Complexity Premia

Episode 66: Middle East Tensions, Trump Tariffs & Australia's Economic Drift – Guest Appearance on Straight Talk with Mark Bouris

Jul 1, 2025
Christopher Joye, Chief Investment Officer at Coolabah Capital, discusses the ripple effects of Trump’s tariffs on markets and Australia’s economy. He elaborates on Coolabah’s bond trading strategies, revealing how quantitative models navigate chaos. The tension in the Middle East and the Musk-Trump dynamic also surface, influencing US central bank decisions. Joye critically examines Australia’s housing market, productivity challenges, and the recent NSW budget, pushing for essential tax reforms to foster economic growth.
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INSIGHT

Trump’s Trade War Shock and Reversal

  • Trump initially shocked markets with hawkish tariffs causing equities to fall sharply.
  • Later, he backflipped and appeased markets, prompting a strong bond-buying opportunity for Coolabah Capital.
INSIGHT

Quant Models Drive Bond Trading

  • Coolabah Capital uses over 80 quantitative models to price bonds globally and drive most trading decisions.
  • Human judgment intervenes only about 2% of the time to incorporate macro shifts or unexpected events.
ANECDOTE

Flight Over Baghdad During Missile Strike

  • Christopher Joye narrated being on a flight over Baghdad during the Israeli missile strike on Iran.
  • He observed unprecedented airspace closures and saw the unfolding military action firsthand.
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