The Wall Street Skinny 153. Steve Eisman, the Real-Life "Big Short" Investor, on Tariff Panic and Lessons From the 2008 Crisis
This week on The Wall Street Skinny, we’re diving headfirst into one of the most volatile weeks in recent memory—and we brought backup. After a whiplash-inducing reversal in the bond and equity markets, Jen and Kristen break down how the tariff announcements are rippling through rates, treasury auctions, and investor sentiment. From the Fed’s shrinking balance sheet to the rising fear that the U.S. may be losing its “flight to quality” status, we unpack what’s really happening beneath the headlines—and why the bond market might be the biggest canary in the coal mine.
Then, we’re joined by legendary investor Steve Eisman—yes, the Steve Eisman portrayed by Steve Carell in The Big Short—for a candid conversation about the state of the global economy, what everyone’s missing in this moment of policy upheaval, and why he’s not panicking. We get his take on the implications of Trump’s tariffs, the fate of the U.S. dollar, and what it would actually take for the Fed to step in meaningfully. Steve also shares how he spotted the subprime crisis before anyone else, and why he’s still staying cool in today’s environment of uncertainty and anxiety.
Whether you’re an investor trying to make sense of the macro crosswinds or a Wall Street hopeful wondering how the system reacts in real time, this episode is packed with hard-earned perspective, market wisdom, and—yes—a few deep cuts from Battlestar Galactica. Stay tuned to hear how Steve really feels about being played by Steve Carell, and why sometimes the best strategy is to zoom out, shut off CNBC, and not sell your soul to the volatility gods.
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