Unhedged

Reddit has never had a profitable year. And yet its IPO this week saw its shares skyrocket on the first day of trading. Today on the show, we ask if Reddit is a withering social network riding irrational exuberance, or a prescient play on AI’s growing need for user-generated answers. Also, we go long momentum and short illustrations. 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.

The major stock index in the UK, the FTSE 100, includes some of the biggest and most profitable multinational companies in the world. But in recent years the index has trailed the US markets and is now considerably cheaper. Today on the show, FT reporters Ethan Wu and Rob Armstrong ask if investors are overlooking a bargain. Also we go long cocoa and long the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. 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.

FT correspondent Josh Oliver spent years covering crypto and the legal troubles of Sam Bankman-Fried. Last week, he published Hype Machine, a book about it all. Today he joins us to talk about SBF’s sentencing next week, FTX caretaker boss John Ray's new letter slamming SBF, and the many ways to fleece retail investors. Also we go long money laundering, and long pressing the recline button when flying coach, no matter who is sitting behind you. 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.

You asked, we answered. Today on the show, we team up with our sibling podcast, Behind the Money, and answer questions from listeners. We’re tackling chips (both salty and silicon), market capitalizations, the future of India and more. And for even more, head over to Behind the Money, wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, FT.com).  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.

This week's US inflation numbers came in and they’ve remained higher for longer than many expected, or wanted. How does this change the Federal Reserve’s outlook and will the US stock market respond or continue its jaunty ascent? Today on the show Katie Martin and Robert Armstrong unpack the numbers. Also, we go long UK pasty purveyor Greggs and short Tesla. 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.

Factor investing came out of academic work in the 1990s, and offered a way to pick stocks without relying on judgments about stories or sectors. It’s had good years and bad years, but has recently struggled to do more than match the market. Today on the show, Ethan Wu describes his visit to see AQR’s Cliff Asness, who has been using this style of investing for decades. Also we go long Big Tech AI spending, and short gold.Link: Cliff Asness: AI is ‘still just statistics’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.

Market watchers have wondered for years about what really goes on inside trading firms like Citadel Securities, Susquehanna and Virtu. A recent ruling in a lawsuit brought by a medical company may provide some answers. Today on the show, host Ethan Wu asks FT reporter Joe Miller about the case, brought by Northwest Biotherapeutics. Also, we short Trader Joes and Temu. 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.

Rates are up and so are the markets, baffling the bears. Today on the show, FT correspondents Ethan Wu and Katie Martin look at five reasons the market might be rationally booming, including investor sentiment numbers, the AI revolution, changing expectations about interest rates and several promising economic fundamentals. Also, we short the UK budget and go long our own show. 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.

ESG investing has been a dominant topic in finance for the past few years. But ESG seems to be taking a back seat. Today on the show, we talk about the future of mindful investing with Simon Mundy, who writes the Moral Money newsletter for the FT. Also, we go long legacy media and Sam Bankman-Fried’s chances for a short sentence. 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 few weeks, markets have hit highs in the US, Europe, and Japan. Today on the show, we try to understand what has powered the results. We talk about chip company Nvidia, but also renewed optimism in Japan and the arrival of a new acronym describing the leaders in Europe: ‘Granolas’. Also we go long Berkshire Hathaway, and short gilets, or as Americans call them, “vests”.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.

WeWork, the co-working company founded by Adam Neumann, collapsed in bankruptcy last year. And since then, the commercial real estate market has only gotten worse. Which makes this a perfect time for value investors to swoop in. Today on the show, we try to figure out if WeWork will live to co-work another day. Also, we talk about Nvidia, because everybody else is talking about Nvidia. 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.

Of course we all know that passive investing delivers superior returns. But what if everyone is investing passively? Is there a case for active investing then? Recent research has shown that the explosion in index funds has made equities slower to respond to news. And also, it’s fun to be contrarian. So today on the show we explore cracks in the case against active investing. Also we go long RuneScape and cycling. 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.

We live in the age of supercompanies: massive, dominant players that seem to get better as they grow — for customers and investors. And they also make us uncomfortable about our rights and freedoms. Think Walmart, Apple, Meta and so many others. But how should investors view these new giants, and will the returns last forever? Also we short the world-ex-US trade and go long the gerontocracy. 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.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta just announced its first-ever dividend, which is something that rapidly growing tech companies rarely do. Dividends have been shunned in favour of corporate buybacks for decades. Is this a sign of change in the relationship between shareholders and corporations? Today on the show, we discuss the return of the dividend. Also we short internet tests, and go long frazzled-Englishwoman aesthetic.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.

Each year the FT hosts a stockpicking contest. Today on the show, we go over our picks for 2023, which were brilliantly bad. We guessed wrong on housing, on streaming, and even on crypto. Of course, if listeners had bet against us, they would have done quite well. So naturally we’ve got five more stocks for 2024! Also, we go long Disney and short social media.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.

Demand for riskier corporate bonds is intense. The spread between higher yielding (riskier) bonds and safer Treasuries is narrowing, and nearing long-term lows. Today on the show, we try to understand the hot market for these bonds, and ask what it might tell us about the rest of the year. Also, we go long Delaware and short the reinvention of WeWork.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.

New York Community Bancorp shares fell 38% on Wednesday, partly on worries about the bank’s exposure to commercial real estate. Today on the show, Ethan Wu is joined by Robert Armstrong and FT property correspondent Joshua Oliver, who explain what’s going on with NYCB, and what the bank’s troubles tell us about the commercial real estate market, regional banks and the broader economy. Also, we are both long and short workers returning to the office.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.

While markets around the world took off last year, China continued to stumble. Will 2024 be any different? Today on the show, Ethan Wu and Katie Martin try to understand why the country is lagging, and if its leadership can do anything about it. Also, we go short snowball derivatives, and long God’s plan for crypto.  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.

New rules about how board members are elected could change how corporate America is governed. In March, the Starbucks shareholder meeting may be a first test for new powers long sought by unions and other activists. Today on the show, FT reporter Ortenca Aliaj joins host Ethan Wu to discuss a sea change in boardroom behaviour. Also we go long M&A and short the Oscars. Link: How unions are fighting a boardroom battle at StarbucksFor 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.

While the S&P 500 just hit a new high, the FTSE 100 is down about 3 per cent for the year. Today on the show, we talk about the two markets. First, we ask if antitrust cases might slow the tech companies powering the S&P 500, and second, we try to understand why the solid multinationals that make up the FTSE 100 can’t find any love. Also, we evaluate the mullet as a metaphor for a balanced portfolio. Our position: we are long and short. 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.

There is an historically large premium on the S&P 500, when compared to markets in the rest of the world. That reflects strong outperformance in the past decade, but can that last? Today on the show, hosts Ethan Wu and Robert Armstrong evaluate the emerging markets vs US trade. Also, we go long insurance, and short polyamory. 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.

As interest rates jumped, cash ruled for a lot of investors. The payment for doing absolutely nothing – in the form of money market funds and other interest-bearing instruments – was the highest in decades. But that may be changing as equity markets outperform and the soft landing feels more like a reality. Today on the show, we re-evaluate sitting on the sidelines. Also we go long hairstyles in Taiwan and short the Big Tech stocks. 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.

Introducing Untold, a new podcast from the special investigations team at the Financial Times. In its first series, The Retreat, host Madison Marriage examines the world of the Goenka network, which promotes a type of intensive meditation known as Vipassana. Thousands of people go on Goenka retreats every year. People rave about them. But some people go to these meditation retreats, and they suffer. They might feel a deep sense of terror, or a break with reality. And on the other side, they’re not themselves anymore. Untold: The Retreat launches Jan. 24.Subscribe and listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the show, we dig into the latest inflation numbers, examining the results for shelter, goods and energy, and think about what it all means for the 10-year Treasury yield. Also, we go long darts and short Tinder’s $499 monthly Select membership. 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 July, the FT’s Rob Armstrong and Elaine Moore went head-to-head in a stock-picking competition, drafting their favourite stocks from the Magnificent Seven, the seven tech stocks dominating the markets. Today on the show, we announce the winner of our contest, and try to think about what’s in store for next year. Also we go long the rest of the S&P 500 and short AI chatbots. 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.

After a roaring December, the markets cooled a bit in the first days of 2024. Today on the show, hosts Ethan Wu and Robert Armstrong think big thoughts about long yields in treasuries, the historical correlation of equities and debt, and the Big Tech stocks as an asset class. Also, we go long Alibaba and short commercial real estate. 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 looking at the year ahead, with AI by our side. Our colleague Bryce Elder at the FT built an online quiz that pits AI against analysts in writing prose about the future. We take the quiz, and make our own predictions. Also we go long and short. 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, hosts Ethan Wu, Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong dole out the first-ever Unhedgies, awards for categories such as the best overall deal, scam, IPO, central banker – we do not choose Jay Powell, by the way — and a few others we came up with on the spot.  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.

Last week’s Fed statements revealed that its Open Market Committee was thinking about the possibility of interest rate cuts at some point, and the markets responded with insane glee, unexpectedly sending the S&P 500 up to nearly an all-time high. Today on the show, hosts Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong try to figure out what exactly it all means, and what could derail the suddenly rosy future. Also, we go long fraud and short Christmas cards. 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.

Jonathan Guthrie has been covering finance for 37 years. Today on the show, he talks with hosts Ethan Wu and Robert Armstrong about what he’s learnt, covering everything from market collapses to investing in banks. Also, we go long the return of the European otter. Links:What I have learnt in 37 years of financial journalismFor 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.

Inflation has slowed in the US, the UK, and the EU. Will this mean interest rate cuts next year? Markets seem to think so, but comments from central bankers this week may temper that enthusiasm. Also, we go long the antitrust suit against Google, and long the UK’s campaign against greenwashing. 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.

Bitcoin just hit $40,000, Coinbase is up 300 per cent this year, and French bank Société Générale is rolling out a stablecoin. All this frothy news comes after a record penalty levied on Binance by the SEC and the guilty verdict against Sam Bankman-Fried. Today on the show, Ethan Wu asks Katie Martin why, and Katie asks Ethan why. Also we go short Kwasi Kwarteng and long central bank speak. 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.

The Financial Times’ award-winning podcast series Hot Money is back. In this series our reporter Miles Johnson investigates a mysterious murder in a small town that leads to a web of drugs, money laundering and state-sponsored assassinations stretching from Dublin to Dubai. At the centre is a cocaine super cartel that is revolutionising the global drugs market. This eight-part investigative podcast, published weekly, probes the links between criminals and legitimate businesses, and between governments and gangsters. Subscribe and listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Stitcher or wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The price of gold reached a record high last week. That’s surprising, because normally the price of gold goes down when interest rates go higher. Today on the show, we try to figure out what’s driving gold’s rise. Also, we go long Larry Fink and short the jobs report. 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.

Market watchers cannot help but notice how the stock market and money supply often track one another. But does liquidity in the financial sector matter more to stock prices than the economy? In this show, we discuss the liquidity theory of markets and whether it holds water. Also, we go very long the late Charlie Munger, former number two at Berkshire Hathaway. 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.

Markets have rallied almost 11 percent in November, in part on expectations that the Fed is done raising rates. Today on the show, we look at the Fed’s likely pause and how investors are responding. Also we go long Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon as a DJ. And we make a daring neutral call on the future. Links:Can David Solomon DJ? An investigationFor 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.

The London Stock Exchange now makes most of its money selling data, and only a small percentage listing stocks. FT digital markets correspondent Nikou Asgari joins Katie Martin to ask what that tells us about global markets, data and the future of London as a finance hub. Also we go short the cryptocurrency BNB and long UK chancellors who don’t blow up the markets.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.

As interest rates rise, funding for a lot of marginally profitable companies is drying up. These corporate “zombies” are wandering the markets, looking for the cheap credit they used to feast on. Today on the show, we take a look at companies on the edge of life and the private equity giants that own some of them. Also we short OpenAI and regrettably go long Covid. 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.

It’s earning season, and the first big news might be from Walmart, whose stock dropped 7 per cent after it reported concerns about the health of the consumer. This is a counter narrative to the strong gross domestic product and inflation numbers we’ve been talking about. Today on the show, we dig into Walmart’s view and see what it might tell us about the future of the economy. Also we go out on a limb with two contrarian longs: big box retail and the news judgement of the American people. 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.

Four months ago, the FT’s Rob Armstrong and Elaine Moore placed their bets on two portfolios of three stocks each picked from the “Magnificent Seven” tech stocks that have been dominating markets this year. Today on the show, we check in on their portfolios, and try to think about where they’re headed next. Also, we go long Chicago. 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, formerly Twitter. 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.

How many bears does it take to change a lightbulb? None, it will never happen. Join us today as we debrief reporter Jenn Hughes, recently back from a conference hosted by the biggest bear of them all, Jim Grant, longtime editor-in-chief of Grant’s Interest Rate Observer. The cautious conferees had one thing on their minds: the explosion in government debt. One solution: yield curve control. Also, we go long cats, and short chewing tape. 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, formerly Twitter. 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, host Katie Martin pits two teams against one another in a historic finance trivia showdown, complete with trash talk, ridiculously hard questions, and strongly-worded protests. In one corner, the cerebral duo behind the FT’s Alphaville newsletter, Alexandra Scaggs and Robin Wigglesworth. In the other, the brains behind the FT’s Unhedged newsletter, our own Robert Armstrong and Ethan Wu. An epic clash like this will not be seen again in our lifetimes, or at least not until another slow news week. 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, formerly Twitter. 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.

Reporter Joshua Oliver joins us just hours after the closing arguments of the fraud trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the FTX crypto exchange. We talk about why it’s hard to find a smoking gun in a white-collar criminal trial, why Bankman-Fried testified and what it was like for Oliver to hear his own name in the testimony. Also we go long and short a hedge fund trying to build a news organisation. 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, formerly Twitter. 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.

GDP numbers are strong. Wages are strong. Household debt is relatively low. So why is the stock market so blue? Since July 31, it is down 10 percent – formally a “correction” – and that includes the strong performance of the seven Big Tech stocks. What gives? Today on the show, we look at three factors putting the brakes on a boom. We also go long our own listeners, a few of whom Katie bumped into at a wedding in Ireland. 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, formerly Twitter. 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 third quarter, the US economy, as measured by annualised GDP, grew 4.9%. In an environment of skyrocketing interest rates, that is an extraordinary number. And it’s being powered by an extraordinary force: the American consumer. Today on the show we try to understand why they have remained so resilient, and if there’s room for more growth. Also, we go long Morgan Stanley and short the avians of the Antarctic. 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, formerly Twitter. 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.

The CSI 300, which tracks the largest publicly traded companies in China, just fell to pre-pandemic lows, despite aggressive attempts by President Xi Jinping to prop up the market. The drags on equities include slowing growth, a crisis in the property market and notable geopolitical tensions. Today on the show, we try to figure out if this is the beginning of a long-term crisis or a historic buying opportunity. Also, we go long trades by Bill Gross and Bill Ackman and short getting hit by vans. 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, formerly Twitter. 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, FT correspondent Josh Oliver joins us in the New York studio just minutes after leaving the courtroom. Oliver has been covering the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, since it started on October 2. We talk about the procession of former friends testifying against him, the trading firm Alameda, the seven balance sheets and the possibility of SBF taking the stand. 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, formerly Twitter. 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.

The Japanese stock market is on a tear, up 20% this year. Some of that may be due to a weakening yen, and maybe a flight to safety, but it is likely largely the result of a serious effort to rethink how Japan does business. The latest push: a “name and shame” campaign to call out companies that aren’t optimising returns for shareholders. Also, we go short fudging expense reports and long techno bros who are long-winded. 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, formerly Twitter. 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.

For years, low interest rates let private equity deliver huge returns to investors. But now rates are up, and private equity is struggling. Many PE firms are turning to financial engineering to boost results. Today on the show, we wonder how that’s going to turn out. Also we go long the dollar as reserve currency and short the Birkenstock IPO. For a free 90-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferFollow Ethan Wu (@ethanywu) and Katie Martin (@katie_martin_fx) on X, formerly Twitter. 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.

Conflict in the Middle East is dominating the news this week. Today on the show, we’re looking at three markets that traditionally respond to disruption: oil, the yen and gold. Also, we go long training for marathons and short the next 10 years for private equity. For a free 90-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedofferFollow Ethan Wu (@ethanywu) and Katie Martin (@katie_martin_fx) on X, formerly Twitter. 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.