins us to talk about Shopify, its failed attempt to start delivering packages, and where the company goes next. Also we go long Japan, and long the cherry blossoms of Brooklyn.For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferFollow Ethan Wu (@ethanywu) and Katie Martin (@katie_martin_fx) on X. You can email Ethan at [email protected] a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Private credit is booming, nearing $2tn in assets globally. Most of that debt is being traded out of the public eye, a fact highlighted in the latest Global Financial Stability report from the IMF. Is the IMF right to be worried? We discuss. We also short media coverage of Jamie Dimon and go long vowels. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferFollow Ethan Wu (@ethanywu) and Katie Martin (@katie_martin_fx) on X. You can email Ethan at [email protected] a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the last months, the stock market has been a joyride, but not for two of the biggest names in tech: Tesla and Apple. Today on the show we look at how these two former high-flyers have come down in the last months, and even wonder what their role in the so-called Magnificent Seven tech stocks should be. Also we go long fundamental valuations, and long the Japanese family name Sato.  For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferFollow Ethan Wu (@ethanywu) and Katie Martin (@katie_martin_fx) on X. You can email Ethan at [email protected] a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the show, we’re taking the long view, the very long view. Our guest isPeter Oppenheimer, the head of macro research in Europe for Goldman Sachs, and the author of Any Happy Returns: Structural Changes and Super Cycles in Markets. We talk with him about how changes in technology and finance create cycles that shape markets, and investment returns, for decades. Also, we go long healthcare, short Tesla, and short private clubs. For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferFollow Ethan Wu (@ethanywu) and Katie Martin (@katie_martin_fx) on X. You can email Ethan at [email protected] a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.